Vena Cava Spring 2011

People are calling this the season that Vena Cava solidified themselves as a leader in "New American" sportswear. The jury is still out on what exactly New American means, but Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock's simply styled take on the eighties seems as good an answer as any. The entire collection blends exciting desirability with easy wearability. It makes me want to throw on a heavy eye and red lip, reconsider halter tops, and get to reading about their main source of inspiration, the Memphis design movement.

Via style.com

A WELSHMAN IN NEW YORK...

Doesn't time fly in fashion? Show season is underway once again and question on everyone' lips is which long-limbed young lovelies will capture the essence of NY? Without giving anything away (would we?) keep your eye on Thakoon's lineup. That's all we're saying.

Elite's Michelangelo and James take in the Gramercy view

Speaking of flying, our very own James Powell, booker extraordinaire, is taking his first ever bite of the Big Apple this week. In his morning report from the roof terrace at the Gramercy, James was starstruck by the presence of Sarah Jessica Parker - "It's Carrie! It's Carrie!" - fashion moment #1.  
And James's top NY tip so far? Hotly hyped restaurant Kittichai at 60 Thompson... it's a long way from the Valleys. 

Don't worry we'll make him do some work before he comes home...

CONSTAN-TLY ELEGANT

We love a bit of catwoman style horse-bound action.... well who wouldn't with the lovely Constance in the saddle? This film for Hermes makes us think of a 19th century Mission Impossible, cat-like mask optional. Va va voom. And the girl can fish as well, although we'd probably learn too if there was a Birkin on the end of the line...

Tiger! Roar! Roar!

... if there was ever an occasion to use a Moulin Rouge! quote for a headline, right? Our very own tigress, the delectable Denisa, continues her string of summer covers with the autumn/winter 2010 issue of Tiger, shot by Jose Manuel Ferrater. The hair's amazing, no?

www.tigermagazine.com

Rollin' on the River

Lookie, lookie what just hit our inbox: why if it isn't the young Mr Viiperi, taking us behind-the-scenes at last week's Bershka shoot! The perfect Spanish poster boy for the Spanish label, River stars in the Bershka autumn/winter 2011 look book. Oh, and we're hiring him to do all our backstage photography from now on.

www.bershka.com

Rachel Comey Fall 2010 Shoes

(Rachel Comey Foxglove Heel, Rachel Comey Pompano Mule, Rachel Comey Veil Mule, Rachel Comey Bugle Boot)

You may know I have a thing for Rachel Comey, especially her shoes. By the first looks of it, she's done it again for Fall 2010. She added a few new colors to her now signature Bugle Boot, then took that same shape and used it for a mule and heel. I also love the Foxglove Heel, a pinup style pump that has a bit of the same quirky styling, but in a more wearable way. For Spring I felt that her shoes had a distinctly Margiela feel and that holds true this season as well with the solid shapes, minimalist feel, and I don't want to say hoof-like quality, but I will.

Via Creaturesofcomfort.us

The Reinvention of Rory

Rory Torrens: before and after

Rory Torrens is on the cover of CHAOS. And because we've always been partial to a bit of before-and-after action here at Camp Elite, here's one to rule them all: we sent Rory to go and get his hair did. That's right, y'all. Makeover season is in the air and like so many superstars before him (well, you know, Janet Jackson and the new short do etc.), Rory went all out on the reinvention front. We only hope that a faint whiff of hairspray will still fill the Elite office when he flounces through our hallways, all new and closely cropped...

www.chaos-mag.com

A Beautiful Day Out...

Elite London is thrilled to announced that we will be teaming up with our friends at Marie Claire magazine and Maybelline New York on a venture to bring the glamour of backstage beauty to the masses. Join us at the Maybelline Shop during London Fashion Week on Sunday 19th and Sunday 26th September where as well experiencing the fabulous treats Marie Claire and Maybelline have to offer, you have the opportunity of being spotted by one of our scouts. See you at 18 Shorts Gardens, (just off Neal Street) Seven Dials, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LD