Fashion news: Britney Spears, Elsa Peretti and Louis Vuitton

Britney Spears showed up in Austin, Texas, this week for "The X Factor" auditions. Her dress was notable... and was noted..... by, well, many.

The Elsa Peretti heart necklace for Tiffany & Co. is a classic symbol of a relationship that started in 1974. But the designer is rumored to be retiring.  [WWD, subscription required]

Some folks have all the fun. Earlier this week, shoppers helped raise $200,000 for P.S. Arts, an organization that brings arts education to under-served public schools. What kind of merchandise was sold? More than 200 designer handbags. And the setting wasn't bad either--the Beverly Hills home of Shanna and Jon Brooks, which was once owned (and redesigned) by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston. [Society News LA]

Think tiaras are the stuff of a little girl's childhood? Think again. When the Duchess of Cambridge married her prince last year, she wore one--and her choice inspired replicas. Her grandmother-in-law, the Queen of England, marks her diamond jubilee this year, and diamonds are about to be on display again. And that's not all. Some of the richest of the rich are ordering "bespoke" tiaras. [WSJ]

And, finally, Louis Vuitton has been named the world's most valuable luxury brand. [Vogue UK]

--Alice Short

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Photo of Britney Spears: Rick Kern/Getty Images

 

 

Tiffany & Co. launches a new rose-colored metal collection

Does a rose by any other name really smell just as sweet? Judging by Tiffany & Co.’s new rose tinged metal collection, Rubedo, it seems so.

Rubedo, which is made from a mix of metals with copper being the predominant alloy, has a look similar to rose gold, but is lighter in weight as well as on the wallet. The collection debuts in March to mark the jewelry company’s 175 anniversary and is priced from $200 to $8,000 and is part of the brand’s Tiffany 1837 collection, meaning signature styles such as the interlocking circles pendant and wide statement cuff are done in the Rubedo material. A limited number of Rubedo pieces will be inscribed with company founder Charles Lewis Tiffany’s signature and available only during 2012.

According to the company, the wearability of the metal is similar to sterling silver in strength, but there’s no mistaking the warm color, which is similar to rose gold -- a popular trend in fashion and jewelry, yet astronomically priced (currently around $1,700 an ounce) high even for avid gold consumers.

There are around 20 styles to choose from in the Rubedo collection and the blush tone and sleek design make the pieces easy to layer and pair with gold or silver. While Tiffany & Co. insists the metal is not a substitute for rose gold, the color, look and well, price makes us feel like Rubedo rather than rose gold isn’t such a bad thing.

Tiffany & Co. Rubedo Collection is in Tiffany & Co. stores and online at Tiffany.com now.

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-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Pieces from the Tiffany & Co. Rubedo collection. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

Fashion News: Red Ribbon Week observed

If you notice more people than usual wearing red -- especially near schools -- it may be because it is Red Ribbon Week, the nation's oldest drug abuse prevention program. Aimed mostly at children and teens, the program encourages the wearing of red ribbons or other red articles to raise consciousness about the dangers of illegal drugs. The week dates from the Reagan Administration and was inspired by the murder in 1985 of drug enforcement agent Enriqué Camarena. [DEA]

What good is sitting alone in your room to watch "The Rachel Zoe Project" when you can go to Bloomingdale's for a viewing party? The show's Jeremiah Brent is hosting the event Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bloomies in Santa Monica, 315 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 985-6400. [PopSugar LA]

Why are there so many books out about Coco Chanel? Three this year alone, on top of at least 25 in the past, and two movies in the last year. Vanessa Friedman at FT has a theory: it's the narrative. After all, Chanel's story includes sex, jewels, aristocrats, politics, rags, riches and even Nazis. [FT] 

Giorgio Armani designed the costumes for the London production of "Death and the Maiden," starring Thandie Newton, that opened Monday night. [Telegraph]

Tiffany & Co. has filed a legal brief in support of Christian Louboutin's appeal of a court decision that said the shoemaker can't hold the exclusive right to red soles. Not so, says Tiffany. It has a trademark on its signature robin's-egg blue box. [WWD]

