Rock.The.Trend.

You may have seen people carrying around all these monograms and logos that represent high fashion and luxury but do you know how are they created and what do they mean? Here’s some facts about those very famous logos…

Logo: interlocking back-to-back double ‘C’
Origins: Designed in 1925 by founder Coco Chanel after her own initials. She was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel but ‘Coco’ was her nickname. It means ”little pet”.

                                          Versace

Logo: snake-entwined head of Medusa, a character from Greek mythology, who turns onlookers into stone.
Origins: It is created from Gianni Versace’s love afffair with classical themes. He told reporters he chose Medusa as ‘’she is seduction, a sense of history, classicism… she is fatal attraction”. The logo symbolises the Versace Goddess his clothes are made for and the spirit of his atelier.

                                Burberry Prorsum

Logo: the Equestrian Knight
Origin: Created as a trademark in 1901. The amour symbolises the protection outerwear provides, seeing how Burberry is known for its trenchcoats. The ”chivalry of knighthood” reflects the company’s standards of integrity. The Latin word ”Prorsum” printed on the kngiht’s banner means ”forward”– a commitment to progress and innovative style.
By the way, the latest Burberry fall/winter collection is inspired by the charging knight in the logo according to Christopher Bailey. How creative.

                                          Celine

Logo: Called the ‘Blazon Chaine’, the logo is made up of two skinny ‘C’s seperated by an intricate design in the middle.
Origin: Founder Celine Vipiana wanted her label to showcase ideal Parisian emblem in 1973 and she found her inspiration in the lowly chains which encircle the Arc de Triomphe.

Logo: the letter ‘A’ resembling the horsehoe
Origin: Founder Etienne Aigner created it as a symbolism for good luck. It is also a throwback to the brand’s tradition– having all its products made exclusively in Italy.

Logo: interlocking double ‘G’
Origin: Designed by Aldo Gucci after his father Guccio Gucci’s initials. It has been the official monogram of this label since then.

Logo: a quadruple ‘G’ forming a larger square
Origin: created by Founder Hubert de Givenchy. He used to stamp the word ‘Givenchy’ on his jewellery line’s boxes till he got this logo, which is definitely more iconic than just ‘G-i-v-e-n-c-h-y’.

Logo: double ‘F’ facing each other, with one inverted
Origin: Karl Lagerfeld, who was hired by the label in 1962, designed it.

                                     Louis Vuitton

Logo (Ok, it’s monogram): a stylised Japanese inspired floral motif with the brand’s initials.
Origin: Georges Vuitton, the founder’s son, designed the monogram in 1896 to distinguish it from competitiors. Now the label is trying hard to keep up the class of this iconic monogram after wide distribution of fake Louis Vuitton purses.

                                          Loewe

The Loewe logo is a symbol of impeccable quality and tradition as recognised in its leather goods, ready-to-wear, silk accessories and fragrances. And also the products and the cultural values they constitute to combine tradition and innovation, spurring romanticism and old world charm.

                                         Hermes

Logo: horse and carriage
Origins: Like how the automobile industry began replacing the horse-and-carriage trade, the Hermès family used this logo to show how they evolved with the changing times. Thierry’s grandson, Emile-Maurice Hermès introduced trunks, automobile accessories, luggage, gloves, and saddlebags—all of which bore the Hermès stamp of excellence.

sources: 8days magazine, yahoo images
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Prada fans rejoice!

“Infusion d’Iris is a contemporary eau de parfum that reinforces Prada’s connection with the artisan traditions of classic perfumery which is full of high quality natural ingredients. Infusion d’Iris is clean, fresh, and light and at the same time sophisticated and elegant.”

It’ll be out in September and pre-orders are available in Neiman Marcus now! By the way, I love this ad featuring the resident Prada girl Sasha Pivovarova, she looks eerily gorgeous.

taken from: nowsmellthis.blogharbour.com
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This is the latest Louis Vuitton luggage and travel accessories collection ad campaign. If you are wondering ‘who is that man in the ad having to do with the luxury label?’ then now you’ve got to know that he is the former Russian President Mikhail S. Gorbachev. Yes, a poweful political figure for Louis Vuitton.

Here’s a little trivia about him– Having received the Nodel Prize in 1990, he is seen by many as a very intelligent and capable man. He was responsible for putting an end to the Cold War as well as ending the political supremacy of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

So what is Louis Vuitton trying to uphold here? Their reputation, which has been vastly ruined by the wide distribution of fake products. The iconic monogram has since turned into some kind of trash and there are actually 10 year-olds carrying the ”LV tote”.

Associating Gorbachev with Vuitton is a really good move. Great thinking and high power are what everybody respects and admires and that is definitely what they want back for the label. It is a Louis Vuitton revival.

sources: frillr.com
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The incredibly glamourous and elegant designs of the gowns will be hard for any celebrity to ignore. This may remind me of Elia Saab’s similarly ‘red carpet based’ couture collection but the long trains of tulles and chiffons with the very sexy and curve-hugging fit are purely of Donatella’s taste. Very gorgeous.

