Red Carpet Diamonds

We’ve had a girl crush on model-turned-interviewer-turned-whatever-she-wants Alexa Chung for ages. So we’re using the upcoming launch of her amazing collection for Madewell as an excuse to subject her to the same brilliantly funny questions she’s asked celebrities on her beloved, departed MTV talk show, It’s On with Alexa Chung.

Here’s one you asked the cast of Glee: Let’s say you’re opening a chain restaurant. What will you call it?
A themed restaurant or just a restaurant?

A themed one, obviously.
Well, it’s a shame that Jekyll & Hyde is already taken, because that is really good. Um. I’d really like to do a Spice Girls restaurant. We can call it Spice Up Your Life. It can have Spice Girl memorabilia everywhere and serve curry.

Speaking of Spice Girls, which one would you be?
Definitely Ginger Spice.

You asked Emile Hirsch how he’d describe his smell. So how about yours?
Ha. I don’t know. I wear rose perfume, so maybe I smell like roses.

Now for Lady Gaga, you asked her about what she wears to the grocery store. So how do you dress to go grocery shopping?
I dress like Lady Gaga.

Would you rather lose an eye or gain one?
Oh, that’s from John Mayer. He was cracking me up at the time, and I couldn’t hold it together, because I thought that was the best thing I’d ever heard. As he said, I’d gain one then work an eye patch — a really cool, bedazzled eye patch. Though maybe I can gain one and put it in the back of my head and switch between the three. I’d be like an owl.

And you could cover the third with hair?
And you could see what people were saying about you, literally, behind your back.

This last question is also something you asked John Mayer. And it’s our favorite question ever.
It’s about the hairline, isn’t it?

Yes! Would you rather have a receding hairline or a — if this is a word — proceeding hairline?
Oh, man. I don’t know, because neither is particularly attractive on a lady. I mean, if you’re a guy, you can just kind of have a receding one, and it’s fine. Or a proceeding one, and it can be like a beard. But I’m a lady. No facial furniture’s okay really, right? So I guess I’d have a receding one, and I can cover it with wigs.

We like that answer.
Well, I don’t want to be bothered with shaving every day. I can’t even bother with shaving every day now, so if it were on my face, it’d be a real nightmare. There’d be a lot going on.

Finally, is there anything you wish we’d asked?
If you die tomorrow, would you be happy with everything you’ve accomplished so far?

That’s a good one. So what’s the answer?
You’re quite deep. Well. It’s aiiight.

For more delightful insight into the world of Chung (her Madewell collection, fave foods, and whose closet she wants to raid), click to the DailyCandy Dossier. Visit regularly during Fashion Week for the chance to win one of the great makeup bags from the collection, launching September 9 online at madewell.com. Still want more? Check out our gallery of her original sketches.

Photo: Thomas Giddings

	Our trusty Dossier is where we share all the newsy bits NY Fashion Week has to offer — behind-the-scenes beauty madness, street-style snapshots, designer giveaways, and porn (for fashion fetishizers).

	Up to 65% off E.vil & 80%20 We’ve got you covered from head (er, shoulder) to toe: E.vil’s playful T-shirts and 80%20’s hidden-wedge booties and two-tone tennies are up to 65% off today on Swirl.

Chung’s quirky sketches appear on T-shirts and accessories in her Madewell collection. We kind of want to print these out and frame them.

To see a Q&A with Chung — and for a chance to win a makeup bag from her collection later this week — visit our DailyCandy Dossier.

Forget England’s noble theatrical heritage. If going to the theatre for you means singing nuns, puppets having sex and stalking Jude Law outside the stage door, then you’ll love Accomplice: London, the new interactive ‘show’ opening tomorrow.

Buy individual tickets (or gather your own group of ten) for a performance on a weekend afternoon and prepare to be thrown into the middle of a large-scale heist on the South Bank with actors who blend into the public and members of the public taking part in the show.

Part theatre, part scavenger hunt, part criminal activity (without the jail time), it starts with a mysterious phone call two days before, telling you where to meet. During the experience, you’ll spend two and a half hours as an accomplice to a crime, solving clues and moving between local pubs, shops and famous landmarks trying to figure out if that shady-looking man is an actor or just creepy.

We won’t give too much away, but wear comfy shoes, expect some drinks and snacks, and — most importantly — trust no one.

