Spring of Love. Rochas Resort’17

May 23, 2016May 23, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

It’s a calm season for Alessandro Dell AcQua at Rochas. Known for his effortless chic, the lookbook is a feast for a spring wardrobe. From sensual, white dresses with exposed back to spaghetti strap tank-tops, the creative director delivers a fresh look on his well-known essentials. The never-failing socks affair turns beige, while the little details, like owl embroideries on striped jackets, steal the spotlight. As intended! Also, Dell AcQua nails it, if talking of gender-blurring silhouettes. A badass, leather jacket is surely shared from the boy, while the girlie, vichy-checked gown fetches romance. For those who love florals – this lush, silk shirt with a leafy French orangerie print is a ground-breaking choice, indeed.

Collage by me

Love Cavalli

May 18, 2016May 18, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

I think it’s the first time I’m writing about Roberto Cavalli on my blog – ever! Not that I dislike Cavalli’s style – the thing is, the good old Roberto and his extremely Italian, slightly indie chic lost its right path somewhere in 2007, within the appearance of pre-collections and “hate” towards anything “kitsch” (talking of you, minimalism). Even though the designer was at helm of his studio till 2015, the collections didn’t differ much, while the brand wasn’t appealing to a younger clientele. In fact, Peter Dundas initially seemed to be a lost cause. Not only as Roberto’s personal decision, but after his, ironically, Cavalli-style-inspired collections for Emilio Pucci, which didn’t excite either. After the second season (I’m on fence with the critic-slammed spring-summer 2016 fluo glamorama), however, Dundas catches attention, but not only because of his predictable bling-bling. To a surprise, autumn-winter 2016 collection, for both men and women, was a great nod towards Robeto Cavalli and his bright, golden years – flares, python leather, music band t-shirts and a lot of denim revive from the dust, gracefully. With Jane Birkin’s 70s attitude and a sharp walk, anyone can make these killer, waisted pants look hotter than… hell!

Rouje Paris

May 14, 2016May 14, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Jeanne Damas is a French actress and model, and most of all, the definition of a French girl. Oozing with love for Jane Birkin’s style and Parisian nostalgia, Rouje is Jeanne’s eponymous, friend-packed label with extremely chic and surprisingly affordable essentials. Mini-skirts, flared jeans and flower print dresses – it’s all about feminity, but a touch of the past. Rouje is also a tribute to every woman who inspired Damas. “I’ve always been surrounded by women with strong personalities; my mother, my sister, my aunts, my friends. I am fascinated by the appearance they can have – simple details such as a walk, a way to talk, gestures, a way to wear a piece of clothing.” Both, the website and the brand’s Instagram feed (I’ve mentioned it here) is filled with analog photographs by Sophie Arancio and Adeline Mai, keeping it in the moody vibe of the label’s designer and muse in one person. J’adore.

rouje.com

Cashmere Drapes, Reconstructed Dutch. The Row Pre-Fall’16

April 26, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen streamed their pre-fall 2016 look-book a week ago, with an over 2 month delay in comparison to other brands. However, it’s just in time before these clothes hit the stores, so on the 1st of May. Breaking news: The Row looks like a brand you will desire this autumn, even though I doubt you’re wondering about the next season knits right now. It’s a multi-layered, cashmere covered wonderland of softness and warmth, draped and reconstructed. Ribbed wool pants and dresses are as usual the The Row’s priority pieces, while the jackets with flowing silhouette look as if they were ripped out of a Dutch still-life portrait. There was a kind of elegant delicacy in this collection, too – a milk-white slip dress with a ruffle at the hem worn with a button-down shirt, updated with puffed sleeves. Statuesque, yet light. The slouchy suede shopper bag ranks up high, too, as one of the best accessories of the season.

Big Pants Tale

April 11, 2016April 9, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Lena in her N21 flares

Although big pants / flares aren’t always pleasantly seen in the society, let’s be cool about them – if styled well, these pants can easily become an essential of your wardrobe. Noting that the floor-sweeping length is having its appearance everywhere, from Celine Resort 2016 look-book to Rosie Assoulin’s AW16 collection, flares (which not necessarily must be denim!) seem to be an old-school alternative of culottes, which unfortunately don’t suit everybody due to their very, very difficult silhouette. Worn with a lace, slip top or a DsQuared bomber with a badass, J-Lo fur hoodie, the big pants work with almost everything. And, what’s the most attracting about this unsung must-have, is that you can truly have fun with them. Make them look slouchy (Y/Project autumn-winter 2016), chic (N21 cappuccino shaded version) or on fleek (Balmain AW07) – and remember to free your inner Jane Birkin.

So, are the big pants having a 2016 tale?