Bridal gowns

I'm pretty sure I don't want to get married - for obvious reasons I'm not going to discuss here. But yesterday, while taking my auntie that is visiting us from Italy on a city trip through Dusseldorf, I stumbled on one of the nicest dresses I had ever seen.

Usually, bridal gowns come across to me as being made out of relatively cheap god-knows what kind of fabrics. And more and more they seem to have the same oh so original designs: strapless top, wider long boring skirt. Or at least those of the brides who's wedding I attended. (Vera Wang or Elie Saab-designs are thus excluded from this). But then, all of a sudden at Apropos, in between T's by Alexander Wang and Louboutins, a white stunning dress caught my attention. It was the most beautiful wedding dress I had ever seen: yes, it was strapless, and it featured tulle just like many other dresses, but it looked like perfection, and for the next 5 minutes I repeated: 'K., if you get me a dress like this, okay, then I might just say yes'. Then I figured that white just isn't my color, and I would rather spend 3 000 euro on something else then a dress you just take out of your closet and stare at once and a while - 'cause no, I really don't want to get married, even if I get the dress. Sorry, mom, didn't mean to get your hopes up.

Now, when seeing the dress online on a model. No, it wasn't the perfect dress at all. It wasn't as 'short' as I thought it would be. And it's way too asymmetrical. But my god, I do love many many other dresses of the Kaviar Gauche Bridal Couture-collections. Brides to be, take notes, 'cause these are just amazing!

Pictures: Kaviar Gauche Berlin

PS: No-one tops Givenchy Fall 2009 though. And regarding the Royal Wedding: Yes, the McQueen-design was gorgeous and suited for a princess but boy, I'm bet PPR is thrilled with their brand's dress being the talk of the town.

Alexander McQueen at the Met

Practically once a week I nag my boyfriend that I want to go back to NYC. And this Alexander McQueen-exposition wasn't helping at all. But now apparently there's a limited edition-scarf to go with it? Come on, you're killing me here!

Photo: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen/Harper's Bazaar

Fashion Influences Film

source - Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures, Imaxtree

 Who knows, maybe the sight of this would make Alexander McQueen smile. His Harry Potter-inspired fashion spectacle was textbook material and it surely is interesting that one of his Fall/Winter 08-creations now seems to copied for the latest Harry Potter film.

Film influences fashion influences film.

Givenchy Couture

If there is one haute couture-collection I look forward to every six months, it must be Givenchy's. I would love to see the dresses up close, since the details must be stunning! The dresses remind me of Schiaparelli's skeleton dress, Martin Margiela-jackets and Alexander McQueen's last collection. And even though I'm quite minimalistic when it comes to my outfits, I absolutely wouldn't mind having one of these amazing and elaborate pieces hanging in my closet...

Check my sister's blog for her post on Chanel's show.

Pictures: Courtesy of Givenchy

New York City - Part Three

One of my favorite streets in NYC is West 14th Street.

The Apple store there is a lot more pleasant to shop, because it's not as busy as the one on 5th Ave. The Alexander McQueen store is definitely a must whenever my boyfriend and I are in town, and eventhough I don't exercise, I always visit the McQueen/Puma-shop next door wishing I did. The Jeffrey-store is always amazing, and it's where I spotted the Chanel Temporary Tattoo's I got for my sister and where I saw the Chanel-necklace I'm planning to get later this month. Across the street there's DVF and just a few minutes away you can find Bleecker Street (think: Marc Jacobs!). What's not to like?

This year my boyfriend and I took a shopping break in High Line Park, an old elevated railway track transformed into a little and quiet oasis. It looked amazing, and you can tell that hours and hours are put into keeping the 'park' as nice as possible. The view from up-there is great too. Too bad that the weather wasn't that great that day.

Afterwards we headed to Bleecker Street to hit the Marc Jacobs-stores on our way to Red Bamboo, another nice vegetarian restaurant with the most amazing soy chicken salad. But while we were getting over there, we noticed that -contrary to last year- there wasn't a two hour-line at Magnolia Bakery. There was actually nobody inside the shop. I'm not one to try out stuff just because it's been on tv or something but I blame that sweet smell of freshly baked cakes for luring us into the shop. Although both the chocolate vanilla and the vanilla cupcake was very good, I was too sugary for my taste. But if you happen to walk by, and there's no ridiculous waiting line outside, go right in and get the vanilla one..

