Wilma the Peacock

2009-11-04T10:52:00.003-05:00

Harper's Bazaar October 2009

Furrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Girl of the Golden Field

2009-11-04T10:32:00.004-05:00

Daria Werbowy by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for Vogue Nippon December 2009

I love the use of the same setting for all the shots - so soft an ethereal, and it even picks up on her hair.

2009-11-04T10:09:00.003-05:00

Rosemary Smith by Nicole Bentley for Harpers Bazaar AUS Spetember 2009

An effortless mix of casual hipster lux. Effin LOVE Australianessss

2009-10-27T10:19:00.005-04:00

Wilma the Peacock is sending out a special THANK YOU to the Night Cheetah for making every day soundtastic. I can now run free through the woods knowing that the Cheetah has my back.

images via anna wegelin

Dark Tide

2009-09-04T12:46:00.007-04:00

Alina B by Steven Chee in Oyster
Styled by Rachel Squires and Paul Bui

A moody summer spread - the perfect antidote for all those happy happy fun fun editorials that can get a bit exhausting. The location makes me want to escape back to the tide pools on Fraser Island. I love how the stylists focused on the use of fabric, leather, chains, and rope to create the clothes from their basic elements. My favorite is the tobacco leather net used as a shawl/belt over the deep blue dress. I imagine this girl has a use for everything she's wearing - and I wouldn't be surprised if she has mastered some rare form of martial arts or could adeptly spear anything that crosses her path...

Tide Pools on Fraser Island, Australia

2009-09-03T14:29:00.003-04:00

Louise Pedersen by Camilla Akrans

I cannot wait to start riding again this fall! If only I had such a pretty horse...

2009-09-02T11:24:00.005-04:00

Abbey Lee Kershaw and Catherine McNeil

Photographed by Greg Kadel

Vogue Australia September 2009

Hands down this is my favorite spread in a while.
Those days that are neither fall, spring or summer.
Pebble beaches and sea salt spray.
Sandy dirt road through the woods and endless fields of grass.
but best of all, spending time with a partner in crime.

2009-09-01T15:03:00.004-04:00

Sophie Srej by David Bellemere for Marie Claire Italia
September 2009

I'm totally in love with this lighting trend.

2009-09-01T14:37:00.002-04:00

image via stompface

The first phrase that popped into my head when I saw this was "Stairway to Heaven." What a great photo - what an amazing song.

2009-09-01T14:26:00.005-04:00

Kate Moss

V Magazine

September 2009

2009-09-01T11:54:00.005-04:00

Hello Handsome

Henry James Pallett in RUSSH September 2009

Handsome? Hand some? Such an odd word. It got me thinking - why are men handsome and women beautiful?

Handsome is attributed to someone marked with a sense of skillfulness, and has a pleasing and unusually impressive or dignified appearance. There's something about proportions that allows for a graceful, maybe more utilitarian, way of bringing themselves into action. Beauty, on the other hand, is more about aesthetic pleasure. Beautiful applies to whatever/whomever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses. Handsome is an active attribute, beauty is passive. Handsome becomes so when that person is in motion, beauty is something that can exist in suspended animation.

This got me thinking about fashion editorials. More often than not, women are posed to evoke beauty. The emotions or characters that they are asked to portray are often best expressed with very little movement. Editorials with men are generally more successful when they are dynamic - the characters and emotions are active, expressed best through movement and change.
Not that this is a bad thing - it simply fits with our (or at least my) ideas where beauty is to women as handsome is to men.

All this from a photo of a guy with a rifle.

2009-08-22T16:25:00.003-04:00

Never does Nature say one thing and Wisdom another

2009-08-19T17:04:00.002-04:00

Smalto Fall/Winter 2009

Smalto makes it look so easy with their clothes finding the perfect meeting point between classic and modern. The use of buttons both as a function of the garment and as visual intrigue (the two mini buttons on the cable knit cardi, the slightly angled positioning on the coat, and of course the V of the double breasted blazer) is so refreshing. Finish off the look with a basic shoe that can go from casual to dressy without much thought and we have a winner of a season. I love how tonal dressing is really coming alive this fall - the grey-on-grey with just a hit of black is my favorite pallet.

2009-08-18T12:37:00.006-04:00

Elizabeth Jagger and Theodora Richards by Sasha Eisenman for Very Elle France Spring/Summer 2008

A year later and this editorial is still right on the money. It reminds me of a recent road trip to Vegas - minus the unicorn. The leopard floor length dress would have been the perfect piece those nights out with the girls.

2009-08-14T11:31:00.004-04:00

Louise Pedersen

I don't know the photographer who took this, but I had to post it anyways. Stylists can only go so far - shots like this show just where the photographer takes over to realize the vision.

2009-08-14T10:35:00.002-04:00

Pernille

Summertime layering can be tricky, but here the effect is accomplished through accessories. The best piece (aside from the sold out Alexander Wang coco duffel) are the earrings - the perfect Moroccan tassel combo yet.

2009-08-13T12:50:00.004-04:00

Elle September 2009

When it comes to perfect tresses, Jennifer Aniston steals the show time and time again.

2009-08-13T12:27:00.003-04:00

Gucci F/W 2009 by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

Slick - that's the only word that comes to mind in describing this collection. I love the oil spill shoes, the sequin leopard dress and pantsuit, and the fabulous use of patent leather, studs, and silks to create the polished yet edgy texture of the line. And of course, who could overlook the neon blue tipped fur coat? The platinum blond, auburn brunet, and glossy black dos are the perfect toppers to pull this add campaign together.

2009-08-13T11:12:00.003-04:00

L'Officiel Siberia June 2009

My escape to LA has come to an end. Poolside no longer, I am now deskside once again. I just hope the glow from my computer screen will miraculously keep up my tan.

