Valentine Avoh : Blog

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!

The Irreverence of Carine...

2011-09-29T14:43:00.001+02:00

Carine Roitfeld is on every one's lips these days... Ever since her resignation from the french Vogue, after ten years of loyal service as the queen of "erotico-chic", it seems like the planet fashion cannot get enough of her.

First there were the incessant speculations about her after Vogue life...

Would she go on to work with her longtime friend and accomplice Tom Ford?

Was she going to create her own magazine, or her own line?

The truth was that she has been working with Olivier Zahm, editor in chief of Purple Magazine, on a book. But not just any book... Between a biography and a retrospective, Irreverent, is an open window on the last 30 years of her career but also her personal life. 368 pages of photos, notes, editorials, letters, souvenirs and drawings.

For my part I cannot wait to get my hands on her book. It is said to be out around the 4th of October depending on your country.

Seeing Carine in pictures with her eyes blacked up and half her face covered up in hair, I always imagined her being a tat aggressive or a little bit punk (almost more scary than Anna Wintour* ;) Anyway, after meeting her outside the Prada show in Milan last week I was happily surprised as she actually is very sweet and warm. And when I asked her for a picture and she kindly accepted...

*Ah yes Anna... Actually she is not that scary either... She just walk super fast which makes it almost impossible to get a good picture of her... She is, and I am willing to testify, faster than sound speed! I have some shots of her though that I will try to show you shortly...

Showtime! Iceberg...

2011-09-28T16:53:00.000+02:00

Here are the pictures I took during the Iceberg show in Milan.

I really liked this show as I thought it was a very playful yet elegant collection. I especially loved the mix of sportswear and tailoring. Even though those two elements alone could have produce a very masculine collection, it was carefully avoided by combining the stretchy bandeaux and tee shirts with evening wear while the tailored pieces where made more feminine with soft and silky materials.

My favorite pieces of the collection where the ones with the macro sequins but particularly the silhouette from my last picture with the silver sequins blazer, the yellow pants and the printed teeshirt with Guido Crepax’s Valentina's face...

A very relax but dazzling look which I think is perfect for the day without the jacket and for an evening out with the jacket for little added sparkles!

And for a complete evening look I would definitely go for the silhouette worn by Jourdan Dunn... (below) But I would probably swap the white bandeau for a simple black tank top...

And here is a little video I made from the show finale so you can have a quick look at the whole collection ;)

A big Thank You to Charlotte for the invitation!

Béa and Moi...

2011-09-27T14:59:00.001+02:00

Today, while queuing for the Armani show, I bumped into my editor at heart... (yes some have their editor at large, their fashion editor, or simply their editor-editor, I have an editor at heart...) Also known as Bea Ercolini... Because if I had to choose my ideal editor it would have probably been her. Béa who is the editor in chief of the Belgium ELLE has the amazing quality to be very down to earth, which, I assure you, in the fashion world, is as rare as healthy Big Macs, or smiling Parisian waiters... (I swear, quasi nonexistent..!)

Anyway it didn't take us long to realize that we were both wearing the same bright orange... Which brings up to my mind this phrase, that couldn't have been more true than in that moment: "Great minds, think alike" ;)

I thought she looked effortlessly elegant in her orange oversized shirt dress. Simple but with an impact! And she's not afraid to smile..! She even suggested that we take this picture of us. (Living proof that orange is THE color ;) So how cool is she ?

I am wearing: shirt: Valentine Avoh * trousers: Courrèges

Thanks for your time Béa!

And all this wouldn't have happened without Geoffroy...! Merci pour les invits ;)

Stay tuned for more pictures and stories on fashion week Milano!

Anaïs...

2011-09-26T01:44:00.003+02:00

In this world, there are two kinds of people. The ones who don't look so good when they wake up, and the ones who do. I am part of the first group... And I do firmly believe that Anaïs belongs to the latest!

I met the gorgeous model Anaïs Mali outside the last (ever) D&G show on the corner of the Viale Piave. She was standing there waiting for her driver. Now, I will tell you one thing. I have waited for a thousand of things in my life... For example I have waited for buses, taxis, metros, emails, pay checks, friends, deliveries, my first barbie, Santa Claus, the latest episode of Gossip Girls and so on, but I swear, I have never looked that cool. Impatient, sure, but cool... Never! Anaïs, what is your secret?

Not only is she beautiful, but she is also very sweet. We got to talk a little while waiting for her driver and I learned that she was actually French, from Nice, with mixed origins (Chad and Poland) and that she moved to New York to pursued her modelling career ...

I really do hope that she will continue to rise, as she is truly beautiful...

x

Backstage at John Richmond..

2011-09-23T11:39:00.000+02:00

What I loved the most about the John Richmond collection was his shoes and carefully worked leather pieces. What's not to like about the little pair above? And the ones with the bow?

No really, I spent more time with my head down, scraping the floor than looking up...

Yeah It's Fashion Week...!

2011-09-22T12:47:00.000+02:00

After two months of flip flops and sandals it is now time to lace up our stilettos to face one of the most glamorous fashion week of all.... Milan Fashion Week!

Jumpsuit: Bel Air * Shoes: Massimo Dutti * Belt: H&M

Of course getting back into the arena can sometimes be harsh, as I discovered myself yesterday. After one full day wearing a pair of chunky heels, my feet became very close to what I would certainly call a "compote de pied", meaning, completely mashed. Not the kind that make you say "I cannot wait to go home to get my shoes off, but more something like "**********" (sorry, to rude for transcription!). The kind that make you search for the nearest cheap shoe shop like a junkie would look for his next dose. Thanks god the last show I attended was not far from the Corso Vittorio Emanuele where I could find a little shoe shop called Lolita (si si!) which were selling pairs of shoes from 10 euros..!

