Enlighten Me Satya Paul

I spent most of this weekend in the dark – power outage due to the elements. After seeing grey for two days, I needed some intensity, just not in the weather this time. I needed englightenment.

No one else to turn to, but dear Satya Paul.

Wrapped in Mother Earth

This saree blends nature’s four elements in a fury of colour.

A serial modernist, Puneet Nanda pairs a dramatic saree with a streamlined silk jacket. Flourish at no extra charge.

Mataji? Not Me!

Taking it up a notch (or three), Nanda offers up sequins on print, creating a digitized, pixelated effect.

Digitized Diva

The digits get draped in this version. Versace could take lessons in colour from Puneet and his father, Satya Paul himself.

You're into colour, I gather?

There is no coyness here. These clothes say one thing: LIVE. And while you are at it, Do It In Colour!

Satya Paul couldn’t have said it better himself, wise sage that he is. Will do. I’m no longer in the dark…

All images from Satya Paul Fall Winter 2009 collection. Top two images courtesy of Yahoo! India. Bottom two images courtesy of rediff.com.

Aisle Style at the V and A

Having a bit of nostalgia for London lately…dreaming of sitting in a cozy cafe in Covent Garden, looking out onto wet cobblestones, after a perfect day of strolling through the V&A.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Victoria & Albert Museum, it is a virtual treasure trove of well,  treasures from different cultures – ancient to pop. The towering mold for Michelangelo’s David hangs out (no pun intended) with the towering platforms that Naomi Campbell fell down in at the Vivienne Westwood FW93 show.

Always ones for innovative projects, the mode-minded at the Museum are creating a database of wedding attire, in advance of their 2011 exhibition. The show will feature wedding clothes from all cultures, from 1840 onwards.

Who is the wedding photog? Here’s where it gets really interesting. You are – you can submit your wedding snaps online.

Here are my favourites from those collected thus far (click on the thumbnails to see the larger images).

All images courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Going to be in Londontown? Drop by the Vic and check out the Stephen Jones ex of hats (on until May 31st, 2009) and grab a bite in the lovely brick-walled eatery.

Déjà Vu: Zaha Hadid vs. Zaha Hadid

I ran into Derick Chetty, super stylist to the Star, at a recent Holt’s party. (I seem to be having a few fashion run-ins of late, come to think of it.)

As we were chatting, we couldn’t help but notice these fabulous contraptions behind us.

Were they sculpture? A modern take on the state of the world? A fashion statement? The answer is all of the above. These shoes (!) were designed by starchitect Zaha Hadid for Brazilian shoe company, Melissa.

Made from plastic and rubber, the fluid design and organic, sweeping shapes of the shoes echo not only Hadid’s architecture,  but also the furniture and sculptures she creates.

Dubai Opera House by Zaha Hadid

Vitra Table by Zaha Hadid

Space Bar by Zaha Hadid

Who wouldn’t want to walk in the shoes of a Pritzker prize-winning architect?

Additional cocktail party impressers: Vivienne Westwood also designed a line for Melissa. Zaha Hadid also dabbled in running shoes for Lacoste.

Opera House image source. Space bar image source. Table image source. Purple shoe image source. Silver shoe image source.

Meet me on the Med, bring fabulous frills

We’ve seen black and white, we’ve seen big, bold colour and we’ve seen the long and lean and the inbetween. Spring has all the frills we could possibly hope for.

While not usually one for prints, I am suddenly feeling the frou frou…or maybe it’s the Mediterranean memory taking hold?

Portofino left a lasting impression. I can just see this DVF tunic billowing in the Med breezes along with the sails of the boats lined up awaiting the sea-set.

Gelato in hand, I understand – this is no ordinary journey. Will need something with more romance as we sail to Monte Carlo. Waved farewell to Marcello and Alessandro and Umberto and…

There is a new twist to the plot, thanks to Lacroix.

 

Dancing in diamonds (prints) awaits – with who else but the Prince? Such grace, your Grace.

Diamonds & McQueen - two best friends for every girl.

Adoringly adorned, we venture to Valencia, echoes of ancient Matadors lingering at Lacroix. No bull here – black and white swirls and curls, red ribbon hangs coyly – just the right touch of colour.

The sandy music of Malta beckons and we change our tunic once again, simplifying to Sabyasachi for the stroll.

