new year's yves!

photo by david sims

happy new years yves as in saint laurent! I always feel the need to pay homage to the legendary designer on this day! after all, he was such a major force in the fashion world. personally, when I think of the three letters YSL I forever associate them with the term french chic. I don't know about you, but sometimes I wonder what fashion would be like if yves saint laurent had not designed the iconic le smoking suit, the safari jacket, the trapeze dress, or the famous mondrian shift....let's face it he was more than just a designer, but a true artist and he totally transformed the concept of ready-to-wear fashion!

recently, while looking back at some of his iconic looks I stumbled upon this image. I have never seen this look before, but I totally love the way supermodel linda evangelista looks in this ensemble. first of all, I always believe that a woman can never go wrong in an asymmetrical black dress and I love the oddly shaped black hat! I like how the shape very much reminds me of a spanish matador. plus, I think the purple gloves correspond so beautifully with her purple lipstick shade. in case you were wondering this look is actually from yves saint laurent's spring/summer 1996 collection! not sure, if the everyday woman could get away with the hat and gloves, but I think linda evangelista totally works it in such an effortlessly-chic manner. whether you agree or disagree, let's indeed take a moment to celebrate new years yves, the saint laurent way!

the new saint laurent

saint laurent spring/summer 2013

yes, a vintage yves saint laurent black matador hat will forever be chic, but so is this wide-brimmed black hat from hedi slimane's most recent spring/summer 2013 collection for saint laurent. not sure how fashion critics are feeling about hedi slimane, but I so love seeing him back in the fashion scene. it has been way too long since his early days at dior homme. personally, I think he totally transformed the male silhouette...who could ever really forget those exquisitely made skinny black trouser suits? whether you are a male or a female, you must agree that his suits were so well-tailored and I was so very pleased to see all of that somehow revamped in his first collection for saint laurent....so many chic black skinny suits for spring! I think my favorite look from the season was this black hat ensemble. totally love the black leather gloves, ruffled cape, all paired with that black skirt with matching leather belt. the look is a bit california 70's cool mixed in with a witch-goth element. for some reason, I think of stevie nicks when I see this look...I could totally see her wearing this on stage in the 70's. not sure, if stevie nicks was a source of inspiration, but either way, I love trying to figure out his influences. it is indeed, quite a joy seeing hedi slimane designing again! perhaps, betty catroux, longtime muse to yves saint laurent, was right when she proclaimed hedi slimane the savior for all womankind!

don a dress

givenchy couture fall 2009

while waiting at the doctor's office earlier this week, I decided to look through an issue of natural health magazine to kill some time. oddly enough, I opened up the issue to an interesting article about 10 ways to go natural...inside the pages, there were some fascinating facts mentioned like how watching a tragic film just might lift your spirits. supposedly, watching a sad movie helps people to count their blessings and to reflect on important relationships, resulting in a boost of happiness. personally, I have always felt this way and to see this in print was such a breath of fresh air. I always try to stress this idea to my friends and family.

my favorite part of the article was when I read how research suggests that people's choice of attire is strongly influenced by how they're feeling. apparently, jeans are the outfit of choice for depressed women versus a favorite dress for those who feel happy. the article also stated how many women believe they can change their state of mind by simply wearing something nice. it seems that ditching denim just might improve your mood....somehow, I can believe that!

I must admit, reading this fashion fact was total music to my ears. I have always believed in the power of fashion, especially when one is not feeling their best! as I get older, I am starting to realize that you really should not just save your nicest dress for a special occasion because who knows when that day will be. life is short, time passes by, things change and I hate too see something fabulous sit in the closet. I have now made a goal with myself to try and wear all my finest clothes when I can, especially in 2013...reading this article just re-enforced that idea. who knew I could find such inspiration in the pages of natural health magazine....now, if only I had a long-sleeved black pailletted givenchy gown from riccardo tisci's fall 2009 couture collection to wear this weekend, such a brilliant season!

gun controlled

I was really quite impressed with photographer steven klein in 2012. his photos seemed a bit darker perhaps, even a bit more cutting edge compared to previous years. I think it all started with w magazine's march issue featuring kate moss in the layout entitled good kate bad kate. if you study the editorial, you can see both a light and dark side to kate moss...plus, I totally loved how aged she looked in the layout, it is kind of refreshing too see such strange beauty like that depicted in an american publication. oddly enough, US vogue also had some interesting steven klein photos in 2012. I loved seeing supermodel lisa cant looking perplexed in a jil sander veil surrounded by thousands of newborn babies in a hospital nursery...certainly unique and such a fascinating article about how a pregnant woman's diet and exercise can affect her baby's suseptibility to disease for life!