There I could find a pair that I thought I would probably re use but that did unfortunatelly totally ruined my outfit of that day... Then again, fashion is not always about feeling stylish but also about feeling comfortable...

That's how I started the day with these...

Shoes: Faith by Olivia Morris

...to finish it with those

Shoes: Lolita Milano )

This being said I have to leave you as I must go and choose my heels of the day ;)
Stay tuned for fashion week pictures!
x

Magazine feature: The Afro Belgian Fashion Pack...

2011-09-18T03:17:00.000+02:00

A few months ago I was interviewed by the lovely Tamara Gausi, journalist at the Brussels Airline magazine bSpirit! for her upcoming article on fashionable Belgians/Africans.

We met at the inevitable Café de la Presse on Avenue Louise to talk about my blog, my designs, Ivory Coast, food, shopping and much more... To support our conversation, I had a delicious piece of cake and to keep my mouth hydrated (only because hydration is the key to a healthy lifestyle ;) I had an iced tea followed by a Violette tea which has become one of my favorite when I go there.

The magazine in out this month in Brussels airport and on all the Brussels Airlines flight carrying the bSpirit! magazine. Do click on the pictures to see a larger version. And below here is what the article says ;)

VALENTINE AVOH

FASHION DESIGNER, STYLIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER

At the age of 19, Valentine Avoh moved to London to study fashion design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and upon graduation she worked for Alexander McQueen, Samantha Shaw and Alexis Mabille in London and Paris. Now back in her hometown of Brussels, this 28-year-old works as a designer, stylist and photographer, doing everything from bespoke wedding dresses to shoots for Eastpak. “I came back to see what I could do here after all of my experience abroad,” she says. “There are some interesting things happening.” Avoh cites Sandrina Fasoli and Carine Gilson as her most esteemed Brussels designers. Of Ivorian heritage, her inspiration comes from many sources. “There are lots of nice boutiques behind Bourse,” she says, “one of my favourites is Ramon & Valy, a vintage shop on Rue des Teinturiers.” And to get a taste of home? “There is an Ivorian restaurant near Avenue Louise called Cousin-Cousine – otherwise I cook my own!”

Thanks a lot Tamara for your time!

I am wearing a shirt from Mango and trousers from Essentiel.

Marie Jo...

2011-09-15T15:57:00.000+02:00

Like I told you in my previous post, there is no better place than the backstage while attending a fashion show...

Being behind de scene is like having a special access to a secret boudoir, or being the witness of a unique ceremony... Where the models evolve like acrobats in between the rails of clothes and montain of shoes, while being chased by the hair and make up artists, all of them being hunted down in their turn by the show coordinating team.

At least this is the impression I had while following the girls of Marie Jo preparing for the Brussels Miele Catwalk last week... I especially loved their red hair wigs making them so alike creating an uniform and yet unique silhouhette... It reminded me of the girls from the Crazy Horse in Paris, therefor I have included below a little video from their show...

A Little Tenderness...

2011-09-11T19:38:00.000+02:00

Fashion shows are not just about tall women strutting down the catwalk in the most gorgeous clothes...

When I saw these two little girls backstage rehearsing for Inge Van Den Broeck I couldn't resist to their adorable little faces... Who wouldn't?

Behind the curtain...

2011-09-10T17:08:00.001+02:00

My favorite place when I attend a fashion show has always been the backstage..!

So when I got an invitation to the distinguished Miele Catwalk in Brussels, I didn't wait long until I sneaked myself into what I believe is the heart of any show...

The excitement that take place in that ephemeral fitting room is like no other...

Stay tune for more on the Miele Catwalk bringing together some of the finest belgian designers including Essentiel, Marie Jo l'Aventure, Natan, Filles a Papa and more...

Video inspirations...

2011-08-30T12:10:00.001+02:00

Following my latest post... Here is a little selection of fashion videos and movies that I came across recently, and which I wanted to share with you...

The new Fall 2011 movie campaign from Lanvin wich reminds me of last season's jazzy Prada advert. A very nice and alternative way to advertise clothes, by Steven Meisel, who else..?

A truly amazing video by photographer and blogger James Bort

The new movie trailer of "God Save My Shoes"

Advert from Oscar de La Renta

Sexy Little Bride by Vitoria Secret

And last but not least, a very instructive interview of Dolce & Gabbana on digital communication.

I hope you will enjoy!

With Grace...

2011-08-29T20:44:00.000+02:00

Grace Coddington, former model and current creative director of Vogue Us.

As most of you may know, although she has been working as Anna Wintour's right hand for the past 23 years , it was only after she appeared in the fashion documentary and movie "The September Issue" that Grace was brought to fame. Not only for her undeniable talent and vision for beautiful scenery, but also for her witty way to approach work and more importantly, for her cat and dog relation with her boss, Ana Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue Us also since 23 years.

The last being I guess one of the main reason why she reached the heart of such large number of person...

As you may have heard, Anna Wintour, has often been referred to (if not always) as an; ice queen, untouchable, cold and heartless, bob headed robot... (to name a few) I guess that if she had been a man in the same position, people would have simply called "her" a great businessman but she's a woman, therefore, she must be a bitch... Remember the movie and book "The Devil wears Prada" which was supposed to be based on her character...

