April is here. The trees are in full bloom, spring is settling in and so is the floral trend as far as I’m concerned. In the form of printed scarves for now, but I’m keeping my options open. I wish you a wonderful week and new month!
photos: 1-Karlie Kloss by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, December 2011; 2-5-Classiq
This is one of those memorable shots that I list under the category of ‘a moment in fashion photography’, when words are simply useless. It was cover-worthy in my opinion. And I think it would have made one of the best fashion magazine covers at least of the last decade. I’ve been saving it on my desktop for far too long and my receiving today the latest issues of Vogue Italia (my favourite Vogue edition) from a dear friend of mine just urged me to post it. Stunning Karlie Kloss photographed by Steven Meisel, of course.
A little late, but I wish you a wonderful week!
photo: Karlie Kloss photographed by Steven Meisel for the December 2011 edition of Vogue Italia
Don’t be surprised if you periodically find a white shirt editorial tucked in the pages of my blog. Nothing tells a story better than a good photo shoot. And I just love searching for one. Not even the diamonds, the only accessory, distract your attention from the simplicity and pure elegance of the white silk shirt looks. ‘Nothing more sophisticated, nothing more simple.’
photos: Peter Lindbergh for Vogue Italia, September 1988
photo: Helena Christensen by Peter Lindbergh, Vogue Italia October 2000
A striking resemblance to one of the most beautiful actresses of all time made me choose this photo shoot with Yvonne Catterfeld for today. She even has that part innocent, part seductive look of Romy that I don’t think I’ve seen on any other actress. Wearing Dolce & Gabbana, a Valentino Garavani scarf, Alberta Ferretti, Rochas and a Stefanel cashmere sweater, the German actress and singer is channeling Romy’s style, fragility and power of attraction.
photos: by Vincent Peters for Vogue Italia July 2012, fashion editor Valentina Serra, hair Perrine Rougemont, make-up Christine Corbel
Here are my latest finds and news from fashion, style, film, design and beautiful living.
• THIS is the kind of September issue cover that I would have loved to see at the newsstands this time of year. From the times when fashion photographers relied more on their talent and less on the computer. A visually powerful and almost text-free cover, two of the reasons why the Italian edition is my favourite Vogue magazine. As for the American Vogue, I think the fact that not even one model has been on the cover so far this year says it all.
• A random encounter with Inès de la Fressange
• Penélope Cruz talks about Woody Allen, Pedro Almodóvar and her films
• Belles en smoking: from the 1960s to the present day. One of my favourite looks is Mélanie Laurent in Yves Saint Laurent at the premiere of Inglorious Basterds in Cannes, 2009.
• Grace Coddington has designed a limited edition accessories line for Balenciaga
• How about dining al fresco every summer evening left in a place like this?
• Interior design: black and white and fabulous floors
I’m taking a few days off for a short vacation (I really can not believe that summer is almost over!). I hope you have a happy summer weekend and see you back here next week!
photo: Carolyn Murphy photographed by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, September 1998
The richness and beautiful colours of autumn, all captured in this gorgeous shot of Kate Moss by Arthur Elgort. I hope you had a good week and I wish you all a wonderful weekend!
photo: Arthur Elgort for Vogue Italia, October 1992, ‘Sissi Allure’ editorial
photo: Paolo Roversi / Natalia Vodianova, Egoïste N° 15
This is how I want to start the week: white shirt, jeans and, instead of loafers (I am still looking for the right pair), my derby shoes. It really can’t get any more effortless and ageless than this. Classic=Modern. Plus, the white shirt makes every day special, so what better way to take on a Moday morning? And while we’re on the subject, I thought I would add some more photos starring Christy Turlington and the white shirt, a guarantee of timeless beauty.
And now I am happy to announce the winner of my classic films Giveaway: Natalia of Fashioned by Love. Congratulations! I hope you’ll enjoy the movies, Natalia! Thank you everyone who entered the giveaway.
I wish you all a great week!
photos: 1-Calvin Klein Jeans ad campaign 1989 / 2-Pamela Hanson Jane, November 1998 / 3-Steven Meisel, Vogue Italia, March 1991 / 4-Perry Ellis Shoes ad campaign, Vogue US, December 1989 / 5-Calvin Klein ad campaign Fall 1989 / 6-Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue US, May 1991
Location: la bella Italia. Leading lady: Christy Turlington. Camera: Arthur Elgort. Story: “I found my love in Portofino”. Style: timeless.
