'Interview' Celebrates the Pretty and the Awkward

Interview magazine continues to push the boundaries of fashion editorials with their brand of cinematic shoots. Their "Pretty Awkward" spread doesn't disappoint with an array of mix and match patterns, dresses layered over pants, and enough scrunched and, frankly, awkward posing that an oversized Alice in Wonderland comes to mind. Shrunken hallway courtesy of set design extraordinaire Randall Peacock and photography care of Mikael Jansson.

Photo: Mikael Jansson for 'Interview'

Vivienne Westwood Gets in the Fall 2012 Spirit

Vivienne Westwood is looking very autumnal for fall 2012. In the brand's latest ads shot by Juergen Teller, a pumpkin sunset color palette dominates with the only adornments being a battered wooden table and metal tea set (set design by David White). The feel is hauntingly minimal and, strangely, so are the clothes—with the exception of those suede platform boots.

Photo: Juergen Teller

Rachel Weisz Covers 'Marie Claire UK' in Cascading Curls

As the September issue season approaches, we're getting excited as more and more fashion mag covers are revealed. First up is Rachel Weisz looking as gorgeous as ever on the cover of Marie Claire UK. Shot by Tesh, we're loving the return of classic cascading curls courtesy of hairstylist Ben Skervin—or as he calls them, "sexy tousled waves."

Photo: Tesh for 'Marie Claire UK'

An Interview with 'Ruby Sparks' Costume Designer Nancy Steiner

If you're looking for a carefree, comical, smart, and wholly wonderful summer film, we recommend Ruby Sparks. Directed by Little Miss Sunshine team Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, and written by lead actress Zoe Kazan, it's the story of a novelist who writes the girl of his dreams into existence. Aside from the imaginative romance, Los Feliz backdrop, and "instant classic" accolades, the film also boasts costume design by the renowned Nancy Steiner. Known for being a master of contemporary film styling—from Lost in Translation and Funny People to the period pieces, The Virgin Suicides and The Lovely Bones—Steiner always emphasizes character in her work. We spoke to her recently about her '90s music video beginnings, inspirations, and why story is important.

MAGNET: Let's start from the beginning. You got your start working in a clothing store then started styling music videos, right?

Nancy Steiner: Yes. I worked at a punk rock store called NaNa in Santa Monica. I went to a trade school—LA Trade Tech—because I had no money and went to learn fashion design there. Then I realized I didn't want to do fashion. But I met a few stylists who came into the store and they said, "If you ever stop working here give us a call because you have great style." So that's what I did; I gave them a call. I worked as an assistant in print, commercials, and in film got my first job as a PA/intern on I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. That's how I learned how a film worked. I was a set costumer and assistant shopper for years while I was doing commercials and videos.

What was your first job as costume designer?

It was the movie Safe by Todd Haynes. I had been doing music videos.

You did quite a few right? 

Yes, I did several for The Smashing Pumpkins, "Tonight Tonight". I was the grunge queen. I did two Nirvana videos and worked with No Doubt in the beginning, Stone Temple Pilots, REM, Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Janet Jackson… there were many. And I've been working with Dayton/Faris since then, too.

The directors of Ruby Sparks…

Yes! We've been working together for 20 years.

What were your inspirations for Ruby?

It's contemporary and she's a figment of his imagination. She's his dream girl. What is this novelist's dream girl? We were trying to figure that out. The main thing about Ruby is she brought color into his life. She has a strict color palette that we stayed with as much as possible. He [the novelist character] was very bland. He wore a lot beige and muted, medium tones. When she came into his life, he started wearing more color. She was like the rainbow that came into his life. It's more about the color than the way she dressed. She had a palate; she was a dream, a vision. I tried to be subtle, but the colors were loud.

Did you collaborate with Zoe Kazan, who also wrote the film?

Zoe's really easy to dress. She has a great sense of style herself. I didn't want the clothes to take over. We wanted her to look comfortable in her clothing. Every actor has a say in what they wear. We had great fittings where she loved so much, and there was so much that didn't make it into the movie. You want to make it realistic, not that she has an endless source of clothing. The collaboration she had with Jon and Valerie was amazing. It really worked. She was brilliant.

Is there a dream collaboration you would, personally, like to have?

