The Zara mania explained!

Hi guys!

Today's post is looking at what I like to call the "Zara mania". Who do you think is the most powerful man in the fashion industry? You are probably thinking about a top designer such as Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs or Tom Ford.  Well, not exactly. The most powerful man in the fashion industry is no other than Mr Amancio Ortega, fashion executive and founding chairman of Inditex, best known for its chain Zara. According to Forbes, Mr Ortega is among the top five world's richest people! 

As I was going out the other day, I realized that 90% of my outfit was Zara made. Celebrities and other socialists are also becoming Zara addicts. And guess what, you can now find fake Zara bags on the streets of London! Just like Chanel, Dior or Louis Vuitton, it seems that Zara is the new victim of the fake goods market. Part of it is because Zara's collections are largely inspired by designers such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci.

Olivia Palermo wearing jacket, top and skirt by Zara

So what is it about Zara? Why would you want to own a fake Zara made item ? Is wearing Zara a style statement?

A Zara style. You walk into a Zara store, see anything you like?, thought so! Other scenario, you have an event coming up, you are looking for something classy and gentle to your wallet, where are you going to?! Thought so!

Zara’s Style appeals to almost the everyone. Zara’s style wants to be cool and classy at the same time. There is a something about it, that attracts a large number of people with different sense of style. In other word, Zara gives you the liberty to make their clothes your own. In that respect, Zara managed to give its customers what few high street retailers have managed to achieved over the past few years: the feeling of exclusivity.

Mass but class. Zara's is headquartered in Spain where core customers have always liked curvy cutting to flatter a proud bearing.  Zara tailoring, in particular when it comes to their coats and trousers, seems higher quality than other retailers and the styles are on-trend as opposed to too trendy. The impression that you are "shopping classy" also comes from Zara's seductive store design. When you walk into a Zara store the atmosphere seems to be airy and light to give you a designer treatment without the designer bill! 

Fast response to specific trends. Have you ever bought a Zara made item in a specific color and then a few months later you realize that they created the exact same item in different color scheme, or in a slightly different shape?! That's what Zara is all about.
A system is in place for retail staff to transmit customers' feedbacks straight to the massive design team located at Arteixo, a tiny town on the north-west tip of Spain. This system allows the brand to ensure that every new item becomes a sell-out within a fortnight!

The campaigns. Again, think about it, have you ever seen a Zara advert on television? You have not because they simply do not exist! Most designers have recourse to television ads, but not Zara. The website is used as a great platform for the chain's campaigns as well at the stores. So, instead of using tremendous amount of money on publicity, Zara focuses its attention on the production and the design great pieces of clothing!

That's it,  for now!

Zou bisou bisou

Mr Porter, sell me a dream !

Ladies if you are still looking for the perfect St Valentine's gift for your other half, look no further!

After the hugely successful Net-a-porter website dedicated to Women's fashion, Natalie Massenet has brought us Mr Porter, dedicated to Men's style. The website was established in 2011 and represents a rather logical move from Net-a-porter to get into the Men market.

The website offers a A-Z list of more than 90 High Street and High End designers, from Alexander McQueen to Saint Laurent. It is very easy to use and highlights the latest additions to the site so you can stay up to date with the newest lines available. Each item is photographed in a simple and elegant manner so all you want to do, is to click on the "add to bag" section! 

The site has a good mix of European, Us and British men's luxury brands, but it does not stock the more extravagant  "catwalk only" high-fashion items. So it you are looking for more rare eccentric or collectors' pieces, you will probably not find them on Mr Porter which offers more conservative collections. 

My favorite aspect of the website? Portraits and pictures of classic and modern style icons with their outfits laid out for you ready to be purchased online! 

True, Mr Porter will never replace the personal touch of an attentive stylist or tailor, nor does it provide  personal advice, but it certainly offers a great deal of items that can make your man smile...

Official website: http://www.mrporter.com

Zou bisou bisou

How to choose the perfect winter coat?!

Burberry 

A winter coat is always one of the the biggest purchase of the year and now is the time to start looking for your coat before the weather turns too chilly - and the best ones sell out!

First, spend some time deciding your budget and what you are looking for: which coat will suit your bank account, body shape, lifestyle and PERSONAL STYLE?!

Larger figures will look best in leaner straight cuts and should avoid double-breasted coats or those made of thick material such as sheepskin or 'puffa' padded nylon. If like me, you like wearing your coat open, don’t forget to try it out open as well!  

Belted coats look best on slim and petite figures - opt for one with a wider belt which will flatter a thicker waist.

Anyone under 5' 4" ( around 1.65 cm) should search for coats in "petite" sizes to take advantage of their flattering smaller proportions. Long coats will swamp your frame so stick to on-the-knee lengths and I suggest that you wear long boots in the same colour as your coat underneath. This will lengthen your silhouette!

