Video from Thom Browne Spring 2013 Menswear

With so many designers, it has become commonplace for art and fashion to collide, but with Thom Browne they seem to run parallel with each other. His latest presentation, in a Parisian garden, for Spring 2013 menswear substantiates my observation. Silver men in brightly colored plaid and silver satyrs holding silver umbrellas set the surrealistic stage for a fashion show with the intensity of performance art.


video by Marie Claire Italia

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Mother's Day 2012

[caption id="attachment_14361" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Gardens of Versailles"][/caption]

I wandered through the impressive and pristine gardens of Versailles with my mother in April (a year ago). We had such a lovely time.

There is nothing more precious or sacred in life than the unconditional love and support that only a mom can give.

Some of us no longer have our mothers with us while others have an estranged relationship with theirs. For me, this is a reminder of just how blessed I am that mine is still here and that our bond is unbreakable.

Happy Mother's Day!

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Cameron Diaz in Haute Couture for InStyle Magazine

For her third InStyle Magazine cover shoot, Cameron Diaz did her [fashion] homework in Paris at the couture shows. Cameron is so beautiful yet I've always felt her red carpet looks were underwhelming but that all changed as she slipped into some of the best couture in the world transforming her into a fashion goddess. Exquisite at 4o, in Givenchy to Versace, Diaz is a vision to be seen. See photos:

















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KATE MOSS strikes a pose for VOGUE at the Paris Ritz

[caption id="attachment_13840" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""Life Imitates Art." DIOR Haute Couture. "]

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Who do we love more,

Kate Moss

in exquisite haute couture splendor OR the insanely talented art director/fashion editor goddess,

Grace Coddington

? I'm going to go with BOTH! Featured in this month's

Vogue Magazine

, photographer

Tim Walker

captured the super model in a series of incredible couture scenarios at the famed Paris Ritz. Stunning,

View Images

: 

[caption id="attachment_13841" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""Light Show." GIVENCHY Haute Couture by Riccardo."]

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[caption id="attachment_13842" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""Boxed Out." CHANEL Haute Couture."]

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[caption id="attachment_13843" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""At First Blush." BALENCIAGA by Nicolas Ghesquière. "]

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[caption id="attachment_13844" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""My Bleu Heaven." ALEXANDER MCQUEEN."]

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[caption id="attachment_13845" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""Room Service." DIOR Haute Couture. Head piece by Julien d’Ys."]

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[caption id="attachment_13846" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""Sleeping Beauty." ARMANI PRIVE. "]

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[caption id="attachment_13847" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption=""View From The Top." GIAMBATTISTA VALLI."]

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... breathtaking!

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Haider Ackermann 2012

There is an aesthetic quality to the use of menswear elements in womenswear, but they have to be done right, subjectively speaking, of course.

The silhouette should always be feminine, alluring and sexy.

Fashion designer

Haider Ackermann

got it "right" with his edgy

Spring 2012

collection.

Boxy jackets and wider trousers set the menswear tone but were juxtaposed with draping silks in rich colors.

Ackermann was quoted as referencing a woman throwing on her "lover's" clothes as inspiration for the line.

I am attracted to the subtly futuristic character of the garments. And as

un

ready-to-wear some of the presented looks are, at the same time, they allow room for personal creativity and expression when layering an ensemble.

Note, another indirect menswear element at play: all the models were in flats. Oxfords.

Photos: Filippo Fior / GoRunway.com

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Comme des Garçons 2012

There are fashion designers and then there are artists who design fashion. And though I love them all, my heart always leans towards the ones that utilize the runway as theater, canvas or a pedestal for their vision. The garments are sometimes, not necessarily wearable. But they make statements just like a song writer does with powerful lyrics or a painter with a brush and an opinion. You may not always "get" it but keeping an open mind is critical.

Enter, 

Comme des Garçons

Spring 2012.

Designer 

Rei Kawakubo

takes us on a dramatic journey in lavish white satins that displayed a collection about life, birth, death and every major event in between.

The pieces are more conceptual than referential in some cases. Kawakubo interpreted life's major events through garments that represented ritualistic tradition such as christening and wedding gowns.

The result was a collection empowered with the spirit of the avant-garde and the structural presence of couture.

All photos: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

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Bonjour Montmartre

[caption id="attachment_9244" align="aligncenter" width="446" caption="Basilica of the Sacré Cœur"]

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There are seven hills in Paris, the tallest being Montmartre. The town is known for its nightlife [Moulin Rouge] and for its rich artistic history. Picasso, Dali,  Modigliani, Monet & van Gogh all kept studios nearby. Montmarte is one of my favorite places in Paris. Its away enough from the city but still busy enough to keep me engaged.

What the Tim Hotel lacks in chic it more than makes up in charm. If the Ritz is your style, then don't stay here, but if you prefer to immerse yourself in the Parisian culture, the Tim Hotel is nestled in a beautiful old neighborhood and is a quick 60 second walk up the hill to the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, souvenir shops, restaurants and night life.

This cafe is quiet right now but come 5pm and there is an available seat. It gets filled with a young, hip, pretty crowd, daily. The cafe is located directly across from the Tim Hotel.

Imagine buying your fruit and produce here. I wish you could smell the aroma of sweet freshness. A feast for the senses.

There's a square at the top of the hill that is filled with street artists eager to make your portrait or sell you a painting. [Some of them accept credit cards!]

At night, Montmartre takes on a whole new energy. Its spectacular, romantic and bustling with movement.

An all to fabulous fashion shoot... I was sitting across the way and glance over to see this. So French.

And finally, I ended my days in Paris with a

vin rouge

every night at this cafe. I never wanted to leave.

Au revoir

Montmartre.

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