NYFW SS19 | HARDWARE LDN

Each season, we always enjoy heading to a number of Fashion Shows that take place during NYFW. This year, we had a number of shows on our list that are core to Athleisure in the style that we shoot a number of our pieces with our celebrities and models. We were pumped to attend Hardware LDN (photos courtesy of Hardware LDN), a UK based brand which kicked off our first show on the first day of NYFW for the SS19 season. We loved the edge style of sport bras, see through lined biker shorts, cropped tops and more!

Above are our 3 favorite shows and below the show in full! Keep checking back for the shows we're watching each day from now through Sept 14th.

Check out out latest issue on Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS18

This time of year is not only about enjoying the last of summer and bringing your fall wardrobe in, but it's also about looking at upcoming fashion and new items hitting the runways at New York Fashion Week. Athleisure Mag presented its second annual Athleisure House NYFW SS18 with attendees in fashion, fitness, entertainment, influencers and media. We were pleased to unveil a project that our Co-Founders, Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith have been working on - UG|RO Ugly Romper which is a line of rompers that are for the girl on the go whether she's running errands, heading to a game, a power lunch, meeting up with her friends for brunch and going out for a night out. Wherever she's going, she's bound to shine in these looks.

This show had great support from our sponsors: Makeup Pro, Aubrey Loots - Wella Hair Professional, Kawaii Girl Cosmetics lashes, Qupid Shoes, Vera Bradley handbags and JBL headphones. Guests enjoyed Truly Sparkling, Icelandic Glacial, High Brew Coffee and Mochidoki while taking in a night on the rooftop of 50 Clinton (in the historic Lower East Side).

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the amenities offered at 50 Clinton St?

50 CLINTON: The building’s plentiful amenities include a landscaped rooftop offering residents a private outdoor retreat with 360 degree views of the Manhattan skyline and ample space for
outdoor cooking, dining and lounging. Amenities also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, bicycle storage, and 24-hour doorman.

AM: What is the concept behind the design of the building?

50C: Issac & Stern designed exterior is comprised of intricate brick masonry and expansive windows. Inside are 37 residences designed by acclaimed interior designer Paris Forino. The elegant architecture, with an articulated red brick façade, reinvents the historic palette of both industrial and residential buildings at the turn of the century. 50 Clinton combines old-world chic with a modern European flair for an unprecedented quality of living in the neighborhood.

AM: For those that are residents, what are the neighborhood selling points?

50C: 50 Clinton Street is a boutique condominium located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side with incredible boutique shopping and great restaurants in a fresh and young area.
This is a thriving downtown neighborhood where there is strong demand for a product offering luxury at an attractive price point which is what 50 Clinton offers.

MODEL CREDITS
| 10 MGMT PG 27 Beata Komoni |
| ABBEY LYNN MODELS PG 19 Mirejah |
| MAJOR MODELS PG 15, 17 25 Sage Pineiro |
| MSA MODELS PG 18 Allegra; PG 15 22, 23 Amanda; Cover, 14, 16 20 21 Diosmary; PG 19 Keke; PG 14, 24 Malia |
| PG 14 + 26 Alanna Reece |

Read more from the Sept issue and see Athleisure House NYFW SS18 in mag.

BLUSH DREAMING WITH MICHAEL COSTELLO

When it comes to jaw dropping dresses that are worn by your favorite celebs - Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion and Paris Hilton - Michael Costello is the designer who creates stunning creations that give them an ethereal and sexy look. Michael is no stranger to Fashion Week; however, during this season's NYFW SS18, he had his first presentation which shared his line filled with diversity from skin tones, size and age. We took some time to talk with him as well as Michaela Polaco, Lead Makeup Artist for INGLOT to find out more about this show.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been a fan of the brand for quite some time, what drew you to being a designer and ultimately creating draw dropping dresses?

MICHAEL COSTELLO: My love for fashion, fabrics, silhouettes, but ultimately I always wanted to be a designer to create gowns that empower women, and highlight their beauty.

AM: Who have been some of your favorite celebs to dress and who would you like to dress?

MC: I've dressed Beyoncé, J Lo, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, among other beautiful celebs, and I would definitely love to dress Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry.

AM: We love how social you are as your IG posts include phenomenal style as well as insight into your personality - how essential is this to your brand?

MC: I love sharing my creations, and my personality through social media. I wear multiple hats; I'm a dad, designer, a business owner and I think it’s important to share this with the world.

