The ultimate Summer collaboration: Missoni loves Havaianas

The sun is finally shinning in London and it's so nice and warm outside! I don't know about you but I am a bit unprepared for the summer and we're almost in June!
So I guess this comes at a perfect time. Missoni has teamed up with Havaianas once again to create a capsule collection – Missoni (hearts) Havaianas – for this SS12 season. You will agree with me that it isn't easy to think of any other pattern more apt for the summer than Missoni, right? And these models are unique because Missoni has endeavoured to help the environment and so the collection has been produced from rubber scraps from the factory.
In addition to the 3 classic and fun models the brand introduces this year an exclusive model of Havaianas 'Slim' features the signature zigzag print and ladybug and clover pins to bring you good vibrations!

Courtesy of Missoni

Everytime I read something has been shot by Juergen Teller I know I'm in for a treat. So when I read that his latest piece of work for Missoni's SS12 video campaign involved Mariacarla Boscono, the Missoni clan and Pedro Almodóvar I knew this one was a memorable one.
The video is entitled "Todo sobre Missoni" a play on words with Almodóvar's hit film "Todo sobre mi madre" (All about my mother). Apparently the director had been asking Angela Missoni to work together for years so they did it in style with a very Spanish theme.
What do you think? Fun, no?

Last week I eventually decided against posting about Gossip Girl because I didn't have time to do it for Wednesday/Thursday and, to be honest, the fashion wasn't that notable anyway. This week's 'The Big Sleep No More' episode isn't particularly exciting fashion-wise but at least there's a couple of changes of clothes for every character. Even Serena!
Blair had a big big miss and quite a hit in this episode. The miss was her day look. I don't know if they're getting too much inspiration from the Duchess of Cambridge but it's not working. The headpiece is completely out of place and even though I love the Dolce & Gabbana dress the thick black tights really spoil the vibe. I did appreciate the details, though. I love the Roger Vivier 'Diligence' bag and the cuff and the Phillip Lim shoes are super chic. The hit was her evening look –an embellished cocktail number by Oscar de la Renta that needed no extra accessorising. Alas, this better look is only in the episode for a short time.
My only question is, why isn't anyone wearing a coat? This is supposed to be New York in November.

CWtv.com, JustJared, Style.com, RogerVivier.com

Once again Serena (and when I say Serena I really mean the show's stylist, but you get the idea) was the best dressed this week. Not because she's trying particularly hard but because everyone else is looking so rubbish. Especially Charlie/Ivy. I have no words for her day look. It's like she's trying to be Serena on a budget and with a flat annoying face. I am only hoping that the cute M Missoni cardigan she wore this week is the beginning of slightly better fashion choices. Her evening dress I could have not minded were it not for the tacky flower details at the bottom of the skirt. Could someone put in a request for a wonder bra for her?
Serena's day look was very her. I am starting to get a bit tired of these boho city looks, though. Start wearing winter wear, it's bloody November! Serena is a huge Mulberry fan, I gather, and this week she's trying out the 'Harriet' bag, which she paired with a stunning statement necklace and a pair of studded burgundy Brian Atwoods that I loved. Her Moschino evening moment was so sexy. Not many people could pull off that many details on a dress but she looks very elegant and young. I simply love it!

Courtesy of Target & Missoni

The Missoni for Target collaboration is the most remarkable designer collaboration to date. The sheer volume of Missoni products –400 in total– makes it hard to beat.
As well as a big range of apparel and womenswear accessories they have produced a smaller kids range, a handfull of menswear items, luggage, homewear and even a bike!
My favourites are the sweat pants, shorts and hoodie. I also loved the 60's silhouette of the dresses, the super useful trow-on and the swimwear.
The prices are very competitive –they start at $2.99 and are, mostly, under $40. Lower than we've seen in past designer collaborations. They only go higher for the bike ($399.99) and the patio set ($599.99), which are sold exclusively online.
If the quality is anything like Missoni's mainline you'll have excellent timeless pieces that would otherwise be expensive to add to your wardrobe. If, like Rachel Zoe, the van der Woodsen's or our very own Giulia (you'd be amazed of how much Missoni she owns), you love some Missoni in your life I would recommend the towels and blankets. They add a great pop of colour to your house and, well, they're fashion!
The collections will start hitting Target stores in September both in stores and online.

Are you keen?

[Rachel Zoe, Bugaboo]

I remember I first read about the Missoni collaboration with pram company Bugaboo. I thought it was a genius idea to have the iconic Missoni zigzag pattern on blankets and canopies because they're, apart from very stylish, super fun.

