We might not exactly look forward to getting older, but at least Giorgio Armani's WSJ spread (online today, on newsstands Saturday) gives us a glimmer of hope. The guy's obviously talented, but at 77-years-young, he's also a bonafide (shirtless) stud! And a bonafide, smart stud at that, telling WSJ about how, "fashion makes no sense, unless it serves the primary purpose of dressing people." Seems practical to us, no? All too practical for a guy that has two large onyx panthers in his entry hall and "a larger-than-life statue of a Roman god in his gym." Now we're just wondering if the deity was sculpted after him...let's hope it's bronze, too! Click through for more soundbites from the interview, including Armani's health secrets (Demi Moore's plastic surgeon? We joke) and the future of his biz. (WSJ)

Photo: Courtesy of Douglas Friedman/trunkarchive

A bicycle built for two is nice, but a chic bike built by Coach is nicer. And the proof is in the photos of their new campaign. Shot by Bridget Fleming of Downtown From Behind, the images depict a realistic (but so serene) NYC, one where the streets open up in front of you as you glide down an empty avenue in all Coach gear. But as dreamy and distant as this all seems, Coach helps us believe that if we wear their springtime offerings, this picturesque New York is possible. Either way, we agree on one thing: with these cross body bags and brightly colored satchels, it's way easier to paint the town red (or erm, candy-colored) just in time for the sun. (and the public bike share coming to NYC in July!)

Check out the video campaign below for good ridin' in action.

If someone promised you a candy bar and you later came to find out it was calorie free, you'd be bummed, no? We'd be livid, too. But, thanks to one of our fave designers (and sunglass-crafter extraordinaire), Karen Walker, we've got one cool candy bar that delivers more than you'd expect, while still leaving the calories behind.

See, after selling out collections worldwide, Ms. Walker is taking her eye-wares on the road for a twelve-month-long journey around the world. Her traveling "Candy Bar" will pop up in retail stores, allowing shoppers to treat themselves to five new limited-edition candy-colored frames.

So far, the only U.S. events involve a stop at L.A.'s TenOverSix from this Friday, May 25 through June 22 and at NYC's Cloak & Dagger from June 29 through July 13. That's a whole lot of time to get your, erm, fill, so we suggest you fully indulge.

Click through to see the five delicious frames in question and then check out Cloak & Dagger to get yours, come June.

Cloak & Dagger, 441 East 9th Street (between 1st Avenue and Avenue A); 212-673-0500.

Photos: Courtesy of Bradbury Lewis

On Thursday night, CNBC will premiere a new behind-the-scenes documentary called J.Crew and the Man Who Dressed America, detailing how J.Crew has become, well, the retailer that does in fact dress a large part of our nation. From preppy suburbanites to NYC editors — and everyone in between — we're all rocking their disctint styles. Yes, the brand has come into consciousness as one of the U.S.'s major go-tos, and the CNBC television effort seeks to know why (in a bit of The September Issue type of way). The doc seems to credit (at least in part) CEO Mickey Drexler's "obsessive attention to detail," and Executive Creative Director Jenna Lyons' relentless work ethic and inventive eye for style. Just check out the exclusive clip below, which shows Jenna as she pieces together one of their "Style Guides" (note, we did not say catalogues) with its head editor, punning all the way. Then tune in on Thursday night to follow the J.Crew uh, crew, from Italy to NYC to CNBC and see why we constantly crush on the brand (and why their revenue is up nearly 170%).



Want more? Click through for more awesome clips.

Video: Courtesy of CNBC

J.Crew and the Man Who Dressed America premieres on CNBC, this Thursday, May 24, at 10 p.m. EST

Most of us associate Sex and the City with labels, labels, labels — Manolo, Jimmy, Dolce...the list goes on. After the second film (and that infamous $10 million wardrobe), it's easy to forget that the show actually had (relatively) humble beginnings. In Rizzoli's new book, Fendi Baguette, feting the rerelease of six of the Italian house's iconic arm candy (out June 1), Sarah Jessica Parker describes how the little wardrobe department that could became a veritable treasure trove, thanks to one mini handbag. "In the very beginning, [stylist] Patricia Field and her team had to be industrious and creative with a low budget by getting clothes from thrift stores in order to tell interesting fashion stories," Parker writes. "At this time, things were inaccessible and out of reach; Fendi was really the first important design house to loan us items, with the baguette handbag being the first."