The brocade border leads us to our next destination. Tunisia welcomes us with drama and energy. Etro’s paisley harem pants fit right in – and are silky enough to negotiate the souks.

 

Last night on the glistening seas – and McQueen’s golden goddess

takes us home…

 

…to Rome, where we return to our day-time self in a Sabyasachi shirt-dress.

And should we run into Yasmin Le Bon at the airport, we can swap stories about the Motherland and her stint for Vogue India over a cappuc!

All pics from Style.com.

Fashion Night: Spring/Summer 09

Fashion Night this season was like putting on an old favourite pair of skinny pants and adding a shiny new pair of shoes with the box and tissue still scattered on the floor. It was decadent.

I knew it would be good as soon as I got out of the cab to arrive at E’s. With laptop bag (a fashion night first) over one shoulder, black snakeskin tote carried nonna-style (arm bent, bag tucked inside of elbow, dangling) on the other arm, the tip of my red Michel Perry boots caught the door as I searched the CrackBerry for a buzzer number. Standing before me was a tall gentleman, back turned, also waiting for the door.

As he turned, we both stopped, looked at each other and smiled in familiarity. It was Brian Bailey. “Well hello”, we said in unison. Turns out we were both in the same building visiting friends and neither one of us was being buzzed in (the girls had gotten into the Ripasso, I bet, or were too busy unloading Vogues) to notice my (lack of?) buzz.

Gave me a chance to catch up with Mr. Bailey whom I haven’t seen in about a dozen years. He is still quite the charmer and as warm and genuine as ever. Did the 30 second elevator chat before we parted ways. Told him I started the blog because I missed fashion. The girls were disappointed I didn’t bring him a floor up to join us! Alas, next time.

What a perfect run in – for a night of fash fodder. [For those of you just joining us, get a Fash Night primer.]

Takeout: Fancy pants cheese and crackers, rockin’ rotis from Gandhi, complemented by Dufflet’s carrot cake and two kinds of Ripasso + JPG limited edition glass bottle Evian water.

Mags: Vogues – British | Anna’s | Paris | India, W, Elle + some mag with the “latest” in Egyptian styles (from the 80s??).

Men Present: Mr. E – who sweetly picked up the rotis for us and poured the wine and “pretended” to work quietly beside us. Uh huh.

Closet Choices:

B – Dries cropped chunky knit grey sweater + J brand skinnies.

E – Helmut Lang one-shoulder, grey, printed top + J brand skinnies.

Me – CDG white shirt + drapy black Zara sleeveless top + Zara couture skinnies with ankle zips.

What we learned:

B is over jumpers – thank goodness. The intervention took.

I presented the blog to E for the first time – she had no idea I was doing this. Gave a full lesson on blogs and Twitter. Non-techie girls like it from a distance but won’t wear it yet. Will read exshoesme, though. Phew!

All agreed on JPG coat dress on Inès from black and white post is divine.

E wants colour (!) – we collectively decide it should be yellow. Yellow would complement all the lovely greys she owns. Plus, she is wearing heels now. B and I look at each other in disbelief.

I was worried about weird ice cream colours this season, but am thrilled with jewel and spice tones, along with the black and white. Deep magentas and raspberries have my attention right now. And I will stock up on my greens.

Love the gold accents at Dries (the girls are shocked). The gold is their influence. I usually prefer silver – call it a goth remnant.

B gives us the full scoop on designer Barbies in Shanghai and Lane Crawford/outlet shopping in HK. [Will have the full interview on the latter on the blog soon.]

I gave the usual darshan of Vogue India – especially the wedding issue with Mrs. Becks on the cover

Spice Girl, indeed...Posh posing for Vogue India

B brought sew and tell. She *made* almost-Liberty-print/agnès b-esque frocks. 

Dart Detail

Those hems are hand-sewn, kids. Indicating how long they take her to make, she gave the best line of the night: “At this point, they might as well be couture.”

The elbow-length gloves are off. E says she will have to step it up next Fashion Night. Can hardly wait!

Dress pics by E. Vogue India cover courtesy of Vogue UK. JPG Evian snap via MrsGooding on Flickr.
 

Black and White: You Complete Me

Black: the absorption of all colours. White: the absence of colour.

Black + white: complete bliss.

