Snapshots. Chanel Cruise ...

I am usually a sucker for Chanel. I crave the theatricality, the exotic (and often far away) locations chosen (or reproduced) for each show, the details and craftmanship poured into every seam and bead, the fact that each season it manages to infuse a completely different inspiration without falling into previous decades in search for new ideas; A book or a place are enough to light the flame for a season. 

As you can see, I always have high expectations for Chanel and they haven't often let me down. However, with their latest Resort collection, I am not completely sold. I do have to say I am always bias to beautifully set designs; the show took place on an island (I don't even think a stretch of sand that small can be called that) in Dubai, the rising city of the East; although it can be called architecturally interesting, I don't find Dubai pleasing to the eye; call me old fashion or traditional. The view was nevertheless stunning (as any view from a private desert island overlooking Dubai. This raises another completely different issue about how ethical are fashion shows*). As for the inside, in comparison with previous shows, it was kept minimalist; beige coloured sofas followed the runway with small lights illuminating the way. The only decor which suggested an Oriental atmosphere were some candle lanterns placed scarcely in the corners. 

However, the garments are (as always) the redeemable quality of Chanel, despite its (scarce) mishaps. "A romantic,modern Orient, a new One thousand and One nights". These are the words of Karl Lagerfeld describing a collection filled with Oriental innuances: harem pants (in silver metalic, of course), Aladdin slippers, half-moon brooches and a vast array of floating silk dresses in geometric patterns, resembling the bright mosaics featured in tiles or windows in Oriental architecture. 

Not to be missed: 1970s inspired, jet-set, impressive hairstyles.

* Shipping models, celebrities, technical crew and clothes plus hiring a private island for a day... not economic. The chosen setting is Dubai, city built on an oil empire. That should tell you enough. However, Chanel often chooses different locations for each show: Paris, Singapore, St. Tropez, Scotland... but, to me, this show feels different from the rest, more commercial and crowd-pleasing than the rest, focused on the tradition and history of the place rather than its economics. 

** There is also the connundrum of closing the show with a child. A catwalk featuring grown women and then a child. The meanings are endless and, needless to say, not cool. 

XOXO

Sources: The Coveteur, Chanel, Please Magazine

Summer shoes and bags from Nice Things ....

Due to the fact that this weekend  looks like the sunniest so far in this weather-tormented spring, I've felt confident enough to write about the ultimate summer shoe: the espadrille. It has been around for centuries, maybe even thousands of years. The Archaeological museum of Granada owns a pair of espadrilles that were found on human remains inside the "cueva de los murciélagos". It is estimated that these shoes are around 4000 years old. Clearly, the visionary who wore them knew this primitive version will then develop into something more sofisticated. 

This light sandal, made with jute rope or braided hemp and with linen fabric, comes from my home country, Spain, where they were being worn around the XIII century by the King of Aragon's infantry men. Later on, it also took Salvador Dalí on seaside strolls and a young JFK on Cape Cod vacations. It's name is derived from "esparto", which is a kind of plant that was originally burned and then braided to make the soles. 

By the 1940s, the girls had gotten in on the game and the sandal became a Hollywood staple, Its ribbons crisscrossed the ankles of Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly, and Rita Hayworth accessorized her one-piece with a pair for 1947's The Lady of Shanghai. The espadrille reached new heights in the late 60s, when YSL introduced the high-heeled wedge and every arguably fashionable young lady owned a pair when on vacation in Nice or St. Tropez. 

My favourite espadrilles this season are from (also Spanish) brand Nice Things, and they come in a variety of designs to please even the toughest espadrille-lovers. From flowers to geometrical designs, crochet or classic one-colours, each pair is handcrafted in Barcelona in collaboration with Naguisa, another Spanish brand specialized in the production of espadrilles maintaining the traditional crafting methods, combining design and practicality. The result is a beautiful collection of shoes from the classical lace-ups to a more modern take with bright rubber soles. If you are like me, you will want every single one of them to combine with ripped boyfriend jeans, white flared dresses and high-waisted bikini and a straw hat like the everlasting Audrey Hepburn. 

Grace Kelly, Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth and Audrey Hepburn

XOXO

P.D. The not mentioned above but added pouches and bags are just to lift up your holiday spirits and make you fall in love a little bit more (if the gorgeous espadrilles weren't enough) with Nice Things

Sources: CondeNastTraveller, Espadrilles.eu, Nice Things and Naguisa 

Wardrobe. Anatomy of a Graduation ...

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams

                                                                                 Eleanor Roosevelt

XOXO

All garments by Zara

Happy Birthday, Katharine Hepburn ...

There are not plenty of adjectives in the English language to describe Katharine Hepburn. She was a complex woman with as many facets as a diamond. Intelligent, well spoken and feminist icon of her time, she challenged the role given to women in Hollywood and the film industry, filling her career with strong, independent characters. Hepburn elevated the suit to a whole new level, making it her uniform and a fashion staple in a time where women were always expected to wear a full skirt to dinner. In 1951, during her stay at the Claridge's hotel in London, she entered and exit the hotel through the staff entrance, due to the established dress code of no-trousers in the lobby.

 Fearless and outspoken, the redhead managed to become one of the most successful and beloved actresses of all time by being herself and never bowing down to men or tradition. 

Happy Birthday Miss K. 

Live dangerously. There's a lot to be said for sinning

XOXO