Louis Vuitton - The Icon & The Iconoclasts

As the house of Louis Vuitton turns 160 years old this year, the brand chose to celebrate it in a very special way. The Icon and The Iconoclasts is a project initiated by Delphine Arnault and Nicholas Ghesqière where six very renowned artists have been commissioned to create a bag/luggage with their own reinterpretation of the iconic monogram.  For many years now, Louis Vuitton has collaborated with various creative geniuses such a Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusuma and more to create one of a kind designs that have resulted in some of the most coveted handbags of their time.

I remember when the Stephen Sprouse collection came out, I was madly in love with each and every one of the handbags. The graffiti logo bags was all I could think about. Unfortunately I was “too young” according to my parents to own a designer bag so I had to make do with just staring at them every time I crossed the boutique. It is so interesting to see how each and every artist interprets the monogram in their own special way and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this time. Another series of bags and luggage that is bound to sell out in days I’ll bet!

Louis Vuitton only picks artists that are the best in their respective fields so it comes as no surprise that they chose Karl Lagerfeld (creative director of Chanel), Christian Louboutin (shoe designer), Cindy Sherman (photographer & film director), Frank Gehry (architect) , Marc Newson (industrial designer) and Rei Kawakubo (founder of Comme des Garçons) to design the bags. The coolest part is that the artists have such diverse backgrounds so we know that the end result is going to be something truly unique.

Although the brand hasn’t released too many details about who is creating what, according to The Telegraph, Arnault was quoted saying “Lagerfeld’s designs include a "punching bag" complete with a secret compartment; “the name alone is amazing”; and that Gehry’s design was “like a small sculpture”, with a mirror, hand-drawn LV initials and angular hardware. “None of the lines are straight. They went through a lot of research to produce it to Louis Vuitton’s high quality standards.”

Aren’t you already excited? The very exclusive and limited edition Iconoclast collection will be available in selected LOUIS VUITTON stores worldwide from mid-October 2014.

 

Also, the project has its own dedicated page on the Louis Vuitton website, icon.louisvuitton.com and of course its very own hashtag, #CelebratingMonogram.

Image Courtesy: Louis Vuitton

The Flat Shoe Movement

In 2009 I discovered the Gucci Brits and from then on I was loyal to the brand's flats. I ditched my heels for the days (and sometimes at night too) to wear my very comfortable flat sandals. At 26, it was a pretty young age to get off heels for the daytime but for some reason I just couldn’t tolerate it. Wearing heels during the day just seemed like too much of a task, especially if you’re running errands, or if you decide to go shopping at the mall. I just cannot walk for five hours in heels. My feet end up aching and eventually I start walking funny. So that was it. Heels were to be worn pretty much at night or at the occasional day time function where there was more sitting involved. However, now things have changed. Flat shoes have made quite the comeback!

Flats were seen at quite a few of the Spring Summer 14 shows last year and created a bit of a spark. However, after the SS Haute Couture shows, there was only thing the fashion fraternity could talk about. It was the couture sneaker as seen in Dior and Chanel or flat loafer type sandals with plumes that models wore at the Schiaparelli show. Flats in haute couture? Had hell frozen over? Anyways, not too long after the couture shows were the FW 14 shows. And what seemed to be the topic of discussion then too? Flat shoes! It was official, they were deemed fashionable.

Hallelujah for me! Now I can wear mine without looking like the odd one out! Honestly, not that I give much of a hoot whether or not they had the official stamp of approval from fashion folks, I would have still continued to wear them like I used to. Life is too short to spend It walking in discomfort. But think about it, there are so many women out there who almost NEVER flats because it would be too much of a fashion faux pas to be seen in anything but heels. Yes, agreed, high heels bring in a certain sexiness and heightened sense of confidence. But it is okay to give your feet a much deserved break every now and then. This new flat shoe movement surely takes a lot of the pressure off.

So what kind of flat shoes are trending currently? First there are those pool slider/ Birkenstock types. Remember those Birkenstock sandals? Any fashion victim would rather be found dead than be seen in those? Well, funnily enough, they’re having a major moment. Celine had these crazy pool sliders a few seasons ago that were fur lined and Givenchy has those signature floral Birkenstock types that are quite the rage. Then there is Prada’s version of the ugly floater sandal. Why must Prada keep coming back to the whole ugly aesthetic thing? These floaters are just weird looking but are apparently quite the must have for the summer. Me, well I can live without those!

