Haute Couture Ete 07: Jean Paul Gaultier - Riotous Religious Regalia

Saints & Sinners, drapery & structure, lace & wool, long & short, simplicity & complication, matt & shine, light & dark for the faithful & faithless:

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

Haute Couture Ete 07: Givenchy - Le métamorphose des marines àux sirènes

Deconstructed naval regalia, fishtail gowns, shells, driftwood & coral beading, mesh a là fishnet, rope, mille-feuille pleating, officer's whites, gloomy greys, darkest ocean blues & black, and a touch of the acid yellow light of the sun were all utilised to tell Riccardo Tisci's hometown folk story of how the Tarantoan sailors metamorphosise into mermaids - with a touch of futurism for good measure:

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

That was then -This is now...

What with Galliano celebrating 10 years at Dior, a look into the archives seemed appropriate so here is a look at the growth of the master couturier - the pics to left are from Christian Dior Couture Spring 2003 - Galliano's first foray (at Christian Dior) into the Eastern aesthetic - the 2 pics to the right are from the latest collection (Spring 2007) - second time round the whole look is more refined and elegant:

Volume
Mille-feuillePrint Flounces
EmbroideryDecorationFabricationHeadwearPlatformsImages and complete collections here, at Style.com

Haute Couture Ete 07: Christian Dior - John’s Journey into Japonisme

Sheer silks and sumptuous satin,
embroidery and jewels,
Hokusai and butterflies,
obi and origami,
The result is pure perfection ...

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

What they should have worn...

After looking at the choices that the following starlets made for their Golden Globe dress I thought I would have a go at choosing better options from their favoured designers repertoires:

Cameron Diaz
What is it with the frilly lampshade look - go with what you know Cameron - your body rocks so why hide it - my choices are two Valentino Couture dresses from the same season (as the lampshade) - on the left the safe option and closest match given its asymmetrical strap and fullness from waist to floor - on the right the perfect metallic dress for her body & my ideal choice of what she should have worn:


Beyonce
Your not still filming Dreamgirls Beyonce, but if you want metallic why not this liquid silver dress (which could be whipped up in gold surely) from Elie Saab's AW06 Couture collection or this beautiful gradiant hued (a warmer choice of colour would suit Beyonce more) strapless number from the same collection - I'm not sure why she chose a dress from his ready-to-wear collection anyway?:


Maggie Gyllenhaal
An amazingly boring choice Maggie, YSL has so much more to offer - on the right the safe option and a little Prada/Miu Miu-esque which we know she loves - however I think her choice was probably based on her post pregnancy body shape so on the left is my choice of what she should have worn and one of the most beautiful dresses shown for Spring 2007 - both dresses in shades of purple to set off her blue eyes:


Jennifer Garner
I get the choice of colour of this Gucci dress but the shape is horrible because Jennifer is quite skinny at the moment - she should have taken advantage of her lithe frame and worn either of these two dresses from the Spring 2007 collection - in white of course:


Heidi Klum
The general concensus on this dress is that it looks like Riccardo Tisci (one of my top 3 designers in the world) has wrapped Heidi in a sheet - if it was to hide post pregnancy weight then why not try the dress to the left minus the jacket of course - if it wasn't about weight then the dress to the right (also Givenchy AW06 Couture) would have looked amazing on Heidi - both options are from Givenchy's AW2006 Couture colection whereas the sheet was from couple of seasons back so not even vintage!:


Jennifer Lopez
Another draped sheet look this time from Marchesa - why, when they have so many beautiful dresses to choose from - like a dark coloured dress with a trim? well the dress to the right is way better option - although my choice would have been the silver gradiant hued dress to the left - both dresses from Marchesa Spring 07 collection:


Renee Zellweger
This green thing doesn't even look like a Christian Dior dress (update - its vintage Dior - smack my hand for being disrespectful to the original Mr Dior himself - it is a lovely dress for way back when but Renee still doesn't suit it) - either of these dresses from the Christian Dior Spring 2007 collection would have been better - preferably the short citrus one:


Evangeline Lilly
Extremely average is the only way to describe the mauve number that Donatella Versace designed for Evangeline, looking back into Versace archives it seemed to be based on the draped chiffon dresses from Spring 2006 - why, when she could have worn the ultra sexy purple corset dress - or my preferred choice the cyberesque yellow gown:


or how about going fresh and daring because with her body she can pull it off - the shorter corset base dress or one of the paillette covered dresses preferably the gold - now that would have been amazing on her - all options from the Versace Spring 2007 collection:

Images from Style.com & Eonline.com

P/E 2007: Milan Top Collection - PRADA - Apparel

My pick for top collection from Milan - Miuccia Prada in true trailblazing form for Prada Spring Summer 07.

