HIDE AND CHIC: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

In a previous post from the other day, I talked about how J Crew was taking it to the next level with their terrific designs and updated concept. Well here's an example of what I mean. Their Fall 2011 collection consists of some pretty cool separates that are perfect for mixing into the wardrobe. Marissa Webb, head of women's design, says for this collection she combined the whimsy of The Great Gatsby and the feminine silhouettes and tailoring of Bonnie and Clyde - two great fashion reference movies that's for sure! These looks are full of colour, texture, and modern femininity. Love.

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GUCCI FALL 2011

all photos: Monica Feudi

Gucci is a label that will always be a part of my life. Having worked as Operations Manager at my local boutique once upon a time, I follow the line closely to see what's new and exciting. Starting there at the tail end of the Tom Ford era and beginning of Alessandra Facchinetti's short lived stint, I have seen the house become known for it's overtly sexual, strong femme fatale image and subtle return to it's classic roots by way of Frida Giannini in 2006. Throughout the years I think she's done an excellent job of retaining the "Gucci look" but incorporating it's history in a fresh and modern way. I think that's the key to any established fashion house / designer relationship and she was the right fit at the right time. The recent Fall 2011 show was a major hit as she brought back the glam 70's with bright jewel tones, luxe furs, feathered fedoras, and flowing chiffon and silk. There is a YSL element but that's just because the 70's are so synonymous with YSL that it will always be a reference point. This is Gucci's 90th year anniversary and with the way Frida Giannini is going there should be plenty of more celebrations in the future.

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HARPER'S BAZAAR UK EDITION - MAY 2011

I can't wait for the upcoming May issue of UK Bazaar to come out! Kate Moss stars is the special double cover issue wearing both the ruffled organza dress made famous in the unforgettable hologram from Alexander McQueen's FW 2006 "Widows of Culloden" show and a beautiful white gown from Sarah Burton's first collection for the label. Inside the pages, Kate along with other McQueen muses Daphne Guinness and Annabelle Neilson are shot in a series of what are sure to be stunning, impressive images highlighting the late designer's creations. Clearly McQueen's legacy lives on with a retrospective on his work being presented at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and as the fashion world continues to honour him. Although I wasn't a huge fan of his actual designs, I definitely admired him for the creative force he was and the true talent he possessed. Just like anything, even if it's not my taste per say, as long as its done well and with true conviction I can appreciate the effort 100%.

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Monday, March 28, 2011

MONDAY BLUES? TIME FOR NEW SHOES!

don't you, step on my blue suede shoes

farfalle with lamb and mint meatballs and fresh ricotta - delicious!

BEST cappuccino ever

Although it's my birthday today, we don't have anything special planned for this evening. I wanted to hold off until next weekend because I have to go to the hospital tomorrow for a biopsy, nice present huh? It's kind of a long story but to sum it up, I had a kidney transplant back in December and the last few weeks have shown some inconsistencies in my bloodwork numbers. We need to get to the bottom of it so a biopsy is really the only way to find out what's going on at this point - ugh. I've had four already to date so I know what to expect and it isn't all that pleasant. Oh well, I can't complain; I've been doing great, feeling good, and was fortunate enough to have my sister be my donor match. All in all I'm really, truly lucky and I try not to forget that.

*UPDATE: Good news! Biopsy results are back and there's no signs of rejection. I have something referred to as ATN which means the kidney has temporarily fallen asleep?! Nothing too serious but I'm slightly dehydrated so I need to drink TONS of water to wake up the little bean so it can do it's job :)

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J CREW GOES TO ITALY

J Crew has undergone somewhat of a metamorphosis over recent years and it's all pretty much due to Jenna Lyons and her talented design team. From it's humble beginnings as a classic basics retailer, J Crew has gone on to become a bonafide fashion label. Now they have those great pieces that are perfect to mix in with your best high - low co-ordinated outfits. I have to admit I never shop there and only lately have ventured into their stores - but I definitely like what I see. These 3 video installments, directed by Douglas Keeve, who did Unzipped and Seamless, follows Lyons and her team as they venture off to Italy in search of shoes, fabrics, and prints for their upcoming collections. It's all very inspiring to see the label appreciate true craftsmanship and attention to detail plus the videos make me want to book the next flight to Rome asap!

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Saturday, March 26, 2011

MEET ME BACKSTAGE

all photos: Julia Chesky

Being a former make-up artist and having co-ordinated shows in the past, I love backstage photos. It reminds me of all the excitement, chaos, stress, anticipation, and then ultimate relief once it was all over. The industry has definitely gone through its share of changes over the years: girls, clothes, make-up, hair, but one thing remains: backstage is where the real action is.

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MODEL CRUSH / ANDREJ PEJIC

photo: Richard Stow

photo: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture January 2011

photo: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

photo: Armin Morbach

photo: Matthew Brookes

Andrej Pejic is amazing. I think his beauty goes beyond gender classification and I'm glad he's getting attention and support because he should. With bone structure to die for, a killer body, and flowing blond hair, what's the problem? When I first laid eyes on him I truly thought he was a gorgeous teenage girl. Needless to say I was stunned when I found out I was wrong. Since busting onto the scene last year at the Paris men's shows in June, Pejic hasn't stopped and is seriously giving a whole new meaning to the term "gender bender." I for one think beauty comes in all forms and his unique position makes him all the more special. Supermodel, androgyny poster boy, and designer muse, Andrej Pejic is my new model crush.

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Don't forget to check out this month's giveaway. Details here