Celine

Givenchy

Prada

 

Moving on from the whole swimming pool inspired footwear, there’s the fashion sneaker which is like ( I roll my eyes and add a bimbo tone as I say this ) SO HOT! Apart from the Isabel Marant sneaker wedges, various designers have launched their version of sneakers (currently crushing on the Valentino Rockstud trainer). Dior will be launching theirs in India sometime in the near future. Personally, I love the sneaker (not the wedged one, the simple flat one). It’s quite versatile and can be paired with boyfriend jeans, cute summer dresses, mini-skirts and long skirts. I plan on investing in a pair in the summer sales.

Valentino

 

Finally, for the Fall, keeping in line with the menswear trend that influenced the fall shows, masculine shoes were all over the place. Victoria Beckham, Costume Nationale, Antonia Marras and many more designers had their version of formal men's shoes for women.  

Of course we have the classics you know, like the ballerina and pointed toe flats that are given a million updates season after season. Spiked, studded, bejewelled, embroidered and printed; the options are plenty. Then we have the ever so loved espadrille sandals (a personal favourite) and loafers like the Tod's Gommino series that again are evergreen and are available in a myriad of choices. The only difference is that now, flats are trending!

It’s really nice to finally be free from the chains of having to wear heels all the time. And I love the fact that I have so much more variety to choose from. Even though I couldn’t care less about the trend, sometimes it would feel weird when I would be the only person standing in flats (current season Gucci Horsebits that too)  and everyone else is in sky high heels.  I’m going to relish this trend for a long time to come and so should you!

 

Gym Behaviour - Strange or Normal

Although this isn't my usual fashion type post, for a while now, I've been wanting to talk about the strange people I see at my gym (Fitness First, Select City Walk). I am usually the type who doesn't talk to anyone at the gym. I sort of come, sweat it out like a pig, and then go home. My gym gear includes mainly Nike Dry Fit clothes paired with a pair of Nike shoes. Relatively simple. I don't wear any make up unless I'm going in the evening and I'm hitting the gym straight from wherever I've been or something and that too is pretty much kohl/eye liner.

But in the last year or two, I regularly see women, who come to the gym close to noon, and are working out will full make up. I'm talking foundation and lipstick (bright red lipstick to be more specific). Is that normal? Am I some sort of mutant from outer space (sweaty hair sticking to my face, sweat dripping down my nose)? Or are these women completely bonkers for clogging their pores during their workouts? It is something I am really trying to understand. Even if you're heading for your workout straight from work, it is never advisable to have make-up on during your workout because your skin can't breathe. It's always good to keep gentle wet wipes in your purse so you can just wipe your face off before breaking into a sweat.

Make up aside, Sometimes people workout in the strangest of shoes. I once saw a woman at the weight training area, wearing a really nice gym suit paired with Tory Burch flats! I was a bit shocked. There she was in her Tory Burch flats, leisurely lifting dumbells and chatting with her personal trainer. How extremely bizarre.

Another weird thing I've noticed. The use of cell phones whilst working out. Again, the geek that I am, I usually put my phone in the locker unless it's an iPhone and I have my running music on it. You see the point of working out is to focus on what you're doing. You cant be distracted. For one, if you're running at 10kmph you might fall down, and really I mean when you're training, how can you focus on your posture if you're yapping. I've seen women stroll on the treadmill whilst gossiping away and talk about evening plans in the midst of a lame attempt to weight train. 

Also, I often wonder how long can you actually be at the gym for. Sometimes I end up being at the gym for about an hour and a half if I have a training session post my 6k run. However, I've seen people who are chatting with some friends in the coffee area when I'm about to start my workout, all dressed up (my guess is they're done with their workout) who are still hanging around after I'm done! So lets say they worked out for about an hour, took twenty minutes to get ready, then chilling for an hour and a half if not more (they're still hanging after I've left). In total, three hours spent at the gym. I seriously have better things to do in life than to sit and socialise at the gym for that long!

