Belgium vs. NYC

I wanna be a Brand Manager, too!

Where did I get that idea out of a sudden? Check out this video on three Belgians making it big time in NYC's fashion industry. Sorry, it's in Dutch. Anywho, I'm off to get ready for tonight. I'm going for a 'gold' look this year. Not really my color, but my aunty got me this golden dress and I'm sure I'll make her very happy by wearing this today.

Happy 2010.

Update: Ready to go.

Paired up this H&M dress with my sister's Gucci Belt, Ash boots and my grandma's necklace, since I wear these items -except the latter- all the time. 'and today was a day just like any other.

The City

Okay, I am proud to say that I'm half way through the HCI course book. A month ago I would reward myself for this with a date with Whitney Port & Co and watch a brand new episode of The City. I am a regular when it comes to fashion related TV shows, like Running in Heels and Project Runway, even if they would get quite boring from time to time. Nowadays, wednesday evenings -the moment when a new episode of The City would come online- are as plain as any other TV-night since the second season has come to an end, and I already saw all of the previous episodes. -And yes, all of The Hills as well-. Too bad.

The City automatically brings me back to sun kissed days, when one could wear nice flirty dresses and Sonia Rykiel-sandals. And it also reminds me of NYC, which is always fun. Coolest thing: We were heading towards the Meatpacking District for the Alexander McQueen shop and Jeffrey's, when I spotted the DVF store/head quarter, where Whitney 'works'. So I just had to have a picture, primarily to make my sister jealous.

Which reminds me, I have to use my white Balenciaga bag more often. I haven't touched it for months.

You'll find all episodes of The City and The Hills on MTV.com. Oh, and speaking of Miss. Lauren Conrad, my sister has put up a great outfit-post of her in a Moschino-jacket. Why don't you buy it, dear sister, so we can time-share it...

Fairchild

No more Human-Computer Interaction, please! Yesterday I finished up studying the approximately 1500 slides of the course and now I'm reading and making an extract out of the reader, which is 800 pages. I'm going crazy. It's fairly interesting but it is taking forever. So I would rather be spending my valuable time on preparing for my other exam Costume and Fashion, although that textbook is quite elaborate as well.

And I've just realized that I left my trustworthy fashion guide at my dorm in Leuven. As an addition to the standard course reader, with no illustrations what so ever, I was planning to look up the various fashion trends throughout the centuries (like e.g. the Peter Pan collar or Greek chitons) in my Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion.

The book really is a must have for anyone planning to enter the industry professionally or anyone who is just extremely interested, since it offers essential terminology. Any fashion journalist or retailer needs it. Period. Plus, it has helped me out a lot for my thesis as well, since it features lists and lists of clothing items, in which movie they originally appeared and which fashion trends they set into motion. Think: Marlon Brando in The Wild One and his perfecto jacket, which caused the sales to increase tremendously.

A great bonus on the very last pages of the book is the overview of fashion designers, ranging from Armani to -once again- Worth.

By the way, Fairchild publishes many other amazing fashion books, check out their overview by category.

Maastricht

About once a month I find an e-mail in my inbox by Kiki Niesten, a luxurious multi-brand shop. This is for me the cue that some very interesting sales are coming up in this Maastricht-based store, which is near the Belgian/Dutch border and thus, near my hometown.

The messages on the other hand, also remind me to check the news section on the website. I'm always anxious for Kiki's video's. Every time the owner visits the most renowned fashion capitols to buy the latest high end collections, she uploads a animated review. It offers a look into the whole buying process at the world's biggest fashion houses. At the end of each trip she shares her favorite addresses through a little shopping guide-pdf. And if that's not enough: Kiki's Fashion Shoot, a fashion first-person shooter game, offers the visitors of the website the chance to win a designer must have.

(screen shot: KikiNiesten.nl)

Belmodo.tv

As soon as I got my MacBook Pro, with a Top Sites-application for Safari, I added one of my favorites lifestyle sites, so that I would not miss a thing when it comes to fashion.

