Fragrance campaign face-off: Kristen Stewart vs. Blake Lively
TFS

These two super anticipated campaigns are now out. I must say that I usually am never particularly keen on fragrance campaigns because there's always too much going on, they're too mainstream. However, this doesn't go for the Florabotanica (great name too) and Gucci Première campaigns.
I have thought from day one that Kristen Stewart is the most brilliant match for Balenciaga, by Steven Meisel. She looks cool and relaxed in Balenciaga clothes and gives everything her own spin. And I love her in the new perfume ad because not only the artwork is beautiful – they should make wallpaper – but I'm happy to see Kristen wearing the same Balenciaga SS08 dress from my favourite collection. It is, incidentally, the same look Jennifer Connelly wore 4 years ago on the campaign for the house.
Blake Lively has been making such perfect fashion choices over the last few days that I feel like it's the perfect time for this to come out. She always looks better when she channels a bit of old Hollywood glamour from the 50's – wavy blond hair, beauty spot, long-sleeved dresses with open back. All notes Gucci and Mert & Marcus struck for their Première ad. It's incredibly beautiful because it's simple.

Cruise 2013: The best bits so far
Style.com

Is it me or have the Resort collections never been this good? We always knew that this and Pre-Fall were the most important collections commercially because they're the ones that stay on the shelves for longer, and hence make the money. But a few years back I was the first one complaining about how bland and pointless they were.

Well, I am changing my tune. Cruise 2013 is full of hits and excellent pieces! Balenciaga's collection was full of great ideas – cleavage cut-outs, hello? But I was especially keen on the footwear. The bow effect Ghesquière created on the bicolour leather boots might just make these as big a hit as his gladiator boots were back for SS08.

I also fell in love with Bottega Veneta. More precisely, with their tracksuits. I can solemnly swear that I have never, nor will I wear a tracksuit outside a gym but these are so cool. There's a 70's vibe to the colours and lines that, together with the nice fabric, makes it chic – there, I said it. These would have been so perfect for Farrah Fawcett in Charlie's Angels.

Michael Kors is doing great stuff at the moment. His Resort collection has this perfect balance between the relaxed relaxed and the super luxe – reluxed? I especially like the gold pieces: lamé, lace and knits that are just timeless.

Get the look: Kristen Stewart's airport chic
Net-a-Porter, Courtesy of Burberry

London's weather has got a bit gloomier (yet again) and I feel like it's the perfect time to get some inspiration from Kristen Stewart. I am a much bigger fun of her looks off the red carpet.

Kristen wore this ensemble to the right when she arrived into JFK airport yesterday. She paired a skinny pair of grey jeans (similar to the Victoria Beckham ones I chose) with a loose grey tee (like this one from J. Crew). She added two of her favourite statement, if subtle, accessories – the Balenciaga motorcycle jacket she has in several colours and she's been wearing everywhere and the super chic Burberry leather bowling bag from the FW12 collection.

I love Kristen in looks like this one because she looks so comfortable and at ease – unlike on the red carpet – and, hence, über cool. Plus, I love a woman who doesn't need a pair of high heels and a cocktails dress to look sexy.

What do you think?

Nicolas Ghesquière does Animal Prints for Balenciaga
Style.com

Anyone who knows me could tell you that ever since I've known of him Nicolas Ghesquière has been my favourite designer. There is something about the way he works with shape and materials that always keeps me interested. I don't ever remember being disappointed by him.

And he has done it again for FW12 but in a very different way than we're used to. His FW12 collection for Balenciaga is the most wearable we have seen from the house in seasons. The clean-cut coats, chiffon and lamé dresses and even separates such as trousers and bustier tops could go straight from the runway to the shop racks.

I was pleasantly surprised to see so many animal prints on the new collection –leopard and tiger–, which felt really refreshing and modern. I loved the asymmetrical evening dresses the most but was also very keen on the cowl-collared jackets and the kimono-inspired coats (we have seen a lot of Japanese influences this season). They were mostly quite traditional but Ghesquière also played with them in his very well known graphic, more abstract way.

