Best Dressed, 2012

2012 was the year of bold sartorial statements. Whether it was fashion editor's choosing flashy lenses (see above), SJP's eccentric choices in accessories  Diane Kruger's mix of high fashion with classic Hollywood glamour, Solange's mastering of mixed prints, or Marion Cotillard epitomizing Parisian chic in Dior by Raf Simons pieces, the rule was to stand out, be fearless, make it your own and do it with a smile. See who made this year's best dressed list and get inspired to make some audacious fashion choices of your own in 2013!

The Noise: The VMAs Sucked...

I mean, aside from this GIF of Nicki. See the best dressed lady of the night as well as the best performance after the jump. 

Politics as Usual: Michelle O. stays Chic at the DNC

Try as she might in Oscar de la Renta or Reed Krakoff, Ann Romney has nothing on Michelle Obama's style. Her custom Tracy Reese dress was heaven. Her Thom Browne dress was the definition of class. Her plum Laura Smalls dress was simultaneously sexy and ladylike. But, more importantly her words moved the nation.

Relive FLOTUS' fashion high-points and landmark speech after the jump.

Selling: Victoria, Victoria Beckham by Quentin Jones

The video for Posh's lower price lined Victoria, is darling full of great stop-motion tricks. But what really works about the video is how it highlights those flattering silhouettes, that tasty pastel color palette and those whimsical prints.

Lana Del Rey for Vogue UK

Her album may be receiving mixed-reviews, but Lana Del Rey's popularity does not seem to be dwindling. The gangsta Nancy Sinatra has snagged the important March issue of a major fashion publication, helping to solidify her glamorous and aloof image.

(Via Fashionista).

Selling: Prada in Motion

Miuccia's take on 1950s automobile-obsessed Americana gets put into video form by Steven Meisel, who also shot the luscious print ads.

"Pop's Pink Lady" on the Cover of Wonderland

In Prada.

Hip-hop queen Nicki Minaj is once again transformed into a cover girl, complete with her trademark pink wig and lips. She is clad in Prada and shot by Matt Irwin.

(Via Design Scene).

Exotic Beauty: i-D Magazine's Year of the Dragon Covers

Beauty doesn't get more interesting then this. Photographed by Chen Man with makeup by MAC's Terry Barber, the 12 covers showcase Asian beauty. Check out the rest after the jump.

Selling: McQueen deities

A spiritual campaign for Sarah Burton's already ethereal, other-worldly Spring 2012 collection for Alexander McQueen photographed by David Sims. More after the jump.

Selling: Prabal Gurung Spring 2012 Campaign

Prabal Gurung's ultra-violet Spring 2012 collection gets a milky campaign photographed by Daniel Jackson and starring Candice Swanepoel. See more after the jump.

Female Actors: The SAG Awards Best Dressed

Can anyone beat Emma Stone on the red carpet? Her tea-length Alexander McQueen dress, complete with lace and gold detailed clutch was perfection. Check out who else looked good and a couple of video highlights from the show, after the jump.

The Noise: R.I.P. Etta James

Legendary blues and R&B singer Etta James died this morning from leukemia complications. Her struggle with addiction is well documented, but she will be remembered for her soaring, wrenching vocals. Stream her enduring classic "At Last" below.

The Noise: Don't call it a comeback for Sleigh Bells

Sleigh Bells' new track "Comeback Kid" is a perfect mix of heavenly vocals and massive riffs. Stream it below.

Comeback Kid by Sleigh Bells

Dressing the Part: Actors strut their stuff for Prada Fall 2012

Dafoe, Brody, Oldman.

Miuccia's latest, brilliant, menswear collection featured acclaimed actors Tim Roth, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody and Gary Oldman walking down the runway, and the touch of celebrity served to further the idea of the Victorian military wardrobe. Check out Style.com's video after the jump.

'I'll Show You a Pair of Golden Globes!' The Best Dressed of the Night

Alas, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey did not make the cut, but they get special recognition for being the funniest people at the Globes. See who did make the list after the jump.

Mary Katrantzou x Longchamp

Mary Katrantzou is one of the most interesting and promising young designers around. Having won favor with the style set (including Anna Dello Russo, Alexa Chung and Keira Knightley), Katrantzou is noted for her unique mastery of print and shape. She brings her sense of fantastical and whimsical prints to the Longchamp brand. Check out the making above.

Selling: Mia for Miu Miu

Australian actress Mia Wasikowska is best know for playing the classic heroines Alice in Wonderland and Jane Eyre, as well as Annette Benning and Julianne Moore's teenage daughter in The Kids Are All Right, but her greatest role so far may be as the face of Miu Miu's Spring 2012 campaign. The photos capture a bit of the collection's dark romance. More after the jump.

Selling: Gucci Spring 2012 is Solid Gold

Gucci's Spring 2012 collection was one of the house's strongest in many a season, with its fringed 1920s flapper dresses, art-deco shapes, and disco sensibility. The ads perfectly embody the collections sense of graphic, high glamour luxury. Photographed with luster by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. See more of the shiny pics after the jump.