Anyway...Where was I going? Ah yes! So after seeing Grace and her outspoken ways facing one of the scariest person in the fashion world (after Lady gaga), people just fell in love with her character.

Suddenly she was propelled from the second or third row to the envied front row during all the fashion shows.

Another thing to love about Grace is that even if she lives and breathes fashion, her style is very simple, discrete yet elegant...

And personally, I loved the modesty with which she agreed to pose for me.

For the one who haven't seen the movie, here is the trailer of the September Issue...

Tinted...

2011-08-26T13:02:00.000+02:00

There is something really cool about the current trend for colored trousers, especially in menswear. First of all, I have always loved colors but in menswear it add a little dash of surprise to the often classical or conventional men's wardrobe... A simple pair of colored pants helps brighten up a suit or a shirt without effort and more importantly without looking you just escaped from the circus!

And I cannot think of a better way to lift our mood up during the upcoming months of autumn...
Here is my version of the colored pants:

Trousers: Essentiel, shirt: Mango, shoes, Mawra

Buon Appetito!

2011-08-24T00:46:00.000+02:00

Aside from the classical pasta and pizza, the south of Italy has a lot to offer in terms of food.
Here is a little compilation of the delicious things I saw and/or ate recently...

In the order:

The chefs working hard in the rosticceria "Zio Pietro" in the lovely village of Cisterninio. The concept of this kind of restaurant which is very popular in Cisterninio, is that you choose your fresh uncooked meet at the counter. And then they will cook it in their oven for you... I would recommend to go there early as the people are coming from all areas to eat meat there. Obviously, Vegeterians, please stay away from these restaurants, not only you will see meat everywhere but also they have just one green salad accompanying all the dishes.
The only thing I didn't ate from those pictures, but it looks delicious doesn't it?
An olive tree like this one will produce the little brown olives which are commonly served before the meals in aperitifs.
The "Bocconotti" from the caffé bar Florien in Martina Franca, which can be filled with either Nutella, cream, or cherries, great for breakfast! They also have amazing ice cream!
Looking at the menu from the "Zio Pietro" while our meat is being cooked
Delicious roasted potatoes from "Il Sagittario" in Martina Franca, were I ate the best steak of my life, deliciously cooked in a traditional oven
The Italian way to end a meal...
The Fico d'India...

Buon appetito everyone ;)

A Jump Into The Summer

2011-08-16T15:59:00.000+02:00

Sorry for the lack of post during the last few days but as you can see, I have been very busy!

While on a weekend excursion between Porto Selvaggio and Taranto, I decided to set myself a few ambitious tasks such as jumping from a rock without screaming. Objective which I did fail, over and over again! I believe that the fishes are still recovering from my high pitched yet very irregular sounds...

After this unsuccessful but very entertaining project, I decided to dedicate my time to a more ecological cause such as discovering the underwater flora and fauna hoping to share my findings with the National Geographic magazine... This time the task being, not to be scared of fishes (and algae even if it's quite embarrassing to admit...) As you can imagine, my second objective was royally missed! Obviously it was much harder to scream under the water but I could still managed to emit some kind of noise while wriggling like a drunk octopus..! I think the fishes got more scared than I was...

I must say, I might have been wrongly influenced by the police as for them all suspects are guilty, for me, all fishes are in fact piranhas ! (Or related but in any cases very dangerous!)

Following those two life changing exploits, I decided, for the rest of my weekend, to focus on some more relaxing and less scary experiences such as eating, sleeping and reading. For the french speaking readers out there, I would highly recommend you this book below: "Fourrure" by Adelaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre. I have not finished it yet but I think it's the perfect holiday book, which will transport you into the Paris from the 50s and 70s... Very well written, never boring and sarcastically funny..!

Swimsuit from Etam, "rock friendly" shoes from Speedo and sunglasses from Ray Ban

Have a lovely holiday everyone!

Juice Please..!

2011-08-10T17:10:00.001+02:00

Summer is here... I'm on holiday and I tend to forget my camera at home as sand and technology don't mix but don't worry I will post some pictures of my secret getaway soon...

In the mean time here is a picture from the last Milan Fashion week, the perfect illustration for one of the things I love a bout summer... Fresh fruit juice!!!

Above: The stylish Viviana Volpicella assistant fashion editor of Vogue Japan, wearing a Stella McCartney dress that would make anyone drool...

Enjoy your holidays!

A place in the sun...

2011-08-03T12:13:00.001+02:00

During the summer it's not uncommon for people to escape their busy city for the closest coast or water point around. Last Sunday, I too decided to escaped the city for a day. I went to Santa Margherita (no, I'm sorry, this is not the place were the Margherita was invented;).

Located on the coast and only two hours away from Milan this little town on the sea host some really lovely sights, and an amazing architecture. I especially loved their "trompe l'oeil" mural details.

After the beach, the tradition has it that you must take a walk to Gepi, also known as Gelateria Gepi.... For a traditional and more importantly, a delicious hand made ice cream!

I was wearing a dress from 55 Diesel, sunnies from Rayban, sandals and necklace bought in Ivory Coast

La garçonne...

2011-07-30T17:14:00.011+02:00

I met the lovely Esther Quek, fashion editor of The Rake magazine, during the Milan men fashion week. It might surprise you but the first thing that struck me when I saw her was her infinite femininity!

