tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36454034534230646102024-03-08T12:37:26.394+00:00The Column of Samantha TylerSamantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-45151312937220353902012-03-02T15:28:00.001+00:002012-03-02T15:33:45.388+00:00Tribute : Corsets are Eternal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5j1pAvMcrFg/T0-Mi8IuXoI/AAAAAAAABJE/-zyYICwwgPw/s1600/e7lp7nra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5j1pAvMcrFg/T0-Mi8IuXoI/AAAAAAAABJE/-zyYICwwgPw/s400/e7lp7nra.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While researching for a fashion article, about to be published in the magazine I'm working for, I've been led to the city of Bar-le-Duc, in the east of France, on the tracks of that famous piece of underwear, the corset. While discussing with a couple of Haute Couture's designers, <strong>Alida é Pierre</strong>, I've realized that I knew little on corsets, their history and their place in today's world, so I've decided to make this quick and humble article in order to share with you my finds.<br />
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<strong><u>Corset through time : an history of hourglass figure</u></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHoB_U0R_wk/T0-MkX9zaSI/AAAAAAAABJM/TMgCNkJZlfI/s1600/Goddess%252520Minoan%252520Snake%252520AT-D-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHoB_U0R_wk/T0-MkX9zaSI/AAAAAAAABJM/TMgCNkJZlfI/s320/Goddess%252520Minoan%252520Snake%252520AT-D-82.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waKmJ2na3l0/T0-NQKGbBqI/AAAAAAAABJc/scpMNUSFEGc/s1600/corset-vintage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waKmJ2na3l0/T0-NQKGbBqI/AAAAAAAABJc/scpMNUSFEGc/s400/corset-vintage1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Indeed, corsets weren't existing in Antiquity as the underwear we now know. They were belts and bandages used by women and sometimes men to narrow their waist. In the above statue of the Minoan Snake Goddess (approximately 2000 B.C.), you can see what was called a <em>mitré. </em>In Ancient Egypt, the <em>ephod</em> was a belt-corselet with shoulder pads, while Roman women used <em>fasciae, </em>pieces of fabric of different use (for example, one was used as a chastity belt). In the Middle Age, around 1300 in France, we could find something called the <em>sorquanie, </em>the equivalent of a coat of mail. But we have to reach the 15th century to discover the underwear we're now familiar with. It was popularized by queen Catherine of Medicis as an Italian trend. Made of fabric and whalebones, it soon becames the main underwear of elegant french ladies at the royal court. The <em>basquine </em>or <em>vasquine</em> was laced up on the front, while the <em>gourgandine</em> was laced on both sides. It's said that the queen prefered steel corsets covered with velvet. It was very criticized by the intellectuals and the doctors, especially for the damages it does on the body. The splints, especially, were condamned. These medical pieces of wood or metal were hurting flesh very badly. Hopefully, in the 19th century, corsets became more "livable". The lacing known as "the lazy lacing" was helping women to lace up their corsets without any help. In 1831, the Swiss Jean Werly settles in Bar-le-Duc and open a factory to developp his idea of a seamless corset, made with looms. But the process didn't make a great success and soon, corsets are only used for medical use, as my great-grandmother did. <br />
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<strong><u>"Corps"(<em>bodies)</em> set to luxury </u></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pM2eoH3gzTA/T0-NS9RZ6ZI/AAAAAAAABJk/XlpYDF91Qn8/s1600/corset_by_leopoldsprockett+on+deviantart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pM2eoH3gzTA/T0-NS9RZ6ZI/AAAAAAAABJk/XlpYDF91Qn8/s400/corset_by_leopoldsprockett+on+deviantart.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopolds Prockett on Deviantart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nowadays, when googling "corset", your computer's screen would be soon invaded by millions of colourful corsets. How is it possible, in a world where the Sexual Revolution happened years ago ? What happened to the lessons of <strong>Coco Chanel, </strong>and to the feminists ? Why, in a world where technology and the raise of level of life improved our conception of comfort, women want to constrain themselves again ? Hourglass figures are not really an epitome of beauty anymore, now we are mostly celebrating those tall creepers of models, without breasts and hips. So, could the corset be a way to fight against these slim silhouettes ? A way for females with figures to show that they are still sexy ? I think so, especially when I see <strong>Christina Hendricks</strong>, especially famous for this, posing for New York Magazine in a white simple corset. Most of the women interested by this vintage underwear want to give an alternative to the mainstream vision. Plus, it gives a notion of luxury, of refinement to a wardrobe. It's not the classic underwear, it's something more sensual, even a bit daring. As a result, corset is often seen (and confused) in S.M. and brothels-related situations, two subversive sexualities that are slowly assimilated to fashion and modern lifestyle. Then, the object of conservatism becomes an object of provocation and even of liberation ... And according to designers <strong>Alida é </strong>Pierre, it's not even for women : men also are learning to wear it. So, corsets are not prudish or medical anymore, but a real accessory of fashion, an assert of an independant lifestyle or simply, a little pleasure we're offering to ourself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1kc8rdQsJE/T0-NVKYHYRI/AAAAAAAABJw/K4_n83_3f-c/s1600/hendricks-opener100222_560+New+York+Magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1kc8rdQsJE/T0-NVKYHYRI/AAAAAAAABJw/K4_n83_3f-c/s400/hendricks-opener100222_560+New+York+Magazine.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina Hendricks for New York Magazine</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong><u>Muse of the designers</u></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdnAPUGuh_8/T0-NXKe603I/AAAAAAAABJ8/yh2a-XyDahg/s1600/image_527_original.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdnAPUGuh_8/T0-NXKe603I/AAAAAAAABJ8/yh2a-XyDahg/s400/image_527_original.png" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean-Paul Gaultier Campaign 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since the end of the 20th century, corsets are back in the world of fashion, thanks to icons such as <strong>Madonna, Lady Gaga, </strong>or <strong>Rihanna</strong> ... The most famous and acclaimed designers have used them in their collections, in their usual shape or by embezzling them. I'm thinking to <strong>Alexander McQueen</strong> Spine Corset or to the corset belts ( see <strong>Bottega Veneta</strong> for example or <strong>Gucci</strong> ). Of course, the real <em>afficionado</em> of the famous underwear is French designer <strong>Jean-Paul Gaultier</strong> who uses it regularly ( one of the most famous pieces is the skeleton one wore by stripteaser <strong>Dita Von Teese</strong> at one of his show). Designers are inspired by history too. <strong>Karl Lagerfeld</strong>, for its Fendi Fall 2009's collection, created a corset of brown leather very similar to the <em>sorquanie</em>, while <strong>Alida é Pierre </strong>recreated the Catherine of Medicis' steel corset. Much more comfortable than what it seems !<br />
But the classic corsets of fabric (and most often with lace) can be found at any range of prices, from luxury website <strong>Net-à-porter.com </strong>to more mainstream retailers, and in specialized designers' websites ( for example French <strong>La Corseterie </strong>or <strong>La Fée corsetée, </strong>and brands <strong>Bordelle </strong>and <strong>Agent Provocateur </strong>in the UK ). A world full of possibilities for those who want to be sexier for someone or just for themselves ... <br />
I feel a bit less idiot on the subject now ( and I hope this article was useful for you too, who knows ?) but I don't think I could wear one. Corsets belts, however, are really aesthetic and bring a very <em>chic </em>touch to an outfit, even casual. So, if like me, you're a bit claustrophobic, it's the good idea. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cWCE5vPQKo/T0-NYdVylfI/AAAAAAAABKE/8sngEt1RHcQ/s1600/Agent+Provocateur+Netaporter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cWCE5vPQKo/T0-NYdVylfI/AAAAAAAABKE/8sngEt1RHcQ/s400/Agent+Provocateur+Netaporter.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agent Provocateur on Net-a-porter.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGAYRnpgMtE/T0-O70H5alI/AAAAAAAABKU/YaRR1OGukM0/s1600/Corset+Alida+%C3%A9+Pierre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGAYRnpgMtE/T0-O70H5alI/AAAAAAAABKU/YaRR1OGukM0/s400/Corset+Alida+%C3%A9+Pierre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alida é Pierre</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I truly encourage you to visit the amazing website of <strong>Alida é Pierre : </strong><a href="http://www.alidaepierre.fr/">http://www.alidaepierre.fr</a> (in French only, but pictures don't need a translator ).</div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-22158917549367173902011-09-22T13:48:00.000+01:002011-09-22T13:48:32.716+01:00My article on Papercut Magazine (part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpeMbWODsH0/Tnsryw7BhFI/AAAAAAAABIY/hTEHOgGPo_Q/s1600/PC+September+cover.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpeMbWODsH0/Tnsryw7BhFI/AAAAAAAABIY/hTEHOgGPo_Q/s400/PC+September+cover.bmp" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, I'm not dead, nor this blog. I've taken long vacations devoted to my many projects and now they are nearly finished, including a Victorian thriller, scenarii, articles for magazines and more. Phew !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the better way for this come back is to start with the release of the second part of my article "My Generation" published in the gorgeous September edition of Papercut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the link, take a look, it's page 22 :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/papercutmag/docs/papercutmag_september_2011/23">http://issuu.com/papercutmag/docs/papercutmag_september_2011/23</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIgP2lB2Ag/Tnsr5Q7McPI/AAAAAAAABIc/wHqcH0snjPo/s1600/PC+September+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIgP2lB2Ag/Tnsr5Q7McPI/AAAAAAAABIc/wHqcH0snjPo/s400/PC+September+1.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you like it ? Or not convinced yet ? Stay stunned ! Coming soon, a feature on the modern praise of the past (your opinion is warmly welcome, please visit my Facebook page for a quick poll), and more articles on contemporary culture. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Be prepared for 2012 ...</div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-37602953586791033102011-06-07T11:59:00.002+01:002011-06-14T12:59:43.057+01:00Spotlight : Karin Dreijer Andersson, The Black Riding Mood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYHMBfJs2dw/Te3fEraXJVI/AAAAAAAABGk/SjmOUkx7Jcs/s1600/Fever+Ray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYHMBfJs2dw/Te3fEraXJVI/AAAAAAAABGk/SjmOUkx7Jcs/s400/Fever+Ray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> You might think that I'm neglecting this blog. You're partly right, but it is because I live by a rule that is "when you have nothing to say, saying nothing is better than saying stupidities or to repeat yourself". When I read magazines and other blogs, I have the impression to suffer from enormous <em>deja-vus</em>, they're all with stripes, and <strong>Gucci</strong> and summer ... To be honest, this is the season that bores me the more and these days, fashion is the least of my worries. I've prefered to devote myself to the writing of my fifth novel. It's generally what I do when I am particularly deceived by the cultural releases, that is to say novels, movies and music. When I see a world, with the wonderful cultural inheritance we know, which, prefering easiness, releases movies such as <strong>The Red Riding Hood</strong>, that really motivates me to produce something better. But I have choosed this example because this turkey had a least an advantage : its soundtrack features an artist I really admire and who inspires me a lot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykQgF_8sZmk/Te3fGHweTzI/AAAAAAAABGo/08rCbG__4Hs/s1600/Karin+Dreijer+Andersson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykQgF_8sZmk/Te3fGHweTzI/AAAAAAAABGo/08rCbG__4Hs/s400/Karin+Dreijer+Andersson.jpg" width="285" /></a></div> This lady's name is <strong>Karin Dreijer Andersson</strong>. The 36 years old Swede is the voice and the spirit of two amazing bands : <strong>Fever Ray</strong>, which signs the song <strong>The Wolf</strong> on the Red Riding Hood's soundtrack, and iconic electronic duo <strong>The Knife</strong>, with her brother Olof. Both might be unfamiliar to you if you're not into electronic music, but even if Karin and her projects are still very discreet, they have a huge impact in the contemporary world of music. <br />
I ran into The Knife by chance, some years ago. At the time, my electronical universe was limited to male voices, either trip hop (<strong>Massive Attack</strong>, <strong>Sneaker Pimps</strong>) or industrial, such as <strong>Hocico</strong>, <strong>Das Ich</strong> and other brutal lyricism. My only female experiences were <strong>Goldfrapp</strong> and <strong>Björk</strong>, who I regarded as the strangest of my tastes. So, the first time I heard a song of The Knife, it was quite a revolution. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is5rxJYMwYU/Te3fHUUSqSI/AAAAAAAABGs/8O11XSnMrT0/s1600/Fever+Ray+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is5rxJYMwYU/Te3fHUUSqSI/AAAAAAAABGs/8O11XSnMrT0/s400/Fever+Ray+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> It looked like an alien encounter; you can't help but have the strong feeling that you have met something superior, something more intense. Let's start with <strong>Neverland</strong>, from their second album, <strong>Silent Shout</strong> (2006), it is an easy introduction. If you're caught, then you could dare to enter deeper in their unusual vibrancy and their universe, an odd mix of darkness, bitterness, childhood and fairyland. They quote <strong>David Lynch</strong>, <strong>Donnie Darko</strong>, <strong>Kate Bush</strong> and <strong>Siouxsie and the Banshees</strong>, but you can expect to find more from your unconscious than in any psychotherapy. But don't expect a classical relationship, because The Knife is not here to satisfy masses, and they're not afraid to shock your ears and your expectations. Silent shout is quite disturbing, and you will tend to prefer <strong>Deep Cuts</strong> (2003) and <strong>The Knife</strong> (2001), perhaps more academic. Their latest creation, <strong>Tomorrow, in a Year</strong> (2010) in association with <strong>Mt. Sims</strong> is even harder to reach (don't say creepy !), even for I who appreciate the sound of <strong>Matthew Sims</strong>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5PdgTUoeF4/Te3fIVrNImI/AAAAAAAABGw/uao8IKNuUJM/s1600/Fever+Ray+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5PdgTUoeF4/Te3fIVrNImI/AAAAAAAABGw/uao8IKNuUJM/s400/Fever+Ray+%25283%2529.jpg" width="313" /></a></div> But, what makes the band so unique is the voice and personality of Karin. At the same time very pure, but fragile, she is constantly at the limits of shrill and sweetish in her singing, which makes a huge contrast with her play on her appearance, very dark and tribal. While with The Knife, she liked to hide herself behind a plague doctor mask : but don't see any <strong>Gaga</strong> attempt here. The lady doesn't like mainstream attention. Nominated thrice at the <strong>Grammis</strong> (the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards), she never came, even when she had won several prizes. Her taste for costumes and her contribution to movies' soundtracks could remind of band <strong>Daft Punk</strong>, but Karin Dreijer Andersson is much more than a marketing mystery. She stands for women in the music industry, for the minorities, and succeeds in offering a rare mysticism to a world where music is devoted to money and fame.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2_pbQyYL8/Te3fJNeJAvI/AAAAAAAABG0/qv8dYhAGWdc/s1600/Karin+Dreijer+Andersson+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PE2_pbQyYL8/Te3fJNeJAvI/AAAAAAAABG0/qv8dYhAGWdc/s400/Karin+Dreijer+Andersson+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Her solo project, Fever Ray, founded in 2009, led her to throw the masks, and she adopted tribal paintings and somptuous costumes. Death and shamanism are the main visual themes, but loneliness is what stands out from the album. Many critics have qualified her work of "claustrophobic", but I quite disagree with the term, or we are putting a different meaning here. The music of The Knife recalled the countryside, dense forests of dark pine trees, large desert plain, and was more organic, even if cold, as those of <strong>Ladytron</strong>. With Fever Ray, Andersson migrates inside the cities by night, the gloomy interiors, the Platonician grottos with their lack of realism and their nightmares, finding Neverland again. With this new and outstanding aesthetism, she has decided to explore darker sides of her music, even if, for the moment, it is still close to those of The Knife, a fact that critics can't help but underline. But Karin is from those creatures who develop herselves without the look and opinion of the others, and her work is still the most sensible and remarkable innovation I've seen in music industry so far. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7PBRk8brnM/Te3fKFbgY-I/AAAAAAAABG4/0Wp_EACcqJQ/s1600/Katie+Stelmanis+Austra+-+Nika+Roza+Danilova+Zola+Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7PBRk8brnM/Te3fKFbgY-I/AAAAAAAABG4/0Wp_EACcqJQ/s400/Katie+Stelmanis+Austra+-+Nika+Roza+Danilova+Zola+Jesus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie Stelmanis from Austra - Nika Roza Danilova from Zola Jesus</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Moreover, she has opened the way for girls in electronic music, far from the <em>clichés</em> of the sexy djs of trendy parties (<strong>Miss Kittin</strong> and other IT girls suddenly turned musically inspired; that doesn't prevent them from having talent, don't make me say what I didn't). Now, the blondes with distorded voices are a new trend, and if they're not all of great quality, they still offer some good tunes. We can quote Canadian singer <strong>Katie Stelmanis</strong>, who acts both in solo and with band <strong>Austra</strong>, and Russian American <strong>Nika Roza Danilova</strong>, better known under the name of <strong>Zola Jesus</strong>. In the brunettes' side, Björk has found a spiritual daughter in <strong>Grimes</strong>, another Canadian singer. The common point of those youngsters is the dark mood, and they are often dubbed witches by narrow-minded journalists. Put some <strong>Rick Owens</strong> on them and they will consider them as the new IT girls ... <br />
