Chrissy Teigen Goes Topless For GQ Mexico

June 26, 2014, 9:49 am

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Summer is here, and Chrissy Teigen is heating up the pages of GQ Mexico.

Teigen appears topless on the cover of GQ Mexico's July 2014 issue wearing nothing but blue bikini briefs and a huge smile. The 28-year-old's grin is something she wears well, and often.

"I think I inherited my personality from my mother, she's the happiest being in the world, I've never seen her in a bad mood," she told the magazine, "My bad side I must have got it from my dad."

Part of that personality is her hilarious sense of humor. On Wednesday, June 25, she shared her GQ Mexico cover on Instagram and, in typical Chrissy fashion, made a joke about it, writing: "Hola!! Como se dice 'boobs' @GQmexico."

Check out Teigen's cover and a video from the shoot below.

Post by GQ México.

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9 Signs You've Found Your Soulmate (If You Believe In That Sort Of Thing)

June 26, 2014, 10:02 am

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Mention the word "soulmate" to a group of people and you're bound to get a few eye rolls. The idea that there's one magical person for you who you'll fall in love with instantly and never disagree with is just not realistic.

What does exist -- at least for many people -- is a person who you know instinctively, who you connect with on the deepest level and who allows you to grow as a person within the relationship. When that person is a romantic partner, you've come across something truly special.

So how do you know when you've found The One? Below, a team of love and relationship experts identify the most telling signs.

1. You communicate without speaking.

Soulmates can read each other like an open book. "They connect fervently on every level of being," clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Carmen Harra told The Huffington Post. "One may finish the other's sentences, they may pick up the phone to call each other simultaneously, or feel like they simply can't be without their partner."

Dr. Sue Johnson, a clinical psychologist and author of Love Sense, said that a soulmate also knows how to respond to your emotional signals. "They stay close when you confide, give you their full attention and move in to answer to your needs, touching your hand when you are a little unsure, beaming and hugging you when you are glad, and tenderly comforting you when you are in pain," she added.

2. You know in your gut that you've found The One.

The old adage "When you know, you know" rings true when it comes to a soulmate connection. "There really is no guessing or wondering when the real thing comes along," wedding officiant and author Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway told The Huffington Post. "There is usually a telltale sign that lets you know when true love has arrived -– a voice in your head, a sense of recognition or a gut feeling that this is someone special to you."

3. The physical chemistry is palpable...

...and the electricity that you feel doesn't just happen on a sexual level. "Holding the hand of your soulmate throws your spirit into a whirlwind, even many years into the relationship," Harra said.

4. You've been totally comfortable around each other since day one.

Soulmates connect with ease right off the bat and let their true colors show without fear of judgment. "Soulmates often feel a sense of the familiar and a sense of comfort around each other," Brockway said. "Many people say it's easier to relax into that person and allow themselves to be vulnerable."

"It is the one who opens up to you –- who lets you in, so you can see them," Johnson added. "This is the kind of person who takes risks and shares about their inner world, their emotions and their needs."

5. But the relationship isn't all rainbows and butterflies. He or she challenges you like no one else can.

The soulmate relationship, despite what people might assume, isn't always smooth sailing. "A soulmate isn't always wrapped in the perfect package, physically or in terms of life circumstances -- nor does it mean that the relationship will come without challenge," author Kailen Rosenberg of matchmaking firm The Love Architects said. "Yet, the difference is that the life circumstances and the difficult challenges are a strengthening power that becomes the glue that keeps you together through the difficult times and helps each of you become your most authentic self."

What's more, we rely on our soulmates to help us evolve as people. "You might find a soulmate relationship to be rocky, and that your partner is someone who pushes your buttons and aggravates you at first because they bring with them some of the more difficult lessons for the soul," Brockway said.

6. You may not see eye-to-eye on every little thing, but you're on the same page where it really matters.

"A soulmate relationship doesn't necessarily mean both partners always share the same views, but that their overall goals and ambitions match," Harra said. "More diminutive opinions will differ, but soulmates generally have the same virtues and values and see the world through a similar lens."

7. The relationship brings both partners a sense of inner calm.

It's obvious when you're with the wrong person; you are insecure about the relationship and worry that one false move will turn your partner off. That's not the case for soulmates.

"You feel confident that your partner is with you for the long haul," dating expert Tracey Steinberg, author of Flirt For Fun & Meet The One said. "No matter what happens in your lives, you both agree that you are teammates and in it together." She continued, "Your inner voice tells you that you are in a healthy relationship. You trust each other, feel confident and comfortable around each other and feel safe discussing challenging topics in a mature way."

8. You and your partner have separate identities, but you face the world as one.

"Soulmates recognize that they are two parts of the same whole, and no outside influence or external matter can break that bond," Harra said.

9. You may have known each other for years, but you suddenly find yourselves ready for love at the same time.

When it comes to true love, timing is everything. "I have married so many couples who met in high school or in their twenties, maybe dated, broke up, moved on, or hung out around the same circle of friends and never connected," Brockway told The Huffington Post. "Then one day, they run into each other again, sometimes in magical ways, and love blooms." Keep an open mind and an open heart so that when your soulmate comes knocking, you're ready to answer the door.


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Stylification Series. Part One: Caitlyn Chase

June 26, 2014, 10:10 am

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I get so excited when I meet designers who work in the fashion industry in Los Angeles. Supporting home-grown designers is important to me. Designers that make a difference, the ones that make high quality product rather than mass quantity. In todays fashion world that is a rarity when the American designers we look up to most were the first to move their million dollar companies to China to make faster and cheaper production.

With just a handful of designers doing this almost two decades ago our economy in the US took a huge dive for the worst. No it was not just the stock market. It was the billion dollar companies that moved over to China along with taking hundreds of thousands of jobs away overnight. It's no secret that a big chunk of the fashion industry is made in China today. It was not always like this, but it's hard to look back because it seems so long ago. I cringe at the thought of how long I have been resisting and going against buying made in China after realizing the problem while working at the designer section in a high end department many years ago. After that enlightenment, it was a nightmare to shop with me....I was obnoxiously checking labels and pulling things out of my friends hands and telling them not to buy into evil...(wink, wink- Holli !). Back then at the start was a significantly fast rise in the made in China phenomenon.

There are many designers that I love who work hard to balance out the fact that they moved their factories to China. For example, they do a lot of giving to counteract the issues that they came to face, and they either bring back some of the work or at least they make sure that there are ethical standards and regularity at the factories that produce for them.

