What to wear in Gstaad

Ski holiday don´t come up cheap but one shouldn´t make any  sartorial sacrifice on the pist. 
My Swedish husband - who does know one thing or two about protecting oneself against the cold - taught me that one could easily stand the extreme temperatures would one be naked but the feet and the back of the neck well heated.
While stylish options for the neck are easy, finding stylish footwear is a trickier issue.
After some research, I found ski boots that  accompany me to Gstaad: the Troll by Stuart Weitzman.

Their platform will protect from the snow, they are functional but their design is appealing. It adopts the traditional and retro style of traditional alpine footwear with the cross laces yet in a very modern form.
The little fur at the top is just a delish. The boots conveniently close in the back by a long zip!

One can find this little treasure on www.the-temple.com for 475€
They are so comfortable, cosy and warm, I think I will sleep - ...naked... - in them...

Jewish designer at the helm of Dior

Rumour has it that Marc Jacobs is to replace John Galliano who was let go following the scandal of him hurling anti-Semitic comments in a public place.

Is it fashion irony or fashion diplomacy that Marc Jacobs, who embodies the typical New-York Jewish gay, would follow Galliano?
Phoebe Philo - currently working at Céline -  is said to take in the steps of Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, where he´s been officing for 14 years.
Both would remain in the stable of LVMH a pool of disposable and interchangeable winning designers.

The luxury industry is a great merry-go-round. It seems that only Karl remains sternly on his throne.

The paradox of buying REAL Louis Vuitton

There is a price to pay for success. In the world of luxury however, brands rarely are the victims but the clients can be.
Yesterday, I was told the story of a shop assistant who'd saved money for months to buy a Louis Vuitton bag.

It had been her dream for years. She'd been longing for the bag and dreamed about it as a symbol of what she wished to convey in terms of self image.

Her first outings with the bag did not give her the expected effect as friends and acquaintances complimented her on how "real" her "fake" Louis Vuitton looked. Appalled, she thought at first it was normal for the people who knew her lifestyle and salary level to assume her bag was a fake as it was discordant with her status but she kept catching snide comments in the bus, the tramway, the restaurants etc

Buying any item from Louis Vuitton with the monogram canvas - the most imitated brand´s staples- has become risky for those who can´t get exposed to the scrutiny for buying "real" doesn´t guarantees to be treated better.

A dedicated buyer of luxury myself, I don´t buy "tacky" since I don´t need the validation. I buy bags I like and so do I with clothes so I thought no one would believe my bags are imitations So it was a big surprise when entering my favourite Yves St Laurent boutique wearing one of my Mombasa bags I heard a sales assistant say with a suspicious air that my bag has a "weird" colour, implying that it was a fake.

Even though I know my Mombasa is the real deal, it made me realise that the shopkeeper's perception of me was that I don´t belong to the world of "privileged" and she assumed that my bag would be automatically to be a fake.

In this materialistic world, acquiring a status symbol is no longer enough, it is a question of the riches of the world considering you to belonging in it. If one wears labels, one has to be consistent all the way. Clothes, lifestyle, car, flat, address, interior design, holiday etc are all the criteria you will be judged upon... If you wear cheap shoes with your Birkin, it won´t even matter whether you spend a yearly rent on it, you will not be considered "worth it".

This is a contradiction of the most perverse nature since 80% of Louis Vuitton´s turnover is represented by the sales of items priced 500€ on average, a price that belongs to the lowest price range of their lines. Even though the whole establishment has been buying Louis Vuitton for over a century, one has to own all the other signs of wealth to be considered "worth" it. If you don't belong, don´t buy the monogramme canvas if you don´t want to expose to nocive remarks.

Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton certainly are watching out for for the middle ranges that tend to take market share in the luxury entry price point market (Longchamp, Lancel, Anya Hindmarch etc). Gucci or Fendi have decided to dissociate their brand and their canvas products.One of the resort lately was to invest in marketing around their heritage items, thus Gucci featuring the "iconic" symbols such as the green-red bi-colour band or the Baguette when it comes to Fendi. Yet, again, in this world of reality, the turnover is mostly made by the wannabes ready to spend 500€ on a bag that will provide them with the validation and signs of success. For it is very human after all to scream about financial realisation.

So, maybe, if spending more than 1000€ on a Louis Vuitton item, think about buying an iconic item. 

Converse: Sales at Spartoo.co.uk

The Converse Chuck Taylors are staples. I cannot imagine having too many, in different colours and materials.This year, Converse did a series of extra original looks, yet keeping the same touch in their lines and quality.
Well, because Spartoo loves its clients so much, they are having a special sale on Converse.
Don't you just love it when your favorite shops pamper you?