Even though she reunited the complete attire of the menswear wardrobe she still managed to look incredibly elegant and sophisticate. All the way to her boyish haircut which only serve to emphasize her status as a true woman..! And not only does Esther masters the art of "masculine femininity" but she also transcends in the art of color combination... A true style inspiration!

"Femininity appears to be one of those pivotal qualities that is so important no one can define it." Caroline Bird

L'instant présent...

2011-07-26T19:37:00.003+02:00

They are the pictures I take because they fall into a certain category, and then there are the others... Shot in the moment... I didn't really know why but something in this girl drew me! I loved this stolen instant of simplicity and spontaneity in the midst of fashion weeks orchestrated chaos. Then, the moment passed and I started to think that this picture was not worth showing...

But then again... Why shouldn't I share such a beautiful smile?

Short Stories...

2011-07-16T13:26:00.004+02:00

If you were wondering how to wear your shorts this summer, look no further! The gorgeous Milena here has the solution...

I met her during the Dolce Gabbana Spiga 2 party that I attended a few weeks ago...

Obviously she's a model, and models do generally look stunning whatever they wear (proof here), but anyhow I really loved her style! Made of simple but striking pieces, up to her little headband which added a 70s twist to the whole look...

I always get fascinated when I take models in picture because they go from "normal" to poster girl in no time! They are like super photo friendly creatures... Of course, it's their job... (!!) But still, I would like to know the secret, because looking funny in winter pictures is ok... You can always pretend it was because of the cold, but in summer... What's my excuse? (See me here, posing for Vogue Black Italia and yet, looking kinda scared on picture 12 :-S)

Anyway, back to Milena... She has a blog with a friend that you can check here.

Eastpak street shooting...

2011-07-13T19:06:00.002+02:00

After working with the Italian branch of Eastpak on the Matinee dans la Rue they kindly asked me to shoot their street style campaign in Milan... I had to search the streets for cool and trendy Eastpak bags owners and take pictures of them.

Each picture was then published on the Eastpak Italia Facebook page during the month of June (one picture a day) with a little interview.

It was a very exciting project especially as it was taking place during the Milan Design Week, the streets were full of really interesting people...

One of the question asked during the interviews was: What do you carry in your bag...
So, let me know... What do YOU carry in your bag?

Here are some of the pictures from the shooting... Click on the pictures to see them in full size ;)
(You can see the entirety of the project on the Eastpak italia Facebook Page here)

Artist Marco Santaniello (below)

Stylist Andrea Boschetti (above)

Filippo Biraghi (above)

Flying Anna...

2011-07-12T12:52:00.000+02:00

In the fashion world, meeting people who don't take themselves too seriously is as rare as snow flakes in Bali! That is one of the reason why I came to admire Anna Dello Russo, editor at large of Vogue Japan...

While journalist are still waiting to see a smile on Anna Wintour's face, Anna Dello Russo can leave a fashion show trotting along like a little girl and keep her fashion aura... That's how I met her after the Prada show in Milan Men fashion week and obviously, I had to snap these!

There will be more to come on Anna, as her outfits are as daring as her personality...

The Photographers...

2011-07-10T16:09:00.001+02:00

Let me introduce you to a very special species...

The "homo photographus" or more commonly referred to as the street style photographer! The best time to see them is during the fashion week season where they evolve in packs... Their guru is Scott Schuman, also known as The Sartorialist, but the real creator of their movement was Bill Cunningham...

Standing outside the shows ready to shoot, their eyes are like fashion radars. At the slightest style alert they migrate to towards the object of their interest... Kneeling, bending, checking their finds on their digital weapons... And off they go to their next hunting destination!

We always look at the pictures but never think about the people behind them... That's why I started to observe my fellow companions outside the shows of Milan... This is what I recorded...

Eleonora Carisi from JouJou Villeroy

Karl Edwin Guerre from Guerreisms (above)

Tommy Ton from Jak and Jil Blog (above)

Scott Schuman from The Sartorialist (above) and with me (below)

La dolce Giovanna...

2011-07-06T11:10:00.009+02:00

After the Spiga 2 Boys in the Band event, I ran into the lovely Giovanna Battaglia, fashion editor of Vogue Uomo...

I don't know if it was her colorful but coordinated outfit, her little hair bun, the way she was holding her cigarette or just the nonchalance she showed while hopping onto that Vespa but in my eyes, this picture below represents the true essence of effortless elegance and cool attitude!

Some could say that the picture is a little politically incorrect... Yes, she's smoking, and on a scooter! But who cares? She's like a rebellious Audrey Hepburn...

So tell me... Could there be a more stylish way to leave a party?

Thank you Giovanna for your time !

Just Shoes...

2011-07-04T18:29:00.002+02:00

Because just shoes can make or break an outfit, here is a little compilation of all the shoes that caught my eyes during the latest Milan Uomo fashion week...

Which one is your favorite?

And to conclude, below, one of my favorite... From the siberian born designer Max Kibardin...

Outside Prada...

2011-07-01T11:30:00.004+02:00

I took those pictures outside the Prada show during the Uomo - Milan Fashion Week... It was around 28 degrees and the sun was a killer... However it didn't stop those three ladies to display three very elegant yet different "heat friendly" looks...

Boys in the Band - Spiga2

2011-06-29T11:00:00.013+02:00

Here are some images taken at the last Dolce & Gabbana Spiga2 party during the Uomo Milan Fashion Week.

