Alexander McQueen opens in Beijing

Hot on the heels of Burberry and in a bold move to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market, Brit label Alexander McQueen has partnered with premium designer store, JOYCE, for the opening of its first boutique in China at Sanlitun North Village, Beijing’s premier luxury retail development.  Spread over 2 floors, the space houses ready-to-wear men’s and women’s wear as well as accessories

The Life Aquatic - Spring '12's infatuation with an Underwater Theme dissected.

One of the strongest themes to emerge from Paris Fashion Week for S/S'12 was that of underwater fantasy, of ethereal mermaids and rare oceanic treasures. Gentle cascades of shimmering frills at McQueen (below) brought to mind exotic amphibious creatures, whilst iridescent pearls and scale-like adornment trimmed Karl Lagerfeld’s amphibious fancy for Chanel (below, bottom), and a fictional love

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012



Paris Fashion Week closed off another season of fabulous clothes, supermodels and remarkable designers. The biggest trends that have emerged for Spring 2012 are vibrant floral prints, citrus shades, cropped tops, pleating, lingerie-inspired outerwear, sheerness and belted waists. Although Spring is months away, it's never to early to be inspired.





Emanuel Ungaro

Emanuel Ungaro's newest designer Jeanne Labib-Lamour took a safe approach towards Spring 2012. Paint splash prints in doses of blue and red were pleated, draped, ruched and twisted. Silky jumpsuits and v-neck cocktail dresses were belted with thin metallic gold. Besides for sexy daywear, there was just a touch of sequins at the end, with a gold encrusted column evening gown. Models wore deep blue smokey eyes and side-swept fringes.

Alexander McQueen

Yet another display of creative brilliance for Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton. The underwater inspiration was visible through clusters of tulle coral, couture lace swimming caps, oyster print chiffon, pearly shell pink and a treasure cove of gold dresses. The softness of fully ruffled gowns stood out against sculpted corsets and gothic black gowns. The painstakingly elaborate detailing extended to strappy platform heels. More like pieces of art that belong in a museum rather than in a boutique. 

Valentino

A dreamy and romantic Spring collection from the Italian duo behind Valentino. Pretty high-neck frocks were spun from delicate lace in shades of honeydew, lily white and black. There was also an odd shot of slinky leather dresses. Featherlight evening gowns skimmed the floor in transparent florals, dotted mesh and embroidered lace. Striking scarlet dresses stood out amidst the waves of nude chiffon.  

Chanel

It was Parisian-meets-oceanic chic at Chanel's Spring 2012 showing. Karl Lagerfeld was yet another designer to use an aquatic reference in his collection. The classic Chanel pieces were all there in the usual soft-hued palette; on this occasion scattered with pearls and foamy lace. A prominent feature were lines of black ribbon zigzagged across coats and dresses. A seabed effect was created by airy organza, shouls of gathered chiffon, opalescent textiles and shimmery sequins. Models wore flat ankle boots in lustrous silver, and slicked back hair.

Chloe

Clare Waight Keller expressed urbane femininity in her first efforts for Chloé. New to brand, Keller presented a commercially friendly collection in a dependable colour scheme of soft pinks, coral, cream and beige.  Horizontal stripes and colour-blocked panels were assigned to breezy pleated dresses. Classic white shirts were paired with relaxed-fit trousers. Wide leather belts were slung around drop-waist dresses. This collection may not have all the elaborate frills of others this season, but I find that there is beauty in functionality. 

Miu Miu

Capes. For Spring. If a designer-loving Red Riding Hood went to the Wild West, she would be dressed head-to-toe in Miu Miu. Miuccia Prada toyed with vampish girlyness in moody colours for Spring 2012. The idea of the 'velvet ribbon bound stole' was rendered in different lengths and quilt prints. The vintage charm of guipure lace was juxtaposed against the heaviness of patchwork and the sheen of satin dresses. Models sauntered in rose-embroidered cowboy boots, eyelids aglow with fiery red shadow.

Hope you have enjoyed my coverage of Fashion Week 2011-12. To see a recap of all the events, click here.

