“Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment.”
Alexander McQueen
Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US March 2008
Trends 2013: wearable blooms
You know, apart from one dress covered in strawberries so tiny that they can only be recognised up-close, I don’t own or wear anything floral. I thought about it once or twice, but dismissed at the end.
And yet I adore wearing flowers. I always did. Years ago it was a floral wreath made with delicate wild flowers on a daily basis and worn proudly as if it was a crown. As soon as the first blooms appeared we would be off to the nearest park to gather dandelions and plants of unknown origin to braid them into beautiful and naive headbands, hands covered in brown spots from the dandelion milky juice, not that we ever cared… In summer our original monochromatic choice would transform into a rainbow with blue cornflowers, white daisies, yellow marigolds and pink cosmos, all so fragrant, intoxicating and, for any kid who read Andersen’s Thumbelina, mesmerising beyond belief.
As a grown-up, I still wear my petals, mostly as jewellery or shoes, not so secretly dream of the most beautiful Valentino bag and, of course, dresses and blouses.
I think my love for this type of clothes began with the stunning Dolce&Gabbana gowns from their Spring 2009 collection and was later fuelled by Valentino designs that I saw last year and an antique hat covered in teeny blossoms, each secured with a glass bead – I almost bought it, just to look at, but having marinated the idea overnight, decided to be sensible and… hat-less.
Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2009
So here I am, fascinated with the clothes that feel like a step into a dream and becoming a part of it. There isn’t any other way to explain it – it’s purely about spring, new beginnings, beauty and love. And memories that I can touch, I guess.
Alexis Mabille | Oscar de la Renta | Bottega Veneta | Giambattista Valli | Agnes B | Blugirl Blumarine | Alexander McQueen | Chloe | Badgley & Mischka Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2013
Photo sources: Elle US March 2013 (image has been altered, please refer to the blog if using), Marie Claire France March 2013, style.com, elle.com
Aymeline Valade: the Autumn star and my secret girl crush
When did I first notice this gorgeous Parisienne? I don’t really know… She just happened. Like a miracle. I loved her face - chiseled cheek bones, eyes, pout – a perfect harmony that makes a supermodel. I think she is stunning, just stunning, without any doubts or explanation.
This Autumn Aymeline Valade was photographed for several big Fall 2012 campaigns and made them look like a work of art. I have already framed one of the Armani shots, so precise, so chic, so very very classy.
If it was up to me, I would make her a face of everything, from perfumes to bags to sunglasses to clothes and jewellery because she adds a touch of timeless quality to every photo. I find her incredibly inspirational.
Photo source: Giorgio Armani Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Chanel Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Bottega Veneta Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Donna Karan Autumn/Winter 2012/13 campaign, Reed Krakoff Autumn 2012 campaign, McQ Fall/Winter 2012/13 campaign.
