June In

Is that the tune of June that I hear in the near distance?

Darling June, you cannot come too soon.

I feel your grasp in my heart.

Clutching on to the reality that June is around the corner.

Nothing like drama when you are out for the evening - Stephane Rolland Spring 2011 Haute Couture.

Months and months of fabric. Months and months to get here, sweet June.

If you are having a deja vu moment, you are not alone. Hussein Chalayan did wonderful gowns with grabbing hands a while back. Both versions took my breath away.

Images: Elle.com.

Beautiful Mayhem

May was beautiful in so many ways…

Stephane Rolland Spring 2011 Haute Couture - a gown fit for a May goddess.

…but it certainly left its mark.

Who says beauty is supposed to be flawless?

Mark my words – we have not been stained in vain.

Ms. May, we have worn your lessons well.

We will rise to sing, again.

Perhaps it will even be a new tune…

Images: Elle.com.

Brolly Dolly

With all this rain lately, a girl needs a stylish way to take cover.

Thankfully, Uncle Karl has already come up with a solution.

Hats off to the man who thinks of everything.

Floral frolic under the brolly at Chanel SS11.

Images: Vogue.com.

Saturday Stud

Girls, aren’t we all looking for one of these?

A little classic + a little punk rock + with a British accent, a Burberry British accent.

Can’t you see him draping this coat around your shoulders when it gets cool?

Could he be any cooler in it?

Image courtesy of Burberry.

Alaia-ai-ai-ai

That sound you heard?

Me. Fainting.

You know about my affinity for Alaïa , ya?

Well, these infinitely fed that need.

Need. Them.

Mr. Alaïa, you make gooood, healing soles.

Laser cut and razor-sharp.

Shoe porn.

Mr. Alaïa, will you be my shoe-gar daddy?

Images: Netaporter.com.

E.O. Hoppé: Image Maker

This has to be the year of spectacular art, fashion and photography exhibitions. I have a running list of those I want to write about (not to mention, actually see!) but can’t seem to keep up with them all. You will see the inspiration slowly spill onto these virtual pages over the coming weeks and months.

One that I am sad to miss, being on the wrong side of the pond this close to its closing, is Hoppé Portraits: Society, Studio and Street at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Emil Otto Hoppé – one of the most important photographers of the first half of the twentieth century – took pictures of noted figures from the literary, political, artistic and aristocratic worlds.

However, what I love more are his images of Brits going about the business of everyday Edwardian life.

1. Ruth St. Denis, dancer, USA, 1922 by E.O. Hoppé.

2. Reflections on Wet Pavement, probably London, 1923 by E.O. Hoppé.

3. Vera Fokina, Ballerina, 1920 by E.O. Hoppé.

4. Mona Maris, UFA Film actress, Berlin, 1929 by E.O. Hoppé.

5. Woman in mink stole shopping in Oxford Street, London, 1934 by E.O. Hoppé.

6. Film-maker Fritz Lang, 1929 by E.O. Hoppé.

7. Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother by E.O. Hoppé.

8. Ezra Pound, 1918 by E.O. Hoppé.

9. Rendezvous at the London Stock Exchange, 1937 by E. O. Hoppé.

10. Savoy Hotel waiters feeding birds, London by E. O. Hoppé.

11. London by E. O. Hoppé.

12. Hebe (Constance Vessellier), 1917 by E. O. Hoppé.

13. Anna Pavlova, Indischer Tanz, 1920s, by E.O. Hoppe on exshoesme.com.

14. Sandwich board man advertising Shafi Hindustan Restaurant, 18 Gerrard Street, London by E.O. Hoppé.

15. Man reading at lunch time, Hyde Park, London, 1934 by E. O. Hoppé.

16. E.O. Hoppé, 1969 by Cecil Beaton.

He captured a London in transition, between tradition and modernity.

If you are in Londontown, hop on over to the Hoppé ex before it closes on May 30th.

17. The Houses of Parliament, view from Victoria Tower, London, 1934 by E.O. Hoppé.

Images: 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 15, 17. EOHoppe.com. 2. Life Magazine; 3. Corbis; 7, 8, 10, 12, 14. E. O. Hoppé Estate Collection Curatorial Assistance Inc.; 11. artinfo.com; 16. Cecil Beaton Studio Archive, Sotheby’s London.

Increased Awareness

There is perfection in life’s flaws.

Look into the crevices of your soul. Donna Karan's designs are always driven by it.

There is inherent beauty there.

If you seek it.

Life is always better with texture, isn't it?

The curves are far more interesting than the straight lines.

Increase your awareness.

Roll with the punches - and follow your hunches.

Raise your consciousness to new heights.

Tied to a higher power.

The complexities of the modern age have us on edge.

Listen to your spirit – and heed it.

