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.