The Noise: Mark Ronson grooves with Erykah Badu and others on 'A La Modeliste'

Mark Ronson has hooked up with one of the premier soul singers of our time, Ms. Erykah Badu, as well as Yasiin Bey, Trombone Shorty, members of the Dap-Kings, and legendary New Orleans drummer Zigaboo Modeliste. Also, Mos Def is involved somehow. Check out the super funky track. A real N'awlins treat!

Selling: Lindsey Wixson & Frida Gustavsson in Yummy Mulberry

Check out more of the super sweet, poppy pics by Tim Walker after the jump!

Selling: Striking in Jil Sander

Raf Simmons collections for Jil Sander always bring Hitchcock to mind, and his spring 2012 collection was no exception. The cinematic ads shot by Willy Vanderperre, make the connection feel even stronger. The slightly retro styling is reminiscent of Hitchcock's underrated 1964 thriller Marnie. See more after the jump.

The Noise: Jay-Z's 'Glory'

As you've probably already heard, Beyoncé gave birth to her baby daughter Blue Ivy Carter on Saturday evening. Happy father Jay-Z wasted no time recording a song for his baby daughter, and it's an incredibly touching track. Produced by the Neptunes (complete with cooing Pharrell vocals), Jay-Z has rarely sounded  so sweet, vulnerable and intimate. It even includes Blue Ivy's first cries. Stream this, and maybe even tear up a bit.

The Noise: Lana Del Rey's 'National Anthem'

Her record bosses have got to be upset, as there seems to be no stopping the leaks from her upcoming album Born to Die.  Lana ventures further into her trip-pop soundscapes, further solidifying her reputation as the gangsta Nancy Sinatra.

Patrik Ervell Does Womenswear

Designer Patrik Ervell has been presenting exquisitely tailored menswear collections for several seasons now, and now women get to look just as sharp. A slightly androgynous collection, with menswear staples (tuxedos,  button-downs, bombers, etc.) designed specifically for women. See more after the jump.

More of Vogue Italia doing QVC

Hilarious and chic! Featuring one of the year's best dressed people, Michelle Harper. Pics after the jump.

La Gaga Covers 'L’Uomo Vogue'

Gaga bares her breast in a Robot inspired shoot styled by longtime collaborator Nicola Formichetti and shot by Inez and Vinoodh. Check it out after the jump!

Peter Jensen gets inspired by America's Greatest Actresss

Meryl Streep is always lauded for her acting, but it's rare to see her get credit for her sense of style. Danish designer Peter Jensen's lookbook for his 2012 resort collection directly references the style of a young Streep in films like Kramer vs. Kramer. More after the jump.

Selling: Natasha Poly for Proenza Schouler

Styled Illusions' favorite Natasha Poly strikes a pose in Spring 2012 Proenza Schouler. Shot by Willy Vanderperre, the ads are minimal while capturing the collection's iconoclastic tropical feel. Check out more after the jump.

Selling: Mila Kunis for Dior

Actress Mila Kunis follows in the footsteps of Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Marion Cotillard, and Black Swan co-star Natalie Portman as the new face of Dior. Kunis is certainly a pretty girl, but her photos seem to lack the glamour and drama that Marion Cotillard brought to the house. Check out another pic after the jump.

Selling: Valentino's Ethereal Ladies

Valentino has long been a go-to label for lady-like design, and the Spring 2012 collection is no exception. The ethereal models roam through ruins in sumptuous gowns and cocktail dresses with artfully braided updos. See more after the jump.

Jason Wu for Target

...Is going to be major! That lovely versatile dress, and that playful, classically structured bag are both just $40!

Vogue Italia does QVC

"an artistically ironic simulation of telesales programs, nowadays much in vogue in the United States."

The latest Vogue Italia cover is an amusingly tongue-in-cheek affair, with Daria Strokous and Caroline Trentini rocking Chanel. Shot by Steven Meisel.

The Noise: Scissor Sisters are gonna get their 'Shady Love'

Scissor Sisters hook-up with up-and-coming hip-hop sensation Azealia Banks (who's hot single "212" made it onto this year's best list), for an infectiously trashy single. The video is actually pretty adorable. Check it out and get your dance on.

The Noise: The Return of D'Angelo?

One of the best R&B singer-songwriters of the 1990s and early 2000s, D'Aneglo, has been away from the music scene for far too long, but fortunately there seems to be a new album in the works. Check out the demo for his cover of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun." It's certainly jazzier than the original.

D'Angelo " Black Hole Sun " (Demo) by FUNK★U

Selling x Male du jour: David Beckham's H&M Undies

Just hot. Beckham's empire now includes his own line of bodywear for H&M. The trunks cost around $15, but this pic is priceless.

(Via Fashionista)

Happy 2012!

It's almost gross how cute this is.