The traditional blazer jacket paired with denim jeans is a great outfit. It's a modern classic that 40 years ago was pushing the envelope, but today is an established way to wear your blazer jacket in a casual setting.

Please note: Wearing a blazer and jeans is different from wearing a sports jacket and jeans.

It’s important to understand that the two styles of jacket aren’t the same and should be paired with denim differently.

The Difference Between a Blazer and a Sports Jacket

Features a BLAZER has that a SPORTS JACKET doesn’t:

• Solid color, usually navy blue and almost always dark
• Usually a smooth or fine-surfaced weave
• Almost always made from worsted wool, hopsack, or wool flannel
• Often a contrasting button color like brass, gold, mother of pearl or silver
• Minimal detailing or decorative elements
• Single (2 button) or double breasted – I prefer only single breasted with jeans but if you have the confidence, do what you want
• Peak lapels are rare in single breasted but common in double breasted jackets

Features a SPORTS JACKET has that a BLAZER doesn’t:

• Wide range of fabric colors – blues, browns, greens, and greys are common
• Often patterned, from checks to plaid to houndstooth
• Can have a textured weave such as corduroy, tweed, or herringbone
• Can be made from a wide range of fibers, from smooth twills to coarse tweeds
• Frequently feature extra elements like elbow patches and ticket pockets
• Single breasted design, normally 2 or 3 buttons
• Patch pockets or hacking pockets are common with a sports heritage

Put in even more basic terms, a blazer is a simpler and dressier garment than a sports jacket.

It’s not as “busy” to look at. That makes a blazer and blue jeans a very minimalist style. It’s easy to build off of, gives you the flattering shape of a jacket without the stuffiness of a suit, and can dress up or down depending on how you accessorize. The trick lies in wearing the right blazer with the right jeans.

Types of Blazers to Wear with Men’s Jeans

Not all navy blazers are created equal.

Some are meant to serve as a bare level of formality down from suits and ties (especially the double-breasted variety). These aren’t going to work with blue jeans. You should be looking for elements of a casual style:

Soft shoulders

Anything very crisply squared-off and military-looking is for business meetings and yachts. Look for something with a natural, un-padded shape.

Single-breasted, two-button construction

Wearing jeans means wearing your jacket open at least some of the time. Double-breasted is right out (and too formal to pair with jeans anyway), and three-button styles tend to flap and billow when left unbuttoned. They’re also more likely to be mistaken for an out-of-place suit jacket.

Close fit

As above, you want to avoid flapping fabric when you wear the jacket open. A close fit in the chest is particularly important, but it’s worth keeping the jacket close around the hips as well.

Modest taper

The narrowest part of the jacket shouldn’t come in too sharply. You’re not going for a wicked, Italian-style hourglass here. A modest little bit of narrowing above the hips is all you need.

Simple fabric

You’re pairing the blazer with denim. A superfine wool with a lustrous sheen is going to be out of place, and so is a big, hairy tweed jacket. A simple, durable worsted is fine, as is a flannel if you prefer a more textured surface.

Avoid twill weaves if possible

A twill weave is easy to recognize by its narrow diagonal ribbing. That’s the same texture as denim jeans, and you don’t want two garments in a close but not-quite-matching texture, ever. Make sure the jacket is either a smooth-faced weave or something distinct from twill like hopsack, flannel, birdseye or nailhead.

Buttons

You may also want to consider avoiding the traditional metallic buttons — or you may like the contrast in your outfit. It depends on the look you’re going for. Metal buttons are more conservative and a bit preppy; plastic or mother-of-pearl buttons that match the jacket color or complement it more subtly are a more modern and urbane look.

Types of Jeans to Wear With Men’s Blazers

Jeans and sports jackets lend themselves to natural contrasts. Jeans and blazers, on the other hand, both traditionally come in a deep blue shade. That makes finding a pair of jeans that stand out from your blazer more of an exercise in careful shopping than the sports jacket/jeans pairing.

Any pair of jeans that you’re wearing with a jacket should have a few basic “dressy” characteristics separating them from work jeans:

• Close fit in the waist/hips/crotch – no loose, sagging cloth
• No cargo pockets, gear loops, etc.
• Different color from the default “blue jeans” light blue
• Contrast-colored stitching — not required, but often a plus
• Decorative stitching

And within the realm of these “dressy” jeans you have two basic color options:

Darker than the blazer

Jeans in a really deep midnight-blue can work with a blazer that’s on the lighter end of navy (or in a different color altogether), especially if the jeans have some orange contrast stitching in them.

More unusual dark colors like gray or chocolate brown work for the jeans as well, although plain black is usually an awkward pairing for navy blue.

Lighter than the blazer

Lighter shades of blue, grays, and more fashion-forward colors like white or red denim give a good contrast. It’s one of the rare outfits where trousers lighter than the jacket is common and is a great choice when looking to dress the outfit down.

In either case your goal with the color is to avoid any pairing that’s close but not an actual match.

