Looking at these photos of Kirsty Hume and Stella Tennant taken in Scotland by Mario Testino back in 1997, I wish I could write something beautiful and poetic, because this is a kind of treatment the editorial truly deserves… I chose it because I loved the first shot, the glow in the last one and the enchantment of the entire story that seem to flow from image to image…
Photo source: Vogue US September 1997 (photography: Mario Testino)
When I was a teen, I declared that Donna Karan will be one of the designers I would wear. Even then her aesthetics appealed to me and, perhaps, influenced my style as it developed.
My love for her creations is obvious and I have a good reason for it –just like in case of Diane von Furstenberg, the clothes of a timeless quality are designed for women to be worn and truly enjoyed, in comfort and confidence. And they are so beautifully made!
As the next “fashion week” was approaching I found myself torn between two names, in a position of a parent trying to choose which child she loved the most… Donna Karan was, indeed, one of them. I hesitated, I lost sleep for a couple of days, as insane it may sound to some. And then I walked to my wardrobe, pulled out my Donna Karan dress and knew exactly what would happen next.
Photo source: Donna Karan New York Spring/Summer 2000 campaign
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The very first lace dress I ever bought was the one I wore on my wedding day. Being true to myself, I didn’t want an expensive meringue, but a dress that I could wear for more than one, although very special, occasion. The blue shift with a silvery blue lace overlay came from a small boutique in a nearby town. I found it just before the big day, fell in love and took home with me.
Lace dress is the one with the magic factor – the secret is in the cut, colour and the type of lace you choose. A beautiful dark blue, rich burgundy, gorgeous emerald, gold or black dress can look glamorous at night while whites and pastel ones in floaty light and breezy fabrics will feel like a wearable fairy-tale on a hot summer day.
The perfect dress, as I see it, is the one made from good quality lace – the one that creates the second skin effect, doesn’t scratch or cause itching and is made of natural material, soft, smooth, with beautiful fine details, thick, but delicate. In addition, I feel that it’s important that the lace matches or compliments the colour of the fabric the body of the dress is made from (exception – Christian Dior Spring 2006) because the perfect lace dress is all about harmony and dreaming, not dissonance and visual nightmare.
Where to buy: 1. Lara lace dress by Bastyan (£275), 2. Gold lace Luck dress by Issa (£495), 3. Bronze lace dress at Dorothy Perkins (£45), 4. Millie lace dress by Lover (£259), 5. Lace overlay gold dress by Carven (£567), 6. Sandra Dee by Collette / Collette Dinnigan (£355), 7. Nerissa dress in apricot at Reiss (£132), 8. Raspberry lace dress by Nina Ricci (£1331)
Where to buy: 9. Black lace dress by Mango (£39.99), 10. Emerald green lace dress by Dolce&Gabbana (£722), 11. Bonded drop waist dress at Oasis (£20), 12. Ruffle sleeve lace dress by Red Valentino (£348), 13. Crochet lace dress at TopShop (£25), 14. Corine lace dress by Joseph (£329), 15. Scallop lace dress at Miss Selfridge £39), 16. Zarita lace dress by Diane von Furstenberg (£282)
While I was looking for beautiful budget-friendly options, I stumbled upon a company called CityGoddess, a UK-based manufacturer that works with the high street brands. I did a bit of browsing looking for a lace dress and found an adorable crochet dress and a white scalloped number that I really liked. I then got in touch with the company and asked if it would be possible to buy any of their dresses. Turned out, they have an on-line shop Goddiva where you can place your order.
Photo source: Christian Dior Spring 2006 campaign, elle.com
In 2010, six years after Gucci and YSL, Tom Ford revealed his first collection modelled by a glamorous cast of “many of the world’s most inspirational women” to 100 special attendees. This documentary is a peak into designer’s mind and a very interesting behind-the-scenes story – it will be your 40 minutes of fashion bliss, I promise.
Photo source: Vogue US December 2010, plus accompanying article