I’ve found this video which explores the backstage of Christian Dior Haute Couture. You’ve got to check out how those models came in and did eight hours of preparations. There is this funny moment when models Irina Lazareanu and Mariacarla Boscono joked with each other– ” You look so cute! I’m jealous!”. Plus, you can see the after party and the guests singing the praises and gushing about John Galliano’s creativity.

More Fall/Winter Haute Couture videos

Chanel
(click here for the full length video)

Christian Dior
(click here for the full length video)

Christian Lacroix

Elie Saab

Givenchy

sources: frillr.com, youtube.com
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Isn’t it stunning? A cool bag with a cool name to match? What I like about this bag is the minimal details with simple yet amazing structure. Plus, it’s by Givenchy which means quality leather. The detachable shoulder strap is also a must-have trend for bags right now and can you imagine how versatile is it? You can pair it with almost any outfit in your wardrobe to run errands or just for a day out shopping. It doesn’t boast ‘luxury!’ like Hermes Birkins or Chloe Paddingtons do but it will definitely catch people’s eyes with its quirky handle and adorable shape. By the way, it is ‘Made In Italy’.

spotted on the arms of Ashley Olsen, Reese Witherspoon and Sienna Miller.

Available at Barneys New York from $1295- $1895. Ok I’m just going to lust after this bag.

                The wrinkled leather version. Very edgy.

The more elegant white satchel. This one really screams quality.

What’s a bag collection without including metallics? Do you think it looks good on the Nightingale?

articles link to ‘Givenchy Nightingale’: allwomenstalk.com, purseblog.com, shopdiary.com

photo sources: bagsnob.com, barneys.com, frillr.com
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*Schedule subjected to changes*

Wednesday September 5

10AM- BCBG
12PM- Jovovich-Hawk
04PM- Rag & Bone, Marchesa
07PM- Nicole Miller
08PM- L.A.M.B

Highlight of the day: Gwen Stefani is invading the fashion world again, more Harajuku craze?
But you should really look over to the 4pm slot. Rag & Bone and Marchesa are definitely whom you should keep an eye out for… especially Marchesa.

Celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Sienna Miller have been donning Marchesa gowns and dresses to many red carpet events. That much media exposure before their third season? Wow…

Thursday September 6

10AM- Bill Blass
11AM- Temperley London
12PM- Miss Sixty
01PM- TSE
02PM- Badgley Mischka
06PM- Karen Walker
08PM- Heatherette

Highlight of the day: The boys of Heatherette, Richie Rich and Traver Rains, never fail to spark controversy with their ultra flamboyant designs that are sometimes mistaken as trash…

Paris Hilton catwalked for their SS07 show while their FW07 one’s got butt-baring trousers. What kind of fun are they going to offer this round?

Friday Septmeber 7

10AM- Vera Wang
11AM- Tracy Reese
02PM- Max Azria
04PM- Thakoon
05PM- Doo Ri
08PM- Proenza Schouler

Highlight of the day: Rising Asian design talents Doo Ri and Thakoon because they are so passionate about fashion and their collections are getting better and better. And of course, Proenza Schouler. The expectation is higher this time ever since they won the CDFA award for ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’.

I don’t think they will disappoint.

Saturday September 8

10AM- Lacoste
11AM- PHI, Y & Kei
04PM- Rodarte
07PM- Threeasfour, Ralph Lauren

Highlight of the day: Rodarte!

The sisters designed a collection for GAP alongside Doo.Ri and Thakoon. I love their very ‘princessy’, feminine designs and that SS07 collection with loads and loads of roses… I can’t get that out of my mind.

Sunday September 9

10AM- DKNY
12PM- Peter Som
01PM- Michael Kors
04PM- Derek Lam
05PM- Diane Von Furstenberg
06PM- 3.1 Phillip Lim
07PM- Tuleh
08PM- Narciso Rodriguez

Highlight of the day: Three of the hottest male asian designers Derek Lam, Phillip Lim and Peter Som.

…do especially watch out for Phillip Lim (centre). He gives very promising works and his last two collections literally left the New York crowd in awe. I just can’t wait to see his latest work!

Monday September 10

10AM- Carolina Herrera
12PM- Jil Stuart, VPL
01PM- Oscar de la Renta
03PM- Luca Luca
05PM- Anna Sui
09PM- Marc Jacobs

Highlight of the day: Is Marc Jacobs going to get even more buffed?

I hope his stay at the rehab had inspired him to improve and churn out more showstopping pieces. He never fails to amaze people with his ultra cool style.

Tuesday September 11

11AM- Monique Lhuillier
01PM- Marc by Marc Jacobs
04PM- Calvin Klein
08PM- Zac Posen

Highlight of the Day: Zac Posen is simply adorable. He is pure genius when it comes to glamour and he really does embrace women’s curves. He is still pretty young (26!)but has already garnered so much success.