These days, more American designers, especially the new ones are making serious changes to the industry. If they do outsource they are doing it consciously at responsible factories that employ adults specialized in the fashion industry.

I am so excited that our profile today is on a company that does not make in China. She is hands on, designs the patterns and textiles herself, and knows the path they go on before they come back to her as a finished product.

Caitlyn Chase's company is called Caviar & Cashmere, her designs made in LA, and produced beautifully in India. The factory that she works with employs over 200 people, in a positive and hard working environment, with designers there who have MFA in design, and most are from UK Universities. Though they started an NGO (non-government organization) with the family who owns the factory called PROUD which brings in talented artisans from the villages to their factory in New Delhi where they learn a trade and get paid apprenticeship and full housing for a year, then after a year they can have a full time job at the factory or go back to their village and teach the artisanship to the people.

Caitlyn herself is an attractive, eloquent, calm yet sociable personality, with sparkling eyes, elegant and mature beyond her years, and worldly demeanor. Her voice is crisp but with a kittenish tone. After many scheduling conflicts for us both, we finally met and had a chat over drinks at my favorite local spot, White Harte Pub. While getting to know her I quickly realized she is sweet and humble as well as sharp and witty which play a great part in her success. One can really tell that she adores her family, and as modern as she is there is a wholesome-ness to her that is endearing. She is her own muse and and who better than herself to model the lovely scarves she makes. We learn more about her and her company below with my interview of her below the photo's.









Caitlyn, you are a Pepperdine graduate and a successful gutsy business woman! So how did Caviar & Cashmere start? 

Caviar & Cashmere started as a luxury lifestyle blog. I was working for a well-known fashion magazine at the time as an editor, but did not get to write about the things I was really interested in. I started a blog as another creative outlet to talk about all the things I loved about life. I named it Caviar & Cashmere because those two things were items I truly loved. I would post about my travels, art, architecture, and fashion on the blog... basically everything that inspired me.

The blog gained a lot of traction quickly, which I did not expect. I had all these visitors from around the world, asking me when I was going to curate a sellable collection of the things I posted about. I asked myself, why not design my own line of things I love? And so I did.

I feel you're line is very luxurious but what was the concept behind the line?

The concept is at its core is luxury, however, my designs are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. I started with very high-end, high-quality cashmere home items, which were inherently more expensive. Shortly after, I introduced a fashion accessory category (cashmere and cashmere blended scarves), which was more accessible. I want everyone to have access to luxury and to just feel good.

Where did the ideas come together and production start? 

I teamed up with my mom, who was an interior designer. We decided we would like to design cashmere due to the lack on the market at the time. It was very tough for her to find high-quality cashmere home items at that middle price point. We wanted to fill that gap in the market, and began designing and then sourcing factories to produce the line.

You traveled to India for designing and production of your line, tell me about your trip and experience and how that came about? 

When we started with only home accessories (throws, robes, travel sets) we found a factory in Mongolia, which excelled at producing knitted and woven cashmere. We worked with them on the home line, which we still have, but still needed a factory to produce our line of scarves and wraps.

We then serendipitously met a beautiful Indian family through some friends, who were fourth generation Kashmiri. They knew absolutely all there was to know about cashmere, and wanted to help us with our vision for a beautiful collection of cashmere and cashmere blended scarves and wraps.

We decided the best thing to do was to visit them in India to see their entire factory and meet the team we'd be working with. We stayed for three weeks, designing our collection, as well as traveling all around the country with the family. They were incredible hosts to us and had faith in us from the get go. We're still very close with them, and consider them not only our partners, but also family.

How would you describe the core of your line?

The core of Caviar & Cashmere is high quality luxury that is accessible to most. We have a price point for almost everyone. We have Silk/Cashmere scarves starting at $69 all the way up to $995 hand woven cashmere throws.

Your truest inspiration is....? 

I am inspired every day, as I try to see the beauty in everything. Most of my original design inspiration has come from my travels. I drew inspiration for prints and knits from photos and the journals I kept while traveling. Today, I do not get to travel as often due to my busy work schedule, so I try to draw inspiration from every day life. The beautiful tree-lined street I never noticed, or the art deco building, down the street from my office that I just cannot help but stare at.

What is your favorite clothing designer? 

I have many different designers that I love. My current favorites are Philip Lim, Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang, and Rag & Bone.

What is the color that you find most appealing? 

I have always been drawn to the color turquoise. I have some sort of emotional connection to it. I grew up on the beach in Malibu, so the color of the ocean mixed with the color of the sky on a clear day is by far my favorite. I am also a Cancer, a water sign, so I am drawn to shades of blue.

What's your pets name? 

I had two yellow labs that both lived to 16-years-old, who recently passed away. They were both named after my favorite book, Huckleberry Finn (Huck and Finn.) I still have my 10-year-old Maltese whom I got in high school who I named Pablo Escobar, because he is white!

If you were an Old Hollywood icon who would you be? 

I love Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She had such an air of elegance and poise about her.

When you travel - what is something you must take with you? 

I always take the Caviar & Cashmere Jet Set Travel Set (the blanket, eye mask, and pillow case come in handy on cold planes.) I also always take a journal so I can chronicle my adventures.

Where is your favorite place to stay in NY? 

I visit NYC frequently, as I go to the trade shows twice a year, and I also have a showroom there in the fashion district. I also have many great friends in the city. If I go for work, I like to stay in midtown at the Ritz Carlton on Central Park South. If I am there for fun, I usually stay downtown in Soho at the James.

Where is your favorite place to vacation? 

My favorite vacation destination is the Greek Islands. I love sailing and being on the water there, and hopping from island to island. I am also dying to visit Africa and go on safari.

Are you currently in a relationship? How do you feel about dating in LA? - is it fun or perplexing? 

I am currently single. I was in a long-term relationship that ended a little bit ago, and have since stayed single. I have found dating in Los Angeles to be very interesting, to say the least. I am not one to recreationally date, so I will probably stay single and focus on work until I meet someone I'd like to be serious with and build something with.

What is your heritage? Do you draw inspiration from your background? 

My father's side is Russian, Spanish and Polish, and my mother's side is English, French, and Native American. I have done quite a bit of research on both sides of the family tree, and definitely have drawn inspiration from stories I heard and photos I've found.

Who makes your favorite shoes? 

I think Giussepe Zanotti and Sergio Rossi both make the best classic shoes that you can keep forever.

Where do you love to meet up with friends & dine out?

