Safra Ducreay

Posts Tagged ‘Alexander McQueen’

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Trend Report: Green Shoes

In Fashion on May 4, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Shoeaholics beware: shoes are the new sex – well, they’ve  probably always  been. Thanks to the infamous Jimmy Choo trotting Carrie Bradshaw, the cruelest thing you could ever do is pry any woman from her beloved clobs. She’ll never go wrong with classic red and black, but with trends  flaunting studs, glitter and a rainbow of exotic in her face, it’s deadly. And everyone – I mean everyone – from the oldies (Manolo Blahnik) to the newbies (Brian Atwood) are demonstrating their undying love for a woman’s pretty feet.

We’ve just come out a slump economically, so lets celebrate by going green. It’s eco-friendly (figuratively speaking), symbolizes money (but think internal wealth, not material) and represents balance and growth. It’ll also persuade you to spice up your wardrobe as it means the ability to accept change.

Alexander McQueen Fatigue Peep-Toe Bootie, $1,295.00 available at Bergdorf Goodman. By the late-great Lee McQueen and last spotted on Beyoncé.

Chrissie Morris Tribal Print Thong Sandals, 1310.16 available at Luisaviaroma. tribal print’s been having a moment as clearly demonstrated in the haute heels.

Haider Ackermann Forest High Sandal $771, available at Mrs. H.

Luichiny Quite Rite Heel 109.99 available at Heels.

Maison Martin Margiela Faux Wedge Heel, $995 available at Joan Shepp.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania: Melissa $153, available at I Don’t Like Mondays.

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Alexander McQueen F/W 2010

In British, Collection, Fashion, Fashion Heat, Good Look, Icon, Legend on March 24, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Alexander McQueen’s untimely death brought about two realities: he was the most passionate designer of the millenia, and that he was possibly the last designer standing – after Karl, Jean-Paul, and the equalling talented John - to carry a  fashion empire on his back. Tears and billowing won’t do; all we have is memories. And even if his house is proceeded by someone new, McQueen’s hands, those eyes, that brain - is irreplaceable.

McQueen saw fashion through a world all his own; that’s what makes his collections so special. Many thought he was crazy – of course he was,  how could a genius be normal? How could someone create a dress out of tulle and golden feathers with tiny gold embellishments at the hemlines and be average?  How could someone juxtapose digital-print images of Archangels and “Bosch demons”  with thigh-high leather boots? To be sane is but an insult, for, true talent and originality can only be found in the midst of madness.

McQueen was a British national – a badge he clutched to the very end – and that has everything to do with it. He was schooled in the early depths of the culture from its medieval history to its current punk tradition. And it’s all jumbled into a continuous theme just-so. He stayed on the soil and never relocated somewhere more topical or modern. The Alexander McQueen brand was British through and through. And the world gravitated to him because of his unyielding sense of identity.

Had McQueen been alive, the presentation of his final women’s collection would have been as theatrical as his mind; dramatic, fresh, and as blue as the red sea of Egypt.

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Death of a Fashion King

In Collection, Fashion, I heart, Icon, Legend, London, News, UK, death, designer on February 12, 2010 at 1:16 am

Alexander McQueen‘s death today is not only a shock, it’s a cruel reality of how fickle life can be. A young boy with a dream, Lee Alexander McQueen dropped out of school at 16 and took an apprentice position at Savile Row‘s Anderson & Sheppard. GOD recognized this man’s gift; he went on to work for Gieves & Hawkes then worked in Japan and Italy. Very much an inspiration of the `90s, he went attended Central Saint Martins and set up his label in East London – the place all cool people go.

McQueen’s built a relationship with some of the most prolific people in fashion, Isabella Blow being one of them. But his talent spoke for itself. He was the epiphany of innovation; his collections were breathless. Even if you didn’t know fashion, you were easily taken away by cinematic creations. What’s most important was that he stayed true to Britain; he was utterly fierce houndstooth and scots plaid, no designer, no matter the tenure could match his devotion to British tradition.


For his Spring/summer 2010 collection, he spearheaded a trend: he streamed his entire show online. The collection was his most dramatic yet, with those infamous hoofs immediately worn by the likes of Daphne Guinness and Lady Gaga.

His stores are now being closed, he’s irreplaceable. He was able to touch people through his craft, and in such a saturated, ephemeral industry, this is very, very difficult to do.

He will truly be missed. RIP, Alexander McQueen.

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Get My Look: Tomboy for Life!

In Fashion, Fashion Heat, Good Look, I heart, Rouse, Shopping, Trend, designer, sexy, splurge, style, why don't you on January 29, 2010 at 7:36 pm

Balmain‘s Cotton-canvas studded military blazer. 6,225 (USD). Available at Net-A-Porter.

