Valentine Avoh : Blog

Roses...

2012-02-23T18:41:00.000+01:00

Another Milan Fashion week has started..!

And along with its usual effervescence, it seams like it has brought to us a glance of spring before the actual spring...

Thanks to the joyful Viviana Volpicella, from Vogue Japan, her bright blossoming outfit and, more importantly, her lovely smile, we got to forget the cold instantly!

This must be the best way to beat the winter to the punch...

A Day at Luc Duchêne...

2012-02-21T03:22:00.005+01:00

Not long ago, I received a cool invitation from the Belgian brand, Luc Duchêne, to spend a day at their Brussels boutique in Avenue Louise. So yesterday, along with three other Belgian bloggers, I had the fun task to select pieces from their gorgeous and bright spring summer collection to create myself two silhouettes for a photo shoot and video...

As I will get the official pictures and video later I decided to give you a little preview...

Here is one of the two outfits I selected, which is as well my favorite one! I don't know why but as I went through the rails, I was immediately drawn to this emerald green silk crepe sarouel and matching top... I just loved, loved the color! So I decided to smarten it up with a crispy white cotton blazer jacket to get a classy but relaxed look. And I even had with me the perfect matching pair of shoes from Noe.

At the end of the day, looking at those clothes, all I was wishing for was for the sun to come back... And very soon!

Outfit: Luc Duchêne - Shoes: Noe

Thanks to Emilie, her team and the rest of the crew for this lovely day!

A evening with Eastpak Artist Studio...

2012-02-09T01:40:00.001+01:00

There are a lot of way someone can use his celebrity, but one of the best way is when you use it for a good cause. That is why I have a lot of respect for the brands that associate themselves to causes, especially such as the fight against Aids... Having had a friend who lost her mother to Aids, this disease always frightened me in a way...

That's why I was very happy to be the photographer for Eastpak's latest event in collaboration with Designer Against Aids: Eastpak Artist Studio Italian Launch, who took place in the art gallery and shop XL Combine in Milan.

The rest of my pictures can be viewed on Eastpak's facebook here. Also below, the video of the event plus the video of the Fikera Studio bag... ;-)

The Artist Studio project reunites 130 various artists from all around the world. Each of them had to customize one or more of the classic Eastpak backpack which will be later sold on the 19th of March in an Internet auction on their website. The profits of the sales will be then reinvested into the fight against Aids and in the raise of its awareness.

Surprisingly there are still a lot of people today that think that Aids happens only in Africa or among the gays and drug addicts... In the 90s, this way of thinking was still acceptable but nowadays it is very scary to know that some people still think as such and never got tested in their life because "they know" they don't have anything or because obviously it only happen to others.

And yes there are treatment for HIV and Aids but to this day there are still no cure which means that even thought the victims might have a longer life expectancy, people still die of it every day and everywhere. And the scariest things is that the numbers keep increasing especially among the "straight" community and the under 30s...

So my advice is this: Until you and your partner get tested, the condom will be your only way to keep the control of your life! And if you don't have a regular partner, you shouldn't even be second guessing the use of condoms...

Bag: Fikera Studio and Eastpak - Dress: 2nd hand from some boutique in NY - Tight: Veritas

And to end, here are a recent campaign that in my opinion illustrates very well the problem of Aids, not so much for the numbers but more for the fact that each person is part of a castle card and just one person can make everyone else collapse...

Coats...

2012-02-06T01:18:00.000+01:00

I don't know where you are, but here in Milan, it is so cold outside that it's almost impossible to dress correctly. If it was up to me, I would go out (no actually I would not go out at all!) wearing a tracksuit, preferably two size larger, a fleece plaid, three hats and a pair of Moon Boot! Unfortunately for me, we're living in a world where plaids are for sofas, and moon boots are for the ski slopes...

So instead, I decided to have a look into my style inspiration database (hard disk;) and search for the latest winter style I had the opportunity to see before hibernation...

