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Posted on August 20, 2015 by admin
And Summer has almost gone. That means we have a lot warm weather in front of us but new collections are landed in stores. The only reason we didn’t move to the Carribean is precisely that. We love the entire package, the four seasons one, and we love this moment. The September Issue, the new trends and the clothing. The Harlow welcomes back a new season and recommends you: keep an eye on suede.
Posted on January 13, 2015 by Clara G
Put the blame on Gilda, on her red hair, on those long black satin gloves driving all the attention to her perfect shoulders. Her self-confidence wearing that iconic strapless black dress, the way she sings, the way she dances, sure about her beauty, one glove is on the floor, her movements are deliberately powerful, the dress moves dangerously, somehow is promising to fall down, the camera plays with this effect. Jean Luis created a perfect outfit to build a perfect scene alive and modern since 1946. My gloves are long but not black, they are red. Not satin but wool. Not very tight, they are confortable and warm, they have no label, neither handling instructions, they are beautiful and anonymous.
Gilda smiles, plays, but she is a little sad, she seems to be drunk. There is a little bit of pain. It’s easy to see the smile of the good girl turned into a femme fatal. Did Rita Hayworth wanted to create Gilda like this or is Rita the one that smiles behind Gilda? You are supposed to be true while dancing, and Rita was a professional dancer. Gilda wearing long gloves has been always on my mind, and of course I have always had a pair of long gloves, always… put the blame on me, I’ll show no repentance, I’ll suffer with pride, finally… I am not Gilda!
Posted on November 24, 2014 by Clara G
Precious and fragile things need special handling. Hand crafted, made one by one with a laborious shredding technic, precious and fragile. How could I resist this t-shirt? I found a way to wear it reversed (originally the net was thought to be in the front), with that simple decision it has became one of favorite tops. Oversized, a little gothic, with this dramatic effect on the back, it works in summer and winter, day and night. There was something special on it since the beginning. What captured my attention was that vintage effect, the cotton’s touch, the black turning into gray color, the strange proportion. Thin like paper that floats over the body. Working on this post, I found out that the designer Rachel Allegra started using old t-shirts reclaimed from Los Angeles County Prison System and this t-shirt I own belongs to that collections. I am quite shocked about that. Things get damage, things get broken… and sometimes, only sometimes, they get much better!
Posted on October 9, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
We are all happy about the Galliano’s rentree. Nothing is more alluring than mistakes converted into personal improvements. The fashion system, the pressure of creating something new 4 times a year, the raise and the fall. The forgiveness. But, does anyone really remember who Martin Margiela was? And what he has created along 90ies? The bashful fellow from Belgium, that never really appeared in public, radically changed the way fashion was conceived. Without him, no Rick Owens, no Damir Domas, no hundreds of other conceptual designers. Margiela just implanted the seed of a different way of making clothes. From rainy, but highly creative, Antwerp he moved to Paris and appointed at Jean Paul Gaultier. Few years and his own Maison was opened: strong, anti-Fashion, different. The very first defilees, as documented in a Arte Tv Documentary called “Anti-Fashion” that you can watch here , took place in a small scruffy apartment. After-show parties, where champagne and beer were sipped from plastic glasses, were unpretentious, young and optimistic: everybody were laughing and smoking, playing, having fun. No bloggers no selfies. Margiela, an atelier where everything was made conceptually. A place where shapes and silhouettes were not so important and perfection never foundamental.
Posted on September 30, 2014 by Clara G
The first time ever I saw this jacket it was many years ago. It was maybe during a weekend in 2009, in an outlet store in Berlin. A little bit big for me, very expensive and very difficult to wear so I decided not to buy it… but I never really forget it. A few years later, in 2011, I came back to Berlin, in that moment I was planning to move here, and I saw it again. Still in the same hanger, in the same place: seemed to be waiting for me, it was still too difficult, still too big, still to expensive for me but this time I bought it, with a romantic feeling of belonging. I thought “I belong to this city and you belong to me”.
It is a military green jacket designed in 2005, damaged and broken. Seems like some one hand cut it with a knife, dirty, like burned or been buried, white lace that could be seen underneath. Eyes and teeth are sewed to its cuffs and front, like a monster with a delicate soul. It has something to do with my disturbing relationship with decadency, loss, death, and also with my own misaligned teeth, that I recognize as part of my personality but also make me feel so insecure. But most of all, the jacket it is definitely connected with Edgar Allan Poe and the teeth of Berenice.
Posted on September 23, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Wear a funny jewel no matter what. Wear a statement, a declaration, phrases that are, in a way, signature of your inner side. And if it’s a special occasion there is a made to measure service that won’t leave you…speechless. Born in Spring of 2013, the bright oversized offshoot of ValentineTags are made in silver, gold and plastic by designer Valentine Breton des Loÿs who want to spread some words. Love messages, anthems, protests: each and every piece is produced in an edition of 100 and only one series is available at a time. The world is yours.
http://www.valtags.com/
Posted on September 16, 2014 by Clara G
What is the aim of an unexpected cover, revealing or unrevealing the object underneath?
A fully covered platinum and diamonds skull, is it something else than a skull?
A Venetian palace covered with an oriental carpet, floors and walls, is it still a Venetian palace? A pair of fine leather shoes covered with studs, is something else than a pair of shoes? When you remove part of the name of a former brand, are you really becoming something different?