AM: What inspired you to create SS18?

MC: S/S18 was inspired by the whimsy and romance of classic fairy tales. The collection entices you with a dreamy escape from the monotony of the day-to-day, while accentuating our signature alluring, modern silhouette.

AM: How important is diversity in fashion and why did you decide to focus on this in your show?

MC: Diversity is very important in fashion. It’s not about creating a movement or an acceptance, its more about realization that all women come in all forms, shapes, and sizes and we at
Michael Costello celebrate everyone equally.

AM: What is the inspiration behind the makeup look for the SS18 show?

MICHAELA POLACO: We’re converting the idea that glamour is something reserved for the elite. The inspiration comes from our desire to accentuate women’s natural features. We
achieved this by creating very supple, fresh and radiant skin, an effortless, wearable yet sexy eye and a lip that looks stained from a glass of wine. The palette is ethereal yet evokes the
thought, ‘I could pull that off.’

AM: Michael Costello's show is focusing on diversity and breaking barriers, how is this aligned with the ethos of Inglot?

MP: INGLOT is one of the most diverse brands on the market. From our array of eyeshadows spanning the rainbow; to our complexion products made up of a variety of textures, finishes and shades that range from the lightest of the light to the deepest of the deep, with every skin type in between. I think that Michael’s vision is completely aligned and compatible with that of
the INGLOT; making for a dynamic duo!

AM: What is the beauty look of the show?

MP: The Look:
· Skin: To create a dreamy effect on the skin, I mixed INGLOT AMC Liquid Illuminator with INGLOT HD Corrective Primer as a base, so the skin radiates through the makeup look and lasts
throughout the night.
· Cheek: After the base was applied on the apple of the cheek, I applied INGLOT Sparkling Dust FEB #02 & #03 (frosted loose powder in light nude and bronze) to give skin a shimmery
look accentuating each woman’s glow.
· Eyes: I wanted to maintain the ethereal feel on the eyes, so I mixed INGLOT AMC Pure Pigment in #115, a holographic rose gold shade, with INGLOT Duraline – It’s a magic serum that
turns powder products into cream or liquid. This created a long lasting, highshine metallic element that mimics a glossy lid, without the mess.
· Lips: To finish the look, I applied INGLOT HoldOn Lip Primer, lined the lips with INGLOT Soft Precision Lipliner #56 and finished with INGLOT Sleeks Cream Lip Paint #91, a creamy, rosy
long-wear paint with a glossy yet flat texture.

AM: What are 4 must haves that people should have in their cosmetic bag from Inglot that allows them to get the look from the show, but can work well into their everyday routine?

MP: INGLOT AMC Liquid Illuminator: Because a healthy glow is always necessary and you never know when your look will need a pick me up. This product was a major player in the Michael
Costello looks.

INGLOT Refreshing Face Mist: Also a pick me up for the skin, whether you're experiencing overheated skin and need a cool down or have dry skin that needs a drink of water. This was a key product used to keep skin looking supple and youthful at the Michael
Costello show.

INGLOT Lash Enhancer Mascara: To create a full looking lash that's voluminous yet defined.

INGLOT High Gloss Lip Oil: Infused with many nourishing oils to keep your lips soft and healthy, it adds a high shine that can be worn alone or on top of your favorite lip product to give an
added kick. At the show, we also used it on top of models’ high planes of cheekbones for major skin.

AM: What was your path to becoming a makeup artist?

MP: Starting from the age of 16, I actually spent many years trying NOT to be a makeup artist, but one way or another I always found myself back in the industry. I worked at countless makeup counters, and spent many mornings up at the crack of dawn - Sometimes to do
makeup for “Z list” celebrities, other times to work on brides that were featured in VOGUE. I started at INGLOT as a regular artist and three year later I’ve just finished keying Michael Costello's NYFW presentation. What I've learned is, never say no to an opportunity and
always arrive ready with your game face on, because you never know who you'll meet or what jobs can lead to others. It’s a competitive industry that's always changing, so you have to
prepared for everything and always be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. I love being a makeup artist and I’m so grateful I’ve ended up where I am supposed to be.

