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Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
Winter Watches
10.05.13 | Permalink | Comment?

Image from Tom Selby, via TheNewsGallery

Firstly!! This made me laugh. Karl Lagerfeld in a library…lol.

Aaaaand, onto business. I know it’s not quite winter yet, but the weather has been feral. And one of the highlights of feral weather is DVD time! I don’t know if you realise, but the library has really good fashion documentary DVDs; I have been well-stocked for the entire time I’ve worked here, and we still get more! SO good. Our DVDs are $4 for one week. I’ve watched most of them and, so far, these have been my favourites:

I love this DVD for the insider’s view on the world of Vogue… one woman really shines in this DVD and, I can tell you, that for me it is not Anna Wintour.
The September issue [videorecording] / an A&E Indiefilms production in association with Actual Reality Pictures presents a film by R.J. Cutler.
An unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the making of the coveted September Issue of Vogue in 2007, which was the largest and most sold to date. An intimate, funny and surprising look at the legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors. This is the captivating story of how they create the must-have bible of fashion. At the eye of this hurricane is the two-decade relationship between Anna and Grace Coddington, incomparable creative director and fashion genius.

This was quite a startling look into the world of modelling. A real eye-opener, and an insanely good watch.
Picture me [videorecording] : a model’s diary / Digital Bazooka presents a film by Ole Schell and Sara Ziff.
“It’s one of the most glamorous and controversial jobs in the world, but what is it really like to be an international fashion model? In this frequently shocking behind-the-scenes documentary, filmmaker Ole Schell presents a visual diary of his partner Sara Ziff’s rise to international acclaim as a globe-trotting fashion icon. Ziff soon realises that the fairy-tale glamour of the modelling industry has a thin veneer, under which a culture of sleaze, exploitation and sexual abuse is prevalent. With her unparalleled access to fellow models, she and Schell present a hard-hitting and honest insight into the dark side of fashion”–Container.

This was my absolute fave; SO entertaining and I demand you watch it.
Valentino [videorecording] : the last emperor / Acolyte Films presents a film by Matt Tyrnauer.
It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring unprecedented access to the high temples of Haute Couture. Follows the legendary Valentino and his longtime business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti during the final two years of their careers, and shows the struggles the two men face as they confront the final act of a nearly 50-year career at the top of the world’s most glamorous and competitive game. An intimate, engaging and very funny fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy’s richest and most famous men. Tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today.

We have a few documentary movies on Chanel; I’ve watched them all and this is by faaaar my favourite. Audrey Tatou is so incredibly charming, and Coco Chanel’s story is really quite amazing.
Coco avant Chanel [videorecording] / a film by Anne Fontaine.
Years after being abandoned at an orphanage by her father, Gabrielle Chanel finds a job in a tailor shop where she meets, and soon begins an affair with French millionaire Etienne Balsan. Through Baron Balsan she is introduced into French society and given the opportunity to design her own style of hats. Though her career takes off, her personal life becomes more complicated when she falls in love with Balsan’s former best friend Arthur Capel.

These were also really great to watch:

L’amour fou [videorecording] / Les Films du Lendemain and Les Films de Pierre present a film by Pierre Thoretton.
A documentary on the relationship between fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his lover, Pierre Berge.

Lagerfeld confidential [videorecording] / Realitism Films presents a Realitism Film production ; a film by Rodolphe Marconi.
A look at the life of the man who ruled the House of Chanel for over 20 years through interviews with those who knew him best, including Lagerfeld himself. Features Princess Caroline of Monaco and Nicole Kidman.
(omg, SO entertaining. lbr)

Catwalk [videorecording] / a Daniel Wolf production.
A camera follows model Christy Turlington through the spring fashion shows in Milan, Paris, and New York one year in the early 1990s, probably 1992. She and others dash from one designer’s unveilings to another. Extended footage looks at Versace and Armani in Milan, Galliano, Gaultier, and Langerfeld in Paris, and Isaac Mizrahi in New York. With Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Turlington, we see the nature of friendships among models.

