Insider's Picks: Vanessa Traina
As a tribute to the currently transpiring Fashion Weeks, we decided to turn to a true international style star for today's Insider's Picks—Vanessa Traina. Though she may not be as instantly recognizable to all our readers as some of the well-dressed celebs we like to feature, Traina's a powerful force within the fashion community as a muse, champion of emerging young designers, and in-demand contributor (more on that in a moment). Influential publications like Paris Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Jalouse dedicate editorial inches to her flawless taste and give her places of honor on their best-dressed lists (present company included). Likewise, almost every fashioncentric street-style website has at least one or two posts dedicated to this impeccably put-together young tastemaker. Though there is a mysterious element to Traina's allure, we think all the fanfare has much to do with her elegant poise, refined yet modern taste, and effortless élan. Even in the rarefied world of high fashion, those qualities are a hot commodity, so it's no surprise that our Insider has managed to captivate the attention of editors, designers, and style-stalkers alike!
When Traina graciously and enthusiastically agreed to collaborate with us on today's story, we were beyond thrilled. After all, this San Francisco born-and-raised beauty is not only a rising style icon in her own right, but has worked with some of the industry's most illustrious legends. (We hate to name drop, but let's just say that Carine has her on speed dial!) At present, she calls New York home and is a full-time assistant to all-star stylist Marie-Amélie Sauvé, who is an editor for both American and French Vogue and a close collaborator of Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquière. Though Traina's first gigs included styling lookbooks for friend Alexander Wang and The Row, she now spends her time on shoots (wearing Isabel Marant, which was her favorite F/W 09 collection) with heavyweights like Craig McDean and Patrick Demarchelier. When not on set, she warrants a front-row seat at all the most influential shows—Givenchy, Balmain, Balenciaga, and Proenza Schouler—plus, just last week she strutted down the Altuzarra runway (friend Joseph Altuzarra's much buzzed-about line...see what we mean when we say she has a keen eye for emerging talent?). Needless to say, Traina's dance card is pretty jam-packed! Despite that fact, this consummate professional was kind enough to take some time to share a list of her favorite fall essentials with you, dear readers, in today's edition of Insider's Picks!
Balenciaga Black Suede Cage Bootie ($1945, 212.206.0872)
When it comes to shoes, Traina isn't afraid of an impressively towering heel! Each season her soles are decked in directional designs, and her most current selection doesn't disappoint. Here at Who What Wear headquarters, we are all swooning over these Black Suede Cage Booties from Balenciaga. The shape of the architectural heel is genius and the platform adds a little structure and a lot of height! We recommend you follow Traina's advice and pair these lovelies (or these Unique Ankle Boots ($410) from Topshop) with anything and everything this fall!
Ugo Cacciatori Luster Marine Bracelet ($564)
While dainty delicate pendants and gumball-sized precious stones are all well and good, there's something seriously chic about wearing a few strong silver bracelets. Traina, who favors chunky menswear jewelry to add a little borrowed-from-the-boys edge, is a devoted fan of Ugo Cacciatori's line. We especially love his metallic pieces that incorporate leather and use texturized material, like this Luster Marine Bracelet or his Luster Ring ($174)!
Serge Lutens Perfume ($120, 310.276.4400) in Fleur d'Oranger
Despite her fashion-forward taste when it comes to clothing and footwear, Traina knows that a classic scent makes a chic statement. Serge Lutens is regarded for beautifully composed fragrances; his Fleur d'Oranger is a heady mix of orange blossom, fragrant white flowers, and musk that is subtle yet distinct, much like our subject du jour!
Balmain Biker Jeans ($1900)
Though we personally weren't huge proponents of the acid-washed jean trend that Balmain introduced a few seasons ago, we fully embrace the design house's interestingly detailed denim pieces. These Traina-endorsed Biker Jeans are fashion-forward without forsaking comfort—both equally important to a stylist's assistant who spends long days on set! If you love the look, but would rather not invest your entire paycheck on pants, try Current/Elliott's The Moto Skinny Jeans
($238) or opt for Topshop's Baxter Jeans ($80), which are Traina's high-street denim of choice.
Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag ($4250)
Traina has this specific bag in black leather, but we wanted to show a dressier version in python to prove that this messenger style is as versatile as it is timeless. We can completely envision Traina toting look books, call sheets, a camera, and a notebook or two in this seriously luxurious satchel! We can also recommend Deena and Ozzy's Moto Bag ($68) for a similarly shaped, wallet-friendly carryall.
