News is: Velvet has made its comeback for F/W 2010. The rich fabric has many enemies, are you one of them who shudder to think of a post-90`s revival? Please do not and give it a chance! You may be pleasantly surprised. The designers used velvet, preferably red and oxblood coloured, in many striking ways. Alexander Wang showed probably the best collection to bring the velvet trend out of the 90`s and into the now.
Dolce & Gabbana kept it classic and elegant with vampy red draped dresses.
I also spotted historical references. Ralph Lauren got inspired from the medieval era whereas Zac Posen and Altuzarra showed sharp cut 70`s style trouser suits.
Hopefully I was able to convince the velvet haters among you. And if not yet, consider that just one single velvet piece like a well crafted jacket can create a sizzling dandy look without going overboard.
Inject a bit of velvet into your wardrobe and signal your sophistication!
LoL, Sandra
Say hello to my object of desire from Balmain`s Pre-fall 2010 collection, available soon and already spotted on stylist Emanuelle Alt. The double-breasted navy blazer with detailed gold buttons is beautifully tailored with an amazing shoulder line. This is true effortless chic. A navy jacket is anyway something that everybody should have in their closet. Classics endure and surprisingly even Balmain can produce them!
I also love the single-breasted model (see showroom photos below), both will be available at net-à-porter 
or Designer am See among others.
Thumbs up for my blazer of glory!
LoL, Sandra
It might be on short notice, but definitely not too late to get your hands on a gorgeous pair of leather shorts. An absolute must this summer that will stay trendy next winter.
My favourites are the lace-up ones by Alexander Wang with zippers on the side, available in brown or black. Combine them with a boyfriend blazer, an embellished top and stunning wedges (see above). Add a feodora hat for that certain twist or just wear them with cowboy boots and a little cardigan for your urban days off-duty like I did this week.
Here are some gorgeous versions from the S/S 2010 collections available at Net-à-porter or Browns. Do not forget, sale will be starting soon…. in the US it is already on!
3.1 Phillip Lim, £465.-
Fendi, €1060.-
Helmut Lang, €586.-
Or wait for those ones below from the F/W 2010 runways. Salvatore Ferragamo showed many different versions in suede and nappa leather.
Get ready to wow!
LoL, Sandra
This year, Louis Vuitton celebrates the 2010 FIFA World Cup in its own way, with an advertising campaign, featuring soccer legends Pelé, Zidane and Maradona. Moreover, FIFA has a newfound focus on fashion and asked the famous French house to create a special order travel case to safeguard the solid 18-karat gold trophy until the final match on July 11th in Johannesburg. Naomi Campbell unveiled the result today. Since 1930 the trophy has traveled to host cities in an armored metal case, this year it will travel in style proving that security can be synonymous with elegance. Finally, soccer becomes interesting to me….
LoL, Sandra
It is the meterological beginning of summer today. Let`s leave it like that. Probably we can convince the sun to come out with this stunning look for less money. It is an exciting mix of plaid and print having that certain something.
The modern bustier dress emphasises the feminine figure and is marked down already at $35.50. You can keep the picture sweet with a heart printed boyfriend jacket, available at Topshop for £55.-. Another shot of colour like the red hot bag for approximately $65.- adds lightness and joie de vivre. The mint green shoes by Charlotte Olympia are a real splurge but so worth it, my advice wait for the sale that will start very soon.
OPI`s glitter nail polish with little hearts would match the look perfectly “Heart to Resist”
Do not forget it is all about that special twist. Sometimes the oddest ideas boast the best combinations.
Be brave and punch the air!
LoL, Sandra
Meet Pascal Millet and his first collection for F/W 2010 in his own name. Contemporary, modern with a couture allure- that would be the perfect description.
The designer began his career as the assistant to Michel Goma at Balenciaga, stylist with Givenchy, then continued to work with John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, before taking over as artistic director of Carven in 2001.
Now he has fulfilled his dream and opened his house in Paris. “La Parisienne” in all her splendor is anyway his greatest source of inspiration. The style is evening cocktail. I love the colour combination of blue and black in particular.
