The Floral Jeans Trend

Arguably one of the biggest casual wear trends to sweep over us this year are floral jeans. The trend evolved from the beautiful floral prints displayed on the SS12 runways of designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Peter Som, Celine, Prabal Gurung and Diane von Furstenberg. Then we saw endless photos of celebrities like Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba wearing a pair of brightly hued floral pants, turning it into a world-wide craze. But it's not just flowery blossoms that's catching on - visually interesting patterns, tie-dye, smudges and stripes have also been splashed to skinny denim jeans. These are some of the most eye-catching pairs designer denim pairs currently making waves.

Stacey Keibler in 7 For All Mankind, paired with a white tank and neon pink clutch.
Beyonce wears a bright Stella McCartney pants with lumo yellow heels & pink belt.
Olivia Palermo dons a Paige Denim tie dye pair with navy blue blazer.
Rihanna looks suave in an ombre floral mesh print jeans by Alexander Wang.
Minka Kelly wears her flower printed pair by Dolce & Gabbana with a leather top, yellow clutch & blue heels.

Lana del Rey wears a camel trench coat over her Citizens of Humanity skinnies.
Victoria Justice is cute in a tribal print pair of Rag & Bone jeans.
Jessica Alba is chic in a vibrant floral pair with electric blue heels and a leather jacket.
Olivia Palermo in a jazzy botanical pair from Topshop, paired with bright yellow, black & leopard heels.
Kristen Cavallari wears a berry-hued Joe Jeans, paired with all black.
Jenna Dewan is casual in a pretty printed skinny jeans with grey tee and Panama hat.

Pretty Floral Prints

1. River Island multicoloured floral skinny jeans. $66 at Asos
2. Brightly shaded floral skinny jeans by Asos. $31
3. Dylan George watercolour skinny leg jeans. $189 at Nordstrom
4. Paige Tie & Dye Verdugo denim in amber. $199 at NeimanMarcus.com

Not Your Average Blue Jeans

5. Citizens of Humanity Avedon Morris paisley print jeans. $218 at Shopbop
6. True Religion Stella skinny tie-dye jeans. $216 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
7. Genetic Denim Shya cigarette jeans with glazed houndstooth print. $220 at Shopbop.com

Designer Vibrance 

8. Dolce & Gabbana floral printed white straight leg jeans. $260 at Farfetch
9. Goldsign virtual printed floral cropped jeans. $112.50 at Net-a-porter
10. Diane von Furstenberg for Current/Elliott classic skinny jeans in tropical mint. $184 at Stanwells
11. 7 For All Mankind 'The Skinny' print jeans in garden floral. $189 at Nordstrom.com 

Black & White

12. Citizens of Humanity black paisley print corduroy Thompson jeans. $230 at Net-a-porter.com
13. Helmut Lang grain print jeans. $220 at Helmutlang.com
14. Jordan Jean by Motel black and white striped pair for £48 at Topshop. This pair was inspired by a look I saw on the lovely Zoe's blog.

Pale Romantics

15. J Brand 835 denim mid-rise skinny jeans in twisted pink seashell. $202 from JBrand
16. Current/Elliott The Stiletto skinny floral jeans in tonal rose and green. $228 at Mytheresa
17. J Brand Baroque skinny jeans in a romantic pink. $203 at Shopbop.com

18. Current/Elliott skinny jeans in a blush pink floral rose print. $153 at Boutique1

Have you considered the floral denim trend as yet? 
If so, which of these pairs would you wear?

Memories of Morocco

Traveling to the North of Africa, I didn't know what to expect. Coming from the same continent, I assumed it would be similar to South Africa, with all our tall skyscrapers, urbane sidewalks, modern cities and general mall-hopping culture. Well, I was in for a culture shock. Morocco is a country built upon a compelling history, where the opulent buildings and ancient avenues of the past still stand as it did centuries ago. Chaotic city streets, traffic jams made up of motorcycles and horse carriages, and tiny alley way markets where you can buy everything from your daily fruit and veg, freshly baked pastries to baby clothes, wedding decor, copper pots and pans or even a new sofa. An exotic explosion to the senses, I was immersed in the captivating customs, tantalizing food, rich heritage and diverse landscapes: sandy deserts on one side, the vast Atlantic ocean on the other and spirited old cities everywhere in between. These are some photos I captured on my recent trip there.

The Royal Palace in Fes, Dar el Makhzen, is still used as the King's residence when he visits the city. It provides a great example of the ornate architectural design that is prominent in Morocco. It's well worth a view just to see those grandiose golden doors up close.

A birds-eye view over the cream and beige Imperial city of Fes, a maze of over 9000 narrow streets, each one looking remarkably similar to the last, this is one place you do not want to get lost in! Legend has it that a tourist once went missing in the labyrinthine medina (old city) and only found his way out 3 months later...with a new wife in tow.

1. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which is the third largest in the world. 2. You can stop by for a drink at Rick's Cafe, the hub made famous in the movie, 'Casablanca'. 3. Our hotel overlooking the city of Rabat. 4. Laying sight upon the red stoned minaret of Koutoubia is a sure sign that we had reached Marrakech. 5. A lavishly dressed guard keeps a look-out at a Mausoleum of a former King in Rabat.

The famous Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech comes alive as the sun sets. This exuberant souk is where you will find snake charmers, folk dancers, tarot-card readers, music-makers, astrologists, herbalists & traditional healers. Seeing it on the Travel Channel and actually being there in the pandemonian are two completely different things. The market has an electric vibe, teeming with locals & tourists, eager to catch a glance of one of the 'professional posers' or have a taste of the inviting native cuisine from one of the countless food stalls. You can also shop for uniquely Moroccan souvenirs like a fez (the hat, not the city;), fragrant spices, argan hair oil at half the price, antique silver teapots & a Djellaba kaftan.

The vibrant culture, art and colours of Morocco. We spent time in the vast medina browsing for quaint antiquities and exquisite handwoven Persian rugs, one of which will set you back over €4000. One of the most memorable evenings was spent in an ancient riad-turned-guesthouse, where we served a delicious tagine and entertained by the sashaying moves of belly dancers to the ethnic sounds of folk singers dressed in traditional garb.

Red sands and a forest of greenery pave the Ulrika Valley, a place that the Berber villagers call home amidst the Atlas Mountains.

*All photos taken by me.

Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 3

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Part Three

My coverage of Paris Couture Week comes to a close with a focus on the exquisite collections of Lebanese designers. We are all familiar with Beirut's most famous import, Elie Saab, but there are few more notable couturiers that deserve their space in the style spotlight. What I love about the Lebanese designers is their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite hand-beading, intricate attention to every detail, and their ability to bring princess perfect gowns to life with in a way that is delicate, elegant and utterly feminine. Click on the pictures to zoom in.

Elie Saab

The master of couture has served up another triumphant collection, possibly even more beautiful than the ones before. The silhouettes were graceful, accented at the waist with bateau necklines and lengths from midway to maxi. A vigorous splash of peach and teal added colour to the range of black, gold and taupe Imperial-inspired evening wear. Breathtaking gowns were contrived from lusciously beaded lace, silk crepe and brocade, drizzled with the opulence of a Byzantine empress.

Georges Chakra

The Lebanese designer celebrates 25 years in the fashion industry with a ritzy Fall Couture collection tinted in crimson red, midnight blue, rays of violet, black and lustrous gold. The hourglass figure is accentuated by fitted waists and bell-shaped skirts, while the asymmetrical shoulder was a prominent feature on the curve-hugging gowns. Sequins and feathers were found in abundance, methodically embroidered onto the dresses, adding dimension and texture. Favored by many-a-popstar, we can expect to see a few of Chakra's creations somewhere along the musical red carpet.

Georges Hobeika

An enchanting tale of fairies aflight and gardens in bloom, Georges Hobeika incited the magic of nature for his Fall 2012 Couture Collection. Fluttering gowns appeared in sublime shades of summer sage, rose red, lavender, minted aqua and sea breeze blue. Sumptuous velvets were underpinned by sheer chiffons, silk mousseline and lace, the pussycat neck bow acting as a leitmotif. The ethereal looks were festooned with dainty floral appliqués and a flurry of organza petals. I would love to see the hazy blue half of this collection on the red carpet, the second last look (blue ballgown, bottom row) is one of my favourites of fashion week.

Zuhair Murad

With style icons like Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez wearing his designs, Zuhair Murad is a fashion force to be reckoned with. He creates the kind of eye-catching, head-turning looks that always make a dramatic statement. For Fall 2012, Murad flirts with florals, as seen on the voluminous, varicolored gowns, and with delicately embroidered blossoms tacked onto gauzy lace, see-through silhouettes and full tulle skirts. Celestial white and ivory gowns make for pretty bridal wear, while red haute dresses appeal to one's passionate side. Concluding this extravagant collection is a set of emerald green and royal blue gowns in luxurious satins and silk, trimmed with feathers and self-shaded beads. 

Have you spotted your dream dress yet? That sums up the wonderment that was Paris Couture Fashion Week. Click for Parts One & Two of my runway reviews. 

Friday Frills

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam can light a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,

You see, it's up to you...

Failure is not a person,

It is an event which happens to every successful person.

*Poem by Shawnee Kellie 

Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 2

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Part Two

This is the second part to my runway reviews of Couture Week in Paris.

