Summer Holiday Time!

My definition of holiday is to leave not only time and scheduling behind but everything related to a routine. The idea is to live each moment fully and relax as much as possible with no worries or responsibilities.

Behind the scenes - Karl Lagerfeld Paris AW12/13 Lookbook
photo: Olivier Saillant

So do not expect any blog updates for two weeks, my routine is probably very similar to yours involving staring at a computer screen for hours and being connected to a wide range of networks such as Twitter and Facebook. This time my laptop will stay in London!

Behind the scenes - Karl Lagerfeld Paris AW12/13 Lookbook
photo: Olivier Saillant

In the meantime, there are a lot of things happening such as Karl Lagerfeld's exclusive launch at Selfridges on July 24th. This unique 'pop up store' in the heart of the store's Contemporary Womenswear Department will allow customers to experience and be part of the Karl Lagerfeld world.

Behind the scenes - Karl Lagerfeld Paris AW12/13 Lookbook
photo: Olivier Saillant

Celebrating the upcoming Olympic Games, Designed to Win exhibition opens to the public on July 26th at the Design Museum. It explores the various ways in which design has shaped the sporting world with the introduction of revolutionary new materials in its quest for enhanced performance.

Radarlock Path – Blood Orange with Fire Iridium Polarized, image courtesy of Oakley

On July 27th, the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games, art directed by Danny Boyle, will feature meadows, fields and rivers, transforming the Olympic Stadium into a replica of the British countryside.  

For more information about what is happening in London, GoGo City Guides have a team of 'insiders' who reveal their favourite spots. London insiders include Mandi Lennard (cult publicist and fashion consultant), Francesca Gavin (art writer and curator), Dale Berning (artist and writer), T.E.E.D (music producer and performer) and the TwoTone ladies, Emily and Shakira.

Book cover. The weather project, 2003  at Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, London ©Jens Ziehe

I also recommend Taschen's new book about the experimental art of Olafur Eliasson, some of you are familiar with the weather project, his successful installation at Tate Modern in 2003. It was great to see everyone reacting to it in such a surreal way, lying on the floor as if under the sun.

Issa AW 12/13 Lookbook

Back to fashion, Issa's collection for next season was inspired by the ornate embellishment of Fabergé eggs, St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow and the Russian dolls. Beautiful bold colours will light up your mood and the trendy cape is an elegant protection against the elements.

Issa AW 12/13 Lookbook

If you want to embrace the opulence trend for next season, these beautiful headbands by Sophie McElligott will definitely do the trick. I particularly love the Frida Khalo inspired, with flowers blooming!

Sophie McElligott

My top ten blog posts:
1. Dalai Lama in London
2. Philip Glass: Music Artist
3. George Harrison by Scorsese
4. An Explosive Mind: Yayoi Kusama
5. Out of Focus: Photography
6. Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston
7. Yves Saint Laurent: Life, Love and Art
8. McQueen and Blow immortalised by Lachapelle
9. Tom Ford at Vogue Festival
10. Christian Louboutin: Shoe Artist

Love London

This amazing city lives on the edge, from after hours secret entertainment to the civilised sarcastic humour of fascinating plays, anyone who lives in London gets caught up by its wild energy and is always learning.

A representative of the "New Romantics", 1981. ©Ted Polemus/ PYMCA

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Samuel Johnson


Its strategic global position and diplomatic ties mean you're always meeting new people with distinctive lifestyles and unique visions about the world. You may still presume but you'll end up challenging your perceptions and thinking outside the box.

John Tomson. Recruiting sergeants outside the
Mitre & Dove, King Street, 1877. ©Museum of London 

The city is as surprising as its citizens, you may think you know it like the palm of your hand but suddenly you notice something you've never seen before. Not to mention its unique ability to take the pulse of international trends in art and design. 

Anonymous. The Beatles Apple Boutique on the corner of
Paddigton Street and Baker Street, 1967. ©Rex Features

"I've been walking about London for the last thirty years and I find something fresh in it everyday." Walter Besant


Galleries and museums are always packed on weekends, they form the backbone of London's rich cultural life and it's inspiring to see children engaging with art at such a young age.

