Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Ivanka Trump launches eco-friendly wedding jewelry

There's more to the Venice International Art Biennale than, well, art. Think fashion, for instance. Prada, Missoni and Hogan are among the brands hosting cocktail parties and other events for the festival, which runs until Nov. 27. [Telegraph]

Flowy dresses and summer hats abounded at last weekend's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island in New York City. Celebs including Naomi Watts, Isla Fisher and Nicky Hilton dressed the part, while the fashion world was represented by luminaries including Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan. International polo star Nacho Figueras -- the "face" of Ralph Lauren's World of Polo fragrances -- was there too, of course. That's Nacho above tipping his hat at a previous match. [FabSugar]   

A former employee has filed suit in federal court in Manhattan against Gucci seeking $5 million in damages and contending that she was fired after complaining of racism in the workplace. Josephine Robinson, who describes herself as a "dark-skinned, West Indian Latina," had worked as a tax attorney for Gucci and says in the lawsuit that she faced "an unrelenting barrage of racist comments and jokes at her expense."  Robinson also says that she was instructed to "tax the hell out of" Rihanna when she was working on the company's contract with the pop star, who appeared in Gucci's Tattoo Heart ad campaign. A company spokesman calls the lawsuit "baseless."  [New York Post]

A flash sale site for the environmentally conscious debuted Monday, making it just that much easier to be green and stylish at the same time. The members' only site, LovingEco, carries established  brands such as Stewart and Brown, Cri de Couer and Clary Sage Organics, as well as fair-trade items from countries like Kenya. The e-tailer plans to donate 3% of net proceeds to various charities. [FabSugar]  

Cacharel has named Ling Liu and Dawei Sun, the designers behind the Belle Ninon label, as artistic directors. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

For brides who want to be eco-friendly, Ivanka Trump has a new line of rings that will help. Her just-launched green bridal line is made entirely from sustainable diamonds and recycled platinum and gold. Prices range from $7,000 to $130,000 -- the latter for a whopping nine-carat diamond. [FabSugar] 

Bored with the same-old-same-old at the beach? Consider accessorizing that bikini or coverup with jewelry. Jewelry that's hardy enough to withstand sand, sun and sea, of course. Like plastic bangles, for instance. For tips on wearing jewelry at the beach, check out Vogue. 

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At the Venice Biennale, national artists know no boundaries.

Ralph Lauren model is all about polo, on and off the field.

Insider tips for online shopping.

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Nacho Figueras and teammate salute crowd of polo fans. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: January Jones gets attention at L.A. Lakers game. Gucci's new bag is a double Mother's Day gift. Daphne Guinness dresses for the Met Gala.

January Jones got a lot of attention when she attended Monday's Lakers' game -- partly because she was wearing very serious eyeglasses. She was also clearly showing off her pregnancy under a purple top -- and that was interesting too. [Daily Mail]

As promised, Daphne Guinness dressed for Monday's Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in one of Barneys New York’s Madison Avenue windows, in a staged piece of performance art. The beige feather-covered dress was designed by Alexander McQueen, who was being celebrated at the gala. [The Cut]

But I have to say, one of the most eye-catching gowns seen at the gala was worn by Christina Ricci, shown here with designer Zac Posen. I'm not sure how she walked in it, but love the attitude! 

See what others wore to the gala in our photo gallery here. 

Maxim's, the famed Paris eatery that has welcomed jet-setters and aristocrats since it was founded in 1893 -- and appeared in movies such as "Gigi" and Woody Allen's new "Midnight in Paris" -- is the subject of a book by Jean-Pascal Hesse. "Maxim's, Mirror of Parisian Life" will be published on June 16. The restaurant is now owed by designer Pierre Cardin. who was the subject of a book by Hesse last year. [WWD]

Amazon is getting into the flash sales game with the launch Tuesday of a members-only website called Myhabit. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Gucci's Frida Giannini created a special bag for Mother’s Day, designed to help babies. The limited-edition tote, available at Gucci.com through June 15, benefits UNICEF programs to stop HIV infections among newborns, and retails for $970 with 25% going to the cause. [WWD]

Celebrity fragrances seem to come and go, but some have real staying power. Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds, introduced 20 years ago, had $63.1 million in sales last year. Britney Spears' Curious, J. Lo Glow, the Paris Hilton Collection and Sarah Jessica Parker fragrances are all among the top sellers. [BellaSugar]  

Kate Bosworth will star in the third installment of Cotton Inc.'s "The Fabric of my Life" campaign. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

--Susan Denley

Photo: Designer Zac Posen and Christina Ricci at the Met Gala. Credit: Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Gucci debuts a $100 bracelet to benefit Japan earthquake relief efforts

Gucci has come up with perhaps the most stylish way to support the relief efforts in earthquake-devastated Japan we've seen yet.

