Fashion bloggers, beware!

Wow, Franca Sozzani (editor-in-chief at Vogue Italia) sure has an issue with fashion bloggers. She believes fashion bloggers do not have sufficient background in fashion to make any comments, critical or not. And the comments that have been made? They're "naif and enthusiastic". Also, according to her, fashion bloggers do not have a significant impact on the fashion business. She voiced her displeasure on her blog (how ironic, isn't she also a fashion blogger?) at fashion bloggers getting front row seats at fashion shows and openly doubted their credibility.

Sure, fashion bloggers are naive and as viral as a cold but this is exactly what makes them more real and approachable than the nose-in-the-air luxury brands that have only begun to engage with their customers in recent years due to the (late) realisation of viability of going digital. Sozzani obviously has no idea about the global reach that bloggers have and how much they can influence a potential customer. Say one visits Jane Aldridge's Sea of Shoes blog today, sees her outfits (which Sozzani might label as "absurd") and notices that Jane is wearing a pair of shoes that she had been considering to buy. I would say there is a high chance that the viewer would go down to the mall the next day to buy that pair of shoes.

Traditional print magazines such as Vogue will definitely retain its prestige and credibility. Sales drop so what does it mean for the fashion magazine? Instead of wasting time whining about it (and complaining about the fashion bloggers), take a leaf out of Alexandra Shulman's book (or ipad). This project was overseen by British Vogue Editor-in-Chief and was launched in November last year. It costs a fraction cheaper than the print edition of Vogue UK. It may not be as interactive and integrated as this new media student would prefer it but it is nonetheless representative of baby steps toward taking the digital bull by its horns and making a concerted attempt at refashioning the fashion business model.

"Lets wait a minute before acclaiming it or hating it. There are still a lot of people who don't know what blogger means, and none of us knows how it will evolve. It's still under observation. The only thing I can say with certitude it's that if it were a disease, we would call it a viral cold. An epidemic!"

By portraying herself as "anti-blogger", Sozzani has only confirmed the extent of the rift that exists between the fashion industry and technology; between the fashion elite and basically, everyone else. Fashion trends come and go but some remain on the radar, usually in different forms (take the LBD, for example, the undisputed classic forgiving with the cut and design). The digital trend seems pretty likely to attain the "LBD status".

While it is early to determine its evolution and subsequent usefulness, one cannot deny that it has served the fashion industry well. The use of social media for instance, has made communication with customers direct and inclusive. DVF is a fantastic example of this phenomenon. The brand image that has resulted is one of warmth and approachability. Furthermore, brands can establish a brand presence in the online universe that people are spending more and more time on. Plainly speaking, going digital saves money. Costs of maintaining, fostering and sustaining relationships between the customer and the luxury brand have been lowered substantially relative to print and other traditional forms of promotions or advertising. The pros and cons covered here are far from exhaustive.

The notion and possibility of access into the world of fashion probably irks some and excites others and everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. Sozzani is no exception. Let's all give this digital dinosaur some space.




♥,
Fir


quote courtesy of Refinery 29

Couture Week

Couture week in Paris came to an end last night, with Valentino drawing the curtain for Spring/ Summer 2011's collections. To sum up the extravagant event, thefword will feature some of the designers that presented their works.

My favorite show comes as no surprise. Valentino's collection was ravishing to say the least. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli sent models down the runway in frothy dresses that looked like a dream, with all their delicateness and lightness. Ruffles and femininity were present in full force. Also staying true to this season's hottest trend, the pieces were in a whole spectrum of nude colors.

While Valentino was the epitome of beauty, Chanel's collection was girlish and pretty, with models in frilled and feathered dresses gliding down Pavilion Cambon in flat, backless black patent shoes. Once again, Chanel's palette was pretty muted, with icy tones like pale pink, blue or lilac. Also, the traditional boucle wool suits over narrow trousers that were played out at the start of the show, overlapped with Armani Prive's elements of a narrow shouldered silhouette and a downplay on the womanly figure.

Of course, other designers also stuck to the trend of nude colors, such as that of Givenchy's Tisci who presented a strikingly strong collection which balanced the hard with soft, feminine with technological and paid homage to Japanese dancer Kazuo Ohno.

