Lady Gaga once again portrays a famous lady (Lady Liberty) as she covers the latest issue of V Magazine along side style icon Marc Jacobs. This special “New York Issue”, which hits stands today was shot by world renowned photographer Mario Testino. The issue also features Mark Ronson, Debbie Harry, Chloe Sevigny, and Jake Shears (The Scissor Sisters)

photo via V Mag

Fashion icons Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to talk about all things fashion and specifically the current and always iconic September issue of Vogue.

How exciting is this!!! As speculated, H&M has announced that its next designer collaboration will be with Lanvin, one of the most influential brands of the 21st century. Designed by Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz, and menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver, the collection will go on sale on November 23 in around 200 H&M stores worldwide. The collection of both womenswear and menswear will be revealed to the world on November 2, just three weeks before the clothes hit the store, making the launch of Lanvin for H&M among the most anticipated fashion events of the year.  Lanvin is the latest brand to collaborate with H&M, with previous collections designed by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel.

Alber Elbaz, Artistic Director of Lanvin

“H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin.

Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor at H&M

“We are thrilled about Lanvin’s collection for H&M, it is such an exciting moment. Lanvin will bring to H&M a luxurious Frenchtradition that is also modern and playful. It is very much a Lanvin collection, using their cut and tailoring, with lots of focus on form and details for both women and men. The launch in November is going to be full of wonderful surprises.” Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

We cannot wait for the collection to debut in November. The Lanvin for H&M collection will be revealed to the world through a special film which will be launched on November 2. The film will be available for all to see online at www.hm.com. Watch as Mr. Alber Elbaz explains the collaboration with H&M….

Video courtesy of H&M

Mark August 27^th 2010 on your calendar as the day Columbia invaded NY.  Columbian designers, artists and luxury vendors assaulted the big apple with a barrage of Beauty, Fashion and Luxury vendors as participants in the Columbia Luxury Lifestyle Show. Held at the Altman Building, the event served as a showcase and networking event for the upper crust of Columbian artisans and craftsmen.  Attendees were treated to cocktails and free samples of wellness beverages as well as a fashion show featuring 3 great designers/brands:Pitahaya Swimsuits: Pitahaya made its debut at the show with its Spring 2011 collection. This line by designer Chechy Benedetti has been featured several American publications including Elle and Marie Claire.  Featuring the craft of and inspired by artisan women this line is currently available online at www.pitahayaswimsuits.com Our favorite suit was a Black one piece with contrasting white trimming and tribal print bodice.

Silva Alfonzo: This RTW designer and owner of several stores in her native Columbia showed off  her feminine futuristic pieces at the event. The line is the culmination of many years of study in the art of fashion. Alfonzo holds several degrees and had traveled the globe and worked with designers in Europe as well as her native South America.  We loved the use of sequins and tactile fabrics and her modern silouhettes.  Our favorite piece was the white rosette appliqué dress.  A sexy skin bearing dress that appears both modern and vintage.

Edwing D’Angelo: Our first encounter with Edwing was years ago at a show called W.A.R (We Are Ready) on fashion Week. I can remember falling head over heels for his now infamous flower gown He has come along way since and will be showing his Spring Line at a Lincoln Center Show during fashion week. As expected Mr. D’Angelo did not disappoint and sent wave after wave of fashionable ensembles down the U-shaped runway. Spectators were graced with both Menswear and Womenswear as well as a sneak peak of Spring 2011. He put his best foot forward sending out a slim fitting beautifully tailored Men’s gray suit, accented with a bronze satin tie and brown shoes.

We also loved his modern spin on the classic white dress shirt.  By adding a placard of contrasting black sequins paired with form flattering basic slacks  he injected a freshness into a wardrobe staple.

One of our favorite pieces from the women’s line was a floor length black gown with interesting shoulder detail and cascading ruffles. A thigh high slit made this a sexy red carpet worthy piece.

Another of our favorite pieces was a gray floor length gown with strategically placed cutouts and a layer after layer of gorgeous ruffles. Worn with statement earrings and piles of bangles this stunning piece was true testament to D’Angelo’s skill and showmanship.

Edwing D'angelo

The event also featured the work of accessory designers Mercedes Salazar and Daniel Nieto.  With Nature as a constant source of inspiration jewelry designer Mercedes Salazar’s pieces range from simple layered beading to funky medallions.  One of the most unique pieces was a multi-strand necklace made up of flat beads and several rubber small fish.

The beautiful colors on this necklace as well as the surprising little fishes made this a whimsical conversation piece.  I also loved the skull necklace.  A delicate gold chain adorned with an embossed skull shaped charm would make a fantastic addition to the wardrobe especially given the rock star trend of the upcoming fall season.

Last but certainly not least we met Daniel Nieto. A gradute of prestigious FIT this young man has a bright future in fashion.  Featuring architectural and futuristic influences he is being billed as the second coming of Alexander McQueen, and those are legendary shoes to fill.  We loved his surreal take on hand bags, but his shoes were the major draw.  SKY high heels and futuristic details made these works of art indescribable you have to see to believe…….

As Express celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of fashion heritage, the brand is hotter than ever. Join Express for the launch of its first-ever fragrance, Love Express at the biggest shopping event of the year, Fashion’s Night Out.

· Dance the night away to the sounds of Love Express cover girl and supermodel Jessica Stam in the DJ booth (from 9:30pm – 10:30pm)

· Sip on Love Express beverages

· Indulge in ice-cream cones and brownie pops

· Get pampered from 7-9pm with complimentary manicures in custom Love Express hot pink polish exclusively for Fashion’s Night Out

· Not sure what the future holds for your love life? Get a free tarot card reading from 9-11pm

· Shop your heart out all night with $30 off each $90 purchase

The DEETS

WHERE: Express Soho – 545 Broadway (between Houston and Prince) New York, NY 10012

WHEN: September 10th, 2010 (Fashion’s Night Out)

TIME: 6PM – 11PM

Hope to see you there!

This season, Ports 1961 designer, Fiona Cibani, draws inspiration from the magic allure of the desert. With delicate mirage abstractions and a landscape in constant evolution as her muse, Fiona crafts a collection within a realm of harmonic contrasts. We are always a fan Cibani’s unique designs.

Ports 1961 Spring/Summer 2011 collection will be presented on Friday, September 10th during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. Check back here for a full review of the show.

[Best of John Simon Daily | PORTS 1961 FALL 2010]