So, what do you think about this? Strange or Normal?

Until the next time,
XOXO

Design Your Very Own Fendi Baguette With The MyBaguette App

I was supposed to be working yesterday. Instead I started designing Fendi Baguette bags on my ipad through Fendi's latest launch. An app called MyBaguette (available for Ipad and Android) where you can design your very own baguette bag. It's so fun and addictive so I should add a warning, please don't take your ipad to work because you'll be doing this all day long!

The app comes with a bunch of tools like paint brushes, colours and filters so it's got this whole DIY thing going on. You can even upload images from your photo library if you want it on your bag. Once you've completed your design, you can also submit it to Fendi where the most creative ones will be shared on the Fendi baguette community and various Fendi social media platforms. Furthermore, Silvia Venturini Fendi will personally select a bag of the month from the community. Whilst you're creating your funky new bag, check out the art gallery section too. Artists like Tom Sachs, Michealangelo Pistoletto, Richard Prince, Lucy and Jorge Orta amongst others were commissioned to design real baguettes for inspiration and you can see the designs in the art gallery. So fun right?

"The baguette was conceived as a clever little bag, with minimalist lines but a whole lot of imagination. Created in over 1,000 versions since its creation, including customizable canvas versions, I am delighted that the digital crowd will now also have the opportunity to make their own baguette bag which I can't wait to see!" says Silvia Fendi in the press release.

Check out the pictures below to see a whole bunch of things you can do to your bag (I'll post a picture of my bag too).



Some of the bags designed by renowned artists

A screenshot of the MyBaguette app

My cheeky version of the baguette :)

Image Courtesy: TCCG/Fendi

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How To Invest In The Right Handbag

Those of you who read this blog regularly probably know by now that I truly love my handbags. I choose very carefully in what bag to invest every now and then and it's usually quite a fabulous one. However, if you have just started investing in handbags there are few things you must consider.

For this post, Hong Kong based image consultant Malini Hemlani gives you girls a brief guide into buying the right handbag. Here goes:

Men may tease women about how many handbags they own but there is a valid reason for it: women need a handbag collection that is appropriate for various occasions and outfits. You can't take a floral straw bag to a business meeting or a formal leather handbag to the beach, can you?

Handbags make a style statement, so get it right. 

 Get it right and you can be the height of elegance, get it wrong and you will disappear in the crowd or ruin your whole look.

The bags you choose will depend on your style personality. You might prefer neat and classic bags to slouchy styles or you might look for interesting details or colours. 

Whatever look you are drawn to, your bag needs to be in balance with your overall scale: a small bag will look lost on a grand scale woman and a large bag will swamp a petite woman.

The shape of your bag needs to follow the line of your body. For example, Rectangles, Lean Columns and Inverted Triangles need structured bags to reflect the lines and angles of their bodies.

Softer, unstructured bags work best for those with a Full Hourglass or Round shape. Triangles should avoid bags that hang at hip level as they will add width to the widest area.

Colour and Fabric

Don't be afraid to choose a handbag in a colour instead of a neutral shade (black, tan, grey etc.) It is the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your look without overdoing it.

If you want to play it safe then find a colour that always looks good on you and that you don't find 'scary'. Universal colours such as purple and teal are a good choice as there are shades to suit everyone.

Alternatively, if there are colours that you like but are shy of wearing, a handbag in that colour will be more subtle than wearing it directly on your body and will add fun and interest to your wardrobe.

What your handbag is made of will depend on your budget and lifestyle and what the bag is used for. Some people love investing in quality leather bags that will last a lifetime, whereas others will buy bags in fabric and have a new one every season. Remember the golden rule of any purchase: the more you use it the cheaper the cost per usage! 

 What's hot in handbags currently?

There is so much choice including pouch, clutch, on a chain, tote, boxy, soft, colourful, plain or printed.  Two very good investments are the tote and the clutch.

The tote is the perfect daytime bag whilst the clutch you can use for evening or daytime. Put the clutch in the tote and, hey presto, you're ready for morning till night! For a designer touch, make it two-tone.

Make more than a statement

If handbags are your passion then you will choose carefully and invest in a considerable collection. Your handbags are part of your signature style so you want them to show off your personality. 

