by cecylia on October 3, 2009
A while ago I came across a winter collection that was a sophisticated mix of edgy glamour, Jenni Kayne. She is relatively new to the fashion market but she is already earning a huge reputation as the next best thing on an international level. If you scroll down, you will not be surprised to see why. My attempt to describe her clothes would be a perfect mix of Alexander Wang (dark colours, edgy streetwear) and 3.1 Phillip Lim (classic, first-lady looks). Each look is sharp, strong and sexy. Definitely for the stylish woman unafraid to leave a lasting impression.
“Her collections show a sophistication and wearability that are the staples of classic American design. Irreverence, underscored by taste and restraint, dominates collections consistently filled with luxurious must-haves and modern yet timeless pieces. Sequins in the day, white for winter, and fur for everyday are signature concepts that exemplify the Jenni Kayne mentality.”
This look reminds me of Phillip Lim’s a bit.
I love the white door backdrop, the spotlight and attention is all on the clothes. “Ageless collections for women who live in their clothing.” This is Kayne’s vision. Her pieces can be worn and treasured from one decade to the next. Her clothes do not age and I am digging her craft.
by cecylia on June 6, 2009
I don’t know about you, but I am a huge fan of fancy window displays. Most of the fine pieces in my wardrobe were purchased on a whim when I saw how chic they looked on the mannequins. Even if the clothes didn’t quite have the same effect on my less-than-perfect figure, they were already ‘sold’ in my head when I cast my eyes upon them. Most of us are visual learners and retailers know the huge impact good window dressing is to boost their client traffic and sales.
I was in Hong Kong last year, (yes at Times Square, again), drooling over the beautiful designer goods. And it is with my greatest pleasure to present some fine window dressing displayed by…..
JUICY COUTURE
Don’t you love the juxtapositioning of the period dressing with the modern silhouette? I love the pink vinyl bag in the lady’s hand! Back in the 18th century, she would have been carrying a silk handkerchief or a frilly parasol.
What do you get when you drown a terra cotta soldier in baby-pink paint? The Juicy Knight! Look! He has a belly and is he wearing a trilby? How could anyone resist photographying him? After I got a sneak snapshot of him, the shop assistant dashed out in the middle of serving a customer and prohibited me from taking photos! I was mortified. Shouldn’t he be honored that I am so appreciative of art and fashion?
FCUK
Eye candy for pink lovers. I actually only like the legless female mannequin on her side. Her big frilly colour is reminiscent of the ‘ruff’ (stiff collar, usually white) from 17th century. Her hyperreflective tunic dress is just as eye-catching.
The following photos were taken from Hong Kong designer shops, I have forgotten their names.
I love the bowed red Sonia-Rykiel-like wool jumper on the faceless lady on the left and I like it how her checks and stripes are well co-ordinated that they don’t not compete for visual attention. Smart window-dressing. I dig those toe-less leather boots too.
Again, the simple yet elegant styles of this head-less trio caught my lens. They are wearing great trans-seasonal pieces with the right proportion of shine. These clothes ooze confidence and fun. Well-suited for the office and with some ornamented accessories, perfect for some after-hours rendezvous.
Do you ever wish that your man dressed as well as you? Well here is a model couple to take notes from. Was it his red tie or her white ruffles that caught your eye first? The couple exude laid-back glamour. They show us that it’s a cinch to look effortlessly stylish with tailored lines and unexpected details. Their stylist must be one fine window dresser. If it weren’t for my husband’s firm grip, I would have bought both outfits.
by cecylia on May 29, 2009
I’m more of a summer person because winter is too cold and I like wearing dresses. The only way I cope with the chilly weather is to rug up with style. I’ve compiled 4 of my favourite winter looks this year to inspire you to look stylish and keep warm.
This Leelee Sobieski look-alike has turned a vintage-design rug into a scrumptious coat. A cross-over of a Persian princess and a Japanese kimono. Her slim figure and the cool shades keep her look modern and fresh. I don’t usually do red and black, but the interesting pattern and the grey stitching makes this coat absolutely to drool for. I’m eyeing my carpet.
Not everyone has the budget for Balmain jackets and Balenciaga leather pants. But if you do – the finances and the figure, then you ought to flaunt it. Take cue from this lovely young lady who obviously spends her lunch money on clothes. Balmain certainly is the most-lusted-after label at the moment – striking shoulders and tapered waist, a feature we previously would have all loved to forget from the 80′s, has been revamped by the head designer, Christophe Decarnin. I love it when an old classic such as the military jacket- previously seen only on the male of the species (like Captain Cook), gets the denim treatment and a feminized makeover. One of my favourite winter looks at the moment- sharp and smart.
Ignore the other well-dressed ladies in the background, this Penelope Cruz- doppelganger has serious style credits. Black is definitely back this winter. Black cashmere long wrap-around scarf. Check. Black boyfriend blazer with rolled-up sleeves. Check. Black calf-leather waist-belt. Check. Black slinky peg-leg pants that sit inches above my ankle. Check. Black lengthen-my-legs stillettoes. Check. She’s set to rock the streets of Paris.
And lastly, my fourth favourite look for winter 2009 is shaggy knits. This lady has mastered this look so well. Wearing a jersey body-con dress underneath it with sky-high ankle boots, she’s elevated grandma’s shag carpet to rock-star status. Learn from Big Bird, when we wear woollies, we ought to keep the rest of the body streamlined- wear skinny jeans, leggings or tight dresses underneath. The strands of her shaggy knit look like feathers. She looks warm and relaxed. But unlike Big Bird, her style is set to take flight.
Photos from The Sartorialist and Elle Street Chic.
