I’m adding the NEW book Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady on my wish list at once. I’m going to order it from Amazon.com tomorrow morning. I’ve been following fashion writer Derek Blasberg on Twitter for quite some time now and he is one fascinating, witty, and very glamorous man (if can you describe men as glamorous?:)

Derek Blasberg was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Since graduating from New York University in 2004 with degrees in Journalism and Dramatic Literature, he has written about the fashion industry, the New York art scene and the international social swirl for publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, V Magazine, Interview, the London Sunday Times and Conde Nast’s Style.com.

Equal parts Midwestern good boy, Manhattan man-about town and international enthusiast of style, Blasberg has a unique perspective on some of the world’s chicest ladies–and biggest tramps! He currently resides in New York City with his miniature dachshund, Monster.

Book synopsis: If you’ve ever wondered how to climb the social ladder with grace, how to feel confident in every situation, or even how to make a lasting impression (but not the kind that lands you on the latest “Worst Dressed List”)—Derek Blasberg is here, with quotes and secrets from all the socialites so girls everywhere can learn how to have class.

This hilarious handbook will provide everything you need to know about fashion, socializing, dating, and etiquette. With tons of practical tips and tools for learning to flaunt what you’ve got, dozens of specific how-tos, common no-nos, and huge blunders that even smart girls make, this tongue-in-cheek book will train you to be a lady, and not a tramp!

Ever wish you could glow like J.Lo? Well, meet the man behind her famous face. Celebrity makeup artist and glow man extraordinaire Scott Barnes recently threw a party to celebrate the launch of his new book, About Face. There to celebrate were some of his famous friends, including Miss Lopez herself, Christian Siriano, Kat De Luna, Kelly Rowland and Wendy Williams.

Photo: © Sara Jaye Weiss /StarTraks

Barnes is famous for his ability to give women an inner light and in the book he shares some his trademark transformational secrets. One of our favorite beauty tips from Barnes has to do with sculpting. Before he puts anything else on–concealer, foundation, blush–he first enhances a woman’s facial bone structure with contouring and highlighting creams and powders. Most makeup artists will sculpt after they’ve put on your foundation and concealer, but Barnes swears that sculpting beforehand creates a gorgeous inner radiance that looks natural and ethereal. One look at Jennifer Lopez and we saw instantly what he meant! Read full article in dailymakeover.com

Amber Valletta as Catherine Deneuve wearing Belle de Jour Lipstick

Supermodel Amber Valletta has walked hundreds of runways, appeared on countless covers, and has been the face of Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Versace. She has also appeared in many films such as What Lies Beneath, The Family Man, and Hitch, and works internationally to raise awareness about the dangers of mercury in our waters. She appears as legendary French model and actress Catherine Deneuve in her most iconic role as a housewife turned prostitute in 1967’s Belle de Jour. She wears Belle de Jour Lipstick, a demure sheer beige. “I really wanted to use Belle de Jour—it’s one of my favorite shades and perfect for this fun, young interpretation of Catherine Deneuve,” says François. Proceeds to benefit The Friendly House.

Daphne Guinness in Modern Edwardian wearing Night Breed Single Eyeshadow

Daphne Guinness is a style icon, socialite, heiress, film producer and fashion designer, and a regular fixture in the most exclusive front rows. She has a legendary haute couture collection, impeccable taste, and never disappoints fashion critics. She appears in modern, glittering metallic Edwardian clothing, hat, and a mixture of Erickson Beamon and her own jewelry. “This look is so Daphne—very sultry, very sexy, very evening—so daring. Daphne can pull anything off—she’s such an inspiration,” says François. She wears the Night Breed Single Eyeshadow, a black with silver glitter hue that can be worn sheer or layered as it is here—perfect for creating a little drama. Proceeds to benefit Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services.

Marc Jacobs as China Machado wearing Dovima Nail Polish

American fashion designer Marc Jacobs knows a thing or two about icons. He is as famous for his unusual and ingenious choice of models and collaborative partnerships as he is for his stirring designs—at both his eponymous fashion house and at Louis Vuitton, where he serves as Creative Director. He appears as 1960s supermodel China Machado in a photograph taken by legendary photographer Richard Avedon, who has always been an inspiration to François. “China is wearing bright red polish in her 1959 photo, so I wanted Marc to do the same—plus he’s always up for anything,” says François. Marc wears Dovima Nail Polish, named for one of Avedon’s favoritemodels—a very modern, very sophisticated bold tomato red. Proceeds to benefit amfar.

