Chanel Métiers d'Art; Paris- Edinburgh

Chanel's Métiers d'Art show is always one of the most anticipated annual catwalk shows, and the most recent display has not disappointed- as per. 

The opulent fashion show came to the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots on the 4th December; dans Edinburgh. Inspired by the great Scots, Karl used this Scottish influence for his latest collection, and it was indeed evident. Red tartan, hints of baroque and an oh- so- slight homage to The Tudor's (in particular Elizabeth I), there is no doubt that this compilation of designs has an appeal of luxe. 

As a fan of historic periods of drama, such as The Tudor years, I loved the references that Karl payed to the royal's and with his use of authentic, traditional Scottish fabrics and colours, he has payed tribute to a beautiful country in such an exquisite way. The use of heavy embellishment which is in sync with the current baroque trend, as well as traditional silhouettes with a modern twist made for a slight gothic feel on the overall collection. 

Cara Delevingne, Edie Campbell and of course, Stella Tennant all strutted their long legs down the catwalk as onlookers such as Poppy Delevigne and Amber Anderson admired from the front row. 

Daphne Groeneveld on the
Paris- Bombay catwalk. 

Despite the beauty from the Scottish inspired fashion extravaganza, I must admit I am still more of a fan of the Pre- SS13 Paris- Bombay show which took place earlier this year. Maybe its due to the fact that I love the modern, high fashion twist on the traditional cultural pakistani dress (which I occasionally have to don), or the use of white, gold and a lot of embellishing appeals to me more than anyone will ever know... Whatever be the reason however, the Paris- Bombay collection will always be one of my favourites from the Chanel couture archive. 

Paying homage to the great Queen Elizabeth I?

Love these pearl drop earrings.

One of my favourite looks; A full length dress complete with a tartan beret. 

Love the detail 'CC' on the headpiece!

Stella Tennant wearing an oversized coat with tartan detailing. 

This slight reference to baroque is perfect.

Cara Delevingne.

Edie Campbell, looking as though she is ready to go hunting!

Overall, i'd say that this latest rendition of Chanel's Métiers d'Art was a perfect homage to the traditions and gorgeous fabrics that come from Scotland. I just wonder, did Karl serve haggis at the after party? 

Marium x

Legendary people: Franca Sozzani

Not as well known as Anna Wintour but still a major part of the fashion world, the Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani is already a legend.

With many strong opinions, Franca manages to hold her own and is an epitome of an independent woman. She is considered to be one of the top 5 most influential people in the fashion industry, despite the fact that most people who don't have a particular interest in fashion haven't heard of her, when they may be quite familiar with Queen Anna. 

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting the Italian icon, as well as Lisa Armstrong and Giles Deacon. Christopher Kane, Philip Treacy and Erdem were also in the room, but as I was too pre-occupied with Franca, I unfortunately didn't get to invade their personal space. I attended a press conference where Lisa interviewed Franca and asked her various questions; “What do you look for in a picture?” Franca’s reply was simply, “An emotion.” She also expressed her views on modern day model’s stating “20 years ago they were women and now, they are teenagers” (Cara Delevingne instantly comes to mind). “They start off being thin, and then they become anorexic. They don’t start off anorexic”. She made it obvious that that she was more in favour of plus size models and when discussing the June '11 issue, she stated that she 'hopes the 3 + size models on the cover of Italian Vogue will make the Industry reconsider its obsession with teenagers’.

Hearing her opinions first hand was an incredible experience, and I must say it is a very controversial topic. Should the industry feature more plus sized models? I think that fashion in the form of editorials and catwalks has developed enough that many models don't feel the need to starve themselves, but then again, we never see the whole picture...

Nevertheless, meeting Franca was amazing, and I hope to one day become a successful editor like herself and our beloved 'nuclear Wintour' (hence the title of my blog), to make an impact on the oh-so-critical yet fabulous fashion industry. 

Marium x

Kate & Marc; one fabulous night.

Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs are both fabulous, no? I think you'll agree with me by saying yes... 

As it has been publicised to great extent, I am sure you know that Kate Moss' debut book 'Kate: The Kate Moss book' by Rizzoli was launched today, and the model herself was doing a signing from 5-7 pm at Bookmarc, in Marc By Marc Jacobs. I went along with a friend, expecting to see hoards of fans and fashion lovers alike, only to find a short queue in which we waited for 20 minutes! As we approached the entrance to the store, the security guard informed us we would have to buy the book (priced at £50) in order to meet her. 

Mrs Jamie Hince!

