Tim Walker: Storyteller

For my first post of the new year, I have decided to feature the genius talent that is Tim Walker. 2012 saw numerous great exhibits across London's cultural sphere, and yet I only managed to see one. It's shameful, I know, but living far away from the center and suffering from a heavy bout of final year stress did not allow time for much recreation and leisure. Although saying that, I did actually go to Paris this time last year instead of writing my dissertation. Oops! However, I plan on changing that now that I am done with school. Plus it's the year of the Snake! It's my year, therefore I should savour everything that will come within the next twelve months.

Showing in the East Wing Gallery of Somerset House and supported by fashion house Mulberry, Storyteller features a selection of photographs Walker had created for the pages of Vogue, Elle, and W Magazine among others. And his muses? Well, they range from supermodels, to fashion editors and celebrated actors. Among these familiar faces include Walker favourites Stella Tennant, Guinevere van Seenus, Kristen McMenamy to the late Anna Piaggi, Tilda Swinton, and the late Alexander McQueen. Walker is known for his vivid way of storytelling (hence, the title) through lavish compositions and creative ideas, and his vision of beauty and the divine can turn a lacklustre editorial into a work of art. Yes, I am saying that he can turn water into wine! From fairytale fancies to visceral imagery, striking portraits to dark compositions of nightmarish beauty, Walker's exhibit at Somerset House chronicles the man's rich sense of humour and the surreal. Together with hanging images are installations that include a grotesque Baby Jane-esque doll of gigantic proportions, a lavish swan-drawn carriage and ventriloquist dolls.Here are some of my personal favourites from the collection.

Stella Tennant, Vogue Italia, August 2011

The Czar's Choice: 2012's Best Vogue Covers

Starting off my Best of 2012 posts is my picks for the best Vogue covers of the year. Now, some of these may not be your picks but my taste does vary from time to time. This year for me was all about a new kind of romanticism- a variably more indulgent kind but one with more modernity and edge. Just take a look at Joan Smalls' cover for Vogue Australia and Keira Knightley's for US! Speaking of the latter, Knightley's cover is the only one from Miss Wintour's roster to make my list because quite frankly, the rest of the US Vogue covers were bland. With the exception of Knightley and the sonically divine Lana del Rey, Wintour's use of actresses for her covers- though great for pulling in the dollas, has become tired and boring. This selection celebrates the rise of the model as the coverstar once more, with Moss, Kloss and Smalls leading the pack. This one below with Daphne is probably my favourite from the bunch, with its dark, luscious gothic beauty. Enjoy!

Daphne Groenveld, Vogue Russia, April 2012 (Hedi Slimane)

Lara Stone, Vogue Brasil, October 2012 (Mario Testino)

Adriana Lima, Vogue Brasil, February 2012 (André Passos)

Chanel Vending Machines and Video Boys: Vogue's FNO '12

For Chynna's 18th birthday I decided to take her to FNO for a fun night in the town, and what eighteen year old would say no to cute male models, free cocktails and a chance to shop and rub shoulders with some of London's chicest? I wanted to get some nice beauty goods so tonight was a mix of running errands, a girl's night out and some serious stylegazing.

From a whimsical vending machines at the Chanel Beauty Pop Up to being complimented by some Made in Chelsea girl, all in all I think the birthday girl had a blast. However on my part, I had never felt more detached from this generation's pop culture. I was standing next to this guy who was actually Hugo from Chelsea (I don't watch the show but in the end he looked familiar) and I hadn't the slightest clue. Then while walking down Bond Street just outside Dolce & Gabbana, Chy spotted the dude from one of Rihanna's music videos (a.k.a Dudley O'Shaughnessy). Again, no clue- but he was cute and she was starstrucked so I asked to take a photo of them together. He was lovely and very sweet with fans so that was an extra bonus. I did scream like a little girl when I saw Alice Dellal and her fabulous icon of a mother from two feet away, strutting in sky high heels and nearly tipping on us. Another highlight was finally catching up the always chic Mademoiselle Poirot at the Liberty Scarf Room where we met the year before. It was a mini anniversary!

I went for the Provocante twinset of Allure Rouge Velvet and Le Vernis

...tokens in.. 

...et voila! the magical, albeit slightly creepy yet well-manicured hand comes out to pick it up.

She found love with Dudley..

We finished the night at the West End with Tash and Laura, with a Thai feast for a nightcap. Overall it was a good night. I didn't actually get into it as much as I did last year but it was still fun. We met some very interesting people, including the two guys who sat opposite us on the train. After some small talk over a McDonald's 'to eat or not to eat' sitch, we found out that they were directors who shoot promotional campaigns for hotels and the like. They had just come back from their latest job, shooting footage for a five star Moroccan fusion hotel in Marrakech where they also stayed, enjoying the great perks of the job. Unfortunately I didn't catch a name, but it was late and it went over my head. I think I might just dream the nights away with that beautiful male model bouncer from L.K. Bennett as tonight's leading man.

Hope you had fun last night!

