Musette Loves: Sam Riley

Be Still Our Collective Heart, Here Comes SR!
Best known for breaking out by way of last year's Joy Division biopic Control, Sam Riley is the brightest heartthrob to hit the scene as of late. Getting ready for the portrayal of Ian Curtis was no sweat for our rock god, who plays in a band when he isn't busy acting. Riley came from humble beginnings-think clothing factory in Leeds!-but has since made leaps and bounds, refusing for his star to go unnoticed.Find Riley in his next two films Franklyn and Nottingham, as well as looking dashing in the latest Burberry campaign. Sweet Sam currently lives in Berlin with, sigh... his girlfriend, actress Alexandra Maria Lara. However this couple is so red hot, how could you not approve?
Still...
x Musette Loves Sam Riley x

Musette Fills The Gap II

LISTEN:LIE DOWN IN THE LIGHTSit back and relax with Bonnie "Prince" Billy's latest, maybe greatest, musical effort. Lie Down in the Light is a happy-go-lucky departure from earlier, more mournful albums from BPB, featuring upbeat lyrics, a female vocalist, and even a cute clarinet. Skip to You Want That Picture to hear what could be the most beautiful song of the year.

SURF:STYLE BUBBLECould Susie Bubble, creator of Style Bubble, be any cuter? Unlikely. This fervent fashionista's successful website is an ode to her love of style, and is filled to the rim with content that will satisfy any fashion fiend. Little Susie even models her favourite ensembles for fans, another reason why Style Bubble is such fun. Be sure to check it out at stylebubble.typepad.com!

Musette Look of the Week

Jessica Stam at the 303 Gallery Opening, New York
She may have a bag named after her by none other than Marc Jacobs, but Jessica Stam proved she still knows how to keep it casual at the opening of 303 Gallery's new space. Looking perfectly cute in a mini trapeze dress and flats, this cutie-pie was all smiles, attracting the photographer as well as the crowd. At a party where lower Manhattan's artistic elite kept it harsh and serious, Stam maintained her understated yet girly style in a look that challenged the art for the spotlight. The lovely Jessica Stam reminds us not to overdo it this weekend.
x Musette

Musette's How To: Love The Earth, Tip 1

The Soul of your Shoe: TOMS
Described as a 'one for one movement' TOMS has been looking out for disadvantaged children in South Africa and Argentina since 2006. TOMS super cute and comfortable canvas sand shoes come in a huge selection of colours and prints and can be worn just about anywhere. What's better than how cool they look on? The fact that with your purchase, a child in need will also be supplied with a pair of shoes. If there ever was a reason to buy up big, this is it. Visit tomsshoes.com to make steps towards a better world.

Musette Most Wanted, Deux

To Yves, With Love
A New Way To Clutch Your Belongings
Honour your love for Yves with a whimsical clutch. Leave home without hauling half your belongings by dropping your keys and lipstick into this one of a kind item. You will be out the door before you can say 'par avion!' Browse www.ysl.com for more, more, more to covet.

Stuck In The Trenches
Nothing Beats a Beautiful Classic
Be the chicest broad on the block or simply shroud an unkempt outfit with the ultimate heritage item: the trench coat. For timeless luxury save your pennies for Burberry, or log on to www.apc.fr for a young, fun array of options.

All That Glitters
Make Them Say Wow With Dior JoaillerieFrom ornate floral arrangements to otherworldly scenes, Dior Joaillerie is the finest way to make an eye-popping statement. Enjoy understatement with a cute 'oui' ring, or go for pure opulence with a bejeweled monkey. Visit www.diorjaillerie.com for a complete list of designers and styles.

Andy's (Treasure) Chest
Let The Legend Fill Some Space
Escape into Andy Warhol's world with a larger than life book encapsulating his magnificent career and life. Featuring flawlessly reproduced images and captivating text, Giant Size is a must-have for all Warhol groupies. Caution: Bend knees while lifting, book weighs 15 pounds!!!

Musette Best Dressed...For Success

Musette features four hard working beauties who know that sometimes to get ahead you have to put your best (fashionable) foot forward.