Alexander McQueen‘s Lace embellished bustier top. 1,995 (USD). Available at Net-A-Porter.

Current/Elliot‘s Cropped legging jeans. 250 (Euros). Available at Colette.

Givenchy‘s Mock Croc Sandals. On sale for 355 (GBP). Available at Browns.

Balenciaga‘s Lune Bag. 770 (GBP). Available from Browns.

Lara Bohinc‘s Morgana choker. 785 (GBP). Available at Browns.

Lara Bohinc‘s Crusade bracelet. 285 (GBP). Available at Browns.

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In the Know: Christian V Siriano for Payless?

In Collection, Shoes, Shopping, Trend, affordable, designer on January 28, 2010 at 5:21 pm

If you’ve been going gaga over Alexander McQueen’s hoofs, then you’ll probably love the next best thing: Christian Siriano’s Payless collection. And why not? Every girl needs a taste in luxury sometimes.

The curvy, sexy shoe comes in three colourways available for $79.99 (USD). My preference would be the aqua-coloured pump. However, as much as I’m down with fast fashion, I do have a qualm.

 I love shoes (as does every woman, right?). But do I love Payless? Sure I did – back in the day. But think about the quality reality of Payless: low-grade leather which leads to smelly feet, and poor construction which means if you’re lucky you’ll get a good three months out of it. Honestly, I don’t believe in spending more than $30.00 on a Payless shoe – limited edition or not – and I certainly think that if it’s not inked with a specialty shoe store, even frickin’ H&M (which is not a shoe store but is the hotness for fast-fashion), then it’s not something to swoon over.

I could be wrong. I’ve never invested in a Christian Siriano before nor have I heard of him prior to Nitrolicious, so,  this may be worth while. And I’m sure girls will lining outside a Payless based off the strength of visual aesthetic alone, anyway.

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One to Watch: Alexandra Groover

In Fashion on January 27, 2010 at 8:17 pm

UK-based Alexandra Groover’s spring/summer 2010 collection reminds me of those indie east-side fashion boutiques. You know, at first glance, the pieces are a bit intimidating, but when pulled off the hanger, they’re fresh, and brutally original.

It’s always nice to break away from the norm with these for-the-people collections, but their authenticity and made to order strategy mean they’re not for-the-people prices.

The California native got her papers from Central St. Martins and Rhode Island School of Design before working under Alexander McQueen and the infamous Zandra Rhodes. Her line, seperated in two – grey and black labels– and is available to order via her online boutique and farfetch.com. Her s/s 2010 collection also made its début at London Fashion Week and she’s been noted as one to watch by Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

Ms. Groover’s got some great representation (Blow handles her pr), but it looks like a lot of the clout she has obtained due to her own hard work. Her line suits UK’s ambiance and to call her line architectural is a bit passé; it’s gothic, new-age yet mysteriously sexy. Ms. Groover’s all-black concept of ruffled shoulders and tapered pants compliment the tastes of fashionista who can gloss it up with neatly coiffed hair and lips kissed in M-A-C’s “Girl About Town” fuchsia shade.

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One to Watch: Louise Amstrup

In Fashion, Fashion Heat, Good Look, One to Watch, designer on December 18, 2009 at 1:08 am

Louise Amstrup’s a lucky gal. Since debuting her collection at London Fashion Week in 2006, fashion press has been on her jock as a bee is to honey. She’s sucked them in with her ornate collections, and things are about to get better, thanks to a nomination for the Max Factor and Copenhagen Fashion Week New Talent Award.

The Danish fashion designer sharpened her couturier skills under Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Sofia Kokosalaki producing a collection inspired by sharp edges, solid grey/black colour palettes and geometric shapes. Her spring/summer 2010 collection incorporated mesh, draping and sci-fi shoulder blades, a trend we’ll be seeing a lot of in the upcoming year.

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In the Know: Hermione de Paula

In Fashion, In the Know, London, News, RTW, designer on December 15, 2009 at 6:13 pm

I have a genuine love for new designers. But as I’m scrutinizing an image of Hermione de Paula, I can’t tell whether her blank stare is because she knows she’s privileged enough to get a break or because she’s jaded by all the bull-crap she’s gone through.

A cute girl with a cute fashion line and a cute little dog to match. This Central St. Martins graduate has got experience to boot; she’s been at Galliano, Giles, Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior Couture. She’s a favorite amongst the “fash” pack at British Vogue online and she’s the recipient of the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award for autumn/winter 2010/2011. She’s got her first standalone catwalk show this upcoming London Fashion Week and she’s got a spring/summer 2010 collection at Browns Focus.

