Camp: The 2018 Met Gala Highlights Fashion’s Sense of Humor

The Met Gala was established in 1948 to raise money for the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and  to celebrate the opening of its annual fashion exhibition. The Gala brings together the most acclaimed figures in fashion, art, television and more, presenting themes such as Heavenly Bodies, Manus x Machina, Punk, and China: Through the Looking Glass. Despite the intensive publicity surrounding the Gala, all the events of the night following the red carpet are not publicized. Guests are not permitted to post on social media, nor is there any coverage of the actual event.

Kendall Jenner snuck in a personal camera during last year’s ball. Photo via

Kendall Jenner snuck in a personal camera during last year’s ball. Photo via

This year’s Gala will take place on the Monday, May 6th and will be presented by Andrew Bolton, who has chosen “Camp: Notes on Fashion” as the official theme.

The exhibition will feature 200 fine art and fashion objects, ranging from artifacts from the court of Versailles all the way to ready-to-wear and couture pieces of the present day. This year’s chairs will be Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Anna Wintour and Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele. Undoubtedly, we can expect a lot of the red carpet and exhibition to feature some of Michele’s collections over the years.

Franco Moschino shirt. Spring 1991. Image via

Franco Moschino shirt. Spring 1991. Image via

Michele has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for the event, claiming “Camp is a beautiful word and a crucial element in the expression of human nature.”

Susan Sontag’s Notes on Camp, the inspiration for the exhibit’s title and theme, approaches the word “camp” in terms of sensibility. She describes it as love of the unnatural, a form of performance, rebellion from aesthetic restriction and a comic vision for the world, among 54 other definitions in her essay.

Clearly, “camp” is a pretty broad theme, and one that is hard to pinpoint theoretically, let alone imagine on the red carpet for one of the biggest fashion events of the year. Bolton is keen to focus on what gives a subject its personality, with an emphasis on elements such as exaggeration, theatricality and artifice. In many ways, the ambiguity–or perhaps even the mystery of camp–allows attendees to really define for themselves what the term means.

For more information and media about this year’s Met Gala, or on Camp: Notes on Fashion, be sure to check out the Met’s event page.

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Voluminous Gowns and Gender-Bending Looks: An Oscars '19 Fashion Review

To be honest, I’m not exactly a film buff, so I’ve never been one to really pay attention to the Oscars. However, there’s no denying that red carpet fashion is highly influential and exciting to observe (though Business of Fashion seems to disagree), so of course, I’ll tune into what celebrities are wearing. With everything from Billy Porter’s tuxedo gown to Gemma Chan’s huge ruffly Valentino Haute Couture gown, this year’s Oscars had some stunning looks. Unfortunately, it had far more disappointing ones too. Keep reading for my review of all the major looks from the night.


Billy Porter

Let’s start off with what was probably the most talked-about look from the night. Billy Porter, who stars in the television series Pose, wore a black velvet tuxedo gown designed by Christian Siriano, who is easily one of the most inclusive designers in the industry. There are a million reasons to love this look, from the lush fabric to the flawless tailoring to the way it twists existing ideas about gendered dressing. This look was as much of a social statement as it was a beautiful gown. Porter showed everyone that there’s no need to be stifled by the binaries of fashion, dismantling the idea that masculinity can only look one way. Porter’s confidence is inspiring, and I hope we get to see more gender-bending outfits on the red carpet in the future.

Constance Wu

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As much as I love Constance Wu, I have to admit that she’s been bringing some pretty dull looks to the red carpet this season. For the Oscars, she wore a canary yellow pleated Atelier Versace gown, and while it was pretty, it was just so boring. The dress looks like something that comes from Macy’s prom dress section, and while it makes for some nice twirling shots, it feels like something we’ve all seen a million times before. The asymmetrical off-the-shoulder detail is perhaps the most interesting part of the dress, but to be honest, it looks like part of the left shoulder’s overlay was bitten off right before the event, leaving Wu no choice but to just walk the red carpet anyway. Hopefully she’ll be wearing something more noteworthy and less cutesy next time.

Amy Poehler

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Amy Poehler twisted gender norms while looking chic and confident in an all-black pantsuit from Alberta Ferretti. The look featured a mix of masculine and feminine elements, as she had a ruffled blouse that kept her from looking too serious and wide leg trousers that fit perfectly. She put her hair up and accessorized minimally, giving the look an androgynous and sophisticated feel. Overall, definitely a solid outfit.

Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga is known for consistently standing out at award shows, from her infamous meat dress to jaw-dropping haute couture gowns, she’s proved that she can really pull off anything. This time, she graced the red carpet in a black Alexander McQueen dress, elbow-length leather gloves, and a 128.54-carat “Tiffany Diamond” necklace, which was last worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her old Hollywood glamour-inspired look was certainly beautiful, but it wasn’t her most memorable. Additionally, the craftsmanship of the dress wasn’t the best. There is a line right where the fabric goes from form-fitting to flared out, making the silhouette less smooth than it could have been. However, I do love the curved neckline and the padding on the hips. All things considered, this was a good look, but not a great look.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina wore a shimmery pantsuit from DSquared2, and while I think the concept suits her, the execution fell flat. I love the color and the big pussy bow blouse, but the positives stop there. The blazer seems to be too small, as the single button looks like it’s working hard to keep itself in place, and the pants fall awkwardly and look uncomfortable. In comparison to some of the pantsuits that other guests wore, it’s clear that this one simply doesn’t fit well. If the tailoring were impeccable, then this look would have easily been one of the best from the event, but tragically, that wasn’t the case.

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves, who won Album of the Year at this year’s Grammys for her album Golden Hour, wore a bubblegum pink tiered tulle dress from Giambattista Valli. Tulle dresses have been very popular this red carpet season, likely due to their femininity and drama, and while some people seem to be very over the trend, I’m still a fan. While I think the bow at the waist is unnecessary, I love the big shoulders and the mock neck, which give it an updated ‘80s prom queen vibe. Overall, definitely a top look from the night.