Last night, the fashion world descended upon the Upper East Side, lining up in droves to see Tom Ford (the man, the myth, the legend) sit down for an interview with industry powerhouse Fern Mallis. We were lucky enough to find ourselves in the audience among the few New Yorkers who managed to snag a ticket before they sold out, nearly four months ago. We believe Ms. Mallis put it perfectly when she opened with the line "Welcome to the hottest place in town tonight."

In what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Ford spoke candidly to Fern about everything from his childhood in Texas, to his trials and tribulations as a designer, to meeting the love of his life. As we sat in the lecture hall, we found ourselves having serious college flashbacks — if Psych 101 had been taught by the biggest hunk in fashion, of course. And while, luckily, there was no exam at the end of this class, the venerable designer managed to impart many pearls of wisdom about his life, and life in general. Here's what we learned.

Tom Ford Is A Natural Born Cowboy
"Country" is probably the last word that comes to mind when one looks at Tom Ford, but he is actually just as comfortable in denim as he is in a bespoke suit. Born in Austin, he spent most of his young life in Texas, surrounded by big cars and even bigger hair. He now owns a ranch outside of Santa Fe with his partner, Richard Buckley, where he routinely plays the role of Ralph Lauren-esque stud. "I put on a cowboy hat, and you can see the genetics," said Ford. "Most people look silly in cowboy hats, but I look good."

Lightbulb Moments Really Do Exist (For Some People)
It seems Tom is one of those people lucky enough to have genius ideas jerk him awake in the middle of the night — literally. Tom discovered his calling as a designer on a class trip to Moscow for his then-major, architecture. "I had a 'bing' moment at 2 a.m., and I just sat up and thought, 'I've always loved fashion.' I didn't know a thing about designing, but I knew how to sketch, so I went home and made up a sketchbook."

We Probably Shouldn't Pursue Our Secret Dream Of Becoming A Fashion Designer
When asked by an audience member what his advice for young, aspiring designers is, he replied only slightly humorously, "If there is anything else in the world that could [make] you happy, do that." He also described to the audience his difficulty in feeling satisfied with his own success. "In fashion, you've never made it, you're never finished, and you're only as good as your last collection," Ford said. "I made lots of money...and I bought homes, and more homes, and I bought art, and I bought material things that ultimately did not make me happy." We're definitely rethinking that audition video we taped for Project Runway...

True Love Isn't Just For Disney Characters
As someone who stays notoriously mum on the issue of relationships, we were thrilled to hear Ford talk so candidly when pressed about his partner of 25 years, Richard Buckley. In a stark contrast from today's era of online dating and relationships maintained solely by text message, Ford and Buckley met the old-fashioned way. They were originally introduced by Ford's then-boss, and happened to run into each other at a studio a little while later when Cupid struck. "I was getting back into the elevator to leave, and Richard just jumped into the elevator with me," he said. "He was bouncing around and making a total fool of himself, but by the time the elevator made it down to the lobby, I knew he was the one. We went on three dates and have been together ever since." Awww Tom, you've melted our cold, black hearts.

Photo: Courtesy Joyce Culver for 92Y

We love getting inside the head of a designer, and when it's one of our favorite favorite contemporary artists doing the probing, so much the better. This month's Interview delivers a great tête à tête between Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa and photographer Ryan McGinley that's as frank a discussion of sexuality, childhood, and creative processes as you're liable to read.

Up for discussion are both Costa's and McGinley's personal sexual awakenings, how their upbringings inspired their work, and other heavy business including family deaths. Lightening the load are a few fun revelations: Despite Calvin Klein's spartan aesthetic, Costa admits he hates the word "minimalism" (surprise, surprise) and prefers "reductionist," cops to wearing the tightest Speedos possible (yikes), used to make homes for his family cats, and hates Diet Coke even though he works in an industry seemingly fueled by it (brave man). Cutest of all, he claims that when he arrived in New York in 1985 without being to speak a word of English, he communicated with people in clubs through the "Language of love!" For a man who's famous for creating white sheath dresses, his story is all sorts of colorful. (Interview Magazine)

Photo: Via Interview Magazine.

In case you haven't noticed, we're kind of accessories junkies over here. We go gaga for a good arm party, and we're always on the prowl for new pieces that will make us stand out from the crowd. We think we've found our dream come true in the new line Social Anarchy, which is chock full of handmade jewelry that may as well have been uncovered in some little-known Parisian flea market.

