Ralph & Russo S/S 18 Couture Show

If you’ve already seen Ralph&Russo’s Spring 2018 Haute Couture Show, what you would have retained most would have been your last look at the collection, and not your first. It isn’t because the first look didn’t catch your attention with its ’30s-style silk crepe kimono, ivory crystals and 3D organza petals, but because the last dress was an off-white double duchess bridal gown featuring draped bodice and floral ruching modeled by the Brazilian influencer Camila Coelho, who became the real star of the show. Other stars, present at Ralph&Russo Couture defilé, who were seated across the front row included: Kylie Minogue, Natalia Vodianova, and Arizona Muse.

Regardless of whether or not you know what I’m talking about, you should definitely visit Ralph&Russo’s website. Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo are an Australian couple, who decided to move to London to open their own atelier. And now they are the first British brand in over a century to be elected by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show their collection on the official schedule at Paris Haute Couture Week. Ralph&Russo’s largest studio is in Mayfair, London, but they have offices in Paris as well and they are about to open new boutiques in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

Back to the show, it was like living in a fairytale: on a luxury runway with mirrored pillars, 56 looks showed up to confirm Ralph&Russo’s engagement in innovation as well as the firm’s pursuit of the highest level of quality. With design and craftsmanship at their heart, these gowns have the same features that make Ralph&Russo stand out amongst other designers: elegance, romanticism and femininity make their creations perfectly unique, as well as beloved by women worldwide.

The main colors used are pale pink, white and black, but the three last looks are in cherry red. Off-the-shoulder dresses, silk organza ball gowns and cocktail dresses dominated the scene with Swarovski pearls, devoré ostrich feathers and hand appliqued chiffon ruffles, which are mainly present in the deep coral silk off-the-shoulder gown (look 7). These ruffles are also in Meghan Markle’s engagement dress, who Russo in a pre-show interview stated: “She’s definitely added to our worldwide appeal”. Nowadays, there are rumors about who is going to design Markle’s wedding dress and Ralph&Russo is considered one of the potential designers.

The collection is then defined as “a continued celebration of the many facets of all women and [it] pays homage to the Eastern exploration of Creative Director, Tamara Ralph. Showcasing resonants of traditional Asian decoration punctuated by imperial red silk crêpe, acid green gazar and canary yellow silk satin; the collection is a spectrum of exoticism, with transparent illusion tulle suits, crystal embroidered jacquard and draped kimono-style silhouettes edged in layers of decorative tassels”.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s Couture Winter 2018 Menswear Show

The snowy runway was set by Swiss artist Thomas Flechtner and designed by Grafton Architects at Bocconi University in Milan. This frozen landscape with irregular lines of white plinths, showcase 45 diverse outfits in a suggestive scenography; that is the ambiance for the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Winter 2018 Menswear Show.

“We work around sartorial neologisms, which this season I have labelled with another neologism: Snowriting. Formal merges with informal in a sublime snowy scenario” described Alessandro Sartori, Zegna’s Artistic Director. “I wanted to emphasize the man versus nature aspect, so I thought of artist Thomas Flechtner and his incredible work. Our exchanges have been extremely interesting and constructive, which finally led to Thomas being actively involved in the design of the show experience. Outdoor spirit clashes with evolved tailoring, technology merges with tradition in a new expression of winter couture”.

The show had the opportunity to host many renowned celebrities, whose heads and shoulders were sprinkled with flakes of freshly fallen (yet artificial) snow. This snow was partially inspired by Oasi Zegna, the family’s natural reserve situated in Northern Italy.

The mountaineering capes feature jackets and coats inspired by bird’s footprints in the snow: especially the colors of the jacket, rust against violet, come respectively from tea and tobacco for the first, Crocus flower for the latter.

The innovative aspect of this collection is characterized by experimental fabrics, which were courteously supplied by Bonotto SpA, the high-end textile manufacturer that the Ermenegildo Zegna Group acquired last year.  These included matte cotton corduroy used for jackets and a new woven leather fabric for a tennis-bag-style. Now, sport coats and top coats are in double-faced Oasi cashmere, a new fabric obtained by chemical free process with natural ingredients only.

