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The Weekender: Oscars Fashion
America’s Biggest Night of FashionI must have been in my late twenties when I read this article in the Wall Street Journal which dealt mostly about what it felt like in tinseltown if you weren’t nominated for an Oscars that year. From what I gathered, the situation can be quite brutal. From going around being completely ignored as if one is wearing a cloak of invisibility, to being virtually marginalized. And what happens if one commits a faux pas and wears the wrong dress at the nation’s biggest fashion night?Nicole Kidman at The Oscars, 2004Chanel CoutureWell, you’ll be perceived as a fashion victim, or worse yet – as someone who doesn’t heed to the occasion, and thinks that Oscars night is just about the awards and not about the fashion. This week, I had the pleasure of attending the 6th Annual Meet The Oscars, Grand Central (at The Vanderbilt Hall) where Academy award winner, Melissa Leo was present to mark the occasion. Each of the Oscars on view will depart New York today, en route to the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles. Ms. Leo, a native New Yorker, gave the press an enjoyable speech about what it meant to win the best supportive role for her movie, The Fighter, in 2011. She explained how enjoyable it was for her to take her Oscars around, and share the joy with her friends and family.
And knowing that she’ll always be considered for acting roles, because she was now an academy award actress. She wasn’t being presumptuous, she was simply speaking about the realities of things. I can personally tell you that I did get my opportunity to hold this precious statue, and it felt wonderful – even though it was a temporary joy. This iconic object held a power of its own. Once you have it in your hand, it suddenly signifies something much more than a statue, and so began the seduction. It’s quite easy to understand why many actors and actresses feel that Oscars night should only be about receiving the highest honor that the academy of motion pictures will ever bestow on them. But at the same time, you can imagine that a potential winner would want to look his or her very best while receiving such an honor, yes? This coming Sunday, at the 84th Academy Awards, I hope to see Meryl Streep, whom I predict will win as best actress for her role in the Iron Lady, raise the fashion bar like she’s never done before. It’s clear that Ms. Streep does not care much for fashion, and being a paragon of grace in her field, perhaps she believes she doesn’t have to. But maybe, just maybe, she’ll surprise us all, when we see her take to the red carpet (I wouldn’t hold my breath though). It’s a fashion designer’s dream to compliment the stars with creme de la creme couture, during this special occasion, but unfortunately we’ve seen more than our share of missed opportunities. In modern times, the stars’ fashion sense on the red carpet have been getting dimmer and dimmer. But perhaps this Sunday will be different. Perhaps.
Left: Elizabeth Taylor, 1964, wearing a demure, yet elegant dress by Dior. Right: Grace Kelly, circa 1955, Edith Head gown
Marisa Tomei, 2009Versace
Zoe Saldana, 2010Givenchy couture
Halle Berry, 2011Marchesa couture
Melissa Leo, 2011Marc BouwerNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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Memorable Actors: The Twiggy Effect
Role Model New York Fashion week is over and done with, and yours truly is thankful for that fact – most of us have already move on to London! Last week, some notable fresh faces went down the runway, and this brought a moment of “repose” as I reflected on an iconic figure from the 1960s named Twiggy. Many of us, are already familiar with her, and know that Twiggy is an actor, model and businesswoman, who embodied style and grace. How grateful I am that even in the 21st Century, she is still in the midst of fashion!Lesley Hornby, better known as Twiggy Lawson
What strikes me the most about Twiggy is that she has remained strong and confident throughout her career, and her popularity hasn’t waned as seasons passed. This is quite a feat considering that most models and actors usually do not experience this outcome. Yes, she was and still is a role model for many people in the entertainment and fashion industries. Her good girl image remained unchallenged, even ’till this day. She is an advocate against drugs, and a leading animal activist. In numerous occasions, Twiggy has spoken out against the trend of waif-thin models, explaining that her own thin weight as a teenager was natural. “I was very skinny, but that was just my natural build. I always ate sensibly – being thin was in my genes.” Back then, even Diana Vrelland, of Vogue Magazine, counted herself as a fan by saying: “She’s no flash in the pan. She is the mini-girl in the mini-era. She’s delicious looking.”https://www.highendweekly.com/2012/02/memorable-actors-twiggy-effect.html
Higher Grounds
Above: Twiggy with Richard AvedonIn the heights of the 60s, Twiggy was flying high as a top model, and kept her style as “young and elegant”.
