New Personal Muse: Jane Birkin

I am adding Jane Birkin to my list female muses on the right hand side of my blog.

Jane Birkin emerged in the swinging '60s in London, creating a stir as one of the models in the controversial film Blowup in 1966, in which she became the first actress to reveal pubic hair in mainstream cinema. She met her first husband Serge Gainsbourg a famous French writer, director and singer on the set of her second movie and quickly excelled to international fame as his muse.

Hermès' named and designed the Birkin Bag for her in 1984 after the actress was seen in 1981 by the head of Hermès struggling with several bags while boarding an airplane.

Are Hipsters Modern Day Hippies?

For some time now I have been meaning to write about the general style of a 'hipster'. Over the past 5 years we have seen this style becoming more mainstream, quite differnt from when the movement was more commonly identified with groups of people in the arts, such as designers, writers, artists and musicians etc. The hipster style is gaining more popularity and becoming more street worthy with the help of brands like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters recreating "vintage-esque clothing".

It is hard to define the exact style of a hipster because there are so many variations depending on where and what scene of people one chooses to examine. The Williamsburg hipster is different from the Columbia student hipster, the underground arts students have their own particular niches. Whether it is through hair style, skinny jeans, leggings, bold coloured hoodies, acid-washed jeans, vintage sunglasses, lensless glasses, neon colours, and sneakers the common element is an expression of self. The idea is to stand out, be unique, make a statement against what society deems 'normal'. However, in doing so it seems a style in it's own right has been created by breaking all the stereotypical "fashion rules" resulting in The Hipster.

One might see similar parallels between The Hipster and the Swingers of the 60's and the Hippies of the 70's... a rebellious youth movement.

A Muse of Her Own

Miuccia Prada channels her own quirky style in her 2008 Resort ad campaign

Guest List Glimpse

Stylish crowd gathers to honour artist Chuck Close at New York's Whitney museum.

1. Greg Krelenstein and Leigh Lezark of the Misshapes
2. Brydie Bell
3. Arden Wohl
4. Jessica Stam

In time for Halloween..

Over a year ago we witnessed a merge between the gothic world and the high-end fashion world through the use of skull detailing on a multitude of accessories and frocks. Famous fashionistas were rarely photographed without their Alexander McQueen skull scarfs drapped around their necks. As Halloween approaches the omnipresent skulls have become even more apparent.
1. Thomas Wylde Barolo skull clutch
2. Alexander McQueen, Skull clasp clutch
3. Vivienne Westwood, Red Label, Fleur de Lys necklace with dangling skull base
4. Tom Binns, Skull and crystal bracelet
5. Alexander McQueen, Skull print t-shirt
6. Thomas Wylde, Dead Head sneakers

The Great Wall of Fendi?

As if Karl Lagerfeld has not created enough history through the majestic garments he has produced over his many generations working at Chloe, Fendi and Chanel...

Using the Great Wall of China as a runway Karl showcased a mini collection specifically created for the event during the sunset. Many notable New York socialites, fashion heads and celebrities were in attendance.

1. The runway
2. Model Du Juan in the "Empress Dress"
3. Mira Yeh in fur trimmed hooded Fendi jacket
4. Actresses Ziyi Zhang and Kate Bosworth

Celeb Style

1. Chick from High School Musical (Ashley Tisdale) she's annoying but i like her gold leggings and sparkly high tops

2. MK -> a poofy a-line shirt dress, with an oversized belt

3. Ashley Olsen -> skinny belted, long sleeve blk deep-v and grey wide leg pants

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren celebrated his collection by honouring the 40 year anniversary of his iconic American label. His collection was presented in the Conservatory in Central Park and brought out many famous faces such as Dustin Hoffman and fellow American designers Vera Wang and Donna Karan. Lauren was inspired by "everything he ever loved" which is obvious upon seeing his equastrian syle suits complete with riding pants, top hats, blazers and boots. His passion for classic feminine beauty was felt through his long silk and satin evening gowns of floral patterns and bold colour. The evening wear was accessorized with wide brimmed hats and elegant gloves similar to Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

Betsey Johnson: Spring 2008

In Betsey's words "Life is just a prom. No matter what she's wearing, she can't get out of her prom state of mind!"

Her collection was initially inspired by her own 1958 prom photo and advances to incorporate styles like empire waist gowns, head wreaths, huge crinolines from the sixties, and 70's. Upbeat, fun, sassy, and full of candy colours Betsey's collection of flirty frocks speak for themselves.

I love the heart-shaped sunglasses and black bow platform shoes

God I Love Him

“We wear bracelet and glove, we wear shoes, why we never use the ankle the way we use the wrist?” – Karl Lagerfield on his Chanel Spring 2008 ankle pouch

Kate Moss Winter Topshop Preview

This collection reflects a lot of trends that we saw partake in the 70's, there are great holiday dresses in red, black, black sequins, and silver for any winter event!

The best buy is the collarless asymmetric, soft black leather jacket.

Trend: Lace Up Oxford Shoe and Bootie

From Clockwise:
1. Givenchy open toe lace up sandel (MY FAVOURITE)
2. Yves Saint Laurent wooden heel oxford
3. Bottega Veneta carmino pump
4. Marc Jacobs Metallic Lace-up boot shoes

After Dinner Cocktails

Sleek, Sexy, colourful.


