Friday, January 19, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Cobra Feet
Some of my picks for SS07 footwear...
Miu Miu's satin pumps were gorgeous, and I especially loved the nude-purple combination. Not only is it pretty, but it's right on par with spring trends.
Obviously, nude is going to be big. Ergo, a classic yet of-the-moment choice is YSL's peep-toe slingback. The peep-toe style and snakeskin never go out of style, and the nude, despite its trendiness, is pretty timeless.
I also really loved Chloé's shoes this season. Despite a lackluster collection of clothes, the shoes' brassy buckles and rich leather make for a studious yet cute look that's very wearable.
Christian Lacroix and Prada made shoes that epitomize the childish-ethnic motif of the season, with bright colors and crazy add-ons, they're crazy and adorable.
And Givenchy carried the idea in a whole different direction, producing shoes that are definitely ethic and child-inspired (hence batik prints and crochet), but much more gloomy and tough, and reminiscent of Balenciaga's fall equestrian platform booties. While not being perfect for the spring and summer months, they're certainly interesting, unique, and memorable.
Balenciaga's robot platform sandals, along with Marc Jacobs' jeweled heels and Viktor and Rolf's chandelier pumps, are some of the most extraordinary shoes I've seen in a long time. The glitter, the shine, the height, oh my! The Balenciagas are as if you took your Pierre Hardys to the mechanic, while the Marc ones are like a glorious, futuristic treasure. The ones from Viktor and Rolf seem like you were dancing in Louboutins, slipped, and your feet simuntaneously hit the chandelier and broke your pearl necklace, and then it all ended up on your shoes.
All pics from style.com
Miu Miu's satin pumps were gorgeous, and I especially loved the nude-purple combination. Not only is it pretty, but it's right on par with spring trends.
Obviously, nude is going to be big. Ergo, a classic yet of-the-moment choice is YSL's peep-toe slingback. The peep-toe style and snakeskin never go out of style, and the nude, despite its trendiness, is pretty timeless.
I also really loved Chloé's shoes this season. Despite a lackluster collection of clothes, the shoes' brassy buckles and rich leather make for a studious yet cute look that's very wearable.
Christian Lacroix and Prada made shoes that epitomize the childish-ethnic motif of the season, with bright colors and crazy add-ons, they're crazy and adorable.
And Givenchy carried the idea in a whole different direction, producing shoes that are definitely ethic and child-inspired (hence batik prints and crochet), but much more gloomy and tough, and reminiscent of Balenciaga's fall equestrian platform booties. While not being perfect for the spring and summer months, they're certainly interesting, unique, and memorable.
Balenciaga's robot platform sandals, along with Marc Jacobs' jeweled heels and Viktor and Rolf's chandelier pumps, are some of the most extraordinary shoes I've seen in a long time. The glitter, the shine, the height, oh my! The Balenciagas are as if you took your Pierre Hardys to the mechanic, while the Marc ones are like a glorious, futuristic treasure. The ones from Viktor and Rolf seem like you were dancing in Louboutins, slipped, and your feet simuntaneously hit the chandelier and broke your pearl necklace, and then it all ended up on your shoes.
All pics from style.com
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Say Something New
A mix of resort and S/S clothing and accessories are coming into online stores, and so far, there's a lot of mediocrity and a few pieces that I adore.
I'm giddy over Stella McCartney's picnic dress, which has a great little girl feel to it, without it being too childish to wear for a night out.
The same can be said for Marc by Marc Jacob's color-blocked resort dress. It's definitely youthful, but the '60s quality and color combination give it a Marni-esque vibe, which makes it seem more sophisticated.
Another dress that definitely fits into the childish category is this one by Marc by Marc, which I'll admit is rather strange. But somehow the poor fit, passé stripes, and totally not-me color combination of blue and pink, makes for something adorable. Of course it can't be layered, and it needs very simple accessories as well, but it seems like a sweet little dress that would be great to throw on over your bikini when you go out to get ice cream.
In the accessories territory, Marni has come up with some great pieces. This embroidered evening bag is simplistic, but it's very versatile, and the brown frame and the white bone-style beading add interest, without being overpowering.
These sandals are just amazing too. The contrast of the industrial-like webbing material with the luxe leather and jewels is fabulous, and it's a pretty all-purpose sandal that will remain stylish and unique for years to come.
Anya Hindmarch's Carker bag is another great piece for the spring, and it'd even be perfect right now in January. The eggshell white is stylish and rich-looking, while the minimal structure of the bag is a fresh change from all the Chloé bags that are coated with studs, or the Miu Mius that look like shar-peis. It's the sort of purse that goes with everything, and as stuffy as it may seem, I think it would adapt with ones looks and outfits.
All available at net-a-porter
I'm giddy over Stella McCartney's picnic dress, which has a great little girl feel to it, without it being too childish to wear for a night out.
The same can be said for Marc by Marc Jacob's color-blocked resort dress. It's definitely youthful, but the '60s quality and color combination give it a Marni-esque vibe, which makes it seem more sophisticated.
Another dress that definitely fits into the childish category is this one by Marc by Marc, which I'll admit is rather strange. But somehow the poor fit, passé stripes, and totally not-me color combination of blue and pink, makes for something adorable. Of course it can't be layered, and it needs very simple accessories as well, but it seems like a sweet little dress that would be great to throw on over your bikini when you go out to get ice cream.
In the accessories territory, Marni has come up with some great pieces. This embroidered evening bag is simplistic, but it's very versatile, and the brown frame and the white bone-style beading add interest, without being overpowering.