Naomi Campbell as an Iconic Supermodel wearing Taj Mahal Blush

Naomi Campbell was an overnight sensation when she began her career in the mid-eighties, changing the face of the industry as the first black model to appear on the covers of French, British, and Japanese Vogue. She was famously filmed for George Michael’s Freedom ’90 video, as well as for Madonna’s Erotica video, and has appeared on over 100 magazine covers. She is a supermodel in the truest sense. Naomi is the epitome of glamour in an Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci dress, and Taj Mahal Blush, a burnt orange with shimmer. “Naomi is one of the most iconic symbols of beauty today, and I wanted to use a makeup color that would show this by name and by hue. It’s a bright shade, but sheer, so it looks very natural and yet, ultra-glam—just like her,” says François. Proceeds to benefit White Ribbon Alliance.

Dayle Hadd on as Elizabeth Taylor wearing Butterfield 8 Lip Lacquer

Dayle Haddon was a top fashion model and icon in her own right in the 1970s, appearing on countless covers, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and Playboy. Today, she is a dedicated philanthropist working with numerous global causes such as UNICEF. She appears as the glamorous, cosmopolitan and promiscuous Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8, a character that served as a dark portrait of Upper East Side sophistication and savvy that still holds true today. Dayle wears Butterfield 8 Lip Lacquer—a shiny, sexy, luscious, sheer chocolate brown. Proceeds to benefit WomenOne.

François Vincentelli as Cary Grant wearing Malaysia Multiple Bronzer

François Vincentelli is an actor well known throughout France for his role on the popular television series Clara Sheller. He appears as a modern day Cary Grant from The Philadelphia Story (a role he will be taking on in the theatrical adaptation in Paris this Fall), and the very definition of a debonair, virile, charismatic and charming leading man. François wears Malaysia Multiple Bronzer, a medium to dark formula with red undertones for sunkissed, radiant, healthy skin—perfect for François’ tanned, Corsican complexion. Proceeds to benefit CESTmed.

Amanda Lepore as the Amanda Lepore doll wearing Jungle Red Lipstick

Amanda Lepore is a transsexual icon who is a model and muse to many, and one of the most sought-after party hostesses on the international nightclub circuit. Her notoriety is so great that a doll was created in her likeness. François designed the makeup for this doll, and it was sold to raise money for the Design Industry Foundation to Fight Aids (DIFFA). “Amanda is so sexy, so overt, so bold, but she’s also very sincere, which is why she is so admired,” says François. Amanda wears Jungle Red Lipstick, a highly-pigmented, full-bodied, bright red with a velvety finish. Proceeds to benefit Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

Natasha Poly in Punk Rock wearing Rated R Duo Eyeshadow

Natasha Poly is a Russian model whose career began in 2004. During that year, she walked a staggering 54 catwalks and graced two consecutive covers of French Vogue. She appears influenced by the Fall 2009 Marc Jacobs runway show (where she and François met), sporting a punk ensemble and attitude, with a nod to Stephen Sprouse’s uptown/punk/pop aesthetic. “I wanted her to look as if she could go from the shoot, straight to a club in the eighties and not have to change a thing,” says François. Natasha wears Rated R Duo Eyeshadow, a shocking chartreuse green and cobalt blue pairing with shimmer that can work as a shadow, a liner or on brows, as it is shown here. Proceeds to benefit amfAR.

Lisa Marie Smith as Futuristic wearing Pandora Duo Eyeshadow

Lisa Marie Smith is a model and actress who has appeared in photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe, and Calvin Klein Obsession ads by Bruce Weber, as well as in the films Let’s Get Lost, Woody Allen’s Alice, and Mars Attacks!, where she first met François, who did the makeup on-set. She appears in a futuristic ensemble, with bold, geometric-inspired patterns, a clean, bright, uncomplicated palette, and hard, straight lines. Lisa Marie wears Pandora Duo Eyeshadow, a richly-pigmented contrast, like Pandora herself, of white shimmer and matte black hues that evokes the future fetchingly. Proceeds to benefit Greenpeace.

