Emmys 2010 revisited: Mad Men wins (in style)

I simply couldn't help myself. Not only Mad Men rocks my world with their costume design but their starts weaken my knees when they slip into designerwear for the red carpet. This picture of January Jones (in Atelier Versace), Elisabeth Moss (in Donna Karan) and Christina Hendricks (in Zac Posen) literally gives me butterflies. To me, it's the picture equivalent of being in love wearing custom-made Tom Ford, Louboutin lounge shoes and drinking a £1000 bourbon while Ella Fitzgerald sings for me in my Chelsea townhouse. Picture that if you can.

I'm off.

[Picture: Celebrity-Gossip.net]

Do celebrities like sales?

This is a very random post, I warn you. A few minutes ago, while I payed my daily visit to JustJared, I came across this picture of Sarah Jessica Parker attending the screening of a new TV show at Donna Karan's place in the Hamptons. I instantly fell in love with the silk crepe blazer she was wearing and so, assuming it was Karan, I scanned a few sites to finally find it on TheOutnet. Regardless of the 70% discount the jacket had before it sold out (Mr. Porter Outnet, anyone?) it made me wonder whether celebrities sale hunt like the rest of us mortals and weather SJP got the jacket from Donna Karan to wear to the event or if she was one of the women to help it selling out (long shot, I know). What do you think? Would you ever stop sale hunting if you had enough money?

I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, theOutnet.com]

NY highlights

This New York Fashion Week gave the feeling to be more aware of the times we live in. It was interesting seeing designers tackling with the issue of being practical while having their ideas remain on the garments. As usual, the coat took over the catwalks in its many forms —fur and leather still made an appearance but most designers went for the more unexpensive wool and tweed or the ever-classic cashmere. FW10 trends will be monopolised by layers more than ever. Some combinations that might have seemed nonsensical in the past become the protagonists of this season (see Rag & Bone). Velvet, which is a constant in menswear, made a big-time comeback in the shape of dresses (see Altuzarra) that looked somehow like shabby medieval gowns. However, if I were to choose my favourite trend it would be, by far, the maxi skirt and oversized cardigan combo. I have never been much of a boho chic fan but there is something mysteriously sensual about a woman that's not so keen on showing off her curves (see Richard Chai).

[Picture credit: Style.com]

Which one was your favourite collection from NYFW?

I'm off.

gird your loins

It is that time of the year again. A nice light scarf and a blazer are not enough anymore. Instead, big ol' coats are in order. These are soVIPzone's recommendations for this winter -fashionable classics to invest in. Pay special attention to the camel coat, this season's must.

Luella navy wool-blend coat @ Net-a-Porter, Chloé camel coat @ Matches

Stella McCartney houndstooth wool wrapcoat @ Net-a-Porter, Acne wool coat @ Browns, Donna Karan belted wool coat @ Net-a-Porter

Are you ready for the cold?

I'm off.

First of, Happy Christmas, Chrismukkah and Boxing Day everyone! Hope you're all having fun playing with your toy planes, Barbie dolls and Manolos.

On this lazy and happy day I have decided to post a little about everything and nothing. I figured there is nothing better than some entertaining to kill some free time and forget about stomachaches.

With too much of this free time on my hands I started to have a look at the Pre-Fall 2009 collections even though I had promised myself (yet again) I would not. The traditional disappointment was substituted by some kind of odd surprise. Diane Von Furstemberg and Donna Karan provided a certain excitement, de la Renta some yawns, and Versace, Alexander Wang and Cavalli a bunch of smiles. If, like me, you have nothing better to do than filling your brain with a bit of harmless fashion click here.

I realized I rarely post about music, when it is in fact a big part of my life and inspiration. Today I was happy to find the first ever Dead Man's Bones (Ryan Gosling's band) video ever. Gosling (piano and vocals) and his mate Zach Shields (drums) have come up with an indie mixture of gospel and gothic. I do not know if it is good or bad music but it certainly is enjoyable. Go here to watch their video. Also, look for Gosling's "Put me in the car" —a song he recorded ages ago that is part of my list of favourite tunes.

For some more music, I would recommend Britney's Circus, Beyoncé's CD2 Sasha Fierce (plus her performance on the World Music Awards), and any Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and John Mayer.

