Cara Delevingne & Cole Smith Are Saint Laurent's Latest Stars

I like many others was very unsure about Hedi Slimane's grungy vision for Saint Laurent's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection when I first clapped eyes on it. His super sleek and chic  debut collection for Spring/Summer was my favourite show feeling so true to the house's DNA, with the beautifully bohemian and monochromatic vibe easily becoming the defining trend of the season.

 

Despite revisting the collection numerous times and liking the odd item, I just felt so underwhelmed. It just didn't look "luxury" enough and a little too casual with easily accessible pieces that weren't original.

 

However, since the release of the upcoming campaign starring model Cara Delevingne and musician *Cole Smith, I must admit I have been swayed. Seeing each look on Cara (one of my favourite new faces) has helped me to understand the collection's concept. She does look fresh, a little reckless and effortlessly cool in each moody seaside shot. She suits the aesthetic for Hedi's youthful new direction and I do appreciate it now. Here are some of my favourite shots from the campaign:

 

 

 

 

All Images © Hedi Slimane/Saint Laurent

 

I think I was originally quite shocked as I had never seen and had never expected a Saint Laurent collection to look so cutting edge with a stark contrast to previous collections. However, I am now quite curious to see what Hedi's next development at Saint Laurent will be.

 

 

 

 

 

* Despite feeling underwhelmed with the womenswear show, the menswear show was actually my favourite show of the season. I do have a slight penchant for plaid shirts and skinny jeans.

Carine Roitfeld Styles (And Stars In) Givenchy's Autumn/Winter 2013 Campaign

All Images © Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott/Givenchy

 

As I was catching up on all the latest news in the world of fashion this past Thursday, a certain story took me by surprise and filled me with joy. The story I speak of is the release of Givenchy's upcoming Autumn/Winter campaign styled by and starring none other than Carine Roitfeld! Carine looks absolutely outstanding alongside her daughter Julia modelling a plaid and rose buttoned blouse with a rose printed peplum and chiffon pencil skirt. The all-in-the-family themed campaign also stars Hollywood actress Amanda Seyfried (the new face of Very Irresistible), Spanish actor Quim Gutiérrez and models Dalianah Arekion and Mariano Ontanon. Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy's creative director has dubbed the campaign's stars as: “ real gypsies in their own lives. They are never in one place. They travel the world.” I love his statement and find it to be such a clever analysis of the campaign.

 

As you know, Givenchy's gypsy inspired Autumn/Winter collection was one of my favourite shows of fashion week and this ad campaign is already an early favourite of mine. I can only describe it to you as totally awesome! Carine looks effortlessly cool and fully embodies the heart of the collection (through this collection, you can easily identify her as Tisci's muse), and her styling is original, edgy and  fresh.  I also like how photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott have captured each personality in an intimate setting. I can't wait to see this campaign featured in the international editions of Vogue this September.

 

Are you a huge fan of Givenchy's upcoming campaign like myself? Let me know in the comments below.

 

The Great Gatsby Film Review

© The Great Gatsby/Warner Bros.

 

For the past month, my impatience for the release of The Great Gatsby has grown to extensive amounts. Vogue Australia's Gatsby themed issue and Vogue USA's Daisy Buchanan covered issue not only increased my impatience but also escalated my excitement to extreme amounts. When the film was finally released late last week, I headed down to my local cinema and enjoyed what I had been looking forward to.

 

An adaptation of the beloved novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Baz Luhrmann directs Tobey Maguire as would-be writer Nick Carraway who leaves the Midwest for New York City in the spring of 1922. In the village of West Egg, he rents a comfortable and quaint little house next door to the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) who every Saturday evening hosts the most elaborate parties imaginable wishing to impress his one true love Daisy (Carey Mulligan), Nick's impeccable and exquisite cousin who resides across the bay with her philandering husband Tom (Joel Edgerton). It's after Nick is personally invited to one of Gatsby's infamous parties that he is drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich.