The luxury brand will debut a limited-edition $100 charity bracelet, with proceeds from its sales benefiting the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Featuring a women band in red and white, the colors of the Japanese flag, the one-size-fits-all buckle bracelet boasts a round silver pendant inscribed with the sentiment, “Gucci loves you.” There's also white leather on the lining and trim, as well as a buckle in the shape of Gucci's iconic horsebit.  

The charity bracelet will debut at Gucci stores throughout Japan this Saturday, followed the week after by worldwide distribution in Gucci flagship stores across the United States, Europe and Asia.

Gucci and its sibling brands in the PPR Luxury Group have collectively raised close to $3 million in donations for the Red Cross since Japan's earthquake and tsumani.

-- Emili Vesilind

Photo: Gucci's charity bracelet. Credit: Gucci

Milan Fashion Week: The top shows and takeaways

The big news in Milan was the continued interest in updating classic couture shapes with unusual colors, fabrications and surface embellishments.

We saw it done best at Jil Sander, where designer Raf Simons made outsize drop-shoulder coats, tunics and dresses with martingale belts look completely modern, by showing them with sleek, skiwear-inspired knits and stirrup pants.

At Bottega Veneta, Tomas Maier used ladylike, 1960s-inspired coats and sleeveless shift dresses as canvases for incredible work with layers of lace and print.

The 1960s trend took a mod turn at Versace, Alberta Ferretti and most notably at Prada, where coats and coatdresses with low-slung belts came in solids, windowpane checks, decorated with contrast piping, shag fur or silver-dollar sized paillettes.

Fashion's love affair with fur is still going strong. Marni's Consuelo Castiglione was the most inventive with fur, showing a modern-looking, zip-front mink blouson jacket, a full-length fur coat sheared into a diamond pattern, and a stiff, molded black leather jacket with a broadtail hem.

Also carrying over from spring, vivid color, seen most clearly at Gucci. Forest green, rust, mustard yellow, peach and teal blue were all hot hues, used to spectacular effect in Fendi's collection of arty, English country chic.

As for accessories, the Mary Jane with a chunky heel is the must-have. And why carry just one bag when you can carry two?

Now onto Paris. But not before naming the top five collections out of Milan: Bottega Veneta. Fendi, Marni, Prada and Jil Sander.

--Booth Moore in Milan

PHOTOS: Milan Fashion Week fall-winter 2011 top five shows photo gallery

Photos: Looks from the Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Prada, Marni, Gucci and Fendi fall-winter 2011 runway collections shown during Milan Fashion Week. Credit: Jonas Gustavsson and Peter Stigter / For The Times.

Milan Fashion Week: Gucci's film noir in color

Gucci designer Frida Giannini cited flame-haired songstress Florence Welch as the inspiration for her sexy fall collection, which opened fashion week in Milan on Wednesday.

"A contemporary female dandy," was how Giannini described the look, which began with a bold palette of emerald green, fuchsia, purple, teal and rust.

But however she cast it, this was nothing new for Gucci. It harkened back to the house's heyday in the 1970s, and again in the 1990s with Tom Ford at the helm.

But with so many designers mining the 1970s this runway season and last, it was probably inevitable that Gucci would take its turn. And the clothes were actually quite pretty -- jewel-toned pantsuits, suede skirts that hit below the knee, and slim-fitting coats worn with vibrant fur stoles and plumed fedoras. Other accessories included colorful snakeskin pumps and the new Jackie bag with a long, detachable shoulder strap.

Floaty dresses with scarves that tied at the neck came in colorful silk jersey or see-through fabric, slit thigh-high. Glossy black patent leather boots and skirts added another element of kinkiness.

And just when the eye was beginning to tire of so many bushy fur vests, Giannini sent out flowers instead. Capelets, boleros and stoles, thick with organza, chiffon and silk petals, worn over chiffon gowns.

In a show that felt a little soulless, as if Giannini was just churning out luxury, it was her most creative moment.

-- Booth Moore in Milan

Gucci fall-winter 2011 runway collection photo gallery

 Photos: Looks from the Gucci fall-winter 2011 runway collection shown during Milan Fashion Week. Credit: Jonas Gustavsson and Peter Stigter / For The Times.

