Alaïa
The first time I heard of Alaïa it was in 1995. I was sitting on the floor at my grandma's house in North Carolina watching Clueless. You know, that all important scene when Cher gets mugged? She's instructed to lie on the road but resists because she doesn't want to ruin her dress. At the time I was more concerned with brands like the Limited Too... and I really didn't get what all the fuss was about until I saw a collection in person and tried on the most freaky naughty shoes on the planet.
Alaïa make the most beautiful creations. They are so heavy and elaborate... impeccably crafted. You know when people get asked which one designer piece they would have - if they could have anything in the world? And just about everyone says something generic like a 2.5 Chanel bag... well, I'd undoubtedly pick a piece by Alaïa (okay, or Alexander McQueen). Anyway, the point is that Alaïa hadn't shown for eight years but just did at the couture shows. The Fall 2011 collection was a-ma-zing and just whizzed right past Givenchy, taking first place as my favourite. Okay, that's all... leaving you with this fine scene.
Cher: 'You don't understand this is an Alaïa'
Mugger: 'An a-what-a?'
Cher: 'It's like, a totally important designer.'
Sneaky peeky...
Just a quick look into a little photo shoot I just had on my rooftop with some gorgeous Timo.Weiland pieces. The Spring/Summer collection is crazy beautiful and way more captivating in person than in pictures. This dress has a sheer waistband that brings back fond memories of a one-piece sheer waisted swimsuit I had when I was like 10... needless to say this dress is way better than that navy monstrosity. Anyway, the fabric has an overlay with a slightly off-kilter version of the print - creating a totally psychedelic dreamy feel. Big time in love. Okay - heading off to a BBQ. More photos later... hope you're having a wonderful weekend. xx
Wearing: Timo.Weiland dress and Alexander McQueen knuckleduster.
Spineless...
Currently crushing on just about everything from Litter SF. Metal collar tips, brass shoulder pieces, and elbow jewelry?! Oh man, just pile it all on me now please. The brand is based out of San Francisco but I first caught wind of them from the Box Boutique in London... where I sat pensively with my twin contemplating how many items I could wear at once. This was while Matthew arranged a semi-nude photo-shoot of me in gorgeous dresses that were sadly at least two sizes too small (hence resulting in half my hiney hanging out). Anyway, if you're feeling the whole armour jewelry thing I highly recommend checking out what Litter SF have to offer - it's hardcore and, I guarantee, you won't look back.
Wearing: Litter SF spine at the Box Boutique. Photo by Matthew Zorpas.
Zara sandals...
Normally I have my reservations about Zara - what with their questionable customer service, poor quality, and notorious inability to create anything remotely unique. But, with all that put to one side, I've got to admit - sometimes I find little gems in their shops that I can't help but love. These sandals are one such example. They are the pair I wore to the wedding in Oxford and I really love them because of the simple minimal design. Plus, they are pretty darn comfy and have a mirrored toe - sweet. Making it impossibly better, they are currently in the sale for just under £20.
Wedding bells...
Last weekend I was in Oxford for the wedding of some very close friends. You might remember Rachel and Patrick actually... I posted about them back in February 2010. At the time they were newly engaged and both rocking adorable red outfits. Coincidentally, red was also the colour of their wedding - red, white, and blue (corresponding to the flags of both their home countries - England and Norway).
Needless to say I was stressing slightly over what to wear. It was the first English wedding I'd been to and I really had no clue what was appropriate to wear. I picked this Winter Kate dress on the morning, deciding not to worry about what I ought to wear and instead just going for what felt most comfortable. No fancy shoes or crazy hats - just a full length dress and flat sandals. The whole time I had people coming up to me and cooing, 'Ohhhh, I love your Winter Kate dress! I recognized the print instantly! It's gorgeous.' Huh?! I was so not expecting that... but it's true, the dress is gorgeous and I'm totally in love with it. I wish I had gotten a better shot of the back. It dipped way low and felt so glamorous to wear.