The mastermind behind the collection is Gia Galeotafiore, a former fashion editor and PR manager (and current mom!), turned jewelry connoisseur. The too-precious-for-words (but still badass) line features everything from bracelets and earrings, to more unique charms and pendants. Pay particular attention to the rune pendants, inspired by the designer's love for guiding symbols — they're designed to protect and enhance all the aspects of your life, including your partnerships, fertility, and inner strength (hellooo Katniss!). We see this as a win-win: We get to sport pieces from an awesome up-and-coming local gal, and if we happen to meet a great guy as a result of our new spiritual karma, it certainly wouldn't be the worst thing.

Photo: Courtesy Social Anarchy

In September, Lauren Moffatt's fall '12 presentation brought us back to school... literally. And, while it felt a little stuffy to be back in the chem lab, the clothing made it all worth it. Now, with the release of the collection's lookbook, we get a second chance to swoon over the seemingly endless threads that could outfit an entire grade, from bad-ass burnout to teacher's pet, and every girl in between. Sure, the pleated and printed skirts, delicate tops, and darling dresses might read a bit sweet when paired with ankle socks and penny loafers, but if you're more into being a bad apple than giving an apple to the teacher (in the best way possible!), you could easily grunge up the ensemble with a beanie and some round sunnies. Just take a peek at the way the model morphs into character in each photo, then go ahead and picture yourself looking too cool for school...or front of the class. Either way, we'd join whatever club Lauren Moffatt's girls are in... even if it is The Breakfast Club.

Click through for a season of outfits to look forward to and click here to check out some behind-the-scenes goodness!

Photos: Courtesy of Lauren Moffatt

Many adjectives come to mind when we think of Alexis Bittar (uhhh smokeshow?), but, given his history with over-the-top advertising, none of them are understated. Instead, the jewelry designer's done it again with a totally decked out, totally luxe, and totally insane lookbook displaying his fall '12 baubles and bling on a lifeless mannequin that's actually crying glitzy diamonds. And even though her sparkly tears are more emotive than her expression, we're getting a little emo, if not grabby, over the emerald-colored collar necklaces, elephant-sized gemstone earrings, and rhinestone-encrusted panther cuffs that make up the line. Plus, the glammed-up '80s styling has us already planning outfits (we're into the all-black thing to make the jewels really pop). We're just hoping next time we're at a party with Lady Gaga we're not totally matching — these out-of-this-world wares totally up her alley, too. We smell a "who wore it best?"...we promise if we lose we won't cry.

Click through for seriously swoon-worthy bling to pump up your fall wardrobe.

Photos: Courtesy of Alexis Bittar

There are ripped jeans, boyfriend jeans, studded jeans, and mom jeans, and for our Month of Denim we're celebrating them all. But when looking at Mother Denim's latest lookbook, we're making room for the category they seamlessly master: The glam jean. Sure, jeans are all about comfort, being yourself, and weekend fun, but that doesn't mean you can't look good while kicking back. For the denim you want to dress up, we're totally turning to the luxe and light flares, the super-dark skinnies, and printed (but not cray-cray) bottoms that we can see on uptowners and Bowery regulars alike. They're just tailored enough to make every outfit sophisticated but still edged-up enough to be worn with that ragged band T-shirt you sleep in (then maybe want to wear again the next day). Call it sisterhood of the jeans if you will; We're just calling it the best thing to happen to pants this season.

Click through for the jeans every gal would want to wear and see them from every angle.

Photos: Courtesy of Mother Denim

A Trinity ring comes once in a lifetime... unless, of course, you're able to invest in multiple Cartier pieces. In this case, we suggest you round out your stash of iconic goodies (lucky, lucky you) with Cartier's newest, insanely cool bracelet from the just-launched Juste un Clou Collection. The bent nail design is one you may have seen before, but, naturally, Cartier's version is far less grungy (though the design is an edgy step we're amped Cartier took), much, much higher quality, and let's face it, the only dangerous part of the nail is the price tag. Yep, they start at just under $3k and go to almost $35,000. But if you can't drop that cash presently (it's cool... one day), check out the brand's latest exhibit for a momentary rush of ooooohs and ahhhhs; The collection launches in tandem with a show in the Cartier Mansion, Cartier & Aldo Cipullo, New York City in the '70s, that pays tribute to the brand's monumental events of 1969 and '70, when the first diamond to sell for more than $1 million went to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and '71 when the original nail bracelet was born (can you say may-j?).

Make sure to stop by the exhibit between April 13 and May 8, and click through to check out the Juste un Clou braceletes that really, obviously, nailed it!

The Cartier Mansion, 653 Fifth Avenue (at 52nd Street); 212-446-3400.

Photo: Courtesy of Cartier