Slow Fashion? Your Choice

As Diane Von Furstenberg said, there's nothing like wearing a dress to 'feel like a woman.' Despite fashion's diversity it can be challenging to find an innovative dress which sets itself apart from previously seen ideas. Fortunately more and more designers are creating unique patterns and graphic effects to appeal to the increasingly fashion savvy and sophisticated modern woman.

Bottega Veneta and Diane Von Furstenberg (photos edited from vogue.it)

This trend has been gaining momentum since last season's catwalk shows and it encapsulates our need for a long lasting and carefully tailored piece, which will make us feel great each time we decide to wear it. Rebecca Willis wrote about the 'slow fashion campaign' on Intelligent Life magazine, gathering relevant information about what women really want from fashion now.

Mary Katrantzou and Felipe Oliveira Baptista (photos edited from vogue.it)

Even thought this is a trend, it's important to understand we have the power, we may read information about trends or seek styling advice but ultimately it's our choice. If we buy something we love which suits our body shape and lifestyle while also reflecting our personality there's not much chance for regrets.

John Galliano and Lanvin (photos edited from vogue.it)

Brands and designers do a lot of research about their customers and particularly today, with social media and other powerful marketing tools characteristic of our digital age, this dialogue is becoming more and more dynamic.  We should never undermine the business side of fashion, it will inevitably respond to sales figures, so our responsibility as consumers is to buy only when we're happy with both the product and the brand. 

Andrew Gn and Tom Ford (photos edited from vogue.it)

If we wouldn't have demanded fast and cheap fashion it wouldn't exist. If we keep buying more and more brands produce more and more, it's the basic economic law of demand and supply. It's easy to put all the blame in the big bad wolf of fashion industry but we also have to be aware of our role as consumers. What and how we buy dictates the evolution of fashion as a whole.

Paul Smith and Etro (photos edited from vogue.it)

If we would refuse to buy from brands and designers without having more information about their ethical standards in relation to working conditions and impact on the environment, they would certainly respond to it. Unfortunately even when child labour is reported in the media sales show no signs of slowing down. But greater transparency is not only our right but our duty to demand. 

J. Mendel and Jean Paul Gaultier (photos edited from vogue.it)

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Red: Celebrating Life!

Red: Celebrating Life!

Watching the latest catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 2013-14 it's impossible not to notice the splash of a vibrant red across different collections. Raf Simons has researched Christian Dior's archives to revive the impressive red coat which was drawn by René Gruau in one of his famous fashion illustrations.

Christian Dior and Gimabattista Valli (photos: edited from vogue.it)

An iconic photograph of Guy Bourdin with red polished nails is able to transmit the incredible energy of this particular colour. Several fashion designers have chosen a bright ripe tomato red to dress their women for next season. But what's the significance of this colour?

J. Mendel and Versace (photos: edited from vogue.it)

Colours can be considered as energy waves, each with its own frequency. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used colour for healing and colour therapy is often associated with chakras which go back to Ancient India. 

"All seemingly solid objects in our world including our bodies are made up of the electromagnetic energy." Thelma Moss 

Bottega Veneta and Nina Ricci (photos: edited from vogue.it)

The body is said to have seven chakras or centres of energy, each of them associated with a single colour. If the chakras become imbalanced physical diseases can develop and colour therapy aims to correct these imbalances. 

During the nineteenth century the emphasis in science was exclusively on matter rather than on energy. As medicine came under the umbrella of science, it focused on the material physical body and interest in healing with colours declined.

Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood (photos edited from vogue.it)

But it's interesting to know red is considered to be the first base chakra. This chakra relates to self awareness and to our basic human instincts such as survival. It is connected with our physical vitality, mental perseverance and passion. Red is a stimulating and energising colour which gives us courage and strength. 

An under active chakra might display signs of a lack of energy, of not belonging and not being able to cope. You can boost your red energy by exercising, eating red fruits and vegetables, listen to music with deep beats and wear red! A splash of red can certainly lift up our spirits!

Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana (photos: edited from vogue.it)

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Second Skin Stronghold

When it comes to fashion, it's not just about the way it looks but also the way it feels. The latest catwalk shows for Autumn/Winter 2013-14 are now over so it's possible to acknowledge some key trends and one of them is definitely tactile. There's nothing quite like the texture of certain fabrics to let our imagination run wild.

