Posts about Isabel Marant
Micro Trend Edit. The Met Gala does Punk
With its theme of ‘punk’ The Met Gala red carpet featured many rifs on the anarchistic side of fashion. There was full on crazy in Madonna’s Givenchy studded jacket and fishnets and also super pretty in Hailee Steinfeld’s custom made safety pin trimmed Donna Karan dress (no, I am NOT jealous of a 16 year old wearing a dress I would give my left leg to own).
There were also some real misses – most surprising to me was Kristen Stewart who pretty much does the whole punk lite aesthetic every day of the year. Her totally unflattering ‘look at my crotch’ and quite frankly dowdy looking Stella McCartney jumpsuit was just odd, odd, odd.
So, if you fancy injecting a bit of dark fashion into your wardrobe the below should be right up your street.
Top left: Les Chiffoniers Black Sequin Leggings
Bottom left: Bionda Castana ‘Roisin’ Black & Gold Studded Corset Ankle Boots
Top centre: Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford AW02 Black Silk ‘Ribbon’ Skirt
Bottom centre: Alexander McQueen Resort 2010 Black Crepe Zip Dress
Top right: Isabel Marant SS10 Dampa Imp Dark Camo Canvas Boots
Bottom right: Alexander McQueen Faithful Black Leather Ankle Boots
Blogger Dress Up. Monica & Lea
Our latest blogger dress up was quite simply brilliant. Not only did we have the gorgeous Monica from The Elgin Avenue as our stylist/model we also had the super talented Lea Salomone taking the photos.
Much fun was had by us all as Monica and Lea took some of the most amazing pieces in our collection, including this, this and these out and about in Kennington.
The weather was gorgeous, the outfits were superb and the talent was obvious. Below are a couple of our quick snaps, but really you must go to The Elgin Avenue to see the real deal. Also make check sure you out Lea’s website.
Thanks ladies. It was a blast. Em x
Fashion Investors. What To Buy…..
So. You read my thoughts on being a fashion collector? If not, shame on you, get over there now and take a look. If you are thinking of investing in fashion yourself the below should be helpful, whether you are a Hamish or a Rachel.
What I like to call ‘contemporary vintage’ has been covetable for a while now and there is no doubt that people are becoming more aware of it as a category distinct from ‘true vintage’. The Internet has made it easier for people to reference past collections and to look out for their most coveted pieces in the second hand marketplace. Museum exhibitions of contemporary fashion labels such as Alexander McQueen, Prada and Louis Vuitton/Marc Jacobs have also given people a better ‘real time’ idea of what might be fashion’s future collectibles. Whether it be Tom Ford’s designs for Gucci or Stella McCartney’s designs for Chloe there is no doubt that the pre-owned designer fashion buyer is becoming more savvy about the pieces they spend their money on.
When thinking of who to invest in there are several factors to take into account. If you have the eye of Isabella Blow or Joan Burstein you could try to snap up the first collection from fashion’s next big thing (Blow bought Alexander McQueen’s graduate collection, Burstein bought John Galliano’s). But if you don’t have the rare skill of being able to recognise the future of fashion then you should look at buying pieces with some hindsight – so pre-owned.
Alexander McQueen pieces from Lee’s McQueen’s days are of course very collectible (for obvious reasons of irreplaceability) and Pheobe Philo’s designs for Chloe are gaining cache. Philo has come into her own in collector’s terms. Her huge success at Celine and her reputation as the new ‘Queen of Minimalism’ has heralded a new interest in her whole archive.
Other things to look out for are labels that have undergone a change of designer as pieces from the out-going designers will become more collectible – think about Nicolas Ghesquiere’s Balenciaga pieces and Stefano Pilati’s YSL ones. And also think about iconic collections from your favourite labels – Stella McCartney’s Chloe Spring ‘Horses’ collection is hugely collectible.
And don’t forget key pieces from smaller labels – Christopher Kane’s galaxy print dress, Isabel Marant’s Dicker boots and Bekket trainers and Kenzo’s Tiger sweater to name a handful. And keep an eye on those super hot, relatively young labels such Mary Katrantzou and Charlotte Olympia.
Shop our fashion collectibles here
Designer Dresses. The Reign Of The Signature…..
Remember a time when designer dresses were just called, well, dresses? Now it seems that every single designer has a signature dress with some sort of specific name.
