PFW: No cracks in Vuitton's Fondation

Louis Vuitton S/S '15; image source: style.com

If you're looking for another breakthrough collec-tion from Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton then look away. What you will find instead is a "definition of his cool girl," as the designer put it
in words backstage after the show, which sticks
to the tried formula from last season but reintro-duces some of the clothes in a new, seventies vibe - and a new venue which also happens to
be the Fondation Louis Vuitton building.

Shape-wise, the collection was a mash up from Mr. Ghesquière's first and second collections for the brand. Newcomer Jean Campbell opened the show wearing a long sleeved mini dress in white which looked like your ordinary knit garment, but up close you realized that it was woven from tiny leather strips which intertwined into beautiful patterns. This technique was the star of the show having also appeared in the form of blouses, jackets and shirt dresses, though not always as successful as the front-running look.

According to Mr. Ghesquière, the focus here was on creating wearable clothes. And he mostly suc-ceeded, as all those timeless topstitched jeans from Resort (this time redesigned in a slightly wider Capri shape), clean-cut jackets and peplum dresses in quilted velvet or covered in micro-sequins will be flying off the shelves come February. At times, though, the thick patent leather pieces felt too stiff (case in point: a striped A-line dress which creased in all the wrong places) and several pairs of plush pants looked too referential to the era that seems to had been the inspiration for the designer.

In the end, though, what's important for a house like Louis Vuitton are the accessories - and they can be described as delicious at least. Almost all models carried a bag: some were a reworked version of the classic chain flap bag in alligator skin and candy-like colors, some were quilted and then spray-painted in red and blue, one bag's suede detailing nearly gave it superpowers and another bag's red colored monogram on a black base made it seem bad ass. There was far less fuss about the footwear which didn't look as tempting, but undeniably complimented the theme of the collection.

For more photos of the collections go to Style.com and don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

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Who run the (fashion) world? Boys.

Raf Simons taking his last bow at Jil Sander

Exactly 12 seasons ago, Raf Simons moved from Jil Sander to Dior and almost instantly removed every bit of Galliano's presence at the house, whether we like it or not. Everyone was rather hesitant at first, slamming the designer for creating 'non couture' gar-ments - like anyone has a definition of haute couture anymore - and disrespecting the real aesthetic of the brand, but over the last two years we have all grown - more or less - accustomed to the designer's fresh take on Christian Dior's legacy.

Around the same time another incident happened. Fashion's darling Nicolas Ghesquiere was let off from Balenciaga and had nowhere to go, but all that was sorted out half a year ago when he got a gig at Louis Vuitton after the house ended its contract with long-time designer Marc Jacobs. Unlike Simons, Ghes-quiere was accepted straightaway by all the key parties - press, buyers, fans and all - and managed to successfully establish a new look for the French brand with only two collections.

What no one realized until now - and by no one I mean us ordinary people who hadn't calculated the costs and benefits of hiring these two designers - is exactly how influential their positions are. And the answer to that is very. The latest collections for Resort, as always, gave us a sneak-peek at which di-rections the brands are going to and the truth is that they are going to France.

Take Oscar de la Renta for example. The legendary New York-based designer has been trying to rein-vent the brand for seasons past, injecting trendiness and youth into the garments in order to attract a more junior clientele. For Resort, he decided to use a few of Simons' tricks and introduce a black bar jacket that vastly resembles the ones at Dior and structured rompers that look like they've come out
of the French house's archives. Another obvious influence can be seen at Balenciaga as this season Alexander Wang decided to go 'all Raf' and created a number of asymmetrical tops in colors favored
by the Belgian designer.

Left: Christian Dior S/S '13 vs. Balenciaga Resort '15; Right: Christian Dior Resort '15 vs. Calvin Klein Resort '15

Ghesquiere's work for Louis Vuitton also serves as an open source of inspiration for a lot of young de-signers. Both Derek Lam and Fausto Puglisi have done their own versions of the color-blocked A-line dress with a frontal zipper and defined waist, while Francisco Costa played around with the color pa-lette used in Ghesquiere's debut collection for Vuitton. The Calvin Klein designer also drew inspiration from Christian Dior's Resort '15 show as can be seen in the photo above.

The big question that we should be asking, though, is 'Why these two?' Well for one, Raf Simons and Nicolas Ghesquiere are two of the most talented visionaries out there who are not only extraordinary designers, but also understand the need for profit. However, the more believable reason is this: Chris-tian Dior and Louis Vuitton are some of the largest mega-brands in today's fashion and they both be-long to the LVMH group, meaning twice as much influence. And at the end of the day, no matter who
is at the helm of a house, what makes a designer relevant and influential is the money behind him.

