A good book should leave you… slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.
~William Styron 1958.
I’ve made no secret of the fact I love to read – fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies you name it and I’m willing to read it, curled up with a cuppa and square or two of chocolate – especially when the weather continues to be rather cold and unwelcoming outside.
So imagine my delight when I came across a couple of new books on the subject of another passion of mine – fashion!!
The first is ‘How to Read Fashion’ , a crash course in understanding styles by Fiona Ffoulkes.
Fashion is all around, and most of us are affected by it whether we like it or not. Yet how many people know the origins of the little black dress, the stiletto or a lady’s handbag? How many people know why the Chanel bag is known as the 2:55 bag? Or how the main fashion trends of the past 200 years relate to contemporary styles?
Author Fiona Ffoulkes has worked in costume and design for the past thirty years including fifteen years as a stylist for ITV and BBC. She says that the top fashion houses have always made use of styles from the past to re-invent new designs but adds that there are always technical, social and cultural factors to transform original concepts into something new. Here are a few classics . . . .
THE LBD
Use of black in women’s clothing has a complex history. It has been used for mourning, particularly in the 19th century and has been used for dramatic effect when combined with contrasting textures and colours.
In the 1920′s designers such as Chanel promoted the idea of the simple short black dress that was suitable for all occassions.
When you can’t decide what to wear, the little black dress always comes out on top.
So it’s no surprise that the black Givenchy gown, worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, has been named the greatest screen outfit of all time.
The ultimate LBD starred in the opening credits of the 1961 film, and one of the three original versions of the dress sold for £410,000 in 2006.
Simple and classic every girl should have a LBD in their wardrobe !
THE HANDBAG
In the 18th century, a pair of pockets were worn under full skirts to keep small items like handherchiefs. The alternative was a simple bag with a drawstring used for needlework. As gowns became narrower it was more practical to carry a small bag called a ‘reticule’, the forerunner ot the modern handbag.
In the 1920s, Coco Chanel became tired of having to carry her handbags in her arms and decided to design a handbag that freed up her hands. Inspired by the straps found on soldiers’ bags she added thin straps and introduced the resulting classic quilted design to the market in 1929. After her successful comeback to the fashion industry in 1954, Chanel decided to update her handbag, for the modern women. The resulting design was called 2.55 after the date of creation, February 1955.
Stylish and classic, a thing of beauty, don’t you agree??
THE STILETTO SHOE
The term ‘stiletto’ comes from the name of a type of slim dagger. It was first used in the 1950′s to describe shoes that had heel tips of just a quarter inch diameter. This was made possible by a metal shaft support within the heel. Some of the most infamous high, thin heels have been produced by shoe designers such as Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo.
Strappy and stylish from Jimmy Choo
Classic and chic from Louboutin
These facts are just a few of the myriad on offer in the book, so for everyone who loves fashion, treat yourself to a copy of How to Read Fashion by Fiona Ffoulkes ( £9.99 Herbert Press).
And remember as lovely as the designer offerings are above, there are plenty of shoes and handbags to suit all tastes and all pockets coming soon to MODA. We will do our best to finish off your special Summer outfit perfectly!
Another literary offering is ‘Postcards From the Edge of the Catwalk’ by Iain R Webb.
Paula Reed, style director at Grazia magazine said of this book,
“At every fashion event there is the invited audience, and then there are the privileged few, whose access transcends the velvet ropes and vip rooms. For longer than I can remember, Iain R Webb was one of the few who was invited everywhere and had the presence of mind to take pictures of what was happening. There is no better guide to fashion’s inner sanctum. This book is the next best thing to actually being there.”
Iain R Webb’s ‘Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk’ is a personal photographic portfolio spanning three decades that documents the glittering furore surrounding the ready-to-wear and haute couture fashion collections in New York, London, Milan and Paris. The photographs, snapped by the award-winning fashion journalist from the insider vantage point of his front row seat and invite-only parties, capture a world of show-stopping creativity and inspirational individual style. It features supermodels and style icons that include Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, , Erin O’Connor, Kate Moss and Anna Wintour.
