Tribute : Remembrance Day

 Today, 11th of November, Internet is covering itself with red. The British poppy is everywhere, even on Cheryl Cole. It is an evidence of the influence of Remembrance Day in the modern Britain. Some fashionistas even appropriate the poppy and used it as a complete fashion statement. Accross the Channel, the symbol of the 11th is a cornflower. Did you ever see it ? There's a little one on the page of Google France, because the Anglo-saxons of Google thought that French people would have the same tradition. Nay, nay and thrice Nay. My people forgot its history, forgot the men who fought for their country to build a better future for their children. For us. So, I have decided to put a cornflower on my blog, along the poppies that are the symbol of my new homeland.

Luella

Katherine Jenkins

Cheryl Cole

N'oublions jamais !

A girl, a style : Jessica Stam

 Topaz eyes, porcelain skin ... Jessica Stam could live naked, if she would play by the rules of an Arthur Rimbaud's poem. But the 24 years old doll is not only a model, but also an experienced fashionista. The Canadian model, who is the face of Nina Ricci's perfume Ricci Ricci is as feline as her advertisement's alter ego. Marc Jacobs created a bag with her name, Bulgari choosed her as the luxury brand's name : in brief, she's an icon of fashion. But you can be a good model and be a bad fashionista : it is not the case of "Stam".

 Seen at many parties, Jessica Stam always shines as a precious stone or metal. At the MET, she wears a somptuous blue Dior dress, showing that she knows the meaning of Art and Elegance.
She is also aware of how to emphasize her pure beauty and often chooses gold and silver dresses, skillfully structured and decorated.

 But Stam is also a very natural young lady and she doesn't hesitate to wear grunge-chic outfits, such as this Metallica t-shirt over a pair of jeans, with a cute hairdo. With that face, you can dare everything, and being a model doesn't mean that you have to be a well-behaved doll. A bit of madness is good for your style, and Jessica likes to play with it.

 Nothing to add : Stam, don't change, you're perfect. And to all the fashionistas out there, you can definitely pick her as a role-model, because I have never seen her make a fashion mistake. Her taste is sure, and her mix of boldness and simplicity is something to steal.

Fashion : Isn't Kate Moss Who Want

 When I think "Daisy Lowe", what comes to my mind can't certainly not be described as "classy images". Daisy Lowe, even though she is considered as an IT girl, is no more than a starlet and not of the most distinguished. A quick look on Google will bring you many insights on her anatomy. For that, she thought she could compete with Kate Moss and create her own line of clothes. So, when she was approached by brand Morgan, she jumped at the chance.

Daisy Low for Morgan Necklace Pendant Owl 35 euros

 Morgan is a French brand, created after the anti-establishment spirit of May 1968, which lines are rather rock and impertinent, somehow pleasant, and their prices are generally acceptable. But since they went international, their choice of muses have been far from brilliant : it would certainly not come to my mind to choose Eva Mendes or Mischa Barton for representing my brand ! It looks like Daisy Lowe is the last of their fashion faux-pas ... The pictures, released in the press the week before, had not seduced me : too much flash, too much silly red lips. But it takes more to stop me.

Daisy Lowe for Morgan Full Sleeves Fur Coat 250 euros

So, yesterday, I went to one of their shops accross the Channel and stumble upon a clothes rack full of Daisy Lowe for Morgan. The first look is fairly good : black, silver, gold and black again. But then, I started to look at each pieces with more attention, trying them, and I was very disappointed. The few good clothes are truly unremarkable and could be found in every shop, even supermarket ... One of the collection main pieces, the owl necklace, is just an heavy copy of a necklace Mango showed last year.

Daisy Lowe for Morgan Long Lamé Short-Sleeved Dress 115 euros

 The rest is a combination of coarse pseudo British clichés of lightly dressed loose girls. The collection's theme is obviously party, as it is called "Oiseau de Nuit" ( Night Bird ) but apparently, Daisy understood something between nightdress and SM. These awfully long and stretch dresses in lamé -yes lamé yuk !- are an awake nightmare for every woman over size 1 and gives you a silhouette of poor Middle Ages' damsel, which won't seduce any Prince. Same with the shiny lace dress which looks good on picture but is loose and badly cut in reality. Indeed, the collection wants to be rock, so it contains a lot of leather. But Lowe's leather, even if it is truly expensive (!) looks excessively ... cheap.

Daisy Lowe for Morgan Shiny Lace Dress 125 euros

 It is not because leather shorts are trendy that you need to put everything in leather, especially not this hideous zip-up suit ! I spent a whole hour trying all the collection, going from horror to amazement ( how could we produce such a disaster ...??? ) without being disturbed by the sales clercks, who were looking at me with a sort of shame. Shame is the word, and Morgan will soon kicked itself and fire the person who suggested Daisy Lowe as the brand's new face. Daisy thought she will pull a "Kate Moss for Topshop", but instead, she confirmed her lack of talent ...