Kathryn Neale Shaffer: Editor Extraordinaire
Kathryn Neale may have married into wealth but it didn't stop her from pursuing her passion for writing and fashion. With an enviable wardrobe dominated by sleek Calvin Klein items, Kathryn is currently at the top of her field as Vogue's freelance darling, and Teen Vogue's favourite stylist.

Alexa Chung: Presenting Perfection
There isn't much this Brit bombshell can't do. After receiving straight A's at University, Chung went on to excel at writing, acting and television presenting. It is no wonder she hates being labeled an It Girl having said it's 'a depressing title to hold.' Alexa has an undeniable knack for dressing herself which has found her in elite fashion ranks.

Genevieve Jones: Driven Designer
Just like her personal style, Genevieve Jone's self-titled jewelry line is bold and eye-catching. Easily mistaken as just another Manhattan party girl, Jones has put in time at Zac Posen, an interior design firm and at one time even tried her luck at singing. But it is Jones' eye for opulence that make jewelry designer her most successful career choice to date.


Sasha Pivovarova: Modeling Marvel As an Art History student in Moscow, Sasha Pivovarova never dreamed she would become a supermodel. Today she is the long-running face of Prada, and walks the industry's most prestigious catwalks yet is still the shy yet focused girl she always was. While fellow models gossip backstage, Sasha can be found pencil in hand sketching her friends-her creative eye crossing over brilliantly to her own personal style.

Musette Says: Send In The Clowns

Let the joke be on you in looks that turn circus into savvy.
Opt for bright colours, fun prints and wild proportions to prove you aren't afraid to clown around! Above, the Miu Miu Spring 2008 collection is a total crowd pleaser.
Put on your (funny) face with vivid red lips and a wild up-do to match. Don't forget a great big smile is key for your rave reviews. Seen above, Derek Lam steals the spotlight.To regale and tease your onlookers you must be comfortably equipped. Become a baggy-beautiful showoff in parachute pants or a one-piece, like the one above courtesy of Preen.Complete your clown-like cool with a pair of white or colourful lace ups-they are an ideal choice when performing tricks and acrobats of all sorts. Above, canvas oxfords by F-Troupe.

Musette Honours Album Covers

London Calling, 1979
The cover art of The Clash's third studio album symblises a true 'rock and roll moment'. This sincere image captures Paul Simonon smashing his guitar in rockin' rage, and today is one of the most sought after album covers for die-hards everywhere. In usual Clash fashion, the songs of London Calling deal with unemployment, racial tension, and drug use-in fact producer Guy Stevens was an addict himself and took to throwing chairs around while the band was recording, which gave a chaotic sound to many of the tracks. The harshness of the cover is softened with large, bright, block letters giving it an upbeat appeal. The format of London Calling was an ironic parody of Elvis' debut album which featured the same use of typography and black and white photography. London Calling portrays the mood of the 70's like no other album art does by balancing the fun that was the music and the party scene with the general frustration concerning the state of the world. It seems our band really was all about The Clash.

Musette Look(s) of the Week

LOU DOILLON CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP!!!

At a Couture party, Paris
It's not like you expect anything less than super, super cool from Lou Doillon, but recently she has been on a whirlwind style cyclone, giving all hipsters a run for their money. In Paris for the Couture shows, Lou kept it casual in a boxy jacket and tee, with her trademark disheveled locks. While others donned gowns with full faces of make-up, Doillon managed to shine the brightest, mastering unkempt and effortless as usual.


At the Whitney Art Party & Auction, New York
Who knew our English teacher's were referring to dresses when they told us to 'Keep It Short and Simple?! In Herve Leger, Lou poses perfect with fellow reveler Byrdie Bell. Dancing would have been no easy feat in these spray on numbers, but surely the two found a way. Lou takes a break from the boyish look she is so loved for, opting to show off her magnificent legs-we give her fashion snaps for mixing it up.