Don't miss the opportunity of getting your fave, I reckon there won't be all sizes left for long...
www.spartoo.co.uk

NEW TREND: After the boyfriend's pants, wear the hat

People stopped wearing hats. There was a time - and it was not that long ago- when a decent soul would not go down the streets their head uncovered.
Nowadays, and to my great pleasure, hats are back and this summer especially since Straw trillbies are all the rage.
My favorites for girls are the white version as it softens the face and gives spark to dull outfits. Perfect for an urban yet casual chic look.

This hat can be purchased on Amazon.

DESIGNER TO WATCH: Iris van Herpen

When attending the LONDON Fashion Week last fall, I had the great pleasure of discovering very promising designers.

Iris Van Herpen was by far one of my favorites and I predicted a
stellar career for the London based Dutch talented woman.

I wasn't wrong since Harrod's just announced they were now selling her creations.

Iris Van Herpen is not a newcomer in the fashion sphere but this year she outdid herself and her collection made a strong effect with her interlaced leather pleats, reminiscent of a post-industrial gypsum flower. This collection, with its new volume - yet wearable- in a garment is very endearing.

Iris Van Herpen has several collections under her sleeve, but none are as impressive as this one. Sometimes, creativeness can be so grandiose but a lucky inspiration and I must admit I am very keen on following her to see if this was a lucky inspiration or if she's going to sustain the ambition.

TO BE FOLLOWED...

If you can't make it to Harrod's, have a look on her website:

http://www.irisvanherpen.com/

During her first state visit in Britain, Carla had to measure up to the queen and Camilla Parker Bowles. Her style had to bear the scrutiny of most newspapers and magazines in France and in the UK, to finally being given the big thumb up...

Arriving at a lunch yesterday with Princess Letizia of Spain who looked drop dead gorgeous, Carla might have regretted not to rethink the outfit, knowing that even the Queen of Spain is quite youthful, yet very appropriate in her style.

Princess Letizia, was sporting an eggplant tiered dress by Spanish designer Felipe Varela, adding to lilac platform heels. The dress colour suited her skin tone and hair perfectly and had the perfect length to elongate her calves. The cut is so good that her thin waist is properly emphasized without being too tight.
Carla's dress should have been longer and she should not be weary of wearing heels... Kitten heels work better with longer shapes that go mid-calves as one can see in many movies of the 60s.

Carla's stylist should also be aware that she's got small squinty eyes and that fringe emphasizes strongly the bottom of her face.

Maybe Carla didn't want to outshine her host, in which case, she looked sufficiently good to not upset her either.

Simple elegance: Charlize Theron

Although usually I am the first to criticise stars and actresses that dress in black too often, I have to make an exception for Charlize Theron who is not afraid of taking risks but even so doing, she usually looks stunning and effortless.

Charlize joined Hanks's friends, colleagues and co-stars in New York to honour the star with the Film Society's 36th Annual Gala Tribute at the Lincoln Center.

Mlle Theron sports a lace dress by Lanvin Pre-Fall Collection 2009.
What do you think?

Carrie Bradshaw's look for less

If, like me, you read fashion magazines, you cannot have missed the information that Matthew Williamson is the latest designer to collaborate with H&M.

What I failed to know was that, even one year after the release of Sex and the City: The Movie, the Carrie Bradshaw look - i.e. as featured in the movie - still prevailed. Why else would Williamson design a dress highly inspired from the pink dress she wore in the movie and a similar studded belt?

Strangely, the H&M dress seems to be of better quality and cut than the number - certainly a designer item- worn by Carrie as the fabric is all crinkled at the front.

Personally, I always recommend wearing tulip shape skirts/dresses. It is broad on the hips and thus comfortable but more to the point, most of us can wear it and look good in it. Of course, to wear anything short, one has to have nice legs.

Below, find how to emulate that look. Nothing easier.
The shoes though, are customized: Patricia Field explained she added a mesh upper to the Dior black pumps. Personally, I don't really like that pink dress with these shoes as they shorten the leg because of the dress's length.

Why not wear any gladiator heel like the character who couldn't get enough of the gladiator heels Extreme by Dior she wore throughout the movie. The Bakers and the New Look number were the closest to it but gladiator heels are everywhere in many variations:

Look of the week: LE NEO-SAROUEL

Zara features a few sarouels in the current line after it has been seen in Hermes, Rick Owens, Nina Ricci, Kenzo etc summer and winter collections.

Although it may appeal essentially to a younger crowd, the sarouel is very comfortable and can reveal itself as one of the most flattering and elegant trousers of the season.