Paper-wise, I have been trying to think a bit out of the box and avoid buying another version of Vogue. Instead, I bought a seasonal magazine called View of the Times. As far as I know it is Spanish, but I have just discovered it so correct me if I am wrong. It reaches a good common-ground between alternative and mainstream fashion. The layout follows the same logic and it is both affordable and long enough to fill a couple of afternoons or even three when keeping your laptop by your side.

I recently finished reading Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger —the author of The Devil Wears Prada. Change the magazine for a PR company and add some upper-East-side drugs and parties and what you get is a book you cannot let go of your grasp. I am currently reading Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh —I loved the TV show and will like the film about the decadent lives of a British noble family. I usually like having one or two extra books to read in between the main one. They have to be short stories or something that is easy to follow if not read in a while. These two books are The Diamond as big as the Ritz by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Return of the Timewaster Letters by Robin Cooper, both of which I would also recommend so far.

In the fashion department I would encourage all of you Londoners out there not to stop visiting Beyond Retro, Rokit and all those fabulous vintage shops in the surroundings of Brick Lane. If you are looking for some chic relax go to Harvey Nichols and have one of their delicious Mojitos. Being home in Madrid has also provided some new shopping experiences such as the brand-new Marc by Marc Jacobs shop (with wicked accessories for the holidays) and the Oscar de la Renta boutique (a type of fashionable sightseeing). If in Barcelona, pay a visit to el Born with its cool shops full of Isabel Marant, Danielle Alessandrini and Vanesa Bruno.

[Pictures credit: Style.com, Amazon.co.uk]

I hope I killed enough of your time. I surely killed mine.

I'm off.

to DIE for, vol. 2

And here I am again. Let’s resume and put an end to the S/S’08 dress special.

Following my habit of picking up my three favourite dresses, I chose the following. First, Versace’s surprisingly tasteful sky-blue gown. And I say surprisingly because if there is something Donatella usually lacks that is taste, which is the reason for my doubting her involvement in the collection. Next is Donna Karan’s pale pink dress. The beauty of it lays in the draped front and in the ingenious triangular black straps. The futuristic wrap-up dress with beading details by Marc Jacobs is my third favourite pick.

Looking at the rest of the list we find Oscar de la Renta’s blinding dress, where a flowery ingredient is brought it by a sort of see-thru cut-play. Right next to it is Celine’s über-cute dress. The cut, the neck and the penguins make it perfect for a shopping day in town. Tory Burch combines Diane Von Furstemberg’s S/S idea with bold colours, a very fun and playful choice.

However, this summer is time for maxi-dresses and it seems only obvious when looking at these collections. Consuelo Casteglioni’s refreshing touch at Valentino’s has provided very elegant dresses such as the one above in pale pink. Cavalli’s Cruise collection was remarkably good and very him, which is not a usual combination. He has managed to get quite a lot things going on in a dress without letting it go over-the-top. Now, when talking maxi, Carolina Herrera is also well experienced. I am very fond of that sofa-like print; it is just so east coast elegant.

The last set of dresses includes Philip Lim’s perfect approach to boho chic in a colour for all seasons; a bright blue Yigal Azrouël draped like a venetian curtain and calling out for attention; and a Jonathan Saunders' arty colour-craze.

Your thoughts?

[Pictures credit: Style.com]

I’m off.

COLONIAL fashion

I watched Out of Africa last night for the first time. Film fanatics out there, boo away. I borrowed the dvd from a dear friend of mine with no specific reason; I suspect that hearing my dad saying what a wonderful actress Meryl Streep is for the past twenty years had something to do with it, though. Whatever the reason why, I watched it last night and was firstly surprised by the quality of it, if it weren't for Streep's perfect skin I would not have been able to guess when was it filmed as this extraordinary film creates a limbo of itself, preventing time to make any effect on it.

However, as much impressed and moved by the acting, the landscapes and the plot as I was, there is something in my retina that wouldn't let me stop scrutinizing the costumes. I don't have the least idea of who the Oscar nominated for best costume design were that year, but I do know Milena Canonero was the perfect winner. This kind of films usually have an ok yet well-studied wardrobe at the beginning and keep the audience expectant to wow them a little later with an outstanding gown during a night gala event. Out of Africa's costume design has something special because the first big wow comes when you least expect it, at the very beginning. Meryl Streep shoots the chilly morning away in a full-length black ensemble with abundant fur accessorizing, letting the audience know that right in front of them there is a rich, powerful woman. This outfit made me think of Oscar de la Renta's chic and exotic feather hats.

