RADES

Porcelain Transformation

JL — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:14:24 +0000

Can you guess who this is?

No?….

Give up?!…

It’s none other than favorite VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio…yes…your Brazilian commercial beauty has stepped into high-fashion again. She also walked for Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Giles this season and landed a Moschino campaign. With the reigning Lara Stone, the changing silhouettes at Prada and Marc Jacobs, and the recent news of Tyra Banks signing with IMG– I think it’s clear that BOOBS ARE BACK. Hallelujah!

Images courtesy of models.com

DIRECTION: James Kendi

JL — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:09:35 +0000

Designer and photographer James Kendi has been working on a series called “Spirit Animal”, in which the masks emulate the animal the subject has most profound connection with. All masks are designed by James Kendi.

The Baddest Ballerina

JL — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:23:29 +0000

Shot by Craig McDean for Interview Magazine, this is notably one of my favorite ‘only-girl’ editorials to date. I was immediately drawn to this spread by those wicked elongated punk “pointe” shoes which, surprisingly, are by David Samuel Menkes (heyooo!). Piled in Ann Demuelemeester, Roberto Cavalli, and Alexander Wang, Freja Beha Erichsen looks fierce dusted in chalk with slicked down Wang hair and manages to pull a straight face on top of her toes. While one would find the concept simple and overdone (i.e. hard/soft…masculine/feminine…ruffles!/leather!), I find it completely relevant to the athleticism involved in ballet, particularly en pointe. Only a ballerina could tell you after the years of bruises, blisters, bleeding, sprains, and calves-that-will-shatter-your-arm-just-by-touching-them, that IT’S NOT PRETTY. The gorgeous tulle, pinks, ruffles, and silks successfully overshadows the discipline entailed to perform such beauty and grace. I find it refreshing to see some rawness associated with my favorite pastime, while wrapped up in gorgeous design. Freja rocked it, and the styling is perfect. Bra-vo.

Interview Magazine, April 2010

. . . .

JL — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:01:17 +0000

Because I don’t have tumblr….

Daria does it again. En Fuego. Mario Testino. French Vogue. That is all.

Come One, Come All

JL — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:56:34 +0000

The circus is in town, and you’re the star of the show. I screamed a little when I came across this little number. Throw on a silk gray blazer with towering heels or wear it alone with a taupe-ish belt around the waist and voila! You’re tight rope ready and breakin’ boys hearts. With cotton ruched detailing and adorable ruffle trim, this Golden Goose romper is sure to stop traffic.

Images courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

Broken Hearts in Dace

JL — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:22:48 +0000

Simplicity at its finest, this Canadian brand has a grasp on my attention with their clean lines, delicate fabrics, and idealistic marketing campaigns that leave me coveting brick covered streets and prancing around in a vintage home in just wool knit thigh highs *sigh*. Everything is right in their Fall/Winter 2010 video creating a visual Dace utopia with beautiful accompanying music, a peaceful remote setting, great styling, all the while telling a story. I wish all ends to romance looked like this.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks Mr. Munford!

For the Love of Irina

JL — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:25:33 +0000

Yes, there are a lot of boobies (more like non-boobies) in my blog and for that I do not apologize. But who can’t take their eyes of the lovely Irina Lazareanu. I’ve always been intrigued by her distinctive look and all the dramz she brings to a photograph. She’s got alot of soul and this sister never grows tired in my book. Reigning around the same time as Agyness (what, like 2 years ago? Crazy how short a models career is) she is now strictly focused on her music, working with Sean Lennon and getting all folksy on us. But fortunately, she’s been sneaking into random editorials like this one lately and couldn’t be more happy of her return.

Images courtesy of TheOnes2Watch

On Seeing Stripes

JL — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:49:16 +0000

There’s nothing like a trend gone overkill. While the trickle down theory seems to be no longer in existence with retailers like H&M, Forever, and Topshop, this summer you’re going to be seeing stripes like a banshee wrapped in an American flag. Although I have a soft spot for all things nautical and admittedly will be sporting my oversized A.P.C. 3/4 sleeve striped shirt, I would hope to find fresher ways to embrace this trend. I like the idea of a long striped knit skirt paired with a button down oxford, or a striped tunic topped with a bold scarf (stay away from red, or you might as well grow a mustacha). Either way, make it your own..less it typically more, and if you’re going to do stripes, don’t pair it with anything exuberant like studs or metallics being that it stands out alone.

Images courtesy of style.com, Garance Dore, the Sartorialist, shopbop.com, Totokealo

Daria caliente

JL — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:29:55 +0000

Old news. My love for Daria Werbowy will never subside…she has and will always my my number one model muse. Looking incredibly stunning in this spread shot by Mario Testino (who else?) she channels Maria Felix, who was a Mexican film star from the 50′s. Pick up the latest issue of V Magazine today, so you can ogle with me.