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Your morning fashion and beauty report: Justin Bieber changes his hair, Kate Middleton chooses a hatmaker, Drew Barrymore exudes lasting style

OMG! Stop the presses. Justin Bieber got a haircut! Why, it was only last week when the cast of "Glee" paid tribute to his modern moptop (Puck shaking hair out of his eyes? LOL!). But now it's gone! [TMZ]

It's Drew Barrymore's birthday (number 36), and she's been a style maven for probably at least the last 20 of them. Say "happy birthday" by taking a look at some of her most memorable outfits. [FabSugar] 

What will you be wearing in spring of next year? Probably not 100% cotton. The high cost of the fiber is leading manufacturers to experiment with new blends and "alternative fiber mixes." [WWD] (Subscription required.)

And maybe not sandblasted jeans either. Two big players in the world of denim, Levi Strauss & Co. and H&M, are cooperating with the International Textile Garment & Leather Workers’ Federation to ban the sandblasting process, which can be hazardous for textile workers. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Looking for a new little something to lift yourself out of the winter doldrums? Consider trying out a new look for nails by copying one of the 30 best manicures at New York Fashion Week. [BellaSugar] 

JCPenney is planning to roll out a new slogan and logo in its commercials during Sunday's Academy Awards broadcast. Um, it seems to me that new logos haven't worked so well for some other established (one might say "heritage") companies. But only time will tell. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

L.A. Rose Vintage Boutique, which opened at the Los Angeles Farmer's Market in November, is moving to a bigger spot on Melrose. The opening is slated for March 3. [Mondette]

The first French Vogue supervised by new editor Emmanuelle Alt is slated to arrive on newsstands in early March. It will feature Gisele on the cover, dressed in Dolce & Gabbana. [Vogue UK] 

OK, this does not really strike me as news, but since I'm obsessed right now with all-things-Kate I must report that Kate Middleton has signed up premiere London hatmaker Philip Treacy to design headgear she'll wear on her wedding day. (Princess-to-be chooses top British hatmaker ... no surprise there.) It's unclear, though, whether Treacy is designing something she'll wear before, during or after the wedding ceremony. Yes, several changes of outfit are expected. [FabSugar UK]

Actor and renaissance man James Franco interviews Gucci creative director Frida Giannini (we featured her Sunday on All the Rage) in Harper's Bazaar. [Harper's Bazaar]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Drew Barrymore, who celebrates her birthday Tuesday. Credit: WireImage

Gucci and rock stars: Frida Giannini cultivates music connections

“I’m a person who can’t live without music,” said Frida Giannini, creative director of Gucci, tucked into a cushy chair inside a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. 

And judging by the brand’s enduring presence on red carpets, in music videos and on worldwide concert stages, it seems the music industry can’t live without the legendary Italian fashion label, either. 

The brand, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, has had its fair share of splashy red-carpet moments in recent memory, courtesy of Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and -- at the Feb. 13 Grammy Awards -- John Legend and Kings of Leon.

And though Gucci has a long legacy of dressing rockers, including Ringo Starr and Mick Jagger in the brand’s infancy, its fresh-faced 38-year-old designer is plugged into modern music and perennially inspired by its players.

Giannini, who was visiting Los Angeles for the first time in six years, was one of three designers chosen to step into the (huge) shoes of designer Tom Ford (who left the brand in 2004), but by 2006, she had ascended to the sole creative director role, overseeing the house’s women’s and men’s collections.

Her visit to L.A. was packed with music-industry-related events. 

She collected the first annual Women of Compassion award from Unicef for Gucci’s ongoing contributions to the organization, presented to her by Jennifer Lopez; hosted a pre-Grammy lunch with Roc Nation and its founder, Jay-Z; and  attended the Grammys for the first time -- having her own red-carpet moment, above, wearing a Gucci gown, of course.

Your morning fashion and beauty report: From reality star to business mogul, Snooki is branching out, a la the Kardashians

"Jersey Shore's" Snooki is branching out. The reality-show instant celeb has plans for a merchandise empire that includes makeup, clothing, personal care products, sunglasses and lingerie. What can I say? Make it stop! [BellaSugar]

In August, Gucci launched Gucci Guilty fragrance for women. Now men can get guilty too as the design house's licensee, Proctor & Gamble, prepares to roll out Gucci Guilty Pour Homme. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Meanwhile, Cartier's new women's scent, Cartier de Lune, is set to hit Saks' Fifth Avenue counters this month [WWD] while Rihanna's first fragrance, Reb'l Fleur, will soon be introduced by Parlux Fragrances Inc. The name? It's the singer's nickname from her grandmother. [People] 