In the left-bottom corner I can find my daily Belmodo.tv updates. Yesterday morning, a photograph that I know quite well caught my attention on the site, which first article read "Blog to watch: Shark Attack". So apparently, both my sister's as mine own version of the Shark Attack-blog were featured! I'm so excited: press coverage! This is crazy! Thank you so much, Belmodo.tv! This is more surreal than the surreal Lanvin ads!

On my sister's blog you can find the translation for the Dutch article. And to all of you who understand Dutch/Flemish, make sure to check Belmodo, every day. They always have some major fashion scoops.

Lanvin

For over a week now, the Spring/Summer 2010 Campaign of Lanvin has been going through my mind. I think it's a very surreal image, to say the least and the dresses are as always pure divine. And it's probably just a matter of time before Anna Dello Russo, fashion director of Vogue Nippon, shows up at some fashion hotspot in one of these creations.

A Lanvin dress is already on my wishlist for 2010.

Edit: I don't know why but the body painted model reminds me of The Scream by Munch. Even more surreal.

Christmas films

First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with the ones you love. I had a great time to say the least. And eventhough we spent most of the evening/day at the dinner table, there was never a dull moment.

Every Christmas though, on the Belgian and Dutch television stations the same kind of movies are being aired. (Think: Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Elf and many B-rated movies) We never really watch them. However, there is one film that is usually programmed during the holidays that I do watch: Sissi. It reminds me of lazy December nights at my grandmother's where we would watch Italian dubbed movies like Gone With The Wind. Today on the other hand, it caught my attention since I have to study the empress' wardrobe for the my exams in January.

In this portrait she is dressed by Charles Frederick Worth, the first designer known in history. Before that, authorship did not exist in the 'industry' and fashion trends were not dictated by one single person. In 1862 Worth introduced the oval shaped crinoline, which was flat at its frontside.

These are some photographs of the older, round ones. The biggest crinolines could have a diameter of 2 and a half meter, which is crazy. How did those women move at all? Many men at that time were not very keen on those 'skirts' since they kept their ladies on a asocial distance. However, I would love to go back in time for a day and try one of those dresses on. I guess one would feel like a princess in a heartbeat.

SATC 2

As mentioned before, I'm not that fond of the first Sex and The City

movie. And the trailer of the sequel is actually as boring as hell. No

idea what to expect what so ever, especially since they all lived

happily ever after at the end of part one. However, I'm dying to see

this one, as I stated before for the wonderful outfits they were

spotted wearing. And I can't help but feel nostalgic when it comes

to Carrie & Co. Maybe I should switch my thesis' subject to

'fashion sitcoms' in stead of 'fashion films' cause I'm still a huge

fan of the re-runned episodes: at least they had a plot.

SATC 2 will be in theaters at the end of May 2010.

edit: so apparently this is only the teaser trailer:

contradictio in terminis, 'cause it didn't left me wanting more.

edit: according to The Cut this movie has a message.

Tiffany & Co.

I was taking a break from studying my Human-Computer Interaction course and browsing some fashion blogs, when I noticed the Tiffany & Co. Christmas Campagne. (Select US and then click on 'play video') Although most Christmas songs make me go crazy after a few minutes, I do like this one. And I love the scene set up at the Tiffany's store in NYC.

Who wouldn't want such a Tiffany-blue box under the Christmas tree this year? Okay, those diamond rings are perfection but even in the 'Gifts under $100'-range one can find very cute presents. If I could make it to the Brussels store before thursday night, I would get this little bow necklace, for my sister or just for myself.

Last year my boyfriend bought me the heart shaped Tiffany Key pendant with a super long necklace, for my 23rd birthday. I love it, even though I don't wear it as often. I have noticed that my sterling Return To Tiffany bracelet has changed shades -I need to get it polished asap-, and I don't want that to happen to the key as well. So, ye be warned! Nevertheless, Tiffany & Co. jewelry always make a great gift.

Wishlist

Inspired by these top designer's wish lists, I decided to make my own, (subject to change).

