Jennifer Lawrence for Dior

It makes perfect sense that America's sweetheart, Jennifer Lawrence, would be the face of Dior. In fact, it was a strapless, vivid-white Dior Couture tiered gown that JLaw wore when she iconically tripped up the Academy Awards stairs just last year. That was the moment she shed her celebrity, immortal identity and became a fully relatable human being; a personality trait she has sense supplemented in interviews and appearances. And, as the people at Dior have figured out, authenticity sells. 

Jennifer Lawrence's honest persona has seeped into her very image, as seen in the beautiful new shots for the latest Dior campaign. In these photos, taken by the acclaimed French photographer Patrick Demarchelier, Lawrence's pixie cut is softly and effortlessly slicked to the side. The lack of makeup focuses all attention on her prominent cheek bones and full lips. Furthermore, her bare purity juxtaposed with the Dior garments make the ad that much more striking.

At this point, it's safe to say: Jennifer Lawrence can do no wrong. 

Believe the Hype: Tom Ford F14

The pressure to live up to expectations after abundant success must be difficult. The pressure to live up to expectations after Jay Z writes an entire chart-topping track praising your work, has to seem virtually impossible. Nobody wants to be a one-trick pony––especially in an industry like fashion. Yet, Texas-born designer, Tom Ford beat the odds at London Fashion Week, with the buzz around him louder than ever. 

The collection as a whole is, fittingly, so London. Absence of color, severe lines, and a visible homage to the rapid street-style culture were executed flawlessly. Minimalistic looks were seen all over the runways at NYFW, a trend Ford echoes by focusing primarily on silhouettes and shapes. His time at Gucci and YSL seems to have shaped his personal aesthetic, with a heavy reliance on luxury furs and menswear-inspired pieces, respectively. 

I am personally captivated by Ford's use of color and texture. The order of his collection was meticulously pulled off, as each look evolved into each other. While his pieces were basic, the very hint of a special textile––such as leather, fur, sequins, or velvet––maintained the audience's attention. 

Ford received a good amount of criticism for "knocking-off" Jay Z with the sequined jersey dress, almost identical to the tunic Hova sports in concert. While some, like me, thought it to be a cool gesture to the dynamic relationship between music and fashion, others found it to be  poor imitation. When confronted with this criticism, Tom Ford chuckled and replied with: "That sells for $65. My knockoff will sell for $6,500." (Style.com) His confidence says it all. 

See the full collection here! 

Style Icon: Alexa Chung

Street style is one of my biggest sources of inspiration, and no one does it quite like Alexa Chung. The British model's personal style is effortless yet daring as she carefully creates an unprecedented dichotomy of contrasting themes or patterns in nearly every ensemble. Whether it be edgy meets flirtatious, a mix of color-complementing prints, or the always classic black tight and peter pan collar, Alexa Chung has worn it all. Her choices are smart, tasteful, and by nature, pretty minimalistic.  This fashion chameleon has the ability to make every look her own; her poise is unwavering. Alexa Chung understands and takes on the very science of street style, a form of fashion where she reigns queen. 

The United States of Tacky Sweaters?

The Olympics, both winter and summer, are the ultimate display of sport and country prowess. Millions watch and cheer on their spectacular teams through thrilling success and devastating defeat (which in the US is equivalent to a bronze medal). However, some people, like me, are solely captivated by the spectacle of Opening Ceremony outfits. Don't get me wrong, I love sports. But fashion is fashion.

As both an American and fashion indulger, I was slightly mortified upon viewing the United States' ensemble, courtesy of Ralph Lauren. Other countries, such as Ukraine and Germany, opted for fun, brightly colored down coats that not only made a statement, but also seemed practical for the Sochi climate. I don't even know where to start when deciphering the US' outfit. I could begin with the patchwork-esque cardigan that looked straight out of your grandmother's closet, covered with stars that resembled large polka dots from a distance. I think my favorite part was seeing snowboarding legend Shaun White rocking that white turtleneck–– a piece owned by every affluent skier in the 1990s. It pains me to say this, but, Ralph, what were you thinking?

The Death of Fashion Week?

Prior to 1993, the fashion world was dominated and dictated by Europe. It was nearly impossible for any up-and-coming designer to break the mold–let alone an American. Thus came the birth of New York Fashion Week, which has served as the crucial platform for American designers to gain the global respect they so deserve. Since then, NYFW has become one of the most distinguished fashion weeks in the world, with designers from all over contending for a spot on the coveted runway. Until now. 

Yesterday, notable American designer Zac Posen announced his departure from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center to pursue a show in a smaller venue. Posen is one of many designers (e.g. Michael Kors and Diane von Furstenberg) who have opted for shows outside the NYFW realm. 

The reasons behind this shift are varied. Ever since NYFW left Bryant Park in 2010, prolific members of the fashion industry have been less than pleased with Lincoln Center.  Bryant Park was ideal in the sense that it was a central location, in a large, open park. This layout enabled a dichotomous relationship between a private event in a public space. Bryant Park allowed for the people of New York to experience NYFW without actually stepping foot in the tents. Near the end of the Bryant Park Era, however, NYFW was simply outgrowing the park, and in need of a new location. Lincoln Center, with its weird, cramped layout and long corridors, has served as a satisfactory host. Furthermore, the rise of technology opens doors to new modes of showcasing collections, such as Alice Temperley's video installations which are not only more modern, but economically savvy. 

At this point, time will tell if the "shows will go on". However, thanks to the seventeen years of NYFW, American designers have achieved the credibility to continue their careers the way they choose, technologically pioneered or not.