style essence~~~

7th Kate Moss collection for Topshop

2008-09-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

While everyone's eyes stays in New York, we can start to move towards London, for the next fashion week and also for the new items.
It's Kate Moss collection again with the theme versatility.
If no one reminds me, maybe I would forget it's already the seventh collection that she did for Topshop.

Look at the pictures that she took as a model for her own collection.
There is no doubt that the supermodel can carry her works best.
The black and white effect makes it feels like winter more.

The swallow-print dress on the left is Kate's favorite.
"I love this dress for its gorgeous sweetheart neckline.It feels flirty and casual with or without heels, dressed up or down." She told vogue.com

I couldn't help but wonder, we want the one time cooperation like what H&M mostly did or the Topshop version that would have so many different collection from the same person?
Perhaps when we buy the one time collection, it somehow due to the rare chance of such crossover, but if we continue to buy Kate's collection, should be because we really like what she designs.

My Agyness I.T Post

2008-09-05T03:46:00.000-07:00

Is MY I.T Post, issue 4.
The theme of this issue is celebration.
Obviously this is to celebrate the 20th birthday of I.T, a huge fashion retailer in Hong Kong and up-and-coming in China.

It's the second time for Agyness Deyn to be on the cover of I.T post.
Inside, it also admits Aggy is the best face of I.T.
Hye Park also stars in the post.

It also features an interview with Ann Demeulemeester, a series of Polaroids of Gareth Pugh and photo shot by David Roemer.
4 stickers created by the design duo M/M Paris, Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag,
with characters named Miss I, Madame T, Mister X and Lady X to represent I.T 20th anniversary in Roman numerals.
Instead of something like a fashion magazine, a book for art would be more appropriate.

Phoebe Philo's back

2008-09-04T22:20:00.000-07:00

Good news!
Phoebe Philo is back to the fashion industry and takes up the role of being Celine's creative director.
The British talented designer resigned from her post as a creative director of Chloé in January 2006.

The 35 year-old-mum feel as excited as her followers.
"I can't wait to step back into the studio and begin creating designs which will reinvigorate the brand, get customers excited about the product and work with a team that are incredibly serious and passionate about their work." Phoebe told WWD.

I don't really care which brand she will work for, what I care is whether she can bring us back the magic moment that she created for Chloé.
I hope our expectation won't cause so much pressure for this highly-missed designer.
All of us are looking forward for her great job in Celine for fall 2009 and the runway debut for season spring 2010.

Top 10 Fall Trend for 2008

2008-09-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

The fall officially start when we move on to September.
As I am a fashion blogger, friends around me always ask me what is the hottest trend for the coming seasons.
Here is a little special for the start of September, the Top 10 Fall Trend for 2008.

1. Boho Chic

2. Be a boy

3. Check Fever

4. Elegant Lace

5. Fur War

6. Metallic Element

7. Purple World

8. Signature Coat

9. Simple is the Best

10. Winter Garden

Kate Moss in Gold

2008-08-29T03:28:00.000-07:00

This picture does have a 'Wowing' effect.
I am quite sure the visitors of British Museum would feel the same when they see a GOLD Kate Moss sculpture.

This masterpiece is created by Marc Quinn.
After the yoga-pose sculpture he made 2 years ago, here is the larger version of his piece.
Valued at £1.5 million and weighted at 50 kilogram, it is reported as the largest gold statue to be made in the world since the time of Ancient Egypt.

Although some said the editorial that Kate starred is not that good anymore, these criticisms don't affect her anyway.
She is still a supermodel that people love, maybe too much that we have to make a gold statue to worship her.

Fashionista, don't just go to Victoria & Albert Museum when you visit London.
British Museum's Statuephilia exhibition can also be your choice between 4 October and 25 January.

10 Years Russian Beauty

2008-08-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine how you look after 10 years?
10 years, is such a long time that is difficult to know what would be happening.
10 years ago, I can never except I would be writing a fashion blog and working in a 3D avatar fashion community.
For sure, Sasha Pivovarova would never imagine she would become a supermodel.

Vouge Russia September issue include a special editorial named "10 Years Later".
Putting together the recent photo of 9 Russian top models shotted by Terry Tsiolis with the photos 10 years ago when they are still a child.
These models include double cover girl of Vouge Paris and Vouge Russia Anna Selezneva, Tanya Dziahileva, Terry Tsiolis, Natasha Poly, Vlada Roslyakova, etc.

They are looks cute and their beauty shines since they are young.
Personally, I prefer the picture when they are a kid.
Although it is not so sexy and skillful, everything just looks so real and natural.
It is not about taking good pictures, it is about keeping a memory.

