new year's yves!

yves saint laurent and catherine deneuve in vogue paris (1976)

there is something about new year's eve...that makes me think of fashion designer yves saint laurent. it has become quite the tradition for us sisters in black to pay homage to him on this day! yes, he passed away in 2008, but his groundbreaking contribution to women's fashion will never be forgotten. what I have always found intriguing about this iconic designer was the relationships he had with many of his muses...catherine deneuve in particular. as we all know, he designed her beautifully tailored costumes in the 1967 film belle de jour and still to this day those looks remain iconic!

recently, I came across something interesting catherine deneuve once said about the legendary designer....

saint laurent designs for women with a double life, his clothes for daywear help women to enter a world full of strangers. they enable her to go wherever she wants without arousing unwelcome attention, thanks to their somehow masculine quality. however, for the evening, when she may choose her company, he makes her seductive.
-instyle magazine

I think catherine deneuve perfectly described what makes saint laurent such a fashion legend...by far, he is one of the most influential designers of the past twenty-five years. what I admire greatly about him was that he was one of the first designers to feminize items taken from the male wardrobe... such as the leather jacket, the blazer, the tuxedo and the paint suit. he was a true pioneer and fashion innovator. on that note, I think I will consider what catherine deneuve said about monsieur saint laurent and celebrate the end of the year by wearing my le smoking tuxedo suit...after, all yves saint laurent invented the look! happy new year's yves!

yves gauche

photos by mario testino

speaking of yves saint laurent...who could forget this brilliant editorial from the face magazine back in july of 1996? just by looking at these provocative images you can obviously tell that carine roitfeld styled all the looks. the editorial was very much inspired by the the look of fashion designer yves saint laurent and his relationship with one of his main muses....bianca jagger! I think the male model featured in this layout really embodies yves saint laurent's personal style....those glasses and that pinstripe suit are such saint laurent signatures. I also feel that supermodel astrid muñoz really captures bianca jagger's 70s chic bohemian vibe, as well. there is a definite studio 54 feeling to these pics that I admire so much.

on a side note, recently, I was looking through my copy of carine roitfeld's irreverent and I noticed that she marked this as one of her most memorable fashion editorials....I can definitely see why! carine roitfeld and mario testino bring such wit, humour, and sexiness to these pics. what a dynamic duo they are...whether today or back in the 90s. it is difficult to put it into words, but there is something really special and unique that they bring to all of their creative collaborations....especially editorials from the face magazine and vogue paris....so cutting-edge!

masquerade

a mask is not just for halloween. it is a sleek, and sophisticated accessory. i bought a three pack of plain masks at the craft store, and have been looking for some inspiration on how to design them. i do love this "mistress swarovski" mask. its jewelry for the eyes, and would be stunning with a dramatic black silk dress.

sweater weather

actress jean seberg

I never understood the idea of an ugly holiday sweater party...I think if the sisters in black were to throw a holiday party we would make our guests wear their most fabulous sweaters! there really is something so stylish about a beautiful sweater, especially with a form-fitted turtleneck. it really is quite suiting this time of year. my sister and I both love this look, especially in the winter.. I think jean seberg really represents that whole idea in this photo. love the way she looks here...especially her expression. she really is total winter sweater inspiration!

mcqueen sweater

photo by steven meisel

I seem to be quite nostalgic this week for alexander mcqueen's fall/winter 1999 collection....its very seasonally appropriate! out of all the looks from that particular collection I would have to say the oversized sweaters from that season were my absolute favorite! I think it was this photo from the US vogue july 1999 issue that did it for me. supermodel guinevere van seenus looks so comfy-chic in this sweater. normally, I would go for a black or dark color when choosing a sweater....but I actually like the pink color of this one, only because it has an edgy, avant-garde quality to it! its really not your typical girlie sweater....I don't know about you, but I would so love to get my hands on a mcqueen sweater from that sensational winter season!