As for Karin Dreijer Andersson, no risk to find her inside the pages of a fashion magazine, even if her style is more interesting and intense than those of an <strong>Alexa Chung</strong> (seriously, she's cute, but who's that girl ?). Just listen to her music, like it or hate it. But find out that there is life outside of the filmography of <strong>Catherine Hardwicke</strong> ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjiyKSuG9aM/Te3fK6TF-JI/AAAAAAAABG8/Cxco-EtA1Yo/s1600/Claire+Boucher+Grimes+photo-david-j-romero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjiyKSuG9aM/Te3fK6TF-JI/AAAAAAAABG8/Cxco-EtA1Yo/s400/Claire+Boucher+Grimes+photo-david-j-romero.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire Boucher aka Grimes - copyright David J. Romero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>(If you know or own the copyright of one of this photos, please contact me.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jWFb5z3kUSQ" width="560"></iframe>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-57191131976771688182011-05-23T12:25:00.000+01:002011-05-23T12:25:05.246+01:00Trend : Shanghai Ladies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_HTgREMxnI/TdonQFWAZvI/AAAAAAAABGM/NjMH5AZLivE/s1600/Lady+from+Shanghai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_HTgREMxnI/TdonQFWAZvI/AAAAAAAABGM/NjMH5AZLivE/s400/Lady+from+Shanghai.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles in The Lady from Shanghai (1947)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The charms of the past would never stop seducing the Fashion world. Thanks to <strong>Joan Harris</strong>, the 60s silhouettes are back, with their curves and their vitally kitsch dresses, hairdos and stilettos. Since then, the image fashion guru's want for the 21st century's women is quite arguable. While some are thinking that androginity is the future for human being, many people are trying to reassert the right to an assumed feminity. For these women, the post WWII's wardrobe is what suits them the best. Actually, it is genuinely elegant, cute and feminine. But Past has got its negative points too, and we did a long way since then, especially in term of social and sexual progress. Living in our modern world with pencil skirts and corsets is only appealing in the paper ... So, we need to search another model for our thrist of classic feminity.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCVJHdFC4jQ/TdonQqT7bTI/AAAAAAAABGQ/8YaM3sxhZSg/s1600/The+Shanghai+Gesture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCVJHdFC4jQ/TdonQqT7bTI/AAAAAAAABGQ/8YaM3sxhZSg/s400/The+Shanghai+Gesture.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gene Tierney in The Shanghai Gesture (1941)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I don't know what <strong>Marc Jacob</strong> had in mind when he launched the Summer collection of <strong>Louis Vuitton</strong>, but he certainly has felt that the fashion's wind was now blowing from the east. But, fortunately, the trend avoided the trap of the geishas' aestheticism and rather chose a vision of the woman which was more free. On the bounce of the American designer, the fashion world is heading to a city which is, in our westerner's mind, a synonymous with exoticism, sensuality and luxury : Shanghai. But the Shanghai which inspires Industry this Fall is the Shanghai of the classic black and white movies of the 40s. Indeed, the aestheticism chosen is very old-world, nearly <em>cliché</em>, with a lot of red silk, dark floral patterns and jazzy influences.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJMtcztID-4/TdonR6r7nPI/AAAAAAAABGU/9WbZmhC1PMA/s1600/the-shanghai-gesture-gene-tierney-wearing-a-costume-designed-by-oleg-cassini-1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJMtcztID-4/TdonR6r7nPI/AAAAAAAABGU/9WbZmhC1PMA/s400/the-shanghai-gesture-gene-tierney-wearing-a-costume-designed-by-oleg-cassini-1941.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gene Tierney</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The muses I suggest are American actresses <strong>Rita Hayworth</strong> and <strong>Gene Tierney</strong>. They have both played in movies with Shanghai in the title, the first one in <strong><em>The Lady from Shanghai </em></strong>(the presence of the Chinese city here was just a way to add mystery to her character) and the second one in <strong><em>The Chinese Gesture</em></strong>. If you are familiar with this one, you would agree that, first, Gene should certainly have deserved more recognition, and secondly, that her costumes, created by her husband and famous American designer <strong>Oleg Cassini</strong>, were not particularly chinese ... So, why emphasizing them in an article on Shanghai's fashion ? Because they embody the spirit of this Fall Chinese's influence. It's totally out of the question to bring back the traditional Chinese dresses. Mainly because Industry is looking for Chinese buyers, who want novelty, but at the same time, something that would reassure them ... So, what they want is to instill the preciosity and the discreet eroticism of Asia's biggest country into contemporary and western garments.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2pxkBz3NwQ/TdonT12G-lI/AAAAAAAABGY/LElartI2J1g/s1600/Saffron+Knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2pxkBz3NwQ/TdonT12G-lI/AAAAAAAABGY/LElartI2J1g/s400/Saffron+Knight.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saffron Knight AW2011 collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table> This way, they offer us exoticism within our reach and to Chinese buyers, a taste of classic Hollywood which would fit their own codes. Clever, isn't it ? <br />
The new Shanghai ladies are Amazons, they are lounge's warriors, with an independence and an intelligence similar (if not superior) to men, with seduction as their secret weapon. They are both sensible, like Elsa in <strong><em>The Lady from Shanghai </em></strong>and Poppy in <strong><em>The Shanghai Gesture</em></strong>, but terribly unreachable and almost living godesses. Many designers and brands have already played with those codes in their Fall collection. The one of Jamaican-British designer <strong>Saffron Knight</strong> is particularly accomplished. Very far from her usual style, this collection marry tradition and a cheeky modernity with success. The Dragon-lady is not dead ...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEQ7VFn5n44/TdonUaAxl6I/AAAAAAAABGc/dlNn4ioIT2o/s1600/Topshop+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEQ7VFn5n44/TdonUaAxl6I/AAAAAAAABGc/dlNn4ioIT2o/s400/Topshop+header.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topshop header for its collection 'Shanghai'</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The <strong>Shanghai </strong>collection from <strong>Topshop</strong> is less convincing. It's more difficult to recognize the Chinese influences in the offered garments, which are sometimes more Japanese than Chinese ... Looks like geography and fashion are still not studied in the same schools ... But some pieces remain in the spirit we've talked about. And I guess that we will see more interesting stuff in the next months ...<br />
My personal pick would be a dress from the Fall catalogue of French online retailer <strong>3Suisses</strong>, which offers a sexy silk dress (avaible in Chinese-like print or trendy colours) for only 29,90 euros (which is £25,90 and almost $42). This dress is genuinely in the mood of those classic 40s movies, full of exoticism and of strong heroines. The perfect answer to the desperate housewives of last year. Plus, there is travel with your past ... <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrFHx6oHT-Q/TdonVDVaZlI/AAAAAAAABGg/5g1jZpf2SFs/s1600/3Suisses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrFHx6oHT-Q/TdonVDVaZlI/AAAAAAAABGg/5g1jZpf2SFs/s400/3Suisses.JPG" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3Suisses dress 29,90 euros, avaible in many European and foreign countries</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.3suisses.fr/">http://www.3suisses.fr</a><br />
<a href="http://www.topshop.com/">http://www.topshop.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.saffronknight.me.uk/">http://www.saffronknight.me.uk</a>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-72976344873378236312011-05-16T15:26:00.006+01:002011-05-16T17:56:01.922+01:00My article on Papercut Magazine (part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1E2tJljAZhI/TdErSfCU_bI/AAAAAAAABF8/bGNsy5psj_k/s1600/PC+May-June+cover.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1E2tJljAZhI/TdErSfCU_bI/AAAAAAAABF8/bGNsy5psj_k/s400/PC+May-June+cover.bmp" width="312" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">"My favorite has to be Samantha Tyler's article <em>My Generation, </em>so loved that we split it across this issue and the next -read the first half, you'll love it too." <em><strong>Hayley Maybury</strong>, editor of <strong>Papercut</strong>.</em><a href="http://papercutmag.com/"><em>http://papercutmag.com</em></a> (click on "Expand" to read it ; or, see the screencaptures in the Who's Sam section at the top of the blog. )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/papercutmag/docs/papercutmag_may_2011_issue/63">http://issuu.com/papercutmag/docs/papercutmag_may_2011_issue/63</a></div>Go to page 62 to discover the said first part of my article on the new generation of designers, artists and fashion leaders of today and tomorrow. I hope you would enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it ... </blockquote><blockquote>In order of appearance, you will meet : </blockquote><ul><li>French designer <strong>Yiqing Yin</strong>, who is about to launch her first collection at next Semaine de la Couture ( <a href="http://www.yiqingyin.com/">http://www.yiqingyin.com</a> ). You can also see a special article on her here : <a href="http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/04/interview-yiqing-yin-perfect-harmony.html">http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/04/interview-yiqing-yin-perfect-harmony.html</a></li>
<li>New-yorker Blogger <strong>Saroya Norris</strong>, who launched her own online jewelery shop, Rich&Rebellious ( <a href="http://www.sariandcompany.com/">http://www.sariandcompany.com</a> and <a href="http://www.richandrebellious.com/">http://www.richandrebellious.com</a> )</li>
<li>Italian designer <strong>Sara Battaglia</strong>, whose bags are already famous around the fashion world ( <a href="http://sarabattaglia.com/">http://sarabattaglia.com</a> )</li>
<li>British designer <strong>Victoria Rangayah</strong>, whose brand Z Mode is taking Britain by storm ( <a href="http://www.zmode.co.uk/">http://www.zmode.co.uk</a> and at online retailer <a href="http://www.youngbritishdesigners.com/">http://www.youngbritishdesigners.com</a> )</li>
<li>Miami-based photographer <strong>David Benoliel</strong>, who graced the last Miami Art Basel ( <a href="http://www.davidbenolielphotography.com/">http://www.davidbenolielphotography.com</a> )</li>
<li>Swiss contemporary painter <strong>Saul Zanolari</strong>, which last painting <em>Echography for a change - Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews</em> shows once again his talent and cheeky eye on today's world ( <a href="http://www.saulzanolari.com/">http://www.saulzanolari.com</a> )</li>
<li>Bonus interview of Los Angeles designers of <strong>DimePiece</strong>, only on my blog : <a href="http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/05/interview-dimepiece-welcome-to-paradime.html">http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/05/interview-dimepiece-welcome-to-paradime.html</a></li>
</ul><blockquote>Thor actress <strong>Jaimie Alexander</strong> is also gracing the cover, and there are great photoshots and articles you will certainly like to see ! Happy Birthday Papercut, you're the cutest one-year old baby I've ever seen ! ;-D</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5MnDbWqe_kQ?rel=0" width="425"></iframe></div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-39254734240288752622011-05-14T15:28:00.002+01:002011-05-14T19:32:16.315+01:00Decoding : Cute Overdose<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_ILLhuMlF8/Tc5E68aINDI/AAAAAAAABFk/sqLp3RTpjGU/s1600/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_ILLhuMlF8/Tc5E68aINDI/AAAAAAAABFk/sqLp3RTpjGU/s400/Wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A facebook group found out freaky similarities between a Disney wedding and those of William and Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Most of the people I met think that I am no fun. They say that I didn't kept my children's soul because I don't know by heart the song of the opening credits of the <strong>Japanese cartoon</strong> I've watched when I was a child. They say that I am a cold heart because I ask them to stop sending me <strong>YouTube videos</strong> of kittens while at work. And they call me an alien because I have main interests and joys different from them. As you can see, in our modern society, grown-ups still behave like kids in the freaking sandbox ... In France, the phenomenon is clearly visible with people in their thirties, and I've observed some similarities while in the USA too. They seem to suffer from the <strong>Peter Pan's syndrome</strong> : they refuse to enjoy themselves like adults, so they keep doing kids activities, using kids references and most importantly, dressing with kids accessories, this, past twenty. Is this one of the symptoms of the 11th September's trauma ? I think it is rather a new response to the punk "No Future". But while punks were sinking into sex, drugs and good music, this new generation prefers sweets, teddy bears and facebook groups. Harmless ? I'm not sure. But irritating, definitely.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5V-1yJrVlc/Tc5E9ANAHDI/AAAAAAAABFo/G1a6pxcydpI/s1600/Uniqlo+%25C2%25A37%252C99+Vivienne+Westwood+221euros+Jeremy+Scott+for+Adidas+%2524250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5V-1yJrVlc/Tc5E9ANAHDI/AAAAAAAABFo/G1a6pxcydpI/s400/Uniqlo+%25C2%25A37%252C99+Vivienne+Westwood+221euros+Jeremy+Scott+for+Adidas+%2524250.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-shirt Uniqlo £7,99 - Necklace Vivienne Westwood 220euros - Shoes Jeremy Scott for Adidas $250</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The day <strong>Kate</strong> told "yes" to <strong>William</strong>, I was quite happy. Everyone was behind its TV, and I could enjoy my city, being the only one outside and not obsessed by a wedding that didn't touch me at all. But the avalanche catched me up the following days with intensive press coverage and, above all, web invasion. Oh yes, they were cute, love is great, the princesses had ridiculous hats ... People around the world were acting as if this event was personal to them, calling the bride "Kate" as if she was a close friend. It was an earth-scale version of movie <strong>Muriel</strong>, without the good tunes of <strong>ABBA</strong>. Yes, see, I like joyful music. But I must miss the namby pamby allele on my female chromosome, perhaps the same one which prevents me to like heels ( see my article <em>I'm not Cinderella</em> ), because I don't do idiot little cries when I see a baby or an animal. Something you're now told to do in every fashion magazine that respects itself. Really.<br />
As everything mainstream, the "Cute" quickly became a good tank of inspiration for fashion, and some designers have started to suffer from the syndrom, or mostly, to think that idiots would be delighted to buy their regressive creations. It is certainly the case of <strong>Jeremy Scott</strong>, who even admits that creating his teddy bears sneakers was the dumbest ideas he had. But thanks to the trend of wearing kids' toys as fashion accessories, he will make a fortune without any regret. Many others were precursors, <strong>Moschino</strong> and <strong>Sonia Rikyel</strong>, for example, which quickly assumed a change for exhilarating fluo colours and models acting like little girls.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJtor7bm0CI/Tc5FAFVYGgI/AAAAAAAABFs/uo2kaUzgmwc/s1600/Paul%2526Joe+295euros+and+21%252C65euros.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sJtor7bm0CI/Tc5FAFVYGgI/AAAAAAAABFs/uo2kaUzgmwc/s400/Paul%2526Joe+295euros+and+21%252C65euros.bmp" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul&Joe : jacket 295euros, lipstick 21,65euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But the Golden Palm at <strong>Cannes Festival</strong> would certainly go this year to the childish prints. <strong>Mickey</strong> is struting about in both <strong>Uniqlo</strong> and <strong>Topshop</strong>, with many of his closest relatives. But now that everyone has got the new book of <strong>Jonathan Safran Foer</strong> on the bedside, the supreme IT is to show love for animals. Forget about the fuddy-duddy of wearing sweaters with horses designs ! But you will be even trendier with lobsters and penguins in your tees and scarves, <em>signé </em><strong>Charlotte Taylor</strong>. The cat is a sure value : it always will be cute. So, brand <strong>Paul&Joe</strong> was certain to make a hit with their lipstick in shape of the pet. Adorable, admittedly, but how stupid when you have to use it and the cat disappears ? As usual, consumerism didn't stop to strike ... But you don't only wear animals as prints, you also have to wear them as accessories themselves ! The trend has been launched in the catwalks, where models started walking their dogs. Then <strong>Natalia Vodianova</strong> carried a lamb for lingerie brand <strong>Etam</strong>. And then again, the escalation couldn't be stopped. On the cover of the magazines, you cannot see the girl without the beast, not dangerous anymore. Even <strong>Robert Pattinson</strong> showed that gators were cute, and <strong>Bulgari</strong> offered a big cuddly toy to its new muse <strong>Kirsten Dunst</strong> ... If <strong>Givenchy</strong> and <strong>Wildfox</strong> are still trying to sell drooling fangs, they are totally out of the time. The wild animal inside us has been tamed and it is now as peaceful and sweet as a lamb.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMdhp4tbmiw/Tc5FBrywJAI/AAAAAAAABFw/ziWpIrZy1js/s1600/Moschino+683euros.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMdhp4tbmiw/Tc5FBrywJAI/AAAAAAAABFw/ziWpIrZy1js/s400/Moschino+683euros.bmp" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moschino 683euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It is not great anymore to be rock : the skulls start to become fun, as for jeweller <strong>Aurélie Bidermann</strong>, and we'd rather take the sweet necklaces of our childhood out again, because they're the new studs !<br />
