She’s So French
July 25, 2008
Carine Roitfeld: A muse, an editor, a fashion icon…
In a world where fashion magazines have become extremely commercial and celebrity obsessed, Carine Roitfeld focuses on bringing us a monthly fantasy that respects the essence of fashion and fashionistas all over the world are loving her for it.
Not afraid of explaining the difference between the “French way” and the “American way,” Roitfeld separates herself from overseas counterpart Anna Wintour when it comes to fashion editing and personal style. Roitfeld is a woman who doesn’t wear jeans or lipstick and rarely wears bags or flats. She’s has a femme fatal aura and an attitude that screams ‘I am Parisian’.
We all know the story; she started as a model, then a stylist and a muse and then what she is today, French Vogue’s editor in chief. Her contribution lies in stimulating fashion culture and influencing it. She’s one of the few editors who still depicts fashion as art, as a means of expression. Browse a copy of French Vogue and you’ll find true fashion satisfaction and it is because of Roitfeld’s delivery of a philosophy that inspires and educates readers on the creation of a unique style.
Roitfeld photographed at 18 years old
Named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people, Carine Roitfeld has become a fashion icon and a woman who ages gracefully thanks in part to her never-ending sense of style.
Some of my favorite French Vogue covers
Moving to Freedom
July 11, 2008
How many times will you move in your lifetime? Imagine if you could lead the life of a nomad but with a house that moves with you when you change location. Perfect, right? A wandering lifestyle is exciting, with unexpected adventures. Architect Gerold Pelham introduced Nomadhome with that in mind. Nomadhome’s prefabricated modules can be assembled in just two days and can be transported anywhere. The homes provide the largest possible efficient use of space and geographical flexibility when it comes to prefab homes. Transportable, extendable, and customizable architecture is something you can’t find easily. A Nomadhome can be used as your house, a lounge, showroom, temporary office, shop, or whatever you want… You’ll have your neighbors (whoever they may be that day) green with envy. Visit nomadhome.com for more information.
Images: nomadhome.com
Home base for freedom lovers
http://www.nomadhome.com
Reinventing Valentino, Smoothly
July 4, 2008
by Melissa Alvarado Sierra
Alessandra Facchinetti wowed the audience with her first ever haute couture collection for Valentino and the injection of a subtle, almost imperceptible touch of her own, leaving out any doubts of whether she could fill the legend’s shoes. Made-to-measure couture is a new world for Facchinetti, whose experience was solely in ready-to-wear until now. ”Working with the ‘atelier’ is much more like working with a family. They really create things with me. I’m not alone and they are not alone doing their job,” the 35-year-old told reporters after the show at Valentino’s headquarters in Place Vendôme.
Not only was Facchinetti’s silhouette based on architecture, like the jacket and skirt sculpted with stiffened silk at the beginning of the show, but she was also inspired by van Dyck. Elements such as fine lace, wool embroidery and delicate buttons in fading colors made a clear reference to the painter’s work. It was a splendid collection, a fresh start for Alessandra Facchinetti and new energy for the house of Valentino.
van Dyck and Facchinetti’s take
My personal favorites
Images: style.com
Exotic Destination: Corsica Island
July 3, 2008
I’ve been wanting to travel to the strikinly beautiful Corsica island in the Mediterranean for some time now. Primarily because my great great grandfather was born there and that is the perfect excuse for me to have a Mediterranean vacation. You know, “to get in contact with my ancestors.” Katie Bowman, from Times Online, visited the island recently and recalls; “the locals, it seems, know they live in one of the world’s most beautiful spots and they’re not interested in bumping up the population.” Residents wanting to make Corsica a secret is an advantage for travelers seeking a secluded place. Corsica is almost a tourist free destination; therefore, your experience is guaranteed to be authentic.
Honore de Balzac described this unspoiled, wild and defiantly independent destination as ”a French island basking in the Italian sun.” Dramatic mountains, sandy beaches and turquoise waters surround the “Isle of beauty”, giving visitors a combination of a beach vacation with impressive inland and outland sightseeing. Known as Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, Corsica is described by travelers as one of the most beautiful places in the world, that seduces every visitor.
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Source: Corsica Travel Guide. Visit corsicatravelguide.com for travel planning. “Corsica is an island endowed in staggering beauty. There are pristine beaches, an underwater world, and lovely wild tracks to walk. Over a third of Corsica is a regional nature reserve, making it a green, lush Meditteranean Island. There is a good choice of beaches to suit every taste in Corsica. In the Corsican mountains, rock pools and waterfalls await you for refreshing dips”. (besthoneymoontravel.com) |
By Melissa Alvarado Sierra
Oh, Couture…
July 2, 2008
Directly from Paris we have the Fall 2008 Couture shows. I always look forward to this because of the dramatic and intricate pieces. It all started yesterday with Anne Valerie Hash, Christian Dior and Armani Prive. Today Chanel took the runway along with Christian Lacroix and Givenchy, and tomorrow we’ll see Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab and Valentino. I’ll be commenting on each couture show once they’re all finalized. Here are some pictures of my favorite pieces for you to enjoy.
From top: Christian Dior, Armani Prive, Chanel and Anne Valerie Hash.
Source: Style.com
Tiesto’s New Search
July 2, 2008
The new In Search of Sunrise Vol. 7: Asia is one of Tiesto’s best albums to date.
Always on tour, Tiesto has taken his sets from the club to the arena, giving audiences not only tremendous mixes but unbelievable presentations or “experiences” as many people call them. He’s a Grammy nominated DJ with remixed tracks for music champions like Madonna and Justin Timberlake under his belt.
The In Search of Sunrise series is one Tiesto’s staples and an awaited tradition in the trance music scene. Vol. 7: Asia continues that tradition. My favorite of the two disc album is Tiesto’s remix of the Cary Brother’s single “Ride” that offers lifting, exotic escapes perfect for summer partying. This is a great return to essence for Tiesto and an awesome mix for anyone who enjoys exhilarating trance beats. Check out the video for Ride below. To get the new series visit tiesto.com or the iTunes store.
Cary Brothers – Ride (Tiësto Remix)
Director : Tyler Shields
Actors : Brittany Snow & Shiloh Fernandez
London Festival of Architecture 2008
July 2, 2008
I love festivals, they’re fun and the food is always great. Now, how do you make an architecture festival? Well, with over 600 architectural installations (including architect designed pavilions) and events that are part of London’s celebration of its past, present and future in architecture. That’s how, and that’s the London Festival of Architecture. And it’s all over the city! The event is spread across five key ‘hubs’ – Bloomsbury, Kensington and Chelsea, the City of London, the South Bank and Canary Wharf. The theme is “Fresh”, inviting visitors to “take a fresh look at London, to indulge in fresh thinking, to enjoy the fresh talent on show and the fresh air of the walks and rides.”
The London Festival of Architecture is a month-long programme (June 20-July 20) of imaginative events, plus great architecture for serious enthusiasts. The busy festival aims to provide thought-provoking new perspectives on what architecture is all about. I was in London last March for a small design event and loved the architecture and the spirit the city has. I can’t imagine how it must be like after adding all the festival’s energy to this already buzzing city.
Sources:
wallpaper.com
lfa2008.org