I have a great group of girlfriends who all make a concerted effort to get together on a weekly basis for girls nights. We like trying new restaurants in Los Angeles, so we try to go to a new place every week. If we're feeling lazy and just want to go somewhere we know, Soho House is the best go-to spot.

What is your sport of choice? 

I have been practicing Yoga since I was a child, and absolutely love it. I do not think there is another sport I could do that would allow me to feel so at peace - mind, body, and spirit.

Who would you love to put your wrap or scarves on? 

I would love to see Kate Middleton wear one of my dressier wraps; I think she would look beautiful in the Cashmere and Chantilly Lace design.

When was your proudest press moment? 

Olay asked to feature my mother and I in their ad campaign last year, which was such an awesome experience. We not only appeared in the ads, but we also shared our beauty secrets and spoke about Caviar & Cashmere.

What slang or foreign word do you like to use most? 

My parents both lived in Mexico when they first were married, and made it a point to teach my sister and I Spanish, since we visited Mexico so often. I oftentimes integrate Spanish words into my daily vernacular... I am pretty sure that's just called "Spanglish".

What was your favorite film this past year? 

I really enjoyed Before Midnight, which was part of the "Before Trilogy", written by Julie Delpy. I think she is a genius.

What is your favorite dish? Do you cook yourself? 

I love to cook and am always interested in adding more dishes to my repertoire. I recently learned how to make traditional Provençal bouillabaisse as well as Thai curry. When I go out to a restaurant, I like to go eat sushi.

How do you define style? 

I think style is an expression of who you are. It is individualism mixed with confidence and charisma.

What is next for you? 

Professionally, I would love to see Caviar & Cashmere grow, hopefully by introducing new categories like jewelry and clothing, as well as expanding our retail selling points around the world. Personally, I'd like to spend more time traveling, enjoying my twenties and appreciating what I have been blessed with.

(all photos are used with permissions and supplied by Caitlyn herself)

This Beautiful Bride Wasn't Going To Let Anything Stand In The Way Of Her Wedding -- Not Even Cancer

June 26, 2014, 10:45 am

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Shannon O'Hara wasn't going to let cancer be the focus of her big day.

The 28-year-old from Redding, Connecticut, dreamed of wearing her mother's veil on the day she walked down the aisle to her fiance, Jeff, according to The Mighty. Four months before her wedding, though, O'Hara was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that targets the immune system. She underwent chemotherapy and eventually lost her hair.

But instead of letting her illness take over, O'Hara improvised.

She had seamstresses from The Plumed Serpent Bridal in Westport sew a lace cap for her head upon which she could attach the veil. And on her wedding day at The W Hotel in Washington, D.C., last July, she positively glowed.

“In the middle of the reception, being surrounded by family and friends, I decided to take off my lace cap and just be a beautiful, bald bride and celebrate with everyone,” O’Hara told The Mighty. “I didn’t feel any different, in fact, I felt just as beautiful, possibly even more!”

O'Hara's spirit was not lost on those around her, including photographer Andrea Jacobson, whose pictures of the big day were recently featured on Style Me Pretty.

"Shannon had both the best attitude and the biggest challenges I've ever seen a bride have on her wedding day," Jacobson, of The Observatory, told The Huffington Post in an email Wednesday.

The photographer worked with O'Hara to plan out exactly how to capture the special day, making sure to note times O'Hara would need to take her medication or to rest. In the end, though, Jacobson said O'Hara didn't stop to take any breaks. She said O'Hara's zeal could serve as inspiration for other brides.

"Focus on what matters! Don't get distracted by the small stuff," Jacobson told HuffPost. "Shannon focused on her relationship with Jeff and put all her energy into planning and then enjoying the celebration of their marriage."

According to The Mighty, O'Hara has been in remission since Nov. 2013.

Check out more photos from O'Hara's wedding at The Observatory.

(h/t Style Me Pretty)

Proof That You Can Return Anything to Wal-Mart (But Should You?)

June 26, 2014, 11:28 am

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I have three white dresses, a black gown and a jacket that I didn't really want and certainly couldn't afford, but I now own.

You see, I tried -- unsuccessfully -- to join the cult of the beturners, folks who buy something with the explicit intention of using it one time and returning it. It's part stealing, part retail-borrowing, and pure evil. We all know about beturning, but no one likes to talk about it.

The five flaws with beturning, as well as the barriers that keeps me safe from its tempting grasp, are as follows:

1. You cannot lose the receipt. (Bam, I am already doomed.)

2. You cannot squirt spaghetti sauce/cranberry juice/red wine on, say, your (three) white dress(es).

3. You have to be willing to wear your clothes with itchy tags grinding on your armpits, and be willing to slither away in shame when someone sees said tags.

4. You must be versed in every store's specific return policies. Remember this one. It will come into play when we talk about the "beturn block."

5. You must have no soul.

The only exception to number five is the what I call the hurried beturn. You're scrambling for an outfit because you are too important and busy to set aside proper shopping time, or you are a procrastinator. So you grab the first five things to try on at home, or in the car on your way to the fundraiser, and you plan on returning the four reject outfits.

That is how my husband ended up with three pairs of black pants and four white button-ups. Late for fundraiser. What receipts?

I told him he should get a job as a waiter to pay for the unneeded items; after all, he's now got the closet for it.

Some stores have more relaxed policies than others. For example, according to urban myth, you can beturn anything at Wal-Mart.

Here are three real-life examples of the Worst Beturns In History, Ever:

3. The hoses. It was the Fourth of July, and we wanted to fill up water balloons in the park. But parks don't have spigots. So my friend bought about 25 garden hoses, hooked them together and attached them to the spigot at her house. She then carried the hose chain through the neighborhood, across busy streets and to the park. As the tale goes, when she beturned them, they were dripping water and were covered in fresh tire tracks. Wal-Mart didn't flinch.

2. The carpet cleaner. Judy (name changed to protect the guilty) had a carpet cleaner. Her carpet cleaner quit working, but she had thrown the box away. So she bought another carpet cleaner. She put the old carpet cleaner in the new box, and used the new receipt to beturn it. Wal-Mart didn't flinch.

1. The snake. I can't bring myself to tell this story in full sentences, so here goes my best staccato effort. Toilet. Clogged. Home Depot. Plumber's snake, aka electric eel. Unclogged. Snake in a box. Snake back on the shelf. Poor Home Depot.

There is yet another kind of beturning: the beturn block.

Brittany was checking out at Forever 21 when she noticed the sales associate had accidentally scanned a nearby yellow striped shirt and placed it in Brittany's bag.