The animal theme continued with one or two fur outerwear pieces and the crocodile parts used on the (amazing!) shoes and bags. 

What Stephanie LaCava wore – LFW Day 2
KnowWear

Last night I attended the (amazing!) Acne show at the end of the day, which I will be posting about soon. And once again I was lucky enough to run into Stephanie LaCava. You should have seen the crowd, running into someone you knew wasn't that easy. So I was very lucky!
Stephanie was looking über cool in a really chunky cropped knit jumper from Balenciaga, which she paired with a plain J. Crew white tee and these sexy leather Bottega Veneta trousers. But, for me, the key of the outfit were the accessories – one of Burberry Prorsum's SS12 raffia hats from the menswear collection and, my favourite, a pair of Aquazzura pumps. If you look closely enough you'll see that the stunning leather stilettos have a thin golden chain that wraps around the ankle twice.



Today I'm attending Antonio Berardi and Burberry Prorsum – So excited! So make sure to keep checking back for updates!

Are editors reading my blog? It feels like the people at Vogue España might be listening to me. Or maybe they just know better. I absolutely love the yellow font, especially at the top where it almost blends with the background, giving a different touch.

There is too much text, though. How beautiful would this cover be with just Erin on the steps and a small headline to the side? Despite this, I do love the picture because Erin usually gets styled very boho/rock & roll and I love this classic slightly retro look on her. I can't wait to see her story inside, alongside Andrés Velencoso. I have a feeling it's going to be something in the line of one of my favourite editorials.

My other reason for wanting this issue so badly (it'll hit newstands tomorrow) is the piece on the new Balenciaga Museum in Guetaria (Basque country, Spain). The museum opens this summer and I am already dying to visit because it was something long overdue and because Getaria is such a lovely town. The Basque country holds brilliant art and architectural pieces such as the Guggenheim Museum and Jeff Koons' flower puppy so the design of the space will definitely be extraordinary as well.

[Courtesy of Vogue España]

It seems the May issue of American Vogue is full of fashion jewels. If Reese Witherspoon's beautiful editorial by Peter Lindbergh wasn't enough, Anna also decided to include an even more stunning story by Bruce Weber.

The concept for the shoot is supposed to be Natalia posing with all these Hollywood young talent. To be honest, no one really caught my attention apart from Chloë Morezt, Hailee Steinfeld and Elle Fanning posing with Natalia, in Oscar de la Renta, before bedtime. And that's what makes Bruce Weber so great. He's got the cinematic quality of Annie Leibovitz but he tells his stories in a more documentary glossy way.

I couldn't find a styling credit anywhere. Wouldn't it be great if Anna herself had done it? After all, Natalia is wearing her Balenciaga Pre-Fall dress in one of the pictures.

[Vogue.com, Style.com]

Best dressed of the weekend: Bows, the good and the bad

Seeing as I have no inspiration to make a collage for today and since the Golden Globes are tonight and they will occupy tomorrow's post I thought it just made sense to post the 'Best dressed of the weekend' today. I don't know if it's because I actually look for pictures more avidly during the weekend but I'll never cease to repeat how much better everyone looks then. This weekend Kristen Dunst slipped into an absolutely stunning Rodarte, which worked so well with the simple girly hair and the dark eye shadow. Let me remember, however, Chloe Sevigny's amazing Rodarte moment from a couple days before. It's quite a coincidence how I should include Olivia Wilde on a post for the first time just when I have decided to start of The O.C. season two. I like her even more as a brunette and her A.L.C. has that kind of "I'm still a surfer girl" vibe to it. It's simple yet interesting and the nude and bronze colours really compliment her skin. Michelle Williams continues on her quest to have me forever in awe. This time she did it with a vintage-inspired Balenciaga dress. If you only look at the top half of the dress you're almost expecting a classic cocktail number, which is why the embroidered scalloped hem is simply genius. It suited her simple styles with heaps of sophistication. And lastly, someone I hardly ever like. Eva Mendes looked incredible in a sheer lace and chiffon Valentino culminating in an oversized black bow to the shoulder (proving Dannii Minogue had no clue what she was doing). What's fair is fair.