I’ve been thinking about it, and I don’t now… a skull inside of a diamond cover must have belonged to a man and I wonder, isn’t it the real man, what is remaining from that man? Is it a piece of art only because Damien Hirst decided so?. That skull, that I have printed in one T-Shirt has a deep meaning for me. Something regarding life, death and memory, something ironic, dark, also beautiful and disturbing, I love and hate that skull. I appreciate it’s enormous influence in fashion, but don’t know if I would ever be able to live with the real piece, in case I could afford it… I had this same feeling of being haunted when visiting the Rudolf Stingel installation in Venice a couple of years ago. Mixing the beautiful palace, the heavy carpet, the medieval pieces painted on detail: saints and skeletons. Something of all that it’s also on my new Saint Laurent shoes. I find a rare connection between all those experiences, something that goes deeper. A kind of ambivalence that goes straight to my own bones, like poison, like love.
Posted on August 26, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
It’s time to think about Fall, even if summer goes on in south Europe- South America. Lately, fashion is… just all about your geographical location. A bit of summer there, a bit of winter here. While someone is buying a bikini, another one, very far away, is buying a wool jumper. For those women that need to stay warm, I recommend nothing new but … a coat. Doesn’t matter if you are a gal or a cougar, the next season won’t see any puffy jackets , nor parkas, around. It’s coat time and if you haven’t yet, get one as soon as possible. My proposal, I’m still endorsing young emerging designers after all, is by Isabell De Hillerin. A young Berliner that founded his fashion house in 2010 and who has it clear: minimalism always wins and can be minimal even with embroidery and decoration touches. De Hillerin designs in a sensitive way and her interpretation of contemporary and sustainable fashion is remarkable. Time constants: a combination of clean, innovative cuts and folkloric handmade Romanian and Moldovan materials to be mixed in the name of elegance and pizzaz. Pictured above is a coat from her fall-winter 2014 which makes no exception. It’s a pure garment: an egg shaped coat that also reminds coleopters. It has a practical yet warm high neck and it speaks clearly: this is artisanal, this is a timeless piece, this is for many winters to come.
http://www.isabelldehillerin.com/
Posted on August 21, 2014 by Clara G
Going to the beach is like a little nightmare for me. The sun is not my closest friend, water is not my element, I find sunbathing dramatically boring and I do not really like any kind of swimsuit. If I cannot avoid it, my first option for a beach day, it used to be for years, is to wear the simplest black bikini you could imagine, usually by Calvin Klein, big hut, tons of sunblock and a strong desire to disappear melted with the sand.
But around five years ago I saw the Matthew Williamson beachwear collection for H&M, gloriously worn by Daria Werbowy. I love all this capsule collections produced by H&M and thought by the best designers, that have to fight with price restrictions and think for a different costumer faraway from the catwalk. I always wonder if they would do something new, like Comme des Garcons, something similar to the real collection like Stella McCartney, Marni or Lanvin, a kind of retrospective like Versace, Margiela or Isabel Marant, or a real wardrobe for a real woman like Lagerfeld or Viktor & Rolf?
This time, from the advertising campaign, the British designer and the Polish model were seriously tempting me with a perfect suitcase for a luxurious Caribbean holiday, with some Pucci prints and a little of Donatella´s approach: garments were beautiful with bright and flattering colors, but also deliberately excessive. I found the mix stimulating and funny, most of all funny. I thought, well, this time the collection is not for me, but I could not help it and I went there to see it and of course I bought some staff thinking more in my collection of clothing than in wearing them… but at home in front of the mirror I discovered the power of pink, glitter and prints and for the very first time I felt dressed wearing a swimsuit!
Sometimes when you don´t feel secure… is it better to overact a little bit? My Matthew Williamson trikini turns every head, but I am much more anonymous than wearing my boring black bikinis, because it takes the leading role.
Posted on July 21, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Every year something like 16.000 square kilometers of Amazonian forest are destroyed. Besides losing a rich patrimony of biodiversity, this “crime” also influences the climatic system of our planet. Amazon is one of the most important wedges on the global climatic mosaic: it regulates damp, it mitigates thermal excursions and stores CO2.
Amazonlife is a brand produced by Italian “Braccialini” that uses impact zero raw materials and sustains WWF Italia by creating a small collection of accessories that are high in functionality and multipurpose. Created with cotton, flax, juta, coconuts, straws derived from military camp beds and soldier’s gummed ponchos, every piece is made with the contribution of Indios: Amazonlife represents an economic alternative for the local populations, contributing to the diffusion of their culture and safeguard of the last great green lung of the Planet.