The tents [videorecording].
New York. The name is enough to make fashionistas weak at the knees. But only a few years ago, New York’s now-famous fashion scene was a mess of mismanagement. THE TENTS traces the genesis of New York as a fashion powerhouse, the success of which is linked almost exclusively to the setting up of “The Tents” at Bryant Park, which finally brought the couture together under one (removable) roof. Featuring interviews with world class designers and fashion personalities such as Caroline Herrera, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, Carson Kressley and Miss J Alexander, THE TENTS is an insight into the coveted and glamourous world of New York’s fashion scene…and how it almost failed.

I have recently had this DVD recommended to me and am excited to watch it:
Bill Cunningham New York [videorecording] / the New York Times and First Thought Films presents ; a film by Richard Press.
For decades, Bill Cunningham “has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirées for the New York Times Style section in his columns ‘On the Street’ and ‘Evening Hours.’” Presented “is a delicate, funny and often poignant portrait of a dedicated artist whose only wealth is his own humanity and unassuming grace”–Container.

Have also just put a somewhat nervous hold on this… having read the synopsis, I think this could either be a super awesome or super painful watch! Will keep you posted!
Shopgirls. Series 1 [videorecording] / directed by Giorgio Capitani.
Marta, Roberta, Fiorenza, Paola, Lucia and Romen are very different but work together in an elegant Roman fashion boutique. They must put up with their overbearing manager Francesca, and each has dramas of their own.

We also have a whole lot of your favourite episodes of Project Runway, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City and, one of my all-time faves, Ugly Betty! Does that show my age too much?!
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
The Prada Project
03.05.13 | Permalink | Comment?

Image from fashiongonerogue

Did you know that luxury designer brand Prada is actively supporting arts and academia? Neither did I. But it turns out they are, and they’re hosting a writing competition! Yep!

As you may or may not know, Prada’s creative director Miuccia Prada has a PhD in political science (pretty impressive) and, together with her husband, she has launched the Prada Foundation; a not-for-profit organisation devoted to contemporary art.

The competition is inspired by their new range of prescription glasses, and is seeking out those “who can see the world with a unique, rare gaze.” The brief is “What are the realities that our eyes give back to us? And how are these realities filtered through lenses?” Entries are accepted from all around the world and must be between 4,000 and 8,000 words. They are to be submitted here, via Prada’s website, by June 18.

Winners will be revealed in September with €5,000 up for grabs! So if you, or anyone you know, is a budding (or established, for that matter) writer, you should get IN!
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
Monochrome Craze
26.04.13 | Permalink | Comment?

Image from fashiongonerogue

I LOVE this image. It’s so chic and glamour, but still kinda edgy… love. I’m really enjoying the black and white monochrome trend at the mo. It’s quite surprising for me, considering I absolutely adore colour and love wearing really outrageously bright tones. But the monochrome look is so simple yet chic, I kinda like it.

Images from ArtDepartment.

It’s definitely a trend I’m wanting to milk this winter. I recently bought this dress and really love it for its versatility – it can be worn with any colour, but also looks so sweet by itself. And, negl, I rock a lot of polka dots. Am also in love with this top! I am obsessed with cat clothing at the moment (think it’s because I’ve made friends with a cat that lives in my building – she’s black and fluffy and SO CUTE. We cuddle daily.) and this sweet shirt is no exception. I love wearing it with my 90s black pleat skirt – swoon! Also really digging this classic houndstooth skirt… it has such a chic vintage London vibe. Who knew just black and white together could be so much fun?
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
New and See-through
19.04.13 | Permalink | Comment?

This morning, a beautiful new book landed on my desk and I can’t wait to read it. But, alas, when I went to reserve it, there were 27 people in the reserves queue! 27!!!! So if you are also wanting to read this book, I recommend you reserve it prooooonto.