W. 14 th. Street

I bet the view from the Standard Hotel (behind me) is amazing

Wearing a tank top version of the Rue Blanche-shirt I got last winter, my new favorite jeans from Topshop (the Ultimate Skinny Jamie), my all white Converse and my white Balenciaga bag

Magnolia Bakery

Fashion Books - Wishlist

Today is a gorgeous day, since the sun is shining brightly. 

Unfortunately, I'm still stuck inside studying film history; the studio system, Orson Welles, German expressionism, French Realism, Spanish Surrealism and Italian Realism... 

The reality is however that, although I'm very much interested in the subject, I would rather be out in the sun, enjoying a good book without worrying 'Is this going to be a question on the exam?'

A while back I said I wanted the book on Alexander McQueen. Well, I've found some new interesting items to add to my book wish list  -I made my boyfriend promise that when we'll buy our future house, one entire room needs to be decorated as a walk-in-closet and little library. 

This is what I'm planning to get when I head over to the States. 

1. That Alexander McQueen-book

2. Uncovering Fashion: Fashion Communications across the Media

SImply because it looks like a great book for any communication sciences-student. Plus, as I mentioned before, Fairchild-books are amazing! 

3. The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever

Again, I'm very much interested in marketing. Sometimes it seems like people just believe that a person creates something, and then magically it appears in the stores. My internships have taught me otherwise. And since I'm not only fascinated by the garments designed by the fashion houses but also by its industry, I'm very excited to read this one. 

4. Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster

A few years ago, I wrote an essay for school on haute couture, ready-to-wear and mass-produced garments. I remember using an article on Dana Thomas' book, which focusses on accessible luxury ("an oxymoron" as she described it), mass-consumption and counterfeiting. 

5. House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed

I'm getting this one for my sister, since she's looking forward to the movie. Plus, my grandmother's niece worked for the family, so maybe she's featured in the book/movie as well. Maybe, during our monthly calls, we need to ask her if she's read it ... Furthermore, it apparently mentions Tom Ford's rise and Gucci being caught in the middle of PPR and LVMH. 

(picture credit)

So, what's on your 'Fashion Books-Wishlist or Must-read list'? 
In the meantime, I'm back to my non-fashion related courses... 

Alexander McQueen's Future

A few months ago, PPR stated that it would continue the Alexander McQueen-brand, so immediately everyone started speculating who would be named as the label's next creative director, and even if he ever could be replaced at all...

Today, word got out about his follow up; Sarah Burton, assistant to the designer, will be in charge of the brand. She already was put to the test when she had to finish off the fall 2010-collection, right after the sudden death of Alexander Lee McQueen. Plus, she has the experience since she has been working for the label for 16 years.

Hopes are high. And I am quite curious on what the next McQueen collection will look like.

What do you think; Can one create a whole new collection, stay true to the legacy of the house and give it their own twist? Or will it be practically a copy of what McQueen was doing the last few seasons?

Whatever the outcome, I think she's facing a huge challenge...

(picture: David Burton / Source: Vogue UK)

Alexander McQueen

I just added a new item to my wish-list; Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation by Kirstin Knox.
Hopefully, they'll put the book on amazon.com pretty quickly, because I really want to read this. Too bad I'll already have handed in my thesis (which features the British designer) by then...

Yesterday my boyfriend finally got back from his 3 weeks tour in the USA with his band. Despite all of the lost luggage, he still had -in his carry-on- a copy of Vogue's April issue , which remembers Alexander McQueen... So'll have something to read later on this evening... 

Film influences fashion

So for the last past days, I've been going through literature on how elements from the film industry can influence the fashion world. And I've found quite a few. For instance, a film star or character can start up a trend easily, like the Louise Brooks-look or the Letty Lynton-dress.

But aside from influencing the public, film has cast a spell over some fashion designers as well. Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano, they both have a thing for Hollywood movies and film stars, hence their many collections inspired by the industry's golden age... (see: JPG haute couture 2009 & Galliano's Fall 2005)

Alexander McQueen, also a film-enthousiast, based some of his creations and fashion shows on Hitchcock's work or movies like The Shining and They Shoot Horses, Don't They? Also, after watching a Harry Potter-movie, the designer incorporated the chess segment in his 2005 spectacle, where the models functioned as pawns.



And the fashion business is catching up on the film world really quickly, with Burberry being the first fashion brand to broadcast their entire fashion show in 3D globally, only weeks after Avatar premiered.