AndrogynousShe was named “The Face of 1966” by the Daily Express in England.
Left: Twiggy was able to retire from fashion at the ripe old age of 19, but by then, she was well and truly rich and famous. She later proved to be a true businesswoman. Right: Twiggy in the movie: The Boy Friend, 1971.
What is the Twiggy Signature Look?
Left: French Fashion Designer, Yves St Laurent wool dress, fall/winter 1965–1966. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Mrs. William Rand, 1969 (C.I.69.23). Right: That famous hair breaded do which is so often duplicated by models today – yet, no one took it to the same level as Twiggy did.
Of Note: Yves St. Laurent, began showing shorter skirts in his fall/winter 1965 collection, including his famous “Mondrian” dress which was inspired by the work of painter Piet Mondrian. The designer, and his contemporaries continued with that trend throughout the 1960s, although he became more famous during this period for introducing the concept of the formal trouser suit for women into haute couture.
Woman on topTwiggy at 60 still remains in the forefront for women of her age. According to Wikipedia, she was “The only one of the famous celebrities to survive being cut from the Mark & Spencer fashion team in 2010”.Photo courtesy: Bryan AdamsNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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What is Twiggy’s Signature Look?
Role Model – New York Fashion week is over and done with, and yours truly is thankful for that fact – most of us have already move on to London! Last week, some notable fresh faces went down the runway, and this brought a moment of “repose” as I reflected on an iconic figure from the 1960s named Twiggy. Many of us, are already familiar with her, and know that Twiggy is an actor, model and businesswoman, who embodied style and grace. How grateful I am that even in the 21st Century, she is still in the midst of fashion!
What strikes me the most about Twiggy is that she has remained strong and confident throughout her career, and her popularity hasn’t waned as seasons passed. This was a feat considering that most models and actors usually do not experience this outcome.
“I was very skinny, but that was just my natural build. I always ate sensibly – being thin was in my genes.” Twiggy
Lesley Hornby, better known as Twiggy Lawson 
Left: Twiggy was able to retire from fashion at the ripe old age of 19, but by then, she was well and truly rich and famous. She later proved to be a true businesswoman. Right: Twiggy in the movie: The Boy Friend, 1971. 
Top: French Fashion Designer, Yves St Laurent wool dress, fall/winter 1965–1966. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Mrs. William Rand, 1969 (C.I.69.23). Right: That famous hair breaded do, often duplicated by models today – yet, no one took it to the same level as Twiggy did.
Yves St. Laurent, began showing shorter skirts in his fall/winter 1965 collection, including his famous “Mondrian” dress which was inspired by the work of painter Piet Mondrian. The designer, and his contemporaries continued with that trend throughout the 1960s, although he became more famous during this period for introducing the concept of the formal trouser suit for women into haute couture.
Twiggy at 60 still remains in the forefront for women of her age. According to Wikipedia, she was “The only one of the famous celebrities to survive being cut from the Mark & Spencer fashion team in 2010”.