I guess he will hang around for quite long and maybe one day he will be in the ranks with the likes of Marc Jacobs?

Wednesday September 12

10AM- Donna Karan
12PM- Tommy Hilfiger

By the way, I didn’t mention veterans like Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors… they are definitely highlights too and I’ve got great anticipation for their shows but as you know, they are V-E-T-E-R-A-N-S with all those history and experience behind them so why not go and check out those up-and-coming fashion design talents!

sources: COACD.blogspot.com, style.com
thanks

( For more FW0708 fashion ad campaigns :I, II, III, IV, VI)

Ralph Lauren
models: Magdalena Frackowiak, Katia Kokoreva, Anna Maria Urajevskaya, Valentina Zeliaeva

Still the same type of ads that Ralph Lauren will churn out– totally regal, feminine and classy,

Versace
models: Kate Moss, Catherine McNeil

They’re emphasizing on the colours and the very LA Hollywood style of glamour. Catherine McNeil looks fabulous, it’s such an honour to be starring in an ad with Kate Moss… when she’s just a modelling newbie!

Valentino
models: Daria Werbowy, Hilary Rhoda, Gemma Ward

The Valentino ads boast the strongest castings so far. With Daria , Gemma and Hilary altogether in one ad, what more can you ask? They look like a fabulous trio. (By the way, all of them have a spot in the ‘Forbes Top 15 models’… *ka-ching$*)

Alberta Ferretti
models: Julia Stegner, Adina Folin

According to the designer herself, they’re focusing on ‘duality’ here. Very artistic.

Giorgio Armani
model: Agyness Deyn

Aggy continues her supermodel run with yet another Armani campaign. What people love about her is that her edgy ‘punk’ appeal can be transformed into such glamourous look like this one… she’s almost irrecognizable.

Loewe
model: Jessica Stam

This girl is definitely getting paid… earning $1.5 million a year?! This is her fourth high profile ad this season after Dior, Roberto Cavalli and Miss Sixty.

Missoni
model: Daria Werbowy

Daria looks absolutely ‘diva-licious’. The poses are so striking and flirty. Love the shadows and the corridor settings.

M Missoni
model: Behati Prinsloo

Noir
model: Malgosia Bela

Iceberg
model: Mischa Barton

This one reminds me of the Tod’s ad featuring Sienna Miller. Mischa’s been starring in a lot of ads lately… Bebe, Keds… I think celebs should just leave the ads to models, fashion is not really their job! And using celebrity status to market products are just too commercial and overrated.

Akris
model: Bruna Tenorio

Bruna’s looks from her mixed heritage works for this campaign. It just feels very ‘Japanese’ to me and I love the collars!

Diesel

”Humans After All”? Even Diesel is tackling futurism?

Prada
models: Sasha Pivovarova, Anabela Belikova, Irina Kulikova

My favourite shot from the whole ad campaign. Sasha!!!

BCBG Max Azria
model: Angela Lindvall

After last season’s Malgosia Bela, another veteran is taking over the BCBG ads. Angela looks demure and really classy.

Nina Ricci
model: Anabela Belikova

I can’t think of anywhere else more appropriate than this forest as the settings for the revamped Nina Ricci’s ad. It feels so mysterious, reminds me of some fantasy movie that involves fairies. Anabela looks lovely here and getting her second coveted ad after Prada? Do watch out for this face.

Etro
model: Alison Nix

Alessandro Dell’Aqua
model: Sheila Marquez and Jenny Sweeny

Contrasting images that brings out the amazing details of the clothes…

Belstaff
models: Malgosia Bela, Guinevere van Seenus, Audrey Marnay

Kate Moss out of favour?
After being shunned by Burberry, she lost her Belstaff spot to Malgosia & gang… Time for fresh faces.

photo sources: supermodels.nl, community.livejournal.com/fakingfashion/ and /modeling_news/
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After the Sasha-John Galliano Vogue Paris editorial that came out a few months ago…

Ukrainian model Snejana Onopka is modelling as Anna Wintour, the powerful US Vogue editor-in-chief, in the latest issue of the French Vogue. I love this shoot, even though she doesn’t really resemble Anna (she way too thin!), she managed to master her poses and expressions so well. The stylings are excellent: the wig, the shades and the designer clothes that suits her age. By the way, the photographer is Mario Testino.

slightly hunching her back… come on, Anna’s kinda old.

from the sideview… I don’t really fancy that leopard print coat, it’s too overrated and I don’t think Anna actually wears that.

the rest of the editorial…

She’s such an icon isn’t it?

In my opinion, this model, Luca Gadjus, would have done a better job than Snejana because she’s got such an uncanny resemblance to Anna… don’t you agree?

photo sources: community.livejournal.com/fakingfashion/, style.com
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