We then progressed on to meet the model (after going through more waiting and security and having to follow orders), and I can honestly say; photographs do her no justice. As stunning and photogenic as she is, be the photographer Mario Testino or David Bailey, no photo that I have seen can compare to her beauty in the flesh. She was flawless, calm and collected and just beautiful, sitting there whilst fans stuttered out their names for her to address in her signing. 

Marc and Harry; So cute!

As my friend and I both made our way back outside, I bumped into another girl on my course at uni, Cailin! (Founder of Birds of a Feather Flock Together. Check out her blog here) After talking to Cailin, my friend and I decided to stay and wait around for Kate to emerge. After all, we only had about 40 minutes left to wait, so why not? Whilst waiting in the cold, I heard a car pull up next to me. Not thinking much of it, I quickly turned around, only to freeze to the spot and shout 'OH MY GOD'. Marc Jacobs was about two feet away from me. He sort of looked at me as if to say 'you're weird' and replied to my outburst with a 'err, yeah hi'. He then politely took his equally as beautiful boyfriend Harry Louis' hand and led him down a segregated area where Kate was having a cigarette break. After the papzo's trying to get some shots, the trio went back inside, and the waiting commenced once again. 

After about half an hour of just standing about in cold, cold Mayfair, the paparazzi started gathering around the front entrance of the store. As my friends and I were already stood by the door, we didn't have to move. Finally, Marc and Harry emerged from the back entrance, but no one aside from us four fans noticed! We all took our photos and got excited as they got back into their car and drove off. 

Love you too Kate! 

We then turned around in time for Kate to come out of the store, where the papz went photo crazy and jumped on her. Luckily for the poor woman, the journey from store to car was only about 2 metres. As we took our shots and counted our blessings, Kate got into the back seat of her chauffeur driven mercedes and set off. 

All in all, the evening was far better than I had even dreamed, and the unexpected arrival of Marc Jacobs himself was just the cherry on top of the perfectly iced cake... However, I cannot believe I shouted at Marc Jacobs' face. I will never live that down or forget his reaction! 

Marium x

Chav Chic.

Recently, I have been favouring a more 'chav' inspired look for my everyday attire. As a self proclaimed snob who aspires for the best of everything in life (This includes the use of 'proper' grammar, which is very important), this came as a slight shock to me. However, I have been incorporating bits of what one would call 'a chav look' into my daily outfits, and I must admit, it is quite fun to play dress up.

I could not pinpoint if asked, where this urge to go chav has come from. Last week, I went exploring into my mother's ever- growing jewellery box (as I often do) and pulled out some hooped earrings. I have never worn hoops, as I never thought they suited me... but before I knew it, I had them in, was applying rouge to my lips and had started styling my hair into a half-up-half-down 'do'.

As to my attire, I haven't ever really experimented with a more casual look. I'd usually stick to blazers, shirts and black, so I did struggle to find clothes that would go with this whole chav phase. For outfit 1 (which I wore to work), I picked out an oversized berry knit jumper, and tucked it into black, high waited skinny jeans (I live in black jeans), paired with a pair of classic black vans and a black bowler bag. I had big hoops in, with my berry lips and half-up hair do which made me feel as though I was a 90's chav wannabe. I also got so many 'you look so different!' comments that day, it was hard to keep count. 

Outfit 2 consisted of a grey Marc Jacobs tee, a black leather jacket, black skinnies and my vans, teamed with red lips, a high hair bun and my chunky gold Vivienne Westwood necklace. 

So far, I have definitely enjoyed this game of playing dress up, and stepping out of my comfort zone. So much so, that I cannot wait to see what I will conjure up tomorrow... 

Marium x

Baroque love.

The current AW12 baroque trend has me head over heels for detailing in its finest form. Not only is it just beautiful and intricate, but it often comes in my two favourite colours; Gold and black (if you can call them colours). 

Dolce and Gabbana AW12

Baroque started as a style that focused on detail in order to produce drama and grandeur in painting, dance and music. It started around 1600 in Italy, and ended up spreading through most of Europe. Looking at the Dolce and Gabbana AW12 collection, there is no doubt they were inspired by the history of baroque for the decor on their clothes which has given the trend a fashionable twist on its original use. 

During a trip to Selfridges, i stopped by the Dolce and Gabbana concession and had a look at their current collection. To say that I was amazed would be the biggest understatement. There is so much intricate detailing, and the amount of work put into creating such a stunning, baroque- inspired look is evident, even at a glance. What looks like simple gold piping, is actually bold embellishment; both beads and stones, all hand sewn. The whole collection oozes decadence and is definitely a tribute to the Catholic tradition. I couldn't help but just stand and stare in absolute awe.

