SO TOTALLY: sarah jessica parker

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

McQueen Memorial

It was one of those moments in time you will always remember. Of when and how you heard the news. The death of Alexander McQueen.

Whether or not you are a fond follower of the fashion world like myself, his creations couldn't have gone amiss. Each encapsulated a uniqueness and edge that many designers seem too narrow-minded and conscious to attempt with any amount of matched vigour and passion. McQueen was able to translate his visions through his garments, that when showed on the runway, became much more than your ordinary parade. He would put on a show in which he would create a world that expressed the nature of the collection, down to the very characters that modelled them. Without doubt, an Alexander McQueen show was the one to watch with each being so unique, controversial and unpredictable.

On Monday 20th September, while I was busying about Somerset House, some took a brake from London Fashion Week to remember this fashion visionary. Located at St Paul's Cathedral, 1200 adorned in black took their seats to pay their respects to the late Alexander McQueen who took this own life in February of this year.

"He taught us that the runway was a place where dreams become reality" - Anna Wintour

"He was an artist who just happened to be working with clothing" - Suzy Menkes, fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune

In honour of McQueen's Scottish heritage and love for tartan plaid, bagpipers led the mourners back onto the steps of the cathedral once the service had ended. A truly royal and touching farewell for such a great name.

Anna Wintour, one of the most powerful women in fashion, arriving in an Alexander McQueen coat embroidered in gold blossom flowers.

English model, Kate Moss, attended wearing a black leather skirt and blazer - simple and classic.

Not perhaps your ordinary pick for a memorial, but the late designer sure had his impact on those who attended.

Also sporting an Alexander McQueen ensemble was one of his dearest friends, Sarah Jessica Parker.

"He was one of a kind. The service was bitter-sweet. Perfect." - Sarah Jessica Parker.

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Manolo's New Shoes

As part of my 21st birthday gift from the family, I received this beautiful collection of Manolo Blahnik sketches. Designing since 1971, Blahnik is synonymous for exceptionally crafted shoes that are unique and objects of pure desire. Each design starts with these colourful sketches, that have become as sought after as the shoes themselves.

Homing in on his current inspirations and desires, the volume is organised under such titles as 'Africa', 'Architecture' and 'Botany'. It really is intriguing to see how such a talent translates outside influences into their work, and it is something that I would love to pursue.

For anyone who appreciates art and fashion, this really is a gorgeous book to own.

Of course, to see the best of Manolo, we only need to turn our attention to the Sex and the City girls. I really do need to train myself to last in heels. Second to that, I think I need to go shopping!