My Latest Bag Temptations

I am a definite fan of bags by Prada (the leather's like butter!), Bottega Veneta, Armani and such.  However I recently became fixated with bags from first one, then a second label not on the typical fashionista's must-have list.

First, there are specific details that I look for when I search for a bag (or happen upon one).

My list of bag preferences include:

1. Top handles ... I've noticed that the longer the strap, the more you tend to feel the weight of the bag.
2. Croc embossed details ... I like the added depth of tones provided with this detail.
3.  Pockets ... I'm a working girl and love quickly finding what I need when I'm on the move.
4. Rolled handles ... They don't cut into the hand/arm as much.

Enough of my issues.  Here are my two recent bag obsessions:

Dooney & Bourke's Pleated Croc Satchel - The resort style handle made me envision flowing skirts, pretty sheath dresses and cropped pant suits on ladies who lunch.

Brahmin's Louise Rose Satchel - This bag totally appealed to my Hitchcock Femme Fatal in pencil skirts and slingbacks or squared-toe pumps.   I originally was drawn to the taupe-colored Almond (first picture - which made me think of Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair) but then fell for Pecan ...  Pure Beauty.  Did I also mention it has several pockets?!

 Posted from my iPhone

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: ZMode

Z-Mode is the label by Lithuanian-born designer Victoria Rangayah.  Rangayah studied fashion in South Africa and fell in love with the country, people and culture, which she says definitely inspires her.

I would say that Z-Mode's style is pretty, delicate and lady-like with a contemporary touch.

"What sets us apart from our competitors is our interesting mix of menswear suiting fabrics combined together with feminine fabrics such [as] silks and chiffons. We love to contrast masculine and feminine details, which gives our garments it’s creative edge."

Here's what Victoria says about herself and Z-Mode:

How did you get into fashion?

My mother’s old clothes were my first point of inspiration to become a fashion designer. After cutting up few of her dresses and later on few of my husband’s shirts I have decided that it’s time to study fashion.

Did you go to school for training?

I have studied fashion design for 3 years at LISOF (London School of Fashion South Africa)

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?

Having spent 5 years in Africa, this culture rich continent is still my first point of inspiration. I also love art and find it very inspiring. Sometimes the colour or the shape of abstract art can trigger my 'creative genius in me'. I also look for inspiration in unusual places like old buildings or even African squatter camps are great for inspiration!

Do you prefer certain materials?

I absolutely love men’s suiting fabrics; I get so excited walking in menswear section in department stores and try to imagine how these fabrics would work in my designs. I love mixing different textures and different fabrics, although silk fabric is still my favorite of all!

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?

Z-Mode clothes are targeted to over 25 years old customers; however we do have styles that can be suitable to younger girls too.  Strong minded, confident, sophisticated - those are the characteristics of Z-Mode customer.

Z-Mode will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week.

Fashion News

Young Designers Fashion Show

The 2010 Young Designer Show will be hosted by Annaliese Dayes (from Britain’s next top model) and W.Livingston Gilchrist (Playvybz’s Radio Presenter) on Saturday 17th July 2010.

Over twenty innovative young designers showcase their collections the Young Designer Show is a show of inspiration, motivation and networking which aims raise the profile of exceptionally gifted young fashion designers some of them as young as 13 years up to 25 years and beyond.

DSUK One-Day Sale

Summer One-Day Sale
Friday, 23 July
11am - 9pm
Exclusive VIP hour
10am-11am
Advance purchase ticket only £25 on website for early VIP admission

Venue
The Music Rooms
26 South Molton Lane
London W1K 5AB

Transport
Nearest tubes:
Bond Street (Central Line)

Entry on the day
£2
Credit/Debit cards subject to £2 surcharge.

For more info or to purchase VIP tickets, go to DSUK Sale

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Amato Couture is the brainchild of Filipino designer Furne One, who is based in Dubai.  Amato caters to an elite Arab following.

Thanks to supermodel Heidi Klum, Amato Couture is also reaching celebrity status in Germany ... getting featured in the newspapers and magazines in addition to TV coverage.  Klum put One's label on the international map when she selected him to design the gowns for 18 models to wear in the final round of Germany's Next Top Model.

Below is a look at Furne One, in his own words ...


How did you get into fashion?

I guess it all started when I was a little boy. I would spend hours marveling at both my mother's and my grandmother's fashionable wardrobes. As I got older, I realized that if I was ever going to be somebody when I grew up, it would have to be someone who designs dreamy dresses that would make girls all starry-eyed.

Did you go to school for training?

Not exactly, I took up advertising back in college; my actual training in fashion was something I got when I went to New York and worked with designer Josie Natori as part of my winning the grand prize in a design competition sponsored by a popular Philippine glossy back in the 90's.

What do you do for inspiration?  How do you get inspired to create a collection?

