Miu Miu presents the London Special Collection
Courtesy of Miu Miu

Miu Miu has created a special collection designed exclusively for selected stores in London available from tomorrow 27th of July. Even though the line is not meant as an Olympic edition, the colour palette clearly links with the event, which also kicks off tomorrow. Bags, clutches, shoes, iPad and iPhone covers come in different shades of gold, silver and bronze. This is, by far, the chicest most subtle nod from a fashion brand to the Olympic Games.

The accessory line includes Bauletto bags in madras or nappa metalassé as well as sandals and lace-ups in nappa and silk. There is also a bijoux collection of hairbands, brooches and ticks in satin and leather decorated with hand-appliqued microcrystal embroidery – all very much in line with that traditional-meets-contemporary aesthetic Miu Miu is famous for tied to their FW12 collection.

Know Wear

A few weeks back I attended the Roger Vivier SS12 press day, which, as anything hosted by the Tod's Group, was very enjoyable. They're always so lovely and they treat me so well.
The collection was stunning and very fun. This time Bruno Frisoni is taking the Roger Vivier woman to Africa for spring. It was very interesting to see how he had taken the brand's signature shapes, which are very geometric, and mixed them with bold prints, bright colours and new materials.
I absolutely loved the Micro Metro bag in the colour block cheetah and leopard prints. The same goes for one of my favourite bags, which they previously did in a 'Chesterfield' style for FW11, and now is covered with animal print canvas with a colourful inside of the Roger Vivier logo.
My favourite pieces from the collection were the ones in the metallic brushed leather that had a slightly 20's feel but were at the same time very modern. It was such a strange sensation to feel these pieces in your hands. At first sight you think they will be heavy and rigid like metal but instead they were light and soft to the touch. Not to mention the fact that they would make excellent accessories to complement your evening looks.
Frisoni played a lot with different materials –African necklace beads, applique plastic pieces and even aged folded sequins. The result was a very striking collection of pieces that make a statement yet remain classic and rather timeless. After all, there is a reason why people so diverse such as Carla Bruni, Inès de la Fressange and Blair Waldorf all love wearing Roger Vivier.

Bags to Lang for

There's quite a buzz about Helmut Lang's new line of bags for Spring/Summer 2011. And very rightly so. Ever since Nicole and Michael Colovos helped revive the brand in 2006 by staying true to Lang's minimalist vision the brand continues to produce great simple pieces with an edgy style. The designers say they were trying to find a polished take on utilitarianism for this collection, for which they took inspiration in Michael's fisherman past. To me, the way those handbags have been constructed by sewing gores together reminds me more or balloon-making or rugby balls, which is even cooler and adds to the very American point of view the brand has acquired. The concept of the line is very fresh and timeless in the same way that Ghesquière's bag collection for Balenciaga was born. Maybe we're witnessing the birth of a new classic?

I'm off.

[Pictures: tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com, fashionologie.com]

I carry the sun in a golden clutch, the moon in a silver bag

Last week Giulia and I stopped by the Roger Vivier shop on Sloane Street to see what the iconic French brand had in store for next season. The collection has been named "Le Sud" to conjure up the chicness of popular summer getaways like the South of France, the North of Africa and the Italian Riviera. The sun, the sea and the vibrant colours of plants and fruits evoke the relaxed fun typical of the summer season. Giulia and I loved how bold graphics like a pink lobster or unexpected materials like colourful plastic rings make up beautiful clutches a woman of any age would easily pull off. It was over these bolder pieces that Giulia died for. I was more fond of the tan leathers and beiges, like the openwork boots and sandals. And we were both smitten with the clutch, heels and flat sandals decorated decorated with golden bubbles that reminded us of champagne of caviar. The "diligence" and "Miss Viv" bags were our two absolute favourites. They're extremely classic but absolutely contemporary bags so it's no surprise Carla Bruni became so infatuated with the second she now collaborates with Bruno Frisoni, the house's artistic director, to reinvent it season after season. Hope you enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed the collection!

