Sport Luxe at Prada: Spring/Summer 2014

Despite a not so great wet and windy day, all was soon forgotten with the wonder of live stream as I settled down to marvel at Miuccia Prada's latest collection for Prada.

 

As you'd come to expect from Prada, everything on show was entirely breathtaking. There was a definite sport luxe vibe to the collection. The "sport" was brought out through the easy shift dresses, pleated tennis skirts and striped knee-high leg warmers. The "luxe" was added with rhinestone embellishments. These embellishments looked particularly gorgeous along the curve of each keyhole neckline, built in brassiere (underwear as outerwear is making a comeback) and around the edge of each legwarmer, before slowly creeping their way onto the shoes.

 

If this wasn't fabulous enough already, the vibrant face motif emblazoned on various items, best of all the longline fur coats, added frivolity and elevated each look into pure perfection!

 

This was an incredible collection. Mrs Prada is so consistent and never fails to create the stand out show of Milan Fashion Week. I know it's early, but I can't wait to see this collection grace the pages of Vogue, Love and CR Fashion Book. 

 

 

Were you a fan of Miuccia Prada's latest collection for Prada? Which upcoming shows are you really looking forward to? I'd love to know so please comment below.

I hope you are all well.

An Insight Into Our Favourite "It Girl": It By Alexa Chung

 

When I first heard the news that Alexa Chung would be releasing a "look inside her world" kind of book, including her thoughts and inspirations, I like many others couldn't wait for its release. Thanks to Amazon's brilliant pre-order service, I was able to bagsy myself  a copy and this Tuesday it finally arrived!

 

Before the book arrived I knew I wanted to write a post about it and thanks to its early arrival I've been able to have a thorough read.

 

 

Like its author, "It" is wonderfully unique and quirky. It's fantastic to finally discover what inspires and influences Alexa's sought-after day to day style and her chatty narrative gives the book originality and personality. Her decision to accompany each piece of writing with personal drawings and photographs works magnificently and adds a diary/scrapbook feel. I personally loved reading how her style originated and evolved from childhood to womanhood and learning who inspires her style to this day.

 

 

I recommend this book to each and everyone of you. It's a gorgeous little coffee table style book that's perfect if you need a quick hit of style inspiration.

 

 

Are you now itching to get yourself a copy? If you already own the book, what's your favourite aspect? I'd love to know so please comment down below.

 

I hope you're all having a great week.

 

 

VMAs 2013: Lady Gaga in Prabal Gurung

First and foremost, I would like to apologise for my recent absence. I have been insanely busy these past two weeks which has cut down my blogging time significantly, resulting in the lack of updates. However, I can assure you that I will now be back to my usual updating times, starting with this post.

You should all know I am a self-professed "Little Monster" who has developed a serious addiction to Gaga's latest hit "Applause". Since it's early release, I've found myself listening to it morning, noon and night without fail. This hasn't eased since the release of its accompanying video (isn't the archive Galliano sequence to die for!). 

[I had to insert it!]
 

Before opening this year's VMAs, Gaga hit the red carpet where she wowed in a stunning custom gown by Prabal Gurung. The "black beauty", created 48 hours before the event, suits Gaga's current dialed-down aesthetic, fusing classic and cutting-edge elements together. I'm in love with all aspects of the gown, from the technical satin's sheen, to the sash detailed waist, to the dramatic rubber rosette appliquéd train. Gaga looks gothically gorgeous in this chic and sophisticated number. It's perfect!

What are you're thoughts regarding Gaga's look? Are you a fan? Please let me know in the comments below.

I hope you are all having a great week.

I "Love" Love Magazine!

 

Since receiving my copy of Love issue 10 in the post last week, I haven't been able to put it down. I know what you're thinking. Why would you wait for it to be delivered when you could just pop down to your local newsagents and enjoy it there and then? Well I wish that was the case but unfortunately not one of my local newsagents stock it. Shocking right!

 

Anyway, as I was saying, this issue has been truly addictive. Love has been high on my list of magazine favourites since I purchased my first issue a few years ago. Founder and Editor Katie Grand is one of my styling idols who really understands her reader (a fashion fanatic who lives and breathes every morsel of the industry - yours truly!) creating frivolous yet sensuous images - totally original and inspiring! However, it doesn't end there. It's also filled with the most fantastic interviews you could imagine. This issue features a fabulous interview with Miuccia Prada and a wonderful Q&A between Marc Jacobs and Jessica Lange, both accompanied by the most amazing images styled by Katie.

 

The prior are two of my highlights from the issue along with Monsters INC. by Panos Yiapanis and The Lion King, also by Katie and Sandy Powell. Both are simply sublime! I urge you all to get a copy as you won't be disappointed.