Also then I considered making a post about how this pram was so perfect for Rachel Zoe and her new baby boy Skyler Morrison. I discarded the idea because I felt like Rachel would actually never get it. After all, it came out months after Skyler was born.

Well, I should have followed my first instinct because who posted a picture today pushing the designer stroller? Yes, bananas! Nothing goes better with her mainly black ensemble, Proenza bag, crazy flared jeans and panama hat. And it matches her bed spread too.

I have mentioned a couple of times in the past about how big a fan I am of the so called 'airport chic' style. There is something about dressing up or down or wearing odd clothes combinations that simply fascinates me. I have a lot of fun doing it myself and I even go as far as buying things I will only wear to fly (i.e. my Lanvin x H&M merino wool bottoms). I also keep a good folder of celebrity airport look pictures. My absolute favourites are Charlize Theron, who always looks so effortlessly stylish, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who will literally wear everything and anything paired with anything from a furry puppy to a vintage Kelly bag. I'm also quite keen on some of Victoria Beckham's and Rachel Bilson's looks as long as they're not too dramatic. And it's because of this that I'm fascinated with Lily Allen's latest look. She was recently seen at LAX carrying a Pegase 65 Louis Vuitton suitcase with the initials L.R.C. and one of Prada's Mexican delirium totes from this season. So I obviously went looking for my favourite travelling bags on line right away and this is the result.

1. Personalised Pegase 55 trolley @LouisVuitton.com , 2. Trussardi 1911 ethnic print bag @ Yoox.com, 3. Lanvin quilted leather suitcase @ Net-a-Porter, 4. Prada striped tote @ Saks.com, 5. Mulberry hot pint fold-up bag @Net-a-Porter, 6. Missoni travel bag @ Yoox.com, 7. Alexander Wang leather back pack @ BrownsFashion.com, 8. Personalised Keepall 55 @ Louis Vuitton.

Best of The Rachel Zoe Project S3E05

I really don't know why I don't do more episode recaps on soVIPzone. It's such a fun thing to do to dissect them and share my favourite moments. I have just finished the last Rachel Zoe Project ( a bit late, I know) episode and, personally, it's been the best so far. These are the reasons why I absolutely loved it.

1. Rachel wearing a hat inside her London hotel room while sharing a coffee with Kate Hudson. If London is too dark to wear sunglasses indoors, what do you do? Wear a hat. There is also something a bit Lady Gaga about this moment.

2. Rachel is very right when she says Kate Hudson is a true free spirit and that she has great energy! (And, man, she can sing!) I love the woman. Not a complaint and she looks just as great with no make up on as she does in Burberry. I particularly liked the 'visual holiday' moment with the Condé Nast Traveller and the DVF dress. What the hell was a summer dress doing there anyway?

3. This was a more personal moment. The 87 was the bus that took me from central London to my first flat in the city. I feel like Rachel wanted me to share the moment with them and specifically asked for that moment to be in the show.

4. Yes, Rach does look great in the vintage cropped fur coat. And, yes, I love bows as much as the next person. But I don't get why this moment was a 'DIE' one. She looks a bit like a suffocating blonde bunny.

5. The visit to casa Missoni was the confirmation that both Angela and Margheritta Missoni are not only lovely people but very natural and chilled. I also love the fact that they're both dressed so casually yet looking very stylish. Oh, and of course Rachel was in paradise. I mean, the woman has a Missoni bedspread!

6. Rachel walking around the Missoni showroom in three layers of their FW10 collection and wearing bananas mirror sunglasses. All very Anna dello Russo. And please notice how absolutely ecstatic Rachel is!

7. Brad meets Donatella. "She's a gay icon. She's the Maddonna of fashion". What I was wondering then was wether she noticed the big 'D' on Brad's chest and whether he made this particular fashion choice on purpose. Maybe he learnt from the Ralph Lauren incident at Oscar de la Renta?

8. The very awkward moment between rachel and Julianne Moore was priceless. R- "This is so your year", J- "I love birds" was followed by Rachel asking what Julianne was wearing for the Oscars. To which she replied Calvin Klein. And then Zoe tries a template compliment while she mentally goes "shit, shit, shit".

Are you watching this season of The Rachel Zoe Project?
I'm off.

PS. If the text was atrocious. Apologies. Somehow, I am super tired today!

Designer Dreams (and hotels)

We are pretty much in holiday season and that means a lot of planning to do: who's coming, which company to fly, what to wear and, most importantly, where to stay. Now, I know this is not e very realistic post but I had a look at some of the hotels and resorts around the world entirely designed by famous fashion houses and their creative directors. This current brand-driven world we live in has given cause for many of the well known fashion houses to translate their vision into luxurious urban hotels and exclusive resorts in exotic destinations. We have chosen our favourite five, all completely (Italian, duh) different from each other but each perfect for a different type of fashionista in need of a stylish holiday.