Between Elisa Nalin, Kristin Knox, Julia Sarr Jamois and the others, which is your favorite style? Are you more a fur kind of gal or a fake fur one? A single coat girl or a "layer everything I can" one?

Video inspirations... #3

2012-01-31T00:35:00.004+01:00

Here are my video inspirations of the moment...

Starting with the Sartorialist and Garance Doré and their soon to be iconic "Lunch for 25" video...

This next video which I found to be a delight for the eyes as much as for the stomach... Buon Appetito!

I always love the videos that show all the craftsmanship and work that goes on behind an apparently simple item... As always: "Simplicity is the hardest thing to achieve!"

A beautiful lesson of love by Garance Doré and Scott Schuman...

This is the video from Luisa Via Roma on the men fashion week that took place in Milan not so long ago... If you pay attention, you will be able to see me. Little tip 0:16 !!

This video is just for the pleasure of self derision... Something that is well needed on the fashion planet...

I thought this one was an original and fun way to present clothes...

I thought I would also share with you this video of Etta James, the lady of soul who left us very recently. She might not be around anymore but she gave us enough beautiful songs for us to keep smiling...

Enjoy ;-)

Firenze4Ever... #3

2012-01-30T01:13:00.000+01:00

Here is another set of pictures I shot for the Luisa Via Roma's Firenze4Ever event. Those pictures were taken on a rooftop near the Duomo, so you can only imagine how amazing the view was...* Especially with this light! We had a lot of fun shooting these as we were trying to recreate a romantic atmosphere and I thought the choice of clothes was quite in tune with the mood... The colours of this Cavalli dress were just perfect with the skyline...

*Talking about the view... I have to admit that looking down was quite scary... ;-)

Salute!

2012-01-21T10:36:00.000+01:00

For the ones who follow me on twitter you might remember me tweeting:

"Almost died ;) while taking pictures of models during the men #MFW Didn't see the post behind me as I was 2 concentrated on de subjects".

The metal post who almost killed me is the one you can see on the bottom right of the picture... Now you see it but before the picture I was just in front of it, and as those two models were leaving the show walking at a such dynamic pace that I was trying to take their picture while "moonwalking"... Bad idea! I almost splash myself over the ground... Thanks god to my "acute sense of equilibrium" as I managed to stay on my feet without too much embarrassment... Just a "little": Aaaaaaaaaaaah!

Anyway... Those are the risk of the street style photography... ;-)

Have a nice weekend!

Adam...

2012-01-16T23:24:00.001+01:00

I decided to dedicate this post to my good friend Elisa... ;-)

You see, I told her to come and visit me in Milan during the menswear fashion week as I thought it could have been a great opportunity for her to make some business contacts... You know what I mean.

Anyway, as she couldn't, I decided it would be a good idea to show her what she missed... Especially that I knew she had appreciated my last menswear report...

So, meet Adam Senn, born in France in 19...* Ok, who cares..! Just look at the pictures...

[pause]

Ok done. So now we can talk...

You might recognise him from the MTV series The City where he played "a player version" of himself. But otherwise you might have seen him in a variety of adverts, magazines or shows for Dolce &Gabbana, Gucci, Zadig & Voltaire, GQ, and many more...

I met him outside the Dolce&Gabbana show last Saturday where he kindly accepted to pose for a picture even thought he was on the run for his next show. Isn't it nice?

* In case you really wonder, he was born in 1984...

Ps: For the one who are already thinking of researching some links, I have done the work for you ;)

Here and there.

Solange Knowles...

2012-01-15T10:39:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was the first day of the men fashion week here in Milan so I will have a lot of "interesting" pictures to show you ;) But first, let me start with this one I took from... Solange Knowles!

It was right after the Dolce and Gabbana show at the Metropole where I saw her waiting for her car. She was wearing a beautiful lace dress from their collection. Later that day I attended their black tie cocktail drink where I met Solange again, this time she was wearing a green lace dress which made her light up the room instantly... Dolce dresses or not, either way I thought she was very elegant... Don't you?