I think my favorite steven klein editorial of 2012 had to be this one entitled new order from the interview magazine september issue! yes, I know these images are quite controversial especially with all the recent gun shootings taking place in connecticut and colorado, but I think if you are able to not associate those tragedies with these images you can certainly see all the art and style represented. interestingly, these images were taken before all the tragic events so there really is no direct connection. the layout was styled by ludivine poiblanc and I love how revolutionary it appears. the looks are strict, military-esque, and are dominated by leather and black-on-black. all the models look very minimal, streamlined, and pulled together in such a darkly manner. I think if you look beyond this editorial and skim through a majority of the current fall/winter collections especially from designers like riccardo tisci at givenchy or francisco costa at calvin klein you can definitely see all that noir glamour executed perfectly.

on a side note, I think it is important to know that I do not promote guns or violence, but I think with fashion it is okay to be a bit daring and over the top...that is really what thought provoking editorials should be about...certainly, a lot of the most memorable editorials tend to include elements of fantasy, metamorphosis, and escapism. I am not sure if steven klein was making a political statement with these images about the current state of the world or maybe the future of fashion, but I do think it is definitely one for thought!








photos by steven klein

sweater weather

alexander mcqueen fall/winter 2000

today, is the official first day of winter. I don't know why, but when the weather starts to get a little colder I start to think about sweaters. there is just something so stylish about staying warm in a beautifully crafted handmade sweater. if there was one sweater that has made such a stylish impression in my mind it would have to be this show stopping piece by alexander mcqueen from his fall/winter 2000 collection entitled, eshu.

there is just so much I admire about this sweater...the details are truly exquisite. the quilting, the silhouette, and of course I love all that shredded detail around the neck and bodice area. this was by far, one of my all-time favorite alexander mcqueen collections. I remember as a teenager seeing eshu on tim blank's tv program, fashion file and being completely blown away. I just loved listening to alexander mcqueen talk about his main influence for that season. he went into major detail about how he was mainly inspired by the pre-colonial yoruba tribe of west africa and how tried to mix tribal details with luxurious fabrics to emphasize the raw power of clothes. I don't know how he did it, but I do think his fashion concept was marvelously depicted.

just hearing alexander mcqueen say all that totally made me realize what a genius he was....his inspiration and vision was something I have never seen before and it was from this collection on, that I totally took note of every mcqueen collection. eshu, was totally groundbreaking and for some reason whenever I think of the first day of winter...this gorgeous handmade sweater comes to mind....one must never forget the power of alexander mcqueen!

my sister's sweater

my sister in her dior sweater

I am a bit jealous of my sister's sweater collection. I swear every year she always manages to find a sweater that is unique, beautifully crafted, and one of a kind. this summer, while shopping at one of her favorite vintage boutiques in los angeles she found this stunning christian dior off-white sweater. I was in complete awe when I first saw it on her. I thought maybe it was from john galliano's fall/winter 2000 collection for dior, but I couldn't quite figure it out. at any rate, I thought her new sweater just complimented her style, so well. I think what I admire most about is that layered collar. the neck portion, is quite stunning and I love the way it accentuates my sister's beauty. plus, the stitch details are quite intricate and delicate...total couture, but completely wearable. I actually took this photo of my sister this past august and I so appreciate how even in the hotter months she knows how fashionable it is to hide behind a chic sweater. now, that is true sisters in black style, ladies and gentlemen, do take notes!

tasseled perfection

hermès cape-jacket

I always love it when I discover a collection a little too late. recently, I stumbled upon the hermès fall/winter 2011 season and totally fell in love with the impeccable styling of this collection. what I loved most were all those gorgeous caftans, elongated kurtas, and glamorous kimonos all done in such amazing neutral tones. also, the details were just as stunning—loved the obi belts, tassels, and of course, the quilting. I don't know where I have been, but I am very much inspired by the design aesthetic of christophe lemaire...he was previously at lacoste and I love how he is bringing that type of sporty-glam look to hermès, but making it a bit more luxurious. his style is completely elegant, dignified, but still very relaxed...the proper way to dress in the winter!

my favorite look from the hermès fall/winter collection had to be this tasseled cape- jacket as shown in this photograph.....I just love how winter-ready it looks. its definitely perfect for the day, night, and even looks quite suiting for a nap. I love fashion that can easily fit in any of those categories. personally, I think in winter it is important to be comfortable, while still remaining chic....I don't know about you, but I say forget the hermès birkin, its all about a quilted tasseled hermès cape-jacket, way more stylish and unique if you ask me!

mode/sport

photo by mario testino

to all our readers, please check out my latest article featured on I want to be a roitfeld. this month, I take an in-depth look at carine roitfeld's iconic november 2004 issue dedicated to sportswear. this particular issue, has had such a huge impact on my own athletic style especially when I head to the gym or take a dance class! personally, I loved the way carine roitfeld beautifully balanced high-end glamour with sporty-chic in this issue....yes, this is something that many fashion magazines try to do, but carine roitfeld's vision was way more cutting-edge, and visionary compared to the others. indeed, the vogue paris woman certainly knows how to turn heads when she works out! if you love to look chic while breaking a sweat do have a read....so very fashion-relevant in november 2004 and still to this day!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2012/12/13/modesport-vogue-paris-november-2004.html

hasidic chic

st. bessarion fall/winter 2011



tight body-covered dresses....


