The September Issue

Vogue's September issue is by far the most anticipated monthly fashion publication to be produced throughout the year. After a summer of waiting, this year’s September issue has finally been released; the cover graced by the one and only Kate Moss. The cover, as well as the photos of her within, are taken by Mario Testino, while the interview is written by editor-at-large Hamish Bowles. From what I've heard, the interview includes a complete description of the model's recent and much publicized wedding to rocker Jamie Hince this past spring. Mr. Bowles talks to Kate about the ceremony, her guests, and of course The Dress- an haute couture John Galliano gown that the designer created himself. 

I haven’t yet had the chance to pick up a copy of this year’s September issue for myself, as I live in Hong Kong and release dates for publications here are slight later than they are in the US. However I can’t wait to buy a copy of this 758-page volume later this week! 

This plum Alexander McQueen gown Kate is wearing is absolutely whimsical, and the way her hair is swept over her shoulder seems to make the look perfect. Her makeup is subtle, which to me, adds to the look- a more made-up face would take away from the elegant gown. This cover reminds me of the film The Princess Bride-romanticism and royalty coinciding perfectly.   

Ironically, the first fashion magazine I ever picked up was the 2007 Vogue September issue, which I gawked at while waiting for my mother in the checkout line of a local Stop&Shop when I was thirteen. I can still remember staring into Sienna Miller’s porcelain blue eyes, her hair pulled back into a tight bun, and her lips a most favorable rouge. That day I held the 840 page fashion bible in my hands while I wore a bulky brown sweater and Birkenstock shoes. When I got home I devoured the issue, and forty-eight Vogue issues later, today, I am a fashion junkie and style enthusiast. I have countless massive binders on my shelves of clippings that I’ve collected for the past four years,  and after securing an internship in the industry last summer, I now know I want a career in fashion.

All because of the Vogue September issue. I hope you enjoy this month's edition as much as I will!

   

The Oscars 2011: Pt. 1

While all the red carpet pictures have not yet been posted on various sites, so far this year one Oscar dress has shined above all: Cate Blanchett's lilac Givenchy number. This dress certainly did not make the biggest statement but it was by far the most unique, and I always love individuality on a red carpet filled with princess ball gowns and sequins. Anne Hathaway's Valentino gown was spectacular, but I couldn't help being slightly disappointed by her choice after her stunning Golden Globes dress. However her date for the night was unrivaled by all, for Mr. Valentino himself escorted Anne down the red carpet. 

Michelle Williams looked beautiful in a long white Chanel Haute Couture gown and so did Mila Kunis, who wore Elie Saab Haute Couture in lilac (note my prediction was correct!). 

Which has been your favorite look so far? 

More to come soon! 

Haute Allure

DIOR: All In The Details
At Dior Haute Couture last week, the scene of the show was opulent, lavish and undeniably exciting. Galliano's 40's-inspired designs were beautifully constructed with detail that would make any feather, tulle and flower-loving girl swoon. John Galliano's ability to make even the most complex detailing look trivial is probably one of his most desirable talents as a designer. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the show to me was the large variety of moods and styles portrayed throughout. While the very first looks were fierce- dark red, black, sharp lines- by the end of the show, the looks became sweet, elegant, and almost fairytale-like. The color palette became lighter and the detailing became softer. This drastic change in theme caught me slightly off guard, however Galliano made it work beautifully. In regards to modern day Dior, always expect the least expected!

ELIE SAAB: Romance & Grace
Simplicity was definitely not the emphasis at the Elie Saab Haute Couture collection last week- in fact like the Dior haute couture show, Elie Saab was all in the details. From the intricate draping and sequins to the lush organza flowers, the features of this collection were elegant and awe-inspiring. While the majority of the color palette was soft and sweet, an array of bold red and black gowns were amid this dreamy collection. As it is awards season after all, I can almost be sure that one of these dresses will end up on the Oscar red carpet- Can't you see Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, or Mia Wasikowska in one of these sublime dresses?

Masked Magic

There is nothing I love more than feathers, lace, leather and tulle. Combine all of these, add some Pucci, Gucci and Givenchy, include the world's top models, editors, photographers, celebrities and socialites equipped with seductive masks; don't forget the four foot high tower of macaroons and tiers of red berries... Add up all of these factors and you get possibly the world's most glamourous, stylish and imaginative event of the year.

