Memories and Stuff Part 2...

Hehe, I'm surprised I didn't mention this earlier, like the moment when I got back from my quick trip to Paris but...

In between trying on the runways glasses (add the neon green pair to that need list [I was going to buy them there but all those art museums sucked up my money, I'm talking to you Lucien Freud exhibit at the Pompidou Center, and murder/torture in art exhibit at the Musee d'Orsay]), I managed to get my hands on the S/S 2010 lookbook! It seems to be somewhat of a collectors item seeing as they only had the one copy, and it is causing a huge buzz on the internet. Let me just get it out there... it is as good as everyone says it is.

Every page pushes the photography and clothing to a new level. Clothing patterns are distorted into new patterns, blending the line between the clothes and the background. What was once the print to the shirts is now used as a backdrop to show off the chandelier shoes (above). The styling was absolutely perfect, from the hair and lipstick right down to those supper amazing and anti-practical plastic toe nails (also above). 

The mens side of things didn't disappoint either. Muccia's vision was flawlessly transferred from runway to lookbook to art movie. Perhaps that is why I love Prada so much, because Muccia does such a great job of merging fashion and art. You see it everywhere in the brand; Fondazione Prada giving grants and exposure to emerging artists, all star architects designing the stores, and artist collaborations with the clothing, films, and lookbooks. While it is nothing new for designers to branch out into other forms of art (Helmut Lang does sculpture, Hedi Slimane and photography, Rich Owens creates furniture, and Italian mega personas Donatella Versace and Giorgio Armani dabble in hotels) none do it on such a grand and influential scale as Muccia. 

The lookbook sat on my bed stand for the past few months, but now it will reside in my box of memories. It gives me something new to look forward too when the times comes every now and then to pull out the box and rummage through its contents. So, question time! What types of things do you collect on your travels and how do you draw upon those travel memories?

... and What, is your favorite color? *spoken like the bridge keeper in Monty Python and the Holy Grail* For some reason question time made me think of that, and as a result, gave me a hearty laugh. 

Needs vs. Wants...

This gets put in the need folder.

Prada's new B.Y.O.Bags. They come in all the great prints from the Prada archive. I'm a huge fan of tote bags, and these ones are no exception. By the looks of them on the Prada website, they seem pretty roomy too. Nothing would be better to shove all my art supplies in while rushing to class on the busy streets of Paris. Plus at 200 euro, you get an inexpensive piece of Prada. I've been wanting a nice saffiano leather bag to match my wallet, but I think one of these would do just fine. 

As much as I love the printed bags, the canvas ones are just as dreamy. You can check them all out here... as for me I think a trip to the Chicago Prada store is in order when I go to pick up my visa. 

Neon Part Deux...

This collection is slowly becoming one of my favorites. I was a bit skeptical when it was first shown because it was such a departure from the traditional Valentino style. Once again the look is on another level off the runway. The always flawless SJP fills out the dress so much better than Elsa Sylvan did in the show. 

I'm telling ya, take away the makeup and the harsh lighting, and the dresses are actually stunning. I'm still up in the air though on the odd suits from the collection though, but I'll sure be interested in seeing who manages to change my mind on those... Charlotte Gainsbourg anyone? 

Gucci Galore...

I think the title of this post sums up this years Cannes Film Festival perfectly. While there were some stunners like Kate Blanchett in McQueen P/F 2010, hand picked for her by the designer before his death, the big reveal of Gucci Premiere stole the show. 

Salma Hayek got to debut Gucci's new line of couture gowns, which comes to no surprise seeing as she is married to the president of PPR.

Kate Beckinsale's dress would have been my favorite of the festival had it not been that slightly obnoxious bow in the middle. If you ask me, it competes too much with the belted waist. 

Halston Men...

When I heard that Halston was launching a mens line I didn't really know what to expect. I won't lie, I'm not very knowledgeable about the 1970's New York fashion (70's Paris fashion is a different story) and therefore am not to familiar with the brands heritage or Roy Halston himself. Judging by the preview that WWD had of the line, which was said to be influence by what the designer himself wore out to the clubs, this Halston mens line is not going to be pushing any fashion boundaries. It is hard to imagine a young and modern client wanting to wear double breasted jackets and turtlenecks, which were represented in a multitude of colors and materials. Their choice of model for the look book I think reinforces that idea. 

Neon..

Dree Hemingway in Valentino Couture at amfAR's Cinema Against Aids Gala.

I must say I like the spring couture collection much more off the runway. Once you take away the funky makeup and crazy hair the clothes actually turn out to be rather refreshing. Although I would make the neon draping a little shorter so that Dree wouldn't be stepping on it. No one wants dirty couture. 

I'm still in love with the little ribbon veil things though, just not with these outfits. 

Bang...

I haven't been really in the mood for long posts lately, so I'm just going to make things short and sweet. Marc Jacobs is launching his first Mens fragrance in over 10 years this July. 

The bottle is really promising and I am kinda in love with the design of it. It reminds me of Herzog & de Meuron's architecture. 

Not really feeling the advertising though. It's to Tom Ford/Terry Richardson-esque. While I love the old Gucci ads those two did, they are too early 2000's. As for Terry, I must say I am disgusted by the allegations against him and that so many in the industry are sticking up for him. That whole issue around him just makes me want to burn my collection of V magazines since he is in just about every single issue.