A perfect match (or so close that the eye can’t tell the difference) isn’t great, since it just makes you look like you’re wearing a suit with texture problems. Contrast between the blazer and the jeans is key.

What to Wear with a Blazer and Jeans

This is a deliberately dressed-down look. It pairs well with anything from a lightly-patterned dress shirt and leather shoes to a fitted T-shirt and canvas sneakers.

For a preppy look, throw on a red-striped necktie and choose a blazer with brass buttons. For something more contemporary wear a dark turtleneck or T-shirt and a blazer with matching-colored buttons. It all just comes down to the image you want.

The only things to steer clear of are any items that belong solidly to either conservative business wear or grungy street wear:  T-shirts with graphic designs, athletic shoes (go at least as dressy as a colored canvas sneaker), and so on. A blazer/jeans outfit belongs to the comfortable middle ground, not to either extreme.

In summary, it can take a little hunting to find the right blazer and the right pair of jeans.  But once you find them you have an outfit that holds up in almost any social situation.

Happy hunting!

SEE ALSO: Guys Are Obsessed With These $110 Nike Sweatpants

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It's National Bow Tie Day, so we'll attempt to answer the question: When is it OK to wear a bow tie?

In short, the answer is "anytime." But wearing a bow tie is a much more nuanced art than tying on a standard necktie, and must be handled more carefully.  

First, let's get to know the different types of bow ties: Self-tied, pre-tied, and clip-on. Ignore types two and three immediately.

If you're the type of person who wants to wear a bow tie, you should be the type of person that wants to learn how to tie one. There are literally 100,000 videos to choose from (my personal favorite is this one).

The key to wearing a bow tie is to do it sparingly, unless you're trying to make it your "thing," like a certain Supreme Court Justice. Make it about a special event, and keep the rest of your outfit muted — think a solid color suit and shirt.For a suits, go with navy, black or grey, and for shirts, stick to blues and whites. It's possible to wear a pinstripe suit with a bow tie, but make sure the stripe is subtle. And make sure the suit and shirt match, since they'll be more visible than they would be with a regular necktie, which bisects the male torso. 

Most important is the bow tie itself. Since the rest of your outfit will be conservative, this is the time to make a statement.

A basic place to start is with some stripes, but once you're comfortable with patterns, start experimenting with polka dots, paisley, or anything else. A bow tie is such a small piece of clothing that it's acceptable for it to get loud. You wanted to stand out by wearing one, so embrace it.

Once you've tied your bow tie and you're happy that it's not going to come undone, leave it alone. It's part of the fun that the knot won't be perfect; that's how people will know you did it yourself.

Remember, bow ties don't look nearly as cool loosened like regular ties, so keep it tight. Don't touch it again until you're ready to untie it completely for that rakish (cool) end-of-a-great-night look you've been waiting for.

SEE ALSO: Some Regular New York Businessmen Walked The Runway During Fashion Week

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President Barack Obama addressed the military conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine at a press briefing Thursday afternoon. However, for much of the political press corps, Obama's unusual khaki suit was the main conversation.

During the briefing, Twitter erupted with discussion of Obama's fashion choice. Multiple parodyaccounts based on the suit were created. 

Some people had trouble paying attention to the more serious elements of the president's remarks because of his eye-popping garb. 

OK now that the suit is off the screen can someone tell us what Obama said

— HuffPost Media (@HuffPostMedia) August 28, 2014

Josh Barro of the New York Times blog The Upshot (and formerly of Business Insider) suggested the president would have to take swift and decisive fashion action. 

Obama vows to defeat whoever made him wear this suit. pic.twitter.com/zoqj7OVFRe

— Josh Barro (@jbarro) August 28, 2014

Politico congressional reporter Burgess Everett said he was actually asked about the suit in a radio interview just as the briefing was ending. 

Just got asked about Obama's suit in a radio interview

— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) August 28, 2014

Buzzfeed's deputy editor in chief Shani Hilton said Obama's attire got a big reaction in her newsroom. 

the entire newsroom is abuzz over obama's suit…ah there we are, August

— shani (@shani_o) August 28, 2014

Blogger Michelle Malkin offered a conservative perspective. 

I don’t care that Obama’s suit is tan. The problem with the suit is that it’s EMPTY.

— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) August 28, 2014

While ABC News' senior Washington correspondent Jeff Zeleny shared some historical insight on the suit.

It's been a long time since we've seen President Obama in a khaki suit. I recall it during his Senate days, but is this a WH debut?

— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) August 28, 2014

NBC News staffer Lou Dubois tried in vain to return to the topic at hand.

Obama is talking about ISIS, Ukraine, immigration and more here. You know, "news." Yet people are talking about a tan suit...

— Lou (@dubois) August 28, 2014

The prolific and pseudonymous Twitter photoshopper @darth was reminded of a suit worn by Vox executive editor Matt Yglesias.

“yes this is @mattyglesias suit please no more suit questions"pic.twitter.com/SMSA6f3QFN

— darth™ (@darth) August 28, 2014

However, Yglesias did not seem impressed. 