Read more from the Sep Issue and read Blush Dreaming with Michael Costello in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | SEP ISSUE

September's Issue begins our transition into fall with our cover from Athleisure Mag's NYFW SS18 event known as Athleisure House which debuted the launch of UG|RO Ugly Romper (a romper focused lifestyle line that is Co-Founded by our founders Kimmie Smith and Paul Farkas), we also have an interview with Michael Costello about his NYFW SS18 presentation to talk about how he got into being a designer and the importance of diversity along with a conversation with his makeup lead, Michaela Polanco. With the US Open taking place in NYC in August and September, we caught up with tennis player, Agnieszka Radwanska about her upcoming match as well as her partnership with Inglot Cosmetics. The month continues to be busy with the kickoff of Oktoberfest - and this month's The Art of the Snack shares some highlights for you to consider. 

From a wellness perspective, we found out more about Dr Smood which has been popping up throughout NYC and Miami. We also share information on Wanderlust, a festival minded series of events that combine fitness, music and of course finding your ultimate tribe. As always, we have our monthly features keeping you in the loop on what you should be looking forward to in the weeks to come.

 Read more from the Sept Issue here.

MFW SS18 | VERSACE

Donatella Versace brought back the original superstars to honor the death of her brother, Gianni Versace in an iconic statement ending her runway show at Versace's MFW SS18. In addition, there was a nod to classics of the house with a number of the moment models including Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner strutting down the runway. But when Cindy Crawford (whose daughter Kaia walked the show as well), Naomi Campbell (who was in the center), Carla Bruni, Helena Christensen and Claudia Schiffer emerged from the curtain, it caused a sense of excitement throughout the show. 

There is much speculation if this show is more than just reminiscing to the House of Versace and what Donatella's brother built or if this may be her last year - either way, the show was impactful to those who are fans of fashion and the passions that it showcases. 

| PHOTOGRAPHY Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv |

MFW SS18 | Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli's MFW SS18 show reflects the looks we definitely want to wear to brunch, midday gallery openings and to all points in between. These pants and soft hues or the edgy pieces are a must for next season.

| PHOTOGRAPHY Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv |

ATHLEISURE MAG PRESENTS ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS18 AND DEBUTS UGLY ROMPER

Last week, we brought back our second season of Athleisure Mag's Athleisure House NYFW event to 50 Clinton St (those who are fans of BRAVO's Million Dollar Listings NY have seen this property during this season) on the Lower East Side. To switch things up a bit, we debuted the launch of UG|RO Ugly Romper, a romper only line that was created by our very own Kimmie Smith and Paul Farkas who are also the Co-Founders of this magazine. 

Affectionally known as UG|RO, the line focuses on the versatility of the romper as it can be worn cheering on your favorite teams from collegiate, NFL, NBA and more. The use of mesh within this portion of the Team Sport collection takes you from the stands right out to the afterparty.

When it comes to a night out, UG|RO Ugly Romper utilizes an array of fabrics from painted wovens, lace as well as spandex in order to reflect the personality you choose to present on your night out!

When it comes to being out and about for brunch, a vacation look or just running errands - the romper is the perfect style to wear for these moments. Wherever your day takes you, UG|RO Ugly Romper is there to make like print filled and easy.

Connect with UG|RO Ugly Romper for more images from the debut on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

LFW SS18 | VERSUS VERSACE

Versus Versace made their way to the runways of London Fashion Week with an athleisure oriented line that was filled with looks for men and women that will hang in our closets once we're in SS18.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Kim Weston Arnold / Indigital.tv

LFW SS18 | ANYA HINDMARCH

Anya Hindmarch is known for wearing coveted bags and of course, at her London Fashion Week show, we fell in love with these bags and totes which will be available for SS18.

NYFW SS18 | Nicholas K

Taking the military aesthetic with a bit of mindful and whimsical looks to another level, Nicholas K has looks that you'll want to incorporate into your wardrobe that take you from errands to rooftop events.

ATHLEISURE HOUSE // UG|RO UGLY ROMPER

We're excited to bring back our NYFW Athleisure House event for a second year! Tonight, we will unveil Ugly Romper - a line of rompers that take you from day to night. Did we mention that it is from the Co-Founders of Athleisure Mag (Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith)? Make sure to follow us on Instagram to see behind the scenes and our show.

NYFW SS18 | CUSTO BARCELONA

We're always fans of the looks that come from the Custo Barcelona show that took place today during NYFW. Whether it's mesh pieces, metallics, or other fabrications - it's always a head turner for their men's and women's collections.

NYFW SS18 | ALICE + OLIVIA

Alica and Olivia's NYFW SS18 show presented a number of looks for those heading out to run an errand or for the perfect look to head to brunch. Some of our favorite looks are above.