Dear Santa,

I can honestly say that I've been a good girl this year (getting straight A's at school and trying to be kind to my friends and family and all...). So, in case you won the lottery this year, you can share the rest of your millions with all the other sweet boys and girls in the world, since the only thing I want for christmas is this:

Nicholas Kirkwood shoes / see my sister's post

In case you weren't that lucky this year, a bottle of Terre d'Hermès will do as well. Yes, I know it's a boy's scent. Yes, I know my boyfriend wears it too every winter. But every time I steal his perfume, girls ask me which scent I'm wearing. And, more importantly, it makes me think of him whenever he's not around. Many thanks, and happy holidays.

x Tiffany

Icicle

Oh, Mister Ford, you make me long for summer even more...

Chanel thieves

Lara Stone and Baptiste Giabiconi star once again in a Chanel short film by Karl Lagerfeld. In Vol de jour the glamourous duo shoplifts bags and bags full of Chanel, while motorcycling around Paris.

edit: I just noticed that the bike features the Chanel-logo as well. Very cool, Mister Lagerfeld! And just look at all those people outside,

watching what's going on...

The trenches

Belgium is in total chaos. Yesterday it started snowing pretty hard and there were up to 500km of traffic jams. And that is a whole lot in this little country. Now, yesterday evening it didn't bother me all that much. Ok, my boyfriend and I waited one hour in the freezing cold for a bus to take us to the car center, where his rear window was being fixed - his car got broken into the night before and not only did they steal his car documents, they stole all of his band's equipment, like his Marshall tops, boxes, his Yamaha guitar ànd his Gibson Les Paul, but the police got most of it back, luckily. We are going to pick up all of that stuff later tonight, since that bus never showed up or refused to let any more passengers in because it was pretty crowded. I felt sorry for that old man standing in line with us. He was dying to get home, while we just lived around the block.

Anyhow, so it was still mostly all fun and games yesterday, the snow. Today it had all turned to ice.

I was on my way to get some slides printed out, so I can start studying for my exams next week. I was just about to call my mom, when all of a sudden I fell. And I fell hard, while still on the phone. She witnessed it live but had no idea that I was laying flat on the ground. My first reactions was: "Oh no, my trench!". And yes, my beloved sandy colored Burberry trench had turned into a hideous shade of mud at the backside. And yes, I was almost crying on the phone. Only then I realized that my wrist and arm started to ache. Now, about an hour later, it still hurts when I'm typing: 'I hate snow. I hate ice. I hate mud on any of my coats, but most of all on my trench!'

So, luckily I have some pain killers at my dorm, and some gluhwein, I had picked up yesterday after the bus incident. Hopefully that will ease some of the pain.

My trench in better / ice-free days

P.S.: Many thanks to the two girls who asked me if I was okay.

Alice

I can honestly say that New York City is my favorite city in the whole wide world. Not that I've been to every city in the whole wide world. But still, I'm pretty sure that it's one of the most exhilarating places ever. I wish I was there right now.

At least then I could head towards the MoMa and visit the Tim Burton exhibit. I'm a huge fan of his work.

And so, here is another film I wish I could see today, in 2- ànd 3D!

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter look amazing, as well as the sets! (btw. I don't know why but Depp reminds me of Madonna)

You'll find the first trailer and pictures of the characters on my sister's blog.

More Alice in Wonderland fashion news:

there is a jewelry line coming up and

prominent designers such as McQueen, Kane, Demeulemeester and Margiela will design some Alice inspired dresses to be displayed at

Paris' Printemps in February.

Update:

Stella McCartney is designing a jewelry line as well! And my sister has uploaded the first look of the line!

SATC 2

Fashion product placement in Film = Sex and The City:

So excited to see the sequel, not for the plot - SATC 1 was quite boring- but for the clothes, off course.

On the last day of our trip to New York City, we spotted part of the cast and crew at Bergdorf's.

It made our day. And I think Cynthia Nixon looks more beautiful in real life than she does on screen.

Patricia Field

Cynthia Nixon / Miranda

Btw.

I have no idea why 'blogger' keeps cutting my pictures in half, when I select the 'small' size picture-button...

