Wednesday 20 June 2012

Get The Newton Look

Newton for French Vogue 1978. From left to right, swimsuits by Arrabel, Ariella and Azzaro.


Last week The Style Eye hopped over to Paris to catch the Helmut Newton exhibition at Le Grand Palais before it's close on the 17th June 2012. It was the first major showing of his work in Paris, since his death in 2004, therefore a rare opportunity to see his fantastic fashion photographs up-close and in the raw.

Sheer and soft. Lingerie by Eres S/S12

Swimsuit. Eres S/S12

The work on display was a truncated selection of his images that spanned from the sixties to the nineties. Although, somehow, his photographs are effortlessly timeless and still look as modern and fresh today.
From a purely personal perspective, the fascination to be one of those women he photographed is such an appeal. Newton depicted women of a bourgeois background who were glamourous, beautiful and sexually confident. Who wouldnt want to feel like that every now and again? If your fashion fantasy is to feel a little bit 'Newton' this season then get excited by a selection of this season's collections that emulate the spirit of his iconic style.
Fancy hitting the beach or the bedroom in seventies inspired swimwear or sheer gossamer lingerie? then head to Eres for some sympathetic designs (in both cases just add heels, same goes for accessorising when chanelling his 'Big Nudes') Trend directions for bodywear this season suggest a return to a more natural hanging figure. Super sheer and free of boning and padding is how the women in Newton's world wore their lingerie back then, and it's looking to be the next big direction for today's underwear silhouettes.    

Givenchy S/S 12

If you are inspired by Helmut's images with a fetish lean then it's Givenchy you'll want. Their mottled brown and patent stiletto sandals with cuffed ankles are the perfect accesory to bring his pictures into a day-to-day world. To a place where life imitates art.    
Iconic Newton  from 1979

Monday 11 June 2012

Style from Start to finish

 Start Boutique displays it's selection Best Of Britsh style.
London is the place to be right now - Official. Ok, so ignore the dull and dreary weather that we are witnessing in the middle of June, but quite honestly who cares? Just grab yourself a rain mac and get out!. There is so much in our city to be excited about at the moment. The country is still feeling jubilant after last weekend's long celebrations to mark the Queen's 60 year reign. Upcoming are the 2012 Olympics, and London is indeed very buzzy and busy with residents, visitors and tourists alike.
So this week Style Eye fans, I have a identified my top shop spot ,whether you live in London or are just in town for a short stay, Start Boutique is a must-look on your city visit list.

Erdem for Cutler and Gross Black Lace sunglasses
 The trio of Start shops are situated in the heart of Shoreditch, where London's coolest clans work, hang-out and socialise. A perfect zone to get the real feel of a city. Across the three boutiques, all of which are spread neatly across Rivington Street, one can find the cream of British and international designers for both men and women. It's stocks a clever and stylish edit of fashion trends, investment pieces, accessories and fragrances. Even if you only have 24 hours in London, then at least spend a couple of them browsing and buying some of this season's rare and hard-to-find fashion & must have items.
Flying the Union Jack Flag for Great British design is a selection of Vivienne Westwood, Cutler & Gross, Preen and Pantherella collections. You can even pick up a parka rain coat in stunning shade of yellow by Emma Cook, should the rain persist!
For more details go to http://www.start-london.com/

Saturday 2 June 2012

Loverly Jubilee

The excitement in London has been setting in for weeks, and finally its here - The Queen's Diamond Jubilee! wee hee!
A party 60 Years in the making apparently - so you'd better be looking good, people.
Now may I be so bold to suggest that perhaps donning any old thing of a generic red, white and blue may be a tad obvious. Lets take a different tack....
Her majesty is oft described as being a British style icon, so lets get inspired by her classic regal looks, turn them up a notch with a subversive slant and see how we go -
We've had a lovely run of weather lately, inspiring confidence to purchase a flimsy frock and summer footwear to wear to our cordial invites for tea on the lawn and street parties, then just as the weekend approaches so does a forecast of downpours and ferocious winds - great!

Miu Miu's modern take on the Queen's favourite - A duster coat.
 Make like Her Maj and top off your outtfit with a duster coat - you'll need it if Michael Fish is correct, (although he has been known to make a mistake or two). There are A-line coats ahoy this season that could easily warrant a royal approval.  Check out the desirable offerings from Miu Miu and Dolce Gabbana, and while you are there also take note of the Miu Miu chandelier earrings that could pass muster for a royal occasion. Personally, I think you could do no wrong with in anything by the Queen of British Fashion. Dame Vivienne Westwood's collections always fly the flag for these very english affairs and are so timeless that you'll be wearing them long after bank holiday on June 5th. And for the post-punk generation with a sense of wit, why not try tee that is a pastiche on the Jamie Reid /Sex Pistols album cover artwork?
Have a Happy Jubilee... And don't forget the brolly!

Tee with the Queen?