"Oh, that shirt wasn't mine," Brittany explained.

She was shocked by the associate's response: "Yes, it was. It was in your pile."

Brittany explained that it must have already been on the counter or somehow got into the mix, but she really did not want it. The woman said, "It was in your pile." The fight raged on.

"No. I don't want it. It's ugly and not even my size."

"Well, I'm sorry, but we don't take returns on sale items."

"What? This is not a return. I never wanted it."

"We don't take returns, ma'am."

"Let me see your manager."

Manager: "What is the problem?"

"She accidentally charged me for this shirt that I don't want."

"Well, our computers cannot return anything on sale. Sorry."

I suggested Brittany just beturn the shirt to Wal-Mart. Even with Forever 21 tags and no receipt, I'm sure the Mart would take it. I mean, this one wasn't even run over or dunked in a toilet. It was Wal-Mart's turn to benefit.

This story originally appeared in the Boulder Daily Camera. Read more stories from the weirdest city in America, Boulder, Colorado, here: Only In Boulder.

4 Skin Conditions That Could Be Helped By ‘Good Bacteria'

June 26, 2014, 11:57 am

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By Cari Nierenberg, Contributing writer
Published: 06/26/2014 10:58 AM EDT on LiveScience

Maintaining a balance between good and bad bacteria in the body has benefits beyond the digestive tract, it may also affect the health and appearance of the skin, researchers have found.

Consuming probiotics, or the "good bacteria," similar to the trillions of microorganisms that already live in the body, in foods or as dietary supplements, might help to prevent or treat certain skin conditions, some early studies suggest.

The benefit of probiotics is that they introduce healthy bacteria to the gut and create a barrier to reduce inflammation, which can trigger certain skin conditions, said Dr. Whitney Bowe, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, who has researched the effect of probiotics on acne. She said there is compelling evidence that probiotics hold promise for treating acne and rosacea.

Another exciting area of research is the development of topical probiotics, which can be applied directly to the skin, Bowe said. Several manufacturers are currently experimenting with adding strains or extracts of probiotics to their skin care products, including moisturizers, cleansers, peels and lotions, and some products are already on the market. [5 Ways Gut Bacteria Affect Your Health]

Still, further study is needed to determine which strains may work best and how many of the bacteria survive once the probiotics are spread onto the skin's surface.

Bowe said probiotics — whether they are eaten as foods, taken as supplements or spread topically — are not a stand-alone treatment for skin problems, but could be used by patients in combination with their current treatment.

She said she typically recommends probiotics to her patients with acne or rosacea who are taking antibiotics, which can wipe out both good and bad gut bacteria. She suggests getting probiotics daily from foods, such as yogurt with live active cultures or kefir (a fermented milk drink), or by using supplements.

A few of her patients have been experimenting with probiotics by applying Greek yogurt directly to their skin once a week for 10 minutes. Bowe says they have been pleased with the results from this do-it-yourself facial mask. Although the home remedy has never been scientifically tested, some patients have reported having fewer acne lesions, while others who have tried it to achieve younger-looking skin said their skin developed better texture and seemed brighter.

As more research emerges, here are four skin conditions that seem the most promising for probiotics, according to Bowe.

Acne. Small studies from Italy, Russia and Korea have found that probiotics from food or supplements used in conjunction with standard acne treatments may increase the rate of acne clearance, and also helps patients better tolerate acne treatment with antibiotics, Bowe told Live Science. Some probiotic strains found to be effective in studies of acne include Lactobacillus, L. acidophilus, and B. bifudum.

Preliminary studies of topical probiotics for acne have shown they may help reduce the number of active skin lesions, Bowe said. Probiotics applied to the skin might help acne by forming a protective shield that prevents harmful pimple-causing bacteria from reaching the skin, aggravating the immune system and triggering inflammation, she said.

Eczema. Finnish researchers looked at pregnant women who took probiotic supplements (containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) for two to four weeks before giving birth, and also after delivery if they were breast-feeding, or added the bacteria to infant formula for at least six months. They found the probiotics reduced the odds of eczema in babies who had strong family histories of the itchy skin condition until at least age 2, and possibly longer.

Another recent study showed that infants who developed eczema before they turned 1 had a less diverse collection of gut bacteria when they were 7 days old than infants without eczema, suggesting a link between gut bacteria early in life and the development of the skin condition.

Rosacea. This inflammatory skin condition causes facial redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, as well as small red bumps or pimples. Probiotics may help control rosacea flare-ups and symptoms, studies suggest.

"Probiotic extracts in conjunction with medication can reduce the redness seen in rosacea, and also improve and strengthen the skin barrier to reduce its stinging, burning and dryness," Bowe said.

Anti-aging. The use of probiotics to protect skin from the effects of aging is an exciting new area that shows early promise, but needs more research, Bowe said. She said there's some evidence that probiotics may help to build collagen, the main protein in skin that affects its texture and tone.

Increased numbers of good bacteria may also help to hydrate aging skin, reduce sun damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Bowe suggests.

Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Originally published on Live Science.

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New York Fashion Designer "The American Dream Just Happened to Me"

June 26, 2014, 12:06 pm

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Designer Dunja Messer-Jourdain. Photo: Lia Petridis Maiello

Gorgeous women dressed in purple. New York based fashion designer Dunja Messer-Jourdain adds an entire new level of significance to the color that traditionally robed aristocrats and clerics. Her purple creations are luxuriant in a playful, charming and invariably elegant manner. They are traditional in the best sense possible by suggesting timely references to preceding eras while simultaneously putting them into a groundbreaking new context -- the Messer-Jourdain context -- or better known as the New York City label Amiiee New York.



The purple collection. Photo: Erika Hokanson
How a color can transform into many different meanings by the choice of material is another facet of the versatile designers' passion for fashion. Silk, leather, feathers, organza and sequins turn her pieces into a collection for women with aspirations and verve. And since curves inspire her, "I like anything round," she says, her pieces are often designed for women that would fall within the fashion industry's definition as "curvaceous." Outside of the fashion industry however, they would probably pass for "normal size" on the consuming end of things.

Dunja Messer-Jourdain had a fashion role model growing up. Her grandfather ran a tailor's shop and created designs himself. "I often watched him work and my passion for textiles began right there," the designer remembers. Lacking the ability to draw, she wasn't admitted to any German university for design, which destroyed her lifelong dream of creating her own fashion. Instead she received a degree in International and Diversity Business Management, which is now putting her ahead of the curve while running her own label.