AdR modelling her H&M collection

As well as Dolce and Gabbana excellence, Anna dello Russo, Vogue Japan's fashion editor released her collaboration collection with H&M in October. Alongside the very amusing (to say the least) music video that came out to promote the collaboration, she designed a line of accessories, as she claims that jewellery and accessories are the most important part of an outfit. You can see from the gold detailing used that baroque was a big inspiration for her pieces. [Click the link to see AdR's "Fashion Shower"]

The luxury of baroque is that it gives a vibe of beauty and expense. It can be worn in the form of a dress with baroque detailing, or you can add baroque-esque accessories to a simple outfit to dress it up, and you will always look the part. 

Marium x

It's a furry story...

Fur is a very controversial and delicate subject when approached. There are those that are pro- authentic fur, and those that detest the thought of it. Me? I'm a convert. 

Until recently, I was quite anti- fur, thinking it to be cruel, nasty and pointless, as it is possible to purchase faux fur for a much cheaper price. This was until I felt my friends mink scarf. It was a present from her sister, and she braved wearing it out... I tell you, it was love at first sight. I am a huge lover of the fur look, and after feeling it, I knew I was no longer anti, but more pro- fur. 

Aside from being luxurious and soft to the touch, animal fur is also more eco- friendly and bio- degradable than faux fur. So why aren't people more open to the idea of using real animal fur? I don't mean lets go on a hunt for almost- extinct animals, and i'm not saying lets all get our shotguns out, but I now believe that if an animal is killed, and found, there is no harm in taking its fur as it is already dead! Its sort of similar to the whole 'eating only roadkill' idea (though that thought is much more unpleasant in my eyes) as the animal isn't being killed for the sole purpose of being food/ being worn. 

As a lover of fashion, I often used to wonder why designers had to use real fur, (even though I knew it was better for the environment) when there were resources available that allowed them to use faux fur. Now, I am more thankful that they do use real fur. It definitely adds to the luxury and exclusivity of the garments made. I am not pro kill- the- animal- just- for- its- fur, but it's as though my eyes have been opened. I totally understand the use of animal fur... And also wish I could afford it. 

I can only hope that the anti- fur protestors out there understand this point of view. It's much more bio- degradable than faux- fur and therefore better for the environment.

Marium x

Autumn/ Winter '12 trend preview, with Calgary Avansino.

On the 22nd August, courtesy of Topshop and British Vogue, 200 fashion lovers got the chance to attend an Autumn/ Winter '12 trend preview with Calgary Avansino as the speaker.
The executive fashion director for Vogue spoke about her favourite trends from the A/W12 catwalks and showed us her favourite Topshop picks to demonstrate these trends.

Of course, Ms. Avansino mentioned the trends that we saw across all catwalk's, such as the Dowton Abbey inspired 'British Heritage' look, which comes along with a whole load of tweed and oversizing.

She also mentioned that she is a fan of the Brocade trend, a la Dolce and Gabbana, and pulled out two matching gorgeous gold and black pieces; some trousers, and a jacket. I have to admit, I am also a big fan of the Brocade look and may find myself soon investing in the items we were shown last night!

Calgary then brought out her favourite trend of this season, the winter florals. She emphasised the fact that she loves the whole floral thing, and said they'd be taking a turn from the bright colours we've been seeing everywhere, to 'autumnal hues, with rich, dense blossoms'. Continuing on from the floral prints, Calgary also mentioned that there is a slight trend alert with optical prints.

She then went on to talk about 'Oversize', another big trend this A/W, saying it's quite 'adrogynous and tomboyish'. She mentioned that it was a 'minimalist trend' which is 'all about the shape'. She said that the cocoon and balloon shapes are big this season, and will be appearing in muted colours. As a style tip, she then also added that it is a trend better worn with 'fitted clothes'.

The last thing that Calgary spoke about was the enhancement of waists. 'This can bee seen carried through from summer peplum's...' but belts and corsetry are now more in use. She said that it's all about accentuated waists, and that waists are to be 'worn' with everything.

As there is a lot going on this Autumn/ Winter, trend-wise, Calgary mentioned that it is better to 'wear flats' as it can tone down the outfit and it doesnt look like 'too much'.

All in all, last night was a very interesting night, and thanks to Vogue and Topshop, I was lucky enough to attend!

Calgary Avansino, talking about embellishing

 Marium x