Stylish quote

“Don’t wear what you question, wear what you think is right for you.”

Karl Lagerfeld

 

Photo source: BCBG campaign Spring/Summer 2006

No make-up make-up inspiration

Taking inspiration from the Valentino Spring/Summer 2013 collection that gave us dreamy dresses and a very natural, simple and clean make-up look that makes you look like the real you, only more groomed.

According to Pat McGrath, a cream blush is used to create softly flushed cheeks (think RMS beauty Lip2Cheek as the most brilliant and natural multitasking little hero), followed by brown shadow on the lids and under the lower lash line and finished with a few layers of brown mascara and powder.

Yes, powder is definitely back to give us the fresh and matte rather then dewy finish. If you are dreading a thought of a cakey face, think translucent invisible powders: HD Perfecting Powder by Chantecaille, Hyaluronic Hydra Powder by Terry, Un-powder powder by RMS Beauty, Zodiac powder by Estee Lauder (which also makes a wonderful and very thoughtful gift!), Sensai loose powder by Kanebo. For those looking for pigmented products, Tom Ford finishing powder or Luminous silk powder by Giorgio Armani will work beautifully.

Photo source: fashionising.com

Natalia Vodianova in A Grand Affair

Do you know that A Grand Affair, inspired by the end XIX century Russia, Chekhov’s “Cherry Orchard” and Olivier Theyskens’ collection for Rochas, was supposed to feature several models and sixteen outfits? What we ended up seeing is a second take – a version that had to be done after Anna Wintour found the first story too static and formal.

Natalia Vodianova styled by Grace Coddington and photograped by Steven Klein at his country house on Long Island, brought the much-needed energy and charm to the shoot while “mixing elements of reality with artifice to create a tension of contradiction” as Klein later explained in his interview for In Vogue book.

Photo source: Vogue US September 2005

Ralph Lauren in Downton Abbey

There aren’t many TV series or fashion collections that touch your very soul straight away and once they do, it’s difficult to get enough of the beauty, grandeur and magic they bring to our lives. Imagine how special it felt to find out that Ralph Lauren recently held a private show at the Highclere castle that inspired the Downton Abbey series and was used for the movie. I can only imagine how wonderful it felt to see beautiful models in Ralph Lauren gowns walking down the stairs blending timeless classics with the air saturated with molecules of history and some incredible stories.

Photo source: photos by Chris Allerton via Ralph Lauren Facebook page

Mid-season sale and special offer just for you

I’ve received an email from Monnier Frères HQs asking me to share some exciting news with you. Not only they are running a mid-season sale offering most beautiful accessories by crème de la crème of fashion.

Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, Dolce&Gabbana, Isabel Marant, Alexis Mabille, Azarro, DvF, 3.1 Phillip Lim, See by Chloe, Valentino, Jil Sander and Vanessa Bruno just to name a few are waiting to be loved, cherished and proudly worn.

You can find a trendy burgundy Sonia Rykiel messenger, Valentino tote or Nina Ricci city bag, fix your craving for neon brights with MySuelly, Michael Kors and DvF or acquire a timeless treasure created for you by Escada, Jil Sander or Marc Jacobs.

If bags aren’t your thing, I suggest Etro and Kenzo scarves, Isabel Marant jewellery and Missoni gloves.

Although everything has already been reduced down by up to 60%, Fashioned by Love readers can claim extra 10% off by entering FBYLOV10MNF at the checkout.

If you were secretly admiring one of the bags, scarves, glasses or gorgeous jewellery, but couldn’t quite afford them, this is your perfect moment to treat yourself.

Visit the website to shop and remember about your unique discount code – FBYLOV10MNF

Here is my personal selection, which is a visual proof that, although I adore scarves, sunglasses and sparkling trinkets, I am still very much a bag lady at heart.

Photo source: Vogue Paris November 2012

Stylish quote

“Elegance is a physical quality. If a woman doesn’t have it naked, she’ll never have it clothed.”

Karl Lagerfeld

 

Photo source: Muse #19 2009

Tom Ford documentary

In 2010, six years after Gucci and YSL, Tom Ford revealed his first collection modelled by a glamorous cast of “many of the world’s most inspirational women” to 100 special attendees. This documentary is a peak into designer’s mind and a very interesting behind-the-scenes story – it will be your 40 minutes of fashion bliss, I promise.

 

Photo source: Vogue US December 2010, plus accompanying article

Kate Moss in Vogue Italia 2006

I am starting this week with a story shot by Mario Sorrenti for the March issue of Vogue Italia. For me this editorial isn’t so much about the model, but the clothes and the light that make me stare and absorb every single detail, almost feel it physically – the rocky little grains of pearls, the frost of lace, the feathery light haze of silk – all blending into the warm glow of velvet skin, creating a sensual dream, a fashion shadow play…

Photo source: Vogue Italia March 2006

Isabel Marant “Poppy” on a budget

If you don’t recognise these shoes, you must have been living in a parallel Universe where neither fashionista nor Isabel Marant ever set their foot… And if any of those abovementioned name do make your heart skip a beat, then you would definitely want to continue reading.