The Bulgari Resort in Bali is exactly my kind of place. I love that sense of feeling stranded and being far away from any remotely westernised city. This complex of Italian/Balinese style hangs 150m over the see on a cliff, which gives its main pool and 59 villas absolutely breath-taking views. Every villa has its own private courtyard garden and a dining lounge but food is also served in the two pool-side restaurants. A lift connects the complex on the cliff with the private beach club downstairs and guests can enjoy the beauty salon and fitness centre at the spa. One single 1300sq-meter 3-bedroom villa with its own built-in bar, dining and living area, swimming pool and full service quarters. And I don't know why but it looks like the kind of place where one should wear loads of Bottega Veneta, no?

If I'm not mistaken, Palazzo Versace is the oldest all five hotels in this post. It's located just outside Brisbane, in the Golden Coast of Australia. Even without the bright medusa and green motif mosaic at the front door it is undeniable that everything about this place is 100% Versace. Now, all the gold and turquoise and blinding-white may seem a little overwhelming were it not for the immense windows that surround the main building and its beautiful view over the pools and the sea. The furniture is obviously all by the fashion house, which has added its own boutique to the hotel so guests can literally blend into the deco. The three restaurants, spa and fitness studio give the final touch to what looks like the most old-school glamourous experience one could get these days.

Moschino's hotel in Milan has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the ones before. Different bold designs can be found in every corner; from the massive tea cup as a coffee table to the hanging-dress headboards or a wolf put to bed ready to eat you every single thing adds up to the modern but elegant dreamy feel of the hotel, which they describe as "where the ordinary world is described with a stroke of surrealism". The building is also pretty much around the corner from Corso Como and Corso Garibaldi and it includes, of course, a spa and a restaurant, 'Clandestino.Milano'.

I would've never expected to find a Missoni hotel in Edinburgh, but it was a pleasant surprise. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe coming up in August is the best occasion to treat yourself to an amazing dose of the ever-famous colourful stripes and triangles (towels and bathrobes, hello?) in a very urban interpretation of Italian style. The hotel, situated on the popular Royal Mile, provides all its guests with in-room Nespresso machines and contains two restaurants and a trendy cocktail bar. With my best friend directing a play at the festival I have the perfect excuse to see first-hand what Rosita Missoni has been up to in Scotland.

And, of course, there had to be one in Dubai. Armani has chosen the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to hold his first hotel. It includes 166 guest-rooms and 144 Armani residences as well as 5 restaurants, an ARMANI/Privé nightclub, a private member's club (ARMANI/Club) and an Armani/Spa. All stylishly furnished by ARMANI/Casa's minimalistic ways. The complex also offers, of course, Armani/Dolci, Armani/Fiori and Armani/Galleria so guests can decorate their rooms or take a little bit of Dubaian Armani with them.

Which one would you die to go to?
I'm off.

[Pictures: hotel websites and Style.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]

Giulia's SS10 musts

I have gone through my favourite e-tail spots and chosen my season's must-haves. For me, it's all about muted colours (loving the nude this season), a bit of black (always!) and a dash of gold and pink without going too crazy. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top right: Alexander Wang bomber jacket, Vanessa Kandiyoti necklace, Camilla and Marc grey dress, Aurelie Biederman black cuff, Christian Louboutin studded pumps, Giambatistta Valli fringed dress, Daisy Knights studded gold rings, Current/Elliot ripped jeans, Philippe Ferrandis turquoise necklace, Bess fringed shoes.

Clockwise from top right: Madeleine Thompson jumper, Missoni bikini, Marie Helene de Taillac earrings, Isabel Marant pink tunic, Stella McCartney one-shoulder dress, pink Chanel Le Vernis, Jason Wu feather skirt, Proenza Shouler shoes, dark beige Chanel Le Vernis.

Giuls xx

[Pictures: Style.com, Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion.com, HarveyNichols.com]

couleur face-off

Just by glancing at Kate Bosworth one knows she is very much clued in when it comes to trends. Her outfit of soft lines and muted colours paired up with neutral-coloured shoes and bag epitomises the look of the season for SS10. Looking at any shops it seems evident that these colour palette will take over the upcoming season but let's not forget the other significant trend of the season —military khaki. Which one will you be sporting for SS10?

Below, clockwise from left: Chloé cotton suit, Chloé silk-crepe blouse, Marc Jacobs satin top, Jason Wu chiffon skirt, Vanessa Bruno Athé shorts, Elizabeth and James embellished skirt, Missoni wrap top. All from Net-a-Porter.

