Yohji Yamamoto at the Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum  is currently holding an exciting exhibition about the incredibly influential designer Yohji Yamamoto. The exhibition features a number of pieces from his past collections all stood out in the open – no glass cases – and in various locations around the museum ending in a final, large exhibition room.

Yamamoto is very well known for paying a lot of attention to the women’s backs and the shape of their backs and once said he likes to think about ‘the space between the body and clothes’ and focuses a lot on the cut and shape of the fabric. He is also well known for experimenting with a number of different materials when making his garments, especially materials that people may not expect.

Yamamoto also had a huge collaboration with fashion photographer Nick Knight which resulted in one of the most iconic images of Knight’s career.
Although I am not a huge fan of Yamamoto myself, the exhibition was very interesting and it was exciting to see such iconic garments so close up and not even behind a sheet of glass – I have no doubt in my mind that they will be touched a lot more than is allowed during the course of the exhibition!

Some of the garments on show were literally amazing and it is beyond my tiny brain how some of the shapes were even constructed.
If you have a chance you should absolutely take this opportunity to see this creative genius’ work in the ‘flesh’ while you have the chance.

 

Photo Source:

1. (Nick Knight photograph) http://notmyshoot.tumblr.com/post/1439932735

2. http://www.graphicalliance.co.uk/blog/yohji-yamamoto-at-the-va/

3. http://idolmag.co.uk/art-culture-review/yohji-yamamoto-va

Learning to love the leopard

We have seen the leopard print trend slowly explode onto the fashion scene over the last few seasons. At first I only spotted the odd accessory here or the odd leopard print bag or shoe. But over the last few months all I see is leopard print!

I have to say that I was never a fan of any form of animal print in the past, I just didn’t think animal prints looked that great. But as my fashion sense evolved and I grew a little wiser, I have actually started to warm to the animal print and appreciate this trend a little more. Designers have certainly made some really great outfits using the print and I think that has a lot to do with my changing opinion! When it’s done right it looks fabulous!

Kourtney Kardashian seems to love leopard print in this photo (above), I remember when I first saw this and I have to say I didn’t like the combination of leopard print tights and shoes together… One less leopard piece and the outfit would be amazing.

However, this all in one leopard print dress is amazing! The colour is subtle for the leopard print but it makes for a really elegant look.

I am of the opinion that if you wear leopard prints, as long as the outfit is styled to perfection then the print looks quite stunning and exquisite!

Here are some  leopard looks that have taken me over to the animal side!

Are you an animal print lover?

 

 

 

Photo Source: http://www.fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com

 

Olivia Palmero Style Icon?

Olivia Palmero, the American Socialite is becoming more and more recognised for the stylish icon that she is. Admittedly I first came across Olivia whilst watching the fun reality TV show ‘The City’ and got a glimpse of her own unique personal sense of fashion. I have followed her style ever since!! Her style is so effortless and ever so chic.

Olivia is well known for mixing and matching her clothes, she could pair a high end piece from Givenchy with a high street buy from Top Shop (just as an example). By doing this she is keeping things young and fresh and ultimatley creating her awesome distinct style for which we know and love her for.

I think, for me, this is why Olivia is so appealing because one day she can be rocking big designer names and the next day she can be dressed head-to-toe in Topshop, it just shows those of us on a smaller budget that we can get the same chic style from the high street and small boutiques, without the designer prices!

I think Olivia rocks the menswear inspired looks and does great justice to them. She is never without her statement accessories to ensure her outfit is always looking the best it could possibly be!

But of course my favorite look  right now that Olivia rocks is the maxi! Now doesn’t she look like the ulitmate chic goddess in the picture below? The colour palette is bold yet elegant at the same time. I love her statement ring and Hermes Bag, it brings all of the outfit together, just showing the importance of a good ol’ accessory!

I wish I had a wardrobe like Olivia’s!!!

Who’s your favorite Style Icon at the moment?

 

Photo source: Stylecaster.com

Dude Looks Like a Lady

After being snapped up by Storm Models in February 2010, Andrej Pejic has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of fashions most talked about male (yes male) models of the moment.

Andrej’s delicate androgyny is enough to leave the majority of people feeling slightly sexually confused, but luckily the industry cannot get enough of him and he has walked for Galliano, Raf Simmons, Jean Paul Gaultier , as well as being photographed for a number of magazines including Wonderland, Dazed and Confused Japan, Oyster and Vogue Paris.

Andrej plays on his elegant, feminine image and is often styled in a way which emphasizes his femininity as opposed to trying to make him look more masculine. Personally, I think he’s the shake up that the fashion industry has been needing for a while, as everyone is more than happy to exclaim their happiness about androgynous women,  but when such an androgynous male bursts onto the scene it sends a lot of people running for the hills.

If Andrej had short, dark hair then he would be a very handsome boy, but I (and many designers, photographers and stylists) love him as the classy ‘lady’ he’s made himself into.

What is your reaction towards Andrej Pejic?