Yes, many! I'm trying to do more period work because the bulk of my work has been contemporary. I love it, but I adore vintage. I grew up as a forties girl in my teens. I only wore forties dresses, and I feel very attracted to that period. I love shoulder pads and how women looked like women—all those curves—and beautiful locks of hair. It's a feminine period, so I would love to do a 1940s piece. I'm also into the turn of the century—the first half of the 20th century is interesting to me. I've done two 1970s films, The Virgin Suicides and The Lovely Bones, so I'd like to do more.

What inspires you? What costume designers influence you?

My friend Arianne Phillips is an amazing designer. She did W.E. for Madonna, which was incredible. Milena Canonero when she did Barry Lyndon and A Clockwork Orange—that was amazing—it was creating a style that hadn't existed before. I think Sandy Powell when she did Orlando and Far From Heaven was incredible. Colleen Atwood's work is impeccable. It's more fantasy based but amazing. I need to make a list! Slumdog Millionaire... Suttirat Larlarb did a beautiful job.  I grew up watching The Women and The Red Shoes. But I'm inspired by art and what I see on the street on a daily basis. That is what inspires me. I find normal people the most fascinating and inspiring of all... the keys in their pocket, the way they wear their hat. I love real people.

Is there any advice you would give to people interested in working in costume design or who are interested in fashion design but might not realize that costume design is a fantastic option?

Costume design is different from styling for fashion. Costume design is making characters; fashion is looking pretty. They're two different things. I love fashion and looking at clothing, but if you're interested in costume design, watch movies! Nobody will ever know what it's like to work on a film until they've done it. It's not just about the clothes. It's not just you making the decisions. Costume design is about knowing your characters. Go on the Costume Designers Guild website. There's also a website called Frock Talk. Remember that you're not trying to make a statement. It's about characters and serving the story... in whispers more than screams.

Emma Stone Covers 'British Vogue' for August 2012

Photo: Patrick Demarchelier for 'British Vogue'

Actress Emma Stone graces the cover of British Vogue's August 2012 issue echoing every bit of the "cool, funny, smart" description the magazine uses to describe her. Often notable for her crimson hair, colorist Marie Robinson toned it down to a honey shade closer to her natural color. Not only does it emphasize her arresting blue eyes, it seems like the perfect "crazy cool" color for summer's transition to fall. 

Le Silla Debuts a Sleek Fall 2012 Video

Le Silla is an Italian shoe and accessory company bent on materializing femininity and seduction into their products. They do just that with their latest campaign (and video!) shot by Camilla Akrans, featuring sleek makeup artistry by Wendy Rowe.

Jo Strettell Shares Summer Beauty Essentials

When Jo Strettell isn't making up the faces of Hollywood's leading ladies or working on a multitude of fashion shoots, she making beautiful (and beautifully scented) candles courtesy of her Le Feu De L'Eau line. She recently shared her summer beauty essentials with Elle, and the foundation, lip gloss, and liner recommendations are not to be missed!

Fendi's Futuristic Take on Spring 2013

Fendi presents it's new men's spring/summer 2013 collection as a short film shot by Mel Bles. Set against a bright white backdrop with two muted doors (conceived by set designer David White) we follow sharply dressed men as they enter and exit repeatedly in double breasted suits. It's futuristic, flawless, and fantastically Fendi.





FENDI - Arrival - Spring Summer 2013 from Selectism on Vimeo.

Ellen von Unwerth Gets Dreamy for 'Vogue Italia'

Ellen von Unwerth is known for her dreamy fantasyscapes and ability to capture enigmatic femininity. Every photo shoot is an escape and feast for the senses. Her latest for Vogue Italia is part woodland nymph, part Millais's Ophelia, and it features gorgeous set design by Andrea Cellerino.

Photo: Ellen von Unwerth for Vogue Italia

Robert Vetica Transforms Alice Eve for 'Tatler'

Actress Alice Eve is a mainstay in her native England, but she's poised for total stateside domination, ohhhh, any day now! Her riveting beauty aside, she's garnered accolades and attention thanks to memorable roles in Sex and the City 2 and Entourage, and she'll be appearing in the much talked about sequel to Star Trek. For the time being, though, we can revel in her vintage Hollywood insouciance thanks to the August issue of Tatler. Shot by Ruven Afanador, the 1950s-inspired spread features a bevy of covetable hairstyles courtesy of master stylist Robert Vetica (using Moroccanoil, of course). We're ready to peroxide, hot roll, and tease our coifs to utter perfection... aren't you?