…Lanvin makes stogies sexy…

photos via models.com

ARTISFUN: Pelican Books

JL — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:36:32 +0000

Veering off from the usual, I present to you some incredible covers I discovered of a publication you may or may not remember. Pelican Books were a division of Penguin Books, but the subject matter primarily consisted of education and journalism as opposed to recreation and fiction. The books range in publication dating back to the 1930′s up through the 1980′s, where you will find remarkable design and graphic arts, as well as valuable sources of content which I would still consider appealing.

Would love to hunt this selection down, and I especially find the covers from the 60′s and 70′s to be my favorite. See more on Things Magazine gallery.

DIRECTION: Natalia

JL — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:13:09 +0000

Keep on the lookout for this bright young thing…Natalia from Profile Models is looking all to familiar of our favorite cool girl Freja..this sexy spread proves she needs to be on our radar. **FYI I’m all about the Alaia Pony Hair wedges in the library/ciggy shot.

Prova for CO-OP

JL — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:01:49 +0000

In the lieu of wanting all things warm, I’ve been fantasizing an escape to Ibiza drinking Aguardiente while dancing around barefoot with salt in my hair….un dia….hopefully sooner than later. But until then, I can at least look the part come spring weather. A great way to eccentuate an outfit during transitional season is with a fabulous scarf. Doing so you can play with colors, patterns, and textures without going overboard with those pieces you’ve been eyeing for months, but that it’s still too cold to wear. Here, I’ve come across these gorgeous scarves that have a collection exclusively through Barney’s Co-Op. Prova finds beautiful vintage silks with gorgeous prints and motifs, then adds beaded tassel fringe trim, all of them brightly colored and vibrant. Designer Irina Arakas held an editor position at Vogue–now accessories designer and has done a fabulous job doing so. These Sandinista style triangular scarves are thin and can be worn in a variety of ways all the while being limited edition or one-of-a-kind, so the chances of you bumping into another Prova wearer on the Ibiza sand floor–muy piqueño. Here are my favorites, you can check out the rest of the collection at Barneys Co-Op. Oy Oy!

On the Runway: Givenchy Haute Couture

JL — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:25:49 +0000

Parisian. 70′s. Erotic. Not too shabby. Richard Tisci is doing a swell job breaking into haute couture presenting beautifully tailored menswear inspired lines with plunging necklines followed with tailcoats and gorgeous ostrich feathers cascading out the front. The jumpsuits have an air of nostalgia bringing us back to disco days dancing on tables at Studio 54, while closing with gorgeously constructed Spanish inspired evening gowns….definitely receives my seal of approval.

courtesy of style.com

Make Me Priti

JL — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:01:26 +0000

I’ve been reluctant to do a post on a product because one, I’m not here to sell anything, and two…to be honest I have no other reason. But all in all when I come across a product that I absolutely fall over my heels for–I’m feeling the obligation to share my fix. And since I am obsessed with all things beauty related, I’m going to add a new segment that will focus on this topic. So bear with me, and please, feedback is always encouraged.

While I’ve been in deep fascination over the organic and sustainable fashion world the past couple posts I feel it’s more than appropriate to continue. A great friend of mine turned me onto Priti NYC, a line of organic non-toxic nail polishes and skin care free of all chemicals. Can it be true? It’s hard to image a nail polish free of chemicals when every time I walk into a salon I’m hit with that terrible smell that makes my want to break out into convulsions. It’s no wonder they offer those massage add-ons because it’s hardly a place where one can relax. But Priti promises “fast drying, chip resistant, safe for moms and princesses, cruelty free, not tested on animals, uv inhibitor, non yellowing, recyclable packaging, super durable, and a super glossy finish,” all the while not containing toulene, formaldahyde, and BDP’s. Those three harsh chemicals are found in all those fabulous polishes you use today yet of course most of us are not aware of the dangers these can cause. While your painting on that Chanel Jade Lacqure you inhaling a concoction of those volatile chemicals known to cause pnuemonia, shallow breathing, dry cracked skin, irritation, and also affects the kidneys and nervous system. Not to mention all the carcinogens and DBP’s which have been linked to cause problems in the reproduction system for those moms-to-be. (Hello??!)

If that’s not enough to make you do a 360 and go organic let’s not forget to mention the dazzling spectrum of colors to choose from on the website www.pritinyc.com, colors you normally wouldn’t find in a boutique, especially organic. CEO Kim D’Amato clearly is doing something right as her polishes are the go-to choice for fashion week, being featured in the SS ’10 collections of Adam Lippes, Thakoon, Tuleh, Carlos Miele, Donna Karan, Rachel Roy, Tommy Hilfiger, Isaac Mizrahi…shall I go on?

So in turn, I ordered the polish featured in the Adam Lippes collection, Coronation which is a gorgeous little natural being that I concluded would be a perfect everyday polish. To my surprise (which I shouldn’t have, doing all my research beforehand, but still bewildered) this polish can seriously walk the talk. First off, the packaging looks fantastic coming in a 100% recyclable grass bottle with the pretty silver logo on the front. When painted on, I couldn’t believe how fast it dried! Literally on my third finger my first one was completely done making it incredibly easy for me (I’m not the most talented doing my own nails). So far, no chips, cracks, bumps, or dyed cuticles and I’m on day four–and still marvelously glossy!! Pretty impressive as they usually go dull and have a chip by the second day.