2009-07-22T13:13:00.007-04:00

Melodie Dagault, Constance Jablonski, Charlotte de Calypso, Sigrid Agren, Jennifer Messelier, Mathilde Frachon by Victor Demarchelier for Vogue Paris August 2009

A few new French faces for the flock. Great jaw lines. And the canvas covering? A little obvious, but fitting.

2009-07-22T12:00:00.004-04:00

Christina Kruse by Richard Kern for Muse #18 Summer 2009

Reading this article was such a breath of fresh air that I just had to share it with you (you might have to fiddle around with your browser size to see the second column).
There is something very exacting in the way Kruse answers the questions. Terms are clarified, ideas develop fluidly, and each question is systematically answered and even elaborated upon. Her style is almost mathematical, in an unassuming sort of way. In the end I was left with the sense that I spoke directly with Kruse and walked away with something to chew on.

2009-07-22T10:51:00.006-04:00

Carmen Kass by Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris August 2006

Even though this shoot is already three years old, I just love it. Carmen is one of my favorites because, unlike those fresh-faced teens, she has a look that only comes with experience (she was 28 at the time of this shoot). There is a certainty in the way she holds herself and composes her features that make her more relevant to the 20 and 30-something readers that live in this world, not just the world of glossy magazines. She lends her character a depth that cannot be styled or summed up in a quick directorial motivation blurb - a depth that grounds the shoot beyond what younger models can do early in their career. Coupled with the styling of Emmanuelle Alt (who very craftily uses the same pieces for several outfits, lending yet another layer of reality by acknowledging that we don't have an infinite jewelery chest), and Terry Richardson (who has an eye honed to capture shadows that lend an air of nonchalance), this shoot is stunning in its composition and real in its applicability.

oh, and a little PS -- check out the white burnout shirt. Its use in this shoot is a perfect example of how trends don't always come out of nowhere but take a while for the public (mainly State-Side) to become familiar with it and understand how to wear it by seeing here and there, and then blow it up to trend level.

2009-07-16T12:12:00.005-04:00

Anniemal and Risko are my two newest loves. Aussie girls having fun and looking damn good all the while with blogs to match. They remind me of all those reckless Melbourne nights back in the day.

Talking about partners in crime, mine left for a stint in Law school allll the way in NYC this past year. It has been a while since we've gotten into any serious trouble, but all that is going to change when she comes visit next weekend...

2009-07-15T10:07:00.002-04:00

I just love the lighting and colour combinations of this set. The textures of the bedding and clothes are perfectly balanced by the presence of something smooth and almost metallic (the wood frame of the black chair or bedframe, the ashtray, spilled liquids, or polished floors). The best is that nothing is hidden - you know exactly what's going on here.

And how much fun would it be to have a bubblegum pink and glossy black bedroom? I think there's a little dramatic girly-girl at work here...

photographer: Philip Karlberg

2009-07-14T17:08:00.007-04:00

Dear Mister Wang,

Please take over at the Gap.

Granted, this would be doing the Gap a HUGE favor - but I think it would be worthwhile for the following reasons:

1. We the Cult of T by Alexander Wang are tired of having to buy multiples before they sell out. Throw us a rope - give us a steady and accessible supply of your fabulous basics.

2. The Bottom Line. Mass production most often means lower prices for the consumer and a larger profit margin for the producer. aka Win-Win.

3. Your vision is simply better than whoever it is they have named creative director. The fact that Target is eating away at the Gap's market share is testament enough.

I would also love to see what you would think up for Baby Gap.

Thanks for understanding.

xo,
Wilma

2009-07-14T16:17:00.005-04:00

Andres Velencoso Segura by Rene Habermacher & Jannis Tsipoulanis

Very dark and brooding - a beautiful mix of greys, blues, and sand create a perfect antithesis to Camilla Akrans' light sandy pink work, yet there is the same tension and intensity in this shoot as in many of Akrans'.

2009-07-14T11:41:00.003-04:00

Givenchy Couture Fall 2009

Riccardo Tisci does it again. Crazy otherworldly studded, bejeweled, chained, free-flowing, hooded, and marvelously accessorized. Each look is incredibly fantastic. Although a collection of diversely different looks, there is still a unifying thread that can only be described as quintessential Tisci - and that's why we love it.

source: style.com

2009-07-08T15:12:00.005-04:00

I looked around for some more of Gyslain Yarhi's stuff and was not too impressed with what I found... but I did come across photographer Bruno Dayan and just fell in love with his work! I could post everything of his, and probably will over time!

I love the nude on nude theme of the above shoot. I find that many people connect 'nude'/'beige' with 'old' and unfortunately just write it off completely. The styling here is a perfect example of how it can look fresh and sophisticated in one breath - and that you don't need bronzed skin to pull it off. I love how the set director took the idea a step further and toned down the background to compliment the clothes and accessories. Everything about this shoot works in all the right ways.

source: www.brunodayan.com

2009-07-06T16:07:00.003-04:00

Elodie Bouchez by Gyslain Yarhi for Booklet #9

There's just something about this shot that gets me. I love the accessories, simple thin hints of gold everywhere, but it's not at all obnoxious or overstated. Her expression is almost as if she was caught unawares and rushed to put on a pair of sunnies in an apologetic way for not having a shirt on - and yet it's all staged in studio. I have to look up more stuff from Yarhi... I'll show you what I find!

2009-07-06T10:40:00.003-04:00

Garance has such the discerning eye when it comes to street fashion. Her recent jaunt to Australia uncovered a whole world of fashionistas that so many were just unaware of. I lived in Melbourne for 8 months while doing a Uni exchange a few years back and I am still wearing a lot of the pieces all these years later. I bought a sawl as a present and I swear it is by the same person who did the cardigan above. A piece like this has been on my list for years - the perfect knit (no wool, thankyouvery much, no one is ever in the mood to be itchy 24/7), colours, and length - and Garance finds it just like that, walking down Bondi beach at dusk.