Did it all start with the Roland Mouret Galaxy dress? I don’t remember being aware much of the idea of the signature ‘named’ dress before then. Of course there had been iconic dresses; Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Seven Year Itch’ dress and Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ dress to name two; but I think we really have to give credit to the ladies involved there for being major players in their sartorial immortality.
We have also had Diane Von Furstenberg’s ubiquitous wrap dress and Herve Leger’s celebrity endorsed bandage dress but these are styles rather than stand alone dresses.
Since Mr Mouret’s Galaxy we have ceratinly had many more sold out ‘named’ designer dresses – The Moon from Mouret, the ruched Lemmon from Isabel Marant which has appeared in many incarnations and the Power from Preen. And I have just heard word that Victoria Beckham’s Victoria range has sold out at Harvey Nichols. She may not be naming her dresses yet, but surely with her close connection to mentorMouret it is only a matter of time?
Then of course there are the dresses that do not have an official name but have gained an unofficial one. Kate Middleton’s blue Issa dress should surely have been retroactively named ‘The Engagement’. Ditto the red Alexander McQueen Pre Fall 2011 dress she wore – ‘The Jubilee’?
2012 Pre-Owned Fashion Best Sellers
Last year we did some analysis (we are not all about drooling over gorgeous fashion here) on our the top selling pre-owned fashion labels. Some of the results were unsurprising, some were more so. Anyway, this year we have done it again.
As in 2011, 2012 saw the big hitters lead the second hand fashion field. First place goes to Chanel with Hermes and Louis Vuitton close behind. 2012 also saw Alexander McQueen move closer to the top of the pack – surely linked to Sarah Burton’s genius in making the label more accessible and bringing it more into the public eye. Other notables included Lanvin and Chloe.
‘Nouveau Niche’
Many of 2012′s ‘smaller yet perfectly formed’ labels continued to grow in their pre-owned popularity in 2012. Notably Christopher Kane and Isabel Marant; both of whom had some of their strongest ‘second hand moments’ in 2012. Newer additions to the high scoring list were Mary Katrantzou, Proenza Schouler (in most part due to there PS1 bag) and Stella McCartney.
‘Re-invention’
Several labels are undergoing a real renaissance under their young, hip creative directors and as a result are gathering serious pre-owned pace. Notable for 2012 were Carven under the Guillaume Henry and Kenzo under Humberto Leon and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony fame – their tiger sweatshirt was changing hands for 3 to 4 times retail.
Blogger Dress Up. Victoria from Plumdiddlyumcious
Number four in our super ‘Blogger Dress Up’ series features the beyond lovely Victoria who (amongst other things) runs a gorgeous blog called Plumdiddlyumcious. Victoria is also the VP of The Dalston Darlings – one of the coolest WI’s there is – you can follow them on Facebook here.
Not only was Victoria’s super sweet and super stylish, she was also brave enough to embrace the chilly December air for our first outdoor shoot. And she knows how to strike a pose – loving the lamppost shot.
Victoria had a good browse through our rails – pulling out gems from Alexander McQueen, Acne and Balenciaga – before selecting some fabulous pieces to model. Most of them you can even buy now from our website – click on the photos or links.
Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Tinsel’ Coat and Jimmy Choo ‘Sky’ Black Stud Bag
Cynthia Steffe Black Leather Looped Dress
Yigal Azrouel Grey & Black Motorcycle Jacket, 3.1 Phillip Lim Pebble Knit Jumper and Jimmy Choo ‘Sky’ Black Stud Bag
Charlotte Olympia ‘Polly’ Leopard Heels, Alexander Wang Black Trousers and Prada Grey Cashmere Jumper
Alexander Wang Suede & Jersey Jacket and Isabel Marant Bekket Wedge Trainers
Blogger Dress Up. Millie from it’saLDNthing
Our third visitor in our ‘Blogger Dress Up’ series was the adorable Millie from it’saLDNthing. We met Millie at The Aptmt during LFW when she tried on one of our amazing McQueen jackets (it was one of our favourite pictures from the day) and we were so pleased when she popped in and see us.
But unfortunately our heating was being a little temperamental that morning and we could not let poor Millie dress up in almost sub zero temperatures. So instead she had a good look around the treasures in our store room and styled some outfits for us.
Millie styled up some fab laid back looks. And we are pretty sure those Wang track pants have her name written all over them.
