Dries Van Noten, “Curating Inspiration”
2 MarFashion for real guys…
20 FebThis is a refreshing approach. Having reviewed most of the recent mens shows, comprised of South Sea barely clad Polish boys with 29 inch waists, asymmetrical Japanese over coats worn by androgynous waifs and the most absurd of all retro coats modeled after Jackie Kennedy’s three-quarter sleeved, huge buttoned, pastel confections, for men? I don’t think so [at least not for me] I loved Jackie but never wanted to be her.
Alexandre Mattiussi, the Designer of the Label Ami has the right idea for the American man.
Real guys all shapes and sizes, a trend that seems to be occurring more and more, as designers opt for a broader audience.
Lanvin St. Honore
18 FebSimply perfect, always leave it to the French. Lanvin’s early Spring windows are stunning, simple, chic and I’m jealous. this is exactly my favorite type of display. The COLORS are luscious, After having done display for years I understand the use of packaging. I cant tell you how many times I’ve resorted to bags or boxes. It’s always been the Display mans last choice [due to lack of budget or concept] Budget was not a concern for Lanvin and look what a great set of window they produced.
Bill Cunningham, The Return of Netted Hats
14 OctWhat goes around comes around, my life in fashion is repeating. The ubiquitous knit cap has been a hipster staple for a while, my neighborhood is full of them. Personally I never thought them attractive. still another anti-fashion statement made by those who could not afford something nicer. Im not being negative, I was once in the same Thrift store boat. I am just jaded, I recall netting as the most glamorous accessory of all.
I’m glad to report that creativity is alive and well among a younger generation. The twenty something’s have discovered netting. Face net was once the ultimate chic among the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Rosalind Russell, Rita Hayworth even Lucille Ball. and other Hollywood divas. As they say ” Everything old is new again”
Netting is showing up attached to the knit cap, Bill Cunningham saw it in Paris and reports….
Comme de Garçons
5 Oct
Im still catching up on the Paris Fashion Week, I thought I would take a look at Comme de Garçon. Comme has always been brave trying new shapes and methods of construction, they did not disappoint with the latest collection. An engineering tour de force of layered panels, sculptural forms and to add a dash of romance, bows and rosettes. Garment as Origami, Bold black and white, menswear suiting fabrics dominate.
Personally I think it grew tiresome, and found my mind wandering to images of Charles Chaplin's hobo garb gone berserk. I strained to decipher wearable pieces hidden within the complex garments, a pant here and maybe a jacket there. Thank goodness for the last group, it contained absolutely beautiful and colorful print fabrics worked in the same multi layered patchwork fashion (picture an outfit made of post-it notes) It was a welcome respite from all the dower black numbers that preceded them.
So take a look and decide for yourself. Were they impressive?…Yes…. Were they Art? …Absolutely!….were they wearable?….Not really unless you carried a caution sign stating “Wide Load”….But Halloween is just around the corner..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdBkKdueM_4&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Who Doesn’t like Brothel Stories?
6 SepWho Doesn't like Brothel Stories? Especially when their French.
This has to be the best brothel photo ever taken….Toujours L'amour
Messy Nessy Chic is terrific when it comes to unearthing juicy history
http://www.messynessychic.com/2012/12/11/inside-the-paris-brothels-of-the-belle-epoque/
Don't pass on this.
Fall in French
1 SepIt was my early exposure to Paris that formed my adoration of all things French. At 16 I was sent to Europe,to “Get Culture” For a kid from Ohio this was eye opening to say the least. The Parisians were beautiful, the buildings were beautiful ,the rain on evening streets was beautiful, everything was beautiful. What have I been missing? I asked myself. The French introduced me to the art of cafe sitting, solely to people watch an occupation I fully immersed myself in, The French sure know how to accessorise, Parisians can use a scarf like no other culture. Age appropriate was invented by the French and a good hair cut is everything, Paris taught me what true “style” was all about. I learned all the rules I stiil use today. My life was forever changed, Vive La France.
I have managed to visit France twice since my early exposure,that further solidified my love of the French.I've heard all the negative comments leveled by other Americans, the French are arrogant, the French are rude, the French are ,on and on. I pay it no mind, the French have the right to be proud, they do just about everything better than everyone, wine, food, clothes, art, furniture, EVERYTHING.They reached a level of cultural civilization centuries ago. America was years behind, in the big picture of time, we have only recently adopted style (most of which is French) We drink French roast coffee, we drool at a creme brulee, we love French wine but we still won't do snails, C'est dommage.
Like most art students in thier twenties I worked as a waiter.I was lucky to have worked in a very chic French restaurant, catering to Philadelphia's carriage trade. I still miss those staff dinners. Our chef de cuisine was a strict task master, a real Frenchman, he demanded the best, polish those glasses, the forks are on the right, Mon Dieu! he would say, Americans know nothing about fine dining. He thrived on personel intrique and loved to hear all the dish on the clientele as well as who was seeing who among the staff. (very French) He never missed an opportunity to add a bit more spice to the cassolet when recounted the latest news to others (also very French, more drama Sil vous plait) I still carry his words with me to this day, he would say, “there are only three types of people to pursue, in THIS order, The Rich, The Beautiful and The Talented.” He was right and that's why I love the French.