Don't be afraid to emphasise your "modelestic" stature if you are very tall. An ankle-length coats can look particularly dramatic, but be sure the sleeves are long enough to avoid looking as if you have out grown your coat. Not stylish at all!

Also, think about WHAT you will be wearing underneath your coat and WHEN you will wear it: travelling to work, for evenings out, or at the weekend?

When choosing colour, remember that despite the trend for bold colours and patterns around this autumn,  you should stick to classic colours such as black, navy, brown and cream that won't date. Remember, a new coat is an investment!

Having said that, if you can afford it, it's often worth investing in two coats. One darker and one lighter coloured. You could use the darker for day-to-day activities and keep the lighter-coloured coat for special occasions and evenings out as nothing can beat the glamour of a winter white belted coat...

And finally,

Take care of your INVESTMENT and it will last you years! Trust me on this one, I have been keeping some of my coats for ages! Dry clean your coat often (if you can afford it) and be sure to hang it on a WOODEN hanger rather than a hook on the back of the door. The silhouette of your coat relies on the shoulders and once they go the coat will look shapeless and worn and that, we don't want!

Voili voilou !

Are flat shoes sexy?

Yesterday, I read an article on the FootwearNews magazine confirming the results of this year "sexy shoes" contest. Christian Louboutin red stubbed patent leather pumps won the first place. This contest was created by FootwearNews magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue, New York. Looking at the top four shoes, I noticed that all of them were high heels! 

Christian Louboutin

Flat shoes are normally associated with comfort or elegance. But, are flats  shoes sexy?

Most women and men believe that wearing a pair of high heels brings on the sexy. Some women are so used to wearing high heels that they don't feel comfortable without an extra height. Some, simply don't like the look of flats on themselves while others, just don't feel sexy without a higher heel.

Well, I don't know about you, but I am a flats lover. In fact, I wear flats most of the time! I personally believe that wearing flat shoes can make you look sexy, chic and stylish in no time!

Stuart Weitzman 

Charotte Olympia "bisous" shoes

The truth is if you've got it, you've got it. In this case, size do not matter! High heel, low heel or somewhere in between.

And if you do not think you are sexy, wearing heels will not change anything. Just like your personal style, feeling sexy comes out of confidence and attitude. You've got to feel it, own it and reveal it!

So, are flats shoes sexy? I say, sure thing! but it depends on the person who wears them. And If you don't feel sexy wearing flats, then keep rocking those heels !

Zou bisou bisou.

Attitude: Chloe.'s Fashion Revolution.

How modern women should live? With Attitude, lots of it!

Chloé. Attitudes is the very first exhibition dedicated to Chloé, a celebration of the Maison’s 60-year contribution to fashion culture. This spectacular exhibition offers a playful interpretation of the Chloé spirit that spans seven decades. Located in Paris' Palais de Tokyo, the exhibition features the top 70 designs from the brand's nine key designers, among them: Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Phoebe Philo. 

And for those of you who think they know everything about La maison Chloe, this exhibit will prove you wrong! It paints a picture of Chloé in a rather playful and unexpected way. Iconic looks are presented alongside lesser-known yet equally influential designs. Many of these were rediscovered during the creation of the new archive developed since Waight Keller’s arrival. Most importantly, these are on display to the public for the very first time!

Never-before-published drawings dating from 1958–85 and iconic fashion photography by image-makers including Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, Jeanloup Sieff, David Bailey and Deborah Turbeville suggest multiple interpretations of the classic Chloé woman.

One may think that the Chloe's woman is very Bohemian in spirit, in reality, it’s much, much more than that.She has a free-spirit. She is carefree and almost provocative at times. She is driven by the 60's attitude and believes that everything is possible. In my opinion, everyone should believe in endless possibilities and opportunities. Don't you agree?

The Chloe woman typifies the independent spirit of the modern woman.

Voili voilou! 

 Exhibition: Cristóbal Balenciaga, Collectionneur de Modes.

I chose to talk to you about this exhibition because it is a remarkable reminder of what style should be: You have to own who you are before you can own your personal style!

The Musee (Museum) Gallieria in Paris, pays tribute to the work of Basque fashion designer and founder of the Balenciaga's House, Cristóbal Balenciaga with a beautiful and creative exhibition. 

The Musee and La Maison (House) Balenciaga wanted to mark the 40th anniversary of the designer's death, by bringing together a selection of creations (between 1937 and 1968) and pieces from Balenciaga's personal archives in a retrospective which spans almost three centuries of inspiration. 

This personal archive includes a range of items from the 19th century such as dresses, collars, corsets, shawls, mantles, capes, as well as fashion plates, books and journals. 

Set alongside Balenciaga’s design work, the reinterpretation of fashion history for design inspiration is made evident. Balengicaga's work is a constant celebration of the past. The shapes, colors and beading techniques are remarkably similar, creating links through time and history. 