To end our black and white series this season, we leave you with optical illusions and feathered conclusions.
 

Lining up for McQueen

David Dixon's Feathered Frock

Chanel's Plumed Pumps

L'Wren Scott's Flying Cape

With all that drama, who needs colour?

Catch up with the rest of our B/W series: Black and White Spring – Part 1, Black and White Spring – Part 2 & Black and White is Golden.

 

McQueen dress source. Dixon pic source. Scott & Chanel pics source.

OutNet Launches

NET-A-PORTER, the online locale for all things frivolous and fabulous, gave us another reason to get dressed this morning. They launched the OutNet, the digital equivalent of an outlet store, without the greasy mall food court or slow-moving crowds.

I was afraid to go online when I got their email this morning…but it wouldn’t hurt if I took a peek, right?

Wrong. It hurt.

McQueen Corsage Sandals, 80% off. Be still my beating heart.

   

Sold Out. Be still my broken heart.

Alas, I will be back to dream another day.

Love the Dress Me  feature. It’s like playing Barbie all over again  – only better. These things are in *your* size.

Pic of McQueen heartbreakers from the OutNet.

Black and White is Golden

Black and white is bold this Spring, but who knew it was gold as well?

Love these delish baubles from Dries Van Noten. The rockin’ cuff softened with the romance of trailing ribbon, is screaming for some skinny jeans, a black, fitted bracelet sleeve t-shirt and a killer pair of simple black stilettos.

This clutch would be fantastic with a day shift dress in grey or leaf green, or a long skirted shirt dress à la Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun when she is waiting for that lovely Italian man in the piazza – Marcello?  

Imagine the clutch tucked under her arm…

And this crazy, beautiful shirt would work with either a) faded, fitted and flared jeans + low key gold flat sandals, or b) a high-waisted floor length skirt with drape and fall that moves as you walk. I’d leave the buttons undone on the sleeves and casually flip the sleeves up. Simple hair, up. Done. Oh wait, since the sleeves are flipped up and the arms are bare, maybe add the spherical gold Bottega Veneta ring from a few seasons ago? Now, it’s done.

Or keep it fuss free in this Martin Grant pin-tucked column + gold string knot necklace. Not bad.

Embellished or not, it’s a golden opportunity to look sensational for Spring.

All fash photos from Style.com. Movie still source.

See our other posts on Spring: spice colours, maximum length dressing, black and white and more black and white.

Have an opinion on any of the fab looks featured in our posts? Post a comment and let’s talk fash!

Fantastic Freida

I have to admit, I was getting a little weary of seeing Freida Pinto *everywhere* during the whole Slumdog awards sweep. Was worried she would be overexposed and over before her time. Having had the (gold) dust settle for a few weeks, I had pretty much forgotten that she was supposed to be on the cover of Vogue India.

Pretty doesn’t even begin to cover it. The woman is downright gorgeous and the photos by Regan Cameron show a more sophisticated side of our friend, Freida.

Freida Stuns in Lanvin top and Iradj Moini Earrings

Floral Freida in Dolce & Gabbana

Lounging in a Lanvin Dress and Moini bracelet

Freida in Lanvin.

Here’s hoping her f(l)ame doesn’t burn out too quickly. I’d like to see her around for a long while.

All photos by Regan Cameron, courtesy of Vogue India, the object of our constant gushing.

Retail Recall: Yorkdale = York-fail

With all this talk of a down economy, people spending less and so many retailers going out of business, you’d think the ones that are still around would be doing anything to attract and keep customers.

Not at Yorkdale, apparently.

While I’m not a frequenter of malls in general (prefer the great outdoors of the main streets – any city will do), I had a rare trip to the city’s first shopping centre to run a quick errand. Arriving just after it opened this morning (to avoid the suburban shoppers en masse), I was actually in the mood to maybe, I don’t know, spend a little money and heaven forbid, buy something.

I changed my mind, however,  after encountering indifference, ennui and just plain disinterest in me – a customer – being in their retail space. And not that it matters, but I certainly *looked* like a shopper. I mean, the shoe salesmen on Bloor Street wave to me as I walk by.

The salesman in the Yorkdale David’s not only didn’t know who I was (which I can forgive) – but he didn’t recognize the name Azzedine Alaia either. He actually asked me if I was sure if that was the name because he had never heard of it. I guess the insults are free. I’ll wait while you pick yourself up off the floor.