So, ladies, I encourage you to get your hands on these. I have yet to try to Organic Soy remover which word on the street is “phenomenal”, especially in these colder days. Looking at the array of colors to choose from, here are my four picks for this upcoming season: tres chic!

Kingfisher Daisy

Devils Fig

Lambstail Cactus

Breath of Life

Stella McCartney Undressed

JL — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:21:16 +0000

Stella McCartney’s S/S ’10 Lingerie collection looks delightfully playful and cozy this season….makes me want to frolick and roll around a garden. And lets not forget to mention Kim Noorda looks absolutely stunning….the whole composition is breathtaking. Lovely.

JPO: Sustainable Goodness

JL — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:34:54 +0000

From this point on in my life I plan to focus on three simple values: feel good, be good, and do good. Call it my New Year’s resolution if you must, but a valuable mantra of life. This is merely attainable in my everyday lifestyle but how does this translate to fashion? With a poor reputation for acknowledging it’s own ecosystem (harsh dyes! fur! PETA! Lippi Cats!*) it’s hard to find one of the good guys. In this day in age it’s important to know where it comes from, and how it was made, whether you are buying that fabulous leather bomber or ogling over the cheese section at Whole Foods. Looking into organic and sustainable clothing lines, I find that there are very few far and between that are actually wearable and affordable (hello, Stella McCartney!). I do own a pair of bamboo knit tights/pants (pights?) from The Battalion that I absolutely LOVE and are on my body 4 days out of the week. No joke. But this is really as far as I have gotten in the “green” fashion world. While cruising through Spring collections I came across John Patrick Organic and stopped dead in my tracks. Crisp trenches? Check. Flirty dresses? Check. High-waisted shorts? Check. Paired with those slinky knee high stockings I think I found my new eco-friendly love! Strictly classic American sportswear channeling a bygone era, this collection will last till you give your granddaughter your pearls. And it will–he uses all organic cotton, grows his own flax, makes denim from blue corn, uses recycled fibers, and is a huge supporter of Vermont wool. The best part? You won’t break the bank. Now that’s something to feel good about.

John Patrick Organic S/S ’10

courtesy of style.com

*True story: One day I came across an Oscar de la Renta tweed sheath dress with pretty little spotted fur trim from F/W ’09. I’ve never seen such spotted fur, clearly it was dyed since it was so soft and looked like Cheetah. I looked at the label which read: Lippi Cat. Um, what? Confused, having never heard of such an animal, I Googled it. What did I find? LIPPI CAT IS NOT REAL. It is a MADE UP name that large fashion houses and buyers use to mask where/what it truly is! In reality, the term “Lippi Cat” is a trade name for either an Asian Leopard cat (illegal to hunt), or DOMESTIC HOUSE CAT illegally obtained from China. Shame on Oscar.

America’s Sweetheart

JL — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:19:27 +0000

There are two reasons why I automatically had interest in Karlie Kloss. Besides her striking features and long legs, she’s from USA (hails from Chicago! double hey!), and she is classically trained in ballet (my other passion..oh how I miss). Known as one of the “good girls” and only 17 years of age, she has already established herself to supermodeldom having graced the most international Vogue editorials in just 2009 alone. Last February she was the highest booked model for New York fashion week, following Daria Werbowy who currently holds the title for opening and closing the most shows in a season. Putting her right up in front of Lara Stone and Sasha Pivovarova, this young lady is dominating the scene with monumental force. So far she is the face for Dior and Hermes Spring campaigns, and just recently shot a witty cover with Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next of this American beauty. Bravo!

Vogue Italia

Hermes S/S ’10

Dior S/S ’10

American Vogue

TREAT YOURSELVES: Pre-Fall ’10

JL — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:38:25 +0000

Ugh. Pre-Fall. While I’ve been still coveting over the spring collections I’ve finally submersed myself with Pre-Fall 2010. 3 weeks after the matter. I just can’t bear to think about getting ready for more cold when it reads 18 degrees outside. As much as I want to whine and complain, we’ll be smacked in the face with F/W 10 collections come next month. That being said, let me get out my two favorite pre-season round abouts.

Rag & Bone

Easy and breezy, this seems to replicate 19th century vibe staying true to their military roots but in a more wearable, funtional, light manner. Using different textures and fabulous styling this is by far most desired on my list. Note the suede bomber, leather tank, ultra fine sheer wool sweater, oooh and those velvety wool knickers! J’adore! *Shoes are killer.

Thakoon

Thakoon Panichgul knows how to dress a woman’s body. Usually tailoring to bright printed frocks in classic silhouettes this collection was one that caught my eye. The draping along the waistline with creative knotted tassel trimmings were a refreshing debut to a usually monotonous season. Not to mention that voluminous floral print shirt dress is looking oh-so-amazing, and would be more amazing if it were in my closet.