Lille

Last weekend was so busy.

Aside from working on my thesis and catching up with our families, my boyfriend, my sister and I went to see Alice in Wonderland. Maybe I expected too much out of it, but I didn't like it at all. The 3D-effects had no added value, and the story was quite boring. Plus, I missed that whole Tim Burton-vibe. So sad, 'cause I had high hopes for this one.

The following day my boyfriend's band had to play near the Flemish/French border, which gave us the opportunity to head to Lille for a shopping afternoon. We'd been there a few times and we've always loved this little town. It has many of the great luxury brands, a Printemps and the Galleries Lafayette. But the brand that surprised us the most was The Kooples. Belmodo.tv had mentioned their love for the brand, and when I saw the real deal, I couldn't agree more. Great basics with a rock and roll edge for him and her. And the brand's mission statement to dress trendy couples, seduced both my boyfriend and me. We each left the store with our new favorite fashion items. The following day, I already wore my new tulip-skirt to his dad's birthday party, and I think it would look great with my Alexander McQueen skull-shirt as well.

And planning a trip back in a few months, I really need those Marc Jacobs and Repetto-flats I spotted at the Printemps!

Alexander McQueen

Today, the presentation of Alexander McQueen's last collection took place. I think these luxurious and magical designs look fit for Victorian queens and princesses. And it immediately reminded me of his Fall/Winter 2008-line. The prints, the folds, the richness of the dresses, I love it all. And that mix between the gold and red fabrics have a ancient Roman general feel too it, although I find the last white/light grey dresses more medieval.

More images on this exclusive collection and presentation through Grazia. And the Telegraph wrote a nice review, as well as Style.com.

Edit: FAQs by Grazia. 

Alexander McQueen

I was browsing the A la Mode-blog, since she commented on a blog post of mine, when I saw the pre-fall collection by Alexander McQueen. I had no idea the company had put the look book of this collection online, and that it went unnoticed. Or did I miss the articles in the press?

Despite the colorful dresses and pieces featured at the end of the look book, this collection has a very serious feel to it, I think...

Oh and The Style Crusader has put up a post on the tribute wall for the designer.

Such a nice gesture...

Alexander McQueen

The day we all found out about his tragic death, I was doing some research for my thesis on fashion short films and the live streaming of shows. Although these aspects of the industry are quite new, that day one name kept popping up in literature; Alexander McQueen.

His innovative view on what a fashion show is and how it should evolve, has shaped and changed fashion. He was a story-teller, who saw the potential of film to get his vision and message across. I'm glad that I can somewhat honor him by mentioning his contribution to both industries in my thesis.

Alexander McQueen Interview from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.

Shopping Spree

Thursday I received some very nice feedback regarding my exam results. And thus, I decided to go and celebrate. Celebrating to me almost equals to shopping. And so we headed off to Belgium's greatest shopping city Antwerp on Friday, and as always, it was totally worth it.

First, I spotted this Alexander McQueen skull shirt for men. I could not believe they hadn't all sold out immediately when the news got out. Now, as I mentioned before, I do wear men shirts, when it comes to McQueen -in size XS that is. But then I realized that I already have quite a few signature pieces by the designer. My boyfriend on the other hand, always bought his low-key designs, and now was risking to be left without an original skull shirt. So I decided to get him one, as a present.

After a delicious hot chocolate at Verso Café, my sister bought a new bag. I'm still so jealous, I can not get over it. Afterwards, I spotted some 'bling', at the Pinko-store. No way that I'm going to wear the logo-shirt that comes with it, but when it comes to brooches, I just have to have them. And this white 'Saint-Tropez' special edition version came with 3 pieces.

Oh and my sister saw the most amazing Nicolas Kirkwood-shoes, the ones she blogged about in October. True masterpiece indeed, too bad it comes with a matching price tag (€ 1100).

Since my boyfriend promised me a long time ago, saturday we went shopping in Brussels. I didn't see anything cool, so 'all I got' were the Chanel ballet flats I longed for, for a while now. Black leather, with a black patent point, easy to mix with my all-black wardrobe. I'm happy. We finished up with a great dinner at Cook & Book and his band's gig at the Belgian seaside.

Alexander McQueen's Future

PPR has just confirmed to continue the Alexander McQueen brand!

The chairman Francois Henri-Pinault stated: “You understand, the Alexander McQueen trademark will live on”.