Smileys, peace signs, cheerful messages are blooming everywhere, and even the Queen of protest, <strong>Vivienne Westwood</strong>, have teddy bears in her Summer 2011 collection ! Suddenly, we are all told to dress like <strong>Katy Perry</strong> and to live on <strong>Sesame Street</strong> ! I know that the world is scary, my dears. But I don't think that spending your evenings and nights watching series could help when you're desperately single. Same, I don't think that losing your time watching YouTube videos of pandas could solve your problems of unemployment, neither a t-shirt could fight your angst of nuclear disaster, even made by the interesting label <strong>Mother of Pearls</strong>. And don't kid yourself : if the richest prescribers of the world are showing you cats with bags, it is not a way for them to bring you something cute and relieving : it is because they are taking advantage of your need for reassurance. Did you see the price of the items shown in this article ? Except for the t-shirt, everything is so indecently expensive. <strong>Stella McCartney</strong> has taken her last collection directly from your childhood wardrobe and she tries to sell it for a fortune. Blog <strong>The Fashion Police</strong> ( <a href="http://www.thefashionpolice.net/">http://www.thefashionpolice.net/</a> ) has found a very appropriate expression for that : Daylight Armed Robbery.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVIPjzMtoHQ/Tc5FCMvcJMI/AAAAAAAABF0/_6QXqjc9Zrs/s1600/V+Mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVIPjzMtoHQ/Tc5FCMvcJMI/AAAAAAAABF0/_6QXqjc9Zrs/s400/V+Mag.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V Magazine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, my children, while you are dreaming that you could live forever in your wonderland of childhood references and dreams, the nasty capitalists out there are still planning to eat you in the wood when you will take honey to your grandmother ... And if no t-shirt could repels the troubles of the adulthood, they are also good things about growing up. Believe Aunt Sammy ... <br />
So, put away your <strong>Barbies</strong> and start looking for them ...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwG3_lXE73k/Tc5FCeeK6lI/AAAAAAAABF4/qJAxA5ELAbc/s1600/Mother+of+Pearls+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwG3_lXE73k/Tc5FCeeK6lI/AAAAAAAABF4/qJAxA5ELAbc/s400/Mother+of+Pearls+3.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother of Pearls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-80795694440107899832011-05-03T15:20:00.000+01:002011-05-03T15:20:11.094+01:00Interview : DimePiece, Welcome to Paradime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXM6dn3aozA/Tb_43zS2ZHI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TJ5PLkE34hQ/s1600/DimePiece.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXM6dn3aozA/Tb_43zS2ZHI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TJ5PLkE34hQ/s400/DimePiece.bmp" width="390" /></a></div> There's still a fortnight before the release of my article on young designers, and I thought that another teaser would please you. This interview was supposed to be included in the article, but unfortunately arrived too late. I thought it was unfair for the two adorable girls who have taken the time to answer, with a lot of humour and freshness, so I've decided to make it as a 'bonus'. <br />
<strong>DimePiece</strong> is one of those brands, like <strong>American Apparel</strong>, which are very proud to sell products entirely manufactured locally. At its head, two "chicks on pills" (one of their recurring pattern), <strong>Laura Fama</strong>, 24 and <strong>Ashley Jones</strong>, 26, both graduates in Fashion and "<em>dwelling</em> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><em>in the colourful and adventurous garment district of </em></span> <em>in downtown Los Angeles", </em>who want to fight the reign of the foreign-made clothes and its quality and human damages. "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We design and manufacture all our garments and accessories here in Los Angeles. We favour this decision in working domestically with our contractors so we can watch exactly how our garments are assembled day to day. It feels good knowing that our sewers, graders, patternmakers, etc are all getting paid fairly without a middleman. Plus it helps create more jobs domestically and stimulates our economy. Win-win." </span></i>The label is their baby, and they handle everything from scratch. Their products are incredibly trendy and desirable, a mix of rock aesthetic and Californian bohemian lifestyle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7sH9XR-eeQ/Tb_48SVuCXI/AAAAAAAABFU/-E3yV31X0Jw/s1600/untitled2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7sH9XR-eeQ/Tb_48SVuCXI/AAAAAAAABFU/-E3yV31X0Jw/s400/untitled2.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Each season’s line is expressed by modern pop art-themed prints and t-shirts with the cheekiest and most feminist of phrases, along with hoodies, sweatshirts, leggins and tanks. Now in its tenth season, the young designers add another solid installment to Dimepiece, and go from strength to strength as trendsetting <strong>Fergie, Nicki Minaj, The Kardashians, Amber Rose, Juliette Lewis, Pink, M.I.A., Katy Perry </strong>and<strong> Estelle</strong> have emerged as fans.”</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
Indeed, L.A.'s A-list has quickly integrated their list of clients. Their prices, though, are still affordable, but I strongly regret that their delivery prices for Europe are mostly equals to the price of their garments ... Of course, it is a detail in front of the quality the girls offer and their philosophy. Their soap box ? Women empowerment. "<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><em>That’s always been what we’ve stood for, and always had a positive response from, and so we’ve never felt forced to translate it through our designs. Women, power, and how the two interconnect was originally the motive that our brand was based on and so it works its way into each season naturally. We use most of our graphic tees as a way of communication to state our opinion on various things. This is a passion of ours and so it’s important to us that we keep creating statement tees with each collection." </em></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">The picture of a spitting cat, with this catchy statement on, "One Pussy you can't fuck with" : the message is clear enough ... But you can't reduce the label to provocation and feminism. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhejWtTD9_o/Tb_5AWXU9vI/AAAAAAAABFY/pGvlw5C1sfI/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhejWtTD9_o/Tb_5AWXU9vI/AAAAAAAABFY/pGvlw5C1sfI/s400/untitled.bmp" width="400" /></a></div> The girls are quoting <strong>Alexander McQueen</strong>, <strong>Jean-Charles de Castelbajac</strong> and <strong>Vivienne Westwood</strong> as fashion models, designers who also tried to convey social messages through art and insolence. They took risks, and the girls praise them for that : "<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><em>People nowadays are weary what others may think or judge them if they step outside of acceptable guidelines.[They]</em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> t</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>ook risks in their designs in the infancy of their careers… The industry finally embraced it and favoured [them] for their unique style and vision." </em>Three appealing destinies which won't stop making imitators, but Laura and Ashley are now wishing to follow their own path, with the risks induced. Ashley told me : "<span><em>There is a quote [which] has always stayed with me, <strong>“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”</strong></em> [we are owing this gorgeous sentence to actress<strong> Judy Garland</strong>]<em> Innovation is key, as a brand we take pride in doing what we feel, we try to do only what we like and what we think is ‘us’. In turn it keeps the brand innovative and fresh, it preserves our own ideas that make us independent from older legacies." </em></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span>The influences of the two ladies can be found in our modern society : model <strong>Agyness Deyn</strong>, for example, is one of their muse and T-shirt's pattern, and more generally, we can feel a true respect for contemporary artists, especially streets ones. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4HSXXyoHhw/Tb_5DyIuOyI/AAAAAAAABFc/k8MQqM7R1O4/s1600/untitled3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4HSXXyoHhw/Tb_5DyIuOyI/AAAAAAAABFc/k8MQqM7R1O4/s400/untitled3.bmp" width="400" /></a></div> But Art, like Love, doesn't pay the bill (another of their slogans) : "<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><em>Aesthetic is important, but sometimes we just want to say how we feel and put it on a tee." </em>These girls are level-headed and you would not loose them into the game of Art for Art. They describe themselves as businesswomen, but that doesn't mean that they've lost their sense of humour ... "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finding a balance between art and trade would be incredible but we have to work hard towards that perfect symmetry. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In general though, fashion should be closer to art, of course. Fashion is in itself art. It’s creative and fun. Trade is money, consumerism, business! commerce! AH GET ME OUT OF HERE!"<o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> This sense of reality also allow DimePiece to stand independant and unique, while other young labels have already lapsed into exorbitant pricing and mainstreaming. The girls are really proud of their freedom : "<span><em>we lean more towards a democratic point of view but overall we are a liberated brand that is self-governing." </em>But they are still prudents. Crisis have affected the young label, and many of their shops were forced to close. Luck has nothing to do with it : indeed, talent has been stronger than difficulty, and now, they can breathe easier. Not surprising with such a motto : "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Always making a way when there was </strong></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>no way</strong>" ...</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Internet is also a strong weapon for Laura and Ashley, who own a very attractive website. It allows them to go deeper in their thirst of experience. "I<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><em>t’s interesting to watch designers and artists release work into the internet world and see how quick and easy it is to receive an emotional response from someone, good or bad…via Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc. I think it’s encouraging for designers like us to share our new collections and art projects with the masses to view, especially on a worldwide/global scale. Blogs and web-zines have opened a new chapter when trying to reach new consumers and shoppers from around the globe. Click, click, scroll and you can watch someone’s art or project unfold right in front of your eyes, it’s so instant, so much information at your fingertips and a lot (to say the least) to keep you encouraged."</em></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QU7-GgxcQII/Tb_5GbXWfKI/AAAAAAAABFg/qDz4bxw2m1w/s1600/Sans+titre.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QU7-GgxcQII/Tb_5GbXWfKI/AAAAAAAABFg/qDz4bxw2m1w/s400/Sans+titre.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><span id="goog_248469772"></span><span id="goog_248469773">If they are aware that their American aura is what makes them so attractive worldwide, they also confess an attraction for Europe and Japan. "<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><em>We’ve spent time in both [countries] and think there is a dynamism there that the U.S. doesn’t understand. There’s a unique sense of vigor for art, fashion and creation. Tons of personal style, people who take risks, and innovators that are more open to being unique. I can’t get enough of that." </em>says Ashley. It is maybe the dream of the ladies of DimePiece, but it is definitely ours : more DimePiece stores on the other side of the Atlantic and the Pacific ... That would resolve my delivery's issues ... Meanwhile, you can shop their sexy dresses, terrific collars, graphic bags and cheeky tees on <a href="http://www.dimepiecedesigns.com/store">http://www.dimepiecedesigns.com/store</a> ...</span></span>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-44719321803020164492011-04-28T13:30:00.004+01:002011-04-28T15:50:04.321+01:00A girl, a style : Tank Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9XHOBWc0lI/TblBKPfy7ZI/AAAAAAAABEo/oc9MlpBGaAE/s1600/tank-girl-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9XHOBWc0lI/TblBKPfy7ZI/AAAAAAAABEo/oc9MlpBGaAE/s400/tank-girl-06.jpg" width="228" /></a></div> These days, I'm a bit tired of the girls I see in the magazines and in the streets. They are all replicas of each others, with stripes, colours and vintage clothes. Conversely, some prefers a rock attitude, implying the addiction to some very trendy brands which have little to do with rock but with a clever marketing, such as <strong>The Kooples</strong> or <strong>Zadig&Voltaire</strong>. I didn't want to focus on one of those grunge trainee, and suddenly, I've thought about the comic's heroine, <strong>Tank Girl</strong>. This odd creature was created by <strong>Jamie Hewlett</strong> and <strong>Alan Martin</strong> at the end of the 80's. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the comic focus on a nonconformist (it's the very least you can say...) tank pilot (hence her name, Tank Girl) whose adventures are mostly absurd, but hilarious. Now, Hewlett takes care of music band <strong>Gorillaz</strong>, and his punk heroine has quite fallen to oblivion. But her unique style still influence many indie girls, and could seriously kick the ass of all the punk-wanabees out there, starting with <strong>Taylor Momsen</strong> : Girl, dressing with black underwear is not original and cool as you suppose, so at least, put a mischievous smile on your drunkard head ...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsDTxhbKRLE/TblBMDxHnkI/AAAAAAAABEs/l4xTrHpC3Yc/s1600/Tankgirl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsDTxhbKRLE/TblBMDxHnkI/AAAAAAAABEs/l4xTrHpC3Yc/s400/Tankgirl.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boots Nicolas Andreas Taralis £705 - Jean Eleven Paris 89euros - Sweater AllSaints £63</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a resident of an Australian desert, Tank Girl is not really keen on covering clothes, but she sometimes slips on tees and sweaters. If she would make some shopping, I'm sure she would fall for British designer <strong>Eudon Choi</strong>, whose designs seem to fit a post-apocalyptic world a la <strong>Luis Royo</strong>, another artist who could have a fresh influences on all those neo-punks. I also imagine that Tank Girl would not resist to the clothes of brands <strong>Obesity&Speed </strong>(they have an hilarious t-shirt with 70s former punk goddess <strong>Poly Styrene</strong>, and many other destroy garments), <strong>DimePiece</strong> (I'm in love with their collars, slightly less with their shipping costs) or French brand <strong>Eleven Paris</strong>, whose ambassadors are <strong>Lizzy Jagger</strong>, daughter of Mike, and <strong>Zoe Krawitz</strong>, daughter of Lenny, two potential Tank girls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--H3UhvCRHvI/TblBNaEDb5I/AAAAAAAABEw/vwC0rZtWjzw/s1600/tank-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--H3UhvCRHvI/TblBNaEDb5I/AAAAAAAABEw/vwC0rZtWjzw/s400/tank-girl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charm Helen Ficalora $35 - Bra Urban Outfitter 24euros - Belt Boy London $8 on Ebay - Short Bitching&Junkfood 72euros - Boots AllSaints £185 - Watch La Mer Collections $198</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But, most of the times, Tank Girl is hanging out with crosses taped on her boobs, or if she wants to be a bit classier, in some dark bras. She howled with laughter when she saw <strong>Katy Perry</strong>'s video <strong>California Gurls</strong>, because, obviously, rockets bras are outweighing chantilly cream bottles ones ... For the bottom, she would certainly fancy a legging by <strong>Aguri Sagimori, </strong>but her preference would mostly head for a destroyed jean short, such as those of <strong>Evil Twin</strong>. Also, she is a bit fetishistic when it comes to crosses, and jewels in general. She has got a lot of them, badges, bangles, rosaries, and she would certainly love the cuffes and belts of <strong>Givenchy by Riccardo Tischi </strong>and the bullets pendants of <strong>Akillis</strong>. And if she wanted to be a bit sexy for her boyfriend Booga, she could puts fake suspenders panty hoses by <strong>Henry Holland</strong>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5ZH310ZC4o/TblBOE6FmiI/AAAAAAAABE0/15N8eRR25Jg/s1600/Ellery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5ZH310ZC4o/TblBOE6FmiI/AAAAAAAABE0/15N8eRR25Jg/s400/Ellery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellery Fall 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A tank is definitely classier than a motorbike, but if you would like to channel your inner Rebecca Buck (her real name) in a colder country, you would adopt the brand <strong>Ellery</strong>, which made a very appealing campaign for its Fall collection. A bit too aristocratic for Tank Girl though, but she would steal the belts for sure. She would also kidnap <strong>Britney Spears</strong> and forces her to give her the <strong>Burberry Prorsum</strong> jacket she's wearing in her latest video, <strong>Liv Tyler</strong>, for her <strong>Givenchy</strong> dog sweater and obviously <strong>Kate Lanphear</strong>, for her integral wardrobe. I guess she would also appreciate the editor's do. Singer <strong>Cassie</strong> and Brit It girl <strong>Alice Dellal</strong> have also tried the Tank Girl's hairdo, in a more feminine version. Alice, incidentally, would be a recommended cast for the role of Tank Girl in a movie (one which doesn't suck, as the previous attempts did), much more than <strong>Ellen Page, </strong>as some geeks have suggested.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0VHk11BBRI/TblBPP6icZI/AAAAAAAABE4/1OhYKRmOGtQ/s1600/alice-dellal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0VHk11BBRI/TblBPP6icZI/AAAAAAAABE4/1OhYKRmOGtQ/s400/alice-dellal4.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Dellal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Courtney Love</strong> and <strong>Kate Moss</strong> have their adepts, so why not Tank Girl ? At least, her attitude is much more real and funky than all those IT girls who think that wearing a dark tee at the last <strong>MTV Push Party with CK One</strong> would make you a rock star. Neither does a <strong>Schott</strong> jacket, even a great red one. First, it is in the head. In the freedom of your thought. That's why a look at the Tank Girl's comic could not kill you (remastered edition from £6,48 at <strong>Amazon.co.uk</strong>). Alcohol and drugs could, however, so remember that you're not a comic heroine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.obesityandspeed.com/">http://www.obesityandspeed.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.elevenparis.com/">http://www.elevenparis.com</a><br />