There wasn’t a single salesperson in sight at Holt’s when I looked at a DVF $300+ blouse for a few minutes (the equivalent of pretty much sold in retail).

Then, of course, it became a fun game – I wanted to test the parameters. Picked up $1200 shoes, still at Holt’s – nothing (just got an earful of a very crass woman’s very, very loud, public cell phone conversation).

Tried on a sequined jacket at Zara – one of their higher end lines – lingered in front of the mirror. Thanks for coming out, but we can’t be bothered to even look at you.

$150 faux snake-skin belt at Club Monaco – too busy folding sweaters and thinking about world peace to notice that I had several colours in my hands. It’s okay, sweetie, I was wondering what colour I’d like, but I’ll just put it back instead.

It was 10am on a Monday, people. You’re not tired. You’re not busy. Much more wonderful retailers than you have gone under in recent weeks. Do you really think you can afford to be indifferent?

Wake up and smell the red ink! Remember those nice people called paying customers? You need them to survive.

Fashion Dilemma – Themed Wedding Shower

Remember those complex problems in Math class? The ones where someone was going somewhere (usually a farm of some sort), had X number of sheep to pick up on the way and Y number of things to do when they got there. And you always wondered WHY and how it would be important in your life to solve this equation?

While not a Math gene-ius, I do recall those complex problems – and they sort of remind me of fashion dilemmas. I have to go to X and need Y but it can’t be this colour and can’t be too X because of Y and I only have $X to spend but need to wear it again. What’s the solution?

That’s precisely the reason for this new segment. We hope to provide the answers to universal fashion conundrums. With wedding season upon us, I’ll start things off with my own fashion dilemma.

Fash Problem: I have to go to a wedding shower + in the suburbs + in April + with a Hawaiian theme and can’t really afford to buy one of the Gucci tropics looks. How can I look authentic + comfortable + fabulous +/- without spending any money on things specifically for the shower and +/- without looking silly?

Fash Equation: 1. Take a bright, sunshiny white base.

2. Add colour:  deep pink, turquoise, green come to mind for Hawaii. Just bought these raspberry pink pants for Spring (inspiration: Lanvin) and they happen to also fit with the Hawaiian vibe.

 

3. These sea-blue-green gladiator sandals were scored in London years ago and are a nice contrast to the pink. Plus, I love them.

4. The sum of some fun accessories – flowers + beads + natural elements – all scored an A+ from the bride and other guests. The coral ring was a gift years ago. The beads and stretch cuff bracelet were also a recent Spring fling purchase and are already winning my heart by matching the pants, which will be perfect for work.

 

The only things I bought for the shower itself were the flower clips – $4 each, on sale at The Bay. And, I can add them to a jacket, bag or even shoes. Mr. Tam (my fave Math teacher) would be so proud.

Have an upcoming event and don’t know what to wear? Submit your fashion dilemma in the comments form and we will find your fashion equation in a future post!

Fashion Night – The History

So, it’s the morning after. Well, more precisely, it is a week plus the morning after. But that’s how long it takes to recover from/process what happened on Fashion Night. First, a cheat sheet. 

Fashion Night^TM is something the girls and I have been doing for the last 5+ years. We get together each season (Spring and Fall) at one of our abodes to discuss all things mode.

Sounds casual, right? That’s where you would be wrong, gentle reader. This is not your average girls night.

There are the official rules – food and drink are involved and require no fussing i.e. where one of us is in the kitchen while the other two discuss the season’s colours or must-haves. That would not do. Food must be fabulous, but not interfere with the main focus of the night. This is where the men come in handy. While they are not allowed to participate (one of them has tried, poor soul) or have direct access to the “war room” table (will explain in a minute) – they basically make sure the take-out gets on plates in front of us and make us lovely coffee/tea when the wine/Prosecco runs out.

They are the men behind the women. Note to self: future husband must be able to take care of girls on fashion night – has tough competition.

There are other official rules, which I can’t seem to recall. It’ the unofficial ones that make Fashion Night so special, however. The one that says you must come prepared – with notes, tabs all over the Spring or Fall books, an agenda of discussion points (sometimes leaked ahead of time via CrackBerries). Cut to the “war room”– large table covered from end to end.

