Fall-Winter 2010: Playing Along

One thing is certain: if you are keeping an eye on the latest Fall-Winter 2010 collections, you must have noticed that they are the crème de la crème of what those seasons mean. The collections keep rolling in and even at this fast pace, it's hard not to appreciate how good they are. Once you go all crazy for one collection, the next seems to top it. In such a short time, it is quite hard to properly digest anything. This is one of the reasons I didn't want to turn this post into a favorite FW collections. That and the fact that was the easier approach.

Let's focus instead on the remarkable playfulness some of the designers shower us with. Balenciaga? I would certainly say that while watching it, loads of childhood memories popped up in mind. From the shoes onto the clothes (one must check out the shoes first, these can make an outfit heavenly or... not that much) everything I saw was a grown-up playground.

This is fashion by a unique originator who sources all his ideas in the industrial, scientific, computer-generated possibilities of the twenty-first century. style.com on Balenciaga FW 2010

Yes, you could call it that too. But it is essentially young, fun, flirty! Oh, and the shoes, since I have mentioned them: LEGO, anyone?

photos from purple DIARY, collages by me

Next stop? Something quite similar I would say, that left me with a soft spot: Giles FW 2010. Of course, Giles always makes me swoon with each new collection. This FW one is certainly very Giles. The twist is that it mixed not futuristic or urban influences as the Balenciaga collection, but vintage ones. Yes, straight from the 60s comes a delicious mix of playfulness with sobriety. Did I just say sobriety? Well, why not go for bathrobes to make things even? 

Surely, this collection speaks to all women who want to feel and look classy yet to let their inner child out once in a while. There were two bags which focused on this idea, the one resembling an oversized mascot being my favorite. Please note the matching runway! Walking in style and in an coordinated environment, that certainly was the best aspect of the show.

photos from purple DIARY, collages by me

There is nothing better to liven up autumn a bit than clothes that seem "imported" from Spring-Summer shows. Why yes, this idea certainly tickles me fancy. But then again, seasons are not what they used to in real life either...

P.S. I will be back in a week with fresh posts. Until then, please feel like home and take your time to browse, there are over 900 posts to go through! ;)
Alos, since roblogfest starts soon, please take your time to vote for me, Sweet Fancy Treat runs in the Fashion Category, here. Thank you & love!

Sweet treats,

Daiane

Cutting a long story short

Since it appears my brain won't pull itself together to finish already the post that was in the works, will twist a coin. And guess what? It decided I should share with you my new haircut.

Now don't you think I am being superficial. Fact is, I haven't shown myself (or my face) around here since Christmas. What happened? Well, here is some kind of update. At least now you know who are you talking to. Hi! 

My hair is now in three up to five different shades and colors form various changes it's been through. But I am taking that blonde off, little by little. Last time I have had bangs was around three, four years ago. It took almost a year to grow them out because they were just a few centimeters long, in an asymmetrical cut. Let's see how much time I will keep it up before I let these grow out too. Hm-hm.

Sweet treats,
Daiane

Links à la Mode

Fashion Flashback

Edited by Debutante

As fashion weeks starting winding down, some are looking forward to the next trend in fashion. This week, I was thrilled to see so many bloggers focusing on the past -the history of fashion. An obvious passion of mine, vintage fashion has never been so influential. fête à fête reviews a gorgeous collection of vintage inspired jewelry. Fabulous Finds narrates a 1950s styled romp through Palm Springs. Oranges and Apples shares inspiring vintage Life magazine images. In politics, if you don’t learn from history, you’re destined to repeat it. In fashion, if you don’t learn from history, you won’t know you are repeating it!

Links à la Mode : March 4th

• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: Mary Quant
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Couture Cakes
• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – Spring/Summer Trends 2010 – The Tourist
• Dozen Dresses – DIY Skirt – The tutorial!
• dramatis personae – B&Lu 0 Gift Certificate Giveaway!
• Fabulous Finds Gal – Come With Me On A Sunny And Dreamy Retro Holiday In Palm Springs With The Photographer Bersa
• Fashion Pulse Daily – Marchesa Fall/Winter 2010
• Fasshonaburu – Who’s Who of Fashion Week
• fête à fête – Larkspur & Hawk’s vintage inspired jewelry
• Glossary – Please meet Paula and her pretty Pink Bow!
• hello beauty! – Bobbi Brown Spring 2010: Cabana Corals and Makeup Face Lift Collections (with video)
• JewelryWhore – Interview With Corvus Noir!
• Oranges and Apples – : Vintage fashion photo inspiration from the Life magazine archives
• Out Of Order – Bonnie & Clyde
• Prom Mafia – Betsey Johnson does DC
• Retro Chick – Estethica – Ethical Design Spotlight – Tara Starlet
• Stop Getting Low-balled As A Blogger | Independent Fashion Bloggers
• Superstylin – Total Fashion Dork Status
• The Fashion Planner – YouTube Beauty Gurus
• True Queen – One Dress That Will Take You From Work To Play in 3 Different Ways
• Tweed & tea – My name is Jacqui, and I am a perfume addict..
• ventures of jenn. – ode to the maxi
• White Rabbit – The Man Behind the Lens

Soft Lock

Maybe it would be useful to have some sort of an additional key right above Caps Lock which could toggle on and off this types of images. So, depending on the mood you are on that day, you would only be shown soft (maybe pastel?) images.