The FW10 shoes were quite amazing as well. They were inspired by military and royal motifs from times of Napoleon such as the famous fleur-de-lis. This inspiration was also present in the choice of materials. Black felt was combined with rich golden threads to create a beautiful ankle boot. Go to their website to have a look at the rest of the stunning winter line.

I'm off.

PS. I do apologise for the poor light and my bad pulse during some moments of the video. I tried to fix it but that's as far as I could go without losing the colour.

Thinking ahead: Tod's SS11

A couple of weeks ago Giulia and I were lucky enough to preview what the Italian staple Tod's will make us want to wear next season. We were warmly welcomed at their Old Bond Street store where we enjoyed Prosecco in an amazing sea of shoes. They are best known for their "gommini", the suede and leather loafers that any woman wears across the world from Milan to New York, passing Barcelona and London, of course. Giulia an I were gladly surprised by the range of accessories that they offer on top of shoes. G absolutely "died" over the leather detailed cuffs, their suede lace-up heels and the incredibly light and soft croc bags.

We tried to edit down the choice of our favourite pieces but having so many beautiful colours and materials made this really hard. Would we go for the fuchsia croc loafers or for the python ones? Maybe the yellow suede? So we ended up making a short video so you can choose for yourself. If it were up to us we'd have them all in our wardrobe!

I also recommend you to pay a visit to their website. They have celebrated their collaboration with Milan's Teatro alla Scala with an unbelievable video. It is a dance allegory of the making of their famous "gommini". You'd think this is another of those nonsense fashion videos but you'd be missing out. I was in absolute awe of the impressive choreography, which perfectly represents every step of the creation process from the pebble fitting to the trimming.

I'm off.

[Pictures: soVIPzone, Tod's]

Fashion month: the shoe

I know it's mid October already and I should be focusing on FW10 but I am still digesting all we saw in and out the catwalks during fashion month. I had predicted the Isabel Marant and Prada stilettos would be the greatest hit on the editor's front but, though I wasn't wrong, there was a shoe that I had underestimated. The pointy studded collection from Valentino was actually the most worn shoe. I should have seen it coming. It is feminine but there's something different about it, a kind of innocent edginess that obviously captivated celebrities and editors alike. And not only the classic pump triumphed but the flats and, more surprisingly, the kitten heels did as well. No one could have predicted the success of the latter, as only Anna Wintour was known to wear this infamous heel height.

Different women with different styles and different jobs wore the Valentino shoes proving they don't only belong in the closet of one type of woman. Can you remember or guess who whore which model? And, more importantly, would you wear kitten heels?

I'm off.

[Pictures: NeimanMarcus.com, Net-a-Porter.com, Style.com, Vogue.com, TFS]

shades of green

One of my favourite things to do when fashion week ends is to look back at all the collections again but paying special attention to the accessories and details in them. However, there are some that already caught my eye during the first round. This is one of those times. I am not sure about how YSL's transparent frames and green glasses will look on me but I will at least give them a try. Which items are you already coveting?

[Pictures: Coute que Coute, Style.com]

I'm off.

Christmas everyday

I wish I would wake up one day and find all of these under my Christmas tree this year! —A Chanel 2.55 should be a must in every girl's wardrobe. Thigh-high boots are in this winter. These ones in a beautiful shade of dark green are the perfect twist to the trend. Fox! The Fendi fur coat would look beyond amazing with any outfit 24/7. And you need something sexy and red to wear underneath you beautiful New Year's Eve sequinned dress —La Perla, duh. The Chloè bow-blouse is just stunning, simple in the fabric exquisite in the colour, yet sophisticated thanks to the bows. And lastly, an adorable little piece of jewellery. The Blu-Bijoux bracelet with a Hamsa, an ancient symbol of prosperity and good luck and just what you need to get the right start to the new year.

Clockwise: Chloé bow-blouse, Fendi Silver fox fur coat, Laurence Decade suede green boots, La Perla red lingerie, Blu-Bijoux bracelet, Chanel 2.55 jumbo.

[Picture credits: Net-a-porter, MyTheresa.com, Max and Chloe, Laurence Decade]

Giuls x

every cloud has a silver lining

Try as you may to look fashionable with your extreme winter wear, it is always a challenge to look different and express yourself. And that is why you have jewellery. A good statement ring can brighten up any look and so, soVIPzone brings you the most exquisite pieces for the everyday and those special occasions.

