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LOU & GREY : PASADENA GRAND STORE OPENING

11/28/2014

Actress Claire Holt was at the Lou & Grey store opening: Picture credit: Lou and Grey photo booth!

A couple of weeks ago I went to the grand opening of the first west coast Lou & Grey store, a company under the Loft and Ann Taylor brand. Inside, the store was set up with a DJ and small bar at the back. Fashionista's, as well as actress Claire Holt mingled in the store whilst browsing the clothes which were a collection of laid back, and basic essentials, but all with a beautiful tailored cut. Items such as a stunning leather jacket with elastic paneling allowing for a cool but comfortable look, luxe sweat pants that would look equally good with converse sneakers or heels, and long sweater dresses that can be worn with tights and heels for the winter months hung on the shelves. The designer behind the collection is Austyn Zung, who was also at the grand opening that night, looking stunning in a cream wool sweater and black collates. Zung has an incredibly impressive background having previously worked as vice president of design at Oscar de La Renta, and Isaac Mizrahi, and has also held a senior design positions at J. Crew.

The store has collaborations with several different designers, one of which is a 4th generation seemstress and created the beautiful cushions collection below:

Other designers who are also part of the collaboration are, amongst others, Zoë Comings, Izaskun Zabala, Cara Shaw and Natalie Barela who between them design jewelry and handmade textiles.

There are plans for several more stores to open on the west coast soon and with a great 'Laid back luxe' feel, I think Lou & Grey's going to be a great new treasure for west coasters. I can't wait to shoot some new looks with their items soon! For more information on Lou & Grey click: here

With DJ for the night, actress Claire Holt and designer Austyn Zung Photo Credit : claire-h.com

Top left, Lou & Grey's team member wearing Lou & Grey's fab collection.

Some of my favorite pieces from the collection:

EVA MENDES ON MOTHERHOOD

11/26/2014

Both Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling managed to keep the news that they were expecting a secret up until the very end (aside from a slight slip when Mendes told airport security staff she was pregnant.. scroll down for the video). However for the first time since giving birth Mendes has spoken about being a new mum when she did an interview and stunning shoot for Violet grey digital magazine. There she discussed the importance of privacy, being a mother and the reason behind their 10 week old baby girls name, Esmerelda Amada.

Speaking with Violet grey digital magazine, Mendes said, "We were really excited about naming her. We both love the Esmeralda character from the Victor Hugo novel The Hunchback of Notre Dameand just think it’s a beautiful name. Her middle is Amada, which was my grandmother’s name. It means 'beloved' in Spanish."

Opening up about how Mendes has found motherhood, interestingly she says her sympathies lie with the baby, "People always told me that [it was tough]. But I’ve learned that it’s way harder to be a baby," she said. "Everything is a struggle for her. For instance, I haven’t thrown up since the ‘90s and she’s thrown up twice since we started this interview. Motherhood is cake compared to what it’s like to be a baby."

Mendes also spoke about her decision to be extremely private during her pregnancy, "Whether we like it or not, privacy is going to be very difficult for Esmeralda. I think it’s unfair but that’s our reality. So Ryan and I decided early on to give her as much privacy as we could. And my pregnancy was the first opportunity to give her that. It’s such an intimate time for the mother, too. I know that it seems all very innocuous when you’re flipping through a tabloid at the doctor’s office or see a photo of a pregnant lady online, but I find the media’s 'bump watch' obsession to be both intrusive and stressful. So I made a decision to eject myself from it completely. I was like, 'Annnnd I’m out.'"

For more on the interview visit VioletGrey.com.

EVA MENDES ADDRESSES PREGNANCY ON ELLEN

MONDAY MORNING INSPIRATION!

11/24/2014

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Here's some fab wintery looks for inspiration to start your week off! Happy Monday everyone!

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THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: THE OUTFITS

11/23/2014

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The American Music Awards are happening right now, an event that allows its guests to wear more daring outfits. Here's a look at some of the most striking looks coming in right now! Update soon!!

JLO shows of her rocking body Cutout Reem Acra Dress

Kate Beckinsale looking stunning as always.

Heidi Klum

The Jenner / Kardashians

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EURASIAN VOGUE VIDEO!

11/23/2014

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EURASIAN VOGUE- What's in store from Eurasian Vogue on Vimeo.

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JENNIFER LAWRENCE: THE PRESS TOUR - HUNGER GAMES Mockingjay Part 1

11/23/2014

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The Hunger Games : Mockingjay Part 1 is out, and the fab three (Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth) are in the full swing of their press tour. Jennifer Lawrence has looked her usual fantastic self through, however she opened up during her interviews about her surprising body image issues, and (not so surprising) dislike of technology. The press junket headed to England this week stopping at BBC 1 Radio. During the interview Lawrence was asked by a fan if she would ever get twitter, her response? "I will never get twitter" continuing, “I’m not very good on phones or technology. I cannot even keep up on e-mail so the idea of Twitter is so unthinkable to me. I don’t really understand what it is. It’s like this weird enigma that people talk about, and it’s fine, I respect that, but no, I’ll never get a Twitter, and if you ever see a Facebook or Instagram or Twitter that says it’s me, it most certainly is not.” We'll take that as a definite 'no' then!