<a href="http://dimepiecedesigns.com/">http://dimepiecedesigns.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.allsaints.com/">http://www.allsaints.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/">http://www.urbanoutfitters.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.elleryland.com/">http://www.elleryland.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.layerslondon.com/">http://www.layerslondon.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shopbop.com/">http://www.shopbop.com</a>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-40884577913305415572011-04-21T11:50:00.003+01:002011-04-21T17:50:08.143+01:00Shopping : Zen Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQNy9YRP81A/Ta_37ybObnI/AAAAAAAABEU/kfm79gF44zY/s1600/Zen_Stones_by_3DBasti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQNy9YRP81A/Ta_37ybObnI/AAAAAAAABEU/kfm79gF44zY/s400/Zen_Stones_by_3DBasti.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring Gaia Repossi for Zadig&Voltaire 320euros - Gareth Pugh Fall 2011 - Pendant Kenneth Jay Lane $132 - Blayde £488 (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To fight the stress of our modern world with all the angsts related to modernity (nuclear power stations, airwaves, planes, traffic jams, <strong>Suri Cruise</strong> and other children ...) and the frenzy of the fashion Industry which drives many people to burnouts (<strong>Galliano, Decarnin, Lohan</strong>...), some people have found a solution. We all saw <strong>Diane Von Furstenberg</strong> doing her yoga in <strong>Le Jour d'Avant</strong> of <strong>Loic Pringent</strong>. Likewise, <strong>Karl Lagerfeld</strong> never seems so zen now he is almost ubiquitous, the <strong>Beckhams, Kate Bosworth, Miranda Kerr</strong> and <strong>Naomi Watts</strong> have all turned to Buddhism and many celebrities are lauding the return to nature and to a more spiritual life. Don't kid ourselves, most of them are doing that to give themselves a most mysterious, intellectual side. But the idea is there and it never sounds that good. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64DJp2Eg_BI/Ta_39V_imBI/AAAAAAAABEY/1bvyIdNLI5g/s1600/zen-garden-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64DJp2Eg_BI/Ta_39V_imBI/AAAAAAAABEY/1bvyIdNLI5g/s400/zen-garden-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangles Chan Luu 175euros - Bangle All Saints £45 - Kimono jacket Zara 79,90euros - Skirt Topshop £35 - Top Topshop £38</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Minimalism carries on fascinating designers, even if they prefer luxury and colours this season. But some of them are thinking in another direction : it is the case of New Yorkers <strong>Donna Karan</strong> who have launched an intermediate collection called "Urban Zen" and <strong>Michael Kors</strong> who created minimalistic zen shoes. Both <strong>Gareth Pugh</strong> and <strong>Haider Ackermann</strong> have been inspired by Asian soft kimonos and we can find many loose-fitting items in shops. So, if you wish to bring some Zen in your life and in your wardrobe, here are some tips ... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndga7vYI6_s/Ta_3_Shx55I/AAAAAAAABEc/SNrNpOt7FnQ/s1600/Mango+129euros+-+Donna+Karan+urban+zen.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="373" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndga7vYI6_s/Ta_3_Shx55I/AAAAAAAABEc/SNrNpOt7FnQ/s400/Mango+129euros+-+Donna+Karan+urban+zen.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Mango 129euros - Donna Karan Urban Zen collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the most famous exercise of Chinese gymnastics, Qi Gong, is called Baduanjin, which can be translated by the Eight Pieces of Brocarde. Brocade is incidentally a luxurious fabric, so the connection between Zen and fashion is not only a fancy of the mind ... If you think that kimonos are too clichés, or too much related to geishas, choose large and soft garments, preferably of soft colours related to stone and sand, the two key elements of a zen garden. Orange is trendy, but for meditation, leave it to Buddhist monks, because you will have more chance to look like a convict at Pelican Bay ... You can also find many stone washed blouses, t-shirts and dresses, to continue the metaphor. <strong>Topshop</strong> has got a lot of great nude items that fit both bohos (it's the 70s revival) and our purpose. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzJxT5RWhXo/Ta_4CXx1ZPI/AAAAAAAABEg/4CPBiQ6PhKQ/s1600/Brook%2526Lyn+%2524352+-+Maison+Michel+for+Opening+Ceremony+%2524975.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AzJxT5RWhXo/Ta_4CXx1ZPI/AAAAAAAABEg/4CPBiQ6PhKQ/s400/Brook%2526Lyn+%2524352+-+Maison+Michel+for+Opening+Ceremony+%2524975.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brook&Lyn $352 - Maison Michel for Opening Ceremony $975</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the side of the accessories, flats have definitely their place in the fashionista's wardrobe and stones are still very present. The star of the season is turquoise, but I've chosen more natural examples. Californian brand <strong>Chan Luu</strong>, the darling of celebrities, drew its inspiration from Buddhist prayers' bangles, while online retailer <strong>Shopbop</strong> offers a range of stone jewels and accessories of great originality, such as the body roped necklaces of <strong>Brook&Lyn</strong>. More zen, you die and the price is also a small death. If you think that stones and ropes are not worth so much money, you would prefer the collection of Monaco jeweller <strong>Gaia Repossi</strong>, which reminds of Native American dreamcatchers. Nature is international, and the more important is the interior peace those items bring you. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ1aXPuChWM/Ta_4ERSxseI/AAAAAAAABEk/nxNV4-sogSQ/s1600/Just+Female+74%252C78euros+-+Paolo+Errico+450euros.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ1aXPuChWM/Ta_4ERSxseI/AAAAAAAABEk/nxNV4-sogSQ/s400/Just+Female+74%252C78euros+-+Paolo+Errico+450euros.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Female 75euros - Paolo Errico 450euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now, you are ready. You've got an ethereal silhouette, gracious gesture, a free mind. You can do what you want, draw lines in the sand, cut a bonsai, do tai chi, sunbath at <strong>Coachella</strong>, ... Talking of music, I could have chosen something from Chinese or Japanese music, but I will take something more rock from my stock. No, not the <strong>Rolling Stones</strong>, but the idea is here ...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/03ulOwSbstw?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="425"></iframe></div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-8635338394592385472011-04-19T10:50:00.001+01:002011-04-19T10:51:30.670+01:00Interview : Yiqing Yin, the Perfect HarmonyNo, I didn't disappear since the beginning of April. My apology for the absence of articles. I was concentrating all my energy on my work of freelance editor and I had the opportunity to get many interesting articles. One of them was a report on the young generation of designers. For it, I have interviewed many of those young talents, but one has particularly striken me : fashion designer <strong>Yiqing Yin</strong>. So, I really wanted to introduce her to you. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8p9QYb3kysk/Ta1NfHoJm-I/AAAAAAAABEE/u2oKpMDkq2Q/s1600/YYin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8p9QYb3kysk/Ta1NfHoJm-I/AAAAAAAABEE/u2oKpMDkq2Q/s400/YYin.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><blockquote>"<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">To me Fashion is not only about a garment but also striving to create an emotion, to tell a story and to relate to others."</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">She states.</span></blockquote>Yiqing is a twenty-six years old young woman from China who grew up in Paris, France. Of her two cultures, she had formed a very personal universe, made of natural elegance, grace and harmony, in one side, and of prestige, magnificence and details in the other. This mix is also present in the work of <strong>Madeleine Vionnet</strong> and <strong>Madame Grès</strong>, two French classic designers she quotes as her inspiration. Madame Grès is, incidentally, honoured by an exhibition at the <strong>Musée Bourdelle</strong>, in Paris. We can find this legacy in Yiqing's work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmDVU4vIMhw/Ta1NiBFCloI/AAAAAAAABEI/dFJo-bxNsB8/s1600/Yin.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmDVU4vIMhw/Ta1NiBFCloI/AAAAAAAABEI/dFJo-bxNsB8/s400/Yin.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Yiqing decided to launch her own label after the <strong>International Festival of Couture of Hyeres</strong>, in France, where she was a finalist. Since then, the success was always here and she won the <strong>Great Prize of the city of Paris</strong> and has been exhibited in a gallery. She will soon show her first collection in public, in July. </div><blockquote>"<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">I have a very sculptural approach to garment and couture, which i try to modernise by reinterpreting various techniques based on pleating draping, cording, smocks ... </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">It s a sensitive and instinctive approach. My main focus and starting point in creation is the encounter with the fabric, its texture and its movement." She says.</span></blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"></span>Her catchwords are quality, emotions and moderation, and thus, she rejects trends, fast fashion and consumerism. She is proud to make products of quality, of an extreme luxury, even if it means that she would only sell to an elit. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yU3md1v-mWE/Ta1NvmZARnI/AAAAAAAABEM/ytPAu_IHO1E/s1600/Dreamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yU3md1v-mWE/Ta1NvmZARnI/AAAAAAAABEM/ytPAu_IHO1E/s640/Dreamer.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">Already spotted by famous magazines (<strong>Vogue</strong>, for example), the young woman is yet easy to access and she has answered my questions with politeness and concern, which is always very remarkable in the Industry. It is also very rare to see someone that young being that wise, able to think about big issues and to have a very philosophical and sensible view on the present and the future. A pearl in that world of celebrities-obsessed designers. Yiqing never quotes an actress, she dresses real women, like you and I ( if we can afford her creations of course !). Sure, he is not famous herself yet, but her vision of her work should prevents her to get a big-head : </span><br />
<blockquote><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">"I love my job so much because of the reality behind it, the notion of intimacy to a person and the absolute necessity that is intrinsic to the very idea of clothing." </span></blockquote><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><blockquote><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;">"The stylistic directions of my design are very personal, but I never had the feeling that I had to compromise creatively, quite on the contrary people from the industry and the public have always encouraged me to dig deeper into what I instinctively desire. I m not interested in proposing a vision that everyone likes, it wouldn’t be “honest”, and again it’s all about emotions and I much rather have people hate it or love it."</span></blockquote><br />
<br />
Let's hope that she will get the attention she deserves, without losing this integrity which is so refreshing in that world of attention-seekers. For the moment, her website is a bit empty, but if you want to take a look, click here : <a href="http://www.yiqingyin.com/">http://www.yiqingyin.com/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWRamdbeFnE/Ta1NwpVVzvI/AAAAAAAABEQ/aMmwL1cKBws/s1600/yiqing-yin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWRamdbeFnE/Ta1NwpVVzvI/AAAAAAAABEQ/aMmwL1cKBws/s400/yiqing-yin3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">For the rest of Yiqing's interview and those of the other designers, you will have to wait for the publication of the article. I will keep you updated.</div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-67052858918251697522011-03-31T10:00:00.002+01:002011-03-31T14:07:19.761+01:00Trend : Fieldtrip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rCilN0VuSc/TZCewf6vsAI/AAAAAAAABD0/TL8vBGvx-Lo/s1600/Vogue+Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rCilN0VuSc/TZCewf6vsAI/AAAAAAAABD0/TL8vBGvx-Lo/s400/Vogue+Paris.jpg" width="307" /></a></div> Spring is finally here, if not in your country, at least, it is in the shops. Flowers are invading all the departments, and not only in the garden center. Flower prints everywhere, the worst nightmare of persons who hate them, persons like me. I like flowers, but in their natural environment, nature. And very <em>a propos,</em> what makes me smile the most is the main theme of Spring/Summer 2011. The beach is out, exotic countries too. No, from upscale magazines to the most posh brands, the trendy place to be seems to be ... countryside. No cows, no haystack, but it is nearly here. The <strong>Chanel</strong>'s campaign picnics in an orchard, in those of <strong>John Lewis</strong>, it's teatime in a gazebo and many others choosed a vegetal background. This Spring, we will all move from cities to the pastures ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b37zCl8skUE/TZCeyAUtukI/AAAAAAAABD4/9e9cYGmHIrI/s1600/Wheat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b37zCl8skUE/TZCeyAUtukI/AAAAAAAABD4/9e9cYGmHIrI/s640/Wheat.JPG" width="402" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Rodarte Fall 2011 (Style.com) - shoes Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 (Style.com ) - cuff Aurélie Biedermann 375 euros - earrings Honorine Jewels 780 euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Other brands and designers went further in the "Back to the Garden"'s theme. The <strong>D&G</strong> woman looks like a real countrygirl and even the very elegant <strong>Valentino</strong> launched a limited collection called "Garden Party". The clothes of that line have got a very romantic print which reminds watercolours. For the accessories, straw is the key material ( real or imitation ) : bags and especially hats, such as <strong>Stetson</strong>'s. The fields are an unlimited source of inspiration, as wheat is honoured by many designers : <strong>Alexander McQueen </strong>by Sarah Burton of course, but also in jewellery and in the Fall collection of <strong>Rodarte</strong>, the brand which turns up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9epzIKAs1A/TZCe1W-AqxI/AAAAAAAABD8/J1-wfsjpMVE/s1600/Lila+Hudson+Pixie+Market+%2524137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9epzIKAs1A/TZCe1W-AqxI/AAAAAAAABD8/J1-wfsjpMVE/s400/Lila+Hudson+Pixie+Market+%2524137.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-shirt Lila Hudson at Pixie Market $137 - eye shadow Shu Uemura £16 - bag Valentino 980 euros - necklace Marion Godart 45 euros - headband Topshop £4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Why this sudden attraction for the countryside ? Is it a reference to the Original Garden, the garden of Eden ? Is it a wish of fertility after crisis times ? Or, modeled after those celebrities, actresses, designers and models such as <strong>Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Gisele Bundchen</strong> and <strong>Stella McCartney</strong>, who proclaim their "green attitude" ? At all events, green is the new black. In many catwalks, models were wearing grass-green eye shadow ( <strong>Dior, Loewe, Alberta Ferretti</strong> ). Flowers are the It accessories, as headbands or necklaces, but also fruits and various plants such as clover.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHNLPf_jwFI/TZCe4QYkhEI/AAAAAAAABEA/M_S80cNv5y0/s1600/Swallows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="385" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHNLPf_jwFI/TZCe4QYkhEI/AAAAAAAABEA/M_S80cNv5y0/s400/Swallows.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red dress Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 (Style.com) - dress Simeon Farrar £210 - ring Topshop £12,50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last year, <strong>Miu Miu </strong>was the first to use the swallow as a print. Now, the iconic bird of Spring is everywhere, even in my garden ( those 5 cute little fellows in the picture above were photographed by me )and soon, all the animals of the contryside would be well reprensented too. But I will raise objections against cows. I HATE cows, so please, don't put them everywhere. <br />
All those clothes, accessories and pictures are tempting us, and at <strong>Vogue Paris</strong>, <strong>Emmanuelle Alt</strong> and her team have realized our dreams of liberty and nature with their photoshot with Gisele, in pure white on a country road ... So, like <strong>Joni Mitchell</strong>, let's go down to Yasgur's Farm, join a rock'n'roll band, camp out on the land and set our soul free ... <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TrWNTqbLFFE" title="YouTube video player" width="425"></iframe></div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-54263381038388332852011-03-24T11:02:00.001+00:002011-03-24T15:30:46.215+00:00Spotlight : Jan Welters and the Pop Motion <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v5uAZVNK1Ps/TYsaYdu5YcI/AAAAAAAABDk/odNF-j-ybFw/s1600/Jan+Welters+Stiletto.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v5uAZVNK1Ps/TYsaYdu5YcI/AAAAAAAABDk/odNF-j-ybFw/s400/Jan+Welters+Stiletto.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stiletto Magazine</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It's been a while since I've last posted about fashion photography. The reason was simple : I didn't find something catchy enough to be noticed here. The pictures I saw of the Spring season were all the same, with odd postures, tousled models and a remarkable lack of originality, even of beauty. I was quite deceived until I saw the cover of French magazine <strong>Stiletto</strong>. At least something vivid, something simple yet effective with a great work on the trendy colours of the season and an elegant posture. The serie of pictures inside is of the same quality. The model is emphasized, the clothes too, which is clearly the main goal of fashion photography, but also, the result is beautiful. The artist behind this is Dutch photographer <strong>Jan Welters</strong>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LH7L7uPVBmQ/TYsabetEZTI/AAAAAAAABDo/kUf5BDnZlJU/s1600/Jan+Welters.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LH7L7uPVBmQ/TYsabetEZTI/AAAAAAAABDo/kUf5BDnZlJU/s400/Jan+Welters.bmp" width="400" /></a></div> Jan Welters is not very famous yet, but he already worked with many great names, including <strong>Vogue, Elle, Jil Sander, Eres, Mango</strong> and many trendy French brands, such as <strong>IKKS</strong> and <strong>Zadig&Voltaire</strong>. His recipe is quite simple : a fusion between delicate contrasting colours and a mastered rotation of the chest and limbs. Nothing agressive, nor fiendish, but the magic works.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DbUtafi3_7w/TYsaetpzQPI/AAAAAAAABDs/9vK61fhQNmo/s1600/WeltersJ.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DbUtafi3_7w/TYsaetpzQPI/AAAAAAAABDs/9vK61fhQNmo/s400/WeltersJ.bmp" width="400" /></a></div> Now based in Paris, the photographer seems to favour colour, something I appreciate, even if I like his black and white pictures too. These remind me of the work of photographer <strong>Marc Philbert</strong> and director <strong>Ruth Hogben</strong>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zpYXbbxcOnI/TYsah9k7ocI/AAAAAAAABDw/DWruwbc_ohc/s1600/Cole+Cotillard.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zpYXbbxcOnI/TYsah9k7ocI/AAAAAAAABDw/DWruwbc_ohc/s400/Cole+Cotillard.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl Cole - Marion Cotillard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Already impressive, the portfolio of Jan prides itself on the presence of many international celebrities, from singer <strong>Cheryl Cole</strong> to actresses <strong>Marion Cotillard</strong> ( when she was still decent ), <strong>Tilda Swinton</strong> and many models, such as <strong>Natalia Vodianova</strong>. <br />
