Unique Shoe Designs By Briton Antonio Berardi And Viktor & Rolf
Briton Antonio Berardi designed these, well, interesting shoes. He said, "When you walk, it is almost on tiptoe. You look really dainty." Well apparently Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman and Victoria Beckham all agree. They all already have a pair!
I like unique shoe designs, though functionality is hugely important. I mean, you WALK in shoes. I dont know about tip-toeing around all night long (thought I imagine it would do a lot to work those calf muscles!). Definitely wouldnt wear these for a night drinking and dancing. More like tip-toe from the car to a seat, and back.
These, by Viktor & Rolf are also unique, however much more wearable. From the Fall 2008 collection, these are so "Like A Virgin", and I simply LOVE them!
I dont know about you guys but Im already dieting and trying to shed my "winter weight". And here is my inspiration! Check out these HOT swimwear looks from the Spring/Summer 08 shows!
Valentino Bids Adieu: Will Unveil Final Collection In Paris January 23
Fashion mogul Valentino, his loyalties long divided between France and Italy, has chosen Paris to show his final collection, capping a dazzling 45-year career. The venue for the January 23 show, befitting the refined elegance that defines Valentino, will be the Rodin Museum on Paris's upscale Left Bank. "I want to stop at the height of my glory," the 75-year-old fashion legend said after unveiling his last ready-to-wear collection in October, also in Paris. His final bow haute couture show promises to be as immaculate as ever and well steeped in his signature colour red. "It will be a grand collection, a grand show, somewhat unique with a lot of gowns," a spokesman at the Valentino fashion house told AFP. Announcing his planned departure last September, Valentino said it was "the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion," just two months after an opulent show in Rome marked the House of Valentino's 45th year.
From an investment piece (the to DIE for Fendi dress, that I am seriously considering...), to a do-able sexy (D&G) blouse, there is something for everyone in the Resort collections of some of our favorites!
I Am Obsessed With Chloe's Spring 2008 Ready To Wear Collection!!!
I'm majorly loving how much more modern, hip, and yet classically Chloe the ready to wear line looks moving in to Spring. The color palette of grey, black, white, light pink, varying shades of teal, a hint of plum, navy... is unexpected, appealing, refreshing, and fun to wear. The light, sheer fabrics allow for the layers we love about Fall to carry over into Spring, and the hints of jewel tones means we can keep using some fall bags and shoes, since jewel tones and grey have been so hot this season. But I cant get enough of the way designer Paulo Melim Andersson has made this color concept seem fresh and new.
Some of my favorite aspects:
The sheer pant, that's more loose than a legging, and yet more fitted than a classic silhouette...
Even the hint of a less sheer pair under this long dress, is a beautiful touch. And I love the way the black tunic makes the colors of the dress pop.
The graphics of the fabrics, and use of textures are simply adorable and sophisticated at the same time. Spring isn't about the matchy-matchy look. There truly IS a difference between matching and coordinating, and thats what Spring is all about achieving.
The outfit I most want to wear tomorrow, from head to toe:
After 20 Years, Lacroix Finds He's Fashionable Again
Christian Lacroix has always been a designer that leaves me in awe, mouth gaping at the exquisite detail and outrageous creativity of his clothes. Bright, interesting colors... dramatic, unexpected, architectural silhouettes... He is amazing.
Some of his work:
Check out this great article to get to know more about him:
"The 56-year-old designer, who lives and works in Paris, grew up in rural Arles in southern France, where he was greatly influenced by traditional folk art and dress, and the costumes and colors of the bullring. He moved to Paris in 1971, and studied art history at the Sorbonne and the Ecole du Louvre, thinking he would be a curator, but began designing clothes instead.
The maturity of middle age "brings you a kind of distance and self assurance," the designer wrote in an e-mail message. "Yesterday's extravagances are now classics. The trick is just follow your impulses, inspiration and intuition with the conviction that they are stronger than the average, banal, pretentious way."
He's busy with many new projects, including a few that hark back to his early dreams. He's curating "Christian Lacroix, Histoires de Mode," a history-of-fashion exhibition at Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, which opened last week. The designer will not come to San Francisco for the show; however, Marie Martinez-Seznec, director of haute couture for Lacroix, will attend."