A night of fashion and music with the ephemere group Boys in The Band, all styled by the Spiga2 store menswear designers (Umit Benan, Komakino, Mallu, Il sistema degli oggetti, Andrea Pompilio, Fabio Quaranta, Avelon, MSGM). During the night, as always, the two godfathers came by to make a quick appearance...

Anders Christensen / Bass
Frances Apples / Guitar
Francesco Violi / Vocals
Theo Hall / Cello
Fausto Savatteri / Guitar
Diego Angelico Escobar / Drums

And here, the video of the event... You can also watch it on the Spiga2 link here

Boys Boys Boys...

2011-06-27T17:28:00.001+02:00

Talking about the latest menswear fashion week without talking about the men would be like ordering an ice cream without the cream... Pointless.

As it is their week, men are everywhere... But let's concentrate on the the essential, the models...! For the sake of professionalism ;) I decided to dedicate this post to them...

So just for you, here is a little compilation of the models I bumped into during the shows...

Less easy to capture in image than their female counterpart, as soon as the shows end, they disappear into the streets by skateboards, bikes, or motorbikes to their next destination...

Anyway...
Enjoy!

Leçon de Style...

2011-06-23T19:56:00.001+02:00

If I have to tell you one thing I learned during this last Milan Fashion Week, it would be this...

-Do not judge: No, not because it's not nice to judge other people (as it can be quite fun some time;) but because with the high level of fashionistas around you just won't have time for anything else...!

Fashion weeks are the only occasion to wear all the colorful clothes, the minis, the crazy hats, and super high heels you bought during the year but never dare to wear, because what doesn't work in the real world, surely does during the fashion show seasons..!

Who else to better illustrate this lesson that this little lady I came across outside the Dolce&Gabbana show... Even though some people could argue that she long passed the age of wearing this kind of bling bling Paco Rabanne'ish outfit, I will always remember the fact that in the first pictures I did mistake her for a twenty something girl... Fashion week or not, not everybody has the guts to wear whatever he/she really wants... Well done lady!

The boys, the shoes, the style, the people...

Much more to come on last Menswear Milan Fashion Week!!

Its a new dawn, its a new day...

2011-06-23T19:17:00.000+02:00

Please say hello to the new layout...!

Have a look around and let me know what you think.

I hope you will like it!

Thanks a lot!

xxx

Valentine

Elita's Sunday in the parc... The style - Milan

2011-06-18T22:12:00.002+02:00

If you were wondering what to wear to a chic Sunday afternoon outdoor event... Here are some inspirations provided by the stylish women I came across last Sunday during the Elita's festival...

Who's your favorite?

Above: Jewellery designer Stefania Gentile who create these really cool Velcro inspired pieces...

Elita's Sunday in the parc - Milan

2011-06-15T22:38:00.006+02:00

(dress: Bel Air, shoes: Ash)

Last Sunday I attended an original Sunday festival which took place in Milan's San Siro Hippodrome. Organized by Elita and in partnership with 55Diesel the event was an eclectic mix of art, clothes, barbecue, music and horses !

Live t-shirt printing session of the artwork of italian artist Marco Klefish...

More style pictures on the Elita's Sunday Parc coming very soon...!

La madrileña...

2011-06-06T19:03:00.002+02:00

Top and trousers: Mango, sandals: Massimo Dutti, bag:Bimba&Lola)

Here are some images of my last trip to Madrid...

The famous Chocolateria San Gines, close to the Puerta del Sol, where you can get a delicious thick hot chocolate served with crispy chouros for only 3.50 euros... ^^ And below the famous Spanish tortilla!

Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5

And my cute little neighbour...

Point Virgule - Summer 2011

2011-05-28T16:50:00.006+02:00

Last December, I told you about a photo shoot I styled for the summer catalogue of Belgian brand Point Virgule. I finally could get my hands on one copy, so here are some pictures of the catalogue by Belgian photographer Charalambos Gagalis and a few pictures I took backstage. The beautiful model, Michele, is from Models Office.

(Above: Backstage)

The catalogue!

(Below: Backstage)

Have a nice weekend!

Behind the seams... Hermès

2011-05-25T20:55:00.002+02:00

Hermès (noun): the great messenger of the Olympians Gods in Greek mythology

Have you ever had an heart attack learning the price of a designer bag? Wondering what on earth could justify paying thousands of euros for a design when you could find a similar one for less than 100 euro in the high streets..?

Well, last Saturday I visited the Hermès exhibition "Festival des métiers". Which was by far one of the best fashion exhibition I have ever seen, due to the quality of the presentation and it's direct interactivity with the artisans. There I discovered all the magic taking place behind the Hermès art. And let me tell you, it is worth every cent!

Le Sac

Above, the Jypsiere, one of Hermès household bag. Fully hand made and sew. It will take a minimum of 2 days for this artisan to create the bag from a to z. As in Hermès there is no assembly line work, each artisan realize its own bag from beginning to end. This way each bag can be traced back to the person who made it, thanks to their well kept register (which comes handy in case of repair).

As for the materials, to obtain the "made in France" label, they are all produced in... France. Yes, even the calves which will supply the leathers are french!

Le Carré de Soie
From the first sketch to the boutique, it takes no less than two years to create the iconic Hermès silk scarf!
The first one was designed in 1937 by Robert Dumas. Since then Hermès has produced over 2500 different designs with each single scarf being manually screen printed. Some scarf including up to 45 different colors, which means 45 different screens! The silk is obtained from Brazilian cultivated cocoons which are later woven in Lyon.

