DailyCandy has a proclivity for surveying the best in emerging food, fashion, and fun and informing the masses. So it’s no surprise the scout partnered with Suave Professionals to send NBC’s first season of “Fashion Star” off in style. Amid coif makeovers, manicure stations, and chocolate galore, the site gave fans the chance to mingle with the show’s three finalists and tune in to an exclusive screening where the winner of some prime retail real estate would be revealed.

(DailyCandy editor Lauren Lumsden, Fashion Star winner Kara Laricks, finalist Ronnie Escalante, finalist Nzimiro Oputa, Fashion Star contestant Orla Shani, DailyCandy editor Tiffany Davis)

“It’s really exciting, I think, to see a show kind of emulating the same things that we’ve always loved about working at DailyCandy,” said Tiffany Davis, DailyCandy’s Everywhere Editor. “You find somebody that’s really, really talented, and nobody knows about them, and then you tell the world about them. And then, the next day, they’re a huge success.” Lauren Lumsden, the site’s video editor, added her take on curating the next big thing, “My favorite thing about working at DailyCandy is discovering these emerging designers and seeing them go from sewing on their grandmother’s sewing machine to mass producing something.”With a top prize of $6 million to produce retail-worthy collections for H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, one of the evening’s top three was prepped to bid adieu to grandma’s design desk for good. While contestants Kara Laricks, Ronnie Escalante, and Nzimiro Oputa already knew who had taken home the win, they kept mum and gave us something to anticipate. To keep us sane, Oputa – one of the show’s most charismatic personalities – chatted us up about being the competition’s sole menswear designer.“I was intimidated. [I thought] ‘I’m not going to win this being the only menswear [designer].’ But here I am, in the top three. It’s definitely an honor.” Oputa, who is inspired by the work of  Michael Bastian, cited a comfort-and-confidence credo for dressing men and touted some of Hollywood’s most dapper as his dream clients. “If I had to choose one celebrity that would be the face of my brand, it would be Justin Timberlake. I think he’s an all-around, all-American guy. His style, his personality, his work ethic, his look, it’s pretty much me, and it’s pretty much who I design for.” Rounding out his list are Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, whom Oputa says are experts in taking chances but still staying effortlessly cool.The queen of keeping her cool as the “Fashion Star” finale trudged on was Kara Laricks, who we later learned was crowned as the season one victor. Laricks, who was lauded for her contemporary and unconventional designs, was on-hand to finally divulge her “Fashion Star” glory. “The first thing I’m working on is getting to all three of those retailers in the morning. I cannot wait to go see my collection hanging in the stores. It’s been a dream of mine for so very long and the chance to do it tomorrow is so overwhelming that it’s all that I want to think about tonight.”

And, in true “Fashion Star” style, Laricks’ mass market, fast fashion, and luxury designs are available now for your sartorial pleasure. Check out her collections at Macy’s, H&M, and Saks Fifth Avenue before they’re gone.

Mark Zuckerberg is having a pretty epic May. This past weekend he updated his timeline with some life changing news that had nothing to do with his company’s IPO. Zuckerberg and his longtime girlfriend, Harvard graduate Priscilla Chan, were married on Saturday May 19, causing the Facebook founder to make some changes to his relationship status. The ceremony took place in the couple’s Palo Alto backyard where they were surrounded by family and “friends.” The bride walked down the aisle in a gorgeous Claire Pettibone gown, which boasted a sheer back and elegant lace detail. Part of Claire Pettibone’s Continuing Collection, the style is called “Sky Between the Branches” and retails for an estimated $4,700/ With matte sequins and delicate cut-out embroidery, Chan’s wedding look was romantic, feminine and completely unique. We don’t doubt that Mark “liked” it, too.