Interesting suit choice from Obama.

— Matt Yglesias (@mattyglesias) August 28, 2014

For our part, Business Insider sought an expert perspective from "Project Runway's" Tim Gunn. 

Hey @TimGunn, do you think Obama made it work?

— Hunter Walker (@hunterw) August 28, 2014

Gunn has not responded to our request.

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The possibilities for 3D printing are endless — from instruments and toys to robots and mechanical parts, there's almost no limit to what a 3D printer can create. 

And now, designers and fashion enthusiasts are jumping on the bandwagon. While fashion designers have been using 3D-printed materials since 2010, their range has been limited until recently. 

"3D printed pieces are restricted to the materials that a machine can print with, and with this in mind, designers are often visually restricted in terms of what can be made," said Faith Robinson, content curator for global 3D technology showcase 3D Printshow. "With the recent introduction of multi-material, multi-color printing (at a more accessible price point), trends within 3D-printed fashion are moving away from the rigid, white 3D-printed nylon structures and towards pieces that look more 'real.'

Some designers, like Australia-based XYZ Workshop, are even making their designs available for download, which means anyone with a 3D printer can customize and create their own clothing. With 3D printers becoming more prevalent and affordable, it's truly the next frontier in fashion.

"Accompanied by 3D scanning technology, 3D printing can allow for the most incredible levels of personalization in fashion," Robinson said. "It's a new understanding of accessible haute couture."

Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen was one of the first to use 3D-printing techniques in fashion, starting in 2010 with her "Crystallization Collection." In January 2013, she debuted this intricate, lace-like dress that was created with a laser printing technique by Belgian company Materialise.

Source: Materialise

Van Herpen and Materialise collaborated again in March 2014, creating this 3D-printed dress that was coated in silicon for a glossy sheen.

Source: Materialise

In 2013, 3D-printing company Shapeways and architect Francis Bitonti debuted this amazing gown, modeled by burlesque star Dita Von Teese. The gown is made up of 17 pieces of flexible mesh with nearly 3,000 articulated joints and decorated with more than 12,000 Swarovski crystals.

Source: Shapeways, Francis Bitonti

Soraya Darabi, 30, and Maxine Bédat, 32, celebrated their startup's first anniversary this week, but the two are not sitting back and relaxing just yet.

The slow-fashion startup, called Zady, is rolling out its first private label, one product at a time — beginning with a knit wool sweater.

Darabi and Bédat started Zady because they were frustrated by the fashion industry at large and wanted to do something to change the way clothing was manufactured, sold, and bought. This idea of slow fashion — timeless clothing that is produced ethically and sustainably — really spoke to the two women.

"Slow fashion to us is reverting back to an era where things were done better," Darabi told Business Insider. "In our office we joke, 'Slow food, or as our grandparents used to call it, food.' The same joke can be made with apparel.

"America was once known for its manufacturing and its emphasis on craftsmanship and ability to make things well. The majority of the fashion industry has moved its production overseas. It's about slowing down and thinking about process."

Zady, or the "Whole Foods of fashion" as they like to think of themselves, focuses on both the materials of the clothing as well as the process by which it was made. They're looking to make the industry more transparent, helping consumers better understand where their clothing is coming from.

Neither Darabi nor Bédat come from a fashion background, but they both bring various skills to the table. Darabi has already succesfully founded another startup called Foodspotting, which she sold to OpenTable for $10 million. And Bédat has a background in in international law and development, having most recently started a nonprofit called The Bootstrap Project, which helps artisans from impoverished areas preserve their craft traditions.

Over the year, Zady has partnered with brands and designers who promote the same values of sustainability and slow-fashion, but now Zady has decided to get in on the production side too. 

The first product Zady will sell, the knit wool sweater, is made of all-natural materials, including wool from the Imperial Stock Ranch in Shaniko, Oregon, a farm that uses a conservation management plan to make sure that it has a positive impact on the environment. The wool will be treated, dyed, and manufactured all in the U.S., which has the highest standards for ethics and sustainability.

"The idea for us in producing our own line was to take our learnings from the brands we’ve curated over the past year and focus on what we think the brand of the future will look like," Darabi said.

The brands that are featured on Zady all share information about the process of how their clothing was made, but with their own line, Zady will be able to really divulge all of the details they want about how the clothing.

While Zady has had a successful first year, its founders are aware of the challenges, tackling such a large industry.

"Retailers are producing things in really horrific ways," Darabi said. "Our challenge as a small startup was to overcome the goliath that is the current state of the fashion industry."

The cofounders' interest in slow fashion and sustainability dates all the way back to their years together in high school, when they first started thinking about where products come from and how laborers were treated. Darabi even started a club called the Human Rights Advocates, where she asked fellow students to tear out the labels on their clothing to show solidarity with laborers.