All the excitement galore means she’s got the stamina, she’s a hardworking mama-jammer, but I’m not quite fond of her s/s 2010 collection. Let’s not hate; her previous collections are great, but this collection seems to be boggled down by flora print, tie-dyes or something. Don’t get me wrong, she’s got some seriously hot pieces in there, and when she keeps her concepts to a minimum it’s bang on. But maybe I’m just not fond of floral prints. But then again, I beg to differ because I’m a fan of Erdem.

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Trend Reports: Queen of Texture

In Fabric, Fashion, Fashion Heat, Good Look, Trend, Trend Report, designer, dress on December 8, 2009 at 7:48 pm

Every woman should have a textured dress in her closet – at least at some point. The fabrics of a textured dress are intricately woven into a finished look that’s fragile to the eye, but rich in substance. Rather than going for a modern trend, when you opt for texture, you’re carrying on a fashion tradition that boomed during the sixties; when a designer’s collection emphasized three-dimensional prints and geometric shapes that are classic fashion emblems today. Wearing a textured dress delves deep into your personality, because you’ll choose it based on its characteristics more than anything else. Imagine attending an evening event in a classic red Jacquard knit dress with hounds tooth print by Alexander McQueen, or wearing a dove-coloured slate draped jersey dress by Sophia Kokosalaki to the opera. You’ll stimulate the  senses and draw attention to your aura, highly regarded as a woman of style. Without question, a textured dress really is the ultimate chic.

The best textured dresses are usually made of knit or silk, as the results produced are complex yet artistic. Although it’s true that sequins can add texture, it’s too easy of a feat. Lace is a great fabric for texture, as are dresses made with graphic print details and ones that are heavily ruched and draped.

A textured dress is most effective when short to mid-length; as a long textured dress is more suited towards the long and narrow shaped. To dress tone down the textured dress, wear darker solid coloured leggings with a lightweight jacket.

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Rising Stars: Canada’s next “it” fashion bloggers

In Fashion, Fashion Heat, Good Look, Rising Stars, blogger on November 25, 2009 at 1:06 am

You name them, we follow them. Whether it’s the self-imposed muses at Kingdom of Style, or the king of street stalking Sartorialist, fashion bloggers are the future.

We’ve shown our admiration for the Susie Style Bubbles, Bryan Boys and Tommy Tons, and Journalists from industry fashion bibles continue praise the mantras of those already on top. But fashion leaders must always be on the lookout for what’s new – what’s hot. Especially when a majority of the fashion bloggers shop at the same places.

The creme de la creme of High street retailers: American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Topshop are forever indebted to the fashionistas who consistently create looks on their blogs that inspire a growing batch of followers. Without this new school of “unofficial” spokespeople, fashion retailer’s net profits would plummet at jet speed.

This post is an ode the new generation of bloggers. They’re young, fashion-forward, and proudly Canadian.

Regardless of how different they are in content, the selected fashionistas have three things in common: high street style, thrift shops and character.

So here we go.(And by the way, all images are properties of the blog owners.)

The Dreamer: Rachel, 16, Serva Me, Servabo Te.


This young blogger loves pretty floral print dresses and far away places. In July 2008, Rachel founded  Save me, And I Will Save You. With piercing green eyes, fiery red hair, and a direct sense of fashion, Rachel updates her followers about fashion finds at Toronto’s vintage shops, and has a knack for binding art, fantasy books and music into her fashion entries. Though she has a passion for fashion, it’s easy to see her cultivating a career in the literary world, maybe with Penguin Books.

The Fashion Creator: Katia, 17, Blinding Bright Lights.

Whether Katia’s venturing european countries or strolling NYC, this Montrealer/Student  is a self-proclaimed “fashion-obsessed vegetarian with extremely high hopes for the future.” Fashion through her eyes is a cluttered barrage of colour, and putting looks together is much like changing underwear – she does it often. Her posts garner a legion of responses, which means she’s becoming a prominent voice within Canada’s fashion blogsphere. Maybe she’ll launch her own line, land a job at Colette or French Elle.

The Fashion Editor: Lea, 13, Lea Likes Fashion.

Don’t be fooled by the pouty demure in this picture; there’s nothing emo about Lea’s blog. In fact, it’s along the lines of UK’s Grazia. At just 13-years-old, Lea’s one of the most underrated yet promising personalities in Canadian fashion – literally. She’s a woman of little words but high on visual content. Noting Alexander McQueen as one of her favorite designers, she’s quick to post pre-season haute couture collections and one-on-one guides of her own daily looks. She’s got the look that will land her in front row of fashion weeks, and she’s got lifestyle flair; she posts food recipes and tips making her a well-rounded blogger. Word to the wise Lea, have you seen MCQ’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection of to die for bags?