Hudson Kroenig is only 3, but he's already the subject of an inside-the-closet profile on the Coveteur website. Why? Because he has already walked in a Chanel runway show, holding the hand of his model dad Brad, graced the pages of German Vogue and posed as the face of Fendi, also alongside his father. [Coveteur]

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-- Susan Denley

Photo: Coco Chanel, the subject of many a book and biopic. Credit: Associated Press

Frugal Fashion: Golden Globes glam on a budget

The buzz around red carpet interviews at awards shows is almost always drowned out by the same question: "Who are you wearing?" Last week's 68th Golden Globe Awards was no different...shocking. I don't mean to sound bored with it all and I'm the first to admit that I enjoy watching the red carpet arrivals more than the actual award shows, but every year I'm always left with the same burning question: "Yea, yea, Marchesa this, Armani that...but what about the jewelry?" When you're a fashion-obsessed little girl who finally wiggles her way into her mother's closet, you don't reach for the gowns -- you put your tiny feet straight into her heels, wrap her pearls around your neck and go for the diamonds.

Sure last week's leading ladies were dressed in designer bigwigs like Lanvin, Versace, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang, and fashion websites, including our own, went on and on about the 10 best dressed ladies of the evening, but an Oscar-worthy gown is always short of amazing without the right accessories. Would Catherine Zeta-Jones really sparkle in her Golden Globes Monique Lhuillier emerald green gown without her earrings? To be honest, that woman would sparkle in something as mundane as a burlap sack, but the earrings did help! Her diamond chandelier earrings draw your eyes to her gorgeous face and were the perfect accent to her strapless dress. Natalie Portman also looked stunning in her Viktor & Rolf gown but she gave her maternity glow a boost with her Tiffany layered diamond necklace. The piece definitely made a statement but still gives the look of a soft, dainty piece of jewelry.

A pair of diamond earrings and necklace are a given when accessorizing an evening gown but when you're waving to adoring fans why not give your wrists a little extra sparkle? 'The Closer' star Kyra Sedgwick rocked a bright orange Emilio Pucci dress at the Globes and adorned her right wrist with a number of chunky, shiny gold bangles.

It might be easier to clasp a dozen gold bangles on your wrist or fix a diamond necklace around your neck with a movie star bank account, but there's no reason why you can't go glam on a budget.

A layered necklace is the perfect way to make a statement with your jewelry but keep things looking refined. If you have a flare for the dramatic try this Lydell NYC Tiered Chain Beaded Necklace from Bloomingdales for $48, or the mixed metal Peggy Necklace from Chico's for $58. For something a little softer, the Fallling stars necklace from Banana Republic is $47.99.

The chandelier earring went on hiatus for a while but I think it's safe to say they are back -- at least on the red carpet. If you're looking for the perfect pair to wear to a charity gala check out these frugal finds: Chandelier drop earrings from Arden B for $24, Durol earrings in White Nubuk from Aldo for $13.98, Apt. 9 Jet-Tone Simulated Crystal Beaded Chandelier earrings on sale for $10 at Kohl's or the Nadri Crystal Teardrop Chandelier earrings from Nordstrom for $88.

When it comes to bangles, go for the gold and the more the merrier. Budget shoppers can look for bangles sold as a set, giving you a layered look without having to buy 10 bracelets. Mix in some chunkier pieces with stone, pearl or glass accents for fun. Nordstrom has a great set of bangles by Cara for $58. Layer the bangles with a set of four Kaya bangles from Chico's for $38 or the Astronomer's bracelet from Banana Republic for $39.50.

Happy shopping.

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

Top photos: Natalie Portman, left and Catherine Zeta Jones. Credits: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images and Mike Nelson / European Pressphoto Agency

Middle photo: Kyra Sedgwick's bangles. Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Necklace photo from left: Lydell necklace. Credit: Bloomingdales. Peggy necklace. Credit: Chico's. Falling Stars necklace. Credit: Banana Republic. 