in zara

zara sweater



my sister in the same zara sweater

who doesn't love to look at style blogs?....its interesting when you come across an image of someone who has the same article of clothing! this past september, my sister bought a burgundy sweater at zara while on a vacation in boston. I remember she hesitated about buying it, but I told her it was so her style! the color, the texture, and the comfy-chicness just worked perfectly on her. oddly enough, I recently stumbled across this street pic of a girl wearing the same exact zara sweater. I like how the girl looks in her sweater, but I think my sister gets some extra styling points for pairing her zara sweater with that burgundy fedora hat! the colors coordinate so beautifully together! such a great look for winter...way to go sis!

happy birthday eddie

walking in a winter wonderland

alexander mcqueen fall/winter 1999

today, is the first day of winter...which reminded me of alexander mcqueen's fall/winter 1999 collection entitled the overlook. this has to be one of my favorite mcqueen shows. I remember watching this collection on fashion file back in 1999 and feeling so inspired by the clothes and the scenery. from what I have read, mcqueen was very much influenced by stanley kubrick's 1980 film the shining....personally, I think what I loved most about this particular collection was that snowy landscape...it really was the perfect backdrop to complement the looks from that season. who could forgot those luxurious furs, the soft knits, those full-swing skirts, and of course those floor length coats?

I always feel like wearing so many of these looks this time of year...I like to think of it as winter chic at its finest!

I think what I miss so much about alexander mcqueen was the way he incorporated nature into his collections....I will never forget his spring/summer 1997 collection and the way he incorporated rain into that show or his amazing spring/summer 2007 collection...and those delicately designed floral dresses.....he had such a great ability too see the beauty and sadness of all aspects of nature. what an imagination he had and I think what I admire most about his shows was the way he created such elaborate surroundings to go with his beautiful designs. each collection was so individually unique...much like alexander mcqueen, himself. on that note, let's celebrate and remember this stunning collection...its very much like walking in a total winter wonderland!

lara in leather

photo by peter lindbergh

I love a long black leather coat this time of year...recently, I was looking back at the july US vogue issue from this year and came across this photo of supermodel lara stone in this ralph lauren leather jacket. this has to be one of my favorite photos of 2011. I so love the styling of this jacket paired with that hat and those black louis vuitton ankle boots...the look is quite chic, yet mysterious, at the same time. I don't know why, but when I look at this photo I am reminded of bernardo bertolucci's 1970 film the conformist. I feel as if photographer peter lindbergh was inspired by this film for this editorial. whatever the inspiration may be...I still love the look of a long leather jacket in the winter time....so very sophisticated and sexy!

rick owens leather jacket

carine roitfeld

speaking of looking good in leather....who could forget the way carine roitfeld looked in this rick owens black wrap leather jacket? this time of year, a black leather jacket is quite necessary and this one in particular...is everything I am looking for. I so love that oversized shawl collar lined in shearling, plus I like how that wrap fits so tight at her waist. she not only looks chic, but warm, as well...two things that are a must this time of year when choosing a jacket. I think what I admire so much about this leather look is that it is dark, edgy, but yet still completely glamorous....and I think those sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch to complete the look. carine roitfeld really embodies that rick owens type of woman, but yet she still stays true to her own sense of style...this is by far, one of her best leather ensembles.

on a side note, if you are a fan of carine roitfeld's winter coat looks please check out my latest article on http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/. in this written piece, I take an in-depth look at some of carine roitfeld's greatest winter coats and the article also features some of my sketches for possible jackets she should wear in the future. do have a read if you are a fan of her winter-chic style!

bittersweet symphony

richard ashcroft in his leather jacket



bittersweet symphony (1997)

the verve's bittersweet symphony has to be one of my favorite videos from the 90s...who could forget it? in case you have, the music video was directed by walter stern and centers around lead singer richard ashcroft as he walks, through the streets of london. I really like how ashcroft refuses to change his direction throughout the video and how he is also so oblivious to what is going on around him. he repeatedly bumps into pedestrians, closely avoids being hit by a car, and jumps on top of the hood of another vehicle that is stopped in his path....so much goes on in the course of 5 minutes. I just love his attitude in the video and how he continues to go on while everyone seems to be so angry with him...it definitely is a very bitter video, but I love how stylized his anger is.