The way Miuccia currently sees it there are two woman in the world – one is the glamazon who has no need for modesty and the other whose modesty comfortably envelopes her inner glamazon - and that the two ends of the spectrum are as equally as fashionable as each other.

Despite this season’s Prada collection being a complete about face from last season’s – it has signature Muiccia design elements throughout – multi color blocks – large scale prints – jewel tones & techno fabrication.

The use of lightness, volume, and shades of beige that most of the other designers are currently utilizing featured in Prada’s SS06 collection, for Miuccia to touch on any of these themes for this season would be regression and therefore utterly unforgivable in her world – and so darkness, body hugging silhouettes and jewel tones reign supreme for Prada SS07 - dangerous, directional, delicious & defining.

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

P/E 2007: Milan Top Collection - PRADA - Accessories

Colour and texture make for a sumptuious fashionable feast of accessories at Prada SS07.

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

P/E 2007: Milan Top Collection - 2 - MARNI - Apparel

For Spring Summer 2007 Consuelo Castiglioni presented a supreme collection, combining all that is signature Marni - masterful cut and artisanal adornment – with a fresh and timely injection of sportswear chic.

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

P/E 2007: Milan Top Collection - 2 - MARNI - Accessories

Craft meets couture is what Marni is all about - this is most apparent in the accessories - which always cement the collections theme together nicely. My favourite bag is the oversize grey patent leather tote, pair it with the grey pump (which will hopefully also be available in patent) with wood block heel - devastatingly chic!

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

P/E 2007: Milan Top Collections 3 - 5

Traditional craftsmanship with the most futuristic of fabrics was the focus at Fendi for Spring 07, Tomas Maier presented his vision of refined luxury at Bottega Veneta with a beautifully subtle colour palette with exquisite detailing, & Christopher Bailey took inspiration from Cecil Beaton's photographs of 20's debutantes for the Burberry Prorsum collection:

Fendi

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

Bottega Veneta

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

Burberry Prorsum

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

P/E 2007: Milan #3 - COLOR

Color Wheel: ultra-simplicity and extreme color at Jil Sander, the 70's by way of graphics with 80's shapes and on into the future using fabric technology - Versace offered up an amazing spring collection , Matthew Williamson presents body-conscious, bold, beach bombshells at Emilio Pucci, & the Roberto Cavalli collection included signature styling combined with mega embellishment and ultra-high hemlines:

Jil Sander

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Versace

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Emilio Pucci

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Roberto Cavalli

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

P/E 2007: Milan #2 - LADY

Lovely ladylike looks: full-on fabrication at Anna Molinari, a little ethnic and exotic at Pollini, Maurizio Pecoraro plays with pretty pleating and prints, & La Perla produces clothing that is 9 parts lingerie and 1 part 'outerwear' :

Anna Molinari

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Pollini

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Maurizio Pecoraro

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

La Perla

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

P/E 2007: Milan #1 - SPORTSWEAR

When luxe labels do sportswear the result is extremely beautiful clothing that is ready for any situation: Gianfranco Ferre went with nautical by way of stripes and nice (the ubiquitous use of lace) - love the little cropped jackets, high tech fabrics, abstract prints and controlled volume at MaxMara, 20's slink and space shine ruled at 6267, & Belstaff presented sexy space biker chicks:

Gianfranco Ferre

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

MaxMara

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

6267

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Belstaff

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Spring 2007: London Top 3 Collections

Here are my choices for London Fashion Week's Top 3 collections - Emma Cook shows the most exquisite prints and embroidered fabrics in both figure hugging and volume enhanced silhouettes, Sinha-Stanic showed zipped-up motorbike mavens, & modernist masters Preen presented their take on the season's main trend - controlled volume, along with a skip forward into body hugging silhouettes:

Emma Cook

Images and complete collection here, at Vogue.co.uk.

Sinha-Stanic

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Preen

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Spring 2007: London #2

Continuing with the edgy and eclectic - Hamish Morrow featured chain mail and satin in his dreamy drape focused collection , Giles Deacon styles sixties sirens, Erdem created delicately adorned (lace and embroidery) sportswear, & Clare Tough presents casual cool sportswear with a focus on Missoni-esque knits:

Hamish Morrow

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Giles Deacon

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Erdem

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Clare Tough

Images and complete collection here, at Vogue.co.uk.