Alexandre Vauthier

After viewing a string of pastel shaded and darker, wintry themed shows, Alexandre Vauthier's invigorating collection came as a pleasant change. The very V-neck was imposed upon most of the alluring outfits, demanding attention in true diva style. The palette was made up of crisp whites, glossy golds and sandy beige. Sharply-cut silhouettes displayed asymmetrical necklines, peplum-waist shirts, body-hugging mini dresses with high slits and leisurely jumpsuits with tapered pants. The beguiling looks were furnished with rows of heavy gold chains, metallic belts, geometric beading and shiny Louboutin heels. The JLo's and Kardashians of the world have just met their new wardrobe.

Armani Privé

Giorgio Armani dished up a series of modern-luxe looks inspired by the mystique of dusk and the enigma of a navy blue night. Veiled models paced the runway in a variation of pale lilacs, pinks and cordial shades of blue. An interesting blend of contemporary and futurism, the collection displayed suave suits and tailored coats cropped at the waist, generously cut pants in the softest black velvet, bright blocks of colour and shimmering evening gowns that mirror the midnight sky.

Valentino

Valentino gave us the expected amount of elegance vs femininity, with a side of covert sexiness for Fall 2012. Midnight blue laid down the foundation of the couture collection, with the steadfast set of scarlet gowns following and a dusting of mink, golden caramel and yellow. Sheer chiffons and crepes added a lightness to range, contrasting the heavier velvets, cashmere and brocades. The jumpsuit is no longer your lounge-out-in look, it has been restyled with the utmost decadence in flashy beaded black and gold. Evening wear was kept simple and refined in slender silhouettes with high round-necks and long sleeves.

Stéphane Rolland

Of all the couture collections, the one I am always most intrigued by is Stéphane Rolland. The ingenious designer finds new and unique ways to drape gorgeous fluid fabrics, this season in burgundy, cream, sepia and black. Rolland adds drama to his form-fitting silhouettes with shards of silicone, feathered trusses and projected circular shapes, masterly crafted onto mermaid skirts. Waists were accented with unusual belts and models wore quirky semi-covered gloves. Long flowing capes framed the sleekly tailored pantsuits and floor-sweeping gowns. If any super heroine is in the market for a new trailblazing couture costume, this is where she should shop.

For part one of Paris Couture Fashion Week, visit here. A special edition for the final chapter to follow.

Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 1

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2012-13
Part One

It doesn't get any better than couture week in Paris. All the top designers, famous faces, beautiful models and fashion that sets our imagination alight. This is my coverage of Paris Couture Fashion Week Fall 2012, which takes place all this week.

Versace

For her Fall 2012 Couture Collection, Donatella does what Versace is best known for - a swanky mix of sexiness and femininity, chiseled into shapes that pay virtue to the female form. A candy colour palette of pinks, oceanics and a zesty splash of lime was seen across an unusual blend of fabrics and a visually intriguing tarot-card print. Ultra-short mini's are tightly wound in strips of PVC, silk, mesh and leather. Crystal-beaded corseted dresses with daring slashes spilt into billowy silk chiffon skirts, baring intrepid high slits reminiscent of that Versace dress Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars. Expect many more similar big red carpet moments from this outstanding collection.

Christian Dior

The pressure was on at the House of Dior as Raf Simons presented his first showing for the renowned French brand. It was a stunning debut for the Belgian designer, as he encapsulated all that is Dior; vintage and modern, elegant and distilled with the right balance of colour and composure. The peplum was given the royal treatment, worn over cigarette pants. Metallic belts further enhanced the hourglass figure, while ladylike dresses were delightful in subdued pinks, ivory and blue, strapless with pocketed A-line skirts.

After the calm, came a vivid colour wash of reds, yellow, cerise pink and navy blue. The traditional ballgown was given a facelift, some with a more contemporary mid length, others in voluminous tulle and floor-length skirts cut down the middle to reveal chicly tailored trousers. Paint-splattered silk and delicate embroidery enriched the beautiful designs. Besides for the inspiring outfits, it was the blazing orange lipstick and neon lined eyes that created a beauty buzz.

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli's Couture collection leaves one in a dreamlike spin where empyrean gardens come to life in a splendor of colour and dazzling florals. A romantic shade of red and earthier green were the basis for the exquisitely printed organza and wispy chiffon. A profusion of intricately appliquéd flowers adorned the expertly crafted gowns, while high-collared necklines, shoulders and sweeping skirts were amplified by an eruption of flowery ruffles. Neatly defined waists and more fitted bodices acted as an equipoise to the palatial looks. This bewitching range blurs the line between reality and a woodland phantasm.