Photo: Ruven Afanador for Tatler

Lancome Gets Rosy with Roseraie des Delices

Lancôme's color collection, Roseraie des Delices by Aaron De Mey, is all about—you guessed it—the beauty of roses. Shot by Mario Testino, the muted pink and vine green hues are juxtaposed with Jack Flanagan's set design featuring dozens of climbing roses intertwining around model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem. Take a look below.

Florence Welch Dazzles on 'Good Morning America'

It's no secret that Florence Welch has an astonishing voice. Did you know she recently underwent vocal surgery? Neither did we. But not to worry, she's doing just fine and that trademark vocal prowess is better than ever! She recently visited Good Morning America looking (and sounding) resplendent in a floral dress styled by Aldene Johnson.

Balmain's Muted Paris Paradise

Photo: David Sims

How can you not find yourself dreaming about lazy autumn Sundays in a quaintly dilapidated Parisian apartment when you look at Balmain's fall 2012 ads? Aside from the stunning attire—with classical prints and western-esque embellishment—what seems to stand out, too, is the setting. Designed by Max Bellhouse, you imagine a charming one bedroom in the Marais or a concrete walled country house in the South of France. You can feel the autumn crispness in these images shot by David Sims. And, frankly, it feels beautiful.

TWC Celebrates 'True Blood' With 'Rain'

There are some advertisements that play more like short films. They grab your attention and transport you somewhere completely fantastical and different. Such is the case with Time Warner Cable's new "Rain" spot directed by Nicolai Fuglsig. Celebrating HBO and the vampire TV series True Blood, the ad opens on rain, specifically blood rain. What follows is a feast for the eyes (though perhaps not for the stomach) ending with resident teenage vampire Jessica whistling through bared fangs. Bravo to both the genius concept and costume design by Christine Wada.

No Doubt Makes Comeback at Teen Choice Awards

No Doubt made a triumphant return at last night's Teen Choice Awards performing their new single "Settle Down" off the forthcoming album Push and Shove. Styled by Rob & Mariel, the band wore a mix of black leather and neutral suiting on the pink carpet. Stefani paired her leather vest with cat eye sunglasses and her signature platinum hair and crimson lips courtesy of makeup artist Mary Phillips. For the performance, Stefani wore a black tank top with black and white printed pants and knee-high boots. Check out the performance below!

 

No Doubt - Music News

Marion Cotillard's 'Dark Knight Rises' Premiere Prowess

For both the New York and London premieres of The Dark Knight Rises, actress Marion Cotillard turned heads with bold hair and makeup courtesy of team Robert Vetica and Christophe Danchaud. For the London premiere, Cotillard channeled the 1940s in Dior. The orange bodice of the dress echoed a bright orange lip, strong brows, and natural eyes and skin. Vetica styled her hair in a side-swept bob that was both lightly curled and tousled yet seriously retro glam. For the New York premiere, Cotillard wore a bright white dress that was, again, accentuated with sherbet orange, this time on her eyelids. Danchaud kept the rest of the makeup simple with a clean face and neutral gloss, and Vetica kept the hair elegantly classic. Bravo and BEAUTIFUL.

Lea Michele's Teen Choice Awards Beauty Regime

Lea Michele shone last night at the Teen Choice Awards—literally. Wearing a sparkly sliver cocktail dress, the actress lit up the pink carpet with a naturally healthy glow. Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis achieved the look by keeping Ms. Michele's eyes neutral and her skin flawlessly golden with a light stain on the cheeks. The inspiration was "Californian cutie meets couture." How did Melanie achieve the look?


FACE
"The dress is always the starting point of our collaboration for hair, make up and nails," Inglessis says. "We really wanted Lea to look effortlessly gorgeous, so we kept the make up simple and concentrated on a bronzed healthy skin but took it to the next level." Tarte Maracuja Miracle Foundation in Medium was mixed with Tarte ReCreate foundation in Warm Walnut to accentuate Lea's tan. Tarte's Marajuca Creaseless Concealer and Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder completed the flawless complexion. Strong brows were achieved courtesy of Anastasia Brunette Brow Powder Duo. And to get sleek cheeks, Melanie used Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder and Chanel Bronzer in Terres Epices topping them with Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in True Love.