John Hinde. A woman saves a board game
from bomb wreckage, c. 1940-45.  ©SSPL

Whatever you love. I'm sure you can find it here, from alternative music to different groups, private clubs, courses and activities. You can go for long walks, join entrepreneurial hubs, have a chocolate massage, eat the most exotic food, learn all about theatre and playwriting, have a book signed by your favourite author... Anything is possible!


"The man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world." Lord Byron


Yes, the weather is unpredictable and often disappointing but there is so much around to take your mind away from it. The past lives side by side with the future, rumours of ghosts haunting the Tower of London only add to the city's magic. 

Charlotte Rampling in her dollybird days, c. 1967.
©Philip Townsend

And fashion... From the iconic Swinging 60s to the current nurturing of emerging talent and iconic global brands, this blog itself is a testimony of how alive fashion is in this city throughout the year.


To get to know more about this eclectic capital, Taschen has just published a book about London, featuring a wealth of photographs, quotations, lively essays and references from key movies, books and records. Unmissable!

Book cover

London. Portrait of a City.
Reuel Golden
(Taschen, £44.99)




Other related blog posts:
Design for Performance
London Spring
British Design Explosion

New DKNY Store Design

To celebrate the new 'face' of the DKNY store in Old Bond Street, model teams are out in the busy retail areas of central London* offering postcards which you can exchange for a DKNY London tote bag, great to take on holiday.

This will happen over the next two Saturdays from 1-5pm. You can expect the VIP treatment given in high profile retail events: live DJs and a glass of bubbly to welcome you into the new space.

Without wanting to state the obvious, DKNY is all about New York so how to translate the vibe of the big apple in the heart of London? The vast open white space has the feel of a refurbished warehouse and images of New York are the backdrop of the main wall. 

The Voguettes (music)

Big screens positioned on strategic points throughout the store also help to create the cosmopolitan atmosphere, with catwalk images and videos of models walking down New York streets.

Fashion magazines, comfortable chairs and beautiful flowers make you feel at home. This is a great space to uplift your spirit particularly on a rainy day and if you want to indulge in some retail therapy, you have a lot to choose from this is brand for independent women who gravitated towards sophisticated urban landscapes.

Cheers!

Other related bog posts:
Summer Holiday Style
Transparent Fashion Details
Happy Birthday Donna Karan!


*London Eye/ Oxford Circus/ Carnaby St/ Regent St/ Oxford St (Selfridges)

International Woolmark Prize

How to reinvent a traditional fabric in order to compete with the allure of shimmering and hi-tech textiles? This is the challenge embraced by designers across the world, who are creating capsule collections featuring the most beautiful Merino wool.

Christian Winjants (Belgium) - European winner - and Jan Taminiau (Netherlands)

"Wool is unique, so modern but so rich in history. Luxurious but functional. After the war, there was nothing but wool, so everything, even wedding dresses, was made from it." Vivienne Westwood


The overall winner of the International Woolmark Prize, to be announced in February 2013 at London Fashion Week, will receive a $100,000 sponsorship of their own fashion week show and commercial opportunities with the world's most influential retailers.

CO|TE (Italy) and Ipek Arnas (Turkey)

This is undoubtedly a golden ticket to the fashion industry. The award-winners in 1954 included Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld so this may be the discovery of the next generation of great creative minds who will rule the fashion stratosphere.


The regional awards (Australia, China, India, Europe and US) are being held this month and today was the judging event for Europe at the Hospital Club, in Convent Garden. 

Maria Barros (Spain) and Hana Zárubová (Czech Republic)

The star studded judging panel included Alber Elbaz, the celebrated artistic director for Lanvin, British and German Vogue editors, Alexandra Shulman and Christiane ARp, fashion designer Giles Deacon, Dean and Dan Caten, the duo behind DSQUARED2 and Tim Blanks, editor-at-large for Style.com.


"A talented designer cannot be taught, it's about trusting your intuition, hard work and having a good team of people to work with. You don't want to be stubborn, it's important to listen to others but above all, believe in yourself." Alber Elbaz 

Albert Elbaz, Artistic Director for Lanvin 

The event, moderated by Colin McDowell, fashion journalist and author, featured selected pieces from different European nominees. It was an impressive display of talent with distinctive interpretations of wool as a creative platform.