Turquoise and gold by Sheila Fajl, Signature metal ring by Chanel, Jade box ring by Lucy Hutchings.

Mother-of-pearl rose by Dior, Skull and bee ring by Alexander McQueen, Strass and crystal ring by YSL.

The blonde can write x

(Giulia's sign-off)

eternal sunshine of the spotless ACCESSORY, part 2

It is what you all were waiting for, and here it is. The second part of the S/S 2009 accessories special. Stare, dream and comment away!

We are always looking out for the shades of the season, and here they are. And they are also the best homage of Mary-Kate Olsen. Dries Van Noten managed to take ethnic into the future, and in what a way!

Chanel is the quintessential runway to look at when searching for classic that for magnificently on season as well. Their high heels à la Blair Waldorf add a classic with an edge touch and that plastic-like bag will most likely be all over the place.

Next season's Fendi accessories are the best twist for any outfit. Their take on the Hermès Birkin bag and the colourful peep-toe wedges do not seem to go very well together but might be two fantastic options for an edgy summer ensemble.

Giambattista Valli decided not to create something new but to take his very own approach on the classic stiletto shoes. Add interesting colours and fabrics and a little platform and you are on business!

Givenchy keeps following the gothic line that made them one of the top brands this season to create the chicest leather shoes that will make the delights of all those Rock'n'roll lovers out there.

Even though Marc Jacobs colletions for his own brand and Louis Vuitton very much hold hands the latter contained excellent pieces showing the biggest variety of colours, materials and shapes.

Marc Jacobs brought his inspiration from the Louis Vuitton collection into the bags for his own brand. His classic shapes and chains add up to the fresh colours very originally mixed.

Michael Kors not only brought the aviators to the limit but his pattern-mixing for men are nothing but preppy-ly exciting.

A collaboration with Christian Louboutin always pays off and Phillip Lim knows it. The flower-like leather shapes make his shoes the most glamorous item to own next season.

Ralph Lauren came up with a 21st-century Great Gatsby and created beautiful hats and sunglasses made for those romantics like me who dress like back then because they could not live it.

Viktor & Rolf's shoes are not made for just anyone. However, if you are so picky you will only wear unique pieces and you are not afraid to be risky they are most definitely for you.

If sunglasses above are not fit for your taste you might have to look at Yohji Yamamoto's. His shapes are innovative in so many ways but look back at the past instead of into the future unlike must other designers'.

[Pictures credit: Style.com]

I'm off.

eternal sunshine of the spotless ACCESSORY, part I

It is quite a paradox. The deeper I get into fashion the more I like it and the more I want to know more things about it. The more they give me the more I want to be given. Yet at some point during this process I need a rest to quietly sit down and think. New seasons for years that are yet to come are introduced before their predecessors even being, which makes (fashion) life confusing. Nonetheless, I took my chances and made the decision to put together a little S/S'09 accessories special before I find myself too deeply submerged into F/W'08. I have selected my favourites out of as much collections as I could humanly go through in two days —have a look!

Proenza Schouler made me think of a time machine. The Middle Age merges with the Industrial Revolution and the two are seasoned with Lazaro and Jack's very good taste. The result? Extremely stylish metallic and black accessories.

Chunky shoes were away for a while but Dolce & Gabbana want them back. For a little updating they added a fine platform that leaves a hole in the middle of what would have been the wedge. For bags, lots of colour-mixing and unending sequence.

Dior was very much tribal, about Africa. Small versions of fertility goddesses serve as heels and rope-like stripes climb up the ankles from the animal-printed platforms.

Gucci was the ultimate look for the sexy Italian fashionista. Hats are everywhere and their straps match the flowery outfits. Heels go up to unthinkable highs and include bold, shiny fabrics in striking colours.

I always Hermès' innovation within their own little world. Animal prints stick on the sides of hand-luggage and driving gloves are very present adding a rather old-school glamour touch.

