Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
Rather love this Miu Miu AW10 campiagn film above. The "girls in a photo-booth" fashion film was apparently directed by Madonna who "just popped into the studio" [Grazia Daily] and took over the proceedings from the photographers of the campiagn, Mert & Marcus.. Sounds like her to take over. But could it really have happened like that?? Mert & Marcus like to be in control as much as she does... I smell a publicity conspiracy! And a good one at that! The film is cute and good too.
ANYWAY. What I enjoyed as much, if not more that the Miu Miu film is the soundtrack to it. The music is a remix of Boy George's brilliant Generations of Love track from his 1990 album The Martyr Mantra. In fact Madonna has cited this album in several interviews, saying she loves it.
Being a life-long Boy George fan I have to say Madonna is spot on. This song and the album it came from is one of his finest hours. And just look how beautiful he was in 1990.
http://www.graziadaily.com/
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
THE SECRET IN MY EYES
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
Meet Daxita. This woman changed the dimensions of my face for me last weekend. It took her an hour. Upon leaving her room in the basement of the busy and award-winning hair and beauty salon Atherton & Cox in central London, my best friend over from San Francisco said "girl, you've gotta get this done all the time, you look haaawwt."
There are three lash-style options. "Disco" are obviously party lashes, longer at the outer edge in the manner of Jessica Rabbit. "Natural" are an uber version of a natural set of lashes; thick, long and glossy, but not at alll fancy and could, if you were really blessed, be real.
I went for a cross between the two; what Daxita calls the "Beautiful" look.
"I'm using three lengths of lashes, 9mm, 11mm, and 14mm to create lashes that enhance your eye shape, and create a long lash which curl at the end for a dramatic look," she told me while my eyes were shut tight.
Who was I to argue? Following the extensions, Daxita threaded my eyebrows teasing a shape from them I didn't think possible.
Daxita can be found at Atherton and Cox
TIPS
The procedure is not cheap hence you want the lashes to last at least three to four weeks.
In order for that to happen, you need NOT to rub your eyes, (which you will want to do in the first couple of days) not let your lashes get terribly wet in the shower, and avoid rubbing your eyes with a towel.
Vigorous rubbing etc can dislodge them, and when one or two go, lash watching can become a bit obsessive.
Thats all!
Meet Daxita. This woman changed the dimensions of my face for me last weekend. It took her an hour. Upon leaving her room in the basement of the busy and award-winning hair and beauty salon Atherton & Cox in central London, my best friend over from San Francisco said "girl, you've gotta get this done all the time, you look haaawwt."
Daxita Vaghela - "the Eyelash Angel"
How did Daxita change my face? She applied lush eyelash extensions to my short, straight and unremarkable lashes. A few friends of mine had them, and instead of noticing the extensions, the impression was of a remarkably healthy, bright eyed, groomed and, crucially, younger and more dewy friend. After much slitting of eyes in the "go on, admit you've had Botox" variety, they told me about Daxita. Well, reader, I was on the phone to her salon in seconds.
What happened in her "second on the right" room, was that I lay down and closed my eyes. Then Daxita put Indian trance music on the iPod and began. Deftly, speedily and oh-so-gently she set about sticking individual synthetic hairs, (you can see them below), onto my individual lashes.
Daxita uses one tweezer to isolate a lash, the other to pick up the synthetic lash, dip the end in black glue and apply it, thus extending said lash.
There are three lash-style options. "Disco" are obviously party lashes, longer at the outer edge in the manner of Jessica Rabbit. "Natural" are an uber version of a natural set of lashes; thick, long and glossy, but not at alll fancy and could, if you were really blessed, be real.
"I'm using three lengths of lashes, 9mm, 11mm, and 14mm to create lashes that enhance your eye shape, and create a long lash which curl at the end for a dramatic look," she told me while my eyes were shut tight.
Who was I to argue? Following the extensions, Daxita threaded my eyebrows teasing a shape from them I didn't think possible.
BEFORE
Looking a bit naked around the eyes
AFTER
"You're looking well, Melanie...what have you done?"
Not quite ready for my close-up, but just focus on the divine lashes, OK?
What makes Daxita so amazing is that she has the eye of an artist, and is able to instinctively bring out the best in an individuals face. It is no wonder that she is fast becoming Londons go-to girl for all matters lash. I cannot recomend her highly enough.