MAFI (MOSS ADAMS FASHION INNOVATOR) AWARD Winner: Juan Carlos Obando Accepting the Award: Juan Carlos Obando Presenter: Rob Greenspan, managing director, Moss Adams LLP (nominees included Jasmin Shokrian, Rami Kashou & Thomas Wylde)
SUPIMA DENIM DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: J Brand Accepting the Award: Susie Crippen & Jeff Rudes Presenter: Mark Werts, founder & CEO, American Rag Cie & World Denim Bar (nominees included GoldSign, 7 for All Mankind, Oligo Tissew, Paige Premium)
MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner: GUESS by Marciano Accepting the Award: Tarina Tarantino in the absence of Paul Marciano Presenter: Jewelry and accessories designer Tarina Tarantino (nominees included BCBG MAX AZRIA, L.A. Eyeworks, Kitson)
FASHION RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Winner: Fred Segal Accepting the Award: Sharon Segal Presenter: 2006 Fashion Retailer of the Year co-winner Christos Garkinos
WELLS FARGO CENTURY FASHION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Winner: MAX AZRIA, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP Accepting the Award: Max Azria & Lubov Azria Presenter: Kevin Sullivan, EVP Wells Fargo Century
FASHION COMMUNICATIONS AWARD Winner: DailyCandy Accepting the Award: Crystal Meers, LA Editor Presenter: Rose Apodaca, editor, style writer and co-owner A+R
INSPIRATION AWARD Winner: "Project Runway" Accepting the Award: Rich Bye, Michael Rucker (Magical Elves) & Jane Cha (Full Pic) Presenters: E Entertainment style expert Amanda Luttrell Garrigus, with Nick Verreos, designer of the Nikolaki collection and Project Runway season 2 alumnus
Mega-brand Target plans to show their new collection for Fall/Winter by putting on a virtual fashion show in Grand Central Terminal in New York City on November 6th and 7th.
"The retailer will repeat the show every 10 minutes from noon to midnight the first day and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. the second day. It also plans to post a video of the show on YouTube, Facebook and its Web site."
Hmm. A fashion show with no models? With no ACTUAL clothes? Where is this leading? Does the future of runway see where the catwalk ends?
What fashionista wouldn't have loved to be there? Check out this video, and imagine yourself dressed in your absolute best, sitting next to the hottest names in fashion and entertainment, watching the models swish their non-existant hips up and down the Great Wall wearing the latest in Fendi. Le sigh... What a dream!
CULVER CITY, CA - 21 Mar 2007 Samora Olayaw (Photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images for Samora)
Mention LA fashion week in NY and prepare to be snubbed. Los Angeles designers dont seem to be taken as seriously as the rest. But one LA designer I am RAVING about, and just HAVE to call attention to is Samora. From her bio:
"Influenced early on by her mothers flair for couture and elegant sense of style, Samora's love for fashion began at a young age. While growing up in Italy and Egypt, she began creating clothing for her friends and for herself. She found she had an incredible talent with an eye for style and design and was able to successfully translate that into a full-scale brand.
After graduation from USC with a Bachelor of Arts, Samora completed and internship at Stefanel, one of Milan's most exclusive design houses, where she learned neccessary design skills. As a result of this experience she perfected the craft and intricacies of Italian couture, which are evident in her designs today. On her travels throughout the Middle East and Europe, Samora acquired an abiding love for combining many cultural influences, which she has beautifully blended with the invigorating glamour of Hollywood in her collections.
One of the first designers to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles, Samora launched her first collection during Fall 2002. She has been at the forefront of Italian couture, earning her a stellar reputation with Hollywood and fashionista's alike. She is best known for her exquisite, luxurious and high quality fabrics, as well as her romantic and elegant looks. Her clientele include's some of today's most notable trendsetters, such as Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, and Aisha Tyler, among others."
I cant get enough!
Here are a few images of her latest designs seen at LA Fashion Week this month, for Spring 2008!
Who & What: The Spring 2008 collections of 12 emerging designers. Featuring the Los Angeles runway debuts of six womenswear and two menswear designers on the catwalk & four accessory designers in installations.
Participating designers:
WOMENSWEAR: CW Christian Weber Dorothy Lee Marlova Rhys Dwfen Suh-Tahn Wren
MENSWEAR: Endovanera Orthodox
ACCESSORIES: Anita Hopkins Cerre Mannin Shane by Brooks Salzwedel
You are invited to the landmark 10th Year of Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles - the largest and most fabulous event of Los Angeles Fashion Week! This is the show that featured the debuts for designers including Louis Verdad, Kate O'Connor, Michelle Mason, Alicia Lawhon, Claire La Faye, Rami Kashou, Corey Lynn Calter & Grey Ant...
Join the fashion elite, celebrities, press and everyone else that wants to be part of fashion’s next major discovery. The evening will consist of a pre-reception surrounding the accessory designer installations, followed by a 60 foot catwalk show and now legendary after party. What else could you ask for on a Friday night!
Where & When: October 12th, 2007 at the Peterson Automotive Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.
7PM: Accessories Pre-Reception 8PM: Runway 9PM-11PM: After Party!
