It's all about the fun

CAT WOMAN:

 

I'm fully aware that you have most probably seen these Carine Roitfeld-styled images countless times before whether online or whilst flicking through the September issue of VOGUE, but I simply had to share them with you myself because I adore them and enjoy them far too much than I probably should but I just find them such fun. I actually laughed out loud to myself when I first saw them because they are so unlike the majority of the "headlining" fashion editorial campaigns. Instead they are encouraging you to be original with your look and inviting you to come and play, have fun, enjoy yourself and what you wear and don't be so serious. Even if Lagerfeld is the most serious person on the planet. (In fact, now I mention it, I don't think I have ever seen him crack a smile?) Surely all those things are positive? What do you think of the campaign? Suitable for A/W? 

Well, you are in for a treat because the fun doesn't stop there, oh no... Helena Bonham Carter, a great love of mine, is the latest face of Marc Jacobs! I recently watched Frankenstein again and she is just marvellous- absolutely perfect for any period role of that kind. I find her whimsical and romantic, capturing, fun and of course eccentric, so I suppose it isn't too much of a surprise to view her on the floor with her legs up in the air rummaging around wearing beautiful Marc Jacobs hats and gloves in colours to match her vibrant personality. Oh, how glad I was to see her! I was initially quite surprised as I had forgotten about her latest career move. I have in the past said that actresses steal model's jobs blah, blah, blah but Carter is English eccentric at it's best. What can I say? I'm patriotic and I love her- two good enough reasons for why I'm so happy to see her in one of my favourite magazines. 

I adore the first image- it suits her down to a T, no? Again, what do you think? Too much or just right? Do babble...

CHILD'S PLAY:

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The Tragic Love Affair

Titanic is without a doubt one of my favourite films, certainly taking pride of place in my top 10 list amongst Baz Luhrmann directed Romeo + Juliet. And you don't have to think too hard about what those both have in common (Clue: it's a very good looking man)!

Whilst on the subject, Shakespeare was (and remains to be) an absolute literary genius; the passion, tragedy, gripping plot, imagery, symbolism, character development, quotation, as well as astonishingly original, balanced and interesting way of writing is what makes his certainly irreplaceable talent as one of the best playwrights of all time. The reason for so many variations and versions.

Namely, the Baz Luhrmann's film version. The tragic, lovelorn story is a personal favourite of mine with Macbeth a close second. Although one to usually completely disallow myself to become distracted by modern counterparts or versions of aged pieces (I often prefer many original versions of songs that have been copied by others and never as greatly), the soundtrack to the Romeo + Juliet 1996 film brings it to life on screen, making it stronger visually, drawing you in and creating an emotive viewing experience. And it was with the help of my eternally youthful A-Level English teacher (who partied in Ibiza during the summer, wore Juicy Couture and was admired by many a fellow male peers) and her creativity, passion and intelligence in directing and scripting a sixth form stage production of Romeo & Juliet that powered and flourished my absolute love of the play. She even starred in her modernised version- modernised in the sense that the opposing families were each representing different social groups within modern day society ("chav" versus "goth", etc.) and of course, using the overwhelmingly emotive soundtrack completed the performance. I can honestly say it was the best school stage productions I have ever seen and unlike anything seen at a school. It was just so professional whilst at the same time incredibly exciting and touching- a truly amazing show. 

Most people's favourite scene (I think it goes without saying) from the 1996 film version starring the stunning Clare Danes and beautiful Leonardo DiCaprio features the pair's initial glances through the glowing blue aquarium tank prior to the exciting frolics in and out of the lifts away from the judgement of her parents and later the intimacy they share underwater. Along with the transposition of often complete angst, romance and the feeling of longing for your one true love.


Oh, it is just stunning; wonderfully pieced together, it is Luhrmann's archetypal flamboyancy and poignancy that makes the screen electric. I vow you to watch it if you never have.

It will no doubt instantly become, thanks to the genius that is Shakespeare, not just one of your favourite films, but favourite plays of all time.

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Pic of the week

Hollywood Land

VOGUE US | March 2008

Going back in time in more ways than one, the prettiness, elegance and class of this editorial is what initially grabbed me. Retro at it's best don't you think?

Karen Elson has a serene like quality, a beauty so classic and English with her red locks and flawless creamy skin. The hair is big and the dress bigger, although heels not so much.

Prim. Sophisticated. But also fun. 

I love the mixture of all three, combined with the freshness and pastel hues the background brings to the photograph.

Just stunning.

Grace, you are an absolute legend. 

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Anja Rubik for Giuseppe Zanotti

Flicking through VOGUE last night, I spotted the latest uber polished A/W '11 editorial campaign for Giuseppe Zanotti Design (How nice are the snakeskin wedged boots?) with the absolutely stunning Anja Rubik, who by the way, has the best legs I have ever seen and is fantastic in the newest television ad for H&M. Amazing. Well anyway, whilst admiring her curly hair and slender frame, I couldn't help but notice how much she reminds me of Glenn Close circa 1987, when she played crazed marriage wrecker in Fatal Attraction, one of my favourites. 

Can you see the resemblance? Even if you can't, these pictures are far too amazing not to share.

        







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Trend sets for A/W '11: JIL SANDER & floral print

I am fast becoming a huge fan of Jil Sander's work and her catwalk collections- she always has me on Look 1. Going back to S/S '11, I adored the blocked colour floor-length skirts; so easy to wear, breezy, summery and colour was certainly back in moderate spurts for autumn. The 49 looks were constituted of clean lines, blocks of bright red and turquoise here and there and boxy shapes. There was an avoidance of overt detailing or overbearing design additions- quite simply a no frills, complete breath of fresh air, bar red lips and striped/clashing/knitted sleeves peeking out from underneath billowing capes. Then the shocking red floral print began to appear, like a flower coming into bloom, in the form of platformed footwear. They were straight on my wish list. It was then that the eye-catching floral print washed over the catwalk for just 6 looks- breaking up the collection with an element of fun- and spring- in the form of exaggerated collared loose-fitting dresses, (the bright blue and red is my favourite) a coat and cute jumpsuit which highlights the waist.

I enjoy the 60s vibe of the overall collection- entwined monochrome reminicent of dog-tooth check, Christmas jumpers, sleek beehive, ladylike glamour without being over the top- a creation of refined elegance, beautifully finished with a retro twist. The glossy hair complemented the straight cut of the trouser and the blocked leather platform boots gave an edgy feel to the prettiness that came from the swirly floral pattern. 

The 60s remains to be my favourite era and this collection has just reignited my adoration for that time, combined with the craftsmanship of the 21st Century. And florals for winter? It's exactly what we need to brighten up our days.

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Pic of the week

Brief Encounter
VOGUE US | January 2011

I simply love the effortlessness of this image- the way they are staring unknowingly onto the ground, Daria sifting through the granules of sand and the brightness of her yellow dress. It is summery but not overtly so, capturing and very interesting...

It just looks like the perfectly calming place to be.

Away from the world.

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Sasha Pivovarova: The Only One

Simply

because she's my

favourite 

model 

ever

and

completely and utterly

gorgeous. 

Who is yours?

... and for VOGUE Paris here with the amazing Ava, which is one of my favourite editorials ever. To view all photographs, shot by Mikael Jansson, see here.

Majority of images from fashiongonerogue.com

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Pic of the week

GLOSSY. ULTRA SEXY. HIGH FASHION. SHIMMERING... WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?

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THE NEW DAPHNE

The DUTCH beauty

DAPHNE GROENEVELD

SHE went FROM THIS... 

...to THIS at just 16 YEARS of age

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