Latest fashion news and finds

Early morning, cup of matcha that I’ve recently become addicted to and made a part of my morning, my little boy is napping before his walk and I have a few minutes for blogging and sharing some of the most exciting news and fashion finds.

At first I wanted to blog about each of them separately, but at the end decided to combine and serve as a fashion salad – better for both time and space management and using as a quick reference in the future.

Lets begin with a new fantastic and very precious documentary that is due to be released on DVD in September. “The Eye Has To Travel” is a story about one of the most influential women who created fashion of the 20th century, the one and only Diana Vreeland. The title of the movie is the same as the book that was published in 2011. I would love to get both of them – nothing can replace a beautiful book, but having a fashion documentary to go with it is a dream come true for any fashion lover. Make your calendars or pre-order your copy via amazon.

From September (oh, doesn’t it sound like a very special month?!) you will also be able to order a set of fashion books titled “Vogue On...” that cover four fashion designers including Chanel, Dior, Schiaparelli and McQueen. I feel I am going to be broke by October…

A new Valentino exhibition, “Master of Couture” will open at Somerset House in November 2012. For three months, from 29 November until 3 March, we will be given an opportunity to see over 130 dresses, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis' 1968 wedding dress, created by maestro during his 50-year career. If this seems like a long wait, I’d recommend watching one of my favourite documentaries, Valentino: The Last Emperor or browsing a beautiful book, Valentino, full of stunning creations.

Talking of fashion designers and their pets. Do you know that Karl’s gorgeous kitty, Choupette, has her own twitter? You can follow Choupette Lagerfeld via @ChoupettesDiary

And that’s all my news for today. Which one are you most excited about?

Photo source: Christian Dior Campaign Fall 1997

Russian top-models: Kristina Semenovskaya

Nobody knew much about the new girl. She was from Russia and had gorgeous green eyes, full sensual lips, dark blond hair and beautiful figure. Kristina Semenovskaya was discovered in Moscow and signed up by Karin Models Paris as soon as they saw one of her photos.

The agency quickly realised that they found a very special girl. The newly discovered 14-year old gem was invited to Paris where she could finish her education and learn foreign languages in one of the international school.

As soon as Kristina celebrated her 16th birthday the agency introduced her to the fashion industry and the young model soon signed her first contract, this time with Levis. In 1995 she featured in the company’s Spaceman advert for 501 jeans.

Within a year Kristina Semenovskaya moved into a new universe. She became a face of Classique, a new perfume by Jean Paul Gaultier, appeared on a cover of French Elle, was photographed for Pirelli calendar in 1997 and signed a contract with Christian Dior.

Her first Dior campaign was for “Dune”, the fourteenth Dior fragrance introduced in 1991. Created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac, a nose behind “Farenheit” and “Opium” the new perfume became a new must-have fragrance for many and received a Perfume of the Year award.

Angelica Wallgren was the original face of the fragrance, but her look didn’t suit the idea of the campaign and Kristina was chosen to replace her in 1996.

The beautiful model looked innocent, fresh and radiant on her photos taken by Nick Knight and became most associated with the perfume and adored by men and women around the world. The campaign was such a success that Kristina received an offer to become a face of all Dior cosmetics. She signed the contract in 1997, same year when Galliano became the new Dior designer.

Kristina had the most amazing look: both classic and modern, the image was beyond any fashion rules, it was timeless.

By the end of 1990s Kristina Semenovskaya was working with Guerlain, L’Oreal, Louis Vuitton, Benneton, Stefanel, Mango, Morgan and Naf-Naf and appeared in many fashion shows including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Lanvin, Christian Dior, Kenzo, Nina Ricci, John Galliano, Herve Leger and Christian Lacroix.

She stopped modelling in 2004 after appearing in Madame Figaro for the last time. The times were changing and so were the demands and tastes of the fashion industry.

Photo sources: Madame Figaro 1997, Dior Campaign, Elle Russia November 1998, Dune Christian Dior campaign 1996, Christian Dior campaign, Naf Naf campaign, DS France 2000