Vogue’s Crew

@fashionmoments.blogbus.com 

 

Freak play dress up. LOL.

The Clash

Spots vs stripes, tribal vs paisley or floral vs mosaic – contrasting patterns in the freshest way to wear prints for summer and spring year round…

Shoe Round-Up

All of favorite designers are spotted snapping – Christian Louboutin, Alaïa, Valentino, Marc Jacobs. Pointed pumps, platform sandals or wedged hi-tops… which pair do you like best?

Snake’s-in’ Wildside

Exotic and undeniably luxe, a snakeskin carryall is the ultimate trophy piece. Take it to the office with a ladylike skirt suit or offset with jeans and jersey basics for the perfect hi/lo mix. It’s official: a colored snakeskin bag is the must-have accessory of 2012. Choose one in a pop bright hue – love Mulberry’s emerald Alexa or Stella McCartney’s canary yellow Falabella.

Denim cut-offs + Isabel Marant tee + gladiator flats = off duty cool.

Naomi Watts shows us why our favorite French designer is the A-lister’s go-to for weekend chic.

Visions dispersed…

Cue the rain. Cue gray skies. Cue cold weather. This is London, the “summer” of 2012. I need fall inspiration and fast. The first couple of days of my visit I styled it out with clever layering (thanks to a year-round gilet obsession and several pairs of black tights). But, how do I start my fast-track to fall? I was pondering this very subject one evening, when a couple of my closest London girlfriends decide to smuggle me out of the office to show me the sights and delights some of the city’s hottest nightspots.

As we wander from the Groucho Club to Scotch, past girls in teeny leather shorts, chunky heels and punk-inspired head-dresses (hello Dolce & Gabbana fall 2012) what immediately strikes me is the vibe: it’s loud, it’s buzzing and it’s totally rock ‘n’ roll… It feels like a flashback to the swinging sixties. People are dancing, Rolling Stones remixes are blasting out the speakers. And then it hits me! All this rebellious energy, this cool Britannia spirit, can also be found on the runway now thanks to the boom of talented young Brit designers such as J. W Anderson, Richard Nicoll and Mary Katrantzou. Plus, it’s perfect for fall weather come early.

So, the very next day I set about creating an edit of pieces that would add anglophile punch to my new season wardrobe. First, the mod heels – or as the Brits would say, ‘the clod-hoppers’. Burberry Prorsum has the perfect leather wedge boots that give you the legs of a supermodel and the attitude of alt rocker PJ Harvey. Tick! Next comes the leather kilt, championed by Joseph and Paul & Smith, it’s a key piece for fall and a killer Brit-chic staple. Finally, no polished punk girl is complete without something plaid. Lucky for us, window-pane checks and regal plaid prints are big news for the new season, stamped on everything from purses to crew-neck sweaters. My favorite has to be Christian Louboutin’s bold clutch; it’s loud and statement making but totally on-trend. There you have it, a fresh fall look with a cool rock ‘n’ roll kick.

Kate The Great

Kate Moss is the face of our generation and an arbiter of cool. Adored by women and loved by men she is the style barometer from which designers and the A-list alike take their lead. From the hyper real Mario Testino editorials to candid Corinne Day portraits and street style snaps – she never fails to appear. Fact. We could go on – but in a fitting tribute to a woman of so little words, we’ll let her style do the talking. Nobody does it better.

Taschen Kate Moss by Mario Testino paperback book

 £128.19

We’ve seen the future.

The sun has set on..

Comes A Whole New Dress Code #BEACH

As if looking fabulous at all times wasn’t already enough of challenge, but the searing heat and impromptu social whirl takes mastering day-to-night chic to another level. In where as the weather heats up known as the land of clam bakes, poolside lunches and chilled out barbeques on the beach. I like to think of it as

‘fashion summer camp’.

Well, it’s all about perfecting the hi/lo mix. Choosing key pieces that are versatile but effortlessly alluring enough to take you anywhere. Amp up swimwear with stacks of fine jewelry, festival bands and bright jersey tanks. Also, arm yourself with a bright leather shopper and comfortable wedges – they are totally cute for brunch and beyond. Last but by no means least, a feminine, statement print dress is the ideal cover-up for every last-minute invite. Follow these rules and you should never feel caught off guard. Until next time… enjoy wherever’s Summer!

The Purist Wave

It’s the simple things in life. After seasons of “look-at-me” designs, fall’s most-wanted bags are having a “less-is-more” moment. Allowing us to go big and bold on maximalist separates, these austere accessories ground the ornately embellished jackets and kaleidoscopic print dresses that have dominated this year’s runways. Plus, swinging one of these sleek and discreet styles also garners immediate sartorial kudos. Details should be kept to a minimum – a peek of gold, a flash of silver or hint of plush suede lining.

In the words of Leonardo da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

TOP 5 PICKS

What: The Alexander McQueen De MantraBag

Why love it: Simple yet distinguishable by its silhouette alone, the De Mantra is the ultimate 9-5 choice. Sync the plush tone with a forest green nail lacquer for added new season polish.

What: The Yves Saint Laurent Cabas ChycTote

Why love it: It’s a contemporary classic. Style insiders have been known to tuck this cult accessory under their arms like a clutch during show season.

What: The Chloé LucyClutch

Why love it: Ladylike with a modern twist, the Lucy is the epitome of pared-back glamour. Swing the slim gold chain-handle over a crisp white shirt and sharp pencil skirt now.

