Fashion To Die For?

My point of view on the whole Bangladesh situation:

It's time to go to the dark side of fashion: the world of low wages and poor working conditions. Things that we as Western consumers have no view on. 

It's true that if we don't buy any clothes at H&M, Primark, Zara and such that the working conditions are not getting better. But if we want changes in the industry we need a different mindset.

First of all, paying a higher price is necessary. For consumers it's no guarantee. You can still buy a more expensive shirt, by let's say Isabel Marant, that's still being made under bad circumstances. But for producers this choice would be a lot easier because the labor costs are only a fraction (5%) of the price of a garment in stores; as the advertising costs and profits are the largest cost components of clothing.

Secondly there need to be more control and supervision at factories, as this is probably not the first time that, in a low-wage country, a factory has collapsed. Control should be on the fact that there a too many jobs of  'safe' factories are channeled to the smaller, more unsafe factories. The producers have to pay more labor costs per garment and the consumers will then not pay more or less for a garment in stores (as I said earlier).

I also claim for unions for employers and employees to reach agreement on wages, working hours and working conditions. This may sound as an utopia, but I think that this isn't entirely impossible with full cooperation of both parties AND assistance from Western countries.

Further more there need to be more transparency from the clothing brands on their production. A good example of this is Belgian designer Bruno Pieters. Last year, he began Honest by, what claims to be the first fashion company that gives full understanding into the structure of the prices of the garments. Under the head 'price calculation' each garment on the site is decomposed to the smallest detail. 

This gives me hope for revolution in the industry. Though I doubt if it will ever be completely transparant. 

'It's never been the masters who change anything.' - Bruno Pieters

Rockstud Rouge

Who knew that tattoos and Valentino were such a good combination?

I didn't and I'm truly in love with the result.

It's the first time that designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have worked with Terry Richardson.

'The sensual yet elegant nature of our accessories, described as object of desire.'

I love that contrast. The pictures are edgy but have enough class to showcase a brand like Valentino.

P.S. Can I have that bag pretty please? *drooling*

Punk'd

On monday, May 6h, the annual Costume Institute Gala, also known as MET Ball, took place in New York. 

The MET Ball is a gala that celebrates the opening of the fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The dress code of this year was 'PUNK: Chaos to Couture' (a.k.a. a lot of black, leather and studs). Of course Vivienne Westwood was present to, how punk is that, support WikiLeaks soldier Bradley Manning. She explained: 'When I did punk years ago, it was all about the same thing: justice and trying to have a better world.'

The exhibition is a tribute to and an overview of the term 'punk' both fashion and music, as the era and the political statements.

'No other movement has had so much influence on fashion.' - Andrew Bolton (curator)

Here's my best dressed list:

Rooney Mara looked angelic in a white lace Givenchy Couture gown of the fall 2010 collection.

I love that Hailee Steinfeld kept true to her style with this tea-length Donna Karan Atelier gown. Nice detail: the golden starbursts are made of safety pins. Amazing!

Gwen Stefani and punk are a match made in heaven. She looked stunning in an custom made Maison Martin Margiela design. The monochrome gown which includes an asymmetrical bodice was inspired by a look of the spring 2013 collection.

Anne Hathaway looked stunning in this vintage Valentino Couture embellished gown with feathered cuffs.

Emma Watson in a cutom made Prabal Gurung gown inspired by the fall 2013 collection. She looks very confident in her black silk crepe satin gown with cut-outs and a thigh-high slit.

Cameron Diaz is wearing this beautiful custom made electric blue gown by Stella McCartney which features a cape with open back and a gold spiked belt.

Elle Fanning made quite a statement in this psychedelic tie-dye Rodarte gown. The striking eyeshadow kept her youthful spirit.

It surprised me that on a huge event where it's all about punk, there were just three people wearing Vivienne Westwood (including mrs. Punk herself). Thumbs up for Christina Ricci for wearing this tartan ball gown.

Does Kate Bosworth ever something wrong? She looks radiant in this fully embellished hot pink Balmain dress with gold belt.