Musette Beauty File

SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL: NATALIA VODIANOVANatalia Vodianova is (cat)walking proof that sometimes fairy tales really do come true. Her story spans from Gorky, Russia to Paris, France; fruit stall employee to Vogue cover girl; moneyless to jet setting philanthropist.Natalia was a showstopper from an early age, swapping the fruit stall for a modeling agency as a teen. A Parisian scout convinced her to learn English and move to Paris, forcing our beautiful brainiac to master the language in a record three months. For her undeniable beauty and charm it wasn't long before supervodianova was booking shows, campaigns and magazine covers galore. Quickly joining the ranks of Kate Moss and Carolyn Murphy, Vodianova became one of the industry's top earners, and in true fairy tale fashion, Natalia met her Prince Charming, a handsome Brit named Justin Portman. The two have since married and had three children, and wee Nat is only 25, what a yummy mummy! Coming from a disadvantaged background led Vodianova to start the Naked Heart Foundation, a cause which provides Russian children with safe playgrounds. Of Naked Heart, Natalia says, 'I know I am probably not giving necessity to the children, but I am giving luxury.' A poised, beautiful, do-gooder, with an exceptional eye for style? We could have our generation's answer to Audrey Hepburn.

Musette Fills The Gap

Got some free time? Busy procrastinating? Musette offers up a few brilliant ways to fill the time.

READ: PURPLE MAGAZINEOliver Zahm is one cool dude, so when he founded Purple Magazine fifteen years ago it was bound to be a hit. This super-substantial biannual mag is jam packed with the clothes you want to wear, the art you want to buy and the people you want to befriend. Purple offers an edgy escape from Vogue, (where else are you going to find Vincent Gallo in a frock?) guaranteeing many hours of absorption.

LISTEN: SIBYLLE BAIERGerman beauty Sibylle Baier recorded a collection of songs under the title Colour Green in the early 1970's but it was not until 2006 that Sibylle's music was heard by those outside of her family. The songs that make up Colour Green are melancholic and beautiful, ideal for fans of Cat Power and Joni Mitchell, yet still in a class all of their own.

WATCH: THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
This aesthetic masterpiece dreamily brings Jean-Dominique Bauby's memoir to screen. Bauby, the former editor of Elle, suffered a colossal stroke at age 43, losing control of his body with the exception of his left eyelid and mind. Directed by artist Julian Schnabel, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is one not to be missed for its remarkable language, setting, cast of characters, and ultimate tale of triumph.

SURF: THE KSUBI WEBSITE
Australian fashion line Ksubi are at it again, this time with a fabulous new website. Featuring a lo-fi layout imitative of Google and Trade Me, ksubi.com is an innovative shopping experience which offers a no frills break from your typically savvy fashion sites. Just like the label's trademark jeans, the Ksubi site is fun and foolproof.

Musette Brings You The Socialite

"...You will be disguised during your fifteen years as what is called a 'suhciety gurl.'...
...You will be known as a ragtime kid, a flapper, a jazz-baby, and a baby vamp. You will dance new dances..."
-From F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Beautiful And Damned

Forget Paris Hilton. The real socialite is a girl who can be found only occasionally, say on Miss V's party pages in Vogue, Page Six of The New York Post, or maybe in the gossip fueled headlines of Gawker.com. The society girls of today, are jet-setting mini moguls, designer's muses, and far classier heiresses than the Hiltons ever were. Today's socialites are not simply ragtime kids and jazz babies, instead they are handbag designers, beauty ambassadors, aspiring actresses and documentary film makers. Business expense? Charge it to Daddy! Find this set of Bright Young Things front and center at the top Fashion Week shows, holidaying in the Hamptons or St. Moritz, or enjoying a quiet (diet) drink at New York's Waverly Inn.

Musette introduces you to Byrdie, Tatiana and Lauren:

Byrd of Paradise!
Byrdie Bell pictured in white with sociali..excuse-me 'film-maker' Arden Wohl.
After a much publicized falling out with frenemie and fellow party girl Olivia Palermo, Byrdie Bell has been making the party rounds at break-neck speeds. With a great sense of style, BB symbolizes a new wave of hip Manhattan socialites. Bell comes across far more down to earth than her upper-classmen by admitting her love of the subway, and-gasp-lack of a private plane!

More Than Andrea's Arm Candy!
Tatiana Santo Domingo pictured with boyfriend Andrea Casiraghi.
Tatiana Santo Domingo is a Colombian beauty with a keen eye for style, a gorgeous beau, and many, many dollars waiting for her in the bank. Although she is busy with royal events in Monaco, the Couture shows in Paris, and sunning on the world's most luxurious beaches, this beer heiress still finds time to study art history at the New School. Cheers to that!