Mulberry Bayswater laptop case, Dolce & Gabbana nude pumps, Martin Margiela pink top, Miu Miu leather pants
Isabel Marant ‘Bird’ gold wedge sneakers, Alexander Wang olive green track pants, Jimmy Choo document clutch
Aspinal ‘Audrey’ bag, Alaia white dress, Robert Clergerie boots
Blogger Dress Up. Ella from La Petite Anglais
Second up in our ‘Blogger Dress Up’ series is the absolutely gorgeous Ella from La Petite Anglais. Here at Style Sequel we have long been a fan of Ella and her perfect Gallic inspired (a result of her days interning in Paris we are sure) but distinctly British style. We knew this one was going to be a treat and it was. This picture alone could be a magazine cover shot.
Not only was Ella the sweetest lady she also had an impeccable eye of an outfit and looked gorgeous in everything (yes we were just a little jealous). So without further ado here is what Ella wore. And she even snapped up the Marant shoes – you have to be quick around here
Chanel vintage jacket, Alaia knit dress, Aspinal bag, Olivia Morris shoes
Stella McCartney blouse, Isabel Marant trousers (part of suit), Alaia booties, Alexander McQueen bag
Stella McCartney dress, Jimmy Choo clutch, Isabel Marant shoes
Isaac Mizrahi dress, Benoit Missolin headpiece
Stylist’s Weekly Picks. 6/9/12
This week I couldn’t help but be drawn to all the buttery, supple leather pieces we have hanging from our rails.
The transition from summer to autumn can sometime be tough but leather trim jackets are a trend I love, so I’m bringing you this stunning Isabel Marant leather lapel blazer – it has strong shoulders and super flattering silhouette. Or if a hybrid of shades is more your thing, go for this Alexander Wang grey jersey and black leather sleeve jacket – perfect either dressed up or down. If you are feeling a little risque take a look at the softest leather trousers around from Joseph; or for a bit of colour go for this Lisa Ho petrol leather A- line skirt. Serious fashion investment comes in the shape of an ultra sexy and rare Tom Ford for Gucci leather boned corset. If the catwalk was anything to go this is a truly show stopping piece.
Nothing completes an outfit better than a killer pair of shoes and a statement bag. We have a pair of Burberry runway taupe leather knotted sandals (wear with ribbed ankle socks for a serious fashion edge) and a slick Comme Des Garcons black leather shopper – perfect laid back luxury.
2011 Pre-owned Winners. Smaller Yet Perfectly Formed
Second in our series of Style Sequel second hand fashion bestsellers for 2011 is our top 5 ‘Smaller Yet Perfectly Formed’. The big hitters certainly have not had all pre-owned glory this year – some smaller and up and coming labels have been attracting a lot of pre-owned love too.
Isabel Marant – over the last couple of years this Parisian design dynamo has really taken the fashion world by storm. With so many of her pieces selling out within moments of hitting stores – a perfect example being the ‘as seen on everyone who is anyone’ Dicker boots – it is no wonder that Marant’s pieces have serious second hand cache. Devotees will pay close to, and even above in some cases, retail for those impossible to find pieces.
Christopher Kane – Kane’s fashion star grows brighter each season and he has become a real darling of the fashion press. His attention grabbing party dresses assured him a fashionista following right from the start of his career yet it was his more wearable ‘monkey’ and ‘galaxy’ collections that really resonated with the public. Pre-owned Kane dresses, skirts and printed t-shirts in particular command excellent second hand prices.
Giambattista Valli – it is hard to put a finger on why this master of shape and texture has become so ‘second hand covetable’ this year. He has not had the obvious editorial or celebrity attention of other labels. It has simply been a case of a quiet desirability that has really captured the attention of pre-owned fashion lovers.
Peter Pillotto – with their signature use of cutting edge prints and strong shapes, this duo have been gaining a serious celebrity following over the last few years. With their designs seen on everyone from Rhianna to Michelle Obama, their instantly recognisable dresses have huge second hand appeal – their signature ‘Shield’ dress in particular commands top dollar.
Erdem – with a hugely successful start (his debut collection won the 2005 Fashion Fringe prize) Erdem Moralioglu has become a firm favourite with fashion forward ladies who favour a pretty yet not fuffy look. His signature floral printed, strongly shaped dresses have been changing hands for hundreds.
