Friday, 5 October 2012

Paris fashion week impressions

cacharel-spring-2013-15

The last week of the fashion season was overwhelming in many ways. There were beautiful clothes. There was a generous amount of gossip that stained my otherwise exciting and sparkling idea of a beautiful week. And there were a couple of disappointments and a few surprises, too.

It was very difficult to pick a few favourites this time – it feels unfair not to mention certain designers in fear of running out of blog space. I am condensing it to the bare minimum of words and photos in hope to preserve the essence and memories of this special time without making you fall asleep right here, on your keyboard…

My absolute favourites (in alphabetical order) included…

…the dreamy, romantic, floaty, origami pleated, cool blue and delicately printed Cacharel.

cacharel-spring-2013-1

cacharel-spring-2013-2

cacharel-spring-2013-3

cacharel-spring-2013-9

cacharel-spring-2013-12

cacharel-spring-2013-14

…excessive in quantities and pearls, feminine, sweet and beautifully embroidered Chanel.

chanel-spring-2013-5

chanel-spring-2013-15

chanel-spring-2013-6

chanel-spring-2013-1

chanel-spring-2013-9

chanel-spring-2013-8

chanel-spring-2013-11

chanel-spring-2013-4

chanel-spring-2013-12

chanel-spring-2013-16

chanel-spring-2013-17

chanel-spring-2013-18

…very French (or better yet, Parisian), light as air, garnished with most gorgeous floral applique and beautifully accessorised Chloe.

chloe-spring-2013-1

chloe-spring-2013-3

chloe-spring-2013-8

chloe-spring-2013-7

chloe-spring-2013-11

chloe-spring-2013-9

chloe-spring-2013-12

chloe-spring-2013-15

chloe-spring-2013-13

chloe-spring-2013-14

chloe-spring-2013-16

chloe-spring-2013-10

chloe-spring-2013-17

chloe-spring-2013-4

…the sober and elegant day wear and out of this world sparkling gowns at Elie Saab.

elie-saab-spring-2013-1

elie-saab-spring-2013-3

elie-saab-spring-2013-4

elie-saab-spring-2013-5

elie-saab-spring-2013-6

elie-saab-spring-2013-7

… sunny, adorable, 1960s-inspired Louis Vuitton.

louis-vuitton-spring-2013-2

louis-vuitton-spring-2013-3

louis-vuitton-spring-2013-4

louis-vuitton-spring-2013-6

louis-vuitton-spring-2013-7

… beautiful, minimalistic in a way, until you see the finishing touches of elaborate embroidery or sequins sparkling in the dark, unfolding into a fantasy, Valentino collection. The simple silhouettes and stunning details made those clothes absolutely timeless.

valentino-spring-2013-1

valentino-spring-2013-3

valentino-spring-2013-5

valentino-spring-2013-6

valentino-spring-2013-9

valentino-rtw-ss2013-details-106_164115791833

valentino-spring-2013-10

valentino-spring-2013-11

valentino-spring-2013-12

…Vanessa Bruno for its Parisian feel, colours, carefree attitude, mix of floating silks with structured leather jackets and wish-list worthy footwear.

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-7

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-2

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-6

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-9

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-12

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-14

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-15

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-16

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-18

vanessa-bruno-spring-2013-19

And talking of ultimate spoilers…

First of all, Christian Dior show. I was looking forward to it. I was very excited and my heart wanted to be in love (and so did my mind, if I am honest). I didn’t get the collection. It confused me. It made me think of the previous Haute Couture show, table cloth, badly fitted footwear and, ironically, the smoking jacket (yes, the Yves Saint Laurent smoking jacket).

I know Raf is a lovely man and I know everyone loves him. I totally understand the enthusiasm that comes with the new era of Christian Dior.

I just don’t like the clothes.

The second bad memory formed after John Galliano show designed by Bill Gaytten. It was sad, bizzare and messy, although the music was good. It felt like a funeral. I am trying really hard to brush off the feeling, but so far failing miserably.

And then there was also Yves Saint Lauren by Hedi Slimane. Or should I refer to it as Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane? Or Saint Laurent? Apparently there is a huge difference now and one is supposed to use a certain names when referring to specific topics.

The collection itself was wonderful, fantastic, in fact, because it made me think of Yves and his aesthetics and signature pieces (the smoking, the blouse and bows, pea jacket, jumpsuit and Saharienne). It made me think of all things bohemian. It reminded me of the Opium years (as a perfume, not the other thing). I loved the jewellery and the shoes – I imagine those statement pendant necklaces being used a lot in editorials comes spring and becoming another must-have item.

saint-laurent-spring-2013-1

saint-laurent-spring-2013-9

saint-laurent-spring-2013-2

saint-laurent-spring-2013-15

saint-laurent-spring-2013-5

saint-laurent-spring-2013-11

saint-laurent-spring-2013-6

saint-laurent-spring-2013-14

saint-laurent-spring-2013-8

What I didn’t like was the gossip that followed. All that open letter nonsense. It became too personal and too bitter. It spoilt the overall impression.