Admittedly, this is not as exciting as the provocations of a <strong>David Lachapelle</strong> or the power of a <strong>Nick Knight</strong>, but we need to encourage this type of photography, first to see what these young talents have in their guts, and secondly because fashion needs quality, and not just fair or even dirty illustrations. Yes, I like boldness, punk and wildness. But I also think that cleanliness and simplicity are still the best tools to promote clothes. <br />
<a href="http://www.janwelters.com/">http://www.janwelters.com/</a><br />
all images copyright Jan Welters, all rights reserved.<br />
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A quick article, because I'm working for mags. You have to be a bit patient, but I am still on the fashion front for you, faithful readers ! :)Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-43403898290493150272011-03-18T14:48:00.000+00:002011-03-18T14:48:44.010+00:00Fashion : Haider Ackermann, the Man with the Gift <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5h9fn7LL_nc/TYNe3r0Zu8I/AAAAAAAABDM/z4jiipJ1Nr4/s1600/F2011+Style+com.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5h9fn7LL_nc/TYNe3r0Zu8I/AAAAAAAABDM/z4jiipJ1Nr4/s1600/F2011+Style+com.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall 2011 (<span style="font-size: medium;">©</span>Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When the magazines started to talk about <strong>Haider Ackermann</strong>, I was quite divided. At the same time, I was touched by his <strong>Arthur Rimbaud</strong>'s attitude, the traveller who collected silhouettes and who refused to be captured in a box, but as I am perfectly stubborn, I refused to be mainstream and like what I was told to. So, I carried on observing Haider's work without making up my mind. One day, while I was leafing through an issue of magazine <strong>Numero</strong>, I saw a picture with various objects put on a box. Among them were small reproductions of one of my favourite painting, <em>Noblemen with his Hand on his Chest, </em>by painter <strong>El Greco. </strong>The box was Haider's. And there, the penny dropped. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3K2zQZId-EA/TYNe5CXLdYI/AAAAAAAABDQ/V1c3YjOBngU/s1600/Hackermann+Vogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3K2zQZId-EA/TYNe5CXLdYI/AAAAAAAABDQ/V1c3YjOBngU/s400/Hackermann+Vogue.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<span style="font-size: medium;">©</span>Vogue.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> All those fluid drapes, those vivid colours, all the soft clothes with their exquisite motion on the catwalk, during his Spring Summer 2011 collection ... I saw the likeness with the long white silhouettes of El Greco, dressed with free tunics of colours. It touches me more than the notes of the magazines, talking of women witnessed during his childhood in Africa. I mean, every designer can tell a story to the Press. Now, I was really appreciating Haider Ackermann as the poet he really was. Yes, he was one of the first to jump on the wagon of bright colours, I even quoted him in my article "Vitamin Your Style". But there is something more delicate in the way he treated it : his blue, for example, used with black, is shrewd. He is the only one, with <strong>Gareth Pugh</strong> ( in his Fall collection ), to have celebrate my favourite colour that well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VALtzP-yO84/TYNe6BW3aAI/AAAAAAAABDU/T9Jab4Oev5I/s1600/A.P.C..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VALtzP-yO84/TYNe6BW3aAI/AAAAAAAABDU/T9Jab4Oev5I/s400/A.P.C..jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<span style="font-size: medium;">©</span>A.P.C.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Now, I understand perfectly the fusional relationship, even couple relationship, he keeps going with the Queen of Elves, the Sorceress of Fashion, <strong>Tilda Swinton</strong>. She perfectly embodies his style, much more than <strong>Janet Jackson </strong>who is clearly only swearing by his designs because he is now trendy. I am not saying that you need to be thin and androgynous to wear his clothes, but I feel they are more spiritual than most of the clothes selling nowadays. Perhaps because Ackermann's collections remind us of Asia, this mysterious ancient Japan with samurais and geishas and this magic India with old gurus. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-18PNyuxawY4/TYNe6mqPV4I/AAAAAAAABDY/UyB5oNZpdBw/s1600/Hackermann+copyright+EPA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-18PNyuxawY4/TYNe6mqPV4I/AAAAAAAABDY/UyB5oNZpdBw/s400/Hackermann+copyright+EPA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<span style="font-size: medium;">©</span>EPA)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The Industry and Press also seem to be careful with this rising star, but not for the same reason as I was. They acclaim him; <strong>Karl Lagerfeld</strong> for example give him his special blessing and you know how the German designer is calling the shots. But when Haider's name is murmured for covering <strong>John Galliano </strong>at <strong>Dior</strong>, they say that he is too "young", too "inexperienced". Really ? Did they see his Fall 2011 collection ? If it's not mastering, I don't know what it is. It is even too "<em>Diorian</em>" for a Ackermann's show, as if he was sending the French House of Couture a visual résumé ... The silhouettes of the Ackermann's woman, indeed, assert themselves, perhaps gentrified a little too much. But just a little. There is still wildness here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XwexBFV7o3Y/TYNe7-pck4I/AAAAAAAABDc/HoI5A3tLh8A/s1600/HAckermann+Style+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XwexBFV7o3Y/TYNe7-pck4I/AAAAAAAABDc/HoI5A3tLh8A/s400/HAckermann+Style+com.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall 2011 (<span style="font-size: medium;">©</span>Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Only time will allow us to appreciate the numerous facets of this intriguing designer, but what is certain is that he is in control. No <em>faux-pas </em>until now, but a solid personality. Could he take on the responsability of Dior or any other famous line, besides his ? Is he too independant, or able to play with the messages ? These are now the questions concerning Haider Ackermann. The question of his legitimacy is already forgotten : it is now obvious that the Colombian designer, based in Belgium, is part of the <em>Grands, </em>and a name which is intimately bind with the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RXtN80-eRL0/TYNe8WGOssI/AAAAAAAABDg/6w4-EpJ3YTM/s1600/SS2011+Scott+Schuman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RXtN80-eRL0/TYNe8WGOssI/AAAAAAAABDg/6w4-EpJ3YTM/s400/SS2011+Scott+Schuman.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<span style="font-size: medium;">©</span>Scott Schuman)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.haiderackermann.be/">http://www.haiderackermann.be/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.luisaviaroma.com/">http://www.luisaviaroma.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecorner.com/">http://www.thecorner.com/</a>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-38669547660113458452011-03-17T14:53:00.001+00:002011-03-17T14:54:22.586+00:00IFB's Links a la Mode<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heartifb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/lalm-mar16.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7493" height="268" src="http://heartifb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/lalm-mar16.jpg" title="lalm-mar16" width="541" /></a></div><strong>It's a bloggy-blog world....</strong><br />
Edited by <strong>Jessie Thorpe</strong> of <a href="http://www.denimology.com/" target="_blank">Denimology</a><br />
Hi all! I'm Jessie from Denimology and I am happy to be one of IFB's new Links à la Mode editors! In the last couple of years, bloggers are being heard far and wide and across the globe. I am happy to be sharing the locations around the interwebs that interest little ol' me with all of you. Included in this weeks links: how to fake that you've gotten enough sleep to Gilt's Disaster Relief Fund and a first hand account of Target's Go International dress collection launch. Get to clicking and show your fellow blogger's some lovin'.<br />
<h2>Links à la Mode: March 17th</h2><ul><li><a href="http://aestheticalterations.blogspot.com/2011/03/finding-hermes-scarf-to-love-part-two.html" target="_blank">Aesthetic Alterations</a>: Tips on how to acquire authentic Hermès scarves safely on ebay </li>
<li><a href="http://www.blahblahbecky.co.uk/2011/03/seeing-spots.html" target="_blank">Blah Blah Becky</a>: The fashion world's pattern du jour</li>
<li><a href="http://chicncheapliving.blogspot.com/2011/03/fashion-highlight-minimal-1970s-chic.html" target="_blank">Chic 'n Cheap Living</a>: 70s minimalist chic via Zara's Spring/summer 2011 collection </li>
<li><a href="http://www.chitownfashionista.com/2011/03/quick-chat-with-tamara-mellon-amidst.html" target="_blank">ChiTown Fashionista</a>: A quick chat with Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon </li>
<li><a href="http://crossthat.com/2011/photo-sunday-rodney-smith/" target="_blank">Cross That</a>: intersection of fashion and photography: the dreamy mind of Rodney Smith </li>
<li><a href="http://www.denimology.com/2011/03/style_bloggers_denim_outfit_of_the_week_50.php" target="_blank">Denimology</a>: Denim Outfit of the week - Denim Outfit of the Week</li>
<li><a href="http://fashables.com/targets-go-international-designer-collective-party/" target="_blank">Fashables</a>: Target's Go International Designer Collective Dresses Party </li>
<li><a href="http://fashionisevolution.blogspot.com/2011/03/making-masculine-sleep-mask.html" target="_blank">Fashion is Evolution</a>: Why sleep masks rock, how they can be stylish, and my quest to make a masculine one for my boyfriend </li>
<li><a href="http://illustratorclaire.wordpress.com/2011/03/09/ffb-male-gaze/" target="_blank">illustrator Claire</a>: Shorts, suspenders and sluttiness </li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/2011/03/14/role-blogs-blogging-community/">Independent Fashion Bloggers</a>: The Role of Blogs in the Community</li>
<li><a href="http://joannefaith.com/2011/03/03/killer-fashion-blogging-50-ways-fashion-blog-next-level/" target="_blank">Joanne Faith</a>: Killer Fashion Blogging: 50 Tips, Tools and Other Tactics to Take Your Fashion Blog to the Next Level </li>
<li><a href="http://maketheworldaprettierplace.blogspot.com/2011/03/adorable-style-of-emma-pillsbury.html" target="_blank">Make The World A Prettier Place</a>: The Adorable Style of Emma Pillsbury </li>
<li><a href="http://www.piewacketblog.com/journal/2011/3/11/color-me-spring.html" target="_blank">Piewacket</a>: Cherry blossoms and a Digital Mag</li>
<li><a href="http://www.samplesalesites.com/2011/03/gilt-city-disaster-relief-donate-to-tsunamiearthquake-victims/" target="_blank">Sample Sale Sites</a>: Gilt City Disaster Relief </li>
<li><a href="http://askewawry.blogspot.com/2011/03/fake-it-till-you-make-it.html" target="_blank">Starting From Scratch: </a>How to fake you've gotten plenty of sleep </li>
<li><a href="http://ohyesohmy-streetstalker.blogspot.com/2011/03/christian-dior-aw2011.html" target="_blank">Street Stalker</a>: A review of Dior's A/W2011 Collection from Paris Fashion Week and John Galliano's farewell show </li>
<li><a href="http://www.stylingyou.com.au/blog/2011/03/fab-friday-style-tip-jackets-to-wear-with-maxi-skirts/" target="_blank">Styling You</a>: How to style a jacket with a maxi skirt </li>
<li><a href="http://.posterous.com/style-showdown-beverly-hills-90210-vs-my-so-c" target="_blank">Superstylin</a>: Style Showdown: Beverly Hills 90210 vs. My So-Called Life </li>
<li><a href="http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/03/fashion-occult-audacity.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Column of Samantha Tyler</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>: When occultism comes to fashion: too much or brilliant? </strong></span></li>
<li><a href="http://thefashionturd.blogspot.com/2011/03/outfit-13-unlucky-for-some.html" target="_blank">The Fashion Turd</a>: Skull-tastic! Mexican folk mask from House of Guadalupe </li>
<li><a href="http://www.thestylecircuit.com/2011/03/spring-neutrals.html" target="_blank">The Style Circuit</a>: Neutrals: Why They're Essential to Any Spring Wardrobe </li>
</ul>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-77180105163064028602011-03-14T12:05:00.002+00:002011-03-14T12:11:21.870+00:00Fashion : Occult Audacity <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N9LYuM9eZow/TX3vl6XS65I/AAAAAAAABCg/dC6ejtd0lMw/s1600/Rick+Owens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N9LYuM9eZow/TX3vl6XS65I/AAAAAAAABCg/dC6ejtd0lMw/s400/Rick+Owens.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue Paris (Models.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Obviously, this year is very spiritual. I introduced it with an humorous article on Astrology, End of the World and <strong>Christopher Kane</strong>, and went on with a guide of trendy protections ( <a href="http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/01/shopping-paranormal-activity.html#links">Shopping : Paranormal Activity</a> ). But things reached a higher level with the launch of <strong>Marios Schwab</strong> Spring Summer collection : the London-based young designer adorned his clothes and accessories with occult symbols. Pentacles, Horus eyes, triangles, Freemasons compass, etc. The whole collection plays with the vintage esoteric drawings with a very surprising result. Bold or too <em>risqué</em> ? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kKH_dwHSS60/TX3voMkEUbI/AAAAAAAABCk/K_-OStg5VHw/s1600/Schwab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kKH_dwHSS60/TX3voMkEUbI/AAAAAAAABCk/K_-OStg5VHw/s400/Schwab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marios Schwab S/S 2011 (Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Indeed, those symbols are not senseless ones. Some of them are sharing very strong meanings, which still scare some people. Things related to <strong>Freemasonry</strong> are not always well-perceived and each times the order's symbols are used, or thought to have been used, it causes an avalanche of reactions on internet. Artists using the triangle symbol for example, such as <strong>Rihanna, Jay-Z</strong> and <strong>Lady Gaga</strong>, have been accused of being freemasons. I won't launch into a decoding of this, because it would certainly cause a fierce debate and I'm not interested on doing this because conspiracies and such things bore me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-llH7rymShUo/TX3vo0rEPeI/AAAAAAAABCo/4Bfn-GEwIHk/s1600/Goya+-+Sorci%25C3%25A8res+volant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-llH7rymShUo/TX3vo0rEPeI/AAAAAAAABCo/4Bfn-GEwIHk/s400/Goya+-+Sorci%25C3%25A8res+volant.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francisco Goya - Flying witches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm not into black magic or occultism, but I have to admit that mysterious imagery entertains and attracts me. I am found of those old engraving of <strong>Baldung Grien</strong> showing witches, by the paintings of <strong>Goya</strong> illustrating witching hours, all the illustrations of those old books of ancient medecine and modern fantasy art. For example, I am really found of <strong>Emily the Strange</strong>'s sibylline world. So, Schwab's clothes seduce me, but at the same time, I think it is perhaps too provocative. I would not go out with them, except discreet accessories such as the purse and shoes. It is not that I'm scared by their meaning; not at all. But I don't want to run in my aunt's path, you know the one who thinks that aliens exist and who talks with spirits. I don't believe in those things, so it would be inapropriate to show off with those symbols.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y0rHyxkLNUg/TX3vpvQF9FI/AAAAAAAABCs/yB4rLVzSeCM/s1600/Marios+Schwab+Style+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y0rHyxkLNUg/TX3vpvQF9FI/AAAAAAAABCs/yB4rLVzSeCM/s320/Marios+Schwab+Style+com.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marios Schwab shoes (Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What I would definitely wear are prints inspired by those symbols. Not mocking them : just paying tribute to the aesthetics. I picked two examples for you. First is a very cute dress of the <strong>Emily the Strange</strong>'s clothing line, which reminds this interesting top from Marios Schwab's collection. Then, there are those crazy-fun-amazing thighs by <strong>Rodarte for Opening Ceremony </strong>which creates the effect of tatoos, without the pain and permanency, and have enigmatic vintage symbols on them. Great ways to be edgy without being too much provocative. And I guess, also less expensive ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--YIH1eTlVRM/TX3vqMMAk-I/AAAAAAAABCw/rgnYnpS5j5s/s1600/Emily+the+Strange+37%252C99euros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--YIH1eTlVRM/TX3vqMMAk-I/AAAAAAAABCw/rgnYnpS5j5s/s400/Emily+the+Strange+37%252C99euros.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily the Strange 37,99 euros - Marios Schwab (Style.com)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-58haj-i9ER0/TX3vtLofZkI/AAAAAAAABC0/Vxb2dv8tCL8/s1600/Rodarte+for+Opening+Ceremony+%2524110+shopbop.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-58haj-i9ER0/TX3vtLofZkI/AAAAAAAABC0/Vxb2dv8tCL8/s400/Rodarte+for+Opening+Ceremony+%2524110+shopbop.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodarte for Opening Ceremony $110,00</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Special message :</strong> I won't advice you to buy Lady Gaga's prayer bracelets, but if you could have a strong and empathic thought for the people of Japan who are enduring something really close to the end of the world right now, and who don't find it funny at all, that would be a great thing. I hope things will be alright for them and I wish them good luck.Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-65834973083238114472011-03-10T16:47:00.002+00:002011-09-26T13:44:53.135+01:00Spotlight : (Not so desperate) Business Wives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5ZKelRCJxy8/TXjl4tBD6nI/AAAAAAAABCI/okTUhIyjWwY/s1600/the-good-wife-season-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5ZKelRCJxy8/TXjl4tBD6nI/AAAAAAAABCI/okTUhIyjWwY/s400/the-good-wife-season-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">These days, the 7th art is really disappointing : I didn't see <strong>Black Swan</strong> because I don't like those kind of movies which are so stressful you exit the auditorium with an uncontrollable need of chocolate, sweets and teddy bears to comfort you after this dreadful experience. I don't want sordid plots where the woman is led to madness and angst, I want to watch something to make me feel good, to entertain me with a strong heroine who has got the sense of humour, and who win over her difficulties. And in movies and literature, these days, it is quite impossible to find that ( at least in the examples I've seen lately ). So, I've turned myself toward what seems to become a shoot of the Cinema's tree : TV series. No more telenovelas, now series are treated like real movies, with renowned directors and actors, and brilliant plots. Everyone talked a lot about <strong>Boardwalk Empire</strong>, a bit less about a serie I consider one of the best I've ever seen so far : <strong>The Good Wife</strong>. The plot itself isn't very exciting : the wife of a politician, charged with corruption and sexual affairs with prostitutes, is forced to come back into the cruel world of work, in a lawyers office. But the writers are clever and the directing staff efficient, as the episodes are all dynamic with interesting subjects, with excellent wits, intense acting and crafty humour. For the persons who hated the judicial series ( it was the case for me ), you will forget your <em>a priori</em>.</div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AI1MePTIdkU/TXjl6bcIXWI/AAAAAAAABCM/VsBKJwarQ8k/s1600/juliana-margulies-good-wife-hairstyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AI1MePTIdkU/TXjl6bcIXWI/AAAAAAAABCM/VsBKJwarQ8k/s400/juliana-margulies-good-wife-hairstyle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife ( not the best examples but internet is a bit poor in series pictures )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If the character of Alicia ( played by <strong>Julianna Margulies</strong>, former E.R. star ) is a bit fragile and dominated by her husband and her situation in the beginning on the season one, she finally wins her independance thanks to the company of women who already have to show their guts in this world of men. Talking of fashion, Alicia is suscribed to high collars and strict suits, but the wardrobe assistant emphasizes her character with a lot of stretch dark red and blue. The red means at the same times that she is looking for her independance, at the same time in her career, her family life and sexuality, but also that she is still stained by the sin of her husband.<br />