One of the following scenes in the film is a wedding, for which Meryl's character gives quite the fashion lesson wearing a beautifully detailed yet untraditional white two-pieces with a hat. I am all about the hat. This made me thought of Proenza Schouler Spring 2008, a woman so confident she knows she looks beautiful and sexy in manly clothes.

The rest of the film is a grass and sand catwalk of outfits combining utility and fashion trends of the moment. Straw hats (quite in this season, see Rag & Bone) and high waists with semi-wide belts (Proenza Schouler, Donna Karan) and an endless collection of casual blazers for the day all finished up with comfortable safari trousers and a good pair of fashionable and practical leather boots (see Hermès) are the key garments in the motion picture.

Since the story takes place in Africa, the colours keep a "low key", mimeting the background with shades of beige and sand colours that see no end. Darkness for elegant events is brought in by navy blue (view DK), a perfect match with the other colours. The ensembles had to look formal and casual at the same time without stopping comfort from entering the equation, this equals manly looks (also in this season) with the only femininity a real woman can provide.

To end, I have to admit I was deeply inspired by all clothes choices in the film but also by the African tunic colours and their colorful über-long strings of beads that I was happy to find at this Spring's Oscar de la Renta show.

[Picture credits: SimplyStreep.com & Style.com]

I'm off.

the NIGHT of your life

The CFDA and Vogue's Fashion Fund gala gathered the most exclusive fahionistas in their most exquisite ensembles and fashion statements. Going through all the photos takes you on the oddest yet most enjoyable trance you've ever been in.

As usual, I do not consider a fashion event truly exclusive unless Armani or HER are there. So this time it was the real deal. Anna Wintour attended the gala in my favourite Chanel Haute Couture dress of the season; isn't she fabulous? Bee Shaffer seems to be following mummy's steps in terms of clothing, wearing a beautiful Dolce & Gabbana with the appropiate amount of leopard prints. Making November's cover of Vogue seems to have had quite an effect on Jennifer Connelly, who presented the gala. She wore an aboultely outstanding Oscar de la Renta dress, but I didn't like the shoes she wore with it. This lady has been both surprising and amazing me lately; Kate Bosworth is constantly getting it right and looking stunning and she did it again as she co-hosted the show in a wine-colored short dress by Proenza Shouler. Those guys are unbelievably talented!



Next one to leave me speechless was Miss I-look-fantastic-no-matter-what Kate Moss in one of "her own" creations for my beloved British brand Top Shop. I don't reckon much people can pull of such a look including full-lenght dress and oversized blazer; but she simply does. You would never think Natalia Vodianova a mum looking at her with that breath-taking body. However, her choice for the night —a Valentino Haute Couture— was unfortunate. One of my favourite pictures from the night is the one pratraying fashion-legends Ralph Lauren (and wife Ricky), Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstemberg and Valentino. How cool would it be to be right there in the middle?! They all look fantabulous, but let me focus on the Laurens. He looks absolute dandy, but she looks like she ran away from a Middle Age market! Design-genious Marc Freaking Jacobs posed with boyfriend Jason Preston as he resumed his very own gay parade that's been going on for months, now. She was one of the highlights of the night. Dita Von Teese showed up in the most superb Marchesa dress and left me stoned.



British icons Agyness Deyn and Henry Holland took advantage of their contract and attended the gala in quite "interesting" outfits by Burberry Prorsum. Another of the guests was Lapo Elkann, in one of his signature Italian vintage ensembles. Vera Wang went for a more casual and very ethnic outfit by herself. The Olsens made their way into the event holding from the arms of Giambattista Valli (who dressed Mary-Kate) and Francisco Costa (Calvin Klein creative director who dressed Ashley). Elle McPherson is looking better and better with age and even more so when she's wearing Valentino. The Karan women are gorgeous by nature, my only choice is becoming a mormon as I cannot decide whether to marry one or the other. Bette Middler posed with the designer resposible for her look, Michael Kors. Carolina Herrera found talent and the source to eternal youth at a time and she attended the found gala with hubby Reinaldo looking magnificent!

It was also very nice to see some less celebrated people in pretty well-chosen clothing. This is the case of Tatiana Santo Domingo (above top) in Missoni, Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (above) in Oscar de la Renta, Helen Lee Schiffer in Proenza Schouler and Alexis Bryan in Alberta Ferretti.

[Credit photos: Sherly Rabbani & Josephine Solimene; style.com]

Click here to see all the couture that attended the gala.

I'm off.