MAGAZINE REVIEW: Vogue Russia December 2012

To wrap up yet another year-that-went-by-too-fast, Vogue Russia gives an old school supermodel, one of the original trinity on their cover, Linda Evangelista. You know, the model who famously said she "don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." Well regardless of how much she earned for this, the cover was shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld and features one of his fur designs for his Fall/Winter 2012 collection for Fendi. 

P: Karl Lagerfeld M: Linda Evangelista 

I've never been too big of a fan for Karl Lagerfeld when it comes to photography (or his designs at that), but I find this cover to be quite festive and appropriate for a finale. I've noticed Russian Vogue's been pretty stagnant when it comes to churning out stellar covers this year, so at least they were able to end it with at a high note. See the details and the accompany (and more stunning) supplement cover after le jump!

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: and then I decided I was a lemon for a couple of weeks.

Lookie here, a second consistent blogpost from yours truly. Much like the previous on, this is going to be an outfit detail post, being the vain-pot that I am. As usually, I went with a very 'boyish' attitude for my appearance around Orchard Road, but decided to mix in a bit of color blocking into my regular look. 

Basically if you guys were to raid my wardrobe, the obvious color you'd find is black and dark shades of blue and grey with white mixed in. The only obviously pop-out articles of clothing you're able to dig out are two things; a pair of bright turquoise Topman skinnies and this yellow sweater by Kris Van Assche (the former having only been worn once with much embarrassment and regret.) Check out details after le jump!

OUTFIT OF THE DAY: I had chosen the path of the black sheep rather than that of the unicorns and puppies.

Well, here I am once again; in front of an empty post on my former blogspot which was initially only created for a school project. Having a lot of free time at the moment, and after much thought and deliberation, I've decided to give this whole 'blogging' thing another try. As to what kind of blogger I'm going to mold myself into? It's much too early to tell but I have a somewhat vague idea of the types of things I'm going to post here. 

So basically today I went down to Orchard Road already planning on basing my first post on today's outfit. How would I describe my personal style? I would honestly have to say my style really changes depending on my mood, but whichever 'mode' I place myself into, I always try to stay in a more 'boyish' character; trust me, I love to dress fabulous and dramatic like the next cross-dresser at Play, but I'd like to keep myself in a more subtle, yet outstanding place. Hit le jump for more details!

I'M BACK!

So I've decided I'm going re-vamp my blog since I feel like I have all this energy but with no place to express myself. So finger's cross hope I go through with it : )

fashion collection: Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2008

So without much things to review on recently, I've decided to make a post on my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE FASHION COLLECTION. Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2008 is by far, the most exciting fashion collection I've laid my eyes on. When I first started off investigating on fashion when I was younger, I found this specific collection on style.com and thought it was very weird why such a prestige and classic brand would do a collection that is so jumbled and crazy. But that's the beauty of Marc Jacobs designs. As ya'll should know (if you don't, shame!) this collection was a collaboration between Mr. Jacobs and artist Richard Prince. You guys may have seen Richard Prince's series on nurses as well as his "After Dark" series. Well, those components became the main inspiration for the overall collection, as well as taking the color scheme from Spongebob Squarepants. How random is that right? So random that I love it. Well, everything, from coats, dresses, suits and bags, nothing was kept to the ordinary. Jackets were completely exposed in the back, bags are done in a spectrum of acid colors, suits were done in varying fabric choices, overall creating a very muddled collection, that worked. An organized chaos. 

The opening of the show featured 12 leading old-school supermodels, all dressed up as Richard Prince's nurses, complete with Louis Vuitton lace mask and nurse caps. From left: Stephanie Seymour, Eva Herzigova, Rianne Ten Haken, Anne Vyalitsyna, Carmen Kass, Natalia Vodianova, Angela Lindvall, Isabeli Fontana, Karolina Kurkova, Lara Stone, Nadja Auermann and Naomi Campbell. SEE THE MASSIVE COLLECTION AFTER LE JUMP!

magazine haul: November 6, 2010

Hey guys, this is going to be a short post about my haul from today. Firstly, happy Diwali! Since today was a holiday, I decided to go hang out at Orchard since I haven't gone there in the longest time, plus i needed to go to Kinokuniya for my magazines. Let me tell you, Orchard today was very packed with tourists and locals alike. The Kinokuniya wasn't any different, but alas, I had to persevere forward and got the magazines I needed. 

