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Gucci's cruise campaign for 2008 evokes many feelings of nostalgia. It has a definitive 70's vibe to its photography, a real sense of "hommage" to Sophia Lauren with California gold added into the mix. It makes me want to run to the sun, which I feel compelled to do tomorrow! I'm off to España to ring in the New Year with a little touch of heat and a lack of rain. I shall resume posting in January and my resolution more postage! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo a Todos!
Kirsten Dunst is sometimes quite disparaged in celebrity blogs but for me, her status as a style icon is undeniable. I anticipate a very cool, stylised capaign for Miu Miu in 2008, when Kristen becomes the face of the brand; a far better choice than the publicity hungry Miss. Lohan and a worthy successor to Laetitia Casta.
American Apparel's ethics have never been in question; their sweatshop free production is truly admirable. The have now moved a step further and taken a stand in the political domain. They are campaigning a against the current U.S. immigration process, not usually a mandate of a multi-national clothing firm. Take time to read their admirable ad below. (Click to enlarge)
The is a small post of appreciation for Freja Beha Erichsen. Whenever I watch the CK in2u ads (hate the abreviated name!), I am shocked by how much her true beauty and charisma stand out, despite the seeming lack of styling and make-up. She has featured on a plethora of catwalks and in many ad campaigns. If variety and diversity is the key to longevity in the model world, expect to see a lot more of Freja in 2008.
MIA is a very charismatic performer and it is very rare that someone's true persona is so accurately capture on film. Her effortless style and previously untapped androgyny enchant me. So despite the fact the blogging world has over-posted on her ad campaign for Marc Jacobs, I felt compelled to add my own appraisal of this wonderous choice of model.
Anja Austa have sent me a lot of emails about their designs and on closer inspection, Anja's designs are truly inspirational. What has delighted my eyes the most has to be the emphasis on shape, back details are always a very subtle design piece of wonderment. Anja is a strange enigma to me and I haven't been able to find many details on this designer (mainly as their website is a little defunct!), but see more for yourself on the aforementioned site.
A major player in the fashion money making stakes has to be the revolt against the plastic bag...urggghh, plastic, environmentally unfriendly plus faaaarrr less interesting than the current hype. If I had to choose a favourite it would have to be the New Shopping Bag, by Susan Bijl available from Designboom. The main reason I love it is that I would actually use it as a shopping bag. I wouldn't be too frightened to place food inside and risk it getting stained or smelly; it's nylon i.e. wipe clean!! I also wouldn't feel compelled to put it put it on eBay and quintuple my money! See my favourite here on Designboom.
One of my favourite albums of 2007 has to be Rilo Kiley's Under the Backlight. It's hard to describe their sound but "ironic pop" sums it up for me. An added part of Rilo Kiley's appeal for me is their lead singer, Jenny Lewis' unimitable sense of style. This year Jenny has championed the hot pant, be it in mini-unitard form or high waisted delight. Jenny's style spans the decades but definitely has a 70's edge of late. Please, please check out Rilo Kiley's music and revel in Jenny's stylistic antics.
Thakoon Panichgul has always impressed me with his clothing designs but now he offers UV protection in the form of a gorgeously retro sunglasses collection. Price wise, I'm not sure sort of hole these glasses would burn in my pocket but they are beautiful and there is no harm in a sneaky peek ready for the first glimpses of sun.
The cold wintery days take the luster and shine out of everything; life seems subdued, somewhat duller. Today the view from my window had a pale brown feel to it and I went on the fashion hunt to brighten it up. Louise Gray takes colour, fashion and fun, diffusing them to create a dazzling line of clothing. Louise's design pedigree is undeniable - she studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London for an MA in Fashion - Textiles. Louise worked for two seasons at Peter Jensen completing detailed embroidery subsequently going on to win an internal Saint Martins competition for Chloe, Paris. My favourite piece is definitely the electric blue eyelash dress, left; this tongue-in-cheek delight is truly fashion forward. See more here of Louise Gray's colour uplifting creations that are truly juxtaposed to her name.
Bat For Lashes are a favourite musical delight of mine and their lead singer, Natasha Khan, is a true design inspiration. Her full range of abilities is aptly described on their website as, "a singer/ songwriter, multi- instrumentalist and visual artist". Her visual appeal and that of her band is undeniable. Their influences, both stylistic and musical, span the decades and push the conventional boundaries. If you get a chance peruse their website and fully experience the multi-faceted joy that is Bat For Lashes.
Christmas can be a difficult party season for the tall. Shoes present me with a daily dilema but my anxiety increases two-fold during the festive season. I wear flats - my feet are the size of small boats, so they seem the obvious choice. BUT Christmas party wear does not lend itself to the wearing of my usual maritime specials, you are supposed to do heels. have placed a small chink of light at the end of my shoe tunnel. Heels can still look quirky, even if you are tall and they are kind enough to offer me a variety of heel heights to ease my head bump potential. What I like about Office is that they offer you a look book so you can preview your purchase on a real foot of a real human cool person (see above)!
If you are not feeling at your most gorgeous, look away now! Natalie Portman simply glows in the New York Times Style Magazine "T". You know a true beauty when even head shaven, someone looks stunning and Miss. Portman certainly did!
I've been on my travels, popping to some gigs, museum visiting and catching up with friends. My highlights have to be another astounding Interpol gig, this time in Alexandra Palace and an amazingly intimate Sia gig on the good ship Thekla in Bristol's Mud Dock. Thekla Social is an old Baltic coaster ship, converted by an eccentric musician to provide a truly unique music venue. I've extolled the virtues of Interpol here, Sia is yet to feature on Random Fashion Coolness but she definitely deserves a mention. Sia is famous for her collaborations with Zero 7 but her solo work is truly outstanding and her voice a piece of true joy. The set design was also amazing, a totally kitsch explosion of colour. Hear and see more here.