Ashley Graham

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Ad campaigns featuring diverse body types have grown exponentially in recent years, but many designers still refuse to work with plus-size clients, claiming that they are too hard to dress. However, Ashley Graham consistently proves them wrong; her curves were perfectly accentuated in this black Zac Posen dress. Though simple, its details helped keep it from being boring. The asymmetrical neckline and mermaid skirt gave it an interesting silhouette that made her look glamorous and classy.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh, who plays the formidable matriarch Eleanor Young in Crazy Rich Asians, wore a cream and silver gown from Elie Saab’s Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection. I absolutely love the silhouette of the dress; the off-the-shoulder neckline is elegant without being bland while the voluminous bottom adds drama and glamour to the look. However, the embellishments feel unremarkable. Countless women have worn similar-looking embellished dresses to major events, and while they all look pretty, none of them stand out. This look was alright, but it could’ve been more interesting.

Elsie Porter

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15-year-old Elsie Fisher has a history of wearing suits to major events, so it was no surprise when she came to the Oscars in one as well. This three-piece Thom Browne suit is definitely one of my favorite outfits from the night, though I might be biased because of my love for Thom Browne. The look was sophisticated and cool without feeling stuffy, and the present-shaped bag gave it a playful touch. The patent leather shoes gave the outfit some texture and kept it from being too plain. While looking at this makes me realize how poorly dressed 15-year-old me was, I love seeing younger stars wear something simultaneously daring, chic, and age-appropriate.

Rachel Weisz

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Rachel Weisz wore a bright red gown from Givenchy’s Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection under the creative direction of Clare Waight Keller. While I usually love Waight Keller’s work, this dress just feels confusing to me. I’m sure there’s a way to put latex and beading together and make it look good, but this wasn’t it. The pleats give the dress some shape, but it just feels like there’s too much going on here, especially with the overly-perfect hair and headband. Overall, this look is just sorta strange.

Chadwick Boseman

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Chadwick Boseman is one of the best-dressed men in Hollywood at the moment, and he consistently shows up in fantastic menswear looks that stray outside the standard black and white tux (the Givenchy Haute Couture look from last year’s Oscars is one of my personal favorites). This year, he wore Givenchy Haute Couture again, and the outfit included an embellished tailcoat and a long silk scarf in place of a tie. The detailing on the jacket is beautiful and the rest of the outfit is understated, allowing the sequins and embellishments to really shine. Boseman’s willingness to take fashion risks and push the boundaries for what formal menswear can look like has paid off yet again, as this look stood out for all the right reasons.

Gemma Chan

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Let’s end on a high note and talk about what was easily my favorite look from this year’s Oscars. Gemma Chan, who played the stylish Astrid Leong in Crazy Rich Asians, wore a giant neon pink gown from Valentino’s Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection, under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli. Piccioli consistently designs beautiful gowns every collection, full of vibrant colors, subtle yet loud details, and flawless craftsmanship, and this dress was completely on par with his past work. Chan’s confidence paired perfectly with this gown’s drama, leading me to believe that Valentino and Chan are a match made in heaven; few can pull off such bold looks with ease. Even better, Chan was hiding rice cakes and cookies in the pockets of the dress. What an icon.

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A Night of Uprising and Upset at the 91st Academy Awards

In a night filled with a historic number of Oscar nominations and wins for minorities, the pinnacle award for the night was a disappointment to many viewers.

Most of the night went exceedingly well in terms of equal representation, including wins for Black Panther’s costume designer Ruth E. Carter and production designer Hannah Beachler, Regina King’s win for Best Supporting Actress in If Beale Street Could Talk, Mahershala Ali’s second win for Best Supporting Actor in The Green Book, Spike Lee’s award for BlacKkKlansman’s script, Alfonso Cuarón winning Best Foreign Film, Best Cinematography and Best Director for Roma, Rami Malek’s win for Best Actor in Bohemian Rhapsody, Bao directors Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb winning Best Animated Short, Period. End of Sentence. helmer Rayka Zehtabchi’s win for Best Live-Action Short, Free Solo filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s win for Best Documentary Feature, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse co-director Peter Ramsey’s win for Best Animated Feature. Even the award presenters were diverse, with 29 of the 52 non-white.

However, once Best Film was awarded to Green Book, the tone of the night shifted. In a film that fits a narrative on race relations better for the 1960s than in the present, Green Book is often touted as the story of a white and black man becoming friends despite their disparate experiences (however, Mahershala Ali’s character was deemed a supporting character in this discussion of race).

The “character arc” of Tony Vallelonga is that of the classic white savior: he helps his pianist employer DC Shirley avoid a beating before explaining to Shirley that he, Vallelonga, is “blacker” than Shirley because he likes Little Richard and Aretha Franklin. A problematic take on race in America that claims progressivism is not the only problem surrounding this film, with one writer criticized for making Islamophobic comments, another writer accused of sexual misconduct, and main actor Viggo Mortensen using a racial slur during a press tour to promote the film.

Mahershala Ali had to apologize to his character Don Shirley’s actual family after the family’s displeasure with the film’s interpretation of Shirley. After winning the award, Green Book producers Jim Burke and Charles B. Wessler and director Peter Farrelly also did not thank Ali’s character Don Shirley in their speech.

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Green Book’s win does not come as too much of a surprise when looking at the demographics of the Academy’s voting committee. With nearly 8,000 voters, only about 38% of the voters identify as women and 16% of voters belong to a a racial minority group (as of 2018). Although this is an increase compared to earlier years, a deficiency in diverse perspectives limits the Academy from receiving an honest and holistic understanding of race and representation in film. It allows most voters to lean into a vision of interracial harmony that isn’t too progressive or upsetting.