Posted on July 14, 2014 by Editorial Staff
On his 74th birthday, Ringo Starr becomes a model for the Fall 2014 advertising campaign of John Varvatos. This launch kicks off an initiative to support The Ringo Starr Peace & Love Fund. Starr, a pioneer of transcendental meditation who has been communicating the peace and love message for over 40 years, is fresh off the heels of accepting the 2014 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of The Beatles. #PEACEROCKS is a fully integrated program that raises awareness for the Ringo Starr Peace & Love Fund which helps implement scientifically proven stress-reducing modalities for at-risk populations suffering from epidemic levels of chronic stress and stress-related disorders that fuel violence, crime and soaring health costs. This call-to-action encourages participants to share photos of themselves flashing the peace sign via Instagram, Twitter, Vine, and Facebook, in an effort to raise funds while raising awareness. For each #PEACEROCKS tagged photo, $1 will be donated to the charity through the end of 2014.
more on: http://www.johnvarvatos.com/
Posted on July 7, 2014 by Clara G
Blue is much more than just another color for me. In my mind, blue is lapis lazuli and the ancient Egypt with Queen Nefertiti wearing her tall blue crown. Her bust is made of limestone but seems to breath when she is looking at me through 3.300 years and the protection screen, with her damaged left eye. The beauty that came from the mountains, my first icon, is here in Berlin, close to me.
Blue is also the Babylonian Ishtar Gate. It is forbidden to touch its blue glazed bricks. I wish I could not only touch the Gate but get through it and go back in time (2.580 years) and space (from Berlin, where the Gate is right now to the south of Baghdad where Babylon was built), appearing in the Processional Way, the Gate on my back, the Tour of Babel in my front, walking through the streets, would I feel as lost in translation as the Bible says or maybe is there were I really belong… to that place now destroyed after the last Iraq war.
Blue is also Yves Klein, the first contemporary artist to touch my soul and change my perception with his ultramarine monochrome paintings. Blue is the small crown that his wife Rotraut wore in her head when they got married in 1962. The beautiful Rotraut is German, of course.
And blue and German is my new bag from the most German of the designers, Jil Sander. It’s so essential and minimal, nearly unknown, although the label she created is global. I am glad that this time she has stayed as creative director enough time to create this bag before leaving again, for the third time, in a very smooth way as she always does.
Maybe I unconsciously moved here to Germany to be closer to this marvellous colour, the blue.
Posted on July 1, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Are you searching for the perfect pair of prescription/sun glasses and you can’t find anything really appealing? Please browse Northern Europe, Holland, Amsterdam home of great designers and brand Ace&Tate . If you live far no worries, of course you can buy online. But before buying, you can try on 5 pairs of beautiful glasses and decide the one you look great in. It’s called the “Home Try-On” system: all you have to do is choose between frames sent straight to your door. Transportation fees, back and forth, is courtesy of Ace&Tate. This is a deluxe service that has enchanted us, but not only. The product itself, I mean their glasses, are really well done and fantastic in design. Plus they have a fair price. Ace&Tate is designer, producer and seller, no third-fourth parts are involved in the process. Jumping the license holder and the retailer permits them to sell great quality great design shades at a smart price. Ace&Tate is also involved in charity programs and its “Black Is The New Green” collection is made of a 100% bio-degradable acetate. 70% of its compounds are from natural sources. Harlow’s favorite model is “Charlie” in Bio Black off course.
Posted on June 25, 2014 by Clara G
To move, run, jump … dance: to dance! Pleats Please clothes are made for movement, can only be understood in movement. Issey Miyake developed the idea while designing costumes for a Dance Company in the early 90s and, as a result of his technical and conceptual investigation, he created a new line of very functional, organic, timeless and resistant clothes. He called it Pleats Please, like a beg and also a play on words.
Pleats Please garments are always the same but different at the same time. Removing any economical, social, sexual or even fashion connotation, Miyake gave a new option, a new uniform and made a silent revolution creating them. They are clothes but not only: they are so simple, so powerful. Since they appeared I’ve been collecting Pleats Please clothes because I find them really interesting. Pleats give beauty to the fabric, creating three-dimensional effects, embracing and revealing the body in a delicate way that I love.
By being worn by me, Pleats Please is not action, color and simplicity. All my Pleats Please, like dress in picture above, seem to be more reflective and static, even classic. I don’t feel disappointed, I like them. They reflect the importance of what I am wearing and, off course, the way I’m.
Posted on June 19, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
You are practical. You like to be beautiful. Yo do yoga. You go jogging. You like open air. You like “couturish” cuts on your sporty moment. You like the pastel palette that dives into neon. You like experimental fabrics. You like to wear it with a “party dress”. You like freedom and you like the fact that this collaboration is continuing and getting better. You never get upset if you boyfriend wears your fabulous pink windbreakers. You don’t go to the hairdresser, you can’t stand high heels. You, keep an eye on Stella McCartney x Adidas collection. Sometimes we give it for granted but really it’s the best sportswear/yogawear you can possibly find. You, shop for last summer items (swimwear, like no other) and wait for fall winter 2014 collection to come (check out style.com). It’s incredible and you, you are as well.
http://www.stellamccartney.com/it/adidas_section
Posted on June 4, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
It may sound Swedish, and look like, but Mödernaked is a Spanish Brand producing fabulous backpacks, hats, totes and jewellery. I liked them. Plenty of accessory brands out there, but these backpacks, photographed in Portugal by Filipa Alves, really stand out. When something comes out from the bunch, believe me, it’s a matter of panache and self confidence. This Spanish brand seems to posses both. Just have a detailed look on the “finissage” and get your favorited flowered fabric. Ideal to go to down to the beach in a romantic aura and for the next back to school season. Amplified flower power.
