So it has come to my attention quite quickly that the last few weeks have been kind of repetitive when it comes to the articles; Pick of the Day, The Art of Fashion, Fashion news and fashion trends have been the most dominant topics everyday. I want to expand my articles to make it more interesting, so I may take a few more days off to get some new ideas going. I will still try to post a few things here and there (probably some more picks and trends) but I really hope to make it much more diverse in information than it has become at the moment. Sorry girls, I know I take a lot of breaks, but I feel this will keep my blog from becoming boring. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support it really means the world to me. xoxox Robyne!
March 20, 2009
March 18, 2009
Fashion News Update
-In big news, the Louis Vuitton company (better known in the industry as LVMH) is taking the the powerful internet search company Google to court. The LVMH is a conglomerate to many things, and they specialize in luxury goods; the holding and licensing company owns many sub-companies in fashion such as high end labels like Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy and Celine to name a few. In the past Louis Vuitton has won court battles to eBay and Britney Spears and while the Vuitton company has been fighting the search giant for many years now, they’re very intent on winning. Reportedly, the company doesn’t like how when you Google a designer name, results come up from companies offering similar products who have paid for such placement. Especially since some of those companies sell counterfeit products. The case will appear in the European Court of Justice, fashion indsiders are likely to avidly await the outcome; I know I want Vuitton to win.
-Lady Gaga may be the new target for Fashion Police everywhere; it is reported that she has been stopped by police in many different cities for wearing panties, as well pants, I guess. She says that most recently, authorities confronted her in Chicago when she stepped out in hot pants. She yelled at the cop, “It’s fashion! I’m an artist!” She adds, “I think no-pants is sexy. I love the naked human body. I was working in strip clubs when I was 18.” Sorry Miss Gaga but no it’s not fashion, it’s called tacky; don’t expect this trend to pick up anytime soon!
-Uniqlo has officially announced that Jil Sander will have the creative-director role to their mens and womenswear lines. Apparently she won’t have an official title there, seemingly due to the current recession but the stock markets reacted very well to the news – the Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. saw their shares rise 8.6 percent. Sander being considered the queen of minimalism, had many other companies vying for her return to fashi0n but she chose the Uniqlo brand so that she could do something a little different – more on the affordable side. Of course rumours suggest that Uniqlo may be able to use Sander’s name and fashion influence to increase their prices. The company first made contact with Sander in June and said that no other designer was considered for the position. I simply can’t wait to see what she does there.
- Forever being the fashion capital of the world Paris of course pulled out all the stops, making this years fashion week one of the most fashionable ever. Being the strongest and most influential fashion week in the world, the Paris runways showcased some of the highest and most extravagant shoes of the season. While the clothes are what the audience came for, the shoes made the biggest impression – an array of styles emulated couture at its best and these shoes definately demand attention. Tall boots, Booties and Gladiators make another very triumphant appearance.
- In cosmetics and fragrances: Daisy Fuentes is launching a new jasmine scent in April called Dianoche Love that will be sold exclusively at Kohl’s. I usually hate celebs that venture into other industries but I’m the biggest fan of jasmine in perfumes so I gotta check it out. British Vogue reveals that Korres’ new makeup uses extracts from wild rose, which is known to soften and moisturize skin.
- After the recent riot at the auditioning of America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks is planning to re-do the audition for those girls who missed their chance due to the riot. “We are doing everything we can to make sure that ALL the girls who weren’t seen get an opportunity to audition,” she said. It’s likely that security will be increased this time around.
- Supermodel Naomi Campbell is organizing a fashion show on March 28 for Lakme Fashion Week that will benefit Citizens for Justice and Peace, as well as raise money for victims of the Mumbai attacks. She will walk the runway with some famous Bollywood actors, featuring clothes that will be auctioned on eBay.
- The CFDA nominees have been announced; running for the 2009 Womenswear Designer of the Year are Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Rodarte. Italo Zucchelli, Michael Bastian, and Scott Sternberg are up for Menswear Designer. In the accessory department we have Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Proenza Schouler. Those vying for the Swarovski Womenswear Award are Alexander Wang, Jason Wu and Thakoon Panichgul; for the menswear Patrick Ervell, Robert Geller and Tim Hamilton. The nominees for the Swarovski Accessory Award are Albertus Q. Swanepoel, Alejandro Ingelmo, Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry, while Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs battle it out for the International Award.
-Phoebe Philo’s will debut with Celine for resort 2009, before her spring 2010 October runway show, which was originally thought to be her debut season. I personally can’t wait to see what she does with the label.
March 17, 2009
Gianmarco Lorenzi Ad Campaign
This is a gorgeous ad campaign, the pictures are fun and colourful and the shoes are to die for. Enjoy ladies!