Menswear Wrap-up

It's the end of Menswear Fashion Week (everywhere) and Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week as well. And of course I haven't posted anything in a month and feel terrible about it, so why not try and make it up for you! First of all, I am working on a new collection and second, I will present you my top collections from the Menswear F/W 2013 Fashion Week.

What: Fendi

Why I love it: An extremely beautiful graphic collection, following the womenswear S/S 2013 one. I love the colors, the beautifully shaped coats and all the fur. Call me tacky, but I'd carry those fur bags, I'd warm my hands in the fur handwarmers and even wear those fur boots! (Chanel F/W 2010, it's your fault)

Craving: The yellow coat present above.

What: Valentino

Why I love it: A very serious, maybe a bit one-note collection, but definitely beautifully executed and sharp. Love the tailoring, all the male clutches (I did not just say that), the fur details and the leather panels on all the jackets. Also gorgeous styling, a step forward from the usual Valentino shows.

Craving: The gray cape with black leather panels.

What: Burberry Prorsum

Why I love it: Whatever Bailey produces for Burberry Prorsum, it is going to end on my best-shows list. The only difference between shows is the degree of craving the items presented. Although I've seen much more interesting work in the previous seasons, I do love this collection because of the subtle animal prints (yes, I started liking animal prints this season, they're everywhere), the fun heart printed pieces, sexy messenger bags and classic military coats.

Craving: The leopard printed sunglasses. They're so gonna be a must-have!

What: Gucci

Why I love it: Another beautiful collection by Frida. Like Burberry, Gucci always ends up on my list because it is definitely my style. Classic, sexy and trendy clothes spiced up with bright colors and houndstooth prints. Loved the chunky sweaters, all the bags and evening wear.

Craving: The leather bag pictured above. 

What: Salvatore Ferragamo

Why I love it: A new edgy mood I've never felt before at Ferragamo, I must say I am pleasantly surprised. I loved all the leather pieces, accessories as well as the sweaters. The coats were perfection as always. 

Craving: The insanely beautiful gray cape from above. I never knew I wanted a cape but there you go, I want a cape. BADLY.

What: Louis Vuitton

Why I love it: A wise man once said - If you want to know the real me, look into my closet (okay I totally made that up, but it sounds better when said like that). The Louis Vuitton collection is everything I need in my closet - starting with the coats, the pants, all the sweaters, bomber jackets, parkas and everything in between. I also found the silk flower printed suits and robes at the end magnificent. If I had this I would never buy clothes again. (okay, lying)

Craving: The answer to this would be everything, but let's settle down for the striped poncho with a fur-lined hat.

What were your favorite shows?

Leave a comment in the comment box!

Fashionable in Italy

I don't usually post my personal things on this blog, such as real life pictures of places I've visited and stuff (probably because I don't travel to exotic places very often + I'd like to keep my blog more focused on my work) BUT I did go to Italy two months ago and I thought - why not share some fashionable pictures with you.

I was truly fascinated by all the gorgeous boutiques I visited in Rome, Florence and Venice.
Here are some of the pictures I took.






Would you go visit? I'm sure you would.

Best of the Best - Fall 2010

And before we start off with Spring 2011, I can't pass Fall 2011 without giving it a little recognition.

We all know how things in fashion go - a season is over, we all think there were too little fabulous shows.
6 months later, next season is about to start and we finally fall in love with many shows from the last season.
Well that's exactly what happened between me and Fall 2010.
I usually like the Spring/Summer season better, mostly because it's filled with tons of colors, fantastic light fabrics and beautifully cut dresses and shirts.
But although Fall usually falls flat with it's dark colors and brown camel coats, I found many inspiring shows in this Fall 2010 that are everything but ordinary.

Let's start the countdown!

#5 - Michael Kors



Before I start with the more unique and avantgarde shows from Fall 2010, I'd like to give recognition to the designer who I really disliked until few seasons ago. He has always been one of the tackiest designers in my eyes - but all that changed when I saw his Fall 2009 collection. Two seasons later, we've come to the Fall 2011 collection which is absolutely breathtaking. It's incredible how simplicity can create magic on the runway.
The collection had everything a woman needs in the cold winter days - from the over sized coats, to the warm wool sweaters and knee-length boots. Let's not forget the fantastic scarves, Russian inspired hats and long sequined dresses who would take your breath away - on the runway, but off it as well.

