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.

Givenchy Couture - Pt. 2

I have missed most of the men fashion shows and I'm still catching up on all the articles regarding the Couture-shows for spring 2011. But without seeing anything else from the other designers, I already know Givenchy will be my favorite, once again! (and I don't even like pastels btw.)

Pictures by Givenchy

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

Voici Paris Haute Couture - exhibit Den Haag

During our weekend in Den Haag, by accident I discovered that there was an exhibit about haute couture in the local museum, so I made my boyfriend promise that he would take me to Voici Paris Haute Couture the next day. It was amazing; the first room we entered, presented Chanel's SS09 pieces. The room after that Worth, then Paul Poiret, Vionnet and vintage Chanel, the room after that Dior, Balenciaga and Givenchy -the dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's!-and next Jean Paul Gaultier and Armani Privé.... It truly was amazing and I was in complete awe of the amount of detail in those garments.

One of my favorite fashion exhibits ever, and definitely a must-see ...

Chanel SS 09 Haute Couture

Dior AW 2007 Haute Couture - See: Sex and the City

Cristobal Balenciaga 1950's Haute Couture

Too many pictures; more after the jump!

Chanel & Givenchy Beauty

Yesterday the shop assistant of our local beauty store was so kind to put aside one of Chanel's newest lipsticks, the Rouge Coco Mademoiselle. I'm getting this color, which Vanessa Paradis wears in the latest ad campaign, since it goes so very well with my skin tone. Pure red lipstick is too harsh on me during the day time. The Mademoiselle is more subtle for a day-look and very flattering. So I'm expecting a call in the next few days telling me I can go and pick it up.

However, I still do not understand why the shops only get 3 pieces of a lipstick that is featured in a global campaign. Same reason why I don't understand why all of a sudden Chanel considers its nail polish as super exclusive. Isn't non-exclusivity the main reason why big fashion houses picked up make-up and fragrances? So that they can earn big bucks on a group of people who would never buy a Chanel clothing piece or bag, so that they can feel as if the dream of rare luxury products is within reach?

Anyhow, I've spotted the latest Givenchy perfume print campaign in the store yesterday and I absolutely love it! The dramatic outfit and pose in contrast with the spring decor, I think it's one of the coolest things I've seen in the 'beauty department' lately. Out of curiosity, I tried on the Demoiselle perfume, but it isn't a scent I would wear. I'll just stick to my Terre d'Hermès.

Givenchy Couture

After last fall, I had high hopes for Givenchy couture show and judging from these pictures the pieces were stunning as ever. Just like Lagerfeld, Riccardo Tisci chose to cover some items in bright colored sequins, and he also continued the geometrical prints of his Spring/Summer 2010 collection. I love it. Plus, I'm sucker for anything cape'y.

(pictures: imaxtree)

My all-time favorite Givenchy couture-piece still is this piece below, though. I'm not sure if I ever want to get married, but if I do, this dress will do just fine. (Fall 2009)






Suzy Menkes on the show.

Armani'can Gigolo

My dad already is a great help in finding valuable sources for my Fashion/Film-thesis, since he found me an important article on the subject. The piece primarily focusses on Anna Wintour, and her direct and indirect influence on films and Hollywood. The September Issue is only one example.

In that documentary creative director Grace Coddington states that fashion has become entertainment, which will probably support the outcome of my hypothesis. Film and fashion go hand in hand since the beginning of the 20th century and this synergy has worked out for many designers, such as Hubert de Givenchy who collaborated intensively with Audrey Hepburn for various projects. Another designer that had the best of both worlds is Giorgio Armani.

The article compares him with Wintour. She was the first to put Hollywood stars on the cover, while Armani was the first to dress them up for red carpet-events. In my first chapter however, I mention him as a costume designer for numerous films such as Miami Vice and the gangsters in The Untouchables. Armani's relationship with film is most prominent -in my opinion- in American Gigolo. The opening shot of the movie says it all: Richard Gere goes out for the perfect date-outfit.

Below, you'll find the trailer of this 80's movie.

That voice-over is hilarious.