Grace : a memoir / Grace Coddington with Michael Roberts.
“Coddington, creative director of the American Vogue magazine, has much to impart. Fashionistas, rejoice, because not only does she chronicle the life and times of a former model turned editor; she also discusses those whose names appear in any celebrity column. What saves this from becoming a download of the activities of the rich and famous is, first, her amazing candor. We learn, for instance, that marriages don’t agree with her, that her sister Rosemary died of a combination OD-hospital malfeasance issue, and that editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is not as portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada. And, second, her charming and lively pen-and-ink illustrations grace every chapter and almost every page. Just what you would ask for from a revered behind-the-scenes magazine editor is what you get here.–Jacobs, Barbara Copyright 2010 BooklistFrom Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.” (Booklist)

I SO enjoy and admire Grace Coddington’s work – cannot wait to read this one! If you can’t wait either (and, sadly, the 27 people in the reserves queue means you’ll probably have to), then check this in the meantime:

Grace : thirty years of fashion at Vogue / [edited by Grace Coddington ; essay by Michael Roberts].
“Grace Coddington’s celebration of fashion has danced along its cutting edge for over 30 years. Abandoning a highly lucrative career as a leading model on the 60s London scene, Coddington signed on in 1968 as a junior fashion editor at British Vogue. She quickly established herself on the other side of the camera, coordinating photo shoots with David Bailey, Cecil Beaton, Helmut Newton, Sarah Moon, and the eccentric Guy Bourdin. A close working relationship with royal photographer Norman Parkinson produced a series of startlingly vibrant location shoots that have come to be considered classics. At British Vogue, Coddington also introduced the sweeping narrative epic, a familiar feature of her work nowadays at American Vogue, where she has been creative director for the past 14 years. GRACE: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue is not only a collection of Coddington’s greatest work, it is a visual reminiscence of her life in fashion.” (Amazon.com)

She also features predominantly in this DVD* (which I loved, by the way!) Watch it, watch it, watch it.

The September issue [videorecording] / an A&E Indiefilms production in association with Actual Reality Pictures presents a film by R.J. Cutler.
An unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the making of the coveted September Issue of Vogue in 2007, which was the largest and most sold to date. An intimate, funny and surprising look at the legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors. This is the captivating story of how they create the must-have bible of fashion. At the eye of this hurricane is the two-decade relationship between Anna and Grace Coddington, incomparable creative director and fashion genius.

So, there’s your Grace crisis sorted! Now, to the see-through…

Images courtesy of blackdiamondsky

Am wondering what ya’ll think of the see-through clutch trend? It is huge at the mo and am guessing it will hit us next spring / summer. I am torn on it, to be honest… I think they can look a bit cheap and nasty. They need to be signicantly adorned and blinged out in order to be beautiful – otherwise, they can end up looking like a pencil case. I love the top two in this pic – so pretty! Valentino, Chanel and Gucci have all done them with enough glam appeal to keep it luxe, although I feel this Prada one is walking a fine line between cheap and chic… the elaborate diamond clasp only just saves it, methinks.

Accessorising intensifies. Matching your handbag contents to your outfit… pressure!

However, have just seen an idea which may explain some of their appeal. This one here, by Charlotte Olympia, has a range of different inners available, so you can completely change the look of it to match your outfit. Genius! But what do you think? See-through for the win?

* $4 for one week.
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
LoveLoveLove
12.04.13 | Permalink | Comment?

Around this time of year, when it’s just starting to get dark (sob) and cold (shudder), I think we all need a wee pick-me-up… These are some of the fashion things that have been doing it for me lately! My latest Love-it List. In no particular order:

Prettiest. Case. Ever.

1. Yves Saint Laurent lipstick
This YSL lipstick is both beautiful to hold and to wear… perfect for wearing on a day when you’re feeling (and looking) super tired. Instant pick-me-up.

Just twist the ring top around to get at the sweet fragrance within – genius.

2. Marc Jacobs Lola solid perfume ring
I got this gorg ring for Christmas and I love it! Filled with Marc Jacobs’ uber popular Lola fragrance as a solid perfume, this thing is genius! Perfume you can wear (gettit). Perfect for a hit of fragrance when you’re out and about.

3. Michael Kors indigo clutch
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed huge handbags. I am the type of person that has a mini first aid kit, a selection of no less than 12 lipsticks and glosses, a multitude of hairties and bobby pins as well as mini deodorant, solid perfume, oh and money, phone and keys, wherever I go. Plus any other necessities which I may require. But my latest handbag crush is this sweet wee number; I love the rich colour and the luxe gold chain handles. Also, my shoulders are getting a well-deserved break from carrying around about 3 kilos daily!

