Alexander McQueen: Final Collection, Paris 2010
Sorry for my absence as of late – we have finally made the move to Asheville, NC! I’ve been unpacking and getting all of those moving details squared away for the past while. I will be getting some photographs of my new home and the style of the Asheville streets very soon. But first I have to unpack my closet… 😉
Yesterday I came across images from Alexander McQueen’s final collection and a beautifully written article about the legend and his last works. The 16-piece collection was only at 80% completion at the time of his death and draws inspiration from the art of the Dark Ages but with a new perspective, incorporating mohawk, feathered headpieces and specially ordered fabric that translated digital photographs of demons by Hieronymus Bosch and high-church angels. I feel a kinship to this concept of juxtaposing the new and the old, the digital and the… analog, art and technology. It is one element as to why I’ve always been such a fan of Alexander McQueen.
Here are a few of my favorites from the collection. View the entire collection at style.com.
I can’t help but think that these pieces are only a small part of the entire vision. One can only imagine what artistry would have encapsulated this collection on the runway. The simple and intimate showing of this final collection may not have been what McQueen had in mind – it was his showmanship as well as his garments that made him what he was – but it offered his close friends and colleagues a moment to reflect and one last look.
Photos:
style.com via
Christopher Moore / Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
All I Want For X-Mas: Full Rodarte for Target Look Book
When asked about my favorite designers, Rodarte easily pops to the top of my list. So, needless to say, I have really been looking forward to the Rodarte for Target collection which will be in stores December 20 through January 31. Here is the look book (in full, with prices). I love the styling in these pictures so much! Will definitely be on the look out for some combat boots…
Particularly fond of the lace tights, anything with tulle, and the last three looks.
Inspiration: Chanel Coco Cocoon Campaign Featuring Lily Allen
First, I will readily acknowledge that I am late to this party. Pictures of Lily Allen for Chanel surfaced back in July and the line launched in October, so forgive me my tardiness. I heard rumors circulating about the Chanel Coco Cocoon line way back but they seemed to get lost in the shuffle of my brain until recently. I finally sought out the images and it was love at first, albeit belated, sight.
I was a Lily Allen fan before the now fashion darling was so well known. There is no question about her musical appeal and edgy style. I recently heard rumors about her plan to open a designer clothing rental shop with her sister and I must say that this news is pretty intriguing…
As for her work with Chanel, I find myself enamored of the aesthetic! The classic, timeless elements of Chanel blown up in quite a literal way (note the gorgeous plush bag in the first and third pictures) paired with the iconic Holly Golightly styling but with such a refreshing edge… just amazing. The choice of black and white photography only emphasizes the drama and visual contrast, especially when in addition to the signature monochromatic styling choices used that Karl Lagerfeld often wears himself. I think the element of contrast is one of the most important in this campaign, from contrast between shades of black and white to the sophisticated homage tinged with grit.
Rachel Zoe for QVC
It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Rachel Zoe! (“I die.”) I have been anticipating her collection for QVC for some time and I was really curious what it would be like. A few Saturdays ago (while channel surfing in my flu-nest) I came across Rachel on QVC. I’m not going to lie, the actual on-air presentation was pretty awkward at some points (not at all Rachel’s fault of course, just the awkward, plastic host woman) but the items were pretty great. I’m a big fan of the look of fur but not so much the dead animals part so a lot of these pieces were definitely ones I would like to add to my wardrobe. The chinchilla? BANANAS!
Here are a few of my favorite pieces that you can check out for yourself at QVC.
Panty Raid – Agent Provocateur Autumn 2009
Though gorging myself on trashy reality tv is not one of my guilty pleasures (Project Runway is still acceptable, if not still great, even after this bizarro bump to Lifetime), the occasional melodramatic-primetime-teen-soap opera makes its way into my heart. I adore Gossip Girl for all of its dramatics and even more for the clothes, of course, but my secret addiction is Smallville. It was initially The Boyfriend who introduced me and at first I could only chid him over it. Eventually, he convinced me to watch the first season and about a month later I emerged having digested the entire series, all seven seasons, with great satisfaction. We recently rushed to the store and got season 8, the night it came out, like a midnight raid for Harry Potter… I confess, I’m a nerd. For whatever reason, I love the show. Maybe it’s the absurdly over-the-top special effects, the escapism that this type of program can offer, the unfurling of the semi-relatable past of Clark Kent as he juggles the challenges of being an alien… and going through high school… whatever it may be, it makes Smallville particularly addictive.
All this to say I was particularly drawn to the new collection by Agent Provocateur. I’ve been a huge fan for years. The lingerie is seductive and spans a wide range of what one might choose to portray sexy. The new Autumn collection plays on the idea of superheroes with a beautiful and other-wordly toothsome way. It is dramatic and striking but not costume-y or vulgar. The lingerie itself is gorgeous, as always, and the photography and photo-manipulation is… well, out of this world, pardon the pun. 😉
Some of my favorites include:
Crystalina
Pantheria
Nymphette
Kameelion Black
Melody (my verrrry favorite!)
Even without all of the glitz and space age styling, these pieces are classic and incredibly sexy for anyone looking to feel amazing. I for one can say that in spite of a moderately higher price tag than I might love, I will very soon be adding some of these extraordinary pieces to my wardrobe.
See the full collection at Agent Provocateur
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