His work, his idea of elegance and personal Style allowed this amazing designer to enter some of the most exquisite wardrobes: Queens of Spain and Belgium, Princess Grace of Monaco and The Duchess of Windsor.

Today, his work remains a source of inspiration for great designers such as Oscar de la Renta , André Courrèges , Emanuel Ungaro  and Hubert de Givenchy.

This exhibition give us an exceptional insight into Balenciaga's artistry. Cristóbal Balenciaga owned every aspect of his personality and this knowledge makes him fully aware of his Style and signature; isn't that what Style is all about?! 

Balenciaga is a man in love with the past and a man in love with details. Although there is a minimal text to present the creations, none is needed for the objects speak for themselves ...

Tempted?!, hurry, the exhibition ends on October, 7th  ! 


For more information on the opening times visit: 

http://www.paris.fr/loisirs/musee-galliera/exposition/crist-bal-balenciaga-collectionneur-de-modes/rub_6129_stand_112604_port_13749

Zou bisou bisou 

Paris is always a good idea ...

Hi Guys!

Ce je ne sais Quoi is in Paris for the week. I have been attending a few exhibitions and events and I will tell you all about it very soon. Yes, there is always something to do in Paris!

Zou bisou bisou

It 's time for Africa !

You've seen them crowding the racks at stores and draping the bodies of some of the most well-dressed ladies around. Tribal and African prints were one of the hottest trends this summer and should see them again next year! I decided to get right into the source by attending the second edition of the Africa Fashion week. This event is perfect for those you adopt an ethnic style and enjoy playing with different types of  prints.

London welcomed the second edition of Africa Fashion week London (AFWL), a two-day event with the most talented African designers.

This event was created by Ronke Ademiluyi, who kindly reserved two seats, front row, for my dear husband and I. While chatting with the lovely Ronke, I realised that this humble woman is genuinely determined to celebrate African artistry and African talents.

Before I tell you a lot more about Africa Fashion week, let’s go back to where it all started, in 2003, in the Vibrant City of Cape Town. The Cape Town Fashion week was created by Dr. Precious Moloi, who is now the CEO of Africa Fashion International. Dr. Moloi grew up in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg.

Dr. Precious Moloi, CEO) Africa Fashion International

Driven by the love she has for the African continent and realising that the African designers did not have a platform to showcase their artistry, she decided to create the Cape Town Fashion week which has now become an internationally celebrated Show.

Today, through The Africa Fashion international, she works to help African designers build strong businesses in South Africa and beyond its borders in order to generate economic growth in Africa and support the development of the continent. Dr Moloi’s work to support African designers is a true source of inspiration for emerging organizers all over Africa including Ronke Ademiluyi.

AFWL took place at Spitalfields Market Hall and for you must know, the venue was not big enough to contain the crowd dying to see the show! The AFWL featured more than 50 designers including  award winning designer, Adebayo Jones, House of Farah and MMD Designs, Africanicism, Afrofanatic and Rouch by Ronke; more than 100 models and a quite impressive press coverage considering that it was only the second edition of the show.




The colors, the prints, the movement if the clothes were simply enchanting and met my expectations as these elements have always been part of African Fashion. However, I was agreeably surprised by the choice of the fabrics, and the shapes of some designs which leads me to believe that our dearest designers pay a lot more attention to detail than they have in the past.

Also, some designs were very interesting as the designer found a way to gracefully incorporate African traditional prints into lovely contemporary designs.

Has African fashion finally found a way to impose its "Ce je sais Quoi" in one of most exciting fashion Capitals.... ?! 

 

My only regret was around the venue which was not big enough to welcome the 10 000 people who attended the two- day event. The crowd made it sometimes difficult to appreciate the shows and the pieces of clothing displayed in the hall. On the other hand, this crazy attendance proves the show is getting very popular as well as the interest for African Fashion...The industry is rising, and we love it!

 

 I had so much fun attending this event. There was a great atmosphere and there is nothing more exciting than being part of something that holds such a potential !

I cannot wait to see what Ronke and her team has planned for us next year.

Africa Fashion week, a show full of promises!

Zou bisou bisou

 

Style is creativity ... 
 

Most of the designers have an ideal woman (or man) in mind when they create their lines. They may like them confident, strong, careless with a little bit of age or elegant and effortlessly chic. For instance, the Chanel woman stands for french elegance. And while the Dior Woman teaches us how to be effortlessly chic, the Valentino woman tells us all about romanticism and femininity...

You know a great designer when you are able recognize his creations instantly: a Chanel tweed or a Valentino red...

                              

The inspirations, the trends, the shapes, the colors may change but the essence of the Style of the designer remains the same. Why?, simply because they understand that being unique means being irreplaceable...Yes, great designers want a "Je ne sais Quoi" too !

Use the trends to enhance your personal style. In other words, be fashion, don't be one of its victims!  It should always start and end with you.

Yes, just like a great designer, your personal style should always remain your only drive...