My little sis is over there checking up on our renegade brother and I have instructed her to bring me back EVERY magazine she can get her hands on. She returns in 10 days and already I have cleared my schedule to accommodate the much needed dose of Aussieness.

source: garancedore.fr

2009-07-03T14:33:00.006-04:00

Mona Johannesson by Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue Paris March 2005

Romantic grunge? Only Emmanuelle Alt could interpret someone's personal style into something so delicious.

2009-06-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

You Will Be Missed

2009-06-25T14:10:00.003-04:00

I came across the blog of fabulously talented Abbey Hunt. Aside from the combo of fashion and whatever-strikes-my-fancy posts, she creates beautiful illustrations. She often mentions that her sketches are not all finished, but to me the half-done nature is a huge part of their allure.

I remember spending Sunday afternoons just sketching whatever was around - my mum always let us use her art supplies. At one point all I drew was Sailor Moon - long legs and huge doe eyes. I wish I had kept those sketch books! I haven't sketched anything since high school art class, but seeing drawing such as these makes me want to go out and get all those blue pencils again...

Tobacco and Leather is a great blog with tons of big, glossy eye candy. Visit here.

2009-06-22T12:03:00.007-04:00

The crazy beautiful artwork of Ryder E. Robinson. Growing up I was taken with Medieval artifacts of sorts. Something about the macabre romanticism of the time really captured my imagination. At every opportunity I would take the time to antique whatever I was creating (many tea bags, red sealing wax, and an open flames later, my parents gave up steering me towards more child friendly crafts). I've always loved the crinkling sound of old parchment and papers, and the look of sun faded books. One of my prized possessions is an old watermarked, tattered hardcover of ee cummings' poems that I found at a second hand bookstore in Maine one summer. Robinsons illustrations have caught my eye for all these reasons, and then completely blew me away with his attention to detail. The axe handle, the rope binding the cross, the detail of the broken jaw - but most of all, the ease which permeates each illusration. Despite the incredible amount of detail and precision, each image comes across as simple and effortless - almost as if he were just doodling offhandedly after peering through the fadded glass of someones cabinet of curiosities.

source: pantherattack.com

2009-06-18T18:56:00.008-04:00

Sasha Pivovarova by Nathaniel Goldberg for Vogue UK November 2005

On drizzly warm rainy spring days like these I just want to escape to some deep leafy forest (in a leopard trench, or course) and sit in a tree to listen as the rain falls on the canopy above me.

2009-06-18T18:03:00.004-04:00

Daria Werbowy by Nathaniel Goldberg

Browsing idly through photographers websites I came across this image. At first I glanced over it - her hair is not particularly well styled and her jacket, while being a gorgeous deep blue silk , is not shown well enough to really draw me in. The cropping and lighting is nice, but her eyes are unfocused which gives an odd vibe to the overall composition. She's almost looking at the camera, but not really? Just weird.

Then I saw it. That antler necklace. The raw silk cord fraying at the edges, the beauty of the curve, the texture of the bone, the iridescent pearls all come together to make this exquisite piece. I wonder how I could go about making one of these... I wonder who even made it in the first place! It would be such a striking alternative to all the bib necklaces turning up. I could see it paired with a relaxed simple black dress to really let the piece stand on its own. Now to go about finding a perfectly curved and unfinished antler...

2009-06-17T09:56:00.005-04:00

Riccardo Tisci's studs - blouses, jackets, headbands, bags, dresses, blazers, pants... nothing but fun fun fun fun fun. Then we have the coins, the cuffs, and those beautifully simple shoes. With a Redux collection on the way (favorite pieces from past collections at lower price points), I wonder what he will pick to recreate...

source: style.com

2009-06-15T14:43:00.005-04:00

Designers Nicole and Michael Colovos at Helmut Lang put together a simple and easy to wear resort collection. Inspired by 'erosion,' they experimented with burnout effects, suede treated to resemble rubber or smouldering metals, and drapping fabrics as if they were melting. I just love the leather and jersey cut-out skirt, and the soft jackets that have the potential to really pull an outfit together without looking too primped. This collection is a perfect example of a more relaxed Parisian attitude towards dressing finally working it's way over to our side of the Atlantic.

source: style.com

2009-06-14T16:34:00.010-04:00

Anna Selezneva by Camilla Akrans for Vogue China July 2009

I love editorials like this with full page spreads and just drenched in colour. Soft pink light, beautiful earth tones, and just enough movement to keep it from being stiff. and overly thought out. Shoots like this are why Akrans is fast becoming my favorite photographer.

2009-06-12T13:06:00.006-04:00

Alexander Wang Resort 2010 is the perfect example of a stunning resort collection. The cutout sweater is a fun update of his mesh sweater that had everyone swooning this past fall season, and the sweatpant material throughout the collection is perfect for the more relaxed vibe in fashion right now. For those of us who missed the wrap skirt from his spring collection (namely me), he continues the shape and gives us (me) another chance to get our hands on such a fluid and versatile piece.

The best part of this collection is his use of suede. The bags with stud feet and the shoes - one shape, a million varieties - is the cherry on the cake for me. Where most people will add a hint of colour to spice up an outfit, I would much rather add a hint of texture - and these pieces are just what I had in mind...

Wang's perfect mix of summery pieces with just a dash of fall materials make this resort collection totally wearable regardless of the season, and also keep him at the top of my favorites.

source: style.com

2009-06-12T11:58:00.004-04:00

With my recent indulgence in photography, I completely forgot about the resort collections! These are the real hidden gems of fashion: snuck in between the spring and fall collections, resort collections really give designers an opportunity to bring in elements from any inspiration. Resort can be anywhere from cute bikinis and beachwear to a mix of spring/fall cocktail dresses and light coats. For those of us hunting for the pieces that no one else will have, the resort collections are a treasure trove of fabulous pieces.

2009-06-11T14:22:00.005-04:00

Jacques Dequeker is a Brazilian photographer who has done work for Vogue, Marie Claire, and V, and has worked with the likes of Agnes Dein and Gisele Bundchen. In 2002 he won best fashion photographer in Brazil, awarded to him by the Brazilian Association of Textile Industry.