The thing about Isabel Marant designs is that, whether you want it or not, they get under your skin and penetrate brain cells as soon as you see the looks on a runway. Isabel Marant is like a fashion equivalent to sweets(or whatever food delight you find most irresistible) – she knows how to give you the strongest craving for something you cannot have in large quantities, if at all…

 

Although I would not exactly consider myself an Isabel Marant aficionado (Vanessa Bruno is more me in case you are interested), there are designs that even I remember vividly…

Take her “Poppy”, for example. They were everywhere. I loved the red version and my desire to have a pair of red pumps was likely caused by the memory. However, since I am pretty calm towards Isabel Marant I didn’t find it essential to rush out, credit card at the ready, to get the shoes.

Imagine my delight when I found a much more affordable version of “Poppy” pumps – identical and in the most gorgeous (and perfect) shade of red.

So let me demonstrate…

This is a pair of “Poppies”…

And this is a pair of “Eliza’s”…

If you can’t spot the difference and absolutely love to have a pair, “Elisa” pumps can be yours for less than £40/$60. Impressed? So was I. And yes, I did place an order. Follow the link to buy them on-line.

Photo source: Isabel Marant campaign Fall 2010, style.com

Chanel No.5: good buy and good-bye

On 6 November it was announced that Chanel No. 5, the iconic fragrance that embodies the spirit Chanel, may be banned because, according to scientists, some ingredients may cause an allergic reaction.

Although no reaction to the perfume has been reported in the 90 years of its existence, the scientists insist that it is vital to list eugenol that found in rose oil within the ingredients and entirely ban the tree moss – one of the natural substances that gives the perfume its distinctive smell, which means the death of the perfume.

Other fragrances that may also face the ban include Guerlain's Shalimar, Dior’s Miss Dior and Angel by Thierry Mugler.

It is incredibly sad to see this happening not only because so many women around the world may lose their signature fragrance forever, but also because the history and heritage can be lost with a stroke of a pen.

The European Commission are expected to propose new regulations within the fragrance industry in January 2014, so if you love your Chanel no. 5, stock up now (full range is available here (Europe) and here (US)). When unopened the perfume will keep for several years, especially refrigerated or at least stored in a cool place away from sunlight.

Stylish quote

"The most challenging part to dressing well is knowing how to be elegant while being casual."

Umberto Angeloni

 

Photo source: Elle Germany June 2011

Russian top-models: Inna Zobova

The day Inna Zobova was born her parents were told that their baby girl had a hole in her heart and was given 13 years to live. Full stop.

Three decades later, on a rainy October morning I was meeting Inna to talk about her life, modelling and projects she’s been working on recently. Dressed in a black sweater and trousers, beautiful elegant watch on her long wrist, blond hair, soft eyes, gorgeous smile… She is every inch of a top model who walked for Armani, Thierry Mugler, Valentino, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Balenciaga, Hanae Mori, Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Hermes, Sonia Rykiel, Kenzo, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix, appeared in dozens of campaigns from Dior, Armani, Hermes, Cavalli and Malizia to Wonderbra, L’Oreal, Nivea, Sephora and Gallery Lafayette and was photographed by the most influential fashion photographers for Vogue, Elle, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, Amica, L’Officiel and Glamour. A superstar.

We go to the very beginning, to the childhood of a kid who, until she was operated aged 6, had “a heart that was too big to fit” her chest. Whenever I read about it on the web, the story is presented as very dark and tragic, so I ask Inna what it was like back then… “I was a very active child,” she recalls. “So I had to be restricted, not run too fast, avoid exercise – there was always somebody to hold my hand…” As she continues it becomes very clear that Inna, no matter how delicate she looks, is fearless and strong and there was no way heart pain or anything else would stop her from living her life the way she wanted. “I never felt like an outcast – if we had a fight at school I’d always hit back just like any normal kid would” she laughs. Then her voice softens as she talks about her mum: “She was the one who lived with a constant reminder of my health problem, it was the hardest time of her life.”

Every year was precious and for a very long time nobody would make any solid plans about the future. Inna dreamed of ballet having fallen in love with performances in Bolshoi Theatre, Tchaikovsky and “The Nutcracker”, but the reality meant that she could never be a ballerina.

“When you live with a hole in your heart, you just have to deal with it.”

And so they did… With a laughter and a smile and a few sweet jokes. For a while Inna thought of becoming a vet and work with animals that she adored, but once the school was done with, she entered MGGU (Moscow State University for the Humanities) to study psychology and anthropology. She did some modelling as a side project to earn some money, won “Miss Russia 1994” and came 12th in the “Miss Universe” competition.

