Natalia: Philanthropist + Babe

( “Do-Gooder” Natalia )

In undoubtedly the most successful charity event in Russia’s recent history, super-altrustic supermodel Natalia Vodianova congregated VIPs from both hemispheres to raise an unprecedented $6 million for her Naked Heart Foundation. The nonprofit organization constructs modern “Play Parks” for less fortunate children in Russia - home to an estimated two million street children and six million minors living in poverty.

The Honourable Justin Portman, Valentino Garavani, UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu, Natalie Imbruglia, Eva Herzigova, Mario Testino, Diane von Furstenberg, Paolo Roversi, Alfonso Cuaron, Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet, Sati Spivakova, Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell, designers Alena Akhmadulina, Denis Simachev, Igor Chapurin, Dasha Zhukova (who generously donated Kova & T organic t-shirts), Elena Yarmak and Gyunel Boateng; Aliona Doletskaya, and Vogue Russia (of which she served double duty as cover star and guest editor in the current March issue), were among the elite who came out to support the foundation.

After a candlelit champagne reception at the Catherine Hall of Tsaritsino Palace, guests crossed an icy blue floodlit bridge - constructed especially for the Love Ball - from Tsaritsino Palace to the Ice Palace. On account of Moscow’s biting subzero temperatures, Natalia bountifully provided traditional Russian shawls for protection during the promenade [see Mario Testino above].

The highlight of the evening was a memorable Christie’s love-themed charity auction. Among the lots up for bidding were a made-to-measure tuxedo by Giorgio Armani himself and a front-row ticket to his Milan fashion show; a Phillippe Starck “Love Bed” acquired by the General Partner of The Love Ball, Alexander Vinokurov of KIT Finance; the Valentino “Antoinetta” wedding dress, his final haute couture masterpiece; the opportunity to be featured in a Mario Testino British Vogue photoshoot with Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova and Natalia Vodianova; a Damien Hirst painting titled “Love is All Around” introduced by Lucy Liu and sold at a staggering 1.2 million euros - the most valuable lot of the event; Natalia’s weight (with the help of her son Lucas) [see jockey scales above] in rare vintage wines (1982, 1990, 2000, and 2005) donated by Baron Eric de Rothschild, proprietor of Château Lafite Rothschild; and “The Ultimate Oscars™ for Two” including a stay at André Balazs‘ fabled Château Marmont, a posh Oscar™ picnic at Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg’s Beverly Hills mansion, attendance of the Academy Awards personally styled by Rachel Zoe, and a private tour and luncheon at the Playboy Mansion accompanied by playmates. Post-auction buzz, Natalia’s former British Vogue co-coverstar Johnny Borrell’s band Razorlight took to the stage and ended the festivities on a high note.

Only “the Supernova” herself could so effortlessly transform from philanthropic Russian minx to down-and-dirty cowgirl. Natalia graces us with a sweeping thirty page Bruce Weber editorial in the annual March couture supplement of Vogue Italia.

For the complete Vogue Italia spread: click here.

Barneys Fall 2008 Prêt-à-Porter Trunk Shows

Barneys may be renowned for their schlep-worthy warehouse sales as of late, but it’s their trunk shows that truly deserve the acclaim. While rummaging through slightly démodé clothes may bestow a modest bargainer’s high, the bubbly at their in-store previews is sure to trounce it.

Amongst the most anticipated collections available for pre-order throughout March are: Dries van Noten, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Derek Lam, Lanvin, and Bottega Veneta.

Scoping out the new Fall season in propria persona and trying on hot-off-the-runway sample sizes and the (admittedly remote) possibility of schmoozing it up with the always hilarious Simon Doonan?

… I’ve already called a driver.

Fall 2008 Trunk Show Collections:

Emilio Pucci S/S ‘08

Pucci’s look for Spring/Summer 2008.
Photographed by Juergen Teller

Instead of the obvious Pucci lines, there seems to be a hint of “boho-chic” here… and some Native American Navajo patterns with bright turquoise. Modeled by Malgosia Bela

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“Greek Ideal” in Sunday’s T Mag

When I first came across Laura Laine’s fashion illustrations in 2006 I was instantly struck by her long-limbed ladies and fresh perspective on the au courant collections. Her whimsical waifs are featured (donning the likes of Balenciaga, Lanvin, McQueen, Proenza, and Versace) in Armand Limnader’s The Greek Ideal in the current t magazine.

a selection of Laura’s previous work:

http://www.lauralaine.net/