Don’t turn your back on your inner voice – you will need it.

Takes me back to a time - when there was time.

Donna Karan had one of the most beautiful collections for Spring.

Sometimes the poetry of a sleeve brings infinite relief.

All images from Vogue.com.

Cannes 2011: Déjà Vu Danglers

First Bianca dangled the idea…

The greening of the red carpet, by Bianca Balti.

Uma dabbled…

She wore a white Versace gown and green ear drops.

Sonam hung on…

Her makeup is a little citrus-y here, but Sonam had the same idea when it came to pairing her gown and jewels.

…adding a handful of gems, in the end.

Dangling party-ciple.

I first saw the combination of green beads over white at Eina Ahluwalia’s show during Lakme Fashion Week.

Still green with envy. Want.

See more Cannes Déjà Vus.

Read all Cannes 2011 posts.

See all Déjà Vu moments.

Images: 1. WENN; 2,3.  Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 4. Photo by Bauer Griffin. 5. Courtesy of Eina Ahluwalia.

Cannes 2011: Déjà Vu Dresses

Amongst the sea breezes and star-gazing, amongst the taking of toasts and teasing tresses, there were more than a handful of deja views from this distant observer, and perhaps even a singing mermaid or two.

Settle in with your double espresso and tell me if you see what I see.

Aish wore a nude lace Elie Saab at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

But I think Penelope Cruz wore nude lace Elie Saab better at last year's Fest.

Aish opted for Armani Privé on another evening during the Festival.

Naomi Watts had chosen a similar Armani Privé gown for the amfAR gala at last year's Festival.

Take a second look - the idea is the same.

There was much fuss over Rachel McAdams in Marchesa – but to me, it just looked clumsy at every turn.

Not a trained professional, in this case.

Burlesque star Julie Atlas Muz wore something last year that might remind you of this year's Marchesa.

Now I know what you are thinking – the dresses are in different leagues. Agreed, but it is the same idea, only the execution and quality differs, in my opinion.

While she carried the dress everywhere she went, I'm not sure she carried it off.

Muz carried it with confidence, at least.

This dress needed a delicate shoe - not a pump. And it needed to be held with poise, not pumped fists.

If you are still doubting my double take, I’ve got the evidence to back it up.

Back-tracking.

More expensive or just as cheap?

Penelope Cruz wore a similar see-through-you look later in the week, also in Marchesa.

Penelope Cruz ascends the famous steps, in an infamous gown, accompanied by Mr. Depp.

The two pirates at the Pirates premiere.

To me, the frou and flaunt was unnecessary. Take another look at how breathtaking she was in last year’s Elie Saab, not to mention on the boat earlier that day with Johnny.

And the circle is complete.

(Note to Ms. McAdams: that is how you hold a dress.)

See more Aishwarya in Cannes 2011: Trained Professional.

See more Johnny in Cannes 2011: Quadruple Depp.

Read all Cannes 2011 posts.

1, 13, 14.  Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 2, 4, 5. Getty; 3. Photo by Andreas Rentz – Getty Images Europe; 6, 8, 10, 12. JustJared.com; 7. Life magazine; 9. AP; 11. Exposay.com;

Cannes 2011: Nansun Chic

Jury members at Cannes are the hardest hit when it comes to haute couture – they need sooo much sartorial stuff for non-stop photo ops.

Hong Kong über producer and 2011 jury member, Nansun Shi pulled off some very unique looks during Cannes – no easy feat with the international jet-set crowd and a gazillion pretty young starlets at every turn.

Nansun Shi at the opening ceremonies in a Chinese embroidered gown.

It's worthy of a bow, I think.

In daytime red and killer shoes, with director Tsui Hark. Is it just moi, or do those shoes remind you of Romeo Gigli?

Sometimes, with all those starlets and all that effort by others, it pays to just be yourself.

Perfect asymmetry, with fellow jury members Liv Ullmann, Olivier Assayas and Jude Law. Have you noticed that Jude seems to be having the best time in each and every group shot?

With a well-coordinated jury.

The dress is simple, the diamonds complex.

Sea green silk on a sunny day on the Riv.

What goes best with carats? Chanel darling, Chanel.

Experienced pros: Nansun Shi and Robert De Niro give fashion fads the cold shoulder.

Fellow juror, Uma Thurman also had some great looks during the Fest.

Read all Cannes 2011 posts.

1, 2: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 3, 9. Photo by Michael Buckner – Getty Images Europe; 4,5. Photo by Andreas Rentz – Getty Images Europe; 6, 8, 10. Photo by Bauer Griffin; 7. Photo by Ian Gavan Getty Images Europe;

Cannes 2011: Flat Out Gorgeous

Twelve days, hundreds of red carpets, thousands of photo ops – it’s bound to be tough on a girl’s toes.