Alexander Wang Cashmere Beanie ($190, 212.219.2688)
Whether you are braving a brisk morning in the city or trying to survive a bad hair day, this delicious cashmere beanie from Alexander Wang is the perfect accessory to add to your winter wardrobe (check out American Apparel's Cotton Beanie ($16) for an equally cozy cap option). Traina wears her super-soft Wang beanie in a slightly slouchy manner, perched on the crown of her head. The look is casual and chic: done and done.
Ann Demeulemeester Chunky Wedge Ankle Boots ($956)
This Antwerp-based designer is constantly in demand due to her understated and conceptual collections. Though Traina picked these boots because of their function—the wedge is the ideal heel for a strenuous shooting schedule—we also love the streamlined shape of the rounded toe and buckle ankle strap. To get a look-a-like pair, try Gabriella Rocha's Karissa Boots
($110).
Erin Wasson x RVCA Enchanted Tank Top ($49)
They say like attracts like, so it's no wonder that Traina is drawn to a collection created by a fellow fashion muse—Erin Wasson x RVCA. When our insider's not rocking a Givenchy cut-out dress sitting front row at the Chanel couture show in Paris, or wearing a strong shouldered Balmain leather jacket to various fashion week fetes, Traina favors well-designed and unfussy pieces that are easy to mix with her stylish staples. Hence her fondness for this Enchanted Tank Top in heather gray makes perfect sense!
Fuji Instax 200 Camera ($47)
According to Traina, there is nothing better than a Polaroid picture, and we couldn't agree more. The instant gratification of these appear-before-your-eyes cameras makes them the perfect cheap thrill. Though this Fuji camera isn't quite the same as the treasured Polaroid, the Instax 200 offers vivid, high-quality prints almost instantaneously, ideal for capturing on-set outfit changes or candid party pictures!—KM
When Traina graciously and enthusiastically agreed to collaborate with us on today's story, we were beyond thrilled. After all, this San Francisco born-and-raised beauty is not only a rising style icon in her own right, but has worked with some of the industry's most illustrious legends. (We hate to name drop, but let's just say that Carine has her on speed dial!) At present, she calls New York home and is a full-time assistant to all-star stylist Marie-Amélie Sauvé, who is an editor for both American and French Vogue and a close collaborator of Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquière. Though Traina's first gigs included styling lookbooks for friend Alexander Wang and The Row, she now spends her time on shoots (wearing Isabel Marant, which was her favorite F/W 09 collection) with heavyweights like Craig McDean and Patrick Demarchelier. When not on set, she warrants a front-row seat at all the most influential shows—Givenchy, Balmain, Balenciaga, and Proenza Schouler—plus, just last week she strutted down the Altuzarra runway (friend Joseph Altuzarra's much buzzed-about line...see what we mean when we say she has a keen eye for emerging talent?). Needless to say, Traina's dance card is pretty jam-packed! Despite that fact, this consummate professional was kind enough to take some time to share a list of her favorite fall essentials with you, dear readers, in today's edition of Insider's Picks!
Balenciaga Black Suede Cage Bootie ($1945, 212.206.0872)
When it comes to shoes, Traina isn't afraid of an impressively towering heel! Each season her soles are decked in directional designs, and her most current selection doesn't disappoint. Here at Who What Wear headquarters, we are all swooning over these Black Suede Cage Booties from Balenciaga. The shape of the architectural heel is genius and the platform adds a little structure and a lot of height! We recommend you follow Traina's advice and pair these lovelies (or these Unique Ankle Boots ($410) from Topshop) with anything and everything this fall!
Ugo Cacciatori Luster Marine Bracelet ($564)
While dainty delicate pendants and gumball-sized precious stones are all well and good, there's something seriously chic about wearing a few strong silver bracelets. Traina, who favors chunky menswear jewelry to add a little borrowed-from-the-boys edge, is a devoted fan of Ugo Cacciatori's line. We especially love his metallic pieces that incorporate leather and use texturized material, like this Luster Marine Bracelet or his Luster Ring ($174)!
Serge Lutens Perfume ($120, 310.276.4400) in Fleur d'Oranger
Despite her fashion-forward taste when it comes to clothing and footwear, Traina knows that a classic scent makes a chic statement. Serge Lutens is regarded for beautifully composed fragrances; his Fleur d'Oranger is a heady mix of orange blossom, fragrant white flowers, and musk that is subtle yet distinct, much like our subject du jour!