Now, this is not part of a best dressed list by any means. But I also didn't think I could let this moment go unnoticed. Some of you UK residents might have watched 'The Devil Wears Prada' last night (or maybe I was the only loser who spent his saturday night like that). If not, I am sure none of you feel like I'm talking about some obscure film. Funny they should decide to play it on the weekend when Jennifer Love Hewitt chose her horrendous Paule Ka dress. And I say funny because it was almost identical to the red "James Holt" dress exclusively designed to Miranda and which causes the "pursing of the lips".

I'm off.

PS. I would have totally included Leighton Meester in SS11 Marc Jacobs if the pictures had been out by the time I started editing.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Zimbio.com, FanPop.com, theage.com.au]

Balenciaga déjà vu

I find it funny when the media often describes the Olsen's style as a "goth mass of black". They don't realise the twins care so little about everyone's opinion on their style that they simply throw on whatever they can find, add a fur coat and grab their respective shabby Kelly bags. If you look closely at those black outfits you'll recognise most of the pieces from days before when they wore virtually the same ensembles. And this below is the last proof of what I just mentioned. Last night, Ashley attended the Boutique.com party wearing the same Balenciaga FW10 look she'd donned about a month ago, sans the tights ladder.

As I mentioned when I saw this on Ashley for the first time, I love the fact that she wears different clothes from everyone else. The loose but structured fit looks excellent on her and the colour is bold but not loud. This got me thinking of which FW10 Balenciaga looks I'd like to see on Ashley this winter. I feel like the first one with the modern materials and panelling and the fur around the wait is very representative of what her style is all about, non?

I'm off.

[Pictures: Look.co.uk, Style.com]

What she wore: Yasmin Sewell

Last August Vogue made public that fashion consultant extraordinaire, Yasmin Sewell, was leaving her role as chief creative consultant of Liberty of London. In only three years, Sewell managed to reinvent the way Liberty's thought about fashion. She introduced a lot of new designers and brands bringing in new clientele while keeping the store's usuals coming back. But not only that, it was thanks to her that the store made their first profit in the last ten years. And so Sewell felt her work, Liberty's "fashion Renaissance", was complete and it was time to move it. Even though most of Yasmin's clients are kept confidential she reassured us (her fans!) that there will still be "publicised collaborations and ventures in the future". Don't miss her interview of the Telegraph.

We saw less of Sewells during this past fashion month. I don't know if street style photographers were not as interested because of her change of role (which would be outrageous) or if she simply attended less shows than usual. Whatever it may be she still looked spectacular when we did see her. My favourite part of hr style is how she always juxtaposes very tough elements like the Burberry Prorsum boots with extremely feminine, fragile garments like the sheer Meadham Kirchhoff dress. I also love the fact that she keeps her signature haircut immaculately coiffed and how she always wears different sunglasses.

Left to right and top to bottom: Meadham Kirchhoff SS10 dress, Burberry Prorsum shearling ankle boots, Isabel Marant stilettos, Acne suit jacket, Balenciaga heels, Burberry Prorsum convertible coat-jacket.

I'm off.

[Pictures: philltaylorblog.blogspot.com, seoulfsn.com, meadhamkirchhoff.com, Net-a-Porter, Acnestudios.com, Bluefly.com]

Balenciaga & ladders

I am still not over the fact that the Olsens didn't make any official appearances during Paris Fashion Week. One of my favourite bits about the big shows of the last days of fashion month is getting to see the most stylish celebrities wearing clothes we won't see for another six months. However, Mary-Kate and Ashley were kind enough to don some impressive ensembles to shop around the French capital. This is one of those gems. Ashley slipped into some FW10 Balenciaga showing how Nicolas Ghesquière's high-tech mode is very easy to wear. She, of course, accessorised it with some the Olsen's signature black and fur pieces. She even got away with a peek-a-boo tight ladder. Not of the women I know would ever step out with one of those. They'd even prefer go out bare-legged.

Would you?