Daxita can be found at Atherton and Cox
Daxita Lashes – Full Set (60mins) £150, Half Set (45mins) £95, Maintenance (30mins) £45, Lashes Removal (15mins) £15
Daxita Brow Threading - £30
TIPS
The procedure is not cheap hence you want the lashes to last at least three to four weeks.
In order for that to happen, you need NOT to rub your eyes, (which you will want to do in the first couple of days) not let your lashes get terribly wet in the shower, and avoid rubbing your eyes with a towel.
Vigorous rubbing etc can dislodge them, and when one or two go, lash watching can become a bit obsessive.
Thats all!
CHECKING IN WITH ANNA AND GRACE
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
One is a creative romantic. The other a pragmatic and powerful businesswoman at the very top of her game. Together they are an inspiration for how far anyone in my line of business can take their career, if they want to. I just felt the urge to share two items of new information on Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour. Anna even - shock horror - uses the word "blog."
GRACE
Good news! Grace Coddington has confirmed she is to pen an autobiography with the help of her friend and collaborator Jay Fielden who also worked with her on her giant orange tome Grace: 30 Years of fashion at Vogue.
“We’re just starting, and I think it’s going to be a really fun project,” Grace told WWD. In typically self-deprecating style she also added: “I’m hoping it’s going to be very rich in fashion history. It’s more than just about me.
ANNA
On his Opening Ceremony.us website today Humberto Leon interviews Anna Wintour about Fashions Night Out. Here are my favourite bits of the interview.
Humberto Leon: "We were surprised to find ourselves geeking out with Anna on 'Like a Prayer'-era Madonna, her iPad, lost Soho oculists, and what prompted her to put a pair of jeans on the cover of Vogue in 1988. Of course, the order of the day was Fashion's Night Out, the event she developed last year to jumpstart global retail.
Humberto: What's new for Fashion's Night Out (FNO) this year?
Anna Wintour: This year we have a CBS documentary on the making of the event, and we’re staging the largest public fashion show in New York’s history with some of the world’s top models. It will be a carnival-style celebration like last year, only bigger and better, with more cities and retailers participating.
Traditionally, shows are industry events, so this is unique as we’re staging it for the consumer. Not only will shoppers preview the best trends for fall on many of the world’s most recognized models, but they will also have the opportunity to purchase those trends on Fashion’s Night Out. No matter their style or budget, anyone can translate the latest trends to suit their tastes and wardrobe.
HL: What is a change you've seen in the fashion industry since the first FNO?
AW: I believe consumer confidence is being restored. People are out there shopping again without the level of guilt or concern of the previous year. Also, it’s built community amongst designers and retailers, both competitors and otherwise, and brought together all aspects of American culture and arts, which is an exciting aspect in and of itself. It’s a time of the year when fashion cities around the world are united in a cause, which is wonderful.
HL: Do you read fashion blogs, and if so, which ones are your favorites?
AW: Yes, of course. We’ve featured many bloggers in Vogue. Hanneli Mustaparta and Rachel Chandler are regular contributors to Vogue.com.
HL: How do you think fashion blogs have affected magazine content?
AW: Like any evolution in the industry, they force you to become better at what you do. Vogue’s in-depth articles and beautiful fashion stories, along with coverage of the arts within a fashion context, is not something that exists in the same way on blogs. They force us to dig deeper for stories, but we’re not competitors; we serve different markets.
http://www.industriemagazine.com/
http://www.openingceremony.us/
http://www.wwd.com/
http://www.vogue.com/
One is a creative romantic. The other a pragmatic and powerful businesswoman at the very top of her game. Together they are an inspiration for how far anyone in my line of business can take their career, if they want to. I just felt the urge to share two items of new information on Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour. Anna even - shock horror - uses the word "blog."
GRACE
“We’re just starting, and I think it’s going to be a really fun project,” Grace told WWD. In typically self-deprecating style she also added: “I’m hoping it’s going to be very rich in fashion history. It’s more than just about me.
ANNA
On his Opening Ceremony.us website today Humberto Leon interviews Anna Wintour about Fashions Night Out. Here are my favourite bits of the interview.
Humberto Leon: "We were surprised to find ourselves geeking out with Anna on 'Like a Prayer'-era Madonna, her iPad, lost Soho oculists, and what prompted her to put a pair of jeans on the cover of Vogue in 1988. Of course, the order of the day was Fashion's Night Out, the event she developed last year to jumpstart global retail.
