My Fashionable life: blog mode by Laura Moodley. (Fashion Designer in Paris)

WHAT FASHION DESIGNERS WEAR: Karl Lagerfeld

Last week we had a look at the Queen of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood. So this week i thought we would look at the King of French Fashion, Karl Lagerfeld.

Karl has a style that is totally unique, you dont even need to see a real photo to know its him, just a silhouette of the man is enough for you to think of him; as seen on Coca Cola Bottles last year.

We could call his style eccentric & noble & gentlemanly but its his twisted take on masculine fashion. His extreme tailoring and 100% pulled together look stops it from being boring. Sticking mainly to a neutral colour pallet (and true to the Chanel aesthetic) , Lagerfeld has gotten good at showing off his assets and hiding his less desirable parts (note the very high collars, gloves and glasses). I believe he uses these accessories to hide his age (see last image) and also to keep an air of mystery, since he is such an internationally recognized star.

Keeping to a basic colour pallet, makes his look effortlessly chic, and he always looks dapper weather dressed up for an evening out or working on the streets of Paris. Despite the monochrome, Karl can twist and diversify his look with a fancy metallic jacket, his all important accessories and a sense of humor. 

With a romantic almost gothic edge, Karl introduces the odd colour from time to time: Purple, Blue, Grey… even print and texture. He wears cowboy boots and heavy belt buckles which pulls his whole look together, he is eclectic and collects accessories, shamelessly piling many items together, such as rings and necklaces.

I personally LOVE Karls style, and think that many men could learn to experiment more with fashion and follow Karl in that classic, old world romanticism. Mens excuse is often a lack of choice, but as our dear old father of couture proves, improvisation and imagination is all thats needed. Age clearly makes no difference, as Karl simply ties his white hair back in a bow and carefully chooses accents to cover his aging skin. A bit of cash couldnt do any harm though, as a behind the scenes documentary showd us a large collection of suits from Chanel, Dior and other designer brands as well as a huge accessories table all laid out in Karls massive wardrobe.

Note: This wearing of brands has been one of my biggest questions…is it acceptable for a designer to wear outside brands? but the only thing that ive learned here, is that when you are rich and famous, the answer is yes, but how would it go down if I went into work wearing a competitors jacket?

xoxo LLM

I Have seen this before!!!

Ok I know that designers take their is inspiration from their high end collections, in this case: Jean Paul Gaultier, Haute Couture, and re interpret the themes or ideas for their ready to wear…thats how fashion is developed…

But what happened here? On the Left you have the Haute couture Collection from Gaultier which was inspired by Amy Winehouse & shown in January. Then on the right side you have the Pret a Porte collection shown at Beijing in April….whats with the direct copies? Everything else in the 2 collections are totally different from what i could see, did he not have enough items to show and think, “ill just throw in a couple of bits from the last collection- know one will notice” ?? Or is he trying to make the most popular items from his Couture show, more accessible?

Im a huge Gaultier fan, and im not in any way saying he sucks, im just confused about this overlap, I have never seen this happen in all the years that ive been following the fashion industry. Images of the similar items were very hard to get too, because i guess magazines didnt want to show twice the same thing….

So we will pass it off as just a blip or an intentional attempt to sell to a wider market…

xoxo LLM

Le Follet 19th century Fashion Journal, which was given to me by my grandfather when I first got started in fashion.

Dating from between May 1855 and Dec 1856 the bound collection of papers and hand painted fashion tableau’s is a magnificent piece of fashion history. This “magazine” if you will, would have been the predecessor to the 20th century Vogue type publications and was used to advertise fashion houses, beauty & health products and to display the finest, up to the minute fashions of the day. I feel very privileged to own my very own copy tho it is a shame that mines have been bound together in book form, as this makes them pretty worthless I guess, but an amazing keepsake. 

xoxo LLM

Elsa Schiaparelli; REINVENTION OF A FASHION BRAND

Once the Rival of Coco Chanel herself, Elsa Schiaparelli is a name no longer mentioned in the fashion world..well that was until now.After a major exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum, which will continue through this summer, Elsa Schiaparelli will return to the fashion world, with a new studio in Paris. 