Spring 2007: London #1

Fashion week from the city of eclectia - London - kicks off with Basso & Brooke who adorned twenties style shapes with exotic nature prints, whereas Johnathan Saunders steered away from print completely to create beautiful tone-on-tone surface decoration, Aquascutum played it pretty with pleats, pintucks and prints:

Basso & Brooke

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Johnathan Saunders

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Aquascutum

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

A/W 2007: NZ Best Collection: Zambesi

The nautical theme for Zambesi Autumn Winter 07 pervaded every garment in the collection, but in true Zambesi style the theme is never overt & is offered up by way of hints and clues to unite a collection whose main premise is signature innovative design and cut. Layers are always important in any Zambesi collection, add plays on proportion through cut, texture and hue and the result is the perfect wardrobe for AW07 :

From puff skirts to puffed sleeves - controlled volume is integral...

... navy, teal, ochre, and greys, offset with bold rust orange and hints of gold...

...skinny leggings accentuate the blouse's blown out sleeves... and moonlit sparkles from a georgette backed blouse with a sequin knit front...

... use of plush velvets, lush wools, satins, woolen knits, and chiffon and sequins...

...woolen knits and suede...

... the ubiquitous nautical stripe was paired with grey marle for tops...suptuous thick wool stood alone in masterfully cut dresses...

...a velvet cape with jeans...black & white flannel with blue brocade...

...nautical style jackets & trousers...languid silk and velvet for evening...

...a beautiful silk print for a voluminous sleeved dress... the pleated sleeve from winter 2002 ressurected in a black v-neck wool dress...

...waist cinched or cape style jackets...

...orange, the main highlight colour, featured in sequined shift dresses, wool dresses, leather boots & belts... teamed here with shades of cream & beige - truly beautiful...

...stiff fabrics were formed into voluminous shapes and then given the 'cinch'...

... seasonal staple the trench in satin luxe or caped shawl in velvet luxe...

...a floaty leopard print chiffon jacket cinched with a wide rust coloured belt...orange, the main highlight colour featured here in a sequined and pleated dress, as well as wool dresses, leather boots & belts.

As expected the Zambesi Autumn Winter 07 collection was extremely lush and inviting, the only downside is waiting for it to hit stores!

Images and complete collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

A/W 2007: NZ Top 5: #2 Cybele

Cybele's use of graphics is only surpassed by her superb use of cut, her A/W collection titled 'Bule Blood' fuses medieval, 60's pop art, and 70's glam rock references:

Images and complete collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

A/W 2007: NZ Top 5: #3 Kate Sylvester

Characters from Little Red Riding Hood inspired Kate Sylvester's A/W 2007 collection, add some sexy as hell boots into the mix and you get one amazing wardrobe:

Images and complete collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

A/W 2007: NZ Top 5: #4 Jimmy D

Film director Greg Araki's dark aesthetic was Jimmy D's main inspiration for his A/W 2007 collection entitled 'Everybody Loves Nobody Sometime', treading a fine line between experimental innovation and wearability is what Jimmy excels at:

Images and complete collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

A/W 2007: NZ Top 5: #5 Trelise Cooper

Trelise Cooper's aesthetic is all about pure femininity which usually means way to many ruffles and lace, so it is welcome relief that her Autumn Winter 2007 collection concentrated on beautiful shapes and tailoring to portray a femininity with a Parisian feel:

Images and complete collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

A/W 2007: NZ - Miranda Brown, Deborah Sweeney, NomD, & Keucke

Pretty + cool = NZ style: Miranda Brown fused scottish tartan with pacific imagery, Deborah Sweeney portrays prints perfectly, NomD's collection 'Stiff Upper Lip' featured their signature directional use of fabric and cut, vintage reworkings, and prints - this years theme being playing cards & Veronica Keucke embarked on some space exploration for her Autumn Winter 2007 collection:

Miranda Brown

Deborah Sweeney

NomD

Keucke

Images and complete collections here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

A/W 2007: NZ - Kingan Jones, Juliette Hogan, Hailwood & Liz Mitchell

While the northern hemisphere shows the new Spring 2007collections New Zealand Fashion Week is all about Autumn Winter 2007, Claire Kingan Jones portrayed controlled volume and 50's glamour in a mostly autumnal palette with purple highlights, ladylike 40's style is Juliette Hogan does ladylike 40's style, Adrian Hailwood steers away from his usual graphic heavy style to concentrate on cut & fabrication & Liz Mitchell's 'Undercurrent' collection languished about in murky depths to finish with the lightness of seafoam:

Kingan Jones

Juliette Hogan

Hailwood

Liz Mitchell

Images and complete collections here, at runwayreporter.co.nz.