Overhead shot of my purchases, with Natasha Poly's French Vogue cover on top. Bought mostly december issues of the magazines, bringing in a close to a year's worth of collection. Though I'm not really feeling the cover, I'm quite disappointed that Natasha didn't get an accompanying editorial in this issue. But whatever..... SEE MY WHOLE PURCHASES AFTER LE JUMP. 

magazine collection: V Magazine & VMAN

V Magazine, launched in 1999 features a mix of fashion, art, film and music. Published 6 times yearly, it's become one of my must-buy magazine besides Vogue. Primarily what I love and think stands out about V Magazine are their editorials and their fresh unique and risque photo spreads. Their covers are also something to marvel at; featuring prominent supermodels and relevant celebrities.

However, frankly speaking, I can't say the same about VMAN. Though I do purchase every issue that comes out, I solemnly do it for the eye candy that's ever so present in the pages. I find their photoshoots repetitive, un-inspiring, but hot. Give me any publication with half-naked guys and I'll buy it in a heartbeat. 

My favorite V magazines.

V58 Spring 2009 with Natalia Vodianova and an actor (it's their glow-in-the-dark cover)

V59 Summer 2009 with Naomi Campbell

V66 Fall Preview 2010 with Natasha Poly

Also something to note about V Magazine, much like other publications on the edgier side of styling, they feature recognizable designer clothes but style them in the most unique ways. Whether they're placed inside-out, stretched or shrined, all just truly inspiring stuff. Well, see LE JUMP to see my whole collection!

magazine collection: Vogue Paris

I've been a feeling a little guilt since I've been neglecting writing a post about my magazine collection, so today would be the day I do one on my Vogue Paris collection! I've always thought of Vogue Paris as the more classic and luxurious of the Vogue editions. With their select group of current supermodels and clothes which reflect the chic-parisian style, each edition brings in a new interpretation of what beauty is. Their current editor-in-chief, Carine Roitfeld has been at the helm of the magazine since 2001, and has brought in a mix of celebrities and models into the publication. 

(Sorry for the slight blurry images)

November 2007 with Carolyn Murphy and Andre

June/July 2009 with Anja Rubik

April 2010 with Natasha Poly

February 2010 with Daria Werbowy

A lot of their shoots are either done in a studio, or taken to exotic places, with a mix of controversy thrown in. From Lara's now-notorious blackface editorial, to an all-star cast of actresses promoting breast-cancer awareness, the inspiration and concepts are never ending for them. See my whole collection after LE JUMP.

fashion show: Chanel Spring/Summer 2011

I'm actually speechless. I'm on such a fashion-high right now. Just when I thought last season's iceberg show was insane and mind-blowing, Karl manages to prove me wrong. At first when I did my Chanel review I didn't think much for the collection, just another one of Karl's practice and re-interpretation with Coco Chanel's house codes. I didn't care for the setting for I judged by the pictures alone that it looked quite generic. However, after watching the actual fashion show, I've changed my mind. This is probably the best fashion show I've seen in my life. From the setting, the soundtrack and the choreography, I was actually moved; though some of the models did look a little confused over the directions, especially during the last few looks, but I find myself liking this part of the show the most. I especially loved the part when Heidi and Sasha had to slow down and cautiously take baby steps so they won't go too fast, and you see Coco on the other side doing the same thing. (this happens in part 2)
The opening, with Stella and Freja was also amazing. The way both entered and moved at the same exact pace followed by the sounds of the orchestra and you see the overall shot of the whole Grand Palais... I'm just speechless. If you're too lazy to watch the whole thing, at least watch the first minute and a half of the show. Seriously.
See part 2 of the video AFTER LE JUMP.

magazine collection: Vogue Italia September 2010

So here's my post on the massive Vogue Italia I just got today. Basically what's special about this September issue is the 3-D factor of their photoshoot. Meisel's story with Miranda would've been an ordinary studio shoot if it weren't for the 3-D effects. 

 Basically when I found it at Kinokuniya, it was in a huge package and came with FIVE supplements. more on that AFTER LE JUMP.

magazine haul: October 7, 2010

So after school today I decided to make a round trip through town to check Kinokuniya out. I was in desperate need for the September issue of Vogue Italia, and today I had a feeling it was going to be in stock. Unbelievably I was right! With only one copy on the shelve I felt very lucky, but what I didn't realize was how big the package was going to be! (will do a separate post on it!) The whole time I was just smiling and giddy because I also got my copy of the 90th anniversary issue of Vogue Paris! I made the right choice of going today :).