Lawrence then referred to being so scorned by the internet adding, "I had that one locked and loaded!” she said with a laugh. “I went in my own world because the Internet has scorned me so much that I feel like it’s that girl in high school that I’m like, 'Oh, you wanna talk about her? Yeah, I’ll do that. I’m going to take my hoops off. I’m ready to go!'" she laughed.

During another English press interview, this time on Good Morning Britain, Lawrence discussed her body image issues. Admitting, that she's had times when she doesn't feel comfortable with her body, "I have just such an idea of myself where I’m just like a Victoria’s Secret model all the time. And then I see the truth, and I’m just like ‘What!?'" When host, Richard Arnold said, "you are that model", Lawrence replied, "You should see what I look like in my mind! I have reverse body dysmorphia." she laughed.

Click below for the interview, new Hunger Games trailer and some fab Jennifer Lawrence's fashion moments.

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth on BBC Radio 1

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth on Good Morning Britain.

Jennifer Lawrence in a stunning Gold lame Fall 2012 Prabal Gurung gown

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Chloé : NEW STORE OPENING AND PRESENTATION IN BEIJING

11/22/2014

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Photo Credit: Shanning Fagan.

China's economy is going from strength to strength and so too is the growth in the fashion industry. The Fashion house, Chloé, has for the first time introduced one of their chief designers, Clare Waight Keller to Mainland China and Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye, Chloé's chief executive officer in a bid to raise awareness of the brand.

Waight Keller landed in Beijing on Wednesday 19th, to present some of the strongest pieces from the spring 2015 collection. The audience was filled with hundred of local consumers.

The trip was Waight Keller's first trip to mainland China. It was also the first time Chloé had held an event there since 2011 when they presented a collection in Shanghai to celebrate the fifth anniversary in the China Market. Waight Keller was there to not only present the collection but also open the 10th boutique in Mainland China, which is made up of 1,600 square foot space located in the high end shopping mall, Shin Kong Place located in central Beijing.

Speaking of how travel inspire's her, Waight Keller told WWD, “I always find it interesting to absorb things from new cities,” Waight Keller said. “The light is always different. You can visit different art and cultural sites — all of this plays into all of the things you collect in your head. Sometimes, it is a color or collage or use of color I have seen with something else that you would normally not see back in Europe. But quite often, it is the light that makes the biggest difference.”

The edit Waight Keller chose to show for the event which was held in a museum-esque venue located in the Greco- Romansque building. She described the pieces in the presentation as the "strongest" looks of the spring-summer collection and modeled by all Chinese models. The show lasted six minutes and was followed by a dinner hosted by editor of Vogue China, Angelica Cheung. The event was attended by several Chinese celebrities and models including actresses, Yuanyuan Gao, (The Blind Detective) and Zhang Zilin (Badges of Fury).

Speaking about China's market, Waight Keller told WWD, “China has become so much more international now. What sells here sells well in Europe and America. But what they really react to here is that luxury really needs to say luxury. Something ultracasual at a super high price, I think that is difficult to understand in this environment here. When you come as a luxury brand, Chinese consumers want to see the quality. They want to see the beauty. They want to see something that really speaks to them and makes them feel chic and luxurious.”

Discussing Waight Keller's influence on the Chloé brand, de la Bourdonnaye said “Since Clare arrived, she has really rejuvenated the brand and made Chloé even more modern, and that has translated into fantastic momentum in China,” .

There was a crackdown on not allowing government officials and business associates to bribe one another with gifts earlier this year. The impact of this hit a lot of luxury brands however, de la Bourdonnaye said this had not effected the brand and that the "The number of Chinese clients who have been embracing Chloé has been booming.”

The biggest challenge that Chloé face going forward is finding the right locations to open stores. Therefore instead of concerning themselves with store expansion they will focus on making their current boutiques better fit their customers needs, and when suitable real estate becomes available, will then consider expanding their store numbers.

de la Bourdonnaye said, “We are not a brand that screams,” continuing, “We don’t want to be ostentatious. It is more about details and proximity to clients. The awareness of Chloé is increasing, but it is still low compared to the big brands. We are working at our own pace.”

Despite the market still not being quite as strong as Japan which is still the most booming Asia market, China is fast catching up. De la Bourdonnaye wouldn't disclose sales figures for Chloé in China but he did say that the Chinese consumer buying the brand are “probably the number-one consumers worldwide.”