I draw inspiration from a lot of non fashion related things. Like the four seasons for example. And vintage items like old lace, finely crafted cameos and interesting antique pieces. I've always thought that things that have seen the passing of time are so much more intriguing than something totally brand new. Mainly though, I get most of my best ideas from music, movies and gothic and baroque art,

Do you prefer certain materials?

Lately, I have been quite partial to silk tulle.. It's light and breezy, and extremely versatile. It can simulate softly flowing folds yet it can look frothy if it has to.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?

I welcome all kinds of customers of course, but when I'm designing for a collection, I do tend to imagine that I'm creating something for an intelligent, independent woman who knows what she wants, and is confident about everything that she is.

Amato Couture will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week.

Firsts at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Paris Haute Couture Week, Fall/Winter 2010-2011, started yesterday, the 5th with Christophe Josee.  There will be a couple of first at this fashion week:

• This will be the first Haute Couture week to include presentations de Haute Joaillerie (Haute Couture Jewelry).   Collections presented will include Boucheron, Chanel, Chaumet, Dior, Mellerio dits Meller and Van Cleef & Arpels.
• Christophe Lemaire will present his first collection for the house of Hermès, replacing John Paul Gautlier.

The fashion week is the 5th through the 8th ... the clothing presentations will end with Valentino on the 7th.  The 8th will be dedicated to the presentations de Haute Joaillerie.

Emerging Designers - A La Mode

UK event management firm, La Geneve North Events has hosted numerous fashion events and product launches for a roster of clients.  Events for this year alone include several catwalk shows as well as a beauty workshop.

One event that caught my attention was the 'A La Mode' International showcase.  It features shows from  emerging designers annually in February and September.

The next 'A La Mode' is set to return for the fourth season during London Fashion Week, in September, with an extended two-night showcase of independent designers from across the globe.

September's event promises to be hot ... showcasing the likes of Jonathan Liang (named Malaysia’s Most Promising Designer); Amato Couture (recently commissioned to design a range for Germany’s Next Top Model by Heidi Klum); and Brighton brand Lipop London (brainchild of Project Catwalk’s Tom Lipop).

I will post a series, featuring the 'A La Mode' September 2010 designers, who were kind enough to answer my questions.

Stay tuned

Watch More Menswear Shows Live

Here are acces links to some more Spring/Summer 2011 Menswear Shows:

Armani:

Armani is streaming their shows live via the web and iPhone. 

Emporio Armani Spring Summer 2011 show:

Sunday, June 20th at 10.30 am Milan time, 4:30 am EST

Giorgio Armani Spring Summer 2011 show:

Tuesday, June 22nd at 12pm Milan time, 6am EST

To view their shows, go to: Live Shows at Armani

Prada:

Prada is showing today at 7pm CET, which is 1pm EST.  To watch it live via web or iPhone, click on the link below.

Dolce & Gabbana:

Their Dolce & Gabbana show was actually yesterday (sorry, I was sidetracked with some personal stuff and overlooked the date). 

But you can still watch the show (with Annie Lennox performing) at:

Dolce & Gabbana Show

PLUS you can catch their D&G show live on the 21st at 3:30pm GMT +1 (11:30am EST):

D&G Show

Enjoy!

Hot Fashion News

New Emporio Armani Pictures

The Armani camp sent the latest pictures of their Emporio Stars/Spokesmodels ... Christian Ronaldo & Megan Fox.

I'm kinda loving the jeans shot of Christian. What do you think? I'm also trying to guess who the tattoo on Megan's arm is of ... I think it's Marilyn Monroe.

Burberry ... For the Guys

Burberry is streaming the live Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Show tomorrow @ 9am EST.  Just click on the image below to watch it.

Tiffany's

Tifffany's has released their new ring finder app for the iphone:

Fashion, Fabulous Fashion

From The Brian Reyes Camp

Brian Reyes and Rachel Bilson teamed up to "cover" The Times of London Fashion Magazine supplement

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Yaz Hernandez, the chairwoman of the El Musuem del Barrio's annual gala fundraiser to support prominent and emerging artists from the Latin Community, wore a dress from Reyes' Resort 2010 Collection

3.1 Phillip Lim - A Look Behind The Scenes

Lim's team was nice enough to share a are behind-the-scenes video of Phillip and the making of his Spring 10 finale “Collage” dress, directed by Crystal Moselle.

Inspired by Picasso, the finale dress was hand assembled in the 3.1 Phillip Lim atelier in New York , it took 5 dressmakers 4-5 days to complete the dress and is one of his most intricate pieces to date. The video gives an intimate view into Phillip’s design and thought process.

The video was first screened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for their Costume Council.  To view the video, click on the image below:

Treats for The Birthday Girl

The birthday is coming this month ... I've decided that going forward, I'd refer to it as Meday.

My philosophy is to get what you want, then all other gifts are gravy ... You control your happiness, plus it's much easier to smile and say thank you for something that's not quite your style.