Here are a few ideas about how to sport themost fashionable piece of the season.

A designer to follow: Kara Ross

As far as new designers go, Kara Ross already has made a name for herself and her work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue US or Harpers BazaarUS. There is very little doubt that her style will translate overseas.

The designer has a real ability in retouching the classics and add a modern twist. Her pieces are strong yet understated. A look that works for everyday as well as for evenings.

Her rings and cuffs are especially vibrant and would highlight most black and boring wardrobes. Let's not forget a lovely and simple but remarkable collection of bags as well.

Let's wait and see but it would be a shame if no one saw the potential in Kara's collection.

Prices vary between 150£ to much more...
www.kararossny.com

I've got croc under my skin

Long a staple of luxury and style combined, crocodile has recently made a recurrent apparition in Fashion collections to the point where Crocodile went almost boring. That was before Bruno Frisoni, the designer for Roger Vivier came into the picture.

This pair of sculptural pair of sandals is spectacular and encompasses everything that stands for great design: a fabulous balance as the top of the straps go to the right level for a tiny ankle and the web of straps gives a lightness to the shoe that looks otherwise quite imposing.

Exit the Jimmy Choo of this world that would have you believe that a pair of pumps with swarovski is the ultimate height of footwear, Bruno Frisoni is here to remind us what High Fashion is. With Galliano and McQueen, always up to challenge our sense of balance, Roger Vivier is more vivid than ever. Enjoy the look of it for a very few of us will be able to afford this extremely extravagant number.

Trend Spotting: Mongolian Fur

The red tartan trend is pervasive but the mongolian fur is also found everywhere. And I can only rejoyce to the idea that people will pick up on that one. Last year, I bought a simple pine green scarf made of mongolian fur at Marks & Spencer for a mere 15£. From that moment, I knew Mongolian fur would be the next trend.

It has now arrived and everyone can do their purchase to the level they wish. Not everyone can afford the Hermes Sheepskin jackets...

So here are a few selections for you of what is available in retail:

From the pictures:
Mongolian Sheepskin Fur Coat by Joseph: circa 660£
Mongolian Fur Bag Telescope by Christian Louboutin
Mongolian Fur Cushion Next: 15£
Tara Jarmon Red Fur Coat

Left: TopShop Scarves: 35£

the 15 New Clothes of Victoria

Thinking about Victoria Beckham’s style, fake orange tan and skimpy outfits immediately come to mind so when she announced she would develop her own line, everyone was a tad anxious to see the results. And they didn’t have long to wait: this New York Fashion week was the occasion chosen by the marketing people behind the DVB brand to unveil, in the luminous Salons of the Waldorf Hotel, the collection of dresses by Victoria Beckham.

The capsule collection, composed uniquely of 15 dresses is rather simple and without surprise as it emulates the styles sported by Victoria lately. The dresses are body fitting and the mid-calf length calls for high heels to achieve best effect. However, the material used - silk, wool, organza for instance- as well as the attention to details give to the collection gives a certain luxurious feel. One will notably find light internal corsetry and grosgrain ribbon outlining the waistline to ensure the diaphanous outfits' stability and to avoid any wardrobe malfunction, something one should always fear when it comes to strapless bustier dresses and Victoria certainly has some experience with the matter.

So, it is not without anticipating scepticism among the fashion professionals that Victoria - sporting for the occasion a new pixie do that almost upstaged the show – made sure we understand that she really is the designer claiming to have had no assistance in designing the line. The collection was “the dream of a lifetime” she said, adding "I’ve worked at it for 34 years” and “I always wanted to be a fashion designer. Then along came the Spice Girls which opened a lot of doors for me. And, let¹s be honest, closed a lot. But those days are over. I was never going to be the world’s best singer, but I hope I can be a good designer."

All in all, the collection is rather sans éclat and is very much inspired by the established and recognized fashion designers Mrs Beckham has been sporting of late. As a result, and mostly because of a certain homogeneity in shape and silhouettes, one could consider this collection as a signature style rather than the effect of a creative work. Also, the whole look shows an uncanny resemblance to the Roland Mouret creations, whose new label 19RM (see picture on the left) has been recently acquired by Simon Fuller, the Spice Girls manager who is also at the origin of the DVB brand. The Victoria Bekham blue dress seems to be made of the same material as the blue dress of the 19RM pre-fall 2008 collection while the sleeves of the Beckham black number reminds of the Galaxy( see left) dress that made Roland Mouret.

Her dresses are tasteful and rather classy and they even have a timeless accent to them but are not targeting the average woman. If the collection goes until size 14, one would doubt that anybody else than sylph-like women can wear these creations with grace.