Mr. Webb, who has been involved with fashion for over 30 years, has assembled a snap shot collection of photographs that not only focuses on the designers but also on the entire cast of what it takes to produce a successful fashion show, something I personally find fascinating. (Another secret treat of mine is watching ‘Kell on Earth’ on the IMAX channel where PR Guru Kelly Cutrone struts her stuff at many a fashion show – riveting and hilarious! Deffo worth a watch!)
Through this book we are given the opportunity to see, almost first hand, what it’s like backstage, who is in the audience—and not just the famous—and the obsession that all these people have in common: the love of fashion.
It’s the perfect coffee table book and available from Amazon and all good book shops.
Another must read is ‘Fashion Babylon, a 2006 book by British author and journalist Imogen Edwards-Jones and anonymous – “anonymous” being a ‘wide and varied collection of people who all work at the heart of the fashion industry’. According to the author, her top three sources are all very high profile and very much at the top of the fashion world. And like me you will dying to know exactly who they are!
The book is set to follow the life and times of a small fashion house based in London. Over a six month period from the day after the house’s fashion show in London to their next season, the narrator describes the journey for producing a new collection.
From the blurb, you get immediately why I’m recommending it:
What is fashion? What is fashionable? Who decides what’s in and what’s out? Why is it green one year and blue the next? Why is one little black dress worth £3000 and another thirty quid? Is the catwalk really that catty? Is everyone high on drugs and full of champagne? What makes a supermodel so super? And a designer too hot to touch? Who is making the money? Who owns who? Who hates who? And who’s in each other’s pockets?
This book is really fiction in disguise but it is full of facts and anecdotes about the thrilling world of fashion that cause a definite double take as you struggle to put it down. How much is true?? Who knows but it is an entertaining and very enjoyable read. Highly recommended!
So there you have it. A few ravishing reads for the dark Winter nights when you just want to snuggle into your duvet in fleecy PJ’s . But fear not girls tomorrow is the first of February and Spring IS coming.
At MODA we are eagerly awaiting our new stock which is due anytime. Again here are a few choice titbits to tantalise you for when the days are long and luscious . . . .!
White and stylish from United Nude
Miss L Fire Summer 2011
Happy reading and please let me know what you think of any of the above or if you’ve something to recommend yourself, I’d love to hear it!
Karen x
Article source: http://modashoes.co.uk/blog/2011/01/31/manolo-jimmy-choo-chanel-supermodels-fashion-trends-fashion-babylonaudrey-hepburn/
NEW YORK, Jan 31, 2011 / — Last Jan 25th, Award-winning actress and Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon and Avon Chairman and CEO Andrea Jung launched the company's 125th Anniversary year with a celebration in Atlanta, …
Go here to read the rest:
Avon Launches Year-long 125th Anniversary Celebration …
Caerleon shoe designer up for national award
6:00pm Sunday 30th January 2011
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A CAERLEON wedding shoe designer is a finalist in the Bridal Buyer Awards 2011.
Yona Armstrong, 34, set up online company Crystal Couture just over 12 months ago.
But her luxury wedding shoes and accessories, decorated with Swarovski crystals, have already won her huge interest from retailers and attracted customers from around the world.
Crystal Couture is already on sale in Debenhams stores at London’s Oxford Street, Cardiff, Swansea and Manchester and the mother-of three’s designs have even featured in iconic fashion magazine
Vogue.
But now they have won her a place in the Best Shoe Collection category in this year’s Bridal Buyer Awards.
Mrs Armstrong said: “I am delighted that my designs are being recognised and appreciated, particularly amongst such an established field.
“After only a year in business, I can’t quite believe the progress we have made although I always knew that most women have a love affair with glamorous shoes so we should be on the right lines.”
She added: “I love creating beautiful shoes and accessories which help to add something to a special day and I can’t wait to see how far Crystal Couture can go.”
Bridal Buyers Awards is a prestigious event in the wedding fashion industry and this year attracted more than 300 entries in 16 categories. Winners of the competition will be announced in a
ceremony in March.