Daisy Lowe for Morgan Zip-up Leather Suit 349 euros

Photos http://www.morgandetoi.com/

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Thanks in advance ! xoxo Sam.

Decoding : What is THE Bag ?

Moschino Large Leather Bag 1040 euros 

 Of the Importance of the Bag

As a self-confessed 'bagoholic', I have always wondered why bags were so important for me, and for women in general. The bag is quite a paradox : both useful and aesthetic, it is the central point of an outfit, and also, of a woman's life. How could we live without a bag ? We put everything in it, it is almost a house ...  Mother, working girl or party freak, every type of woman needs to have everything at her fingertips. Sometimes, it could be a genuine brain-teaser ( "Where are my glasses ?", "Damn lipstick !" or "I was sure to have put my shopping list in that pocket !?" ) and it is often said that contents of a bag can describe the character of its owner. But it is way more than an object of transport. The look of the bag is definitely decisive for the image of the woman. Image you want to show, image your have of you or image you would like to have ? Really, the bag is a psychotherapy single-handedly !

Kate Moss for Longchamp Gloucester 990 euros

 IT Bag ?

It is the King of the magazines. Fashionistas swear only by it and try to convince you that you can't live without it. But what is it exactly ? An IT Bag is a designer bag for sure, but it isn't necessarely from the new season. IT bags are classics, their elegance is timeless and prevent you from any error of judgement. If you don't know what to add to an outfit, the IT bag is the easy solution, always welcomed by the fashion judges.
But is the IT bag the one for you ? It is not personal at all. It has been seen ten thousand times on the arm of various celebrities, from the classiest to the most vulgar. Yes for having the same bag than Kate Moss or Julianne Moore, but no to a copycat of Paris Hilton ! It is better to crush on the bag first, then to discover it is IT. But never buy one because you've been told to, that will be a decision you will regret.

Accessorize Double Bow Red Leather Cross Body Bag £45

 The Sexy Bag

You have certainly crossed the path of a woman who was clearly not fashionable, even absolutely hideous, with loose hair, men's clothes, well, a neglected appearance ... I am always surprised to discover their bags ! They are often really feminine, even aggressively sexy ... Quite strange ! A sexy bag is often a way to reveal your feminity that you aren't daring to show with clothes. It is also the prerogative of bimbos and starlets, such as Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears. Somehow, it is not the most elegant bag you can find, due to its flashiness, but there is always a time in a woman's life when it is required. Some buy it at adolescence, others when older. It depends on how you're assuming your sexuality.

Kathy Van Zeeland Sparkling Light Tote price on demand

 The Girly Bag

We all have at least one, we all dream about it. It is terribly cute and you never resist it in shops. It is cocaine, really ! The good point is that they're easy to find, and usually affordable. Sometimes, though, they drive us to go bersek and we put a whole year of salary into one of these little wonders. You can't describe it, but your true heart of woman recognizes it at the first sight. It is your soulmate, no more.

Prada Nappa Tote £2695

 Whatever the Price, it is a [...] ( Put any Brand in the Gap )

This one is quite beyond my understanding, I who prefer aesthetic and quality to labels. It is like glasses and T's with enormous logos. I don't know if you are aware of that, but the brands you worship are enough rich, they don't need you to play the sandwich board ! Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes ... These are the brands that are fought over. Why ? Because ... well, because they are Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes. That's the only point of those bags. If you find them genuinely pretty, it is okay, but I won't cut my arms for them. I often meet girls who are totally excited to show me their labeled last find : it is usually the less interesting bag of the collection, or purse or even a key chain, they're ready to buy everything if it's a label, with their little salary, just to show off. They're always deceived to see my reaction : you know how sarcastic I can be !!!

Love Moschino Large Fabric Bag 165 euros

 My Bag is my Way to Nirvana

This one is interesting. A bag as an object of spirituality. This is the supreme accessory of the bobos and the hippy-chic girls. Drew Barrymore has got tons of them. It is a way to show that you could be in Kathmandu instead of Manhattan. The boho bag is made of fabric or wicker, and has got patterns that would go from India to Spanish Inquisition. The message doesn't have to be clear, in the contrary, it has to be mysterious. You are a complex woman, half-traveler ( from the Starbucks in Newbury Street to the one in Commonwealth Avenue; you know, the true travels are in the inside, in your soul ... ), half-mystic, and 100% vegan. Your bag show your soul. Is your soul ?

Proenza Schouler price on demand

 My Bag is Art

Sometimes improbable, always a success. You want your bag to be a statement. Its shape is classical, but there is a detail that makes it unique, arty. Or it is completely odd, such as Gaga's meat purse. Whatever. You are an artist. You can only draw snowmen, the last time you've tried violin you've broke it and you burn your pastas ... That doesn't matter ! You have a bag that is a piece of art, so you are Art ! Who will dare to tell you the contrary ? Not me, honey, not me.