Christopher Kane

Wish list:

- C. Kane for Topshop Aligator Dress: Check! (London, UK)

- C. Kane Mandrill Shirt: Check! (Barney's, NYC, US)

- C. Kane Atomic Print Dress: (?)

Any idea where I can find this dress on the European continent / in Belgium?

Film / Fashion Fact:

"Planet of the Apes" e.g. inspired Christopher Kane for his SS 09 collection.

McQueen's Skull

When I was doing some research on the Schiaparelli/Dali collaboration yesterday, I spotted this photograph of the painter by Halsman. I had seen these 7 naked ladies before on our school's forum, where someone was making fun of some guy who had tattooed this scenery on his body. But I had no idea that Dali was portrayed beside it, and it was based on a sketch he did, nor that it was actually a work of art instead of some random guy's fantasy.

Then I realized where McQueen might have found his inspiration for the Spring/Summer 09 Skull shirts. I love that design so much that when I came across it in his NYC-shop, I just had to have it.

And I still don't care that it's a boy shirt. I just bought it in the smallest size and I'll wear it with a tight fitted skirt to contrast it with. Will wear it, yes. I still haven't found something cool enough to pair it with, so for now it's just laying there in my closet. Such a shame.

Another one of my all time favorite shirts by Mister McQueen is the hummingbird skull print one. A year ago, when I was in London, I saw it at the Harvey Nichols men's department and I tried to convince my boyfriend to get it, but he was not a fan. I'm still upset that I didn't get it for myself or that I was too lazy to walk up to the girls' department, but we had been shopping all day ...

Very stupid, Tiffany!

Tom Ford

And now a film I am really really really really excited about: Tom Ford's A Single Man!

The trailer has been out for a couple of months now, but I love watching it again from time to time.

The use of camera and music, the editing, the sets, the lack of text in this segment ...

I really have high hopes for this one. Too bad the release date in Belgium is still months away.

I wish I saw the full Tom Ford on the Martha Stewart-show segment,

even though I still don't get that.

Fashion Musical

Since fashion duo Dolce & Gabbana play a part in soon to be released musical Nine, this ought to be enough reason for me to go and see it for my thesis, with my little Moleskine notebook in hand. But then I stumbled across a video where Kate Hudson was singing and preforming in a sparkly outfit. Now, I'm not a huge fan of musicals. They often bore me -The Nightmare Before Christmas is an exception for sure. But when I looked up the cast for this movie and discovered that Daniel Day Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Sofia Loren -all time favorites!- and even Fergie are starring, I'm actually looking forward to seeing this adaptation of Fellini's 8½ in theaters soon.

And hey, since I am a film lover and Italian as well, I'm obliged to give this movie a fair chance, no?

Update:

Nine has been nominated for 5 Golden Globes.

Official trailer

Update 2: Mr. Gabbana also stars in this Lancia-commercial.

D&G in their NINE-outfits

Skeleton Power

So yesterday we took off with women's fashion starting from the 1930's, and we studied Chanel's boyish look, Vionnet's cut, 'La ligne corolle' - or New Look as it was called by the US press- by Dior and one of my favorites couturiers, Balenciaga. But the one that stroke me the most was Elsa Schiaparelli. I had heard about this Italian designer before through literature. I knew that she was a fierce competitor of Chanel during the interbellum, and that she shut down her shop after the second World War since fashion had changed tremendously in that period of time and she could not recover. Thanks to my Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion I also knew that she was greatly influenced by surrealism.

But I had never seen the Skeleton Dress she created in 1938 with the help of Salvador Dali. Padded ribs, and spine-like elements in this tight black dress form a skeleton on its surface, as if it were the bones of the wearer. I now understand why Schiaparelli was so ahead of her time. Until now, we mostly had seen corsets, crinolines or empire dresses. And then she comes along with such innovative ideas and she did not even have training as a seamstress.

The moment that incredible dress popped up on screen, I saw Alexander McQueen. He like no other is capable of taking something that in many cultures is seen as macabre, and turn it into something beautiful. For instance the skulls on many of his designs or in this Crystal Skeleton Print dress (SS 09).