Anyway, on a side note, the bride wore the most beautiful Jimmy Choo silver shoes that had 'I DO' on the soles... seriously the most perfect wedding shoes I've ever seen. Plus, they provided quite the shock when she knelt down during the ceremony and flashed the phrase to everyone watching. And with that, I'd just like to wish the happy couple all the success and happiness for the future. I love you both dearly.[nggallery id=54] Wearing: Winter Kate Passenger Halter dress (My Wardrobe), Zara sandals and bag, Topshop ring.
Balmain baby.
I never fell that hard for Balmainia the first time around. Tennis balls in the shoulders of jackets and destroyed denim? I've got a strong enough shoulder as it is, thank you very much, and I know how to put a cheese grater to good use. I've got to say though, the Balmain Resort 2012 collection has gotten me feeling a bit stir crazy. It's more grown up and refined. Plus, I know it's pretty simple but I love the shape of those trousers - they look a bit like hooves. Don't ask me why that's a good thing.
The simple clean lined jackets (especially the black one in the middle), the buttons up the side of the legs to the knee, the psychedelic mirrored prints, and slouchy simple t-shirts tucked in... so good. The only question left spinning in my head is which combination Emmanuelle Alt will be rocking in September?
Images via Style.com
Charlie May
Just off Hackney Road in East London lives Charlie May. All long wavy brown locks and big doe eyes, Charlie is anxiously preparing for her first post-graduate collection which will be presented during London Fashion Week in September.
When I visited her last week I was overwhelmed by the intricacies of her little studio. Boxes of designer shoes lay scattered around the living room (all picked up for fractions of the original cost at secret sample sales), potted herbs were lined up on the balcony, music pumped out from a laptop and, all the while, Charlie moved seamlessly around the slight chaos in a pair of killer Vivienne Westwood trousers creating beautiful garments. I was acting as her mannequin for the day, as hers is being held up in production for two months, and it was incredible to watch her stare solidly at the fabric that draped around my arms and legs before shoving in pins and taking the pieces back for readjustments.
Charlie is a total talent and a rare gem. She's unbelievably motivated and intoxicating to be around. I was already excited about her upcoming collection but after I got to peek at the sketches and try on the prototypes for a few pieces I am even more enthralled by what's to come... it's all reworked biker jackets, unexpected layering, and tie fastenings. Think the drama of Ann Demeulemeester and Haider Ackerman with a youthful wearable twist. Take note, this girl's the one to watch.
Please note: all sketchbook images and inspiration are from Charlie's graduate collection.
Cougar
Why, hello there...
How is it almost the end of June already?! I just arrived back to Switzerland a couple of days ago after a week spent in London. As wonderful as it was, it feels so good to be back. It's funny how quickly a place can start to feel like home. We've finally moved into our more-permanent flat which feels a bit like a sauna thanks to the recent heat wave. Currently living off a selection of t-shirts, jean shorts, sour candy, and spending my days lying by the river enjoying all the little perfections that summer seems to offer... like weddings, diving into fresh water, and seeing good friends.
Wearing: Weekday Cougar t-shirt, Laird & Co Hatters felt trilby, levi jean shorts, and Topshop ring.
First flight
I have so much love for Borne's AW11 collection...
A soft milky grey colour palette, jersey fringing that creates a silhouette reminiscent of Cinderella's evil stepsisters, scalloped two-tone details, and knits in the most wearable shapes and luxurious weaves. Borne is one of those great brands that just creates incredible pieces you want to wear. Their shapes are unique, their fabrics so soft, and I just about want everything they've got to offer.
Ethereal
Undoubtedly, this is the most beautiful outfit I have ever worn. I wish you could see it in person. The fabric is incredible. Heavy patterned beading, light whimsical silks, zips that change the shape of the jacket, and layers that can be put together to create different silhouettes.
If only I could dress like this everyday...
