Spring 2010 / Latanie Design

My birthday parties were fun, yet small and simple since the exams are coming up again. Yes, I'm back inside so I won't be able to enjoy the sun -not that I sunbathe or anything, as you can tell. So I love looking back at these pictures of last weekend, when my sister and I passed some time outside in our neighborhood.

And as a birthday gift, Natalie of Latanie Design made a fun design for Shark Attack! If you love supercute images, you definitely should check out the blog. Plus she hand makes fun earrings and pendants for necklaces, which she sells online... By the way, today is her birthday: Congratulations, Miss!

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.

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.

Chanel Couture

Oh my. I just came across these highlights pictures of the Chanel couture show: Amazing, even if I am not a fan of pastel and peachy colors (on me that is). I am crazy about silver though!

The Telegraph puts my first thoughts into words: "There was not a Little Black Dress to be seen – and this from the house founded by “Coco” Chanel who invented the LBD, nearly 100 years ago."

All those lush silver embroideries remind me of 17th century fashion. Karl Lagerfeld himself -too- described the collection as 'neon-baroque'. The Haute Couture team must have had there hands full with this one. One can only admire their work, and the house of Chanel.

I love those big two-toned hairdo's btw.

Photo: Imaxtree

Check out Lagerfeld's matching gloves and tie!

Oh, and Suzy Menkes is right on Dior's Couture line, in my opinion. But it is Haute Couture, and therefor pre-1950 by definition maybe? (Since ready-to-wear and standardization took over at that time) Anyhow, I don't mind, I'ld love any full crinoline'sque skirt any day.

Note to self: Time for a change, stop your constant blogging on Dior and Chanel.

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)

Prada Short Film

It is not the first time that Prada launches a short film. Remember the Trembled Blossoms animation for Spring/Summer 2008?

This time, Prada leaves the colourful fairyland behind and heads for Shanghai in black and white, with this new project called First Spring. -Made the link with the Chanel short films as well?

I haven't had the time to finish viewing the piece, since I'm too busy studying for the HCI exam on thursday. But don't let that hold you back: Enjoy.

Proenza Schouler

The neon touch I loved in Balenciaga's Spring 2010 collection, pops up in other fashion shows as well, like for instance at Proenza Schouler. I know that the video and images of the show have been online since September 2009, but I just can't seem to get over Hernandez and McCollough's work. Maybe because it reminds me of some McQueen prints and folds in his Plato's Atlantis-collection? -I think PS version is more wearable though, no?

I can't wait to see the collection in stores, and since there is only one store in Belgium that retails Proenza Schouler I really hope they carry the follow items:

(Pictures: Marcio Madeira)

Note to self: You are not allowed to buy a new Proenza Schouler-dress until you start wearing the one you got last year...

Balenciaga

When I saw the video of Balenciaga's last fashion show, I immediately fell in love with: 1. that first hoodie-look down the runway, 2. the hidden, subtle neon fabric in the pleats and 3. the neon make-up. I could not remember the zipper/stripped mini-dresses, until I saw the new ad campaign, which is remarkable composition wise. However, it will have to grow on me, since I'm still more obsessed with the other items in the show.

More Steven Meisel-pictures please, marketing team!

(source Women Management)