Earrings photo from left:Chandelier Drop earrings. Credit: Arden B. Durol earrings. Credit: Aldo. Apt. 9 earrings. Credit: Kohl's. Nadri Crystal earrings. Credit: Nordstrom.

Bangles photo from left: Cara bangles. Credit Nordstrom. Kaya bangles. Credit: Chico's. Astronomer's bracelet. Credit: Banana Republic.

Tired of girly perfumes? Check out what guys are wearing

Everyone seems up for a change at the start of a new year. As I was cleaning out my closets a week or so ago (one New Year's resolution checked off the list), my eye turned to the array of perfume bottles on a shelf. The Chanel No. 5 -- classic but a little old-fashioned; the lemon-ginger body spray -- too teenybopper.

It occurred to me I really like the way my husband smells. His Tiffany for Men is subtle and citrusy with a rich woody essence of sandalwood. Perfect! One more thing for the two of us to share!

Women who are looking for something a little crisper, a little less flowery, should try shopping the men's toiletries aisle. There are some terrific finds there, and writer Janet Kinosian gives us the rundown on some favorite his-for-her scents in a piece she did for the Los Angeles Times' Image section: "10 men's fragrances that women love — for themselves."

Creed's Silver Mountain Water, Guerlain Vertiver, Eau d'Hadrien are among the temptations. I'll have to try them all. But until then -- dear, could you pass me the Tiffany?

-- Susan Denley

 Photo: Silver Mountain Water. Credit: Creed

 

Tiffany & Co. has keepsake pendants and charms on lock

 
Tiffany & Co., the purveyor of shiny silver goods and gifts for all occasions, is launching another collection full of keepsake pendants and charms that are bound to end up around the necks and wrists of 2011 grads and girls celebrating their sweet 16.

Following the company's collection of silver, gold and diamond pave key pendants, which came out a couple of years ago, Tiffany & Co. has created a line of locks set to come out for spring. Similar to the keys, the locks come in sterling silver, 18-karat gold and diamond pave as well as on rose gold and a style that has silver and gold.

Each style of lock is based on Tiffany & Co. archival designs, and, according to the company, a few actually function as locks. Though at these prices, I'd keep the Tiffany lock around my neck and buy an actual padlock to secure my valuables.

The lock collection ranges from $80 to $5,500

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Lock pendants from Tiffany & Co. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

Sleek satchels: Tiffany's new leather collection

When planning for its first-ever handbag and leather accessories collection, Tiffany & Co. tapped two designers synonymous with high-end leather accessories -- Richard Lambertson and John Truex, formerly of coveted bag brand Lambertson Truex.

The Tiffany Leather Collection, which recently debuted at the Beverly Hills Tiffany & Co. store in L.A., features clean lines, retro shapes and luxe materials (crocodile, snakeskin, lizard, calf and suede). Each bag includes custom-designed hardware, "Tiffany Blue" leather interiors and enamel and subtle brand logos.

Prices for women's pieces range from $395 for a small reversible tote to $16,500 for the showy Laurelton handbag in glazed crocodile; prices for men's items range from $95 for a business card case to $1,395 for a crocodile travel wallet.

The collection is extensive and includes wallets, gloves and other small leather items. But stand-out pieces among the bags include the simple-but-decadent Avenue shopper tote in Tiffany blue crocodile ($4,500), the slouchy, ultra-wearable Taylor daytime hobo ($995) and the glamorous Camille clutch, wrought satin with palladium-plated solid brass hardware and a beautiful Austrian crystal bow pin ($1,195).

“The collection captures the spirit of American sportswear and its exuberant approach to life in town, in the country and from coast to coast,” said Lambertson in a press release. “We also find great inspiration in Tiffany’s timeless style and its heritage of refined accessories.”