Humberto: What's new for Fashion's Night Out (FNO) this year?
Anna Wintour: This year we have a CBS documentary on the making of the event, and we’re staging the largest public fashion show in New York’s history with some of the world’s top models. It will be a carnival-style celebration like last year, only bigger and better, with more cities and retailers participating.
Traditionally, shows are industry events, so this is unique as we’re staging it for the consumer. Not only will shoppers preview the best trends for fall on many of the world’s most recognized models, but they will also have the opportunity to purchase those trends on Fashion’s Night Out. No matter their style or budget, anyone can translate the latest trends to suit their tastes and wardrobe.
HL: What is a change you've seen in the fashion industry since the first FNO?
AW: I believe consumer confidence is being restored. People are out there shopping again without the level of guilt or concern of the previous year. Also, it’s built community amongst designers and retailers, both competitors and otherwise, and brought together all aspects of American culture and arts, which is an exciting aspect in and of itself. It’s a time of the year when fashion cities around the world are united in a cause, which is wonderful.
HL: Do you read fashion blogs, and if so, which ones are your favorites?
AW: Yes, of course. We’ve featured many bloggers in Vogue. Hanneli Mustaparta and Rachel Chandler are regular contributors to Vogue.com.
HL: How do you think fashion blogs have affected magazine content?
AW: Like any evolution in the industry, they force you to become better at what you do. Vogue’s in-depth articles and beautiful fashion stories, along with coverage of the arts within a fashion context, is not something that exists in the same way on blogs. They force us to dig deeper for stories, but we’re not competitors; we serve different markets.
http://www.industriemagazine.com/
http://www.openingceremony.us/
http://www.wwd.com/
http://www.vogue.com/
Thursday, August 19, 2010
NOTHING COMES BETWEEN ME AND MY CALVINS. NOTHING
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
The reason I was obsessing about Brooke Shields last week was because I heard the business was re-issuing the jean she wore in the famous adverts from 1980, and the thought excited me. To my mind jeans are totally off-trend. The thought of squeezing into my old skinny jeans abhors my mind (and my body), and yet the shape of the "Brooke" jeans strikes me as the only jean shape that seems entirely right for now.
Lets examine the form. The big return to trousers as a fashion staple is upon us for Autumn. Gap have used trousers as the backbone of their Autumn collection. The best trousers now are higher waisted, hug the hips, lengthen the legs.
In fact, so right for now is this jean, that when news leaked last week that Calvin Klein Jeans were issuing a 2010 update to the 1980 jean Brooke modelled, their phones went into meltdown with people asking for the shape.
Calvin Klein insist the jeans are not identical, more of an update on the style, but that snug fit on the rear, and the cheeky baby-kick are in place making them perfect to wear with the tucked-in feminine silky blouses and petit-stiletto's or college-inspired flats that are about to hit the shops.
This jean shape really does have it all – it minimises thighs, accentuates the hip/waist ratio, lengthens legs, and looks totally now to boot. It is not just Calvin Klein who are picking up on their iconic denim looks of the early 80’s, we have found similar styles that span the price spectrum. In the name of sharing the jean love, here they all are!
So all you have to do now is take your pick! Trust us, nothing will come between you and your jeans all season...Nothing!
(Brooke Shields image copyright Calvin Klein/Richard Avedon archive)
Brooke Shields (aged 15!) in the iconic campaign shot by Richard Avedon wearing CK jeans and a shirt that looks remarkably like one by Equipment, my go-to shirt/blouse provider for A/W.
The reason I was obsessing about Brooke Shields last week was because I heard the business was re-issuing the jean she wore in the famous adverts from 1980, and the thought excited me. To my mind jeans are totally off-trend. The thought of squeezing into my old skinny jeans abhors my mind (and my body), and yet the shape of the "Brooke" jeans strikes me as the only jean shape that seems entirely right for now.
Lets examine the form. The big return to trousers as a fashion staple is upon us for Autumn. Gap have used trousers as the backbone of their Autumn collection. The best trousers now are higher waisted, hug the hips, lengthen the legs.
In fact, so right for now is this jean, that when news leaked last week that Calvin Klein Jeans were issuing a 2010 update to the 1980 jean Brooke modelled, their phones went into meltdown with people asking for the shape.