Spring 2007: New York #7 - COLOR RULES

Max Azria goes for a Marni-esque feel, Catherine Malandrino turns up the sexy eighties volume, DKNY is casual chic, at Tuleh east meets west & Alice Ritter combines prim shapes with sexy high hemlines:

Max Azria

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Catherine Malandrino

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

DKNY

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Tuleh

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Alice Ritter

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Spring 2007: New York #6 - SOPHISTICATED COOL

These are the designers to look to for directional yet sophisticated cool, Willow with her precise attention to detail works a looser silhouette for spring, Maria Cornejo's signature draping style progresses through proportional play and bold detailing at Zero Maria Cornejo, Myself by Kai Kuhne experiments with origami & Adam Lippes puts a little Kenya into his sportwear collection Adam + Eve:

Willow

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Zero Maria Cornejo

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Myself by Kai Kuhne

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Adam + Eve

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Spring 2007: New York #5 - WHITE HOT

Phillip Lim's signature mix of sophistication and simplicity, the Araks collection is about measured volume worked in layers of sheer, matt and shine, Mary Ping's focus is experimental cut, & Yeohlee Spring 2007 is a vision of purity:

3.1 Phillip Lim

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Araks

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Mary Ping

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Yeohlee

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Spring 2007: New York #4 - THE WOMEN

A woman's point of view - Sass & Bide rethink, reform and refine, Lela Rose works on large, loose and lustrous looks and Sari Gueron suceeds in sheer shift simplicity:

Sass & Bide

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Lela Rose

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Sari Gueron

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Spring 2007: New York #3 - PRETTY COOL

From casual cool to pretty cool with Nicole Miller's take on the Mayan culture, Jenni Kayne luxuriates her collection with leather and vibrant colour and prints & BCBG languishes in the romance of the season :

Nicole Miller

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Jenni Kayne

Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

BCBG

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Spring 2007: New York #2 - COOLER THAN COOL

Three more collections keeping their cool, while United Bamboo get serious and Brian Reyes kids about, Atil Kotuglu skips spring for a dreamy summer sojourn:

United Bamboo

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Brian Reyes

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Atil Kutoglu

Images and complete collection here, at nymag.com.

Spring 2007: New York #1 - CASUAL COOL

Where to start - with the most amazing effortlessly casual cool that's where and Yigal Azrouel is definitely the man for the job, followed by VPL & Karen Walker:

Yigal Azrouel

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

VPL

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Karen Walker

Images and complete collection here, at Style.com.

Sample Sale Prada Style

Woah, if you want to sample some Prada be prepared for a military exercise to get it.

Holiday Rachel Roy Style...

I love Rachel Roy's Holiday 06 collection, especially the chunky blue jacket:

Holiday 06

and a few looks from Autumn 06:

Autumn 06

Images & complete collections here at rachelroy.com

Speaking of Givenchy

From givenchy.com my picks from Fall 06 & Spring 07:

Fall 07

Spring 07
Images of complete collections here, at givenchy.com.

Haute Couture AW06: Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci is a true genius of the cloth, his AW06 Haute Couture collection for Givenchy has everything embellishment, precision, delicacy, luxurious fabrication, innovation, froth and frippery all beautifully exuding his signature dark aesthetic- pure couture craftsmanship:

Images of complete AW06 Haute Couture collection here, at style.com.

Haute Couture AW06: Ann Valerie Hash

I love the left-of-centre ethos of Ann Valerie Hash - shorts rule right? for this collection pretty is the name of the game from the girly ultra short hemlines to the delicate fabrication.


Images of complete AW06 Haute Couture collection here, at vogue.com.au

Haute Couture AW06: Jean Paul Gaultier

I'm not one for extreme glitz & gawdy over the top palava - so my choice for most beautiful couture collection goes to Gaultier, an expert at perfectly balancing directional theatrics with the traditional beauty of the craft:


Images of complete AW06 Haute Couture collection here, at style.com.

Haute Couture AW06: Chanel

Although I am of the opinion that Karl's work for Chanel produces the same old tweed suits etc. season after season, I did like these pieces for Chanel's AW06 Haute Couture collection:

Images of complete AW06 Haute Couture collection here, at style.com.

S/S 2006-7: NZ - Nom D

Can gingham be cool?, well if NomD has anything to do with it then the answer is yes, their SS06 collection 'Lowdown' rocks the check print along with their signature crisp monochrome cottons in slouchy pinafore, shirtdress and overall shapes, this seasons must have NomD t-shirt features a massive scarab print - truly 'Cooler than Cool'.


Images of complete SS06 collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz

S/S 2006-7: NZ - Kate Sylvester

The Kate Sylvester SS06 collection entitled 'Young Ideas Go West' portrays the designer's love for graphic shapes and feminine prints, using blocks of colour and eastern details.


Images of complete SS06 collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz

S/S 2006-7: NZ - Jimmy D

Jimmy D wants you to get the most out of your clothing, his collections always feature pieces that can be worn more than one way thus encouraging experimentation - an essential quality possessed by the Jimmy D customer.