March 11, 2009
Time for a break…
Hello everyone! So I’ve finally managed to get my blog going at a continuous rate (most of the time). Unfortunately I’m going away with family for the weekend, so I’m officially starting my break time tomorrow instead of Friday. I will be using a lot of my free time to plan and prepare new and interesting things to add to my blog for you. I will be back either Monday or Tuesday, so check back then to see my new developments. I hope to continue being a reliable fashion source for all my wonderful readers, if there’s anything you would especially like to see on my blog, let me know; until next week and have a great, safe and of course fashionable weekend! xoxox
Spring Trend Alert: The Hourglass
It’s not only time to embrace your womanly curves, it’s time to enhance them too; cinched waists and big hips are the new shape and it’s great! Fuller skirts, belts looped around the waist and high, high heels make this look work to its fullest potential. The whole look should be polished, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and make it interesting. Look for unique folds and manipulation in fabrics to make it your own.
From left to right: Naeem Khan, Byblos, Christian Dior, Isaac Mizrahi and Marc Jacobs
GET THE LOOK
March 10, 2009
Runway Favourite S/S 09: Moschino RTW
One of my absolute favourite spring shows, the Moschino collection was a dream full of artistic visions, while being completely wearable at the same time. Rosella Jardini’s use of bows, ruffles and flowers sat perfectly admist purples, pinks, blues and easter greens, all anchored by neutrals and the runway favourite navy. The details extended to the accessories, as huge bows were found on the bags. The whole collection is a refreshing take on every woman’s girly side, making every one of these pieces worthy of the spotlight. Here are some of my favourite looks from the runway:
Ruffles and bows were most prominent on this runway. My personal favourites; the gorgeous floral dress in the second picture, and the floral pencil skirt with navy blouse.
Neutrals always make their way into every runway show. The details are what makes these pieces shine. I’m in love with the white cacoon coat in the second picture (recently featured in My Fashion Pick of the Day), and the chic grey top in the far right picture.
Colours are a given, but these colours were a wonderful surprise; while the colours are trendy and vibrant, they have a very muted, pastel look to them – even the darker purples and greens have a cloud-like appearance. The green tiered dress (second from right) and the purple coat are so devine.
Navy, while a very deep colour is also a refreshing alternate to black; against other colours you can see the blue – which makes versatility a little more interesting. The blue coat on the left, the soft pants and the casual dress on the right are all very chic and comfortable options.
March 9, 2009
Fashion Classic #2 – The Pump
The only “shoe” that never goes out of the style, the pump is a very central part of your essential wardrobe. A great pump can be worn with anything for any occasion. It’s your go-to shoe that never fails, and can be found in endless varieties. There are few rules when it comes to who can wear certain shoes, the general rule is if you’re tiny stay away from huge clunky shoes; if you’re on the bigger side, avoid dainty heels, which will make you look bigger. When looking for a classic pump you want to find a style that is likely to carry on through many seasons and still look relevant – look for something in a versatile hue that isn’t trendy; neutrals like white, brown gray and black, and colours like red or navy blues. You want a cresecent toe – pointy and rounded-toed shoes are generally trendy. A great heel height would be in the 3-4 inch range. Small details are okay but a simple, classic style is your best bet. Check out the examples below for a better idea of what a classic pump looks like.
March 8, 2009
Model Moment: Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova was born on February 28, 1982, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia and her rags to riches story has made her one of the most intriguing and personable models to ever grace the runway. Natalia grew up in a poor district of the city with her mother and two half sisters, one of which has cerebral palsy. As a young girl, she spent most of her time helping her mother sell fruit on the streets in Russia; it was long work with little pay-off. She later moved into an apartment with her friend, and the two of them set up their own fruit stand, and used her money to help her family through poverty. At the age of 15 Natalia enrolled in a modeling academy and was told that in order to be successful she would need to learn English; she learned the language in 3 months. Two years later, in1999 Natalia moved to Paris and signed with Viva Management, and her career took off. Along with Viva, she is now signed with Why Not Model Agency, MY Model Management, and her mother agency, DNA Model Management. Natalia has graced the covers of over 50 international magazines, has walked more than 175 runways and twice made Forbe’s list of the highest paid models; between 2006-2007 she ranked fifth and was estimated at making $4.5 million (USD) and then seventh for 2007-2008, when she was estimated at $4.8 million (USD). Natalia was married on September 1, 2002 in St.Petersburg, to the Honourable Justin Trevor Berkeley Portman, a British real-estate heir and the half-brother to the 10th Viscount of Portman (making Justin an Aristocrat). The couple has three kids; Lucas Alexander, Neva and Viktor. Natalia and her husband founded the Naked Heart Foundation, which aims to provide a safe and inspiring environment to play, for children living in urban Russia.
Below you can read more about her career and view some of her greatest pictures.
- Natalia is 5′9 with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. She is a size 4 and is most known for her full lips and big doll-eyes.