I find his work to be very somber and quiet, a relaxing break when all the summer editorials are saturated in high energy and bright colours. I love how he composed the shots above to bring out the texture and volume of her hair. The recent nudity trend in high profile magazines is toned down here, but the sensuality is not lost in the least - I find it verges on the side of elegance. And the double cocktail ring is simply to die for.

source: www.jacquesdequeker.com

2009-06-11T10:21:00.004-04:00

Barnaby Roper, director and photographer, captures the perfect summer waves.

2009-06-10T17:36:00.005-04:00

JAK&JIL+COMPLEXGEOMETRIES=THEWHITETEEPROJECT

2009-06-06T01:36:00.003-04:00

Caroline Trentini by Sebastian Kim for Numero 104 June/July

There is something about this photo that is just stunning to me. Her posture, the shadows from her hair across her face, the movement of her blouse - it all comes together in a perfectly secret yet incredibly sexy way.

2009-06-01T14:16:00.009-04:00

Dear Summer,
Please get here already.

Thanks,
Wilma

Photog: Steven Burton

2009-05-27T20:52:00.003-04:00

W June 2009

2009-05-26T11:53:00.006-04:00

PULP is a collaboration between supermodel Joni Harbeck and photographer Niel Krug. Supposedly out as of May 22, but I have yet to come across an actual copy... for now, the gallery will have to suffice! The images have such a fabulous texture to them - there is a great sense of depth and warmth to them.

source: www.pulpartbook.com

2009-05-21T11:03:00.006-04:00

Comfortable, worn in, and totally effortless. I wish I could pick up all these pieces for my summer waredrobe. Perfect slouch, neutral pallet, nude skin, and undone hair. I'll take the leather club chair, too, if you please!

Photog: Andreas Johansson

2009-05-20T10:57:00.007-04:00

LuxiRare. Killer Clothes + Fine Cuisine = Phenomenally Inspirational.

2009-05-15T14:53:00.007-04:00

Eli Saab Couture

Bottega Veneta

Louis Vuitton

Today is the birthday of my most crazy, fun-loving, punctual, and fabulous of friends. Nicknamed Loretta the Lemming, she is one of those impossibly tall, flawless, and altogether statuesque individuals. If tonight were a gala in her honour, I would gift her this striking Eli Saab liquid gold dress, Bottega Veneta black woven box clutch with antique gold detailing, and these sky high Louis Vuitton T-strap sandals. I picked this dress for the coresette-like boddice, a shape I know she loves, and the revealing slit for a peek at her mile-long legs - and the T-strap of the sadles will add an extra mile without taking the focus off the rest of the ensemble. The matt leather Botega Veneta clutch is the last piece to complete this old Hollywood look. A coat of black maskara and a little nude lipstick is all she needs for a night out at her own birthday gala. Happy Birthday, my favorite Lemming!

xo
The Peacock

2009-05-14T15:02:00.007-04:00

Luxurious minimalism: the perfect combo. Julia Restoin Roitfeld place is a great mix of marble, wood, chrome, and soft surfaces to create a spacious retreat where you can just let your mind wander. There' s a structure that is easy to live with, not austere or coldly angular. Accents of family photos and stacks of well loved heels afford a glimpse of Julia's playful and engaging spirit. Her space is inspiring and incredibly personal - you have to know where you come from to go where you need to go with confidence, and I think she does.

source: www.theselby.com

2009-05-14T00:11:00.003-04:00

So controversial -- so Karl. Read it a hundred different ways and you still know it's genius.

Disclaimer: I do not think developing any kind of eating disorder for fashion is a healthy way to lose weight. I do think that this comment coupled with the McD's classic combo is a candid way of showing how the fashion world can brand anything whichever way they want to create a feeding frenzy. This composition pokes fun of us who jump without looking, let alone thinking.

image via cleo in love

2009-05-12T10:19:00.004-04:00

Morgane Dubled by Marcus Ohlsson

So natural, so beautiful. The colours of this shoot are to die for: the perfect combination of dusty rose, faded grey indigo, soft camel, and nude. I love the toussled hair and barely-there makeup. Morgane has such a graceful way of using her body that so just so subtley sexy, and it makes for such better pictures than something more overt. Even though she is a Victoria's Secret model, it's rereshing to see how she can change gears and still deliver! Marcus Ohlsson is part of the LUNDLUND group of artists.

source: www.lundlund.com

2009-05-11T15:07:00.004-04:00

SHOELUST: saving an otherwise uneventful monday one shoe at a time. Now if only they would post where they found these stunners, my day would be complete... oooh, and did I mention?? They update FREQUENTLY. Gold.

2009-05-10T18:48:00.003-04:00

A misty Sunday for mothers day, but it was still nice to have some red red roses at the brunch table! And now for some hot cocoa (probably the last, if summer ever gets here!) and some movie watching from under many a comfy blanket.

photo: camilla akrans

2009-05-09T12:41:00.005-04:00

A wonderful little sensuous visual of Chanel No 5. And of course she has the Leica M8. Swoon!

Laura Laine

2009-05-09T02:14:00.006-04:00

Kitsun Noir

The first time I saw one of Laura's illustrations was for the Zara campaign. I simply loved how the girls seemed to be caught in a perpetually perfect gust of wind. I was thrilled to finally find out more about her. Below are a selection of my favorite illustrations. It was so hard to narrow it down, I love them all! I also found an interview with her on Charlie's Design Diary. I hope you enjoy her stuff as much as I do!