Available at: clairepettibone.com

On my third day in Morocco, I spent the entire day at Marrakech’s infamous souk. Located off the Medina, the market contains over 12,000 shops selling a variety of wares. The textures and colors that fill the packed stalls are simultaneously overwhelming and inspiring. With all the stylish stimuli, my fellow fashion writers and I barely noticed the 107 degree heat or the exhaustion we should have felt after sleeping just three hours the night before. I entered the souk hoping to find Berber rugs, handmade pillows, tassel key chains similar to the ones at the Chateu Marmont, a Fez hat for my brother, and caftans for every lady on my list. I’m a professional shopper and am not afraid to bargain so the intense haglling that transpired throughout the day was totally my speed. I offered 10% of the asking price and most owners met me somewhere in the middle. “You bargain like a Berber,” was the rallying cry for the frustrated merchants but in the end I left with the perfect away of product that will always remind me of my trip. I could go on and on about the souk, but a picture is worth 1,000 dirham!

From there we headed out into the lively streets and walked to the Mellah, which was the old Jewish quarter. We took in the balconies, which each home was required to have, and stopped for water and a variety of spices and natural remedies at a Berber pharmacy. We were advised to put rose oil under our eyes to get rid of dark circles, orange blossom on our temples for relaxation, and jasmine oil on our legs to ward off mosquitoes;  I also acquired a unique powdered eyeliner and applicator to achieve a true smoky eye. After improving our beauty regimens we made our way to the Bahia Palace, one of Marrakech’s most magnificent riads. To be considered a riad, a home must have a courtyard with a garden and flowing water from a fountain. The lavish interiors had us dreaming about what it would be like to throw a dinner party in this mini paradise…perhaps on our next trip.

But the day’s most mesmerizing highlight was ofcourse Jardin Majorelle, the gardens where Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergeré spent their best moments creating and entertaining. Originally created by artist Jacques Majorelle, who was one of the most important plant collectors of his time, the gardens are a captivating delight. Cactus, palm trees, lush flora, fountains, and a studio done in bright cobalt, which there is known as Majorelle blue make for a magical escape and one can easily spent a day there transfixed on the beauty that abounds.

After spending the afternoon celebrating the life of one of fashion’s most influential forces, we got all decked out and headed to the Palais des Congrès for CAFTAN 2012, a runway showcase featuring the intricate work of 12 designers. It was a production to say the least complete with dance acts, acrobatics, and musical numbers…basically it was Morocco’s answer to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. But before we sat down for the show, cocktails, chicken, beef, tuna pizza, smoked salmon, and Caprese skewers were served. Could you imagine New York Fashion Week adopting this ritual?

Once the two-hour caftan extravaganza was complete, we were off to the after party. Not knowing what to expect, we made our way outside of town to a soon to be opened golf community in the desert. Our minds were blown by the grandeur of it all. Thousands of candles lit the path and surrounded the space, a VIP area floated in a vast body of water, and a traditional buffet was served, as an incredibly talented band kept the crowd going. We danced barefoot on the greens well until the morning and soaked in the unique spectacle under the stars.

Day 1

Though I was half expecting Humphrey Bogart to greet me on the tarmac at the Casablanca airport, I was just as pleased to find our lovely driver Aziz waiting for us at baggage claim. After we collected our over-packed bags, we embarked on a 2.5 hour journey through the dessert and past several grazing pastures, modest tents, and simple enclaves of homes. Eventually we arrived in Marrakech and you could practically hear bells chiming as we first encountered the magic of the “red city.”

Finally, we arrived at our oasis, the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, which didn’t disappoint. The staff was expecting us and we were immediately treated to traditional mint tea, a symbol of Moroccan hospitality and presented with trays of honey and fruit filled pastries, fresh dates, apricots, and assorted nuts along with the stunning site of the Four Seasons’ signature floral arrangements scattered throughout.  Our lavish rooms combined a Moorish aesthetic with luxurious amenities; mine had a divine outdoor seating area and a view of the 40-acre property’s swaying palms.