New stars for Harvey Nichols - Wallace and Gromit

2008-08-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the new models just has sign up for Harvey Nichols new campaign - Wallace, Gromit and even Lady Tottington are included.
This is a big surprise and fortunately, in a GOOD way.

As a fan of Wallace and Gromit (I hugely in love all kinds of dog characters like Snoopy, Pluto and Milou), I am sure most people would love their new chic look.
When Wallace poses nicely in suits from Paul Smith and Alexander McQueen with Dolce & Gabbana shirt and Armani tie, while Gromit looks even smarter on it Duchamp or Paul Smith scarf and pair of Ray Ban sunglasses.
Lady Tottington also looks stunning by wearing a black draped dress by Alexander McQueen, having red heels by Christian Louboutin and holding a metallic Zagliani bag.

Some may wonder Wallace and Gromit would not be best match for the highend department store which always emphasises a sense of elegance.
However, I do find the cuteness would make Harvey Nichols appeals to younger audience and looks refreshing.
Most importantly, the ad looks awesome and stand out from other real models commercial.

Crocs?! No Way!!!

2008-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is what appear in Vogue Paris, September issue.
When you just look at it, you may not discover anything wrong.
Take a closer look on the model's leg, then you will see what makes me shock.

It's a pair of CROCS!
No matter how comfortable it is, no matter how colorful it is, no matter how popular it is, I just can't stand for myself putting on a pair of Crocs.
For me, it is one of the ugliest things to put on someone's leg.

I have no idea why it would appear in French Vogue, and it truly disappoints me by this "special" choice.
Maybe I am the only one who feel surprised for that.
However, even something is hugely popular, or maybe even chic to wear, when you don't like it, I just can't think of a reason to force yourself to put it on.

Fabulous Olympics - Gymnastics and Synchronized Swimming

2008-08-22T01:50:00.000-07:00

Typhoon no.9 in Hong Kong is currently in force, so I have a chance to look at the Synchronized Swimming - Team Event Technical Routine, which is regarded as the ballet in water.
Apart from enjoying their beautiful movement, I am truly impressed by the participants' swimsuit.

There is a Chinese character "hua" which stands for China on the left and prunus mume flower (known as plum blossom, one of the national flower of China) throughout the swimsuit and hair accessories of the Chinese Team.
It truly represents the essence of China culture and spirit.
The bling bling crystal on top which costs more than US$10000 makes the look more stunning.

There are also lots of gorgeous outfit in synchronized swimming, gymnastics artistic and gymnastics rhythmic.
Gemma Mengual and Andrea Fuentes of Spain
Shawn Johnson of America, the sweet gold and sliver medals winner
Olga Kapranova of Russia
Anna Bessonova of Ukraina, Athens Rhythmic Gymnastics bronze medalist
Greek team in gymnastics rhythmic all round

The Olympics will end soon on the coming Sunday.
Olympics is still olympics. We focus on sports and the outstanding performance of the athetics.
However, it would never be the effort of one person.
While we are prising the medal winners, maybe we should not forget their coachs and for sure, the outfit designers.

Australia goes chic

2008-08-18T22:41:00.000-07:00

While we are waiting for New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week or London Fashion Week, maybe you can take a look in the other side of the world - Australia.
I understand that when it comes to fashion, you will immediately think of Paris, Milan and so on.
Usually, Australia would not be be first to name.

Don't forget more and more labels coming from Australia and New Zealand like Alice McCall, Karen Walker.
These names prove that is somewhere that worth paying attention to.

The Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival has just ended.
Top Australian designers like Alex Perry, David Lawrence, Kirrily Johnston, Nicola Finetti, etc participated in the event.
From lingerie to evening gowns, pieces in this fashion festival shows you a different taste.

Picks:
Romance Was Born's collection with hippy feeling and inspired by African tribes.
Jets by Jessika Allen's sexy swimsuits which is colorful and hot.

Missed it?! No worries, Brisbane Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Melbourne Spring Fashion Week are coming.
For sure, stick with Style Essence for more details and favorite picks.

The New Look

2008-08-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's already the middle of August.
Students are getting ready to school, while fashionista is preparing for the new seasons.
It's a time to change for websites also.

2 hugely popular fashion sites have their new looks recently.
One is style.com, another is WWD
Both of them used some darker color tone for their backgrounds, perhaps they would like to welcome the coming autumn and winter...lol

What's important is they keep the layout clean and tidy.
At first, i was a bit not used to the new menu.
But in general, it is easy to pick up and clear.

Maybe i should start thinking getting a new look for Style Essence~~~ also.

Comme des Garçons for H&M

2008-08-11T19:50:00.001-07:00

Here it goes!
After the cooperation with Louis Vuitton, Rei Kawakubo, the founder and head designer of Comme des Garçons, will create an autumn collection for H&M.