I wonder what will happen to his upcoming Fall/Winter 2010-collection, since apparently it wasn't finished yet. But more importantly, who will dare to take over the position as creative designer? 'Cause we all know, Lee Alexander McQueen can't be replaced...

Update:

The show will go on, on March 9th and 10th, as a private 'salon'-event. And sales have increased with 1400% last week.

God save McQueen

Alexander McQueen dies

Apparently, British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen died. What a loss for the fashion world. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Alexander McQueen - Harper's Bazaar

Edit: When I wrote the message, only a few webpages reported this tragic news. So, at first I wasn't to sure if what was being stated was true. Alas, Mister Lee McQueen did pass away. He truly was the most innovative designer of this generation, fashion and technology wise.

Too bad some news networks, like the Daily Mail who had a very respectful report at first when I cited it above, have turned things into a media circus already.

May he find peace.

Sex and the City Inquiry

For my second chapter in my Fashion/Film-thesis, I am writing a segment on product placement in fashion movies. Since the first Sex and the City-movie got awarded with the title 'Film Whore of the Year' by the Brandcameo Product Placement Awards, I just had to mention the film.

Als we all know, the movie is packed with the namedropping of high fashion brands, glamourous -recognizable- fashion must haves and tie-ins. The collaboration with Bag Borrow or Steal is the most remarkable, in my opinion. After the e-shop was mentioned explicitly, the number of members increased by 217%, and more importantly, the number of 'bag borrows' rose up to 400%. And the website gets the idea of product placement and tie-ins perfectly: "Look like a SATC star: Carry Bags Seen in the Movie".

(source: Bag Borrow or Steal)

Many significant authors state that the reason why these marketing techniques are a success, is because they give the film viewer the illusion that they can follow into their favorite star's footsteps and be a little like them. The movie as well as the leading characters become sales men and once again, Hollywood functions as a dream maker -remember what I concluded about the shirt scene in It Happened One Night?

Vanity Fair send two fashion reporters to examine how many brands were exposed in the movie. They counted about 25 fashion brands, excluding fashion magazines, stores and other brands. But since the two probably were experts on the subject, I was wondering how much of these fashion brands will a 'normal viewer' spot and recognize?

If by any chance you are planning to watch the movie again, and if you care to join me, and help me count, you are all more than welcome! Every dress -, shoe -, purse designer that you can spot, counts in this one, even the one the four ladies namedrop... Thanks a million.

Edit: I have just finished up searching for the 'hidden' labels in the film, and I've found every brand the Vanity Fair team reported, except for Ferregamo, Nike and Adidas. I did however spot some brands that they didn't find: Judith Leiber, Roberto Cavalli and the rainbow bird of paradise Alexander McQueen dress, which is quite saddening given today's tragic event.

Alice au Printemps

If there is one subject I have been blogging about too much now, it has to be Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. The movie hasn't hit theaters yet, and I would already describe it as a fashion film, since so many top designers already have been inspired by Lewis Caroll's story.

My sister and I have mentioned the jewelry lines (Stella's and Swarovski's) and the editorial in Vogue's December 2003 issue. But do you remember the post about the Alice-window display at the Parisian department store Printemps? It's finally here -or there, to be more precise- until March 14th.

Nicolas Kirkwood's sketch has become reality. And I think the shoes are 'Alice'-inspired in an obvious way, but nonetheless very cool and clever. Both his and the story signature 'design' is incorporated in the shoe. Those window mannequins don't know how lucky they are to wear them.

The shoe designer states: “I think my favorite Alice character is the March Hare. You can see I’ve made his watch rather prominent. This was a different design process for me, because I’m not usually so applicative—typically, I’m thinking about line, silhouette. But this time, I figured, why not just pile as much as I can on top?”

And how I wish I could go admire the store's windows myself. Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen and Haider Ackermann; I would go crazy.

Alice au Printemps des Merveilles.
Photos by Francis Peyrat.

For more wonderful Wonderland-designs, go to Style File.

Edit: Every time I see those last few pictures, I think of Donnie Darko.

McQueen Ad

As if Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2010-show wasn't crazy enough: I just found the latest ad campaign by the brand and it is definitely my favorite one this season. Top model Raquel Zimmermann covered in dozens of colorful snakes. You can hardly tell where the reptiles end and where McQueen's outfit begins. To top it off, the whole thing was shot by Nick Knight: Amazing symbiosis!

(source: House of Models)