Timeless chic: Prada Fall 2004

“A dream of extreme romanticism… The idea of eighteenth-century painting, with video games. A romanticism between past and future.” is how Miuccia Prada described her Fall/Winter 2004 collection inspired by paintings of German artist Caspar David Friedrich and technology. For me, it was all about details…

The scrumptious prints and moody tweeds, sparkling drops of crystals on waist-cinching grosgrain ribbon belts and brooches, puffy skirts, chiffon dresses, soft fox fur scarves tucked into a simple t-shirt, and delicate cardigans for extra warmth… And there were the robots and ribbons, velvet and fur, leather and metal all mixed up in a way only Prada (and later on, Van Noten perhaps) could do.

Something from ten years ago that can be loved and worn today is the reason why I adore Miuccia so much – for being a rule-breaker and an explorer capable of designing thoughtful, beautiful and absolutely fascinating collections that capture imagination and give us something to adore forever.

The beautiful and mysterious campaign that accompanied the season featured Raquel Zimmermann, Karen Elson, Gemma Ward and Elise Crombez was photographed by Steven Meisel. Oh, those details… I can’t stop looking at them. It’s just like art, it moves me.

 

Photo source: Prada Fall/Winter 2004 collection and campaign (photography: Steven Meisel), RTW images via stylebistro.com

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Dressing up for New Years night (and the year of Horse)

 

I have acquired a habit of reading horoscopes at school when I first discovered a copy of a detailed Zodiac calendar copied on a typewriter (!) by my mum. It sounded like a fairy tale based on true stories and seemed to be quite a good source of information, particularly when it came to love life that was, until then, mainly  based on “loves-me-loves-me-not” daisy petal pulling act of magic (and a few other tricks shared between little Russian girls – pretty innocent, I assure you!).

 

I believe in horoscopes only when I want to, otherwise I happily skip through months without developing any need to read about my future. Then, as another year comes to a close, I begin to wonder if I should have a peak, mainly for the good and bad news as well as fashion-related styling ideas.

 

 

2014 is, as you may already know, the year of Horse, which some sources refer to the “Blue wooden horse” and while others favour the emerald green animal – either should be welcomed in a company of good friends and a festive menu that, apart from all the tasty delights you’ve prepared, includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and champagne.

 

For an outfit, wear something blue, green, dark purple or any hues associated with a horse such as chocolate brown, caramel, black or cream. Definitely avoid bright colours, especially orange, pink, red and yellow. Your dress should be made of natural fabric, look fluid, soft, light, almost ethereal and feel as comfortable as a beautiful evening dress could possibly be.

 

 

Your accessories can include anything made from leather or suede, wood, or precious stones – pearls or aquamarine. The adventurous and most stylish girls among us shouldn’t ignore the super-sensual harness-inspired belts or adorn their hands with less-provoking and more delicate, but equally chic jewellery.

 

 

Earrings | Bag | Sandals | Dress

 

Keep the make-up and manicure classic, elegant and natural – the Horse, being a peaceful creature of nature, doesn’t like anything too bright, sharp or over the top.

 

Valentino Couture Fall 2013

Chloe Fall 2009

Sleek ponytail will make a perfect hair-do, though you can also try braids (decorated with some delicate ribbons and/or flowers if you like) or curls as long as they resemble a beautiful glossy mane rather than beehive.

 

Herve Leger by Max Azria Spring 2012

Marchesa Spring 2012

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2014

Versace Spring 2012

Photo source: Vogue China December 2005 (photography: Solve Sundsbo), Vogue US September 2004 (photography: Steven Meisel; styling: Grace Coddington), stylebistro.com

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Timeless chic: Chloe Spring 2006

With the summer coming to its end I have been frantically sorting out my favourites for the Timeless chic series picking the ones I cannot finish the season without.

So lets talk Chloe Spring 2006, the gorgeous easy-to-wear collection inspired by the 1960s blouses and, believe it or not, old ladies. Only Phoebe Philo could start with something so dusty and produce the prettiest collection made of summer must-haves, from smoke dresses and sheer blouses to ruffled skirts and chic coats spotting the most gorgeous embroidery, appliques, pleats, frills, buttons, bows and flowers. What could make a girl happier? Only a pair of those sky-high Chloe wedges that playfully tie around the ankles in a sweet leather bow.

Photo source: wwd.com

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Timeless chic: Hermes 2006

Hermes Spring/Summer 2006 Ready-to-Wear collection and campaign were, by far, my absolute favourite ones in the entire history of Hermes.

The looks designed by Jean Paul Gaultier are FLAWLESS and, luckily for us, can be recreated with a few items any girl should have in her wardrobe anyway – a white shirt (and a shirt dress), a pencil skirt, classic trousers, a cardi, a plisse dress, tan leather accessories (with a splash of signature orange here and there), a fedora and a pair of ankle-wrap sandals or espadrilles. Perfect summer styling for the lovers of classic and sophisticated fashion.

Photo source: wwd.com

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The Balenciaga mystique in Vogue 2006

May I share something absolutely stunning with you today? Gemma Ward wearing Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière in the March 2006 issue of US Vogue photographed by Irving Penn.

Iconic.

Photo source: Vogue US March 2006

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