The collection presents adjustable geometric necklines, carved and curved lapels, and tie scarves, but what really catches the attention is “one-and-a-half-breasted” construction: it’s a mix between single and double breasted, it is used on jackets as well as coats. This is like a single-button jacket with a sharp line when open, but it fits like a double-breasted jacket when closed. Moreover, long felted cashmere coats and cashmere jumpsuits featured semi-articulated pockets with color inserts at the seam.

With this collection, Sartori aimed at creating a different shape for menswear by combining traditional heritage with modernity, using new techniques and concepts inspired by nature itself. Sartori added, “I am interested in expanding traditional techniques, creating hybrid shapes that are apt for new uses, getting contemporary function out of traditional craft”.

For more information visit:  Zegna.us

Huntsman X Be Cool Be Nice

Proving the fact that the fashion industry is full of kindness if you look hard enough, Huntsman is now providing their support to Be Cool Be Nice (BCBN), an anti-bullying movement promoting pocket squares that feature the BCBN teddy bear.  These anti-bullying designed pocket squares are adorned with the house’s country tweed and a flat cap.  The squares were designed to be the perfect finishing touch to any jacket, while also showing your support to a wonderful cause.

“Huntsman are pleased to support BCBN’s action against bullying,” said Huntsman’s chairman Pierre Lagrange. “Whether it is in enterprise, at home or at school, there is no room for bullying practices and negative energy. We are eager to encourage positive behaviour, and nothing beats that message coming from creative leaders and influencers who are listened to by young people.”

Huntsman x Be Cool Be Nice is an amazing collaboration against bullying, as the 33×33 cm, 100% silk pocket squares that were hand rolled in the UK with hand finished rolled edges, symbolize anti-bullying all the while give off a touch of elegance to your wardrobe.

The partnership campaigns kindness, good manners and civility, in addition to encouraging a positive outlook towards interactions through social media sites.  Be Cool Be Nice has even sent invitations to renowned fashion labels like Burberry, Lenny Kravitz, Marc Jacobs, and Alber Elbaz, in order to give the BCBN teddy each their own signature design based off the labels’ heritage.

For more information visit:  www.huntsmansavilerow.com

Kith x Moncler Collaborate on new streetwear collection

The New York based streetwear boutique Kith collaborates with Italian apparel manufacturer Moncler to create an all new collection of cool streetwear clothing for the winter season. The Kith x Moncler collection features a variety of pieces including sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, hats, jackets, and sneakers, all of which bearing the Kith x Moncler logo.

Best known for their cozy, lightweight jackets, stylish accessories and ready-to-wear collections, Moncler re-introduces their Rochebrune Jacket, along with original silhouettes designed by Kith, such as the Lachat Down Hoodie.  In addition, basketball shoe manufacturer “Asics” has also joined Kith and Moncler to extend their footwear expertise to the collaborative streetwear collection.

Kith x Moncler Delivery one was initially released on Saturday, December 2nd. Delivery two was then released the following week on Saturday, December 9th.

The collection is currently available at all Kith shops and select Moncler flagships.

Dior Launches second edition of the “Dior Lady Art” series

© David Wiseman / Mark Peckmezian for Dior

Dior has just announced their launch of the second edition “Dior Lady Art”, a collaboration between the French maison and contemporary artists who reinterpret the iconic Lady Dior Bag by transforming colors, fabrics and decoration.

After the success of the previous edition in 2016, which featured both British and American artists, this year Dior called upon ten international masters to reinvent the iconic handbag. For the second edition, artists were given a complete carte blanche, allowing them to show their vision of the bag and transpose their creativity into the medium of leatherwork.

© David Wiseman / Mark Peckmezian for Dior

Let’s take a closer look at the handbag, it’s history and the key elements that make the Dior bag oh so coveted all around the globe.

