We missed the news of this collaboration between Hermes and French grafitti artist Kongo when it first hit in late August and saw it just now for the first time just now on Blogue. We’re going to post anyway because we find it intriguing that even a house as exclusive as Hermes is getting in on street-inspired fashion. Highsnobiety isn’t so sure this is a great idea. They liked Hermes in part because it was one of the few labels that has eschewed collaborations. Me, I have no idea what to think…..will have to mull this one for a bit. (If anything it seems Hermes picked the wrong grafitti artist to work with….imagine if it chose Fafi instead?)

Hello Kitty collaborates with Forever 21 on a collection that is surprisingly good given the chain’s ragfest reputation, with offerings ranging from young and fun, logo-heavy sweaters to sophisticated “silk” blouses with neck bows. Look for it to land on November 18th. Via Todokawaii.

More looks on the next page.

Seeing how the world currently seems to have Missoni fever, how about these hi-tops, which are part of an ongoing collaboration between Converse and Missoni. Available at Hanon, starting October 1st.

Reluctant “it” girl Alexa Chung and China Chow literally get busy with print and pattern-themed fashion, while in attendance at a CFDA and Luxottica Group event, held in NYC.

Bedford Street Laundry whose Spring 2012  we previewed earlier this month, gives us a more complete look at the Peggy Oki-inspired collection we are now more than ever smitten with. Enjoy more on the flip. The snap back “Alva” bikini on the flip,  #fierce.

The nail heart here strikes me as having a Scottish theme, what with the plaid and the white flower with the cross at its center. Though perhaps I’m way off course here and its meant to represent Ireland or England or whatnot. (Please excuse the ignorant Yank here and feel free to correct!)

In any case, whatever the theme might be the bigger point is that this image comes from a blog called Disconails and I’d bet my bottom dollar that it was made by a Japanese nail artist. While there are no hard-fast rules (thanks of course to the sharing of images on the internet) very often nail art has the stamp of a nationality to it. Like right now I think of London owning the tribal look, while lately Japan has been all over gold rectangle frames and studs, often inlaid with stones (as shown on the ring fingers above). Embedded feathers are also big there right now, too.

What’s hard for me to figure–maybe because I’m here–is what the look of U.S. nail art is. Eye-popping manicures are no new trend among the women in my Brooklyn neighborhood, who’ve been holding the art down forever, but I think the gel revolution is just starting to hit in the outer boroughs. Acrylics are still the thing though I’m now slowly seeing square nails being replaced by pointy nails among the younger crowd. As for the city fashionista types…meh, they’re wearing polish that is for certain but definitely there’s hesitancy in embracing art and even longer lengths…..not sure what that’s about (a fear of looking too outer borough?), but it’s something to ponder.

Even if her handkerchief bikini had a down-on-the farm appeal to it, the owner of the Irish farm who was initally okay with Rihanna filming her “We Found Love” video on his land changed his mind once he caught a look at the action. And in the end…..no harm, no foul. According to the farmer,

“‘I had my conversation with Rihanna and I hope she understands where I’m coming from. We shook hands.” 

On Rihanna’s Twitter page she doesn’t mention the incident except to express dismay that’s she being described as fat in the images from the video. Though a couple of days before the event went down, she does seem to foreshadow it (or maybe her whole life in general) with a quote from Dr. Seuss: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

We’re getting the first look at Target’s collaboration with Gwen Stefani’s Harajuko Lovers label, with this incarnation called Harajuko Mini. It’s set to hit Target stores in November, with a second round arriving in January.

Must say, Stefani looks tres adorable in this pic and for whatever reason the Harajuko lines seems to be a better fit for her all around. People get all jazzed about L.A.M.B. when it’s runway time, but the truth is at trade shows the brand’s booth is always super quiet and while retailers we’ve chatted with like the loook of her shoes, they complain they’re overpriced for the name (not to mention the fact that it’s a licensee). And seeing as Stefani herself opted out from making her ususal New York Fashion Week appearance this last go round, one has to wonder how much she herself believes in L.A.M.B.

While I plan to still lovingly hold on to my over the knee boot fixation this winter, ankle boots seem to have taken over. This style by Bally hist the cozy/sexy vibe perfectly.Via net-a-porter.

Anchoring the quite exuberant and optimistic fashion shown by Missoni for Milan Fashion Week were these “Candyland” sandals. Are they right for these doomy-gloomy and overly serious times? Ah well, someone needs to keep the embers of positivity burning for sunnier days ahead, no? Via Coolechic.

See another view of this shoe on the next page.