Kenzo

Gareth Pugh

NY Times Magazine

Drawings

Drawings

Drawings

Drawings

Welcome to Finland Magazine

Tiger of Sweden

Hide and Chic

Zara

Zara

NY Times Magazine

NY Times Magazine

NY Times Magazine

source: www.lauralaine.net

Laura Laine for Muse Magazine

2009-05-09T01:43:00.005-04:00

Alice in Wonderland ie Alince in the Vogue Styling Closet.

source: www.lauralaine.net

2009-05-07T15:57:00.010-04:00

Camilla Akrans one of my new favorite photographers, and is quickly establishing herself on the fashion photography scene. She has shot for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Numero, amongst others. I love how her shots have such a sublime texture to them. Her photos evoke the same feeling as when you put on your favorite lipstick: rich, creamy, full of pigment, and instant elegance all in one stroke. It's like cashmere for your eyes.

Siri Tollerod by Camilla Arkans for Numero

Devon Aoki by Camilla Arkans for Vogue Nippon

Tomek as YSL, by Camilla Akrans for Man About Town

Taryn Davidson by Camilla Akrans for Numero 93

†††

2009-05-04T15:05:00.005-04:00

So I've been on this whole vampire kick lately, and it got me thinking: why the sudden obsession? Vampire novels and movies have been a huge hit for generations now; Bram Stoker's Dracula kicking things off, Ann Rice's Interview with a Vampire and the ensuing series, and most recently Stephenie Meyer's Twilight.

What our modern culture is conveniently forgetting is the obscenely morbid vampire history. Vampires were a legitimate threat in the minds of the Eastern Europeans to the point where they would dig up corpses and stake them just to ensure that they would not turn into vampires. Then Bram Stoker evolved the vampire idea from one of overt horror and gruesomeness to one that carried subtle undertones of sexuality and class - Dracula was a Count with the all the allure that comes with privilege. Anne Rice created vampires with a soul. Vampires that contemplated the hallowness of eternity, that searched for truth and meaning to their lives. With the Twilight series we see the emergence of an anti-hero that girls are swooning over. In editorials and marketing campaigns vampires are popping up all over the place, from the traditional Victorian Gothic inspired themes to lighter interpretations for sunglasses lines and youth fashion - all of which glamorize the vampire.

What is it that has captured us so completely with this folk fable? I think the vampire that we know now is one that has evolved to reflect our modern preoccupations and fears. Whereas in Medieval Europe when people feared the unexplained that went bump in the night, we find ourselves sated by science that the Medieval vampire cannot exist, and yet we continue with the imagery. Today we see a vampire that is no longer preoccupied with a thirst for blood, but with the need to feel a connection to something temporal and finite. More often than not, the vampires filling our imaginations are more concerned with truth and identity. Maybe they represent the hunger we have for human interaction, and remind us that we should savor every moment because we don't have an endless supply of them.

Deeper still, vampires hold the ultimate power over us - the ability to either condemn us to death or eternity, options that ultimately put an end to our lives as we know them. We have a fascination with things that hold power over us, to people who hold our lives in their hands. There is a marvel for that kind of power, one that we are hopelessly unable to overcome.

The vampire we know today is a philosophical, powerful, and deeply alluring being - characteristics that we at once fear and strive to embody. The vampire is our inner conflict, manifest. The development of the vampire myth evolves with our society.

All this thinking aside, I do love the aesthetic that comes with the vampire title. I fall victim to my own musings!

2009-05-04T13:25:00.008-04:00

Wildfox Couture

2009-05-01T09:53:00.004-04:00

Karen Walker Eyewear

2009-04-30T23:53:00.002-04:00

Vogue Russia September 2008

2009-04-28T17:47:00.005-04:00

Heidi Slimane Diary

2009-04-28T00:24:00.007-04:00

**click images to read article**

source: couturelab.com

Givenchy

2009-04-18T19:17:00.006-04:00

LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE. zippers, leather, studs, spikes, metal, chains. LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE.

source: givenchy.com

FutureClaw

2009-04-14T11:12:00.011-04:00

This editorial by Kristiina Wilson is the reason I started reading the magazine. The makeup and hair (Cynthia Rose and Lacy Redway, respectively) are right on point. I think we all have a basic look that we know works, and from there we have fun with clothes and accessories. It is so much fun to see Martina's development throughout the shoot. Dressed to kill she goes out on the night to see, to be seen, to steal glances of others, and hope to come out the other side somehow transformed.

Martina started out in full regalia, her clothes her coat of armor, her hair to the max, and by the end she lets go of it. She is rampant -- fitting.

source: futureclaw.com

Dior Samourai 1947 Japanese Knot Bag

2009-04-13T16:29:00.003-04:00

For Dior's 60th anniversary, Galliano created this stunning bag. Hand stitched, serpent ringed, and detailed with a Louis XVI mini frame, the 1947 Japanese Knot bag pays homage to Dior with these intricate details as well as commemorating the anniversary of the fashion house's birth. Although available in black as well, this grey croc version better highlights the fine detailing in the Japanese knot, inspired by traditional Japanese basket weaving. The perfect proportions between body and handle as well as the balance between the square frame and rounded bows likens Galliano's creation to a sculptured piece of art. Quite the anniversary gift!

Vicente Wolf

2009-04-06T12:19:00.006-04:00

Winning spots on Interior Design magazine's Hall of Fame and being celebrated by both Architectural Digest and Metropolitan Home as among the world's most influential designers, Vincente Wolf creates spaces that are at once grand and inviting. Mixing elements from all over the world, he has designed private spaces for Prince and Princess Von Furstenberg and Clive Davis, as well as commercial spaces such as the Beverly Hill's Luxe Hotel and NYC's L'Impero Restaurant, winning him the 2003 James Beard Foundation Award for outstanding restaurant design.

Despite his long list of successes, Wolf proudly points out that he never graduated from high school. I think this is part of his charm - being unbound by the rigid vision of others is something that really shines through in his spaces. By mixing French chairs with minimalist tables, on the other side of which are richly upholstered comfy couches, all opposite architectural pieces mounted on iron rods, Wolfe creates rooms which are decidedly personal, elegant, and relaxing all in one breath. "My design is a blending. It's not just arranging furniture in a room. It's like a sentence that has a lot of different words, and each word - like chair and table - is individual until you put them all together and you end up with a thought" (Wolf). Placing a long stone bench in the shower, a flat-screen on an easel, turning a side table into a vanity with a sink...these are all striking and inspired pieces that are incredibly easy to live with.