Although the items would be launched in November worldwide, here is a little preview in W magazine of what items they are having.
The focus stays on a Japanese lonita dress in black color with lace details.
The rest of the designs would mainly "in black with Japanese tomboy airs" and also a unisex perfume.

However, one thing is missing.
According to the press release of H&M on 3rd of April, 2008, there would be pieces for children as well.
Sadly, Rei didn't feel like doing the kidswear.

It would be a good idea to select the items you love first.
So that you can run for your favorite items immediately after the long queue.

Modern Qipao in Olympics

2008-08-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

The BIG day for every Chinese finally came.
This is something that we have long for hundreds of years and I am really proud of what we have achieved.

For sure I have watched that whole opening ceremony.
A spectacular show which demonstrated the core essence of the Chinese spirit.
As a person who are interested in style, I did pay extra attention on how the Olympic ritual girl dressed.

Their are always dressed in qipao with modern style, which is full of traditional eastern style and highlight the beautiful woman curves.
The patten of the qipao are decorated with Chinese flowers, painting and accessorized with jade.
It is obvious that they can impress the world by their look.

I always think that qipao is one of the sexiest pieces among all the clothing items.
It is a kind of subtle sexiness without showing too much.
Recently, designers love to add some Asian favor to their collection.
Perhaps they can get some inspiration by looking at these young, elegant girls in the Olympics.

4 girls in Love with Tiffany

2008-08-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Can any girl say "no" to Tiffany?
Maybe no.
It seems that it is a basic instant to fall in love with it.
Perhaps the movie Breakfast at Tiffany changed every girl's dream.

Tiffany is my favorite brand for jewelery.
And it is my only brand for jewelery.
I admit I love everything that looks pretty, and it is always something fun to mix and match different fashion items.
I just don't know why, I am so loyal to Tiffany.

Once, I tried on a bracelet at Tiffany.
Suddenly, my tears coming out for no reason.
It sounds crazy, but at that moment, I am completed with happiness.
And I would never forget this experience.

Sasha Pivovarova, Lily Cole, Liya Kebede and Shalom Harlow stars in the fall 2008 ad for Tiffany.
They represent different kinds of modern girls who love wearing Tiffany.
Like most of its ads, it is clear and simple, but it has taken out the romantic feeling which always appears in it.

Agyness for Shiseido

2008-07-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

Here is the new commercial of Agyness Deyn for Shiseido Maquillage Mode Mix Collection.
She is an enthusiastic girl in the TV ad and dances around with her gorgeous face.
It looks refreshing and sweet.

Maybe Shiseido wants to be more international, so it tries to use this worldwide supermodel.
Perhaps is to bring out the fashion related concept of the collection.
However, the new face seems not really matching with the other Japanese stars, so do the usual brand image.
What do you think?

Mischa and Christian online sale

2008-07-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

Mischa Barton designed her own collection of bags.
The handbag line are exclusively on sale in asos.
There is a total of 14 bags, from clutch to shoulder bag, with vintage style.

My favorite is the exclusive 'Lyla' Rope Handle Bag.
This white leather bag would be a easy match for most clothes in my closets, both causal and formal.

Project Runway seasons 4 winner - Christian Siriano's new collection are finally on sale in bluefly.com.
Personally I do think what he did in project runway is much better.
Out of the 4 new pieces, the gold silk shift dress is better, yet not good enough for Christian should have.

Other than fashion...

2008-07-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

When you want some interesting night life, you may think of New York or London.
Maybe start from now, you can plan out your trip to Dubai.

Roberto Cavalli will open his first night club in November in Dubai.
Although it is just an photoshop image, it can give us a teaser of what it would be look like.
Properly Cavalli's club would be full of stunning Swarovski crystals and his signature animal print.
Specially chosen Italian food would be served as well as sushi bar.

On the other hand, Donatella Versace will act as an interior designer and redecorate the New York Clock Tower.
The new landmark will contain 55 residential apartments, spa, club and more.

The two famous designers has done a good job in their own area. I believe in their sense in beauty and apparently daily life is more difficult to separate from fashion labels.

Fur or against?

2008-07-22T03:13:00.000-07:00

It is always a debate in fashion world - fur or against fur.
Although more and more designers said they would stop using fur for their collections, the argument never ends.

The latest issue Vogue Paris has a controversial photo shot.
Brazilian supermodel Raquel Zimmermann starred in the editorial.
She wore in fur arrogantly, with protesters holding "Fur is dead" banner as background.