Olivier Theyskens as Olivier Theyskens wearing Lovejoy Blush

Olivier Theyskens was thrust into the fashion limelight when Madonna wore a dress of his design to the 1999 Oscars. He has since received the 2006 CFDA Award for International Designer of the Year. Olivier has also design-directed at the helm of the fashion houses Rochas and Nina Ricci. Today, he continues to dress the most discriminating celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, and Melissa Auf der Mauer of The Smashing Pumpkins. “Olivier has a really strong personal style and attitude—he’s so Parisian and I just wanted him to come through as himself, not anyone else. Olivier is his own inspiration,” says François. Olivier wears his own jacket and Lovejoy Blush, a shimmering bronzed rose with transparent pigments and a hint of color that’s soft, sheer, and imparts a natural, healthy glow. Proceeds to benefit CARE.

Carla Gugino in 1940s Glamour wearing Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Carla Gugino is an acclaimed American actress who is known for her role in Entourage as well as in many films. She recently completed a run on Broadway in Desire Under the Elms. She appears as a glamorous yet very modern 1940s movie star who is ready for her close-up. “Carla has the most perfect eyes for this look—they’re incredibly light and bright, so they go well with the porcelain skin and dark makeup. It’s very sophisticated,” says François. Carla wears Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, a supremely scarlet red. Proceeds to benefit Raise Hope for Congo.

Shalom Harlow in Galliano Couture wearing Jolie Poupée Duo Eyeshadow

Shalom Harlow is a supermodel and actress who has appeared on countless magazine covers and films, including In & Out, Vanilla Sky, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. She is featured as an ornate, Galliano Couture-laden French aristocrat. “She looks so incredible here, very noble, like a rare, exotic bird—but still very feminine and real,” says François. Shalom is wearing Jolie Poupée Duo Eyeshadow (meaning pretty doll), a richly-pigmented pairing of vibrant violet and pearlescent purple, which can be worn sheer, or built-up for a more dramatic effect. Proceeds to benefit Forest Ethics.

Tyson Ballou as a warrior wearing Monoï Body Glow II

Texan-born Tyson Ballou is a campaign and runway model who has worked for Giorgio Armani, Versace, Exte, Calvin Klein, and Dolce & Gabbana. He appears as a Greek warrior in a headdress by Gareth Pugh. He wears Monoï Body Glow II, that contains a pure extract of coconut oil for glowing, healthy, fragrant skin—it is the ultimate multi-purpose product. Proceeds to benefit United States Fund for UNICEF.

Jennifer Jason Leigh in Old Hollywood wearing Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil

Jennifer Jason Leigh is an American actress who is known for her roles in films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Single White Female, and Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle. She wears a dinner jacket and shirt by Maison Martin Margiela and hat by Rod Keenan for a look that is right out of old Hollywood. “Jennifer and I both love this look. It comes from a time when people really dressed up every time they left the house—so tailored, but here, it’s still very feminine,” says François. Jennifer wears Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil, a dense black hue with a creamy texture, ideal for precision definition, blending, and smudging. Proceeds to benefit The Ackerman Institute for the Family.

Isabella Rossellini in Junya Watanabe wearing Misfit Duo Eyeshadow

Isabella Rossellini is an Italian actress, model, filmmaker, author, philanthropist, and icon so renowned that an entire exhibit was devoted to her image when Portrait of a Woman was shown at Musee d’Art Moderne in Paris. Her portrait references her most recent project, Green Porno, a series of short films written, directed and featuring Isabella, which examines the sex life of bugs. She is cocooned beautifully in a jacket by Junya Watanabe, and wears Misfit Duo Eyeshadow in Ecru and Emerald, a richlypigmented pair that can be worn sheer or layered, wet or dry. Proceeds to benefit The Guide Dog Foundation.

From now until December 12th, 2009 log on to www.15X15project.com  to purchase a copy of the NARS 15X15 book, celebrity inspiration pictures and individual portraits of the celebrities.

Log on to YouTube to view exclusive behind-the-scenes video footage from the photo shoots: NARS 15X15 – Behind The Scenes.

