CHLOE’
STUART WEITZMAN
MEMINE
TB BUTI
AURELIE BIDERMANN
SUPER
Set in a dark port of the Bercy in Paris, the Rick Owens Spring Summer 2011 show went from light and technical, to strong and dominant like a blast of smoke.
Minimal coats, often collarless were short sleeved and free of unnecessary bulk. With a single button at the waist and the front edges cut-away towards the back, the shape appeared new, against Owens consistent use of a raised shoulder. They opened the show, and they left the most lasting impression.
The usual plume of sheer twisted jerseys, saggy shorts and streamlined jackets also came storming down the runway, all grounded by heavy boots. The leathers were hard and glossy, which contrasted against the other jackets made from sheer-colourless technical fabrics; both often featuring asymmetry in closures and cut.
As the music intensified, so did the theatrical smoke-plumes and the pace of the models. It was a strong collection that whilst adhering to the Rick Owens signatures also expanded the labels vocabulary, particularly in terms of tailoring.
By Scott Stephenson
M-OJO RISIN’
KD2024
ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
DIOR HOMME
CLAUDE MAUS
RICK OWENS
When we spotted this cutie outside Dior we fell in love with this amazing goth in the summertime style vibe…or maybe it was just the fabulous fur edged effect! The chunky Rick Owens sneakers with the low rise shorts , a very fashion forward take on a hot trend thats come about with the warm weather. We were also pleased to note the document holder (see our trend note: Arm Candy ) that we have been spotting all over the place.
Catching a glimpse of a diffused male silhouette as it wound through the sheer circular structure in the centre of the Dior Homme show was the perfect way of suggesting the overall lightness to follow.
Once the models emerged from the illuminated airy tomb the clothing became much more clear. Loose layers made from dark colours were a practical, yet still chic solution for the warmer seasons. Tailoring was the main story behind the rendering and design with trench coats, jackets and cut-away sheaths worn as vests flailing in the wind of a full-stride.
It was a simple approach to lightness that climaxed with a series of long jackets that blended the asymmetry of structure on one side with the looseness of completely untamed drapery on the other.
By Scott Stephenson
Paris may have the history of fashion, but if anywhere is the future of fashion it is Tokyo. With a consumer culture like no other, Tokyo is light-years ahead of most other major cities in terms of its shopping habits, style icons and social scene.
It is no wonder then that Joe of Tokyo Dandy wanted to “bridge the gap between the runway and the street”. Opening up a visual portal into the Tokyo fashion scene, since its launch in May 2008, Tokyo Dandy has become one of the most closely tracked blogs in cyber-space.
Run by Joe and his partner, the blog documents everything from the most exclusive store launches and collaborations to independent, underground parties. With the focus always being on fashion. It was about making the life they know so well “instantaneous and accessible” to others.
For the Firenze 4 Ever event Joe made menswear the masterpiece in our Styling Lab. Mixing new pieces from Gareth Pugh and Rad Hourani with classic tailoring, couple that with unexpected accessories like the Giacomorelli studded calf loafers, and it was clear that Joe knows a thing or two about style.
We at Luisa Via Roma can’t wait to see you again soon Joe!
What do you think of when you hear ‘Luisa Via Roma’?
Really good, just REALLY good!
Really good, just REALLY good!
Accessories for men are big news on the street in Paris. Lets face it, the practicality of piling everything one needs in a day into a bag is not merely for the ladies. Gents from London to Paris and almost everywhere in-between are deciding against trying to fit everything into pockets and opting for stylish and masculine accessories. Document holders are the go-to solution for the most forward thinking modern man. Yet top-handles and totes are still just as good. Hold on tight!
By Scott Stephenson
Helene Le Blanc backs up her blog with a wealth of knowledge. By including intelligent insights that stem from an influential list of career experiences, Helene’s blog The Luxe Chronicles is a refreshing contrast against some of the more cosmetic approaches to blogging.
Having a background in law, writing and luxury consulting, it is no wonder The Luxe Chronicles attracts a well-read reader, who constantly “challenge me as much as I challenge them” in her work for the blog, which began in October 2007 purely as an “experiment”.
I sat down with Helene during the second day of the Firenze 4 Ever in Florence, eager to throw her some questions about the future of social networking and blogging in the fashion industry and here is what she had to say:
“What it is today is not going to look like anything that we are going to see tomorrow or the day after. When you are putting something out there it gets appropriated, it gets interpreted, and it gets transformed and I think that’s what is absolutely exciting about it.”
It is without a doubt Helene represents one of the strongest voices within the online fashion community. Holding authority through knowledge, a beautiful aesthetic through her visuals and a charming wit from her personality.
What do you think of when you hear ‘Luisa Via Roma’?
What is so particular about Luisa Via Roma is that it began as a brick and mortar traditional multi-brand store. Yet it has been completely transformed, they have really managed to incorporate ecommerce in a way that is consistent with their brand. So they are very much the same company, they have just taken it to cyber-space and expanded their clientele.
What is so particular about Luisa Via Roma is that it began as a brick and mortar traditional multi-brand store. Yet it has been completely transformed, they have really managed to incorporate ecommerce in a way that is consistent with their brand. So they are very much the same company, they have just taken it to cyber-space and expanded their clientele.
By Scott Stephenson
As the models streamed down a huge pristine roll of white paper, it was easy to see the purity behind the Kris Van Assche Spring Summer 2011 show. Made up of light layers, the cuts were loose but still effortlessly tailored. With rolled up trousers, and wrapped detailing the collection centred around a colour palette of black, white and grey.
Wide boxy tees were layered over shirts, trousers were worn with wrapped waistbands or separate matching aprons, and jackets appeared light and unstructured.
The models had blackened hands, like that of a worker or an artist, suggesting practicality. This seemed to be the overall message, clothes for a man who has objectives, a schedule and a purpose.
By Scott Stephenson
With the heat on in Paris, we are noticing the most stylish boys in town are getting brazen and baring some leg! Cropping up in luxe fabrics, prints, and with tailored details, shorts for men are a big trend. It looks set to continue for the coming seasons with designers also making the most of the look in their Spring Summer 2011 shows in Milan and Paris.
By Scott Stephenson
Wow we have been so busy running around Milan at fashion week that we almost forgot to mention that our gorgeous Accessories buyer was recently featured for her great style on the site fashion confidential.
The photos are just gorgeous and we love her Givenchy and Erdem dresses as well as those fab Nicholas Kirkwoods. If you want to go and get some style advice from the stylish lady – when she is not running around checking out the latest must have bags and getting the perfect finishing touches to match our collections – she’s in our beautiful downtown store in Via Roma.