MIAMI SWIM WITH AUDRINA PARTRIDGE X PREY

If you were a fan of MTV's reality show "The Hills", then you know and love this brunette stunner, Audrina Partridge. She had an easy sense of style and could always rock a bikini! After the show ended in 2010, like many of her co-stars, she went on to being in her own spin-off show, other TV opportunities and this month she launched Prey Swim for Resort 2017 at Miami Swim! We took a moment to talk to this busy mom about what she's been up to, her collection and how she keeps it all together.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It's not a surprise to us that you launched a swim line, how did it all come together?

AUDRINA PARTRIDGE: Everytime I traveled I was inspired by so many things and my lens would capture it! It didn't matter if I was in Mexico, South Korea or Costa Rica - there were so many things to see. I'm inspired by colors, textures and patterns. As I continue my collections, they will have an element of what inspired me or what I experienced while there.

AM: We know you love the beach - what are your favorites?

AP: I love Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Mexico. Australia has beautiful beaches in its Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Heaven on Earth can be found in Bora Bora!

AM: What is the inspiration behind your line and what can we expect from Prey Swim?

AP: I'm a Bohemian girl and love that lifestyle. I also love earth tones and patterns. Even though I have never been to Morocco (and really want to go) - it felt so natural to start here as my inspiration. I also love that a lot of the hardwear that we use in the line is actual shark teeth on the end of strings! I love the ocean, my husband (Australian extreme sports star, Corey Bohan) surfs and I love sharks as I feel that they are not our enemies and that we need them!

I also feel that my line is transitional as it can be worn from day to night depending on how you pair it! I want every woman who wears this line to feel good as these pieces will hug you in the right places!

The line has three collections: The Marrakech Collection (Summer 2017) focusing on Prey Swim's signature styles and is a nod to Marrakech in the 60's and 70's, as well as The Rolling Stones, The Riviera Collection (Pre-Fall 2017), which showcases the effortless style of The French Riviera in the 50's and 60's, and The Joya Collection (Resort 2018), which is inspired by Peru - the mecca of boho fashion in the 70's.

AM: What does it mean to you to show at this season's Miami Swim Week?

AP: I was so excited to show Prey Swim to Miami Swim Week! This is something I dreamed of when planning our initial brand debut, so to be showing here so soon after launching is a dream come true. There are so many amazing swim designers showing collections that I
have been a fan of for quite some time, so to be showing my line in their company, as a fellow swim designer, is an honor. Miami is such an amazing city with so many incredible cultures represented, so it is the perfect setting to showcase Prey collections, which draw inspirations from cultures and countries all over the world.

Read more from the July Issue and see Miami Swim with Audrina Partridge X Prey in mag.

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE CUBAN STYLE

July is a busy month filled with a number of activities that put a spotlight on fashion including NYFW Mens as well as Miami Swim. Right before NYFWM descended up on the city, Cubavera, a Perry Ellis International Latin Men's sportswear brand, showcased their Resort 18 collection. 

This brand is known for its humble family beginnings to becoming a design powerhouse that recently partnered with Oscar Matienzo to reflect on the vibrant Cuban culture that embodies the brand's feeling of "Live the Good Life". The brand speaks to Cuban nostalgia while modernizing classic island style, which is exactly where millennial trends are hitting. We sat down with Luis Toro, Director of Hispanic Sportswear and Marketing for the brand to find out more about this line, who is wearing and the versatility of this menswear line.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Cubavera and the inspirations and style behind the Resort 18 collection.

LUIS TORO: Cubavera takes inspiration from Cuba. Our designers look to the island for all their creations, from its beautiful architecture and colors to its tropical landscapes. We work to capture the energy of the Cuban people in the details of our pieces.  It’s through the lens of Cuban heritage that we design our iconic guayaberas and embroidered novelty linen shirts. Even the techniques used in Cubavera’s production are founded in practices that have been passed on in Latin culture from generation to generation. 

AM: Who is the Cubavera man?

LT: The Cubavera man comes from all ethnicities. He has a positive persona, and above all, likes to wear clothes that are relaxed and enjoys organic, airy fabrics like linen. He “Lives the Good Life” everywhere he goes, no matter where he is. He could be at the office wearing one of our short-sleeved embroidered panel shirts; at the beach, mojito in hand, wearing one of our modern print panel shirts; at the beach, mojito in hand, wearing one of our modern printed pieces; or at a black-tie event wearing an elegant guayabera. The Cubavera man loves tradition and the “sabor” of Latin culture. 