Photo courtesy: Bryan AdamsYes, she was and still is a role model for many people in the entertainment and fashion industries. Her good girl image remained unchallenged, even ’till this day. She is an advocate against drugs, and a leading animal activist. In numerous occasions, Twiggy has spoken out against the trend of waif-thin models, explaining that her own thin weight as a teenager was natural. “I was very skinny, but that was just my natural build. I always ate sensibly – being thin was in my genes.” Back then, even Diana Vrelland, of Vogue Magazine, counted herself as a fan by saying: “She’s no flash in the pan. She is the mini-girl in the mini-era. She’s delicious looking.”https://www.highendweekly.com/2012/02/memorable-actors-twiggy-effect.html
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Tangerine Tango – The 2012 Color Of The Year
Time To TangoAs an interior designer, I understand fully the importance of color, not just the ones I favor, but the ones my clients are drawn to. Due to an individual need for complete sereneness, muted and understated tones are the color of choice.Alice Red & Orange Wallpaper by Marcel Wanders. Graham & BrownBut when clients needs that extra umph, they veer toward colors that excite and invigorate their personalities at home. Imagine how pleased I was to read back in December, that Pantone announced Tangerine Tango as their Color of The Year. A good choice by far. Color is important to us all, and as a culture, we embrace color as it means different things to each one of us. What does Tangerine Tango means to you? For me, it represents power, plus it stimulates the senses. It’s also a sincere, and thoughtful color. And now more than ever, I believe that this world needs to embrace those virtues. Here’s what the folks at Pantone had to say about their selection: “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
Spring 2012
La vie du Grand Nord
Affordable & StylishFurniture & Rug from Layla Grayce
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Ozwald Boateng: The King of Savile Row
“Ozwald Boateng has been awarded with an OBE and a client list which includes names like Barack Obama, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams, Daniel Day Lewis and Jamie Foxx. He’s the most talked about couturier on Savile Row. At 6ft 4in and as lean as a race horse, he is a walking advertisement for his clothes.”
Cindy-Lou Dale
For heads of states, celebrities and media moguls, Ozwald Boateng is the beginning and the end when it comes for them to remain fashionable, while they stay relevant in the public eye. No surprise there. Ozwald is so brilliant at combining Savile Row style with very trendy colored cloths, some of them silk and wool combinations.
That is why he’s also well known as “the peacock of Savile Row”. The exuberant fabric colors he uses in his ready-to-wear collections and bespoke suits are exquisite! Savile Row is a world famous shopping street in Mayfair, London. In fact, the term bespoke is understood to have originated in Savile Row when cloth for a suit was said to “be spoken for” by individual customers. In the past, public figures who frequented this “très chic” street include Cary Grant, Winston Churchill, and Napoleon III. This post is the launch of my Gentleman’s Corner Series and I wouldn’t dream of starting with no one other than the King of Savile Row himself. Now if only he would design a suit or two for yours truly – gratis. Hah!Interesting Fact: Did you know that Savile Row was named after a woman? The subject in question was Lady Dorothy Savile, wife of the 3rd Earl of Burlington.Ozwald Boatend
Appointment is advisable
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pmtailors@bespokecotureltd.co.uk
Ozwald Boateng
Ozwald Boateng Store | 30 Savile Row | London | W1S 3PT
Autumn/Winter 2011 – 2012 Collection
Spring/Summer 2012
More from the Autumn/Winter 2011 – 2012 Collection
30 Savile RowPhotos property of Ozwald BoatengAll rights reservedRecommended ReadingThis book came out in 2011, and is viewed in our house as the “Favored One”, from Amazon.com.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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Fashion Ideas for The Alps
Mariah Carey Aspen is a long way from its past as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom. Nowadays it is THE destination as a ski resort and an upscale tourist center.My first trip to this nature paradise was in the early 2000s when I was working at an investment bank, in New York City.
When given the choice between vacationing at a beach front property or in the middle of the mountains, the choice is simple – the hills are alive. VSP
Aspen is a mixture of high-end luxury estates and condos intermixed with equally impressive shopping stores – especially on Hunter Street.
Aspen Fashion Week
March 11-14, 2012
Mariah Carey The company arranged for the managing partners to stay at The Little Nell, and accommodation for the little people was at The Ritz Carlton down in Prospector Road.
Lead photo via WHAT PIXIES WEAR Fashion Blog
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Aspen Fashion
Aspen is a long way from its past as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom. Nowadays it is THE destination as a ski resort and an upscale tourist center. Aspen is a mixture of high-end luxury estates and condos intermixed with equally impressive shopping stores – especially on Hunter Street. My first trip to this nature paradise was in the early 2000s when I was working at an investment bank, in New York City. The company arranged for the managing partners to stay at The Little Nell, and accommodations for the little people was at The Ritz Carlton down in Prospector Road. Let’s just say, I didn’t complain. Although the hotel was lovely and all that, what really impressed me was the mountains, and the sheer beauty of my surroundings. This place tugged at my heart then as it does today. And the reason is simple – the beautiful mountains. When given the choice between vacationing at a beach front property or in the middle of the mountains… The hills come calling – every time.