After the printing comes the finishing process...
The way the edges are finished is also part of the Hermès signature. Instead of being folded and stitch, they are rolled following a certain "savoir faire" which takes around 45 minutes for a skill full hand.

The scarfs alone represent sixty percent of Hermès turnover...
It is said that during the holiday seasons in Paris, one scarf is sold every 20 seconds..!

La Chemise
If you think one scarf is not enough of a statement, why not purchase five and have a shirt made out of them? (Or if you are a little bit more classical you can always choose from their wide range of fabrics.) They also have a very wide range of collars and cuffs.

From the first fitting it will take up to five weeks until you will be able to strut down the street wearing your tailor made cotton shirt.

La Selle

The saddle was at Hermès beginning in 1837 one of it's core product. Even though people have abandoned their horse carriages for cars, Hermès still produce and sells an average of 400 to 500 saddles a year. Today their ateliers consist of 7 craftsmen who work mainly by hand.

Leaving this this exhibition I heard a woman saying to her friend "No wonder it cost as much!"

I agree.

The most striking thing I witnessed, aside from the high level of craftsmanship involve in each product, was how proud each artisan was to be part of the Hermès family and how enthusiastically they were talking about their work. All of them were working for the label for around 15 years (like the bag and saddle artisan) to up to 25 years (for the shirt maker).

I doubt we can find the same energy visiting one of Zara's Chinese or Indian factory... Of course not everyone can afford a high fashion bag, but before questioning a product for its price, let's think about what goes on behind it. When you buy a bag for 20 euro, think about how much the person(s) making it has earned knowing that out of the 20 euros you still have to take off the profit margin and all the collateral costs...

This being said... the day I will be able to afford an Hermès bag is not yet to come ;)

The journey of a dress... from Brussels to Marrakesh

2011-05-04T02:20:00.006+02:00

Wedding dress: Valentine Avoh

Blue dress: Velour(from Reservoir Shop Brussels) Shoes: Schuh

When you're a designer and your best friend is getting married there are some unwritten/unsaid rules that each of you must respect. For example, it would be a crime for her to look in other places than you for her dress... And it would be an even bigger crime for you to refuse. Luckily this wasn't an issue for Geraldine an me. As soon as she got engaged I knew I had to start sketching... Which I didn't do at all to be honest. I preferred to take inspiration from a lot of sources such as pictures, wedding boutiques, fittings, fabrics and more importantly from her, than to sketch, as sometimes I feel as it can put a strain on your imagination...

After a few tea and brainstorming sessions with Geraldine, her mum and me, we all agreed on lace. So we went to Paris in search of the perfect lace and we found the one... A creme white hand beaded Calais Lace (dentelle de Calais). Note that a piece like this takes around 2 months of work..!
Followed a series of fittings with the toile (the test fabric) and then in the finished material. Fittings are essential to get the shape and measurements right and in this case it was even more important as my friend lives in Morocco, so we had to make the most of the time we had when she was here in Brussels.

This dress was a bit of a challenge for me as it was the first time I was making a lace dress. Also you don't feel the same when you cut into a random fabric from the shop across the street and when you cut into one that has been hand made especially since you won't be able to order it again if you screw up...! Anyway, thanks to the amazing women I met during my time at McQueen and Samantha Shaw I learned a lot about lace and how to manipulate it...

In the end we were both really happy with the result. Here are some pictures from the wedding which took place in Marrakesh in a beautiful garden... but still not as beautiful as the bride... ;)

Merci pour le compte de fée!

Tout mes voeux de bonheur ma G ;)

"Tam tam ta daaam" xxx

And for the lace lovers, here is a video from the Calais museum of lace... (in french)

Les coulisses du musée de la dentelle de Calais

Zara: Pure copy or simple coincidence...?

2011-04-04T22:53:00.001+02:00

Yesterday evening I discovered that I either had an extremely good eye for new trends or that Zara really appreciate one of my designs... In any case I admit it is quite flattering!

Now the question is... do you see any similarities between the two dresses or am I just another victim of the "pretentious fashion designer paranoia syndrome" ? (when the patient believes that everyone is copying his style)

The first dress on the left is from the new Zara 2011 spring summer collection, 100% polyester and sold for 79,95 euro.

The second dress on the right is the one I designed last year. It is made of silk and leather... I wore it for my photo shoot with the Belgian Elle magazine in November after which I did a post about it's creation process (here).

Of course we all know that Zara's only life purpose is to suck out ideas from famous brands such as Celine (here) and more recently Prada (here). They also became famous last year for a blatant act of copy/paste with a picture from famous blogger Betty Autier "Le blog de Betty".

Unfortunately this is how the fashion world works, everybody gets inspired by each other and everything gets renewed. But my issue is that even though copying is a widely performed act in the fashion industry, there is still a difference between copying a big brand and a small emerging designer. Not that one is better than the other but...

While Prada might be upset seeing all their stripped sombreros and skirts in the windows of the Zara boutiques. The Prada client is more likely to remain loyal to the brand as what he is looking for, in addition to a fashionable piece, is quality, durability and also maybe to own a little piece of the history linked to the brand/designer.

When you rip off a small designer, you're taking away from him a client base that he didn't even had time to build or secure. And more importantly you are taking away from him serious money ($$;) that he will definitely need to grow his business further. And when you start, let me tell you that every cent counts. Obviously this also applies to big names such as Louis Vuitton for example, but when you know that last year the LVMH group did 3.032 billions of profit, suddenly, you get less worried for them... (Yes yes you read well... billions not millions!).

