Go Balmain!

I was so excited about this collection, I almost screamed. The transformation that has happened at Balmain is reminiscent of what happened at Alexander McQueen last Spring.

Balmain has always represented the signature rock chic designer. As at last Spring, that rock chic was bordering on grunge. With ripped, dirty jeans and tees, all combined with the signature heavily embellished Balmain jackets.

The creative director, Christophe Decarnin was our sweetheart. I loved the spunk of Balmain under him, but he shockingly left the house in February and handed over to Olivier Rousteing, a 25 year old young man who had worked under him for 2 years. Now, I really don’t want to get hung up on how cute Olivier is, but he is cute. We’re talking fashion here however…*clears throat*

So! What he has done is brought sleek chic into the equation, keeping the elaborate embroideries and embellished details but upping the glam factor and class. The rock chic bordering on grunge has been tossed and there’s beautiful, properly feminine light thrown into the design aesthetic.

We will be watching Olivier.

Olivier Rousteing

Photo credits: Style dot com

 

 

 

Kelly Rowland’s Sweet X-factor Style

Kelly Rowland is really stylin’ in her debut as X-factor UK judge. It’s feminine style with edgy accents, very accessible yet aspirational fashion. Watching this girl all season!

 

Totally love the t-shirt with chain detail by Moschino. And those Alexander McQueen sandals? So edgy, so chic. The styling is impeccable.

The delicate lace dress with metallic belt and red shoe boots. Stunning! I can’t get over the dress and metallic belt though, want that dress.

 

Images via Glamour UK

Nothing beats the perfect shoe silhouette

I can’t believe i haven’t blogged in so many weeks! So so heartbreaking! But hey, it’s one day at a time i guess, never too late to jump right back in. I plan to express my fashionable side as much as possible from now on. Scouts honour!

So, my eyes dropped to the silhouette of my shoes today and i couldn’t help the fuzzy feeling. I love that beautiful arch at the sole of a shoe, especially when it curves into a slim and generously high heel. We’ll be going for a 5 to 6 inch heel there *wink wink*

It’s even more exquisite when it has an unusual shape, I love love love YSL shoes for that, Miu Miu has some stunning shapes as well. We all kinda agree that Christian Louboutin has nailed heel perfection to an art, so we’ll always pay homage to the maestro.

Wella! I decided to go-a-drooling and picked out some goose bumps worthy heels from these amazing shoe artists. Drool with me please, lol.

Rupert Sanderson Troy Patent Court Shoe £385

Alexander McQueen Lizard Platform Pumps £1,035

Christian Louboutin 'Mago' Suede and Leather Platform Court Shoes £395

Camilla Skovgaard Metallic textured leather platform sandals £325

Lanvin Swarovski crystal-embellished leather sandals £1010

Miu Miu Suede peep toe pumps £355

Christian Louboutin 'Mago' Suede and Leather Platform Court Shoes £395

Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo metallic leather pumps £565

Camilla Skovgaard studded leather platform sandals £335

Nicholas Kirkwood Rose Printed Satin Platform Court Shoes £475

Miu Miu Bow-embellished patent-leather pumps £400

You can find them on Net-a-porter and Browns.

See ya soon with more chic finds ;-)

My best of Pre fall 2011

The Spring 2011 Couture shows kicked off in Paris yesterday. I’m getting ready to start gushing about the art and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of couture pieces, already saw some stunning pieces in the Dior collection, but just before I go there, I want to highlight my favourite pieces from the Pre fall collections.

There was loads and loads of great fashion to keep us inspired.

I’ll start with BCBG Max Azria, there was lots of colour blocking in floaty chiffon with gold accents. Coupled with those bright pink lips the model was wearing, it could have passed for a summer collection, something straight out of Spring 2011

Alexander McQueen was strong and imposing as always. The collection reminded me of ornate, super elegant toy soldiers – in full regalia. Very exquisite.

Carolina Herrera, metallics, prints, moderate serving of embellishment, nothing breathtaking, but pretty all the same. Minimalism is for sure here to stay, it was clearly a major influence in most collections.

Oscar de la Renta was in no hurry to move from the Spring 2011 mood, lots of vibrant colour, stayed very true to the ladylike, intensely feminine aesthetic. As with everything Oscar, I loved the collection.

Nina Ricci, forever the girl at heart. We know one designer who will always let girls be girls,

Zac Posen was the right fusion of edgy and feminine. Lots of dark hues with some bursts of colour and print, black was almost predominant but there was a mix of textures and detailing, keeping it interesting. Bottomline, Tres chic.

The layering was just beautiful at Elie Tahari, those pants were exquisitely tailored and skinny belts were a major feature. It was a lesson in smart layering.

DSquared, the collection was eclectic but tied together in a very neat, understatedly elegant style. It was the wardrobe of a very style savvy lady.

I was taken by the lush draping and beautiful colour of this Vera Wang dress. Not much to say about the rest of the collection. I still love Vera Wang to pieces though.

Erdem was classic Erdem. Pretty florals and simple, classic cuts.

And then the die hard minimalists, Celine and Stella McCartney go huge on the coat. Nothing ever will separate Stella McCartney from Camel, nothing.

 

 

Pictures via Elle.com

Paris Fashion Week: Exquisite craftsmanship at Alexander McQueen

Sarah Burton had worked with Alexander McQueen – as his assistant – for 15 years before his demise in February this year; and it was only natural that she would take over as creative director of the label. She presented the first catwalk collection without the iconic designer and demonstrated that the long career as his assistant paid off.

The collection was signature McQueen, ornate, intricate detailing, sharp tailoring, structure, lush fabrics and baroque ambiance. But Sarah Burton was right to say she’s not as dark as Lee McQueen. There was a softer, more feminine edge to the designs; it was like McQueen tension free and stripped of his signature dark concepts. It was lovely to see butterflies featuring in the collection, perhaps a reflection of the new designer’s state of mind. The hair was absolutely gorgeous, the earthy, intricate braiding was easily the most creative of fashion month.

All in all, it was a glowing tribute to the late Lee McQueen. The label is definitely carrying on.

Pictures via style.com

Paris Fashion Week: Gorgeous foot candy at Alexander McQueen

Sarah Burton did put on an amazing shoe at Alexander McQueen. She surely didn’t disappoint everyone waiting to see what the label will produce after the demise of Lee McQueen. The shoes on display deserved a separate post. I especially loved the pairs with butterfly details on the front.

These butterfly detail pieces were my absolute favourite, especially the gold pair.

Pictures via style.com

Eye Popper at a ‘funeral’

Daphne Guinness at Alexander McQueen's Memorial in London

Pic courtesy style.com

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