Here are my Meday treats (some are still en-route to me):

CK Calvin Klein Wrap Bracelet Watch

80%20 Peep-toe Jordan Mesh Wedge Sandals

And a Wii with Wii Fit ... To appeal to my desire to improve (I almost forgot to include my kindle version of a book on Excel formulas & functions-I weirdly love working the analysis reports & pivot tables.).

- Posted from my iPhone

MaxMara-donned Celebrities at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards

It seems designer label MaxMara was the label of choice at the WIF Crystal +Lucy Awards.  And the wonderful MaxMara team was nice enough to share the photos:

Nicola Gerber Maramotti and Zoe Saldana in MaxMara Elegante

Vanessa Hudgins in MaxMara Elegante

Laura Dern and Courtney Cox in MaxMara Elegante

Courtney Cox & Jennifer Aniston

Debra Messing in Sportmax

Maggie Grace in MaxMara Elegante

Rachel Griffith (MaxMara Elegante) & Dorothy Arzner

More SATC2 Submissions

Here are two more Sex and The City 2 submissions:


Amy's SATC2 Look

 "My best accessory being my big orange furball Umi."

 I think it's a tough toss-up between Umi & the gold wedges.

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Alison says,

"My favorite scene was the one where both Big & Carrie were wearing tuxes. It was my favorite for the fashion and just the fun."

... Keep 'em coming!

Fashion Events & News

Matthew Williamson - Three Cities with Three Muses

British Fashion Designer Matthew Williamson made time to party with his favourite muses in London , LA and New York.


He celebrated his recent ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the Genlux Brit Week in LA with US-based presenter Cat Deeley, who stepped in to present the designer and long time friend with his award. Wearing a signature printed cocktail dress from his new A/W range, Matthew commented that ‘Cat epitomises the laid back glamour that is quintessentially LA’

He moved swiftly onto New York, where he celebrated the launch of an exclusive caftan, created especially for premium vodka brand Belvedere, with the hot model of the campaign and NY DJ Leigh Lezark (who happens to be gracing the cover of Turkish Vogue this month).

Next, in celebration of Pink Grapefruit, the newest addition to the popular Belvedere Maceration range, Leigh sported a limited-edition piece was ‘inspired by sultry summer evenings.

"... who I choose as the campaign model because of her unique style which I have admired ever since we met"

Finally, Williamson touched down in London, where he spent the night with his original muse, Sienna Miller.   Sienna wore the beautiful Gold foiled twist dress (right) from the A/W10 runway collection. The evening started with an intimate party in his Mayfair flagship store. They were later joined by the actresses’ sister Savannah where the trio partied on at Sketch ... there was even some dancing on tables until the early hours.

 

Havaianas in the City

Havaianas, the world’s most stylish and comfortable flip-flop, is bringing soccer fever to New York City this summer.

Starting on June 11th, the commencement of the world’s largest soccer tournament will start in South Africa. To commemorate this event, Havaianas has partnered with hip New York soccer bars to sponsor a series of screening events for fans to enjoy the games and give them a chance to win a pair of the limited edition 2010 Team flip flops ... FYI - There are 17 Team flip flops available.  You can get them for $24 at their website Havaianas.

Locations and Dates: 

Felix
340 West Broadway: June 11th, 17th & 25th

Novecento
343 West Broadway: June 12th

Loreley
7 Rivington St.: June 13th

Eight Mile Creek
240 Mulberry St.: June 13th

Via Dei Mille
357 W Broadway: June 14th

Sweet & Vicious
5 Spring St.: June 15th

Woodwork
583 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY: June 25th

Miss Favela

57 South 5th St. Brooklyn, NY: June 25th

Hot Designer Sales

Gucci

This is fresh news straight from the Gucci camp ... Gucci's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection Sale starts tomorrow, June 1st. To look at the beauties and/or shop the sale, go to: Gucci

DSUK - The June Sales Event

DSUK sample sales take in young, cool labels and sell them alongside treasure from Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

DSUK has it all! Beautiful iconic signature Summer pieces from Fashion royalty Vivienne Westwood, deconstuctive genius in Martin Margiela, Italian heavyweights Valentino, Prada, D&G, pretty Summer prints from Allegra Hicks plus a host of the best British boutique brands around.

They're staged in London and Brighton - The 30 Best Places to Buy Luxe for Less - The Sunday Telegraph "Stella" Magazine - January 2010

June's Event Details:

Thursday 24 June 2010, 12noon - 9pm

Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall, London, SW3 5EE

Tubes: Sloane Square

Buses: 49 or 211

VIP PREVIEW HOUR

Exclusive VIP tickets for the June Sale Event go on sale Tuesday, 1st June at 11am GMT. Be sure to visit website to grab your VIP tickets and get a goodie bag worth £75 (It will include a designer bikini worth £120, plus an assortment of other goodies, a glass of bubbly and a first-chance preview peep & purchase the most amazing stock on sale!). But there's only a handful of VIP tickets, so don't delay! Go to: DSUK