See Mrs Armstrong’s designs at iwantcrystalcouture.com
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Article source: http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/8821607.Caerleon_shoe_designer_up_for_national_award/
GUELPH — Lynn Graham-Orobono will take extra special care of her Italian-made, black ankle boots and her vast collection of other Franco Sarto footwear, now that the purveyor of such sleek items is no longer in business in Guelph.
Of the 200 or so pairs of very good shoes and boots Graham-Orobono owns, most were purchased at Ron Ferraro’s Wyndham Lane Shoe Fashions.
“I’ve spent a small fortune on shoes here,” she said. “I’ve kept Ron’s children in shoes.”
Working for a local company with 600 employees, most of them women, Graham-Orobono’s purchases often inspired her female colleagues to visit the shop and keep in fashion step. Graham-Orobono has no idea where her next pair of shoes will come from. “I may have to go shoeless for awhile,” she joked.
About 30 friends and family crowded into the store’s now shoeless space on Saturday for a final celebration. It was Ron Ferraro’s way of thanking his loyal customers and family for their many years of support. Guests feasted on delectable Italian dishes and toasted Ferraro, who closed the store for good in December due to time constraints.
Nick and Sandra Koiter’s long-standing Guelph business West End Bakery will take up residence at the 105 Wyndham St. location this spring.
“These are very dear friends,” said Ferraro, “clients who became very good friends. I am going to miss this. I’m going to miss these relationships that were developed over the past 32 years.”
For many years, Ferraro has been operating two businesses, the shoe store and Wyndham Pool and Spa. But at the age of 60, he says he’s overrun and tired out. He will dedicate himself to building swimming pools and spending more time with his family.
“I think what we developed downtown here was a very loyal client base,” he said. “We tried hard for our clients, in terms of servicing them with the right product, the proper fit. And it was appreciated.”
He said there was a steady exchange of mutual appreciation and gratitude between himself and his customers in the final days of the business. Ferraro said he will frequent 105 Wyndham St. when it becomes a bakery and coffee shop.
“It was always a bittersweet decision to do this, but what made it easier was when the Koiters approached me,” he explained. “They were the client that I really wanted to occupy this store. They bring back to the downtown what is needed — a long-standing and well-respected Guelph business. They’ll do a bang-up job.”
Susan Ferraro, a teacher, said she is excited to have a chance to spend more time with her husband. The couple has four children. Ron brought sincerity, integrity and great service to the downtown business environment, she said.
“The two jobs were just too much,” she said. “I’m glad he can leave this and feel good about doing so, and now focus on the pool end of his business and spend more time at home.”
Her husband, she said, was up at the crack of dawn and working straight through until 11 p.m. most days. “It was all day and all night, and he did it for the last four or five years with the two jobs.” she said. “I think it took a toll on him. But the stars all aligned, everything came together, and it was the right time.”
roflanagan@guelphmercury.com
Article source: http://news.guelphmercury.com/News/article/754992
At last! After years of torturing ourselves in cartoon heels, flats are back
By
Liz Jones
Last updated at 12:09 AM on 31st January 2011
Can you believe that we women have been staggering around, clinging to passing strangers, wobbling on cobbles and baulking at stairs for nearly seven years?
Ever since East London shoe designer Terry de Havilland (who dressed Bowie and Bolan in the Seventies) came up with the outrageous cartoon platform to spice up a lacklustre FrostFrench fashion collection, which was swiftly copied by Miuccia Prada for her Miu Miu label, the shoe has reached ever more epic proportions — culminating in Louboutin’s 8 in stiletto and Alexander McQueen’s crocodile ‘hoof’ so beloved of Lady Gaga.
But now it seems that, at last, the tide has turned. How do we know this? Well, first of all Karl Lagerfeld, the most influential man in fashion, has deemed the ballerina flat to be the new height of chic.
Stepping forward: If flats are good enough for Victoria Beckham they are definitely good enough for us… and Karl Lagerfeld who dressed his models in flats at last week’s Chanel fashion show in Paris
At his breathtakingly pretty haute couture show in Paris on Tuesday, every model wore ballet flats. ‘I was sick of all those Eiffel Towers, sick of all those violent colours,’ said the designer for Chanel.