I'm off.

[Pictures: olsensanonymous.blogspot.com]

Collage Sunday, PFW Edition

Today I decided to blend together Collage Sunday and Paris Fashion Week in the shape of a visual catch up. Some of the biggest names from the French capital showed in the last couple of days and we saw a bit of a change. Balenciaga took on Marni's challenge to create luxurious sportswear. Ghesquière showed us a boyish punk point of view mixed with dug out archive pieces. It was, as Balenciaga always is, rather technically intricate in the most interesting manner. Alber Elbaz's twist on the Lanvin woman was one of the biggest surprises (to me) from Paris. He always addresses his collections from a woman's point of view, which this time resulted in a vast assortment of wardrobe options in a way that redefined modern elegance.

As much as I've always adored John Galliano, I must confess I have often wondered if I was the only one who noticed his themes chez Christian Dior were too recurrent or if I was a mere ignorant. As it turns out, he is capable of making fresh clothes à la Galliano. For SS11 he traveled to Hawaii with his couture collection, which transformed into effortless silk numbers of tropical motifs and hues with a slight 50's air and masculine sailor-inspired parkas. Margiela's collection started following last season's line but soon morphed into an experiment of shape abstraction. Nicole Phelps, from Style.com, said the collection fell flat. I dare to disagree because, even though it is 100% unwearable it pushed the envelope shape-wise. After all, it was MMM who first introduced the pronounced shoulder shapes we came to love.
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, GaranceDore.fr]

The First and the City turn 10

It barely took a couple of years for Balenciaga's First bag to become all the rage in and out of Hollywood and now we celebrate its birthday. The bag, its older sister (the City) and the ballerinas from the motorcycle collection are turning 10 and to celebrate it Nicolas Ghesquière has created a special edition of each of them. The metallic black, brown and pink editions are part of Balenciaga's partnership with Neiman Marcus, where they are sold exclusively. The leopard print models are, too, already on sale online and will probably hit the stores soon but they most definitely won't last long. All limited editions include patterned lining to differentiate them from the classic black one. Neiman Marcus' bags also include a commemorative tag to remind you every day of how special your bag is.

If you want to start saving, here are the prices for each model. Personally, the black and the leopard City are worth every penny. Leopard First $1025, Leopard City $1125, Craquele First $1195, Craquele City $1395, Craquele flats $495.

Click here to go to Neiman Marcus and here for Balenciaga's website.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Balenciaga.com, NeimanMarcus.com]

take me to the beach

I know everybody is getting ready for the beach these days. That's why I decided to put together a few simple outfits to look great while tanning but also when you're grabbing a bite with the girls or just hanging out in the shade. I tried to include some of the season's trends (i.e. khaki, leopard, nude) in some of the outfits and I have also added my personal touches of jewellery. Some people hate taking jewels to the beach but I disagree. A necklace here or a bracelet there never hurt anyone.

Current/Elliot shirt and shorts, Minnetonka shoes, Missoni bag, DVF swimsuit, Monica Vinder necklace.

If you wanna go ethnic in a sophisticated way wear some khaki and gold and add a little leopard print, but not to much. I am in love with those suede loafers. They can look a little too hippy but if you style them like this and add a cool bag (LOVE it, btw) you get the effect you were going for.

Melissa Obadash kaftan, Balenciaga sunglasses, Pucci swuimsuit, Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals.

If you happen to be going somewhere where even at the beach there's a bit of a dress code you have to remember that less is more and everything is in the details. I chose a nude one-shoulder swimsuit that lets you move and forget about anything popping out but it's super chic. I think a tunic, camisole or caftan is the best option in this case. Remember, it has to be simple yet well detailed. Then, a nice pair or sandals that look awesome but are comfortable. Havaianas won't do in this case. Finish the outfit off with classic glasses in a not so classic colour and a headband. I am loving this spiked one!

Alexander Wang tank top, True Religion shorts, Zimmermann swimsuit, Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals, Marni bag.