These were the first steps into the world of fashion that soon became a part of her life. In the mid 1990s Inna moved to Paris to work as a model and was surprised by the offers that followed. Viva Paris was the only one that didn’t promise to make her a super star overnight, but assured the young Russian that they would do everything in their power to make her a good model. “Becoming a part of Viva felt right. I was very serious about everything they told me and I owe them a lot. From learning about model management and working in the industry to becoming good friends – we’ve been together for 15 years now, it’s a long journey.”

When I ask her for advice on becoming a successful model, she explains: “Modelling is a business, just like any other business, so must be taken seriously. It is essential to find the right agency, the one that believes in you. Lets be honest, 70% of making it to the top depends on the agency and its strategies of creating a top model. Any good model agent knows the rules and how to apply them in order to get the results. That is why there are models who work for decades, reach the top and maintain their position for years and there are others who get into the industry to make quick cash and leave. Before you do anything else – find the right agency.”

In 2002 Inna Zobova became the next Wonderbra girl following the steps of gorgeous Adriana Sklenarikova and Eva Herzigova. “I didn’t want to go to the casting, but the agency made me. I came, saw all these 600 girls, turned around and left. I said to myself “I am not going to sit here wasting my time”. Two hours later I received a call from the agency. “They want you to be there, they want to see you tonight”.

The process of choosing the right girl took days. “When I came to Wonderbra, it was the time of Kate Moss, the grunge was out, the pin-up Wonderbra image was dated and very different from everything portrayed by Vogue and the fashion industry in general. As somebody who did a lot of runway shows and editorials I knew that straight away. They chose a slogan for me, “No body is perfect” and we shot the campaign. When I saw the photos I told them that I didn’t like the result. “If you want young women to buy your product, you need to make it more natural, sensual and strong, not pin-up style,” I told them.

I knew this project meant a lot of hard work and the times were changing, but at the end, we had 4 wonderful years together.”

Although Inna had to leave University after two years, she never stopped leaning and after moving to France continued her studies Sorbonne and currently attending art history course in the École du Louvre. “Eventually I will graduate. It’s not even about having a degree. I think, most importantly is to never stop learning, all your life, no matter whether you are following your initial path or change it adapting to your life, so your brain doesn’t go stale.”

Being an intelligent model certainly has its advantages including a brilliant career in the fashion industry, movie acting and several projects including “Russia’s Next Top Model” where Inna was invited on a role of a fashion expert mentoring the young models (apart from good advice she also brought a touch of class to the show) and her own “baby” she is working on as we speak. “It’s a kind of… salad… ” she says about her life, “I don’t follow a certain path.”

She’s been living in Paris for almost as long as she did in Russia. “Moscow is my mum and Paris is my dad”, she says. “I love Paris and its magic and charm. The beauty of Paris with its monochromatic streets draws you in. It’s very cultural, a little bit snobbish, very intellectual and doesn’t accept or open up to everyone. But for those who stay, Paris gives an air of freedom like nowhere else.”

I jump on one of my favourite subjects as soon as Paris is mentioned… The Parisiennes… Since Inna is often referred to as the “Russian Parisian” in the media, I simply have to ask if she could share any style secrets.

“French style is always about being a little bit imperfect that, in reality, takes a lot of thinking and planning.” she begins. “And, of course, colours. Living in Paris made me realise that fuchsia and blonde hair don’t go together, but the colour would look beautiful on a brunette. Everything about this country is very subtle and everything, its beauty and culture, takes time to understand.”

It was in Paris where Inna met her partner, film director Bruno Aveillan. In 2007 the couple welcomed their new born, Maceo. Becoming a mother was an emotional experience: “After I got Maceo I realised how strong I could be, I turned into this oak tree,” she smiles, eyes filled with love. “It felt as if I had a mighty power inside that gave meaning to everything I’ve done so far.”

And so after a whirlwind of projects and a successful career spanning over almost two decades, Inna is still unstoppable and full of fresh ideas.

She is currently working on a new TV project as a producer. “My team (the same one that made “The Artist”) is very supportive and believe in me and, although being a producer is something very new to me, I hope to make it work, to prove to everyone including myself that I can make a brilliant show from scratch.”

She also works with the Heart Fund, a charity that provides resources to disadvantaged children born with heart disease. The mission felt incredibly personal to her… “I thought of flying over to Haiti in December when the 14 children have their surgeries, but am not sure I am ready to enter the operating theatre yet. Thinking of it brings back memories I thought I no longer had. It touched me too deeply.” – she confesses.

And just like the little girl from the past, she still doesn’t make any plans for the future. “I know too well that plans never work. I hope I will have enough energy to complete the projects I am working on and that’s as far as I can go…”

 

Photo source: courtesy of Inna Zobova, Vogue Russia 1998, Burberry campaign, Vogue Germany

Natalia Vodianova in Vogue UK 2002

It’s a dark, beautiful and seductive story from the October issue of Vogue UK 2002 featuring, as it often happens on this blog, Natalia Vodianova.

This editorial is definitely one of the keepers because anything Roversi does is so very precious.

Photo source: Vogue UK October 2002