Her husband Miguel Armando Jourdain helped her significantly turning her dream, passion and talent into a flourishing business in 2012 by creating her label Amiiee New York. "So far I believe I am the only designer worldwide that is creating edgy High Fashion for women with curves. I had my breakthrough with the Purple Collection in 2012/13."


Garden of Eden. Photo: Erika Hokanson

The current collection "Garden of Eden" shows a line of signature fashion, "The Carrousel", however marks the designers first excursion into casual evening/office wear. Amiiee is both upscale and extravagant for women who dare the difference. In an interview the German-born New Yorker explains her passions and plans.


What inspires you?

I love different fabrics and materials. I love looking at colors and textures of all sorts and I collect fabrics from all over the world, e.g. Japanese Kimono fabrics. I am inspired by opera, architecture, the ballet and the amazing robes that go with these art forms. I like everything round. A chandelier, beautiful lips, classic cars. I also very much appreciate the drama of music, such as world music, Arabic, Indie, Japanese drums. I feel very lucky to live and work in New York City, because the mixture of cultures and the taste for different forms and bodies are outstanding and a constant inspiration.

What are your preferred materials to work with?

I think that silk feels and looks wonderful, feathers can give certain materials lightness and I also very much like working with leather. I am actually planning on working with latex in the near future, which I have never done before, so these new creations will consist out of a material mix. Despite the image latex often has in fashion, I would love to show the sexy aspect of it and at the same time maintain a certain innocence.

Do you believe in the American Dream and could you define it for me?

Honestly, the American Dream just happened to me. I do have a huge drive and a ridiculous amount of ideas, which helps, I guess. Of course, there are gains and losses, as with everything. But I usually tend to have two new ideas for the one idea that might not work out - and a lot of luck. Germany can be too regulated for what I am trying to accomplish and I think that my career wouldn't be at the same level as it is here at this point in time. I feel that if you have the ability in the US to make yourself stand out, that alone can be a step towards winning, while in Germany you often need to prove that on paper with a certificate. When I wasn't accepted into any of the German schools for design for the simple reason that I am not drawing my ideas before they go into production, a lifetime dream was literally shattered for me. I was able to revive this lifetime dream here in the U.S. by filling a niche.

What were the obstacles, the hardship or challenges upon your arrival in New York City?

The fashion world is a bit merciless, as many other industries are. So it is a matter of persistence. It is also quite interesting how people view you over the course of time. When I visit Germany, I am now "the New Yorker." Here in New York City I tend to be "the European." That often implies the positive stereotype that I know about style and class. I was overall very positively received when I arrived in New York City, and I couldn't have had a better mentor for the city than my husband Miguel, a native New Yorker.

What type of woman do you envision wearing your clothes?

I think she might be very feminine, strong, ambitious, broad minded and sensitive. As much as I get emotionally involved in my fashion, I'd love the same for my clients. To me the female body is a canvas I create art work for and with.

Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?

I would like to be living on several continents and would love for my brand to be known in many countries. I'd also love to expand my professional experience to working with theaters and cooperating with other companies. Of course, I'd equally like to evolve personally during this process. I also like creating work for others. I believe that is important as it maintains good energy.


"The Carrousel" marks Dunja Messer-Jourdain's first excursion into casual evening/office wear. Photo: Chad Gayle

Kim Kardashian's Video Game Makes The Quest For Fame Seem Tedious And Exhausting

June 26, 2014, 12:44 pm

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I spent a couple of hours playing Kim Kardashian's newly released iOS game, "Kim Kardashian: Hollywood," and all I learned is that the quest for fame and fortune -- specifically when you don't have actual talent -- is tedious and exhausting.

It's fitting that the goal of the game is to rise from a lowly store clerk to a bonafide celebrity by gaining fans and working your way up from the E- to A-lister status -- because who knows the ropes better than Kim Kardashian?

After downloading the (thankfully) free game on my iPhone, I was able to customize an avatar to vaguely resemble myself, and begin my journey to stardom. After working a shift at the So Chic boutique, adjusting mannequins and folding shirts, my avatar finally got to lock up for the night. Who should appear then but Kim K of course, asking if the store was still open. (Of course! Anything for you, Kim.)

After hooking Kim up with a hot red dress (that I had to insist on not charging her for), she invited me along to a photo shoot. Of course she tells me to wear something "dressier" than my old crop top and jeans, and I changed into a body-hugging white cut-out dress, that Kim actually wore on a date night with Kanye back in October.

Players gain fame by completing tasks, so after helping out at Kim's photo shoot, she set me up with a manager, who later hooked me up with a publicist. During the course of the game I'm introduced to various models, moguls, paparazzi and more people who can allegedly help me on my journey to the A-list. I'm repeatedly asked if I want to either flirt with or network with any of these people, and each choice affects my future. Later, Kim tells me that one way to gain fame is to date other famous people. Because, duh.



One progressive aspect to the game is that my avatar was actually asked which gender I was interested in dating, before I met up with a male model of Kim's choosing.



Over the course of the couple hours I played the game, my avatar did three photo shoots, walked a runway show, worked two shifts folding clothes, started a feud with another celebrity wannabe, went to a club opening in Miami and threw a drink in said wannabe's face, was photographed by the paparazzi and took the bus between Downtown LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and LAX dozens of times. (Why my avatar wasn't practical enough to save for a car while living in Los Angeles is beyond me).

When all was said and done and I could no longer stand all the phone calls from my manager Simon telling me a gig materialized, I was exhausted. Yes, trying to get famous while having no talent is really tiring. That also might explain why my avatar was repeatedly told that I didn't have enough energy to finish my tasks, and was asked if I wanted to purchase -- with real money, naturally -- more stars that would give me energy. (You didn't think a Kardashian would put out a game that was completely free, did you?)

In the end, the constant travel and repetitive nature of the fame game itself -- coupled with my avatar's lack of energy (aka my lack of willingness to shell out actual cash on the game) -- kept me from ascending to the top of the A-list. But you know what they say, it takes money to make money. Which is something the Kardashians know all too well.

Perhaps what is saddest about the game in general is how much it likely mirrors Kardashian's own life, with an endless string of photo shoots, promotional duties and club openings. It's a reminder of exactly what she has to do every day to make sure the world still knows she exists.

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Editorial: Androgyny

June 26, 2014, 1:16 pm

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I've been obsessed with the androgynous look ever since I saw Andrej Pejic walk the Jeremy Scott runway at Milk many years ago.