The premise of the SS06 collection is volumes of fabric over a figure hugging base silhouette.

Images of complete SS06 collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz

S/S 2006-7: NZ - Juliette Hogan

This SS06 collection is all about playful, pretty & relaxed shapes.


Images of complete SS06 collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz

S/S 2006-7: NZ - Sylvester

Now for summer NZ style - starting with Kate Sylvester's little sister label:

The Sylvester SS06 girl is mod cute with a touch of rocker slick.


Images of complete SS06 collection here, at runwayreporter.co.nz

Yay for YOOX: Footwear

Now for the best part - shoes from YOOX:

FLATS

Marc Jacobs $395.16, Alaia $267.53

WEDGES

Marni $255.26, Stella McCartney was$245 now$148

PUMPS

AF Vandevorst was$245 now$148, Miu Miu $208.62

Michel Perry $427.07, Pierre Hardy was$427.07 now$341.16

ANKLE BOOTS

Marc by Marc Jacobs $255.26, Martin Margiela 22 $515.42

KNEE BOOTS

Pierre Hardy was $276.12 now $220.90, Balenciaga Edition $655.32

Prada $576.78, Colette was $1936.52 now $1548.73

Yay for YOOX: Jackets & Coats

Now for some outerwear from YOOX:

JACKETS

Clements Ribiero $730.18, Victor & Rolf $427.07

Yohji Yamamoto was $1511.91 now$1212.47, Hussein Chalayan $672.51

Givenchy was $863.95 now$690.91, Vivienne Westwood Red Label $402

COATS

Riccardo Tisci was $554.69 now$443.02, Victor & Rolf was $554.69 now$443.02

Y-3 was $693.37 now$554.69, Chloe was $2717.02 now $2173.37

Martin Margiela 4 was $782.95 now$625.87, Y's Yohji Yamamoto was $662.69 now $530

MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE

Comme des Garcons was $598.87 now$478.61

Yay for YOOX: Tops & Dresses

There's a few goodies to be had at YOOX right now:

TOPS

Just Cavalli $164.36, Commes des Garcons was$471.24 now$376.75

Martin Margiela $195, Marni $398.84

Balenciaga was$1294.70 now$1035.76, Riccardo Tisci was$414 now$290

Nicolas York was$169.35 now$134.99, Yohji Yamamoto was$2844.65 now$2275.23

DRESSES

Marni $1223

Balenciaga Vintage c.1977 $868.86

Hussein Chalayan $791.54, Junya Watanabe Commes des Garcons was$586.60 now$468.79

Beachy Gucci

This resort collection featured way too many gypsy-boho shapes but the following looks caught my eye:

Prints and pants...

Shorts and swimsuits...

Cropped Jackets and hemlines...

Dresses with backless appeal...

Images of complete Resort 06 collection here, at style.com.

De-Lovely De La Renta

Having met the lovely man myself, I understand what lies at the heart of his design ethos - enveloping grace with beauty.

Casual chic + volume and waist accentuation...

A vision in polkadots or safari siren...

Nicely nautical: High waisted trousers topped off with ruffles or how about the perfect white summer dress...

Elegant high waisted trouser ensembles: just the right amount skin gives this little ruffle trimmed top intelligent sex appeal or top them off with a pretty cardigan and ruffle front confection...

Black & White: Elaborate Lace or Balenciaga-esque Polkadot Pouf...

Black & White at the Races: a little White Dress Suit or Cocktail Dress...

Pretty Prints: Voluminous Cocktail or Statuesque Column...

Whether its the choice of fabrication or the masterful cut, the ever so slight edge of casualness in these evening dresses is what makes them so alluring...

Images of complete Resort 06 collection here, at style.com.

CFDA Awards 06

Doo Ri Chung won Swarovski's Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent in Womenswear, an extremely well deserved recipient - this designer really knows how to create an original and directional collection.


I thought Francisco Costa's Fall 06 collection for Calvin Klein was outstanding, Cathy Horyn however thought that he 'went too far from Klein's sportswear tradition...' - but playing safe isn't going to win awards is it, the CFDA obviously approve of his injection of excitement into the label, they awarded him 2006 Womenswear Designer of the Year:

The International Award went to one of the most beautiful men in the world - Olivier Theyskens for his work at Rochas, photographed here offsetting La Wintour's majesty with his innocent glow :)

Master Photographer Bruce Weber was honored with the Eugenia Sheppard Award for Fashion Journalism, pictured here with another Legend - John (YSL suits love this man):

Images from the awards here at Style.com

'Summer breeze makes me feel fine...'

The 2006 Dior Cruise Collection otherwise known as 'Dior for the Relaxed Glamazon'.


Images and complete collection here, at style.com.