By the way did you know that Solange had a blog? Find her at My Damn Blog...

Have a nice Sunday everyone!

Firenze4Ever... #2

2012-01-14T12:17:00.000+01:00

So as I told you in my previous post, last weekend I was in Florence at the Luisa Via Roma store to shoot the styling session of Zarko and Emilie and Bo from Fashiolista. The concept was simple. They each had to select clothes from the store to create up to three different silouhettes. They could either wear their own selection or have models showcase them.

This set of pictures are from Zarko's first selection. He had the lovely Alina and Walter modelling the silouhettes he created. The day was perfect for shooting outdoor as there was an amazing light so we decided to use the city of Florence as our set! We found this little street which was perfect as it was hidden from the sales frenzy that was taking place everywhere... On and all it was a really fun session!

Ps: How cool are those Pierre Hardy shoes??

Alina: Burberry Prorsum shirt - Burberry Brit leather jacket - Balmain high waisted raffia skirt - Fendi the Fendista mini shoulder bag - Pierre Hardy sandal wedges. Walter: Burberry Prorsum trench coat - Maison Martin Margiela leather loafers - Givenchy shirt - Zagliani Volo python bag.

Next pictures coming soon... ;)

Firenze4Ever... #1

2012-01-13T22:11:00.000+01:00

Here is a little sneak peak of what I will be posting later today... My work for The Luisa Via Roma's Firenze4Ever event. I was there to shoot the styling session of Zarko from Design Scene and the lovely girls from Fashiolista, Emilie and Bo...

To be continued... ;)

Ps: A cool way to reinvent your shopping bags... As seen as in the Luisa Via Roma toilet ;)

Tweety...

2011-12-27T11:46:00.001+01:00

I am taking some time in between the holidays to share with you these pictures of Anna Dello Russo dressed as a Deluxe Tweety. I had them for some time as there were taken during the Milan fashion week in September but sometimes I like to post in context so I was keeping them for later...
Especially since I saw this video (below) of "Santa Anna Claus" for Christmas wearing a Fausto Puglisi
dress. She really has many different side to her personality. As for the pictures where she looks more subtle to that video where she looks completely mad (come on it's not a secret ;)

Never mind, I hope you all had nice Christmas celebration with your loved ones... And that you took enough time off to recharge your battery for New Year!

Happy Holidays!!!

xxx

Ps: I know it wasn't meant on purpose but what a nice coincidence that she is wearing a dress with the colors of the Belgian flag (black, yellow and red) since we finally got a government together... Finally we are back in fashion ;)

Yellow feather by Versace

Video inspirations... #2

2011-12-11T05:39:00.000+01:00

Today I decided to share with you some of the cool videos I came across in the last few days.

First I will start with the most fun which is Tommy Hilfiger's Christmas vidéo...

After seeing this one some of you might want add a few "things" on their Christmas list , clothing aside ;) So there, I thought it was a really fun video...

Next we have, "The client", a short documentary following the after Vogue life of Carine Roitfeld during the Parisian Haute-Couture week.

The first reason to watch it is because, well, we are all curious to see what the lady has been doing since she'd been laid off like an old shoe. Secondly, like I told you in a previous post, until I met her, Carine used to scare me ( much less than Anna though) I don't know if it was because of her super smoked eyes but she did... In this video you will discover a lively, smiling and playful woman who is not really scary after all... And the third reason why you should watch this video is because it has been realised by Loic Prigent... The fashion documentary expert. Or should I say the "I don't take fashion seriously" master... I discovered him in 2005 with the "Signé Chanel" series, and got hooked instantly. Then their was the one with Marc Jacob and the series "The day before"... What makes his work special is that he is not just documenting the daily life of one person or a team, he has create a real complicity with his subjects which you can see on screen, and this chemistry is what make the viewer feel part of the journey... And he's not scared to mock some of funny behaviour of the fashion world which is always a plus!