- She has appeared in ad campigns for Anna Molinari, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Gucci, L’Oreal, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Versace and many more labels.
- In 2001 she appeared on the cover of the fall issue of Teen Vogue, the same year she gave birth to her first son Lucas.
- 2002 proved to be a busy year for Natalia; she signed a fragrance contract with Gucci, opened the fall Yves Saint Laurent show in Paris, appeared on the May cover of i-D, became the new face of Louis Vuitton’s spring campaign, appeared on two seperate covers of W magazine, and was photographed by Steven Meisel for the December cover of Italian Vogue.
- In 2003 she scored a spot in the Pirelli calendar and signed her contract with L’Oreal. She appeared in a feature with her husband for the February edition of Vogue, photographed by Steven Klein. She appeared on the cover of September’s British Vogue. She ended the year by appearing in the December issue of Vogue in a spread shot by Annie Leibovitz, reenacting Alice in Wonderland.
- She began the new year by opening the fall Calvin Klein show in New York, and appearing on the March cover of British Vogue. September of this year had Natalia landing one of the nine spots on the infamous cover of Vogue, and opening for Calvin Klein’s spring show.
- In 2005 she was named Woman Of The Year by Glamour Russia, and officially became the new face of Calvin Klein, opening again for Calvin Kelin’s Fall show. She was featured in Vanity Fair with her husband and son, photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in January, and then landed the cover alongside Carmen Kass and Karolina Kurkova only two months later. The next month she was featured on the cover of Italian Vogue, photographed by Steven Meisel. She again opened the Calvin Klein spring show later that September.
- In 2006, Natalia renewed her contract with Calvin Klein and signed a frangrance contract for their Euphoria scent. In March she gave birth to her second child, daughter Neva. Only two months later she appeared on the cover of British Vogue. She opened the spring show for Calvin Klein, then landed another cover on W magazine, as well as French Vogue with the cover shot including her newborn daughter.
- In 2007, she again renewed her contract with Calvin Klein, opened the Fall show and appears in the label’s commercial. It was this same year that Natalia became a spokesperson alongside Kate Moss for David Yurman. Spring saw her on the cover of British Vogue, pregnant with her third child alongside Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell, which was photographed by Mario Testino. She also landed the cover of Vogue two months later, being the first model that year to appear on their cover alone. She wrapped up a very successful year by appearing alongside Kate Moss and Daria Werbowy in a David Yurman commercial, opening the spring Valentino show and closing the Chanel, YSL and Givenchy shows in Paris.
- She began another big year in modeling by renewing her contract with David Yurman, becoming the new face of Diane von Furstenberg and landing a spring ad campiagn for Louis Vuitton, alongside many other top models including Angela Lindvall and Stephanie Seymour. She then obtained a highly coveted job, by opening and closing for Garavani Valentino’s last couture show in Paris. In February she appeared in a Vogue editorial shot by Craig McDean, followed by another editorial in the Macrh issue, this time shot by Steven Meisel. She did back-to-back covers again in March and April, this time gracing the cover of Italian Vogue twice, followed by a cover on the Japenese Numéro magazine. On April 8, 2008 Models.com did a feature on Natalia and her plethora of cover shots. She graces yet another Vogue cover, this time Britian’s May issue, shot by Mario Testino and lands the cover of POP magazine shortly after. She completes two more editorials for Vogue; styled in couture and shot by Patrick Demarchelier for their October issue, and then the following issue with her daughter Neva, photographed by Mario Testino. She wrapped up a great year with both editorials, along with signing a fragrance contract for Guerlain’s Shalimar scent and opening the spring show for Balenciaga in Paris.
- Though Natalia has been modeling for what is considered a “long time” in the industry, she is still going strong. She began this year by becoming the new face of Nina Ricci. With a campiagn such as that, it’s very likely that this Russian beauty is here to stay. Aren’t we so lucky?
Here are a few of Natalia’s cover shots:
Covers from left to right: British Vogue January 2004, Vogue Italia April 2008, Russian Vogue March 2008
Vogue US September 2004; L-R: Daria Werbowy, Natalia, Gisele Bundchen, Isabeli Fontana,Karolina Kurkova, Liya Kebede, Hana Soukupova, Gemma Ward and Karen Elson.