 

 

Are you a fan of Love magazine? Are you excited to get the new issue or do you already own it? What's your highlights from the issue? Please let me know in the comments below.

 

I hope you are all having a great week.

 

 

Michelle Williams Stars In Louis Vuitton's Latest Campaign

Images © Peter Lindbergh/Louis Vuitton

 

The style services of actress Michelle Williams have finally been called upon as she is the star of Louis Vuitton's latest campaign, showcasing the "W" and "Capucines" handbags. The elfin beauty unleashes her inner screen siren seducing in a sleek lace negligee from the brand's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, whilst a slick of scarlet lipstick here and a slash of  rouge noir nail polish there adds to the vampy edginess. I particularly like how Sam McKnight has styled Michelle's hair for the campaign. How it has been textured and ruffled looks effortlessly chic. I'm so happy Louis Vuitton have recognised the talents of Michelle and called upon her style services as I believe she perfectly epitomises the house's DNA. I look forward to seeing if she will become a regular fixture in its future campaigns as this one is pure perfection!

Do you hope to see future collaborations between Michelle and Louis Vuitton? Let me know in the comments below.

 

The Wolverine London Premiere: Rila Fukushima In Stella McCartney

The Wolverine is high on my 2013 must-see movies list (I  am a huge lover of anything Marvel or DC) and its release is just around the corner (25th July) - I'm so excited! The film's London premiere took place last night where Hugh Jackman was joined by co-stars Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima. Whilst Tao and Rila's looks were entirely opposite, they were both flawless and fabulous. However, Rila's striped Stella McCartney jumpsuit stole the show for me. The tailored fit and trouser pleating flatters her gamine shape, whilst the navy blue and black all over stripes add an interesting dimension and sophistication. The patent Pigalle Christian Louboutin heels compliment the jumpsuit perfectly, whilst the turquoise lightning bolt ring, arm and ear cuffs, tousled hair and red lips add a cool and quirky statement. This is such a fresh look and makes a nice change to the usual gowns you'd expect to see. I'm so in love with this look and am really looking forward to seeing what Rila will wear next on the movie's promotion tour.

 

 

Are you a fan of Rila's look? I'd love to know so please comment below.

 

Hope you're all well.

 

 

 

 

Sneak Preview: Isabel Marant For H&M

 

November 14 - remember this date people! This is the day that Isabel Marant's eagerly anticipated collection for H&M hits stores. I know November seems like ages away, especially when there's a designer collaboration at stake but H&M have come up with a wonderful solution to satisfy all our needs - a pair of preview photos. The first, released yesterday afternoon, shows Marant herself modelling a loose-fitting, tribal printed dress and slouchy tasselled ankle boots. This look is so effortlessly chic, quintessentially Parisian and quintessentially Isabel Marant. However, the second image, released earlier today is literally mind blowing. It shows a male model modelling a similarly printed long-sleeved tee. This marks Isabel's first ever foray into menswear. This is enormously exciting! I have wished for Isabel Marant menswear as I have long envied the womenswear for all the amazingly cool pieces on offer and can't believe my wish has come true. Being from Isabel, I know each piece will be classic yet contemporary, easy and effortless; not to mention completely wearable. I am now awaiting this collection's arrival with baited breath. Bring on November 14!

 

Images © H&M



 

Are you as excited for this collaboration as I am? I'd love to know. Please let me know in the comments below.

 

 

Lounging In Louis: Gisele Bündchen Stars In Louis Vuitton's Autumn/Winter 2013 Campaign

As you already know, I have nothing but praise for Louis Vuitton's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. It was my stand out show of fashion week and the same goes for their upcoming campaign starring none other than Gisele Bündchen! Donning an Elizabeth Taylor-esque wig as featured on each model in the show, Gisele is seen lounging in an exquisitely embellished velvet dress alongside fellow campaign stars Isabeli Fontana, Carolyn Murphy and Karen Elson. Developing the hotel boudoir theme used as the basis of the show,  Photographer Steven Meisel has perfectly captured the essence of the collection. His soft focus technique looks romantically atmospheric, whilst Karl Templer's flawless styling adds cinematic authenticity. This campaign is truly magnificent and my love for this collection has definitely deepened thanks to it. If the above image wasn't fabulous enough already, there are more as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Images © Steven Meisel/Louis Vuitton

Have a great weekend!

