Elie Saab Spring 2012

Elie Saab
Spring/Summer RTW 2012

You always know what you're going to get with Elie Saab. Exquisitely made, spellbinding evening gowns slathered with sequins, in sensual shapes that honour the female form. His 'Colour Shock' collection for Spring 2012 has been the jewel in the crown of the entire fashion season. Subdued nudes developed into saturated shades of turmeric, luscious apricot, emerald green and royal blue. Lace met with silk and chiffon to create billowy belted gowns with plunge-necks and knife-pleated skirts. After viewing hundreds of designs from dozens of internationally renowned designers in four different cities over 27 days - this one stands out. 

Friday Frills

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” 

 Leo Buscaglia

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2012

Paris Fashion Week closed off another season of fabulous clothes, supermodels and remarkable designers. The biggest trends that have emerged for Spring 2012 are vibrant floral prints, citrus shades, cropped tops, pleating, lingerie-inspired outerwear, sheerness and belted waists. Although Spring is months away, it's never to early to be inspired.


Emanuel Ungaro

Emanuel Ungaro's newest designer Jeanne Labib-Lamour took a safe approach towards Spring 2012. Paint splash prints in doses of blue and red were pleated, draped, ruched and twisted. Silky jumpsuits and v-neck cocktail dresses were belted with thin metallic gold. Besides for sexy daywear, there was just a touch of sequins at the end, with a gold encrusted column evening gown. Models wore deep blue smokey eyes and side-swept fringes.

Alexander McQueen

Yet another display of creative brilliance for Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton. The underwater inspiration was visible through clusters of tulle coral, couture lace swimming caps, oyster print chiffon, pearly shell pink and a treasure cove of gold dresses. The softness of fully ruffled gowns stood out against sculpted corsets and gothic black gowns. The painstakingly elaborate detailing extended to strappy platform heels. More like pieces of art that belong in a museum rather than in a boutique. 

Valentino

A dreamy and romantic Spring collection from the Italian duo behind Valentino. Pretty high-neck frocks were spun from delicate lace in shades of honeydew, lily white and black. There was also an odd shot of slinky leather dresses. Featherlight evening gowns skimmed the floor in transparent florals, dotted mesh and embroidered lace. Striking scarlet dresses stood out amidst the waves of nude chiffon.  

Chanel

It was Parisian-meets-oceanic chic at Chanel's Spring 2012 showing. Karl Lagerfeld was yet another designer to use an aquatic reference in his collection. The classic Chanel pieces were all there in the usual soft-hued palette; on this occasion scattered with pearls and foamy lace. A prominent feature were lines of black ribbon zigzagged across coats and dresses. A seabed effect was created by airy organza, shouls of gathered chiffon, opalescent textiles and shimmery sequins. Models wore flat ankle boots in lustrous silver, and slicked back hair.

Chloe

Clare Waight Keller expressed urbane femininity in her first efforts for Chloé. New to brand, Keller presented a commercially friendly collection in a dependable colour scheme of soft pinks, coral, cream and beige.  Horizontal stripes and colour-blocked panels were assigned to breezy pleated dresses. Classic white shirts were paired with relaxed-fit trousers. Wide leather belts were slung around drop-waist dresses. This collection may not have all the elaborate frills of others this season, but I find that there is beauty in functionality. 

Miu Miu

Capes. For Spring. If a designer-loving Red Riding Hood went to the Wild West, she would be dressed head-to-toe in Miu Miu. Miuccia Prada toyed with vampish girlyness in moody colours for Spring 2012. The idea of the 'velvet ribbon bound stole' was rendered in different lengths and quilt prints. The vintage charm of guipure lace was juxtaposed against the heaviness of patchwork and the sheen of satin dresses. Models sauntered in rose-embroidered cowboy boots, eyelids aglow with fiery red shadow.

Hope you have enjoyed my coverage of Fashion Week 2011-12. To see a recap of all the events, click here.

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part Two

Paris Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2012


This is the second chapter of my Paris Fashion Week Favourites.


Martin Grant

Martin Grant's Spring collection produced a perfect balance of light and dark. Flashes of yellow, tangerine and electric blue were anchored by silky ebony gowns. The Australian designer steered clear from the popular floral prints of the season, sticking to monotoned duchess satin. Simple, unruffled shapes were a canvas for cut-outs and colour-blocking. A bright stripe of orange outlined the eyes. 

Sonia Rykiel

Shades of sunshine were beamed across an optimistic yellow runway at Sonia Rykiel's Spring showing. The colour palette developed from vanilla, honey and lemon to glowing midday oranges. Both sporty and feminine shapes were represented. A unifying strip of black fabric was drawn across pleated dresses, culottes and skirts. The collection concluded with a gorgeous colour block gown and silk tulip-print dresses.