Following the #OscarsSoWhite controversy that has plagued the Academy for the past few years for its lack of black nominees, this win is a slap in the face for those critical of the Academy’s attempts at inclusion. Many have argued that if the Academy was eager to award a film addressing race relations in America, it should have looked to Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman, which won Lee his first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

BlacKkKlansman focuses on a black cop infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan to gain intelligence. Many argue this film explores themes of racism, bigotry, and what it means to be black in the 70’s with more nuance and insight than Green Book. Lee himself was upset at Green Book’s win, and attempted to walk out of the room at the announcement to discuss the mistake made by the Academy stating: "I thought it was courtside at the Garden, and the ref made a bad call."

Golden Globes Style Winners

The Golden Globes are the step-child of entertainment awards, wedged in the beginning of the new year and offering hot takes on the “best” shows and movies of the year (I love Queen as much as the next girl but don’t necessarily agree with all the hype Bohemian Rhapsody has been getting…) that more prestigious awards often veto or overlook.

One thing the Globes does deliver on (and is quite frankly, often the best part of the show) is the red carpet, however. Here are a few of the most stunning looks from the night.


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Honorable mention: the award for best accessories goes to wearers of the Times Up x2 ribbons and wristbands. After last year’s supernova of awards show activism, it was debated whether this year would prove to sustain the momentum, and while the outward industry-wide rage of last year’s ceremony certainly wasn’t as present in this year’s more light-hearted show, the movement was by no means extinguished. In her acceptance speech, Regina King put her foot down and declared "Time's Up times two."


Billy Porter brought the flair in a dramatic and elegant Randi Rahm ensemble:

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Lupita Nyong’o looked nothing less than the African Queen she is in Calvin Klein:

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Jamie Lee Curtis proved yet again that age is truly nothing but a number in Alexander McQueen:

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Janelle Monae wore a stunning Egyptian-esque piece from Chanel’s Fall 2019:

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Constance Wu and Kiki Layne wore lovely, nude/peach princessy dresses with caged bodices, by Vera Wang and Christian Dior respectively:

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Drumroll, please: on brand with her own Hollywood Cinderella story, Lady Gaga wore an appropriately fairytale inspired Valentino gown. The pièce de resistance of the look? It pays homage to Judy Garland’s dress in the 1954 version of A Star Is Born, in the very same role that Gaga stars as in the remake.

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"thank u, next" and the Allure of the Breakup Anthem

Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next”, a song chronicling her past relationships and her journey to self-empowerment, has resonated with broken hearts worldwide, garnering millions of streams daily. The song is unique in the breakup song genre in that it both focuses on Grande’s personal growth and her love and appreciation for the loves that didn’t last. She states,

Plus, I met someone else
We havin' better discussions
I know they say I move on too fast
But this one gon' last
'Cause her name is Ari
And I'm so good with that (So good with that)

She artfully blends self love and the ability to reflect on things that didn’t work out, not regretting them but instead using them to make herself that much more “amazing.

Ariana Grande’s zen approach to a breakup is certainly healthy and ideal for self growth, but not everyone with a broken heart can see that light at the end of the tunnel right away. The breakup song is one of the most enduring musical tropes because it straddles the two most relatable feelings: love and pain.

Music, as a reflection of the truest human emotions, has shown time and time again that sometimes you have to go through those sad, mad, and vengeful feelings before reaching Grande’s purported relationship nirvana. Here are a few songs to help along the way:


Cry it out: “Un-break My Heart” - Toni Braxton

For when the floodgates need to break free: the ultimate heartache anthem, “Un-Break My Heart” is moody and pleading, as Toni Braxton croons for a lost love. People have been crying to this song in the shower for the decades. For maximum angst, the video features a montage of happy times with Braxton’s said lost love, and heart wrenching shower crying.

Key lyrics: “Take back that sad word goodbye / Bring back the joy to my life”

See also: “Back To Black” (Amy Winehouse), “The Scientist” (Coldplay), “I Will Always Love You” (Whitney Houston)


Hell hath no fury: “Before He Cheats” - Carrie Underwood

For the scorned: Country lovers and haters unite under this song and its perfect encapsulation of rage. When venting isn’t enough, sometimes stuff needs to get broken.

Key lyrics: “I dug my key into the side / Of his pretty little souped up four-wheel drive / Carved my name into his leather seats”

See also: “Hit Em Up Style” (Blu Cantrell), “Cry Me A River” (Justin Timberlake), “So What” (P!nk)


Middle fingers up: “Irreplaceable” - Beyoncé

For those who are severely over it: the queen of musical self empowerment, Beyoncé’s breakup philosophy preaches that there are plenty of fish in the sea, and if your fish doesn’t appreciate you then he’s got to go. No man is worth feeling any less than flawless, because they’re all simply replaceable.

Key lyrics: “So since I'm not your everything / How about I'll be nothing / Nothing at all to you”

See also: “Potential Breakup Song” (Aly & AJ), “Tainted Love” (Soft Cell), “These Boots Are Made For Walking” (Nancy Sinatra)


I’m better off: “Fighter” - Christina Aguilera

For those who came out of the other side fiercer than ever: Christina Aguilera inverts the “thank u, next” message of empowerment from the relationship, with the strength coming from learning from the bad times to make herself tougher. Not the harmonious growth Ariana promoted but equally as powerful.

Key Lyrics: “Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do / I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through / So I want to say thank you”

See also: “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor), “Stronger” (Britney Spears), “Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson)

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What's Going on With Kanye?

I've been a Kanye fan for as long as I can remember. I think of the times I sat listening to Stronger, convinced it was the best song in the entire world, or turning to All Falls Down as the rock to my angsty high school days. I thought I had seen all there was to see of Kanye: Yeezus, Saint Pablo, and the creation of his own fashion line. He was always a role model for me, a reminder that unapologetic confidence in your abilities never has to be justified. 