 



 

It's Finally Here! Schiaparelli By Christian Lacroix

Ever since it was announced that the house of Schiaparelli would be revived nearly 60 years after its doors closed, I like many others wondered who would be taking the creative reins of the prestigious house. Many names were thrown around including Marco Zanini and John Galliano, but all turned out to be just rumours as it was announced in mid April that legendary couturier Christian Lacroix would be returning to the couture calendar to present a one-off, 15 piece collection for the house. Gulping and beaming in excitement, I waited and waited for the big reveal and earlier today the highly anticipated collection was finally revealed at the Musée Arts Decoratifs.

 

Displayed as an installation, the entire collection evokes the surrealist grandeur of an original Schiaparelli collection but includes all the Lacroix trademarks:  high drama, lavish detailing and enchanting elements, all impeccably executed. It's a visual delight! I particularly like the ornately decorated tailored jackets. Their intricate details and puffed shoulders look powerful and luxurious, whilst their vibrant colours create a real statement. They look fabulous when paired with the volumous trousers and skirts which ultimately soften the overall look and add femininity. However, without a doubt my favourite piece from the entire collection has to be the gloriously green, sari-inspired, ruched evening gown. How it drapes and flares from the hips looks  effortlessly chic and sophisticated. The Gripoix jewels and Maison Michel hats (my favourite accompaniment) add luxe and frivolity. The only down side with the collection is that it is display only and not available to buy, at any price - this can't be! Imagine how mind-blowingly amazing it would look in the pages of Vogue under the control of Grace Coddington. Please Anna, I beg you. You have to pull some strings!

 

[Despite the "display only" term, a few pieces were actually modelled for a greater idea]

 

 

[Fantastic Behind The Scenes Video]

 

Are you also a fan of Christian Lacroix's collection for Schiaparelli? Do you hope this collection will grace the pages of Vogue? Please let me know in the comment below.

 

 

 

 

  

Wish To Wear: Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2014 Menswear

I have sadly felt a little disappointed with the menswear shows so far this week. While there have been some truly standout original pieces on show, a lot of what I've seen has failed to grab my attention, feeling tired and a little drab. That was until Haider Ackermann presented "men's wardrobe", his second outing into menswear since 2010. Feeling fantastically fresh, all the Ackermann trademarks were on show; buttonless jackets, kimono constructions, dropped crotches, silk satins and luchious layers. A highlight for me has to be the silk satin blazers. They fit impeccably and look effortlessly cool over the semi-sheer tanks. I also love the mixture of dandiness and edginess where the tailored and tapered trousers meet the slouchy bommer style jackets. These looks are particularly strong and feel so fresh. It's easy to see why Haider Ackermann is one of the most respected designers when he produces collections as strong as this. I find this collection so exciting and original and wish I could wear it all!

Here are some of my favourite looks from the collection.

 

        

 

Are you happy Haider Ackermann decided to return to menswear? Do you find yourself wishing to wear this collection? If so, please let me know in the comments below.

 

Simply Sharp

Unbranded Navy Blazer | Dusty Blue Acid Wash Jumper - New Look | Spotted Navy Shirt (Just Seen) - Burton | Tan/Beige Paisley Scarf - Mango | Tapered Jeans - Burton | Suede Penny Loafers - Asos | Evil Eye Bracelet - StyleSuzi | Wooden Bead Bangle - Burton | Rose Gold Watch - Michael Kors | Woven Bangle - Burton | Gold Skull Necklace - Asos | Brown Cross Body Bag - Esprit

 

In my previous post "Simply Striped", you saw how I mixed a classic striped tee with a light and airy jersey blazer to create a simple summer look. As I knew I was going out later that day to a surprise birthday for my brother's girlfriend turned fiancé (a wonderful surprise for the whole family once we had arrived!), I fancied dressing up a little more to create a sharper look. This was easily attainable by switching out my jersey blazer and striped tee for this thicker, fitted cotton navy blazer, spotted navy shirt and dusty blue jumper. All these pieces felt substantial and kept me warm in the cooler evening. To break up the blue and add extra warmth, I added this tan/beige paisley scarf. The print added an interesting dimension to the outfit, whilst the oversized shape added volume and texture. It also tied in well with the penny loafers and cross body bag, creating colour continuity. I kept the accessories I wore earlier in the day as they still worked with this colourway and added interest. This way of dressing is by far my favourite, not too formal but still smart and sharp with casual undertones.

Have a great weekend guys,

Simply Striped

 

I sported this look this past Saturday. As the weather had warmed up significantly, I could lose a few layers and keep it simple in a classic striped tee and tapered jeans. As there was the slightest hint of a breeze, I threw on this grey jersey blazer which is as light as a cardigan and really lifts an outfit making it look more put together. I couldn't forget my favourite tan suede penny loafers as I think they work well with the tapered fit of the jeans, whilst the stacked on armory and necklace add interest and a little personality.