PS: Does any of you happen to know if this is the complete editorial? These are the only shots I found on vogue.it.
PPS: A big thank you to my reader, Elena, who sent me the link to the entire photo shoot.
photos: Arthur Elgort, Vogue Italia, December 1992, via vogue.it
Have a good weekend!
photo: Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, October 1996 | Kate Moss
photo: Michel Comte for Vogue Italia, March 2014 | Angela Lindvall in “Reportage from L.A.”, styled by Ayakoo Yoshida
Here are my latest finds and news from style, fashion, film, photography and beautiful living.
The only edition of Vogue I buy monthly is Vogue Italia. It’s the only fashion magazine to my liking (that’s over the top just in the right limits) that still understands the meaning of being creative and that pushes boundaries. I absolutely love the March cover, featuring Saskia de Brauw and photographed by Steven Meisel. Wild is exactly how I would describe it. The cover story has stirred up some controversy, raising criticism of racism, but I really don’t think that is the case. Franca Sozzani, the editor-in-chief of the Italian Vogue, has, after all, always supported diversity in the fashion industry, published the Black Issue (being the first time a Vogue edition filled every page with black models, drawing attention to the lack of black models in the industry), and has mentored aspiring fashion designers in Africa. I think we’ve become too quick to label things and take sides, and to question something only because it’s different or unusual.
Another reason for choosing this subject for today was that I wanted to bring up the Vogue US April cover. And just for the record, I would always take a controversial cover over a tasteless, boring, mass-appealing, sell-out one. I think that everyone who is into fashion – and I mean really into fashion, because there are still too many who haven’t passed the cliché of seeing only aesthetics, trends and clothes in fashion – will agree that a fashion magazine shouldn’t just succumb to featuring what’s culturally popular (is our decaying, celebrity-obsessed, self-absorbed, trivial society really something we should relate to and promote by all means just because it’s the reality?), but instead try to shape up the culture. Or am I wrong? I’d like to think I’m not. And by that, I’m not trying to make the fashion industry more socially responsible than it should be, but I’m just saying … considering the power it has.
• The new film recommendation this week: The Grand Budapest Hotel. A delirious farse crafted in the original and inimitable style of Wes Anderson. A funny, witty, colourful, superbly detailed universe, with decors that seem depicted from an illustration book, a Ralph Fiennes who’s note-perfect and a great cast altogether.
• Director Jalil Lespert talks about the costumes in his film, Yves Saint Laurent.
• Giorgio Armani renews his bond with the cinema by launching the Films of City Frames project, involving students from six prestigious international film schools.
• Paris vs New York style in the opinion of Paris-born, New York-established fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra.
• This item is very similar to what I’m obsessively looking for. I would also like these handmade bracelets, made of 100% reclaimed wood.
• If you have the chance, don’t miss the David Bailey Stardust exhibition in London, at the National Portrait Gallery, until June 1st.
• A new idea for the black and white corner in our home.
photo: Steven Meisel | Saskia de Brauw styled by Marie-Amélie Sauvé
photo: Herb Ritts for Vogue Italia, March 1991 | Anjelica Huston
It’s funny when I read about layering and there are only a sweater and a coat or a blazer involved. For me, the concept of layering is a seemingly haphazard process of throwing a few disparate elements together which are easily removable (although may not not be quite as effortlessly put together) and do not look bulky, while keeping an eye on colour (two would be the most advisable, but I like to combine shades of varying intensity) and texture (the juxtaposition of fine and chunky adds depth, which will help the overall look).
Oversized coat (if belted, is even more nonchalant), ribbed knitted sweater and a shirt with big collar carelessly turned up. Or maybe a casual jacket under a more formal cashmere or wool coat. Vests, sleeveless blazers and blanket scarves are also key elements in a achieving a very creative aesthetic. The neckline is a great spot to play a little with the styling and where the layers are very visible: a button down shirt, but not buttoned up, or combining different collar types are ways to show off your imagination and personalise your outfit. For me, the basic rule is that the look must seem comfortable, while retaining a casual elegance.
photos: 1-Isabel Marant Fall 2014 ad campaign / 2-Gian Paolo Barbieri for Vogue Italia September 1976 / 3-Style.com, Chloe Fall 2010 / 4-Hilary Walsh for Glamour France September 2014 / 5-Benjamin Alexander Huseby for The Gentlewoman Fall-Winter 2013-2014