These sandals are just amazing too. The contrast of the industrial-like webbing material with the luxe leather and jewels is fabulous, and it's a pretty all-purpose sandal that will remain stylish and unique for years to come.
Anya Hindmarch's Carker bag is another great piece for the spring, and it'd even be perfect right now in January. The eggshell white is stylish and rich-looking, while the minimal structure of the bag is a fresh change from all the Chloé bags that are coated with studs, or the Miu Mius that look like shar-peis. It's the sort of purse that goes with everything, and as stuffy as it may seem, I think it would adapt with ones looks and outfits.
All available at net-a-porter
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Plainsong
Isn't this image from the Jil Sander SS07 ad campaign wonderful? The model is Johanna Stickland, shot by Willy Vandeperre. It's so stark with the plain set and (somewhat) minimal outfit and styling, but rich in the warm light and the facets of the skirt. The dual parts of the image contrast each other perfectly, and highlight the amazing skirt. Johanna looks like some sort of modern librarian angel. I think it's an impeccable synthesis of the season's minimalism and flash, done in a classic way. This is the sort of image that sticks in your mind for a long time.
Picture from the fashion spot.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Cut Me Up, Break Me Off Baby, Don't Let Go 'Til I Can't Breathe
Bondage, anyone? Chains, ropes, whips, cuffs, studs, and a whole lot of structure. This is a huge motif for the spring collections, and if done well, can be both appropriately subdued and still very hot.
A harness-like neck with a strong belt at Christopher Kane
Ropes at Givenchy
A handcuff-style black leather bag at Lanvin
Chains and spikes at Giles
Corsets at Alessandro dell'Acqua
Black leather and strong belts at Gaultier
All pictures from style.com
A harness-like neck with a strong belt at Christopher Kane
Ropes at Givenchy
A handcuff-style black leather bag at Lanvin
Chains and spikes at Giles
Corsets at Alessandro dell'Acqua
Black leather and strong belts at Gaultier
All pictures from style.com
Keep On Your Mean Side
From Balenciaga to Philip Lim, asymmetrically-shouldered dresses are a huge trend for spring. "Asymmetrically-shouldered" is a fairly vague genre, so there's a style for every girl, from the nu rave-philes to the preps. Although most are not particularly versatile (a con for those of us who have to watch our budgets), they're graceful, flattering, and create a lovely line.
Giles SS07
Balmain SS07
Karl Lagerfeld SS07
Marc Jacobs SS07
Balenciaga SS07
Sophia Kokosalaki SS07
J Mendel SS07
All pictures from style.com
Giles SS07
Balmain SS07
Karl Lagerfeld SS07
Marc Jacobs SS07
Balenciaga SS07
Sophia Kokosalaki SS07
J Mendel SS07
All pictures from style.com
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Six Demon Bag
Accessories are by far my favorite genre of clothing. The variety, the interest, the quality, the practicality combined with the luxury! However, many of the new handbags coming out are making me gag.
Take Marc Jacob's "Irina" bag, for example. Named after a hot, stylish it-girl, it should be a gorgeous, streamlined bag with a rock and roll edge. However, we have a vomit-hued, too-yellow, shade of brown leather, with hard and unattractive quilting, a random and purposeless zipper, and worst of all, "MARC JACOBS" emblazoned in studs right across the main part of the bag. Disgusting. Studs are quite passé, and although I understand the attractions and implications of label whoredom, this is just too much ugly. It's available at Saks, for $950, should you want it.
Next up is Versace's "Madonna," which is almost so bad it's good. Almost. I love white, I love metallics, I love the shape, but I do not love this purse. Studs are repeat-offending, while the abundance of buckles and the meaningless pull tab look ridiculous. The combination of white and silver with high gloss gold hardware is tacky this late into the metallic trend. The fact that this bag costs over $1500 with tax (at Saks), and it's mainly fabric (not even leather!) just adds to my resentment.
Finally, we have Fendi's "Squirrel Denim Spy" bag. This is what happens when a bag becomes too popular. What was originally a good design (the unconventional shape, high-quality leathers, intricate weaving, and hidden compartments), has been bastardized into something that Britney Spears would have worn, circa 2002, just because people want to make more money. Well, if you find someone who thinks that the Spy is still the latest it-bag, embroidery is still hot, and denim is a great material for a $3090 bag, they can find it at Saks.
Take Marc Jacob's "Irina" bag, for example. Named after a hot, stylish it-girl, it should be a gorgeous, streamlined bag with a rock and roll edge. However, we have a vomit-hued, too-yellow, shade of brown leather, with hard and unattractive quilting, a random and purposeless zipper, and worst of all, "MARC JACOBS" emblazoned in studs right across the main part of the bag. Disgusting. Studs are quite passé, and although I understand the attractions and implications of label whoredom, this is just too much ugly. It's available at Saks, for $950, should you want it.
Next up is Versace's "Madonna," which is almost so bad it's good. Almost. I love white, I love metallics, I love the shape, but I do not love this purse. Studs are repeat-offending, while the abundance of buckles and the meaningless pull tab look ridiculous. The combination of white and silver with high gloss gold hardware is tacky this late into the metallic trend. The fact that this bag costs over $1500 with tax (at Saks), and it's mainly fabric (not even leather!) just adds to my resentment.
Finally, we have Fendi's "Squirrel Denim Spy" bag. This is what happens when a bag becomes too popular. What was originally a good design (the unconventional shape, high-quality leathers, intricate weaving, and hidden compartments), has been bastardized into something that Britney Spears would have worn, circa 2002, just because people want to make more money. Well, if you find someone who thinks that the Spy is still the latest it-bag, embroidery is still hot, and denim is a great material for a $3090 bag, they can find it at Saks.
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