It’s All In The Details || Altuzarra Spring Summer 2014
02/11/2013 § 1 Comment
Altuzarra SS14. Sublime. SUBLIME.
Yearning to just barely wrap myself in tailored metallics, jersey and silk.
All images via Style.com
NYFW Recap: Nonoo Fall 2013
12/03/2013 § Leave a comment
Very happy to share with you one of my favorite designers from NYFW! Designer Misha Nonoo presented a simply gorgeous Fall 2013 collection that artfully joined her own British heritage with touches of Imperial Russia, that urgently needs to get in my closet. With luxurious textures, military detailing and some very gorgeous fur hats by the designer herself, Nonoo spins a genteel, sporting dream for Fall in somber shades of navy, grey, and black, punctuated by a rich, regal crimson. The show, a wintry, Anna Karenina-flavored affair was complete with uniformed guard and a massive backdrop that brought the onion domes of Moscow all the way to The Standard Hotel.
As with previous Nonoo collections, the designer’s knack for tailoring was the defining element. Her amazing riding jackets and greatcoats, layered over everything from ballgowns to trousers, demonstrated a keen ability to refine classic shapes with modern elements — a slash here, an exposed zipper there — with great success. Also notable was the appearance of knitwear, in the form of deliciously chunky cable knit cardigans and pullovers.
As someone who frequently joins elements of the masculine and feminine in my own wardrobe, what I like about Nonoo is her ability to take traditional menswear fabrics or shapes and infuse them with a femininity that is elegant and whimsical, but never gimmicky. Herringbone and Prince of Wales seamlessly join lace and silk, smoking slippers are paired with a ballgown — the best of both worlds, really.
For more information, please visit Nonoo.
To view the complete Fall 2013 lookbook, head here.
You can shop Nonoo direct, or at Berdorf Goodman and Shopbop.
That amazing Spring 2013 collection is available now!
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Inauguration || Thom Browne Pre-Fall 2013
29/01/2013 § 2 Comments
I’ll admit it, I’d written off Thom Browne. My love for his menswear designs notwithstanding, I tended to find his collections for women severely lacking, year after year. We had knee-length pearl necklaces one year, unwalkable skirts another, and an alarming affinity for shirt dresses that appeared to be stolen from a Dickensian orphanage. Browne’s designs for women appeared to be more costume than clothing, as if he wasn’t quite sure he could pull off a serious collection — so he didn’t bother to try (see: Fall/Winter 2011; Spring/Summer 2013) So I resigned myself to enjoying Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers, which takes the inventive, tailored qualities favored by Browne (and me!) but adds a high dose of wearability — it is a Brooks Brothers line, after all — and forgot about Thom Browne.
That is, until January 21, 2013 — the morning of Barack Obama’s second inauguration. I heard murmurs that the Obama women were sporting a set of beautiful coats, but when Eric Wilson of the NYT mentioned something about bespoke Thom Browne, made especially for the First Lady, I made a beeline for the television to see the gorgeous silk jacquard — inspired by necktie fabrics, natch — for myself. The whole family looked lovely, but Michelle’s coat/dress ensemble was definitely the pièce de résistance.
It was in that moment I began to hope that Thom Browne had finally changed course, and I am happy to say that his 2013 Pre-Fall collection has confirmed it. No longer bogged down with clever tricks and over-the-top conceptualism, Browne’s 2013 Pre-Fall is actually wearable and smartly tailored, but still retains the tongue-in-cheekiness quality that is classic Browne. I’m not sure what inspired this sudden maturity, but I’m loving it — to say that I’m excited would be a massive understatement. My American Express card on the other hand…probably a little less so. But I’m sure we’ll get through it together.
All images via Thom Browne.
Ralph Lauren at Downton Abbey
19/12/2012 § 1 Comment
A private showing of Ralph Lauren Collection Fall/Winter 2012 at Highclere Castle, the real-life stand in for Downton Abbey? Evidently my invitation was lost in the mail, but at least we have these gorgeous photos taken by Chris Allerton to comfort ourselves with.
Images via Ralph Lauren.
NYFW Post-script: Marissa Webb Spring/Summer 2013
29/10/2012 § Leave a comment
Just a short post-script on a lovely collection I missed seeing during NYFW. Marissa Webb, the eponymous line by the former head of womenswear design at J.Crew, takes the best of the iconic classics she perfected over 11 years at the helm of the national brand and adds just the right amount of maturity and edge. Her premier collection is tailored without sacrificing femininity, and best of all, features more than a few ties. She has some beautiful prints, but I really find myself drawn to the monochrome suits and the solid contrast looks — the red suit and the black and white dress are definitely the high notes. See the full lookbook here.
I’m still unaware of the stockists at this point, but definitely watch this space.
Marissa Webb is showing all signs of being a longtime favorite.
All images via Marissa Webb.
NYFW Recap: Samantha Pleet S/S 2013
26/09/2012 § Leave a comment
Loving the S/S 2013 Samantha Pleet collection! Called the “Sands of Time” and drawing inspiration from the ancient civilizations of the Fertile Crescent and the 19th century adventurers who discovered them, Pleet’s collection is whimsically detailed and utilizes some very gorgeous prints. And I quite obviously lost my mind at the sight of the shorts suit above — amazing! The presentation was held at the gorgeous Wolverine Company Store that has been popped up in Nolita, against a backdrop that echoed the stratified landscape of ancient Mesopotamia.