4. Gold lapis luzuli ring
I bought this ring recently from etsy and I am in LOVE with it. You can’t see it well in this photo, but the lapis also has tiny flecks of gold running through it… gorgeous. Ever the nerd, I was also impressed by the fact that it was made in Israel by a boutique jewellery maker and arrived covered in Israeli stamps. So cool.

5. Marcs floral skirt
Marc Jacobs is not paying me to write this, I swear. (Although if he is reading and he’d like to; CALL ME!) I snapped this skirt up on sale and I love it. Gorgeous pattern, beautiful colours and perfect length. Tick, tick, tick. It also came with a really pretty navy bow belt which I now wear with everything.

6. Salvatore Ferragamo wallet
This, I received as a birthday gift – yep, someone loves me! (I know, there are some themes building here - a. I am quite spoilt and b. My loved ones really know what I like.) As you know, I’m a huge Salvatore Ferragamo fan but could never afford to purchase such a thing. I love it because it is neutral but glam, and it still smells like leather. Love.

The toughest part of compiling this list was choosing what to include and what had to be left out… boo! So here is a big shout out to my rad Roberto Cavalli tote and my beautiful peacock dress which, sadly, had to be cut from the list.

If you’d like to know more about any of these designers, I recommend you check out the following:

Marc Jacobs / Mary Boone.

“Marc Jacobs’s reputation is that of a rule-breaker. When one of his 2007 runway shows started two hours late, he found himself at the center of a public war of words with some very influential fashion critics. And some of his most memorable designs-a grunge collection he created as head of Perry Ellis in 1992-resulted in his firing from the label. Jacobs now designs for three major labels: Marc Jacobs; Marc by Marc Jacobs; and the French luxury house Louis Vuitton. Rule-breaking aside, critics have hailed Jacobs as one of the most influential fashion designers of his generation.Famous Fashion Designers celebrates the lives of the most important designers in the history of fashion. These biographies examine the creative inspiration and career trajectory of the tastemakers who have influenced the way we dress. Book jacket.” (Syndetics summary)

Salvatore Ferragamo : evolving legend 1928-2008 / [editing, Emanuela Di Lailo, Raffaella Gallio ; Christopher Shanti Evans ... [et al.]].

“The company Salvatore Ferragamo Italia S.p.A., founded in 1927 by designer Salvatore Ferragamo, is a luxury brand with more than 450 stores in over 55 countries. It sells footwear, handbags and small leather goods, scarves and ties, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, bijoux, watches, fragrances and eyewear. Salvatore Ferragamo made the name famous in California, first in Santa Barbara and then in Hollywood, creating footwear for the most beautiful women in the world–the “divas” of emerging American cinema. This book is also the catalogue of an exhibition that took place at the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (29 March-7 May 2008) to celebrate the eighty-year anniversary of the company. Photographs, sketches, and drawings explore design processes and showcase shoes, handbags, and accessories–a magnificent selection of fashion works embodying social and cultural changes over time.” (Syndetics summary)

Yves Saint Laurent : 5, avenue Marceau, 75116, Paris, France / David Teboul ; foreword by Pierre Bergé.

“Le grand couturier Yves Saint Laurent has been challenging the fashion establishment for nearly half a century. One of the first to revolutionize street style with his 1960s “Beat Look” collection, and credited with the creation of the pantsuit — his le smoking, a tuxedo tailored for women, provoked the androgynous movement in fashion — Saint Laurent continues to produce sexy, vibrant lines. Now, the French television network Canal+ has documented the making of his Spring 2002 collection for its upcoming film, 5, avenue Marceau — the address of his famed couture house.This deluxe, definitive volume follows YSL through every stage of his preparations for his 2002 spring collections. Also included are never-before-published quotes from YSL as well as photographs from his early years and pages from his mother’s scrapbook. The clippings are lovingly annotated in her own handwriting and illustrate a personal dedication to one of fashion’s greatest talents.” (Syndetics summary)
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
WFW Forecast
29.03.13 | Permalink | Comment?