So to conclude I would only say this:

Dear Zara,

Thanks for visiting my blog, but please do forward me the address of your copy, hum I mean, design studio. So next time I can send you my sketches directly... it will save you some time ;)

Warm regards...

The Dolce & Gabbana "Dress me up" party or...

2011-04-03T18:29:00.002+02:00

... the day Domenico Dolce stepped on my foot ;-)

After which he of course said "scuza", even though I would have much preferred him to jump on my two feet to later apologise with a bag from their latest collection! ^^

Kelly Framel and Suzie Lau

Crime scene:

The Dolce and Gabbana store in the center of Milan (if you visit Milan, it is worth having a look)

Event:

The "Dress me up" party organized during Milan fashion week to celebrate 6 internationals bloggers:

Bryan “Bryan Boy”, Deni Elias “The Chic Muse”, Suzie Lau “Style Bubble”, Kelly Framel “The Glamourai”, Kristin Knox “The clothes Whisperer” and Ingrid Chua-Go from “The Bag Hag Diaries”.

Deni Elias

Bryan

During the evening each of them had access to the entirety of the Dolce and Gabbana boutique to dress a set of mannequins that had been allocated to them in the shop windows.

Suzie Lau's window

To make this party a real party, there was a cool Dj, delicious mini sandwiches and a few surprise visits.

Such as Anna Dello Russo (have you seen her blog?) who came to help the stars of the evening with their visual merchandising skills and of course Misters Dolce and Gabbana themselves who came to encourage the crew and also improvise a little photo session with the crowd. No need to say that I didn't wait long to ask for a pictures myself... With a smile they kindly accepted. So after a very short reflexion I decided to drop the charges (mental charges of course!) against Domenico ;-) and we left things on a warm hand shake.

Kristin, Ingrid, Stefano, Deni, Anna, Bryan and Domenico

Bryan and Domenico

Ingrid, Deni, Bryan and Kristin

On and all, a great party and a great concept! Wish we had something similar in Belgium...

Here are some more shots from the party:

You can check the video of the event here on Swide.com the online magazine of Dolce and Gabbana.

Stefano, Me and Domenico

Armani, Tina and Me - Milan

2011-03-29T11:17:00.001+02:00

After the Dsquared2 show I walked (under the rain) in the direction of the Via Bergognone for the Giorgio Armani show. With no umbrella anywhere near, I started looking for a taxi point with a scarf on my head… Fortunately, on my way there I came across a little umbrella seller. I decided to buy one after miserably failing any attempt of negotiation after witch I decided to drawn my sorrow in a cup of cioccolato caldo…

A taxi later, I started queuing… My invitation in one hand and my new umbrella in the other (that I was finally very happy to have as the wet sheep effect ... it’s not that cool!) After a little sign from the “bouncers”, we could finally enter the long corridor leading to the Armani Teatro.

While looking for my place I bumped into an icon, but not just any… Tina Turner! I didn’t even have the time to sing her my version of "We Do not Need Another Hero" that she already disappeared…

When Mr. Armani appeared for the finale, everyone applauded. I did the same with a little extra for the goody bag which I highly appreciated: Acqua di Gio and Acqua di Gioa… Aaah Grazie Mille!

Tina Turner (above)

Mister Armani (above)

Anna Dello Russo (above)

I have no word for this...

The beautiful Elisa Sednaoui (above)

Me (wearing a vintage Lillie Rubin dress, Killah shoes and an Asos bag)

Outside the Dolce & Gabbana show - Milan

2011-03-10T17:04:00.001+01:00

Above: Rumi Neely from Fashion Toast

Regarding the weather, Milan is much closer to Belgium than Sicily ... Example outside the Dolce & Gabbana show where the sun decided to shine away and left his place to the rain.

Fortunately for us… it takes much more to scare the fashion crowd!

Above: Taylor Tomasi

On that rainy day I discovered two very distinct behaviors. The first, quite rational. "I'm cold so I cover myself", I take my nicest coat or my glamorous fur (ah yes, as in Milan, its the fur that rules!) and I accessorize it all with an umbrella or some Wellington boots.

The second ... "The rain? The cold? Who cares it’s fashion week!" Let me grab my mini skirts, backless dresses, sandals and tiny jackets...! I tried this method on the first day and then well... I thought that if I had to leave through the week, an extra layer and a coat wasn't so bad...

In between the two approach there was Giovanna Battaglia in her little suit, Garance Doré well covered with her coat, but hey, she was wearing sandals... And then Anna Dello Russo in a yellow little suit wearing cute sandals... and a fur.

And the Oscar of bravery had to be for the "demoiselle" in mini skirt and studded Louboutin. Yes, she might have been wearing a fur but without tights ... It really does not count!

Dsquared2 Show - Milan

2011-03-07T22:16:00.001+01:00

9am: After breakfast I head to the Via San Luca for the Dsquared fashion show. True to the saying "fashionably late" the show started at 10.15 instead of 9.30. Which luckily left me some time to have a look around and say a big “hello” (virtually of course) to Anna Dello Russo, who I kept bumping in… One more time and I’ll invite her for a gelato ;)

The curtain raised and two silhouettes made their appearances on a remix of the 5th symphony by Beethoven. Show time! The rhythm was very dynamic. I was instantly transported to a world between Broke back Mountain and the Wild One. Hats, long fluid skirts, jeans, leather and a lot of black ... Well I guess this is the wardrobe of ... a rebel!