I was also excited to get a sneak peek at the new S/S Samantha Pleet for Wolverine 1000 Mile collaboration that includes sandals, boots and oxfords. I can already tell those turquoise lovelies are poised to be quite a hit — mark my words!
View the entire Samantha Pleet S/S 2013 lookbook here.
NYFW Recap: Nonoo S/S 2013
14/09/2012 § 1 Comment
To kick off my coverage of New York Fashion Week,
one of my very favorite collections: Nonoo.
Designer Misha Nonoo and Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo.
As I stepped into the Nonoo presentation at Milk, I was pleasantly surprised to hear tropical music. Peeking around a throng of fans that included Olivia Palermo, Linda Fargo of Bergdorf Goodman, Jamie Beck and Leandra Medine, I discovered designer Misha Nonoo’s amazing Spring Summer 2013 collection — and promptly fell in love. Drawing inspiration from the faded beauty of Cuba, the collection deftly balances elegance with whimsy amidst a richly saturated palette and some very gorgeous prints. The lace! The flamingos! The Supergas!
Smartly tailored, vintage inspired, and more than a bit Wallis Simpson in the Bahamas, Nonoo Spring/Summer 2013 is glamorous and casually refined. Perfect for a weekend jaunt to the Caribbean…or just kicking around the West Village.
I’ll take it all, thanks.
Be sure to pop by Nonoo.
The Downton Express {Louis Vuitton F/W 2012}
20/03/2012 § 1 Comment
Have you ever wanted to love something so much, because you felt it was thisclose to perfection — but you just couldn’t quite get there? This was the exact feeling I had while watching the Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2012 show. Even before that magnificent train fully pulled into the “station” and the models disembarked one at a time, trailed by immaculate porters bearing the iconic bags the house of Vuitton is known for, I knew that Marc Jacobs was pulling from the same early 20th century inspiration well that Ralph had also dipped into (and that I loved) and I got excited — but I should have seen the kaleidoscopic Jacobs twist coming. Indeed, with all the glittery doo-dads, exaggerated silhouettes and ridiculous hat action, I wouldn’t be very surprised to learn Dr. Suess or Tim Burton had assisted. And while I definitely respect Vuitton for pushing their boundaries, I must admit that I frequently feel disinterested in the brand’s contemporary fashion collections. I suppose I’m just not a Marc Jacobs girl.
The bags and luggage are usually a different story, and while I did find plenty to like among the collection’s accessories, I was still most bowled over the amazing production value of the show — which is destined to be my favorite concept for a very long time. I did want to share a few bright spots from the show though, which were best shown by the detail photos of Yannis Vlamos for Vogue Magazine.
Perfection. Complete and utter perfection.
Of course, if you are more of a Marc Jacobs fan than I,
you can head here to view the full collection (via Vogue).
Also amazing is this short film produced by Louis Vuitton, which is a lovely behind-the-scenes look at the show’s preparations all the way through its execution:
Fetch My Walking Stick… {Ralph Lauren Collection Fall/Winter 2012}
16/02/2012 § 8 Comments
So. He opened the show with the Downton Abbey theme song.
Mr. Lauren, can you please exit my brain?
Just kidding! Stay as long as you like. Forever, even.
Please prepare yourself for a mammoth montage of photos from the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2012 show. The full looks are amazing — two movements here really: first, classic English countryside, tailored, outrageously layered patterns and a stroke of ocelot genius; and second, a glamorous art deco, jewel-toned luxury that echoes his recent home collection — but you can scoot off to plenty of other places on the internets for that. Here, I’d like to draw your attention to some detail shots by Mr. Marcio Madeira, my favorite runway photographer. The inspiration abounds.
Long story short, I love the collection. But I’m sure you knew that already.
Someone fetch my walking stick.
Oh my.
One more time for good measure…
All photos by Marcio Madeira for First Look/Vogue. For all the looks, head here.
Field Notes: (capsule) womens
20/09/2011 § 2 Comments
Dropped by (capsule) womens this weekend and was pleased to get an early look at what S/S 2012 has in store for the ladies. While it does feel slightly strange to be looking at shorts when it’s just getting to be sweater weather, I’m definitely not complaining. Let’s get real. As always, (capsule) provided the opportunity to catch up with familiar brands (and faces) and make a few new discoveries as well.
Penfield. Love the color and clasp.
Species by the Thousands. Magnified chic.
Wm. J. Mills & Co. Lovely ladylike options.
Vintage Mills labels.
Made Me: Schott Perfecto x Liberty London lining
In God We Trust. Lady bowties, cufflinks.
Cheeky hand-inscribed flask.
Bridge and Burn. Through the menswear blogs, I was already aware of Bridge and Burn, but I didn’t know they also designed for women. Display a distinct menswear influence, factor in a very well-placed use of contrast (linings, waistbands, zippers) and copiously use navy, red, stripes and plaid, and I’m pretty much sold. I want it all. Was also very pleased to chat up owner/designer Erik Prowell.
Bliss Lau. The Fathom. In. Love.
The Fathom is a double ring that can be worn together or separately.
That gorgeous purple stone is a gem called “Viking’s Compass.”
Worn by designer Bliss Lau herself. Can we talk about that amaze manicure?
Quite Continental 