Calvin Klein insist the jeans are not identical, more of an update on the style, but that snug fit on the rear, and the cheeky baby-kick are in place making them perfect to wear with the tucked-in feminine silky blouses and petit-stiletto's or college-inspired flats that are about to hit the shops.
This jean shape really does have it all – it minimises thighs, accentuates the hip/waist ratio, lengthens legs, and looks totally now to boot. It is not just Calvin Klein who are picking up on their iconic denim looks of the early 80’s, we have found similar styles that span the price spectrum. In the name of sharing the jean love, here they all are!
'Hunter' Jeans, £185 by James Jeans
'Scarlet' rinse wash jeans, £45 by Oasis
Blue high waisted £150 by 7 for All Mankind at My Wardrobe
'Martha' jeans £40 by Topshop
'Starcy' slim bootcut £89 by Nudie Jeans at My Wardrobe
Indigo bootcut, £39.99 by River Island
So all you have to do now is take your pick! Trust us, nothing will come between you and your jeans all season...Nothing!
(Brooke Shields image copyright Calvin Klein/Richard Avedon archive)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Fashion Frisson # 2 MCQUEEN'S FINALE
The moment I set eyes on this incredible jacket/dress/coat at the iconsolably sad McQueen presentation in Paris last March, I needed it in my life. Not just because it is beautiful and incredible and wearable and an heirloom, but also because, to me, it totally encapsulates Lee's romantic genius as a designer in its simplest and most direct form.
Trying to make the most of being in London this month (even though the weather is beyond dreary) I attended the McQueen boutique on Old Bond Street this lunchtime After being looked at strangely and then ignored by one shop assistant I managed to gain the attention of the manager and asked her if I could view this piece.
"Oh! Mademoiselle, what size are you?" asked the beautiful blonde, before we decided I was a McQueen size 42. "Oh!" she said again, making me feel something was terribly wrong. "You might not be able to get this. The waiting list is oversubscribed already."
Meaning? "Well, the item is arriving in mid-September, but the waiting list is long, please write your name and number down." Taking this to mean my name might come up if I'm lucky I put my name down. Then, as an afterthought, I asked the price. "£6,600," she said.
I am still in shock. But, oddly, the price has not put me off. I still want the item. If my name comes up on the list perhaps I could buy a share in one??
Hmmm. Will ponder.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
THIS CELINE CLASSIC WANTS TO BE YOURS
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
If you don't know what I'm bambling on about check out my blog post from almost two weeks ago, then click on the link below for your chance to win.
HERE ARE THE FACTS:
This is the "Iconic Handbag of 2010" as nominated by practically every fashion editor in the world.
This handbag costs £2,200.
The very beautiful Celine Classic handbag in the photo above will belong to one extremely lucky lady (or ladyboy) before Paris Fashion Week begins at the end of September.
I wish it was me, but I can't enter.
CLICK HERE TO WIN
or if a mantra works better for you, click here: The Celine Classic Will be Mine
You will be directed to a forthcoming fashion website some friends of mine are starting up next year. I am helping them now and again, which is why I get to launch the competition.
Photos:
Fashion Editor at Large
JakandJil.com
At last! The day has arrived! Your chance to win the most desirable and chic handbag of the year has come. (Sorry its a bit late, technical stuff held it up.)
If you don't know what I'm bambling on about check out my blog post from almost two weeks ago, then click on the link below for your chance to win.
HERE ARE THE FACTS:
This is the "Iconic Handbag of 2010" as nominated by practically every fashion editor in the world.
This handbag costs £2,200.
The very beautiful Celine Classic handbag in the photo above will belong to one extremely lucky lady (or ladyboy) before Paris Fashion Week begins at the end of September.
I wish it was me, but I can't enter.
CLICK HERE TO WIN
or if a mantra works better for you, click here: The Celine Classic Will be Mine
You will be directed to a forthcoming fashion website some friends of mine are starting up next year. I am helping them now and again, which is why I get to launch the competition.
Photos:
Fashion Editor at Large
JakandJil.com
Friday, August 13, 2010
VINTAGE AT GOODWOOD - DAY ONE AFTERMATH!
Posted by Fashion Junior at Large
After months of anticipation, Vintage at Goodwood festival made its debut today, and it looked a little something like this....
Lots of beautiful people....
And others being made to look beautiful....
A catwalk show featuring beautiful Biba-ites...(plus festival organiser Wayne Hemingway)
Then some not-so beautiful rain. Boo.
