Gown Town
Nicole Kidman (who won a Fashion Icon award) was a no-show, but other stars flocked to New York City June 2 to salute the American designers who make them look so fab. Hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker (who changed four times), the Council of Fashion Designers of America gala at the New York Public Library was a mutual-affection fest that inspired its share of hyperbole. A nominee in the menswear category, P. Diddy said, "These are the greatest designers in the world. I hope I lose." (Alas, he did.) Air-kissing aside, the bond between Seventh Avenue and its star clients seemed authentic. Explaining why she'd come along with Michael Kors, Jane Krakowski joked, "A girl will do anything for a dress."
behind the seams
winner's circle
Actress Joy Bryant brought a bit of Bollywood to Los Angeles at The Italian Job premiere. Pairing a vintage Indian top with sleek Seven jeans and a veritable treasure chest of gold accessories—metallic sandals, bangles and dangle earrings—Bryant gave Indian chic a fresh, modern flavor. (And served it up hot....)
ENAMEL WEAR:
Trendy types including Kelly Osbourne, Heather Graham and Carmen Electra are infatuated with handmade jewelry from a hip Brooklyn studio called Kiln Enamel Works. Fired onto copper or sterling silver, the arty designs are worked into bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces like the piece (right) snapped up by Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera and Avril Lavigne. The studio does custom work too: Stefani ordered personalized baubles for hubby Gavin Rossdale and all the members of No Doubt. (A smaller splurge than you might think: the Blossom necklace, above, is just $44.) Who says Brooklyn can't do chic?
MOLTON MAGIC:
While Kirsten Dunst was shooting Mona Lisa Smile in Boston, she was smitten by the goodies she picked up from Molton Brown. Once a cult fave in Britain, the company's beauty products have drawn stateside fans like Sandra Bullock and Cameron Diaz. Now, on the set of Spider-Man II, makeup artist Noriko is prepping Dunst with her new faves: Molton Brown's Wonder Lips Booster, Recover Eyes and Under Cover Liquid Light Foundation. (Guess she won't leave home without 'em now....)
Kirsten Dunst is hot for Molton Brown's Under Cover Liquid Light Foundation, $36; Recover Eyes (top) and Wonder Lips Booster (bottom), $35
HEAD GAMES:
Madonna and Britney Spears have returned to their (fake) blonde roots. Ditching her chestnut bob, Britney added extensions when she lightened up. Was she unhappy being brown? Nope, says her hairdresser Kevin Mancuso: "She loves to play with color." As for Madonna, the karma chameleon shed her dark persona for something brighter. (Or is it just all that enlightenment shining through?)
Ponying Up for Charity
Launched in 2000, Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony line has raised more than $20 million for cancer care for patients in low-income communities. This season winning entries like the bikini will be joined by newcomers including a sexy tank top. Look for celeb supporters (Kristin Davis, Jennifer Aniston) to trot out their faves.
Ten percent of Pink Pony sales go to quality cancer treatment. Front runners: the bikini ($125), hoodie ($98), beach towel ($98) and tote ($135); www.polo.com
Camisole Sisters
No longer the sexpot prop that Madonna liberated from the lingerie drawer, the camisole as top has become more romantic than racy. Stars like Keri Russell are pairing lacy satin versions with trousers or jeans and skipping structured undergarments. Girlie, yes—but the volume has been reduced to a seductive whisper.
Going Dutch
Hollywood's latest version of label mania can be summed up in just two words: Von Dutch. Ashton Kutcher, Leo DiCaprio, Brittany Murphy and other stars are fans of the jeans and logo tees, while the limited-edition trucker hats are a hit on eBay. Revving up the glitz factor: Von Dutch is producing Britney Spears' own designer label. (Logo-strewn thongs? Stay posted.)
Von Dutch trucker hats; $42-55, Kitson, L.A., 310-859-2652.
Your Reaction