For more information and to book tickets (£30), go to accomplicetheshow.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Constantin Film Produktion

There’s no denying the goings-on at Hogwarts are irresistible (and if loving the books and movies is wrong, we don’t want to be right). But at what point does the affinity for adolescent wizards get weird/creepy? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan works his advice magic.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Technically speaking, shouldn’t all other days be called leisure days?

TREAD
Loeffler Randall Rain Boots
What: Much-anticipated (they’ve been about two years coming) impermeable rubber versions ($165-$195) of LR’s popular Matilde knee-high boots and June lace-up ankle booties in infallible neutrals (black, olive green, and taupe).
Why: Your feet will be drier and better styled than the soggy masses.
Where: Online at loefflerrandall.com.

READ
DailyCandy+Fashion Week
What: We did it up big. Up-close-and-personal looks into the lives and lines of nine of our favorite indie designers (including Albertus Swanepoel, Ann Yee, and Samantha Pleet) join our usual NYFW cast (The Dossier, giveaways, groundbreaking show coverage).
Why: Our friends at Swirl wanted in; look for their Fashion Week pop-up shop featuring five of the previously mentioned designers.
Where: Online at dailycandy.com.

SCORE
SnappyTuna
What: If ramekins, zesters, and obscure cooking gadgets make you giddy, geek out with the members-only sale site filled with top-notch kitchen utensils and table settings.
Why: There’s nothing fishy about 50-70 percent off the likes of Outset barware, Danica table linens, and Rosanna tableware.
Where: Online at snappytuna.com.

CELEBRATE
Sweet Sally’s Bakeshop Rosh Hashanah Treats
What: Rugelach (chocolate apricot, raspberry cinnamon raisin) and mandelbread ($12-$13) made by a nice New York girl who bakes just like (but probably better than) your grandma.
Why: The best part of every holiday? The food to which it’s intrinsically linked. Shana tova!
Where: Online at sweetsallys.com.

THROW
Beklina Prairie Rugs
What: Do you have a floor? Is it naked? Cover up with sustainably made, 100 percent recycled cotton carpets, mats, and runners ($50-$290) that are sturdy, washable, and come in bold colors (brick, mint, cobalt).
Why: The rug doesn’t always have to match the drapes; in fact, complementary colors can really open a room.
Where: Online at beklina.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

	Up to 60% off Denim We’ve rounded up covetable jeans from the likes of Paige, Rich & Skinny, Dylan George, and Rockstar. They’ll leave your wallet (but not your butt) nice and big, since they’re up to 60% off on Swirl.

Give something back.

DONATE
Donna Ida Denim Drive
What: Swap old or unwanted jeans for a £20 voucher redeemable against a purchase of a pair in any of the three boutiques.
Why: Your castoffs will be restyled and sold with 50 per cent of proceeds going to Jeans for Genes, supporting children with genetic disorders.
When: Today-16 Sept.
Where: Westfield, Ariel Way, W12 7GF (020 8743 6111); 40 Elizabeth St., SW1W 9NZ (020 7730 4554); 106 Draycott Ave., SW3 3AE (020 7225 3816).

SEE
Shoes
What: Twelve dancers, four singers and a band give us a witty street-level perspective on our obsession with footwear.
Why: Spot specially commissioned styles by Terry de Havilland and Salvatore Ferragamo.
When: Fri.-11 Sept. Mon.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Where: Sadler’s Wells, Rosebury Ave., EC1R 4TN. For tickets (£10-£48), call 08444 124300.

Maison Martin Margiela ‘20’ the Exhibition
What: Last chance to see a retrospective of the Belgian fashion designer’s work incorporating memorable garments (remember the Tabi boots?) with photography and film.
Why: It was the talk of the summer. Where have you been?
When: Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (020 7845 4600). Ticket (£6) online at somersethouse.org.uk.

STORE
Total Wardrobe Care Luxury Clothing Storage
What: Clothing care specialists will pick up, clean, repair and store your summer wardrobe in cotton garment bags inside a lavender-scented room and send you an itemized inventory.
Why: Make space for your winter clothes.
When: Now.
Where: More info at 020 7627 5609.

WEAR
Lotus London Scarves
What: Fine cashmere shawls in diamond weaves, colourful prints and designs are the perfect trans-seasonal accessory (£169).
Why: Mention code candy in-store or enter at online checkout for 25 per cent off until Sun.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 11 Pont St., SW10 OQJ (020 7235 3550).

