Some of Hollywood’s leading actresses have graced the cover of Vogue Paris for the May issue.  They are some of the best actresses working right now, Penelope Cruz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meryl Streep, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet and Julianne Moore.  These ladies prove that talent and beauty are an unbeatable combination.  The black-and-white photography gives the cover a classic and nostalgic feel, while the Gap attire says they are all confident and modern women.  Make no mistake, this is not Old Hollywood, these ladies are powerhouses in both their craft and in their own right. 

Sarah Jessica Parker has it all right now; new twin girls, a movie sequel and a new position as president and chief creative officer at Halston.  She landed the cover of Vogue’s May issue, and success looks good on her.  Life is definitely good for the actress turned designer.  Of her designing ways, the actress explains that Halston made her an offer she could not refuse.  Before accepting the offer, she gave them several opportunities to walk away, and reminded them they were taking “a very untraditional route”.   Apparently they were undeterred because Parker is essentially the new face of the label.  We know that Carrie Bradshaw is the epitome of style, and SJP has morphed into a style icon in her own right.  What remains to be seen is how this unbeatable combination will translate into her new Halston Heritage line. We eagerly await the debut of the spring 2011 collection; and many of us are rooting for her to succeed. 

Parker Power [Vogue]

Rent the Runway wants to accessorize you with fashionable jewelry.   The Net-flix of fashion now has an Accessories section, and you can rent earrings, bracelets and necklaces to go along with those designer dresses.  They’re already dressing you for that special event, now they want to put the finishing touch to your look.  These pieces will keep you on trend because turquoise happens to be the color of the year.  RTR has you covered when it comes to getting fabulous, you’ll be stylish and trendy without spending a fortune and no long-term commitments.  What will they add next for your financial convenience?  Handbags perhaps.

Fergie is on the cover of Elle’s May issue in a beautifully draped mint green Burberry Prorsum dress.  The singer looks soft and pretty, it could be a combination of the gentle waves in her hair and the classic make-up accompanied by nude lips.  Either way, it’s a great spring cover.  In the article she talks about gossip, dieting and high school.  Take a look at the behind the scenes video and see the gorgeous looks she wore for her shoot.

Erdem Moralioglu was announced the winner of the British Fashion Fund/Vogue Fashion Fund award last night.  It is a prestigous award, and said honor comes with a $303,000 cash prize.  The award acknowledges new design talent within the fashion industry. Erdem is an enormous talent, and is highly deserving of this win.  Prior to starting his own label in 2005, he worked for Diane von Furstenberg in New York.  He was up against very notable players in the industry; fellow nominees included Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Clements Ribeiro, Angel Jackson, Patrick Grant of E. Tautz, Nicholas Kirkwood and Richard Nicoll.  Erdem is clearly a rising star for whom success was imminent.  You can shop for his collection online at Net-a-Porter.

Demi Moore is a timeless beauty that continues to grace magazine covers at the age of 47.  She is the cover girl for British Elle for the month of May, and she is a stunner.  What is it about Mrs. Kutcher that fascinates us so much?  Part of the reason for the interest may stem from her younger husband Ashton, but I’m convinced that the other part comes from her beauty on the inside and outside.  Beauty is not only skin deep, it also has a soul.  Elle’s cover managed to capture both.  Black-and-white photography was an excellent choice for this image.  Her expressive eyes convey depth and thought, while her cleavage, well that’s pure bombshell.

By now we’ve all seen Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vogue’s April issue.  It’s a familiar scene, the supermodel has graced the cover countless times.  The major difference is the model is now a mother.  She gained thirty pounds with her newborn son Benjamin, and you would be hard press to find any of that weight on her now.  Gisele credits karate and yoga for getting her back into shape.  The video gives you an insight into the changes in her life since the baby.  A shift has happened, the model has new priorities.  We can see a softer side that was probably there all along, but concealed.  While motherhood may be her priority right now, the business woman is still going strong.  She recently launched a line of organic skincare products, Sejaa.  Gisele appears to have it all, and she makes it look so effortless.