EYES
Shiseido's Cream Stick in Champagne Flush covered Lea's lids to highlight the eyes and bring out luminosity. Tarte Waterproof Cream Shadow in Shimmering Bronze went into the crease of the eye to add natural definition. Inglessis says, "Always curl the lashes! It opens the eyes up instantly!" She used two coats of Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara in black to make them look fuller. To complete the look, Tarte Amazon Lipstick in Pure went on the lips giving them a light, creamy texture.

Check out more over at InStyle!

Vogue China Shoots Sportswear Gold

Not that we're playing favorites, but Vogue China is really hitting it out of the park with the fashion spreads these days. Their latest features models Chrystal Copland and Lina Zhang decked out in hyper-color sportswear in an empty sports stadium. Hearkening the upcoming Olympics, we love that Mark Seliger shot the two running in heels, balancing on beams, and generally looking awesome holding a javelin or water bottle. Bravo to Jesse Kaufmann's gold medal set design.

Photo: Mark Seliger for Vogue China

{via Fusion Models}

Gorgeous Hair by Ben Skervin for German Vogue

Brigitte Bardot is an enduring style icon, and hairstylist Ben Skervin channeled the beauty for German Vogue's August 2012 cover. In the accompanying editorial spread, shot by Alexi Lubomirski, and featuring model Toni Garrn, the result is tousled gorgeous perfection.

Photo: Alexi Lubomirski for German Vogue

For more photos, visit Ben Skervin's blog!

Edun Hoots for Fall 2012

Edun is known for its ethically stylish clothing. Founded by Ali Hewson and Bono in 2005, the company aims to bring about positive change though a trading relationship with Africa. Aside from their sustainable clothing, they tend to promote the brand in ways that tie in to the environment, too. Their spring campaign involved butterflies, but fall is truly for the birds—owls to be specific. Flanking the models is a snowy white owl juxtaposed with a sunset background conceived by Max Bellhouse and photographed by Ryan McGinley.

Photo: Ryan McGinley

Michael Kors Goes Hollywood for Fall 2012

Set designer Jack Flanagan brings Hollywood and its legendary sound stages to life for Michael Kors Fall 2012. Shot by Mario Testino and featuring model Karmen Pedaru, the feeling is bright, luxe, and very California chic.

Photo: Mario Testino for Michael Kors

Marie Robinson Shares Emma Stone Hair Secrets with 'People' Magazine

Marie Robinson is the genius colorist behind Emma Stone's every-changing, always-glorious locks. People magazine features several "Time to Change" hairstyles, such as Stone's transformation from dark honey to light gold. Robinson tells the magazine the change occurred because "she's traveling and needs her hair to be low maintenance." Low-key, yes, but also totally gorgeous.

Vogue China's Summer Dream Team

Model Wang Xiao lounges in the sultry summer heat for the August issue of Vogue China. Shot by Marcus Ohlsson with set design by Jesse Kaufmann, the feature offers Xiang the bow of a boat, a decrepit crawlspace, and the trunk of a tree as options to gather a bit of barely-clothed respite.

Photo: Marcus Olsson for 'Vogue China'

Lana del Rey and Deborah Lippmann for H&M

It all seemed to happen so quickly, but Lana del Rey has become something of both a pop and style icon seemingly overnight. The next step in that career trajectory is usually a campaign, and she's following suit by partnering with H&M for their fall campaign. The "Born to Die" chanteuse was shot by famed photographers Inez and Vinoodh and was captured in head-to-toe pastel peach accessorized with one seriously beautiful manicure courtesy of Deborah Lippmann. In case you're wondering (and want to copy this look pretty much en total), that delicate shade of greyish-creme is "Waking Up in Vegas".

Kim Kardashian Covers August 'InStyle UK'

Kim Kardashian is everywhere these days including on the August 2012 cover of InStyle UK. Looking  resplendent with kohl-rimmed eyes and the palest of pale lips courtesy of makeup artist Mary Phillips, the spread features Kim lounging—while looking flawlessly beautiful—throughout her native Californian landscape.

Photo: Nino Munoz