CRÈME DE LA CRÈME: Texture Up

If you, like me, have spent the summer sporting light tennis dresses, bright pastels and feline sunglasses then prepare yourselves for a fashion 180. Autumn is intent on dowsing us in layers of heavy wool, sheer fabrics and detailing. Key word: texture. And it’s not just about the tactile materials but their composition as well.

Materials embellished with beads, studs and sequins as well as ornate brocade, chiffon and fur characterised the Autumn-Winter catwalks. Chanel employed a military and androgynous theme to its show, the models stomping down the runway in quilted jumpsuits, chunky wool knits and tweed jackets teamed with army boots to create a look that transcends the tailored, classic tweed suit of last season. In place of pastels, a variety of black, white and pewter greys flourished with a hint of burgundy and Christmas tree green.

The collections of Givenchy and Louis Vuitton were in a similar vein. The former showed structured translucent chiffon, adding velvet skirts, leather bombers and beautiful jewelled collars to the ensembles. The panther motif imprinted on the skirts encapsulated the fierce yet sophisticated dominatrix look evident throughout the collection. I can’t wait to see how these intricacies manifest themselves on the high street. Marc Jacobs had similar ideas for LV, with an abundance of layering and panelling. Knee high stockings under organza skirts, leather belts, embossed brocade blouses and sequined dresses adorned the catwalk.

Miu Miu, a personal favourite of mine, employed the same techniques of mixing materials yet in a subtler way, creating a more feminine look which harks back to the 1940s. The silhouettes were sleek yet intricate texture remained prevalent: embellished flowers, velvet shoulder pads and mink cummerbunds decorated the pieces. I particularly loved the chunky glittery shoes, and I will definitely be drawing my inspiration come Autumn from this elegant collection.

And we're back...

I've been prancing around South America for 4 months on buses and boat - Sophie T has been living the high life of a young profesh in LDN.

Sorry for the hiatus. We're back in the loop now!!

XOXO

CREAM YOUR PANTS: Chico y Rita

Take the imaginative direction of Fernando Trueba and the simple yet visionary animation from Javier Mariscal and brother Tono Errando and whadoyouget?

Chico y Rita- an epic love story which begins in pre-revolutionary Cuba when budding pianist Chico falls for the sensual and seductive singer Rita. As most love stories go, the pair is painfully separated and the film follows Chico’s journey to find his amor. In fact, the director himself stated that the film’s thread is in the style of a traditional Latin ballad: longing, heart-ache and plenty of passion. Not to mention the issues of social and racial politics weaved in.

Set against a backdrop of the jazz scene in La Havana followed by New York, Paris and Las Vegas, the film is a treat for the eyes and the ears. It remains simplistic yet beautiful, with a vivid palette and an even brighter soundtrack- expect Cuban beats and American bebop. Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo even have cameos. What impressed me most was the way Errando sketches the cityscapes, even if it did make me feel a little depressed at my own artistic abilities (or lack thereof).

Go see it!

SINGLE CREAM: Alo HA

Hai. My name is JC and I am 22 years old. Once upon a time I lived in Madrid and interned at Spanish Vogue. A coveted existence it was, being surrounded by Alaïa body-cons, Louboutins and the like. I had an Erasmus grant to cover my penchant for eating out and (over?) zealous spending habit, not to mention an apartment block complete with swimming pool and Ernesto the lifeguard.

Oh how the mighty fall.

Now my familiar consists of a hellacious commute to a central London office- style circa 1990- spreadsheets that make my eyes go square, crockery drop off points, RSI and a savings account.

After 2 years of dormancy I’m attempting to start blogging again. With me on this voyage into cyber space is my trusted Sophie T. While she gets the toes tapping, I will attempt to dazzle you with my insight into sartorial style. However, I will probably just end up showcasing what I buy and what I wish I could buy. Books, photos, mere frivolities, all things aesthetically pleasing- these are what you can expect from moi. And hopefully YouTube videos galore.

I am no longer a student, this much I know. But it doesn’t mean I don’t like to moan about it everyday. Perhaps writing about my transition into grown up life will also help me get over the fact that I’m already in it. . .

DOUBLE CREAM: coming soon