Word of Mouth: Prince’s Reign

Next Thursday, on the sacred stage of Carnegie Hall, over 20 artists will gather to pay homage to the man from Minnesota who became the Prince of pop. For a change, Prince will sit back and take it in as the likes of Elvis Costello, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Blind Boys of Alabama and more cover his 35-plus year career. The event is part of Michael Dorf’s Tribute Series, where money raised benefits music programs for underprivileged students and not-for-profit schools in the New York City area. Tickets are still available here. Sounds like the kind of night to pull out your fuchsia suit and snowy-white cravat.

Word of Mouth: Americans in Paris

Today, all eyes were on a certain American in Paris — we’re talking Alexander Wang and his debut at Balenciaga, of course. But the Stateside invasion doesn’t stop here. There’s a restaurant in the 9th arrondissement that pulses to a New York state of mind: La Maison Mère, which serves up a mean fish taco, bacon cheeseburger and cheesecake — as well as a dish called L’Assiette Long Island, with smoked salmon and blinis. The fashion set’s already made the bistro its own. Consider it maison sweet maison for your comfort-food fix.

Best Dressed: Bonnie Chen

Suzhou native Bonnie Chen, who bounces between China and New York, is the latest model to tackle the multi-hyphenate career. In addition to the usual cover shoots and commercials (including a Mercedes Benz spot with George Clooney), Bonnie heads her own charity benefiting autistic children, writes for the occasional fashion glossy and, this month, has been hitting the runways shows as a reporter for the Top Fashion television program in China. Here, wearing Tory’s Ozzy sweater and Donovan skirt, the interviewer became the interviewee.

Care Guide: The Robinson Collection

A truly great bag should be tough enough to weather both the whims of fashion and the scuffs and stains that come with everyday wear. Our signature Robinson Collection, made from high quality, scratch-resistant Italian leather, does just that. But life is life, and the occasional blemish occurs. Keep this care guide handy for such an occasion. Household items — cotton balls, rubbing alcohol and hand lotion — will keep it looking like new.

Video: The Brigitte Blouse

A classic men’s button-down — like our Brigitte Blouse — is a wardrobe workhorse. Whether you’re wearing classic white, a pop of color or a graphic print, you can dress it down and casual, cool and sportif, pretty and femme…. Watch the video for all the chic variations. It proves that the utilitarian shirt is just that — the most useful, and versatile, essential.

Shop the Looks

Spotlight On: Alia Penner

Artist Alia Penner lives a Technicolor life — in every sense of the word. Her illustrations and collages are a dreamy explosion of kaleidoscopic color. Her wardrobe is similarly punchy — all bright, electric and eclectic. And if you ever visit her home, overlooking downtown L.A., make sure you stop by during what she calls “Rainbow Hour.” We chatted with Alia (here wearing Tory’s Catarina caftan and Norah bucket tote) about what that is and got her tips for — what else? — wearing color, color, color.

Tory On: Spring Break ’13

Are you ready for spring break? Tory is. Here, wearing the Sanibel maillot, Evelin shirt, vintage square sunglasses and raffia knit hat, she talks about her packing essentials for that warm-weather getaway. Now she just has to book her ticket.

Swim Guide: The Suits

You know what they say: Different strokes for different folks. To that end, we’ve created a range of swim silhouettes for every style and body type — based on fittings, fine-tuning and your feedback. We’ve even distilled all that swim wisdom into a simple guide to make things easier. So what are you waiting for? Your perfect fit awaits….

Swim Guide: The Cover-Ups

One swimwear truism that’s always steered us right: the cover-up is just as important as the suit.

Yes, the beach cover-up is a perfect solve for the bikini-shy, but it’s so much more than that. It’s incredibly chic in an undone, bohemian sort of way. It cuts down on sun exposure (so important these days). And you can wear it right off the beach with the most minimal tweaks, like swapping bare feet for sandals. Here, our breakdown of the basic shapes to choose from — plus styling tips.

Swim Guide: The Fabric

We’re always looking for ways to create a more perfect swimsuit. And with our latest collection, we may have mastered the ensemble de plage once and for all, thanks to our brand-new, wonder-working, Italian-made swim fabric. It’s comfy, refined and, most importantly, will smooth and flatter you in just the right places. How exactly? Find out.

Book of the Week: Mastermind

The TED Conference kicks off today and this year’s meeting of the minds got us thinking about our own brain — or rather, what we can do to boost it. Maria Konnikova’s book Mastermind aims to help you do just that, with a little help from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s a how-to guide to sharpening your mind to think and observe like Sherlock Holmes — in contrast to our usual jump-to-conclusions mindset à la Watson. As Konnikova shows, using both scientific research and fictional Baker Street examples, knowing how to pay attention is not as elementary as it seems.

Tory Entertains: Sunday Takeout at the Bar

“Sunday. 8pm. It’s been a crazy weekend between lacrosse practice, birthday parties, homework projects and a little bit of work. Two friends are coming over for dinner, and we’re having Greek takeout from Milos. I set three plates at the bar — the blue, aqua, pink and pom poms are my nod to the Aegean. My mother Reva always loves dining at the bar. She says there’s something romantic and nostalgic about it, like they used to in old Hollywood movies in the 30s and 40s…. I like the way she thinks.”

