“There is something special about clothes that are made by women (at the atelier) and not by machine. They do something for the clothes. There is a huge difference when I see a suit, or pants and a shirt being done by the atelier, and the same pieces done by a factory. It’s an emotion. Zara can’t copy that.”
Alber Elbaz
Photo source: Natalia Vodianova wearing Christian Dior Couture by John Galliano in Vogue US October 2008 (photography: Patrick Demarchelier; styling: Grace Coddington)
Be mesmerised. Be very, very mesmerised. Christy Turlington, gorgeous as ever, photographed by Patrick Demarchelier and styled by Anna Dello Russo somwhere in Japan for the November 1990 issue of Vogue Italia.
Isn’t she perfect? Like a work of art…
Daria Werbowy photorgaphed by Patrick Demarchelier for the September issue of Vogue UK wearing gorgeous Balenciaga jacket
Leather jacket was the very first thing I acquired after moving to England almost a decade ago. Coming from a country where most leather items were black, resembled a bulky armour and looked very KGB, I was excited about something completely different. Buying a jacket was, in fact, my husband’s idea who said that I simply couldn’t be without it. He then took me to the shops and after an hour long search, I finally found myself at Nine West trying on a classic leather blazer – light and buttery soft, in a delicious shade of cream that somehow matched my highlights.
I wore it for years until it became too obvious that the beloved treasure got a size too big for me. Although the jacket had to retire in my wardrobe, the love for that softness and my need for something so incredibly versatile remained. Eventually I ended up with a duo of a tan blazer and a shorter and frillier ivory design that were perfect for throwing over a light silk dress or wearing with a pair of jeans and cosy cashmere sweater whether it was a crisp winter day, cool summer evening or sun-kissed dreamy autumn gorgeousness.
I love my leather jackets very much. They get a lot of wear and mix well anything as a proof that once you find something that suits your style and wardrobe, it will become almost literally a timeless item.
Where to buy: 1. Yvory leather pleated detail jacket, Forzieri (£496), 2. Cropped leather biker jacket, Mango (£39 Was £115), 3. Lyra leather biker jacket, Muubaa (£210 Was £389), 4. Aylish weave leather jacket, Reiss (£450), 5. Zipped leather biker jacket, Rick Owens (£1199), 6. Britt leather biket jacket, Bastyan (£295), 7. Brown leather trench coat, Forzieri (£1363), 8. Tan leather blazer, Vince (£369 Was £880), 9. Draped leather jacket, Aula Aila (£1473).
Photo source: Vogue UK September 2013 (photography: Patrick Demarchelier, styling: Kate Phelan)
Open the doors of your wardrobe welcoming new day and new beginnings. Pull out your clothes coloured in every shade of powdery sand, knits in earthy tones, belted vests that add that special feel of casual elegance, crisp white shirts, a little bit of buttery soft tan leather or suede, a statement cuff bracelet, a pair of classic Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses or Ray Ban Wayfarers in tortoise shell, woven leather sandals or espadrilles and a light as air silk scarf or a panama hat for a touch of glamour. Start your own safari-inspired adventure wherever you are. The baby tiger is optional, but remember to grab your favourite mini cross body bag or a slouchy caramel satchel on your way out.
Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2013
Max Mara Spring/Summer 2013
Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2013
Loewe Spring/Summer 2013
Trussardi Spring/Summer 2013
Rachel Zoe Spring/Summer 2013
Photo source: Vogue US March 2009,
“I was never in it for the glamour. This is not a glamorous profession. It’s an obsession. You can’t help it.”
Donna Karan
In 1984 Tahikyo offered Karan three million dollars to start her own top of the line business and in 1985 Donna Karan New York was born.
The young designer supported by her business partners, Stephan Weiss, her husband, Tomio Taki and Frank Mori, couldn’t wait to start working again. The future empire was founded at Donna’s home, right there, in her front bedroom, with pin holes all over the walls. Fortunately, the new brand modestly consisted of Donna, Stephan, Alida Miller, their very first employee and soon, Patti Cohen who first met Donna during her Anne Klein days. Working from home had quite a few advantages. First and foremost, it gave Donna an opportunity to spend as much time with Gabby as she possibly could. And then, of course, it was where Donna came up with idea of her brand name.
One day Donna was sitting in a kitchen staring at a shoe box. Maud Frizon – Paris – New York, she read on the label and suddenly knew exactly what her own brand would be called. Donna Karan New York described the place Donna loved and the urban, independent woman she designed her clothes for.