Sienna Miller was wearing a white gown with a gold-studded cropped leather jacket by Burberry. She accessorised her look with a spiked headband (and of course her handsome fiance Tom Sturridge).

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked impeccable in her black-and-gold Gucci gown of the fall 2013 collection which includes a netted tulle top with metallic degrade embroidery and a satin skirt.

As the face of Givenchy's new frangrance there was no doubt of Amanda Seyfried wearing the brand. The dramatic printed gown with draped back is a vintage copy of the spring 2007 couture collection.

Blake Lively opted to wear a dramatic gown by Gucci Premiere which features a pale green bodice, a skirt with layers of black organza and feather motif embroidered details. 

Miley Cyrus fully embraced the theme in her long-sleeved black mesh gown with a nude underdress from the Marc Jacobs fall 2013 collection.

You can trust Paloma Faith for some high dose of glamour at the MET Ball. She did, with this fully embellished blood red, ombre-effect Michael Cinco gown featuring built-in gloves and an open back. The headpiece by Philip Treacy was the icing on the cake.

Allison Williams looked perfect in her sexy long-sleeved black Altuzarra gown with a sheer skirt and lace panels.

 Anne Hathaway wasn't the only one who underwent a transformation, so did Nicole Richie. She wore a white fully embroidered gown by Topshop.

Florence Welch looked fierce as always in this black fringe gown by Givenchy Couture of the fall 2012 collection.

Sarah Jessica Parker made a great entrance at the MET Ball in a paint-splattered Giles gown of the fall 2013 collection. To finish the look she wore a custom made Philip Treacy headpiece and over-the-knee velvet tartan boots by Christian Louboutin.

I always like Leelee Sobieski's minimal approach on dressing. For this occasion she opted to wear a white strapless bustier gown with a black t-shirt and long sheer sleeves with gold embroidery by Christian Dior Couture.

Who was your best dressed of the evening?

Queensday 2013: Style File

WHAT? Abdication

WHERE? Royal Palace, Amsterdam

WHEN? April 30

This tuesday was an memorable and historic day in my country. We welcomed our new king, Willem-Alexander, as his mother, Beatrix, ended her reign.

Balenciaga: The First Chapter

Sorry for being such a bad blogger lately. It has already been two months (!) since my last blogpost, due to a writer's block and lack of inspiration. But I hope I can make that up the coming days/weeks/and what's to come. Pinky promise!

Now back to business!

To Balenciaga to be exact. I was immediately enthusiastic and excited when I heard the news of Alex Wang being the new creative director. But did the expectations come true?
His very first collection was shown in an intimate salon-style setting on Avenue George V. The show was referred by Wang as 'the first chapter' in a mission to retell the story of Balenciaga.
To start with the semi-fitted silhouet. This was Cristobal Balenciaga's response on the hourglass New Look with which Christian Dior seduced the postwar fashion.
The signatures of Balenciaga, like the rounded shoulders, were combined with the sportive approach of Wang.
Me likey! What's your opinion?

Oscars 2013: Best Dressed

Sunday night was THE event of the year: The Oscars. Tout famous Hollywood collected at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The revelry continued until the early hours. Enjoy the queens of the ball!

 Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning in a drop-waist Dior Couture gown. As the face of the Miss Dior campaign she had the honour to wear the gown that was just shown one month ago. She finished the look with a delicate Cartier necklace down her back. Flawless skin and subtle smokey eyes keep her makeup fresh and young. 

 Anne Hathaway in a blushing pink high-neck Prada gown. The delicate dress suits Anne - who won the award for best supporting actress - perfectly. She finished the look with a floral necklace from Tiffany & Co. and light pink lips to match her column-style dress. A relive of Audrey Hepburn.

 Jessica Chastain in a copper-hued strapless Armani Prive gown. This look oozed Hollywood glamour with soft side-swept waves and intense ruby lips. She sparkled things up with vintage Harry Winston diamond earrings and an 60's style bracelet. 

Samantha Barks kept it simple in a black Valentino gown with a plunging neckline. She finished the look with an effortless updo, flawless makeup and an Forevermark statement pendant necklace. 