To date, Wolf has published two books: Learning to See (Artisan, 2002) and Crossing Boundaries: A Global Vision of Design (Monacelli Press, 2006), with a third due out by the end of the year.

source: www.vicentewolf.com

Gemma Degara

2009-04-03T15:26:00.009-04:00

Gemma Degara, out of Barcelona Spain, puts together wonderfully whimsical collections. Her soft draping and novel shapes give relaxed look that isn't too boxy or look like you simply raided your boyfriends closet for s shirtdress. I like the quiet prints that look more like shadows, the embellished gloves, and tights with seams. Her approach to layering is from the inside out, letting the briefs peep through from under a dress or through stockings. It's a nice little evolution from the shorts over tights look which can come off a little contrived. And of course, as you may have guessed by now, I love love love the black cape!

source: gemmadegara.com

Robert Geller

2009-04-01T15:30:00.006-04:00

For those of us a little taken by a certain vampire as of late, enter Robert Geller: the ultimate modern day vampire designer. Winning GQ's Best New Menswear Designer in American award, Geller took inspiration from menswear at the turn of the twentieth century and modernized the look with fabulous fabrics. The result is a nothing short of jaw-dropping, eye-catching, confident, and darkly romantic collection. Geller taps into an edginess that is almost punk, but clothes it in luxurious velvets and wools to create this connoisseur who would duel to the death if the need be. Geller's collection earned him the award because he referenced an emotion rather than just presenting 'an exercise in making clothes.' Here the models aren't just walking because it's their job, but they are living the collection. You can see how each man plays his part not simply because he is a good model, but because there is something of Geller's idea behind it all that resonates with him. Geller's interpretation of the gothic turned romantic man breathes before us in this stellar collection.

Rick Owens

2009-03-31T16:17:00.007-04:00

Tailored layering at its best. Soft, textured, and subtle variations in colour work wonders in this collection that would have otherwise been lost in a sea of black. I love the open/close presentation of the pieces - everything is done up to the neck, and then opens up to allow for easy movement. My particular favorite this season is the cape-like silhouette popping up everywhere. Here, Rick Owens offers up a few variations on the shape from the sweater cape to the gold sleeveless sheath and the side-cape. The tailed jackets towards the end were a nice twist on the mens tailed tuxedo.

Imaginative, wearable, and functional pieces are an Owen specialty, and this collection will undoubtedly reel in some new followers.

source: style.com

Hooresenbuhs

2009-03-31T14:49:00.005-04:00

Hooresenbuhs, a Santa Monica based jewelery and accessories house, is my current fancy. A business strategy without the penchant to peddle their goods to anyone who will have a look-see wins major points with me. Designer Robert Keith believes more in an organic growth this luxury label. His designs evolve from the beauty of the materials rather than the recognizably of a logo. Forget bling, Hooresenbuhs excels at creating bespoke pieces for people looking for a work of art. Their signature TriLink (three horizontal eych's) represents strength, quality, and continuous opulence.

Named after the Dutch trade ship on wich Keith's ancestors ferried precious stones and metals, Hooresenbuhs continues the tradition 'trading riches for riches, in a lavish quest to shower fortunes on those who seek abundance.'

source: hooresenbuhs.com

William Rast

2009-03-24T11:45:00.005-04:00

Johan Lindeberg and Justin Timberlake | Trace Ayala and Marcella Lindeberg

Another denim collection from William Rast, but this time there is no mistaking where they got the inspiration. Riccardo Tisci's Spring 2009 collection was such a hit (they say people almost knocked over a dividing wall to congratulate him backstage) that it was bound to ripple through the fashion world. A season later the William Rast collection gives the haute couture cowboy a little more street cred. Studs, fringe. zippers, and feathers gave the look a more carefree vibe in contrast to Tisci's razor sharp construction. Dirtier and well worn, the design team at William Rast created some great pieces. The silver studded leather jacket, feather-shouldered cape, and the muscle tank with razor shoulders are of the moment, but not obnoxious - a difficult balance to pull off. In spite of all the looks walking down the runway, Johan and Marcella Lindeberg stole the show for me: great interpretations of their collection with just a little polish.

Givenchy Spring 2009

source: style.com

Givenchy

2009-03-21T00:50:00.003-04:00

I have to say that I love how sheer combos are popping up everywhere on the runways. These hairy ensembles look like fun to wear, and I could only imagine the fun Riccardo Tisci had inventing them!

source: style.com

Missoni

2009-03-19T15:49:00.027-04:00

This collection just hit the spot for me. Boheian nomad? Why not?? The colours are so soft and inviting - even the blacks are muted. Nothing presented in this show is simply a color, but are all different degrees of hue saturation. The blush pinks, chocolates, taupes, creames, apricots, soft cobalt and cornflower blues... The beautiful silk dresses give such a nice contrast to the wools and cashmeres, and the leaf prints are the perfect development from the summer florals we might not be ready to let go of just yet. Even the shoes were covered in knit patterns or given a little collar of their own! I loved how the floor-length scarves flipped out when the girls walked, giving just the right degree of movement to what could haven been a very heavy and stifling way to layer. This collection is what fall is supposed to be: warm, cozy, and still holding on to summer. Wear the cute slip dress out the night before, and the morning after just layer on a scarf (or two, or three...), your grandpas tweed coat, and some comfy leggings for your morning coffee and dogwalk.

Forget about the harsh blacks that so many designers offer up season after season - Angela Missoni hit all the right notes with this carefree collection.

source: style.com

Stella McCartney

2009-03-17T12:05:00.008-04:00

Stella McCartney's Fall Winter 2009 collection was a sophisticated little peep show with sheer and lacy pieces that revealed just enough to keep you wanting more. On the other end of the spectrum, the furry coats just hint at the shapes underneath. Then somewhere in the middle are the perfectly slouchy-yet-tailored blazers that cover and still flatter. Although this blazer-and-skinnies look is nothing new, Stella executes it with precise tailoring, fabulous materials, and just the right degree of nonchalance that keeps the piece coming back without looking tired.