15 Years: NARS Cosmetics, like the concept of beauty, is many things to many people: A stylish accessory, a guilty pleasure or a luxury makeup staple. Yet its allure, fueled by Founder and Creative Director François Nars, makes NARS a state of mind and venue of self expression. Fifteen years ago, François Nars shook up the cosmetics world when he launched a collection of 12 perfectly edited lipsticks with names as evocative as the shades: Honolulu Honey, Blonde Venus, Funny Face, Heatwave, Scarlet Empress, Trans Siberian, Morocco, Casablanca, Red Lizard, Shanghai Express, Jungle Red, and Transeurope Express. The premiere NARS collection launched a tradition of indelibly branding each product with a personality and reference based on a person, place, event, film, or simply, an emotion. Today, the NARS will to defy convention remains unwavering, as does François’ use of iconic beauties as muses. Says François, “True icons are larger than life, unforgettable with an elegance that’s mesmerizingly timeless.”

15X15 examines the use of makeup and icons in a way that is provocative, extending further than cosmetics, and using portraiture and photography to convey emotion. This 15th anniversary initiative features a collection of 15 celebrity portraits, each inspired by a NARS product shade and based on an iconic reference chosen by François (who personally did the makeup and photographed every portrait). Each participating celebrity subsequently took on the role of guest editor, photographing their interpretation of the NARS product shade that inspired his or her own portrait, providing insight into the age-old question of what, indeed, is in a name. The 15 celebrity portraits appear in the book 15X15 (highlighting 15 years of NARS and 15 icons). The book, along with the individual portraits and the series of photographic interpretations taken by each celebrity, will be available for purchase on the 15X15 Online Gallery (www.15x15project.com), to be launched mid-November 2009. Profits from the project will be distributed among the 15 charities chosen by the participating celebrities.

In celebration of NARS’ 15th Anniversary, François Nars will make a special personal appearance at Barneys New York to sign copies of his new limited-edition book 15X15. Barneys Creative Director, Simon Doonan, who will be hosting the signing, wrote the clever forward to this book.

15X15 features a collection of 15 celebrity portraits, each inspired by a NARS product shade and based on an iconic reference chosen by François Nars, who personally did the makeup and photographed each portrait. Fifty 15X15 books will be available at this signing with 100% of the sales being distributed equally among the 15 charities chosen by the participating celebrities. The 15 celebrity portraits will also be displayed throughout the Barneys cosmetic floor during the signing.

Additionally, in commemoration of the anniversary, NARS’ two limited-edition 15th Anniversary Palettes, Wild At Heart and Everlasting Love, boasting ten best-selling shades will be available. And, the NARS Loves New York Set, containing an assortment of four classic shades resurrected from the archives by François Nars specifically for the women of New York and re-named after iconic names in the city, will also be available for sale.

A talented team of NARS makeup artists will also be offering customers in-store consultations with the NARS Loves New York Set, 15th anniversary palettes and Holiday collection.

WHERE:
BARNEYS NEW YORK
660 Madison Avenue at East 61st Street
New York, NY‎
NARS Counter: 212.833.2008

WHEN: Thursday, December 10th, 5:00-7:00pm

To celebrate 15 years of iconic beauty for his celebrated brand, Francois Nars launched the NARS 15X15 Project. The centerpiece of the project is the 15X15 book, featuring 15 celebrity portraits, each inspired by a NARS product shade and based on an iconic reference chosen by François (who personally did the makeup and photographed every portrait).

Marc Jacobs & Daphne Guinness

On November 12, 2009 at 8PM EST, the NARS 15X15 website (15X15Project.com) went live, making available for purchase the book and select individual portraits. 100% of the proceeds from the project will be distributed among the 15 charities chosen by the participating celebrities.