These two last outfits are my favourite ones. During the winter the most colour I wear is a pink or nude thing here and there but it's mostly black and grey. That's why I like to get funkier in the summer. The best colour combinations are the ones where colours compliment each other. Which is why I chose yellow, green and purple and sandals and shorts including the same colours. It all works and the white top lets every single piece stand out.

Missoni swimsuit, Miu Miu sandals, Pippa Small necklace, Chloé blouse, Matthew Williamson skirt, Eugenia Kim hat.

If you remember my last post you know by now I am a sucker for pink, and Missoni. I love combined pink and white because, first of all, they're so me and because they feel fresh and feminine. This season I have a bit of a thing for yellow as well. I love the fact that it looks like a difficult colour but it actually works with so many things! And then, of course, a cool, slightly boho necklace. I don't go anywhere without some jewellery!

Giuls xx

[Pictures: Net-a-Porter.com, Minnetonka.co.uk, MatthewWilliamson.com, Colette.fr, Matchesfashion.com]

CFDA 2010 awards

I feel like I haven't posted in years and today I am so inspired I could make about 12 posts. Alas, I am only human so I'll stick to a chronological order to relevance so neither of us go mental. Let's start with the CFDA awards from Monday night. This year I was quite excited for one of my favourite new designers, Joseph Altuzarra, to win the Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year award. But, apparently, it had to go to the more unoriginal Jason Wu. I was also disappointed by Marc Jacobs' win as I feel slightly iffy about him, both as a person and as a designer. However, the fact that Richard Chai and Alexander Wang won the Swarovski Menswear and Accessories awards, respectively, made me very happy.

Fashion wise it wasn't a super exciting edition. I was happy to see the Olsens on their first official appearance at the awards as CFDA members but, even though they looked great, I always expect them to outshine everyone else. Something that didn't happen this year. My list of best dressed at this year's event even surprised me. My favourite above all was Vogue's Tonne Goodman, who won the Eleanor Lambert Award, in a Michael Kors outfit that pretty much epitomised classic East-coast style. Jessica Biel showed she can actually get it right every so often. She looked absolutely stunning a 30's glamour version of Diane Von Furstemberg's classic wrap dress. I can't explain why I like it so much but I look at it and it just feels right. Iris Apfel totally made my day by wearing one of Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga jackets from SS09. I simply love the fact that a lady of her age can be so fashion-forward and still look appropriate. I really wish she was my grandma.

What I always love about both the Met Ball and the CFDA awards is the fact that designers attend with their muses dresses in their designs. I thought Hayden Christensen in Richard Chai was absolutely genius, they both look so not-bothered. Pretty relaxed as well looked Altuzarra and Vanessa Traina, in a custom-made dress from the SS10 collection turned black for the occasion. Zac Posen looked better than his companion once again. He is a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to collections but he can dress, there is no doubt about that. And then we have Dakota Fanning, who gave Marchesa such a spin it didn't even look it had come from the hands of Georgina Chapman.
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, Zimbio.com, JustJared.buzznet.com, Tommy Ton for Style.com]

it's all in the skirt

It took me a while to realise why these pictures of Lauren Conrad seemed different. All the usual black and her jumbo Chanel were still there, her golden locks done up casually. It was the skirt. A burgundy satin skirt with two flaps on the sides as if a massive bow had been tied around her waist and left to rest upon her legs. It worked well with Lauren's style but it added a bit of an edge, which she really needed.

Skirts monopolise the best part of the spring as they are the perfect compromise between wearing a dress and having to cover the shoulders. In need of finding ways of creating something new and flirty yet lacking flamboyance designers and high street have found the best compromise in restrained but fun detailing. Pleats and drapery reign over SS10 with slightly uneven hemlines and that sinuous movement that a skirt should always have. Others have opted for layers of ruffles (the summer staple) or more generic A-line minis in neutral hues or covered in feathers.

1. Balenciaga @ Browns, 2. Top Shop, 3. Carven @ Net-a-Porter, 4. Theory @Net-a-Porter, 5. Adam @ Net-a-Porter, 6. Top Shop, 7. Diane Von Furstemberg @Net-a-Porter, 8. Oasis, 9. Erdem @ Browns, 10. Oasis, 11. New Look

What kind of skirts are you wearing this Spring?
I'm off.

