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The Classicist: Summer of Steve McQueen


Super cool movie star Steve McQueen was without a doubt one of the most stylish men of all time. As we've noted in the past, his rugged sportiness, authentic masculinity and innate good taste have inspired countless fashion designers, not to mention scores of other actors who followed in his wake. McQueen fans of all sorts have a lot to celebrate this summer: there are two major new books on the "King of Cool" coming out, as well as a special McQueen tribute edition Ford Mustang, while the star's famous 1970 Porsche, worth an estimated $2 million, is going up for auction.

The first book just went on sale: Steve McQueen: A Life in Pictures edited by Yann Brice Dherbier (Pavilion, $40). The mix of classic and less well-known images of the style icon is artfully put together, but what struck us most about the book was its large format, showing details that you just don't get in smaller versions (see the gallery for a preview). For instance, in this cover image you can clearly see that McQueen is wearing a classic Baracuta jacket from England - which by the way are still sold here at Ben Silver in Charleston, one of the best men's clothiers in the country.

Equally striking and noticeable due to the impressive scale are the identifiable images which have clearly influenced designers like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors who have built whole collections and ad campaigns around the King of Cool. Lauren in particular is a well-known McQueen fanatic. The index to Michael Gross' brilliant biography of the designer, Genuine Authentic, contains no less than six separate entries for the actor.

Gross writes that Lauren staged shoots based on McQueen's movies - his favorite film is said to be 1968's The Thomas Crown Affair - sometimes with himself in the starring role, and hung photos of the actor in both his houses and stores. If you look closely enough at the photos in Dherbier's book and compare them to Lauren's designs you can see where he copied sweaters, jackets, details on suits, even the carelessly elegant way McQueen always wore his clothes.

The other book, Unforgettable Steve McQueen hasn't been published yet - we'll update you on that when the time comes - but it features a foreword by another McQueen wannabe: Brad Pitt. We'd say he's making a good start at filling the King of Cool's shoes, but he's got a ways to go yet.

Gallery: Endless McQueen Summer

In his Porsche at the Riverside Raceway, 1959Filming Le Mans, 1971At the racetrack, c.1965At home in Hollywood, 1960At the wheel of his Lotus Eleven, 1961

Michael Kors Braided Satchel, Handbag of the Day

This Braided Satchel bag by Michael Kors makes me think of wicker furniture, which is a good thing since I associate wicker with outdoor summer days and timeless appeal. Made of braided corn husks (which I think is really cool), the old fashioned appeal gets a serious modern upgrade with gold metal hardware and metallic grained leather trim and handles. Generously sized and in a nice, natural, and bright neutral shade, it has a canvas lining and 3 interior pockets. A perfect everyday bag for toting around all your daily essentials. $538

Gallery: Michael Kors Braided Satchel

New Limited Edition Watches For Heathrow's Terminal 5

Heathrow Airport's much awaited Terminal 5 is opening later this month and to celebrate the occasion, several designers have created limited edition watches. Armani is debuting an an Emporio Armani Gentleman's stainless steel watch and two Emporio Armani ladies watches along with designs from Burberry Endurance, Michael Kors, Breil, Sekonda, Toy Watch and Casio G-shock. The designs will be sold at the terminal's World Duty Free store.

Michael Kors Beverly Gator Watch Clutch, Handbag of the Day


This bright bag from Michael Kors definitely scores some points for originality. A simple alligator-embossed leather clutch in a fresh lime green is dressed up with a masculine, gold-tone...watchband? I guess it is better than skulls and bracelet charms, but where is this taking us? If leftover watch parts can find a home on high-end handbags, can cuff links and tie tacks be far behind? It is a lovely bag that probably would have been best left unadorned. $3,000.

Michael Kors Sutton Patchwork Clutch, Handbag of the Day


Michael Kors is big on the buckles these days and I can see the attraction. The gold-tone hardware adds a dash of shine while giving the appearance of being completely functional. Of course, this big gold buckle is purely decorative but it looks lovely with a wide patent leather strap threaded through. The bag itself looks pretty simple, but there are actually three different leathers involved in the patchwork pattern - patent, matte and suede. The bag fastens with a magnetic snap and is also available in a brown/black version. $395.

Michael Kors Buckle Front-Flap, Handbag of the Day


Rich chocolate suede accented with a giant gold-tone buckle, this bag is stylish and smart. Trimmed with black patent leather and tonal topstictching, the business-like bag gets a dash of flash from a slim gold strip on the rolled patent handle. Made in Italy, the bag is on sale for $697.

Michael Kors Moroccan Basket Tote, Handbag of the Day

Michael Kors' Moroccan Basket Tote is a lovely hybridization between the classically casual woven handbag style and a more upmarket bag. Made of rich chocolate brown leather, the bag is accented with circular links and gold studs. The tote has a rounded shape, allowing it to expand as needed, and has a small snap closure concealed just inside the bag's reinforced leather trim, with an internal zip pocket for extra security. This is a style that would work equally well with jeans or a summery, tan business suit. Price: $995.