Actress Zhang Zilin and Clare Waight Keller. Photo Credit: Shanning Fagan.

Actress Yuan Yuan Gao, at the Chloe store opening at Shin Kong place with Clare Waight Keller and Chloé's chief executive officer Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye, Photo credit: YuanYuan webagram.

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VICTORIA: BACK IN LONDON

11/21/2014

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Victoria Beckham looked excited to be back in London and visiting her store on Dover street this week, looking stunning in an all white outfit, and Victoria Beckham coat. She was seen wearing the black version on her way to Manchester's Selfriedges a few days earlier where she was in attendance to launch her line.

During the trip to Manchester, Victoria spoke to Manchester Evening news and said 'I think Manchester has a lot of style, a lot of culture and is such an exciting place to be. The people I have met here over the years have been incredibly stylish both in clothes and in attitude.' 'I don’t get back as much as I would like to! It’s hard with four children at school and a business to run in London to travel across the UK as often as I’d ideally want to,'

Victoria, who opened her first store in London back in September, but didn't attend the opening as she was in New York, attending the UN conference.

It's been another busy week for Victoria Beckham as she was awarded the Philanthropreneur Award for her UN work as well as other charity work, at the annual Global Gift Gala by her best friend Eva Longoria who also presented her with the award.

Victoria Beckham making her way to Manchester's Selfridges to launch her line

Ever the joker, VB posted this on instgram, with the caption : "Which way to Manchester Selfridges?? X vb #SelfridgesExchange #VBxSelfridges."

Victoria at the Manchester Selfridges launch.

For more information on Victoria's firs store opening, click here

Picture Credit: Ba/ Splash News : Victoria Beckham Instagram

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MID-WEEK INSPIRATION

11/19/2014

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Feeling that hump of the hump day Wednesday (aka mid week blues?) Well here's some inspirational and fun pictures to hopefully brighten your day and get you ready for the weekend!

Love this Burberry Monogrammed Poncho and adore Olivia Palermo's styling of it with her cute skirt and shirt outfit and OTK boots!

All wrapped up and finished off with a Lady Dior bag, and beige Valentino shoes to match the coat! Adore it.

Song of Style blogger looking fab in Michael Kors.

Chiara Ferragni in Tulle.

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SKETCHΔROUND : DESIGN WITHOUT RESTRICTION : THE INTERVIEW. #CROSSTHELINE

11/16/2014

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I’ve always loved menswear inspired pieces, specifically because of the tailoring and the sharper clean lines that can be mixed with a more feminine piece to toughen up an outfit. We’ve seen tux jackets and blazers designed specifically for women in mind and we’ve seen an abundance of collections of menswear inspired pieces hit the runway and high street stores.

But what about a line that goes one step further and creates unisex tailoring, that goes against convention by designing a chic collection, a collection that proves, “originality surpasses gender”? Well step up SKETCHΔROUND.

Founded in 2013 by two Hong Kong designers, SKETCHΔROUND are a very unique brand. They create pieces that are specifically for women, or men, but also pieces that are completely unisex, resulting in a complete collection that doesn’t conform to a particular gender. Their female customer can therefore chose a womenswear piece and match it with their unisex collection that gives the outfit a unique edge.

I was so excited to hear about the uniqueness of the brand and even more excited to get the opportunity to chat to them about how the concept came about, the inspiration behind their brand and their hopes for the future. So, without further ado, here is the wonderful designers behind SKETCHΔROUND …

Firstly congratulations on creating such a unique and chic collection.

Can you tell us about your individual backgrounds?
Yes. Kan was a fashion graduate of University of Huddersfield. And Priscilla graduated in Fashion Design & Textile from London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London).

Wow, you both trained in England! I’m always interested in how designers came to partner up, especially when they studied internationally. How did you both meet?
We both were once colleagues in the design team of an international high fashion brand named Moiselle in Hong Kong.

I love Moiselle! When and how did you decide to begin the company together?
We worked for more than three years in local fashion industry, well experienced in high-end womenswear and fashion shows. As far as we are concerned, quality and delicacy are not an expensive luxury that only exists in gowns or evening wears, but a priceless thing in the fashion world. We both believe that delicate craftsmanship could also work well in contemporary daywear or even minimalistic style. Hence we decided to launch a label with a new definition of modern chic for urban people.

How did the original concept of not conforming to gender specific clothing come about?
We want a garment piece to make the most as a basic wardrobe item for both genders in modern living, so we come up with unisex clothing. Unlike the usual talks about neuter, dandy feminine or masculine feminine as people commonly know. SKETCHΔROUND reforms the concept of “unisex” and installs the idea of androgyny in the clothing itself, but not the person who wearing it.