Yes, I'm talking "Le Bal Masqué": The Paris Vogue 90th anniversary masked ball which occurred a few weeks ago in mid-October. After flipping through 100 plus photos on the Vogue website, it was obviously a night of unadulterated magic. The best dressed of the night seemed to be the fabulous ADR in her custom-made Emilio Pucci white gown and that unforgettable grey feathered head-piece; Natalia Vadianova in that sheer black-lace mask and her black-tinted translucent Givenchy gown. 

 

If the gowns, dresses, shoes, and masks weren't enough to make you swoon, look at the choice of desserts! How beautiful is the design and layout of the cakes, pastries, macaroons and berries! Gorgeous and chic ways to display food at events somehow always inspires me.

When I read about parties like Vogue's fantastic masked ball, I can't help but think how cool it would be to plan events for a living. 

This was absolutely a night to remember: a night of masked faces, high fashion, and simply delicious deserts. I almost feel like I was there!

What do you think of Le Bal Masqué? Chicest night of the year? I think so...

NOTE: photo sources include the following: Paris Vogue website, http://heroesofcouture.tumblr.com/post/1225461230/sasha-pivovarova-and-maryna-linchuk-at-vogue-paris; http://prettypay.wordpress.com/category/fun/; http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/fashion-events/2010/10/90-vogue-paris-anniversary; 

A Spirit Resurrected

It seems the whole world sat in the front row with baited breath. I'm sure you could almost hear the ticking of a Cartier watch, the tapping of a red Louboutin heel, or the crinkle of an editor's notebook. A thousand questions surged through my mind when, less than 24 hours after the show in Paris, I loaded the Alexander McQueen page on Style.com here in Hong Kong. 

Where was the label going? Would the new-comer Sarah Burton live up to the McQueen expectations? Would the editors-at-large like the collection? Would Burton fail to impress the carnivorous fashion kingdom? 

Well, no. She wouldn't. In fact, you could say Burton-who really is not a new-comer at all- designed the best collection of Paris Fashion week. Miraculously, she created a collection that not only paid homage to the late Lee McQueen, but that also surrendered to a slightly softer, more feminine demeanor.  

Sarah Burton, who worked closely with McQueen throughout his designing career, clearly showed she was capable of taking over the label with her spring/summer collection. Similar to McQueen collections in the past, this collection clearly had an animalistic and nature-like vibe. However Burton softened the pieces with angelic feathers, warm sepia-toned ruffles, and an overall light palette.  

Perhaps what shocked me most was the minute details of the collection- from the ripped-open shoulder padding, to the stunning butterflies creeping up the neck of a model. 

This McQueen collection is certainly one to remember, and I think if Alexander McQueen himself was alive to today, he would have been proud of Sarah Burton's skillful work.

The Lanvin Affair

Since the dawn of Paris fashion week, I have only fallen head over heels for a few collections-one of which is Lanvin, of course. Alber Elbaz has done it yet again. Which really should be no surprise... From the bright pinks and neons to the chic skin-tight neutrals, the spring/summer 2011 Lanvin collection is certainly one to lust over.

On the Bright Side
Looks from the s/s 2011 Lanvin Collection 

Neutral Africana
(How gorgeous are those tunics?)
Looks from the s/s 2011 Lanvin Collection 

The Moments....
Looks from the s/s Lanvin Collection

If any of you saw a video of the Lanvin show, you'll have experienced two magical moments, which for me were the show's opening- watching model Frida Gustavsson strut down the runway in that beautiful flowing pastel-like skirt- and of course, my absolute favorite moment: when Karlie Kloss slinked down the runway in that stunning bright, redish-pink one-shoulder gown. Karlie and that gown were a perfect match-I think my heart might have skipped a beat.

Elbaz is a genius in both tailoring and finding the most flattering lines for the body of a woman, and I loved that (while he used many bright colors) he also used neutral colors- navy, black, camel and deep greens. Yet another aspect of the collection that I loved was that he paired flats with many looks; his pieces were ultimately wearable, effortless to pull off, and simplistic in nature.

Alber Elbaz always knows how to make a woman feel beautiful in her own skin.

What did you think of his spring/summer collection?

The Gardener

 

Although Carolina Herrera's spring/summer 2011 collection debuted a few weeks ago during New York Fashion week, I can't help but remember the botanical print gowns, and well as the tall sun hats and full length skirts that graced the Herrera runway this season. This collection is a perfect tribute to spring: Can't you just imagine a Herrera-clad woman in her blossoming springtime garden? 

The illusion the collection created this season was simply elegant and in my opinion remains one the most beautiful this season. The tailored pieces were classic, and who could possibly dislike the famous Carolina Herrera white blouses?