Christian Winjants based in Antwerp, Belgium, is the lucky European winner. After working as creative assistant for Dries Van Noten in Antwerp and Angelo Tarlazzi in Paris, he launched his own brand in 2003 and has been presenting his collections during Paris Fashion Week ever since.   


He will now receive a financial contribution towards his next collection as well as an invitation to participate in the international final. Best of luck!

Colin McDowell, Christian Winjants and Alber Elbaz 

Other related blog posts:
Yves Saint Laurent: Life, Love and Art
Jonathan Saunders: Fashion Fund Winner
Exclusive Designer Bags on Online Auction!

Best of Scoop International Fashion Show

This fashion trade show is a platform for creative talent featuring a wide range of labels from UK and abroad. Lynnja Wang has interpreted the pleats trend into this beautiful dress with an abstract print. A silver bolero is also a great addition to any summer wardrobe and this Nicholas King's butterfly bracelet brings promises of transformation... 

Dress: Lynnja Wang, bolero: Magenta, jewellery: Nicholas King

If you haven't been on holiday or simply love the comfort of an elegant kaftan, Lotus London has a lot to choose from. To add a strong fashion statement to any look, just wear a distinctive Konplott necklace by Miranda Konstantinidou.

Kaftan: Lotus London, jewellery: Konplott

These colourful dresses by Ali Ro are suitable for both urban landscapes and holiday destinations. Turquoise is definitely a colour associated with tropical landscapes and the sea. This dress is great to go out, it has a long cut at the back which makes it quite sexy.

Ali Ro

Hoss Intropia was also represented at Scoop International, its is a label with a unique style, feminine and focused on creative details which make all the difference. 

Hoss Intropia

Fashion trade shows are all about business, buyers for creative boutiques were definitely able to find something at Scoop International, held again at the Saacthi Gallery. The great selection of brands and designers makes this a worthwhile destination.

Goat and Julia Janus

Christophe Sauvat was one of the places busy with orders, which is good news giving the current economic climate. This white dress with colourful beads would be a hit in Ibiza and for those of us who are struggling for a place in the sun, this Gaudi t-shirt is an inspiration. 

Dress: Christophe Sauvat, t-shirt: Gaudi, jewellery: Pink Powder

Another Gaudi top that caught my attention was this one, ideal for a summer music festival, which you can embellish with Nicholas King bracelets and this nature inspired necklace by Bill Skinner.

Top: Gaudi, bracelets: Nicholas King, necklace: Bill Skinner

For a special evening you can wear this red dress with black lace by Almire, an invitation to seduce or if you prefer to move around without being too conscious of your feminine curves, go for this chic abstract print by Petrovitch & Robinson instead. 

Almire and Petrovich & Robinson

This is a selection of my favourite pieces at Scoop International Fashion Show.   It was a pleasure to take a closer look at the wide variety of labels and designers showcasing their work at Saatchi Gallery. My skirt caught the eye of a few people due to the vast amount of shoes printed on it...  I've got it years ago at Spitalfields market.

Other related blog posts:
Out of Focus: Photography
Fashion Trade Shows
Jewellery Show London

Top Ten Couture Gowns

Paris couture shows are always delightful, each inch of fabric is worked to perfection to create handmade exclusive pieces. I've selected the most beautiful gowns which are more likely to hit  the red carpet. 

Chanel and Valentino (photos: vogue.it)

Light lilac is a soft yet dramatic colour favoured by both Chanel and Valentino, adding a sense of mystery and soothing effect. Soft sheer fabrics were presented in many shows including Giambattista Valli and Versace, accentuating the movement and bringing lightness. 

Versace and Giambattista Valli (photos: vogue.it)

These sumptuous Giorgio Armani Privé and Elie Saab couture gowns are also on my top ten, deep blue and coral allude to the magic of a hot summer evening when the sea merges with the sky. Pure elegance and enchanting femininity!

Giorgio Armani Privé and Elie Saab (photos: vogue.it)

But the ultimate chic colour is black so it was imperative to include this poetic Stéphane Rolland and an amazing lace dress by Elie Saab. Both have the trendy split at the front, which makes every woman feel sexy.