Umm, guess what. Wellington Fashion Week is only one week away! ONE WEEK! Excite. To count down until glam time, I present to you the second in our series of Wellington fashion interviews. (Read last week’s here!) High-fashion WORLD staffer Freddie Aitchison is here to tell us all about his predictions for WFW 2013, his current fashion lusts and to give some sweet tips about dressing for the coming cold months (shudder).

Love. This. Outfit.

What trends are you expecting to see emerging at WFW this year?
Huge mix; all the designers showing are all very different in their own way.

Which designers are you looking forward to most?
WORLD of course, JimmyD, Ruby and Mandatory.

What are you hoping to see at WFW this year?
I really hope there will be some strong, innovative new prints emerging and maybe some tartan.

Favourite trends at the mo? Any trends you really don’t like?
I love metallics and pops of print in an outfit, so anything like that will get my attention.

Any hot tips for winter dressing?
Layering is great and works so well in Wellington; at least 4 layers plus accessories. Bold colors, just play with it; just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t dress up.

What’s your favorite fashion book?
Alexander McQueen “Savage Beauty” is a must read!

Alexander McQueen : savage beauty / Andrew Bolton ; with contributions by Susannah Frankel and Tim Blanks ; photography by Sølve Sundsbø.
“Focusing on the most iconic and acclaimed designs of his prolific career, this stunning book examines McQueen’s inimitable technical virtuosity and its subversion of traditional tailoring and dressmaking practices.” (Syndetics summary)
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
Love Hotel AW 2013
22.03.13 | Permalink | Comment?

How cool was the fashion show last week?! I know you only got to see the pics and a video, so you’ll have to take my word for it – it was SO cool; very chic, edgy, glamorous and sooo fashionable. Loved it!

This week, I’ve been lucky enough to score an interview with the very lovely ladies behind sweet young label Love Hotel (who I’ve told you aaaall about before). The label is run by two sisters, Harriet and Ella. I asked them some questions so you get the goss on this super hot label.

Harriet and Ella, of Love Hotel.

How and when did your label start out? Have you always been interested in fashion?
We have always always been interested in fashion and have started other creative projects together. We officially launched Love Hotel at Wellington Fashion Week 2012 but had been working towards it for a while.

With the two of you in different cities, is it difficult to keep in touch and work together? How frequently are you in contact?
We are in contact most days, and we prioritise Love Hotel so we do spend large amounts of time together, despite living apart.

NB: I would very much like Harriet’s outfit. The whole thing, exactly as is, please. So hot.

Are there any designers you’re inspired by?
We are big fans of Sonia Rykiel, particularly the way she puts on a show. We adore Romance was Born, the way they draw from inspiration and obsessions. John Galliano is a guru. We love Miu Miu and their attention to textiles.

Which aspects of fashion and the fashion industry are important to you as designers?
It is important for us to create clothing that women feel good in when they wear it. Accessible clothing that makes the wearer feel feminine, flattered and a little bit sexy. We design with the mindset that we want a range of women to feel gorgeous in Love Hotel – beginning with ourselves. Fashion is a fabulous way to express identity; it is about feeling a certain way when you put something on, not just the way it is projected to the viewer. Timeless, rather than on-trend.

What were some of the ideas behind your winter 2013 collection?
It was based on the sometimes sinister world of orchid cultivation; the eeriness of glasshouses, the pedantic manicuring of plant cultivation, hobbyist dens, misty stark windows fogging up at dusk, with references to times of opium dens and layers of overcoats and satins.

Can you tell us about a typical day for you at Love Hotel?
Every day is very different. At the moment it is all about the summer collection, which will be showing at Wellington Fashion Week, so very much the fun stage.

Do you feel as though you have different roles within the company, or do you both do a bit of everything?
We tend to do a lot together but have been defining the roles more and more. We work together through all stages of design, Ella does the photoshopping and graphics things and I work through the production side of things.