The Lady Art Bag was born in Dior’s ateliers circa 1995, and first came to prominence when Princess Diana acquired this accessory during a visit to Paris. The Dior bag is instantly recognizable by the metal charms which spell out the name of the French maison and by the intricate leather stitching inspired by the seats of the Napoleon III chairs, on which Christian Dior seated his guests at his fashion shows.

© Lee Bul / Mark Peckmezian for Dior

The ten artists of different cultures, background and fame who were invited to revisit the Dior Lady Art Bag included: Lee Bul, John Giorno, Hong Hao, Jack Pierson, Friedrich Kunath, Namsa Leuba, Betty Mariani, Jamilla Okubo, Spencer Sweeney and David Wiseman.

Below are some insights and information on the backgrounds of a few of the artists who crafted the designs of Dior Lady Art series 2.

DAVID WISEMAN

David Wiseman was inspired by nature for his piece, as he uses Dior gray for the face of the bag. The accessory is depictive of stylized vines & flowers as well as gold for the charms; additionally featuring porcelain lily of the valley.

HONG HAO

Hong Hao is famous for his scans of everyday objects, from buttons to CDs, where he integrates them to create a complex yet sophisticated print. On the Lady Bag, he focuses on buttons, jewels and gems fastened on black leather.

LEE BUL

Lee Bul came up with an industrial-style handbag, made of tiny Plexiglas mirrors that together creates a big shattered mirror. The final product is a futuristic bag, which still evokes femininity along with luxury.

JAMILLA OKUBO

The Lady Bag reinterpreted by Jamilla Okubo is a mix between Paris and Kenya. She brilliantly combines Dior’s quilting techniques with Kenyan bead work (using Parisian crystal beads), thereby evoking a dialog between Kenyan culture and Parisian heritage.

Image Credit: Mark Peckmezian for Dior

Versace’s Spring/Summer 2018 Campaign is Reminiscent of Days Long Gone

The Italian luxury fashion house, Versace, has just recently released the shots of it’s new collection as well as recruited a host of world class fashion dignitaries, celebrity stars and top talents for their spring/summer 2018 campaign.  This was all done in order to celebrate Versace’s 40th year anniversary along with paying homage to the label’s founder, Gianni Versace.  The spring/summer 2018 campaign was inspired by the first generation of Versace, so this collection will be bringing back those iconic styles and tailoring them for the new generation of Versace.

The campaign, which featured Gianni Versace’s magnificent looks and prints, was captured by American photographer Steven Meisel, who is critically acclaimed for his work in US and Italian Vogue.  The fashion icons, top talents, and other celebrities include: Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk, Raquel Zimmerman, Natalia Vodianova, Vittoria Ceretti, Kaia Gerber, Christy Turlington, Gisele Bündchen, Cara Taylor, Grace Elizabeth, Noah Luis Brown and Birgit Kos.

With Versace’s creative director, Donatella Versace, heading the spring/summer 2018 campaign, she makes each of the models and their unique personalities shine ever so brightly in a series of individual portrait shots.  “This campaign represents the link between past and present,” said Donatella Versace. “You need to know who you are, and where you are coming from, to build your future. And when you are at the head of a brand with such a strong heritage as mine, you can only embrace it. This is the reason why I wanted to see this iconic super model cast next to the soon-to-be-iconic girls of the future.”

For more information about Versace and their Spring/Summer 2018’s Tribute Collection, visit:  Versace.com

Photo credit courtesy of Versace

Meet Sabrina Percy

Meet London based Artist and Illustrator, Sabrina Percy. Fresh from her days at the London College of Fashion, the 27-year old Tatler ‘It Girl’ is making a name for herself as a shining star on the illustration scene.

In a world which lacks the sophistication of icons such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, the ever so stylish British aristocrat is refreshing, and can easily be dubbed today’s queen of class, with a style reminiscent of days long gone. Sabrina is often found gracing the runways of Dolce & Gabbana in Milan or working in her London Studio to create illustrations for fashion brands such as lululemon and British marques like Rolls Royce. And on her days off, she is no stranger to a quintessential adventure in the Scottish Highlands or a holiday in southeast Asia.

Though very much to the contrary of many young artists, Sabrina’s creativity is somehow different, there is a certain “je nais se pais” to her work that is completely unique, yet, all of her work flows together in a meaningful and harmonious fashion. It can almost become addicting to see her next piece of work. Sabrina’s imagination certainly knows no bounds and can only be considered remotely equal to her passionate entrepreneurial drive.

This Holiday season we were given the exclusive privilege of speaking with Sabrina on her deeply energetic and personal work as an artist in addition to her pursuit of excellence in style and world travels.

How did you first become interested in a career as an illustrator? Was it an encounter with fashion or art in your childhood, or through family or school?

“When I was very young my mother was a fashion designer, and she used to take me to the factory where the clothes were made. I saw her fashion sketches and was inspired to draw myself. I am very dyslexic and so art was something I was actually quite good at – and I held it as a strong point. I enjoyed it and it lead me to gain an art scholarship to my secondary school, then onto my degree in Fashion Illustration from London College of Fashion.”

What have been some of your favorite Illustrations that you have created so far?

“I am still particularly proud of the painting I did for the Kings Road lululemon store. It took me about 6 months to complete as it is just over 8 feet tall. It was so tall I had to work the whole painting on the floor, as it wouldn’t stand up in my flat. Another is a picture of a baby Rhino – I met the little thing while I was out in Kenya. Even so young, it’s grey skin was so wrikly and textural. The piece was created to be the logo for the event launch of the Borana Conservation trust. Then the original was sold in the auction of the event, and all the money was donated toward the charity.”

Do you have a preferred medium for illustrating?

“I think my favorite is pencil, because I believe it behaves the best for me – but I love the vibrancy of colours in ink. I recently discovered digital drawing with a stylus and a tablet, which is my new obsession. I’m not very good yet, but practice makes perfect.”

In addition to your passion for art, you are also a gifted model and fashionista. Do you ever see yourself combining your love of fashion with your illustrations to become a designer? 

“It’s funny because my mother was a fashion designer, I have dipped my toe in a bit of small projects with her, which leads me to discover that the pages are my happy place, not the pattern cutting table. I’m in awe of people who can create a garment from scratch with all of the math and textile rules. If someone could work with me to realize my drawings into fabric form, then that would be great – but won’t be handling a sewing machine anytime soon.”

To what do you credit the inspiration for your inherently unique and very classy style? Are there any particular style icons that you look up to? 

“I was very keen on Audrey Hepburn when I was younger. I love Olivia Palermo’s style, but I’m yet to meet a girl who doesn’t. I think Poppy Delevigne has great style and fashion sense as well.” 

Who are some of your preferred fashion labels at the moment?

“I love Dolce & Gabanna, their clothes are so playful and fun that you feel the emotion as soon as you put them on. I feel that Stefano and Domenico’s energy always makes it’s way into the clothes. Their energy and good vibes are infectious. I also love Burberry for it’s classic English heritage, it feels like my home brand.”

Tell us more about your relationship with Dolce & Gabbana, and what initially started your love affair with the quintessential Italian fashion house?

“In September I received a request to walk in their Millenials ‘secret show’ in Milan. My boyfriend and I where whisked out there and the whole team was such a pleasure to work with, you really get the sense of family with them. The clothes were beautiful and everyone there was so lovely and so passionate, it was impossible not to fall in love. Then we worked together again in November, where they did the Harrods take over and we walked the catwalk in the Harrods food hall. I was over the moon to be reunited with the team, to wear even more beautiful clothes and party the night away with them eating their pasta – Dolce and Gabanna really know how to live la dolce vita.”

Being a rather frequent traveler, what have been some of your favorite destinations this year?

“This year started for me in the mountains in Japan at Gala-Yuzawa, which was incredible. I was surprised how different it was in sport and culture to European skiing. The sport is more leisurely and the long skiing lunches are not a thing! But it’s beautiful and their Onsen culture is amazing in the mountains with natural hot volcanic springs everywhere. Antigua is always a beautiful destination – crystal clear water and the vibe is very laid back. Perfect holiday…  It was my first time to Florence this year and I was lucky enough to go twice as we had two different weddings there. I love Italy for the beautiful architecture and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was breathtaking.”

Having just recently returned from a trip to Northwestern India, do you have any tips for those of us who are looking to visit the country?

“I think it very much depends on when you go, but when we were there in November it was great. Warm in the day and cooler in the evening. You cannot go wrong with a visit to India, just explore as much as possible. In Udaipur be sure to visit lake Pichola, the City Palace is unbelievably beautiful, and surprisingly completely man made, inspired by Venice.”

What do you believe sets London apart being your locality of choice?

“I would say it’s the diversity. The people, the areas, the styles, it’s a complete melting pot of the best of everything. I challenge someone to find a style of food that cannot be found in London and I don’t think there is another city that can match that array of amazing cuisines and quality, all in one city. I think no matter who you are or what you’re into, you should be able to find your tribe here. Each borough is like it’s own little village with a unique culture and feel. If you looked around enough I would say you are sure to find your own little community.”

Where can we follow you?

My personal instgram is @sabrinacpercy

If you’re just after my artwork, best to go to @sabrinapercyart

And for my website at:  www.SabrinaPercy.com

Where to next?

“I am heading to Kenya for the New Year, which will be amazing. Most importantly, I have to get my calendar out, pick a date, and commit to my first exhibition.”

A Dolce & Gabbana X Harrods Christmas

It’s getting colder, it’s getting darker – Harrods is shining brighter! As soon as Harrods starts installing their lights around the prestigious building, every Londoner knows: it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And this year, it is rather beginning to look a lot like… Dolce & Gabbana.

Windows on Brompton Road and Hans Crescent, inspired by Sicilian puppet theatre

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have a lot of things in common – and one of these is undeniably their love for Christmas. They usually spend their holidays together with up to 25 family members, as they claim. This year, however, they wanted to spread their love for Christmas even further: “so for this year’s holiday season, Dolce&Gabbana and Harrods tell a story of true love.”

With the birth of a D&G X Harrods collaboration, in which the designers set up an Italian market within the holy halls of Harrods, as well as with the decoration of the outside windows, Dolce & Gabbana makes London’s fashion hearts skip a beat. From November 2nd to December 28th, Harrods transforms into a host of Italian festiveness, featuring many D&G specials as well as specialized decoration all over the floors.

The 4th floor, right next to the fashion lab, is the theatre for the Italian market. A market, full of flowers, fun and fashion, merging with the ideas of a traditional market and the exclusiveness of Italian design. Wander through the gorgeously set up Londoner version of Sicily and enjoy yourself discovering the latest trends, including the exclusive #D&GLovesLondon collection as the icing on the cake.

This very special collection provides London-themed prêt-à-porter fashion for him and her, as well as accessories, bags and leather goods (for the little London lovers, too).

Before you leave Stefano & Domenico in Wonderland, discover the most exclusive pop-up store for fine jewelry and watches, located on the ground floor – with a presentation design as beautiful and precious as the jewelry itself. Driven by Italian flair, the store is set up as a Sicilian theatre, mysterious on the outside, glamorous on the inside.

And when you’ve happily left Harrods, you will be inspired once more on Brompton Road and Hans Crescent, where the windows shine in a beautiful Sicilian puppet theatre, starring the protagonists, Stefano and Domenico, while narrating the world of D&G.

The windows show a mixture of glamour, poetry, art and lifestyle in such a clever and aesthetic way, that you have to stop by to capture the mind-blowing design before leaving this unique winter wonderland, where dreams and Dolce & Gabbana come to life.

D&G X Harrods, indeed a love story that is one of its kind, shows the brand in all its facets and is definitely a MUST for everyone who shares a heart for fashion, Italian culture or Christmas generally speaking.

Buon Natale!

For more information visit:  DolceGabbana.com

Flawless 163-carat Diamond Necklace Sells at Christies Geneva Auction

For all the taken men, it’s time to step up your game. As Marilyn Monroe says, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” And one of the biggest diamonds has just been sold!

It all started on the 4^th of February, where a 404.2 carat diamond was discovered in eastern Angola, and pronounced to be the 27^th largest rough white diamond!

Months were spent examining the rock and its cracks. Diamond expert, Isaac Barhoin, works hard to make it into a flawless perfect stone. After his search was done, the time came to cut it. On the 29^th of June, Ben Green, an 80 year old master diamond cutter, started his mission. Several months passed till Green succeeded into turning the rough rock into a 163.41 carat gem.

However, the process was not over. It was now time to transform this exquisite diamond into a piece of jewelry and the month of December was the time to do it.

Brought to the Geneva headquarters of GRISOGONO, Gruosi worked hard to turn “the most beautiful diamond in the world” into an “outside-the-box” piece of jewelry, as he says.

After a year of hard work, and team work between the best of the best, The Art of de GRISOGONO, Creation 1, an emerald and diamond necklace set with a rectangular cut, D color, flawless diamond of 163.41 carats was created. It may be nature’s gift, but without all these artists and experts, this would not have happened.

The necklace consisted of the queen diamond in the middle with a chain made of diamonds and 18 emerald-cut diamonds. The diamond itself is appealing, but with the added emeralds, the green of the stones catches peoples’ eyes even more.

This large diamond was already worthy to make people salivate on its own. Now it became everything worthy, to an extent of being sold for 33 million CHF, equivalent to 33 million USD!

On November 14, 2017 an auction was held by Christie’s in Geneva. This auction, however, was unforgettable for two main reasons. First of all, this one of a kind diamond was being auctioned. Second, the price it was sold for was a world record.

An anonymous buyer was ready to pay 33 million CHF for this piece of jewelry. Whoever he is, his woman should be more than happy!

MET GALA 2018: A MIX OF CATHOLISCISM AND FASHION

Every part of history is made of certain unforgettable events. From huge wars, to worldwide agreements, we learn about them no matter what. When looking at the history of fashion, the Met Gala is definitely an impactful event.

The Met Gala is a collaboration of creativity between the celebrity and the designer. To follow the corresponding theme, the designer should create a memorable piece of clothing, and the celebrity should choose to wear it.

Walking down the red carpet, paparazzi and reporters would be everywhere. The flash goes off while you stroll down with your huge gown behind you balancing your weird looking hat on your head.

The Met Gala is all about going full mode and following the theme. No matter how out of the box it is, it is achievable. You just have to clear your mind and go wild!

This year, as always, we are surprised with the theme, being: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. Many had believed this was a very controversial theme where a fair amount of conservative Catholics may feel offended. But au contraire! It’s a chance to take the garments worn in church and add the fashionable crazy touch.

Designers such as Balenciaga and Versace have previously done that, creating a whole collection inspired by the catholic garments.

Hosting the event will be the one and only Anna Wintour, alongside Donatella Versace, Rihanna, and Amal Clooney. The hosts themselves have always perfectly followed the themes and stood out on the red carpet, so let’s see what’s in store for this year.

The Met Gala is not only about showing off your creativity, but an organized event that one can’t miss. Other than mingling with your Grammy and Oscar winning friends, you are afforded the privilege of viewing works of fine art at one of the world’s most prestigious museums.

This year, over 150 pieces will be part of the exhibition. Versace and Balenciaga will have pieces from their catholic inspired collections shown. Joining the exhibition will also be a set of pieces by Coco Chanel – who was raised by nuns, and John Galliano’s Fall 2000 collection for Dior – which had included a pope-like figure on the runway. What’s even more exciting is that actual working garments from the Vatican will be on display in a separate exhibition as well!

So to all the guests invited, be daring and follow the theme to the fullest. As for the designers, don’t hesitate to go crazy, and get inspired from the previous collections! See you on the 30^th of April.

Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art