“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)
Beautiful sensuality captured by Paolo Roversi for Vogue Paris. A sweet Parisienne in a middle of autumn. Gorgeous cosy and chunky Pringle of Scotland, Marithé + François Girbaud and MaxMara knits, classic Isabel Marant coat, a silk barely there Galliano dress and satin Lanvin slip, all topped up with an Hermes fedora. I just want to be this girl… Or have all these clothes…
And in a sort of clothes-related P.S. … Have you left your details for a chance to shop a super not-to-be-missed secret Christian Louboutin sale yet? Follow the link and try your luck – apparently, the invite will find its way to your inbox if you get picked… You are welcome.
Photo source: Vogue Paris October 2007 (photography: Paolo Roversi; styling: Anastasia Barbieri)
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It's not about brands. It's about something else that comes from within you.”
Ralph Lauren
Photo source: Vogue Paris December/January 2006/07
“We need the dreamers. We need those designers who create a magic moment, a world that changes the way you look at clothes.”
Anna Wintour
(on John Galliano for Vanity Fair US July 2013)
Photo source: Vogue Italia March 2009, Christian Dior S/S 2009 Couture by John Galliano photographed by Paolo Roversi
Sparkling couture steps out as daywear on pages of the October issue of US Elle 2003. Givenchy, Lacroix, Gaultier, Dior and Versace mixed with classic Burberry trench, Levi’s jeans and Manolos. The beautiful stranger is Maja Latinovic photographed by Gilles Bensimon.
P.S. Have you noticed that a classic Burberry coat only costs $525? In other words a price of two sleeves of its younger counterpart. Wish I thought of investment pieces back then…
Photo source: Elle US October 2003
via bwgreyscale.com
It’s amazing how many significant (and not so significant) events can happen in a short space of time – some were totally unexpected and others – much anticipated and important for they will certainly become a part of the history of fashion.
So here is a little fashion digest. From me to you.
* The image above is my favourite photo of the week that belongs to the Rochas Resort 2014 collection.
* Following his exclusive interview published in the July issue of Vanity Fair, John Galliano talks candidly to Charlie Rose discussing his childhood, most excited fashion moments, addictions, regrets, betrayal and friendships. A must see.
* H&M did it again. The new collaboration between the high street brand and Isabel Marant will be sold in shops and on-line on 14 November. Anticipate affordable prices, first ever Marant’s for men ready-to-wear and the longest queues in history.
* Emma Hill packs her Mulberry bags for good and will be leaving the brand after finishing the Spring/Summer 2014 collection due to be presented in September 2014.
* Creative souls looking for royalty free music to use for all kinds of stylish projects, from fashion blogs and on-line boutiques to professionally presented videos and even fashion shows, will definitely find BeatSuite a useful place to visit.
* The new and most comprehensive biography of Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen: The Life and Legacy by Judith Watt, is due to be released on 27 August 2014. Pre-order your copy here.
* Another title many will be excited to get their hands on is Dior Impressions: The Inspiration and Influence of Impressionism at the House of Dior inspired by art and Dior creations and published to accompany the Impressions Dior exhibition presented at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville. The book features beautiful works by Monet, Renoir, Degas as well as stunning couture gowns.
* Sales always come to those who wait. Visit Bastyan Fashion, Browns, Forzieri, Jaeger, Jigsaw, Joseph, J.Crew, Kurt Geiger, Monnier Frères, My Wardrobe, Nine West, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue and Whistles to find gorgeous fashion steals.
Photo source: Rochas Resort 2014 via wwd.com
It feels like it’s only been a day or two since we saw the very first Fall 2013 ready-to-wear collection, but the New York part of the global fashion extravaganza is over. While the fashion pack is moving their forces to London, I am sitting at my desk, all wrapped-up and cosy, cup of tea at arm’s reach, thinking of my favourites.
As always I was very grateful to the designers who live streamed their shows for everyone to watch. It puzzles me why there are still some who choose not to. Seeing the clothes move and absorbing the atmosphere of the show, even through the screen, can be good for both the inspiration and understanding of the collection as well as sales boost. The clothes that live are everything. The fashion “nature mortes” that become available minutes after the shows don’t always have the same effect.
What will I remember about New York fashion week the most?
Details-wise, the masculine coats, the structural dresses, the short full skirts, the injection of blue, plenty of leather and fur, the long gloves and the knee-high boots.
And then there were the collections…
Needless to say, the one I was looking forward to the most was the Oscar de la Renta show. Thankfully they streamed, so my only task was staying up past midnight in order to witness the moment in fashion history.
As soon as the first look came out it was obvious that Galliano certainly was in the building – those gathered jackets cinched at the waist with a leather belt were very him, sort of René Gruau’s inspired Couture Spring 2011 mixed with 2010 and John Galliano ready-to-wear Fall 2011, the shapes and colours of the “bubble” dresses reminded me of two of the Dior’s couture collections circa 2008, leather and capes – Dior Fall 2011 and the the lace gown looked very similar to the one Galliano designed for Dior Couture Fall 2005. Half way through the show the make-up and hair became very familiar, too.
In fact, minus the locks at the back, those heavily painted eyes, bow lips and wavy hair were very much like the look from the John Galliano Spring 2011 ready-to-wear show.
But there were also clothes that were definitely Oscar. Those were beautiful, but felt mature and very grown-up. Perhaps, not for the young and free who would be grapping the capes, timeless tuxedo-like jackets and leather that were also a part of the collection – a slightly confusing mix, at the end, but nevertheless, it’s better to be confused by beauty than the lack of it.
The point this collection showed is that Galliano and de la Renta definitely share the same aesthetics and despite age difference belong to the old school kind of designers who understand fashion deeply and have an ability to put this kind of understanding into the clothes.
At the end of the show John didn’t come out. I am sure many would want him to, but alas, it didn’t happen. Still, it was a relief to know that Galliano was there, he was given an opportunity to create again and at least a bunch of people from the industry were there to support him… I was happy for him. I was happy that he found the strength to get out there, no matter how many spiteful comments and remarks have been published all over the web. I was happy to know that this man, the unique talent, is here, alive, working… no matter what. I admit, I was scared that we might lose him, just as we did McQueen. Now I am relieved and looking forward to the future seasons…
There was another Brit that made me happy last week. Victoria Beckham created yet another simple but very elegant and perfectly executed collection where every item was a visual treat. If only I could afford her designs, I’d live in them.
The other fashion delights I will remember (and wish I could have) included…
… Calvin Klein blue pleated dress and black toned-down military-style coat that moved in such a mesmerising way. The pieces were worn by Caroline and Vanessa whom I adore, although this time the choice of models didn’t distract me from the actual clothes or influenced my love for the designs.
… J. Mendel floating gown – this picture doesn’t do any justice to it.
… Theykens’ Theory modern classics with a flirty twist and a touch of comfort proving how slouchy can be so very sensual.