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It broke my heart when I heard of his struggle with mental illnesses back in 2016. I wished for a quick recovery so he could soon bless the world with his brilliance again. My disappointment for him was muted, though, when he initially met with Trump in 2017. I was a little confused to see the man who preached against what seemed to be the embodiment of Trump's persona and policies, start public relations with my least favorite president... ever.

So, recent events have me at a place between disgust and utter disappointment. Kanye's tweets have been all over the place (and not in a good way), championing free thought in a creepy Orwellian way, supporting Candace Owens, and posting pictures of his signed MAGA hat. It doesn't help that T.I. mentioned that Kanye might not be as well versed on how awful Trump is or that Kanye is making controversial statements about slavery.

Kim unsurprisingly came to Kanye's defense as his inflammatory tweets. He's lost a lot of his celebrity following. People are worrying about his mental health. What is going on with Kanye?

After listening to his new release Lift Yourself, I can tell Kanye still has his musical edge, even though his bars of "poopty scoop" make me wonder why he chose to replace his lyricism with Dada-like commentary. No one's doubting his ability to produce some of the most intricate verses, which is perhaps why Kanye is subverting all of our expectations. If you haven't listened to it yet, here's a taste of the New Kanye.

If you visit kanyewest.com now, there is no longer the songs he recently released, but a video of an interview-like experience with Kanye as shown below. He clearly discusses his agenda and personal experience in developing his thoughts and potential reclaiming of symbols that we find distasteful. Kanye claims he doesn't support Trump to hurt others and in inspired by Trump's ability to do the impossible. You can watch the video below.

I'm not sure if this is one of Kanye's personas for the sake of artistry. He welcomes distaste and confusion at the cost of pure jackass-ery, in my opinion. Kanye wants to push the boundaries of the content around which he can produce music. He doesn't want to be selective about what he can or can't be talking about. I miss the Old Kanye.

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White Roses Symbolize Resistance on the Grammys Red Carpet

Ah, the Grammys. A place where all of our favorite recording artists and performers come together and celebrate their art, show off their unique senses of style, and of course, watch as Blue Ivy indulges in some emergency snacks, courtesy of Beyoncé. The best part about Grammy's fashion is how much more adventuresome the red carpet styles tend to be. Stars shirk convention in favor of peacocking in the latest patterned suit or floor grazing gown–it's like the Met Gala of the music world! 

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This year’s trends geared towards the “nearly naked” sheer look, complete with plunging necklines, carefully placed beading and slits. Everyone from Sza to Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum and Maren Morris, to name a few, donned this look.

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Other stars went for more traditional looks, but added their own flair to it. Camila Cabello made her solo debut at the Grammys wearing a long, red (supposedly flamenco emoji inspired) Vivienne Westwood Couture dress with a plunging neckline. Hailee Steinfeld chose a sleek, white strapless Alexander Vauthier gown with a thigh high slit with purple metallic, pointy toe over-the-knee boots. Lorde's ephemeral red tulle dress was fit for a princess, and came with an empowering message as well.

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Another trend that seemed to take over the red carpet on Grammys night were women in pant suits. Alessia Cara, Anna Kendrick, Kesha, and Janelle Monae were among the many women who decided to go for the bold pantsuit this year and it seems to have worked out well for them as they all looked stunning.

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Now of course, you can't forget about the men. They actually shocked me with their outfits because it wasn’t just the standard black suit ordeal. Lots of guys branched out of the ordinary and added a little color and a little flair to their ensembles, rivaling the women in the most daring looks of the night. Sam Smith stepped out in a forest green suit by Cerruti 1881 and worked the bold look with a maroon and navy t-shirt underneath. Khalid donned a lilac Salvatore Ferragamo suit with a lime green turtleneck and the ever-trendy dad sneakers. DJ Khaled and Common went more formal with red velvet suits and others tried for the traditional look and added their own je n’ai sais quoi like John Legend in a satin, navy blue Burberry suit and Camryn Howard in a sequined tuxedo. Migos took the cake with their brocade, bedazzled military style blazers, layered over turtlenecks and chains, no less.

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One accessory on the red carpet that is of particular note are the white roses donned in support of the Time’s Up movement, worn by many in attendance. Similar to the all-black dress code at this year's Golden Globes, white roses in the form of corsages, pins or bouquets signaled support for Time’s Up and its efforts to fight against sexual misconduct and gender inequality in the entertainment industry and beyond.

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Bosses Behind-the-Scenes: How Stylists Are Defining a New Fashion Era

Most of us are familiar with top models, artists and stars on a first name basis, and the likes of Rihanna, Kendall or Gigi need little to no introduction. The masterminds behind these women's effortless and enviable style, however, are fast becoming household names in their own right, and changing the nature and pace of the fashion industry in the process. From the various vintage tees and layered chokers Los Angeles stars don on a daily basis, to the ombre fur coats and matching denim sets spotted on the streets of New York after dark, celebrity stylists are defining the decade's fashion trends and consumer shopping habits through a combination of savvy styling, choice muses and social media prowess.  

If you've ever admired one of Karlie Kloss' business chic ensembles, or lusted after a dress Ruth Negga or Sarah Paulson took a turn in on the red carpet, then you're a fan of stylist Karla Welch's work. With a range of clients that include top model Kloss, actresses Negga, Paulson, Michelle Monaghan, Demi Moore, Tracee Ellis Ross, Elisabeth Moss and more, Welch has successfully solidified her status as the go-to fashion stylist and consultant for streamlined, elegant, professional and timeless looks. 

A quick scroll through Welch's Instagram feed (@karlawelchstylist) also reveals the stylist's strong political beliefs, from her vocal support of Hillary Clinton's candidacy, to her status as a proud feminist (she's often sporting the Dior "We Should All Be Feminists" tee), and advocacy for other social and racial issues relevant to our country today. Her clients seem to share a similar political bent, whether they're donning blue ribbons in support of the ACLU at the Oscars, starring in The Handmaid's Tale (a Hulu series based off of Margaret Atwood's foreboding novel of the same name), or supporting young girls in STEM through coding scholarships.