So this a small pile of my purhcases. Only bought a few, since I bought a lot less than a week ago! I'm spending so much money on magazine, but what can I say, I'm addicted! Now the only magazine left on my to-buy list is the September issue of Vogue China, but at this point I'm pretty much sure it's gone. But oh well, no big deal. If I didn't get this issue of Vogue Italia I would die. CLICK LE JUMP TO SEE EVERYTHING.

fashion collection: Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011

Marc Jacob's latest collection for Louis Vuitton was a mix of Art Deco, Art Noveau, orientalism and animal prints. Basically everything I learnt from textiles class last year. Close were very reminisce of ancient Chinese uniform, through the sleeves, collar and cut. Applique were also very much reflective of the Art Deco movement, the small touches that made this collection very spectacular. Animal prints were also incorporated in the last half of the looks, with zebras and giraffes printed on every skirt, dress and tops. 

Color scheme was very vibrant and bright (like his own name-sake collection back in New York), a lot of fuchsia, turquoise and yellow in silk metallic hues. Nouveau prints were also adorned across some of the dresses with flowers and stems which brings even more of the oriental inspiration in. Overall I feel the mood of the collection is more youthful and daring as compared to last season's 50's inspired collection. Can't wait to see these next year! see more after LE JUMP.

fashion collection: Chanel Spring/Summer 2011

Initially I was going to do a review on the latest Chanel collection. However, after seeing the mammoth of a collection Karl has made, I had to re-think then decided on not doing it. There were simply too many looks and it would be too much trouble to try and sort it out one-by-one.  BUT NOW, I am finding any excuse to not do my school work at the moment, so I decided, since Chanel is one of the few BIG fashion houses today, might as well do a review on it. So here it is !

 I am however, not going to do much in-depth review, only going to point out main factors each look brings in to the collection, you guys can judge for yourselves. Basically the idea behind the collection was fairly similar with Karl’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection for Fendi; the idea of things being un-finished. As you can see from the jacket Stella (who opened) is wearing, Karl has directly cut out holes (GASP!) on them. As you will see from what I’ve gathered, a lot of the garments are undone at the hemming and edges are also fraying. The collection also featured two giant umbrellas (one being hold by Karlie above) and had a surprise model appearnce by this super duper cute 2 year old <3 How adorable is that tweed jacket on him? I’m in love. Too bad it’ll probably only going to fit him for a year or so then he’ll out-grow it. Well anyway… without any more fusses, CLICK LE JUMP TO SEE MOOOST OF THE LOOKS I'VE COMPLIED (ITS ALOT).

Candy Fall/Winter 2010: James Franco by Terry Richardson

Wow. Just... WOW. When I saw Candy's first issue with Luke Worral on the cover, I figured this was just going to be another gimmick publication. But I was wrong. For their second issue, they've managed to nab James Franco on the cover. But it's not ordinary cover, oh no. He's actually willing to turn himself in drag. AMAZING. Coming from an actor who's very versatile in his acting, I'm not that all surprised he actually took on the part. After his famous roles in Milk, Pineapple Express as well as Spiderman, his ability to transform himself into any role is obvious. 

I so-desperately want a copy of this just for the sake of having a transversal magazine. How cool right? The shoots from inside their first issue looked good and I know without a doubt this issue is very promising. Well this cover is shot by none other than Terry Richardson and though the eye make-up is slightly un-flattering on Franco, he fits the part of a drag very very very very well. Bless him. See another photo after LE JUMP. 

fashion collection: Yves Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2011

Stefano Pilati's latest collection for Yves Saint Laurent's was a more modern update to the classic pieces Saint Laurent was known for. From trenchcoats, blouses and the Le Smoking, all were interpreted to the 21st century through Pilati's vision. A mix of color, texture and ruffles were all added to the heady mix of a magnifixent, minimalist collection. The classic code that Yves Saint Laurent is known for is still very much present in the collection, just maybe more extroverted. 

I did notice that a big majority of these looks were very night-wear looks, though some are definitely looks meant for day-wear. With belted waists and some very light-weight, free-flowing fabrics, the classic Spring/Summer feel is achieved. However, I did notice a certain fabric in the collection that I feel may be a little out of place from collection; more on that AFTER LE JUMP. 

British Vogue November 2010: Lara Stone by Alasdair McLellan

Well guys, here's the November cover for British Vogue. Unxepectedly, Lara Stone got the cover while rumors had it that Rosie Huntington Whiteley was going to get it, but hey, I'll take Lara over Rosie anyday. This is actually her second British Vogue cover, her first one being in December of last year. It's great to see them style Lara in a more serene and softer fashion as compared to what Vogue Paris or Italia would do. The signature Lara elements are almost all present, her gap, her bleached brows, doe-eyed stare, except for her notorious boobs; they've decided to cover them completely which I think is a good and appropriate idea that made this cover worked.  