Where are you from? Our creative team is formed by two Spanish girls and a Portuguese girl. We have our studio / atelier based in Matarranya – the Spanish mediterranean – considered to be the Spanish Tuscany. Although we live between Lisbon and Saragossa.
When did you found the Brand? We established our brand at the beginning of 2012.
What is your ideal client? We create our products for a Mö Girl, for a young girl that likes music, dance, traveling, and that appreciates well crafted products, that stands out from other commercial brands. Mödernaked is handcrafted lifestyle.
Where do you get those amazing fabrics? We source our fabrics from several providers; some are collected in our travels, others are designed and printed by us.
Posted on May 26, 2014 by Clara G
There was a time when costume and jewelry where the most important occupation for a certain kind of women and gentlemen were queuing at Cartier to get the most fabulous diamonds for their beauties well known for the quality and amount of their jewels and aristocratic lovers. La Bella Otero, Cléo de Mérode, Mata Hari: all those women, who represented the vanity and decadency of their times, were although the first to step out of the Victorian morality system where they had no other chance to be free.
A few years later, one of that out of the system women, started to dress women to be real helping with that to change the whole feminine role, her name was Coco Chanel and not for coincidence she was the first to mix jewelry and bijoux. When she did so la “Belle Époque” was definitely gone, but for some years the Art Déco style kept the magic alive, creating beautiful objects like this pin designed by Cartier in 1924.
I always wonder about the first owner of this Cartier pin: who was she? Was she a flapper like Coco dreaming to change the world? What happened to her when all was drown again in war and pain? Would she approve the way I wear it? And, more than everything, would she like me?
Posted on May 20, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Big loves aren’t , sometimes, immediate. I remember, long time ago, watching people wearing Birkenstock with a lot of doubts: how can you really walk in those things? Is there a reason for wearing such horrible sandals? And then one year a pair of Havaianas fell down from a high speed boat and I was in need of a pair of sleepers. All my friends in Ibiza, boho as you can imagine, were telling me to give a try to Birkenstock and I did. My collection now is made of 8 pairs and there is nothing I would recommend but them. Nothing is better in summer, and winter too (plenty of warm models). The essence of this brilliant shoe, invented in Germany in 1774 is on the footbed sole that was inspired by the natural imprint of a foot in the sand. Anatomical shape ideally supports the natural walking action of foot while joints and back are protected. Leg muscles are exercised also and health and well-being benefit as a result. Ask any other “recreational” shoe to do the same and you won’t find one. Birkenstock collection has also been enriched with new models, colored soles and upgradings. Foot’s must have.
Posted on May 15, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
The Harlow welcomes back the return of workwear in fashion, a trend that was really strong in the 90ies and seems ready to be the next hot thing on your favorite store’s rows. The idea of comfort and protection has never been out of date really, but signals are starting to get clear and loud intensely towards this direction. To represent this new wave we had picked a new American brand called O.A.M.C. It’s a simple idea: to mix all-American work wear with the luxury of European craftsmanship. Luke Meier and Chris Gibbs are both born in Canada, met in mid-nineties in New York and became friends. Meyer went to study to FIT and become Supreme (yes, the skaters number one brand) head designer while Gibbs opened up a boutique in Los Angeles called Union. When Meier invented the concept behind O.A.M.C.A he needed a right hand: who’s better than his best friend? The duo is at his second collection, doing well and raising. As they declared ” When you really boil workwear down, it’s about utility. But even through it works, maybe it doesn’t have to look like it works”.
Posted on May 13, 2014 by Clara G
There are very few pictures of Marilyn where she looks real, a real woman. But some months before her dead in August, 1962, she began to be more natural, to reveal herself a little bit beyond her fabulous hairdressing, all the make up and even the clothes. Don’t know if it was a sign of maturity and self-acceptance, or simply because of publicity reasons, knowing her as I do, I don’t think it was casual. That last Marilyn, with her fading beauty, her white hair a little damaged, very thin, wearing Pucci dresses and Ferragamo stilettos, is the one I adore.
It was June, 1962, at the sunset, It was cold on Santa Monica beach, Marilyn was 36, she was wearing a wool jacket with an orange bikini underneath, her hair was a mess, her make up too, she was tired after a long photo shooting, drinking too much champagne. Empty eyes, childish laughing, spots in her nose. It was January, 2009, at night, it was cold in Madrid. I was 35, my kid was a little baby, my husband gave me a present: a big Balenciaga white box, inside there was a wool jacket.
There is no apparently connection between the architectural clothes designed by Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga that year and the wool jacket bought 47 years before in Sacks, but whenever I wear it, and I do it very often, it reminds me that iconic photo shot: for me Marilyn is always there, wearing that jacket that I know she loved. She was just laughing and dreaming at the sea side.
Posted on May 5, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
A positive reaction, a response. That’s what Parisian brand Jacquemus provoked. In general, that response is a smile, a happy and bright one because Jacquemus is stitched with good humor. Simon Porte Jacquemus is a guy the left his small city in the south of France and reached Paris with a dream: becoming a fashion designer. He is self-educated, he left fashion school after two months. Young and romantic, this candid guy has left a mark since his debut collection in 2013. His inspiration? It comes from his teenage naiveté, 90s style and “sometimes” grunge. Young Jacquemus wanted to create casual yet strong womenswear in memory of his mother and this the only note of melancholy. The rest is joy, simple things, freshness, reinvention. And when a designer declares something like this to describe one of its collection “I imagined the story of a lonely woman, tired of men, who’d dedicated her life to dogs” how could you possibly not fall in love with him? If fashion needs a new consciousness and some sincerity, not only a new perfectly targeted tweet, the example of Jacquemus is a good start.