Sleep with your head in the clouds...

The Cloud Bed by Courtney Skott - the modern, minimalist and mobile four poster bed.

Info & pic sourced from here, at Sensory Impact.com.

Maison (de la couture) Martin Margiela

The master of all that is deconstruction & artisanal - Martin Margiela, has been invited by the Chambre Syndicale De La Couture' to show as part of the official Haute Couture schedule in July.

Images of the AW06 collection here, at Vogue.co.uk.

The Perfect Mix.

Tautou with a touch of Hepburn...

Audrey Tautou looking elegant & ethereal in Cannes at the premiere of 'The Da Vinci Code'.

More images here, at Getty Images.com

on the subject of photography...

New photography gallery 401 Projects in New York is currently showing the exhibition "In My Stairwell" platinum prints of celebrity portraits (shot in the stairwell of his loft studio) by gallery founder Mark Seliger, I quite like this shot of vaudevillian actor Bill Irwin in clown pants:

The former chief photographer of Rolling Stone, is now under contract to Condé Nast Publications, where he works for GQ & Vanity Fair, his body of work includes portraits of Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Kurt Cobain & this ultra cool shot of the Legendary Johnny Cash:

The next show starting on May 24 will be an exhibtion of the work of rock photographer Albert Watson sponsored by DKNY, I love this shot of Bowie:

401 Projects Gallery is described by Seliger as - "This is like a photographer's sanctuary."

More images and information here, at 401 Projects.com

Madonna's Mane Event

Ethereal equestrian erotica.

"Madonna" photographed by Steven Klein; the complete story appears in the June 2006 issue of W.

Story & more images here, at Style.com

Ankle Boot Amore

Seriously lovin' these ankle boots from Stella McCartney:


Images and complete collection here, at Style.com

S/S 2006-7: Sydney - Notable Mention

Many of the collections shown in Sydney for MAFW this week were full of uninspiring been-there-done-that dresses, the smaller more experimental labels like Alpha60 provided welcome relief:

Images and complete collection here, at six6photography.com.

S/S 2006-7: Sydney - Toni Maticevski

The Balenciaga style pieces in this collection were wrong, and even though the Roland Mouret references were a better tangent this designer really doesn’t need to emulate anyone else - he has proven in the past that he can design beautiful, original and directional collections, from this seasons show the following pieces stood out:



Images and complete collection here, at Vogue.com.au

S/S 2006-7: Sydney #2

I was expecting some great collections from the following designers, but all in all a little slim on the directional front, here are the looks I liked:

Alice McCall

Camilla & Marc

Charlie Brown

Josh Goot

Lover

Zimmerman

Images and complete collection here, at Vogue.com.au

S/S 2006-7: Sydney - Kirrily Johnston

Taking cues from YSL and Lanvin this collection opitimizes casual chic – mixing comfortable shapes with beautiful detailing and bursts of colour, really allowing the wearer to delve into summer head first:


Images and complete collection here, at Vogue.com.au

S/S 2006-7: Sydney * Zambesi = Zoi *

‘Zoi’ means life and as seen in this collection Zambesi encapsulate their zest for life – a thoroughly beautiful, bold, & brilliant collection - from this design team you can expect nothing less.

As usual included in the current collection there are pieces from past collections reworked in new fabrications- proof of this labels timeless perfection.

Images and complete collection here, at Vogue.com.au

Now Look!

We interrupt this Fashion Week broadcast to bring you the Now Look from YSL Rive Gauche:

Now Look Pump

Now Look Ankle Boot

Images and complete collections here, at Style.com

S/S 2006-7: Sydney #1

The Spring Summer 2006-7 Ready-to-Wear Collections from Sydney, Australia – the land of sunshine and surf, it’s fitting that the first summer collections of the year are shown there:

Sundresses aside, here are my favourite collections so far:

Akira

Jayson Brunsdon

Aurelio Costarella

and newcomer Cybele

Akira, Jayson Brunsdon, & Aurelio Costarella images and complete collections here, at Vogue.com.au, and Cybele images and complete collection here, at six6photography.com.

Truly YSLegant...

Yves Saint Laurent Bolero Patent Platform Sandals...

...wear with Alexander McQueen's V-Neck Bow Dress...

...or the Viktor & Rolf Silk Maxi Dress

A/W 2006:LA Fashion Week ?

Seriously slim pickings on the style front at LA Fashion Week 06, of all collections on offer the only one worth mentioning was Collection Bebe:

Beautiful directional cuts...

...and precision tailoring.

More images here, at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.com.