Covers from left to right: Italian Vogue May 2005, Dutch Vogue October 2005 & Vogue Paris October 2006
Some amazing editorials done by Natalia:
Marie Claire Australia, March 2001
Vogue Nippon, January 2002
Numero #41, March 2003
Harper’s Bazaar (US), December 2003
Vogue (US), March 2004
Vouge Italia, September 2004
Vogue (US), January 2005
Vogue (US) February 2008
Vogue (US), November 2008
Some of Natalia’s ad campigns:
Calvin Klein
David Yurman
Louis Vuitton
Nina Ricci
Rocco Barocco
Versace
For full listings of editorials, magazines, and ad campaigns, detailed biography and timelines, visit one of the following links (sources for my Model Moment on Natalia Vodianova):
Spring Trend Alert: Safari Look
Safari inspired clothing has always been a hit during the spring/summer season; it’s crisp and relaxed, yet chic and versatile, making it a smart choice at any time. This season, the Safari trend is huge, but it’s been re-vamped for a more interesting look overall. The look is more wild than in the past, it’s less “safari tour guide” and more earthly and real. Contrasting earth tones, tribal patterns, touches of animal prints and wooden jewelry make this look down-to-earth in a high fashion way. Pair these strong elements with more classic pieces for a balanced look.
From left to right: Kenzo, Alberta Ferretti, Christian Dior, Baby Phat and Gucci.
GET THE LOOK
March 6, 2009
Internet Problems
Hey everyone! So my internet was down for a few days and has now been restored! I apologize for the delay, I had had many things planned for this week and I hope to resume where I left off.
March 3, 2009
Runway Favourite S/S 09: Reem Acra RTW
Reem Acra drew inspiration for her Spring/Summer collection from the ideas of a fairytaile and a royal castle. The look was less princess and more electric Taj Mahal – which was a fresh take on the normally glam look. Her collection was great, with an array of vibrant colours, and sparkling embellishment, giving hope and a dreamlike quality to those worried with the world. Here are some of my favourite pieces from the latest show by Reem Acra.
Prints were a big part of this season’s runways, and Reem Acra showed some gorgeous prints in her collection. Either bold and shiny, or subtle and artistic, these pieces are all wonderful. I especially love the watercolour look on the white dress (center), as well as the far right picture.
Colours are definately a favourite during the spring/summer runways, and the splash of colour on Reem Acra’s runway was refreshing. Her no-holds barred approach to the colour palette is wonderful, giving almost every colour a chance. My favourites? The sexy orange dress that will get you notice at any party, and the green shirtdress that’s soft yet fun.
Neutrals always work well as a backdrop to spring’s bright colours. Some are versatile withing your wardrobes, while other pieces demand only a few bright accessories. I love the heavy mini-dress that works for chilly nights, and the simple jacket glamed up with embellishment.
Blake Lively in Vogue – February 2009
I was not entirely dazzled by the February Vogue editorial that Blake Lively appeared in. This one picture however, caught my eyes, as I thought it was gorgeous in terms of a fashion photo, and it’s really just beautiful to look at. So instead of showing an entire editorial that I didn’t really like, I’m just going to show the single picture that blew me away.
March 2, 2009
Fashion News
-Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin showed his collection last thursday in the midst of the label’s huge success. Other designers may be feeling the blow of the economy, but the Balmain label continues to grow stronger and seel more. Proof of this was very evident during his latest collection; his T-shirts cost $1,500, the jackets cost $5,000. While most designers have cut their costs way back and are facing a huge drop in sale, the Blamin label is coveted by almost everyone rich enough to buy it. His latest jeans sold out in London, sales volume is sky-rocketing, they’re starting a new line of shoes and retailers are forced to put people on waiting-lists for Balmain pieces. It’s much like the essence of Hermes at the moment.
-Pictures of the crying Lithuanian model Auguste Abeliunaite on the Jil Sander runway has the fashion industry buzzing. What was first thought to be a “part of the show”, it quickly became evident that Auguste was the only model with tears streaming down her face. While no statement or explanation has been released, it’s quite possible she isn’t actually “crying”. Tanya D was once filmed backstage a fashion show with tears streaming down her face; when questioned, she revealed that constant application and cleansing of makeup can get very irritating to the skin and eyes; And it is fashion week.
-Rumours suggest that Tom Ford will soon be expanding to womenswear. The word in Milan is that Alessandra Facchinetti, who was let go from the Valentino label last year, will be heading the new Tom Ford line. Facchinetti was top womenswear designer underneath Tom Ford at Gucci, and was obviously impressed with her work.
-Marc Jacobs recently donated his personal orange iPod complete with his autograph, in order to raise money for Music Rising, which aims to revive the musical culture of the Gulf Coast. Want to know what he listens to? A few songs found in his playlist were “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Pokerface” by Lady Gaga, “Borederline” by Madonna and “Circus” by Britney Spears. Looks like Marc has a thing for pop!
-Lindsay Lohan makes yet another fashion mistake, as she was spotted in London sporting stockings as pants. Pictures likely to surface ASAP!
-Heidi Klum has a new makeup collection for Victoria’s Secret, a gorgeous palette that’s subtle and sexy. For only $49 (US), the kit comes in a beautiful white case. The set includes a Lip Gloss in Blush, Quad Eye Shadow set in 4 complimentary shades, a Highlighter/Blush Duo, and High Definition Mascara. Order online or through their catalogue.