Get set for Vogue's Fashion Night Out: Fashion's Best Night of the Year

Readers, if you really want to see and experience how the fashion industry parties when they put on their Louboutin and Charlotte Olympia heels then you can. 
Vogue's Fashion Night Out is a tremendous global celebration of the fashion industry that has a serious message - it announces the launch of new season in store boosting attention and sales in an industry that has a £21 billion turnover in

Chutzpah's Weekly Barometer

A light hearted look back over the past week’s good, bad and indifferent including the “don’t even go there’s”.
LOVINGGUIDO PAULO'S BARETTE HAIR LOOK FOR ALEXANDER MCQUEEN A/W'11  Wow!  Silver and black barette clips are used to esconce the head to create a modernist Joan of Arc armour helmet. Strong, powerful and easy to replicate.
KREAYSHAWN 'GUCCI GUCCI' - We might be late to the Kreayshawn

Looks Of The Week

Who What Wear

My Favourite Fashion Picks

Rose Bryne is chic in New York, wearing a fern green and black leopard print dress by Dolce & Gabbana. I'm glad she added a belt for definition. High patent pumps by Sergio Rossi complete her look.

Pippa Middleton looks stylish on the streets of London. She wears a pale peach maxi dress with a cropped jacket, tan bag and white peep-toe heels. 

Anne Hathaway attended the UK premiere of her movie 'One Day', wearing an Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 dress. Her ivory baroque lace tea-length dress is worn with tan peep toe heels and a cream and gold clutch, also by McQueen.

Leighton Meester is lovely in lemon, as she attended the launch of Vera Wang's 'Lovestruck' perfume. The Gossip Girl star wore a softly pleated chiffon dress, with black leather wrap belt and Brian Atwood pumps. She wears this simple look so well.

Divas and Darlings - VH1 Do Something Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

VH1 Do Something Awards 2011



The VH1 Do Something Awards were held in Los Angeles this weekend.  The awards show recognizes young inspirational people under the age of 25, who do their benevolent bit for the community. Finally, a red carpet event for a good cause. It also commends celebrities that have been involved in charitable work during the year. These are some of the stylish looks from the 'blue' carpet



Red Hot

The Vampire Diaries Malese Jow wears a scarlet draped dress with half-frilled skirt. Victoria Justice is ravishing in a crimson red ruffled dress by Jay Godfrey. She suitably paired it with leopard print ankle-strap heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Long and Strapless 

One Tree Hill's Sophia Bush chose a flowing strapless gown in a beautiful teal blue by Tibi. She carried a multicolored ethnic print clutch by Hands Up Not Handouts. A Iosselliani necklace and nude Jimmy Choo's finished her look. Glee's Jane Lynch wore a printed gown with a similar design to Sophia's. Her pony print black and white dress is by Alexander McQueen. I don't like the two-tone heels with it.

Colour Blocked

TV actress Kelli Goss wore a neon yellow midriff top with aqua mini skirt and chunky black tie-up books. Tyra Banks wore a tri-coloured jumpsuit with bright pink asymmetrical top that matched her nail polish, a green cummerbund and cobalt blue pants. Too much colour for the talk show host?

An Ivory Affair

Always one for glamorous gowns, Kim Kardashian wore Antonio Berardi. Her ivory dress had a wrap-twist bodice, padded shoulders and metallic gold belt. Demi Lovato stepped it up in an off-white dress with low v-neck and embellished middle panel. Matching peep toe heels complete her look.

In The Pink

Love this sweet pink Sue Wong dress on Bella Thorne. The beaded bodice with silk petal skirt is adorable on the 13-year-old. I'm glad she wore it with bronze ankle boots and not prissy heels. Charity Shea wears a neon pink dress with grey back panels, long tassel earrings and silver wedges. Ashley Benson in a hot pink halter dress by Zac Posen. Jojo poses in a vibrant little pink dress with nude heels.

A Little Bit of Black

Brittany Snow is in a grey animal print dress with flair skirt by Camilla and Marc. She added mustard pointy toe heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. Kristen Bell wore a printed Etro dress with silver Casadei pumps and Jimmy Choo fringed bag. I'm uninspired by her look. South African born Sasha Pieterse looked chic in a 3/4 sleeve black dress with double buckled leather belt and nude heels. I wish my hair would do that. Rose McGowan paired her star print Dolce & Gabbana bustier dress with red Brian Atwood pumps.