AM: How integral is Cuba and it's essence into the line?

LT: Cuba gave birth to the name and the line. Owners of the company George Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis (Father and son) immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in 1961 and created the company, originally called Supreme International. They were the first people to import guayaberas and make the iconic Latin shirt popular in the U.S., so much so that George gained the name of “The King of the Guayabera.” Cubavera was launched in 2000 as a way to bring the heritage of the owners to the marketplace and expose the general market to the Cuban lifestyle. 

AM: What can you tell us about Cubavera for holiday as people begin to think about gifting.

LT: The long sleeve guayabera is a staple for any elegant occasion. The guayabera was originally created to replace the suit blazer in tropical locations, due to the heat of those areas. Now we see younger people wearing it more and more as a nod to “Cuban Nostalgia.” They wear it in a more relaxed fashion, with shorts and boat shoes, especially the pastel colors like pink, yellow or baby blue.

Our shirts are one-of-a-kind thanks to their tropical prints, colors and embroidery. Our pieces are meant to stand out.

AM: Cubavera's tagline is "Live the Good Life," what does that mean?

LT: Our '”Good Life” is all about looking great, feeling cool, and putting a little Latin ritmo and tropical sabor into every day. We're a brand for people who like to express themselves: with color, pasión, relaxed and put-together style, natural charm and confidence. So you can feel good about living your own way, every day, with no need for a getaway.
 
AM: Will Cubavera have any celebrity partnerships or ambassadorships that we should keep an eye out for?

LT: We have worked with many Latin celebrities like Gabriel Coronel, William Valdez, William Levy and a lot of basketball players, especially from the Miami HEAT. At the moment, we are working with influencers that resonate with our consumers, promoting the brand through social. 

Read more from the July Issue and see Living The Good Life Cuban Style in mag. 
 

NYFWM | PALMIERS DU MAL

Palmiers du Mal showcased their SS18 collection at Gramercy Park Hotel's Rose Bar this evening which was all about a gypsy and nomadic vibe that included a few women's pieces mixed into a collection with vibrant and dusty hues with pops of visual texture! In addition, to the runway show followed by a presentation to see the pieces up close, guests enjoyed sponsored beverages by Suntory Whisky Toki that was enjoyed prior to and after the show.

From an Athleisure perspective, we love the lounge and layered vibe that was woven through the show for easy pieces that let you transition from your day seamlessly.

Our favorite looks from the show!

TALKING ILLUSION WITH JOAN JULIET BUCK

We live in an age where we have the opportunity to get an inside look in the careers and people's lives via social media, reality TV or directly from the person themself! Growing up, we enjoyed reading Vogue as a means to be transported to high style, fabulous designers, locations and more. As we grew up, we realized that this signified the best of the best regardless of what edition we happened to be flipping through. 

French Vogue represents one of the most iconic titles and has had a number of notables helm this cover. We had the opportunity to chat with Joan Juliet Buck, who shares her time at Vogue (1994 - 2001); growing up in a family whose connections to those in film; art and literature is astounding and how she navigated her world is a page turner. Readers see how she befriended Karl Lagerfeld; her love affair with Donald Sutherland; her connection to Anjelica Huston; and more interactions that are effortlessly shared in 'Price of Illusion.' As a writer for a number of prestigious titles (Vanity Fair, American Vogue, Travel + Leisure, The Los Angeles Times and Conde Nast Traveler), feature editor at British Vogue, Editor in Chief of French Vogue her memoir navigates her journey via frank honesty about her world, her participation in it  and how she was able to step back and take the life she truly wanted is one that is refreshing! 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the meaning behind the 'Price of Illusion?'

JOAN JULIET BUCK: It's sort of well, now you know because you read the book.

AM: Yes, so what made you decide to write the book and to make it so personal.
 
JJB: Well the only way to write is to do so completely honestly. I'm not interested in writing fiction. I think that the most important thing for me was to sit down and write. The original manuscript was a lot longer. I think I had 20 edits to get it down as I was numbering them. I kept thinking that I was finished and done, but I edited a lot. It took me about 2 years to write the first 1,050 pages and then it took me 4 years to sculpt the story out of it.