Posted on April 30, 2014 by Clara G
The dress is sustaining the body: the body is not totally alive. The girl has suffered: suffering has made her beautiful and strong. She is not human anymore: she is a fantastic creature. Romanticism, lust, poetry, determination, power, a deep desperation, feelings of intense life, but as all the colors together bring black, too intense feelings drive to dead.A certain arrogant attitude, a feeling of superiority and an unexpected sense of humor… he was like all the genius are. I always perceived he was involved in a sophisticated personal revenge, dressing women to make them immortal, unreachable beyond violence and pain. For too many reasons I feel connected with Alexander McQueen, since he started in Givenchy I was overloaded, hypnotized, inspired for months with every collection. He touched my heart with his magic and cold fingers, his brilliant imagination. I own two of his pieces, both are exactly as I thought: you don’t really wear them, they wear you.
This top in the picture is full of references: it is like a corset, but also like having two deep scars, and most of all, it shows the drawing of the bones underneath. It is totally fixed to the body, in a perfect balance: one centimeter less and the laces will hurt, one centimeter more and the effect wont be possible. Pain, dead, sacrifice for beauty but when you wear it you feel powerful, intense, special.
And today, I see the sporty smiling princess wearing all those conservative dresses and summer coats, most of them made by Alexander McQueen. They are perfectly done, they are even beautiful and looks great: but I feel sad. When your name gives name to a brand, it should end if you end. And die with you.
Posted on April 29, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Nothing really new on the horizon, its just time for prints. It’s spring. Whenever, whatever: young and young-adults are never been so colored, as parrots sometimes. Between all brands popping up like mushrooms in order to ride this rainbow “momentum” I found out this label from Bruxelles that is quite interesting. Not that I suddenly started to like prints, after Mary Katrantzou everything had been said – and it was 3 years ago- but a.KNACKFUSS is not only that. It’s an experiment, an ensamble of pieces that cross the border and mix haute couturish looks with sporty ones. In a magistral way. This brand uses fabrics ranging from soft and agile to extreme and rigid while technique changes from draped to tailored, concentrating on the play of contradiction. Clothes as a nest that separate us from the environment remaining comfortable and elegant at the same time. Keep an eye on those guys.
Posted on April 17, 2014 by Editorial Staff
“Le Festival” de la mode y photographie par excellance. The 29th edition of Hyères International Festival will take place, as usual, in the delightful village of Cote D’Azur-Provence from 25th till 28th April. The jury has chosen ten young fashion designers, of eight different nationalities. Liselore Frowijn (Pays Bas, femme), Pablo Henrard (Belgique, Homme), Marit Ilison (Estonie, Femme), Anne Kluytenaar (Pays Bas, Homme), Coralie Marabelle (France, Femme), Kenta Matsushige (Japon, Femme), Agnese Narnicka (Lettonie, Homme), Louis-Gabriel Nouchi (France, Femme), Roshi Porkar (Autriche, Femme), Yulia Yefimtchuk (Ukraine, Femme) but also a selection of breathtaking photographers: Anna Grzelewska, Osma Harvilahti, Arnaud Lajeunia, Orianne Lopes, Birthe Piontek, Virginie Rebetez, Marie Rime, Marleen Sleeuwits, Charlotte Tanguy and Lorenzo Vitturi. A list of parallels events (concert and exibithion) is listed on Hyères Festival Official Page. Better than anyone, the place to be to discover fashion and photography of tomorrow.
Posted on April 16, 2014 by Clara G
Everybody is so healthy, happy, young, hipster, relaxed and cool in this blond, pale, tall, gentle neighborhood where I live. And all this is true, you can feel it clearly as passing by, but something is behind, if you scratch a little bit you will soon find the other side, the painful one. That difficult balance between past and present, that anger for tomorrow, like the Golden Angel standing on cannons: to much weigh on the base to fly free, but for that very reason that flight would be more beautiful. All that contrast, is what made me fall deeply in love with this city, so broken, so damaged, so strong and alive at the same time.
Every single corner of Berlin has its own scar, even Wannsee, a beautiful Visconti-like beach in the middle of a forest aside a lake… right there, on that romantic place, the Final Solution was decided by the Nazi Regime. But this is something that goes further and affects not only to places.
