Saturday 30 March 2013

IT LYST ~ what would you wear to a modern Gatsby party?

“In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

If you have read The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald you may have imagined yourself at one of the parties there. I sometimes think about what a modern Gatsby party would be like and what I would ponder over choosing to wear if I was in such a circle!



Yves Saint Laurent
Open Blazer Jacket

Androgynous chic for an partially anonymous look.

Source: Lyst.com

Equipment
Reese Blouse

Summer time dreams
Source: Lyst.com

Alexander McQueen
Embellished Wing Bracelet

A flash of glamour
Source: Lyst.com

Rag & Bone
Printed Blazer

Floral sophisticated delight
Source: Lyst.com

Celine
Fall 2013 Runway Look 14

A talking point
Source: Lyst.com

Saturday 23 March 2013

Inspiration- creating your own work and following your dreams

ana kraš

by 

Lina Scheynius


Over the past year I have been inspired by people, largely women who have created their own ventures by following their heart and passions. Examples include 


Ana Kraš

Garance Dore
Yasmin Sewell and my friend
Lauren Whitworth

So how does one make the leap creating something from a blank canvas?  You already have the capabilities waiting to blossom so the key is really resources, planning, organisation and support.  

I'm hoping to create a creative venture this summer.





Saturday 16 March 2013

Estelle Dévé Nuri choker / bracelet

From http://www.anyonegirl.com/gold-estelle-deve-nuri-choker/




I grew up hating gold.  My parents are from the Indian subcontinent and there, there is a big obsession with really yellow, strong gold jewellery.Women are generally expected to adorn themselves in gold be it the real thing or costume jewellery at weddings even as guests- this is now changing though. During my younger years I rebelled and refused to wear gold costume jewellery in any form (I never received or bothered asking for the real thing as presents nor desired it- saved more than pennies there anyhow for everyone concerned!!). All I had were a few sterling silver rings, costume jewellery and silver coloured necklaces.

As they say people change...this only really happened when I came across Estelle Dévé's jewellery. She is a French jewellery designer based in Melbourne, Australia.

What I really like about  Estelle Dévé's designs are that they are unusual and elegant, organic and like mini sculptures and ornaments without being sentimental. They can be part of one's day and evening and I feel with time they will be as jewellery should be- treasured possessions and full of memories. 







Sunday 10 March 2013

français

At 13 years of age I was the top of my class in the French language, my French teacher then really admired me.  I left a secondary school to go to another one where the standards of the students were significantly higher. I fell behind with my French classes concentrating on maths and the sciences more.

 I spend part of my weekends watching Spiral on BBC iplayer  a TV drama series about a group of Parisian crimnal police, laywers and the justice system, if you are interested you can find out more here:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_(TV_series)   I'm also a fan of some French films. Watching these a part of me longs for the days spent in a classroom learning French, it's strange considering this was nearly two decades ago. Perhaps with time and life experiences we rediscover the things that are truly part of us. I'm not sure my younger self would be happy with the way I have become today?  I was pretty ambitious back then.




Monday 4 March 2013

SOPHIE THEALLET


From:  http://modaoperandi.com/sophie-theallet/fw-2013/rtw-1336/looks accessed on 4th March 2013


Sophie Theallet creates clothes that stand alone in today’s Fashion. The only path she follows is her own, as each new collection is an evolution of the last, built around Sophie’s singular vision and mastery of craft. Her signature is a panaché of femininity and ease, sensuality and craftsmanship that is instantly recognizable. Like Sophie herself, the collections have a undeniably French accent, but also exude a freedom of spirit that transcends all borders - luxury clothing whose universal appeal lies in its unique point of view.

SOPHIE THEALLET

Caramel & Vermillion Crinkle Chiffon Dress from Moda Operandi




At 18, Sophie moved to Paris to attend the renowned fashion design school, Studio Berçot. She graduated early after winning France’s “National Young Design Award”. She was then hired by the most influential designer of this time, Jean-Paul Gaultier. She credits M. Gaultier for teaching her how to work with colors, how to develop the narrative of a collection and, most importantly, how to be fearless and to trust her own instincts.

A few years later, she moved on to Azzedine Alaïa where she would truly mature as a designer. During her 10 years as Alaïa’s right hand woman, Sophie immersed herself completely in the world of couture which allowed her to refine her considerable cutting and draping skills. She worked on the main collection as well as accessories and knitwear, traveling constantly while closely working by the side of the living Master.

SOPHIE THEALLET

Turquoise Tulip Printed Gown from Moda Operandi



After moving to New York City, Sophie continued to work with Alaïa on a part time basis, while also freelancing for other fashion labels. In 2007, she launched her own label, Sophie Theallet, which swiftly garnered critical acclaim from the media and prestigious retailers. In 2009, her talent was ultimately recognized by the American fashion industry at its highest level when she won the coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.

Sophie Theallet’s growing clientele responds intimately to her ability to create a sense of discovery about each garment. From a simple t-shirt to a elaborately constructed evening gown, Sophie Theallet’s clothes invite the woman’s personality to come through. It is this philosophy about subtle sexiness, beauty, substance and style that continues to draw converts worldwide.

Sunday 3 March 2013

Simplicity


A year ago I never saw the big deal with simple classic clothing.  Why spend money on simple toned garments?  Answer- It's all about the cut, the quality and the the fact such pieces are timeless.  Also such pieces let the face,hair and figure be the focus of the portrait- think Audrey Hepburn style. This style creates a frame for the person. No wonder many designers wear black.

My clothing phases from my early twenties consisted of a few items from Primark, most from H&M and a few pieces from Zara and ebay. These were largely girly or frilly clothing mainly with prints. Now looking at my wardrobe I need to spend an afternoon sifting through to throw away, donate to charity and sell a few good quality items on ebay.

As with life we go through phases and I think there are times where some of our clothes are no longer part of us, like people we used to know years ago, would these people be part of your life today? Time to move on and not delude ourselves with rose tinted glasses.