Lara has just recently became more mainstream. With her W cover for August of last year, I already had a sense that she's slowly gaining momentum. Then afterwards, scoring the December issue of British Vogue (her Vogue cover counts totaled up to around 6 last year!) I knew her public image was going to explode into the public eyes. I'm just so happy for her now. Having known her history in the fashion world (started working at the age of 16, now 27) she's come a long way. From her stints at rehab to the controversy with her weight, she's had to deal with so much. But now that's she's settled down with a new husband just earlier this year, things seems to have calmed down a bit for Lara.

Lara Stone-aside, to be honest I actually have no idea what she's wearing on the cover... but the pose, red font and placement of words reminded me so much of Jessica Stam's August 2007 cover. SEE THAT COVER AFTER LE JUMP. 

blesssssss her < 3

Bet you've never seen the devil act this way.

Anna Wintour caught in a very awkward pose during the Nina Ricci show. Wonder what caused her to do this?

source: dailyfrontrow

fashion collection: Givenchy Spring/Summer 2011

Riccardo Tisci's vision for Givenchy is slowly turning away from his usual gothic, Catholic influences and are absorbing different forms of inspirations. Last season we saw Tisci experimenting with prints (Christmas ones to be exact), this season he does the same, but with leopard. And how about last season's heavily structured coats? replaced by sheer fabrics draped over the body. I personaly adore the layering and colors done in the collection. The leopard print is also very define. I find his interpretation of the classical pattern fresh, focusing more on the dark lines, instead of say what Cavalli or Gabbana would do with it. 

The color palette for the collection is very basic. Black, white and a hint of cream, but with lots and lots of leopard print. Whether it's cleverly embossed on leather or printed faintly on the organza, it's everywhere. Model choice wise, Tisci choose to go with a few new faces. Natasha Poly made her first (as far as I know) appearance on the runway in Paris. Tisci's transgender assistant, Lea. T also joined the line up to my surprise, and it's great that Tisci's involving every type of woman from race, age and even gender into his shows. Kudos. SEE MORE AFTER LE JUMP. 

fashion collection: Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2011

Viktor & Rolf has once again presented another collection that I could only imagine. In fact, I wouldn't even dream of concocting such an exciting and visionary collection. The main inspiration for the collection came from "to riff on a man's shirt", though it's interesting to see such an easy and basic idea interpreted in a much more extravagant scale.  Outfits included dresses with four sets of collars and cuffs, shirtdresses that were fitted onto one side, while the other dangles softly like a very loose dress. These idea came together to form a collection that is truly only possibly done by Viktor & Rolf.

The color palette for the collection included blues, reds and basic black & white. The blue and red fabrics used were done in strips of ribbons in an array of respective shades. The two classing colors almost brought in an elements reference to me, the idea of fire VS water. Bu that's only seen if garments are placed side by side. The white and black dresses were very formally done, appropriate for any special events but only if you wish to dress more daring and stand out. It's no doubt the Viktor & Rolf wearer has a lot of confidence and isn't afraid to get a few stares from on-lookers. SEE THE WHOLE COLLECTION AFTER LE JUMP.

magazine haul: October 3, 2010

Ok, well here's the thing. I know I've stated that the sole purpose of starting this blog (aside as a school project), was to discuss the communication and editorial side of fashion. I know with my last few posts I haven't really done that, instead focusing on recent Spring/Summer 2011 collections. But I do realize that reviewing recent collections is actually a lot of fun! Plus it keeps me in the know of what's going on design wise. But today, a friend and finally got out of our place and went to Orchard for a well needed spree over at Kinokuniya! Then afterwards went to my local magazine stand to look for the September issue of Vogue Italia (way overdue) but sadly it's still not out in this part of the world yet.....

So here is the pile of my purchases today. Bought a few miscellaneous magazines primarily for their covers but most are for my collection. I actually think I O.D-ed and bought a little too much, but I figured I will buy it eventually so why not buy it then? Well I'm still on the look-out for the September issue of Vogue Italia, and for the new I-D magazine. It was already out at Kinokuniya, but my local magazine stand sells it for relatively cheaper, but sadly they didn't have it stocked yet. So I'm still deciding whether to wait or not.... I'm set on buying the Lindsey Wixson cover cause it looks fresh and I already have 32043209 magazine covers with Kristen McMenamy (Ok around 3, but that's still a lot). SEE DETAILS AFTER LE JUMP!