No wonder many starlets fancied flats on more than a few occasions during the Cannes Film Festival.

Giuseppe Zanotti, as seen on the tender tootsies of Elizabeth Olsen.

The other Olsen sister was wearing sib label, The Row with her fab flats.

Is it me, or does she have a Maggie Gyllenhaal thing going on?

And there is that hair adornment on the red carpet, again.

Love this soft updo. Must try it next time I am on the Riviera and/or red carpet.

Speaking of Rivieras, this woman knows a thing or two about French style.

Don't you wish we could pull this off?

Inès opted for Roger Vivier flats – she is a consultant for the brand, after all. She was also part of the Draper’s Convention at the Fest.

Uma Thurman is no stranger to flats, and she was caught in them throughout Cannes.

Uma in her Jimmy Choos.

Novel concept for moi: flats and Haute Couture - Chanel, in this case.

It dizzies me to think of the number of ensembles Ms. Thurman had to pack for this trip. As a jury member, she was on ze tapis rouge every evening, at photo calls during the day, out and about in separate outfits and of course, at the pre, post and party parties.

If this isn't Dolce and Gabbana, it ought to be. Uma channels their Italian widow look on the French Riviera.

Incidentally, those are the same GZs as Elizabeth’s, above.

When Uma did opt for heels – at the Cannes closing ceremony – she stood high above the rest in more ways than one. She knocked a few thousand others down an inch or three, by donning one of the biggest trends this season – electric blue.

Hard to miss the spark of electric blue against a red carpet!

Jury, what say you? Uma, stands out amongst the crowd (her fellow jury members).

Gracefully carried. Oh, and hey Jude, nice shoes.

Read all Cannes 2011 posts.

Images: 1-3: PacificCoastNews.com; 4. Elizabeth: Photo by Pascal Le Segretain – Getty Images Europe; 5. Ines: Photo by Ian Gavan – Getty Images Europe; 6,8. Uma: Photo by FlynetPictures.com; 7, 9, 10. Uma: Photo by Bauer Griffin; 11. Uma: Photo by Francois Durand – Getty Images Europe.

Mango Moss: The Great Escape

The Kate Moss and Terry Richardson collaboration vid I mentioned in Mango Season is now online.

It’s a romp through the streets of Paris in the back of a van (get your mind out of ze gutter), where Ms. Moss decides what Mango ensemble to wear to the party.

How do I get Kate’s haircut?

Cannes 2011: Draper’s Convention

Why ride a train, when you can drape – or rather, be draped in luxurious fabric?

There were more than a few drapery samples on the red carpet at Cannes this year.

Here are a few that I peered out at, from my window on the world.

Inès de la Fressange in Carven and Roger Vivier flats. Photo by Pascal Le Segretain - Getty Images Europe.

Linn Ullmann , seen here with fellow jury members, had a lovely grey sheath dress that draped in all the right places. Photo by Ian Gavan - Getty Images Europe.

The Jury, being judged on their fashion. Photo: Getty.

It doesn't take much, does it? Photo by Ian Gavan - Getty.

Easy, breezy, Bollywood beauty Rani Mukherjee at Cannes. Photo: Getty.

But sorry ladies, the best draper was definitely…

Johnn Hamm-some AKA Don Draper. Photo courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Read all Cannes 2011 posts.

Mango Season

Go across boundaries and uncrate the notion that fashion is ripe for the picking.

A British model took over a French landmark to launch her video collaboration with an American photographer for a Spanish retailer.

How’s that for global jaw-droppage?

Digging the satin pants out of my closet, as we speak. Ms. Moss looking lovely in black and white.

Kate Moss was at the Centre Pompidou – along with the Miró and Kandinsky masterpieces – and Terry Richardson, where Mango held a fashion show that Duchamp and his contemporaries would have both applauded and been appalled at.

The gaga wasn’t over Dada this time, but over the juicy fruits of the Spanish retail chain’s designs for Fall.

Models rode up the escalators during the show, while the hangers-on, hung on and admired one of the loveliest views of Paris, from the bubble-wrapped building.

The Moss/Richardson vid was shown last night, but hasn’t been released en masse, as yet. In the time being, here is the glitzy one of the party, itself.

It’s a fashionable and fitting tribute to International Museum Day, methinks.

If you’ve never been, you must pop over to the Pompidou on your next visit to Paris and be at one with Brancusi and beyond.

[Update May 20: The Moss/Richardson collaboration video is now up.]

Image: Getty.

 

McQueens, New York

Bill Cunningham, recently documented street photographer extraordinaire, captured NYC’s current obsession with all things McQueen in light of the Savage Beauty exhibit at The Met.

Click on the image to see the larger view of Sunday’s feature in the New York Times.

See who wore McQueen and who didn’t at the Met Ball, 2011.