C'est Chaud!!!

Soon to open in London: super hip Parisien concept store, The Kooples. Part of their mission statement: a cloakroom for two; and they have entirely promoted the brand using images of real life, beautiful couples. I am definitely without a doubt going to blog more about The Kooples as I L.O.V.E the whole aesthetic but for now I am going to take a look at some of the most stylish couples (in my opinion) ever!

Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger

Anita Pallenberg and Keith Richards

Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin

Brigitte Bardot and Marcello Mastroianni

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Mark Ronson and Josephine de la Baume

Kate Moss and Pete Doherty

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

Bonnie and Clyde

Coming Soon: Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A

I wanted to whet your appetites and tease your tastebuds for the up and coming Yohji Yamamoto retrospective at one of my favourite museums in London, the V&A.  I love retrospectives: the chance to peek into and experience firsthand a designers archive is quite special; it can even be quite intimate. Mr Yamamoto literally exploded onto the fashion scene in 1981 when he moved from his native Tokyo to show in Paris. He is of course best known for his relationship with tailoring, pushing boundaries by exploring new techniques, and going against prevailing moods and trends. Famously he has been quoted as (obstinately - even childishly), 'hating fashion'. For some reason though, I just can't quite believe him - despite all this built up contrariness, I think he just wants to keep us guessing. And I have little doubt that he will be the one having the last laugh at this private joke with himself, that the rest of us will never quite get. I for one can not wait to glimpse into the history of this incredibly visionary designer.

Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A will run from March-July 2011

Mein Kampe

'Exploded View' by Michael Kampe

I can't stop looking at Michael Kampe's collection. Entitled 'Exploded View', it is based on exploded view diagrams (all very technical so I had to look it up!). This is when an object is shown split into it's constituent parts as though it has been exploded from the inside. What a strange kind of genius, to take an idea like this and translate it into such highly dramatic, eye-catching garments, which manage to evoke both raw power and complex beauty.

'Exploded View' by Michael Kampe

Fashion meets art meets sculpture meets science.....

'Exploded View' by Michael Kampe

.....it needs to be seen to be believed!

'Exploded View' by Michael Kampe

Object of Desire

Lace shirt, by Alexander Wang

I have blogged before about my penchant for lace, and of course for Alexander Wang (please can I be in your gang?!!) With this piece, I adore the contrast between the delicate fabric of the blouse and the stiff looking collar and cuffs; this could be styled in so many ways. You could either add an ironic feminine twist to a masculine silhouette; or you could play up a more demure yet seductive aesthetic with a high waisted, nipped in skirt. Alternatively add some gothic romance by throwing it on over a plain, simple dress. Love, love, love!!

Winter Warmers

London. Winter has officially arrived and is here to stay (for a while at least!). The leaves have fallen from the trees, the air is chill and crisp, people are adding logs to the fire and thoughts are turning to Christmas time, mistletoe and wine. As the festive season approaches, the fashion magazines fill their glossy pages with promise and glitzy cocktail dresses (yes, please!) But what is the best way to keep warm between parties? Here are some of my favourite ways to wrap up this winter.

1. Fur

Fake or real (vintage or inherited, obviously!). Head to markets, granny's closet or even the high street (Zara in particular have done a great range)

Lambskin by Zara (I clocked this today in the store and it looks stunning and is quite different than the usual options out there!)

2. Military

This is always a winner (polish those brass buttons!)

Stand to attention and raise a salute to Burberry. Yes Sir.

3. Capes

Love the drama!

Nail the camel trend too in the Alexander Wang cape coat

Complete the look with gloves (I like leather); and a hat (trilby, fur trapper, cloche.....the options are limitless)! So cosy.

Style Profile

My current style crush: Taylor Tomasi Hill, the accessories editor of US Marie Claire. her aesthetic reminds me of how I imagine Claire Danes's character Angela Hill would have dressed if she had grown out of her grungy, angst ridden teenage years and became a bit more glamorous, whilst still holding on to vestiges of her past (think a stack of bangles, and some beaten up,well worn in leather boots and bags). I like the way Taylor is not the what people imagine when they picture the stereotypical, uber polished New York fashion editors. I like the way her skin is pale and that she dyes her hair red. This kind of style is effortless, interesting and it can not be copied, it just is. Beautiful.

Bangles and black leather

Adding some interest with a printed blazer

quirky cats eye sunglasses 

Clare Danes in My So Called Life

Top It Off

'Known by the sobriquet of the Artful Dodger.'

The top hat has made a return to men's fashion, and this is being in part attributed to the immense popularity of Downton Abbey.  I love a man in a good hat, and I am also enjoying this current vogue for proper English Edwardian dandies. Men and boys: channel your inner Artful Dodger (that lovable rogue!) and cut a dapper dash as you go about town this winter.