Here is a glimpse of what is to be the official cover of Rihanna’s latest album in what seems to be her signature dark & edgy look with of course stunning accessories.Via uR.

In what I could probably call one of the coolest Fitness media events Nike presented  their spring 2010 focus last week In Vancouver , BC : Victory loves Training. Hinting to the fact that in sports like in many things in life thing , being prepared, trained  focused often makes the difference between the true  leaders , and the followers. The summit impressively  reunited women from a very broad range of media outlets from  big publications like Elle and  Glamour to femalesneakerfiends, fashion , fitness bloggers and of course yours truly.

We had a chance to hear from Nancy Monsarrat one of the women involved in my all time fave Nike campaign:” If you let me play” and Martin Lotti , the creative director behind the women’s training footwear. On the next page you will get a preview of some womens’ nike product for spring 2010 as well as the 8 athletes we had a chance to meet: Ellery Hollingsworth, (Snowboarding), Nicole Joraanstad (Curling), Katherine Reutter( Speedskating), Jennifer Rodriguez (Speedskating) Angela Ruggiero (Ice Hokey), Katie Uhlaender (Skeleton).

Ref29 gathered a few look from one of the hottest fashion cities in the world Paris! Check it out here.Via the fab mr.newton.

In perfect timing I just spotted this editorial by Contributing Editor shot by Cameron Krone that illustrates the point of my prior tirade. Via The Clones.If that is not a beautifully shot  image I do not know what is? A  testament to the fact that good styling and photography never fail.  And this is still not the best yet  , but Elle Mag & Kanye  take notes… More images on the next page.

I know this is old by now but, In the midst of fashion week, I totally missed that Amber Rose was featured in Elle Magazine’s October issue , until I picked up the issue today. Little did I know that the “editorial” was also styled by Kanye West. Now,  I am not going  to speak on the fact that most well adjusted men I have spoken to,  would not display their woman’s goods to the world, even if the said woman was that hot and  in no way shy. Jean Paul Goude styled Grace Jones  ( they dated) with very little on but, his representation we can agree was definitely more artistic, and was clear in its direction which , contributed to make Grace Jones the Icon she is.

What I want to point out  tough is that this editorial  does not in any way  do justice to Amber Rose who,  like her or not,  is simply beautiful. Posing for a women’s publication  like a model on Smooth Mag, is just not a good look. It’s not even about repressing sexuality, or being prude about nakedness. Something edgy /sexy or out there conceptual that really showcased her beauty and “in your face curves” Like Elle puts it (whatever that means)Would have been amazing! I wonder what the  editors were thinking and if that was their way of producing a fast selling out Issue? In that case please take  a cue from Italian or French Vogue. Images if you have not yet seen them on the next page.via nymag. This whole thing is just dissapointing…

Last night we scoured the streets of Soho during fashion ’s night out, to see how the shopping   festivity was was going to take place. The always buzzing neighborhood of Soho was filled with pedestrians going from store to store enjoying various events, food , drinks  and music. Levis & Costume National were jamming!

As the shopping night seemed to have been successful for big brands and retailers who aggressively advertised to  pull crowds into their stores. Independent designers and  boutiques we visited experienced a slight increase in traffic but  pretty much no sales. One handsome boutique owner even compared  the night  to ‘halloween for fashion” an interesting analogy when I for one was looking forward to  see a plethora of decked out individuals perusing the street but I was left underwhelmed. Nonetheless  duo above , too fabulous for words, allowed me to have my first  Garance/Tommy Ton  moment . Next page for a closer look at FNO in Soho.

Having had an extensive background in visual merchandising, The RL ‘Rugby” stores have always ranked high of my list as a perfect examples of branding and lifestyle applied to retail. The women’s collection always features great blazers, pants and shirts as well as healthy dose of  feminine dresses and skirts, that hints to the rugby sport,vintage americana with a rebellious streak.

 Last night we had the pleasure to experience and preview the latest addition to the Rugby online experience  the Rugby Make Your Own, iApplication , where you can customise various rugby pieces, upload your creations to facebook and their gallery , rate designs and of course purchase. The iapplication is also live at various Ruby store location windows! A closer look at the event on the next page.

Launching on September 14, 2009  under the alias of Dita du Flore,  Nathalie Rykiel, Sonia Rykiel’s daughter will share her favorites .Exploring  literature, fashion , shopping and  music with a glimpse in to the effervescence of Saint Germain Des Pres. www.rykielles.com launching soon!

Thanks to the dedicated folks at Rihanna photos we have  a look at the gorgeous editorial Rihanna did for Vogue Italia ’s September 2009 Couture Supplement shot by Stephen Klein.  Would have loved to see it done in color !  All the metallics of  the Givenchy  couture pieces  she wears are kind of lost.Via jj.Lots more on the next page.

With a consistently cool” Brit/Rock” edge, take a look ath the Autumn/Winter 2009  Ben Sherman campaign.