GUCCI Museo - History of the building

From its vantage point overlooking the beautiful Piazza della Signoria in the heart of historical Florence, Gucci Museo’s location could scarcely be more auspicious, or apt.

The museum itself is housed within the Palazzo della Mercanzia, a building whose history is deeply entwined with that of Florence itself. Founded in 1308 on the site of an ancient Roman theatre, the Palazzo was originally established to support the trade guilds of the day. In serving the interests of the city’s cloth importers, wool manufacturers and silk weavers, the Palazzo became a powerful administrative base that did much to promote Florence’s emergence as one of the leading commercial and cultural centres of Renaissance Europe.

Over the centuries, a retinue of illustrious tenants, from high ranking government officials to members of the infamous Medici family, has taken up residence at Palazzo della Mercanzia. But its latest incarnation, as home to the Gucci Museo, is the one that enjoys greatest synergy with the Palazzo’s original purpose as a champion of Florentine art and craftsmanship.

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A LAWSUIT AGAINST STEVE MADDEN

Where does inspiration end and infringement begin?

The UK-based designer, Stella McCartney, has filed a lawsuit against Steve Madden for copying her popular Falabella bag just a little too closely with his BTotally bag. According to WWD, the 22-page legal document cites the charges against Madden as "trade dress infringement, unfair competition, deceptive trade practices, trade dress dilution, and design patent infringement" involving the "marketing and sale of a knock-off”.

With so many fast fashion brands taking designer looks straight to high street, the line between what's influenced and what's straight-up replicated has become fuzzy. Retailers like Zara and H&M have become giants in the apparel industry by mass producing runway-derivative styles at wallet-friendly prices. (Some might even say the pendulum swings both ways: Saint Laurent was recently accused of knocking off a Forever 21 dress and selling it for 150 times the original price.)

STELLA MCCARTNEY FALABELLA BAG(Left); 

STEVE MADDEN BTOTALLY BAG (Right)

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Kenzo’s Slick Beauty Prescription

“It goes anywhere,” explained Carol Lim of the on-the-fly beauty prescription she and Humberto Leon dreamed up for Kenzo’s Spring collection of geometric jumpsuits, metallic fanny packs, and pattern-clashing dresses. For hair, adaptability came in the form of a glistening, fresh-from-the-shower, -ocean, or -swimming-pool comb-back executed by Anthony Turner. “It’s sexy and summery. There’s not that many tricks about it,” offered Turner.

But simplicity is always trickier than it appears. To get there, Turner took two different approaches: for models with long lengths, he worked Bumble and Bumble gel from roots to ends, sectioned it into two braids, heated them with a straightening iron, then undid them to achieve a soft wave that he “dampened” with Bumble and Bumble’s Brilliantine. Those with shoulder-length crops or shorter received a healthy application of Surf Infusion spray before Turner had them shake their hair out. “They’re just meant to look super cute, but each in their own way,” he said.

Meanwhile, MAC makeup pro Lynsey Alexander paired the models’ sunny complexions with an off-kilter, custom-blend sepia lip color. “It’s inspired by a desert-y tan, almost like putting bronzer on the lips,” said Alexander of the mix of four MAC Lipmix shades (red and mid-tone brown with a touch of orange and yellow). Just before models stepped onto the runway, she finished the look with a slick of “ultra glossy” MAC Lipglass to soften the look. The takeaway? Put down the blow-dryer and makeup bag. A brush and a punchy lip shade are all you’ll need to get around next spring.

Carol Lim and Humberto Leon

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The Hermès Apple Watch; This Is How People Are Wearing

Apple has teamed up with the luxury brand for its newest Apple Watch collaboration, and luxury-lovers everywhere are freaking out. The Birkin may finally have some competition as Hermès's most iconic design.

While that may seem like a hefty price to pay for some, it isn't stopping high-fashion fans from snapping up the new designs — which arrived in stores Monday.The debut collection includes three different styles of watchband, starting at $1,100.

But while customers expect to pop in to the Apple Store or a Hermès boutique to pick up the leather-strapped designs, there's another, slightly unexpected, place to grab them — Target. While the fast-fashion retailer won't offer a lower price on the designer band, it will make it more accessible to those who don't happen to have a Hermès store in their proximity.

Take a look at how people are already wearing the fashion world's new It accessory.

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Pretty Weird Stuff On Your Face

Looks like those facial accessories are extending their stay in fashion, according to the New York Fashion Week runways. Think back to that time you were in the dusty desert, soaking up the rays at a music festival with metallic tattoos and gems on your face.

Lately there were several instances of what we like to call face jewelry. Bejeweled freckles? Sure. And it wouldn't be a true Givenchy show without those ornately designed masks.

In our quest to find somewhat of a cohesive beauty trend throughout the many, many shows, we couldn't help but notice the abundance of facial adornment that transcended traditional makeup.

Which one of these would you try? Take a look at the unique looks below.

Givenchy Spring 2016

Sally LaPointe Spring 2016

Harbison Spring 2016

Tracy Reese Spring 2015

The Blonds Spring 2016

Dion Lee Spring 2016

Katya Leonovich Spring 2016

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