I had no time to unpack the luggage after arriving from Brazil, when Adidas launched a collaboration with Farm, a label from Río de Janeiro. As the Adidas original store is very close to my house, I was one of the first to see the collection while they where mounting the shop front. Since I moved to Berlin I use a lot of stuffs from Adidas. It’s nice, optimistic, well done, casual and confortable, just what I need: the connection between the so German label and Brazil this season seemed very funny to me and of course I bought several pieces from the collection. Continue Reading →
Posted on April 14, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
I have been seeing “Klute” (1971) for years and since the very first time I was enchanted by Costume Designer Ann Roth and her famous skills in developing a story. In this film Jane Fonda looks absolutely “in the part” and needless to say, you can judge a book by its cover in here. Roth started to mold young call girl “Bree” from her haircut. She took Fonda down the streets of Lower East Side pushed her into a local no fuzz no glam hairdresser, and there, she started the transformation. The character of Bree needed to be real and contemporary, a modern girl who was dynamic, sexually free and single. A Park Avenue girl that was living downtown. In few words, an Ante Litteram Carrie Bradshaw except for the call girl factor. Inside this film there are several fashion moments that really point out: fringes, suede -off course, chunky jewelry, brown tones. There are t-shirts worn with no bra under (so 70ies), a precious leather outlined trench that fits Fonda in the most perfect way and serve her as a blanket when, tormented by the stalker, she decide to spend the night downstairs into Klute’s room located in the basement. Plenty of inspiration can be taken from this movie, ask Style Offices around the globe. It’s a capsule of the 70ies, both for fashion and interior decoration. But the iconographic dress, the piece that says it all, it’s a dark blue mermaid sequined dress by Norman Norell, a masterpiece. A “liquid” “covering it all” dress that shine with class and help Fonda in seducing Klute. With a coupe de fermeture à glissière she is done: it’s the longest, perfect sliding, zip moment I’ve ever seen. Continue Reading →
Posted on April 8, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Fantasy and esprit. Joie de vivre and irony. Spotted in Milan and around the globe, on the streets, at fashion shows and clubs: the unmistakable prints of happy-go-lucky t-shirts and dresses are by Au Jour Le Jour. Created in 2010, including both mens and womens lines, by Mirko Fontana e Diego Marquez, AJLJ is an all-Italian original project which peculiar fabrics and colors are already into people’s heart. Coats, suits, knitwear, sneakers, Au Jour Le Jour is a complete wardrobe entirely designed and made in Italy. Check out their online store: the must have, for us, is the TRex t-shirt. To feel like Michelle Pfeiffer’s son on 1996 “One Fine Day” and get lost in Central Park. Like a kid can do.
http://www.aujourlejour.it
Posted on March 31, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Established in Reggio Emilia in 1951 by Anchille Maramotti, Max Mara is more than a flag, it’s a world wide acclaimed symbol. An image of simplicity and perfection, quality and timeless style. I like to stand in front one of their windows and get lost in those shades of beige, pure lines and pureness. It calm me down and make me think they are unique, never boring, year after year. And getting better. The brand is actually doing one of the best designer’s eye wear collection seen lately with shapes and colors that really matches the Max Mara philosophy. This Spring 2014, MM introduces the Tailored Eye-wear Collection. A beautiful prescription and sunglasses assortment that reaches a new level of perfection. This capsule is made in the typical Max Mara palette and bows are lined with leather and stitched “a puntino” like its signature camel coats. Shapes? Feminine, mysterious, contemporary. They recall Jackie O’ but also Dorothy Michaels of Tootsie. So if you are searching for a perfect pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the very first sun, I have no doubts. The Max Mara Tailored Collection is a must, a beyond fashion choice.
Posted on March 25, 2014 by Clara G
When I was a teenager I could not wait to wear high heels. One day I found a way: low platform beach sandals, a pair of dark brown classic sandals that are still in my closet.
Beautiful and cool but I didn’t know how to use them out of the swimming pool and the beach. I asked for permission but my mother refused. They were totally made of plastic, so they were supposed to be uncomfortable, even unhealthy and difficult to walk in but for years and years I thought it was like that: plastic shoes must be only used for water.
Until last week, exactly last week. I was in Brazil, in Sâo Paulo walking through the streets of that enormous, giddy, fascinating city when I saw a strange shop with mannequins directly placed on the street. Outfits displayed were so amazing that I decided to enter inside there where, surprise surprise, no clothes, just shoes, plastic shoes!! I saw beautiful pieces and I discovered that they were designed by Karl Lagerfeld, Gareth Pugh or Vivienne Weestwood! I was fascinated, I have never herd about MELISSA, although they seem to be an icon and not only in Brazil. It was easy to choose the golden boots you see pictured above: they are irreverent, funny and most important, since they are made of high quality PVC, comfortable and perfectly usable. And there is also something important you can not see…they smell like candies!
Posted on March 24, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
The difference a necklace can make is predicted and can revitalize any outifit, any moment. Sparkling objects, if well designed and made with first class materials, are crucial. Talking about first class jewel makers, Valentina Brugnatelli is one of those names to keep in mind if you are searching for some pieces with strong personality. Do you remember Gianfranco Ferre’ spectacular and avant-garde bijoux? Brugnatelli worked with the “Architect” in Milan for many years and collaborated with several other designers: Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Missoni among others. In 2012, the turning point: Brugnatelli starts her signature collection and shine on with amazing creations year after year. As she declared ” a jewel needs to have a soul: an element that doesn’t relegate it to something decorative. It is essential it tells a story and triggers an emotion. My jewels are worn by by a free-spirited woman with a personality strong enough to wear whatever she feels like.