Mango Campero £69,90

 Leather or nothing

It is time to raise the hot question. Is THE bag inevitably a leather bag ? Leather is most of the time expensive, and some prefers to buy fabric bags or bags made of plastic and fake leather. I tend to avoid fabric because I live in a rainy country, and I want to protect my electronics and my notebooks. But it is quite difficult to find a good leather bag. They are often very rigid, bulky. But a fine one is definitely something that would warm your heart. Leather is primitive, it touches the birth of humanity. It is reassuring, sweet and also strong and durable. The bag you want to keep with you, your talisman is inevitably in leather. The shape varies, cross body bag, tote, handbag, shoulder bag ... That's a whole story. Personaly, I don't have preference, I love them all ...

Petite Mendigote Douglas Bag 105 euros

 The Military Bag

It is my last find. This season, Army is everywhere. Vogue showed us medals, and all the brands have coats with those typical knots accross the chest, called brandebourg, which were the distinguishing feature of the old fashioned uniforms. But if you are a true pacifist, or just uncomfortable with wearing military clothes, the military bag is made for you. Both trendy, beautiful and clever, it is my personal favorite of the season. I especially love the Sergeant Pepper Cross Body Bag of Accessorize : my heart of Beatles' fan is talking here.
Let's just pray that it won't rain too much as it is in fabric ...

Accessorize Sergeant Pepper Cross Body Bag £25

Ah, obviously the hunt of THE bag, the perfect bag, is endless ... Sometimes, you need a life to find it.
But you don't mind at all ... Because maybe the quest is what is more exciting !

Some websites where you can find THE ONE ( perhaps, good luck ! )
http://www.accessorize.com/
http://www.longchamp.com/
http://www.kathyvanzeeland.com/
http://www.moschino.it/
http://www.petitemendigote.fr/
http://www.proenzaschouler.com/
http://www.prada.com/
http://www.hermes.com/
http://www.amazon.com/

A girl, a style : Liu Wen

 Back in April, I was thrilled when Estée Lauder announced the names of the lucky models who would be the brand's next faces. Joining Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow were Frenchy Constance Jablonsky and Chinese beauty Liu Wen. I was especially rejoicing for Liu, who is an adorable girl and a stunning model, who deserves more visibility, as Asian beauties are deserving it too. So, when I saw the photo of the campaign, I was more then satisfied. See it below !

 This shot reveals all the natural elegance and delicacy of Liu Wen. That's the hell of a good job ! Kudos to the photographer and to Tom Pecheux, the creative director.
If you don't know Liu Wen yet, let me tell you that she was the first Asian girl to walk for Victoria's Secret. She has been also the most booked model of the recent fashion week after her Lauder's rival, Jablonsky.

 This 22 years old sylph has kept her cheerful nature, and even if she wears the fiercest outfits for work, in ordinary life, she dresses with discretion,even a touching simplicity. And yet, the slightest thing makes her elegant. Is it due to her incredible silhouette ? Or to this amazing mouth which attract all the make-up brands ? Or perhaps this tourism student is born to be a model.

 Her entrance to the Western world of fashion is clearly a benefit for Asian models, who were running out of stream in front of our iconic blonds. But it is also a great piece of news for us. We can dream of a world where the models would be distinguished and graceful Asian women, with faces with character, rather than Eastern Europe chit of a girl with hollow cheeks and dead eyes ...

I have nothing against women of Eastern Europe, don't misunderstood what I want to say, but I'm tired to see brats dragging their feet on the catwalks as if they were forced to do that job. It is time to give back fashion to its real owner : Feminity. And I think that Liu Wen is a good representative of this notion ...

Don't you think ?

 More on Liu : http://models.com/models/liu-wen

Images Estée Lauder, Lula Magazine, The Last Magazine and Vogue China.

Spotlight : Kip Carroll, Alice in Collageland

 I haven't posted photography here for ages, and I was quite desperate to find something good. When you start browsing through fashion photography, there is always a point when you have strong impressions of deja-vu. So, when I stumbled on Kip Carroll's photostream on FlickR, I was quite relieved : original fashion photography was still existing.

 What striked me the most in the Dubliner's photos was first the gorgeous outfits his models were wearing. Then, I was enthusiasmed by the threatment. Each of his photos are stunning, almost harsh. There is something dramatical in the models' eyes, the poses are theatrical. Those women have got stories for sure, and the shots are short films about one or two of them.

 Kip Carroll also uses collages, superimpositions of coarse, dynamic textures, such as a painter or a lacquer who would freeze silhouettes in Chinese gloss paint with an intense brush. For background, those fairies, or princesses of strange tales, have got gloomy streets, dark nights and desolate landscapes. I am especially sensible to the desert roads, very moody. The girls seem to roam alone, sad and pretty.

 Black lace transforms them into witches or midnight walkers. They are stronger than they seem to be. Their face up, fierce, proud, looks the onlooker up and down. Carroll gives them a nobility of shadows, offers a personnality to these creatures of the catwalks. It is more than gorgeous outfits, more than pretty faces, more than fashion photography. It is art.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kipcarroll/
http://www.kipcarroll.com/home.html