Haider Akermann

It was the poetic works of 19th century dramatists, Byron and Baudelaire that inspired Haider Ackermann's Spring collection. The silhouettes had a strong masculine theme; with slouchy pants, loose-fit blazers and robe-like jackets.  Opulent fabrics like silk, jacquard and brocade were set in jewel tones and mismatched sari-like prints. It was great to see the models wear flat oxfords instead of heels. 

Costume National

Costume National's rose-tinted Spring range is as unpretentious as it is prepossessing. Composed and sophisticated outfits in charming shades of peppermint and pink went from work to cocktail wear. Italian designer Ennio Capasa focused on geometric tailoring, exaggerated cap sleeves and sheer panelling. A pretty, sensible and wearable collection. 

John Galliano

 Designer Bill Gaytten drew inspiration from two classic 'Marys' for John Galliano's Spring 2012 range. The Mary Poppins element can be seen in the boater hats, oversized tweed coats, corsages, flair skirts, Mary-Jane heels and carpet bags. 1920's actress Mary Pickford was the muse behind the saccharine organza dresses, swiveled in tulle. The collection leaped from bias-cut daywear to gauzy feminine evening gowns.

Andrew Gn

 Singaporean designer Andrew Gn merged Japanese construction with 18th century French grandeur for next Spring. Kimono-style dresses featuring origami pleating were woven from lavish baroque brocades. Rococo bejeweled waistbands adorned floaty chiffon dresses. Models were crowned by floral tiara headbands - the ideal accessory for a royally beautiful range.

Tuesday Thrills - Vera Bradley Laptop Bags

Laptop Bags
by Vera Bradley

If you've grown tired of that basic black vinyl laptop case, let me introduce you to Vera Bradley. This accessories company was created in 1982, after founders Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley noticed the need for more feminine looking travel cases. 30 years later, the Vera Bradley brand continues to inject fun and colour into the luggage industry, producing duffel bags, roll-on luggage, school backpacks, toddler bags and laptop cases, which I've featured today.
 

Their signature style is based on quilted cotton travel bags in unique prints and vibrant colours. Prettily patterned on the outside, with a padded interior lining and safety straps, Vera Bradley laptop bags are designed to protect your favourite gadget in style. Utterly girly, slightly rustic and easily functional.




1. Mini Laptop Case in Twirly Birds Pink. 11 1/4" Width. $52 / R423.30
2. E Reader Sleeve in Suzani. 8" Width. $32 / R260.50
3. Laptop Portfolio in Happy Snails. 17" Width. $82 / R667.50
4. Mini Laptop Case in Buttercup. 11 1/4" Width. $52 / R423.30
5. Laptop Portfolio in Baroque. 17" Width. $82 / R667.50
6. 17" Laptop Sleeve in Mocha Rouge. $45 / R366.30
7. Mini Laptop Case in Night & Day. 11 1/4" Width. $52 / R423.30
8. Attaché case in Folkloric. 14" Width $88 / R716.30
9. E-Reader Sleeve in Rhythm & Blues. 8" Width. $32 / R260.50

These prices are quite competitive compared to what we get in stores here in South Africa. All the patterns are interchangeable, each bag type/size is available in every print. If you like a specific theme, you will be delightful to know that there is also stationary, wallets, umbrellas and cosmetic cases to match. So you can colour coordinate all your personal portable gadgets. To see the full range, visit verabradley.com. International shipping is available via Barnes and Noble.

Happy Shopping!

A Lipstick Collection by Kate Moss

Kate Moss Lipstick Collection

by Rimmel

Arguably one of the world's most recognizable and bankable supermodels, Kate Moss has widened her range of talents to creating cosmetics. To celebrate ten years of being the 'face' of Rimmel London, the British model has launched her own line of signature lipsticks for the beauty brand. 

The newest range from Rimmel features high-shine, long lasting lip colour in seven versatile shades. The specialized 'Black Diamond' formula is designed to produce highly pigmented and brilliantly reflective lip colour.

I had forgotten how well Kate wears a red lip, (pictured above), since she's always spotted with low-key makeup off camera. I like that this collection features only 7 colours, compared to others which can have up to 30. It makes it easier to try each one on, then decide which colour suits you best. The shades include a soft nude, candy pink, dusky rose, plum, fuchsia, cherry red and tangerine. The lipstick comes in a chic matt black tube with Kate's name signed in red.

My experience with Rimmel lipsticks is that they are intensely pigmented and sweetly scented with a smooth finish and creamy texture. And very affordable too. The Kate Moss lipstick collection is available in the UK for around £5.49 (R69.20) and will soon be making it's way here to SA. I've got my eye on the cover girl's colour - I just need to find the nerve to wear it. What about you?

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part One

Paris Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012

We've barely recovered from the excitement of Milan Fashion Week, and it's already onto the next one, Paris Fashion Week. Running from 27 September to 5 October, the City of Lights plays host to some of world's best designers, as they present their collections for Spring 2012. These are a few of my favourites so far.

