I am completely in love with Miu Miu’s S/S 2011 womenswear collection and the campaign that evokes the spirit of performance and stage.
Models Querelle Jansen, Sasha Pivovarova and Kasia Struss were photographed in London by renowned duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, styled in the manner of barely breathing mannequins, all slicked back hair and crimson mouths.
Far from passive, however, it wouldn’t be Miuccia Prada if there wasn’t a message and this time it is her reflection on a society that is obsessed with celebrity.
Inspired by on-screen costume, flower, flame, snake and star prints are re-invented to suitably stylised effect. It is a study of feminity that is as playfully inventive as it is alluring.
To support this idea, Miu Miu presents the “Miu Miu Women’s Tales”, a series of short movies directed by international female filmmakers that explore their fantasies about the brand.
The first one has been directed by Zoe Cassavetes (Broken English) and is called “The Powder Room”, an enchanting and dramatic short film set in London’s Claridges hotel.
It is a beautiful how Zoe Cassavetes were able to capture the luxury codes of the Miu Miu universe. I especially like her close-ups. To view the movie, click here.
The next directors will be announced soon. Another interesting approach to adverstising and communicating a brand. But as always, Miuccia is leading the way…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu
Probably you are a little like me. I am always very fast in buying fashion for the next season. So I do not mind starting to get my summer clothes in December. But there is one thing that is always fairly traumatic for me: Trying on a bikini in January when I am all pale in the fluorescent lights of a small dressing room. Somehow those mirrors do not seem to flatter anyone and have the magical power to eliminate the highest self-esteem. They should serve a mandatory glass of champagne to anyone swimsuit shopping when the temperature outside is freezing cold.
Therefore I always wait until the last minute when I am already a little tanned to get my bathing apparel. Probably online shopping is anyway the best way to go.
This year, my object of desire is a monokini, a bikini with fabric linking the bottom and top. The absolute must-have this summer! You could also name it a cutout swimsuit. Reminding me of the 80s, it looks so stylish and surprisingly modern. My favourite is the printed one by Emilio Pucci. The only disadvantage is the pattern that the crisscrossing panel is going to leave on your skin…
LoL, Sandra
Me wearing the cutout dress by Gucci
Me wearing Alexander McQueen
This summer, there was no body part safe from the cutout trend. If you think too trashy for you, you will be most likely mistaken. Strategically placed bare spots are glamourous and taking sexy to the next level without being vulgar. Revealing the right amount of skin can be much more sizzling than seeing it all. It is like playing hide and seek.
As the S/S 2010 season is coming to an end fashionwise, I truly recommend getting a cutout or cobwebby knitted dress now. The Gucci version has the must-have tribal print for summer but will not be a classic because of that.
Please find below my pre-selection of the best pieces on sale, available at Browns and Net-à-porter.
Trust me, it will be a good investment. The trend is going to stay for F/W 2010. The only obvious change is that the cutout styles are a little more subtle and smaller which is probably better for the cold winter months. Please see for yourself:
Play discreetly peekaboo and believe me heads will be turning your direction!
LoL, Sandra
Matthew Williamson has just got in some new gorgeous kaftans and jumpsuits for your holiday season. They are stylish cover-ups for your swimwear, moreover very comfortable and work also very well in the evening. The colours are amazing and blend in perfectly. If you are interested, please contact the London store by phone +44 20 7629 6200.
LoL, Sandra
Beaded Kaftan £695.-
Jumpsuit £ 995.-
Beaded kaftan £695.-, belt £160.-
Short kaftan with brooch £ 650.-
Long kaftan with brooch £895.-
Long kaftan with brooch £895.-
It might be on short notice, but definitely not too late to get your hands on a gorgeous pair of leather shorts. An absolute must this summer that will stay trendy next winter.
My favourites are the lace-up ones by Alexander Wang with zippers on the side, available in brown or black. Combine them with a boyfriend blazer, an embellished top and stunning wedges (see above). Add a feodora hat for that certain twist or just wear them with cowboy boots and a little cardigan for your urban days off-duty like I did this week.
Here are some gorgeous versions from the S/S 2010 collections available at Net-à-porter or Browns. Do not forget, sale will be starting soon…. in the US it is already on!
3.1 Phillip Lim, £465.-
Fendi, €1060.-
Helmut Lang, €586.-
Or wait for those ones below from the F/W 2010 runways. Salvatore Ferragamo showed many different versions in suede and nappa leather.
Get ready to wow!
LoL, Sandra
It is the meterological beginning of summer today. Let`s leave it like that. Probably we can convince the sun to come out with this stunning look for less money. It is an exciting mix of plaid and print having that certain something.
The modern bustier dress emphasises the feminine figure and is marked down already at $35.50. You can keep the picture sweet with a heart printed boyfriend jacket, available at Topshop for £55.-. Another shot of colour like the red hot bag for approximately $65.- adds lightness and joie de vivre. The mint green shoes by Charlotte Olympia are a real splurge but so worth it, my advice wait for the sale that will start very soon.
OPI`s glitter nail polish with little hearts would match the look perfectly “Heart to Resist”
Do not forget it is all about that special twist. Sometimes the oddest ideas boast the best combinations.
Be brave and punch the air!
LoL, Sandra
If you think of crochet and knitting as stereotypical hobbies of grannies, you are completely mistaken this summer. Trendsetters for the retro chic handicrafts were especially Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showing beautiful head-to-toe crocheted looks on the S/S 2010 runway.
But the accessories were the most outstanding. A crochet or knit bag is no doubt something special that you do not see very often unless you are living in Ibiza. The process of making it might be time-consuming. If it justifies the price, you will have to decide for yourself.
The Chanel bag for example is around CHF 4520.- and in stores now.
Craftmanship went into many different designer bags like the Chloé Iris strass crochet clutch for around $2360.- or the multiple models by Dolce & Gabbana. Those ones might be a good investment, particularly the “Miss Sicily” will return for winter again in knitted versions. As soon as the sale starts, keep an eye on these treasures….
And stay tuned as I will keep you posted about the remaining crochet trend for F/W 2010 in the next days.
In case you fell in love with those retro-crafts, but you do not want to spend a fortune or your time knitting, I spotted something wonderful for you.
The best is that you can shop and support a good cause in one!
Those pretty knit bags are all in the price range of CHF 160.- – CHF 180.-. They are made in Ecuador by underprivileged women in difficult living conditions. The Fundacion Avanzar offers training courses for mothers in need and helps them sell their products afterwards.
Each bag is made to order to the shape and colour of your choice. Get inspired and have a look at the complete product catalogue. If you are interested, please contact Margarita Heredia Forster who is coordinating the projects from Switzerland (Phone: +41 44 912 16 56 or ). Atelier Avanzar ships worldwide.
I have the purple one to the right and it is perfect for daily use. Spacious, cute and no need to worry about showing wear.
Fashion and charity. What a lovely combination!
LoL, Sandra
Have a look at Prada`s new Print Collection, a limited-edition line that will be in stores mid-May. The vintage-inspired dresses, an ode to the fifties, will be available in cotton and silk materials with selected prints from the Prada`s archives starting at €490.-. Also very charming are the colourful chain strap bags (€790.-) and the bow embellished ballet flats.
What a lovely way to welcome spring…
LoL, Sandra
Have a look at Miu Miu`s new S/S 2010 Special Edition of light and transparent handbags that will be available exclusively in Miu Miu Stores from May. The iconic bag has been reworked in plex with silkscreened birds and comes in five different colours. As transparency is a big trend this season, this would be a great piece to own.
LoL, Sandra
