Couture continues...

Ones that I picked out last night, Ai's Vivienne Tam's ad and the rest are by Elie Saab.

Couture Couture!

No...not talking about Juicy Couture's "Couture" collection. Its the 2007 Spring Couture that I am raving about. What I found interesting is that as I thought that the real couture stuff are all about concept, and showcasing craftsmanship from the designer's atelier and most of all go wild with it, a lot of the dresses I see are really "wearable" (which might not be a flattering word in the couture world). Like the red carpet ready collection by Elie Saab, elegant and classic silhouettes by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, and even Christian Lacroix's colorful and flowery collection for the stylish socialites. The most unwearable couture collection is of course by John Galliano for Christian Dior, while the romantic and more serious pieces (in terms of mood and use of color) by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy comes in a close second.

Although Tisci designed my favorite piece of all (first pic), I can't say I like his overall collection the best. He also picked Irina Lazareanu to wear that stunning yellow gown which I thought was such a stand out (I do have a record of liking models with an exotic face - Devon Aoki for example).

Maybe because I am Asian and have been exposed to Japanese craze for decades, I am not so stunned by Galliano's Geisha/Rurouni(Wanderer) inspiration. However, I think this collection has such flawless executions with the origami-like foldings, splendorous structures, and refreshing colors...I love the look of Shalom Harlow in the origami wedding gown.

On Elie Saab, have to say his dresses are very pretty and glam as always but just not very Couture-licious so to speak. But then again I have to throw in two pictures of my other all time favorite model Ai Tominaga. I loved her Vivienne Tam ad.

humm...realized how choosing the right model for their key pieces is such an important thing? This notion was also mentioned in "Fashion Babylon" (read it!!) except the designer was forced to pick a "hot" model to wear her key piece, which is rather sad.

Ok, was going to continue on but for some reason the blog image uploader is not working properly...so more pictures later! :)

Shoe dilemma

Somebody please tell me if these pair of boots worth $200...I am really loving the design, it looks soo soo soo delicious and I can't wait to experiment with them (wearing them with a flowy dress, with color stockings, with minis...). Sigh...I don't know how long I could hold out for but please somebody help!

LibraStar's Journal: Vintage Finds

It was one crazy cold winter day when I decided that it might be a good exercise to go to the chelsea flea market to snick and pick thru junk/treasures. Well, I got there and I thought I must be out of my mind to have thought of this activity (felt awfully sorry for my sweet bf).

It wasn't alot of people around, but I was still surprised that there were some seller with truck full of old stuff scattered all over big tables or on the floor. My fingers were numb by the metals of the jeweleries as I scrutinize them carefully, then for $3 a piece I quickly picked out 2 colorful gold metal necklaces, and one multi-color jewel brooches. The seller then gave me a $1 discount...awesome.

After about 20 mins at the flea market we decided to find a place indoor to save our life. We then went to the vintage market place just opposite of the flea market, which is a 3 stories vintage markets full of vintage jewelery/accessories shops, funiture shops, and some clothings. It was definitely alot of fun but at the same time these places are more organized, they usually have a carefully curated collections and prices are much much higher (I fell in love with a set of "hugh red gem" collection- ear rings, bracelet, necklace and a brooch at $800+). I am currently into big gem stones accessories which was very much inspired by Marni and Marc Jacobs accessory collection. Then I found this really great yellow belt with big clear gem in the front for $25, it was probably one of the cheaper thing in the store which I could afford, this nice old lady who owns the store was probably a socialite or debutante. She has such a great collection of accessories, some of them are custom made for her (such as the belt that I have purchased), and alot of them from European designers which are all very daring and unique. As she was packing up the yellow belt for me using this darling turquoise box with a bow she whispers, "you know, I see this as art." I immediately gained great respect for this old lady and my little cute belt because she put such care and passion into every single of the items she owns.

Despite the dreadful weather, this was all in all a great lesson for me, because this time I found new level of vintage shopping experience. I am definitely going to explore more next time around the area. stay tuned! :)

Spring look

I quite like this look from Prada. Sleek, fresh, and sultry. The classic 50s pencil skirt silhouette with flowery embellishments on the hemline. although it has a vintage silhouette the look is completely modern and fresh...love it!

Golden Globe Dresses

Some of my favorites, they all have one thing in common, which is the dress they are wearing really fits their character and body frame. Penélope just looks so pleasing and great with the beautiful black tulle dress. I especially love Cate Blanchett's dress, it's got such unique design and tailoring, glamorous and sexy, strong and sophisticated...love it x 3! Beyoncé is so divalicious and definitely "Dreamgirl" like, Elie Saab always got those great glitzy glam form fitting flock for her. Reese is always classy (sometimes gets to a point that is "boring"), but she strikes out with this sharp yellow dress that slims and elongates her body. Chloë is always so quirky, but I think she looks very beautiful and classy here, but I have to say I don't really like her platform strippy heels, too much distraction there, I think something much more simple and not platform in the front would be ideal.

- Penélope Cruz in Chanel Haute Couture
- Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen
- Beyoncé Knowles in Elie Saab
- Reese Witherspoon in Nina Ricci
- Chloë Sevigny in vintage Yves Saint Laurent.

LibraStar's Journal: So what if I am a month late?

So I have disappeared from the blogging planet for almost a month. In the strictest fashion sense my case is closed and I can stop writing now because I haven't been able to keep up with the rest of the fashion bloggers like Ms Susie Bubble and Ms Diane.

But since this blog is more for my own educational/archival purposes, I will continue to share and ramble on.

Recently I picked up a book which was published in Feb 2006 (this is quite important as to see if the material is updated/out-of-date). I think it is the perfect timing for me to read this book now rather than when it was fresh out, simply because rather than going for the juicy gossip and secrets in the fashion industry, I gain incredible knowledge learning about what it is like to be a fashion designer who wants to at least/at most survive while being somewhat nationally recognized. Now that I have more knowledge about the garment making process, what's involve in production, and some friends in the fashion industry. I have to say after reading this book it almost makes me wonder if I should even bother. I totally sympathize with the designer through her ups and downs, and her constant doubt and insecurity about her career. As to many other design career, when money is sometime not the outcome of all your hard work (but instead, a hinder for success), you really have to believe in your work as a form of art and HAVE A BUSINESS PARTNER...like the gay guy in the book who is always energetic (maybe due to intake of alcohol/drug), love socializing with the editors and buyers, help writing your pitch and business proposals while you are working your behind off on the design? And then always good to add a stylist and a stunning model who will be the muse of your design...and that's just the starters.

Anyway, on the lighter note I do lovvveee the gossips and dirty secrets about the fashion industry including certain fabulous fashion designers, models, celebrities...etc. I feel like I am advertising here but I think everyone should read this book and find enjoyment in some ways. :)