 

This movie was everything I hoped it would be - and more! Ambitiously artistic, Baz has immersed himself into the 1920's era, fully understanding the source's themes to create a dazzling, dreamlike world. I thank production and costume designer Catherine Martin as every second of its 142 minutes was visually stimulating and inspiring (someone hand her the Oscar), whilst the performances of each actor and actress were strong with the right amount of subtlety. Jay-Z's executively produced soundtrack was impeccably cool, contemporary and fresh. I found myself running to the shops to purchase a copy on Monday morning! Deliciously decadent and a visual feast, clearly a lot of love has gone into the making of this movie and I would literally recommend it to anyone and everyone.

 

 

Resort 2014: Christian Dior

This past Saturday evening, Raf Simons presented a spellbinding cruise  collection for Christian Dior in Monaco. As you would come to expect from a Raf Simons for Christian Dior show, each look was distinct and utterly original with couture sensibilities. Iconic shapes such as the Bar jacket were revisited. However, they were given a fresh, contemporary feel in vibrant shades ranging from electric blues to captivating corals. Sporty practicality was introduced through a key detail - the silver zipper, allowing classic floaty satin sundresses to act as a top layer whilst revealing undergarments in a not too overtly sexual manner. I particularly liked the futuristic metallic fabrics, enthusiastic colour blocking and lace layering, a first for Raf who in the past has steered well clear of the fabric deeming it too old, romantic and tragic.

I'm amazed by this collection. I find it so exciting, modern and original. Raf clearly understands and respects the Dior DNA, however he isn't afraid to take risks and challenge its boundaries. I thank him for this and look forward to seeing what he has next in store.

 

Cannes Film Festival: Julianne Moore In Dior Haute Couture

Earlier this evening, Julianne Moore attended the premiere of the long-awaited The Great Gatsby at the Cannes Film Festival. She looked magnificently minimalist in a luscious lilac and black Dior Haute Couture creation. Keeping her hair to one side simply, she perfectly coordinated her makeup to the dress with a little subtle sparkle and lashings of liner. She finished off her look with classic Chopard jewels and shiny strappy platforms (my favourite element).

Whilst some have deemed this look to be a little odd, I personally love it. The skirt's shape is so original and unusual, and I really like how the train casually falls behind. As you already know, I'm such a fan of Julianne. She isn't afraid of fashion and is willing to take risks which I commend her for. Julianne's quirky look made a nice change to the usual red carpet attire we're used to. I can't wait to see what else she'll wear this week.

What did you think of Julianne's latest look? Are you a fan? Let me know in the comments below.

A Chance Encounter

For the past few months, I had been searching for a new everyday bag. Looking for the "one" was not easy! I knew exactly what I was looking for, however nowhere seemed to provide what I was looking for - a  slighlty slouched shape with zipped fastening and handles. Not to mention substantial space to hold all my essentials. I was starting to give up hope until a chance encounter in a local store showed me what I had been yearning for for all those months. There on its podium stood the "Romin" leather work bag by Hugo Boss. The simple and spacious design fulfilled all my needs, whilst the tanned toffee colouring instantly attracted. It became my long-awaited everyday bag.

 

The same goes for the pair of loafers I recently purchased from Asos. I had tried on mutiple styles and sizes but none seemed to work - until these! Their suede shell is softer in comparison to heavier and tougher leather, giving an easier and effortless feel. They're perfect. I'm so fond of both items and they have become such keepsakes.

 

 

Romin Leather Work Bag - Hugo Boss | Suede Penny Loafers - Asos | Man About Town S/S '13 | Vogue Paris May '13 | System S/S '13

 

Met Gala 2013: My Favourite Looks Of The Night

As you will no doubt already know, the annual Costume Institute Gala (Met Gala) took place in New York last night to celebrate the opening of this year's Punk themed exhibition. The Met Gala's red carpet gives its attendees the opportunity to pull out all the stops in the wardrobe department. Whilst some struggled with the theme, others embraced it to the max. I wanted to share my favourite looks of the night with you, whether prim or punk.