This is a fun and interactive video by the Olsen twins... Discover what your style is by clicking onto their suggestion...

I came across this video from the designer Rachel Roy which I found interesting and cute as a woman designer Rachel remains quite simple and down to earth...

And last but not least: the movie "The Artist". Just brilliant!

I saw it a few weeks ago, I was a little bit apprehensive as it is a silent, black and white movie... Taking into account that we are in 2011, I was a little scared that it might be a tat boring. But I have to say it was one of the best movie I have seen so far. And as surprising as it might sound, you never get bored!

Voila!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Anna Wintour...

2011-12-09T15:48:00.000+01:00

Ana Wintour could almost be compared as the the wind... You know she's there but it's almost impossible to catch her...

This is the only shot of her that was worth sharing with you as all my other trials where merely blurred, not only the woman is very discreet when it comes to make an entrance at a show, but she also walk so fast that like an airstream just when you realise she's there she's already gone... Pshiiit!!!

When I look at this picture I still wonder what she must have been thinking while looking at me?

Anyway, I do believe that at times some things are best left unknown...

Have a nice weekend!

A bicyclette...

2011-11-30T17:53:00.001+01:00

In Milano, if you don't have a bike, you probably have a scooter...

I tried the scooter once, in Tunisia. I thought it would be nice to rent one to visit the city... Unfortunately I couldn't only get as far as the corner of the street. Why? Because the guy from the scooter shop thought that my "driving" was probably far to dangerous to let me go! So there I was, forbidden to drive, in Africa where the driving regulation are almost as nonexistent as the Belgian government, cooled off by my desire of two wheels... But I do have to admit that he did indeed took the best decision for my safety and the scooter's safety!

In any case, since that episode, I decided to stick to the car (don't worry I have my license for that ;) and the bicycle... The later being very useful in Milan since I still haven't really understand the parking's rules over here... (Let me see... Parking in a resident only area is a no go but to triple park in the middle of the street is admitted? Hum Ok...) And even more since it is almost impossible to be banned from cycling!

Anyway, all this to say that I was on with my bike when I saw Garance Doré, as well on her bike thus I decided to snap her picture because well, if there was a manual on biking chic, she would definitely be on the cover..!

Eleonora...

2011-11-28T16:46:00.000+01:00

A few months before moving to Milan, I undertook an intensive research of Italian fashion blogs and website... Therefor, it didn't take me long until I repetitively came across the blog of the gorgeous Eleonora Carisi from JouJou Villeroy. With her trademark beauty spot and her 40s cintematographic allure, Eleonora is the Italian it girl but also one of the Grazia's It girls!

As it was a birthday a few days ago I decided to publish this picture I took of her during the Milan Fashion week outside the Prada show...

Daphne Groeneveld...

2011-11-25T14:07:00.000+01:00

I took these pictures of the lovely Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld after the Gucci show in Milan. Believe it or not, she's only 16 and already one of the lead model around!

You might have seen her on the cover of Vogue with Tom Ford, ID, Numero or strutting down the catwalks during the fashion weeks or else on the advertising campaign of Miu Miu, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton. And if you haven't seen her in any of the above... You must then have seen her more recently in the latest video advert from Versace for H&M as one of Donatella's puppet girl.

And if you really haven't seen her there, then at least you have here, so now you know to who this adorable smile belongs... ;)

Here is the latest video from Versace for H&M... By the way, did you buy any pieces from the collection?

I found my love in Portofino...

2011-11-15T00:18:00.003+01:00

Here is a nice video I just came across. I thought I would share it with you as, the winter now well on it's way, we are all yearning for some summer memories...

Shot by the amazing photographer Ellen Von Unwerth (which I have previously mentioned here) and featuring the very pretty Monika Jagaciak, this video reminds me of my summer days and more precisely of a weekend I spent in Santa Margherita. Which is actually not so surprising as Portofino is right nearby...