A character in a subdued style who fight her habit to give in toward men, played with nuances by Julianna Margulies, but who, more than anything, is a foil for secondary feminine characters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D7evlwuEfjk/TXjl_5cNxiI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Gt8ujLgLdSE/s1600/baranski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D7evlwuEfjk/TXjl_5cNxiI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Gt8ujLgLdSE/s400/baranski.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left : Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alicia is a little thing compared to the female associate of the office, flamboyant Diane Lockhart, a woman with claws and mischievous eyes and lines. If we can regret the Botox, <strong>Christine Baranski</strong> offers us a show of elegant outfits and sexy dresses which proves that women over 40 can look great without playing the lolitas. It is also good to see the discreet complicity of the two women, very welcome after the creepy relationship between Ellen Parsons (<strong>Rose Byrne</strong>) and Patty Hewes (<strong>Glenn Close</strong>) in the anxiogenic <strong>Damages</strong>. I was in love with the wardrobe of Ellen, and Patty looked stunning, but the serie was really too disturbing. The outfits of Damages should be injected in The Good Wife, for the pleasure of our eyes and for this poor Alicia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyfHIm1yU7s/TXjmAsgU_zI/AAAAAAAABCU/mLcQfnl_uEs/s1600/damages29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyfHIm1yU7s/TXjmAsgU_zI/AAAAAAAABCU/mLcQfnl_uEs/s400/damages29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose Byrne and Glenn Close in Damages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But the most interesting female character is definitely those of Kalinda ( played by Brit <strong>Archie Penjabi</strong> ) an admirable young private who knows how to manipulate men with a lot of cunning, style and humour. If her make-up is a bit too <em>outré</em> and her hairdo too strict, her outfits are always great, with a lot of leather, mini skirts and nice colours, such as her purple coat ( not pictured ). It is great to see an actress, from what Holywood calls a "minority", being offered such an enhancive role. Archie is definitely the revelation of The Good Wife and I hope that Hollywood would learn the lesson.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aGlsj-w2mh8/TXjmBJ1vb0I/AAAAAAAABCY/AMvT9LjQ_kg/s1600/ArchiePanjabi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aGlsj-w2mh8/TXjmBJ1vb0I/AAAAAAAABCY/AMvT9LjQ_kg/s400/ArchiePanjabi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma in The Good Wife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was not excited that much by the wardrobes of heroines of trendy series such as <strong>Sex and the City</strong> or <strong>Ugly Betty</strong>. The outfits used in the world of Fashion are sometimes very excessive and are not in phase with the real lives of real women ( with normal morphologies ! ). So, I am much more touched by the series which show working girls. We can put ourselves in their skins, and more importantly, in their clothes. Because few are the women who can wear <strong>Alexander McQueen</strong> or <strong>Dior</strong> in real life. You have to be a bit wiser and to admit that we, normal women, have to wear clothes suited to our lives. But of course, we want to be elegant and beautiful in each aspect of them. I suggest that we stop dreaming about the fashionistas of <strong>Gossip Girl, </strong>with their unlimited budget, and that we start admiring true role models with true wardrobes. You can dress soberly, even with some gorgeous pieces, as <strong>Kelli Williams</strong>, who plays the psychologist Dr Gillian Foster in <strong>Lie to Me, </strong>proves it perfectly ... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JeJC9-x4jLM/TXjmB-NL6qI/AAAAAAAABCc/d1xXTH20EZg/s1600/lietome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JeJC9-x4jLM/TXjmB-NL6qI/AAAAAAAABCc/d1xXTH20EZg/s400/lietome.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelli Williams in Lie to Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, the magazines show us great styles, and we can dream to own extravagant luxury goods, but a superheroine usually wears something that fit the work she has to do. A leotard to save the world, a <strong>Marchesa</strong> dress to walk the carpet at the Oscars, and office dresses to go to work and take the public transportation ... Frustrated, unsatisfied, rebellious ? If you want to change your wardrobe, then change your life. Too hard ? Then, there is only one option : being magnificent in a suit ... I'm sure you can ! And after an hard day at work, if you are tired of trying to be perfect, just collapse in your sofa and watch The Good Wife ...<br />
<div align="left"></div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-18075055973559737502011-03-07T14:15:00.001+00:002011-03-07T14:17:09.034+00:00Decoding : "Talonted" ! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XJgrwn9T9r4/TXTdMqH_BEI/AAAAAAAABB8/CDg4BWR7kFI/s1600/All+Saints+%25C2%25A3155+and+%25C2%25A3175.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XJgrwn9T9r4/TXTdMqH_BEI/AAAAAAAABB8/CDg4BWR7kFI/s320/All+Saints+%25C2%25A3155+and+%25C2%25A3175.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Saints (£155 and £175)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">In the past, we used to do the curtsey : this exercise was first a social sign for respect, but also a good way to show your grace and excellent deportment. Now, it is obsolete, and quite regrettable and not only for the daily gymnastics it forced you to do, but because it would be a quite convenient way to admire our peers' shoes. Indeed, shoes are now a powerful part of an outfit, and customers are getting more and more daring with what they choose. But, face it, it is a pity to wear extravagant shoes because you're incuring the risk of them being ignored. Except if we reintroduce curstey ... And then, your fruity Charlotte Olympia would never been missed again ! But when it comes to the heel, this smart idea is finding its limits.<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0nVdJzf6hnU/TXTdM5X84NI/AAAAAAAABCA/owsEwUPtKXo/s1600/Jeffrey+Campbell+I+don%2527t+like+Mondays+Alexander+McQueen+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0nVdJzf6hnU/TXTdM5X84NI/AAAAAAAABCA/owsEwUPtKXo/s320/Jeffrey+Campbell+I+don%2527t+like+Mondays+Alexander+McQueen+Style.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey Campbell (I Don't Like Mondays, out of stock) - Alexander McQueen (price on demand)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In French, <em>le talon. </em>Hence the title, a pun with "talented". The heel is designers' new whim for some seasons. The most famous examples are of course the creations of Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, but slowly, the heel is starting to become one of the most important part of an outfit. Is it a new "Follow me, young man" ? Or just a fantasy that doesn't really survive the transfer from the catwalks to the streets ? Why spending so much work and attention in a part which is not clearly visible ? That sounds like an excessive luxury. But heels have been a strong symbol of feminity for ages. Stilettos are a weapon of sensuality. It is very simple : a sexy curve and a sense of power, due to the threat of the point. So, sculpted, finely-worked heels have got a meaning too. They are all extremely solid, even monolithic. If stilettos were associated with knives, those remind of guns grips ! But they are pacific, and their message seems to be "Art not War" ! <em></em> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3l14hDcXk_I/TXTdNqGzqaI/AAAAAAAABCE/MyLTUqaDR7k/s1600/Rodarte+Style+Meadham+Kirchhof+Stylerookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3l14hDcXk_I/TXTdNqGzqaI/AAAAAAAABCE/MyLTUqaDR7k/s320/Rodarte+Style+Meadham+Kirchhof+Stylerookie.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodarte (Style.com) - Meadham Kirchhof (Stylerookie)</td></tr>
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The heel is a new way to express the talent of a designer. They can do what they want with it, treating it like a real medium for their artistic sense. Scuplted in wood or metal, it can be minimalistic, such as a contemporary sculpture. Some prefers it more baroque, and imitates the stucco of the architecture <em>Grand Siècle</em>. With gold, it turns luxuous, with sequins, it gets pop. Ralph Lauren prefered silver, Christian Dior worked it in the way of a <em>Art Déco </em>glass-blower. Everything is possible. But is Art the only meaning of those complicated heels ? It is also a statement, a way to show your uniqueness in a world of mainstream culture and production at grand-scale. Yes, women still want to be sexy. But they also want to be remarkable.<br />
As for me, you know I'm not a great defender of heels, but I appreciate the effort, as a strong supporter of art. But I still can't picture myself perched on those things.Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-4109017618531492572011-03-01T15:38:00.001+00:002011-03-01T15:40:25.387+00:00Trend : Vitamin your Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o2UjSFom7R4/TW0DvfZW4GI/AAAAAAAABBg/EQ2fA-7jywY/s1600/Gucci-Spring-Summer-2011-ad-campaign-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o2UjSFom7R4/TW0DvfZW4GI/AAAAAAAABBg/EQ2fA-7jywY/s400/Gucci-Spring-Summer-2011-ad-campaign-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gucci S/S 2011 ad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My active readers would think that I am wittering on because I've already made articles on that subject ( see <a href="http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2010/10/trend-rainbow-warriors.html">Rainbow Warriors</a> and another one, "I am a Giant Bubble Gum"). But Saturday evening, while I was at Somerset House for <strong>Vodafone London Fashion Weekend</strong>, I was particularly stricken by the violent revival of colours, and how people had the audace of wearing outfits mixing them. Of course, it was specially visible on the collections of the present designers ( here, allow me to heart <strong>Mark Fast</strong> ) but it was really remarkable on the women around me. The days before, I was in France, and here, everyone is clad in black. A street in Paris looks like the painting of <strong>Emile Friant</strong> "<em>All Saints'Day</em>" and photographers are forced to change their adjustements if they want to add contrast to their work. Depressing. Parisians, and French people in general, need an urgent extreme make-over, because their neighbours of Great Britain are already in Springtime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wFsB40MDT3k/TW0Dx8_VilI/AAAAAAAABBk/Ta_4BJfPMF0/s1600/Kurt+Geiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wFsB40MDT3k/TW0Dx8_VilI/AAAAAAAABBk/Ta_4BJfPMF0/s400/Kurt+Geiger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kurt Geiger S/S 2011 ad</td></tr>
</tbody></table> In Kensington, the cherry trees are in bloom, as well as the store windows. Those of Bond Street are as vitamined as the stalls of a greengrocers, and let me tell you IT FEELS GOOD ! I love black, grey and white, but it's time to show we are alive, not bereaved. The summer campaign of <strong>Dolce & Gabbana</strong>, for example, with its Italian mammas makes me feel black, I mean, blue ... Throw your black lace, it is time for a come-back of joy, that excitement they had in the 20s, 30s, 60s and 70s. Listen to the music back then : that was joyful ! I feel this spirit when I see the clothes of <strong>Gucci</strong>'s S/S collection. Their colours are amazing and wake up the pages of every magazine ( except <strong>Katy Perry</strong> in the cover of <strong>Elle</strong>, I don't know why but she succeeded in fading the clothes she's wearing ... ). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R-4W8ZJ0am4/TW0D02G_AeI/AAAAAAAABBo/YQnHG3HnwVo/s1600/Topshop.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R-4W8ZJ0am4/TW0D02G_AeI/AAAAAAAABBo/YQnHG3HnwVo/s400/Topshop.bmp" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topshop.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table> And the Italian brand is not the only one to rock the accumulation of colours. The catwalks were full of them. I won't repeat my previous articles, but for the new readers, let's quote <strong>Jil Sander</strong>. The advertisements are also more funky, and not only because the smiles are back ( <strong>Sportmax, Kurt Geiger, Versace</strong> ) and on the catwalks, the actresses have launched a real battle between colour blocks and nude. For the Oscars, my votes go to <strong>Scarlett Johansson</strong> and <strong>Jennifer Lawrence.</strong> And it's the easiest trend to follow : you can easily buy great pieces at low prices, as a very simple tee with a catchy colour will make the best effect on every outfit. Brands such as <strong>Topshop</strong>, <strong>Jaeger</strong> and <strong>Wallis</strong> are offering a wide choice of bright-coloured basics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gdr5uYfrfts/TW0D11pKUqI/AAAAAAAABBs/mtoY7n3SBNQ/s1600/Meadham+Kirchoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gdr5uYfrfts/TW0D11pKUqI/AAAAAAAABBs/mtoY7n3SBNQ/s400/Meadham+Kirchoff.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hairstyling at Meadham Kirchoff S/S 2011 show ( copyright unknown )</td></tr>
</tbody></table> And on the side of beauty, colours are also omnipresent : be bold with your make-up, but also with your hair. You can dare the splash of colour <em>a la </em><strong>Altuzarra </strong>or the total glam rock hairdo inspired by <strong>Meadham Kirchoff</strong>. <br />
A special mention for the trend of the fruits prints : a more direct way to claim your dose of vitamins ! I who generally avoid prints, I am seduced by the oranges, the bananas and the citrus of <strong>Stella McCartney, Prada and Moschino Cheap and Chic</strong>. Fashion is, this season, the only place where you can choose both natural and chemical products, without risks for your health ! I don't know you, but I, I will not deprive myself and pick both up again !<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NU9hi2l2QPU/TW0D3Xh4jII/AAAAAAAABBw/_EGmJQGS8TY/s1600/Haider+Ackermann+Style+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NU9hi2l2QPU/TW0D3Xh4jII/AAAAAAAABBw/_EGmJQGS8TY/s400/Haider+Ackermann+Style+com.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haider Ackermann S/S 2011 ( Style.com )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MbAJeAXciHs/TW0D4b4BUiI/AAAAAAAABB0/_IEENhLYE6I/s1600/Karen+Millen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MbAJeAXciHs/TW0D4b4BUiI/AAAAAAAABB0/_IEENhLYE6I/s320/Karen+Millen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bag Karen Millen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zYo8cZXw_UY/TW0D6fejm7I/AAAAAAAABB4/teM9BIA8geA/s1600/Stella+McCartney+Freja+Vogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zYo8cZXw_UY/TW0D6fejm7I/AAAAAAAABB4/teM9BIA8geA/s400/Stella+McCartney+Freja+Vogue.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stella McCartney dress worn by Freja Beha Erichsen in Vogue Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-58792044694506938562011-02-24T11:03:00.001+00:002011-02-24T19:36:26.368+00:00Decoding : Fashion, the Tenth Art ?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eAcU_Nr0kJg/TWYm7X2UNTI/AAAAAAAABBM/26nVB9zXpxI/s1600/Delaroche+The+Execution+of+Lady+Jane+Grey.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eAcU_Nr0kJg/TWYm7X2UNTI/AAAAAAAABBM/26nVB9zXpxI/s400/Delaroche+The+Execution+of+Lady+Jane+Grey.bmp" width="367" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The execution of Lady Grey by Delaroche (detail)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Two days ago, I've had a strange encounter at London Fashion Week during the <strong>Giles</strong>' show, at the Royal Court of Justice. No, it wasn't Pixie Geldof, but a certain <strong>Lady Grey</strong>. Is she a close relative to Lady Gaga ? Not at all, Jane Grey was a 16th century English noblewoman who was queen during nine days before her execution for high treason. This woman is mainly famous for a painting of the said execution, by French painter <strong>Paul Delaroche</strong>. As you suspect, I don't have medium's skills, so, when I talk of encounter, I describe my surprise to see the face of Miss Grey on several outfits of designer <strong>Giles Deacon</strong>. For me, it was especially relevant to find the detail of a famous painting used as the main pattern of a fashion collection, and I was quite amazed that no one thought about it before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYdmssRbSBc/TWYm926ThpI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Xzb48A95Q2I/s1600/Giles+Fall+2011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYdmssRbSBc/TWYm926ThpI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Xzb48A95Q2I/s400/Giles+Fall+2011.bmp" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giles Fall 2011 ( Style.com )</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Fashion, after all, is just an art like another. Critics accuse Haute Couture of being "Art for Art", that is to say something unwearable, pricey and totally useless. Designers such as <strong>Gareth Pugh</strong> are forced to defend themselves against that accusation, and to prove that their creations are made for stores and not for galleries . But I don't fit into that scheme. I particularly agree with <strong>Vanessa Paradis</strong> when she declares that she goes to fashion shows as she would go to real shows, i.e. theatre, dance or another performance. I don't mind if a dress is wearable or not, affordable or not, if it is gorgeous and aesthetic, I consider that it equals a painting or a sculpture. I was maybe influenced by the <strong>Parnassian poets</strong> during my teenage years, but I proclaim the right to "<em>l'Art pour l'Art" </em>!