"We were excited when H&M first opened, and I think we both had wonderful discussions about that buying lifestyle — especially with small New York apartments, we had closets overflowing with stuff that was falling apart and we always felt like we had nothing to wear,"Bédat told Business Insider. "As we got started on the project and learning how things were made we started sending articles back and forth about the problems in the supply chain, about people being mistreated that are making the final product to environmental issues, there are so many problems with the current system of production that it was shocking that we didn’t know these things before."

Now the two are thrilled to be able to make an impact with Zady.

"It's inspiring to be part of this community," Bédat said. "We’re going to be able to see when we turn to this new way, this slow fashion way, we'll be able to feel great about our clothing, feel better about the environment, and dress better."

SEE ALSO: Foodspotting's Co-Founder Has A New Fashion Startup

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Frank & Oak, a men's fashion ecommerce company started by two high school best friends from Montreal, just raised a $15 million Series B led by Goodwater Capital. 

You can think of Frank & Oak as a more techie second-cousin to Trunk Club: Join the site and start ordering boxes of curated clothes that you can try on before you choose to buy. 

In this case, however, all the clothes are designed and made by the company and you decide what you want to order from a personalized selection (Trunk Club pairs you with a personal stylist to curate a box of name-brand pieces). Nearly one-fifth of Frank & Oak's 1.5 million members shop the company's monthly collections from its app. 

Cofounders Hicham Ratnani and Ethan Song met on their Montreal high school football team. In their teens, the duo started making money designing websites for local businesses, and their entrepreneurial streak was born. Although they drifted apart for several years — Song moved to Vancouver, where he went to school for theatre and software engineering — they reconnected while both working for Deloitte. 

"We always wanted to start something else," Song told Business Insider. "We didn't have that much experience with fashion. But we saw that there was an opportunity to create a new kind of retail company."

Frank & Oak targets creative types who are a little bit trend-focused, but not fashion experts. Launched in 2012, the company now releases one 75-piece collection a month, and plans to expand to other product categories besides clothes. 

"We're trying to reinvent business casual," Song says. 

Here's a snapshot from the company's website:

With the new capital, Frank & Oak will be opening up a new office in New York City. 

"About 70% of our sales come from the U.S.," Song says. "New York makes so much sense for us."

SEE ALSO: Google's Calico Just Teamed Up With A Drug Company To Help It Extend Human Life

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SAN FRANCISCO - Apple Inc has invited top fashion editors and bloggers in unprecedented numbers to its Tuesday launch gala, further evidence that the iPhone maker is preparing to take the wraps off a smartwatch.

Apple is forging closer ties to the fashion world as it plots its foray into the fertile field of wearable technology, trying to win over a critical crowd that may prove crucial to the success of consumer gadgets worn around the body.

A smartwatch would represent Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook's first real new product since taking the baton from Steve Jobs. Several fashion media editors told Reuters they received invitations for the first time to an annual September product-launch, which they took as confirmation of a wristwatch in the wings.

"I assume it's because they are unveiling a wearable," said Lea Goldman, features and special projects director for Marie Claire magazine, a first-time invitee. "This suggests Apple is serious about tapping into the fashion world, which often sits on the sidelines."

Apple declined to comment.

The iPhone maker, known for its sleek aesthetic, has made overtures to the fashion press in the past. It typically opts to host a separate event in New York where editors meet the team and review products, two fashion editors say.

That courtship has grown more aggressive. Last month, the company hosted what it called a "first-of-its-kind event" at an Apple Store in New York to showcase fashion and retail apps to a group of style editors, according to an invitation seen by Reuters.

Fashion site Refinery29's health and science director Kelly Bourdet said the decision to include fashion editors on the invite-list is a "nod to the fashion crowd."

Apple seems poised to network with the who's who of the industry. In the past year or two, it has hired Patrick Pruniaux, former vice president of Tag Heuer's global sales and retail; Angela Ahrendts, former chief executive of Burberry Inc; and former Yves Saint Laurent CEO Paul Deneve joined as vice president of special projects.

It is not just Apple. From Google Inc to LG Electronics Inc and Intel Corp, technology companies are beginning to forge fashion ties. On Friday, Intel announced a tie-up with Fossil Group on wearable technology.

Sonny Vu, chief executive of Misfit Wearables, expects more tie-ups as tech companies ramp up the fashion quotient in smartwatches, given that the current crop of watches has received mixed reviews.

The challenge for technology companies is to make something "fashionable off the bat" that is not clunky, said Eric Wilson, fashion news director for InStyle Magazine.

He and other editors said they harbored high hopes for Apple and planned to monitor Tuesday's event.

"It confirms that they have a play in wearables and that they want to appeal to the fashion world, and not just technology consumers," said Lauren Indvik, editor in chief for Fashionista and another first-time invitee.

(Editing by Edwin Chan)

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It sounds like Jony Ive isn't the only one convinced Apple's wearable will feature an impressive design.

According to Reuters, Apple has invited prominent fashion editors and bloggers to its Tuesday launch event.