Someone you would turn to look at because there’s something about her that strikes you”. Fall-Winter 2014-15 collection, which was presented few weeks ago, is all about essentials shapes: the triangle, the square, the circle. Homage to 8o’s fashion codes and to “Metropolis”, the collection is composed by stunning necklaces where 3D rigid resin is made comfortable by a snake chain attached in the back and vortex rings of all sizes deliver a rotating impression that evokes an industrial mood. Bold your looks, discover Valentina’s splendid creations.
Ph. Necklace from 2014-15 collection.
http://www.valentinabrugnatelli.com/
Posted on March 17, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
How to survive this crazy world? It’s simple, by taking inspiration from a modernist guy who believes in globalization. A person, like none else, that lives the present and never looks back. Karl Lagerfeld has several books published under his name, a fantastic film by Loic Prigent and many other appearances but this charming little book is a must have for those who believes “Karlism” is a philosophy of life. “The World According To Karl” is a collection of his memorable quotes on fashion, women, art, politics, love and life’s highs and lows. The book is illustrated à la Alexey Brodovich, Harper’s Bazaar legendary art director, and was created with the full approval of the designer himself. Cultivated, unpredictable, provocative, sometimes tranchant, Lagerfeld’s “bons mots” are always impossible to ignore. Find out a designer that resisted so many years at the top of “fashion world” and understand it take a firm personality, humor and sincerity to stay true to your values. And if you don’t get a sort of wisdom by his experience, where else would you get it? Enjoy Karl’s world, manias and quotes in this exquisite book written by Jean-Christophe Napias and Patrick Mauriès.
“My autobiography? I don’t have to write it. I’m living it”. KL
Posted on March 11, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
I said once, I will say twice. Black is out and white is in, again. And for those who remember the day they get their first holy communion, just focus on that date. You were hopefully happy on that late spring day wearing nothing but a white tunic, while your girlfriends were like little brides. The sun was shining and reflecting all that brightness, someone was shooting some late seventies Polaroids. Your mother’s favorite restaurant was strangely festive and some special tablecloths were garnishing location: off course, they were white and some little innocent flowers were embroidered on them. Your grandmother also was called to collaborate by making some special bombonnières that, again, were white with some little flowers embroidered. Pure happy day that marked my life. It’s 2014 and my spring obsession is still that late 70ies white plus some flowers. The perfect synopsis? This SS 2014 Kolor’s ensamble. Simply perfect to get a happy spring and discover some inner purity.
Kolor’s is a Japanese brand designed by Junichi Abe. It was launched in 2004.
Posted on March 3, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
You guys are tired of this black and white “Tiscesque” wave, aren’t you? All this dark Feners around. Leave it to Kanye and Marina and get out of the stream by picking up some colors, in particular, pink and yellow. Sun is getting brighter and days are longer and shadow is so 2012. Infuse your everyday life with sunset tones, from tops to facial creams, inundate your space with pure energy.
Burkman Bros : short sleeve pop-over shirt with geometric crocodile print. Lightweight poplin fabric with single chest pocket and natural fisheye buttons. Sleeve tab detail and inside neck tape finishing.
Carven: radiant yellow piquet polo with embroidered logo.
Nuxe: An incredible, Harlow testet, cream. Nuxe Men Gel Multi Functions Hydratant. Must have.
L’Erbolario Patchouly: Golden potion. With pure extracts of Java patchouli, a touch of vanilla, white musk and Rosa damascena. This perfume is very inexpensive but the result is really Parisian haute parfumerie.
Carmex: the everyday lip rescue. The best lip balm on planet heart.
Raf Simons for Adidas: I don’t collect contemporary art, I do collect RS sneakers. Every season I’m tormented. Yes or no, yes or no. I always manage to get them. And they worth all my torments.
Stabilo Boss: the fluorescent highlighting pen. Marking the best pieces and phrases is like a photography, it stops time.
Posted on February 24, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Born in Koln in 1959 and part of the infamous “Antwerp Six” group, Dirk Bikkembergs is the father of Sport Couture. Intersection between fashion and sport, this trend had been created on site by Bikkemberg himself who, for a certain period of time, was president of a small football club near Pesaro. Tested directly on athletes and made of futuristic materials, amazing colors shades, extreme functionality, his fashion experience remains something unique and never seen before. From exclusive jackets to high-performance underwear and sporty street shoes, Bikkembergs has dedicated his entire designer’s life to a movement focused on masculine beauty, a branch that, commercially speaking, is often considered not interesting from fashion houses. To celebrate 25 years of uniqueness, good looking in shape men, sport games and sexiness, Rizzoli has published this precious book that contains designer’s historical pieces re-shooted in marvelous locations around the globe but also an historical profile and some vintage moments. Ideally made for male’s body perfection admirers and suitable for those who believe fashion, and sometime a beau, can play together on a soccer field.