Divas and Darlings - Bafta Brits to Watch Event

Red Carpet Fashion 

Bafta Brits to Watch Event 2011



The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka William and Kate attended the Bafta 'Brits to Watch' Dinner on Saturday in Los Angeles. Hollywood stars aligned the red carpet at the Belasco Theatre to meet the royal pair. These are the fashion highlights.



Asymmetrical

Elizabeth Banks went white in gown by Versace. Large gold buttons baring the Versace emblem held her dress together at the shoulder and split. Strappy matt gold platforms, a gold clutch and cuff finished her look.

Jennifer Garner wore a navy blue satin gown with slight draping. I'm finding the bodice too baggy on her.

Anna Kournikova, who I haven't seen in ages on the red carpet, followed the asymmetrical trend in a teal toga gown by Tadashi Shoji. She walked in high metallic gold heels.





Lights

Zooey Deschanel chose a tea-length dress by Oscar de la Renta. The organza dress with scalloped hem dress was fully embroidered in gold. She wore matching ankle strap pumps.

Blake Lively was angelic in Marchesa. The blonde star wore a flowing ice grey gown with pearl and bead embellishing on the hem and neckline. Her stunning silver heels are by Christian Louboutin.

Elizabeth Moss opted for a simple nude pleated dress by J Mendel. Her Lauren Merkin clutch matched the dress quite precisely.

Brights

Jennifer Lopez was form-fitting in a forest green gown by Emilio Pucci. Her toned physique was shown off with cutouts. She carried a Lena Erziak clutch that matched her gold embellished sleeve.

British actress with a very South African name, Gugu Mbatha-Raw looked divine in royal blue. This is my favourite look of the evening. Her draped gown with embellished sleeves is by Reem Acra.

Mary Louise Parker blended into the red carpet wearing Dolce & Gabbana. This is such a lovely gown, the floral cosage on the empire waistband keeps it fun.





Pastels

Nicole Kidman was statuesque in an alice blue Elie Saab gown. Her fully beaded gown was toned down with a silver grey satin clutch.

Honourary guest, Duchess Kate Middleton looked sweetly splendid in a lilac gown by Alexander McQueen. She held a metallic Jimmy Choo clutch.

Cat Deeley wore a dreamy blue low-waisted halter neck dress with lace panels, which is by Christian Dior.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

What a grand collection from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. For the label's Resort 2012 range, she effortlessly fuses neutral colours with a safari/military theme and immaculate tailoring. I adore the exotic embroidery that's tampered with the strong, clean lines.

The utilitarian lines were augmented by a glossy shade of khaki and a dash of animal print. Sheer white lace dresses brought out the romantic side of the collection. Trench coats featured embellished pockets and epaulettes. Waistlines were accentuated by wide buckled belts.

Shapes were Edwardian influenced with tail coats, corsets, fitted waists, peplums & high collars. In the middle is a black jacket & skirt with exaggerated hip, gilded in ornate embroidery. Outfits were accessorized with different sized clutch bags & ankle strap sandals.

Corset gowns intricately adorned with gold embroidery and full skirts smothered in tufts of tulle. Overall, this is an exquisite collection.

Alexander McQueen S/S '12 Menswear review

It’s not unusual for a designer to experience teething problems when called in to head up an existing fashion house.  Lee McQueen, famously, locked horns with the archaic atelier at Givenchy, and his successor at the late designer’s eponymous label, Sarah Burton, has spent the last couple of seasons ransacking the Alexander McQueen back-catalogue whilst simultaneously sucking the life out of it

Exotic Summer Shoes by Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Spring/Summer 2011 Shoe Collection



The house of Alexander McQueen maintained the late designer's unconventional and artistic approach to fashion with their Spring/Summer 2011 shoe range. Wearing one of these enigmatic creations is like stepping into a magical, animated garden. If fairies wore haute couture, I'm sure they would have loved these theatrical designs. Fantasy aside, these designs are inventive and have been crafted with virtuosity.   

Top Row

Resin and leather wedge heels have been sculpted with a flaming leaf design. It is shown in gothic black, shiny gold and white. Butterflies adorned the sandals. You could wear a sack with these shoes and no one would notice.



Bottom Row

The leather leaf T-bar peep toe heel is available in ivory and a gorgeous bronze. 

In the middle is the wheat inspired sandal made from woven leather. I'm from a farm town and I never thought 'wheat' could be fashionable.

