To complement the strong and somewhat athletic collection Phillip Lim sent down his fall 2011 runway, makeup artist Lisa Butler was inspired to pop model’s eyes with a wash of green color.

“Phillip had an image of a black swan in a green lake as part of his inspiration board -- and I wanted to mimic that idea of color surrounding something black, an unexpected element of surprise,” said Butler,  who used only Nars Cosmetics. “The skin was kept clean, with a muted lip, and then there were beautiful layers of green and blue on, and around the eyes." 

Butler barely touched skin with anything but The Concealer from Nars.

Focusing on the eyes, she applied Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliners in shades Rue de Rivoli and Abbey Road (which are new for fall 2011), Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow (new for summer 2011), and Delphes Trio Eyeshadow (new for fall 2011).

Lips were colored with Nars Pago Pago Lipstick (new for fall 2011).

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Beauty looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim fall 2011. Credit: Nars

There was truly something for everyone during Friday night’s Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles. At Neiman Marcus, the ladies who lunch came with their friends, mothers and shopping buddies in tow to flood each floor of the department store and, well, shop, shop, shop.

Dr. Lorena Frcek of Brentwood attended the Neiman’s event with her mother, and the two definitely got their shop on, purchasing some black jeans from CJ by Cookie Johnson (which was a featured product after Johnson staged a fashion show using the store’s centrally located escalators as a runway) as well as plenty of beauty and skin care products. “I’ve been shopping at Neiman’s for 20 years,” said Frcek. “I had a blast last year, but I definitely bought more this year.  They had yummy appetizers last time and the fashion show was better. This time they just have chocolate chip cookies. I’d love a small piece of bread and some cheese; it would be a nice pick-me-up.”

Designer David Meister was winding down his customer meet and greet (one of three he’s doing at Neiman’s over the weekend) and had a fun time at his first Fashion’s Night Out. “This is a great event for getting more people out. It makes shopping more approachable. The atmosphere may be like a party, but it also really promotes the retail business. It’s a win-win for everyone and it just seems to be getting bigger and bigger!”

Over at the 3.1 Phillip Lim store in West Hollywood, it was the crowd that was getting bigger and bigger. The Pattywagon burger truck gave party-goers sustenance (and a buffer for the tequila being served at the open bar) and drew a giant line that seemed to blend right into the well-dressed masses that stood around the front courtyard in too-cool-for-school huddles like it was lunchtime on the high school quad.

Inside the boutique hung an art exhibit by James Jean which was curated by Lim. The subject was “L.A tastemakers” and 19 portraits of people such as Cameron Silver, Gia Coppola and Rashida Jones were hung from clothing racks just in front of Lim’s fall 2010 collection. Out of 19 portraits, 11 sold and proceeds benefited the LACMA costume council. Clothing sales were also up with a portion also going to the costume council.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos, from top: Gia Coppola tends bar for guests at 3.1 Phillip Lim's party for Fashion's Night Out; Gia Coppola and Rashida Jones at 3.1 Phillip Lim's party for Fashion's Night Out. Credit: 3.1 Phillip Lim

-- There's been no official word about whether Mariah Carey is expecting, but maybe clothes tell the tale. The singer was seen stepping out in what looked like A Pea in The Pod brown, spaghetti strap sundress. [People]

-- This takes the trend marrying art, fashion and commerce to a whole new level: The renowned Martin Scorsese has made a film for Chanel's men's fragrance Bleu de Chanel. [People]

-- Tennis stars Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were to model Nike outfits they'll wear at the U.S. Open next week at a charity event Wednesday night. Sharapova's flirty, mint green number looked fresh in a sneak preview!  [InStyle]

-- Off the court, Sharapova looks great too, and can even look chic and together wearing Philip Lim sequined shorts. The key to a pop like sequined shorts is mixing them with low-key pieces, such as a silk blazer. [FabSugar]

-- Isaiah Mustafa's original Old Spice commercial won a creative arts Emmy and has led to several movie offers for the horse-riding, towel-wearing star. We can't wait to see more of him. (So to speak.) [StyleSectionLA]

-- Rebecca Minkoff will launch a shoe collection next spring. [WWD]

-- Tiffany has been famous for the little blue box forever. Now on Sept. 1., the jewelry staple is launching a line of handbags, all embellished in some way with that robin's egg blue. The bags will be available in a dozen U.S. Tiffany stores. And with prices ranging from $395 to $17,500, they definitely are for the luxury buyer. [Wall Street Journal] 

-- American Apparel's woes are resonating, even across the pond, where pundits are dissecting what went wrong. [Guardian]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Isaiah Mustafa in his award-winning commercial. Credit: Proctor & Gamble

The cities of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills have both announced plans for a blitz of well-organized  Fashion's Night Out activities for the evening of Sept. 10, and now it's West Hollywood's turn.

FNO WeHo is shaping up to be a tiny city going big: The 1.9 square miles is already home to 27 participating retailers, including Alpha Gear for Gents, Vera Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, the Sunset Plaza shopping center, Nicole Miller and Coco de Mer.