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Karla Welch; image via

Monica Rose (@monicarosestyle) has also become a household name over the course of several years, mostly due to her extensive portfolio of work for the entire Kardashian-Jenner clan. From popularizing the silky bomber jacket look, to bringing back oversized vintage sunnies, and convincing shoppers they need to purchase clear plastic boots and lace up leggings, Rose has become one of the most influential arbiters of taste in the past decade.

You can credit the Kardashian-Jenner family's seemingly overnight style evolution to Rose's acute eye for detail and ability to craft distinct fashion personas for each sister. Rose is also known as the creative force behind the Hadid sisters' inimitable street style, Chrissy Teigen and model Chanel Iman's sultry red carpet looks, or crafting looks for burgeoning stars like Kaia Gerber. The reason you spend too much money on chokers at Forever21 or decide to splurge on the latest boyfriend jean trend is likely because Rose dressed one of her famous clients in this exact same piece. 

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Today, fashion is less about the clothes and more about who is wearing them; image via

Within the current context of the fashion industry, it comes as little surprise that fashion stylists and the influencers they dress, as opposed to actual designers or fashion houses, have become the most important determiners of fashion trends and style today. With the rise of social media and the frenzy payed to any outfit Kendall Jenner sets out in, one could argue that stylists like Welch and Rose are spearheading a new wave of "fashion populism" (The New Yorker). This new, crowdsourced form of fashion revolves around the avid following of models and reality stars, rather than an actual appreciation for the design mentality or vision put in place by fashion houses that have existed long before the Jenners or Hadids flitted by in their flashy Vetements tracksuits.  

Cannes' Best Dressed

This year marked the Cannes Film Festival's 70th Anniversary. Continuing in the tradition of the festival's storied history of honoring the best in film, this year's red carpet culminated in a champagne and Chopard fueled celebration of celebrity, couture, and of course, international cinema. From effortless off duty style perfect for lounging on the French Riviera, to breathtaking red carpet looks, keep scrolling for some of our favorite fashion statements! 

Off Duty

Red Carpet

All images included above via here, here, here 

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Vogue Celebrates 125 Years

What better way is there to ring in 125 years of Vogue US than an issue celebrating body positivity and beauty diversity? Fronted by familiar faces Ashley Graham, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Liu Wen, who are joined by a handful of rising stars in the modeling industry, the fashion bible's March issue is a love letter to visionary women around the world.

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Vogue's March issue cover; image via

Graham, Jenner and Hadid–all veterans of the fashion industry at this point–lead the magazine's latest foray into the hottest topics du jour: women in politics, evolving beauty standards and high fashion's shift towards mass appeal. Accompanied by a series of stunning photographs that highlight the Spring/Summer 17 season's best and brightest looks and a series of Vogue through-the-years flashback videos on YouTube, expect the magazine to pull out all the stops in celebration of it's 125 years at the forefront of fashion journalism. 

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The cover girls frolicking on a beach in Malibu; image via

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Views by Drake - Album Review

Arguably one of the most anticipated album releases of the year, Drake's fourth studio album Views is Drake at his finest. His distinctive crooning, smooth style that many R&B and hip-hop artists have emulated, is fully matured and refined to near perfection. So far, Drake's discography sequentially paints the growth of Drake as an artist.

Thank Me Later reflected the braggadocio and aspirations of a newcomer who was more widely known as that-actor-from-Degrassi, still naïve when it comes to fame, industry, or women. Take Care, released by the time the public accepted Drake as a rapper and Drake began to come into his own (leading to disputes within Young Money), unsurprisingly also marks the solidification of the nascent Drake persona of emotional vulnerability and loneliness-driven introspection, which in turn drives his music. If Nothing Was The Same was Drake's contemplation of existential despair triggered by the nausea of fame and greatness, Views demonstrates that Drake has clenched an understanding from the mires of his inner exploration— or more accurately, accepted his identity as Drake, the artist.

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With Kanye recently making a similar case with The Life Of Pablo, the distinctiveness of hip-hop is giving way to the holistic perspective of artistic value. Regardless of one's stance on the matter, Views is a solid, cohesive work of art, although it could have been tighter with a shorter tracklist. While 40 brings flawless production to the table, Drake overall fails to deliver commensurate lyrics. Standout verses do exist, and the storytelling, especially on Stwo-produced Weston RoadFlows, is masterful, but the source material - himself - does not change. From a great artists we naturally expect more. High hopes were mounted upon Drake's shoulders to change the course of hip-hop, but he didn't quite "turn the six upside down" as he brags in 9.

Unfortunately, Drake perfects his craft but fails to improve upon it. He does what he does best, whether in the form of desperate and dejected R&B musings (Fire & Desire, With You, Redemption, Faithful), Take Care style storytelling (U With Me?, Views, Weston Road Flows), pop hits (Pop Style, Controlla, One Dance, Too Good), or hip-hop bangers (Hype, Grammys), and the album does not feel stale in the slightest. If his next productions follow the same trend, however, his brand of sound is bound to tire the listener. Sure, Monet had a phase of repeatedly drawing the same haystacks, but we know him for more works than just the haystacks. Drake needs to break from his own haystacks, but his unique situation makes it hard. Drake has effectively created his own subgenre, and its drawback is that it makes it that much more difficult for him to escape the bubble. His recent adoption of dancehall elements did refresh the soundscape (Controlla, One Dance), but Drake's caution with novelty is telling with his exclusion of rising Jamaican star Popcaan from the track Controlla, muting the dancehall voice from his music much to the chagrin of his fans.

Likewise, much of the features on his albums are either meant to complement his voice (Future, Rihanna) or to be relatively subdued next to him. For most, getting both Kanye and Jay-Z features in a song means juicing as much out of them as possible, but Jay-Z only got to rap two lines before Drake ended up cutting The Throne feature altogether from the final version of Pop Style. The wariness that oozes in his music - whether it is regarding his status or relationships with women - appears to bleed into his production itself, conferring authenticity but further trapping Drake within his own bubble. Drake is a defeated tragic hero: despite his efforts to escape his problems, he is inevitably drawn to them.