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aua95M7DgGs/TWYm-xF3G4I/AAAAAAAABBU/aT0Z0z4Zj-I/s1600/Alexander+McQueen+%2527Savage+Beauty%2527+Exhibition.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aua95M7DgGs/TWYm-xF3G4I/AAAAAAAABBU/aT0Z0z4Zj-I/s400/Alexander+McQueen+%2527Savage+Beauty%2527+Exhibition.bmp" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander McQueen "Savage beauty" exhibition ( photo S<span style="font-size: medium;">ø</span>lve Sundsb<span style="font-size: medium;">ø</span> )</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It seems that I am not alone in this process. Museums are opening their doors to designers, launching exhibitions for them as they would do it for masters of paintings, sculpture and photography. This Spring, the <strong>Metropolitan Museum of New York</strong> will host an exhibition devoted to <strong>Alexander McQueen</strong> at its Costume Institute. In London, the <strong>Victoria & Albert Museum</strong> will take a special interest in designer <strong>Yohji Yamamoto</strong> in March, and in Paris, the Museum of <strong>Quai Branly</strong> shows the close relationship between East and <strong>Christian Lacroix</strong>. Long past, fashion photography has been considered as artistic. It is not surprising then that the clothes themselves would enter in the spheres of Fine Arts. To when the creation of Fashion gelleries ? It is nearly here : some brands have already launched short-lived concept stores, mixing clothes with contemporary exhibitions ...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULXG05Xvf3I/TWYnAb5le6I/AAAAAAAABBY/wkicjx-aUb0/s1600/Sergio+Rossi+Idol+bodice.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULXG05Xvf3I/TWYnAb5le6I/AAAAAAAABBY/wkicjx-aUb0/s400/Sergio+Rossi+Idol+bodice.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio Rossi "Idol" bodice</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The dialogue between art and fashion started with the artists themselves. Painter <strong>Dalì</strong> influenced designer <strong>Elsa Schiaparelli</strong>, but he was a designer himself : he created jewels, and many other artists did the same ( <strong>Cesar, Picasso</strong> and <strong>Arman</strong> to name few ). The March issue of <strong>Vogue Paris</strong> incidentally pays a tribute to the famous artist and finds its inspiration in surrealism. <br />
Not surprising then that jewellers and designers would venture in the world of sculpture : I have already told you about <strong>Jordan Askill</strong>, but the Fashion Week also reavealed <strong>Erickson Beaman</strong>, and brand <strong>Sergio Rossi</strong> launched a surprising line of accessories, close to classic Greek sculpture.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19pb0sZzigc/TWYnCQ-Z3FI/AAAAAAAABBc/K4kkJuVxSTk/s1600/Elle+Fanning+Rodarte.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19pb0sZzigc/TWYnCQ-Z3FI/AAAAAAAABBc/K4kkJuVxSTk/s400/Elle+Fanning+Rodarte.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elle Fanning in a video for Rodarte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then, Contemporary Art starts to blend in with Fashion : when art performer <strong>Olympia Scarry</strong> wants to create an art statement at <strong>Art Basel</strong>, she chooses to appear in a burqua at Playboy's party. But not an ordinary burqua : this one was a piece of black lace and silk custom-tailored by <strong>Riccardo Tisci</strong> himself ... The designer, at the head of the <strong>Givenchy</strong> House of Couture, has already expressed his will to send fashion back into the world of luxury and, inevitably, of Art. <br />
Indeed, each Art can easily flirt with Fashion : you can see my article on Architecture and the <strong>Lourenços</strong>, many singers are moving Music closer to Couture, Comics are often seen in t-shirts, and Dance is in the spotlight since the success of <strong>Black Swan</strong> ( with costumes by <strong>Rodarte</strong> ). The 7th art is not forgotten : talking of Rodarte, we have spotted actress <strong>Elle Fanning</strong> in their last video, a genre which grows faster in the Industry, with <strong>Tom Ford</strong> distinguishing himself in the cinema. From here, we can imagine more meetings with poetry, literature, gastronomy, television and more ... Imagination has no limit, and so is Art. So, let's create !Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-44007089384188968702011-02-21T10:59:00.005+00:002011-02-21T11:40:22.498+00:00A girl, a style : Emma Who ?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XB1kJ_BTgHA/TWIy7Ij4C-I/AAAAAAAABA4/EXJnqAbia98/s1600/Westwood+Watson+Style+Award.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XB1kJ_BTgHA/TWIy7Ij4C-I/AAAAAAAABA4/EXJnqAbia98/s400/Westwood+Watson+Style+Award.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gimme that trophy, you old cow!" Emma W. (copyright unknown)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Someone had got a great moment of solitude last week. No, it wasn't <strong>Lady Gaga</strong> doing her Tweety Bird at the Grammys, but someone called <strong>Emma Watson</strong> during the Elle Style Awards. <strong>Vivienne Westwood</strong>, the famous veteran designer, who was supposed to give her the Best Dressed Award, declared in front of the whole audience that she didn't have a clue of who this kid was ... Quite ironic, isn't it ? How could you deserve that kind of award if one of the most powerful designers of the world doesn't even know you ? I see you coming, don't blame it on Alzheimer. Because, really : who the hell is Emma Watson ?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoJwMdJxwBI/TWIy_NfBgxI/AAAAAAAABA8/2j_BiO88bvA/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoJwMdJxwBI/TWIy_NfBgxI/AAAAAAAABA8/2j_BiO88bvA/s400/untitled.bmp" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(copyright unknown)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I know, I know ... I should empathize with her, because that kid really seems to have an issue with fame. For example, she seems to have a secret talent for public humiliation, with a collection of wardrobe malfunction close to great art. But, I can't help it, for me she has the profile of the perfect punch-bag. </div><div style="text-align: left;">First, I can't consider her as an actress because for me, what she did in <strong>Harry Potter</strong> was certainly not acting : at best, these movies are school shows with special effects. Secondly, I don't understand why everyone is rhapsodizing about her pseudo sense of style. I beg you pardon ? Emma Watson, stylish ??? Let's be a bit serious for once. Most of the time, she looks like a little girl who has borrowed her mummy's clothes and make-up. When she slips on a Burberry jacket, it is a gulag version of <strong>Jodie Foster</strong> in Taxi Driver !</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgjZop0ZAic/TWIzAne_JGI/AAAAAAAABBA/B9QSpcz47jY/s1600/Watson+crop.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgjZop0ZAic/TWIzAne_JGI/AAAAAAAABBA/B9QSpcz47jY/s400/Watson+crop.bmp" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marie Claire December 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And her pixie crop ( see my article "<em>Pixie crop someone</em> ?" ) is a total disaster. She wanted to be the new <strong>Jean Seberg</strong> or the new <strong>Edie Sedgwick</strong> but she looks more like a post-cancer <strong>Izzie Stevens</strong> or <strong>Martine</strong>, an heroine of French vintage illustrated books for children. If you cut your hair to look more mature, avoid to put a childish flower on it ... I swear you, I'm trying really hard to like Emma Watson, but I just can't. She reminds me those pictures of kittens : cute, of course, but totally hokey. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DwRYere_pA/TWIzBuH2HwI/AAAAAAAABBE/s3iVlQFyXlM/s1600/Martine.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DwRYere_pA/TWIzBuH2HwI/AAAAAAAABBE/s3iVlQFyXlM/s400/Martine.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Emma Watson is a young girl who had the luck to become famous really soon, and as she is an idol for the young public, many brands are using her image for their marketing campaigns. But that doesn't mean that she has got a natural sense of fashion. She's wearing what she's told to, and most of the times, it is more than silly. Stop trying to put edgy dresses on her, she's subscribed to Peter Pan collars and polished shoes. Miss Watson must grow up a little more if she wants to become a real fashionista. <br />
But as for now, Emma darling, go back playing with your Little Pony and leave Grandma Westwood in peace !<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XrZdN5FWA4/TWIzDIze3dI/AAAAAAAABBI/ZvIKtoZQjY4/s1600/Watson.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XrZdN5FWA4/TWIzDIze3dI/AAAAAAAABBI/ZvIKtoZQjY4/s400/Watson.bmp" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright Simon Procter for Harper's Bazaar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-70892239968510613202011-02-19T14:33:00.001+00:002011-02-19T14:39:53.425+00:00IFB's Links a la Mode<a href="http://heartifb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/feb17linksalamode1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7041" height="238" src="http://heartifb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/feb17linksalamode1.jpg" title="feb17linksalamode" width="481" /></a><br />
<h2>Fashion Week's Inspirations</h2>Edited by Marie Denee of <a href="http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/">The Curvy Fashionista</a><br />
During the midst of New York Fashion Week, fashion took another direction. Beyond the beauty of an artist’s creation, fashion bloggers take their inspirations to raise questions, reflect, challenge the status quo, create and fashion pieces of their own, and analyze the trends in digital and social media- nevertheless, fashion inspired. With this inspiration comes an eclectic look into this week’s Links a la mode.<br />
<h2>Links à la Mode: February 17th, 2011</h2><ul><li><a href="http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2011/02/adventures-in-alterations-tailoring.html">Alterations Needed</a>: Getting a dress altered - before, after, and the thought process in between.</li>
<li><a href="http://beyondfabric.tumblr.com/post/3162725640/a-new-ride">Beyond Fabric</a>: Embracing a more stylish ride</li>
<li><a href="http://brunetteblogging.com/2011/02/blog-seasons/">Brunette Blogging</a>: Blog Seasons - How different seasons have an impact on your blog</li>
<li><a href="http://collegegirl93.wordpress.com/2011/01/31/a-little-bit-of-q-and-a-with-liberty-london-girl/">College Girl</a>: Liberty London Girl spares her time to answer some in depth questions about her blogging experiences and gives amateur bloggers some exceptional advice in the process...</li>
<li><a href="http://dresswithcourage-elissa.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-lingerie-take-sexy-back.html">Dressing With Courage</a>: Valentine's Day lingerie: Take back the sexy</li>
<li><a href="http://fashionwrites.blogspot.com/2011/02/lets-get-digital-digital.html">Fashion Writes</a>: Let's Get Digital. Digital. Women are small in numbers in the always-enhancing and ever-evolving tech side of the fashion industry, but we as fashion bloggers are going to begin skewing the curves.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/2011/02/15/my-anna-moment-at-milkfw/" id="l2m0" title="Independent Fashion Bloggers">Independent Fashion Bloggers</a>: A blogger's moment with Anna Wintour at Milk Studios</li>
<li><a href="http://katrya-kyla.blogspot.com/2011/02/print-vs-digital-industrys-new-plan-of.html">Katrya-Kyla</a>: "Print vs Video: The Industry's New Plan of Attack"</li>
<li><a href="http://kholaskloset.blogspot.com/2011/02/looking-back.html">Khola's Kloset</a>: Looking Back: The models and images that made fashion special</li>
<li><a href="http://larizadablog.blogspot.com/2011/02/are-we-vain.html">Lariza da Blog</a>: my struggle with the vanity of fashion blogging:</li>
<li><a href="http://metallickiwi.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/black-allure/">Metallic Kiwi</a>: Top black models emerging within the industry.</li>
<li><a href="http://mostserenerabbit.blogspot.com/2011/02/ethical-leather.html">Most Serene Rabbit</a>: Is there really such thing as ethical leather? Why is there a double standard when it comes to ethics In the fur and leather industries?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.previously-owned.com/2011/02/behind-glitz-q-with-designer-carolina.html">Previously Owned</a>: BEHIND THE GLITZ- Q&A with designer Carolina Rodriguez about her food/fashion/music inspiration</li>
<li><a href="http://samsensibility.blogspot.com/2011/02/trend-restraining-order.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Same Sensibility</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">: Rihanna just ruined your Valentine's</span></li>
<li><a href="http://scrapandrun.blogspot.com/2011/02/why-i-remix.html">Scrap and Run</a>: Why I remix </li>
<li><a href="http://seamstress-stories.blogspot.com/2011/02/high-heels-yay-headscarf-nay-double.html">Seamstress Stories</a>: High heels yay, headscarf nay? Double standards in the symbolic value assigned to female clothing.</li>
<li><a href="http://stylebysantina.blogspot.com/2011/02/when-body-and-brain-disagree.html">Style by Santina</a>: My "Happy" Weight: When the Body and Brain Disagree</li>
<li><a href="http://thebuttonowl.co.uk/post/3274940016/creativespaces">The Button Owl</a>: Why your creative space identifies the real you just as much as your outer image.</li>
<li><a href="http://the-coveted.com/blog/2011/02/16/anna-dello-russo/" id="ml2l" title="The Coveted">The Coveted</a>:Running into Anna Dello Russo at NYFW</li>
<li><a href="http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/02/make-a-statement-d-i-y-diva-with-kristen-turner/">The Curvy Fashionista</a>: “DIY Diva” inspiration with Be Vain or DIY Trying</li>
<li><a href="http://thedemoiselles.com/archives/crystal-renn-feels-the-most-pressure-from-the-public-media">The Demoiselles</a>: Crystal Renn on body image and pressure from the media.</li>
</ul><strong>PS : Hey Guys, the name of the blog is "The column of Samantha Tyler" !!! :)</strong>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-76166747758086739882011-02-14T15:09:00.001+00:002011-02-14T15:10:19.255+00:00Trend : Restraining Order<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms6wQkKzVB0/TVksbMZ2ylI/AAAAAAAABAk/_rXXPA41E-Y/s1600/Hermes+Style+com.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms6wQkKzVB0/TVksbMZ2ylI/AAAAAAAABAk/_rXXPA41E-Y/s400/Hermes+Style+com.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermes SS2011 Style.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>***First of all, my apologies for the lack of articles the previous week : I wrote for magazines instead, with a lot of meetings and work. But now, back to my personal business.***<br />
<br />
The other day, I stumbled accross <strong>Rihanna</strong>'s new video and my first thought have been "Ouch!". Not because I caught a flick of her whip, but because I was thinking about that theory which says that ridicule doesn't kill. For a girl who's got a lot of bad publicity because of a former abusive boyfriend, I don't think it is very pertinent to release a song and video which scream "OH PLEASE HURT ME!" ... Well, I guess this is just my point of view, and that she mainly wanted to criticize the ambiguous relationship between an artist and medias, this without being familiar with the concept of subtlety ... But I also caught all the references to <strong>David LaChapelle</strong> and spotted a <strong>Fleet</strong> <strong>Ilya</strong>'s belt when she walks her 50s milkman-dog. Wait a minute. Is it me or the brand seems to have got a strong connivance with the all-of-a-sudden dominatrix singer, and also with the whole Industry ? Does this latter need a whiplash after crisis ?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hc1FlpyDo/TVksc8Wz0UI/AAAAAAAABAo/peHEDHdWZdc/s1600/Hermes+Style+com+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7hc1FlpyDo/TVksc8Wz0UI/AAAAAAAABAo/peHEDHdWZdc/s400/Hermes+Style+com+2.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermes SS2011 Style.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table> For many decades now, women have been liberated, thanks to the magazines and designers. Decades of freedom to work, to have sex when you want, to wear what you want and to live how you want. How exhausting ! But Industry is so caring it has developped products which would ease our angsts of free bitches ... I guess we are all unaware of the comfort a 50s housewife's outfit could bring ! Ha, being devoted mothers and wives -with that emblematic idiotic smile-, again ! But for the die-hard out there, who can't help thinking by themselves, I guess bondage would be the radical cure. And, good for you ! You don't have to humiliate yourself again in a sex shop because you can't find your size of corset, because bondage is quietly becoming mainstream. Example ? No, no, the Spring Summer collection of <strong>Hermes</strong> is not equestrian-themed. The guys didn't fool <strong>Carine Roitfield</strong>, the queen of porno chic, and I guess you don't need a degree to add leather + straps + whips and find what it truly means ...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2A9DvkVg0CE/TVksiFx8-jI/AAAAAAAABAs/D4Qo0kVQvsE/s1600/Bordelle.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2A9DvkVg0CE/TVksiFx8-jI/AAAAAAAABAs/D4Qo0kVQvsE/s400/Bordelle.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bordelle</td></tr>
