H&M is proud to announce the launch of its fifth Fashion Against AIDS collection aimed to raise funds and create awareness about HIV/AIDS among the youth. Available in around 300 H&M Divided departments from 26th April 2012, as well as online, this year’s collection brings together ethnic influences from different continents.

Special prints were commissioned from international artists and illustrators for this collection to create pieces bursting with colour, pattern and authenticity, and 25% of all sales will go directly to a variety of international youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects. So far, H&M has raised around 45 million SEK from previous FAA projects.

Whether it be colourful African trims on blouses and bustiers, graphic black and white Maori prints on leggings and crop-tops, or the folkloric Inuit designs from Greenland on draped T-shirts, this year’s FAA collection puts global tribes in a 21st century context. As well as macrame, fringed and dip-dyed pieces for girls and printed T-shirts and cropped harem trousers for guys, the collection also includes fashion accessories such as hats, footwearand jewellery, as well as special pieces such as iPhone cases, festival ponchos, hammocks and plasters.

Once again, FAA will be supporting a range of international charities each promoting the safe sex message:

Designers Against AIDS (DAA): An organisation which trains and educates young people in HIV/AIDS awareness, so they can spread the message within their own communities

MTV Staying Alive Foundation: MTV’s global campaign to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. Their Staying Alive Award offers grants to young people focused on preventing the spread of HIV.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): The task of UNFPA is to support each individual’s  right to good health and equal rights.

YouthAIDS: A HIV/AIDS prevention initiative of Population Services International (PSI) which reaches more than 600 million young people in more than 60 countries.

Surrounded by tropical trees and sand, a stylish DJ was playing a list of party music. The mannequins were posing in bright-colored, charming garments from LOFT 2012 summer collection.

Even though you can’t go on an actual vacation right away, there is no reason not to enjoy these exciting outfits on daily bases, right?

If you are tired of another dull day at your office, get a printed dress in a refreshing color to boost your fun-loving sprit. Moreover, pick some playful sparkly rings to boost your motivation during long hours at your desk. Bring along refined trendy accessories, like their marvelous necklaces, in your purse when you have after work plans, so you can style up sensibly and fashionably without any hassle. The exquisite look will carry your lively energy to everywhere you go. A fine romance starts with your remarkable charm.

For your active weekend, wear their lovely loose-fitting tops and their elegant shorts to create an urban comfort look. Layer their kaleidoscopic bangles—as many as you want—this is your day off! You don’t need to worry about practicality! The big colorful border bag is definitely a useful item throughout this season. On a stress-free day, the delicately designed straw party bag will liberate you from all your chores.

Get ready to make the best memories ever this summer!

Don’t forget to plan a trip to your local LOFT store  or LOFT online store!!

Disclosure: Each guests were gifted a Loft necklace at the end of the presentation.

Roman Sunstone Bracelet– Give your favorite girl this beautiful antique Silver tone piece.  Inspired by the art of Bali, this is a great piece that will keep you on her mind every time she wears it.  $14 at romansunstone.com, Kohls, Peebles, and Shopko stores

Nine West Love Fury– Nothing is more seductive than a signature scent.  The fragrance is a combination of fruity and floral with a subtle hint of wood and amber. Love Fury is the first from Nine West and its launch will be combined with a branded pump in a rainbow of colors and fabrications.  $18 at select Nine West retail stores, Ninewest.com, select Macy’s retail stores and Macys.com 

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish- Pamper your pucker with this gentle exfoliate made especially for your perfect pout.  This special formula will buff away the winter dryness and restore soft supple lips. $22.50, available at Sephora

OPI Holland Collection– Prepare for a hot night on the town with a fresh manicure and OPI’s hot collection of colors for Spring/ Summer 2012.  Available to the public February 8, 2012 for $8.50 at professional salons nationwide

Godiva Truffles– If you’re going the traditional route chocolates are a grand option. You simply can’t go wrong with Godiva $4.99 Available in grocery and drug stores nationwide

Jing Ai Sierra Glow Duo Bronzer in Halo Sunset with Wildflower seed paper— Jing Ai is makeup with a message.  This gluten-free organic bronzer bears the name “true love: in mandarin and was created in a loved one’s memory. Each item created by tis line is named after a different Rose in remembrance of the founder’s Grandmother who died of cancer.  This gift keeps on giving as a portion of the proceeds are donated to fund cancer research.  This is truly a celebration of beauty, inside and out.$28.00, available at jingaiskin.com

Mavi Eyez Cufflink-- “Get Lucky’ with these adorable evil eye good luck charm cufflinks. Each cufflink is handcrafted and one of a kind, made from Turkish glass bead $40, www.mavieye.com

ChicBuds Fauvette Gold Edition iPhone Earbuds– Music lovers will rejoice at the sight of these amazing ear buds.  Not only are they cute and provide crystal clear sounds, they double as a hands free talking device with a high-powered built-in mic.  $29.99, available at chicbuds.com

Eberjey Lady Godiva Nightie- Who says comfy can’t be sexy.  Explore your sultry side in this soft jersey nightie with delicate lace trim.  Available in 5 colors you can pick a shade for almost every day of the week $66 at eberjey.com

Lena Erziak John Bag– Nothing says I love you like a designer hand bag.  Splurge on this amazing pony hair stunner featuring 24k gold hardware.  Available at lenaerziakshop.com for $1650