I am certain that if I travelled more often, I would have bought the Alexander McQueen for Samsonite-suitcases with the skeleton relief in a heartbeat. My dad offered to buy me a set last summer when I was planning my NYC-trip, but those bag throwers at the airport are too energetic and no doubt that the suitcases would not survive the trip. Maybe I'll just get myself a beauty case. I know a place in our little town where they still sell them... Until then, I'll just focus on McQueen's wonderful garments.

P.S.: Oh and this trompe l'oeil-sweater of Schiaparelli reminded me of Sonia Rykiel-knitwear.

Schiaparelli

Sonia Rykiel

Update: more Schiaparelli-news.

Chanel Short

Another great example on how fashion and film can intermix:


Lagerfeld must be the busiest man in fashion. He directed the following Chanel Short Film called Paris-Shangai: A Fantasy and designed the Métiers d'Art collection inspired by the same theme. Furthermore he is a succesful photographer (see e.g. : the dom pérignon-campagne with C. Schiffer) while still being the creative director for Chanel and Fendi.










Oh, and remember the Lara Stone by Karl Lagerfeld-piece?





Later today my Costume & Fashion-class will take place, and we will learn more about Gabrielle Chanel's design. Last week we already studied Charles Frederick Worth and Paul Poiret. I'm very excited.

Propaganda

And did I mention that my sister is totally into blogging herself?

She started Shark Attack a few months ago, and I think she's doing a great job.

In case you were wondering why I based my own blog title on hers, well, the two of us make a great pair. We complete each other very well. Whenever I spot something worth wild, I would immediately tell / text / call / ... her, and it works the other way around too.

Let's just call it synergy.

just testing a few new things, like: Follow my blog with bloglovin

Newsreel

Now, that first post was a pretty formal introduction.

I hope that this didn't set the tone for what I am planning to do with this blog.

Ever since I started to work on my thesis, I've discovered many cool things on how fashion and film interact.

And since I believe that knowledge should be shared, in stead of gathering dust in some library basement, I am going to post some of my findings here.

So, I just finished my first chapter on the 'birth' of the fashion film.

Did you know that at the start of the last century newsreels shown in theaters finally offered the fashion minded crowd a way to literally look into the latest trends? Until then, they could only read about them in newspapers and fashion magazines. Later these cinémagazines evolved and small story lines were incorporated around these fashion shows.

Movies like Funny Face or The Devil Wears Prada took this to the next level, but you all know that, don't you?

But did you know that British Pathé has an online archive with hundreds of these fashion news items, for instance on Dior and Pucci?

DIOR 'CIRCUS' COMES TO TOWN

(EMILIO PUCCI - FASHION DESIGNER)

Ready - Set - Go

Tiffany S., 1986, Fashionista Applicant and Major News Addict

Since I combine my Communication Sciences studies at the Catholic University of Leuven and my interest for fashion, it was only obvious that the relationship between fashion and film would be the subject of my thesis during my master year.

Like most girls, I tend to devour several fashion related magazines a month and have to restrain myself not to spend my whole budget on handbags. I must admit that after graduating from secondary school, studying at a Belgian fashion academy came to mind. This assignment proves however, that one can explore this fascination within the context of media studies.

In an Italian household, family is valued as much as a respectable sense of style, and ours does not differ in this aspect. The members of my family luckily understand that garments today have transcended their mere utility value and would not dare to preach if any of us comes home with the fifth pair of shoes that season.

For most people, following fashion world can seem superficial. However, one of our professors once quoted that '... believing that inner beauty is of the greatest importance, is naive'. In a world where one is constantly judged on looks, self-presentation is everything. The choices we make in the morning -what to wear, or more important what not to wear- can greatly effect everyday life. Luckily, an individual can create many identities, fitted to every role they play in society. Self-esteem is, to a large extend, built up by being comfortable with how one looks. The camouflaging power of something as simple as fabric may not be neglected.

If you enjoy fashion, I hope you will enjoy this blog.