Spotlight On: Emmanuelle Riva

French actress Emmanuelle Riva gives a tour-de-force performance as the ailing Anne in Michael Haneke’s film Amour — and the accolades she’s garnered thus far demonstrate as much. The 86 year old has already walked off with a BAFTA as well as a spate of film critics awards (10 and counting). Tomorrow — her birthday — she’s up for Best Actress at the Oscars. Here, Paris film critic Olivier Joyard writes about Riva’s journey.

What’s Your Sign? Pisces

What can you expect from this month, the water sign of Pisces (February 18th – March 20th)? Astrology expert Susie Cox tells all….

Ziggy Marley On: Coconuts, Hemp and Dad

It’s been a big year for Ziggy Marley — and we’re only two months in. He released a new album, took to the stage for the blowout Bob Marley tribute at the Grammy Awards, with Bruno Mars, Rihanna and Sting, and is about to unveil the next episode of his Marijuanaman superhero series. This Sunday, meanwhile, he hits up the South Beach Food & Wine Festival for a Reggae Jam concert — and to promote his new line of organic food, too. Here, we chatted with Ziggy about all of the above as well as his legendary dad, who happens to be one of Tory’s favorite artists. Her top song? Three Little Birds. As for Ziggy’s favorite….

Video: Spring 2013

Calling all travelers, wanderers and drifters…. Follow our bohemian-chic magpie in the season’s lookbook video by Matt Baron and Theo Stanley, styled by Brian Molloy. It’s bright. It’s colorful. It’s the perfect spring escape.

Shop the entire spring collection.

Elizabeth Stewart On: Dressing the Red Carpet

For some, awards season is all about best picture and best actress. Around here? It’s about the best dressed. Of course, some of our favorite stars have a sartorial secret weapon: stylist Elizabeth Stewart, a longtime veteran of The New York Times, WWD and W. In the lead-up to the Academy Awards on Sunday — for which she’ll dress nominee Jessica Chastain — the Santa Monica mother of two, here wearing Tory’s Jodie Dress, took some time out to chat with us about Jessica’s style and the secret to looking red-carpet good.

Lookbook: Spring 2013

Here comes Spring 2013: The collection’s American prep remix is defined by a stylish magpie who travels the world, picking up special pieces and mixing them with classic sportswear. Tailored silhouettes tap into the free spirit of the season with bohemian detailing — beading, embroidery, pom-poms, fringe. Kaleidoscopic colors and prints conjure far-flung locales. And speaking of, we traveled to the beautifully bright, sun-baked haciendas near Tulum, with photographer Norman Jean Roy and models Tati Cotliar, Shu Pei and Ophelie Rupp, to shoot our lookbook, and this hippie-chic nomad in her natural habitat.

See the Lookbook or Shop All Looks now.

Word of Mouth: Gagosian’s Oscar Bash

What is it about Larry Gagosian’s annual Thursday night dinner at Mr. Chow that’s made it one of the hottest Oscar week invites for the last 15 years? We think it’s the eclectic mix of people from all creative walks. You might find yourself enjoying squab-in-lettuce wraps next to Anjelica Huston or waiting in the valet line behind Tom Ford. Or discussing appropriation in fashion vs. art with Richard Prince, whose new Cowboys exhibit at the Beverly Hills Gagosian Gallery is the cause for this year’s celebration. While the guest list changes each year, there’s one thing you can count on: cool conversations about subjects other than just movies — a near impossibility during Oscar week.

Ask Tory: All About Akira

Q: Where do you find your inspiration for prints?

A: Ideas for prints and patterns come from anywhere at any time. I’ve been inspired by paint splatters on walls before. This season, our Akira print — seen on some of our dresses, skirts and more — is based off a tile pattern I saw a few years ago in Istanbul, an incredible ancient city. We tried to recreate the beautifully faded quality of the traditional Iznik tiles, which had withstood centuries of wind and sun in the Bosphorus. It’s one of my favorite prints for spring, summer and beyond.

10 Minutes with an Entrepreneur: Olya Thompson

If you’re looking to transform your home into an exotic wonderland, by way of Persia or the Ballet Russes, we have two words for you: Tissus Tartares. That’s the name of Moscow-born, Brooklyn-based Olya Thompson’s four-year-old collection of Eurasian-inspired fabrics — from florals with a Diaghilev touch to graphic ikats. Here, Thompson shares her story and décor tips while dishing la vie en russe.

Playlist: Morwenna’s Fashion Week

Thought Fashion Week was over? We’re only a quarter way through. Next up: London, then Milan and Paris. With the fashion set heading across the pond, we spoke to model and DJ Morwenna Lytton Cobbold, who’s part Brit-part American, for her ultimate runway playlist. She gave us a little West Coast Haim, some East London Punks and even dished about the difference between the fashion (and fashion weeks) of both cities. Plus, she told us about a certain Victorian novelist in her family tree, who gave us that oft-quoted adage about pens being mightier than swords. Really.

Fall 2013: Front Row

Fashion Week is just as much about what’s happening on the sidelines of the runway. For instance, Anna Dello Russo in her Prada coat caught our eye — red and white is something we’re into for spring, too, and we love how she accented hers with a pink lip. Brad Goreski was there, looking post-Nemo-ready in a chic blanket coat and his signature bow tie. And then there’s everybody’s favorite street photographer, the great Bill Cunningham, who got everyone to smile.

Tory’s Playlist: Valentine’s Day 2013

Songs, like chocolate, are an essential part of a proper Valentine’s celebration. Here are some musical caramels and clusters. Sweet and some bittersweet.