Hungry after our long journey, we left the hotel for lunch at the Grand Café De La Poste, which felt part Old Havana, part 1920s Hollywood movie set.  Originally built in 1925 during the time of the French Protectorate, the restaurant once doubled as a sorting office. After a round of mojitos and a light salad, we made our way back to the Four Seasons to lounge by one of the property’s two magnificent pools and seek respite from the 104 degree heat.

Later that evening we were off to one of the world’s oldest and most iconic hotel’s,  La Mamounia. The legendary Moroccan Palace is located inside the walls of the old city and perfectly captures a sensuous sense of art de vivre. Enchanting grounds, lush gardens, and lavish facilities make for a captivating experience. Whereas the Four Seasons conveys a refreshing take on modern Maroc, this property is regal and historic. Fusing Moorish and art deco styles, La Mamounia is the epitome of elegance.

We took a break from gaping at every mosaic, fountain, and detail, to attend a press conference for CAFTAN 2012 to get an idea of what we could expect on the runway the following evening. Since much was lost in translation, I used the hour to catch up on sleep. I felt it better to leave the runway extravaganza as a surprise.

Then it was on to dinner at Azar, a trendy spot that fuses oriental and Moroccan influences.   The martinis, which were ofcourse served in unique glassware, flowed and a bevy of belly dancers kept us bleary-eyed travelers awake.

We capped off our first evening with cocktails at Zest, the Four Seasons’ new rooftop bar, which offers incredible view of the city at night and some of the regions best DJs spinning until 1 am. We, however, made until just past midnight as the jet-lag was kicking in and we needed our beauty rest for another day under the North African sun.

H&M has been committed to social and environmental responsibility by supporting organizations like WaterAid in its quest to improve access to clean water and hygiene in the world’s most impoverished communities. In honor of the brand’s decade of support, it’s releasing the H&M for Water collection filled with retro-Hawaiian surf styles for all members of the family using organic cotton and other sustainable materials. There are flirty skirts, bandeau tops, sexy swimwear, and accessories for women; shirts, shorts, sandals, and sunglasses for men; and matching separates for the little one – all in classic palm and floral surf-inspired prints. Fashionistas can help by snagging all of the summer essentials as 25% of all sales proceeds will benefit the non-profit.

Available May 31st at approximately 200 H&M stores worldwide and online for $9.95 – $49.95.

Jason Wu and Karlie Kloss aren’t just a great party pair, they’re also a very magnanimous duo. The fabulous friends always take the time to make a difference. In spite of their hectic schedules, this month they’re teaming up for New York 2012 AIDS Walk on May 20th. With close friends and family comprising the group, team Step Forward is looking to garner as many donations as possible to benefit GMHC and other AIDS service organizations throughout the tri-state area. Both co-captains were equally thrilled about lending a helping hand to the organizations.
“I’m so excited to be participating in AIDS Walk New York, and to be teaming up with Jason and all of our friends for such an incredible cause,” said Kloss.
To make a donation, please visit AIDSWalkNewYork2012.Kintera.org.

We may be gearing up for summer fun in the sun, but Target is thinking ahead. This week the retailer transformed the Hudson Hotel’s Hudson Bar in New York into a fall fashion fête. Models had an air of wanderlust donned in the season’s biggest trends with collections from brands like C9 by Champion, Converse One Star, Liz Lange, Merona, Mossimo Supply Co., Mossimo Black, Cherokee, and Circo with apparel and accessories for every member of the family. Animal and abstract prints paired with bright pops of color in a blend of different textures with subtle details dominated, allowing fashionistas and fledglings a chance to play with their wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Beauty babes weren’t left out in the cold as fall’s bold colors and moisturizing formulas from JK Jemma Kidd, NP Set, and Pixi were on display for guests to swatch to their heart’s content. Guests also sniffed the newest haircare offerings from Umberto Beverly Hills and began color-coordinating the new hair tools from Revlon set to hit shelves for the chillier season. Be sure to keep you eyes peeled for all of the fall fun when it hits Target stores in late July.

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