on a style note, there is something very cool and cutting edge about the way lead singer richard ashcroft looks in that leather jacket. I remember watching this video and feeling like my wardrobe could seriously use a leather jacket....who doesn't love that feeling of wearing a chic leather jacket? it really gives you that tough don't mess with me feeling...that I sometimes find necessary in my wardrobe. a lot of my fashion inspirations come from the way men dress. I think richard ashcroft is definitely a man of style and should be recognized more for his fashion sense...especially the way he rocks leather!

mirror mirror

the mirror (1975)


drawing by cristhian barron (2011)

the sisters in black frocks would like to make a special birthday dedication to our dear friend cristhian....we feel so lucky to have someone like him in our lives...he is always inspiring us on so many levels! very rare to meet people like him who can do just that and so for that we thank you! I recently found this behind the scenes image from andrei tarkovsky's film the mirror and immediately thought of him. as an artist, I know he was very much influenced by this film, particularly this moment from the movie...there is something very magical and beautiful about this image and I can totally understand why he felt motivated to draw after watching this film.

what we appreciate so much about our friend cristhian is that he is always exposing us to interesting and unique filmmakers, much like tarkovsky....he can always find beauty and awe in such obscure moments, much like this. it really is special when you can meet someone who has that rare and cool gift....and he does! thank you for being the person that you are, always supporting us sisters in black, and for constantly sharing with us your thoughtful ideas and insights...you have such a sharp eye and the way you see things is quite incredible!

up in the air

photo by tim walker

for some strange reason, whenever I think of andrei tarkovsky's film the mirror I think of this tim walker photograph....I don't know if he was inspired by the film, but I can definitely see an influence. there is something very ethereal and ghostlike about this image that reminds me so much of tarkovsky and maybe even the style of director lars von trier....I know von trier is very much influenced by tarkovsky...its interesting how similar the two director's are in terms of visual style...at any rate, I still have not seen his latest film melancholia, but I can imagine the movie having this type of look and feel.

from the back

photo by cristhian barron

a couple of weeks ago, our dear friend cristhian photographed myself and my sister. we were told to bring some dresses, hats, make-up, and whatever we thought would work in a photo....we haven't seen all the photos, only a couple, but my sister and I were quite pleased by what we saw. I don't want too sound conceited, but I really like this photo of myself. maybe because it is so mysterious, I love photos where you can only see a back and not a face. cristhian, himself told me this shot was inspired by the way renée zellweger poses on the red carpet. if you have ever studied miss zellweger on the red carpet, you will notice that she almost always likes to show off her back. after all, she should...her backside is quite elegant. I can definitely see what cristhian was trying to achieve in this photo.

on a side note, I was quite glad to model this dress....I bought it when I was 18 years old at fred segal and I rarely ever wear it. as we all know, I am almost always in black, but I love the color print-pattern of this dress, plus the added element of those gold chains on the back. it really adds a little something extra to the photo. thank you cristhian for snapping this incognito-chic photo!...can't wait too share more of our pics to our readers!

body movin'

photos by will davidson

somehow, looking at that previous photo of myself, I was reminded of this editorial from harper's bazaar australia. perhaps, it has something to do with the poses of these dancers and the shapes their bodies take...it is quite lovely to look at. I love to see the combination of fashion with dance. I think they are both are so closely related. this past september, australian harper's bazaar ran a feature based around the exciting new dance 3D film, pina, which is a tribute to the esteemed choreographer, the late pina bausch. the layout featured dresses by gucci, rochas, and alexander wang to compliment the dancers. I particularly fell in love with this white dress by fashion designer michael lo sordo....that silhouette and flow is quite striking.