#4 - Louis Vuitton



Marc Jacobs knows a trend when he sees one - and this season was no exception. A simple deal between Marc and Miuccia turned the fashion world upside down with a simple slogan - "Let's bring the 60s back!"
Along with bringing the clothes from those times, Marc also brought something else with the collection - the supermodels. Big legends like Jessica Stam, Coco Rocha, Angela Lindvall and Elle Macpherson walked down the runway, showing off their real-woman curves in full skirts, tight bust dresses and show stopping shoes. On top of that, Marc showed us a big collection of cute Louis Vuitton monogram purses, especially designed to fit this season's theme. Smart, no?

#3 - D&G



Since Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana aren't planning on changing the theme of their Dolce&Gabbana shows anytime soon, I have to feature the brand that plays with fashion trends the most - and that is of course their more affordable brand D&G.
This Fall, the talented duo decided to take their customer for a ski ride, but definitely not on some cheap mountain - it's Aspen all the way for the woman that purchases these garments!
Designing for a sports loving 20-30 year old girl, they sent their models on the runway fully prepared for some fun in ski jumpsuits, warm over sized sweaters, maxi dresses and of course - this Fall's main trend, the fur boots.
Someone might ask - what's so special about this collection? The special is - no one goes this far when it comes to creating complete luxury for a woman other than these two leaders in the fashion world. You don't see Dolce&Gabbana crystal encrusted goggles very often, do you?

#2 - Miu Miu



I can't do a list of best shows without giving credit to one of the most talented fashion designers, maintaining her status in this industry over the years, Miuccia Prada. Since it is a rather small list, I had to choose one show from this woman - and without a doubt, my choice fell on Miu Miu.
After the incredibly interesting Spring 2010 show, Miuccia continues to stun us with more and more creativity coming out of her sleeve, this time with the Miu Miu Fall 2010 collection.
It has everything - from bold colors, usually avoided in the fall collections, to fabulously shaped mini dresses and 20s inspired shoes. Looks like Miuccia had a lot of fun creating this collection, and I am sure we all had a lot of fun watching it as well.
Pieces from the Miu Miu fall collection are being sold on Net-a-Porter, among many other online stores - go and order your favorite item right now!

#1 - Chanel



Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to show you how it's done - and you'll definitely get the number one show of the season. Putting a huge ice block specially brought from Sweden to Paris in the middle of the Grand Palais can only mean one thing - the recession days are over!
Ending one of world's most biggest crises at the time, Karl leads us to another, scarier one - global warming. All that ice turning into water in front of the audience wasn't a coincidence - it showed us how we are slowly destroying the world by doing everything we shouldn't be.
Showing clothes that are made completely out of fake fur, he tells us we should stop killing animals at last, although many people could find that a little ironic considering the fact that he has been using real fur at the house of Fendi since the day he got hired.
However, the show carries a very strong message with it, perfectly capturing everyday life with only 77 outfits sent on the runway. Fashion can be very powerful at times, don't you think?

Credit: Fall 2010 illustrations created by me.
Body used in illustrations is based on a Versace Atelier body used in one of their sketches.

Back to old paper drawing!

I haven't been active on this blog for weeks.

I am so sorry, real life is a lot better right now :P
Plus I don't really have anything to blog about, not interested in Stardoll anymore, no fashion shows (Fashion Week starts tomorrow <3)... Anyway, I did a drawing 2 days ago that involves fashion.. a lot! It was sth I made for school and I must say my teacher loved it.


*Click to zoom*

Sorry for the bad picture quality, I'm still whining for a scanner.

Credit (from left):

-Gucci Spring/Summer 2010 Dress
-Jil Stuard Spring/Summer 2010 Tights
-Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009 Shoes
-Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton Flower Bag
-Louis Vuitton Scarf
-Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton Monogram Bag
-Dress designed by me (lol)
-Nina Ricci Fall/Winter 2009 Shoes
-Versace Atelier Fall/Winter 2009 Dress
-Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009 Shoes
-Hermes Scarf
-Hermes Birkin Bag
-Balmain Fall/Winter 2009 Dress
-Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2010 Shoes
-Givenchy Spring/Summer 2010 Jacket & Pants
-Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010 Shoes
-Chanel Scarf & Sunglasses
-Chanel 2.55 Bag
-Versace Atelier Fall/Winter 2009 Dress
-Victor&Rolf Spring/Summer 2010 Shoes
-Valentino Rosette Bag

New Hot Buys Identification!

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It's Friday afternoon (Europe)

New HotBuys are here and I died.
They're so amazing!!
So me and Alex are identifying them right now.
We'll find as much as we can.
New items will come soon :)






Thanks to Lauren for the dress!




Thanks to Seen on Stardoll for the skirt!

Thanks to Baileygirl1212 for the top!