Just a Sketch?

I love looking at different fashion sketches, since they always reveal a lot about the designers… OK, I am not an expert on this, but still you can see the drawing styles and the really tiny details, e.g. whether they are neat, what sorts of image they try to portray, and etc. When we sometimes see a high price tag, we will probably understand that much more by just looking at from the first drawings to the runway show.

Here, I came across this sketch randomly. Hold on a minute, that’s the drawing of Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture aw06. The beautiful sketch looks actually look pretty detailed, which, of course, ensures the very best Chanel quality for their handmade couture clothes. Interestingly, you can see that Karl likes to mix traditional Chanel elegance with some modern touch; teaming the skinny blue jeans with the tailored suit. Even the face of the model also shows the some edginess. I can actually imagine the tension and pressure that Karl’s staffs had when the drawing was made. If you watched the THE HOUSE OF CHANEL shown on BBC 2007, you know what I mean.

Rumour has it... it is ridiculously hard to get a smile from Anna Wintour for any collection. Then what can be more successful than two very important Anna both have worn the suits? Anna Wintour wore the suit for Chanel aw07 Ready-to-Wear, while beautiful Anna Mouglalis attended the opening of Chanel boutique in Moscow in Sept 2006. Guess what? I feel culturised, since I really didn't feel the same way as the first time I saw the suit..... Umm, more sketches to come.

photo: getty images

1950s Glamour

I was tidying up my wardrobe and realised many of clothes are sorts of influenced by 50s glamour. In case you want to read something about 1940s fashion, you can check out my the other post, 1940s Fascination.

If someone asks me what is so significant about 1950s fashion, I’d say the New Look of Christian Dior which dominated the fashion for almost a decade since 1947, was gradually taken over by Chanel boxy-cut suits (after Chanel reopen in 1954) and of course, the birth of the famous Chanel classic 2.55 bag, launched in Feburary 1955. However, I guess that the most important issue happened in the fashion industry is the arrival of the teenager fashion, which overpowered the fabulous fashion for mid-age ladies. It was the first time that teenager girls did not dress like their mothers.

Actually, 1950s fashion was a period of transition in fashion, since till mid 1950s, everything was still pretty much 1940s. Then, the arrival of the teenage cult mutated the fashion from much disciplined style to more flexible 1950s glamour – the defined waist line, the gorgeous full and voluminous skirt, the pencil slim tubular skirt and mid-heeled pumps. The detailing on the clothes in 1950s is very pretty – beading on the sweaters and occasional extravagance on the circle skirts. OK, let’s put an easier way: the first half of 1950s is more Grace Kelly (or even Anna Wintour) whilst the second half is moving toward Audrey Hepburn.

(Dior New Look dominates the fashion industry 1947 - mid 50s)

(Grace Kelly & Elizabeth Taylor in early 50s)

(Audrey Hepburn's cropped fitted trousers and relaxed jumper influenced mid 50s fashion)

(The reopen of Chanel gives the 50s suit a new definition)

The movie, Walk the Line (2005), is a perfect example for the fashion during that era, since it goes through the whole 50s. Particularly, I do think Reese Witherspoon has the perfect early 50s style.

There is one interesting dress worn by Reese Witherspoon looks like Zac Posen ss06 dress worn by Hilary Swank in P.S. I Love You (2008). Here we have it that mordern fashion is influenced by this fifties feel.

What’s good about fashion is that there is always something new, the chic ones will remains as "style" and the ambiguous ones will become a short trend. For me, what's more interesting is the new modern 50s influnced fashion. Many talented designers are able to indicate the past, but the silhouette gives much fashion-forward picture.

Blumarine ss07 - shows its best chic clothing

Christian Dior ss07 - the mix of late fifties boxes cut & modern sleeve detailing


Bottega Veneta aw08 makes late fifties fitted cut much more effortless!

In the mood of dressing up, I thought I'd play with some my outfits that are sorts of influenced by fifties but shows much more of my own definition... I was going to model myself, but God, I don't why I'm useless in front of camera. I like mix & match, which is really important for 1) I cannot afford keep buying new things, so I have to "utilise" them ; and 2) I have kept too many clothes (so if I don't play with it, it will sleep in my wardrobe).

• My Early 50s influenced Wardrobe

Top: Gucci Mohair Jumper
Skirt: Chanel Polka Dot Silk Skirt
Belt: Alexander McQueen Padlock Belt

Do you like this little brooch? That's my Chanel clip-on earring.

Top: Burberry Prorsum

Skirt: Chanel

• My Mid & Late 50s influenced Wardrobe

Top: Gucci Mohair Jumper
Skirt: My cutiest Moschino

Hello u!

Top: Chanel
Skirt: Alexander McQueen

Top: Chanel
Skirt: Paul Smith Women

Top: Chanel
Skirt: Louis Vuitton
Brooch: Prada

Top: Matthew Williamson
Skirt: Louis Vuitton with the beautiful little bow at the back

Top: Moschino Jacket - always pick me up in the morning
Skirt: Louis Vuitton

What's in the Magazines, May 08?

My favourite Sunday is to read magazines in the coffee shop nearby my house. Thus, I think I’d upload some interesting pictures from British Vogue and InStyle May issues. I love both magazines in the different sense. The former gives your artistic inspiration and style, while the latter focuses on more practical but still luxury dress sense.

In the British Vogue May 08

- The Sheltering Sky: Fifties romance &bohemian influences come together on a wild and distant shore

Location: Essaouria, Morocco - perfect place for a relaxed long weekend
Model: Jessica Stam
Make: Vogue's Fashion Super Crew
Photographs by Patrick Demarchelier
Why I love it: The perfect way to combine culture, high-fashion & art. Jessica Stam looks quirky & fun!

(♥ Fendi Dress - great shape yet easy to wear & the colour is sharp but settled £1,610;
Christian Louboutin Python Heels - super-high but comfy & Jessica Stam's favourite, £585)

Remember this photo from Fendi Runway ss08?

(♥ Marni Cotton/Silk Top & Skirt, £300 & £748)

(♥ Christian Lacroix Silk Dress - perfectly mixed various patterns & duffled detailling, £1,950)

(♥ Pleated Silk Dress worn as top, £1,660 & aleander McQueen Python Belt, £360)

Remember this photo from Missoni Runway ss08? How clever to wear this dress as a top! When I spend a big amount on my dress, I want to "utilise" it & shows its beauty from various angles!

(♥ Prada Suede Shoes - the shoes that give you character £340
& Prada Over-the-Knee Socks, £55)

Cover Story – To Russia with Love

Location: Moscow, Russia - Natalia Vodianova Homeland (actually Homeland of Supermodels)
Model: Natalia Vodianova
Make: Vogue's Fashion Super Crew
Photographs by Mario Testino
Why I love it: Mario Testino makes the portrait with depth & layers & Natalia Vodianova has an angle face but individual & also down to earth!)

(♥ An interesting portrait - BBC Costume Rabbit Ear & Polka-Dot Blouse)

In the InStyle UK May 08

The Wardrobe of Mrs Eva Longria Parker - For those of you who want to browse a wardrobe from Hollywood, here we go! Eva has the style that is tailored to her, nevertheless, it can sometimes be too dolly-like. However, Eva sounds down to earth, saying that "It's impossible to wear the 'right' dress if yhou have no money" thinking of her early days in Hollywood.