Chanel

Hot off his impressive Resort 2013 showing, Karl Lagerfeld sugarcoats the classics for Chanel this Fall. The tweed dress suit made iconic by Coco Chanel herself is one that never seems fade with time, it only gets better. This season, it is reinterpreted with tulle ruffle cuffs and belted waists, in a pretty patchwork of pink, lilac and grey. Evening wear appeared in glossy silks, with elegant layering and shredded tulle sleeves, 3D camellia-covered gowns and luxurious printed maxi dresses. The sweet pastel and vanilla looks were accessorized by shiny grey lurex tights, metallic silver sleeves, vouguish beréts and cap-toe pumps.

What are your thoughts on the Couture collections so far?

Who Wore Roksanda Ilincic Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Roksanda Ilincic 'Izumi' Dress

We don't usually see the same dress worn in the same week, let alone two days apart. However, both actress Marisa Tomei and Princess Beatrice of York were spotted in the same frock by Roksanda Ilincic last week. The blush tone 'Izumi' dress features a rounded neckline, double pleats on the bodice and long-sleeves that lead into a sapphire frilled cuffs. It's possible that somewhere Marisa's stylist is cringing, or perhaps Beatrice is a new trendsetter...either way, it was a good publicity week for the Serbian-English designer.

Left: Marisa Tomei wore the ivory crepe wool dress on 29th June during Paris Menswear Fashion Week 2012. The brunette actress paired her look with a nude clutch bag and snazzy Aperlai colourblock heels in varying shades of blue. 

Middle: Princess Beatrice was the first to take the dress for an outing to the 'Britain Creates 2012' Fashion & Art Gala in London on 27th June. The young royal looked sophisticated in the Izumi knee-length dress, accompanying it with a glittered gold clutch by Anya Hindmarch and a pair of digitally printed blue pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood. 

Right: The dress as presented for Roksanda Ilincic's Pre-Fall 2012 collection, styled with a pair of bright red ankle-strap heels.

The Roksanda Ilincic 'Izumi' dress retails at Farfetch.com for $1216.

Princess Beatrice's pair of Nicholas Kirkwood Digitex Print pumps can be bought at Boutique1.com for $285

The Aperlai Mixed Media Colourblock sandal that Marisa wears has been reduced on Saks Fifth Avenue for a price of $484.57

There is no doubt that both ladies wear this dress with grace and elegance, so it all comes down to styling and shoes. I like the pop of red as seen in the original model's look. If I had to choose between the two, I'd pick Marisa's look, because I preferred her hair up, and for those eye-catching Aperlai platform sandals. Having a dress this simple, those heels provide the perfect point of interest and vivacity. What are your thoughts?

Postcards From Portugal

While on my recent travels, I spent some time in the beautiful country of Portugal. I was fascinated to learn more about the close historical and trade-route ties between Portugal and South Africa. I really regret not paying more attention in history class when I was younger. I saw spectacular landmarks I had only ever read about. To follow in the footsteps of Vasco da Gama as he embarked upon his journey to the Cape of Good Hope was an experience that is unparalleled. 

I spent most of my time in Lisbon, a city of enchanting colours, cobblestone streets, awe-inspiring ancient edifices, a lush and expansive coastline and a riveting history of exploration and discovery. I loved how the old traditional side of the city is preserved in it's prime, with the newer and more modern buildings drafted to fit within it's charming vintage framework. And that Lisbon has not lost any of the characteristics of it's prolific past. These are some photos I snapped during my tour.

The Jerónimos Monastery is an opulent display of Gothic and Renaissance architectural design with an intrinsic Portuguese flair. It was one of the busiest tourist sites I visited in Lisboa. This Manueline style monument was built over 50 years during the reign of King Manuel I. The amazing nautical inspired interior features extensive halls, rope-trimmed, coral carved columns, reticulated vaults, lengthy aisles and most importantly, the tomb of Vasco da Gama.

1. The historic Belém Tower, which was built to defend the Lisbon harbour. 2. The expertly sculpted Monument to the Discoveries, which depicts Portugal's most important figures and explorers. 3. The Shrine of Fátima, one of the most important religious monuments in the country. There is a very interesting story behind it, have you heard it? 4. The Statue of King José I and behind it is the Arch de Triumph of Rua Augusta. 5. Standing tall over the city is the colossal Cristo-Rei statue, built in resemblance to the famous monument in Rio de Janeiro. 

Lisbon is one of the most colourful cities I've been to. The apartment blocks and modern buildings are painted in radiant, cheery shades, with pink and yellow being a favourite. I also noticed that they decorate their outer walls with lovely patterned tiles.

A view of the 25 de Abril bridge, a crossway over the placid blue waters of the Tagus River. 

The beautiful Rossio Square, where we stopped by to join the locals in dining out at one of the bustling restaurants and coffee shops, and also for some retail therapy. 

*All photographs taken by me.