Grace Coddington and Marc Jacobs

Who was seen at the Launch of NARS 15X15: François Nars (NARS Founder and Creative Director), Marc Jacobs, Daphne Guinness, Olivier Theyskens, Tyson Ballou, Amanda Lepore, Dayle Haddon, Lisa Marie Smith (ALL 15X15 participants), Amber Valletta (NARS Spring/Summer 2010 Campaign model and 15X15 participant), Amy Sacco, Cassie, Simon Doonan, Fabiola Beracasa, Grace Coddington, Lorenzo Martone, Lydia Hearst (past NARS campaign model), Patrick Demarchelier, Russell Simmons, Waris Ahluwalia, Erin Fetherston, Phillip Lim, Heather Marks (NARS Fall/Holiday 2009 campaign model), Louise Pedersen (past NARS campaign model), Anja Rubik, Cecilia Mendez, Christina Kruse, Iris Strubegger, Jeisa Chiminazzo, Jenny Smizou, Julie Henderson, Katrin Thormann, Rianne Ten Haken, Rie Ramussen, Selita Ebanks, Tao Okamoto, Tori Praver, DJ Coleman and more.

Marc Jacobs, Lisa Marie Smith, Lorenzo Martone

Julie Henderson and Russell Simmons

Olivier Theyskens, Lydia Hearst, François Nars

Selita Ebanks

Erin Fetherston

Phillip Lim

Louis Desazars, Amber Valletta,  François Nars

Simon Doonan

Lorenzo Martone, Marc Jacobs, Lisa Marie Smith, François Nars

DJ Coleman

Tyson Ballou

Lorenzo Martone and Marc Jacobs

Daphne Guinness and Amanda Lepore

Women’s Wear Daily reports François Nars is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the founding of his eponymous company by combining beauty products and photography — in a new book. Nars did both the makeup and the photography for the book, “15×15,” due out in mid-November for 30 days only at 15x15project.com. There are two inspirations for each shot, an iconic image, person or emotion and a classic Nars product.

Fashion Designer Marc Jacobs
Photo By François Nars

The book features portraits of 15 celebrities including Marc Jacobs, Isabella Rossellini, Amber Valletta, Naomi Campbell, Daphne Guinness, Olivier Theyskens, Shalom Harlow, Jennifer Jason Leigh, plus others.

“Basically, I wanted people who reflected my taste, friends and people I admired for their look and talent,” said Nars. “I love the way Marc looks, but also what he is and does.”

Read full article in wwd.com

Last year I was given an amazing chance to ask Nina Garcia some questions for Talking Makeup’s style section: www.styleinterviews.com It was around the same time Nina published her second book: The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.

I though to share with you my interview with Nina Garcia, just in case you’ve misses it!:)

Nina Garcia is one of Bravo’ Project Runway famous judges along with supermodel Heidi Klum, and fashion designer Michael Kors. Nina is also a magazine editor who until August 2008 acted as the Editor-at-Large of Elle Magazine. Nina is now a fashion director for Marie Claire Magazine. In 2007 Nina Garcia released her first book called: The Little Black Book of Style, by Harper Collins, which is a must-have read for any woman who would like to discover her own fashion sense. In August 2008 Nina published her second book: The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.

In this interview Nina Garcia tells Marta Walsh what it takes to be successful in the fashion industry, the best part of being a judge on the Emmy nominated Bravo series Project Runway, her inspiration behind her latest book The One Hundred, and the Nina Garcia’s definition for style.

Marta Walsh: Why did you decide on a career in fashion and what does it take to be successful at it?
Nina Garcia: I was immediately drawn to the fashion industry’s constantly evolving nature. To be successful? It takes determination and a thick skin.

MW: What is the best part of being a judge on Bravo’s Project Runway?
NG: I love being a part of a show that has brought a great deal of attention to the fashion industry. I think it has made fashion cool again and it has illustrated that it is an industry full of creative, vibrant, intelligent people. I am very proud of that.

MW: What was your inspiration behind your new book: The One Hundred?
NG: Really, the inspiration came out of necessity. I had to move out of my apartment for 8 months while it was being renovated. I couldn’t take my whole closet with me, so I was forced to ask myself, what are the items I cannot live without? This is, for the most part, is a list of those items.

MW: What is Nina Garcia’s definition for style?
NG: You know when you can’t take your eyes off of someone and you are not sure why? That’s style.

MW: What is next for Nina Garcia?
NG: I just started a great new job at Marie Claire, I will be shooting the next season of Project Runway, and I have a few other ideas and opportunities rolling around. We’ll see. I’m always looking for a new challenge.