Blog Posts by Vogue Magazine

Right in the middle of her big U.S. tour-she played New York Monday with Lil Wayne and had the sore throat to prove it last night-Nicki Minaj surprised the packed house during Bid To Save the Earth Tuesday night at Christie's Auction House in New York with a performance. Sitting in the green room about an hour before her super-secret set was scheduled to begin, we talked with the singer about everything from preshow jitters (she gets them) to preshow routines (green tea and honey)-and how she's making her own bid to save the Earth.

1. What are you wearing tonight? Is it one of your favorite designers?
Yes, it is-it's Alexander Wang. It's all black, of course, and I knew I needed to get my green on, so that's how I came up with the green-and-white hair. I have a lot of designers I like right now; I really like Donatella Versace. She sent me a few beautiful things recently to consider wearing to the Grammys and, even though I ended up wearing Givenchy, I believe in supporting women. I'm

By Lynn Yaeger, Vogue magazine

"They're holding those bags like they're holding a puppy!" exclaims body-language expert Lillian Glass, Ph.D., when she's confronted with a series of runway images from the Prada fall 2011 catwalk show, in which the models are snuggling up to their purses, clutching them like something soft and warm you'd like to nestle near your bosom.

The Prada show wasn't the only runway extravaganza that featured models brandishing handbags in new and striking ways, which is what prompted us to seek out Glass-a communications pro and media personality (she's been on Oprah! Nancy Grace!) who has authored more than fourteen books on the subject-and ask her to reveal the subtext, the subliminal messages that may be lurking behind this phenomenon. Glass, who herself currently covets a giant Donna Karan satchel she encountered recently and who admits to a weakness for soft Italian leathers, warmed to the task.

First off, she offers that the Prada ladies may be cozying

By Meredith Melling Burke, Vogue magazine

Not one for too much tiaras and tulle, Catherine Middleton strikes us as a thoroughly modern monarch, who will ultimately champion thoroughly modern designers. Keeping that in mind, we've chosen her wardrobe for spring, including the most royal of looks from some of our favorite designers-many of whom even shared with us what clothes they would love to see on the princess-to-be.

When Rihanna first emerged on the music scene in 2005, she was a fresh-faced, teenage Barbadian beauty "in faded jeans and embroidered linen blouses." With her hypnotizing sound and effervescent spirit, it didn't take long for her to achieve rock star status, and while she was busy churning out hit after hit, her style simultaneously evolved to follow suit. She chopped off her hair off and dyed it jet black, and from that point on, her edgy, ever-changing image was perpetually photographed and constantly scrutinized. In honor of her debut in a Hollywood blockbuster (to be released next summer) and to celebrate her first Vogue cover, we chose our favorite boundary-pushing red carpet looks worn by Rihanna.

By Emily Weiss, Vogue magazine

Melissa Tammerijn, the porcelain-complected 21-year-old Dutch mannequin, rushes into Nina Ricci and a swarm of frenzied hair and makeup assistants descend upon her. "I have my own products," she says calmly, retrieving a Ziploc baggie from her purse containing three well-used items. The fragile, ethereal skin, for which Tammerijn is known, is so sensitive and reactive, her job wouldn't be possible without these skin-prep essentials.

"Foundations and creams really penetrate the outer layer, so it's the most important step for me," she explains. "I had to find the right ones." The winners: Avène Cicalfate Restorative Cream, which she says, "creates a thick barrier;" Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation in Porcelain Ivory, the fairest shade; and YSL Touche Éclat for concealing and highlighting

Tammerijn reports that most makeup artists know her by now, and are happy to accommodate. Pat McGrath's team at Ricci was no exception: "As long as it's good

By Phil Oh, Vogue magazine

Brights have officially taken over the City of Light during fall Fashion Week, turning the final front row of the season into a kaleidoscope. Phil Oh, a.k.a. the Street Peeper, is our man on the street and out in the crowd, and he's focused his lens on classic silhouettes and shapes such as a belted fur-trimmed coat and an envelope clutch in shades of blue ranging from royal to electric-even the Birkin got a boost in eye-popping canary yellow. Click through our slideshow above to see his colorful take on Paris style contrasted with his storytelling black-and-white cityscapes.

This was a banner year for high fashion-I regret not being there to see the sensational sweep of elegant yet hot dresses. Michelle Williams in a superb Chanel column and Hailee Steinfeld in a nude Marchesa were the BDLs (best-dressed ladies) of the evening without competition. In one awards season, the fourteen-year-old Steinfeld has evolved her personal style-her debutante-length dress and skinny diamond-and-platinum Fred Leighton headband were youthful, graceful, and age-correct. Halle Berry was right up there, in a froth of Marchesa tulle and nude illusion, creating a moment of red-carpet glamour not seen in a long time.


Mandy Moore's button-style earrings seemed clunky in relation to the sleekness of her flesh-tone Monique Lhuillier dress with illusion sleeves. Cate Blanchett went for Givenchy Haute Couture pleats in the palest lilac-class and cool. It was nice to see Sharon Stone look so polished, carrying the torch for the great black dress, choosing John Galliano for Christian

By Emily Weiss, Vogue magazine

Makeup artist Diane Kendal whipped up looks for eight shows in New York last week-everything from tribal-influenced crimson eyes at Thakoon to statement brows at Alexander Wang. The one constant at all her shows: the incredible quality of the models' skin, especially noticeable on the nearly bare faces at Reed Krakoff and Proenza Schouler. Kendal has long been known for her contoured, less-is-more approach to complexions.

Here's how she does it, step-by-step:

1. Start with rose water: "It's my all-time favorite product," says Kendal, who has been using the all-purpose eau for more than 20 years as a toner to prep the skin. For tired models backstage, it doubles as a pick-me-up throughout the day: "It makes the girls feel good."

2. Prime: Kendal is partial to M.A.C Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15, which, "sinks into the skin very quickly, and creates a beautiful canvas for applying foundation."

3. Blend: Backstage, Kendal relies on a professional palette of