--Emili Vesilind

Photo: The ring lizard Lyn clutch from Tiffany's new leather collection, $1,800. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Rashida Jones teams with Theory. Sarah Jessica Parker teams with the Met. Seth Aaron wins on 'Project Runway'

Not since the Von Trapp children have we seen so much lederhosen. That's right: Leather shorts are in stores now. [Wall Street Journal]

Seth Aaron Henderson wins on "Project Runway." [People] [EW]

Rashida Jones teams with Theory. [Huffington Post]

Sarah Jessica Parker to narrate the Met's "American Women" exhibit. [The Cut]

Get People mag's take on the five best-dressed celebs of the week. [People]

Square sunglasses are just so -- square. Round is the newest look across the pond. [Telegraph]

An eclectic crowd turned out for launch of stylemeister Nicky Haslam's new book, "Sheer Opulence." [Telegraph]

Oops! Garance Dore didn't mean to say anything negative about larger models. [Huffington Post]

Vichy Laboratories harnesses a potent form of Vitamin C, designed to stimulate stem cells (they say). [StyleList]

When you want the very best, try caviar-infused lipstick? Well, now you can. [StyleList]

Remember when kids were seen but not heard? Now they can be seen AND heard at top spas, spending big bucks. What's up with that? [BellaSugar]

Good for you, good for the environment: Through June 30, Zoya is sponsoring a nail polish exchange. [Bellasugar]

Vuitton, Tiffany join the lineup at Santa Monica Place. [wwd (subscription required)] 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: The Von Trapps from "The Sound of Music." Credit: 20th Century / Fox

Tom Ford bets on Vegas for second U.S. menswear shop

It's turning out to be a busy month for designer/director Tom Ford. Although his primary focus of late has been film -- his directorial debut, "A Single Man," starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore premieres Dec. 11 -- he's also been plotting to expand the retail presence of his eponymous menswear line, and today he opens a store in Las Vegas, just the second freestanding boutique in the country.

The 7,700-square-foot store, with an angular metallic facade that resembles the exterior of LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall, is located at the new Crystals retail center in the new CityCenter development. Fashion industry trade paper WWD reports the interior resembles that of the New York and Milan locations, with antique bronze and glass display cases, velvet sofas, and luxe touches that include a black marble fireplace, Ultrasuede paneled walls and a beaver rug.

Like the other stores, it will serve up everything Ford envisions the modern man of style could possibly need, with a dedicated shirting room, a sportswear salon, a perfumery (where you can have a custom-blended scent made), and a room dedicated to made-to-measure suits.

Other luxury stores slated to open at the Crystals include Louis Vuitton, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cartier, Kiton, Paul Smith, Versace and Tiffany.

As for more Ford stores, there's still no word on when a local outpost (which we first told you about last December) will open, although the Beverly Hills Courier reported last month that final remodeling plans for the 344-346 N. Rodeo Drive location have been finalized by the Beverly Hills Architectural Commission.

Tom Ford, 3720 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas

-- Adam Tschorn

Photo: Fashion designer-turned-movie director Tom Ford opens a 7,700-square-foot menswear emporium in Las Vegas today. It is in the Crystals retail complex, part of the CityCenter development. It's only the second company-owned freestanding Tom Ford store in North America, following the New York City location, which opened in 2007. His first movie, "A Single Man," adapted from a Christoper Isherwood novel, premieres next week. Credit: Simon Perry.

Tiffany & Co. hits the court at this year's U.S. Open

It’s no secret that Maria Sharapova is a tennis champ who loves fashion.  Aside from bringing her style onto the court, the lithe 6-foot-2 athlete is a face for Cole Haan and most recently a muse to architect Frank Gehry, who has designed earrings for Tiffany & Co. that Sharapova will wear throughout the U.S. Open, starting Monday.

The sterling silver and diamond “Stria” earrings have a vertical, fluid shape to them, like a river -- or a propelling tennis ball. If you’re a tennis, architecture or jewelry fan -- or perhaps all three -- then you’re in luck.  The earrings inspired by Sharapova are being sold at select Tiffany boutiques and at www.tiffany.com for $850. 

--Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: (Left) Tiffany & Co. Stria earrings, (Right) Maria Sharapova / Tiffany & Co.