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Drake's featuring decisions also aligns with his objectifying tendencies. His utility-driven worldview makes every choice and person as means to his end, and he is sorely disappointed when events or people do not satisfy his purposes. The assumption that others share his mindset contributes to his paranoia best described by DMX's intro to U With Me?: "What these bitches want from a ni**a?"

The opening track, Keep the Family Close, illustrates the issue perfectly. Drake projects his needs unto a person who ultimately leaves him as their paths diverge from Drake's changing status. His perception of the person is distorted, as he "always saw you for what you could've been", not attempting to seeing their true self or considering their own needs. Their departure is interpreted as a betrayal as the person fails to empathize with him. "How you supposed to figure out what I'm going through / You can't even figure out what's going on with you", Drake complains; whether the song is about a friend or a past lover, Drake knows deep down that it is his own fame and insecurity that separates him from others, but refuses to admit it directly. On the track Feel No Ways, Drake admits to a girl "I had to let go of us to show myself what I could do", and sacrifices relationship for the sake of his ambitions. In a stroke of hypocrisy, he condemns her for reacting negatively, another indicator of his egocentric worldview.

The artist isn't malicious or intentional in his misogyny and objectification. They are a tragic price of stardom, and have turned the hopeless romantic of the Thank Me Later days convinced that "I bet if I give all my love / Then nothing's gonna tear us apart" into a cynic who must continuously ask "Is you wit' me or what?" on U With Me?. Despite the dangerous undertones of Drake's messages, his genuine desire to seek redemption and normalcy draws us to his narrative. After all, we do experience the late night needs and regrets of Hotline Bling ourselves, and therefore Drake's own distress and failures resonate within us. Moping is cathartic. It doesn't solve anything, though.

This is the source of Drake's crisis: he seeks empathy, and emulates it through emotional effulgence, yet he lacks empathy towards others. He refuses to resolve the conflict by finding empathy within himself, instead invoking upon higher purpose to shield him from his turbulent thoughts while he continues his soul-draining search for indefinite trust and empathy. On 9, the rapper declares his vision as "just to show the city what it takes to be alive for it", tying his artistry into the greater collective good, such as cultivating up-and-coming talents through OVO and changing Toronto's music scene. But it sounds more as though Drake is relying upon his craft for his own sustenance; without it, his established world, his sacrifice of Aubrey Graham, falls apart. He thinks he is on the path towards self-actualization, but his efforts are futile as long as he continues to neglect the prerequisite bottom rungs of Maslow's hierarchy of needs: esteem, love, and belonging. The unresolved element is strikingly apparent in Views, and even though it is a source of Drake's artistry there is an unavoidable, stagnant air hovering over it.

In many regards, Drake is akin to Florentino Ariza, the morally ambiguous protagonist of Love In The Time of Cholera. Both are born madly in love with the concept of love, only for love to reject them. Florentino Ariza, in reaction to his rejection, ventures upon a fifty-year affair of giving himself to women - irreparably ruining some lives in the process - while suppressing the issue externally through laboring to rise from rags to riches. But throughout it all his heart is fixated upon the woman of his dreams. Drake is similarly disillusioned and pursues fleeting fancies to satiate his immediate need for intimacy, focusing on his career as not only as a passion but also as a diversion. But through it all he has his eyes upon one person, refusing to let go of the prospects of true love. He may condescend to women throughout the rest of the album, but in Fire & Desire, presumably dedicated to Nicki, his latest date Rihanna, or another ideal "real ass woman", he is still willing to entertain a healthy, positive relationship where "I figure out you, you figure out me". In the core of it all, Drake is a hopeful skeptic who doubts the possibility of, yet still counts on salvation through love. However, this is a theme that he has dwelled upon for too long; unresolved, the only other subject matter he successfully ventures into is the inauthentic trope of flaunting captured in What A Time To Be Alive. The time has come for Drake to evolve.

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Is Views a great album? Absolutely. Could Drake have done better? Absolutely. But is breaking the mold to Drake also a murder upon his ego, effectively killing his persona that has driven and personified his music? Perhaps. And as a painfully self-aware artist admitting "I made a career of reminiscin'" while staring down upon his legacy atop the CN Tower, Drake will have to one day descend and confront his demons, either to burn in flames or survive the trial to come forth as gold. I do hope for the latter.

Standout tracks: Weston Road Flows, With You, Views

Tracks for the radio: Hype, Grammys, Controlla, One Dance, Too Good

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What did you think of Drake's new album? Let us know in the comments below!

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Look for Less: Emily Ratajkowski's Summer Essentials

Those cheekbones. Those lips. That hair. Emily Ratajkowski is familiar to most as the star of the controversial "Blurred Lines" music video and the actress who plays Ben Affleck's student affair in Gone Girl. Model, actress, and recently, Bernie Sanders supporter, Em Rata (her social media nickname) does it all–all while looking drop dead gorgeous in easy, simple outfits you'll want to recreate all summer long. MODA's done the legwork and rounded up affordable options to recreate her summer #ootd.

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Your elementary school dungarees never looked so cute! This look is the perfect summer go-to for an easy, comfortable outfit that works for wherever the day takes you. A wrap top in crisp white offsets a gorgeous summer glow, while strappy brown sandals don't skimp on comfort for looks. Top it all off with a a sharp shoulder bag large enough to stuff a water bottle and a book for lazy summer afternoon strolls in the in the park.

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Light wash denim overalls are a fun spin on classic summery rompers, perfect for heading to the beach, exploring the city or enjoying a free outdoor concert. Layer a crop top underneath to show off your hard work at the gym or go for a fresh white button up for a classic fashion blogger casual-chic look.