 

 

 

I do believe in the term "save the best till last", however in this circumstance, it can't wait! Fashion risk taker and trend-setter Sarah Jessica Parker fully embraced the night's theme in a custom paint-splattered, gold leafed gown by Giles (one of my favourite looks from his Autumn/Winter 2013 collection), a custom bejeweled mohawk headpiece by Philip Treacy, custom velvet tartan thigh highs by Christian Louboutin and Fred Leighton jewels. Sarah Jessica's look was truly breathtaking. It was remarkably exciting and inspiring; not to mention completely creative and fun! She has such knowledge and fashion savviness I find to be so energizing. Easily my best dressed of the night.

 

 

 

Whilst Jennifer's look was more prim than punk, I believe she has never looked better. Embodying her inner screen siren in a vintage inspired, jewel encrusted Christian Dior gown, birdcage veil, Brian Atwood "Shina" heels and teardrop stud earrings, Jennifer looked super chic and sophisticated. This is without doubt my favourite Jennifer Lawrence look to date. The flared skirt accentuates her gorgeous curves and the timeless makeup highlights her flawless complexion. Pure perfection!

 

 

 

Since showing her fashion savviness during the promo tour of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I have always kept my eye on Rooney Mara for her red carpet choices. Her soft yet strong style instantly appealed to me for its contemporary originality and dark undertones. As a co-chair, Rooney made sure she would impress in a lacey and low-cut Givenchy Haute Couture gown with matching shark tooth strappy sandals. I find the accentuated shoulder to bust frill and zip detailing particularly flattering on Rooney's figure. The dark berry lip colour finishes off the look perfectly.

There were some outstanding looks on the red carpet at last night's Met Gala. Others that come to mind for me include: Alexa Chung, Blake Lively, Carine Roitfeld, Christina Ricci, Diane Kruger, Julianne Moore, Kate Bosworth, Michelle Williams and Sienna Miller. I would love to know your favourites. Please let me know in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

Winona Ryder Covers Interview's May 2013 Issue

 

A vampiric looking Winona Ryder covers Interview's latest issue. In the devilishly dark image shot by Craig McDean and styled by Karl Templer, Winona embodies her inner femme fatale modelling a sultry satin Giorgio Armani dress, tempting tulle opera gloves and a sensuously shiny jewelled bracelet. Her flawless porcelain complexion is enhanced with darkened lashes and a slick of wine shaded lipstick. In the accompanying editorial, Winona can be seen in looks by Lanvin, Calvin Klein Collection and Marc Jacobs. This gorgeously gothic cover is by far one of my favourites of the year. It's so intriguing and the accompanying editorial is stunning. It excites me to see Winona back on the cover of a leading fashion publication after such a while. She is such a talented actress with an original sense of style which has inspired on many occassions. I hope to see her on many more covers in the future.

All Images © Craig McDean/Interview



Balenciaga Autumn/Winter 2013 Campaign Sneak Peek

As you may already know, I was so impressed with Alexander Wang's debut collection for Balenciaga so when the first image from the forthcoming campaign was released on Tuesday, It's fair to say that I fell in love with the collection even more. In the cinematic shot by Steven Klein, model  Kristen McMenamy averts in a classic cocoon coat and petal skirt. To convey emotion and create atmosphere, the campaign colours have been kept to a gloomy grayscale, creating mystery and intrigue. What I love about this campaign is its simplicity. The styling is super chic and the paneled walls add depth creating a rather striking image. I find myself thinking of Alfred Hitchcock heroines and their impeccable style when glancing at this campaign. It's a far cry from the vibrant and visually compelling campaigns of Nicolas Ghesquière, Marie-Amélie Sauvé and Steven Meisel but it's exciting to identify Alexander Wang’s vision for the house.

                 © Steven Klein/Balenciaga

 

In other news, Alexander Wang is alleged to be taking Julianne Moore to the Met Gala for Balenciaga. This is so exciting to me. I have long been a fan of Julianne Moore for her acting ability and style kudos so the chance she could be pioneering Balenciaga by Alexander Wang for the first time and maybe becoming a face for the brand is simply amazing! With the power of an online face swapping tool, I have put together a range of looks from Autumn/Winter 2013 that I think would look great on Julianne for the Met Ball. What do you think?

Are you excited at the chance that Julianne Moore could become the face of Balenciaga in the near future? Let me know in the comments below.