Saturday 24 January 2015

Meet the Older Ladies Taking the Fashion World By Storm


As much as I admire the fashion industry and the young women who graft their way to the top of the modelling world, something saddens me about the shelf-life of women in the limelight. By the age of 50 they seem almost sidelined, as the media conveyor belt churns in a younger, fresher face for a worldwide campaign. 

What a welcoming relief I felt at the emergence of experience-laden, quirk-filled fashionistas, who are now taking the style world by storm, 65-year old Twiggy, who just bagged a contract for L'Oreal, at the forefront. 

Let's meet the campaign Queens who prove they've still got it: 



Joan Didion

Author, writer and essayist Joan Didion became the face of a Celiné campaign. The 80 year-old wore a simple black top with a statement necklace and sunglasses. A documentary is also planned on the life and works of Didion, told in her own words. 



Iris Apfel

Embodying all I imagine in a fashionista, Iris Apfel was picked to design and model her own range for MAC cosmetics in 2011 (at the age of 90). She definitely defies that patronising sentence "Too old for that". 



Catherine Deneuve

For Marc Jacobs' final campaign as creative director at Louis Vuitton, he decided to pick French actress Catherine Deneuve (71) to star alongside a number of women including model Gisele Bündchen- she seemed to outshine them all. 




Dolce & Gabbana's Three Ladies

Always keen to stick to their Italian roots, Dolce & Gabbana's latest campaign depicts elements of a Sicilian family- these three women with rich, embellished tiaras and bejewelled clutches are my favourite (This is my desktop background!)







                        Jacky O'Shaughnessy

American Apparel has attempted to provoke in a recent campaign which featured 62 year-old Jacky O'Shaughnessy, the face of their underwear line. In a lace bandeau bar and knickers, O'Shaughnessy was featured next to the quote "Sexy has no expiration date. Jacky in Floral Lace Lingerie."




Twiggy 

The world's most successful haircare company couldn't wait to sign up Twiggy, who has been a model since 1965. Thrilled to have become their ambassador, the company said of her: "What is there not to love about Twiggy - she has always inspired women to look and feel their best." 



L'Oreal Paris has also seen a boost in sales since having actress Helen Mirren (69) as the face of their brand, as they hope to base their ethos around ageing, as oppose to pushing the prevention of it. 


Source: The Telegraph. 

Saturday 17 January 2015

Galactic Glamour: Valentino's Space-Inspired Pre-Fall 15 Collection

As pre-fall collections go, Valentino has stunned, reaching new heights to create true galactic glamour. Under the genius of designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, the collection felt crisp, but the varied prints maintained their chaotic charm.  



Shapely cosmic capes made way for constellation print midi skirts and intergalactic mini's are teamed with knee-high boots in a 70's style return to retro- very much in-keeping with the trend soon to grace the catwalk this coming season.


Oozing couture, Valentino's twinkling gowns boast elliptical galaxies on layers of thick tulle. Maxis flaunt macrocosms and with the label being known for their heavy embroidery and embellishments, this theme seemed to suit them perfectly. 



Adopting the earth's atmospheric hues of midnight blue and late night noire, the collection displayed the perfect mix of wearable style with couture touches. We salute you, Valentino.



Tuesday 13 January 2015

Spring Wishlist



It might still be winter but I just want to jump into spring fashion after looking at what is on offer. From crazy paisley dresses, sassy slogan tees and exotic fruit print fancies, I can't wait to embrace the sunshine and the new season clothes that come with it. 

Spring is a transitional season for clothes, as the furs get packed away and the lighter trenches, cropped jackets and the dust coats are awakened from their wintry slumber. My spring wishlist incorporates streaks of winter trends- cleated heels and ripped mom jeans- and fuses it with new season shades- Grafea's crisp ivory backpack and Moschino's rose gold wristwatch step into spring, while River Island's lime ribbed top that says "I'M HERE". 



Top: River Island // Jeans: Topshop // Boots: La Moda // Grafea backpack: ASOS // 
Moschino watch : ASOS 

Saturday 10 January 2015

Book Review: The Taxidermist's Daughter by Kate Mosse

When it comes to great novels, I crave that one I won't be able to put down, the one I can't wait to finish but will be sad to see the end, the one I will be willing to lose sleep over. Searching for the weird, wonderful and ultimately acclaimed, I stumbled across Kate Mosse's The Taxidermist's Daughter.





A deep-rooted thriller shrouded in mystery, the story sets itself in the gothic period of 1912, in rural Sussex to be exact. Beginning the tale in a ghostly graveyard, we meet heroine Connie Gifford, who spends her daily life looking out for her alcoholic father and failed Taxidermist. 

Tiny details add pace to the steady plot as it uncovers murder, madness and mutilation, all watered down with a tinge of romance. A real winter read, I truly recommend Mosse's dark tale for anyone who loves a spine-tingler. 


I give it: ....


Do you have any books to recommend or share? 

Sunday 4 January 2015

Irresistible Iridescence


From sweet wrapper clutches, to petrol-hued pumps, to intergalactic pencil skirts, the iridescent trend is shimmying its way into our wardrobes. Whether you want to add a touch of sparkle with a metallic accessory, or go all out with 3D croc-effect prints and sequin packed pieces, there are endless styling options.






Sequin crop top, Topshop // Pencil skirt, Boohoo // Metallic court shoe, ASOS // Croc phone case, Topshop// Gold scrunchie, Topshop// Two-tone leather clutch, Topshop // Rose gold watch, Olivia Burton