Mark. Jewel Eau de toilette– Casablanca lily, macchiato flower, warm vanilla and liquid caramel combine to create this seductive fragrance.  Sweet with just enough musk it is an alluring scent that will captivate all who encounter it.  $24, available at meetmark.com or through your local mark. representative

Sprout Watch– Made from 1005 biodergradeable corn resin this adorable watch is as good for the enviornment as it is for your accessories collection. Avalable in both men’s and women’s versions its a great option for that special someone. Available at sproutwatches.com, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and Nordstrom

Stella+Dot Zodiac Charm Bar–Celebrate the zodiac with these fun sterling silver gold plated charms. Sold on a cord or delicate chain these sweet charms compliment any outfit. Combine your charm and theirs for a unique expression of love and unity. $19-$49 at stelladot.com

Marchon CK Calvin Klein sunglasses– Love is a fab pair of sunglasses and not many are as fab as these CK stunners.  $140 at marchon.com

Cufflink– Give a gift that is practical and stylish. designed specifically for Iphone users this wristband has a protective skin and swivels to aid in sending texts and reading.  This keeps the IPhone securely in place, so you never have to miss a call or message. $19.95 at www.cufflinksystems.com

Candy Store Cosmetic mirror– Keep an eye on your ravishing good looks with this equally attractive cosmetic mirrors.  These bright candy colors brighten up even the darkest of cluttered handbags, so you can always find them.$13. Over 1000 retail locations in the US and Canada. Available in New York at Henri Bendel, Macy’s, and Ulta

Classified Cosmetics Aero Minerale Shimmer– Give yourself the treat of a sexy shimmer with this “Hollywood” approved minerale shimmer spray.  $14.99 at www.aerominerale.com and Ulta stores nationwide

Baublebar.com–  These sophisticated drop earrings are made of semi precious stones and are a great way to say I love you $28, sold exclusively at baublebar.com

Rumer, the British sensation often as being reminiscent of Karen Carpenter and signed by Atlantic Records serenaded the audience during the interval with her remarkable performance.

But the defining moment was when Ryan Murphy; creator of the hit series GLEE and AMERICAN HORROR STORY presented fashion icon Anna Wintour with the Ally of Equality Award. Self-assured and regal in a tiered ruffled Valentino shift the speech was the highlight of the evening. Ms. Wintour spoke very fondly of her dear friend Eric Bowman, one of the world’s most influential photographers, who was overcome emotionally when he wed his partner of many years as something that he never quite thought would happen in his life time. To all nays Sayers Ms. Wintour represents the epitome of the power of sheer determination and persistence for the tireless championing of the commitment to the LGBT community through her work with marriage equality, HIV/AIDS activism, and the It Gets Better Campaign.

Johnny Weir, 3X U.S. figure skating champion and 2X Olympian proudly introduced his recently wedded boyfriend Victor Voronov attended the event as well as Sonja Morgan, one of the stars of the reality TV series THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK were among a smattering of celebrities to support the cause.

Among the fashion beau monde to accompany Anna Wintour was VOGUE’s International Editor At Large Hamish Bowles, as well as renowned designer Michael Kors and his husband Lance Le Pere. At the time when the group photograph for the red carpet was being taken Ms. Wintour even remarked with candid humor that the press corps was extremely quiet as compared to the fashion brethren while gracefully holding her Alexander McQueen clutch.

It was truly a night to be remembered and have no doubt that more shall be accomplished by the incredible work of the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN organization. -Richard Dupuy

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information please visit www.hrc.org

The presentation highlighted the designer’s glamorous fur and exotic skins collection handmade by Ilechenko and Russian artisans from mink, fox, chinchilla, swakara, crocodile, and lizard. This season, Ilchenko also used Sable – the world’s finest pelt. The luxurious materials created coats, vests, capes and a dress.

We adored the shoes by United Nude.

The combination of the traditional and modern ideas paved way to the inspiration of Helmut Newton’s work. Marina reinterprets and translate these photographs to come up with a collection full of conviction, power, and temptation. The collection ranges in price from $12,000 to $25,000.

More pictures for your viewing pleasure (Courtesy of John Alston Jr)

Actress Kelly Rutherford

Earlier this week we attended an exclusive invite-only celebration for Carolee 40^th Anniversary. The company celebrated this wonderful milestone at New York’s newest luxury hotel destination, The Setai.

There, Carolee unveiled a 40^th Anniversary Legacy Collection and a collection of Limited Edition Charm Bracelets. Five dollars from each Legacy piece and Limited Edition Charm Bracelet will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Karen O’Brien, Carolee VP Worldwide Marketing, announced an annual Carolee jewelry design scholarship program that will commence this Fall.  Dr. Joyce Brown, President of FIT, acknowledged Carolee’s industry leadership and thanked the company for the scholarship and for sponsoring an ongoing FIT student design competition.  The competition will last through the Spring and will culminate in five winners whose designs will be manufactured by Carolee and distributed to stores this Fall.  Joel Fivis, President of Carolee, emphasized the value of the company’s relationship with both the BCRF and FIT and thanked all of Carolee’s retailers and employees for making the 40 year milestone possible.

Congratulations to Carolee and cheers to many more years!

More images from our amazing photographer John Alston Jr.