Credits:

Please welcome our new contributor to Fashion Loving – Tahlia Louisa

Photos taken from:

1. http://www.ftape.com

2.www.hommestar.com

3.www.nicolechomeiling.blogspot.com

Glamour Girl Dior Ad Campaign Spring 2011

I really like Christian Dior as a fashion brand. There’s isn’t anything that I don’t come across fom Dior that I don’t start gushing over! Their Spring 2011 ad campaign is just another example of Dior stepping it up a whole other level.

The photography, which was done by Steve Meisel is amazing, when I saw his photos for the ad campaign I immediatley thought that it looked so vintage (and I do like anything vintage), it reminded me so much of the 40s and 50s era!

The model Karlie Kloss completely embodies this glamour vintage look. I actually thought ‘New Vargas girl?’, as she just completely looked  elegant and glamorous at the same time. She looks so stunning and I think she has taken on the brief of the ad campaign and elevated it!

I fell in love with these pictures and it made me want to buy every single outfit down to the last accessory… I’ve gone Dior crazy!! I loved the pops of colour in each outfit, the styling was done to perfection.

What are your thoughts on this campaign?

Bikinis… Love or Hate?

It’s that time of the year again when the Sun is starting come out to play (yes, this is a big deal for those of us who live in UK!) and people may be planning their holidays in all the sunny places around the world. The one essential item for us women is the BIKINI. Yes, its loved by the masses and equally hated by others.

It’s one of these pieces of clothing that brings up the good ol’ topic of body image. I will admit that I was usually the type that absolutely hated wearing Bikinis as it brought up so many issues and bodily concerns for me. However, like any other piece of clothing there’s something for everyone so that you can still look HOT but still feel comfortable.

Source: Topshop.com

Having said that, I do think Bikinis are that little bit more trickier to tackle as there is obviously less to work with!!

Here is a perfect example of a bikini that has sadly gone wrong. The cut of this bikini is just really not flattering at all on Ke$ha, to be honest (and I’m sure this goes for most of you too) my eyes were instantly drawn to those high waisted Bikini bottoms! I know the high waisted Bikini is making a break through this season but I do think that it is so hard to wear!  It only made Ke$ha’s mid area look larger than I’m sure it actually is!! What did you think of Ke$ha’s Bikini look?

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Keira Knightley

So I waited all weekend for the highly anticipated ad for the Coco Mademoiselle perfume with Keira Knightley. It was fun and one of the few adverts I sat through and watched right up until the end!

My Favorite thing was Keira  Knightley’s styling, of course!! It fit both the brand and Keira so well (but this was obviously expected).

Haute Couture… Yes please!!

I just wanted to share with you some of my favorite looks from the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011 collection. I really loved the colours that were used in this collection from the vibrant red used in the opening looks to the serene pastel colours used later in the show.

I really like the vintage references in the collection it makes the collection look classic and timeless. It is a couture collection that is more wearable than most but it looks flipping gorgeous!!

The styling of this collection was also one of my favorites; simply because of the retro hair styles and makeup (but with a modern twist of course), which I thought perfectly complimented the outfits and gave the collection an overall perfect chic feel. I could really see myself wearing these looks!!

Pretty, aren’t they??

Photographs source: Elle UK

FL Sunday Shopping – Jewellery

Today I managed to get some really nice pieces of jewellery. I think purchasing rings, braclets or necklaces is a must. For example I find just by wearing a statement ring I can make an old outfit look updated and fresh. Accessorising can bring the outfit you choose to a whole other level.

The big thing I think about when buying rings, bracelets, earrings or necklaces is their versatility. I always make sure that the piece I am buying can be worn with lots of pieces in my wardrobe, I find it keeps costs down, otherwise I would really spend a fortune on accessories.

Check out my new statement ring

Source: Topshop

I didn’t go too  mad on shopping today (this is a good thing) as we all need to pace ourselves once in a while ha!

So what was your favorite buy of the week?

Steaming Fashion

Here are some images that were took a while ago on a shoot that I styled. I loved choosing the clothes!! I loved crossing some styles and creating a quite funky look. The creative of the shoot was to have hints of steampunk elements mixed in with the hard and soft trends of the season… I chose military and lace, which was quite fun to do.

The shoot took place in a lovely train station that had the retro Steam Trains. It was quite a setting and the people there were fabulous and more than willing to hop into a few pictures with the model.

This shot is one of my favorites from the shoot as it features one of the lovely steampunk rings that was given to us. The ring is quite gorgeous and certainly one of it’s kind.

Look at these shoes!!! Yes I got the warm fuzzy feeling when I saw these lovely shoes for the shoot I fell in love and had to get a pair for myself after this shoot.

This shot is so cool and it features one of my lovely vintage hats! To re-visit more of my hat collection click here.

Let me know what you think!!

Credit

Models – Nikki Salmon

Stylist – Toni May (meee)

Photogrpaher – Nicola from Daffodil Waves
Make up and Hair – Paige Small

First outfit

Military Leather look Jacket and Lace Frill Skirt – Miss Selfridges

Womens Schuh Berta Lace Wedge Boots – Schuh

Jewellery – Steampunkbox

Top Hat was in the trainstation Captain’s office!! (great find)

Second outfit

White Shirt and Black shrug – C Yumi’s Shop

Studded leggings – River Island

Hat – Mine

FL♥ Thursday Loves – Shoes

I stumbled across  some shoes this week and thought I would do a post about my love for shoes. Like any regular girl I am in love with shoes and it is always best to have some for every occasion AND every outfit.