Photo: The Library of Congress / Flickr

Indie band Ra Ra Riot’s melodic, strings-driven new album The Orchard is just in time for the last road trip of the season. Their unique, orchestral sound has us wondering which late-summer tunes are on their playlist. Here’s what guitarist Milo Bonacci has to say.

“Midnight Lover,” by Kisses
“A warm summer night in SoCal.”

“Sabali,” by Amadou & Mariam
“Pleasingly simple. Plus, I’m a sucker for synthesizer arpeggios and old-school drum machines!”

“In Particular,” by Blonde Redhead
“I love the guitar work in their songs. There always seems to be something new the closer you look.”

“Collector,” by Here We Go Magic
“Fun and mesmerizing with a nice dynamic arc.”

“Siberian Breaks,” by Mgmt
“Its musical scenes are structured more like a movie than a typical pop song.”

“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody),” by Talking Heads
“An all-time favorite song. Nearly perfect.”

“I Wanna Be Your Lover,” by Prince
“I love the rhythmic tension between the drums and keyboards.”

“Forever,” by Walter Meego
“They have a whole bunch of new material from a soon-to-be record. I’m curious and excited to hear what they put out next.”

“Tomboy,” by Panda Bear
“I really like the depth and audible space. It’s a trademark of Panda Bear’s music but captivating nonetheless.”

“Wind Chimes,” by The Beach Boys
“It’s not that it sounds like a cool summer night — it feels like a cool summer night.”

For more information and U.S. tour dates, go to rarariot.com. Download The Orchard online at itunes.com.

Photo: Doron Gild

	We played fly-on-the-wall as nine of NYC’s most exciting indie designers sketched, kvetched, and dressed their way to the runway. Check out the action on our Fashion Week site and just try to resist retweeting it.

	Up to 60% off Lucky Lucky added loungewear to its denim repertoire with the same dedication to fit and style. In vibrant prints and flattering cuts, everything’s especially comfy at up to 60% off on Swirl.

Drooling over a creamy treat under a neon sign in Soho sounds a little sketchy. But if the treat in question is from shoe-designer-turned-cake-purveyor Patrick Cox’s new shop on Brewer Street, it’s (sort of) innocent.

Cox Cookies & Cake opens tomorrow, and Cox and partner French patissier Eric Lanlard (Cake Boy) have given baked goods a much-needed makeover. Instead of pastel icing and sprinkles, cupcakes are topped with Salvador Dalí-style lips, pop art images, and skulls and crossbones. Cheeky surprises coming soon include the ‘munchies box’, with Rizla paper, and our favourite, the ‘beef cake’, decorated with a bulging bicep.

The black marble floors, sequin walls and splashes of pink neon blend seamlessly into the area (there’s a sex shop next door). There are touches of high culture (Tracey Emin designed the ‘I Keep Haunting You’ sign behind the counter) and good-looking staff in studded black leather aprons (also for sale) who will deliver locally on roller skates. Space is tight, but perch at the window bar or loiter on the street. Just try not to attract any unwanted business.

Cox Cookies & Cakes, 13 Brewer Street, W1F 0RH (020 7434 0242 or coxcookiesandcake.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Cox Cookies & Cake

Like what you see in DailyCandy’s Fashion Week coverage? Visit the Swirl pop-up shop. Starting September 8, the site will be selling the F/W 2010 ready-to-wear pieces (everything you see in this video) from designers Ann Yee, Bodkin, Samantha Pleet, Tom Scott, and Whit. Our editors are already drooling over the merch. Still not a Swirl member? Join here.

Benz in his studio.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
At my desk, sketching spring 2021.

What are you currently reading?
Role Models, by John Waters. I’m a die-hard fan, and have been my whole life. I’ve read everything he’s ever written, and Role Models doesn’t disappoint. Hilarious!

What’s your favorite under-the-radar spot in NYC?
Karavas on West Fourth, for its burgers and jukebox.

What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“If You Could Read My Mind,” by Gordon Lightfoot. I listen to it all the time.

What fashion trend will we never see Chris Benz design?
Never say never, but I don’t prefer a jegging.

What’s something we’d be surprised to know about you?
I eat cheeseburgers every day, but I hate French fries.

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Scott means business.  (But he’s really very nice.)

The next place I’d like to travel is …
Astoria. For Greek food.

It may sound distorted, but I collect old doll parts.