As more shows like Orange is the New Black and Rupaul's Drag Race come into the mainstream, the gender bending look will come into it's own. Even though it's now within the realm of high-fashion and high brow glossies, I'm waiting for the day that an androgynous girl or guy is the focus of an H&M or Uniqlo campaign. I feel like in the very near future we'll see the boundaries pushed even further. I'm really excited that Major has a girl like Rain Dove on their roaster and I was able to work with her for these extraordinarily divine pictures.














Credits



Photography & Styling: Alex Geana
Make-up and Hair: Roberto Machuca
Outerwear: Houghton
Gold Jacket: Brandon Sun
Accessories: Michal Negrin
Model: Rain Dove, Major

What Happened When One Woman Had Her Picture Photoshopped In 25 Different Countries

June 26, 2014, 1:47 pm

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"Make me look beautiful.”

That's what Esther Honig asked 40 photo editors to do -- in over 25 countries. Honig, a human interest reporter, sent a picture of herself to be photoshopped around the world to see just how much cultural values are applied to standards of beauty. The results throw the idea of "the perfect woman" into sharp relief.



Honig found that every country applied its own distinct perspective on beauty to her image. She was surprised by the degree to which each country's cultural values showed up as aesthetic preferences. Specifically, an image she received back from Morocco was "a bit of a shock initially." She told The Huffington Post via email, "[It] definitely highlighted my own lack of cultural awareness. Of course, someone from a country where the primary religion is Islam might elect to add a Hijab to my image as that aligns with their own cultural customs. For me it really added depth to my project by touching on the concept of religion and custom, not just aesthetics."




Seeing her image manipulated in so many dimensions had a profound impact on Honig's own self-perception. "I voluntarily sought out this opportunity and was pleased with how it turned out, but it did make me more aware of certain things like the uneven tone of my skin which was touched up by nearly every editor," she said. "I’ve watched my image subtly soften with filters and cloning brushes as well as radically transform with splicing, stretching and re-angling that completely restructured my face. Seeing some jobs for the first time have made me shriek."

Honig is reluctant to draw a "moral of the story" from the project, which is ongoing. "Flipping through the collection of Before & After, one may spot trends in models of beauty that represent each designer’s culture of origin, but that is entirely based on our interpretation," she said.

Still, the project dispels the myth of a singular beauty norm. "Overall what I’ve learned from this project is this; Photoshop allows us to achieve our unobtainable standards of beauty, but when we compare those standards on a global scale, achieving the ideal remains all the more illusive. "

Check out the rest of the incredible images below.

India


Ukraine


Venezuela


Argentina


Vietnam


Philippines


Romania


Sri Lanka


United States


UK


Israel


Italy


Australia


Bangladesh


Chile


Germany


Greece


Indonesia

Kathy Griffin Poses Nude For Glamorous Poolside Photo Shoot

June 26, 2014, 2:10 pm

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Funny lady Kathy Griffin is certainly turning heads.

The 53-year-old actress and comedian went glamorously nude for a poolside photo shoot with celebrity photographer Tyler Shields.



Shields, who has previously photographed stars including Lindsay Lohan and Emma Roberts, had nothing but good things to say about the red-headed star.



"She was one of the best and easiest people to work with," he told MailOnline. "We met through A.J. McLean from the Backstreet Boys and she wanted to outdo him. She wanted to do something iconic."



The photographs are amazing, and we also can't say we mind imagining what must be a hilarious friendship between Griffin and the former Backstreet Boys star.

Summer Closet Cleansing: 5 Ways to Work With What You've Got This Season

June 26, 2014, 3:14 pm

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Oh snap! Have you heard the new shocking Bureau of Economic Analysis statistic showing that the average woman spends $3,400 a year on clothing? While we're all for the occasional shopping splurge, this shocking stat is just what we need to get us in the mindset to re-use and recycle some of our less-worn closet pieces. Whether you have a box of old jeans hiding in the back of your wardrobe or are simply looking for a refreshing new way to wear a last-season purchase, check out these five hacks to make what's old new again!

1. Denim Do Over



Have your favorite flared jeans gone out of style? Grab a pair of scissors and turn those jeans into cut-offs! Whether you opt for a short Daisy Duke-style or prefer a longer cut and fold them over, it's a cinch to snip your denim. Pose via @allysoninwonderland.

2. Cute and Cropped



Summer is the perfect season to show a little midriff! Transform a baggy, oversized tee into a stylish crop-top like @halliedaily.

3. No sleeves, please!



Repurpose a classic denim jacket for warmer weather by taking off your sleeves like @dashofdarling.

4. Maxi Madness



Maximize your dress game with a mid-length dress. Hitting right below the knees, a midi dress is just a small snip away from last season's maxi. Pose via @bureauofchic.

5. Tie-Dye For



Nothing says summer quite like tie-dye! Have an old purse, shirt or pair of shorts looking for a colorful refresh? A little tie-dye goes a long way. Pose via @hautepinkpretty.

Prince Harry Opens Up About Losing Princess Diana While Visiting Orphans In Brazil

June 26, 2014, 3:51 pm

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Prince Harry took a break from the fun and games of the World Cup to bond with -- and offer support to -- some of Brazil’s orphans.

While Harry certainly enjoyed some World Cup festivities, he also made sure cordon off time to meet with orphans there who are getting help from Acer, a nonprofit that works to empower street kids, the Telegraph reported.



In a rare emotional moment, Harry opened up about losing his own mother -- a topic he rarely discusses -- to show the children that he can empathize with their pain.

"I wanted to use my own experiences in a very small way to try to give them a bit of understanding about the fact that I see what you're going through," he told the Telegraph. "But you hear the stories and think that's nothing to what they have been through."

When he was 12 years old, Harry lost his mother, Princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in Paris.

Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his mother's death, the prince said his loss pales in comparison to the struggles the orphans in Brazil face.

Many of their parents have succumbed to drug addiction, murder and violence, the Telegraph reported.



Harry said he felt particularly heartened by Acer’s work with vulnerable children.

Founded in 1993, Acer aims to give vulnerable children a second chance through its educational programs, efforts to end child labor and family counseling.

"Some of the children’s stories almost reduced me to tears," Harry said in a tribute to Brazil. "But the smiles on their faces show the positive impact their community is having on them and the success story of Acer. When I’m here, I feel like one of you."

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11 Instagram Style Tips To Take From Young Starlets

June 27, 2014, 5:00 am

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There's no better place to look for some serious fashion inspiration than Instagram, with its combination of street style stars, bloggers, artists, glossy magazine editors and celebrities. Even Tom Ford declared Rihanna's Instagram account (RIP) more powerful than "legitimate" fashion reviews.