And that is it. The Paris Fashion Week. It’s over now and so is my post. Thank you for reading.

Photo source: vogue.com, style.com

Thursday, 4 October 2012

Vionnet: celebrating 100th anniversary. The collection, the book and the movie

vionnet-anniversary-movie-demi-couture-collection

In 1912 a new fashion house opened its doors at 222 Rue de Rivoli. That very year Madeleine Vionnet, the founder of Maison Vionnet, introduce the world to the bias cut - one of the most body loving shapes that was later favoured by most couture houses. Since then the house was formally closed in 1939 and then revived in 2006.

vionnet-couture-100th-anniversary-2012-1vionnet-couture-100th-anniversary-2012-2vionnet-couture-100th-anniversary-2012-6vionnet-couture-100th-anniversary-2012-8

This autumn, just a few days ago, the House of Vionnet celebrated its 100th anniversary. There were a lavish party, a specially designed demi-couture 20 piece collection and a short movie directed by Alessandro Possati and inspired by Isadora Duncan who was Vionnet’s muse in the 1920s.

This November we will also be treated to a new book, Madeleine Vionnet by Issey Miyake and Betty Kirke – a scrumptious special edition hard-cover volume containing over 400 photos, sketches and patterns as well as a beautiful story about the designer herself.

Photo source: vogue.com

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Stylish quote

numero_june_july_2008

“There is nothing more beautiful than self-confidence. With a great attitude and an open mind, you can do anything in life.”

Tommy Hilfiger

Photo source: Numero 94 June July 2008

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Fall 2012 accessories: long gloves

Christian-dior-FALL-2012-RTW-details-040-lg

Have you noticed that a certain accessory comes and goes once every few years? This exact thing happened to long gloves that appeared everywhere a couple of years ago, then faded away and returned this autumn.

Timelessly elegant, the long gloves are one of the most beautiful accessories for Fall/Winter 2012-13. The multitude of colours, from classic black and tan to soft pink, grey, burgundy, amethyst, forest green and cerulean and a choice of soft leather, suede, cashmere or fabric will allow you to find something very special, made just for you.

Personally, I'd love to get the black pair in a buttery soft leather with silk lining because it would look good now and 10 years later and yes, with the right care it will last, too. Tan is also a wonderful choice, especially, if it goes well with clothes and accessories in your autumn/winter wardrobe. Suede is stunning, but can be high maintenance. As for cashmere... I would be very tempted... because it's like giving yourself a big soft warm hug whenever you feel like it. However, cashmere does require a lot of TLC, so be prepared to look after your treasure.

Guy-laroche-FALL-2012-RTW-details-020-lg

AIGNER-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-003-lgAQUASCUTUM-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-023-lgNINA-RICCI-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-011-lg

BOTTEGA-VENETA-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-027-lgCAROLINA-HERRERA-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-032-lgLAURA-BIAGIOTTI-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-008-lgROBERTO-CAVALLI-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-023-lg

Caroline-charles-FALL-2012-RTW-details-017-lg

Chanel-FALL-2012-RTW-podium-028-lgChristian-dior-FALL-2012-RTW-podium-044-lgLANVIN-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-038-lgGUY-LAROCHE-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-022-lg

DIANE-VON-FURSTENBERG-FALL-2012-RTW-DETAILS-012-lg

DIANE-VON-FURSTENBERG-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-004-lgERDEM-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-012-lgGIANFRANCO-FERRE-FALL-2012-RTW-PODIUM-009-lg

If you are looking for a pair, here are some of the most beautiful picks to suit all budgets that you can order on-line:

* Lanvin black leather gloves * Missoni cashmere blend gloves * Ann Demeulemeester zipped black leather gloves * Guess leather and wool gloves * Aqua mini zigzag wool gloves * Givenchy multicoloured leather gloves * ASOS red supersoft wool gloves * ASOS suede and knit grey gloves * Etro stripped cashmere gloves * Michael by Michael Kors knit gloves * ASOS angora mix gloves * Dorothy Perkins burgundy knit gloves * Sonia by Sonia Rykiel stripped gloves * Masha Ma leather gloves with stone applique

Monday, 1 October 2012

Amber Valletta in Vogue Paris May 1994

vogue-paris-may-1994-amber-roversi-2

Just a couple of shots today – I don’t think I need to write much about them. It’s Paolo Roversi – so just absorb the beauty – no words necessary.

vogue-paris-may-1994-amber-roversi-1

Photo source: Vogue Paris May 1994