Thursday, September 23, 2010

SPRING 2011 D&G









23 SEPTEMBER 2010 MILANO

Like Alberta Ferretti yesterday, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana looked to the garden for inspiration. The trellis behind their runway was strewn with real roses, peonies, hydrangeas, ferns, and ivy—their florist must be ecstatic. But if the duo's vision was Edenic, it was also poised at the moment when Eve was starting to get a little frisky. D&G is aimed at their youngest customers, so the cabbage rose-print tanks unbuttoned to reveal a hint of bra, and the mismatched bubble shorts and gingham head scarves looked sweet, but not that innocent. Snow White, who eats a poison apple of her own, by the way, was apparently a muse; she and her seven Disney dwarves appeared on T-shirts and tanks, and pinafore dresses got equal runway time with strapless rompers, one of which happened to be accessorized with an apron.

D&G's teenage fans might take banishment to the woods by their evil stepmothers before they slipped into one of the designers' red and white picnic blanket-check dresses—they were just too literal an interpretation of the theme. But other pieces would score Mom points on a spring shopping trip, especially the sky-high wedge espadrilles and the flowing boho dresses strewn with blossoms and cinched with raffia belts that closed the show. Those qualified as the freshest, prettiest takes on the long trend we've seen so far this season.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Director Anne Fontaine On Coco Before Chanel

ANNE FONTAINE




PARIS, Oct 4, 2007 / FW/ – Anne Fontaine is known the world over for the white shirts she has been creating for women (100 each season) for the past 14 years. Although her first love was biology, Anne Fontaine then met her husband, whose family had clothes factories, and this situation gave birth to the succes we know, with Anne Fontaine shops in 71 locations around the planet.

Now that she has achieved this level of business, the Carioca raised In New York City and now living in France, has chosen her rue Saint-Honoré boutique to match a pertinent and original development to her store concept and her first interest for the human body. On the groundfloor, the chemisiers that have made her famous are still being presented to her clientele, buta new staircase, lined by a stone and waterfall wall is leading to an entirely new zone : the Anne Fontaine Spa.

Not only is the concept of allying a clothes shop with various body treatments new, Anne Fontaine has developped here much more. the interior decoration has been conceived by Andrée Putman herself in a neo-japanese and comfortable way. The central originally proportionned jacuzzi of wonderful dark stone and its pavement of stones from Vals, constitute a real hidden grotto of rejuvination and contemplation to soothe both body and soul in the middle of the City.

Each different massage or spa room caters for different needs and is lit accordingly. The room for two is reserved to couples or friends who like enjoying their massage together or complement their foot spa moment with small talk.

The carefully trained staff is offering here specific treatments that Anne Fontaine herself has thought out, tried out and selected. A tropical rainforest shower bed for instance was drawn from her imagination and Brazilian roots.
Another full palette of body care massages is derived from the feel and energy of fabrics and natural fibres… The silk massage for instance seems particularly appealing, dedicated to those who are already enjoying the soft touch of its delicate textile expressions.

By the way, Anne Fontaine is not content with designing her brand’s body tretaments, she has also developped with a laboratory specific body ointments and creams available for the moment, only in her Paris Spa.

Who is not a resident (even an occasional one) of the City of Lights, could well grow jealous of Parisians who can now indulge in such a voluptuous luxury by appointment. But a visit to the Anne Fontaine Spa, might make a trip to Paris worthwhile, especially if you consider it as the coronation to a romantic holiday in the French capital.

Anne Fontaine has nevertheless also revealed that she will open soon a New York branch* with the same concept. Other openings are not planned yet, however it might be useful to know that her spa is open to men and women alike, and that male customers will no doubt be more than happy to enjoy that service, particularly as many would wish that she might offer soon male declinations of her legendary white shirts.

Imaginative and well thought out, conceived with care and much taste, the Anne Fontaine Spa is certainly opening a new alley in the globalization of products and services offered to the human body. Isn’t it essential to take good care of what’s inside the garments a woman is wearing before trying to create a look ? isn’t it obvious to plan a soothing pause of relaxation on a busy day of shopping? Anne Fontaine Spa allows that and more… only at 370 Rue Saint Honoré, Paris, France**.

* In New york City, Anne Fontaine is planning to move her shop from 687 to 700 Madison Avenue to open a spa and massage zone too.

MTV VMA Awards 2010












LADY GAGA won an impressive eight awards at last night's MTV Video Music Awards in LA. Gaga - who has just announced that she will be releasing a collection of fragrances - walked the red carpet and accepted her Best Female Video (for Bad Romance) prize in an Alexander McQueen gown. Gaga went on to shock the audience by appearing in a dress made from meat to accept the award for Video of the Year for Bad Romance. The dress - made by Franc Fernandez - was accessorised with a clutch and boots, also made from raw meat. Her stylist - Nicola Formichetti - has just been named creative director of Thierry Mugler (read more here).

Brit band Florence and the Machine won the Best Art Direction Award for Dog Days Are Over, while Eminem scored the Best Male Video for Not Afraid.

Source: Vogue

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Flights of Fancy: Best Feather Accessories


Bird of paradise gladiator, Donna Karan New York, $1,390, Donna Karan New York stores

Flights of Fancy: Best Feather Accessories


Leather sandal with bird plumes and crystals, Sergio Rossi, $1,395, sergiorossi.com

Leather and duck feather bag, Fendi, $2,950, at Fendi, NYC

Faux feather clutch with metal sequins and rhinestone buckle, Roger Vivier, $2,525, at Roger Vivier, NYC

Valentino - Haute Couture Fall Winter 2010/2011 - Preview