The legitimacy of this collection in the fashion world remains questionable. Victoria Beckham dresses are in the upper range in terms of price; the cheapest dress will be retailed at 900€ in chic department stores, the most expensive ones being 1500€. That is the price of a Ready-to-wear Chanel dress yet, Victoria’s collection cannot compare with that of the genius of the Great Karl Lagerfeld. But prices nowadays are mostly an indication of the segmentation one wants to position its brand. It will thus be very interesting to follow the evolution of this seed of a brand and see whether, to the example of its instigator the Beckham branding can evolve towards the upper market. The DVB brand was originally destined to a mass market eager to emulate a footballer and his popstar wife’s lifestyle via cheap products such as perfumes and jeans. Nevertheless, Victoria is now aiming high and the brand already knows a small success among the buyers of great department stores. This being said, it is a great test and the fashion director of Harvey Nichols, Averyl Oates said it in not so many words: "It is sophisticated, easy and commercial" before adding "It will be interesting to see how the brand evolves". So, winning its place in the fashion world is not that fickle it seems and isn’t the proof that in the ever changing world of trends, a brand still won’t get credentials just the time of playing the song “Wannabe".

Those who Cannes and those who cannes not...

Even if the Hollywood crowd only recently discovered the glamour factor of the Cannes Festival, most of them immediately understood that they would have to compete with worldwide actors used to wear Haute Couture. The competition is fierce and thus, one really has to make an effort to be positively noticed. No effort is spared to dress the ladies as all the designers showcase their collection for the beauties to borrow for the event, from Chanel to Lanvin or Christian Dior, hairdressers, style is the order of the day.

Michelle Williams obviously didn't get the memo.

If she didn't hire a stylist, it is a big mistake when one has no taste. If she has indeed a stylist, she should definitely fire this incompetent... Other alternative she- or her PR people - decided to make herself noticed by contrast. The sad little outfit of hers makes me cringes and, while she probably succeeded in getting attention since she was featured in the DailyMail today, I wonder who would identify with any character she'd play but a very sad one on a movie...

The dress's collar is wrong for her and especially in such a colour. It looks dull on pale complexion. The saggy breasts- so not sexy on a 20- something- scream for proper support. Actresses with small breasts shouldn't underestimate the need for underwear... And worst are the ample sleeves that add a "droopy" caractere to the ensemble... And don't get me started on the Duffy duck feet -like shoes...

Really, she looks pathetic. Darling, this is the Cannes Festival, not some beauty pageant from Arkansass...

I suggest Ms Williams takes her inspiration from people with good stylists. Like Dita Von Teese whose complexion is similar to the one of Michelle, wearing a purple dress by Jean Paul Gaultier couture or, for a simpler appeal, a lovely summery number by Missoni...

So, which one do you prefer?

A bag to sCOOPER

I never prescribed any Anya Hindmarch bag before. I usually considered her bags to be inspired by other great designs yet sold at the same high price. I am not a great fan of boastfulness, and Hindmarch is not even recognized outside the UK.

This season the latest It Bag by Hindmarch, the Cooper is largely inspired by the Indy by Gucci. However, the Hindmarch bag will work in a large array of occasions for almost half the price... so, in the quest for the perfect day shoulder bag, I really am praising the Cooper...

This bag is perfect to be worn everyday -its creamy calf leather and handles make it an ideal day bag- yet it is stylish enough for evening dos... . The finishing is great and any colour looks fabulous: pale blue, white or beige/brown. Actually, I would recomment to buy it even more if you are not from the UK as you will show your stylishness while not necessarily attached to any label... And this is what IT Bags are at the moment, i.e. individual and unique style.

£675 at any of Anya Hindmarch outlets on the Anya Hindmarch Bond street shop, at Liberty's, Harrod's or in Notting Hill, or Selfridges' or online : www.anyahindmarch.com

When mommies dress like their daughters: the ultimate jouvence source?

There was a time when little girls wanted to dress like their mommies, trying on their shoes and make up. That time was when mums still led the way in terms of fashion. It seems however that ageism has taken its toll on women and they don't want to be perceived as "older".

The French Brand Comptoir des Cotonniers has used this principle noticing that a lot of mothers were shopping with their teenager daughters and that there was a market opportunitie. So much so in fact that their campaign has featured mothers and daughters wearing their clothes alltogether in an harmonious life where age is no issue.

Is it going a bit too far in "young-eism" when actually, some brands such as Bonpoint, a well renowned and pricey brand for the very young children of uber chic mommies ( Kate Moss notably dresses her daughter there) starts selling clothes for their mommies? Well, no. Apparently, this helps creating a sense of shared values and doing so, the mommie create a deep bonding with their little ones.