The Society Girl: Olivia, 21, Stylestruck.ca.

She’s got a cute cropped cut and kick ass heels. And when she’s not giving the low down of what’s in her closet, Fashion Blogger Olivia does her own rendition of street stalking. She’s all about who’s who in the Vancouver’s (and abroad) fashion scene. She’s got a positive attitude and wears a bright smile to match. She’s definitely one of those fashionistas you’ll see working the PR circuit for a well-renowned fashion house, maybe Diane Von Furstenberg?

The Glam Girl: Abbey, 16, Abbey Karson Blog.

Abbey’s got enough style to be apart of the team behind über-fashion mags like Pop, or Katie Grand’s Love. Note the british mags mentioned; that’s because she’s cool, maybe too cool to be in Canada. With her doll-like features and semi-beehive hairstyle, Abbey is essentially Britpop to-the-max. The quality of the images on her blog are stunning and the fashion-girl-against-rural-backdrop (except when she is in front of her magazine poster plastered wall) is fresh and exciting.

The Indie Fashion Maven: Siân, 23, Good Stuff Here.

Out of all the bloggers, Siân would probably be the most anti-mainstream, though she genuinely is the most avant-garde. This Makeup Artist from Toronto’s style resonates throughout her blog; she’s one of those personalities you can see getting in with weekly indies like Toronto’s Now! Magazine, or working her magic through commissions from Creative Agencies. She’s an unapologetic blogger, not afraid to voice her dislikes which gives her platform a niche following. And, considering a lot of the fluff bloggers tend to do (myself included), that’s not such a bad thing. If all else fails, she can always become a spokes model for Carri Mundane’s Cassette Playa collection.

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Why don’t you wear your art…

In Fashion, Trend, why don't you on November 8, 2009 at 1:47 am

on your dress? Never mind buying paintings strictly for your wall.  ’Dress’ up your dress with influences of cubism, or the ambiguity of abstract art or the fashion-forwardness of art deco. Leave the LBD (little black dress) in the closet, and forget about the little bright red, yellow or pink number. It’s time to add some intelligible appeal to your look. When you walk into a room, relish in the coos of oohs and awes your look will inspire. Designers like Vivienne Westwood, Ohne Titel and Alexander McQueen were the leaders in dress art for spring/summer 2010. Other than the art itself, there was nothing complicated about the collections, nor were they uber-androgynous or aggressive. They were clean-cut with an embellishment good enough to good at – but then again, that was the point.

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Good Look – Jennifer Lopez

In Fashion, Good Look on November 2, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Since transitioning from pop-cultural amazon to wife of Latin singer Marc Anthony and mother of twins, Jennifer Lopez has quietly bowed out of the limelight but her immaculate sense of fashion remains unscathed.

Ms. Lopez has made best-dressed lists and worst-dressed lists, but I believe any member of the fashion press who tries to defame her image is only doing it as a mere devil’s advocate.

Jennifer Lopez is at her best in viva-glam mode. Whether she’s dawning her famous floppy hat, or gracing the red carpet in a organza gown, it’s quite possible that Ms. Lopez is one of the best-dressed people in the world.

This season is all about classic investment pieces, gloves, coats and jewellery. Gone are the days of ultra-trendy statements; in comes staples you can wear for years to come.

Get the Look

Jennifer Lopez

The Hat - This Black Woven Hat with Patent Belt and Gold Chain Detail by American Accessories Designer Eugenia Kim. 230 (GBP). Available at Bunny Hug.Eugenia Kim Black Woven Hat with Patent Belt and Gold Chain Detail

The Earrings – These Rhinstone Hoop Earrings by Giles & Brother. $160 (USD). Available at Net-A-Porter.
Giles & Brother

The Coat – This Black Burberry Double-breasted Coat. 1195 (Euros). Available at StyleBop.
Burberry Double-Breasted Wool Coat

The Blouse – This Black silk pussy-bow blouse by Alexander McQueen. $614(CAD). Available at Net-A-Porter.

Alexander McQueen Blouse

The Pant – These Grey Sailor bi-stretch trousers. 25 (GBP). Available at Debenhaums.
Debenhaums

The Shoe – These spike-heeled, crystal-studded ankle boots by Christopher Kane for Versus. 1375(Euros). Available at Colette.Versus

The Accessories

The Gloves – Wool and Leather gloves by Phi. 580 (Euros). Available at Colette.
Phi

The Ring – This crystal bauble ring. $97 (CAD). Available at Intermix.
Intermix Ring

The Bag – This Marc Jacobs green and violet leather bag. 913 (Euros). Availabel at Far Fetch.
Marc Jacobs