Thankfully there were vintage stalls to keep us entertained, plus the sudden cold and dreary weather meant I just HAD to buy a peach mohair jumper (excuse tired 'festival' face in pic below)
But ultimately mud stopped play and there was no way I could walk around in my heeled brogues without completely obliterating them. Here's hoping for practical footwear and sunny skies tomorrow!
(For more pics from the day, please see the Fashion Junior's blog)
After months of anticipation, Vintage at Goodwood festival made its debut today, and it looked a little something like this....
And others being made to look beautiful....
But ultimately mud stopped play and there was no way I could walk around in my heeled brogues without completely obliterating them. Here's hoping for practical footwear and sunny skies tomorrow!
(For more pics from the day, please see the Fashion Junior's blog)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
FASHION FRISSON #1
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
The first in an occasional series. Watch and weep as Brooke Shields gives us an AW 2010 fashion lesson from 1980 with a pair of Calvin Klein jeans a silky gold blouse and some matching ballet pumps.
The first in an occasional series. Watch and weep as Brooke Shields gives us an AW 2010 fashion lesson from 1980 with a pair of Calvin Klein jeans a silky gold blouse and some matching ballet pumps.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
PERFECT PATMOS
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
There is a very good reason for my silence over the last three weeks. The below location swallowed me up, and took me away from city and connected life. Eventually, it delivered a sense of peace. You can travel and be on the move, or travel and be still. In a place as perfect as Patmos you can have it all.
This is the road from where we stay in Chora down to the beach at Petra.
Meet Manoli the captain of the boat we were lucky enough to invited onto almost every day of our break. Thanks to our dear friend Joan Rolls and her close family friend Nick Contomichalos (who owns the boat) we spent many wonderful days pootling from bay to bay around Patmos.
This is Aspronisi. You can only get to the "white island" when the sea is calm.
Meet Joan Rolls and her jeep "Hercules". Joan is the reason we go to Patmos; she has been holidaying here for 26 years and everyone on the island knows her. When we see her careering down the hill from Chora to Skala in Hercules, we think the people who made Mamma Mia the movie MUST have been inspired by her for the character played by Meryl Streep.
The view down to Skala from almost the same point as the previous shot.
All the buildings in Chora have incredible door-knockers.
This is the doorway into the house we rented.
Greek islanders traditionally use distinctive azure blue paint for their woodwork. In Patmos the locals prefer this shade of pale blue which exactly matches the colour of the sky above and around Patmos.
The beach at Diakofti is the best spot from which to enjoy the sunset.
After a week on Patmos we were rewarded with a full moon (our first one in three visits). It was a magical night
Why Patmos is Perfect
No airport
No tourist chain hotels
No swimming pools, just quiet uncommercialised beaches
Great swimming
The cruise ships only stay for four hours; when you see people viewing the island through a camera, you know they will be gone soon
Just heard from friends still there that Hamish Bowles and a mega A-list Oscar winning actress and her kids (don't want to compromise her privacy) arrived (not together) this weekend
The rest must stay my secret. I'm under strict orders!Photos: Fashion Editor at Large
Thursday, August 5, 2010
FREJA
Posted by Fashion Editor at Large
Freja Beha Erichsen is without doubt the model whose work I currently, lets say, appreciate the most. The girl has all the charisma and intense appeal Kate Moss had in her early days. However where Kate was an enigmatic will -o-the-wisp, Freja is a swaggeringly sexy, dangerously beautiful creature who adds a frisson of brilliance to everything she does. Maybe its because she's gay like me and out and proud, (despite the Vogue profile last month that skirted the issue), that I paticularly admire her being totally herself in the fashion industry. Gay girls are hugely outnumbered by gay boys in global fashion.
Tom Ford Eyewear AW 10 campiagn
Josh Olins for British Vogue
As I write the 22 years old from Roskilde, Denmark, sits at number two in the models.com global model rankings. Lara Stone is number one; but it should be Freja. She is the face of Valentino, Chanel, Tom Ford, Balenciaga and MaxMara for AW10, and the cover of French and British Vogue for August. AND DID I MENTION HER AMAZING NEW HAIR????
Josh Olins for British Vogue
Her layered (lightly permed?) haircut is my new obsession. I am seriously considering losing my almost the same length all over shoulder length brunette locks in favour of working this. What do you think?? Shall I?? 
All Tom Ford Eyewear
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