wear them, and get on with your life.

These three looks come from a show at Paris fashion week in October of 2009. Two years, four full seasons and countless collections ago. Since then, fashion has been throwing up trends left, right and centre - from peaked shoulders and body-limning dresses to colour blocking and wide and flowing silhouettes reminiscent of '70s bohemia. There has been little in the way of constants, of fashion that stands still. Fashion that ignores trends, ignores the constraints of an industry and its so-called tastemakers. These three looks are by a label that here, in September of 2011, needs little in the way of introduction. A label that four seasons ago was known largely only by international fashion editors and bourgeois Parisiennes, just another name in the dusty stables of LVMH, hidden behind shining cash cows like Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Dior. 

Fast-forward two years, and elements of these three looks (if not the looks in their entirety) are still completely relevant. Two years may not seem like all that long, but in the world of fashion - where in-between collections like resort and pre-fall are increasingly dotted amongst mainline spring and fall seasons, demanding more and more variety - it is a minor eternity. A simple leather tee, tucked into an a-line canvas skirt, a streamlined leather dress that both hugs and skims the body in equal proportion. Wide-leg, high-waisted pants that simultaneously manage to avoid the ridiculousness that the notion of high waists and a wide legs provokes. These all quite simple, classic pieces of clothing. The beauty is there in the details, in the refinement and ease of it all - the roundness of a collar, the length of a hem or the cut of a trouser. Clothes that have appeared to inspire many slightly different (and not so different) incarnations on other runways in these two years following. For what is so special about these clothes, these three pieces of clothing, is that they were modern back then, and they are still modern now. Put simply, they are clothes that women can wear, and then get on with their lives.

The label is Céline, and the woman is Phoebe Philo. 

via: style.com

Socks and sweaters

Socks and sweaters. There's something about this combination that is just so... cosy. A homespun twist on Julia Roberts' Pretty Woman days when she donned Richard Gere's white shirt... and only his white shirt.  Despite being in the midst of a Sydney summer, there's something about this shot that makes me want ditch the light cotton tees for an oversized woollen sweater and snuggle up. With knitted socks to match. It's an easy kind of comfort that doesn't even have much to do with fashion (unless the sweater and socks in question are Michael Kors of course). The combination conjures up primary school memories of sitting round a creekbed campfire, with molten marshmallows oozing out of their slightly blackened shell, hanging off a whittled down gumtree twig before being gobbled up with greed. Those were the days where my camping attire consisted of grandma's hand-knitted jumpers, in an array of creams, blues and pinks, dad's Explorer socks and not much more.

Those are the best images, the ones that gently nudge you into recalling a time or memory of which you will be forever fond, allowing you to revel in its glory once more. And this one by Mario Sorrenti for the February issue of Vogue Paris does just that. Styled by new editrix Emmanuelle Alt, we get a quick glimpse of Natasha Poly and her wispy fringe in the stunning editorial simply called "Natasha Poly" - further proof that simplicity is most definitely where it's at. Au naturale, as my mum likes to say. Here's a collection of sweaters I'll be kicking around in (or wishing I was) come winter. 

Rag & Bone The Chunky Pullover sweater 

Rag & Bone Hayle mohair-blend cropped sweater

Celine ribbed sweaterdress 

Acne Lauren cashmere pullover

Vince cable-knit wool-blend sweater

via: tFS

Nonchalant Minimalism

These photos were taken outside Le Grand Hotel in Paris right after the Balmain SS11 show in September last (last!) year. While everyone was snapping away at the Balmain-clad ADR, (including me, until I spied otherwise) Mademoiselle Agnés snuck past, largely unnoticed by the blogger throng. With her Zanotti for Balmain satin booties and that amazing leather panelled Celine coat, how could you not notice? It's quite striking when seeing these two distinct looks, fashion poles apart, in the one frame. While Anna, God love her, is proud in her 'maximalist' style, not occasionally showing up to a designer's show in one of their earlier creations (that she's never worn before, no less), Agnés' style is much more minimal. It's not refined to extent of minimalism's trademarked sleek hair and Calvin Klein, but certain elements are certainly pared back. On reflection, I understand why Agnés didn't receive the same amount of attention as ADR, and I think it has less to do with the level of fame, and more to do with the style. Something so simple (if Balmain and Celine are considered simple) are donned by the wearer more often than not to have that effect; so they are the ones wearing the clothes, not the other way around. A plain pair of skinny army-green cargos tucked into heeled boots, teamed with a loose tee the same colour as the straight-lined jacket. Easy. Effortless. Just like dressing should be. Perhaps we can coin a new term in reference to this French sort of minimalism, after all; many a French editor (Emmanuelle Alt and Geraldine Saglio to name two) have this look down to a (ripped) tee. Nonchalant Minimalism. 