not only are the photos magnificent in this editorial, but there is also a great article inside the magazine about the life of choreographer pina bausch. the article starts with the line "dance, dance, otherwise, we are lost," which is actually something pina bausch said in the film....I couldn't agree more with this quote! if you have not seen this stunning dance documentary by wim wenders, I highly recommend. it is a beautiful blend of fashion, dance, and style.

mcqueen moment

alexander mcqueen spring/summer 2004

looking at that stunning australian harper's bazaar dance editorial, I couldn't help but be reminded of alexander mcqueen's spectacular spring/summer 2004 collection. this was definitely more than a just a fashion show, but a dance extravaganza. mcqueen was very inspired by sydney pollack's depression-era film they shoot horses, don't they? and the show was meticulously choreographed by dancer michael clark in london. I so admire the collaboration between the dancers and models from that season and how they all dressed so exquisitely in mcqueen. I particularly love this moment of supermodel karen elson.....that position of her body is quite amazing....it is so dance-like from the tip of her hands all the way down to the silhouette of that dress...there is something so alvin ailey about this moment. I don't know about you, but I so miss the theatricality that alexander mcqueen brought to all his shows. he definitely put the show in fashion show!

red and blue

barbra streisand (duets)

lately, I have been so obsessed with album art. there are barely any music stores left anymore, but when I do have the chance to browse in one I love to look at covers....it is one of my favorite pastimes. sometimes, I feel like it is a dying art, which makes me a bit sad because I think part of the beauty of music is not only listening to it, but also seeing the art that goes along with it. some of my favorite albums have such amazing photography making it such a visual experience. I think of albums like madonna's ray of light or fiona apple's tidal and those album images always appear in my mind along with their music. I think visual style is rather important....it really creates an energy and a certain mystique. I guess you could say music and images really go hand in hand. a couple of weeks ago, I happened to notice this barbra streisand cover and I could not stop looking at it. the blue and red color tones are so sensational and I do believe that this has to be one of her best covers. I love blue and red, especially when it is done in such a minimal, yet vibrant way much like this cover....babs looks amazing....this really is total visual stimuli!

poster power

hable con ella (2002)

I will always love and admire this poster for pedro almodóvar's 2002 film talk to her....I think the color is done brilliantly and I don't think I have ever seen blue and red look so good.... plus, the composition is just as stunning! there has never been any discussion about this poster, at least not that I know of, but I so believe pedro almodóvar was very much inspired by barbra streisand's duets cover. that is one of the things I admire so much about almodóvar...he always takes inspiration from pop culture, art, and other films, yet he has this rare ability to make it all his own and completely original. I don't know how he does it, but I find it so intriguing and mind-boggling. he shows that all artists take from each other and that it is perfectly fine as long as you can turn it into something new, exciting, and inspirational! I think this poster really proves that point.

beasts of fashion

photos by thomas couderc and clement vauchez

speaking of blue and red, I randomly stumbled upon these images by photographers thomas couderc and clement vauchez...these images are so striking and I just love the stark contrast between the two colors. plus, the extra added element of that vibrant black background....what a combination! their photos are entitled bêtes de mode which simply translates to beasts of fashion. in case you couldn't figure it out, the models are actually superimposed over images of animals. the results are stunning and I cannot stop looking at them! this is what makes color so powerful!

new hats...new looks!

photo by steven klein

last month, I purchased two new black hats....one features a small head-piece with an attached see-through veil and the other is a very intricate and detailed black hat that is very reminiscent of a philip treacy creation. I am so excited to welcome them both into my wardrobe. I always find fashion greats when I am not looking! sometimes, I think a hat is the perfect accessory to spice up any wardrobe. I know that is how I feel, especially because my style is very minimal. for a long time, I have been meaning to recreate an image inspired by this photo of natalie portman from the US vogue may 2002 issue and now with my new black hats I think I can accomplish it. I love the way natalie portman looks in this pic. in case you were wondering, she is wearing a vintage 1940s black felt hat with feathers by hollywood costumer adrian and I think this has to be one of natalie portman's best photos. she looks completely elegant, yet edgy at the same time. this really is the proper way to wear a hat!....I know I am totally inspired!