Is it sometimes tricky to balance Love Hotel business around other commitments? For example, I know Ella is at uni, which must be demanding at times!
Yes it can be very demanding, but we have recently pushed a lot aside to get into doing what we really love. Ella’s final year seems to be complimenting our work so far, there is still so much for us to learn.

I really love your maroon cherry blossom singlet dress. Can you tell us more about it?
Thanks! The subtle black print on maroon really captures the feel of the winter collection. The vintage chiffon is a key feature in all of Love Hotel’s collections. We love the feminine beauty of the fabric, and it is great to wear. The cherry blossom print is our new AW screen print for this season. The hand-drawn detail is what sets this dress apart.

♥ this dress also! Be mine.

What trends are you enjoying at the mo? Any trends you’re looking forward to for winter?
I am enjoying the new textiles that designers everywhere are playing with…

Any trends you really don’t like?
The bare-all trend at the moment turns me off; sexy can be subtle, drapey and soft. I am curious to see how fashion bends gender boundaries in the future as it seems the lines between womens and mens fashion are becoming increasingly blurred.

What other collections would you like to get into in the future?
We are looking to move into lingerie in the not so far future; we love the idea of blending divisions between under and outer wear. Exciting things coming to you soon!

What are your favourite books?
I have always adored Caroline Quartermaine’s book “Unwrapped” which features a house dressed in her beautiful handpainted textiles. We have both recently read “Just Kids” by Patti Smith, which has become an huge inspiration for our summer collection. Also a fan of Egon Schiele’s sketches!

Just kids / Patti Smith.

Egon Schiele, 1890-1918 : the midnight soul of the artist / Reinhard Steiner ; [English translation, Michael Hulse].

All photos (apart from my instagram effort!!) taken by Chris Park at NZ Style Collective. Huge thanks for sharing your work with us!
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
Winter Showcase 2013
15.03.13 | Permalink | Comment?

Omg, last Friday night was sooooo cool. I was lucky enough to receive a VIP invite to the Winter Showcase 2013, held by young Wellington fashion labels Love Hotel, Mardle, highnoontea and phillipa&alice. Each label debuted their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, which are all currently available online or in store.

It was held at Willis York Salon and, my word, did it get PACKED OUT! It was so busy that, unfortunately, some show-goers even had to be turned away. So busy. I don’t know if you’ve ever been up there? The salon has a very chic, edgy vibe; much like a New York-style loft, which complemented the fashion show incredibly well.

A T-shaped runway was edged with fairy lights (gorgeous) and at the end there were four chairs, each with a label name above it and done up beautifully – you could really see the designer’s touch on each of the displays, and I felt that each one really reflected the label’s style. (My fave’s on the left – that antique phone is BEAUTiful, and I neeeeed a chair like that! Love the colour tone that the glass brings in, too).

To start the show, four models came out in lingerie and got dressed from the piles of clothing that were on each of the chairs. It was such a great start to the show – so much more interesting than the standard walk-out. A full runway show followed, and my goodness, the looks were sooooo cool. I loved the models’ hair – it was big and volumous, clipped into gorgeous 60s styles but still with a contemporary edge. If I could do that with my hair, I’d be rocking it daily. The clothes were gorgeous, too, naturally - I saw plenty that I wanted to buy!!

Which was lucky, because everything that was modelled was available to buy straight afterwards in a temporary pop-up shop, which was open at Willis York Salon for the evening and also all day the following day.

The music was amaze (they had their own dj) and there was such a great vibe. Check out the video on this page to see for yourself! I had the best night, it was so fun and sooo chic. Also, it was incredibly re-assuring to see such brilliant and promising young talent in our fashion industry.

The fabulous designers, left to right: Sheryl (highnoontea), Ella and Harriet (Love Hotel), Philippa & Alice (philippa& alice) and Shiana (Mardle).

All of these photos (apart from my own instagram wonders) are brought to you courtesy of Caroline Atkinson at Caroline Atkinson Photography. Big ups for the beautiful shots! And a huge thanks to Love Hotel for the invite. Stay tuned for more deets on these lovely ladies next week.
Internet, Library Serf, Movies
Catching Fire Fashion Extra
12.03.13 | Permalink | Comment?