Designers night at Spiga2 - Milan

2011-03-05T01:16:00.002+01:00

Right after the Gucci show, I strutted my way to the Dolce & Gabbana store in Via della Spiga…

On the menu, an evening dedicated to new designers! Spiga2 as they called is a great concept store. Each season their buyer travels the globe in search of future fashion talent. The lucky winners will then have the great opportunity to have their collection sold within the store side by side with the Dolce & Gabbana accesoiries collection!

Of course Belgium, birthplace of the greatest designers ;-) was represented thanks to Marc-Philipe Coudeyre and Girls from Omsk.

A mixture of models and girls next door had been recruited for the occasion. After getting their make up and hairstyles done, the ladies would then strutt outside along the shop to finally finish their walk in the window.

During that evening I came across familiar faces such as Bryan Boy and Chiarra from The Blond Salad. And new ones like such as Justin Wu the partner in crime of Tommy Ton from the Jak and Jil blog.

Justin Wu

Chiara from The Blond Salad

For more pictures of this event read my report on ELLE.be.

Valentine's blog for ELLE Belgium

2011-03-04T12:52:00.001+01:00

Check my reports on Milan Fashion Week and soon Paris on ELLE.be, the online platform of the Belgian ELLE magazine. They are written in french and will vary slightly from the ones on my blog.

For Milan click here to read my report on the party in the Dolce Gabbana Spiga 2 store:

And here for my streetstyle outside the Gucci show:

There will be more to come on Milan, and of course on Paris...

Enjoy!

Milan Fashion Week- Outside Gucci...

2011-02-24T19:14:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was the first day of the Milan Fashion week... For that occasion I decided to have a walk outside the Gucci show... I had the opportunity to see a lot of people including Giovanna Battaglia; fashion editor of Vogue Uomo, Anna Dello Russo; the excentric editor at large of Vogue Japan, Chiara Ferragni from the Italian blog "The blond salad" and Bryan from "Bryanboy".

And last but certainly not least... The Fashion duo, Garance Doré and her Sartorialist boyfriend, Scott Schuman!

Giovanna Battaglia

Anna Dello Russo

Chiara Ferragni

Bryan Boy

The story of a Fringe...

2011-02-19T12:53:00.002+01:00

These pictures were taken two weeks ago when I attended the cool Eastpack, Matinée dans la rue - Saturday Brunch at Les Garçons hair salon in Milan. I followed the beautiful Andrea through her little hair transformation.

I believe a fringe is the best and easiest way to create a fresh look without having to cut all your hair off. Also it lower the risk of leaving the salon completely traumatized having lost 10 centimeters of hairs while saying to the hairdresser you only wanted to cut 2! Aah that's one of the advantage of my afro... No hairdresser wants to risk his hand (or scissors) into it ;)

Anyway... Back to Andrea...

Before the cut...

And Voila!

Time for ...

2011-02-16T16:50:00.001+01:00

Returning your unwanted Valentine's gifts and treat yourself to some well deserve luxurious items...

So last week I attended the presentation of the new Cartier collection in their prestigious Brussels boutique. To be honest, Cartier is not where I do my usual Saturday shopping but it was interesting to see what they had to offer and to get some more knowledge about watches...

From what I understood, Cartier watches are like women... You have the ones with the little complications and those with the big complications. And like with women, only a big man can handle big complications...

Does all this seems too complicated to you??

Ok... The "complication" is actually the term used to describe the mechanism of the watch. The vast majority of watches you see are made of around 30 pieces or less... Well a Cartier watch can have up to around 457 pieces which are all hand assembled. Talking about complication..! For example the Cartier Rotonde Jumping Hours watch on the top first picture has 217 pieces.

Of course, like a complicate woman, a Cartier watch is not for all budget... Their range starts from 2000 euros to... Well the most expensive I had the pleasure to see that day was around 140.000 euro...

As you can imagine only a few people will have the privilege of wearing a Cartier watch... But that shouldn't stop us from appreciating the work and craftsmanship behind the name...

Here is a little video showing you just how intricate their watches are:

Matinée dans la rue - Milan

2011-02-05T19:57:00.001+01:00

The Italians sure do know how to cure a hangover..!

One week ago, on a Saturday morning (obviously on weekends mornings start at 12), I attended a special brunch organized by the hip milanese hair salon Les Garçons de la Rue and the famous bag label Eastpack.

The concept was simple... You went out the day before and as usual, you woke up hangover... So, instead of staying at home with a headache, why not come over to get your head done?

Listen to some funk with your head full of "bigodini" while others have brioches and coffees with a drop of elektro... Well, this is just how real Saturdays should be like, right?

So I arrived there around 1pm, had a few bites of... hum, everything that was offered on the tables and then I had a walk around...

One of the customized Eastpack bags that were on display:

And of course lot of stylish Italian people attended this event...

I also met a really cool and trendy woman from Holland who I first noticed for her shoes... Beautiful brogues!

And the oscar for the best hair and make up goes to...

On and all a great afternoon with a great concept! So what do you say?

Well... Grazie mille!

(Keep your eyes open for Easpack's other cool collaborations...

The latests include the collection of bags designed by Belgian designer Kriss Van Asshe and the Artist Studio Project.)

(above: Eastpack by Kriss Van Asshe - Photo courtesy of Eastpack)