NYFW Spring 2013 favourites

New York, New York… A place of geometrical fantasy. You have a feeling it’s going to be beautiful, but never quite know what to expect. I like this “less fuss – more class” thing about New York fashion week. Agreed, there are seasons when designs are bursting with dancing skirts, but more often than not, it’s all about  minimalism and graphics and it is the gorgeous minimalism that makes me fall in love with New York collections.

This time there was plenty of minimalism softened with butterflies, flowers and sequins, raffles and lace, but at the end there were just two collections that really had an effect on me.

I loved the pure ethereal feel at Donna Karan and dresses that caress the body at Narciso Rodriguez. To me, they were perfect and something worthy of a heart beat.

Photo source: elle.com, vogue.com, style.com

Aymeline Valade: the Autumn star and my secret girl crush

When did I first notice this gorgeous Parisienne? I don’t really know… She just happened. Like a miracle. I loved her face - chiseled cheek bones, eyes, pout – a perfect harmony that makes a supermodel. I think she is stunning, just stunning, without any doubts or explanation.

This Autumn Aymeline Valade was photographed for several big Fall 2012 campaigns and made them look like a work of art. I have already framed one of the Armani shots, so precise, so chic, so very very classy.

If it was up to me, I would make her a face of everything, from perfumes to bags to sunglasses to clothes and jewellery because she adds a touch of timeless quality to every photo. I find her incredibly inspirational.

Photo source: Giorgio Armani Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Chanel Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Bottega Veneta Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Donna Karan Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Reed Krakoff Autumn 2012 campaign, McQ Fall/Winter 2012/13 campaign.

It’s all those things you really want to have…

… said Donna Karan about her incredibly elegant Pre-Fall 2012 “Wo-Man” collection. A very dangerous and fabulous cocktail of feminine and masculine ingredients that may not suit everyone, but would definitely find a few admirers who would love to wear those pieces.

Me? I’m currently into blues and pleats, so I couldn’t help falling in love with the delicate silk dresses and skirts in muted blues sheltered from the tough outside world by a wool structure of a luxurious coat or a single-button blazer, all cinched with wide belts and bows to highlight the fabulousness of a tiny waist line. After all, a woman is always a woman even if she’s got a bit of a man in her.

Photo source: elle.com

100 contemporary fashion designers

“You can say that designing is quite easy; the difficulty lies in finding a new way to explore beauty.”

Yohji Yamamoto

I’ve been wanting 100 contemporary fashion designers book for a very long time and finally it’s mine. The 7kg special edition arrived last week and made me feel very happy and inspired, indeed.

“Be true to what you believe in and follow your passions.”

Giorgio Armani

The book itself is gorgeous and consists of two volumes nesting inside a beautiful folder. Written by Terry Jones, the founder and creative director of i-D magazine, it is packed with probably the most comprehensive and detailed list and information about designers who are making history of the 21st century fashion from Alaia, Armani and Ackermann to Alexander Wang, Yamamoto and Dries Van Noten.

“There is nothing more attractive than a woman who values her uniqueness.”

Donna Karan

Each chapter includes a one-page bio in English, German and French that covers the designer and the brand, followed by an interview that opens a window into the designer’s mind, philosophy and inspirations and becomes sort of a story itself. We also get a chance to see stunning editorial images and a few outfits from fashion shows.

“Beauty is something coming from the inside; it is a reflection of personality.”

Roberto Cavalli

I was particularly happy (and had a lump of tears in my throat at the same time) to see  pages dedicated to Alexander McQueen and John Galliano.

“I am here to make people dream, to seduce them into buying beautiful clothes and to strive to make amazing clothing to the best of my ability. That is my duty.”

John Galliano

This really is a must-have book for anyone who loves fashion and want to learn more about the designers whose names are currently on the lips of many fashionistas and pages of fashion magazines and yet their stories are still very minimalistic compared to the fashion classics of Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.

A real pleasure to browse and read and a treasure to own.

“I believe in style, not fashion.”

Ralph Lauren

Available on Amazon

All quotes are taken from the book, photographs and quotes may not belong to the same designer

Photo source: cover photo via Taschen, other photographs of the book pages are taken by me

Donna Karan Spring 1999

Photo source: Donna Karan New York Campaign Spring/Summer 1999