Vogue is a given, both American and British – with me adding Vogue India into the mix the past few seasons and delivering my dissertaion on it better than any University thesis, I might add. Elle and Elle Canada (latter is me, again), W, Harper’s Bazaar are usually in the mix, too…with the occasional Flare, InStyle, etc.,  making an appearance. Scattered post-its, ripped out pages (learned from the wrist injury in the second season – can only carry so many mags to and fro), laptops (just added), couture samples (more on that in this season’s recap).

So, like I was saying, preparation is key – otherwise known as fashion homework. You can’t just show up empty handed – canvas bags full of your discussion materials must be in tow (fancy shopping bags don’t hold the weight). Laugh now, but someone was gently asked not to return to fashion night. She was new – not to fashion, but to the event – and frankly, she couldn’t keep up.

Fashion Night is not for the faint of heart.

We have been known to do entire seasonal buys for retailers, dress celebrities before the Oscars, redesign magazines, predict designer defections. What I’ve liked best is how we’ve seen each of our styles not only evolve, but influence the style of the fashionista sitting next to us. Like the fact that I now like (some!) Frou Frou, that B likes a harder edge and E wants colour! We have opened up each other’s closets – both figuratively and literally.

Are we solving World Peace? No. It is a night of pure, uncensored fashion talk, no outsiders, no pretense, no judgement (okay, I judged when the girls each wanted a jumper last season!).

But they don’t have one, do they? That’s the power of Fashion Night.

Details of SS09 Fashion Night.

Black and White Spring – Part 2

We know that things seem to be looking up for Spring, whether it’s intense spice shades, the easy breezy beauty of maximum length dressing or simply, black and white. The thing is – there is nothing simple about this season’s black-and-whites – they are all about romance!

Pretty Petals at Chanel SS09

Whether it’s the pretty flower-fall detail on a Chanel evening dress, or the sensuous folds and tucks of a waistline at Lanvin, black and white has lost its harder edge if only for a moment (see Karl’s lacier, racier, sex kitten in black from the same Chanel collection).

Nip/Tuck at Lanvin

The window-pane check at Dries Van Noten is  easier on the eye, in chiffon and a pliable clutch.

Van Noten's Past, Checkered?

David Dixon’s perfect fit, tailored shift is softened by the intricate necklace.

Dixon's Tailored Romantic SS09

No illusions here, this is city dressing, at its best.

There is so much of the 18th century lately – from the Victoriana necklace at Dixon, above and Karl’s collar detail – to his Mughal chestplates for Chanel.

Victoriana at Chanel SS09

Regal and Rajasthani at Chanel SS09

Very Jodhaa Akbar…minus the colour.

Jodhaa's necklace masterpiece.

Watch for more black and white (and gold!) in a an upcoming post…

All clothing images from Style.com except for David Dixon. Movie still from http://www.jodhaaakbar.com.

Déjà Vu: JPG vs. Marcel Duchamp

Jean Paul Gaultier’s love of art and architecture was obvious, this season. He paid homage to Buckminster Fuller in his Spring 2009 Couture collection.

Now he’s gone ga-ga for Dada, with this beautiful nude gown…

Nude Descending a Runway, JPG Couture SS09

…reminding us of another famous nude by Marcel Duchamp.

Nude Descending a Staircase No. 2, Marcel Duchamp, 1912

Surreal dressing, indeed.

JPG image from Style.com. Duchamp image courtesy of Tate Modern.

Learn more about Monsieur Duchamp at the Marcel Duchamp World Community.

Black and White Spring – Part 1

Life isn’t always black and white but many designers the world over were thinking along those lines this season. Not as sombre as you may think for Spring, it was all about the flirt. Inès de la Fressange was a bright light on the Gaultier Couture runway in a one-shoulder tuxedo dress – a great interpretation of both trends.

 JPG also did an airy, fairy dress, structured on the tetrahedrons that fascinated Buckminster Fuller.

 L’Wren Scott opted for a sexier silhouette with her curvy scoop neck day dress. Purrrfect for running Saturday errands?

The skinny black pant is still lurking around (a big sigh of relief from moi). Which do you prefer? Chanel’s dressy, lace and tulle accesorized ones or Yohji’s layered modern city numbers?