This neon blue moto jacket reminds me of the lovely ladies over at Neon Hearts Club. Bisous!

source: style.com

Hermès

2009-03-17T10:43:00.006-04:00

"In times like these, I'll just fly my own private jet."

source: style.com

Louis Vuitton

2009-03-16T11:55:00.007-04:00

Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton has presented what he calls a very 'Parisienne' collection, but I find that he is showing us a girl that has traveled from Tokyo to NYC and back again. There is a very chique look that is associated with the Paris girl: from the relaxed cream minidresses to the tailored yet flirty pink cocktail dress and the more sophisticated black should and wrist pouff number. Then we see her out on the town in NYC with the black stripped punkish minidress and tall boots, or the brassier and blazer. Even the sheer turtlenecks speak more to a darker urban existance. Finally, a quick hop over to Tokyo and we see the amalgamation of the high laced boots, the oversized jackets, and the Mini Mouse-esque hair ribbon. This collection is not one that limits itself to one city girl or another, but to a girl who has traveled and chooses those elements that at once take her a step out of her comfort zone while still retaining a sense of individualism. Jacobs' girl will not get lost in any crowd, regardless of the timezone.

source: style.com

Miu Miu

2009-03-16T11:20:00.011-04:00

I just adore these coat dresses by Miuccia Prada. The blush and nude colours evoke a soft, warm fall day filled with strolls through the park and the first hot chocolates of the season. I love how they are simply draped over a cotton brassier. Who needs clothes when you have such a stellar coat?

source: style.com

YSL

2009-03-11T16:16:00.007-04:00

Stefano Pilati has put together a scrumptious little collection for Fall Winter 2009. With all the seriousness of black and greys, his little flips here and soft draping there add a nice lightness to the line. I love how he created a shoulder that does not rely on padding for shape, but are fluid little add-ons that gracefully fall from the shoulder. While everything is well tailored, nothing gives the appearance of restraint - of course, except for the outrageous leather bodysuit! The pieces that Pilati has created strike a perfect balance between a certain french trendiness and the classic aesthetic of YSL.

source: style.com

Gareth Pugh

2009-03-06T09:48:00.014-05:00

Gareth Pugh's latest is absolutely my favorite presentation. His foray into fashion film is stunning. To watch his inspirations grow and transform on screen is mesmerizing. His earthy inspiration comes together in what style.com is calling a 'mines-of-Mordor mood.' The darkness of it all is engulfing. The chain wristlets of the oxidized silver jacket is such a wonderfully malevolent twist on all the fringing we have been seeing; it's the ultimate rock and roll answer to the hippy suedes. The fine spikes that cover the garments like a lethal fur are simply arresting.
For all the rigidity that is often associated with mines and precious metals, this collection is surprisingly fluid. What makes this collection stand a head above the rest is that it cannot be neatly categorized. The vibe here is not a simple moniker as often follows in the wake of such dark collections. What I see here is such a sophisticated and unbridled confidence that it is almost easy to miss. The presence of this woman does not come from feature exaggeration, such as the elaborate shoulders we have seen at many other shows, but from the natural lines that create a wide base and tailor upwards. The silhouette creates a visual reminder that this person is at the top of her life, on top of her composite elements that secure her as who she is.

source: style.com

MMM

2009-01-28T12:35:00.007-05:00

Martin Margiela's 20th anniversary collection was an immense success, with his elaborate shoulders for slim fit blazers popping up on everyone's blogs as a favorite piece from the spring summer 2009 collections. This collection was a way for the designer to reference past collections and spice them up, a trend that is hitting home with many other designers as they recreate past moments of glory. The materials of this show are just so off the wall that the wigs are as surprising as the pieces themselves! This was just such a fun show to watch - you never knew what would come out next (giant cake, anyone?).

source: style.com

2009-01-25T21:25:00.004-05:00

It has been quite the nerdy day for me as I prep for my upcoming trip to Frankfurt and London for a couple of trade shows. I return February 7 and promise you some thoughts on the Paris shows. I only wish I could hop over the Channel to see some for myself!

source: http://www.dripbook.com/jenmyles/book/polaroid-dairies/

2009-01-12T09:51:00.003-05:00

National Geographic B-3 Flight Jacket
James Perse Vintage Fit Tee
Prps Dart Skinnies
Tom Ford Hawkings Aviators
Miu Miu Moto Boots
PS1 Bag

A comfy monday outfit to do anything in except go to the ball. Soft jersey cottons, worn jeans, and fuzzy fuzzy shearling.

2009-01-11T14:05:00.004-05:00

Oh delicious Sundays, how I love you.

source: www.dripbook.com/Juliebrookewilliams/

MAJE

2009-01-10T13:13:00.011-05:00

Maje is a Parisian line that I am totally in love with. With an inspiration book that draws on rocker glam and folk sources, the result is a perfectly comfortable line. Although predictable - leather leggings, a biker jacket, fringe, and the fur vests - the line is not obnoxious or overdone. It's trendy, no doubt, but not cookie cutter. The simplicity of the pieces allow the wearer a freedom of expression, an ability to make the pieces their own rather than looking like a display mannequin. I love the clean and simple pallet that emphasizes texture before colour, and the relaxed tailoring. I can't wait to see what they come up with in the coming Fashion Fury month of February!

