Givenchy Couture Fall 2009: A Nod to the Middle East

As an advocate for anything Middle Eastern I was very pleased to see Givenchy's overt hommage to the Middle East in his Fall 2009 couture collection. Models were adorned in heavy gold Bedouin style burkas and gaudy jewelery. Harem pants were the order of the day. They were black and sequined, gold threaded, and white, and were paired with a variety of different looks. Givenchy even incorporated the veil in a beautiful yet tongue in cheek way, draping it playfully over the head and torso but leaving the breasts viewable through sheer fabric. Morocco-inspired red designs decorated craftily structured tops as well. As the collection moved on, it gave way to a softer look wherein the last two pieces look as if they came straight from the elfish look circa 'Lord of the Rings' with an all white sheer full-body veil covering pure white harem pants on one and a dress on the other. The collection comes at an interesting time as well with President Sarkozy openly condemning the burka (the Afghan version, not the Bedouin version) in France. Maybe Givenchy was sending a message with this collection? What do you think? 

My favorite pieces: The burkas!!!

Japan: The Most Innovative Design Capital?

I continue to be amazed by Japanese architecture and interior design. I would even venture to say that Japan is home to some of the most innovative achitects and designers the world over. I think it stems from the Japanese infatuation with radical simplicity. Clean geometric shapes, simple modern colors, and minimalist decoration is at the paragon of Japanese design. That along with the need for space-saving buildings in one of the worlds most populated metropolises, Tokyo, combine to make for the most style and space conscious designs.

Origami inspired house in Tokyo. Space consciousness to the extreme.

An apartment building in Tokyo

The Japanese also have an eye for aesthetics and the beauty of the natural environment. So much so that gardens are popular inside the home and out. Nature is incorporated with the architecture as much as possible. Nature extends to natural light and many Japanese homes try to include natural light as much as possible through the unique placement of windows and through open areas in the home.

Shell houses in Japan that incorporate both light and nature

Nature is brought into the home with this indoor rock garden

Since the typical Japanese person is averse to clutter, measures are taken to alleviate the bother. Hidden drawers, trap doors, and multipurpose furniture are ways in which Japanese interior design handle this need for less clutter and more minimalism. This makes for very smart homes where a staircase can double as a bookshelf or a wall can become a bed. modern bedroom with minimalistic features
traditional mixes with modern in this living room space
"Reversible Destiny Lofts" in Tokyo

The Look: Bright Colored Suits

I spotted these bright colored suits at Topman on a recent shopping trip and fell in love immediately. I'm always one to go for a classic look with a bold twist and these suits just did it for me. They are so cleverly tailored with a skinny suit jacket paired with slim fit trousers that are perfect for the modern dandy with a fun side. They are also versatile and can be worn up with a tailored fit button down or down with a simple tee. And they translate easily from the office to the lounge. I wish I could buy them in every color but for now, the purple one seems to be calling my name. I can't wait to see more people in these colors! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale

I decided to check out the Alexander McQueen sale on West 18th to see what all the buzz was about. I felt like the selection wasn't really that great for men/I'm not too much of a McQueen fan but they did have some great shoes for 80% off! I didn't buy anything but I did eye a couple of shoes that they sadly didn't have in my size. The women's selection was great and it seemed like clothes were flying of the racks.

There were all types of people there as well: Stylists, models, deal-mongers, and just randoms from off the street. All in all it was a pretty successful sample sale. It was not too crowded and was organized to an extent. There was a long checkout line however due to broken registers but people were so happy with their 80% designer duds that it didn't seem to phase them. The sale is still going on, so if you want to get your McQueen fix then head on over!

These Alexander McQueen for Puma hightops were reduced to $57!!

Ties for $40 and Scarves for $100

The Look: Mono Lens Sunglasses

It seems like a lot of people on the streets of New York are aspiring to be like Geordi LaForge from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'.

Mono lenses are slowly taking over the city and as I walked down Broadway, I couldn't help but consider getting a pair after seeing dozens of people wearing them. I decided to wait it out and see where this trend goes but that shouldn't stop people who dig this trend from paying up for their mono lens look. I first saw the look from streetstyle photos of Jean-Paul Paula outside fashion shows and I thought only he could pull off a look so daring. But lo and behold, the rest of the world is following suit and dare I say I do enjoy looking at them in their sunglasses! I'm just not sure if I'm ready to don a pair yet.

Jean-Paul Paula in one of his daring outfits complete with signature mono lenses.

Martin Margiela Mono Lens Sunglasses

Beirut, Best Party City?

So CNN is talking about Beirut as a party city? Should I be making a beeline to Beirut? YES! Can anyone expedite my trip?!?! I'd give you unconditional love in return :)

And maybe we can chill here...
or here...
or here!!

Shakira-'She Wolf' Official Video

Shakira's new music video for her song "She Wolf" is fierce! Is it me or does she get sexier and sexier as she grows older. And more flexible! How she moves like that? God only knows. Damn girl. 

Favorite scene: the cage scene.

Saudi Designer Dazzles With His Collection

I was certainly in awe as I viewed the pieces from Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi's collection. Coming from ultra conservative Saudi Arabia, Ashi chose a different path from many men in his country and decided to go to fashion school. He then became a contestant on Future TV's Project Fashion, which he then proceeded to win. His fashion journey eventually landed one of his designs on the cover of Elle Oriental.

His collection flows and you can clearly see his inspiration eminating from each piece. His company’s press release states that it “is inspired by the gloomy and romantic image of a blind young boy whose inability to see the world around him, only enhances his ability to feel its powerful forces, the fable of both a simple child’s innocence and a complex look at faith and humanity. In an imaginary garden in black and white, full of followers and colors all too unfamiliar to the mind of a blind youth. All of these overwhelming images are translated into the Ashi collection, attempting to bring all of these unprecedented images to life through the use of luxurious and modern fabrics.”

The designer's pieces are subdued in color, but not in design. His aesthetic is impeccable as well as his attention to fine details. Ashi understands a woman's body and works accordingly, incorporating stunning drapery and rich textiles in the mix. You can see that he thinks of his designs as works of art and treats them as thus. The model is the canvas and everything from head to toe is carefully orchestrated to bring as much beauty to the final product as possible. I must say I think his designs are BRILLIANT!

photography: Vincent Sannier
make-up: Christian
hair styler: Romeo

Juergen Teller's Marc Jacob Ads

I must admit I am not much of a fan of the new Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 ad campaign. Juergen Teller was the mind behind these raunchy pictures and I have to say that it's a little over the top for my taste and a little American Apparel kitsch as well. The model's look a bit too trashy and are definitely not shown in their best light. I also don't see how showing a model doubled over a scaffolding bar can sell a dress to the regular Marc Jacobs consumer. Maybe it would be enticing to hookers? I could see how Jacobs wanted to gain an edgier look with this ad campaign but I feel that Teller missed the mark completely, making the photos seem less edgy and more trash punk. It's a shame because the clothes themselves are beautiful.