The Bergdorf Blonde!Lauren Davis lets loose on the dance floor at NYC's Winter Ball.
Having been married in January to Tatiana's brother Andres in what was dubbed 'the first real society wedding of the century,' Lauren Davis mightn't need to keep her job as an editor at Vogue. In a $250,000 wedding dress designed by pal Oliver Theyskens, Davis' nine, yes NINE, bridesmaids served as a who's-who of the social set. With her all American look, reminiscent of the late Caroline Besette, this it-girl knows how to attract a crowd.

Musette Most Wanted

Musette brings you four items of substance and luxury that are worth wanting right now.

Let Down Your (Avant) Guard
Fabulous Footwear Courtesy of Prada
Step inside a world where flowers come to life, angels are our friends, and fashion knows no limits with Prada's Spring 2008 collection. Strap on a pair of surrealist-inspired shoes that look as delicate as china and feel as wild as your imagination. www.prada.com

Seeing Things in Black & White...
Slimane Shares His (Rock) Diary
When he wasn't busy reinventing menswear at Dior, Hedi Slimane was taking photographs. And by photographs we mean unforgettable images of your very favourite people, places and things. Go to his website or purchase the brand new book Rock Diary to see for yourself. www.hedislimane/diary/

Forever Four-Eyed...
Verdict Is Tom Ford Knows Good Frames
After a long and meaningful search it seems Tom Ford masters the art of framing like no other. Get back to basics in simple specs or magnify your intellectuality in glasses that would make your optometrist proud. Either way, Tom is your man. www.tomford.com

I Want Intimacy...
Stella Nails Lingerie
Stella McCartney's much awaited lingerie line is here and temptresses the world over cannot wait to slip into the luxurious line. With an aesthetic a little antique, a little bit racy, Stella has certainly done it again. www.stellamccartney.com

Musette Look of the Week

Kate Moss Arriving at the Wedding of Leah Wood and Jack McDonaldWith a rumored wedding in the works for Kate Moss and The Kills other half Jamie Hince, this photograph required a double take. Although she was only a guest, Miss Moss still arrived in her usual fashion, effortlessly upstaging the bride - daughter of The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood. Hince, Moss and lovely Lila Grace were reported to arrive after the ceremony had begun, putting a rather literal spin on the phrase fashionably late. In a floor length Chanel dress, vivid shawl and eye catching clutch, the only thing that looked better than Katie's ensemble were her wedding companions. Mini Moss is already donning fur stoles, and Hince looked every bit the part of dashing rock star in a three piece suit. Here's to a Musette muse and her very cute crew.
x

Resort: It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

The Resort collections remind us that sometimes fashion can be fun and frivolous. And that's all. And that's OK. Resort encourages escapism and celebration: a holiday to a far away place, a sundowner with your sweetheart, treasuring the luxury in your life.


Stella McCartney poses with models at her Resort 2009 show, (which took place in a quaint New York City garden-how perfect for our favourite eco-friendly designer.)


Alexander Wang took a break from grunge, grunge, grunge and offered up a few unusually girlie frocks, such as this lovely wrapped number pictured above.


It was all polka-dots and moonbeams at Lanvin's show this year. In keeping with resort wear's bottom line, designer Alber Elbaz wholeheartedly embraced "the idea of vacation."

Musette Spotlights HEARTTHROBS

heart·throb
n.
A pulsation of the heart; a heartbeat.
Sentimental or tender emotion.
Infatuation.
A Sweetheart.

Musette spotlights the onscreen men we will never, ever forget.

The Unlikely Yet Totally Irresistible Heartthrob:
John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything 1989
He was a mumbling, designated driving, trench coat wearing fool in Cameron Crowe's Say Anything, but something about Lloyd Dobler still makes the heart go pitter-pat. Lloyd believed in true love and had the endearing summer goal simply to be 'a great date' to the perfect Diane Court. But ultimately Dobler's heartthrob status is gained when he blasts Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes from a gigantic boombox for his one and only to hear. Now that is wooing at it's finest.