Prabal Gurung Fall 2010

Jason Wu Fall 2010

Altuzarra Fall 2010

Prabal Gurung - Prabal is a new designer who debuted his first collection in New York  for Fall 2009.  His Fall 2010 collection was extremely strong, and if it’s any indication of his future work, we are excited to see what else he has in store.  If you’re in the market for desireable sportswear, then take a look at this label.  His collection can be found at Bloomingdale’s.

Jason Wu – Jason is the veteran in this group.  He dresses many big name clients, and most notable would be First Lady Michelle Obama.  Wu’s style is the more elegant of the nominees, and you can see that in his beautiful dresses.  His collection is sold in Bergdorfs and Saks Fifth Avenue.   

Joseph Altuzarra – Meet the other newcomer of the group, and another big talent.  Altuzarra’s Fall 2010 collection was rocker chic and sexy; his style is more avant garde.  There’s still so much to learn about this young designer, and we can’t wait to find out in his designs.  His ready-to-wear collection can be found at Barneys New York.

Alexander Wang Fall 2010

Donna Karan Fall 2010

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has announced the finalists for the 2010 Fashion Awards.  Who says social media is not a good source for breaking news?  Alexander Wang, Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs were each nominated for womenswear Designer of the Year.  Today has been a big news day for the CFDA, it announced earlier that Diane von Furstenberg would remain as president until 2012, and now the nominations.  Too bad we’ll have to wait until June 7th to find out who will walk away with the awards, but for now, we can always speculate.  Check out the list of other nominees for the coveted awards.

Other Nominees:

• Menswear Designers of the Year – Michael Bastian, Tom Ford and Rag & Bone (David Neville and Marcus Wainwright)
• Accessory Designer of the Year - Alexis Bittar, Proenza Schouler (Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez) and Marc Jacobs
• Swarovski Awards For Womenswear - Joseph Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu
• The Swarovski Award for Menswear – Simon Spurr, Patrik Ervell and Richard Chai
• The Swarovski Award For Accessory Design – Dana Lorenz, Alexander Wang and Eddie Borgo
• CFDA Special  Award Tribute – Alexander McQueen
• The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award – Michael Kors
• The Eugenia Sheppard Journalism Award – Kim Hastreiter (Paper Magazine)
• The International Award – Christopher Bailey (Burberry Prorsum) 
• The Eleanor Lambert Award – Tonne Goodman (Vogue)
• The Fashion Icon Award – Iman

1. Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab

2. Carey Mulligan in Prada

3. Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan

4. Cameon Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

5. Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel

6. Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka

Red Carpet:

1. Rachel McAdams looked so lovely and ethereal in her Elie Saab gown last night.  It was made from a beautiful floral print that made us nostalgic for spring; it reminded me of a watercolor painting.   Rachel got high marks for the fit, fabric, its charm and her ability to wear it with incredible ease.

2. Carey Mulligan’s Prada dress was the perfect choice for the budding starlet.  It was young and avant garde while maintaining a sweetness.  The beading and embellishments could have gone tragically wrong, but she pulled it off beautifully.

3. Penelope Cruz got it right with this Donna Karan gown.  The rich color was perfect for her hair color and complexion.  I loved the asymmetrical pleating at the top.  Cruz has become one to watch on the red carpet, and last night was no exception.

4. Cameron Diaz rightly wore Oscar de la Renta to the Oscars and she glowed.  With Cameron, it was the whole package, the dress, hair and that winning smile. 

5. Sarah Jessica Parker can hardly do any wrong on the red carpet.  She looked stunning in Chanel Couture last night.  The gown reminded me of Audrey Hepburn look in “My Fair Lady,” that alone would have landed her on this list.  She embodies a certain grace that complements whatever she wears.

6. Okay, there are actually six picks on my best dressed list.  Queen Latifah makes the list because she was gorgeous in Badgley Mischka, and I could not let that go unacknowledged.  The fit of the gown was perfect, I loved the one shoulder and that the embellishment came across her body at just the right angle.  She looked beautiful and her posture says that she felt beeautiful as well.  That is the job of the right dress on the right star at the Oscars.