Christian Dior 

Designer Bill Gaytten lends his charm to Christian Dior, showing off an enchanting, ladylike collection for Spring 2012. Daywear in retro-modern shapes were kept to neutral shades of beige, black, white and grey. The only splash of vibrant colour came from a line of saffron red silk dresses. Models were enveloped in sensational sheer organza evening gowns, tickled with lace. A gracious, yet humble new beginning (post Galliano) for the 65 year old fashion house. 

 Nina Ricci

Russian artist Zina de Plagny was the inspiration behind Nina Ricci's romantic Spring range. Prints from the 30's and 40's were reconditioned to fit contemporary designs with a Parisian-chic twist. Midnight blue was a thematic hue that went from daywear to night. Stretch satin sheaths, slip dresses and lingerie-inspired ensembles set a sensual tone. Caged hats and extra large clutch bags accessorized the feminine outfits.

Dries van Noten

Dries van Noten's Spring 2012 range exhibited a relaxed glamour, governed by a variety of influences. The digital floral and cityscape prints pay tribute to English photographer James Reeves. The silhouettes go back to the 50's, with a trace of Spanish design. He placed peplum flounces on pants and bells on sleeves, an emerging trend for next season. Heavy black lace and broderie anglaise enhanced the basic black, navy and white palette. Models wore slicked back hair and strappy tie-up heels.

Rue du Mail

Designer Martine Sitbon told a tale of exotic travels for Rue du Mail's Spring 2012 presentation. She played around with proportions, from fitted skirts to generously cut Moroccan-style caftans. Sitbon was also bountiful in her choice of fabrics: cottons, georgette, knits, satin, plissé detailing, Chinese-inspired prints, tulle embroidery and smock-frocks. Mexican inspired patterns were seamed onto sheer dresses. Smudged smoky eyes and multi-strap platform sandals accompanied this eclectic collection.

 Anne Valérie Hash

Anne Valérie Hash showcased modern designs in luscious tones of blue and a squeeze of orange zest. I love the originality in this collection; the twist-knot front trousers are something I haven't seen before. Two-tone tuxedo jackets were worn over silk slack-fit skinnies. Laid-back tailoring was an unmistakable feature throughout the tangy range.

 Roland Mouret

I was two-minded about Roland Mouret's Spring offering. I wasn't fond of the evil eye insignia on some pieces, but I was impressed by the contoured cut-out silhouettes. Mouret is masterful at moulding fabric into figure enhancing dresses. His flattering designs were nipped in the waist by black grosgrain ribbon belts. Tulip motifs were tacked onto chartreuse, navy & scarlet fit-and-flair dresses. A prim and polished range, that ideally depicts covert sexiness. 

Balmain

I haven't met a Balmain collection I didn't like. This is the first offering from the label's dashing new designer Oliver Rousteing, which can be best described as rock-chick rolled in gold. The glitz and glamour of Vegas collided with Mexican design and Rodeo chic, seen in glittering high-waisted mini's, lightwash denim, tasseled sleeves, glossy leather suits and skirts, structured shoulders, metallic buckled belts and lavishly bejeweled tops. Hypnotic.

Who Wore Alberta Ferretti Better?

Who Wore It Better?
A Gossip Girl or Latina Actress

This first time I spotted this gorgeous pink Alberta Ferretti dress, was in April this year, when the beautiful Camilla Belle wore it for a red carpet event. Forward five months and the same dress appears in a scene of Gossip Girl, worn by our favourite television fashionista, Blair Waldorf. The pretty pink dress is from Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2011 collection, and features a tie-up halter neck and embellished doubled tiered skirt.

Left: Camilla Belle wore the salmon pink dress to the 'Good Housekeeping Annual Shine On Awards' on 12 April in New York City. Camilla accessorized with a black Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag, Cartier jewels and two-toned ankle-strap heels by Christian Louboutin.

Right: Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) is styled in the chiffon frock for an episode of the upcoming season of Gossip Girl. She paired her dress with cream tweed Moschino jacket trimmed with frills and pearls. Blair carries a quilted Marc Jacobs handbag and walks in Roger Vivier buckle-front court heels, both in similar neutral shades.

The dress as shown on the runway by German model Luisa Bianchin. It is worn with thigh-high charcoal grey boots.

 Camilla wore her hair in a slightly messy updo, while Blair added a matching Carissa pink fascinator to her sleek hair style.

Even though I am a a fan of both stylistas, I'm going to go with Blair on this one. Her outfit is styled in a way that is not typical or predictable. I prefer her accessories as well. I had liked this dress from the moment I saw it on Camilla. But after seeing Blair in it, I like it a whole lot better. She takes the original dress and gives it so much more life and character. 
What do you think?