I love the mix of bright colors and black and white images E.V. Unwerth used. And especially the way she could recreate the feeling of heights and serpentines streets, that just make you want to get lost in its lovely and romantic labyrinth that unfolds before your eyes... I found this video very cute and fresh with just enough clothing to let you know what the product is but not too much to make it looks like a simple advert... What better way to present a collection?

Talking about Dior. I would suggest you to visit their website and to go through their inspiring collection of videos on "The House of Dior" to discover everything that goes on behind the curtain...

As for Elle Von Unwerth, you can discover some of her picture with a nice little interview right here.

Enjoy!

La Poupée Russe...

2011-11-06T23:45:00.002+01:00

I ran across the adorable Maria Kolosova a couple of times during the last Milan fashion week. Each time she kept surprising me with her pristine and polished look, her poise and her porcelain "doll like" face.

Her outfits were always carefully selected with a certain simplicity and clear attention to details. I also loved the fact that even if her clothes changed throughout the week, she was unalterably faithful to her style, keeping it preppy and elegant...

To see the other pictures I took from Maria click here

Fashion and self portait...

2011-11-02T16:06:00.000+01:00

Last Tuesday I was invited on a very playful press day at Negri Firman Pr & Communication.

Themed around the photo booth, it did bring a fun twist to the usual press presentation, encouraging each guest to take their self portrait in their ephemeral photo studio...

One thing that they sure did master is the art of original display. I was charmed by thew way clothes and accessories were mixed with furniture, bikes, vases... The whole staying faithful to the theme thanks to the cool vintage photographic material on display throughout the showroom.

Marta Ferri and Pantofola d'Oro (above)

Very simple but, very effective display for the eyewear collection from Michael Kors by Marchon (above)

Vases made of little glass ball from Bakuli

The Virus Plus bike by Renato Montagner

The Kiss&Kill by Marchon eyewear collection

Caruso and its elegant Italian menswear...

The cosy scarves and bag from Environment by Heather Heron.

I had the opportunity to discover new brands and reconnect with the one I already new, while getting a taste of the upcoming Spring-Summer 2012 collections...

Di Beatrice who creates beautifully crafted footwear...

This is what I call innovative branding.... Perfume from CB I hate perfume! They can be found exclusively at the DADA Meeting Point boutique in Milan.

A little close up of the mix of shoes from Pantofola d'Oro and Marta Ferri

A very organic accessory, also from DADA Meeting Point

A little mountain of bow from Hackett

The beautifully beaded pieces from Fausto Puglisi.You must have seen his dresses before on Anna Dello Russo.

And the experimental collection from Matteo Thiela...

Here is one of the room where the presentation took place. This studio is actually own by Italian artist Marco Nereo Rotelli. Therefor numbers of his acrylic paintings were on display, which only added to the decoration...

And for the ones who have been following me for a while, you must know that I cannot possibly write about an event without talking about its food ;) In one word: Delizioso!

There was also a delicious mousse au chocolat with raspberries, but I decided that it was better for me to try it than to photograph it ;) I think I will have to kidnap the chef from Corrado Calza so he can give me the recipe for his biscuits..!

The guests included Veronica Ferraro from The Fashion Fruit

Eleonora Negri from Lost in Fashion

From bottom left: Paolo Lapicca from Men's Health, Rosamaria Coniglio from Class Magazine, Sabrina Bolzoni and Nadia Khamneiphur from Grazia and on top Daniele Costanza from Negri Firman.

At the end of the evening, not only did I leave with my eyes full of beautiful things (and an unbelievably long wish list!) but I also had the opportunity like the rest of the guests to take home a print of my photo..!

Thanks to the Negri Firman team for the lovely afternoon!

More pictures from the event available on the blog's facebook page here ;)

Spotted...

2011-10-23T23:38:00.000+02:00

Following my last post on the photographers I decided to share with you this photo of me taken during the Milan fashion (yes because camera in the hand = photographer ;) The photo was actually taken by the girls of Luisa Via Roma, which was actually quite ironic in a way as I was at the same time taking pictures for their blog...