Versace and Burberry Prorsum (photos edited from vogue.it)

Designers adventurous enough to venture into new territories, previously associated with vulgarity, have given latex a twist and turned it into a fashionable item. With all the financial meltdown still hanging over our heads, there is definitely a need to develop a thick skin to cope with today's challenges. 

Jonathan Saunders and Paco Rabanne (photos edited from vogue.it)

Women emerged on the catwalk looking strong and fearless, revealing a strong femininity. Considering today is the International Women's Day and taking into account the theme for this year established by the United Nations - "time for action to end violence against women" - we definitely need to take the lead in many different areas of society.

David Koma and Simone Rocha (photos edited from vogue.it)

The world was shocked with gang rape in India but it has been going on for a very long time in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rape has also been used for a while as a weapon of war in many other conflict areas such as Sudan and Afghanistan. This is an ongoing issue and women in those circumstances should be able to find ways of defending themselves.  

Richard Nicoll and Burberry Prorsum (photos edited from vogue.it)

In the West, women have fought long battles to earn their legitimate place in society but if you take a look at newspapers, when suffering is portrayed there is often an image of a woman either crying or in despair. Considering the power of a country is measured in terms of wealth and military capacity, it's important for women to pursue senior positions not only in politics but also in the financial and military sectors. 

Edun and Vivienne Westwood Red Label (photos edited from vogue.it)

No wonder designers have dressed women with a second skin, they capture their need to step outside the victim label and take the leading role as much as men in many different aspects of their lives. Leather is also key to depict not only women's strength but also their playfulness and sexual enjoyment.

Mulberry and Gucci (photos edited from vogue.it)

There are many inspiring women and some of them have the power to make us rethink the way we're living and look for a deeper meaning in our lives. We should find ways of making a difference not only within our own circle of friends but to the world as a whole. The first step is to get in touch with ourselves.

"If you get to the core of who you are my sense is you're going to surprise yourself." Vidal Sassoon  

Michael Kors and Prada (photos edited from vogue.it)

  

Feminism has far too many labels and preconceptions attached to it so I wouldn't call myself a feminist but a believer in equal rights for women. We are different but need to respect and love each other, above all we're human. Nonetheless, women's gift of motherhood should not only be celebrated but also encouraged.

J. Mendel and Givenchy (photos edited from vogue.it)

At this moment, we are still pushed by opposing forces, career versus motherhood. Governments and society as a whole should realise a child properly raised and loved will become a happy and respectful adult in the future. Obviously there are exceptions and gay parents, single parents and other members of the family can also provide a caring home.

Diesel Black Gold and DSquared2 (photos edited from vogue.it)

Thankfully there are women who manage to have it all. If you think of the fashion industry, Carine Roitfeld is a clear example; Frida Giannini is now embarking on the family life whilst successfully leading Gucci's creative vision and closer from home, there's Yasmin Sewell. Happy women's day!

Jason Wu and Michel Kors (photos edited from vogue.it)

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Fashion Noir

Noir is the latest fashion obsession, mostly associated with stylish Hollywood crime dramas from the early 1940s to late 1950s, it has captured different designers' imagination with its striking visual narratives. Film Noir heroines are mysterious and empowered, just as some of the women who have emerged on the catwalk for the coming season.

Ava Gardner in The Killers, 1946. Bottega Veneta and Gucci 

Different labels are using this suggestive word for their latest fragrances: Tom Ford, Givenchy and Chanel. The iconic number 5 bottle has a new found prominence, it looks super chic in black, Coco Chanel's favoured colour.

The September cover of French Vogue magazine celebrates black's vibrant energy with amazing photographs by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. After all the recent frills and girlie sorbet colours, Autumn/Winter is looking paradoxically dark, anticipating a need to gain strength. 

Vogue Paris September 2012 issue. Valentino and Alexander McQueen 

If you look to the latest films, we are drawn to female characters who embody power. Just as in the Film Noir era, they are not easy to read and can strike at any given moment. Charlize Theron is simply breathtaking as an evil queen.

Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman, 2012.
Jenny Packham and Givenchy 

Anne Hathaway is also captivating as catwoman: fierce, sexy and bordering fetishist. Some designers seem to have fallen in love with this kind of attitude, but just as yin and yang, it's always circling around in and out of fashion. 

Anne Hathaway in The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Versace and Pucci

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