The Genuine Creator

According to PersonalDNA.com I am a:

A/H 2006: Paris - Best Pumps

Closed-toe

Celine

Dries Van Noten, Giambattista Valli

Victor & Rolf

Andrew Gn, Lanvin

Valentino

Valentino

Platform

Chloe

Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton

Stella McCartney

Open-toe

Givenchy

Giambattista Valli

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Best Sandals & Mary-Janes & T-Straps

Sandals

Giambattista Valli, Lanvin

Lanvin

Givenchy

Valentino, Andrew Gn

Mary Janes

Chloe, Lanvin

T-Straps

Louis Vuitton, Sonia Rykiel

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Best Boots

Ankle Boots

Rick Owens

Balenciaga

Stella McCartney

John Galliano

Christian Dior

Knee High Boots

Christian Dior

Ys Yohji Yamamoto, Balenciaga

Celine

Givenchy

Rochas

Rochas

Lanvin, Chanel

Rochas

Rochas

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5 Footwear Collections #1: Alexander McQueen

Feathers, Sheepskin, tooled leather and brocade fabrications at Alexander McQueen:


Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5 Footwear Collections #2: Nina Ricci

Ultra sexy strappy heels and knee high boots at Nina Ricci:


Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5 Footwear Collections #3: Sonia Rykiel

Platform Mary-Janes and Boots at Sonia Rykiel:


Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5 Footwear Collections #4: Paco Rabanne

Fur, snakeskin and metallics rule this season for Patrick Robinson:




Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5 Footwear Collections #5: YSL Rive Gauche

Sexy platform boots and pumps for this season from Stefano Pilati:


Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Colour Trend #5

Red Reign

Nicolas Andreas Taralis, Christian Lacroix

Antonio Berardi, Louis Vuitton

Commes des Garcons, Alexander McQueen

Vivienne Westwood, Lanvin

Lanvin, Miu Miu

Givenchy, Barbara Bui

Christian Dior, Valentino

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Colour Trend #4

Moody Blues

Stella McCartney, YSL Rive Gauche

Balenciaga, Kenzo

Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel

Rochas, Vivienne Westwood

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Colour Trend #3

Turquoise Time

Martin Grant, Celine

Celine, Martin Grant

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Colour Trend #2

Autumnal Glow

Nina Ricci, Hermes

Nina Ricci, Akris

Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier

Antonio Berardi, Nina Ricci

Martin Margiela, Lanvin

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris - Colour Trend #1

Pink & Purple Perfection

Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne

Emanuel Ungaro, YSL Rive Gauche

Lanvin, YSL Rive Gauche

Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5: Alexander McQueen

Anarchy and the Highland fling as seen through the eyes of Alexander McQueen. This season’s McQueen collection proves yet again that McQueen is truly the master of his craft.

From lady-like to punk attitude …

…in sumptuous fabrications…

…prints so beautiful in their subtlety…

…to all-over usage of dramatic fabrics – stunning in their effect…

…punk attitude tartan with rococo embroidery or soft tulle lace…

…essential McQueen tailored jackets…

…to coats of softer effect…

…evening looks with a touch of goddess or babydoll cute…

…to extremely regal gowns fit for a queen…

…the most devine wedges, boots,…

… sandals and pumps - definitely the most beautiful footwear from any designer this season.


Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5: Givenchy

Ricardo Tisci’s collection for Givenchy was all about the ultra-sexy secretary, experimenting with new uses for fabric and sculptural cuts to ensure a directional, ingenuious as well as elegant result.

Lace prints on white shirts…

…using the seasons most wanted colour - Red…

…textural interest by way of texture and cut…

…use of volume…

…and fabric contrasts…

…high waist restraint…

…pretty little frothy numbers for evening to all out glamourous full length statement dresses…

… for red carpet events…

…finished by sculptural footwear…

…or comfortable boots…

…but for evening only velvet and sequins will do.

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5: Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier's attention to detail, creativity and originality are the traits that make him an outstanding designer and why he is refered to as 'the last, best hope for couture', his ready-to-wear collection is just as exquisite as his couture and this season's collection is no less than a triumph:

From ultra luxurious casual wear…

…to precision tailored jackets with corsets…

…volume for dresses and trouser suits…

…beautiful lace knits and velvet for day…

…evening dresses…

…or an utterly exquisite evening jacket…

…it’s all about the details even down to the accessories whether it be a pair of white heels or a white owl…


Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5: Balenciaga

This collection opitimised true Balenciaga style = utterly contemporary + future perfect:

The perfect trousers & blouses…

…precision tailored slim-fit short sleeve jackets …

…dresses in plaid for day and brocade for night…

… or voluminous suits…

…jackets for evening…

…party dresses…

…and footwear with attitude…

…to boot.