Haute SkiClockwise: Chanel signature skis, Quilted nylon moon boot from Tecnica, and Dolce and Gabana 2011 ski wear collection.
March 11-14, 2012Fair Price
Clockwise: Yes, knitwear can look sexy. This fair isle jumper dress from Direct Aska is inspired from the D&G Ski bunny collection. Sheepskin lined platform boot from Topshop,the right fit for every budget. Techno, and stylish. Ski cape from Napapijri.Maria Carey: Aspen Chic
Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, Aspen 2011
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Fairchild Baldwin at The OC Concept Store
Like the memory of the iconic Audrey Hepburn, I predict that these bags will soon see their way to immortality, as the quintessential bag. Shown here in black broadtail with leather trim and shiny silver handles, these limited edition small “O” bag from Fairchild Baldwin are designed to go from day to evening. All of the bags from their collection lined in 100% silk satin. Available in garnet kangaroo with leather trim and gunmetal handles, cream broadtail with leather trim and 10k gold handles, smooth black Italian leather with gunmetal trim and handles, and grey flannel with cognac leather trim and gunmetal handles. From the OC Concept Store.
Left: Hourglass shape coat from Lanvin’s winter collection. Right: Lightweight, weekend Bobby duffel bags with signature “O” accent for men and women. Shown here are the french blue with navy trim, and the grey flannel with tan trim. Also available in silver and espresso brown pebble.
Mariah Carey looked fabulous in this Merino wool pale gray cape, perfectly accessorized with a thin brown belt. Whoever her stylist is, all I can say is well done! Her sunglasses reminds me of the Tom Ford pair we carry in our Amazon store. The Jill bag from the OC Store is flat, lightweight, and offers a perfect compliment to her ensemble. It is designed for convenient travel and everyday use, plus it serves double duty as a clutch. Brown pebble leather with orange stitching and brass handles.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
Memorable Actors: Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy
A Class Act There’s no better way to start this series of Memorable Actors other than with Audrey Hepburn. She had that mega star voltage, as well as that coveted, immeasurable style and grace.
And from the looks of things, Audrey’s beauty was beyond skin deep, and I think just about anyone would agree with that statement. Not only was she a Hollywood legend, mother, wife, and humanitarian (not necessarily in that order), she was also the most stylish woman of her time.
These images of her wearing Givenchy are some of the best possible ways that I want to remember her by. She looked event more dazzling in that designer gown (pictured below) she wore in the 1954 film Sabrina. That was a double wow!!
Audrey HepburnNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
Coco Chanel Signature Look
Left: Enamel costume jewelry cuffsCoco Chanel dazzled the fashion world in the 1920s with her signature “little black dress”. It caused a stir, and went on to become a fashion staple for women everywhere. She revolutionized fashion by liberating women from confining corsets by introducing a freer, more casual elegance.The designer wanted to design for women who wanted to “laugh and eat, without necessarily having to faint”. In 1983 when Karl Lagerfeld took over as Chanel’s designer, he followed up by producing more accessories, which became the order of the day for the fashion house.
“A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous!”
From Left: The 1958 Suit. Spring 2004 Chanel Ligne Cambon Handbag Collection. And an updated Chanel Tweed Coat.
Classic Chanel Evening Gowns
Totally ahead of her time, Chanel set a trend and popularized large costume jewellery in the 1930s. (In the 1990s, Karl Lagerfeld brought them back, along with clean, tailored lines.)
She continued that trend by developing an array of trinkets inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1930s.
Chanel signature large signature metal ring. Celebrating Coco Chanel’s 125th birthday, Karl Lagerfeld designed a €5 coin capturing the history of Coco Chanel, and incorporating many aspects of the name with the coin. Truly a great match for Chanel No. 5 fragrance.
The quintessential quilted Chanel handbag. The only one you will ever need ladies.