The thing that became more and more important was this guardian angel that I read about when I was 7 years old. The guardian angel says to the little girl, "Don't go playing with the pretty people of the gorgeous garden. The pretty children wearing the beautiful clothes in the beautiful garden - don't go." Of course what the guardian angel doesn't say is that if you go, you will pay the price of illusion.

Of course, I went into the pretty garden with all of the pretty children and the beautiful clothes and flowers. Just like in the dream in the book that I read at 7 years old, let's just say it wasn't for me.

AM: Do you feel that maybe because of your upbringing of growing up around Peter O'Toole, John Huston and Anjelica Huston that it became a natural inclination to go into this garden because you were born into that world?

JJB: Of course. I was and that is what I considered natural. But one way to reclaim it would have been to become an actress, but my father (Jules Buck, an American film producer) said don't become one. So I thought I would become a writer and of course, I went towards beautiful magazines. Then I chose the beautiful world. I first went to Conde Nast magazine for Glamour at the age of 19 and then Vogue when I was 23. I couldn't leave - it was a beautiful garden and I couldn't leave. I thought it was my reproduction of what I grew up in - you're exactly right - you got it completely!

AM: Obviously, we work in the magazine industry and we were struck by how you integrated the state of the magazine world at that time with the consolidations in titles, the merge to going online and how you dealt with creating great content with such lower budgets. What do you think of the state of the fashion magazine business which is still battling these issues now?

JJB: They're in a very difficult state. There are certain magazines that manage to be surprising and glamorous. W and Harper's Bazaar both manage. But so many of the other magazines have gone so mainstream. The way we managed in French Vogue, as you saw is that for example, the model Caroline Murphy was AMAZING. She would work for our shitty prices, we would have to borrow horrible places in the country where people were practically in sleeping bags and she wouldn't care! She was really a trooper. But these days, the people who still work with Vogue or used to work for me say, "they used to put me on a plane to do an interview and now it's all on the phone!"

AM: Would you ever see yourself going back to working as an Editor in Chief or starting your own publication?

JJB: No - I think you have to be young and full of energy. I realized a lot of stuff about myself in life and then again when I wrote the book. I'm one of those people who need a lot of sleep. I can't function on 6 hours. It's really grueling and a hard job. 

AM: I had to laugh as we don't get a lot of sleep around here so your point is very valid!

JJB: It's true - but you're having fun though right?

AM: We love our readers, sharing the athleisure culture and being able to share the voices in our community. Everyday is different than the next which keeps it interesting. If you're not passionate and in in tune with what you're doing, it can really suck you dry!

JJB: That is so true and the difference for being a writer as I had always been and then being a boss - which I had never been, was so different. The days were fuller with events that had to do with other people and it didn't exhaust me in the same way that writing does as you're birthing something. It's almost a physical feeling. When going to events, I felt punch drunk from small talk.

AM: Were you concerned when you were writing this book that you had to go back and let people know that they were being included in this book as you include a number of people such as Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino.

JJB: No because I had done enough reportage on my own life by keeping a diary that I didn't feel that I needed to speak to anyone about what had happened because I knew very well. It was all in my diary. Are you asking if I needed to ask permission?

AM: Well yes, I know a number of the people that you're talking about in the book and I think that you're spot on. But there's always what you know that happened and what people like to revise in their heads and I just wondered if in that process that you were concerned that there would be a letter or email from someone who may have had an issue.

JJB: You're always concerned. I was concerned with certain friends who looked in the index and saw that they weren't in it. But that's ok and we had a conversation about it. Remember, I didn't belong to anything when I wrote this book. I didn't owe anyone anything and I didn't have any allegiance. I was gone. That's a fantastic freedom.

AM: I think that's what really draws you to this book because of the frankness and honesty. When you're in the industry, there are politics and things to consider so it would be tough to write something of this nature while navigating those associations.

JJB: You can't write honestly if you're protecting something. I was in a very privileged position. I decided to make my exile from Vogue a privilege instead of a drawback. 

AM: What are some of the things that you liked while you were at French Vogue Paris and duties that you had to do as a part of your job that you may not have enjoyed?