Balmain Biker Jeans ($1900)
Though we personally weren't huge proponents of the acid-washed jean trend that Balmain introduced a few seasons ago, we fully embrace the design house's interestingly detailed denim pieces. These Traina-endorsed Biker Jeans are fashion-forward without forsaking comfort—both equally important to a stylist's assistant who spends long days on set! If you love the look, but would rather not invest your entire paycheck on pants, try Current/Elliott's The Moto Skinny Jeans
Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag ($4250)
Traina has this specific bag in black leather, but we wanted to show a dressier version in python to prove that this messenger style is as versatile as it is timeless. We can completely envision Traina toting look books, call sheets, a camera, and a notebook or two in this seriously luxurious satchel! We can also recommend Deena and Ozzy's Moto Bag ($68) for a similarly shaped, wallet-friendly carryall.
Alexander Wang Cashmere Beanie ($190, 212.219.2688)
Whether you are braving a brisk morning in the city or trying to survive a bad hair day, this delicious cashmere beanie from Alexander Wang is the perfect accessory to add to your winter wardrobe (check out American Apparel's Cotton Beanie ($16) for an equally cozy cap option). Traina wears her super-soft Wang beanie in a slightly slouchy manner, perched on the crown of her head. The look is casual and chic: done and done.
Ann Demeulemeester Chunky Wedge Ankle Boots ($956)
This Antwerp-based designer is constantly in demand due to her understated and conceptual collections. Though Traina picked these boots because of their function—the wedge is the ideal heel for a strenuous shooting schedule—we also love the streamlined shape of the rounded toe and buckle ankle strap. To get a look-a-like pair, try Gabriella Rocha's Karissa Boots
Erin Wasson x RVCA Enchanted Tank Top ($49)
They say like attracts like, so it's no wonder that Traina is drawn to a collection created by a fellow fashion muse—Erin Wasson x RVCA. When our insider's not rocking a Givenchy cut-out dress sitting front row at the Chanel couture show in Paris, or wearing a strong shouldered Balmain leather jacket to various fashion week fetes, Traina favors well-designed and unfussy pieces that are easy to mix with her stylish staples. Hence her fondness for this Enchanted Tank Top in heather gray makes perfect sense!
Fuji Instax 200 Camera ($47)
According to Traina, there is nothing better than a Polaroid picture, and we couldn't agree more. The instant gratification of these appear-before-your-eyes cameras makes them the perfect cheap thrill. Though this Fuji camera isn't quite the same as the treasured Polaroid, the Instax 200 offers vivid, high-quality prints almost instantaneously, ideal for capturing on-set outfit changes or candid party pictures!—KM
It is the coolest site, keep so!,
Posted by: lilikindsli | 2009-10-05 07:35:37
h9hxNJ I want to say - thank you for this!
Posted by: lilikindsli | 2009-10-05 01:53:49
I wish you would stop posting things that the AVERAGE girl cannot afford. $190 for a simple grey beanie? You've got to be kidding me. Does anyone else agree, or would you all spend that kind of money for a piece of fabric?
Posted by: ashh | 2009-09-30 20:42:47
i am OBSESSED with that bag! http://www.newandworthy.com/
Posted by: shauna | 2009-09-23 17:03:37
i'm still in love with all of Insider's Picks by Vanessa Traina, thank you guys again for telling us what she like since she's such an inspiration to many of us aspiring stylish females and males out there. http://noirblancetrougepartout.blogspot.com X
Posted by: S | 2009-09-23 10:41:19
Wait, this girl will spend $2,000 on jeans and $5,000 on a mediocre bag but digs a $50 plastic camera? Idiot.
Posted by: Ashley | 2009-09-22 19:57:50
About the hair - I completely agree. This is one of my pet peeves. Over 10K for clothes and she what - can't get a good cut or needs someone to style it for her?? This seems to be a trend with the young celebs but check out the classy but older celebs and they look like they finished their look. Love the jeans, though...
Posted by: Pattie | 2009-09-22 09:56:05
eww so 2008 so rumi (which is not a compliment in 09) something new and inspiring please
Posted by: g. | 2009-09-22 02:05:31
If Vanessa Traina has access to such amazing taste she would know to at least run a comb through that knotted mess of hair. I have seen better showings on girls doing the walk of shame. It is so pathetic that someone could consider carrying a $4200 bag but pay no attention to her hair. In that pic she looks like she just got done 'earning' the money for those 2k Balenciaga shoes. You know what I mean....Tragic.