 Best actress nominee Naomi Watts dazzled in a silver futuristic sequin gown by Armani Prive. Naomi finished off her look with Jimmy Choo shoes, a Roger Vivier bag and Neil Lane juwelry. 

 Charlize Theron in a white sculptural silk bustier Dior Couture gown with embroidered detailing on the peplum. Daring, sexy and strong. She kept her jewelry minimal by only adding Harry Winston diamond stud earrings and bracelets. The simplistic approach was also carried with her flawless makeup. Stunning! 

 Kerry Washington sparkles in a coral Miu Miu dress. The gown with sweet bow detail at the bustline and a  nude tulle bodice embellished with coral paillettes and crystals. To finish the look it was accessorised with a red Prada clutch, Chopard earrings and a diamond cocktail ring from Fred Leighton.

British television presenter Louise Roe wore a fairytale of a gown by Monique Lhuillier at the Oscars. She completed her red embroidered tulle gown with mix-and-match accessories and a side-swept ponytail. 

 Zoe Saldana in a lovely lavender strapless Alexis Mabille Couture gown from the spring 2013 collection. The dress was beautiful with floral appiliques around the neckline, tonal belt and layer skirt which faded from  pale grey to black. Loose hair, Neil Lane jewelry and Roger Vivier sandals completed the look.

 Amanda Seyfried in an opulent lilac organza embroidered Alexander McQueen halter gown. Pastel makeup, a softly finished updo and Lorraine Schwartz earrings finished the look. 

 Olivia Munn blew me away by wearing a perfectly fitted ruby Marchesa strapless gown with a gold embroidered bodice. A simple side parted updo and ruby lips provided the finishing touches.

 Alicia Vikander in a light blue fully embellished Elie Saab gown which was accented with a small gold belt. A simple updo, dark lips and diamond earrings finished this look for the Swedish beauty.

 Academy Award winner Adele wore a black embellished Jenny Packham dress with a nipped waist and sheer sleeves. She accessorised with Harry Winston jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels. Volumious half down hair and retro eyeliner completed her look.

 Fan Bingbing in a exquisite duchess satin fuchsia dress by Marchesa from the fall 2013 collection. Fan looked statuesque with a high updo, cat eyes and bright pink lips. She completed the look with pink and magenta Chopard jewelry and a black satin Roger Vivier clutch.

 Halle Berry looked beautiful in a shining sequin striped Versace long-sleeve gown. The silver and black gown had strong structured shoulders and a peek-a-boo neckline. Messy hair and black drop earrings finished the look.

 Jennifer Aniston wore a cherry-red strapless Valentino gown with a volumious skirt. Jennifer, well known for monochrome tones and more body-conscious looks, did something completely diffrent. Except for the hair, which she kept effortless loose, like most of the time. Minimal jewels and a matching red Salvatore Ferragamo clucth provided the finishing touches.

Before the Oscars even started nominee Amy Adams already won an Oscar as she arrived in an ethereal strapless powdery blue Oscar de la Renta ball gown with full ruffled skirt. She kept her look simple by only adding a pair of diamond drop earrings and a braided rope bracelet by Moa. 

 Kirsten Stewart looked angelic in a pale blush Reem Acra gown. She accessoirised her look with Jimmy Choo heels and Fred Leighton diamond link necklace. A smouldering smokey eye and beachy waves were the finishing touches.  

Unfortunately I couldn't post all my favorite looks. But also on my best dressed list are Reese Witherspoon in cobalt Louis Vuitton, Jennifer Garner in a violet ruffled Gucci gown, Sandra Bullock in sheer black Elie Saab and Stacy Keibler in a sparkling Naeem Khan dress. 

Trend alert!

1. There were a lot of blushes, whites and nudes on the red carpet. Seen on Anne Hathaway, Kirsten Stewart and Amanda Seyfried.

2. Retro waves were spotted on Jessica Chastain and Reese Witherspoon.

3. Strapless gowns galore at the Oscars. Seen on Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron and Amy Adams for example.

4. The 'no necklace trend' was seen in combination with strapless dresses on Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn and Kerry Washington.