The only thing that could potentially upstage Hedi Slimane’s spring collection or golden Balenciaga rings on every finger is a fabulous Minx mani. If you’ve ever been tempted to try it, there’s no time like the present. Since it’s been around since ‘07, it’s probably safe to say it’s become sufficiently mainstream.

- Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane silk and satin jacket, silk blouse and pants and neck bow. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere rings via W mag.

#ACCESSORYduJOUR #Balenciaga #Giant #Velo

As seen (everywhere) this spring: Most Coveted (Head) Accessory goes to… Balenciaga.

Antimass, Antifaux, Antibling.. the new It Bags are anything but flashy

Says Francois Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive of PPR- which owns Gucci and YSL, “Our groups are moving toward fewer logos, more discreet luxury. It’s a question of adapting our ranges very rapidly to [this] new perception of luxury, a luxury which is more subtle, more sophisticated..” - telegraph uk

And not to be left out in the cold, this explains LVMH’s recent investment in dormant Spanish brand, Loewe (pronounced low-ay-vay). Acquired in 1996, LVMH recruited Stuart Vevers in 2007 to design for the 164 year old line. Vevers who previously designed for Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and Mulberry is taking a less-is-more approach as well, making a point of using the same bag shapes, season after season. And it seems to be working.. Celebs Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopes have been shot recently carrying their simplistic “Amazona” bag (above).

[Via Wall St Journal, 8-8-2010]

Photo: Ligne Papier bag, current season. $1345 at Balenciaga.

CURRENT OBSESSION: Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Rings

They’re not on their website, or anywhere else for that matter. But if you’re in NYC you can see them in person. $395. 542 W 22nd. 212-206-0872.