MY OBSESSION: BILL CUNNINGHAM

Before there was The Sartorialist Scott Schuman and Jak & Jil photoblogger Tommy Ton, there was Bill Cunningham, pioneer to street style photography whose career has lasted longer than some of us have been on this earth.  Last night I finally saw the documentary Bill Cunningham New York about the renowned NY Times columnist and photographer.  I have seen his column that runs in the Times style section called On the Street but I never knew who the man was behind the lens.

LOOK WE LOVE: SOLANGE KNOWLES

My girl Solange is really having her moment.  She graced the cover of Time Out NY Magazine's Spring Fashion issue looking lovely in a bright Christopher Kane floral dress.  And she also appeared on the covers of London magazines Rolla Coaster and ES Magazine where in the latter she talks about growing up in the shadows of big sis Beyonce, working on her new album tentatively scheduled for release in June, and achieving It-girl status.

PARIS FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP

A look from Balmain

Paris fashion week delivered a series of delights this season.  Starting with the eveningwear at Christian Dior, it came in graceful floor sweeping tulle in a variety of candy colored confections from pale mauve to deep burgundy.  At Lanvin, creative director Alber Elbaz celebrated his 10-year anniversary with a stellar collection.  I loved the bejeweled dresses and and statement accessories.  Check out the tiger choker shown below.  Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel sent out a series of cosmic looks with stalactites, crystals, and feathered creations that looked like they came from another galaxy.  But the sheer skirts layered over leggings and cut-out heels were out of this world.  Meanwhile at Balmain more was more with beautifully embroidered and embellished creations reminiscent of carefully crafted ceramics. 

RUNWAY TO REAL LIFE: THE "OWLS" HAVE IT

A look from Burberry Prorsum
photo courtesy of style.com

Ever since Christopher Bailey, creative director of Burberry, sent a series of shirts adorned with the most adorable owl prints down the runway for Fall, it seems that the round-eyed creatures have been popping up everywhere.  Sure they've been around long before the runway show last month, but people seem to be stepping up and taking notice.  A recent trip to Portobello Road in the lovely Notting Hill section of West London brought these nocturnal animals to the forefront.  They were on everything from pillows to cards and dresses, even cookies!  If you are feeling these birds like I am, here's some owl prints and accessories that are a hoot. 

MILAN FASHION WEEK: MY FAVORITE LOOKS

A look from Versace

The sparkly jewel toned party frocks at Roberto Cavalli.  (Runway veteran Naomi Campbell closed the show in a dangerously low cut burgundy stunner and black gloves proving that Justin Timberlake isn't the only one bringing sexy back).  The mulit-colored wool and fur at Fendi.  The girly Renaissance look at Dolce & Gabbana vs. dark goth at Versace.  These were some of my favorite moments from Milan Fashion Week.  What are yours?