Then there was Elie Saab who showed off delicate feminine dresses with light touches of embellishment, characteristic of couture pieces.

Couture week was not short of drama either, with Jean Paul Gaultier's outstanding collection that was inspired by Seventies punk meets Moulin Rouge.

Christian Dior's John Galliano showed a flamboyant collection featuring classic Dior looks of the Forties, with splashes of bright red and black that toned down to a pastel palette later on in the show. Referencing to that era were girls in updos and shawl-collared jackets cinched at the waist with wide alligator belts or peplum jackets with narrow waisted pencil skirts. This was contrasted with voluminous skirts under neat fitted bodices.

Probably Giorgio Armani's most architectural show, the Prive couture show was 'futuristic techno meets oriental' where jeweled colored dresses were stiff and sleek, with architectural lines and laser cuts that made the pieces look very streamlined. Huge slabs of embellishment and head gear gave a science fiction feel to the already futuristic looking outfits.

If Couture week is anything to go by, spring/summer 2011 is set to be a really exciting season for fashionistas everywhere.

Photos courtesy of Vogue

♥,
Fal

What I would wear...

Today's outfit was haphazardly thrown on for a quick mid-week lunch session with a couple of friends.

Location: One Raffles Quay. Hence, I opted for a more formal look, without going overboard and blending into the sea of people in their corporate uniforms. I threw on a chiffon blouse in a deep rust colour and paired it with a pair of navy cropped pants, and finished the look off with my Marni inspired wedges from Charles and Keith.

Nothing too fancy, just really comfortable!

♥,

Fal

The Coveted

Fir and myself sincerely apologize for the lack of updates! Unfortunately, the stress from school work and projects have started to kick in, and that has led to the both of us struggling to stay abreast of it all.

So right now, when I'm a little stressed (and un-motivated), I turn to surfing the internet for some inspiration! Recently, I chanced upon a website called The Coveted. And yes, this website really lives up to its name. The Coveted is dedicated to documenting the handbags, shoes, accessories and clothes of fashion insiders like Teen Vogue's fashion market editor Mary Kate Steinmiller and Harper's Bazaar's fashion market editor Joanna Hillman.

I really enjoy the personal treatment given to e

ach item as there's a little anecdote that goes along with every one of them. Shot by photographer Jake Rosenberg, each photo is definitely bound to leave you lusting for more. And there's more fashion editor, publicist, stylist, model and blogger subjects coming up, so head on down to the website for some pleasure for your eyes.

♥,
Fal

Something for you to 'Like'

Calling all ASOS fans! (Fal and myself included). ASOS will be launching a fully integrated Facebook store at the end of this month.

Previously, online stores have used Facebook as a storefront and users would be directed to the main website should they want to make a purchase. ASOS however, has its entire stock on Facebook. Facebook users can not only comment on and share items with friends, they can now buy and save items without having to leave the social networking site. ASOS currently has over 11 million visitors to its site and about 400,000 followers on Facebook. James Hart, ASOS ecommerce director, isn't sure that this would lead to increased sales although the potential is rife. Personally, this new social media marketing initiative hits the nail right on its head. There is no better time than now to take advantage of the potential that is in Facebook to cultivate a loyal customer-brand relationship and expand one's business.



ASOS is just churning out goodies; from a drop-dead gorgeous S/S lookbook to a Facebook store. Let's hope ASOS keeps them coming.

For more information, you can find this article on Marketing Week.


♥,
Fir

Golden Globes 2011 Red Carpet Report

I am a sucker for evening gowns. So you can imagine the thrill I had watching the Golden Globes 2011 on TV today. After watching the event, I just thought I had to share with you what some of the lovely ladies wore to the event.

The red carpet was awash with a multitude of colors, but the most prominent one was scarlet. A whole spectrum, from bright hot red, hot pink to blushing pink, many actresses were clad in this hue.

I can't decide which of the scarlet dresses I like the best, but I think it's a toss up between Claire Danes' Calvin Klein number and Julianne Moore' Lanvin one.

Another striking color that was seen on two of Hollywood's heavyweights, Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones, was a lovely shade of emerald green.