Stéphane Rolland and Elie Saab (photos: vogue.it)

I leave you with Christian Dior and Chanel, both with flowers blooming and a metallic belt to accentuate the female form. Poetic and romantic, these two dresses are suited for women who are not afraid to be in touch with their soft spot.

Christian Dior and Chanel (photos: vogue.it)

Other related blog posts:
Fashion, Music and Blog Vest
Dolce & Gabbana Couture
Dior Couture by Demarchelier

Designing 007 - Bond Style

The charm, the adventure, the super cool gadgets... James Bond lives in our collective consciousness as the ultimate gentleman, intelligent and sophisticated always surrounded by glamorous women.

Daniel Craig picture: Casino Royale © 2006 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists
Corporation and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

With the Olympic Games starting soon in London, galleries show off their skills and best talent to showcase the most amazing exhibitions and the Barbican is no exception. Designing 007 - Fifty Years of Bond Style is delightful, it starts with a golden woman in a bed and videos of different premieres throughout the years. 


There are several relics including an imitation gold bar signed by Sean Connery for Goldfinger in 1964, the gold record received by Shirley Bassey also on that year and the 37th Academy Award for sound editing attributed to Norman Wanstall.

Scaramanga's Golden Gun
Copyright Notice - © 1974 Danjaq, LLC and United Artsts Corporation. All rights reserved.

Of course, the man behind one of the most iconic Hollywood characters, Ian Fleming, has a special room dedicated to him with a gold-plated Royal typewriter commissioned by him while on a visit to New York in 1952. It cost $174 and in May 1955 was sold at Christie's for £56,000.

Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), Miranda Frost (Rosamund Pike), Verity (Madonna) and James Bond (Pierce Brosnan). ©2002 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved.

One of the most fascinating things about James Bond is the adventure, he always manages to escape from near death situations but not before you think there's no way out of it. His hi-tech gadgets and fast vehicles certainly play an important role in his characterisation as a powerful secret agent.

Sean Connery Dr No
© 1962 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved.

And let's not forget the tailored suits! Anthony Sinclair masterminded the original screen wardrobe for Sean Connery's debut as 007 in Dr. No, establishing a traditional formal attire which became known as the 'Bond look'.   

Jinx (Halle Berry) emerges from the sea
Copyright Notice - ©2002 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved.    

Another key ingredient are the beautiful women wearing chic dresses in the opulence of casinos, you can admire a red lace Oscar de la Renta dress, a sexy yellow by Roberto Cavalli and Jimmy Choo shoes. It's important to mention Lindy Hemming, a recurrent costume designer for several Bond films. 

Emerging from the sea singing calypso 'Under the Mango Tree' Honey (Ursula Andress) 

is surprised to hear someone taking up the song refrain.

Copyright Notice - © 1962 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved.

There are also the bikinis from cinema's most celebrated beach scenes, the white worn by Ursula Andress in Dr. No (1962) and the orange worn by Halle Berry in Die Another Day (2002). But my favourite Bond girl is Eva Green in Casino Royale (2006).

Camille Montes played by Olga Kurylenko, with Daniel Craig as James Bond. Copyright Notice - Quantum of Solace © 2008 Danjaq, LLC, United Artists Corporation, Columbia Pictures Industries

Inc. All Rights Reserved. Credit - EON Productions

The music is as iconic as James Bond, John Barry composed scores for 11 films in the series, among them Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice. The skeleton of the story is always the same, even if it's dressed in different ways, but it works every time. 

Zorin (CHRISTOPHER WALKEN) and May Day (GRACE JONES) at the French Chateau.    

Bond films continue to capture people's attention throughout the years and this exhibition takes us on a journey through several themed rooms and environments reflecting 50 years of Bond Style. Unmissable!


PS
The Barbican shop presents a wide range of 007 inspired gifts, including an interesting book for those who love movies: Dressed, a Century of Hollywood Costume Design by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, curator of the upcoming Hollywood exhibition at V&A.

Designing 007 - Fifty Years of Bond Style
Barbican Centre
6 July - 5 September 2012




Other related blog posts:
V&A Unveils Hollywood Glamour
Hollywood Icon: Marilyn Monroe
Dresses for the Oscars