In addition, West Hollywood plans to have free shuttles stopping at six locations throughout the city for the duration of the shopping extravaganza, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with some events starting at 7 p.m.).

While organizers expect more businesses to announce specific plans as the date nears, currently confirmed on the calendar are a Julia Clancey runway show at the Andaz West Hollywood's RH bar, a display of James Jean artwork at the 3.1 Phillip Lim boutique and a party in Sunset Plaza -- complete with aural ambiance courtesy of live DJs and a runway show of fall fashion from the center's retailers. (The price of admission? You guessed it: an FNO proof of purchase.)

But the coolest perk of the night might be the chance to have your portrait shot by celebrity rock photographer Robert Knight, who will do the honors for anyone who drops $300 at the John Varvatos store on Robertson.

A full list of participating retailers -- as well as updates and specifics about events -- can be found online at www.AvenuesWH.com/events/fno.

-- Adam Tschorn

More All The Rage coverage of Fashion's Night Out

Photo: A 2009 photo of the entrance to the Andaz West Hollywood's RH bar, which is scheduled to host a Julia Clancey runway show as part of the city's plans for Fashion's Night Out. Credit: Ann Johansson / For the Los Angeles Times

 

 

Events

-- Twilight Saga fans heed this: On Saturday and Sunday, Nordstrom is opening a pop-up shop in its new Santa Monica Place location (grand opening on Aug. 27) showcasing an exclusive fashion collection inspired by “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” featuring movie-themed T-shirts and tank tops. You can also try and purchase the Luna Twilight beauty collection or pick up life-size cutouts of Edward, Jacob, Bella and Alice. Bring a camera phone to snap friends in front of "Twilight" movie backdrops. Spend $50 on Brass Plum merchandise and receive a pass (limit four tickets per customer, while supply lasts) to a special advance screening of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” the day before its wide-release on June 30. 

314 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 470-6155, ext. 1570. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Sales

-- Starting Thursday and going through Sunday, pick up a new pair of LA Eyeworks sunglasses at up to 70% off (only at its Melrose location).

7407 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 653-8255. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. 

-- Beginning Friday and going on indefinitely, 3.1 Phillip Lim goes to 40% off on spring and resort fashions, including accessories, for women, men and children.

631 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If anyone could convince a guy that a drapey jumpsuit is a wardrobe staple, it’s Phillip Lim. The designer held an event at his Robertson Boulevard store on Tuesday night to showcase his fall/winter 2010 menswear collection to a small crowd including Rachel Bilson, Frankie Rayder, Ryan Kwanten and host Cameron Silver, who donned a black jumpsuit and animal print sneakers from Lim’s line.

Six of Lim’s favorite looks were re-created on models down to the slicked back hair, high-buckled boots and single IWC watch over a black fur-lined glove. Lim had specifically requested the timepiece (a Portuguese Automatic with black alligator strap) for the fall/winter 2010 runway show, and it seemed to be the only item of jewelry used. Utilitarian leather backpacks and thin belts around thick wool coats rounded out the urban-warrior vibe aesthetic the designer was going for.

As the presentation ended, DJ Devendra Banhart started spinning '80s favorites and guests soon began meandering to his set-up in the back of the store. Between the music, the Tuscan-style barbecue full of comfort food (such as ricotta mac-and-cheese, pulled pork sandwiches and homemade pies) and the specialty cocktails, it wasn’t long until a few people began to groove throughout the retail space. For some softer songs, singer Aska played an acoustic set while dressed in look 1 (a.k.a. a red blazer and trousers) from Lim’s spring/summer 2010 women’s show.

“I want everything in here” said one male guest while picking up a pair of lavender linen roll-down waist shorts that hung alongside the rest of the men’s fall collection. Looks like jumpsuits may not be out of the question.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Upper photo: Six looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim fall/winter 2010 men's collection. Credit: WireImage

Lower photos: (left to right) Phillip Lim, Anthony Kiedis, Frankie Rayder, Rachel Bilson, Ryan Kwanten. Credit: WireImage

 

 

While all eyes were on the bejeweled and bedazzled ladies who ascended the red carpet steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday night, some of the men found ways to mix up the traditional tuxedo and sport something as fetching as a couture gown.

Decades owner Cameron Silver donned a bespoke “Guru” tuxedo by Phillip Lim that was inspired by the roll-down waist "Guru" pant from Lim’s Spring/Summer 2010 men’s collection. The slouchy gather and casual vibe of the pant was dressed up with a black double-breasted tuxedo jacket, antique white shirt and bow tie -- all custom-made for the event.

"Phillip successfully updated the classic men’s 'penguin suit' and designed a tuxedo that is thoroughly 21st century and modern," says Silver. “I hope someday this tux will be in a retrospective of men’s American fashion, but for now I am proud to hang it in my closet!”

Lim was originally inspired to create the Guru from the lightweight fabrics and utilitarian style of the pants worn by farmers in Asia. The drawstring waist is a practical feature for an expanding or decreasing waistline and the slouchy shape wears well while moving and bending as well as in warm climates. In this case the roll-down waist served as a cummerbund.

Formal wear inspired by work wear -- that's what I call modern.