1. Alexander McQueen hammered silk mini dress
2. Pedro Garcia Cher patent leather ankle boots
3. Erickson Beamon Embellished patent cuff
4. Tom Binns Crystal drop earrings
5. Frendi logo detailed green box clutch

Celebrity Style: Head to Toe In Black

1. Kate Moss at the launch of her TopShop Christmas line wearing a silver cape and one piece black pantsuit.

2. Lindsay Lohan out of rehab and in L.A. filming. She back to black making a statement in thigh-high boots.

3. A beautiful, pregnant and glowing Halle Barry

Fashion Backtrack: A Lack of Diversity Amongst Models on the Runway

The New York Times beat me to the punch with an article in the style section this week on the obvious lack of ethnicity in models on the runway of Spring 2008 shows in all major cities. It is sad to think that with all the advances we have seen towards equality in todays liberal society the face of fashion is no longer one of them.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/fashion/shows/14race.html?_r=1&ref=style&oref=slogin

Phillip Lim 3.1

Phillip Lim's designs offer a modern edge to key staple items like pencil skirts and trench coats using bright yellows , reds and metallic colours. There is an element of escapism in the flowy movements of his coats and dresses, a collection that focuses on the free spirited traveler.

A Slice of YELLOW Meringue Pie

This dress is from the same collection (Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008)as my previous post, however, being my personal favourite piece I wanted to showcase it on it's own.

It is cheerful, flirty, playful, feminine. perfect.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

I am starting my reviews of fashion week with my favourite collection, MARC by Marc Jacobs. I loved the clean lines of his dresses, the circular graphic print, and his bold colour palette of sunshine yellow, navy, orange, and brown. This collection certainly embodies a sense of youthfulness,vitality and rebellion. Marc's fusion of the 1970's with todays modern society has given each piece the ability to leave a lasting impression on the observer.

SPRING 2008 RUNWAY WRAP-UP

The Spring 2008 runway shows have finally come to a halt ending with the Louis Vuitton show in Paris. The shows began September 5th in New York and finished in Paris October 5th. Each show has it's own unique way to unveil the collection presenting the designers unique ideas. I will analyze and review a majority of designers and direct attention at my personal favourite pieces. In general my favourite designers for Spring 2008 were Mui Mui, Lanvin, D&G, Valentino, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton, Diane Von Furstenburg, Derek Lam, Balenciaga and Philip Lim 3.1.

Spring 2008 TRENDS:

1. Garden Party--> Big and small foral patterns in an assortment of colours and prints

2. The Artist's Mark--> a painters palate of brush strokes, colours and abstractedness

3. Fifties--> candy coloured prom dresses, poodle skirts, penci skirts,mary janes and cardigans

4. Bows and Lace--> On everything from hippie chic dresses to the ankle strap of a shoe a touch of feminty was present

5. YELLOW and ORANGE--> everything. skirts, jackets, bags, shoes, dresses, sun glasses

6. Theatre--> Tutu inspired dresses and carnival reds were very prominent in a number of the collections

7. Volume--> Flowly dresses,layers, texture

8. Sheerness--> A nod in the directing of the 90's with sheer layers over pants, dresses, blouses in a multitude of colours were evident at almost every show.

The Models do Paris

The Spring 2008 Paris runway shows are full of action, however, what we see on the runway does not even compare to what we don't see off...

1. Jessica Stam
2. Irina Lazareanu and Emina Cunmulaj
3. Carmen Kass
4. Lily Cole
5. Julie Ordon ---> I love her long finglerless gloces and chain-link suspenders

From Thinness to Fitness

Over Thanksgiving weekend a recurring topic of discussion that was brought to my attention was model's weight, the pressure that the fashion industry puts on girls to be super skinny, and the general emaciated body image that has become such a popular and normal image to us over recent years.


The POSITIVE response i have to all of this is that after going through numerous Spring 2008 ads and runway shows there has been a noticable shift from scary skinny to being toned and sexy. Designers and editors are helping promote a healthy and fit body image through the models on the runway and in magazine spreads. So ladies get to those squats and crunches!

Photos

1. Isabelle Caro, age 27 on an Italtian billboard for the brand Nolita showing the horrors of anorexia with the words " No anorexia" helping raise awareness against the deadly disease.

2. Giselle Bundchen's amazingly fit figure in Italian GQ

3. Dolce & Gabanna Pre-Fall 2007 ad's showing a toned female form shot in a gym

4. Model Gemma Ward on the Chanel Spring 2008 Runway showing sexy curves

Olsens en Paris

I had my eyes peeled for any sign of MK and A during New York fashion week,alas I was disappointed. The same followed for London and Milan with stil no sign of my favourite fashionista twins, until now...... ofcourse PARIS is where they make their debut!
The photos show their street chic style with large sherling jackets, scarves, skinny pants, and lace up flats.

Ashley wears her custom leather jacket, with a long grey skirt and Christian Louboutin studded boots

MK wears a peacock feather headband, skinnys, and burburry studded sandles.

Celebrity Style

1. Sienna Miller in dark red Chrisian Louboutin "Rolando" pumps
2. Gwyneth Paltrow in grey patent tie-up oxfords
3. Gisele Bundchen in airport rocking an ACDC shirt

My Little Black Dress

My university recently had a "Little Black Dress" event for the charity Watercan. I was unable to attend the event, however, if I had this would have been my LBD.

1. Anna Sui Lace organza dress
2. Stella McCartney pink satin pumps (if feeling more eccentric)
3. Fendi suade peep-toe sling backs (if feeling more babygirl)
4. Chloe 'Elvire" black patent clutch
5. Stephen Dweck rock crystal cocktail ring

Outfit: Thanksgiving Dinner

1. See by Chloe taupe silk short sleeve blouse with scalloped trim
2. Chloe black button down pencil skirt
3. Fendi Large "B" buckle belt
4. Missoni rope detail suade boots