 

 Grey Jersey Blazer - Ebay | Striped Tee - Burton | Tapered Jeans - Burton | Suede Penny Loafers - Asos | Evil Eye Bracelet - StyleSuzi | Wooden Bead Bangle - Burton | Rose Gold Watch - Michael Kors | Woven Bangle - Burton | Gold Skull Necklace - Asos | Brown Cross Body Bag - Esprit

 

I hope you like this simple summer outfit. May it provide you with a little inspiration.

 

Masculinity Meets Femininity (With A Pinch Of Carine): Givenchy Resort 2014

Following in the footsteps of Riccardo Tisci's spellbinding Autumn/Winter collection for Givenchy comes the house's Resort 2014 collection - a strong, sleek and sophisticated cousin collection fusing masculinity and femininty together in an effortless way to create the epitome of chic. Taking inspiration from Latin culture, Riccardo has clearly revisited his personal archive as he did with Autumn/Winter, showing Madonna printed tees, statement suiting, puffed-up peplums, fabulous florals and tremendous trenches. I personally love the flouncy and frilly denim dresses. Their flared shapes flatter and feel fresh whilst the peekaboo floral trenches equally excite. However, if I were to choose, my item from the collection would have to be the high-waisted, ruched and frilled pencil skirts. The way they sensuously hug the body is sublime, whilst the asymmetry flirts and flatters. I see similarity to Tom Ford's work at Yves Saint Laurent, where Carine Roitfeld (Givenchy's stylist and Tisci's muse) styled and inspired.

 

 

Are you a fan of Riccardo Tisci's Resort 2014 collection for Givenchy? Can you see a Carine influence? Please let me know in the comments below.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

 

Balenciaga Resort 2014

This Wednesday, Alexander Wang presented his first ever Resort collection for the house of Balenciaga. Following in the success of his debut collection, Wang's latest collection felt like its predecessor - striking and substantial. Undertaking a research trip to the Basque region of Spain, Wang and his team visited the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum in the seaside town of Getaria (Balenciaga’s birthplace), where they delved into the exclusive and extensive archive finding inspiration for the collection.

 

Working with draping, origami details, bell sleeves and petal shaped skirts, the heart of Balenciaga is strongly felt in this collection but Wang has ensured he brings his own sporty aesthetic with bolero bra and bandeau tops, cropped trousers, short shorts and racerbacks dresses. All these pieces feel strong and really work in the monochromatic colour palette. I particularly like the speckled “scramble" and “noise" patterns mixed together to create dimension. This collection also excels in its accessories. The chunky chained bracelets, necklaces, earrings and handbags are youthful and edgy and are sure to become best seller, whilst the vinyl fringed bucket hats and strappy sandals lift each look with quirk.

 

I have nothing negative to say regarding this collection. It feels original with an evident development since Wang's debut collection, with this collection feeling a lot more personal. I like how he's seamlessly mixing his own aesthetic with Balenciaga's to create a fresh and contemporary feel whilst making sure he doesn't imitate his predecessor's work. Alexander Wang did have seriously hard shoes to fill when taking over at the helm, however, judging by this strong collection, he definitely has nothing to worry about.

 

Chain Reaction

During the summer months, I find jewellery can really help lift a simple t-shirt and shorts kind of outfit, making it look a little less dull and far more interesting. In the past I always favoured bangles and bracelets over necklaces. It's not that I dislike necklaces, on the contrary I love them but every necklace I'd try on would either be super short or in a style I disliked. However, this season everything has changed.

 

I have slowly started to build up a little collection of long chained necklaces with the help of Asos and Regal Rose. I first purchased the silver stag head necklace from Asos due to the fact that I'm kind of obsessed when it comes to stags. I put this down to my love of Christmas  i.e. Rudolph, however, a steel stag head also adorns my bedroom wall. This was then followed by the gold skull and silver feather necklace also from Asos. I was attracted to this particular design as I found the design unique yet subtle with a cool native american vibe to it. Being in gold also made a nice change to the usual silver skull necklaces on the market. The latest addition to my collection is the silver bird skull necklace from Regal Rose. I love how wearing this necklace can give an edgy twist to any outfit, whilst the antique silver colouring and thin chain give the necklace an effortless vintage vibe.

All these necklaces fulfill my needs. They are on the long side, look unique and help make my overall outfit look a little more put together. Besides necklaces, I haven't been able to stop wearing this awesome evil eye bracelet from Shop Style Suzi. It's a little unusual but looks great with any outfit. These are all my favourite summer accessories and are perennial keepsakes.

Are there any current accessories you can't stop wearing? Let me know in the commets below.