What: The Proenza PS1 Keep All SmallTote

Why love it: Think of this new Proenza carryall as the pared-back sister of the classic PS1. From the single gold clasp to the austere buckle-detailing – it’s the star satchel for fall.

What: The Lanvin HappyBag

Why love it: Slick gunmetal hardware adds a rebellious edge to this refined piece. Partner it with a leather shift and ankle boots now.

Horiyoshi The Third

Fast facts;

• Launched in 2009, the label is named after the legendary Japanese tattoo artist

• His images of mythological creatures and natural elements inspire each collection

• Each luxurious scarf is hand screen printed by an artisan atelier in Mount Fuji

• Fans include fashion A-listers Sienna Miller and Tilda Swinton

RIDE OR DIE CHIC

Maje’s mixed media biker jacket is the trophy topper the wardrobe needs to rev up weekend looks. Work a ‘50s silhouette in cropped, spray-on cigarette jeans and pointed flats.

Chinti and Parker’s striped organic cotton essentials..

Made ethically from sustainable fabrics they’re good for the planet as well as the wardrobe.

Summer Tweed

The new Chloé Alice tote is here.

Minimalist, sleek and with a hint of the 70s it’s roomy enough to hold all your 9 til 5 essentials. Favorite is the papaya and black tri-tone tote and one in every colorway. ><“

Back Not As You Know It – The espadrille

With an opulent lace overlay and crochet toe-cap, Valentino’s ladylike take on the summer staple lends every outfit a whimsical edge.

STYLE

Mark it in your diaries now because the Chlo้. Attitudes exhibition opening in Paris this September is a must-see. Celebrating 60 years of the brand’s understated luxury aesthetic, you’re invited to journey through the maison’s history at the newly revamped Palais de Tokyo surrounded by sketches, photographs (by the likes of David Bailey, Guy Bourdin and Deobrah Turbeville) and iconic looks past and present.

What to wear? Head-to-toe Chlo้, naturally. 29 Sep – Nov 18; palaisdetokyo.com

THE NEW CHLOÉ

THE
NEW CHLOÉ

To be crowned creative director of Chloé is no mean feat. Karl Lagerfeld, Phoebe Philo, Stella McCartney – some of fashion’s biggest players have held the title, setting standards that only a select few are able to maintain. So when Clare Waight Keller was named head of design in May last year, the fashion world waited with bated breath to see whether her debut Chloé collection would deliver. What would her experience at Ralph Lauren, Gucci (during the house’s Tom Ford heyday) and most recently Pringle of Scotland bring to the legendary Parisian fashion house?

As Kate King stepped onto the SS12 runway dressed in a beautifully billowing pleated dress in fresh tones of peach and white, we knew that Chloé had the right choice. The collection was effortlessly chic and utterly wearable. Those diaphanous drop-waisted dresses that swished so pleasingly as the models moved, the sheer chiffons revealing flashes of skin beneath and that signature easy tailoring – it’s all about fluidity and femininity peppered with a little bit of boyish charm.

“It’s the new things, it’s the cool things, it’s the really easy pieces – I think that’s mix everybody loves,” explains Waight Keller who looked back to the classic ‘60s and ‘70s spirit of the label. Sheer dresses are layered over crisp white shirts and tailoring is simple and precise while natural foundation colors bring a freshness to the collection with breezy day dresses, micro shorts and wide-leg pants painted in shades of blush, apricot and tan. It’s clear that in Waight Keller, Chloé has found its perfect match.

FIT birds

Back to school fashion…

5 EXPERT TOOLS BRUSH UP Essential Kit

1. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush – The precision tip and fine bristles allow for clever coverage of blemishes and shadows.

2. M.A.C. 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush – Ideal for use with any base, just dip the tips into your chosen product and blend over skin for a faultless finish.

3. Clinique Eye Definer Brush – Think expert eyeliner application made easy. It’s great for adding brow color, too.

4. Stila Double-Sided Crease and Liner Brush #15 – This double-duty device creates smoky eyes in half the time. One end shades while the other defines.

5. Dior Backstage Make-Up Large Eyeshadow Brush – Speed up your eye make-up by sweeping on a flawless wash of color in seconds.

Feeling Feline

At the top of my for-ever wish list..

A pair of thick-rimmed, cat-eye glasses as seen on galleristas including Lucy Chadwick – wear them with an updo for geek-chic, the stylish way with

Maison Michelle’s cute kitty hair band – feel all warm and fuzzy. Purr.

Faith

Sported faithfully by off-duty models and bad boys alike, the leather jacket is an iconic piece with a sartorial reputation. With a flawless fit, side fastening zip and a slopping asymmetric this Helmut Lang style is so cool it hurts!

STYLE MASTERCLASS WITH CECILIA BONSTROM

French label Zadig & Voltaire is the epitome of laid-back luxe, so who better to give us a masterclass in off-duty dressing than the label’s designer, Cecilia Bonstrom.

Wear black in the city and neutrals at weekends.

Invest in a round-neck cashmere sweater and skinny jeans, and simply swap your Christian Louboutin stilettos for Jimmy Choo biker boots for day.

Make Charlotte Gainsbourg your style icon and balance messy hair with impeccable styling.

Q&A

“…wearing sleepwear in public was reserved for the likes of Hugh Hefner or those with questionable judgement on social acceptability.”

The TALENTS

Katja Rahlwes// Mélanie Huynh// Vogue Paris