Fashion

Spotlight On: Stella McCartney

As one of the world’s finest female fashion designers, Stella McCartney’s sharp yet feminine pieces are instantly recognisable for their timeless chic appeal.

“Stella’s style has been influential because she is her customer” – Tom Ford

About Stella McCartney

There aren’t many students who would have world renowned super models Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon take to the runway to model their collection…. at graduation.

After graduating from world renowned Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in 1995, Stella McCartney had that well publicised debut collection quickly bought up by London boutique Tokio.

In 1997, established and esteemed French fashion house Chloé hired McCartney as their new Creative Director (despite criticism from celebrated German designer and former Chloé  Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld).

After four and a half successful years at Chloé, where she achieved both commercial and critical success – bringing a more feminine and romantic feel to the brand,which still resonates with Chloé pieces today – McCartney entered a joint venture with luxury powerhouse the PPR Luxury Group (formerly Gucci Group).

Since her debut collection under the Stella McCartney brand in Paris, October 2001, it has become one of the most talked about companies in fashion today.

Stella McCartney has continued to create an array of luxurious garments; beautiful scented perfumes; and not to mention the launch of her Stella McCartney Kids collection in late 2010 (…what could only be described as positively adorable).

A Cut Above

At Stella McCartney tailoring is always a matter of priority. McCartney has become renowned for her precision cuts, with her distinctly feminine yet sharp trousers and tuxedo jackets coveted by women of all ages. 

While studying fashion, McCartney turned her attention to the craft of tailoring, honing her skills for world renowned Savile Row tailor Edward Sexton.

It was this time spent on Savile Row, learning and observing the philosophy of the ‘perfect cut’, that has now positioned McCartney as one of the world’s finest designers – creating timeless pieces perfect for the modern day woman.

The Fall 2012 Collection

Focused on merging city & country, and day & night; Stella McCartney pieces perfectly encapsulate how women want to dress.

Of the collection, McCartney said: “The Stella woman is about balance”. 

Working mainly with a dark colour palette and an emphasis on vivid midnight blue, McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection played with the aesthetic of masculine and feminine; rough and soft. Fabrics with a tough sensibility – i.e. traditional English tweed –were made softer and more feminine; while iconic masculine pieces, such as the oxford shirt, were refined and reinterpreted.  

With an unmistakable sporty feel (understandable considering McCartney has just revealed the official British Olympic team uniforms), the collection also placed an emphasis on chic comfort and understated elegance.

McCartney’s signature emphasis on tailoring was dressed up with beautiful botanical embroideries. Graphic white and black prints appeared strikingly against the brilliant blue.

Coats and tuxedo jackets appeared slightly oversized with unexpected detailing, such as asymmetrical zips, contrast panels, and oversized proportions. Trousers slouched from the hips, while shoulders were emphasized and waistlines highlighted. Luxe texture was also a feature, with chunky knit separates and dresses making an incredibly chic impression…

What do you think of Stella McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection? xx

Photos from style.com

Espresso News

Espresso Shot Of News

Your Fabulous Fashion Scoop

A Chloé Espresso Shot Of News

Clare Waight Keller – the new Creative Director at Chloé

It has been announced today that Clare Waight Keller, former creative director of Pringle of Scotland, will take the helm of French label, Chloé.

Taking control of the label on June 1st, Clare Waight Keller (pictured right) will replace fellow Brit, Hannah MacGibbon, who was with the label for over 10years.

Clare Waight Keller has become known as the person who brought modernity to the heritage brand, Pringle Of Scotland. With an innovative approach to knitwear, she presented her first collection for the label in February 2006, before going on to win the Scottish Cashmere Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards in 2007.

Of her new role, Waight Keller has said, “I am thrilled to be joining one of the most prestigious design houses in Paris. Chloé is a brand that conveys a beautiful sense of effortless femininity and vivacious sophistication that I look forward to continuing into the next era.”

Her Résumé…  Pringle Of Scotland A/W 2011-12

 

What do you think of this news?

Chloé is one of my favourite houses, so I will be watching the next collection very closely! xx

 

photos from vogue.co.uk

Fashion

Fashion Feature

Versace…

Not one for shrinking violets, Versace is an intoxicating mix of high glamour & sexy sophistication.

The one to wear when you want to dress to impress, Versace’s signature medusa motif perfectly encapsulates the power and luxury of the label.

Hugging your curves in all the right places, Versace mixes sexy sophistication like no other.

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About Versace

As one of the few remaining family-run fashion houses, Versace’s flamboyant, colourful, figure-hugging creations are adored the world over.

Versace History

Versace was founded in 1978 by the late Gianni Versace in Milan. After early success, Gianni Versace called on his sister Donatella, to join him as an advisory eye and assist in developing the brand. The two worked together for most of the 1980’s and 1990’s, forming a highly fashionable team.

While Gianni Versace grew the fashion empire, Donatella Versace focused on their striking advertising campaigns; established the children’s line Young Versace; and worked as head designer on the diffusion label Versus. When Gianni Versace was killed on July 15, 1997; Donatella Versace took the reins as Creative Director. Since then, the Versace aesthetic has shifted it’s focus to encompass both Gianni Versace’s High Italian Glamour with her own rock’n’roll sensibility.

Versace On The Red Carpet

A favourite on the red carpet, January Jones regularly chooses Versace as her go-to label (pictured below in Versace). Other fans of Versace include: Madonna, Kate Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley, Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt, Jamie Foxx and Courtney Love.

Versace Fall 2011

The Fall 2011 collection was classic, strong and sexy – the essence of Versace! Coats and jackets had a divine distinct military edge, while python skin coiled around the body in snake like strands and graphic elements from the house’s archives – a vine and flower – made for dramatic simplicity.

Are you are a Versace Vixen? xx

 

Photos from fashiongonerouge.com /style.com / google images

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