10/29/2012

Fashion trends: Christian Dior spring/summer 2013


"The austere elegance that was a hallmark of Raf Simons’s haute couture debut at the house of Dior, shown in Paris this July, could be sensed even before the first outfit from his first ready-to-wear for the house made its appearance. The audience was contained in a set clearly of Simons’s devising, with white-walled “rooms” with window openings that were veiled by drifts of very pale pastel organza curtaining. It was clean, refreshing, and had a certain modern poetry to it." - said Hamish Bowles.





It was fascinating to see Simons’s continued evolution at the House, this time around with more time to study and refine the codes established by Dior himself, and he rose quietly and elegantly to the challenge of reinterpreting Dior’s bravura signatures, such as those dramatic seasonal changes of “line,” the refinement and sophistication of technique (some of them Victorian revivals), and the lavish fabrications and embellishments—in a way that remains potent and enticing for a twenty-first-century woman.












10/27/2012

Fashion trends: ISSA London spring/summer 2013


Issa London is a womenswear fashion label, founded in 2001 by Brazilian-born designer Daniella Helayel after being unable to find clothing she wanted to wear following her relocation to London. From humble beginnings making a few pieces for herself and her friends, Daniella’s label has grown into one of the world’s finest fashion labels, with prestigious stockists throughout the world, including the likes of the UK’s Harvery Nichols, Paris’ Bon Marche and New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue.




TROPICAL. That was one word that sprung to mind during the Issa London spring/summer 2013 show, as Jourdan Dunn slunk down the catwalk in a toucan-printed maxi dress - vivid orchids blooming in her hair.



Bright was another - with slinky, jersey creations in emerald. fuchsia, violet and scarlet sent down the catwalk one by one, some embellished with the tiniest of beads, others sexed up with daring deep V-necklines or cut-out backs.



"It was very glamorous, very Talitha Getty," said Vogue's fashion director Lucinda Chambers after the show, referencing that certain brand of style that comes with a lifestyle of true luxury. And glamorous it was, with billowing skirts, neatly nipped-in waists and straps arranged to reveal toned shoulder blades and bronzed decollates - the reserve of those who spend their summers swimming in private pools and sunning themselves in St. Tropez.



"It was nice to see Daniella Helayel using different fabrics," said Calgary Avansino, Vogue's executive fashion director. "Some of the cotton almost patchwork-printed dresses were quite new for the brand."





There were prints too - vivid, verdant ones busy with exotic birds, vibrant flowers, tigers and elephants - adorning draped and twisted maxi dresses and Seventies jumpsuits paired with chunky gold jewellery selected by Susan Caplan Vintage Collection.







This was classic Issa - it wasn't shocking or ground-breaking, nothing to throw the brand's well-established identity into any question whatsoever. When summer holidays beckon for the brand's well-heeled set of society and celebrity fans, this collection certainly won't disappoint.




10/18/2012

Model crush: Sean O'Pry


Sean O'Pry (born July 5, 1989) is an American male model from Kennesaw, Georgia.


Discovered on MySpace by America's Next Top Model judge NolĂ© Marin and Lana Winters Tomczak, owner of VNY Models. 


Interests in high school included track and field, basketball, baseball and football. 


The great ones stay constant and coveted in the eyes of fashion's key clients. The truth of that is the enviable career that Sean O'Pry has chalked up. 



Like every prior No 1 Sean has consistently kept brands such as Versace, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Armani in his booking camp. More importantly he looms as one of the great memorable presences in men's modeling.



Forbes named him their Most Successful Model in 2009. 



O'Pry has one older brother Chris and a younger sister Shannon. His hobbies include American football and lacrosse.


He has been praised for his pillowed lips and hooded blue eyes.