I wanted to share this editorial shot for Elle Indonesia March 2010. Maybe it could be interpreted to be a casual Alice in Wonderland. Even though Alice is always casual, why is everyone trying to make her to appear high-maintenance? So, I have read the book (years ago), listened to related songs, adored the rabbit, saw the older movies, now the only thing left to do is to see the latest remake. Oh. And maybe incorporate something into everyday life which is inspired by... the trend?

photo source & infos

editorial: Blooming Belle

magazine: ELLE Indonesia March 2010

photography by luki for lukimages

assistant: Ari and Teuku Ajie

fashion stylist: Amanda Prihutomo

make up and hair: Diana Ross

model: Zsanette (Profile management)

Another thing why I love these photos is because they are not overdone. Not too sweet and by any means not cheesy. Just reachable, approachable, but yes: styled to perfection. Plus, I love the little kid that appears in a couple of photos. All this atmosphere even makes gardening look like fun!

Sweet treats,
Daiane

LVMH x Parsons

Sometimes I feel grateful (and lucky!) to benefit from random splashes of memory on certain matters. I wanted to post about this in ages, but hey, better late than never, right?

Here it is: LVMH and Parsons The New School for Design teamed up in one special project centered around a problem we should all be more aware of: craftsmanship. More specifically, crafts are slowly fading away in America (and not only, if I may add) so the main purpose is to get them back in the spotlight again. More info can be found here.

The idea was to bring together students and this world of undying art. The event happened during New York Fashion Week, so now you now how late I am in highlighting it. I am particularly in love with the title: “The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York”, it gives some clear directions to follow when looking at the designs. Find below a more detailed description of the project.

photo source

And here is where the fun begins: the teams of students were assigned to a master artisan, from various domains. Imagine the insights such a person can give! The final idea was to get inspired from the experience and come up with fashion ensembles and short films related to the subject of the study. The winners will be announced later on. Oh, the curiosity!

Still wondering what LVMH has to do with all of this? Here's what Bernard Arnault said: "Beyond ephemeral fashions, it is the values of quality and durability which are forever attached to the Group's brands. The handicraft expertise of our products, their unique history and legacy, the truly iconic designs that distinguish our creations - all of these characteristics take on particular importance for us, as the leading luxury group, enforcing and perpetuating our solid values."

I can't stop appreciating the way these important persons see things from the high pedestal on which they are. It is amazingly well thought, ingenious, and... fearless!

Take some time to check this particular post written by Queen Gilda, student at Parsons, who was involved in the entire project. Ah-mazing! Make you sure you make serious time to read it from one end to the other.

P.S. Please read this Sustainability Manifesto from Parsons too, it will be worth your while.

Sweet treats,
Daiane

Exclusive Backstage Dolce & Gabbana FW 2010

You know what I really love about Dolce&Gabbana? Besides the fashion I mean. That they run this magazine, you surely know it, Swide. Oh dear. An amazingly well put together magazine, constantly updated with brand info, of course, but with many other personalities, news or interviews.

And now back to our regular scheduled programming how I would say if I would put up a show myself... here's what landed in my inbox once again, courtesy of aforementioned Swide. Oh la la!

Glamorous Milan show! All photos courtesy of Swide, some collages put together by me.

Sweet treats,
Daiane

You never loose something 'cause you always get something else in return

This is my spring treat for you. It comes in three different yet matching parts. Enjoy!

Number two is this short stop-motion film:

Lost Things is Written & Directed by - Angela Kohler

Nothing says spring and summer more than the Miu Miu SS 2010 collection:

photos taken from here

Visual posts, I should do these more often. As a mood board, they function amazingly well. Plus, they are so much fun to put up. Ahaha!

Sweet treats,

Daiane

Rock that leather look

One of my biggest soft spots when it comes to all-time favorite trends has to be the usage of leather. In 2010, this trend is done better and with more panache than ever before. Everything can be made of leather and look amazing, even classy if I may say so. It is high time we let go of the trashy aspect that once involved leather in its every form. Leather is mainstream, baby!

All looks taken from the FW 2010 shows. Photos via style.com

Sure, fitted leather dresses were all the rage a few months ago, if I remember correctly. The hype got even bigger when Angelina Jolie rocked the look. From then on, everyone was doing it. The good news is that leather is almost a chameleonic material. It can be colored in so many hues that the possibilites of styling it become endless. This year, the best option are the classic earthy tones. My personal choice would still be something in a cool grey shade or an electric green. Who said black is the safe option?

Even more than conventional pieces, leather can be converted into other hot pieces like: short shorts, capes, leggings, a classic trench and surely, those thigh-high boots that guided our fashion-y ways through the past months. Surely, the easiest way to incorporate leather into a daily look is by using some sort of accessory that matches your style. The effort will be smaller, but chances are the effects stay the same. Think bags, shoes, belts, or even a leather wallet. Until next autumn comes, I think I will stick to my vast collection of bags to get me through summer. Goodness, still no sign in finding a proper storage place from them. But the shoes are safely kept. Hopefully they will be worn again soon because the sun outside smiles so promising!

Sweet treats,
Daiane