Valentino Spring 2013 Couture, So Magical!

I really can not get the Valentino spring 2013 couture out of my mind...I know, I know that's so old news (according to fashion time), but it dwells on my mind. I should be talking about the Fall 2013 ready-to-wear shows (oh my gawd, Fendi gave me all sorts of life!), and I will, like I always do.

But back to Valentino, the designers couldn't have described it better: MAGICAL.

And when I saw their moodboard, I fell for the collection even harder, such incredible interpretation.

"where nature meets architecture and science meets spiritual rebirth" - Piccioli

To think so much hard work and pain (and sweat I imagine) produced something so pure, so delicate, so graceful...beautiful.

And it got me dreaming, of a future (soon I hope) when our Nigerian designers (who are doing great as it is) would look beyond the "obvious", and find inspiration from things so abstract it makes the mind wonder, and leaves you in awe when you do get it.

Now who wants to join me in my dreams wearing some couture?! haha!

Making a comeback with Lanvin

Nope, I don't mean coming back with Alber Elbaz by my side, and I don't mean I now have a Lanvin dress hanging in my wardrobe about to bust out. I only mean returning here after a long period of absence (did I hear "as always", pff) with this cool and insane campaign of Lanvin spring summer 2013...I love it! I love Alber! And yes I am screaming!

I love that Lanvin always maintains its code of partying and fun (in a chic way of course) in its campaigns, whether it's a couple of models warming up with Pitbull's I Know You Want Me before hitting the night, or a bunch of models in a cocktail-party-like setting, probably waiting for the cocktails. Don't you just love the Skype twist to it! It's always fun with Lanvin.

Cristobal Balenciaga- the Fashion Architect

I finally get to share the Cristobal Balenciaga exhibition at Cite de la Mode et du Design, like I promised. While the Comme des Garcon collection was all white, the Balenciaga exhibition boasted of mostly black garments.

And unlike Comme des Garcon, it displayed garments of his creation from 1937 to 1968 and also his collection of spanish pieces from the 18th and 19th century that served as a source of inspiration.

Spanish fishermen wore the hat (below) to protect their faces and shoulders from the sun, and it was recently seen on Balenciaga spring summer '12 runway:

Cristobal Balenciaga was a legendary designer who played with, and manipulated the proportions of a woman's body, and this aesthetic can still be seen in the brand today with Nicolas Ghesquiere.

And I should also add that Balenciaga is one of my favorite brands ;)

Comme des Garcons- White Drama

A few days ago, I went to the new Cite de la Mode et du Design to see the Balenciaga and Comme des Garcons exhibitions.

For Comme des Garcons, it was an exhibition of its spring summer 2012 collection, which was called the "white drama". Rei Kawabuko is one of the (if not the most) conceptual designers of today. And it's particularly interesting that she never really explains her collections, but leaves us to figure them out, and draw from each collection what we can. But what is clear in most of her collections is that she plays with different ideas and concepts.

The brilliance of Rei knows no bounds, she even manages to solve normal problems artfully:

To protect the all-white collection from dust, and the dirty fingers of overeager viewers, the garments were covered by these big balls, which served not just the purpose but also made a delightful presentation.

The collection can be said to portray life's marking events- birth, marriage, death...

And of course a contradicting mix of these ideas.

There was the wrapped-dead-body look (above) but with blossoming florals which signify life. And there was the wedding dress look (below) with the sleeves knotted at the front.

A front kimono knot signifies prostitution in some part of Japan...so I heard, and tied hands or sleeves signify bondage or prisoner. This combined with the blissful idea of marriage is quite interesting.

Some may argue these clothes are not wearable, but designers like Rei Kawabuko are so indispensable in fashion. They are the movers of fashion, they keep it alive and keep things interesting. They also set the trends as they inspire the more ready-to-wear clothes.

I will share a post about the Balenciaga part of the exhibition next ;)

Marni for H&M II

A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about how psyched I am about the Marni for H&M collection coming out soon, and posted a picture that "leaked" from the campaign. Well the pictures of the collection are officially out!

Thought I'd share a few that I particularly like:

Pictures from Grazia

More pictures here.

xo

Marni for H&M

So a photo leaked from the Marni for H&M campaign.

picture from Huffpost Style

This collaboration was announced last november and the collection is set to hit the stores on March 8...not so far away. I hear it's going to be all prints and jewel tone colours, which of course reflect the brand's aesthetics. Let's just say I'm super psyched! Unlike the Versace collaboration, I can not wait to get my hands on a couple of these goodies.

I still haven't stopped drooling over Marni's spring summer '12 collection.

Marni SS 2012

And this is an opportunity for me to own a Marni piece...well not exactly the same, an H&M diluted version of Marni...close enough, and will do for now.

it's Pretty Precious

Just a few days back Jewel by Lisa dazzled you guys with its sibling line The J Label, now the brand is rocking the cradle with its new kids' wear called Pretty Precious.
Pretty Precious is a miniature of the main line, with friendly prints and cute embellishment. A collection consisting of pampers-hugging bum shorts, pleated skirts, wrap dresses, sun dresses, and of course the mini-jewel by lisa classic shifts (even the little ones pay homage to classics) go on sale at Temple Muse, 8 Sanusi Fafunwa St. VI. This started today.

 

 Did I mention that the boys are not left out? As shorts, shirts etc are included in this collection, all at affordable prices as low as N2000...now isn't that absomazing?

The J Label

Jewel by Lisa is a brand known for its luxury prints and hand crafted goodness, and these qualities make the label uber cool as well as exclusive. It finally came up with a sibling brand, named The J Label, which caters to its clientele who desire the coolness of embellished prints but at affordable prices.

The J Label, while retaining the innate coolness of Jewel by Lisa, can simply be described as hippie-chic with a shot of luxury. These clothes are definitely meant for every lady who is aware of fashion and confident enough to push its boundary in the expression of self...hence I can see myself in most of the pieces.

Amazing as the clothes is the price points, as the prices are between N10000 and N35000...affordable hand crafted pieces do not get yummier than this.

 

 

These ankara skinnies are to-die-for, though it's not obvious in the picture, they've got leather band and loops. I particularly love them with the fringe blouse...mixing prints doesn't get cooler and more practical than this.

At a glance these clothes may seem simple, but you need to look closer to see the intricate details on them.I like the infusion of block color silk piping and cut out details on the maxi tank dress.

The peter pan collared top has to be my favorite piece in the collection. I love the delicate use of leather...plus the ruched side pockets, bien hecho!

All said, The J Label is a brand to always look out for.