Isabel Marnt for H&M capsule collection

Girls, take paper and pen and mark it in your agendas: great news at H&M! The swedish giant of low cost clothing has, in fact, scored another amazing collaboration. After Maison Martin Margiela, Marni and Versace, just to quote some, this time is the turn of Isabel Marant. 

The designer, symbol of french ethno-chic style, is preparing to work to a capsule collection, that promise to be very special. <<We are excited to have Isabel Marant as a guest designer at H&M. The way she mixes different elements in her collections, creating a style that is effortless and urban, makes her very contemporary - said Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor of H&M - She has a fantastic eye for ethnic detail and the rare ability to create something that people really want to wear. We are sure that H&M customers will be enthusiastic about this collection>>. In selling starting from 11/14/2013 it will be available in 250 stores around the world. So, save the date!

Isabel Marant and Margareta van den Bosch

We don't know yet much about this collection, but is sure that it will include a clothes for women, men and kids and a accessories, trademark of the brand. <<I am flattered about this collection - said Isabel Marant - H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honor. I am creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain careleness, which I think is very parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. everything can be mixed following one's own instinct: my take on fashion is all about personality>>.

Well, waiting to find out more, we just can wait for the release of the collection and determinate its success or its defeat (as it happened for the unexpected flop of the collection signed by Anna Dello Russo). 

What do you think about?

I love shopping around the world: Milan

Hi guys! Welcome back to I love shopping around the world. This month the destination I chose is the Mecca of fashion and style made in Italy. Obviously I'm talking about Milan, one of the coolest metropolist in the world, th perfect synthesis among past and modernity, culture, art and progress and a popular destination for the most addicted fashionistas and shopping lovers!

Shopping in Milan is almost a poetry, strolling through shops, cafes, restaurants and art sites with timeless appeal, is possible to taste pleasant atmospheres and take a break from the hectic pace of urban life. Our trip is mainly focused in the so-called "golden quadriteral", heart of milan shopping, mixed blessing of all shopping lovers (the perfect place to Rebecca Bloomwood!).

Giorgio Armani flagship store

We can't not start from Via Monte Napoleone, mainly destination for your shopping in Milan. With the warp of streets that intersect it, it's surely the most elegant street in the city. Walking "Montenapo" - as it is called - means immersing yourself into an atmosphere of exclusive shopping. Here, you'll find la crème de la crème of italian and interational fashion, the flagship stores of brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Armani, Moschino, Mila Schon and Missoni, just to quote some. Those of you who has not budget problems, will be like in paradise, surrounded by luxury and elegance! Here I suggest you stores like Brioni (Via Gesù, 2-4), a lovely boutique known in Milan since 50's, specialized in the creations of womenswear; Fratelli Rossetti (Corso Giacomo Matteotti, 9), an amazing store of shoes popular for their elegance, comfort and flexibility; Shirò (Via Eustachi, 20), where you'll find the amazing bags created by Massimo Calestrini; Tanino Crisci (Via Montenapoleone, 3), an amazing store of hand-crafted shoes.

Fratelli Rossetti

Tanino Crisci

We continue on our way towards Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the large artery that connects Piazza Duomo to Piazza San Babila where, you'll find many clothing and accessories stores (especially shoes!). Here, I suggest you to take a look to: Da Bernardi (Via Pattari, 6), women shoes of every types, colors and shapes of the most famous brands; Mauro Leone (Via San Pietro All'Orto, 9), one of the oldest shoes store of the city that also sells shoes made to measure; MH Way (Via Durini, 2), one of the best leather shops of the city where you can find bags and suitcases realized by Maiko Hasuike, brilliant exponent of Milan's industrial design.

Mauro Leone

MH Way

Other destination of our trip is Corso Buenos Aires, the biggest Milan's commercial artery and one of the biggest in Europe with prices, average, pretty affordable. Corso Buenos Aires deserves a visit especially during the sales, just after Christmas or in the midseason. That is the moment for the best deals. Taking a walk don't miss to pay a visit to the courtyards: the ones of n° 23, for example, or the ones of Piazza Lima 3. In Corso Buenos Aires you'll find so many stores to lose your head. Here, I suggest you to see: Atelier Bergnach (Via Tadino, 15), where is possible to find skirts in several variety of fabrics, colors and models, both pret-a-porter and to measure. In her little workshop Elena Bergnach works on skirts as en expression of poetry, art and feelings; Alga, little stores of comfortable shoes for those want to be fashionable without beign a victim! Anthony (Corso Buenos Aires, 16), if you're looking for shoes of the biggest brands, this is the right place for you; Claudio Calestani (Corso Buenos Aires, 72), in the center of the city a place where find fashion in rock version: clothes and accessories since 1980; Furla (Via Omboni, 1), one of the oldest bag stores of the city, to be always glamour and chic; Mandarina Duck (Corso Buenos Aires, 14), here you'll find a large collection of bags, backpacks and suitcases realized in exclusive materials.