JJB: Well, let me see - you know this very well, but to be the person whose decision is final. I had that when I was there and when I went back to American Vogue and my decision wasn't final - I could provide my opinion, but I had to go ahead with it. Just being the decision maker was great. Watching people spark to an idea and watching how this thing would be like firecrackers - that was very energizing. It would also make me wistful because they would go off to do the photoshoot or reporting and I would be sitting behind the desk and then going to a cocktail party. I don't drink, I hate going to cocktail parties as I don't like standing. I don't mind walking, but I don't like standing around and I really don't like small talk. It was all kind of a nightmare. I also liked having the access! I loved going to museum shows before they even opened. It was nice to buy my clothes at wholesale prices, but it was weird as you would order 6 months in advance at the showroom and it felt more like business than shopping. 

I didn't like having people do things that they didn't want to do. If they didn't want to do it, I could usually see why and it made me say things to get them to do it - which I didn't want to do - I'm lousy at manipulating people. The schedule - the fashion shows - putting on your costume and the marathon of shows! I need my sleep and I need my food! It felt like torture.
 

AM: After going through all of this, how essential is balance to you?

JJB: It's everything!

AM: How do you envision success?

JJB: Well that's interesting. Because for me success is being able to write what I want to write and not having to do things that I don't want to do. That's the number one. It would be nice if success came with an enormous amount of money to reward me for my efforts. 

There is a line from Gertrude Stein who says, "I write for myself and for strangers." The success of the book - right now what I'm feeling for the first time in my life is because I wrote honestly and didn't write - so many strangers are reacting to this book with a full heart. In the fashion world, you don't see a full heart. I'm seeing that. The communication and atomization of everything from letters, Instagram etc and there are all these hashtags from strangers who are reading it. 

They have opened their heart to the story that I told which is extraordinary. In a world of magazines, you don't think that that is possible. In magazines people react because they want something from you.

AM: If this became a movie who would play you and your parents?

JJB: So think of it more like a very long TV series like Mad Men - going on and on. I've actually got my casting. Have you ever seen Orphan Black?

AM: Yes we're obsessed with the show!

JJB:  Of course you have! I think Tatiana Maslany is it. She is an extraordinary actress and like me, she can look like a whole bunch of different people. It's not consistent and one of the interesting things that I found doing this book because I was excavating - I played all these different parts and role. So I think Tatiana's talent to look like so many different people and she's not really pretty but she can be - that is so me! For the young me, it's Hailee Seinfeld.

AM: Good choice - she's fantastic!

JJB: Didn't you love her in The Age of 17? Hailee looks so much like Tatiana so it's perfect! For my parents, I keep thinking of Michael Stuhlbarg for my father. For Uncle Don, definitely Mark Ruffalo. 

That's who he looks like and the feeling - slightly rumpled, sloppy but with a really big heart! For mom, Natalie Portman!

AM: When you were talking about your mother from her style, jewelry, and movement - she seemed to have such an ethereal air. That's a perfect casting choice! 

JJB: Mom was so classy and the absolute embodiment of grace, beauty, charm, and style. Not quite me!

AM: We were so blown away about the book as there are so many layers that intersect!

JJB: The thing is, this book is not about fashion, Hollywood - they're in there. But this book is about people who are obsessed with such a beauty and things being wonderful. Everybody has that.

AM: Yes and historically, there are events that you mention that are mirrored today in terms of terrorism/bombings - that these things unfortunately still happen but that life also has to continue on with our personal chaos along with the global one. The weaving of these elements is what makes it so intriguing.

JJB: I love it and am thrilled that you felt so connected to it!

Read more from the April Issue and see Talking Illusion with Joan Juliet Buck in mag.

LFW FW17 | Versus Versace

Photo: Marcus Tondo / Indigital.tv

Versus Versace hit London Fashion Week with a number of looks that embody the athleisure spirit. From track suits, fun outerwear, jersey dresses and so much more that are perfect for layering in the fall. Of course, there is that sophisticated edge that runs through the mens and women's collection. Our favorites are in the above carousel.

PHOTO COURTESY Marcus Tondo / Indigital.tv

NYFW FW17 | Alice + Olivia

The boho glam meets statement prints was on display to showcase Alice and Olivia's NYFW FW17 show. From the blush tones, neutrals, camo and intricate designs - this is making us excited for next fall's style which brings out our inner femme rockstar goddess!

PHOTO COURTESY Alice + Olivia

NYFW FW17 | Michael Kors

The wearable looks featured in Michael Kors' NYFW show present a number of looks that can be layered in a myriad of ways to take it from desk to dinner and beyond. There are a number of pieces that fit within the Athleisure style as it's comfortable pieces that work great for a transitional way of living. Check out some of our favorites above! 

PHOTO COURTESY Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv