I Left My Heart, Vicariously, in Paris

Dries Van Noton

Dries Van Noton

Dries Van Noton

Balenciaga

Balenciaga

 

Balenciaga

Gareth Pugh

Gareth Pugh

Gareth Pugh

Balmain

Balmain



Balmain

Paris fashion week has officially begun and so far it’s definitely living up to the anticipation and excitement that has come to be expected.

Top moments so far include…

Dries Van Noton

With influence from English photographer, James Reeves and what is being referenced as a tribute to Cristobal Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten showcased a collection of subtle contradictions and conflicts. The structured silhouettes in palettes of black and white were infused and heightened with looks of fuchsia and water-coloured prints to create an artistic and historical masterpiece.

Balenciaga

The drama that resulted in the collapsing of the benches at the Balenciaga show, ironically worked in the fashion house’s favour, setting a scene in the Rue Cassette that drew direct connotations to the aesthetic of a church. Structured jackets adapted to the modern day silhouette were paired back with super-short tailored shorts and presented in rich luxurious hues. The collection pushed the limits, adapting the archives of Balenciaga in a truly creative way.

Gareth Pugh

Dynamic, fearless, sci-fi predators stormed their way down the runway at Gareth Pugh, showcasing futuristic designs of predominantly black and white. With visual and sound elements only heightening the effect and impact of the dramatic show, the collection closed with a masked hybrid assuming her position of power.  

Balmain

It was Olivier Rousteing’s big moment and at only 25 years of age, the designer faired pretty well, putting a slightly new spin on the tight silhouettes and short hemlines we’ve come to expect from Balmain. Elaborate embroidery complemented the soft wallpaper-floral motif while Rousteing set the bar for the future development of the Balmain look.

Yet to come are the innovative creations of Christian Dior, Chanel, YSL, Alexander McQueen and so many more… I am literally holding my breath, Paris you do it to me every time!

Images: Style.com

Valley of the Dolls…

Shot in the Wolgan Valley, NSW, amidst the magical terrain and the very homestead that Charles Darwin stayed in, in 1836, a trio of models and technicoloured wigs channelled their inner, ‘Valley of the Dolls,’ last year, for the 2010 September Issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Singapore. Now I know it is twelve months later, but this is one of my favourite shoots and features the one and only Ruby Jean Wilson, along side the equally amazing Dempsey Stewart and Natalie Keyser. Shot by Simon Upton and styled by Kenneth Goh, the serene landscape, combined with the enchanting light, create the perfect contrast against the vivid colours and eclectic mix of the fashion.

xx

Smokingly Chic: Fashion and Cigarettes

            Is it just me or do fashion and cigarettes somehow work magic together? Now I am by no means promoting the act of smoking, believe me I’ve seen the advertisements and read the health warnings, but I can’t help notice and appreciate that a cigarette plus a fashion shoot equals instant cool.

            The eerie atmosphere that the smoke creates while curling and intertwining through the air, the attitude conveyed through a model staring intensely down the camera under her hooded eyes, cigarette ever so perfect position in-between her teeth, it seems that in fashion, nicotine can do no wrong.

            The art of editorial smoking has the ability to cause controversy, à la Kate Moss at the Paris Fashion Week Louis Vuitton show, but in doing so it adds an extra somethin’ somethin’. It’s that edge, that allure, that I don’t give a f**k attitude, combined with the glamour, the couture and the status, and it works time and time again!

Fashion and smoking; two peas in a delirious, but fabulous, pod…

The Polaroid Effect

The grainy noise, the not so perfect quality, the depth of the texture and the instant satisfaction of capturing a raw, untouched moment full of emotion. I’m in love with my Polaroid camera at the moment and I’ve been getting so snap happy lately that I’m slowly running out of places to display my mini memories. Slow it down a notch and revel in the raw beauty of these images from Polaroid’s around the world.

Snap it and shake it… what’s not to love.

xx