TICKETS:
VIP TICKETS: (includes pre-reception, reserved seating, access to exclusive VIP lounge with cocktail servers, light food, wine and spa treatments and a complimentary Goorin Bros. Hat - up to $80 value each!) Executive Producer Members: 2 complimentary front row seats Associate Producer Members: 2 complimentary seated tickets Platinum Member: $50 / ticket Silver Member: $90 / ticket Non-Members: $100 / ticket
OPEN SEATING TICKETS: Platinum Members Only: 2 complimentary tickets
A First Look at Chloe Sevigny's Line! Video Interview!
What we all have been waiting for! I cant seem to keep her name out of my mouth lately! If you can get past the dreaded COMMERCIAL, watch this video (courtsey of Style.com)! Chloe Sevigny discusses her line, and gives us a FIRST LOOK at some of her favorite pieces! I told you I would be on top of this!
For those with less patience, or who cant view the video... here are some images.
After some time away from the blog (and I *did* miss it!), the Cult is back and with a whole new look to the page! I hope you like it! It was time for a change anyway... you know it's time to go shopping for fall when you go to get your mail and you are greeted with at least 5 lbs of weight to carry inside, thanks to both Vogue and W boasting their "Biggest Issue EVER!". (Vogue has 840 pages, W has 640. *sigh*) It's so exciting! I had to wait to look through them, for that perfect time when there is nothing to distract me and I can really gaze at the details in the pictures that some people think are just "ads", but are really inspiration for fall. (sidenote: I love the paper W uses to print on. I love how it feels as you turn a page... heavy, some pages thicker than book paper. Quality makes a differance.)
There were plenty of examples of actresses and singers instead of models in the ads for some significant designers and brands. Scarlett Johanssen for Louis Vuitton, Angelina Jolie for St. John, Lindsay Lohan for Jill Stuart, Terri Hatcher for Badgley Mischka, Sarah Silverman, Regina King, and Selma Blair sporting her new short hair cut for the Gap, Sienna Miller for Tod's, and Rebecca Romijn for BeBe. Should the models be miffed?
There was a great article in fact, in Vogue... "The Sloppy Syndrome" by Jean Hanff Korelitz, that particularly struck me. The blurb under the headline reads "Is it a form of self-expression or an issue of self-esteem? Jean Hanff Korelitz questions why women are afraid of dressing up." I had recently taken a notice of my own dressing habits. Even a fashionista can sometimes get into a "comfy" zone, and I found myself starting to feel like when I would make the effort I was somehow showing off. This article was an inspriring read, and motivated me to get a few new things to spice up my wardrobe. I even threw in a haircut. It's amazing what that can do for you, inside as well as out.
If you pick up the W, check out the editorial spread called "Wild Roses". I love everything about these images. Photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, styled by Alex White. Images courtesy of Style.com. Slideshow created by moi.
Gwyneth has the cover, but it really isnt the most flattering shot. And her spread is kind of weird, she's photographed with a cane, and crutches. I am the hugest supporter of stepping out of the box. But making someone who is NOT handicapped look handicapped and worn out just doesn't seem fashionable or politically correct. She just doesn't look vibrant at ALL. What do you think? Images courtesy of Style.com. Slideshow created by moi.
I like that I am seeing a lot of true "dressing up" in the fall lines. Designers are putting head to toe looks together, looks that really require you to coordinate and wear "outfits" instead of separates. In Los Angeles, you can wear anything anywhere, and as long as you can carry it you can get away with it. But I do miss the days of having to dress for the occasion, and I think the designers are trying to inspire us to do just that.
I'm loving everything Im seeing come from Hugo Boss lately. Slick, modern, edgy, amazingly cut, architectural angles... incredibly sexy. Make an all black suit look fashion forward, and I'm impressed. Here is a preview of the Fall 2007 ready-to-wear line.
Chloe brings it, once again, with designs that look like you are buying the finest vintage piece... but brand new and remixed. Gucci struck gold with the gold accents on the black silhouettes. Akris demands attention. The Gucci Fall line is definitely one of my favorites by far. As well as Celine. If I had the money I would buy the entire collection! I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Lanvin. One line I have been a fan of for years is Tuleh. There is a GORGEOUS fitted grey suit TOTALLY TO DIE FOR! And Ann Demeulemeester scores big! Here are my selections, straight from the runway. Images courtesy of Style.com, slideshow , once again, by moi.
I am not looking forward to the cold season. But I am definitely looking forward to the clothes. TIME TO PLAY DRESS UP!
ALANA JOY Los Angeles, CA alanajoy.tumblr.com
I work in the fashion industry in Los Angeles. This blog is a place for me to talk about all things fashion and beauty related, hopefully touching on the real art, emotion, and sometimes humor of the industry as a whole.
Z'maji@http://hauteblogxoxo.wordpress.com, at
January 10, 2008 7:59 AM
Anna, at
December 7, 2007 8:15 AM