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris Top 5: Sonia Rykiel

With a definite Parisian theme running throughout this season's collections, to not wear Sonia Rykiel would be blasphemous:

The most comfortable sweater dresses…

…bow details throughout …

… knit for day and evening…

…trouser suits – cute knit or ultra-chic in satin…

…exquisitely elegant coats…

…rosette detailed dresses in chiffon or satin for evening - in knee length…

…or short and sweet…

…all paired with the most delightful footwear...

...featuring straps with buttons and rosettes.

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris – Notable Mentions #1

Olivier Theyskens translated the life of a chimney sweep into a charmingly chic collection at Rochas, and Martin Grant's superb way with cut is evdent in his latest collection:

Rochas

Martin Grant
Surely the next big name in the world of fashion:

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris – Notable Mentions #2

LV stood for 'Little Vagabond' according to Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, and Patrick Robinson tuned in to the Paco Rabanne ethos to show a beautifully cut and thoroughly directional collection for Paco Rabanne:

Louis Vuitton

Paco Rabanne

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #10

Antonio Berardi direction takes ultra sexy path, Elber Albaz showed his modernized take on traditional haute couture at Lanvin , and by showing in Paris, Miuccia's intention to elevate the profile and stature of Miu Miu is sealed:

Antonio Berardi

Miu Miu

Lanvin

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #9

JPG's vision is definitely focused on the pinnacle of elegance that is signature Hermes, Barbara Bui keeps to the edgy side of glamour, and Rei Kewakubo has you wearing your dress on the outside of your suit at Commes des Garcons:

Hermes

Barbara Bui

Comme des Garcons

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #8

Turandot inspires Antonio Marras for Kenzo, Lars Nilsson mixes up a little urban charm at Nina Ricci, and Martin Margiela transforms home furnishings for his collection:

Kenzo

Nina Ricci

Martin Margiela

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #7

Giambattista Valli cuts a fine couturier line, Akris has desirable draping in mind, and Kaiser Karl combines a little youthful spirit with classic Chanel:

Giambattista Valli

Akris

Chanel

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #6

Pilati presents perfect Parisian perfection for YSL Rive Gauche, Ivana Omazic focuses on thirties femininity for Celine, and Peter Dundas works at minimal chic for Emanuel Ungaro :

YSL Rive Gauche

Celine

Emanuel Ungaro

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #5

Dries van Noten imparts beautifully refined yet relaxed elegance and Stella McCartney presents clothes to make life easy:

Dries van Noten

Stella McCartney

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #4

Hussein Chalayan fashions work of art, Sophia Kokosalaki tailors sophistication perfectly, and Veronique Branquinho simplified the masculine/feminine power-play:

Hussein Chalayan

Sophia Kokosalaki

Veronique Branquinho

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #3

Andrew Gn's opulent luxury, John Galliano's rock chic at Christian Dior, and punk couture as only Vivienne Westwood can do:

Andrew Gn

Christian Dior

Vivienne Westwood

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #2

From Anne Demeulemeester's signature edgy darkness to Parisian perfection at Victor & Rolf:

Anne Demeulemeester

Victor & Rolf

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/H 2006: Paris #1

STOP EVERYTHING - The Automne/Hiver Paris Ready-to-Wear Collections are here!

Starting right off the mark with some of the world's most experimental designers we have A.F. Vandevorst doing seduction belgian style, Rick Owens dresses the modern gothic siren, Undercover layers up a storm, and signature oversize masculine tailoring at Ys Yohji Yamamoto:

A.F. Vandevorst

Rick Owens

Undercover

Ys Yohji Yamamoto

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, here, at Style.com, and here, at Elle.com.

A/I 2006: Milan - Best Footwear

Pumps

Pringle, Versace

Missoni, Versace

Sandals

Giorgio Armani

Ankle Boots

Versace

Knee Boots

Gucci, Marni

Over-the-knee Boots

Versace

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, and here, at Style.com.

A/I 2006: Milan - Colour Trend #4

Blue

Marni, MaxMara

Giorgio Armani, Versace

Allesandro dell'Acqua, Marni

Burberry Prorsum, Salvatore Ferragamo

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, and here, at Style.com.

A/I 2006: Milan - Colour Trend #3

Purple

Burberry Prorsum, Versace

Alberta Ferretti, Giorgio Armani

Salvatore Ferragamo, Fendi

Gucci, Blumarine

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, and here, at Style.com.

A/I 2006: Milan - Colour Trend #2

Red

Salvatore Ferragamo, MaxMara

Dsquared, Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo, Dolce e Gabbana

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, and here, at Style.com.

A/I 2006: Milan - Colour Trend #1

Lemon & Lime

Fendi, Bottega Veneta

Jenny Packham, Blumarine

Bottega Veneta, Allesandro dell'Acqua

Images and complete collections here, at Vogue.co.uk, and here, at Style.com.