ASOS // $57

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A long sleeve crop top is endlessly versatile. The wrap detail elevates this simple off-white top; pair with high rise jeans and your frat sneakers for bar night, or with a floral skirt and pretty flats for an effortless spring outfit that looks super put-together.

Boohoo // $16

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We're calling it - these will be your sandals for the summer. The flat leather sole and secure crisscross straps mean that you can trek around town without feeling a thing in these babies. Plus the cognac leather and muted metallic color go with everything from cuffed boyfriend jeans to pretty, white eyelet day dresses.

Steve Madden // $60

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So maybe a Chloe Faye bag is out of your price range (cries internally), but you can get in on the 70s revival trend with this suede beauty. Real vintage leather in a classic, boxy satchel cut add to the appeal of this collegiate gem.

ASOS // $46

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Love a good deal as much as we do? Let us know what other street style looks for less you’d like to see in the comments below!

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Superstar Supermodels: Karlie Kloss's Kode with Klossy

Prompted by a super adorable Instagram video with Bill Nye and the White House (yes, Karlie, this is "L I F E G O A L S." to a T!), I did some online digging around to explore the amazing work Karlie Kloss has been doing of late. Her Kode with Klossy CS classes and scholarship initiative and recent involvement with the White House Science Fair typify Karlie Kloss as a Superstar Supermodel.

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Her Kode with Klossy scholarship program and coding camp for middle and high school aged girls extends the typically female-foreign field of computer science to young and motivated girls who may have struggled to gain access to this field before. This Tech Crunch Interview gets into Karlie's motivations and own experience learning Ruby on Rails at the Flatiron School. She has experienced much positive feedback from her peers and coworkers in the fashion and modeling industry, further fueling her desire to spread coding to even more girls. Extremely driven by the empowering feeling coding gives her, Karlie is launching three Coding Summer Camps with scholarships this summer in St. Louis, New York, and Los Angeles for girls aged 13 to 18. The previous camp's scholars' application videos are also available on the Kode with Klossy site (and definitely worth a watch when you're needing a dose of female empowerment!).

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This past week, Karlie continued her empowerment of young girls and encouragement for the STEM industries at the White House Science Fair. Documented via Snapchat and Instagram (both @karliekloss), the model engaged with students and scholars of all ages and backgrounds as they presented their projects and research in D.C. In combination with the annual Science Fair, the Obama administration actively promotes the “Educate to Innovate” campaign and goal of extending opportunities for computer science education to every child.

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The need for increased women representation in STEM fields (among the many other feminist movements) is not new news. The initiatives of the influential role models, such as Karlie Kloss, that extend education and empower young women show how closing the gender gap can be made possible.

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Source: http://www.modachicago.com/wp-content/uplo...

The Most Standout Looks from the Met Gala

If you didn't spend your Monday night glued to your computer and phone, tracking all the latest looks and arrivals at the Met Gala, then don't worry, MODA went ahead and did all the heavy lifting for you. Keep scrolling for a roundup of our favorite standout looks from the Super Bowl of all fashion events. And if you haven't had a chance to flip through Vogue's 100+ photo album of all the best celebrity looks from the Met Gala red carpet, click here.

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Lupita Nyong'o is universally considered a fashion icon for a reason. She never disappoints with her red carpet style and pulls off any ensemble, hair or makeup look–no matter how effervescent, zany or daring–with effortless grace and charm. Her body-hugging, sequined gown for the night was designed by Calvin Klein Collection, and the airy, diaphanous train contrasted nicely with her bold hair and makeup choices.

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FKA twigs (pictured here with fiancé Robert Pattinson) managed to look demure and sultry in her Atelier Versace gown. The simple silhouette was elevated by a harness that followed the seams of the dress underneath and Jennifer Fisher jewelry that gave the look an ethereal, otherworldly appeal.

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Claire Danes looked positively radiant in her custom made,glow-in-the-dark  Zac Posen gown. The look really hit its full stride when the actress transitioned into the darker interior of the party, which illuminated the layers of gossamer in a sea of shimmery fabric! Head over to Posen's Instagram account for some great photos of the gown pre and post construction.

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While feathery trains, silver and sparkles reappeared over and over again on the red carpet, Rita Ora's jaw-dropping Vera Wang gown definitely reigned supreme. This intricately constructed gown will definitely be remembered as one of haute couture's most standout moments.

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Never one to shy away from statement-making looks, Zendaya looked sublime in her slinky,gold-encrusted Michael Kors Collection gown. While her dress and makeup leaned towards the more traditional, her unique hair styling stood out in an endless sea of chignons and high ponies.

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It's all in the details; Emma Watson's two-piece, off the shoulder Calvin Klein Collection ensemble offset its simple color scheme with a handful of quirky details and an asymmetrical silhouette. To make matters even more interesting, the gown was also made entirely out of recycled materials.

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All eyes were on Kendall Jenner when she stepped onto the red carpet in this sexy Atelier Versace number. The modern cutouts and detailing combined with the gown's impeccable craftsmanship are the perfect take on the Gala's Manus x Machina theme.

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Nicole Kidman positively glowed in her Alexander McQueen celestial-inspired look. The dazzling gown's sheer cape, plunging neck and cutout bodice highlighted the actress' figure without appearing gaudy and was a fitting ode to the handmade portion of the exbhibit.

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Blake Lively was the belle of the ball in her peony pink Burberry gown. A peachy, floral embroidered train and shoulder grazing Lorraine Schwartze earrings perfectly complemented the elegant mother-to-be's bold makeup look and bun.

What are some of your favorite looks from this year's Met Ball? Let us know in the comments below! 

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Source: http://www.modachicago.com/wp-content/uplo...

The Best Men's Fashion @ Met Gala 2016

Watching celebrities strut in their custom designer clothing at the Met Gala is a favorite annual pastime of mine. Some play it safe and elegant, some take bold risks and wow the audience; others fumble with fit, color schemes, and accessories. There is much to learn from their outfits—what went right, what could've been fine without. Here are some choice looks of the night that hopefully will give you pointers on how you could develop your own style, especially for formal occasions. 

