Elsa Schiaparelli
After last night’s Met Gala which, for the uninitiated, is the Super Bowl of fashion, and the opening night of the Costume Institute’s summer exhibit, we’re having a major fashion hangover. Good thing, too, because we’ll need to keep our sunglasses on to see these fluorescent standouts in Schiaparelli’s signature hue. The eye-searing hot pink, which she used on everything from hats to apparel and her perfume’s packaging, made repeat appearances on the red carpet last night at the ball. Full-length gowns on Julianne Hough and Dee Occlepo stood out, but even smaller pops of pink on shoes and bags like Hamish Bowles’ jacket and Lena Dunham’s Stella McCartney pumps made a statement. For those who want to add a shock of pink to their everyday lives –galas or not — here are our top picks in Schiap pink.
NARS Sciap Lipstick and Nail Polish
One of the best ways to add Schiaparelli’s pink without going over the top is to slick on a swipe of cult-favorite Nars Schiap lipstick ($24) or nail lacquer ($18). The pink hue has been around for years, but it seems even more apropos to pull it out now. With the Met’s celebration fêting Schiap and neons coming to the forefront of fashion, it’s a noncommittal way to try out a trend.
A tip from Nars pro artists: Believe it or not, the tiniest bit of Schiap under your concealer or foundation can cancel out even the most stubborn dark circles.
Available at www.narscosmetics.com
J. Crew Pyramid Stretch Bracelet
For just a hint of pink, try on the J. Crew Pyramid Stretch Bracelet ($29.50). A punk staple, the pyramid cuff, gets tempered with the girliness of hot pink and nude enamel, giving this hard-edged piece a playful twist. Don’t treat it like the strand of pearls you got for graduation, either; wear it every day. The more roughed up it gets, the more punk it’ll look.
A tip from our Senior Writer Christopher Luu: Stack ’em up! Adding bracelets on top of bracelets (whether they’re hot pink or mixed metals) is an easy way to add a lot of impact with accessories you already have.
Available at www.jcrew.com
Ann Taylor Silk Dupioni Dresses
A shocking pink frock from Ann Taylor? Believe it. Even more shocking, they’re designed to be bridesmaids’ dresses. Whether you choose them because you’re at the beck and call of a bridezilla or you’re just opting to wear the pretty pieces as party dresses, you’ll be the life of any get-together, matrimonial or not. The dresses are available in v-neck, scoop neck and an array of other flattering cuts.
Editor’s tip: These dresses have built-in pockets, which might seem like an afterthought, but when you’re looking for tissues or your lip balm, you’ll be relieved not to look through a bag and have everything at hand.
Available at www.anntaylor.com
Brian Atwood Starlet Patent Leather Point Toe Pump
Take a classic pump and give it an injection of cool with hot pink. That’s what the Brian Atwood Starlet Pump ($580) does, eschewing bits and bobs (or in the case of shoes, platforms, bows and gimmicks) for clean lines and shiny patent leather. When a shoe’s color is as bright as this, it doesn’t need anything else.
Editor’s tip: Think these pumps only go with black or white? Forget about it! clash or complement by adding Schiap’s signature hue to whatever you’re wearing.
Available at www.saksfifthavenue.com
The Mayfair's Schiaparelli Suite
The Mayfair's Schiaparelli Suite
You’ve got the duds, now get the digs by booking a stay at London’s Mayfair Suites, which happens to have a Schiaparelli-themed suite (among a selection of other themed rooms, including the Opium Suite and the Amarillo Suite).
Decked with pink accents all over, the one-bedroom suite features pink bed with a custom-made fuchsia pink pony-hair headboard and accents of Chinese art mixed with gilt Italian antiques and modern amenities like a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Editor’s tip: Book ahead. Enough said.
For more information, visit www.themayfairsuites.com