But before then, on January 15 to be precise, French DJ duo Cécile Togni and Tania Bruna-Rosso of Les Putafranges will release their collaboration with Maje. The only tailoring done here is at the waist, with a simple bow or bandline to do the trick. The boyfriend blazer and little tux shorts are a great transition into summer, and the simple bags will carry the necissary and then some for the comming slew of fashion interns. A great line for the bothersome days that are neither winter nor spring that can be easy incorperated with the rest of Maje's creations.

source: www.maje-paris.fr

2009-01-09T00:04:00.004-05:00

The Stephen Sprouse Book is slated to hit shelves on January 13. With a muse like Debbie Harry, there was no going back and no blending in. And who better to be the muse of such a punk-rock, day-glo, and graffiti pieces? Even the more whimsical of his creations is as provoking and unforgettable as his more outrageous. For me, Debbie Harris and Stephen Sprouse tangle together in a furious knot of eyeliner, brights, and that unforgettable asymetrical one-strap dress from "Heart of Glass."

source: style.com, amazon.com

Giles & Brother

2009-01-07T15:02:00.017-05:00

Lately I have been spending more and more time seeking out new accessories that speak more to a lifestyle than to just style. One of the companies I have come across is Giles & Brother. A sister brother duo, originally from Florida and now headquartered in NYC, they create quite remarkable pieces. They mix in an old world charm that is so refreshing in today's more glitzy approach to jewelery. This duo take more commonplace elements, such as nuts and bolts, hooves, railroad spikes, muskets, antlers, and fishing hooks, and pairs them with supple leather - a combination that just enchants me. The rugged, used, pre-loved, and tested construction evoke a traveled and seasoned feel to them. It's a type of equestrian look that is starting to evolve where logos are absent in all but the most discrete of details. Leather goods have always spoken to a certain level of luxury, but being embossed, inlayed, printed, and embroidered - not to mention accented with oversize hardware - was never really my thing. I am delighted, and relieved, to see the shift from attention grabbing, logo splattered, glamazon attitude to a more subtle - but no less luxurious - approach to style, and Giles & Brother fit the bill.

source: gilesandbrother.com

2009-01-04T17:25:00.004-05:00

Just another lazy Sunday - but Cate Blanchett does it best. Couture Sunday à la Greek Goddess, anyone?

Source: Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair February 2009

2009-01-03T15:05:00.004-05:00

Happy New Years! I hope your night was a sparkly crazy dance insanity.

2008-12-26T01:27:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays

2008-12-20T01:23:00.007-05:00

Just a few photos from David Macgillivray. I find the composition so sincere, it reminds me a lot of Peter Lindbergh, a longtime favorite of mine.

source: www.davemacgillivray.com

Alexander Wang Pre Fall

2008-12-19T12:04:00.006-05:00

I just love Alexander Wang's creations and how he is developing his craft. This time around he called for a little romanticism, and here we see how his little grunge girl grew up and fell in love. The softer fabrics - velvet!! - and a sprinkling of sheer is a perfect combo to get our libidos up in anticipation for the full line!

A Peacock Snow Queen

2008-12-11T11:56:00.005-05:00

L'Wren Scott creates the most fantastical collections exploring her idea of rock n' roll elegance. This particular piece is the perfect example: the lean, clean rocker silhouette matched with glam heels and topped off with the most extravagant marabou cape.

source: style.com

Georgina Goodman

2008-12-10T11:50:00.018-05:00

Hilda Peeptoe Court Shoes ---------- Helga Peeptoe Shoe Boot

"A principal that motivates me is All is One. This principle removes the illusion of separation.

The illusion says that up is separate from down, right separate from wrong, male separate from female, joy separate from sadness.

The more I consider this idea, the more I realise that all separations are points of measurement on the same line, they are of the same energy. By this I mean Joy and Sadness are actually of the same energy, they just describe the energy resonating at different frequencies.

Yes, I recognise and honour difference but not division.

And I find this thought gives me freedom. It gives me permission to feel everything I feel without the judgement of thinking it to be a good or bad feeling. It removes my guilt and so allows me the moment because I know I can always tune the dial, turning the energy up or down, changing and creating my experience.

I wanted to take this thought into everything I do, creating in form an expression of the concept, a material expression of All is One."

- Georgina Goodman

From glamazon to rocker, Georgina Goodman has something for you. The motivation behind her creations, from her accessories to her store to her customer relations, is quite inspiring. All her shoes (foot sculptures, really) are stamped with the phrase 'Made in Love,' and it shows. Everything that Georgina sets her mind to flows from a philosophy expressing All is One. As I filter through her website, I find not only the beautiful creations, but an intimacy that is hard to find in such a consumer oriented world. It is such a pleasant relief to know that there are people out there who still think, I mean really think, about what they do - where it comes from, where it is going, what it really is. Her philosophy knows not the bounds of the fashion world, but slips into your daily coffee and motivates your interactions.

All is One is our philosophy
Love is our freedom
Work is our play
Creativity is our passion
Art is our expression
Collaboration is our psychology
Joy is our emotion
Soul is our boundary
Family is our culture
Balance is our creed
Inspiration is our guide
Being is our vision
Belief is our future

source: www.georginagoodman.com

Sitting Pretty

2008-12-05T09:48:00.005-05:00

Kartell Mademoiselle Dolce & Gabanna
Limited Edition Chair

Moooi Smoke Chair and Chandelier

What I find irresistible about Moooi is the way they create their pieces. Quite the unique process, Moooi first constructs the wood frame of the pieces and then burns them. Once licked by the flames, the wood is then treated with epoxy for gloss and preservation.

The Kartell chaise is just the most fun and pretty little thing I have come across in a while. Simple lines, clean construction, fabulous print. A peacock in its own right!

Ambassadors of Delight

2008-12-01T10:51:00.014-05:00

Dom Pérignon’s Stolen Kisses Set, Rosé

Autore Silver and South Sea Pearl,
Gem, and White Gold Skull Necklace

Kiki de Montparnasse Signature Collection

Marie-Hélène de Taillac Gold and Diamond adornment

Mat & Jewski Porcelaine of Belleville

source: lanecrawford.com

2008-11-25T11:34:00.004-05:00

A peacock is still a peacock even without her feathers. Kate Bosworth looks simply elegant in Calvin Klein at NYC Fashion Week parties.

source: style.com