Personally I didnt recognize the name, but I did recognize many of the images which flashed up on Google, such as the shoe hat and Lobster dress (above). The Lady was infact a huge influence on the fashion industry during the early half of the 20th century  & is credited with creating the modern runway show that we all love so much!

No only is this come back a huge event in the industry, but the talking point on the lips of many is: Who will be the head designer? Rumors include Giles Deacon and even John Galliano…???

I dont know about you, but i will certainly watch this space… xoxo LLM

For more info on the Met Exhibition take a look at this sneak preview.

(Source: ology.com)

WHAT FASHION DESIGNERs WEAR; VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

As promised, I have started to look into what fashion designers themselves, wear, and who better to start with than the Grande Dame of Fashion and Punk Queen herself, Vivienne Westwood?

SO where to start? Well known for her off beat quirky looks, flamboyant and often controversial designs, and of course for her invention of Punk, Westwood is one of few designers who stay true to their own style.

Gender bending ensembles and overtly sexual outfits have been a part of Westwoods personal wardrobe for as far back as we know (see black and white images above). Often wearing Her own collections, she is loyal to her brand and never one to blend into the crowd…Just check out that flaming red hair! Regal style, historical trends & arts, rich fabrics, mixed textures, bold colours and drape Vs tailoring all contribute to her individuality. 

I have been un able to establish where Westwood shops, but i think most of her pieces are from the Westwood label, Vintage or Customized. 

Despite her sometimes masculine image as seen above, it can certainly be said that Westwood cleans up nicely for the appropriate occasion, looking classy in purple as she receives her Dame title and Medal from the Queen (also another of Westwoods inspirations). Very feminine in her own lace design on the red carpet, and well groomed for the opening of her Cool Earth charity.

Dame Vivienne has a rebellious, contradictory, eclectic personal style which influences her own work and in turn the fashion world,. Afterall where would we be without punky T-shirts and corsets as outerwear???

xoxo LLM

What Fashion Designers Wear, Celeb Icons

Once in a while I like to do a small feature, looking into what the designers and creators of the fashion world wear themselves, often I chat about my own inspiration and keep meaning to look at the big timers to identify what the gods of this industry choose to put on their backs…Now that I have more time on my hands, i will be able to research this and get some answers, however for the moment I am stuck with what i know…

People often ask me to define my style, but its a difficult task given that I like to mix it up. I would say that Im a bit Rock, a bit Romance but today I complied a short list of celebrities whose style inspire me from day to day.

I am in no way a follower of trends or any one persons style & I think that you can say the selection is eclectic to say the least, but such is way of Fashion Designers who must search for inspiration everywhere they look…

xoxo LLM

As a fashion designer, I am always going on about body type, looks, style etc…

I have always maintained that fashion is for EVERYONE and not just skinny, blonde, 16 year olds and rich people.  As i was browsing tumlr this morning, I accidentally came across this post and thought “wow! That’s exactly what i mean!” This stylish fashion Blogger is no size zero and yet she looks fantastic! She has loads of sex appeal and class…now why doesnt THAT appear on the front of Vogue?

Even my boyfriend agreed that she is a fine specimen…So who exaclty are making the rules on whats hot and whats not because i dont that think they represent popular opinion. 

• I think whats shes got right here is a talent for knowing what suits her and what Fits her…this is often a problem for curvier girls, but just look at Nadia here in that short black dress and those pink jeans…perfect fit. Confidence obviously plays its part too :) 

xoxo LLM

(Source: blackstuddedfashion)

Elie Saab A/W 2012

Lovely wearable collection with amazing cut work and sparkly evening dresses. 

xoxo LLM

Latest Dior Video at Versailles: My Favorite brand at my favorite place!

xoxo LLM

Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2012

xoxo LLM

(Source: fashionista.com)