Thinking about it, I realised how true it was. Basically, in a psychological projection, the mommies often - and more and more so- dress their kids in a way that expresses their tastes and / or value they stand for. It comes as no surprise that one could see a lot of baby girls dressed in very suggestive ways but also, and more importantly that a lot of new brands emerged selling clothes that don't necessarily make their kids look like Little Lord Fontleroy... A lot of parents thinking that their kids are like small adults and that they can have personal style.

So, maybe it is only natural that childrenwear brands would, in a lopsided effect, develop ladieswear as well. Indeed, a lot of my mommies friends tend to buy clothes for their kids because, after having given birth, they don't always have the silhouette to wear the best of their wardrobe, so they splash on their little ones. My best friend, a chic and always perfectly groomed french woman buys exclusively Burberry, Bonpoint and Chloe for her daughter while she buys clothes at Zara and Gerard Darel for herself because of her baby weight, in a few months, in a bonding, she certainly will buy the same brands as her daughter... In the meantime, dressing her little girl gives her a sense of curious sense of rejuvenation.

So, is childrenswear the ultimate lifting?

STYLE SURGERY: HIGHLIGHTING A BLACK OUTFIT

Many fashionistas opt for black as a style signature. I cannot blame them, being myself a great fan of the dark... Not only does it suit most people but black also presents many advantages such as:

1. Easy: never goes out of style

2. Chic & cheap: black is elegant. One can find even lovely cuts and material in low costs retail chains such as Zara or H&M.

3. Practical: it allows to never wonder what will match... Black goes with everything and when one has no idea when late in the morning, black is a safe bet and a Plus: it leaves more time to make up and hair....

Black however shouldn't be boring, which often becomes the pitfall of such convenience...

For this, I propose the following looks:


Cashmere Dress by Obsid: 180Euros
Tribute bag par YSL: 700Euros
Booties Marc Jacobs : 515Euros
Gold Cuffs Van der Straeten: 200Euros

Black totally is emphasized by accessories. Personally, in this case, I would avoid heavy earrings, diamond - or swarovski crystal - studs would be ideal.
The double cuff is very chic and gives an art gallerist vibe to the ensemble...

At last, the beige boots give the outfit the possibility to be worn at work as well for a - well deserved- drink after work.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

There is no French equivalent to the expressions "Dress for success" or "Look the part" but of all French candidates to presidential elections in France last May, Segolene Royal, as the unique serious female runner should have been the very one to grasp the significance of style as part of the message she was sending to millions through various medias with her clothes only...

If the defeatof Miss Royal cannot be devolved upon her sartorial mistakes, there is a possibility they hold a responsibility. France being the country of Haute Couture, of plethora of internationally renowned and prestigious fashion houses, its president should represent the best of it in terms of image. Being a socialist candidate, she probably assumed that wearing Hermès or Chanel would not help acquire a rather low class electorate. There are, however, plenty of alternatives in terms of fashion segmentation and even within the Paule Ka and Irene Van Ryb - her favorite brands during the campaign- there were better and cleverer choices to do.

In the above pictures, I made a comparison between what was and what could have been in a photomontage. Opting for ultra conservative and loose - understand with NO STRUCTURE - clothes was not helping in a campaign where message of hope for a France turned towards more modern times was an essential one. Instead, her style expressed restriction and recession.

Although Segolene Royal is still very fit, she decided to wear clothes that accentuate her age without giving more authority to her image: loose skirts emphasizing her bottoms in an unflattering way, notably because of their length unecessarily increasing the calves and ankles sizes, (too) short jackets with wide shoulders pads, hair too natural, her style screams of absence of control and French people couldn't trust what they were seeing to control the country when she cannot exude of confidence herself.

Mme Royal had better rethink her communication strategy. I would be happy to help, starting with few suggestions in photomontages...

Let me know your thoughts: for how much do you think style actually counts in professional success? Do you think Segolene Royal should have cared more about her style?

The Cocktail Dress vs baby doll

If there was one cocktail dress to buy this season, I would go for this Sonia Rykiel Number. The cut, the flowers detailing, the length, the material, everything screams "stylish"and "timeless".

Sonia Rykiel seems to be inspired by the 1920s but adds a modern twist to her collection which more women should be inspired from... This current trend of Baby doll dresses which, I reckon are comfortable, don't do the trick when it comes to be stylish and remarkable.

This dress suits many occasions such as New Years Eve but also any occasions such as weddings with a long collar free coat and a tiny hair piece.

The cleavage is very low but could be sewn in...