One of my personal favorite trends is menswear inspired clothing for women. However as it’s quite unusual for entire collections to be made up of unisex clothing, how would you describe the reaction to the line?
I would say people feel that it’s new and refreshing that our collection is made with unisex tailoring. It does attract men and women to purchase our collections. Some SKETCHΔROUND pieces were also picked and styled on both male and female artists and models successfully for show and magazine shoots.

What kind of a customer is a SKETCHΔROUND customer?
A SKETCHΔROUND customer could be any men or women, who look for quality life and have their own style to express their thoughts and attitude they want to live with.

How did you both come up with the name SKETCHΔROUND and what does it stand for?
The name SKETCHΔROUND is formed by two words “Sketch” & “around”. Each season we aim to explore different ways to sketch our conceptual androgyny form, such like we did digital sketching on iconography and developed chainz finishing on outer edges in the first season.
For the letter “A” replaced by an equilateral triangle “Δ”, it stands for our ultimate statement of pairing both innovative workout and conventional practice on every design piece.

You established Sketcharound in 2013, so the start up process must be very fresh! Can you tell us what the initial steps were like when starting up SKETCHΔROUND?
To start up SKETCHΔROUND, we established different web platforms (facebook, instagram, website) to build up its own image and characters. We styled the lookbook models with a wraparound hair make-up, covered models’ face with painted acrylic boards on runway and produced mini-film to emphasize our concepts and major look to our customers.

What has been your biggest feeling of accomplishment so far with the brand?
SKETCHΔROUND has impressed buyers in Hong Kong and Taiwan with its uniqueness and high wearability, resulting six select shops and online stores launching our collections in the first year, with many positive feedback from customers on the fine details paired with the unisex tailoring. It did give us a sense of accomplishment.

What has been the most challenging moment for you both when developing SKETCHΔROUND?
We both look young that caused some difficulties when we first established our company and met with all the factories, suppliers and pattern-makers. Since we were judged by our appearance, it became harder and took longer time to gain their confidence that we are experienced to work with.

There’s some irony in that, it must have been very frustrating! In terms of your customer, are you designing with a Hong Kong customer in mind?
Certainly. Hong Kong people are most likely to live a low-profile existence and style in an undertone. SKETCHΔROUND designs a purity of form on a foundation of simplicity to offer something relaxed but fine for its fast living pace in HK.

Have you delved into the European market yet?
No, we haven’t. Yet our brand and collections had been featured by some European fashionistas this year, for instances, the Australian online publication PITCH, a French fashion blog DRESSED TO KILL, Los Angeles fashioned lifestyle blog DESIGN FOR MANKIND, Paris fashion week snap-shot on NOW-FASHION online platform. They were all impressed by the new presentation of unisex statement and the craftsmanship merged in timeless modern simple look.

Can you describe your creative process when putting your collection together?
By each season, SKETCHΔROUND goes for primary investigation on the fabric finishing, seams forming, lockstitch, zippering, bar tack and buttoning so as to maximize the possibility of constructing garment with innovative materials. Then luxury is in each detail on the foundation of simplicity, and these structural essentialities are laid out to complex the space, volume and movement of unisex silhouette. It unites fine details and ideology to make living more exquisite in modern simple chic.

Where do you get your inspiration for your collection?
It’s all about reinventing. We challenge all conventions of normal practice on garment-making. On the other hand, we look for interesting materials, which are barely used in clothing as structural components in our collections to create distinctive and surprising craftsmanship.

How do you divide up your roles within the company?
Priscilla handles the branding, marketing and communication work. Kan takes up all drawings, graphic work and lookbook layout. Apart from that, we work together on research and design development.

How do you make your vision work cohesively together?
I believe we have firmly built up core statement for the label, the concept it speaks for and the style to go with it before we established SKETCHΔROUND. This leads us to run the brand with a very clear direction.

Who are you personal style icons?
Diana Vreeland

Are there any designers that particularly inspire you or that you particularly look up to?
Josh Goot, Jil Sander

What are your future plans for SKETCHΔROUND?
We have strong sentiment on localization. We hope SKETCHΔROUND could collaborate with some local labels and designers from different platforms such like accessory, bags, footwear , photographer. We think collaboration within local design forces would be very beneficial on both market and cultural fields.

Do you have plans to open up your own storefront?
Not in the coming two years, so far SKETCHΔROUND works well with all select shops and online shops in Hong Kong and Taiwan. And we benefited a lot in the pop-up store and projects we had worked together. Yet in future, we would love to have our own storefront opened in Soho, very elegant place near central district.

And finally, where would you ideally like Sketcharound to be 5 years from now?
We would like SKETCHΔROUND to be exposed more to other foreign places such like korea, paris and new york and have some interesting collaboration with other oversea brands.