</tbody></table> But I guess it is just a little bit more subtle than Rihanna learning Shibari ( the japanese art of restraining ). Another winner in the categories of "You saw it coming, don't you ?" and "I found myself very smart when I've decided of that name" is brand <strong>Bordelle </strong>which directly refers to the french word for brothel ( with a mistake <em>s'il vous plaît</em> ). Its products ? Lingerie. But the kind of lingerie you fear to discover inside the cute little gift-wrap Darling gave you on Valentine's. The one which remind you that 1) you've failed your diet AGAIN 2) you've forgot to buy talc AGAIN 3) your mother was right AGAIN. I guess you totally know what I mean. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCc2asvN7IE/TVkskOqBL5I/AAAAAAAABAw/N-35Xv0xPj0/s1600/Plein+Sud.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCc2asvN7IE/TVkskOqBL5I/AAAAAAAABAw/N-35Xv0xPj0/s400/Plein+Sud.bmp" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plein Sud</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As it is actually Valentine's Day today, let me give you some hints of what you could receive this night : a dress which wants to be sexy but screams "YOU'RE MY LITTLE UNDERPANTS WASHER !" instead ( <strong>All Saints </strong>), a dress (yes, I swear you, they call it a dress !) which will be very creative this summer with the appropriate tanning and which would totally consolitade your mother-in-law in the idea that you are totally insane ( <strong>Plein Sud </strong>), and accessories which will turn Wonder Woman and <strong>Leigh Bowery</strong> totally green with envy ( <strong>Gabriella Marina Gonzalez </strong>). But if he gifts you with a <strong>Phylea</strong> ball-gag (yes he stole and secretly read your <strong>Numero</strong> magazine ) don't do your Rihanna : that will be definitely the signal to FLEE. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oh, did I just spoiled your Valentine's surprise ??? I'm such a naughty girl ... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aorKFNXgO7s/TVkskgwUsdI/AAAAAAAABA0/94qCr7eY0HE/s1600/All+Saint+%25C2%25A3135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aorKFNXgO7s/TVkskgwUsdI/AAAAAAAABA0/94qCr7eY0HE/s400/All+Saint+%25C2%25A3135.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Saints £135,00</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KdS6HFQ_LUc?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-74631754073506372952011-02-03T11:47:00.002+00:002011-02-03T11:57:33.164+00:00Fashion : Maxime Simoens, an Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp30h09eFI/AAAAAAAABAE/MMJOdfMYC0g/s1600/MSimoens+Summer.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp30h09eFI/AAAAAAAABAE/MMJOdfMYC0g/s400/MSimoens+Summer.bmp" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design of Maxime Simoens S/S 2010 collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table> A new decade implies new faces in the fashion Industry, the great designers have to make room for a new generation, young people who have a brand new look on fashion, heirs of a tradition but also turned toward our future. French designer Maxime Simoens is one of these new names who were picked this year to join the very private circle of French Couture. The 27 years old man from Lille, in the north of France, seems to be the one to follow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp33mdae1I/AAAAAAAABAI/RIYfsnNVkx4/s1600/Gossip+Girl.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp33mdae1I/AAAAAAAABAI/RIYfsnNVkx4/s400/Gossip+Girl.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gossip Girls ( copyright unknown )</td></tr>
</tbody></table> He has worked for the best and learnt the lessons : from Elie Saab, he learnt the uncluttered lines; from Jean-Paul Gaultier, the gothic kitsch. But, as every young designer, his goal is to play solo. Last year, he decided to run his own house and was soon spotted on the fashion radars and became one of the designers working on famous TV show Gossip Girl. You have seen his dresses on Blair, but unfortunately she didn't emphasize them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp37tO1hDI/AAAAAAAABAM/UgditKKXJKE/s1600/Maxime+Simoens+Summer+2011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp37tO1hDI/AAAAAAAABAM/UgditKKXJKE/s400/Maxime+Simoens+Summer+2011.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S/S 2011 collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Simoens' style is a bit gothic, and that doesn't match with the character played by Leighton Meester at all. Indeed, the young designer has got an obession for crosses, and his clothes have a rare dark elegance. The lines are almost military, with strict shoulders, an habit which was also caught by an other French talent, Alexandre Vauthier ( see my article on him ). On his 3 first collections, the main word has been luxury : satin, fur, leather, gold prints, everything is really meticulous, even cold, but beneath this wise appearance, there is a passionate soul.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp3-uY53jI/AAAAAAAABAQ/sdA8S34S5as/s1600/Maxime+Simoens+Winter+2010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp3-uY53jI/AAAAAAAABAQ/sdA8S34S5as/s400/Maxime+Simoens+Winter+2010.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A/W 2010 collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Many journalists have linked him with Yves Saint Laurent, for his physical appearance, but also because some dresses reminded the designer, especially his Mondrian dresses of 1965 and 2002. We can also spot some influences of Alexander McQueen. The work is of great quality, and very sober, ideal for modern women. Thus, everyone is now fighting over the young talent. French mail order retailer 3 Suisses has decided to give him a good publicity by offering exclusive to its clients classy outfits for a very reasonable price.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp4Be-ubJI/AAAAAAAABAU/ztbkuo0LK58/s1600/Simoens+Winter+2010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp4Be-ubJI/AAAAAAAABAU/ztbkuo0LK58/s400/Simoens+Winter+2010.bmp" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A/W 2010 collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table> In his first collection, Maxime Simoens imitated the cover of Michael Jackson's disc 'Dangerous' : I guess this is a message for competitors ... With his sharp looks, mixing templars knights and seducive witches, Simoens has got some effective weapons to fight in the tought world of fashion. We wish him to be victorious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp4DobT5UI/AAAAAAAABAY/0in26gq-b5c/s1600/Maxime+Simoens+3+Suisses.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUp4DobT5UI/AAAAAAAABAY/0in26gq-b5c/s400/Maxime+Simoens+3+Suisses.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exclusive clothes created for 3 Suisses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Photos <a href="http://www.maximesimoens.com/">http://www.maximesimoens.com/</a><br />
Shop at <a href="http://www.stylebop.com/">http://www.stylebop.com/</a>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-31636295797755809142011-02-01T10:57:00.002+00:002011-02-01T11:40:34.956+00:00Trend : Ten Killer Details for 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZOl960pI/AAAAAAAAA_c/1XgpUvcN4c8/s1600/Richard+Nicoll+3+Suisses.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZOl960pI/AAAAAAAAA_c/1XgpUvcN4c8/s400/Richard+Nicoll+3+Suisses.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Nicoll at 3 Suisses</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Needing ideas to spice up your summer wardrobe without ruining yourself ? I've spotted 10 easy fashion details that would help you being trendy and penny-wise at the same time. This summer, there are three important influences that you need to master : Arabian nights ( with the indigo blue ), Gothic ( make-up and accessories ) and Punk ( "do-it-yourself" ).<br />
<br />
<strong>The Smock</strong><br />
The stripes are back, but avoid bright colors, only great on the catwalks. Instead, choose the smock, that classic sailor's T, which uses the trendy colour of the season and which is modernized with leggings, leather shorts or leather jacket. Of course, it is the main piece of Tommy Hilfiger's collection, but you can easily buy unexpensive versions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZPlRVpGI/AAAAAAAAA_g/RafOLm6RMZs/s1600/Isabel+Marant+Style+com.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZPlRVpGI/AAAAAAAAA_g/RafOLm6RMZs/s400/Isabel+Marant+Style+com.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabel Marant (Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Hairnet</strong><br />
Once the prerogative of 80s ravers ( in Day-Glo ) and of gothics ( in black ), the hairnet settles down in white. You can play with its transparency, to emphasize a top or to reveal your body. You can wear it with summer skirts and shorts, <em>a la </em>Isabel Marant, or keep its rock attitude with a perfecto ( by Guess Jeans ). In army green, it will extend the military trend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZRPc3fCI/AAAAAAAAA_k/X4Ey-bdxv1k/s1600/1060+clothes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZRPc3fCI/AAAAAAAAA_k/X4Ey-bdxv1k/s400/1060+clothes.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1060 Clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Suspenders</strong><br />
This is a detail that really caught my eye. It is punky, original and very simple to do. Use them to structure a loose t-shirt, for a boyish yet chic attitude.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZSUUtn0I/AAAAAAAAA_o/_G9XlnPhRGI/s1600/Paul+Smith+Style+com.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="391" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZSUUtn0I/AAAAAAAAA_o/_G9XlnPhRGI/s400/Paul+Smith+Style+com.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Smith (Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Armband</strong><br />
Spice up the boyish shirt with a very elegant detail : tie a silk scarf ( or a necktie ) to one of your arms, just a bit above the roll up sleeve. Of course, the shirt is white ( or clear blue ) and the scarf indigo. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZUuix_tI/AAAAAAAAA_s/kZJIGgPYScs/s1600/Gucci+tassel+belt+Saks.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZUuix_tI/AAAAAAAAA_s/kZJIGgPYScs/s400/Gucci+tassel+belt+Saks.bmp" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gucci ( Saks.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Tassel</strong><br />
We have seen it everywhere on the catwalks during the fashion week : at Miu Miu on a dress, at Diane Von Furstenberg on a bag, at Vuitton as earrings and of course, at Gucci on belts ( gorgeous belts ! ). You can easily find cords with nice colours everywhere ( yes, curtain cords ) or do your own. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZXlKH_lI/AAAAAAAAA_w/8UtIojBfh_U/s1600/Kate+Lanphear.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZXlKH_lI/AAAAAAAAA_w/8UtIojBfh_U/s400/Kate+Lanphear.bmp" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Lanphear (photographer unknown, please contact me if it is your work)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Cuffs</strong><br />
I've told you : heavy metal accessories are very trendy this season. We've seen them a lot on the collections. My favourites were those of Giorgio Armani, John Richmond and Etro. The editor of Elle, Kate Lanphear had already adopted them for her fierce look. It is definitely the jewels to wear this summer. You can buy them everywhere, but I recommend the tasty pieces of Felder Felder.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZZcg_QaI/AAAAAAAAA_0/TW6vwr19y-0/s1600/tagelmust+Armani.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZZcg_QaI/AAAAAAAAA_0/TW6vwr19y-0/s400/tagelmust+Armani.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giorgio Armani</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Tagelmust</strong><br />
This winter it was the turban, but in summer, we are staying in the desert and we steal the headgear of the Tuareg. In indigo, of course, matched with a blue eye-liner, black or blue jackets and silver jewels.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZbIafDjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/yOOBgtvf6RU/s1600/Vogue+Natasha+Poly+wide-brimmed+hat+Authentique+Panama+Mario+Sorrenti.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZbIafDjI/AAAAAAAAA_4/yOOBgtvf6RU/s400/Vogue+Natasha+Poly+wide-brimmed+hat+Authentique+Panama+Mario+Sorrenti.bmp" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Authentique Panama (Vogue Paris, photographer Mario Sorrenti, Pucci dress )</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Wide-Brimmed Hat</strong><br />
Already seen on the celebs ( Rachel Bilson, Liv Tyler, Nicole Richie, to name few ), the wide-brimmed hat is the seminal details of the seasons. Seen in straw at Marc Jacobs, I prefer the black version worn by Lou Doillon for La Redoute or the one of American Apparel. To wear with a very long dress, preferably skin-tight to look slimmer or loose for a boho style.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZctjXMBI/AAAAAAAAA_8/E2KthLUICUw/s1600/Rick+Owens.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZctjXMBI/AAAAAAAAA_8/E2KthLUICUw/s400/Rick+Owens.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick Owens (Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>The Gothic Eye</strong><br />
The bold make-up is making its come-back, perhaps influenced by the poster of movie Black Swan. Spotted on the catwalk, the oversized smoky eyes of Rick Owens and the Manson-esque blue of Jean-Paul Gaultier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZd-iencI/AAAAAAAABAA/xwccwvJWM8E/s1600/Louis+Vuitton+Style+com.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUfZd-iencI/AAAAAAAABAA/xwccwvJWM8E/s400/Louis+Vuitton+Style+com.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis Vuitton (Style.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>The Dark Red Lips</strong><br />
If you prefer to wear lipstick, you have to know that nude and peach shades are over. Now, the lips must be dark as seen on the models during the shows of Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. But don't overload your face with smoky eyes, it is one or the other.<br />
<br />
<em>Voilà</em>, you now have all the ingredients to parad this summer with style.Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3645403453423064610.post-87835941526084137012011-01-27T10:36:00.005+00:002011-01-27T15:03:19.277+00:00Shopping : Paranormal Activity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUEz6j8EClI/AAAAAAAAA-4/JoW26TIxZ9E/s1600/French+Lazarus+Ghost+Magic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUEz6j8EClI/AAAAAAAAA-4/JoW26TIxZ9E/s400/French+Lazarus+Ghost+Magic.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French magazine</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I already told you about my aliens-inspired aunt. I have also a cousin who locks herself in each time there is an eclipse or a change of year. We all have those persons in our circle who believe in supernatural events, who throw salt behind the shoulder, who are mystical or superstitious. I am agnostic, I have a black cat and I don't believe in poltergeists and chupacabras. But, lately, I was quite unlucky, you know these days were the car broke down, you have to walk under the rain without your umbrella, you catch a cold and everything goes wrong. So, I guess than having a little something against a potential "evil eye" can't be bad. You can chose something simple, such as Kate Moss and her necklace with a horseshoe, but here is a little supernatural shopping guide ...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUEz8nT8VpI/AAAAAAAAA-8/oR-XKwSQMWw/s1600/Ghost+-+Helmut+Lang+Matches+%25C2%25A3165.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUEz8nT8VpI/AAAAAAAAA-8/oR-XKwSQMWw/s400/Ghost+-+Helmut+Lang+Matches+%25C2%25A3165.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helmut Lang at Matches £165</td></tr>
</tbody></table> If you believe in life after death and that good spirits could help you, you can go for ghost-print t-shirts, such as tops by Helmut Lang and Rick Owens. You would also need a good Ouija board.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUEz_fQ2vaI/AAAAAAAAA_A/UonPopuTORs/s1600/Les+Chiffoniers+%2524560+Shopbob-+Shroud+of+Turin.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUEz_fQ2vaI/AAAAAAAAA_A/UonPopuTORs/s400/Les+Chiffoniers+%2524560+Shopbob-+Shroud+of+Turin.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Chiffoniers at Shopbob $560 - Shroud of Turin</td></tr>
</tbody></table> For centuries, Christians have believed in the power of the relics. I guess than leggings inspired by the Shroud of Turin are better than reducted heads or bones of a saint. But if you like bones, I advice you to read my articles on Vanitas. Plus Givenchy t-shirts at Louisaviaroma and the jewellery designer Corpus Christi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0CG1C0AI/AAAAAAAAA_E/TCKa3VNFTY8/s1600/Ann-Sofie+Back+for+Topshop+%25C2%25A345.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0CG1C0AI/AAAAAAAAA_E/TCKa3VNFTY8/s400/Ann-Sofie+Back+for+Topshop+%25C2%25A345.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann-Sofie Back for Topshop £45 - photo Eric Lafforgue, all rights reserved</td></tr>
</tbody></table> If you are not christian, I guess that voodoo and black magic can be useful too. Paint yourself with protection symbols or buy this mysterious top by Ann-Sofie Back for Topshop. You can also buy voodoo dolls and clothes inspired by them at <a href="http://loveandbones.com/">http://loveandbones.com/</a>. Complete your attire with a star hat by Justin Smith Esq.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0EdbalGI/AAAAAAAAA_I/X1kMtnkdB70/s1600/Scarab+Lito+Karakostanoglou+Galerie+BSL.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0EdbalGI/AAAAAAAAA_I/X1kMtnkdB70/s400/Scarab+Lito+Karakostanoglou+Galerie+BSL.bmp" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lito Karakostanoglou at Galerie BSL, price on demand</td></tr>
</tbody></table> But perhaps something older could be more efficient. In Ancient Egypt, the scarab was a strong protector and always worn as an amulet. Jewellery creator Lito Karakostanoglou offers us a lot of these little bugs. If you hate insects, you can always turn yourself toward the power of the Daisy Jewellery chakra charm bracelets : <a href="http://www.my-wardrobe.com/daisy-jewellery">http://www.my-wardrobe.com/daisy-jewellery</a> or to Peruvian inspired charm by Nadka.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0L-WD4TI/AAAAAAAAA_M/y7Argir6OIw/s1600/Albion+Triketry+Pete+Doherty+-+Dime+Piece+40+and+32+dollars+-+Urban+Outfitters+12+euros.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0L-WD4TI/AAAAAAAAA_M/y7Argir6OIw/s400/Albion+Triketry+Pete+Doherty+-+Dime+Piece+40+and+32+dollars+-+Urban+Outfitters+12+euros.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albion Triketry by Pete Doherty - DimePiece collar $40 t-shirt $32 - Urban Outfitters 12 euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table> But every movie about supernatural and evil forces have taught you that the best weapon was the cross. Pete Doherty might have been influenced by his former girlfriend Kate, as he has launched a collection of crosses. Ideal for exorcisms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0P54QOXI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/C67eQadwM5A/s1600/Truly+Madly+Deeply+12+euros.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mb4rQDFox0k/TUE0P54QOXI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/C67eQadwM5A/s400/Truly+Madly+Deeply+12+euros.bmp" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truly Madly Deeply 12 euros</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But if bad luck still follows you, you can always cheek her with a survivor attitude : to Hell and back ! The important thing is to believe in your good star, isn't it ? <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div>Samantha Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17348699506432078541noreply@blogger.com3