Below, clockwise from left: Splendid jersey top, Balmain tank top, Elizabeth and James silk shirt, Balmain cargo shorts, Stella McCartney camouflage shorts, Alexander Wang asymmetric skirt. All from Net-a-Porter.

[Pictures: JustJared, Net-a-Porter]

I'm off.

dancing through the night

Net-A-Porter's 2010 resort press preview was all about sparkles, sequins and party dresses. Inside a really minimalistic white room with a geometrical fire place were displayed all the precious clutches, extravagant pieces of jewellery, shiny high-heels and amazing clothes. I didn't had any doubt about N-a-P's buyers' sense of style, but there were some pieces that were really mind-blowing!

Because of my lace obsession of the moment, I immediately fell in love with Stella Mcartney's black lace dress, which is the perfect chic cocktail dress for any occasion.

Another dress that cought my attention was the pyton printed silk dress from Acne. The shape and the fabric were just très jolie. It is the perfect playful evening dress for every party girl that wants to have fun.

Oh the jewellery! I am a big big fan because, like other accessories, they add that personal touch of style to every look! Isharya's gold cuff is the perfect buy —you can wear it with any look you want. It iss the perfect touch to a simple every day outfit with a pair of flared jeans, a white t-shirt and a Chanel-looking jacket; or to an evening black one-shoulder dress.

Already in my wish-list for next summer are the Lanvin's hilarious strawberry earring. They are perfection! Funny, colourful and edgy looking. For something a little more classic, the Missoni pendent earrings are also a great accessory for the upcoming season.

YSL's purple"Tribute" suede sadals were divine, just like any YSL shoe. They make a woman feel confident and sexy. And this new colour will look fabulous on a spring day.Are you searching for the ideal christmas gift for your fashionista friends? Well, Miss McCartney has the answer —seven days, seven pairs of knickers. Each drawer contains a pair of knickers with the day of the week embroidered in pastel colours. They come in black and white and they are almost sold out, so hurry!

[Photography: Giulia]

xo Giuls

PS. Check out a very Christmassy Iñaki @ MyFashionDiary

classic is never démodé

It is finally here. Even though we are already three days into Paris Fashion Week I thought a recap on Milan was in order. I have left out many designers —those who did not innovate enough or whose creations simply did not appeal to me. In any case, S/S 2010 seems to only have recession in the back of its head. Most designers have gone back to basics —blazers and all types of tailored pieces filled the runway and they did so with pleasantly surprising twists to them. Have a look.

This was, by far, the biggest surprise. I would have not expected Ferragamo to put together such an excellent collection of timeless pieces that feel so cool and fresh.

I want to wear Marni for the rest of the summer. The cuts are so clean, the colours so softly elegant and the fit so comfy-looking that, could I afford it, you would not catch me wearing any other brand.

This was very much a flash collection, it did not even reach the traditional circa-30 looks. But sometimes less is most definitely more. And a restricted palette can make everything all the more interesting. Zegna left their textures speak.

Trussardi perspired coolness from the hip twist on formal wear to the native American inspiration dominating the second half of the show. It is urbanwear but distinctive, and I love it.

The only thing I kept thinking while looking at the Missoni collection was: "This is exactly what Chuck Bass would wear if he went to Oxford". I believe that statement to be self-explanatory.

Another surprise. Not a big big one but surprise all the same. I never like Moschino, I have always thought it to be very cheap-looking and tacky. This collection changed my mind. Even when the detailing (be it embroidery or print) might seem a little too much, it is a very new-looking collection that will possibly redirection the brand somewhere more tasteful.

I have been staring at all these looks for a couple of days trying to decide whether I like it or not. It is innovative, fair enough. But is McQueen getting too relaxed on his golden throne and thinking he can get away with anything?

Too many layers for any Italian, Spaniard, French or Greek. And I love grey to pieces but this collection does not seem very realistic when it comes to the season it is for. Now, Miuccia has played most skillfully with different materials. I am specially fond of those cottony nets.

Funny how such an Italian brand can feel so oddly British. This takes me back centuries to dodgy parts of London when burglars stole expensive garments and wore them to pretend they were posh. Only Zegna makes burglars look pretty damn stylish.

And here goes my first disappointment of the season. This Gucci collection was too diffuse, too white, too old Gucci. I did love the fit of the trousers, all of the shoes and those prints Frida Giannini uses so well.

Not groundbreaking but at least Bottega Veneta stepped out of their comfort zone and showed plenty of pieces men of any age and nationality would love to throw on their back.

D&G was not innovative or fresh but at least they changed their black and blues for beiges and browns. It is better than nothing.

[Pictures credit: Men.Style.com]

I'm off.