If you are wondering how did I do to survive the whole day on those heels... Well I didn't! After my first day and first disillusion, I decided to join the crew of the "High heels bluffers" and carry a pairs of flats in my bag for emergency feet relief sessions.

I know what you are thinking... But who are those "High heels bluffers", and where can one sees them? Well, they can been perceived during the fashion weeks, but not only, often hiding in little streets close their place of rendez-vous indulging in one of the most unspeakable rituals: The shoe switch!

Because the truth is that, of all the people you see wearing sky scraping high heels during the FWs, few of them really wear those things the whole day... Most of them (including me) perform "the switch", in their car, taxi, or even in the street. What do you think... Fashion is all about illusion. And in this case, all about pretending that those heels are super comfortable! (yes... like walking on fire!) When in reality you just wish you could take them off and run barefoot in the grass like Laura from the Little House on The Prairie...

So why do women keep doing that to themselves one might ask... And so I say, why do men wear ties? Or better, who killed Marilyn? We will never know, and so be it...

Anyway, don't worry about me, these shoes were super comfortable ;)

I got spotted by other bloggers including Nathalia who managed to take another picture (above) of me in the middle of the action. And by Pedro Zozaya for Vogue Spain (below).

Shirt: DKNY - Skirt: H&M - Necklace: Bought in Ivory Coast - Shoes: Schuh - Bag: No name

Bracelet: Mango - Ring: H&M - Sunnies: RayBan

Thanks everybody for the lovely pictures!

The Photographers... #2

2011-10-21T18:37:00.002+02:00

I have always been more passionate by the action going on backstage of any events than by the event in itself. It's a little bit like going into the kitchen of a renowned restaurant (actually, here is something I would love to do to ;) The effervescence that is going on is like no others. That is why I decided to repeat my little edition of the photographers from the fashion week. It was impossible for me not to captures some of my fellow photographers in action.

And who else could I choose to first illustrate this post than the iconic and sweet Garance Dore... Who I should actually renamed as "The First Lady" of the USF (United States of Fashion... Yes I just made that up...). The president being of course, Mr Scott Schuman, who else?

(To see my past version of the "homo photographus" click here)

Eleonora Carisi from JouJou Villeroy

Scott Schuman from The Sartorialist

Scott Schuman and Micol Sabbadini

Nam from StreetFsn

So Long...

2011-10-18T23:23:00.000+02:00

This summer I have seen a lot of maxi skirts... I would have gladly bought one if it wasn't for my meter 65... Fashion can sometimes just be about recognizing what fits you and what could make you look like a dwarf...

Anyhow. Four different skirts and four even more different girls... Which one is your favorite?

Just shoes... #2

2011-10-14T01:50:00.002+02:00

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Because shoes are to an outfit what the cherry is on top of the cake... Ok, with the exception that you can buy a cake without the cherry but you cannot walk without shoes. Here is my little selection of the best shoes from this past Milan Fashion Week! Let me know which ones are your favorite... And maybe you can guess who are the owners of some of those... Answers below ;)

(For the past "edition" of Just Shoes, click here)

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1 Gildakoral Flora
3-9 Elisa Nalin

2 Deni Elias (the Chicmuse)

6 Chiara (the Blond Salad)

7 Maria Kolosova (Kyklamasha)

11 Tamu McPherson (Grazia.it/All the Pretty Birds)

13 Bryan (Bryanboy)

Out of the blue... Giorgio Armani

2011-10-04T23:12:00.002+02:00

Imagine being "forced" to witness a sea of beautiful dresses, each one being closer to the perfection than the other... The models, or should I say mermaids walked down the runaway adorned in the finest fabrics. It felt like assisting to an under cover haute couture show right in the middle of the ready to wear season... So much that when the last three dresses left the catwalk I surprised myself wanting more!

And I leave you with this beautiful short film by Anna Dello Russo featuring the Armani collection...

Thanks to Geoffroy from Elle.be for the invitation!