[Pictures: As credited above, Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Jesse wants to be me

A few days ago I tweeted this picture of myself wearing my vintage Levi's denim jacket and having my hair slicked back in a rather 70's look. Well, it seems Jesse McCartney has been reading soVIPzone and "taking inspiration" from my look. It looks like the basic that is the denim jacket is all the rage for men this season. However, if you look carefully you'll realise this is not the classic tidy denim jacket we have always seen but a wrinkled more faded version. My favourite for the season? Balenciaga's contemporary version of the jacket with more modern lines and grey denim. Who do you think pulls off the look best?

[Pictures: soVIPzone, JustJared, MatchesFashion.com]

I'm off.

happy birthday to moi

Every year the world celebrates the date of my birth my marking the 21st of March as the kick-off of the Spring. I'm not sure about other parts of the world but here in London it still feels too grey to get into the SS10 mood (as much as my beige Lanvin's scream to get them out). However, I have been present-hunting for weeks and these are part of the (hundreds?) of the splendid pieces I have found in my touring of my three favourite spots to shop —Browns, Liberty's and Matches.

Left to right and top to bottom: Dries Van Noten linen jacket @ Browns, Burberry Prorsum biker jacket @ Liberty's, 3.1 Phillip Lim plaid jumper @ Matches, Comme des Garçons appliquéd blazer @ Browns, Acne check shirt @ Matches, Christopher Kane atomic tee @ Matches, Liberty of London check shirt, E Tautz striped jumper @ Macthes, Burkman Bros patterned shorts @ Liberty's, Comme des Garçons trousers @ Browns, Linda Farrow for Dries Van Noten sunglasses @ Liberty's, Balenciaga graphic tee @ Matches, Dries Van Noten printed scarf @ Browns, Lanvin straw hat @ Browns, Bottega Veneta suede derby shoes @ Browns.

[Pictures: BrownsFashion.com, LibertyofLondon.co.uk, MatchesFashion.com]

Feel free to drop me an email asking for my address. No one will blame you for wanting to thank me for my amazing contribution to fashion by means of a piece of designer-wear. ...I jest, of course, or do I?

I'm off.

neoprene princess

"Retro futuristic", called WWD the last array of creations from Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga. A paradox that starts making sense when scratching the surface of the Balenciaga archive. For FW10, Ghesquière has in fact made futurism his centre of inspiration but in a way that never ceases to look back, or rather, to make a connection with his previous collections. And this is one of the aspects that I have always loved about him —there is a consistent sense of continuity in all things Balenciaga.

Sci-fi, high-tech and primary colours are essentials to Ghesquière's winter. Editors seemed to be somewhat disconcerted about this. Cathy Horyn wrote "Although the silhouette was essentially a quare on stilts [...] the materials, and the shapes within shapes, were hard to identify". It was, quite simply, a successfully experimental collection that proved that Ghesquière is the visionaire we have always thought him to be.

The accessories didn't escape this experimentation. In the case of the shoes, it seemed as if a civilisation far in the future had found the rests of a current pair of heels and tried to reconstruct it in their way. The shoes mixed with mastery the old and the new, the traditional and the unorthodox, the bold and the coy.

[Pictures: style.com]

I might have spoken too much too soon but this might just be one of the best collections yet, if not altogether. Unless Stefano, Alber or Riccardo prove me wrong.

I'm off.

cuire Haute Couture

The recipe for Valentino FW10 Haute Couture:

1. Chop up some vintage Balenciaga. Two parts of FW08 and one of SS09. Stir fry for a couple of minutes.

2. Add a whole Hervé Léger FW08 collection and cook until it's nude.

3. Season with Rodarte SS09 and Stella McCartney SS10 to taste.

4. Decorate with a dash of Valentino SS10 (RTW) for an odd after taste.

Serve on a Parisian plate and ready!

[Picture credit: Style.com]

Would you ever eat this?

I'm off.