Lots of love, and Happy Birthday to my baby sistah

September Covers 2012: The Good and The Meh

It's that time of the year again, and as always I like to have a rundown of the September Issue covers. This year, it seems that the industry editors have somewhat lost their creative genius. Or rather, most may have hit an artistic wal because some of these covers look rather amateur-ish and lacklustre considering it's the most important issue of the year. As you know, the September Issue heralds the return of the Fall- my favourite season and one that requires the most style and creativity of your wardrobe. However with some of these covers, some look like they need a pinch more imagination. Take a look!

THE GOOD

Gwen Stefani for Harper's Bazaar US- Shot by Terry Richardson, rock princess Gwen Stefani looks pretty in pink. It's fierce, it's fashion...I'm speechless. This cover is currently my bar for the rest. 

Victoria Beckham for Glamour- Channeling her inner Holly Golightly, Posh finally gives us a cover that isn't too somber or too predictable. My favourite Spice Girl has long been criticised for her lack of human emotion but this cover is fun and whimsical- and that tiara is nothing if not appropriate because of her success with her fashion line. 

Keira Knightley for Harper's Bazaar UK- Photographed by one of my favourites, Ellen von Unwerth, Keira is looking gothically romantic in this cover. The tone is perfectly attuned to the coming season and her upcoming role as Anna Karenina. She's so beautiful too, and truly one of the few actresses I don't mind seeing in the cover of a fashion magazine. 

Candace Swanepoel for Numéro Tokyo- This cover was photographed by Alexi Lubomirski and its nice and modern. The overall look is very cosmopolitan but with a touch of classic pretty- just how the Japanese and I like it.

Karlie Kloss for Vogue Nippon: Another wonderful Japanese cover, birthday girl Karlie poses as a futuristic fashion-bot on the cover of Vogue Nippon. Captured by Mikael Jansson, the image is simple and to the point but with an added touch of cyber polish- almost like a great 3D anime shot. 

The Girls of Downton Abbey for LOVE Magazine- I am dying for these covers! LOVE + Mert & Marcus = GENIUS. It's dark, it's romantic and it's art. That is all. 

Cindy Crawford for Tatler- It's the 90s again! The supermodel never looked better and this cover suits her. It's fun and glam and full of big hurr. It's quite autumnal as well with this great maple yellow and gold palette. Gorgeous!

Cara Delevigne for Russh- I love this cover for most of the reasons already mentioned but most of all, I adore this because Cara looks like an Olsen twin. Enough said.

MET Gala 2012: The Cream of the Crop

It was night full of bright pinks and quirky flairs at the Metropolitan Museum Gala, which currently celebrates the careers of Miuccia Prada and Else Schiaparelli, the once notorious rival of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. You didn't really expect me to pass it up in favour of a bloody essay on Plato right? Yeah, didn't think so. And why should I? I thought it would be best to save a blog posting break for something that really is a big deal, and needless to say, this is one of those times.

So how else do you expect the industry to celebrate than to roll out the red carpet and have the brightest and most talented designers, most beautiful faces and incredibly influential figures in fashion, walk atop the steps of the MET in the most beautiful couture? It's always a perfect tribute. These are the looks that really stole the spotlight.

ANNA WINTOUR: Here, The Queen is wearing an updated Prada incarnation of Schiaparelli's infamous lobster dress. It's wonderful, especially since it set the tone for the rest of the evening; chic and classic aesthetics with equal amounts of individualism and eccentricity. All hail Anna!

BEE SHAFFER: or as I like to call her, Hilary Rhoda 2.0 wore a stunning Erdem dress. Again, it is pretty straightforward and simple but the colour is bold and the print vibrant. She's so beautiful too! 

KAROLINA KURKOVA: The supermodel wore a creation by stylist (well, I guess designer also) Rachel Zoe, and though she looked eerily like an Oscar statuette, she channeled her inner Gloria Swanson and worked the Midas touch.

LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO: In Oscar de la Renta. Breathe. Total fashion moment. 

EMMA STONE: Hollywood's newest It Girl walked the steps of the MET in the arms of artistic genius Alber Elbaz, Of course she wore Lanvin! I quite like the pop of bright poppy red mixed with this 3D floral motif. It's a modern take on a Renaissance-era aesthetic, and Stone looks youthful too!

SOFIA VERGARA: Okay. I just love this woman. She looks good in anything! Wearing Marchesa, Sofia told VOGUE that she needed to trick out her dress to fit her well. What trickery?1 She's got the body of a model twenty years her junior. 

LINDA FARGO: Wearing this BEAUTIFUL Oriental Naeem Khan Kimono, I have no words. Just tears.

Adele.