Wearing: Natargeorgiou dress by Dimos Natar and Andreas Georgiou. Bag and shoes from the Box Boutique. Photos by Matthew Zorpas.
p.s. the winner of the Cath Kidston giveway is Georgia from It Would Be Mine. Congratulations!
Doppelgänger
Let's be totally honest about something.
The Acne pistol boots are perfection. Sure, they aren't anything revolutionary but they are a total dream and exactly what I'm missing from my wardrobe: simple boots with a small heel. They would go with everything and I would wear them all the time. Unfortunately, I'm not willing (or able) to spend almost £400 on a pair of boots... so, there has been a pistol shaped hole in my heart for the last few years.
That is until I spotted the Ambush boots at Topshop today. They called my name from the midst of the madness at Topshop on Oxford Circus (a shop so big and stuffed so full of stock that it has become a landmark in its own right in London - normally, I avoid it at all costs). Although they might not be the pistols I had dreamed of for so long, at just £75 you won't hear me complaining.
Lego.
Joe Black - 'Playing with Chucky'
Love unlikely material being used to create incredible works of art. Especially when it makes you do a double take, squint, and say 'huh?! is that lego?!' The best I ever managed to create from the toy was a shoddy castle with obligatory moat. I had my face pressed so close to this piece of art that someone had to screech down the corridor, 'not so close! back away Miss!' Okay okay... but, you've got to admit, it looks pretty freaky-naughty in all its variable appearances.
Currently showing at the Summer Show exhibition. May 26 - Aug 20. 55-57 Great Marlborough St, London.
Hi there.
Hello London.
It's nice to be back in your quarters and to stomp my clogs along your uneven cobbled paths. Despite your choice to throw down buckets of rain and wind, you've managed to call me back again. Your streets are noisy and polluted, your commuters deluded and rushed. You hummm with an intoxicating energy that never ceases and it reminds me of the necessity of being ever resilient. But, oh, how I love you.
Wearing: Next jacket, JCrew white t-shirt, ckone jeans, Swedish Hasbeen for H&M clogs, bracelets picked up at a market stand in Geneva, and bag from YesStyle.com - Photos by Shini
Upside down.
Scrolling through old photos and came across this shot from London a couple of months ago. Oh, how I love these Paul & Joe trousers - party on the front, casual on the back... half suede, half grey sweatpant - aaawesomme. Heading back to London tomorrow morning for a week. Wahoo. Can't wait to pinch the cheeks of all my little homies and drink lots of vanilla milkshakes. xx
Wearing: Paul & Joe trousers (HPR London), Madewell jacket, Louis Vuitton bag and Converse.
Florals, sunshine & giveaways...
Sunshine is really like a drug. I love the sun... it totally has the power to transform my mood. Clear blue skies and warm weather work miracles on me. I just can't help but feel happy and optimistic.
All this to say, I'm a happy chick lately and taking every available opportunity to soak up the rays by the water in Zurich. I went out this morning for coffee and wore this little low-key outfit. The top is the softest thing I have ever worn and I'm totally obsessed with it. I really love basic pieces that have just a little something special to them. Like this top, for example, has sweet buttons up the front and is the most beautiful shade of blue. The second thing I'm obsessed with lately is Hanky Panky. Their underwear are the most perfect things for the summer. Totally soft to wear and so good for layering... especially because the colours are so bright (and perfectly match my sandals).
The kind folks over at Cath Kidston sent over one of their tote bags a few weeks ago. It's pretty adorable with its bright floral pattern and roomy interior. Truth be told though, I have way too many bags already so I thought maybe it could find a happy home with one of you?
To enter the Cath Kidston giveaway: leave a comment below and follow the Style Crusader on Facebook. The winner will be chosen at random a week from today. Competition is open worldwide.
Wearing: Franklin & Marshall blue top (Tea & Cake PR), Hanky Panky bandeau (pink lollipop), Cath Kidston tote, Levi diy denim shorts, Retro Super Future sunglasses, Zara pink satin sandals, and YSL arty ring.