Not only Lanvin's silhouettes were stunning but the accessories are undoubtedly intriguing. Crocodile predominates in hues that go from the traditional black to the playful emerald green or yellow. Heels are embroidered and locks decorated with precious-like stones.

The suggestive shoe shapes of Marni already caught my attention a few seasons ago. They keep playing with colours and suede and rather pointy heels. I was also particularly drawn to the very plastic deconstructed flower necklace.

I am becoming fonder of Cavalli as of late. His small but over-decorated accessories are perfect to spring up simple outfits to life.

Wire and chains over high platforms does not sound specially attractive even to the fashion-oriented. However, if the hands of the sisters of Rodarte take part in the design process it is a different story.

Just as it happened with Cavalli I lately like Versace more. Donatella has found a good line to follow and she, too, went for statement accessories that keep great company to clean chic ensembles.

The slight disappointment from Stefano Pilati did not inhibit my adoring of Yves Saint-Laurent's metallurgic shoe-making. Even though I am not quite sure about their wearability.

Zac Posen caught my attention for his bejeweled clutches, over-the-top earrings and futuristic, sharp makeup.

Stay tuned for the second part.

Thoughts?

[Pictures credit: Style.com]

I'm off.

fly me to the moon

... and let me play among the stars —aka: give me YSL goodies.
There is always a reason of utmost importance why I ban myself certain things. One of which is strolling around Selfridges, Harrods or any place of the sort with my eternally weak wallet. But it is also very easy coming up with rather brilliant excuses to ignore such bans every so often. And one of these occasions took place only a week ago. This time the department store that had the pleasure of my visit was the one famous for its yellow bags —a characteristic that makes me question the expression "to be green with envy". And so I proceeded to the second floor where all things seem so within reach yet so so far from it at a time. However, there is a particular section on that same floor labeled "Exclusive brands". If Prada, Dries Van Noten or Kris Van Assche are not exclusive God knows what they call to most things I wear. Exclusive, then, includes Lanvin, YSL, Burberry Prorsum, McQueen and so on. It was in that precise section where I had my blind (or maybe not so) date with my cyber-crush —the most tastefully crafted YSL biker jacket in green. Despite the mutual attraction the fact that we belong to different worlds was finally too strong and we couldn't consummate our relationship the way we should have. But if I am anything that is unfaithful and fell for a blue one with black neck and the forbidden bag of my best dreams in black leather.
Only time will tell if a 21st century Romeo and Juliet sans final drama will eventually take place.
Have a look and share your feelings.





[Pictures credit: YSL.com]


I'm off.

DECK yourself with glamy goodies

December has already joined the party and that means that the Holidays —my favourite ones, I must say— are getting closer. Endless events and get-togethers will take place then, and why not using them to show off your beloved accessories of the season? In addition to a time of joy and lack of work activities, this must be the moment to get on those trendy pumps you've barely used so far or to dress your neck with the ridiculously expensive necklace you couldn't help buying.

I have put together a list of my preferred items for this time of the year. Christmas is a different moment and, therefore, it deserves special accessorizing.

For me, there is no elegant event without some Armani around. Girogio Armani has the richest shoes, clutches and jewlery.

Your feet deserve a treat, and what other could that be besides Christian Louboutin?

Gucci masters black and has a bit of an Italian-casual breeze of air that always matches your dresses.

If you prefer to be the most fashion-daring of the party, go McQueen. It screams rich, daring and confident.

Try out some Salvatore Ferragamo with those jeans you reserve for comfortable special occasions.

There is a reason you always have some Ralph Lauren in your wardrobe, now is the time to show them around.

Balenciaga shouldn't miss a party, it's the protagonist of the season!

There's never a party without a glimpse of Chanel, they're broad accessory selection makes it just right for tonight's gathering.

You have Marc Jacobs in your heart, why not on yourself too?

Go beyond and wear Burberry Prorsum's item of the season.

For a bit quieter selection of items take a look at these:

Stella McCartney

Oscar de la Renta

Bottega Veneta

Giuseppe Zanotti

Tod's

Roberto Cavalli

[Credit Photos: style.com, eluxury.com and designer's webpages]

I'm off.