The move adds further credibility to reports that Apple will unveil its highly anticipated iWatch wearable alongside the iPhone 6.

"I assume it's because they are unveiling a wearable,"said Lea Goldman to Reuters. Goldman is the features and special projects director for Marie Claire magazine, and this is her first invitation to an Apple event. "This suggests Apple is serious about tapping into the fashion world, which often sits on the sidelines."

In past interviews, Apple CEO Tim Cook has spoken to the high standard required for a wearable device to be succesful, and Apple extending an invitation to the fashion world proves the company thinks the iWatch will stand up to critique from fashion and tech critics alike.

Just last week, Apple lead designer Jony Ive was overheard bragging about the iWatch's design and attention to detail, saying that Switzerland was in trouble, though he reportedly used a stronger word than "in trouble."

Apple has recently added a number of prominent fashion icons to its team, with the most recent being influential designer Marc Newson, a close personal friend and collaborator with Jony Ive.

Little is known about what the iWatch will look like, but the wearable is expected to include a variety of health sensors that will integrate with Apple's HealthKit ecosystem. It will likely include a flexible display, wireless charging, and a processor "about the size of a postage stamp."

SEE ALSO: Here's Why The iWatch Will Look Like Nothing We've Ever Seen Before

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The time has come again ladies and gentlemen. New York Fashion Week has returned to the Big Apple to wreak havoc in these city streets (and by havoc we mean crowds of thirsty wannabes, lots of skinny people smoking, and fashion editors complaining about things that others would give their right leg to experience).

While street style has emerged to peak prominence in the past few years—so much so that the big names of fashion's old media set like Vogue and GQ have added street style to their weekly coverage—the medium has become disappointingly overcrowded and uninteresting. And that's where we come in.

The field may seem jampacked, but there's a few photographers who (aside from snapping for publications) are using Instagram to provide unique perspectives, from backstage to curbside. These are the people who are spotting the perfect kits among the peacocks.

George Elder

Instagram: @george_elder

A native New Yorker himself, following Elder's feed means you'll get familiar with the young bucks as well as the OGs during NYFW. As one of Four Pins' regular hired guns, his skills are just as varied as his subjects, and also just as much on point. Expect Elder's Instagram account to be an amalgamation of local stylish dudes smoking, famous faces, and more than a couple shots of killer sneaker setups.

Giuseppe Santamaria

Instagram: @giuseppeinthistown

The man behind “Men in This Town,” Santamaria aims to depict men in their respective fashion-centered cities. Noting NYC's ability to turn even bikes into a fashion statements of their own, Santamaria's NYFW coverage is likely to be filled with guys from fashion's most progressive to the suited and booted set. No matter who his puts his lens on, expect his images to seem natural and casual—words the photographer uses to describe his own taste in clothing.

Melodie Jeng

Instagram: @melodiejeng

Melodie Jeng first got the inspiration to start a blog while watching the Bill Cunningham documentary, so it's not that surprising that Jeng was destined to follow in the legend's street style footsteps. Choosing to photograph on the street as her way of studying the fashion world, Jeng focuses her time in NYC—and the city is as much a character as the stylish subjects on her blog “The NYC Streets.” Since starting her blog in 2011, Jeng has worked for clients like Style.com and Details, using her perspective to capture character as much as kit.

Adam Katz Sinding

Mal Sherlock

Instagram: @fashion

You've got to be on your game when your Instagram profile is literally the word "fashion." Browsing through his Instagram archive is like seeing someone who has mastered the iPhone camera to its fullest (and rarely seen) potential. From filters to vignettes, Sherlock's images are like watching pro skateboarding videos: he makes it look so easy, but when it comes to actually pulling it off, you're going to end up looking like you're trying wayyy too hard. Sherlock's images show what people are wearing on the street, but he also shoots backstage and at unexpected places around NYC. His NYFW photography is focused on the city as much as the hoopla surrounding the shows. If you're really interested in picking up some tricks from Sherlock, check out his YouTube page, which offers tutorials on how to recreate his style.

Anthony Danielle

Instagram: @takinyerphoto

Anthony Danielle's work is a play on focus. Danielle started up his Instagram photography in 2010, and is currently behind the Mobile Media Lab creative agency maximizing his mobile photo skills. His work is often reflected in wide, symmetrical, landscape views, or focusing on the basic photographic concept of the rule of thirds. At first glance, it may seem like Danielle isn't getting close enough to his subjects, but on a second look you'll realize that every inch of the frame was planned to perfection.

Michelle Jun and Gabby Jun

The Best Art Exhibits to See in September

SEE ALSO: Here's What You've Missed At New York Fashion Week So Far

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Model, designers, socialites, and celebrities all gathered at the Plaza Hotel Friday night for the Harper's BAZAAR Fashion Week party celebrating ICONS — a portfolio spotlighting unforgettable women who are always in fashion — by Carine Roitfeld.

Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, is now the Global Fashion Director for Harper’s BAZAAR and editor-in-chief of CR Fashion Book. She arrived to the event with Harper's Bazaar Creative Director Stephen Gan and Lady Gaga.Gaga brought her actor-boyfriend, Taylor Kinney, as her date.

Guests were immediately greeted by giant bottles of custom-made Moët & Chandon.There was also a Belvedere Vodka bar offering four specialty cocktails. 

Soon, the party was in full swing.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by Lady Gaga, who took the stage with her band for a live jazz performance in support of her upcoming collaborative album with Tony Bennett, "Cheek to Cheek."

Tons of famous faces were in the audience, including Nicki Minaj.

Designer Donatella Versace and her daughter, Allegra.

Model/reality star Kendall Jenner.

Model Gigi Hadid.Model Karlie Kloss.Model Hilary Rhoda.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio.

Model Karolina Kurkova. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition covergirl Candice Swanepoel.Model Lily Aldridge.

Model Jessica Hart showcased an Edie Parker bag with her name on it.Leonardo DiCaprio's Sport's Illustrated swimsuit model girlfriend, Tori Garrn.

Model Liu Wen.

Carine Roitfeld's model-daughter, Julia Restoin Roitfeld.

And actress Brooke Shields.

SEE ALSO: Tons Of Celebrities Showed Up For Joan Rivers' NYC Funeral On Sunday

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They call it "shockvertising" — ads made to shock their way into your memory by way of gruesome violence, over-the-top sexuality, or other taboo-shredding imagery. 

Ad agencies around the world have adopted the audacious method, with activist organizations like PETA specializing in scandalous imagery. 

Italian clothing retailer Benetton pioneered the style in the 1980s. Its now-iconic campaigns have received mixed reviews, like an award-winning AIDS awareness ad from 1991 that showed a father holding the lifeless body of his son in a hospital bed.

The style is powerful, but it can backfire, like when the World Wildlife Fund drew ire for comparing the 2004 Tsunami disaster to the World Trade Center attack. 

We took print images from the past few decades to give you a look into the global shockvertising scene. It's up to you to decide if they're brilliant, offensive, or both. 

Kim Bhasin contributed research to this article.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America suggests an imbalance in American legislation. "Little Red Riding Hood." (USA, 2013)

UN Women uses actual Google auto-completes to show how widespread misogyny is. "Women Need To Be Seen As Equal." (International, 2013)

The International League Against Racism And Anti-Semitism made an illustration of systemic racism. "Your skin color shouldn’t dictate your future." (France, 2013)

Anna Wintour can currently be found sitting front row at New York Fashion Week, but the Vogue editor-in-chief isn't just scoping out new looks for the magazine — she may be doing some personal shopping as well.

According to a recent numbers breakdown by The New York Times, Wintour receives a whopping $200,000-per-year allowance devoted solely to her work wear.

Compared to other employees at Condé Nast — the publishing company responsible for titles such as Vogue, W, Glamour, GQ, Architectural Digest, and many more — Wintour's wardrobe budget is staggering.

According to annual salaries on GlassDoor.com as reported by WhoWhatWear, a Condé Nast creative director — the next highest position — makes just $163,333.

The numbers get bleaker as you go down the totem pole:

Senior Editor: $98,733
Online Senior Editor: $87,840
Online Editor: $73,932
Associate Editor: $53,833
Fashion Assistant: $38,000
Assistant Editor: $34,781
Editorial Assistant: $30, 625

Wintour reportedly makes $2 million annually and is worth around $35 million.

In her defense, the 64-year-old editrix was also named the artistic director for Condé Nast last year and has held her editor-in-chief position at Vogue since 1988.

SEE ALSO: Inside The Most Glamorous New York Fashion Week Party At The Plaza

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It's time to switch your flip-flops out for something a little more fresh, gentlemen. Fall is here.

And while it's totally fine to recycle the classics you've kept over the years (as long as you've taken them to the cobblers — we implore you) you may want to kick your wardrobe up a notch with some of the new gorgeous footwear you'll be seeing around this season.

"It's all about the boots," said Evan Fript, cofounder of shoe retailer Paul Evans. "Lots of Chelsea and Chukka boots. Wear them to work with a suit and out at night with some slacks. Gotta have a pair in black and brown."

Consider them the "next level up in shoe game," as Fript put it.

Check out this pair of Chukka's from Paul Evan's for $449.

Also remember that you can get a little funky with color, this season you'll see a lot of green.

Check out this green Oxford boot from Esquivel. They'll cost you $975.

Now, if you're a true creative, or simply too fresh to wear what everyone else is wearing, we suggest you see Awl & Sundry. It's a new direct-to-consumer luxury-shoe brand that lets you design your own shoe.

The company was founded by a former banker named Nikunj Marvania. He was frustrated that he couldn't find the right shoe, well made, and at the right price point, so he decided to start his own brand.

"Customization was pretty much nonexistent in the online world prior to Awl & Sundry," Marvania told Business Insider. "We are the first brand in the world to offer this level of customization to our customers."

