let me count the ways. After months of searching (I first wrote about them back in October), I finally found these lace up miu miu boots on ebay in an IT 41. They arrived brand new last week in a slightly battered tan box, and I've barely taken them off since. Boots are my only real vice- better than drugs or alcohol I suppose- but similarly effective. They have provided a much appreciated [4"] lift in a hectic week. See them on the runway here.
Contemporary street fashion from Jo'burg (Johannesburg) as captured by South African photographer Nontsikelelo "Lolo" Veleko can currently be seen in an exhibit called Snap Judgements in New York. This shot is my favourite- Nonkululeko's red tights, white wedges and coca cola purse are so great. The NY Times has a write-up of the exhibit here.
When it comes to style, Parisians. Just. Do It. Better. I know this is repeated ad nauseum among the fashion set, but the French reputation for fabulous street style is not undeserved- I wasn't convinced until I went to Paris and saw regular women prancing effortlessly around the cobblestone streets in 4 inch stilletoes and functional, ultra chic ensembles. These candids are from Fashion Week, and appeared in today's NY Times.N.B. Looks like black leggings/tights with heels or booties are definitely à la mode for spring...
April's Paris Vogue features the gorgeously pregnant Natalia Vodianova. She is due to give birth to daughter Nieva any day, but take away the bump, and Natalia looks catwalk ready (and is due to shoot the Calvin Klein campaign in 3 weeks!). I love the icy palette used in this spread.
that is truly a great pair. For the full perhaps-not-safe-for-work-unless-you-are-in-Amsterdam shot, go here. Number 4.
Oh, how I love The Daily... they managed to get a moment with one of my style icons- stunning actress Kristin Scott Thomas- at the YSL fall /06 show (if you don't know who she is, then run, don't walk to the video store and rent Four Weddings and a Funeral or Gosford Park)...
Irina is walking around in fabulous red booties. Personally, I've never been into flat boots- there has to be some heel for me to be interested- and it seems like whenever I see flat boots on the street, they are scrunched down around the ankles of a girl shadowing Sienna Miller c. 2004. Très boring. However, I love how Irina has paired hers with black tights, skirt and light check coat. It's all about the contrasts. Although, when you are a model, I guess everything looks good on you! Irina is from the same geographical location as La Femme- I swear a passion for funky boots runs in the water up here.
If you were ever a fan of cut-out paper dolls, or computer game The Sims, you will probably like H&M's new online dressing room feature. Certain items from the H&M spring line can be tried out on personalized virtual models- all of whom, bizarrely, have blonde hair... perhaps becaue the brand is Swedish? I think it's an interesting feature, but "creating yourself" online is a little weird to me (click on pic to enlarge). Have fun.
The Dada by YSL is looking to be very popular with the well heeled lot this spring. Inspired by Dada movement artists, this shoe has been popping up all over since its debut. Stefano Pilati has a knack for creating covetables- I'm still searching for one of the famous square buckle belts that got everyone waisted last fall.
Marilyn Minter juxtaposes grit with glamour to create images that can be considered grotesque or compelling to the viewer. I had heard that three of her pieces would be displayed as billboards around NY, but hadn't imagined what they would look like towering above the street. Striking, is the answer, although I think that the scattered chaos of this Chelsea street detracts from the details in the image. The rest can be found here.source: cool hunting
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I hadn't heard of 1950s pin up Bettie Paige prior to seeing this image on the cover of a film magazine last year, but flipping through March's W, I came across a picture of a model in similar gear, and she reminded me of Ms. Paige. I love it when women style themselves in a way that defies the expectations of their era, which is definitely what she did. Gretchen Mol (left) portrays the infamous fetish model in The Notorious Bettie Paige, which is to be released in April. More Bettie here.
"they set off together down a long narrow dirt road, through the woods"?? Anna Wintour?
OK, I've said this before but today's NY Times reminded me how much I want a 3/4 length leopard print coat. The spotted boots are overdoing it a bit I think...
Gemma's alien-doll looks usually don't appeal to me, however they are perfectly suited to this slightly disturbing futuristic shoot photographed by Mario Sorrenti for the March issue of Paris Vogue. Gemma reminds me here of the cyborgs from Star Trek and the Terminator movies- I've always found those indestructible, partially armoured creatures compelling, and am impressed with these images...
Look at those spidery hands...
source: fashionologie, fd
Sonia Rykiel, the WWD crowned Queen of Knitwear is one of my favourite designers of all time- she is like a Parisienne version of Vivienne Westwood (red hair included). I've been coveting one of her trademark stripy pullover sweaters for years, however, knitwear aside, I'm more in love with the accessories from her fall/06 collection than the clothing.
The best part though, was the overall look of the models. Everything from their voluminous hair, soft makeup, smiles, and the roses that were tucked all over contributed to a sexy and sweet appearance with a hint of Parisian slyness (this is Sonia Rykiel after all...)
