ESPRESSO SHOT OF NEWS…
Your Fabulous Fashion Scoop
Oprah, Michelle Obama & Diane von Furstenberg… Power-Women Espresso News
Fashion Flashback – Oprah Covers Vogue
After 25 years of life-changing television, the finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show will air today. Oprah has touched so many hearts with her kindness, inspiration and extraordinary enthusiasm and passion for life.
In 1998, Oprah covered American Vogue. Oprah looked exquisitely radiant wearing looks by Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani, among others. Thandie Newton is also pictured with Oprah below right. Vogue.com has republished their interview with Oprah from this feature and you can read it here…
In the article, Oprah is quoted as saying: “What I have decided, is that with fame, notoriety, credibility—if you can’t have the courage to stand up and speak out for what you truly believe in, then it means nothing.”… I miss Oprah already!
Diane von Furstenberg’s
New Fragrance
Diane von Furstenberg is launching a new fragrance, ‘Diane’. The fashion dynamo will be releasing the fragrance this October. It features two primary scents – frangipani and violet – which combine to create a woody floral fragrance. Of the scent, von Furstenberg has said, “I wanted to put the power of women in a bottle. I wanted a perfume that reflected womanhood — what I know, what I feel about being a woman — and the power that we all have that we can be the woman we want to be.”
Michelle Obama – A Fashion Icon
Since Michelle Obama arrived in England, wearing a two-piece purple Preen skirt suit from the fall 2011 collection, her fashion statements have been getting more and more exquisitely iconic. From a Roksanda Ilincic purple drape neck dress; to a Ralph Lauren fall 2011 elegant black evening gown; not to mention a divine ivory Tom Ford number with elbow length gloves – Mrs. Obama a radiant, fashion savvy, extraordinarily beautiful First Lady!
Will you be suffering from Oprah withdrawals like me? xx
Photos from vogue.com / vogue.co.uk / wwd.com
Fashion Editorial
Luxury Of Haute Couture
Couture collections are some of the most highly anticipated events on the fashion calendar – not to mention the most enchantingly beautiful. But do these seemingly expensive, overtly extravagant and often times very impractical pieces have a place in today’s ‘fast fashion’ society?
Quite simply yes. And Haute Couture is even becoming more popular!
Haute couture, French for ‘high sewing’, refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing made to order. Sewn with extreme attention to detail with hand-executed techniques, Haute Couture is created with the highest quality fabrics, finishings and embellishments. Now a ‘protected name’ there are only a handful of labels that meet the couture criteria. These include: Chanel; Christian Dior; Valentino; Elie Saab; Givenchy; Armani Privé and Jean Paul Gaultier.
The Haute Couture Business
To these powerful luxury labels, Haute Couture is still an important element of business. It’s an investment in the label’s image and global communication.
The dream of Couture fantasy helps to sell perfume and all areas of the brand; but most importantly it is the purest form of fashion, with a growing client base intent on keeping the extraordinary craftsmanship and intangible beauty alive.
Today, Chanel has estimated that there are 1,000 potential Haute Couture clients around the world. With 200 to 300 of these clients attending the Chanel collections each season. Dior too has expressed that their client base is growing. The Dior Couture Spring 2011 collection was presented in front of 800 guests – double that of the previous season. Demand for Givenchy couture is expected to rise by 10%; meanwhile for Elie Saab the couture calendar accounted for 43% of the company’s business.
It is also an imperative component in publicity – with images of actresses walking the red carpet in these spectacular gowns beamed around the world. With Paris Couture Week taking place just before the Golden Globes, Oscars then followed by the Cannes Film Festival – it’s a winning combination for both actress and the label’s image. Remember Cate Blanchett’s unique Givenchy Haute Couture gown or the lavender lace Elie Saab Haute Couture gown worn by Mila Kunis (both pictured below)? These ladies and their gowns will be documented forever.
Haute Couture Evolution
An imperative element of all fashion is evolution. And Haute Couture is no exception. During the Couture Spring 2011 collections, a few houses broke the convention of traditional ‘Haute Couture’ to present spectacular creations for women of today.
Karl Lagerfeld weaved his magic at Chanel with a collection that was fresh with iridescent sparkle and delicate charisma. This wasn’t Chanel as we know it or traditional Haute Couture either. Skinny black jeans, black ballet flats and sprinklings of ‘cobweb’ like beads, floated down the runway like glistening rebellious ballerinas.
In fantastical shades of the lightest pinks, like delicious sweet macaroons, worn with beaded tulle leggings or jeans cut long and close to the leg – Chanel was seemingly enchanting a whole new generation of couture lovers. Of the collection, Lagerfeld said: “Haute Couture is about modern attitude. You have to adopt to the mood of the moment… this is the way people dress today.”
Christian Lacroix once said, “Haute Couture should be fun, foolish and almost unwearable”Haute Couture is a expression of spectacular craftsmanship, everlasting beauty, mesmerizing extravagance and above all else desire. Qualities I am certain will hold their place in the world for many, many years to come.
Valentino Flashback
Valentino Je t’ aime
Impeccable Valentino For Sunday…
Valentino – Couture Spring 2008 – A Celebration
When Valentino Garavani created his final collection for his luxury house, it was a fitting conclusion to 45 sensational years.
Bright femininity with old-school glamour – the collection paid tribute to the ‘Valentino’ way. Sharp little luncheon suits in sorbet shades; chic cocktail dresses; striking evening gowns; lace; flower prints; and sweet satin bows – it was elegant fashion loveliness with timeless beauty.
After this collection, Alessandra Facchinetti, the ex-Gucci designer took the reins of Valentino. Lasting just two seasons, she was succeeded by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli in January 2009.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
What do you think of this Valentino collection? xx
Photos from style.com
1 Comment