The Dark Horse Of A Heartthrob:
Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko in Donnie Darko 2001
Before Jake belonged to Reese, was in films such as The Day After Tomorrow, and could be seen cycling with Lance Armstrong, he was Donnie Darko-the dark and edgy object of our infatuation. Confused and subject to obscure hallucinations, Donnie possesses heartthrob qualities as a result of his looks, (hot!) and his eerie conviction regarding the fate of the world. Not many troubled teens could convince us the world will end in 28 days because of a message he got from a giant bunny, but somehow our Darko does it.

The Guy We Wish We Knew In High School Heartthrob:
Michael Schoeffling as Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles 1984
Scoring the hottest guy in school is pretty good compensation when your parents forget your birthday. Molly Ringwald, queen of 80's cinema, nabs her man after a series of embarrassing events, although we can't help but be more than a little jealous. Perfect hair, bod, clothes and deep, deep voice, Jake Ryan is a high school hunk with a sensitive side. When he chooses the quirky Miss Ringwald over his perky and popular girlfriend, Jake peaks to eternal heartthrob ranks.

The Why Can't Men Be Like That Anymore Heartthrob:
Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley in Roman Holiday 1953
Finding a drugged up woman asleep on a bench seems a suitable build up to a scandal, but not when Gregory Peck is the leading man. After this gallant and charming journalist brings a semi-conscious princess back to his apartment for the night, he tucks her into bed and takes an admirable place on the couch. This tale would probably pan out differently in today's big bad world, especially when a woman that even slightly resembles Audrey Hepburn is involved. However, Gregory Peck was a rare gem of a man whose stand-up nature and debonair looks place him in a heartthrob category all of his own.

Musette Hall of Fame 1

The Model: Lara Stone
Lara Stone is a bodacious babe that came leaping onto the scene, prominent eyebrows, big breasts, gapped teeth and all. Stone was quickly embraced by ID magazine and adored by Calvin Klein for her standout looks and healthy figure. Lara breathes new life into an industry where girls are plummeting to scarily low weights. This model will forever be a Hall of Famer for ignoring the fashion pack rats that have been known to say "we don't want you to be anorexic, we just want you to look it." Yikes! Go Lara!

The Director: Sophia Coppola
We heard The Strokes in Versailles, got fashion inspiration to last a lifetime, and fell in love with Bill Murray. How could this have happened without the directorial help of Sophia Coppola? She is responsible for the coolest films of our generation, and when caught in front of the camera, Sophia is every bit as chic as you could hope her to be. With a father in Francis Ford, a cousin in Jason (be still my heart) Schwartzman, and a brother in the über-cool Roman, Musette dibs a seat at Sophia's next family get-together.

The Designer: Doo Ri
Doo Ri Chung went from a one woman design house based in the basement of her family's dry cleaning business to the CFDA's darling. Her trademark shirts and jersey dresses may not be the most radical or cutting edge items on the market, but their quality, classic aesthetic and perfect fit make her label a favourite. With the sweetest of demeanor's, beautiful personal style, and self-made rags to riches tale, Musette gladly inducts Ms. Doo Ri.

The Actress: Maggie Gyllenhaal She has a slew of blockbusters under her belt, a famous husband, and a killer wardrobe, yet Maggie G. still seems like the type of gal you could get to know at your local haunt over cheap wine and french fries. With a down to earth look, the loveliest of smiles, and a knack for scoring super-cool film roles, Maggie possesses a sincerity many of her Hollywood cohorts lack. We love her as a submissive secretary, French speaking party girl, and Donnie Darko's sister. Marrying Jake seems tempting simply to be able to call Maggie 'sister in law.'

Musette Look of the Week

Charlotte Casiraghi at the Moscow Art Center
It is no secret that Musette is a fan of Charlotte Casiraghi, (see the Bright Young Things Best Dressed List for proof,) and a look like this simply feeds the obsession. For the opening of the Moscow Center of Contemporary Culture-ah Russia, how chic!-Charlotte transformed the simplest of little black dresses into elegance epitomised. Finishing off the look with red lips, fab shoes, and a perfect pout to boot, Charlotte got it all right once again. If you are going to swan around an art opening with Jeff Koons and a spoonful of caviar, you might as well do it in style.
As the working week comes to a close, inspiration is found via our favourite pseudo-royal. Thanks Charlotte!
x Musette