We at the teen blog like fiction and fashion, so when you put them together you get a winner. We do love the Catching Fire couture photos that have cropped up recently. Even the chairs are awesome. Finnick looks piratical (<3 the word piratical, any excuse to use it), and we’re not sure whose dress is better, Johanna’s or Katniss’ (which looks like it’s part-weapon). Stuff informs us that Effie is wearing Alexander McQueen. Here’s Perez Hilton on the topic.

Also, make sure you re-read the book while you wait for the first teaser trailer. The movie website (complete with impressive flaming logo) is here.
Fashion Friday, Style Catalogue
Go Gucci!
08.03.13 | Permalink | Comment?

I have exciting news for ya’ll! Luxe Italian brand Gucci has made a strong move towards ethical fashion, creating a handbag range using only legally-produced leather from the Brazilian Amazon. This is the world’s first collection of zero deforestation handbags, and they were debuted for the very first time just two days ago at Paris Fashion Week. Woo to the hoo! Their new range will feature three styles and is strictly made with responsibly-sourced leather from cattle ranches that guarantee no deforestation. You can see the sweet new goods (plus read more about them) here.

Good for Gucci, I say! As you know, I love a brand with heart and an ethical conscience, and I think this is an epic move for such a massive luxury brand. Full respect!

Diana Zanetto, Gucci’s executive vice president and chief merchandising and licensing officer, says: “We know that consumers are changing. Consumers are not satisfied only with beautiful products – they want to know where the products come from and how they are made.”

Word up! Each bag from the new range will feature a GCC brand mark, and will also come with a ‘passport’, which documents the origin of the bag and also informs the buyer about exactly where the bag’s materials were sourced from. At the mo, Gucci is sourcing the leather from five cattle ranches which are certified by the National Wildlife Federation and Rainforest Alliance, and is seeking to increase this number.

While I don’t have the… resources to rush out and buy one, I do think this is a big move towards eithical and sustainable style, especially considering the epic scale of Gucci. Here’s hoping it’s a the start of many beautiful (and ethical) things.

Gucci : the making of / [editorial coordination by Gucci].
“An unprecedented publication showcasing Gucci as never before, including thought-provoking essays, commentaries, and authoritative anecdotes along with previously unpublished contemporary and archival photographs. Published in conjunction with the opening of the new Gucci Museum in Florence, Gucci is the ultimate celebration of the world-renowned fashion house. Gucci: The Making Of is a dynamic record of a much-coveted brand that will be a must this season for anyone with a love of fashion and an interest in contemporary culture.This gorgeous book designed by Arnell offers an in-depth look into Gucci’s origins, identity, influence, and innovation, including fabrication methods and appropriation of signature materials, past and present, and its influence among high society and Hollywood. The book is a heartfelt and personalized tribute to the heritage and influence of this iconic, multifaceted brand.” – adapted from Amazon.com

Gucci by Gucci : 85 years of Gucci / creative direction by Douglas Lloyd ; texts by Sarah Mower ; editorial coordination by Gucci.
“From paparazzi photographs to full page spreads in Vogue, this aptly lavish pictorial history chronicles Gucci’s evolution since its 1921 inception in Florence, Italy. The range of shots and locations tells the story of Gucci’s ubiquitous place in popular culture, without the aid of captions or credits (both relegated to the end of the book). Aside from a lengthy introduction recapping Gucci history, the collection allows the images to speak for themselves. The mix of old and new Hollywood celebrities shows Gucci spanning time, from Audrey Hepburn, Liza Minelli and Clark Gable to Brad Pitt, Sarah Jessica Parker and Madonna. Taking out the distraction of celebrity, the vibrant Gucci ad campaigns focus on the decadence of the many shoes, handbags and jewelry lines. After 400 pages, the show of luxury and opulence may overwhelm the uninitiated, but for fashion students and enthusiasts, this is a volume worth studying. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.” – adapted from Books in Print.

Also!! I’m attending an exciting fashion event this weekend, which I can’t wait to share with you next week. STAY TUNED.

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