Atelier Bergnach

Furla

Mandarina Duck

Here we are in Corso Vercelli. Near to FieraMilanoCity, not too far from Sempione Park, the shopping in Corso Vercelli gives you good opportunities without necessarily go towards the city center. Here, I suggest to take a look to: Fabe, since 1963 is one of the most active stores in the city, specialized in selling brands like Tod's, Hogan, Bikkembergs, Ugg and La Martina and Coccinelle bags; Marilena, modern clothing lines and small prices; Luca, shoes sophisticated but elegant, presented in a marble context.

Fabe

Marilena

Another great destination is Brera. Animated long time ago by artists and bohemien, Brera was one of the most characteristic of the old Milan. Today it has changed but this don't preserve an interesting itinerary of shopping, that is presented full of surprises. Near there I suggest you stores like Cavalli e Nastri (Via Brera, 2), known in the city as one of the best stores of vintage clothes and accessories. Clothes by Dior, Chanel and Pucci, bags, hats and jewels; 10 Corso Como (Corso Como, 10), this unusual store sells pieces in limited series: clothes, bags, accessories, shoes, books and records. On the first floor you'll also find an amazing art gallery that hosts temporary exhibitions, a restaurant and a delicious cafe. To not miss; Merù (Via Solferino, 3), founded in 1967, it launched the "poor jewels", made with low cost materials, and micro jewels; several combinations of materials - leather and gold, or wool, ivory and gold - for nice enamelled jewels; Garlando (Via Madonnina, 1), an extraordinary rage of colors and infinite combinations of women shoes. A store for a young publi; Spelta (Via Belfiore, 7), an wide rage of hand-crafted women shoes, famous for comfort and flexibility.

Cavalli e Nastri

10 Corso Como

After a tour de force of shopping like that, the most addicted shopaholics may go to Via Torino. For many years it has been one of the main streets of shopping in Milan. Today the reality of Via Torino is resized, but it doesn't mean that there's not interesting stores in there. Destinations to not miss are: Biffi (Corso Genova, 6), six hundred meters for this boutique that proposes the last news of menswear and womenswear of the biggest brands; Mariza Tassy (Via Molino Armi, 45), a wide rage of young designers of female youth clothing, plus accessories and jewels. Among the brand present in the store, we can quote Isabel Marant, Velvet, Kristensen du Nord and Mes Demoiselles.

Biffi

Mariza Tassy

And here we are in Via Paolo Sarpi, one of the most lively and popular districts of the city, considered the Chinatown of Milan, characterized by stores traditionally low cost but with good quality products. Great examples are: Chiu (Via Pontaccio, 5), a big space with a great rage of leather goods of the best brands like Kipling, The Bridge, Mandarina Duck, Just Cavalli and Alviero Martini; Mauro Giuli (Via Pontaccio, 2), famous store of shoes and bags for women.

Chiu

Other addresses to not miss in Milan surely are: Tad (Via Statuto, 12), the best place for a shopping experience to 360°. Elitist and in high-tech boudoir style, it sells clothes, design articles and fragrances. In there is also possible to find a hairdressing, a cafe and an interesting bookshop; La vetrina di Beryl (Via Statuto, 4),  the Mecca for all milan shoes addicted. Here you will find a wide rage of unavailable, eccentric and bizarre shoes of the biggest brand; Purple Shop (Corso di Porta Ticinese, 22), the paradise of urbanwear upperclass. Here you can find sporty chic clothes, shoes and accessories, rigorously inedited;  

Tad

Purple Shop

Il Salvagente (Via Bronzetti, 16), if you're looking for the best brand with the smallest prices this is the palce for you. Be carefull if you go there during sales... it's promptly stormed and you have to fight through clenched teeth to grab the object of your desires; Frip (Corso di Porta Ticinese, 16), the cult store of niche clothes and shoes, imported by Scandinavia, England and France. Among brands presents, Acne Jeans, Vinskov and Marios. Plus you can also find several international fashion magazines; Vintage Spirit Multistore (Piazza Cantore, 3), a true Mecca of vintage and avant-garde. In this store you'll find selected vintage clothes, chosen by experts as Elisabeth The First, DGP Elite Vintage and A.N.G.E.L.O. 

Frip

Well, our trip is over. As usual I hope to have been helpful. Have a good shopping! 

I see you next time!

CFDA Awards 2013

Have been celebrated last June 3rd in New York the annual fashion awards. The CFDA, the council of fashion designers of America, has in fact presented the awards to th best fashion designers of the year. Undisputed star of the event the ex first lady Hillary Clinton who personally handed to Oscar de la Renta the prestigious Eleanor Lambert Founders Award for his extraordinary 50 years of career. Among the long list of winners, Jack MaCollough and Lazaro Herrnandez of Proenza Schoulder received the award as Womenswear Designer of the Year while Thom Browne was awarded as Menswear Designer of the Year. For accessories Phillip Lim won with his line 3.1 Phillip Lim; for jewels the award was given to Pamela Love. 

The queen of fashion, Vera Wang won the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award and Tim Blanks took home the Media Award in memory of Eugenia Sheppard presnted by Linda Evangelista, while Colleen Atwood, costume designer of the movies Mirror Mirror and Alice in Wonderland, received the Board of Directors Tribute Award. On the podium of winners there also is an italian excellence: Riccardo Tisci, creative director of maison Givenchy, who gives pride to Italy winning the award as Best International Fashion Designer. 

Fashion trends 2013: Smoking

<<So, I'm a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman>>. This is what Julie Andrews said in a scene of one of her best movies Victor/Victoria and this might be the perfect interpretation of one of the coolest trends for S/S season 2013: Smoking style.

From Saint Laurent to Givenchy, passing by Balmain and Paco Rabane... everywhere amazing androgyny creatures walk catwalk with grace and sophistication. Moreover, who says we need to wear a skirt to feel real women?

Ralph Lauren Collection, Calvin Klein Collection, Gianbattista Valli, Paco Rabane s/s 2013

Alexis Mabille, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Akris s/s 2013

Mugler, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Pierre Balmain s/s 2013

The most classic garments of male wardrobe is now reinterpreted for her in so many ways as many are the brands that have revisited and corrected it. All the rigour and the elegance typical of male gender acquires now femininity, class and sensuality. Thought for a confident woman who is not afraid to show off her most seductive side with a touch of masculinity!

What do you think about?

Cassandra Rhodin

Art & Expression: Cassandra Rhodin

The protagonist of Art & Expression for this month is one of my absolute favourite artists. I'm talking about the Sweden's most popular fashion illustrators, known by every fashionista and mentioned in almost every fashion and art blogs over the internet... I'm talking about Cassandra Rhodin, of course! We don't much about her, she cares to keep her privacy but this doesn't prevent us to talk about her and her amazing works.

With her particular and original technique, she represents in drawings fashion through her personal point of view. Her works are inspired by 20's and 30's style and flapper girls, embellished by a waise use of black and white, fascinating and suggestive. 

Surrounded by an atmosphere of timeless glamour she paints the darkest side of fashion; her subjects appear, in fact, "different" in someway: limbs are disproportionate, too long; their look is penetrating; they are enigmatic, they look sad (almost melhancolic) but proud. If her drawings are somehow dark, they're also delicate thanks to the utilization of watercolors. Sometimes her ladies, powerful and elegant, are escorted by men or animals that serve to enphase the contrast.

 Her personal and original style is very distinctive and moody and there's a very nice commercial quality in her works that is perfect to use for advertising campaigns. She worked, in fact, with big names of fashion scene from Urban Outfitters to Vogue Australia, passing by Nylon, Elle and H&M for which she created a special collection of household items. One of her best creations are made for charity the foundation All Children in collaboration with UNICEF (a great heart for a great artist).

Well as a gret illustrator, she also is an amazing fashion designer. In 2006, in fact, she created her first fashion brand dedicated to kids, amed Mini Rodini. The story of the name is very nice to tell, with a little  touch of romance: it seems that Cassandra found a picture of her great-grandfather in an antique shop (image the wonder of found your family memories scattered all around the world!) with the name Rodini in behind. So she decided the name of her brand and launched in the biggest stores in Stockholm. 

From Sweden has been launched in the rest of Europe and USA, on sale by Coin and her website. And how not to mention her wallpaper collection? From models to patterns of Story of love collection, there's just spoiled for choice!

I truly do love her, she's an unusual artist, "different" from "classic" fashion illustrators. I think she's very talented, of course, but what I particularly like the most about her is her very extremely unique style.

What do you think about? Do you like her too?

Carine Roitfeld for Givenchy

A living style icon for one of the most popular and glamorous of the entire fashion world. This is the base of the advertising campaign of Givenchy for the next season. 

Family portraits, realized in black and white by the photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Pigott, that have as exceptional protagonist characters like Madame Carine Roitfeld and her daughter Julia Restoin and Amanda Seyfried captured in a little gipsy atmosphere. <<The protagonists really have gipsy lifes. They don't stay in the same place too long. They travel all the world>>, said Riccardo Tisci, creative director of the brand. Here, a little taste...

What do you think?

Rita Ora

Music & Fashion: Rita Ora

Hy guys, welcome back! These days are crazy... there's so much to do in the newsroom, everyone runs like crazy, I barely have time to breath and I had no time to take care of my baby blog. But I'm back... at least for now! Anyway, let's get serious! The music icon I chose for this month is one of the most interesting voices in the contemporary music scene. She's blonde, with amber skin and a bad girl look. Kosovar anturalized english, she's a true shining star of pop music with a natural diva attitude that lead her to be one of the most photographed stars on red carpet. I'm talking about her, Rita Ora.

Her career in the showbusiness starts in 2004 as actress to flow then in the msuic field thanks to the Eurovision Song Contest, a singing competition from which she's eliminated in the qualyfing final. But it's just matter of time before her soul - pop face hole in the heart of a special talent scout, the rapper Jay-Z who offers her a cameo in the music video of Young Forever. 

This is the moment when fame comes knocking at her door. In september 2009 the label Roc Nation releases her first album called Ora. Inspired by great artists like Tina Turner, Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin and Gwen Stefani she mixes in her music R&B, dance and pop, creating a modern and original sound that is perfectly matched with a femme fatale look.

Her original sound is reflected in her own style... we can't say she's a traditional style icon: her looks often appear excessive and extravagant and they provoque mixed reactions among fashion addicted. She's a tuff with a very personal idea of style. And an artist, a star with a personality like that couldn't pass unnoticed and escape the watchful and provocative eye of editor and fasion designers who wants her on the covers of their magazines and in the audience of fashion shows and social events. Are examples of that the cover for Asos Magazine and the contract she signed as new face of "Material Girl", the clothing line launched by Madonna and her sixteen daughter Lourdes. And if her correlation with fashion doesn't look strong enough to you, you can add an intimate relationship with the top model Cara Delevigne, a girl who doesn't just see fashion, but lives it every day!

I'm not really a big fan of Rita's style, but I can't deny it's pretty original: it's fresh, unusual, alternative and variegated... in one word "unique". She prefers a sporty - glam mood, that draws from streetwear but is mixed with super cool details; she doesn't either dislike manlike mises (without giving up to strong details) and the super diva looks made of gown, pumps and sequins that she shows off on red carpet. 

 

Here, a short gallery of her looks. Main elements of her style are:

• sweatshirts: wider is better;
• sneakers;
• denim: that is on top or bottoms it doesn't matter. Denim is the key word;
• high heels, maybe to match with gym suit pants;
• headbands, that acentuate her bad girl look;
• maxi accessories, to embellish the outfits.

 Rebel and alternative: these may be the words to describe her. 

What do you think about?

Fashion trends 2013: Python style

Hi ladies, we're almost here! Summer is coming soon... well, that's what calendar says because, until now, of sun and warm we've seen really a little! But, don't worry: the moment to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun will come soon! And, with the good season, you know, the desire to undress and show off your tan is strong, maybe made more daring by the choice of outfits, colora and fabrics that enphasize the contrast.

Skin on skin... this could be a key to understanding of one of the coolest trend of S/S 2013: python style. Traditionally worn during the f/w season, this year it's one of the hottest trends for the hottest one. Natural or colored in warm and seductive shades, mixed with patchwork and other prints or maybe on accessories, the password is only one: change skin. Just like a snake. Crawling, python print is done through the glamourest catwalks of fashion scene. From Preen to Gucci, passing by Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli. The result? Ladylike and attractive, absolutely super cool!

Proenza Schouler, Gucci, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo s/s 2013

Preen, Creatures of the Wind, Gianfranco Ferré, Roberto Cavalli s/s 2013

Total look or matched with basic garments or other styles, python print has in it something sensual and transgressive, elegant and refined at the same time, chic and practical for daywear, perfect also for night characterized by a sexy and a little rock allure. Here some examples of python outfits.

Python shorts - Christinekate's polyvore

Untitle #96 - Claudcastel's polyvore

My fashion tip? If you thing that a total python look is too daring (and maybe it is), dull it with basic pieces in solid colors, with accessories in bright colors or have fun mixing python pieces with othr prints, playing with contrasts, but remember to not overdo! Uncertainty, you can take inspiration by celebrities like Kerry Washington, Vanessa Hudgens and Blake Lively .

What do you think about? Are you ready to change your skin?