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Alexander Skarsgard demonstrates how a classic formal look is done right: perfectly form-fitting tuxedo with an all-black ensemble of shoes and bow-tie. So simple, so elegant. His use of accessories is sparing in comparison to his peers, but he proves that a single, well-placed lapel pin is better than a dozen jewelries.

What to learn: Before diverging from traditional formalwear, learn to master formalwear first. Make your suit at any price-point look impeccable by taking it to a tailor. It is a good idea to have your measurements in handy, not just for suits but for clothing in general for shopping and tailoring purposes. Remember: you can never go wrong with all black. Have one or two accessories that really shine while not taking away the spotlight from the outfit.

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Nick Jonas is wearing Topman, an affordable mid-tier brand, and he looks absolutely stunning in it, challenging the stalwart dominance of major fashion houses in red carpet fashion. What he is nailing here is the inclusion of one statement piece - his double-breasted blue tuxedo jacket - that pops in color. The other aspects of the look are complementary to the jacket. The result: breaking the mold, but not overwhelming.

What to learn: Spice up your outfit with an interesting statement piece, whether it contrasts with the style of your overall look, or has a distinct pattern/color.

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White suits are notoriously difficult to master, yet Jared Leto manages to not only pull it off, but outdo the competition while at it. The key to a killer all-white look is choosing the right hue of white, and tasteful contrast between the white tones. The snowy-white ivory Gucci smoking jacket is both regal in form and color, and fits well with the pure white of his time-old rendition of the band collar shirt. Every detail, from the cane to the collar pin to the covered placket of the shirt, is deliberate and exacting. Sure, he does resemble a duke from the Victorian era, but the modern twist on it is undeniably refreshing.

What to learn: Avoid wearing all white unless you can devise a cohesive and thoughtful outfit. For formalwear, be as close to form-fitting as possible. ABSOLUTELY NO BRIGHT SILK TIES OR VESTS. Wearing white well requires subdued elegance.

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Love him or hate him, Jaden Smith is new the face of millennial, avant-garde fashion. Whether he pulls out his white Batman suit or a Louis Vuitton dress, he challenges the status quo of men's fashion, which can be rigid and inflexible compared to its female counterpart. There is an interesting element at play here: Jaden's look is reminiscent of the 90s Prada reinvention of the suit for women, now integrated back into men's fashion. The Rad Hourani-esque silhouette and the lines on his jacket say enough: he is on the top of his game. Will formalwear evolve in this direction? I wouldn't mind if it does.

What to learn: Incorporate traditionally feminine elements of apparel into your style to give a twist to your look. Experiment with silhouettes and fit - check out his pants, for example.

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What exactly is Zayn wearing? He looks like he's filming for a superhero movie featuring a celebrity who discovers his secret identity as Thor. Having said that, I would be lying if I said I didn't want that arm brace in my life. His tailoring is perfect, and I see the increasing trend of the air-tie replacing neckwear as a chic alternative.

What to learn: When you question your bold style move, remember: if it's cool, just do it.

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It seems that Kanye has slightly departed from his street style dominated look of 2015. That's okay, because I believe that after years of experimentation, the self-proclaimed god is finally finding his own stylistic voice. His look is similar to what Lucky Blue Smith, GQ's Best Dressed finalist who lost to Kanye, would tend to wear: slightly Bohemian, faded but classic tones, exuding swagger. The gaudiness of the Fear of God (the name befits the wearer) jacket and the classic white shirt and jeans combination sends a layered message of Kanye the everyman and Kanye the outspoken music icon.

What to learn: Don't be a "hypebeast" who blindly follows the latest fashion trends and fads. Of course, pay attention to them, but at the same time construct your own distinct look from the bits and pieces of each style.

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Source: http://www.vogue.com/slideshow/13429562/me...

Look for Less: Kendall Jenner's Back to Black

Kendall's living the life: fame (she just landed her own solo cover of American Vogue), fortune (with an estimated net worth of $12 million), followers (52.3 million on the 'gram), and a family like no other. Along with bestie and fellow reality-star-daughter-turned-model Gigi Hadid, she's been slaying the street style scene in simple, elevated basics. And by elevated, we mean elevated price tags. Since Kendall clearly never needed to shop on a college-girl budget, we rounded up our favorite picks, each under $100, to recreate her cool-kid minimalist look.

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This is the perfect look for all those who cringe at the slew of floral/ruffle/chiffon outfits that spring usually brings about. A refreshing black and white palette will make you stand out in a sea of muted pastels. Sleek and comfy is the goal with this look. The coat can be ditched when it warms up during the day and the sneakers are perfect for a picnic lunch on the quad.

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The clean lines of this sharply cut coat make it ideal for layering over more form-fitting pieces. The popped collar kicks it up a notch, while the belt cinches in for a smooth silhouette over skinny jeans, fancy dresses or mini skirts.

issguided // (on sale for $58)

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Versatility is the name of the game for a college wardrobe. You want to be able to get the most out of every single piece you own. This little black number works just as well with sneakers and a jacket for a Chicago spring day (also known as fall) as it does with lace up pumps for a night out on the town. Sounds like a win-win for our space starved closets!

Forever21 // $12

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Fresh white kicks have been trending for several seasons now and show no sign of going anywhere. Amp up the sporty vibes with these star print lace up ones that look like pair you might have owned as a kid but way, way cooler.

Topshop // $45

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The finishing touch to this outfit is a structured top handle purse. Classic black pairs with everything while the crisp ladylike shape easily transitions to the classroom or a more formal work environment.

Zara // $40

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Love a good deal as much as we do? Let us know what other street-style looks for less you’d like to see in the comments below!

Source: http://www.modachicago.com/wp-content/uplo...