Men: Spring/Summer 2010 Collections’ Summary October 31, 2009

Band of Outsiders S/S 2010

Dear chaps:

Trends come and go, but this coming spring/summer you are in for serious elegance, much to the delight to all the rest of us – female population that is. Slim, lean, straight and 3 buttons is what you need to have on the brain when buying your next suit. Think of the nouvelle vague and the swinging 60s in a palette of white, soft yellow, grey, brown, tan, charcoal and cobalt blue. All this can be teamed with simple, understated and monochromatic Ts, stripy shirts, a nautical top or a soft summer sweater. For the younger crowd an 80s inspired suit is also suitable and if you must you can still wear your ribbed jeans.

These were my favourite collections:

• Philip Lim: 80’s inspired, high-waist trousers. Think David Bowie in a suit.
• Michael Bastian: lean and trim shapes, 3 buttoned suits. A new way to wear your buttoned down long sleeve striped shirt is with chocolate brown long shorts. The designer also pays a tribute to the trilby hat. He also pairs nautical stripes with military pants. Preppy college boy meets rocker.
• Band of Outsiders: 60s inspired 3-buttoned suits, paired with classic white Ts and sneakers. Good for any age and you can’t go wrong. The Prada suits were also designed with the same philosophy.
• The ripped jean trend is still full on as the D&G collection demonstrated. I am not a fan unless you are a young, ribbed fellow in your 20s.
• Lovely 3 piece suits from Simon Spur, which bring up memories of the London swinging 60s, in all shades of cobalt blue and sand.
• Great shoes and accessories in the Bottega Venneta range which promise to brighten up muted beiges and grey outfits.
• Hermès delivered the understated posh-ness which the House is famous for, and which is so in tune with the new way of dressing luxuriously. The same principal goes for the Missoni collection, which mainly consists from relaxed suits paired with the famous knits. All you need to complement your outfit is a yacht.

To check out the collections go to: www.gq.com

Climate Week vs Fashion Week: thoughts on an article October 12, 2009

Oxfam gathering in Central Park 20/9/09

I read a fantastic article by  Tamara Giltsoff, an independent Sustainability Strategy and Innovation consultant. The article elaborates on the relationship between Fashion and Climate, triggered by the fact that as soon as Fashion Week wrapped up in New York on Sept. 20th 2009, Climate Week commenced.

Fashion and the environment go hand in hand and at times can be the worst enemies. Shopping for all that we desire is not, or won’t be possible very soon. The planet has no resources to make all the stuff we lust after, while as we shop guilt free for the latest trend on the high street, children and families elsewhere are dying due to over-cultivation, droughts and climate change.

The time for major changes in the fashion industry, the way we shop, consume and ‘treat our possessions’ (meaning get rid of them) is really-really close. READ MORE HERE.

The amazing Rochas Collection of summer 2010 October 8, 2009

I seldom write about a favourite collection or a favourite designer, especially during Fashion Week. There are so many nice things from different designers that choosing a favourite one is quite difficult. However, this time I fell in love with the spring/summer 2010 collection of Rochas, shown at the Paris Fashion Week. It is one of those times, that I felt that  one can wear the entire collection in a heartbeat. Fantastic colours, slip on dresses, exquisite tailoring, all styled with a flower on the waist.

A fantastic collection by Marco Zanini. Big Applause. Check it out.

How to Dress in every country: etiquette 101 September 30, 2009

Boots YSL

We all know that fanny packs are a fashion no-no in all continents and countries, but there are some people out there that insist unfortunately… Also, did you know that wearing a dark suit in a trendy Chelsea ad agency is not the right way to dress if one wants to blend in with the cool crowd? Or, were you aware that a chic dame would wear those YSL boots and gloves together for an afternoon stroll in Paris,  but the same combo would probably be out of place  in a Washington DC meeting full of lobbyists? Dress Etiquette is very important, especially when one is  globe  trotting.

YSL gloves

I read this fantastic article at www.concierge.com about Dress Etiquette, which I would like to share with all of you. The journalists did a fantastic job of writing up what to wear at work, on the street and at a party around the globe. Very useful, and it should be used as a reference every time you plan a trip anywhere. Check it out ASAP! If you don’t, don’t be surprised when you show up in a party in Greece wearing the wrong thing and getting surprised looks. You were warned

London Fashion Week – spring / summer 2010 – summing it up September 25, 2009

Luella

Ladies: What a Fashion Week this was!  We are looking forward to a very elegant, feminine and colourful spring/summer of 2010. Inspiration from the 1960s with minis, cigarette pants, A-line tops… the works.

Trends: The mini is going to be your new BBF together with A-line shirts, graphic designs, sheer blouses polka dots, and cigarette pants

Fashion East

Still going strong: boy meets girl, playsuits, layering, sheer blouses, black and white combos, nautical stripes, full skirts with boxy jackets, lace, florals, metallics.

Forget: the 80s look and anything that screams unkempt boho. It is all about tailoring and structure.

Take note as these were the best collections. This is why:

• Luella: those amazing ladylike deux pieces in amazing colours are to die for
• Jaeger and Fashion East:  great graphic design patterns
• Matthew Williamson: 60’s inspired metallic collection is so versatile and wearable I want everything
• Paul Smith: this amazing androgenous out-of-Africa collection in the most beautiful colours is just wow!
• Clements Ribeiro: I am still dreaming of those fantastic full skirts.
• Erdem: Oh! I am drooling over those yummy floral dresses and delightful lacy evening numbers.