Each ballet shoe was bound to the ankle by transparent straps, and it completely changed the attitude of the show.
As American Vogue’s Tim Blanks pointed out: ‘All those teenage models who look like ball-breaking vixens in their face paint and vertiginous heels when they walk for other designers were suddenly turned back into pretty girls in flat soles and clothes the colour of a dawn sky.’
What I loved most about this show was the way the models walked: rather than staring at the floor and wobbling precariously, they positively skipped. They smiled, too, probably because for the first time all week their feet didn’t hurt!
There is evidence that those of us who shop at the cheaper end of the fashion spectrum have grown tired of wedges and platforms, too.
Peacocks, the bargain basement fashion chain, has announced that, for the first time, sales of flats have outstripped heels by three to one.
Since the start of 2011, sales of flat shoes have soared by 70 per
cent (compared with January 2010) at Peacocks’ stores nationwide and
online. Peacocks’ designer-inspired brogues, £16, and colourful, fun
pumps, from £7, are topping the retailer’s footwear charts.
A red suede pump with fringing is the bestseller, at £14, while a tan faux leather brogue, £16, is a close runner-up.
Marks
Spencer and Topshop, too, have seen a surge in the sales of
flatties. The bestseller at MS is the Limited grey brogue, at £25.
Even Victoria Beckham, she of the bunions, claw toes and overdeveloped calf muscles from years of wearing high heels, was spotted in a pair of black ballet slippers last week.
Katie Holmes favours flat brogues. And while the Golden Globes were awash with chunky heels (even being heavily pregnant did not deter Natalie Portman, in red satin Stella McCartney platforms, and Jane Krakowski, in silver Casadei stilettos), I don’t think it will be long before we see flats on the red carpet.
Even Gwyneth Paltrow, who teetered around painfully in platforms, has reverted to flats, most notably tan woven zip sandals by Givenchy.
This is all very well, I hear you say, but what if you’re barely 5ft tall?
Osteopaths have found that a completely flat shoe is not great for your spine, and a tiny heel is, in fact, better for your lower back and your posture. It’s always best to vary the height of your footwear, so you don’t shorten your calf muscles.
The biker boot I have chosen below has a 1 in heel, but if that is too chunky for you, why not try a kitten heel?
My favourite pair is by Asos, in pale pink patent leather, with a black elastic strap across the instep so you don’t develop a painful claw foot — this ladies, is what happens when you can’t keep a shoe on.
It’s £28, reduced from £35 until February 1.
FitFlops, too, make slip-ons, booties and flip-flops with a chunky 1 in wedge sole that’s better for your back and, just as importantly, better for subtly adding a bit of height, too.
SIX OF THE BEST SPRING FLATS
From left: Liz’s favourite flats are a gold pair, £16, Evans. Loafers must be flexible like these patent ones, £26, Next. For every pair of Toms espadrilles bought, a pair is donated to a child in South America or Africa. Espadrilles, £30, Toms.
From left: Gucci shoes are expensive — but last ages. Classic moccasins, £270, Gucci. Strappy, black sandals, £310, Chloe are fierce enough to ground the most floaty tea dress. Nothing beats a biker boot for comfort. Black biker boots, £695, Jimmy Choo.
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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1352048/LIZ-JONES-At-After-years-torturing-cartoon-heels-flats-back.html
Citizens air their views on recount process
Article source: http://www.mykawartha.com/community/article/935670--maxine-s-a-small-town-store-with-big-ideas
Cat Deeley made a welcome return to the red carpet last night at a Women in Television Event in LA looking her usual glamorous self. The Brit TV girl scored a fashion high five for yet another laid-back LA party style, this time in a draped purple dress and strappy black shoes – making her the perfect weekend style mistress! However, it’s her leopard- print bag that transformed her picture-perfect party look, managing to give her purple basic an instant sexy luxe update. SD
Just scroll down to see our pick of the 10 best leopard-print bags on the high street…
Article source: http://www.look.co.uk/fashion/cat-deeley%E2%80%99s-leopard-print-clutch-get-the-look
Emma Watson Shows Leg, Taco Bell Rebutts, Shoes Socialized
- Harry Potter cutey, Emma Watson, is fronting the new Spring/Summer campaign for People Tree, an “eco-chic” fashion line.