Most actresses seemed to favor a more sophisticated but conservative look, choosing to cover their arms in long sleeves. Necklines remained safe with boatneck collars and hemlines only ended at the ground.

Another group of actresses veered the other way, opting for a more muted palette of nude and earth tones.

Others, like Jennifer Lopez and Megan Fox opted for a more ethereal look. Of course, they still managed to look glamorous with a little help from the 'bling' that was piled onto their dresses.

My favorites of the night? January Jones looking nothing short of a blonde bombshell in the sexy tangerine coloured dress from Versace.

Then of course there's Tilda Swinton in Jil Sander. Commendable for her bold choice, choosing a minimalistic and sleek shirt dress, or should I say shirt gown, that makes her look effortlessly cool.

Last but not least, rising starlet Olivia Wilde puts every Disney Princess to shame in her gorgeous, drool-worthy gown from Marchesa. I think her dress really stole the night. Oh and did I mention that I would die to be in this gown?

I hope you managed to catch the Golden Globes 2011, but if you didn't, there's still the Oscars to look forward to!

Photos courtesy of Fashionologie

♥,
Fal

Society of Black Sheep

The name 'Society of Black Sheep' couldn't be more fitting for this new multi label store located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The 'black sheep' amidst the other 'proper' high end labels, this new store carries an eclectic mix of clothes, accessories and shoes from underground labels like Injury, Friedrich Gray and Mjolk from Sydney and House of Holland and People's Market from London. For something with a more exotic flavor, there's Minna Parrika bags from Helsinki and RetroSuperFuture sunglasses from Italy. One thing's for sure, you're definitely going to stand out from the crowd with looks pulled out from this store.

So if you're an independent individual willing to say 'no' to fashion slavery, this is the store to go to.

For once, you know you can't resist the temptation of being the black sheep.

The Society of Black Sheep is located at #B1-64 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

♥,
Fal

Chase those shopping blues away!

Just when you thought that you've seen all the goods that German fashion label Jil Sander has to offer with their +J line at Uniqlo, Jil Sander has launched a new diffusion line, Jil Sander Navy. This line will be geared towards the more youthful and casual customer, and will be a lot easier on the pockets as prices will be 40% lower than those from the main line. Prices range from $290 for T-shirts to $1,290 for dresses.

This current collection will be peppered with colors like pinks, greens, turquoises and of course, some navy, but will stay true to the sleek minimalism that is Jil Sander. Expect boxy dresses, classic trenches and minimal shirt dresses in very interesting sounding materials like cotton voile, micro twill and techno gabardine.

The collection will be available at the Jil Sander boutique at #02-22 Hilton Hotel.

Photos courtesy of Refinery 29

♥,
Fal

Hair for Spring 2011

It is easy to be lazy when it comes to hair styling. Take the 'bad hair' example. No one does anything about bad hair except wear a hat or tie it up and declaring "It's a Bad Hair Day". Bad hair is then forgiven out of empathy, sympathy or good nature. Often, people tend to overlook their hair as part of their overall presentation. Personally, a perm is the laziest (and easiest) way to keep hair looking presentable. I'm guilty of it but I'm not ashamed to say so. Where is there time to style my hair everyday when there is a never-ending task list for me to tackle? This was why I was stoked when I stumbled upon these Spring hair styles or solutions, perfect for the busy bees. There is no fuss or overnight discomfort required and I would say 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient to achieve any of these looks. Let's jump straight to it.

1. The Swoop

Pin your bangs loosely to the side and secure it with bobby pins.




2. The Bangs

Bangs should be heavy, below the eyebrows, longer on the sides and they should be blow dried.




3. The Low Bun

Try to cover your ears and keep the bun loose and natural.




4. The Shpunky (short + punky)

Use some wax to get that tousled, I-don't-give-a-damn/I'm-busy/Get-out-of-my-way look.




5. The Side Part

Tip: To find your parting, place a comb flat against the side of your head. Slide the comb upwards till it leaves your head and that is where you should part your hair.



Love it: Easy, quick and natural way to look polished and stylish.
Hate it: Busy is no longer an excuse. (at least for now)

Photos courtesy of Refinery 29.

♥,
Fir