Available at Galeries Lafayette in Paris or for more information visit his homepage.
LoL, Sandra
As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.
From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.
As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
The Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2010 collection will be in stores in the end of next week, around June 5th. The inspiration behind the mid-season designs was the idea to find a cowweb-covered heritage trunk filled with grandma`s goodies and to play dress-up with everything you find.
I love that mixture of attic chic and luxe collegiate. The tweed skirtsuits with a 60`s silhouette worn with cashmere lace socks are to-die-for.
I am also crazy for the fox fur vest, my personal object of desire!
It would not be Louis Vuitton, if there was not a must-have bag topping the collection off. This time it is the Monogram Aviator bag that will come in three different colours navy, bordeaux and khaki, all with a bright fluorescent orange lining. Like always the bags will be very limited, at approximately CHF 3400.-.
I wished my Granny had a similiar treasure chest hidden somewhere and I would find it before the moths! As this is very unlikely, probably better to go the Vuitton way…
LoL, Sandra
There was a lot of movement in the fashion world during the last days, some very interesting announcements were made. The probably most unexpected one is Jean-Paul Gaultier`s departure from Hermès seven years after his jump-start of the house`s ready-to-wear line in 2003. If the reason was the seven-year itch or the death of former president and chief executive, Jean-Louis Dumas a few weeks ago, we will never find out. Fact is that Christophe Lemaire, the designer behind the resurgence of Lacoste, is headed to Hermès and will present his first collection for F/W 2011 next spring.
Gaultier is reportedly leaving to focus on his own collection of which 45% is still owned by Hermès. Like a real divorce… somebody is always keeping a stake.
The second news was not so surprising for me. After different speculations over the future of the Alexander McQueen brand, the creative director has officially been named. Sarah Burton, who had worked alongside McQueen for sixteen years and oversaw the completion of the F/W 2010 collection after the designer`s death in February will definitely keep his spiritual heritage.
The first McQueen underwear collection for men will launch in June. Might be a nice gift for your boyfriend or hubby.
Finally we have two more designers who landed themselves a job. First, former wunderkind Olivier Theyskens, who worked for Rochas and Nina Ricci, will design a capsule collection for Theory that will be released next spring.
And last but not least, Alessandro Dell`Acqua is making a return to fashion with a new collection dubbed N°21( his lucky number), after having lost trademark rights to his namesake line last year. Moreover he will take reigns at Brioni and design their womenswear.
Somebody else seems also ready for a fresh start: Giles Deacon has been confirmed as Emanuel Ungaro`s new creative director. After tumultous times and the Lindsay Lohan episode, the French fashion house will try to skyrocket right up to the point where Balmain and Balenciaga already are. One thing is certain, Ungaro has a fancy name and a lot of potential. Let`s see if Deacon along with the help of his stylist friend Katie Grand can come up with some zesty ideas.
LoL, Sandra
Yesterday, Matthew Williamson celebrated his collaboration with Belvedere at his flagship London store in Mayfair with many of his famous friends that were mostly dressed in his amazing F/W 2010 collection. His muse Sienna Miller showed up in one of my favourite dresses from his winter runway show. I just love the foiled chiffon twist dress. The cut and fabric is divine in combination and Sienna looked absolutely gorgeous in it.
Matthew Williamson with his muse Sienna Miller wearing F/W 2010 Foiled Chiffon Twist Dress
The reason for the party was the launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit, the newest to the brand`s popular line of maceration vodkas. Matthew Williamson designed an exclusive kaftan and all-in-one „inspired by the vitality of sultry high summer evenings“ and „incorporating a vibrant sun drenched palette“. The Matthew Williamson for Belvedere limited editions are available at his flagship stores in London and New York and online.
Singer Little Boots in F/W 2010 Metallic Lace Embellished Shoulder Dress with the Pyramid Crystal Belt
Enjoy the party pics!
LoL, Sandra
Peaches Geldof with Tyrone Wood, son of Rolling Stone Ronnie
Model Tolula Adeyemi in F/W 2010 Wool Crepe Frill Jacket and S/S 2010 Orchid Silk Top
London`s It-Girl Alice Dellal