- To combat the “creative crisis” in U.S. schools brought on by standardized curricula and testing, No Right Brain Left Behind is turning to the creative community and asking it to develop educational programs that foster creativity.
- Taco Bell is launching a campaign to refute claims made in a class action suit which states the brand falsely advertises its meat as “seasoned ground beef” or “seasoned beef” when it’s claimed it actually uses mostly filler and less beef than is required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s standard.
- TAXI and the Tomorrow Awards have announced they will host the first Tomorrow Awards event in Montreal on March 31st.
- Mammoth Mountain gets a new campaign from Colle + McVoy.
- smashLAB Creative Director Eric Karjaluoto has completed a book, Speak Human, which examines how small businesses can out market their larger competition.
- Shoes become social with implanted RFID technology.
by Steve Hall
Jan-28-11
Topic: Cause, Celebrity, Publishing
Article source: http://www.adrants.com/2011/01/emma-watson-shows-leg-taco-bell.php
The actress brings English eccentricity to the otherwise sterile style seen at award ceremonies.
BY Melissa Whitworth
28 January 2011
Helena Bonham Carter wore Vivienne Westwood and mismatched shoes to the Golden Globes Photo: GETTY
Helena Bonham Carter is thinking of wearing the same dress she wore to the Golden Globes at the Oscars, but this time with matching shoes.
“I think fashion has been hijacked by the fashion industry creating rules on what one should wear and I feel like breaking the mould and seeing that the world won’t crumble,” Bonham Carter
tells People magazine
.
Golden Globes 2011: red carpet hits and misses
“Sometimes I get it right and I sometimes I get it wrong,” she adds. And she might be right to feel entitled to thumb her nose at fashion types, when the film industry is so quick to recognise her acting talent: her role in The King’s Speech marks her second Oscar nomination.
What’s wrong with wearing mismatching shoes? she asks. “Who says we can’t? I was just having fun. For me, fashion is all about fantasy and putting unlikely things together. That’s what I love. I genuinely love dressing up.”
Helena Bonham Carter laughs at winning a place on best-dressed list
Aside from Vivenne Westwood, Bonham Carter looks to Lady Gaga as a style icon.
“I love the way she dresses. She’s like a work of art,” she says. “Anybody who is inventive, different or has fun like her, I love and admire. I’m amazed that she’s able to stand up in some of those shoes she wears.
“I feel honored to be compared to her but I would probably be called Lady Haha.”
Article source: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8289115/Helena-Bonham-Carter-speaks-out-about-her-red-carpet-style.html
A cavern of crystals was installed overnight in Paris to showcase the Prive collection of designer Giorgio Armani. The collection will be shown at the opening of Haute Couture today. His inspiration has come for the spring/summer collection has created a myriad of breath taking gowns that are a shoe in to be on display during next months Academy Awards.
During an exclusive preview for just the Daily Telegraph, his gowns adorned with diamond like stones and tailored to fit snug were the light of the night. Crystals reflecting in all the lights adorned the models shoes and even their lipstick. Philip Treacy, based in London, designed halo-hats of metallic color for Armani’s spring/summer collection, almost hiding the models eyes.
Even in the current recession the spring/summer season for Haute Couture is on track to be the best ever, for this elegant dame of fashion. The likes of Christian Dior and Elie Saab have expressed increased sales. Because of an increase in demand for tickets, the Christian Dior group more than doubled the seating for the show. There are 20 couturiers to be the headliners at the show, the Chambre Syndicale has announced.
Related posts:
- DIOR Couture
- DIOR Couture
- Paris Haute Couture-fall/winter collection
- Madonna chooses Givenchy for her 2008 World Tour
- Fashion TV’s First Face
Article source: http://www.catwalkfashion.co.uk/giorgio-armani-prive-collection/
