Camilla, Queen of Soles

Saw soles, that is.

A sneak peek from Camilla Skovgaard's Spring Summer 2011 collection.

Can't help but be reminded (very slightly, mind you) of Alexander Wang's Alla Wedge Mule (bottom left) and the sole of certain Nicholas Kirkwood creations (middle four and bottom right).  The saw, however, will always and forever be the trademark of Camilla Skovgaard. 

Fine rings and little wings

1. Jordan Askill Heart Ring (on Christine Centenera) via JakandJil

2. Dior Bois de Rose Joaillerie via Garance

3. Gina Tricot Winged Earring via Vanillascented

I love everything about all of this fine jewellery. There's something about the juxtaposition of such a thin and dainty band with more heavier, solid pieces. I plan to pair my Jordan Askill (when I get one, of course) with my new Michael Kors gold man-style watch. It's just like wearing a sweet, sequin skirt (long-line, Taylor Tomasi style) with a slightly scruffy oversized sweatshirt. Been looking for winged earrings like those Gina Tricots for months. Need them in my life, now!

Nude red

Back to basics. Almost. I love this almost unexpected take on the continuing nude trend- pairing it with red. Red, especially in the lovely coral shade as seen on Frida and Jac at No. 21 by Alessandro Dell'Acqua breathes a life of fresh air into the continuing nude obsession. The delightful pairing instantly transforms those nude pieces that for the winter were more suitably paired with charcoals, khakis and camels and gives it a summer twist. I first noticed this pairing at Valentino AW 2010 (Lagerfeld ahead of the game, again? It cannot be) where the trademark red ruffles were interspersed with the sheerest of nudes, making for a softer, more subtle take on the siren shade. Trust Miss Olsen to already have jumped on the bandwagon; she paired her couture Christain Lacroix gown with a red furry jacket for the 2010 ELLE Style Awards back in February. Not to sure how to mix the two shades into an outfit on their own? Make like Abbey Lee and add a simple slick of coral lipstick to brighten up the beige backdrop- and newly bleached blonde hair. on a side note- also loving her Australian-designed Willow jacket. 






via: alltheprettybirds, Hanneli, Style.com, tFS, zimbio

Burberry Pre-Fall 2011

Bye-bye biker babes. Farewell snakeskin, spikes and studs. Make way for refined, form-fitting flares, sleek tuxedos and modern takes on the classic trench, and suddenly we've got a collection Thomas Burberry would recognise. Christopher Bailey's latest pre-fall (or autumn, as us Aussies like to say) showing was a stark (and welcomed) departure from the spray on leathers and shrunken shapes of spring.  Gone are the neons and metallics, which felt more fad than fashion, having been replaced with a beautiful pre-autumnal (how appropriate) array of colours. Steel blues and greys, rusts, mustards and forest greens were combined in a way that fondly evoked a lingering summer, whilst the emphasis on black allowed for the pared-back silhouettes to take centre stage. And what wonderful silhouettes these were. 

Jackets were fitted, rather than shrunken, and hemlines moved south as coats were revived from their motorcycle counterparts. Edges were finished with sheared rabbit fur, possibly in reference to the ever so successful shearling aviator jackets of last winter.   The more subtle approach was made all the more smart when considering this is a collection that remains on store shelves for a good six months, bridging the gap between seasons. Not sure how many wool coats will sell in Australia during the tail-end of summer, but having experienced a European October, I'm willing to bet it's a different story for the brand's home country. And when it comes to coats, trust Bailey to deliver. Double-breasted, cinched, knee-length, cropped; wool, fur, puffer- talk about something for everyone (and every temperature, natch).

And finally, the flares. Possibly the standout item in the entire collection; these pants were beautifully cut slim-line versions of their 70s counterparts. The silhouette moved seamlessly from day to night, to ensure it's not just the boys who get to rock a tux when the sun goes down. And just like that, Bailey is back.   

via: style.com

The brows are her money makers

I haven't joined the rest of the blogosphere in their Bambi craze. Rather, I've been admiring from afar as she's blitzed the runways of Balenciaga and Chanel, and scowled up at me from the pages (and cover) of Bazaar. Aside from her eyebrows, those who just cannot get enough (and there must be plenty, for she was listed as a top 10 newcomer by models.com) have LOVE editor Katie Grand to thank. Katie, who styled shows for Ungaro, Giles and Topshop Unique is arguably flying the biggest flag for Bambi's international career. I saw this backstage picture of her at the Chanel Paris-Byzance pre-fall show, and couldn't resist posting it. And here's where, for probably the only time in my life, I'll let the picture (and the lighting...ok, and maybe those brows) do all the talking.