Posted by: blinkbunny | 2009-09-21 22:45:09
Even though these items are all super expensive. It's pretty easy to find similar looking items for a lot less @ h+m/forever21/urban outfitters/etc.. and I could've sworn Vanessa Traina was prettier than that.
Posted by: lianna | 2009-09-21 20:44:37
Dayyyyyum! $1200 for a pair of jeans. But I like her style. I love those erin wasson tanks. But I still wouldn't blow $60+ for a simple tank like that. I brought some cute ones at urban outfiters for $15 a pop.
Posted by: lianna | 2009-09-21 20:41:43
typical pics from vanessa, she is always wearing greys, blacks and neautrals. yes the pieces are expensive but i think the point of vanessas look is investing in simple classic colours so you can keep them forever. thefashiondirectories.blogspot.com
Posted by: chelsea | 2009-09-21 18:19:15
completely and utterly uninspired. malls all throughout suburbia have been replicating these things for nearly a year, sigh. skinny jeans, black, grey... it's so BLAH. time for some color and new silhouettes.
Posted by: Vel | 2009-09-21 17:24:23
way too expensive for me but they are all amazing...love the boots and booties!!
tofuscloset.blogspot.com
Posted by: cassie | 2009-09-21 17:10:00
That bag is absolutely fantastic, but who the heck can afford it!?!?
Posted by: Keri | 2009-09-21 15:30:53
I love the Balmain jeans. Although I think they are not in my price range. xoxo B* a la Moda http://www.balamoda.net
Posted by: B* a la Moda | 2009-09-21 15:27:09
the options are expensive but i uses these kinds of articles as inspirations and find cheaper alternatives. forever 21 and h & m provide great places to start.
Posted by: Mary | 2009-09-21 13:14:34
I'm sorry, but as the daughter of incredibly rich parents, Ms Traina has had ample opportunity to hone her poise and taste in expensive things. How many among us would pick these things as well, given we could afford them? I could tell you in a minute what I'd be buying if I had $50K to spend every season, or even $20K. What's truly admirable is being able to cull the less obvious for an individual look. There is nothing new or edgy about a pallette of black and grey, slim silhouettes, and booties- this was all going on last fall, if I remember correctly. Lastly- the PS1 handbag is great, but is there nothing better to spend $4250 on?
Posted by: Stephanie | 2009-09-21 12:13:11
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Posted by: games | 2009-09-21 11:05:33
the balenciaga boots are to die for!! http://fashionhedonism.blogspot.com
Posted by: Christing | 2009-09-21 10:22:09
I Love Vanessa's style, I always see her at events with the Olsen's and she always looks so effortless. Check out our blog lekisskiss.blogspot.com Thanks!
Posted by: LeKissKiss | 2009-09-21 09:47:48
Great post! Love the picks! I could live in the Demeulemeester boot, Erin Wasson gray tank, and Balmain jeans!
Posted by: sunny | 2009-09-21 09:45:28
Perhaps Traina should pop that beanie on to hide that dreadful hair
Posted by: meg | 2009-09-21 09:44:40
UGH. besides the depressingly, boring and bland array of colors, this is NOT recession friendly! a $190 beanie?!? even if i had all the money in the world, i still wouldn't dare purchase something as trivial as that (even if it did have a. wang's label on it...) and erin wasson's line for RVCA is completely OVERRATED. its a bunch of blank tees and tanks that i can get from anywhere else for 10 times cheaper. please understand that i LOVE you whowhatwear, but you've been disappointing me greatly with these "style picks and prices". the only thing appealing to me on here is the camera. (sigh).
Posted by: nicole | 2009-09-21 09:33:10
This was a great post! www.harleyshops.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rebecca | 2009-09-21 08:03:54
yeah the style is amazing and all of these pieces are gorgeous. i love the erin wasson tank, i might have to go out and get one! the balmain jeans and balenciaga booties are to dieee for. but sadly, all i can do is dream/
Posted by: rachel | 2009-09-21 06:26:02
ok, and these are all affordable for whom, exactly?!?
Posted by: fashionl0ver | 2009-09-21 05:46:29
All of this costs over $10,000! Dear god.
Posted by: clara | 2009-09-21 04:08:48
A $190 beanie?? Oh my.
Posted by: Midge | 2009-09-21 03:30:28
i love how everything is black and grey ........... love her style
Posted by: kainaz | 2009-09-21 02:52:34