Waist(less) Coats

With all this talk of masculine tailoring, the most obvious (and easiest to wear no doubt) is the omission of the waistline. While a cinched waist will always remain a classic, the looser fit allows for a modern take on separates, especially where proportions are concerned. As seen in many a pre-fall collection, including Celine, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander and even Alber Elbaz's females-should-dress-as-females Lanvin - the last inclusion showing that this shape can be as much for the girls as it is for the boys. And it wouldn't be a waistless season without the drop-waists at the house that Coco built - Chanel. 

Take style cues from ex-EiC of Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld, for whom tights and obligatory heels create the streamlined opposite of her coat. Or make like model Martha Streck, whose waist is ever so sightly nipped in under her camel coat, or Natalia Alaverdian, whose lengthened silhouette is helped by a form-skimming maxi skirt. By combining a voluminous coat with more fitted pieces, big (and even baggy) shapes are suddenly a far cry from manly. 

via: Style.com, the Sartorialist and StockholmStreetStyle

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

1 Perfect Shirt: 3 Perfect Ways

Proenza Schouler PS1, The Row Linda Farrow square sunglasses, T by Alexander Wang stretch long tank slip, Alexander Wang Freja bootie, Dries Van Noten Lora leopard print silk back gilet

Thakoon silk emroidered striped tee, Alexander Wang Diego studded bucket bag, Current/Elliott 1957 boyfriend jean, T by Alexander Wang fringed wool-blend scarf, Celine velvet sandal clogs

Celine calfskin leopard print box bag, Thakoon crepe jersey wrap pants, Bassike organic cotton t-shirt, Oliver Peoples limited edition Balmain sunglasses, Gara Danielle etched snake ring

If someone told me I could only wear one shirt for the rest of my life, this would be it. This military shirt by Current/Elliott isn't called the Perfect Shirt for nothing. A shirt is probably the staple item in layering for in-between seasons. Team with a fur gilet and a woollen scarf and you're all set for a chilly autumn. Pair it with sandal-clogs and distressed boyfriend jeans and you've got yourself a go-to outfit for when the weather warms up. Now, to work on all the other items on my wishlist...namely that Celine box bag. And the PS1.Ok, let's just say I'll have it all and call it a day.

 

Spring Celine

Celine Spring/Summer 2010. One of the best collections for accessories. One the best collections, period. How ironic that some of the most coveted accessories, which by their very nature are renowned for adding that extra something to an outfit; special pieces of adornment and detail, came from one of the most refined and minimalistic shows of the season. Ever since I saw that first pair of open toe wedge clogs on Constance Jablonski, I knew. And wanted.

And they've been popping up in pared-down editorials ever since. Carmen Kass in an Alexander Wang cape in an Arabian desert? Celine was there. Paired with an Isabel Marant rabbit-fur coat and another spring favourite - socks? Celine. And adorning the dainty feet of Chanel Iman for the Spring trends round-up for Vogue Spain? Celine, of course.

As for blogs, I'm probably the very last on the bandwagon (not that I havent lusted from afar since October last year). Shoe-obsessed Jane Aldridge teamed her tan leather clog sandals with suspenders and her boyfriend (jeans, of course). What is it with clogs and blogs? I don't think the Chanel-inspired chainstore studded variety will be a trend I'll be trying soon (much less the tasselled LVs), and while the silk-printed Miu Mius were indeed beautiful, they've got nothing on Celine. Minimal, refined, simple, with the perfect wedge and that golden, creamy caramel hue; nothing can beat it. And a classic box bag wouldn't go astray... then again neither would the rabbit fur lined satin pump, the envelope calfskin bag or the gold cuffs from fall. Sigh.

 

via: TFS, FGR, Style.com, seaofshoes

Day 2: Christine Centenera

As fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar Australia, this girl has some serious style. Dating print-happy Aussie designer Josh Goot doesn't hurt her wardrobe either. Like Carine, Ms. Centenera knows when she's on to a good thing; and sticks with it. I'm talking about her Givenchy studded sandals, of course. Having a self-confessed penchant for anything with "studs, metal detailing or patent leather", I can personally vouch for this one: when I spent some time in the HB offices, these babies showed up: twice. In one week. Her uncanny ability to pull together such sharp outfits from pieces she's already worn and make it look entirely different, just by switching up the heels and maybe adding or subtracting a certain Celine jacket, she makes this dressing thing look downright easy. Whether she's effortlessly pairing a fierce (for want of a better word) heel with grey marle, mixing Balmain and Balenciaga with Aussie staples by Bassike and Bonds, she's got that dishevelled chic down to a fine science. It's just part of her DNA. She sweats style.

photos: The Fashion Spot