Start off by choosing a style — Oxford, Derby, Monk, Loafer — then choose the "last" (that's shoe-guy talk for shape). After that things get really interesting. Choose colors, materials, even monogram your shoes. Prices start at $350. Your shoes will be at your house in about 30 days, and they'll be exceptional.

"The quality of our product is outstanding," said Marvania. "We use the same construction process as Saint Crispins, John Lobb, Gaziano and Girling, and many other prestigious brands. Also, our leathers are sourced from tanneries in Europe."

For fall, Marvania suggests designing a pair in suede.

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A young member of the Mensa society for people with high IQs hosted a show at New York Fashion Week.

Isabella Rose Taylor, 13, taught herself how to sew and also has a clothing line at Nordstrom.

Her fashion week show was sponsored by computer company Dell, according to Fox Business.  

Taylor attends college in her hometown of Austin, Texas.

Her fashion line, which is described as "hippie-grunge, yet feminine," launched for back-to-school this year. 

Prices range from $20 to $100. Taylor already blogs about fashion and sells some clothes online. 

Earlier this year, we spoke to the young prodigy about how she got into fashion and her goals for the future. 

Business Insider: How did you first become interested in fashion?

Isabella Rose Taylor: I began to paint at a very early age, and it was through my passion for painting and fashion that my current fashion line has become a business. I have always been enamored with fashion and five years ago, while I was exploring mixed media in my artwork I decided I needed to learn how to sew. I had my Mom sign me up for a sewing camp. I fell in love with sewing and designing. I immediately began sewing clothes for myself. As some of my friends began liking what I was wearing, I got the idea to sell them and to start a business.  

BI: What are you studying in college? 

IRT: I have always had a passion for art and design and I'm currently pursuing my degree in Fine Art.  

BI: When do you work on your blog and fashion line? How much time do you devote to it?

IRT: I try to commit at least 2-3 hours a day during the week but it really does vary week to week depending on my homework load.  

BI: What are some of your goals for the future?

IRT: My first goal is to make Isabella Rose Taylor a global brand.  My second goal is to expand into accessories, handbags and shoes to complete my looks. Finally, I’d really love to inspire other girls and be a mentor to those who may not have the kind of support system that I have to help me achieve my dreams.

SEE ALSO: Chanel Just Created The Fanciest Grocery Store Of All Time

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It's only September, but there have already been tons of memorable style moments this year.

Now that the biggest award shows and fashion shows have whizzed by, we took a moment to collect the most buzzworthy and breathtaking fashion looks we've seen so far. 

From Pharrell's hat seen round the world to Lupita Nyongo's fairytale Oscar gown, these are the looks that set the trends for the rest of us.

While murmurs of divorce have swirled around the couple as of late, Jay-Z and Beyonce continue to hold a special place in American hearts by dominating the red carpet, like at the Met Gala this year.

Cara Delevingne is one of the world's most in-demand models, and her personal style and silly persona is what makes her so likable. This Chanel look was a Cannes Film Festival favorite.

Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen was one of the first to use 3D printing techniques in fashion, and in January 2013, she debuted this intricate, lace-like dress that was created with a laser printing technique by Belgian company Materialise.

On Wednesday, longtime Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced that he was stepping down. Speculation was rampant that his departure was due to conflicts with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, who will run Ferrari while Montezemolo figures out his next move.

That could involve leading Alitalia, the Italian national air carrier, or perhaps leading all of Italy, if he revives discussion about mounting a political challenge to Silvio Berlusconi.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Marchionne and Montezemolo looked reasonably chummy. But as you can see from the photo above, the have a more than slightly divergent sense of style.

Both men pose in front of the "Cavallino Rampante," the famous Ferrari Prancing Stallion logo, set against a background of Ferrari red. And both men adore Ferrari automobiles and are dedicated to the Scuderia Ferrari, the marque's racing arm. But that's where the similarities end.

Marchionne is in his trademark, and Montezemolo is in his. 

Marchionne has made the bland sweater, in navy blue or black, an inverted style statement in the auto world. Unless it's very warm, he is never not wearing one. In the car world, executive wear suits. By not wearing one, Marchionne has defiantly set him apart as a casual visionary, a technocratic professor who is really a daring risk-taker.

Montezemolo wears a suit, but it's nothing like the suit a mere mortal car exec — from, say, GM or Toyota — would wear.

It's cut in a quintessential Northern Italian style, relaxed and conservative, but impeccably detailed, with lapels that might strike a modern audience accustomed to the "Mad Men" influence as rather wide. Note that the lapel width is echoed by Montezemolo's short collar and tie, itself in a restrained yet not dull dotted pattern and dimpled to perfection beneath a carefully asymmetrical knot. A hint of white linen peeks above the jacket pocket.

But what really makes the look is how Montezemolo wears the suit. No American auto executive would ever pose for such a photo with his jacket unbuttoned. Nor would he stuff his hands in his jacket pockets, an affectation that the Italians learned from President John F. Kennedy, who routinely did this during press conferences. 