The iconic beehive hairdo didn't exist until 50 years ago or so, when stylist Margaret Vinci Heldt created it. Heldt, now 92, is getting her due with a new scholarship named in her honor by Cosmetologists Chicago. [TribLocal]

CoverGirl gathered cover girls past and present for a 50th-anniversary bash at L.A.'s Boa steakhouse. Famous faces Taylor Swift, Ellen DeGeneres, Drew Barrymore, Cheryl Tiegs, and Queen Latifah were among 'em. [WWD]

Crystal Renn, she of the sobriquet "plus-size model," is popping up everywhere. After turns in 2010 on runways for John Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Zac Posen, she's now the face of Jimmy Choo. [The Cut] 

Badgley Mischka has opened a new flagship on L.A.'s Rodeo Drive. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

And coolest for last: Adidas Originals plans to come out with its first line of denim Jan. 20. And the jeans will be designed with sneaker protectors in the cuffs to save your Adidas lace-ups from indigo dye stains. [WWD]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Snooki, who is branching out a la the Kardashians. Credit: Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

Frugal Fashion men's edition: Andrew Garfield looking sharp in a suit

Frugal Fashion thought it was time to show some love to the stylish men of L.A. and focus on quintessential menswear: the suit. A man’s suit is a classic uniform of the best kind with ample room for self expression. It’s synonymous with a women’s little black dress and just as diverse with designers like Armani, Gucci and Versace unveiling all sorts of patterns, cuts and colors each season.  

I’m the first to admit that I’m no expert on menswear; that’s definitely more Adam Tschorn’s forte, but I can say with confidence that I know when a man looks good. From a woman’s point of view, a man looks his best and sexiest in a well-tailored suit.

Right now, the trend in men’s suits is to shave off the excess material and go slim –- real slim. From a men’s tie to his jacket and down to his slacks, the boys are sucking it in as things get narrow.

Actor Andrew Garfield looked sharp in a slim black suit, crisp white shirt and super-skinny black tie at the "Never Let Me Go" premiere during the London Film Festival. "The Social Network" star took a classic black suit with a modern fit and a sleek tie to match.

It doesn't take a lot to look good in a suit; The suit kind of does all the work, but it could cost a ridiculous amount of money. A plain black wool suit from Gucci can cost around $1,490. That's just the suit. If you add a shirt and tie the total starts to creep toward $2,000. A suit is supposed to be a good investment and something worth spending some money on, but there's no reason to miss your rent payment. 

Zara has an entire line of men's suit separates at reasonable prices. Our pick is the Shiny Checked Blazer for $189 and the Shiny Checked Trousers for $89. Both the jacket and pants are made of 100% wool and just as chic as the designer version.

With these prices you can afford to complete the look with the Zara "Peter Pan"-collar white shirt for $59.90 and "Narrow, Plain Tie" in black for $39.90.

The grand total for the suit, shirt and tie is $377.80 before taxes. Wear this sharp suit ensemble to any party, any time of the year.

 Happy shopping. And for more on looking good, watch for the Image section's Men's Grooming Guide, coming in Sunday's Los Angeles Times.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy, but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

jenn.harris@latimes.com

Photos, from top: Andrew Garfield at the London Film Festival (credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images); Shiny Checked blazer and trousers from Zara (credit: Zara); "Peter Pan"-collar shirt and "Narrow, Plain Tie" from Zara (credit: Zara).

 

 

Gucci, Armani Exchange debut stylish 3D glasses

 

3-D never looked so good. Gucci and Armani, two of the biggest names in Italian fashion, have announced plans to sell branded 3-D glasses for use while viewing movies and television in the increasingly common 3-D format.

Both unisex versions are based on the classic '80s aviator silhouette, are produced under license by Safilo Group, use the same technology in their lenses, and look pretty similar.

True, if you look close enough, there are subtle details; Gucci's version bears its familiar green and red web stripe detail at the temples and center brow bar, and a "Gucci 3D" logo on the right lens. The Armani Exchange-branded version (which the company describes as an updated navigator silhouette) has "AX 3D" printed on the upper left lens and "Armani Exchange 3D" printed on the left temple. 

The biggest difference seems to be the price tag -- Gucci's pair, which will be available exclusively at the brand's U.S. boutiques in December, sells for $225, while the Armani Exchange spectacles, also available in December, will retail at Armani Exchange stores and online at armaniexchange.com for just $58.

-- Adam Tschorn

Photos: Luxury labels now offering stylish 3-D eyewear include Armani Exchange (left, Credit: Armani Exchange) and Gucci (right, Credit: Gucci.)