We'd like to take a moment to celebrate the younger stars making waves across the social media platform. Whether they're hanging out with friends, going out to dinner or spending some time at home, these women are having fun and taking some exciting risks when it comes to their fashion. Here's what we learned from their accounts.

1. Wearing all white is more punk than you think.


2. It's better to be bold than be boring.


3. Fashion is more fun when you have a dark side.


4. Own your sense of style, not your age.


5. You can never go wrong with all-black everything.


6. Mixing prints and patterns is a risk worth taking.


7. There's nothing wrong with going gray.


8. Smiling is sometimes the only accessory you need.


9. Muted makeup can make the biggest statement.


10. A good headband goes a long way.


11. And embracing your individuality is the best style choice you can make.

Kardashians And French Montana Celebrate Khloe's Birthday In Style

June 27, 2014, 6:07 am

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Khloe Kardashian turned 30 years old, and celebrated the milestone birthday in style.

The reality starlet and her family headed out Thursday, June 26, for some pre-birthday celebrations in New York City. Rapper French Montana, Khloe's rumored beau, joined the party, which included Kim, Kourtney, Kris, Kendall and Kylie. He also reportedly gave Khloe a $49,000 white Jeep for her big day.

While Kim opted for a thigh-high slit dress and Kendall went with a galactic printed number, Khloe made the biggest fashion statement of the night with grills on her teeth.

Earlier in the evening, the family was photographed leaving the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District where they had gathered to get ready together, according to Us Weekly.

Khloe turns 30 on Friday, June 27.

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The 3 Worst Diets I Ever Tried

June 27, 2014, 6:41 am

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Like millions of you out there I have a serious love/hate relationship with a certain four letter "F" word.

F-O-O-D.

Food has been my best friend, my boyfriend and my enemy since... like... birth.

I started drinking milkshakes from the soda fountain at Woolworth's at 3-months-old and it's been a battle ever since.

Too many milkshakes among other delectables unfortunately led to a lifelong fight with food.

I was never the girl who had a "fast metabolism" and could eat whatever I wanted -- my friend Susie could eat a bag of Cheetos for breakfast, cheeseburgers for lunch and half a pizza for dinner while snacking constantly throughout the day and stay thin as a rail. People would marvel, "Where does she put it all?" "She must have a hollow leg!" "Let her eat, she's a growing girl!"

I had to listen to all this while Susie ate her Good Humor Toasted Almond Bar as I sat next to her eating my miserable cup of "ice milk." Blech. Ice milk.

Another strike against me growing up was my complete and total lack of athleticism. I liked to attend Yankee games with my aunt because she bought me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks. My dad coached a softball team and convinced me to try it out. I was good at standing in waaaay out in the outfield, looking around aimlessly, and I was really good at sneaking bites of my Reggie candy bar that I had tucked in my knee high sock. I needed energy, to stand there looking around, right? One-two-three strikes you're out at the old ball gaaaaame.

I also was and never will be the girl who "was so busy I forgot to eat." Who IS that girl? Here's how my brain operates: I will forget how old I am, what I did last night, how long I've been married, and what my children weighed when they were born but I will never, ever forget to eat my lunch -- that I can guarantee.

Many a diet has come into my life from the age of 7 (yes, seven) to 40-something. MANY.

Below are a few of the more ridiculous ones that will be ingrained in my head for eternity, each so healthy and nutritiously sound in their own way...you gotta wonder why they didn't work out for me.

Lose 10 Pounds in Three Days.
Why wouldn't I try this? I mean, the name of the diet says it all. Ten pounds? Three days? SOLD.

I did this diet several times growing up along with my mother and it almost ruined hot dogs for me. Mom kept the diet in a manila folder on a legal-sized sheet of paper. She used her secretarial skills to type it out, all professional-like. When I would put on a few pounds, I would see the sheet of paper sitting out on the kitchen counter, and I knew I better get all the Mr. Salty pretzel sticks in me that I could -- and fast -- because here is what the next three days had in store for me:





For reals.

I choked down beets, wondered why I wasn't allowed to mix in any mayo with my tuna, and packed that measuring cup as full as I could get it with vanilla ice cream, pressing the metal spoon down hard into the metal measuring cup so I could get the most bang for my buck. My stomach growled at night as I lay in bed -- angry and hungry. What is this, like 500 calories a day? Good Lord.

Med-Nutra.
Let's start by saying that the name of this diet was not the big selling point. Was it a diet? Some form of plant life? A furry, cute mammal? Who would know what this was?

There was a Med-Nutra Centre (That's Centre with "re" -- all European-like) in a strip mall next to a Kentucky Fried Chicken where I liked to stock up on those "Chicken Little" sandwiches. Remember those? They were like two-bites, all little with creamy mayo and one pickle slice?

Anyway... the Med-Nutra diet consisted of shakes for breakfast, pudding for lunch, and a sensible dinner. I would "doctor up" the shakes with a spoonful of peanut butter and a banana (at least I got a whole banana this time; not half like in the last diet.) But there was no doctoring up that pudding-lunch.

Dry, gritty, medicinal tasting, blech -- I choked down my lunch as quickly as I could. Wouldn't a salad have been better? This picture was taken after I hit my goal weight -- I think I wore this bathing suit like twice but I was all fired up to wear a two-piece like all of my girlfriends to the beach in Florida. But those Chicken Littles came a callin' and then, well, you know the rest of the story.


My Oprah Winfrey "Little Red Wagon Full of Fat" moment. Except I am standing in front of a lit fireplace in Tampa, FL. I think ten minutes after this photo was taken, the weight was back on.


Jenny Craig.
Hello, 1-800-Jenny? Hi, yeah, my name is Lori and I am getting married in two months. Listen, I need to do two things fast -- drop a ton of weight and drop a ton of money. You can help me? GREAT!

My Jenny Craig consultant, whose name also happened to be Jenny ("No, I'm not that Jenny, isn't that a funny coincidence?!?) was baffled by me. After I lost all my weight and got thin I told her she better enjoy it now, because post-wedding it was probably coming back, baby.

After the wedding, as predicted, well, you know. It was like I had been let out of prison on my honeymoon. Chinese food -- I've missed you so! Pasta, I'm sorry I've neglected you. And cookie dough, how can I find the words?


And I still wore a girdle under this. Mid-reception it was ripped off and thrown somewhere. Never saw it again.