The clothes were quite personal and special, too. Not only they were created for “friends” – women who needed beautiful, stylish and comfortable pieces they could wear day to night. With her love for cashmere and luxurious fabrics that not only “talked”, but were wonderful to touch and wear, Donna Karan came up with idea of seven easy pieces termed “essentials”. The bodysuit (Donna’s invention!), blouse, wrap skirt, blazer, longer jacket, dress and a pair of leggings were designed to be mixed and matched at the blink of an eye and allowed a woman to look effortlessly stylish 24/7.
“Accent the positive, delete the negative,” became her motto in both her design and her career.
Karan was also the one who came up with the boutique idea – instead of having a huge department store big enough to be lost in, she wanted to create small spaces where customers would have a trained assistant showing them how to combine certain things in the best possible way. At first it wasn’t easy to convince the store owners, but they soon changed their mind.
On 3 May 1985 the first Donna Karan New York collection was unveiled and Donna was soon named “the hottest designer on the Seventh avenue” by Women’s Wear Daily.
In 1988, after Gabby mentioned that her mother’s designs didn’t really fit her, Donna created DKNY, a less-expensive diffusion line aimed to the younger audience. For her it was a big risk and double responsibility and time spent in the office, but as soon as DKNY collection hit the stores, it was sold within days. Her instincts and talent paid off again.
In 1990 Donna Karan was named Women’s Designer of the Year by CFDA. By then her company grew dramatically turning into a structured business rather than a close family affair. The business now employed 350 people and earned over $150 million annually. No longer it included Donna Karan New York and DKNY, but Donna’s latest DKNY Jeans, as well as licensed collections of eyewear, jewellery, shoes, hosiery, furs, and sewing patterns!
She’s never stopped… …Creating. Living. Dreaming. Loving. Inspiring. Connecting. A truly remarkable woman, an talented designer and an icon who has always believed in living today and never saying “the end”. Her press releases always have “to be continued” written at the bottom and her collections, just like her incredible life, keep unfolding and merging with the past and the present creating a beautiful future.
“You have to understand why something mean something to you. {Designing} is my water; it’s my breath; it’s my air; it’s my essence. Fashion is about touch, and feel, and emotion. And it should heighten your senses at every level.”
Donna Karan
Photo source: Interview magazine, New York Times via Donna Karan (Fashion Memoir), Harper’s Bazaar USA May 2013, Donna Karan New York Spring/Summer 2013 campaign
Full of summer sunshine, charm and joie de vivre, this is a story of many loves. The love of Nadège Du Bospertus and her infectious smile. The love of Grace Coddington’s ability to erase the boundaries of time. The love of Demarchelier’s photography. And, of course, the love of the clothes used for the shoot and that checked top and puff taffeta skirt ensemble that reminds me of the Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 collection that I’ve been in love with.
Photo source: Vogue US March 1991
“Don’t wear what you question, wear what you think is right for you.”
Karl Lagerfeld
Photo source: BCBG campaign Spring/Summer 2006
“Nothing gives the luxury of pearls. Please keep that in mind.”
Diana Vreeland
Photo source: Vogue US February 1990
Every Monday morning, breakfast and all the other usual activities done, I finally give myself a minute (or more likely half an hour) to finally relax in front of my laptop, cup of green tea steaming beside me, little pupster sleeping in my lap like a little baby, fashion magazine archives folder opened… I never know which editorial I am going to choose, it’s a mood thing, the inner feeling that develops from the moment I wake up and look outside. It’s never the same, so I am glad I’ve got quite a selection of beautiful images to play with.
Today is beautiful, bright, airy, fresh and positively summery. I wish we could take a trip to the seaside and get dissolved in a cloud of sunlight sprinkled with a crystal sea salt mist.
Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar November 1996
Last night I’ve decided to do something I have never done before. I’ve told myself to take a break from blogging and have a bit of time off. You know, the most interesting thing was that it felt totally natural and much needed, so I guess, I am doing the right thing.
So off I go… To have some me time, concentrate on work projects and, if we, Brits, are lucky enough, catch a few rays of summer sun (very doubtful, but there’s always hope).
Will return on 1 August or may be 30 July if I feel that way too familiar itchy feeling called inspiration just waiting to burst out of my brain.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a beautiful week!
Always yours,
Photo source: Vogue US February 1990
P.S. Wanted to use this photo for ages – isn’t it just fabulous?
P.P.S. Miss me… xxx
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