Most men wear suits as if they were armor. Italians wear suits like they're a second skin.

The whole thing is of course hand-made and quite expensive. It's a sartorial expression of Montezemolo's connection to the Northern Italian aristocracy, many of who strive for this kind of no-effort elegance. And in Montezemolo's case, it's no put-on! The man has a title, which of course he's classy enough to never use.

The difference is vivid, but Montezemolo and Marchionne have one thing in common: Neither looks even remotely uncomfortable. And for what it's worth, Marchionne could never get away with dressing like Montezemolo — nor would he try, at risk of being accused of fraudulence.

The occasion could have been tense. But two of the biggest names in the auto industry both look as though they're ready for a nice lunch, followed by espresso and a cigarette. And maybe a quick spin in a Ferrari, with a brief debate beforehand about who gets to take the wheel.

SEE ALSO: With Departure Of Ferrari Chief, Fiat CEO Marchionne May Have Pushed His Luck Too Far

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Ralph Lauren ditched the typical catwalk in New York Fashion Week for a 4D holographic show projected onto a large water screen, according to Luxury Launches.

The spring 2015 Polo Women's show took place in Central Park's Cherry Hill to a large crowd of spectators, where the virtual models were "walking on water" on top of a lake.

"I really wanted to do something big for the new Polo Women’s brand — something set in the city — that felt modern, Ralph Lauren said. "We returned to Central Park, a place I love, and captured the spirit of Polo with a truly innovative mix of fashion and technology."

The holographic show allowed the models to walk in various iconic settings like The High Line, The Brooklyn Bridge, and the West Village — all in a ten minute set. 

These videos are from Ralph Lauren's Instagram:

This photo gives a little more clarity to what the audience was actually seeing:

But the GIFs gave a way better overall view. And they're pretty awesome: 

Here's the full show: 

SEE ALSO: 33 Things Every New Yorker Should Do This Fall

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With the release of Apple's sleek new Apple Watch this week, people in both fashion and tech have been looking at wearables with renewed interest. 

The problem with wearable tech in the past has been that many of the devices are bulky and ugly, like a smartphone strapped to your wrist. 

But Apple isn't the only company making smart accessories that people will actually want to wear — major designers like Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, and Opening Ceremony are partnering with tech companies to create beautiful accessories with high-tech capabilities. 

The tech in these accessories is so subtle that even the most stylish women will want to have them on their wrists.

Ringly is a cocktail ring that discreetly notifies the wearer when she gets a call or text.

Ringly connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth and either vibrates or lights up when you get a notification. You can even customize how you receive the notification by changing up the vibration and light patterns. 

"We were going for something that was simple, classic, something that a lot of women could get behind," Ringly cofounder Christina Mercando said to Business Insider when the product launched in June. "It's so small and discreet that people wouldn't know the technology is there."

The ring is made of 18K-matte gold and comes with four different gem stones: black onyx, pink sapphire, rainbow moonstone, and emerald. There's even a limited edition "Dive Bar" ring, made out of tourmalated quartz in a rhodium plated setting.

The MEMI vibrates lightly when you get a call, text, or calendar notification.

This rhodium-plated bracelet syncs up with your iPhone so you can stay up-to-date even when your phone is stashed away in your bag. 

The MEMI is fashionable and relatively light, weighing less than two ounces and available in either gold or silver. 

It will eventually retail for $200 but can be pre-ordered for $150 now. The bracelets are expected to ship in the spring of 2015.

Intel partnered with Opening Ceremony to create this smart bracelet.

Dubbed MICA  — which stands for My Intelligent Connected Accessory — the bracelet uses a 3G radio to display notifications on a 1.6-inch curved touchscreen, which faces the inside of your wrist. Precious stones and snakeskin were incorporated into the design.

"When wearables basically take off, when they become available for the larger masses, they have to be accessories that you like to have on you," Ayse Ildeniz, vice president of Intel's New Devices Group, told Business Insider's Lisa Eadicicco.

The bracelet premiered during Opening Ceremony's New York Fashion Week show, and it will be sold exclusively at Barneys New York later this fall.

It's only September, but there have already been tons of memorable style moments this year.

Now that the biggest award shows and fashion shows have whizzed by, we took a moment to collect the most buzzworthy and breathtaking fashion looks we've seen so far. 

From Pharrell's hat seen round the world to Lupita Nyongo's fairytale Oscar gown, these are the looks that set the trends for the rest of us.

While murmurs of divorce have swirled around the couple as of late, Jay-Z and Beyonce continue to hold a special place in American hearts by dominating the red carpet, like at the Met Gala this year.

Cara Delevingne is one of the world's most in-demand models, and her personal style and silly persona is what makes her so likable. This Chanel look was a Cannes Film Festival favorite.

Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen was one of the first to use 3D printing techniques in fashion, and in January 2013, she debuted this intricate, lace-like dress that was created with a laser printing technique by Belgian company Materialise.