Final Tips

* Try out handbags as you do clothes,  check in the mirror to see whether the scale, shape and colour work for you.

* Make sure the handbag is suitable for its purpose. You may be wowed by a great design or colour, but if you can't get all your belongings in it, it won't be much use!

* Make it easy to find what you need (compartments)

* Look for ones with linings in a light colour to find your items easily. Make sure the light linings are easy to clean.

* When you carry your handbag it will fall near your body, so if you have a large bust, carry your handbag at arm's length by your leg or by your waist. If you are fuller around the waist and bottom area, avoid handbags dangling at that level and carry them up higher.

For more information, check out Malini Hemlani's website here 


 

Time For Some FENDI FUN In London!!

Okay so I'm guessing most Delhi ladies will be flocking to London for the summer like they do almost every year. If that is the case, then I'm also pretty sure they will all be socialising in the ice cream parlour at Harrods discussing who bought what and how for much, etc. Anyways, if you happen to be at Harrods anytime between now up until the 28th June, please don't forget to check out the Fendi Fun pop up shop there. It is the by the far the coolest pop up shop I've heard of.

Imagine a retro amusement arcade, with big neon lights, but in the shape of Fendi bags or vending machines with Fendi bag bugs, bags and scarves hanging from the mechanical claws. What fun right? That is not all, the coolest part is that the pop up shop will be launching the brand's latest handbag, the By The Way bag (bag review to come soon) seen on the Fall runway with a fuchsia pink version created exclusively for Harrods. Pick your very own By The Way bag as it rolls across the shooting gallery or from the rotating arcade machines before getting personalised by a live monogramming service available in English and Arabic. I'm going to be in London before the pop up shop ends, and I can't wait to go have some Fendi Fun!



By The Way Bag

Image Courtesy: The Communication Council / Fendi


 

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2015

2014 has been a very important year for Louis Vuitton. In March, they had a brand new creative director sending his debut collection for the house down the runway and in May the brand hosted its first ever cruise collection. I have always been a Nichols Ghesquière fan and was obsessed with his work for Balenciaga. Naturally, when he was hired at Louis Vuitton I couldn’t wait to see what he had in store.  I absolutely loved the fall collection with all the colour blocking, the A-Line silhouettes, and the super cool jackets and of course miniature versions of the iconic Louis Vuitton trunk (AKA the Petite Malle bag). By the way, I have a strong feeling that the Petite Malle bag is going to be the IT bag for the fall, so I recommend you tell a sales assistant at the boutique to keep you informed as soon as they hit the stores. I for one can’t wait to do a review on the bag!

The cruise collection held in Monaco in May (a little behind on my cruise review, I know) featured clothes that were very wearable but powerful at the same time. Aquatic references that were very apt even if slightly clichéd were seen throughout the show. Almost every look had coral branches embroidered on them out of which the wispy miniskirts towards the end were a favourite. Dresses with big zippers, reminiscent of scuba diving suits had flared hems which were super cool especially the one with flowers, branches and leaves on top and an exotic leather hem. The use of leather was also prevalent throughout the show. Apart from the drool worthy oxblood exotic skin jacket, I loved how it was used as detailing on the garments to form a V on an extremely sensual black coat dress, a T on a tweed skirt, little patches on the pocket of a suit, and even the bust of a flowing mini dress.

Another playful aquatic motif seen was the porthole. Either on a suit which had portholes from head to toe or a hole on a simple gold lamé top or a bunch of giant holes punched in on a blue top paired with yellow high-waisted pants. What I also loved was how Ghesquière pushed the boundaries with colours. Case in point was the opening look where pink was paired with pink! Something most of us would almost never dare to do and he pulls it off with such ease. Finally let’s not forget the sporty aesthetic also showcased paying homage to the Formula one races that were to take place around the same time. How cool was the jersey dress printed with the Grand Prix flag?

Clothes aside, the designer has also left us lusting over some extremely covetable accessories. The spiked belts, the floral printed gladiator boots and the Petite Malle bags with clunky chains this time and those bucket bags are going to be on every magazine’s must have list.

Please enjoy some photos of the show below or click here to see the entire collection.

 

 

 

 

Image Courtesy: Louis Vuitton