Posted on February 17, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Created to be functional and stylish, classic and innovative at the same time. Curated in every single detail and crafted to be “hot” and desirable. The world of accessories is richer and more practical now that there is L’ED. Created by Sara Giunti , born in Rome in 1988 and passionate about fashion and technology, this line purpose a set of “real” designer bags made with extra quality leather, with a plus. Inside, there is a treat. No, it’s not a strange chinese device or a copy of a designer bag made of plastic. The outside of these bags is top quality, while the inside has a led light to help you finding your stuff along with an USB port to charge your laptop, Ipad, Iphone. Avant-garde and tradition, functionality and design, light and energy, different materials all in a perfect tuning: L’ED is a new way of living your everyday life. Discover SS2014 collection:
http://www.ledemotiondesign.it
Posted on February 10, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Top pieces for a top season? You like them simple and well cut, you like them minimal but hell knows if you are bored with black especially whit a warmer and happier season coming? You like them “morbido” but at the same time you are not a fan of the potatoes sack effect? Here is what TheHarlow selected for you: a signature Peacoat Composed Flock Print shirt and a Logan Tee in bright white Paradise Print. This two brilliant purposes from Equipment seems more than logical, and really appropriate. Equipment was originally founded in 1976 by Christian Restoin as a ready to wear label devoted to the innovative and straightforward side of fashion. Restoin, initally producing classic and timeless men shirts, closed down his label after 20 years. But don’t worry, good things, sometimes, comes back even better. In 2010 Serge Azria, well known also for successful lines as Joie and Current/Elliot, saw a void in the contemporary women’s marketplace for this luxury shirt brand. And The Harlow saw it too.
Posted on February 3, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
Inspiration, Helmut Newton’s girls. The Berlin born photographer who, better than anyone, interpreted women in the 70ies and 80ies. The man who fixed them naked in glamorous scenarios often provoking controversy but liberating femininity as no one else before. Strong, shameless, beautiful women were often portrayed in extreme swimwear looks at the beach or in a swimming pool. To Newton’s eyes, swimwear was crucial: it was the object to glorify sensational bodies . Master German photographer illuminated then MOEVA’s team and their Spring Summer 2014 collection. MOEVA is an independent brand based in London founded in 2012 that designs high quality swimwear for clients with a strong personality that want to look perfect in every detail. With “luxurious” cuts and fabrics, this swimwear line magnify, re create and glorify women as in a Newton’s picture. Your next beach enhancer is online and at best Usa-Europe retailers.
Posted on January 21, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
When it’s local, it’s better. When it’s a compatriot small company creating marvels 20 kilometers from where I live, it’s even better. Transit is not a new clothing line, it was acquired by Tam & Company owned by the Cozza family of Vicenza in 1994. Before that date they were producing for other brands investing all their resources in technology and experimentation and getting to be specialized in luxury production and high level clothes. In 2001 Transit Par-Such becomes Transit Uomo, designed and made in Carrè Vicenza, and still entirely made there. Dedicated to an elegant man that refuses shapes and forms of the classical “sartoria”, Transit is unconventional without being outrageous and has a gentle, almost “zen”, touch that recalls the far east. With its soft and accommodating cuts, its deconstructed jackets, its natural color palette and top quality, Transit is already in our favorite designers list. Check them out.
Available for women as “Transit Par-Such” collection.
Posted on January 14, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
I met her one night, one of those post Christmas dinners where everybody is scared to death about eating. But then food is so good that you can’t resist and at the end you are stiffed as a balloon. Belén was there. I can’t eat. I can’t eat she was telling everybody. But she was eating of course, and she loves food, and she buys Greek olive oil in London and last time she came back from UK she was carrying a 5 liters tank of it in her suitcase. Lol. Belén is simply the quintessential Spanish woman, in particular, a woman from Madrid. Independent, mother of two kids, nomad inside heart, smart and dressed as a cowgirl (she was coming from “el campo”). Belén is a jewels maker-designer and proud founder of “To Be Continued” a sensational jewel brand with a romantic allure. Belén travels around the world to find the best pieces and take them back to her Madrid Studio where her magic artisans work on them.
“I’m a designer almost by accident. My education and experience was centered in other professional areas (management, marketing and advertising) but I’ve always been drawn to the world of design and fashion. I began designing jewelry by recycling antique family pieces and my own jewelry that I didn’t wear anymore. Little by little I started adding to my work with pieces that I found at antique shops, flea markets or anywhere. What started out as a hobby slowly became something more serious. Friends and acquaintances began commissioning special gifts. That’s how TO BE continued…was born; unique, romantic jewelry for those who are looking for something special or rare. Every piece is made by hand. I’m not a fan of the ‘prototype’ world; too much of the magic is lost this way. I prefer to build a team with artisans and help them fight to save a craft that’s on the brink of extinction.”
Posted on January 4, 2014 by Marco Maggetto
I have been buzzing around a Longchamp counter for about 6 months to discover its Pliage wonder bags and I can say I obtained a postgraduate degree. The inspiration came from a friend of mine, a beautiful shabby chic Spanish gallerist, one of those marvelous no make up no hairdresser no nothing that is always a quintessence of style, no matter what-where or when. One day she was wearing this foldable bag. I remember it was en vogue during the 80’ies and that it was made by a French brand. I didn’t know that I would spend time on the subject nor even ask for it as a Christmas present. And now that I have one in my trolley, ready to be unfolded in case of extra shopping , which always happens, I can understand why this Le Pliage line, after so many years, remains a best seller loved item. Loved by grandmothers and by young women, and by men too, these bags are unexpansive, unpretentious but very well crafted at the same time. You can go anywhere with them, from gym to supermarket. They resist everything and are waterproof, you can also use them to transport wood from storage to chimney. With a complete range of sizes and new colors, we have no doubt this is going to be a “Le Pliage” 2014.
http://www.longchamp.com/
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