fantastic in feathers

photo by craig mcdean

its that time of year when I feel like wearing a bold and dramatic black coat....it really is quite appropriate for this time of year. over the holiday weekend, I was looking through my magazine archives and came across the october 2002 issue of US vogue. this was such a great issue and what I love most about this particular magazine is the editorial entitled the life fantastic. a truly stunning layout featuring supermodel maggie rizer in various looks from the paris couture fall 2002 season. one look that caught my eye was this christian dior haute couture black feathered coat. I so love the shape of this coat and how enormous it appears...there is something very old-hollywood about it that I so admire. this is exactly the look I am feeling this winter....over the top and glamorous! on a side note, I so miss seeing maggie rizer in the pages of vogue. she definitely looks so fabulous in those feathers!

black friday chic!

photo by steven meisel

hooray for black friday! this is a very special day for all of us who love to wear black. on that note, us sisters in black thought it would be appropriate to celebrate the day with some unique black shapes on some very stylish women. recently, I came across this image of grace coddington in a book entitled the stylist: the interpreters of fashion and was so in awe of this look. I believe it was from a vogue italia editorial back in 1992. I so love the way this black-wrap shape looks on miss coddington. the silhouette is so loose and mysterious...plus, I love the added element of that white cat popping out beneath her dress. a total grace coddington signature....who wouldn't want to wrap themselves up in this?...this is definitely my ideal ensemble for black friday!

patti in black

photo by annie leibovitz

yet another great look for black friday...I stumbled upon this photo of patti smith in an old book of mine entitled visionaire's fashion 2000 and fell in love with this black off the shoulder dress by ann demeulemeester. I so admire the work and vision of fashion designer ann demeulemeester. her clothes are very meticulous, severe, and experimental at the same time. most importantly, I like that her clothes appear as if they are falling off. she has a very nonchalant approach to fashion that I find so relatable. I could easily spend the day wearing this black dress!

dynamic duo

pina bausch and yohji yamamoto

there was something very unique and special about the relationship between fashion designer yohji yamamoto and choreographer pina bausch. last year, I discovered that they were not only good friends, but collaborators, as well. if you look at a lot of her dance productions you can definitely see a huge yamamoto influence in her work. just look at her dramatic dance piece entitled orphée et eurydice and you will see it....I am always referencing this particular piece of choreography for my own look when I want to wear something black, dark, and edgy. at any rate, I love this pic of bausch and yamamoto...I am not sure what exactly he is draping on her, but I so want to wear this black shape out and sleep in it, as well!

the perfect family?

I don't know why, but on thanksgiving I think about this thought-provoking editorial from the july 2005 issue of W magazine....perhaps, it is has something to do with the so-called idea of the perfect american family? the layout features brad pitt and angelina jolie and their five sons in an impeccable modernist house in palm springs, california during the 1960's. what I find so intriguing about this editorial is that on the surface everything looks perfect...but as you glance through these photos you suddenly start too see that this family is on the verge of a collapse.....

I remember this editorial being so controversial in 2005, partly because brad pitt came up with this concept and his own marriage at the time was coming to an end. plus, we didn't know if pitt and jolie were actually a couple.....leaving these pictures open to all sorts of interpretations. what is so great about this portfolio is that it appears more like a film than a fashion editorial....I so love the artful compositions, the hidden subtext, and the overall cinematic quality of these shots. photographer steven klein does such a brilliant job at capturing an all-american family living alienated lives in a total neo-paradise....hats off to steven klein for depicting family disfunction with a little style. the proper way to celebrate thanksgiving!














photos by steven klein