   

  

  Paul Smith

And why some were the worst:

• Twently8Twelve: where is the inspiration coming from? Is the target group the 13 year olds?
• Christopher Kane: what’s up with the washcloth pattern on everything?
• Jeremy Scott: I am still trying to figure out why the Flintstone Look should be adopted by anyone really. Even from those with a humorous streak when dressing up. It is just ugly.

Now you know what you’ll be sporting all around in the spring to come. What you need to do from your end  is to go to the gym and work on those pins and arms. In the meantime look out for classic pieces, check out your mum’s/grandma’s closet or your fav vintage shop for anything  from that decade. Invest in anything tailored and you’ll be the Cat’s Meow.

Happy shopping!

The Gap1969 DENIM CONCEPT STORE in London, Sept 10-Oct 5, 2009 August 30, 2009

Doris & Don Fisher, founders of GAP, circa 1969

A chic fashionista knows well how important is to have a great pair of jeans in his/her closet. And of course where & when to get them. If you are interested in getting a unique pair keep Sept. 10th open and visit the Gap’s 1969 concept store which will open for just 19 days and 69 hours in London. This sale is only for Sept. 10 and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a limited edition pair of Gap (PRODUCT)REDTM rinsed jeans in your favourite Gap fit for £19.69, with half the profits from all jeans sold going towards the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

1969 - Its a jean

The store on G7/G8 Kingly Court, at Carnaby, London W1, will showcase an extensive range of Gap’s iconic denim styles, specially produced in uniquely engineered washes. Strictly limited edition, only 69 pairs of each style will be available, each pair individually stamped and numbered.

For more information visit www.gap1969.com.

Happy Shopping!

Cardigans! August 29, 2009

Gap

This time of the year, every year, I am out and about in the search for the perfect  cardigan that will add the extra warm layer over my summer and fall tops.

Anthropology

Finding the perfect design and color can be a challenging task. The ‘cliché look’ of the buttoned down classic cardi is a safe bet, but quite boring, while often it can take one in grandma land if it is paired with conservative clothes.

This year look for the slouchy, chic and soft frilly cardigans. If you like neutral colours go for a light grey or a yummy shade of nutmeg. If you are a little bit bolder choose a pumpkin orange, electric blue or a green grass hue. Happy autumn!

The Trophy Jacket August 17, 2009

Gucci Bomber from Neiman Marcus

I just started updating my clients fall and winter closets and one of the must-have items we search for is the ‘Trophy Jacket’.

This is a trend that continues strong from the summer and it includes anything from military, brocade, beaded or luxe designs. When you wear a trophy jacket treat it as the centerpiece of your outfit. Look for something that you would wear comfortably and that would go well with both pants and dresses. If you are confused, start with a biker jacket, which matches jeans, flirty summer dresses and pants of all kinds.  Then move on to something a little more daring.

Topshop

Wear your trophy jacket with confidence and check out how many admiring smirks you’ll get along the way.

French Connection

Men: What to Wear, summer 2009 July 21, 2009

We are well into summer, but still have almost  1.5 good months of summer wear. A pair of shorts and a tee is a uniform that theoretically will get you through the warm summer days or a beach vacation but it is the details that will set you apart from the rest. Check out this list and update your wardrobe accordingly:

Shorts from Urban Outfitters

Shorts:
There are different types for different purposes so be clear to the store assistant what type of shorts you need. If you are tall and slim you can wear longer shorts, even under the knee length. If you are not tall, opt for something which stops just above the knee – like the ones featured here. If you have great legs you can wear something shorter. I don’t want to see anything tight, ball hugging or super low-waisted. I will send the Fashion Police to arrest you.

Shirt from Gap

T-shirts / Summer Shirts:
There is a tee and a shirt for everyone out there. If you are in your twenties and thirties you can knock your self out and wear crazy tees of all sorts as these are for your age group. Please avoid anything really offensive, as it is only tacky.

For the 40-early 50s age group, opt for monochromatic designs and polos, which can look really cool if you pair them with a checked shirt sleeved unbuttoned shirt.  If you’re older than 55, a linen and loose white shirt will do miracles. Trust me. You can also pair it with shorts.

Suit from Zara

Suits
Linen is the King of fabric for summer suits. Dress it up with a smart shirt, tie and loafers, or down with a T-shirt and flip-flops. I suggest summery hues like beige, sand, cool grey and look for a cut that flatters your shape and age. A nice suit is a must for one’s wardrobe, so if you need to pay a little bit extra go for it. If you can’t afford it though choose something classic from places like Zara, pair it with expensive shoes and you’ll look the part.

Happy summer, X

‘It’ Bags with style and conscience July 21, 2009

Charlotte and Florence Bags

I love  to splurge and be guilt-free. I recently discovered NV London Calcutta, a  ‘not for profit’, World Fair Trade Organisation (IFAT) member manufacturer, and it’s fantastic handmade collection of bags, all ethically produced in Calcutta by local artisans.

The collection covers every need, from makeup purses to leather satchels and weekenders. All designs are versatile and can be paired with everything in one’s closet.  I am a fan of the “Charlotte”, which will be the perfect compliment for my sundresses and my jeans.  As I am sporting my ‘Charlotte’ I will know that not only I look yummy, but also my purchase helped someone’s life get much better.  Did I mention that I did not break the bank? Is there anything better that that?  Check out the collection at: www.NVLondonCalcutta.com