Ash

The Olympics begin today! As we prepare to spend the next 17 days watching top knotch athletes do their thing in various competitions, we, like everyo

Erin Wasson to front Rockport Campaign: The model-turned-jewelry designer is going back in front of the camera as the face of Rockport's Fall 2012 campaign. The shoe brand hopes that Wasson will help emphasize the "stylish" aspect of these shoes, which are worn mostly for comfort. {WWD subscription required} Beard and Mustache Accessories Are a Thing?: It seems hipster girls are always trying to (ironically) look as unattractive as possible, thus making them more attractive to male hipsters. Refinery 29 found some chained accessories that attach to sunglasses, and hang down to create a "beard." Weird. {Refinery 29} Paris' Galleria to Unveil Balenciaga Exhibit: To honor the 40th anniversary of the designer's death, the Galleria in Paris will debut a Balenciaga tribute this Friday. The show, "Cristóbal Balenciaga, Collectionneur de Modes" ("Cristóbal Balenciaga, Collector of Fashion") features a wealth of 18-20th century Spanish clothing, which was a great inspiration for the designer. {WWD subscription required}

Fashion industry folk are not known for their love of comfortable footwear. Actually, a few seasons ago it would have been unthinkable to wear your running shoes around during fashion week (unless you're Taylor Tomasi Hill and then you may proceed). But this season, every editor and fashion industry insider is running around wearing *gasp* sneakers. Of course they're not just regular old gym shoes. They've got a little something extra. About three inches of hidden wedge, to be exact. And we have the doyenne of all things cool, Isabel Marant to thank for it: She kicked off the trend with her covetable Willow sneaker wedges. Sigh, only Marant could get a bunch of stiletto addicts to ditch their sky-high heels for a bunch of comfy sneaks. Click through for our favorite sneaker wedges, in stores now.

Despite the crisp holiday chill finally landing in New York, it was all about the warm weather days at the Ash flagship in Soho last night. The Italian contemporary shoe brand presented their spring 2012 line at a bash hosted by Kelly Framel of the Glamourai and with festive tunes provided by a smokey-eyed Becka Diamond. For those not quite ready to view shoes they can’t buy yet (the Fall 2011 styles are on sale, if you’re wondering), make-up applications, manis and braid and bang styling were also on tap for partiers. Plus in the spirit of the season, guests were encouraged to bring a toy to donate to Jessica Seinfeld’s Baby Buggy charity. Even though we’re finally ready to settle into our winter booties, we headed upstairs to the loft area check out Ash’s spring styles.