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
I trust you enjoyed yesterday’s treat video. I certainly did. Being true to myself I then went through my files to find the couture editorial mentioned in the story. I had to – it was too beautiful not to publish. That photo of Kate in dreamy white Chanel Haute Couture gown that made her look like an Angel has always been a favourite of mine, while the black and white portrait featuring beautiful head piece / earrings created by Galliano for Dior Couture make me think of a very similar piece designed by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy Spring/Summer 2012 Haute Couture collection (and then used in Dalhia Noir campaign). But enough talking – enjoy the photos.
Photo source: Vogue US October 1999
… Laura of Anicajames blog. Congratulation! Please e-mail me your address, so I can arrange the scarf to be posted to you presto.
Thanks to everyone who entered – I always feel sorry that I cannot send a present to every single one of you. Please stay in touch for more giveaways in the future as this was definitely just one of many that are still to come.
And just in case you fancy a little treat from Reiss here and now, they just launched a secret sale, so you can find something beautiful for less.
Photo source: Vogue Italia 1992
I am thinking about writing a few posts on wardrobe basics covering pretty much every item from head to toe, but instead of sticking with the usual list of wardrobe essentials, I am planning to divide everything into groups, i.e. dresses, tops, bottoms (still marinating this one), footwear etc. etc. etc. I’ve already written about the bags and lingerie in the past, so those two categories may not be included this time unless I change my mind or you tell me that you would want to read about those in addition to everything else.
Dresses we should all have. Why start with those? Because we are women and, as Diane von Furstenberg said, if you want to “feel like a woman – wear a dress”. I’ll get back to Diane later, but right now we are focusing on the holy grail of all dresses – the little black dress.
The LBD was introduced to us by the only and only Coco Chanel in the 1920s when, after tragically losing Boy Capel, she vowed to put the entire world in mourning for him and make every woman wear a black dress whatever the occasion. As always, she succeeded – in 1926 Vogue published a picture of a simple black dress designed by Chanel naming it “Chanel’s Ford”.
Although the story may not be totally familiar to everyone, we seem to be born with an idée fixe that we must, simply must, have an LBD.
Why? Because we secretly want to look like a Parisienne or channel our inner Audrey in one of her Givenchy designs. And because the LBD works on so many levels. The dress can be worn day to night, particularly when you have nothing to wear. The right cut gives comfort. It makes you look chic and gives people the right impression. Unlike many other styles, men find it easy to understand the LBD and subsequently dream about a woman who wears it.
The little black dress is a keeper, thus the only rule that applies for getting one is that you are in love with it – otherwise, just like an unhappy marriage, the story will be tragic.
Ideally, look for classic shapes and natural fibers – the fabric adds a touch of luxury and must caress the skin, not prick, scratch or irritate. And remember that black comes in several shades (it can have warm or cool undertones and grey, brown or blue’ish shades), so if one doesn’t suit you, move on and try another one until the puzzle comes together.
I found my LBD (the only black dress I own) back in 2003 and still wear it – admittedly, I am not a huge fan of black colour, but I do adore the dress because its classic hourglass shape and boat neckline that shows off the collarbones makes me feel beautiful and, after all, who am I to argue with Coco?
Below are some of my favourite finds and if you are a real admirer of the style, why not treat yourself to The Little Black Dress book or La Petite Robe Noire perfume?
Where to buy: 1. Yarra dress by Diane von Furstenberg (£535), 2. Sleeveless Inverted Pleat dress by T by Alexander Wang (£263), 3. Black mesh insert skater dress by Dorothy Perkins (£36), 4. Organsa Prom dress by Miss Selfridge (£55), 5. Satin trimmed dress by Givenchy (£1368), 6. Wool and mesh dress by Azzedine Alaia (£2760), 7. Leather detail dress by Proenza Schouler (£1152), Fluted hem ribbed dress by Yves Saint Laurent (£1525)
Where to buy: 9. Draped satin dress by Carven (£244), 10. Shift dress by Cacharel (£329), 11. Pixel leather detail dress by Helmut Lang (£415), 12. Christa Embellished dress by Bastyan (£175 Was £295), 13. Structured pencil dress by Warehouse (£75) STYLE STEAL, 14. Ruffled dress by Lanvin (£584), 15. Kent stretch silk dress by Azzaro (£414 Was £920), 16. Belted stretch crepe dress by Marni (£482 Was £965)
Where to buy: 17. Mae Black Shift dress by Great Plains (£85), 18. Jesse dress by Roland Mouret (£1229), 19. Wool & silk dress by Alberta Ferretti (£325.50 Was £1085), 20. Bow dress by Vivienne Westwood Red Label (£700), 21. Origami dress by TopShop (£150), 22. Applique dress by Moschino Cheap & Chic (£325), 23. Origami dress by Plein Sud (£849), 24. Parigi dress by MaxMara ‘S Max (£260)
Photo source: Vogue China April 2006, Vogue UK September 2010
John Galliano, the last designer at Maison Christian Dior that is worth talking about. As always I am starting my fashion week with one of my favourite campaigns from Galliano’s Era.
I chose these images as they shows how Galliano made Dior feel younger without loosing that special touch of luxury that defines the house – effortless blend of youthfulness, lightness, romance, sensuality and skill that is so incredibly rare. His perfectly executed designs were unique and exciting. They told stories. They became a part of fashion history.