First she lands her first US Vogue Cover, then she sweeps up six Grammys...all in the same week! How much happier can a girl be? A newly svelte Adele graced both the red carpet last night and the magazine cover for the March issue, with her trademark kitten winged eyes and va-va voom hair. Shot by the indelible duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Adele strikes a pose in a beautiful fashion story spread, donning beautiful couture creations. Kudos to Anna Wintour for not just shooting the singer's beautiful face! Is this going to be the new thing now, or is Adele the exception to Vogue's notorious history of a lack in featuring full-figured, real women? Nevertheless, the editorial and cover are simply too stunning for words. God bless this woman! Click and enjoy the photos :)

Bring On The Night!: Vogue's Fashion Night Out London (Part Deux)

As the evening rolled on, so did we. M and I headed off to enjoy our first FNO, and where better to start it off than at Bond Street? It was around 6pm and the festivities had just begun. Blackcurrant mojitos were served in copious amounts at Mulberry, where Alice Gold took charge of the decks. There were masks to be worn had you wished to have had a photo taken in front of a giant mushroom, while at the other side of the boutique, there were nail stations for stick on manicures and a table for fortune telling. We worked our way along the street, stopping by Coach (it was a bit early, but just after we left Bond Street, Gwyneth Paltrow and David Gandy made an appearance), Louis Vuitton where the au pairs kept their blow-up pooches on a tight leash (the waiters/models were admittedly more delicious then the lemonades they served and the Speedy bags), Dior, Vivienne Westwood (where I got asked for whom I was shooting for. Zee blog bien sur!) and a whole slew of boutiques, enjoying not only the free refreshments but also soaking in the ambience and the fash scene. The stylistic atmosphere was so colourful and individually creative that I couldn't help but admire from a distance. I kept an eye out for fab shoes for most of the time though, and saw plenty of Jeffrey Campbell Litas, YSL Tribtoos and Christian Louboutins. Goyards seemed to have been the bag de nuit because everywhere I looked, somebody had one in whatever incarnation. For the most part I coveted and lusted over pieces I couldn't afford even if I break my bank account, but what I did get was a lot of great new tips for my fall wardrobe. Little pieces have inspired me to assess what I want to rock this fall. 

Chanel-O!: Vogue's Fashion's Night Out London (Part Une)

After finally managing to attend my first Vogue's Fashion's Night Out last night in London, I have to say...

...it was FABULOUS! Everyone was out, bloggers, fashionistas, celebs and plebs alike, altogether celebrating a night full of style, creativity, free cocktails and a whole lot of goodie bags. It was great to see and take part in an event that is totally inclusive and not intimidating. Having said that, it did took me a good half hour to let my hair down and enjoy the ambience. The air was heavy with high energy, colourful vibes and live music. At one point, I had to stand still to take a moment to breathe it all in. It was absolutely surreal being there, especially since I have only ever read about the event and seen photos online. Being present and experiencing the excitement and the temptation to break my bank account first hand was definitely so much better, and I can tell you now, it has only just begun. 

Now in terms of what we actually did, and by 'we' I mean me and my friend Mimi, let me give you an account of how the evening went down for us. We set off for Harrods to see the Chanel 'Une Promenade' exhibit to have a look at what Alex Loves described as 'Disneyland but in Chanel'. It was spectacular. Photography wasn't allowed inside the exhibit, so I'm afraid I don't have a photo right next to the gargantuan 2.55 bag, but I do have one blowing kisses at the Chanel Aslan. On the third floor, search for any person wearing  the iconic Camelia to lead you through a curtain of pearls. Beyond this cascade of shimmering beads lie the magic that is Chanel. The exhibit was divided into different sections; one room showed a video installation of how the Classic 2.55 Bag is made, while another showcased the ubiquitous Numéro 5 Parfum and its historic faces. Unkle Karl (or at least a cutout of him) stood in one section, inscrutably looking at visitors while the iconic Harrod's Stuffed Bear lounged around the next room, clad in Chanel tweed suits. What made me giddy and super fluttery though was the couture installation, where they had mannequins dressed in some of the most beautiful couture dressea I have ever laid my eyes on. Never mind the huge boxes that come with the apparel when you order them (cue Carrie Bradshaw and her Vivienne Westwood moment!). Along with my photos I am putting up some of Alex Loves as well, so you too can get an idea of what it's like and to prompt you to get off your ass and go to see for yourself. 

The September Issue: Which Ones Did You Like Best?

Vogue China; Fei Fei Sun, Du Juan, Sui He, Ming Xi, Liu Wen, and Shu Pei Qin in Gucci A/W 2011 by Inez and Vinoodh

Putting Things In Perspective: Fashion and Its Pace

It's hard to imagine a designer's life. With all the hectic schedules, press handling, numerous collections and their celebrity, it does not come as a surprise that most of them fall into a downward spiral and break down. Fashion writer Suzy Menkes notes that "the pressure from fast fashion and from the instant internet age to create new things constantly has worn down other famous names" and these include the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and most recently Christophe Decarnin, John Galliano, and the one who took the toll the most, Alexander McQueen. With an industry that is constantly going at a precarious rate, serving up casualties such as the aforementioned, somebody needs to ask the important questions. "Is it all worth it?" "What is it worth?"

Italian Vogue: Cocolicious.

Italian Vogue has done it again. This months issue features a spread exclusively of the  top black models working in the industry (including Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls, and Arlenis Sosa). The spread was shot by the fabulous Emma Summerton, labelling it 'Black Allure' and alluring it is. From those rich and warm terracotta shades to bright jewel tones and animal prints, it was African royalty from head-to-toe. Somewhere in America Tyra Banks is throwing her wig on the floor outraged that she's not in it. Hehehe, well she did make the last one didn't she? Bellissima Franca Sozzani!