If I could be anyone from a TV show, I would be …
One of the women on the Mormon fundamentalist compound in the show Big Love. I’m obsessed with their style.

One of my favorite places in NYC is …
All the bike lanes.

When I was little, I wanted to be …
Greg Louganis.

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Don’t miss our top-seeded Deals.

Summer is over (did it ever really begin?). Start your winter wardrobe with this month’s best sample sales.

What: The Secret Sample Sale & The London Accessory Sale
Why: Jimmy Choo pony fur bag, £499 (reg. £1,290); Vivienne Westwood scarf, £29 (reg. £89); and up to 90 per cent off designers including Sophia Kokosalaki, Moncler and more.
When: 2-5 Sept. Thurs., noon-9 p.m.; Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: T2, The Old Truman Brewery, 85 Brick Ln., E2 6QL (020 7770 6000).

What: Boutique Sale
Why: Up to 90 per cent off clothing from Missoni, Vanessa Bruno, Sonia Rykiel and more.
When: 8-12 Sept. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Old Truman Brewery, Shop 14, 15 Hanbury St., E1 6QR.

What: Rupert Sanderson
Why: Shoes from £75, including Alcazar pink suede shoe boots, £200 (reg. £645), and Asteroid black platform sandals, £150 (reg. £795).
When: 17 & 18 Sept. Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: The Music Room, 26 S. Molton Ln., W1K 5AB (020 7491 2220).

What: British Designers Sale
Why: Goods from Jenny Packham, Edina Ronay, James Lakeland and others from £10.
When: 17 & 18 Sept. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Rd., SW3 2EE (020 7627 2777).

What: Designer Warehouse Sale
Why: Jil Sander cashmere coat, £399 (reg. £1,655); Moncler puffer jacket, £299 (reg. £625); Etro cashmere jumper, £99 (reg. £475).
When: 17-19 Sept. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 5-6 Islington Studios, Thane Works, Thane Villas, N7 7NU.

What: Margaret Howell
Why: Up to 80 per cent off ready-to-wear.
When: 23 & 24 Sept. Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: The Music Room, 26 S. Molton Ln., W1K 5AB.

What: Temperley
Why: Up to 80 per cent off ready-to-wear, bridal and accessories from the Brit designer.
When: 23 & 24 Sept. Thurs., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Gr., W11 2QA.

What: Georgina Goodman
Why: Up to 75 per cent off boots and evening and day shoes in sample sizes (37 and 40).
When: 27 Sept.-2 Oct. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 12-14 Shepherd St., W1J 7JF (020 7499 8599).

Photo: Getty Images

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Swanepoel and cat at home.

When milliner Albertus Swanepoel was 7 years old in Pretoria, South Africa, he found a doll’s head, stuck a pencil where its neck had been, and draped it with fabric. Later, in his early 20s, he sold his beloved piano so he could afford fashion school.

Now, almost 30 years later, the CFDA winner’s elegant-yet-modern hats are featured in runway shows like Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera, DVF, and Narciso Rodriguez. And he still makes every single cloche, fedora, turban, and boater in his Garment District studio. To see the charming Swanepoel in action, watch our video.

Read our Q&A with the designer

Take a virtual tour of his apartment

Lust after his previous designer collaborations

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Pozgay’s got the whole world in her hands.

Create your ideal breakfast: What would you eat, where, and with whom?
Quiet breakfast, sunny day, window seat, hueves con mole at Miranda’s in Williamsburg, with my boyfriend, Parker. They have amazing iced coffee and the sweetest staff of all time. It is a happy place.

The best/last art exhibit I saw was …
I went to the Creator’s Project at Milk Studios and was mesmerized by Muti Randolph’s Rubik’s Cube. It was this incredible cube made of thousands of spheres of light. You could walk through, and it was synced to music to change patterns.

Fill in the blank: It may sound old ladyish but I collect odd little trinkets like glass birds or old wooden toys.

What are some of your favorite movies and why?
Rushmore: It is clever, funny, the styling is insane, and the soundtrack is one of my favorites of all time. Every character is lovable in some way.
The Red Balloon: This is a short movie, but I am obsessed with it and have been since I was a little girl. It is such a beautiful little fantasy with a bittersweet ending. I love the contrast of the red balloon with the gray streets of Paris.

What are you currently reading?
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. But I think that I am going to stop. It makes me feel like I am reading someone’s personal mail or something.

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