My usual weekly hunt for new shoes led me to many nice shoes, if I had the chance I’d buy every single pair of shoes I liked! Unfortunately my purse doesn’t allow this, so I normally rate a pair of shoes by the feeling I get.

I fell in love with these Alexander Mcqueen shoes straightaway!! They look so cool and edgy at the same time (all traits that define the works of Alexander Mcqueen).

These are for sure a Fashion Loving Thursday favorite!!

The studded version of the shoe is amazing, these alone would take your entire outfit look to three whole other levels!!

Can someone buy me these please 🙂

Rafael Nadal Armani Ad

Well last week I shared with you the Megan Fox armani advert, so I couldn’t leave out Rafael Nadal’s armani ad either.

If you didn’t know already Nadal is best known for his accomplishments in the tennis world, he is very talented indeed. This armani ad campaign is something unexpected from the world no. 1 tennis player… but I like it. The black and white film gives such a raw edge to this ad, and it only makes the jeans *cough* look edgier. A job well done I say.

Do you like this new look for Nadal?

Awesome Photographer

Last week was a really hectic week but also quite fun. I went along with my friend (who is a photographer) to the NEC for the Focus on Imaging exhibition, it’s always quite fun to see how much stuff goes into making a really cool picture and seeing the gallerys of very talented photographers. But the best part of the afternoon was getting to see John Wright talk about photography in general and then getting to meet him afterwards!

I have been a fan of his photography for a while now and it was really nice meeting a nice and down to earth individual. He had nothing but good advice to give to my friend and I know she was so stoked to be having a conversation with him.

John Wright is known for his photography of the stars, he’s shot the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Cheryl Cole and many more.

He also does fashion photography aswell and it was great to find out some of the techniques he uses to create some wonderful images (although I didn’t quite understand it all, but I am not a photgrapher afterall).

It was a really great informative experience and a chance to look at some awesome pictures at the same time.

FL♥ Sunday Shopping – Stripes in action

FL♥ Sunday Shopping is a new feature that I am starting on the blog. I don’t  know about you but I am really busy during the week and barely get time to do anything let alone shopping! We all know that shopping is important part of  a girls life, so I set aside each sunday to do my shopping. So from today and for future Sunday’s I will be sharing favorite items from my shopping experience.

I was bit lazy today and thought I would do some shopping on the internet. I did splurge a little (a lot actually 😦 ) it’s just so easy to click away and buy lots of stuff, but here are my favorite choices that I came across today.

Diane von Furstenberd Dress

 

This is a really cute dress that I found and can’t wait to wear!! I have a lot of stripey tops but I have never bought a dress with stripes, so it’s a change for me but I love it. The little splashes of colour make this dress fun.

Miu Miu Bow side Bag

 

I’ve got to admit that I do struggle choosing bags, I normally get one of my close friends to choose my bags that I buy (she has an eye for bags and I trust her style), but I saw this bag and absolutely fell in love with it. The little bows on the side are really nice and the colour is quite different for a bag. Did I choose well?

This bag also reminds me of the bag that Mila Kunis has recently been spotted with, which is an added bonus as I am loving her style at the moment.

Source: celebuzz.com

 

I like the dress and handbag as it is a lttle different to what I normally go for… I am all for trying new styles, I like to keep it fresh ha ha! Now all I need is a nice pair of summer sandals or pumps and I think this look will be a summer favorite for me. Hopefully next week I should have found them…

Tell me what you have recently brought?

FL♥ Thursday

Hats – Can we have more please?

After having a marathon FIVE long days of bad hair days (hairdressers this weekend yay!)… I thought I’d tell you my love of hats and how they have been my recent saviour. My little rescue remedy also seems to be a the ‘thing’ to wear and it certainly looks trendy, I say.

Lily Cole from Elle Starstyle

 

Believe it or not about a year ago you would not have seen me in a hat, for some reason I thought hats and I do not gel. But I slowly started a collection of hats that I felt really comfortable in and went with my many whacky outfits I like to put together (occassionally).

What I love about my hats are that they can contribute to so many different kind of looks whether it’s vintage, rock or hippy (to name a few). I love having items that are versatile and can contribute to my different styles depending on what mood I am in. I love putting my trilby on and accesorizing with a sachel bag to rock the vintage look. But you can see (above) Lily cole rocks the ‘trilby’ hat and makes it look rock chic. Definitely going to try this look!!

Look at a partial collection of my hats, I haven’t took any pictures of me with my awesome hats on….. (I thought I’d wait until my hair looked a little better).

Some of these hats are vintage, but I have added to my collection recently, a good place for hats on the high street that I recommend is Topshop. They are also not all Trilby hats although the Trilby is by far my favorite!!

What’s your favorite accessory?