Change Begins With A Whisper

Last night, I finally managed to go and see "The Help." I can't deny feeling skeptical about going to see the film adaptation as I was a HUGE fan of Kathyrn Stockett's book. But it's safe to say I was not disappointed. 

Whilst the acting and story-line are superb, what really blew me away were the beautiful costumes.

Costume designer Sharen Davis did such a fantastic job at creating the perfect, pretty dresses we saw on screen. Sculpted out of a sugary pastel palette combined with bold floral prints that are so perfect for the Southern Belles of the film circa 1960.

My favourite adaptation has to be Celia Rae Foote (played by Jessica Chastain). Labelled the 'white trash' wife, this character is shunned by the other Jackson women. Davis gave her a look that was "very Hollywood...but tacky and country" As Celia so looked up to idols of the time, primarily Marilyn Monroe, this was perfect.

Another fantastic adaptation was that of Skeeter (played by Emma Stone.) She's a 23-year-old with a cotton trust fund and a college degree. But to her mother's despair, she is more concerncerned in pusruing her career than a husband. The futher away she moves away from the Junior League mentality of her friends in Jackson, the more she devotes herself - at considerable risk - to a contraversial book featuring the real stories of the black women who work for the white families in her hometown. She breaks all the rules and crosses dangerous lines.

The book itself delved into memorable fashion moments; for example when Skeeter went shopping for her new wardrobe and stocked up on new Pucci dresses! So the task of adapting these exciting written moments onto the screen was no mean feat for Davis (who is also behind the wardrobes of retro hits Dreamgirls and Ray) 

But she gave each character their own colour palette to make sure they looked authentically Jackson, Mississippi. And she succeeded.

To top things off, "The Help" soundtrack is an excellent trip down memory lane. Featuring a great line up with tunes by Johnny Cash and June Carter, Ray Charles, Franki Valli and Chubby Checker, as a standalone mixtape, it's pretty rad. As a soundtrack, it seems no expense was spared and it really added some authenticity to the 1960s set.  I've posted two of my favourites below to finish off.

Toil, Trouble and Tim

Getting into the Hallowe'en spirit today and stumbled across these images from Harper's Bazaar. The images were a collaboration of the wonderful filmmaker Tim Burton and photographer Tim Walker. 

LEFT:Jacket (top)- JEAN PAUL GAULTIER.  Jacket (bottom), and skirt - BALMAIN. Headpiece -SHONA HEATH. Boots - by special order - NINA RICCI

RIGHT:-  "It's showtime!" Left: Dress, hairpin, and necklace - LOUIS VUITTON Belt and booties - GUCCI. Right: Gown - by special order - JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, Cuffs - CC SKYE Pumps - YVES SAINT LAURENT.

LEFT:  Left: Coat - by special order - SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. Dress and shoes - TAO COMME DES GARCONS.  Right: Jacket and gloves - RODARTE, Pants - PHI, Boots - NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD FOR RODARTE.

RIGHT:  Gown with jacket, and boots - by special order - NINA RICCI. Gloves - CAROLINA AMATO.

LEFT: Dress, hat, and boots - ALEXANDER McQUEEN, Gloves - GIORGIO ARMANI. 

RIGHT: Cape, and gown - RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION.

No tricks, just a treat for the eyes!

Tick Of The Clock

The clocks have moved back, the temperate has dropped - and my annual fascination for an entirely new winter wardrobe is back with a vengeance. These are some of my designer desirables... I want, I need!

LTR: Leggings - THE ROW, Sleeveless Shirt - BALENCIAGA, Grey satchel - PROENZA SCHOULER, Plaid Cotton Shirt -  SEE BY CHLOE, Striped peplum jacket - PROENZA SCHOULER, Basia Top - 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, Chain Rossette Neckpiece -ADAM LIPPES , Grey suede shopper - CELINE, Leopard Loafers - CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, Printed Cape - VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, Motorcycle Cardigan - 3.1 PHILLIP LIM

'The Power Lyst'

Just discovered the wonder that is Lyst.com after reading this Fashion Future's Article :


"Lyst is a social curation start-up that combines features of Twitter with those of music discovery websites such as Last.fm, providing members a customized stream of fashion items relevant to their personal tastes."

follow my lyst / make your ownLYST

I'm hooked!

Would you have it any other way?

Named after a painting by Frida Kahlo. Inspired by the suicide of Virginia Woolf. Throw in Florence Welch to the mix and we have yet another piece of musical gold. I literally can't get enough. 

Borrowed-From-The-Boys

With this Summer’s weather being as indecisive as Nicki Minaj's hair colour, I’ve found myself strangely longing for the Autumn months ahead; purely to gain some clarification in what to wear! This lead me to look at what have been cited our future trends, and it seems once again we find the return of our beloved Tuxedo.

Since Yves Saint Laurent produced the conspicuous “Le Smoking” jacket back in the 1970’s, the tuxedo has been a reoccurring trend in the feminine wardrobe. It is constantly blurring the gender divide of fashion. A classic; but by no means dull.

Previous reinterpretations of the trend have been fairly safe; as I guess the general concept of a feminine woman in a full tux was contrast enough.  But for 2012’s future trend we begin to see that innovative touch we hope for in new catwalk collections; a personalised approach to the two piece tailored uniquely by various design houses. A bit of lace here, some skin flashing there, and a red lip to trop. The simplest, yet most powerful statement.

(LTR: Hakaan; Jason Wu; Emilio Pucci; Chanel)

(LTR: Yves Saint Laurent;  Lanvin; Balmain; Dolce & Gabbanna)

It’s goodbye to the original concept of power shoulders, frills and an over the top a mish-mash of bow ties and bowler hats. But hello to all things wonderful about the initial trend. Can we go wrong with a flash of 70’s glamour? Whether velvet, diamond encrusted or leather, the new seasons Tux is sure to win over us all. 

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