[Updated: A photo of the actual Guru pants suit that inspired the custom-made tuxedo has been added to this post. An earlier version of this post showed the women's Guru pants.]

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Left photo: Angelique Soave and Cameron Silver at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual gala. 

Right photo: Guru Suit from 3.1. Phillip Lim spring/summer 2010 men's presentation. Credit: FirstVIEW.com

What are stars wearing on their feet this spring? Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker and others show you. [People]

See the best (props to Reba McIntyre, Jennifer Nettles) and worst (Faith Hill, what were you thinking?) dresses at last night's American Country Music Awards.  [New York Post]

If you want to walk down the aisle in something a little different, see 20 takes on the bridal gown from Thakoon, Rachel Pally, Phillip Lim and others. [refinery29]

Sustainability roundup: Moxsie.com, Puma, Deckers. [wwd] 

Olympic snowboarder Shaun White gets into the shoe-design biz with Target. [wwd]

Melania Trump talks about her new jewelry line for QVC, The Donald and more. [StyleList] 

Strange Invisible Perfumes' new scent, Essence of IX, was created in collaboration with California's Colgin Cellars and may remind you of touring a wine cellar. In a good way, we mean. [BellaSugar]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland. Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

The smudgy-eye look seen at Thakoon and Marc Jacobs made its way onto Phillip Lim’s runway as well.  The post-disco punk look a la Blondie was completed with perfectly piecey feathered hair and complimented his purple sequin pieces and long, lean trousers.

“Energy radiates within the girls through their makeup, with eyes that have a bit of a rock and roll feel,” the designer said.

To get the glowing cheeks and strong eyes, makeup artist Lisa Butler channeled what she calls an “elegant rock-princess,” keeping skin fresh and youthful while eyes were sexy and smoldering.
Butler used the following Nars products to get the right runway look:

FACE
• Riviera Multiple
• Lovejoy or Madly Blush
• Luxor Multiple

EYES
• Abyssinia Single Eyeshadow
• Nymphea Single Eyeshadow
• Bali Single Eyeshadow
• London Eyeliner Pencil

LIPS
• Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

--Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Model at 3.1. Phillip Lim fall/winter 2010 show. Credit: Nars

Phillip Lim hit it out of the park with his fall collection by returning to what he became famous for in the first place -- elevating classic sportswear pieces to must-haves with the slightest design tweaks.

In a season when nearly every designer has shown a cape, his had something extra. The first came in a blown-out, buff-colored check pattern, paired with a hot pink silk blouse with ties at the cuffs and black suede jeans with a bit of flare in the leg.

(For those who live in warmer climates, Lim's crisp white oxford button down cape shirt was a clever spin on the trend. )

"Everything a girl needs." That's what I overheard a guest saying about the Tory Burch presentation, but it could just as well have described Phillip Lim's collection. Both designers are champions of the new bridge market that is a bright spot at retail, offering high style at not-so-high prices (mostly less than $1,000).

Burch, who is known for her 1970s WASP look, said her spring line was about "effortless dressing," and "Alexander Calder meets William Eggleston."

That translated into lots of versatile pieces for would-be socialites, including glove leather cargo pants; a tie-dye leather miniskirt; a navy striped knit blazer; a sand, sun-yellow and gold-hued loose knit sweater; beaded envelope clutches and natural suede, side-buckled moccasin booties.

You could almost hear the cash register going ka-ching as Phillip Lim's models walked down the runway. His show may not have been the week's most exciting, but it ticked off the trends all right, from the color red (a saucy lipstick-red mackintosh) to featherweight leather (a draped-front, caramel leather skirt), to feminine frills (on a natural-colored jacket with a ruffled body, cutaway back and ribbon closures) to the new pants ("guru" pants with a fold-over knit waist, worn with a double-breasted shirt jacket as a new kind of suit).

Lim’s takes on multimedia, collage dresses were nicely done, too, with sculptural accordion pleating, draped lace and sequin panels.

-- Booth Moore

Photos: Tory Burch spring-summer 2010 runway

Photos: 3.1 Phillip Lim spring-summer 2010 runway

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Phillip Lim returns to Los Angeles on July 18 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his West Coast 3.1 flagship and invites shoppers and fans to spend the afternoon with him. [Updated 3 p.m.: An earlier version of this article and its headline incorrectly said that the event would be this Saturday.]

Lim will showcase his fall 3.1 Phillip Lim collection for women, men and kids, as well as accessories. Of note: his new breakaway coats for women. “You can wear them buttoned up by day and then at night you can unbutton the bottom section for an edgier feel,” he advises. “Two-in-one look, perfect for this economy.”

Browsers can also preview and pre-order from the holiday and resort collections. The first 100 buyers will receive a tote bag Lim designed for the event, packed with goodies from Nars Cosmetics and Frederic Fekkai. The new 3.1 shoe collection, exclusive to the West Hollywood store on the West Coast, features jazz flats and studded ankle boots ($410 to $750).

A portion of the proceeds from purchases goes to the Art of Elysium, an organization that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to share their talents with children battling serious medical conditions.