Basically PETA does make a lot of effort in protecting the animal rights, like throwing a tofu pie in Anna Wintour face in 2005, to make people aware of its importance.
Personally, I do not think it is necessary to buy fur as there is so many kinds of fabric and materials we can choose.
Global warming also makes the weather unsuitable for wearing fur.

Most Fashionable City

2008-07-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

How fashion is your city?
According to annual international survey carried out by Global Language Moniter (GLM), New York is ranked as the Top Fashion City for the fifth times.
The results is based on how often is a city name appears near some fashion phase and style references instead of how people really thinks, so it may not be too accurate. At least, Tokyo deserves a higher rank than 10th.

Anyway, here is the TOP five fashion cities:

New York
Rome
Paris
Milan
London

Sadly, my city - Hong Kong has dropped out of Top 10, and become the 11 this year.
Watch here to see the Top 30 list, see whether your city is fashionable or not.

From Berlin to Miami

2008-07-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

There are fashion events in the two different side of the world.
Instead of the big four fashion week, it's in Berlin and Miami this weekend.

Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion week kicks off by Hugo and ends with Vivienne Westwood Anglomania.
All collections are colorful and wearable.
Famous German designer Karl Lagerfel received the top prize from the hand of German supermodel Claudia Schiffer on Saturday night.

On the other hand, Miami is hot enough to shown swimwear collections of 16 designers.
Apart from the normal swimwear, it includes something makes swimming more chic and fun.

Model.Live - Model's life

2008-07-17T02:24:00.000-07:00

If you are curios about the life of a new model, here is the perfect episode for you.
Which channel?
No! Should be which site this time.

Vouge.tv will have the very first web-based reality series on modeling industry, named "Model.Live". It contains 12 8-minute episodes which will start on 19 Aug.
Basically the show would be around three new IMG models - Cato Van Ee, Madeline Kragh and Austria Alcantara. It would tracks how the model life works, like casting calls, meetings with the clients, runways, etc. Additionally, unhealthy behavior, rejections, smoking or drinking will be included, if there is any.

The 3 million series cost would be sponsored by advertisers like Express.com which we can click through links to buy the clothes that the models are wearing or something similar in the show. Audience can also watch updates of the 3 new stars in bebo.com

Gisele's Strong Criticism

2008-07-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

What do you think of supermodel?
What do you think Gisele Bundchen?
What do you think of the fall-preview issue of V magazine?

Surprisingly, when people reports about this, they try to take another focus.
Apart from the super sexy photo shot, the interview content is something that we worth paying more attention.
Apparently, she is not a dumb beauty.

The Brazilian super model is caring about the destruction of the planet more than fashion.
"I work in fashion but I’m not really a fashion person." She said.
She also regards gossip magazines as garbage and she couldn't care less on how's the media say about her.

Maybe in most of the time, we directly judge people by appearance and forgets the inner beauty is the most important thing.
Gisele is a beauty, both from outside and inside.
Perhaps her opinion is not right at all, at least she is thinking.

Orginal look of Versace Couture

2008-07-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

It's always fantastic to look at the stunning pieces in the runway.
How about the sketch of it?

Versace showcase their Fall 2008 collection in its own site.
You may find the whole collection together with the original sketches.

It's interesting to put the two together.
They are so similar in how they look, but very different in feelings.
The process of turning a draft to an impressive piece can be like an adventure.

I know someone may have the habit of cutting down photos when they see something amazing in the magazines.
For me, I draw them down.
It may needs to take a long time and far from looking as good as the one I saw, but the drawing process makes me remember the details and beauty of the items.

Fashion Brands in Virtual World

2008-07-14T01:05:00.001-07:00

Virtual World is now getting more fashionable than before.

More and more real life fashion brand have a presence in avatar communities.
Like we have Nike and Adidas in Second Life.
Some brands even have their own avatar community, Levi's World is a good example.

Apart from the mass labels, it seems that some high end brands are interested in participate in it.
After marykateandashley and DKNY, Vivienne Tam's designs appeared in the shop of Stardoll.

The virtual store included previous pieces and it will also carry Vivienne's coming fall collection.
Design contest is hold in Stardoll which the winner will have the opportunity to meet Vivienne in person and visit her studio.

Westwood actually like SATC

2008-07-13T02:27:00.000-07:00

I believed most fashion lovers have watched this already.
By this, I refer to the one of my favorite movies - Sex and the City.
How about the designer of the highlighted wedding dress inside the movie - Vivienne Westwood?!

Rumors about she doesn't satisfy with the movie spread around the space and said that she has left the premiere 10 minutes after the movie began.
vogue.com clarifies her actual point of view. "I stayed throughout the film, and was overjoyed to see Sarah Jessica in her beautiful wedding dress."

By the way, Vivienne Westwood did write the note to Carrie Bradshaw by herself, with love...