via: style rumor

Natasha's Givenchy

It's no surprise that Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci is most definitely pro-Poly. Both Nat and Tisci made their simultaneous debuts for the house back in 2005 for the autumn haute couture collections. Natasha has been a regular fixture in Tisci's line-up ever since, up until until the most recent spring/summer 2011 shows, where she was a Paris exclusive. Meaning: she was booked exclusively for Givenchy- and did not walk in any other Parisian show.  She featured in their autumn/winter 2008 campaign alongside fellow Tisci favourite Mariacarla Boscono, Lara Stone and Lakshmi Menon. And who can forget the Natasha Obsessed issue of Muse, where she was shot by none other than Riccardo himself for the cover (and spread) featuring many a Givenchy accessory, including the infamous couture crown of... spikes.  She had the first look (of 11) for the house's latest couture showing, and nabbed the November 2010 cover of Vogue Paris, shot by Mario Sorrenti, styled with the same brown (yes, brown!) plaits she sported for her Givenchy exclusive.  Where is all this leading, you may ask? To a spot in the new Givenchy campaign, I say. 

Here's the first leaked imaged from the SS 2011 camapign, so far featuring Dutch newcomer Daphne Groeneveld (another Tisci favourite who was also featured in the exclusive spring couture lineup) and albino model Stephen Thompson. Shot by photographic duo Mert & Marcus, this picture is hauntingly beautiful. The black and white combined with the overlapping exposure makes for a campaign that will be nothing short of mesmerising. Watch this space.

[WWD]

other pictures via tFS, FGR & style.com

Rubber Souls

I couldn't resist posting these pictures I found of a Gisele Bünchen spread (and cover too, natch) for the December issue of Vogue Italia. Snapped by Steven Miesel, the editorial features the model (or more accurately, the genetically insane freak of nature) swathed in little more than layers of latex. I love how the photos capture something other than the sexy and sultry side she usually gives off; her expressions combine humour and high fashion to a (rubber) tee. 

There's something about this last expression that is just so, so good. It's all in the eyebrows. It reminds me of a boy I used to be quite fond of (who will luckily never read this) who used to do the same thing when looking in the mirror to fix his hair in the morning. One of my favourite expressions in the world, and Gisele captures it perfectly. 




via tFS

Morebidly obsessed with... Fenton/ Fallon

The Vieuphoria. The one that started it all. I stumbled across it during my daily (ok, let's be honest, more like hourly) perusal of Syle.com's Style File blog. Featured in On Our Radar, ever since I've seen it, it's been on mine too.  It definitely fits with my growing penchant for opposites and contradictions, that's for sure.  The gunmetal finish gives a more edgy contrast than a gleaming silver chain, and the stones are removed of any princess-quality with the added spike factor. I'd pair this baby with a simple white tee, my slightly torn, light blue skinny jeans and black Camilla Skovgaard (-inspired, naturally) saw-edged booties, and an uninspired pairing instantly becomes an outfit. Of course, it's been sold out on Shopbop (and every other US retailer I know of that ships to Australia) for months. 

All is not lost however, as the brains behind the label Dana Lorenz has teamed up with friend and creative director of J. Crew to come up with the suitably-named capsule collection: Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew. Priced slightly under the original Fenton pieces, they are by no means any less of a statement. Judging by the amount of layered chains, spikes and jewels, it probably works the other way around. Fans include First Lady MObama, famous (not only for being the President's wife) but for championing up-and-coming American designers (Jason Wu anyone?) and of course, accessories editors Taylor Tomasi Hill. When it comes to Fenton/Fallon, I do not discriminate. Spikes, jewels, gold, silver, chain, crystal... the list goes on. And usually, the more, the better.

And finally... TTH and her collection of Fenton/Fallon pieces, mixed with the very best from Chanel and Eddie Borgo of course.

Pictures via Style.com, The Huffington Post and Refinery 29

 

Miss Magda

This backstage picture completely captivates me. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something about the way she's sitting there, waiting, completely at ease in her ballerina tutu, rocking gently on her heels; exuding calm before the storm, that is nothing short of serene. So excited that one of my high fashion favourites, Magdalena Frackowiak, did the Victoria's Secret show this year. I know I've talked about the crossover between commercial and high fashion re: VS before (read: here) but it seems the lines continually keep on blurring between the two. Whatever the view, I think Magda made the transition perfectly. She's one of those models whose versatility never ceases to surprise; one day she's all chiseled cheekbones and solemn stares - the epitome of an editorial model - the next she's giggling down the VS runway, dimples and wings in tow. A quick scan of the forums over Magda's thread at tFS, and many agree that she was definitely the standout of the show. She had the perfect combination of cheeky winks, waves and air-kisses, without being over the top or too serious- something I'm sure is much harder than it seems.  

Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Korea

This spread by Cameron Krone for Viva! Moda is beyond amazing. With the inspiration being the 90's supermodel series by Peter Lindberg, Magda appeared alongside Anna Jagodzinska, Monika 'Jac' Jagaciak, Kasia Struss and Anja Rubik in a spread dedicated to the top five Polish models. I love the simplicity of the styling - all matching Versus silhouettes and strappy sandals - allowing the beautiful photography to really make the pictures a celebration of the wearers, which is really what fashion is all about.  

Send me a letter

Celine envelope tote, Aspina of London envelope wrap journal, Celine envelope chain bag, Celine envelope bag, Aspina of London photo & receipt envelope, YSL Y-mail clutch, Michael Kors croc envelope clutch, Alexander Wang Jena clutch, Ted Baker metal scallop leopard clutch

Celine FW 2010

I cannot get enough of envelope clutches- especially the ones with the pointed flaps. They remind me of the years gone by when people sat down- with a paper and pen, no less - and actually wrote letters to one another. As a gen Y-er, I missed out on the bulk of the real letter-sending, but I can still remember the thrill I got when, whilst rummaging through the straight-edged bills, I came across the pointed flap of a personally addressed letter. Whether it be the minimal gold detail of Celine's envelope bags, the added zips on the newest covetable Wang-bag or (from the range that started it all) the patent leather of the YSL Y-mail clutch, these bags make me nostalgic for the days of letters. Maybe it's the contradiction of this old-school charm with today's clean lines and unfussy details that make for a nice pairing, but whatever it is, I just cannot get enough of these gorgeous bags. Trust the eternally stylish Miss Palermo (with her Hermès of course) to be getting in on the (albeit straight) envelope action.

Not wanting to spend my life savings on a crocodile skin bag (cough, Olivia, cough) my next envelope of choice? This leopard buck skin clutch bag from Zara. Just one of the many reasons I cannot wait for their 2011 Australian opening. Happy New Year indeed.

Great Danes

When one is asked to think of a country from which the world's most beautiful models hail, Brazil is never far from the top. Gisele, Adriana, Alessandra, Isabeli...  some of the industry's most well-known, highest-paid models - their names themselves ooze sex appeal - argument enough that Brazilian woman are the most beautiful. Or so it would seem. Overt sexuality is only one interpretation of beauty, and this is one interpretation that the Brazilians can definitely lay claim to. Lately, it feels like fashion is favouring a different kind of beauty. The best way to describe it would quite simply be understated. Less exaggerated. Pared-back. Minimal. Much like the clothes we are seeing on the runways. Céline. Chloé. Calvin Klein. 

A newcomer fast becoming a favourite of mine is Caroline Brasch Nielsen, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark. Making her first international appearance in Paris for Fall/Winter 2010, she debuted for Dries Van Noten and opened for Valentino and Sharon Whauchob. In the same season she also walked for the likes of Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Céline. She must have impressed Nicholas Ghesquière at least, because she nabbed a spot in Balenciaga's FW 2010 campaign- alongside Stella Tennant, Karen Elson and fellow country (wo)man Freja Beha Erichsen. She walked for no less than 60 shows in the most recent Spring/Summer 2011 season, opening 6 (including Narciso Rodriguez, Alberta Ferretti and Nina Ricci) and closing 4, one of which was Valentino. It comes as no surprise then that she was ranked third in FTV's latest first face countdown (behind Freja and Miss Kloss). Not bad for a 17 year old who has only been in the modelling game for 6 months. 

 I must say there is something captivating about these Danish girls - Freja has a similarly compelling nature. Reserved, almost to the point of shyness; but to the extent that it becomes enchanting, rather than awkward. Those insane cheekbones and solemn stare are softened with dimples, making sulky look serene. Ethereal, almost. After seeing her in Céline Resort I struggle to think of another girl who would have modeled that collection as perfect as she. She captured Phoebe Philo's minimalism to a (sharply cut) tee, and I wouldn't be suprised if some of her quiet freshness served as inspiration for Philo's (and many others, judging by the sheer number of shows she walked) latest spring collections. Fingers crossed for a campaign. To me she embodies THE Céline girl, and although 'obsession' doesn't quite seem the right word for Philo, here's hoping for something similar to Largerfeld's with Freja. Models as muses, as they say. Must just be those great Danes.  Siri Tollerød, Frida Gustavsson, Caroline and Freja, forget Brazil; those Nordic waters are where it's at. 

  

Pictures via tFS and Style.com