You can hate John Galliano… Or, the way Miss Portman put it (while most likely having quite a few Dior dresses in her wardrobe), be disgusted about it…
You can erase him from your memory just like those book publishers – his illustrated fashion tale memoir by Camilla Morton was scheduled to come out after the Lacroix one, but then magically disappeared and has never been mentioned anywhere since…
You can blame him for every sin…
You can even call yourself his best friend, just like Bill Gaytten, the non-charismatic cutter and technical advisor, did, to then jump in front of the queue and replace Galliano on the spot… There’s always Brutus among us…
Or…
You can simply love him. Because loving a person, especially such a unique individual, makes you see and appreciate his best qualities, while ignoring the flaws. Love makes you search for answers – not turn away just because of an unfortunate incident that still looks like a set-up.
This week I may not dig dip into Galliano’s biography – he never really told much about his personal life or childhood and so I don’t want to be a nosy blogger or rely on information that may not always be true, although the articles I’ve found will provide you with plenty details to discuss. But I will share stories and images that made me fall in love with John Galliano and stick by his side in dark times of his life.
I wish I knew him personally because he is one of those people I would love to meet, talk about life, inspiration and, of course, fashion, because, just like any fashion genius, John Galliano could deeply understand it. This man was born for fashion. He was connected to it via an invisible umbilical cord, so the two were unseparatable. Fashion was his air, his life line, his big adventure.
I miss his presence in the fashion world. I miss seeing him turning dreams wrapped in fabric, lace and crystals into a wearable, beautiful and desirable reality. I miss the excitement, the thrill, the second when you breath again after the last gowns leaves the runway… I miss the magic and poetry of his collection. I miss the tears of joy. I hope for his return.
Photo source: Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2005 Campaign
My previous posts about Galliano can be found here, here, here and here
Vogue Paris is having a make-over starting with a cover of September issue that will be available from 23 August. Although the concept isn’t new, the cover featuring three different models, certainly looks very special and so will be the content, strongly influenced by Paris and Parisiennes, with more fashion stories, bios and new columnists, Garance Dore included.
“Everyone fantasizes about Paris. It’s the concept of the “Parisienne.” The “Parisienne” is a girl who makes people dream worldwide, rightly or wrongly, a girl who represents a particular style, a taste, an allure.” – said Emmanuelle Alt about the changes.
The only thing that I found surprising was the choice of models… None of them is actually French, let alone Parisienne… I know they are icons, but personally I would cast Aymeline, Laetitia and Ines – three generations of Parisiennes. Oh, they would look stunning…
Maybe later… Who knows… All I am really thinking of now is how to get my hands on a copy, or three… And a red lipstick.
Photo source: Vogue Paris September 2012
We are having a smashing weekend. And I just used the word “smashing” for the very first time. For some reason, I don’t like it, it doesn’t sound “pretty” or “lady like”, so I’ve never ever incorporated it into my vocabulary before.
Today, however, is a different story. The weekend literally is… well, smashing, because we are having our bathroom refurbished. Today everything is getting ripped out – the bathtub, sink, tiles, walls, ceiling – you name it, it’s all going.
I am not allowed to participate or even look - both Oscar and I are spending Saturday (and possibly Sunday) in a comfort of the living room periodically transferring ourselves into the kitchen for some food or drink.
He doesn’t like the noise and I don’t do ruins that well. Seeing piles or rubble, dust and room that resembles a miniature building site makes me very stressed.
I am keeping myself busy with the blog, work, reading, cooking for my men and watching a couple of movies.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Always yours,
Photo source: Vogue Italia December 1995
Choosing a Monday editorial isn’t always easy. I browse my files searching for the one that will hit the right button and reflect my emotions. This one is so back to basics, timeless and pure. For some reason, it gives me that crystal-like, cool and fresh feeling of spring water… No idea why…
Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US July 1993
Photo source: Vogue China November 2008, Elle Brazil April 2012, Harper’s Bazaar UK August 2011, Kate Moss April 1998, Vogue UK October 2008, L’Officiel Paris June/July 2012, Vogue UK December 2007, Vogue UK October 2009, Vogue UK January 2002
“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
Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is doing absolutely nothing…
… and weekend is the perfect time to have a moment for yourself (or share it with somebody special). Have a lie-in, breakfast in bed (prepared by someone for you), picnic in a park, catch a few sunrays, drive somewhere beautiful and enjoy the view or do a bit of stargazing.
Let the time stop for just a few minutes and, although you may find it a bit strange and uncomfortable at first, you will definitely appreciate it later. It’s got nothing to do with being lazy, silly, childish or spoilt – it’s all about recharging your butteries, simple pleasures of life and, of course, YOU.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Always yours,
Photo source: Vogue Italia 1992
Some random visual inspirations for the summer season. Textures, shapes, colours and patterns, clothes and accessories, hair styles and make-up must have shades… oh, yes – and shoes, of course!
P.S. I do realise that Chanel hair accessory is actually from the fall collection, but it was too pretty to leave it till then – wouldn’t you agree?
Photo sources: Vogue UK June 2011, Costume June 2011, Elle France 2011, style.com, Garance Dore, Marie Claire Italy April 2011, Longchamp campaign Spring/Summer 2011, Fifi Lapin Blog, Elle Sweden April 2011, Erin Heatherton for ???, Glamour France June 2011, Glamour France 2008