Michael Kors Vintage Rose Saddle Flap Bag , Handbag of the Day

This small Michael by Michael Kors Vintage Rose Saddle Flap Bag has an updated western look to it. The chocolate brown leather and brass studs are very western, as is the saddle bag-style flap, but the cutout flower design has a modern feel and gives the bag a youthful, casual appeal. It would look great with jeans. The bag measures only 11"W x 7"H x 2 1/2"D and has a 9" drop from the strap, which is not adjustable. It is also available in black. Price: $248.

Michael Kors Signature Venus Shopper, Handbag of the Day

We can't say that we really liked the last Michael Kors handbag that we saw here. Although it combined all the appropriately "in" elements for the fall season, it just didn't work that well as a whole. The Michael Kors Signature Venus Shopper, on the other hand, is much simpler and works out to be much more pleasing to the eye. The bag comes in three basic colors - chocolate, tan and black - and is accented with contrasting topstitching and antiqued brass hardware. One addition detail is that the bag's drawstring pulls end with cute little "M" and "K" charms. It measures 10"H x 12 1/2"W x 6"D. Price: $428.

Michael Kors Kilt Flap Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

The Michael Kors Kilt Flap Shoulder Bag mixes an unusual combination of elements to produce an unmistakable bag for fall. Anthracite chains and square studs define the edgy look of the bag, but on top of the chains, the bag is made of a black, textured leather that adds an extra touch to the styling. The leather fringe on the top flap is inspired by a kilt design, but serves to slightly soften the fairly utilitarian handbag in this case. The bag is compact (12" x 6" x 1") and fits easily over the shoulder, padded by a leather shoulder rest in the center of the chain strap. Price: $795.

Michael Kors Skorpios Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Michael Kors has put out some great, large bags this season and the Skorpios Hobo is no exception. Though classified as a hobo and not as a tote, the bag actually falls somewhere in between the two styles. It has a single shoulder strap, attached with clips at either end, and an unstructured open top for easy access to the bag's contents. It is made of supple calfskin and available in both black and brown. The black bag has tarnished silver studs and hardware, while the brown has gold. All the studs are uniquely shaped as small pyramids, which lends them an unusually geometric look that complements the slouchy style of the bag. Price: $1,195.

Michael Kors Embroidered Linen Hobo, Handbag of the Day

The Michael Kors Embroidered Linen Hobo is another nice, casual bag to tote during the warm summer months, though the dark coloring will certainly ease the transition into fall. It is made from dark brown linen and is accented with gold floral embroidery. A snap closure secures the open-top bag.  The leather trim is embossed with a snakeskin print, though the woven, chocolate-colored leather strap is plain. Gold hardware attaches the strap to the bag itself and perfectly compliments the golden flowers. Gold and chocolate - sounds like a supremely elegant dessert, doesn't it? Price: $895.

Lux List: Top Spring Sundresses

Sundresses are on the casual end of elegance. Largely sleeveless, they are perfect for garden parties, a lazy Sunday brunch or a picnic at the park. They should be comfortable and easy to wear, but classy at the same time; sundresses are not too casual and should look good with strappy sandals or thong flats. This spring, there are a couple of trends that are showing up in the sun. The biggest one is white. White is the must-have shade for spring dresses. It is flattering and cooling, simple enough to be paired with any other shade and bright enough to be eye catching. Large print patterns and stripes are popular, too, but are definitely coming in second to the simple white dress. Other trends to look out for are dresses with empire waists and fuller skirts, as well as easy-to-wear shirt dresses, all of which can be very figure flattering.

This white Vintage Lace Shirtdress from ABS by Allen Schwartz has a lace overlay over an empire chiffon slip. It is flowy and flirty without being too revealing. Price $230.

Continue reading Lux List: Top Spring Sundresses

Estee Lauder Oscar Swag

And the Oscar swagfest begins... Estee Lauder has announced their 2006 Estee Lauder Luxury Beauty Spa Experience for nominees to indulge, relax and prepare for their big night with a spa experience. The Estee Lauder "Dream Team" will travel to each nominee and let them choose a customized spa day. Those in need of a little boost can check out the Perfectionist Power Facial by Dr. Jay Calvert which includes a light laser procedure and then a Power Patch placed on the area around the eye for 20 minutes. And for sunless tan addicts (like Charlize Theron) there is new Winning Glow Tanning Treatment which provides a full face and body exfoliation and bronzing with Estee Lauder's sunless tanners. A Bentley Continental Flying Spur will transport nominees to and from their Spa appointments and chauffeur the Estee Lauder Dream Team to the nominees on location. And of course there is a swag bag which includes Estee Lauder products, Manolo Blahnik sandals, Michael Kors sunglasses, a tiger's eye necklace, a set of Harcourt black crystal wine goblets and La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot champagne (very similar to last year's offering).

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