 The Baroque buckled boots with gold tips are magnificent. It has such intricate detailing, from the ornate gold buckles, to the studded platform and beautifully crafted leather leaf design.

This fanciful footwear range is available online, from about R9000. It's hard to believe that Sarah Burton, who created Kate Middleton's royal wedding gown is the mastermind behind these extravagant designs. She truly is a talented and flexible designer. All the shoes in this collection may not be functional, but they are something to revere.

Video: McQueen Exhibit Tour by New York Magazine

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Well I thought I'd start off the week with a great video that I found from new York magazine. Its a quick view on the Alexander McQueen exhibit. I thought it was very interesting and for those who can't go, it will take you closer.

Xoxo,
Candy

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American Road Trip

I love Americana/Western-style fashion. Cowboy boots, denim mini skirt, cowboy hat. As a kid growing up in a big rural-type town, I used to watch movies about road trips across Route 66 and dream of going to the States. The cactus-strewn landscapes, desert roads, greasy gas stations & truck stops, convertible Cadillacs, roadside diners with shiny red vinyl seats & Cherry Colas, and cheap motels right by the highway, with their blinking neon lights, dilapidated swimming pools & 70's decor. It all seemed so exotic and exciting! This fantastic editorial by David Mushegain for Vogue Italia last year totally encapsulates that vibe, starring the ever-cool Texan model and & designer Erin Wasson.

Erin Wasson in Texas Story for ELLE Italia

In the early 90's a glut of movies came which featured adventures in the American heartland and sassy heroines who wore rock chick, eclectic outfits that inspired me. True Romance, Wild at Heart, Natural Born Killers, Thelma and Louise, Leaving Las Vegas and Gas, Food, Lodging. My style inspiration came from and was forever molded by these characters.

Alabama Worley from True Romance (1993)

Key quote: "I had to come all the way from the highway and byways of Tallahassee, Florida to MotorCity, Detroit to find my true love."

Key looks: Red lipstick, mini skirts, turquoise ensembles with matching bra, Chuck Taylors, pony-skin, aviators and leopard print.

Lula Fortune from Wild at Heart (1990)

Key quote: "This whole world's wild at heart and weird on top"

Key looks: Red lipstick, blonde perm, leather jacket, lingerie as outer-wear, lace stocking, red stilettos, spandex tube dresses & black sunglasses.

Mallory Knox from Natural Born Killers (1994)

Key Quote: "I see angels, Mickey. They're comin' down for us from heaven...and I see the future and there's no death 'cause you and I, we're angels."

Key looks: Tight crop tops, skin tight pants, studded belts & collars, bandanas, scorpion, assortment of wigs & perpetual pout.

Shade & Trudi, Gas, Food Lodging (1992)

Key looks: Brunette perms & red tints, Western-style shirts, Levis 501s, leather jackets, floral 90's style mini dresses with Doc Martens

Thelma and Louise (1091)

Key quote: "Well, we're not in the middle of nowhere, but we can see it from here."

Key looks: Rock tee, Ray Bans, bandanas, cowboy hats, tight jeans and cowboy boots.



I ove with that Americana style cross between cowgirl & rock chick, with a dash of trailer trash - Pink lace bras, battered leather jackets, plaid shirts, stars & stripes print, vintage rock tees, leopard print, Ray Ban wayfarers. The Americana Truck-stop/Road-trip/Road-side diner/Service station/Cheap motel vibe has inspired 100s of glossy editorials and photographers over the years. Interestingly, I stumbled across the cool editorial below from Fashion Gone Rogue by a vintage store called...Wild at Heart. Checked out their Facebook Page and their interests include Gas,Food, Lodging and... True Romance - kindred spirits!

Kalifornia for Fashion Gone Rogue by Graham Dunn

Fab clothes from 'Wild at Heart Vintage'

Below is a collection of more recent editorials inspired by this look.

Coco Rocha fro ELLE Italia, January 2011

Nice girls finish first for Foam Magazine Thomas Whiteside



McQueen Spring/Summer Campaign 11/12



Vogue Russia, February 2011





Wildfox Campaign 2010



Bambi Northwood-Blyth for 10 Magazine, Spring/Summer by Tierney Gearon



You aint got nothin to lose by Jason Lee Parry