Le Labo: Iris 39

Yesterday I spent the afternoon treating myself around London- in hindsight, perhaps a little too much, but you only turn 24 once!. I celebrated my on Tuesday and since I usually hog the whole week, Wednesday became the designated shopping day. My sister also happened to be in town for a conference so she took me and my brother out for steak at Hawksmoor, which was AMAZING. Food baby from Regent Street all the way back home! How I wish afterwards that I did my cardio-shopping post-dinner!

I got a few other bits and bobs too though, resulting in what became a very indulgent day (this included a quick stop at Laduree in Covent Garden too!), but after a tough deliberation, I came to the conclusion that I wanted a new fragrance. It's been years since I actually bought one for myself, and buying perfume is one of those really intimate and personal experiences and so I decided to take my time (the better part of the afternoon actually!) to really stop and smell the roses, so to speak. I wanted something subtle, yet sensuous and earthy for the fall/winter season and so I went to my favourite London spot of all- Liberty's! The store houses one of the most comprehensive, lavish and elegant fragrance selection in the city, with some well-known and some more obscure and niche. Directionally, I went with the latter. I wanted something unusual and unexpected- definitely nothing too commercial either so ultimately, i went for Iris 39 from the renowned parfumers, Le Labo.

NYFW A/W'13: Oscar de la Renta

Easily the most talked about show over at New York Fashion Week, the Oscar de la Renta collection proved to be one of, if not the major event on the roster. This was because of two reasons; one- it was a celebration of de la Renta's 50 years in the industry and two- it marked the long-awaited return of prolific designer John Galliano. It has been two years since the ex-Dior genius was ostracised and shamed for his misconduct, but it has also been two years that fashion lacked one of it's greatest artists. Now, seemingly given an olive branch, the house of de la Renta has offered Galliano a temporary residency for two years, and this collection leads the way for his return. Now, was it a success? 

With a house packed with the cream of New York, Fashion and Blogging society, one can only assume that the world was either waiting on a momentous event or a failure to return to form. Long time Galliano supporters have urged for him to come back, and many of his contemporaries showed up to satiate their curiosity over this interesting pas de deux- Valentino Garavani and Diane von Furstenberg were on the front row. It was undeniable that Galliano's aesthetic had meshed well enough to make the de la Renta collection his own. Or rather, influenced by him. Signature pieces such as draped bar jackets which were similar to what he gave Dior were present, his penchant over the cloche, and his flair for the dramatics with fluid floor-skimming dresses and bold colour choices, evoking the highlights of his career. Expensive suits and that fifth-avenue class vibe that de la Renta is known for comes off as a strong canvas from which Galliano picks up and runs away with- creating pieces that scream Paris, but not too haute or introverted that New York or the atelier is alienated, or disrespected.  Needless to say, it was a combination that seem to work well and was met with resounding success. The only question now is, will he be asked to stay?

The only disappointment that came with the show was Galliano's absence at the finale. Blogger BryanBoy did however report that the designer himself was in fact backstage. Be that is may, it was probably the best choice for him. His talents have been greatly missed, and despite the controversy that will now tail him for the rest of his life, one cannot deny that fashion needs John. Personally,  I think congratulations are definitely in order. 

[images: Showstudio]

NYFW Faves: Helmut Lang S/S12

It was a dramatic comeback for Helmut Lang after a five year hiatus from the catwalk. Manned by the Colovos husband-and-wife duo of Michael and Nicole, the collection was shown at Pier 57, on a multi-lane runway. The clothes were graphic and stark in a swatch of black, white and yellow, accentuated by the architectural platforms designed by Alejandro Ingelmo. 

NYFW Faves: Prabal Gurung S/S12

He is fast becoming a household name as one of the freshest and visually invigorating designers in the scene. As of late, we've seen his creations on actress Sarah Jessica Parker, who seems to have developed a love affair with Prabal Gurung's aesthetics and beautiful work, and it is not surprising. His designs are a breath of fresh air in a field full of predictable fashion. This season he displays a collection that is the epitome of sugar and spice.