Today I'm happy to report that I am currently not on any sort of a diet. I eat a ton of fruit, try and squeeze in veggies, and as much as I loathe it I do exercise a few times a week. But I'm not as fanatical about the whole thing as I used to be. If I want cake, I eat cake. I eat ice cream instead of ice milk dammit, and I love it.

I did pull out that old "Lose Ten Pounds in Three Days" diet a few months back and seriously considered it. An easy, quick, albeit temporary fix. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't risk losing my love of hot dogs again.

It's summer, after all.

Lori's website, Drawn to the 80s, is where her 5-year-old draws the music hits of the 1980's. A version of this post originally appeared on Lori's blog, Once Upon a Product, where she writes about important things like food, beauty products and Mick Jagger.

Burn Victim Turia Pitt Covers Australian Women's Weekly, And It's Absolutely Stunning

June 27, 2014, 7:20 am

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Women's magazines are typically covered by Hollywood starlets or in-demand supermodels. Although Turia Pitt is neither, her cover of Australia's Women's Weekly makes for one seriously inspirational example against the status quo.

Pitt is a 26-year-old burn victim who suffered burns to 65 percent of her body three years ago when she was caught in a brushfire while running an ultra-marathon in Australia. She underwent 100 surgeries and spent more than 864 days in the hospital fighting for her life.

Today, the mining engineer is a motivational speaker and author. She is also a member of Women's Weekly judging panel for the annual Women of the Future scholarship awards. After Pitt was photographed as part of the panel, Women's Weekly editor decided to put her on the cover.

"When Turia was photographed as part of our Women of the Future judging panel among a group of similarly impressive Australian women, it was clear from the moment she sat in front of the camera that the July cover had to belong to her," Editor-in-Chief Helen McCabe said, according to Australia's Women's Weekly. "Any attempt to describe the magic and beauty of Turia seems to get lost in platitudes or clichés. Yet I have never met a more remarkable person."

Pitt says she believes her cover can have an impact off the page.

"Being on the cover of the Australian Women's Weekly is a huge honor. I feel very humbled," she said. "For me, it sends the message that confidence equals beauty. There are a lot of women out there who are so beautiful but don’t have the confidence, and that's what gets you over the line."

Pitt's extraordinary appearance has already touched people around the world, including Hello Giggles blogger Margaret Eby who wrote about why Pitt could be a catalyst for real change:

Let Pitt be an example to other publishers of women’s magazines: Beauty comes in many vessels. Women need to see less gloss, and more grit. Less mascara, and more accomplishment. More women of color, more women with diverse backgrounds, just more. What if magazines started using women who didn’t look perfect on their covers? What if they started using women with unique faces and incredible back stories? Could we handle it? Yes, yes we could.

Lorde Loves That Rihanna Is Fearless And Confident

June 27, 2014, 7:41 am

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Every time 17-year-old Lorde opens her mouth, we fall in love a little more.

This time, her eloquent words were on the topic of Rihanna in a recent interview with London Evening Standard's magazine.

"She’s just magnetic. You can’t not look at Rihanna. I would buy anything Rihanna sold me," she said. "The way Rihanna embodies being a sexual woman feels very 'her.' I don’t think she wears Swarovski crystals to please other people. I think she wears them because she’s like: 'I feel amazing. You better look. I’m obviously the best-looking thing in this room.' She’s so fearless and confident. I just love her."

"People should stop worrying about their daughters," she continued. "I don’t see a female without clothing as a terrible influence. There are worse things. Shooting people. Glorifying violence …"

It's clear Lorde has her priorities straight, and hits the nail right on the head when explaining the appeal of great artists presenting their authentic selves. As for now, she's aiming at bringing more of her own unique work to the world in a second album:

"I’m super-excited to be writing it, having done so much stuff in such a short space of time," she said. "I’ve got so many things to talk about!"

And we obviously can't wait to hear them.

Summer Essentials

June 27, 2014, 8:10 am

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Whether your heading to the beach, lake, park or backyard patio, be sure you have these fun and festive essentials on hand to ensure a summer worthy good-time!

Clos on the Go

Whats better than a chic beach bag that turns into a chair? Well, that's not why we really love it, we love it because its fun, Trina Turk designed, and holds a perfectly chilled bottle of Clos du Bois Chardonnay, two plastic wine glasses, a corkscrew, a fabulous yellow Trina Palm Springs Block beach towel, and playing cards! Can you say sunny side up?



Cooler that Cares

Everyone needs a summer cooler, and this one is chic for a few reasons, its bright orange and retro patterned, but most importantly, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi has joined forces with No KId Hungry to support this worthy cause through sales of the Caring Cooler. Keep your wine chilled, support charity, and be chic, all at the same time!



Be Bright

An updated modern fresh take on a silk shift...



Be my Guest

You'll be sure to top the guest list with this delectable cake, a bit salty, and a bit sweet, something for everyone's tastes. Have it delivered to your destination ahead of time to make your summer life easy breezy.



Set the Table

Perfect for the patio, or to bring along to a barbeque, this crabby clawed set will show off any salad you're serving.



It's a wrap

Chilly evenings call for a light layer. These turkish scarves have all that, in a rainbow of colors, and super soft, you might have to get a least a few fro the season.

Gisele Bundchen Sports A Buzz Cut In New Balenciaga Ad

June 27, 2014, 8:58 am

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It's Gisele Bundchen like we've never seen her before.

The supermodel might be famous for her glorious, flowing tresses, but the 33-year-old model rocks an edgy buzz cut that we simply love in Balenciaga's latest ad campaign. Along with the cropped style, Bundchen sports thigh-high leather boots and strikes a serious power pose.

Vogue Spain notes its dramatically different from "the image of femme fatale for Emilio Pucci or of the pure nostalgia of Isabel Marant" in previous ads. The look is an entirely new one for the model, who acted as a muse for Balenciaga artistic director Alexander Wang.

“This is how I see Gisele for Balenciaga; strong, powerful, mysterious and uncompromising,” Wang told Women's Wear Daily. “This season we worked with this idea of vanity, staged in a room filled with mirrors. But the cracked mirror is a continuing thread from the marble veins and creeping ivy leaves from seasons past.”



The campaign, shot by Steven Klein, is set to appear in magazines in September. This is not the first time Bundchen has posed for Balenciaga. The model appeared in a tomboy-inspired look for the brand's Spring 2011 ad campaign. She also returned to the runway to walk in Balenciaga's Spring 2011 show and made quite the statement in flats.