black nails, black hats, and side curls....

hanukkah is here, and on that note, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to orthodox jewish style. I have always been a fan of this type of style. what is not to love about the way orthodox men dress?...form-fitted suits, sleek black jackets, and of course those hats! I don't know if it is taboo to discuss, but I really see the beauty in the way they dress. recently, I discovered a designer named st. bessarion and an orthodox inspired collection he designed back in 2011 at moscow fashion week. this was such a pleasant delight to come across considering I sometimes feel alone in the way I feel about this type of style. it is quite obvious that st. bessarion was very much inspired by jean-paul gaultier's controversial, yet cutting-edge fall/winter 1993 collection. I remember gaultier was sinned for that collection, but I respect him highly for going in that religious direction....I believe he was the first and he no doubt paved the way for designers like st. bessarion. either way, I applaud st. bessarion with this collection and his interpretation of jewish hasidic style. I totally love those body-covered dresses, leather gloves, high-boots with stockings, and of course those black hats with side curls. this is hasidic chic at its finest...whether jean-paul gaultier circa 1993 or st. bessarion in 2011 it is always inspiring too see designers who are influenced by something totally unexpected like orthodox jewish culture...gotta love fashion that pushes boundaries!



high boots and leather gloves....total jewish orthodox perfection!



one last bonus photo...gotta love those hats, its all in the details!

hasidic holly golightly!

photo by our dad

since it is hanukkah, that leaves me no choice, but to once again, re-post probably one of the best photo moments that has ever occurred in my life. this seriously has to be one of my favorite impromptu photoshoots ever. my dad actually took this photo of me while on vacation in israel a couple of years ago. I talked to him many times before our trip about trying to get an image like this. of course, he thought I was crazy, but I knew inside his head he was totally understanding my hasidic black vision.

I remember this happened on a very hot day in jerusalem, while we were walking to the wailing wall. the walk was quite long and I remember being surrounded by an elderly orthodox man. he walked so slowly, while reading his torah, and with each stagnant step he took, I was able to plot out and signal to my dad to get this shot. luckily, I dressed appropriate in my baggy black pants, with black dress, and oversized hat to coordinate with his look. personally, I think the hat makes this photo complete. I just love the way it looks together with this man. perhaps, you could say that I look like a hasidic holly golightly. whatever you want to call my hasidic style, I must say I loved this moment and still to this day, my dad and I, always talk about this impromptu hasidic fashion moment...am so glad that he can now see how chic and stylish orthodox men can be!

together in black

othodox jews in israel

I can't help it, but I am just so intrigued by the color black, especially when I see a group of orthodox jewish men walking all together. I have always had this fascination with orthodox jews and I think it all started from my dad's amazing national geographic magazine collection...he has an issue dedicated to israeli culture from back in the 1980's and in the magazine there were so many interesting photos of orthodox jewish men. I just love the way they look in their black suits and black hats especially as a group....almost like a chic herd in black! I know when I visited israel a couple of years ago I had that national geographic issue on my mind and this photo, in particular. this pic served as major style inspiration. I don't know why, but when I study this photo, it reminds me so much of an image hedi slimane would photograph and perhaps, I can see a lot of his design style in the way these orthodox men are dressed. I know that is a strange thing to say, but there is a bit of an odd connection between the two. on a side note, I also must admit that I love finding beauty in the obscure and sometimes unfamiliar....that is where true style comes from, if you ask me!

beneath the surface

photo by matthieu belin

I always love to discover new and interesting designers. lately, I have been totally inspired by fashion designer qiu hao. he has so many intriguing looks from his collections, but this puffy white jacket with dramatic skirt from his fall/winter 2011 collection has totally caught my eye. not too sound morbid, but I think when I die, I want to arrive in the afterlife, in this outfit. it just looks so soft, streamlined, and completely elegant. I always think if a designer can make an outfit that looks amazing on the street and for bed than it is a true style winner. I am not sure why qui hao is not getting a lot of publicity, but I really think he is a designer that deserves to be noticed.

at any rate, I discovered qiu hao in surface magazine. I have been a huge fan of this magazine for a couple of years now and if you are like myself a little bit bored with so many fashion publications, I say check this one out. it combines interior design, fashion, and overall lifestyle into something really innovative and dynamic. by far, one of the most cutting edge publications....totally sisters in black frocks approved. only in surface magazine would they promote a visionary like designer qui hao....definitely have a read!

ford's finest

gucci fall/winter 2003

I am still in the midst of finding white coat inspiration....all this week I have been feeling nostalgic for tom ford's brilliant fall/winter 2003 collection. I think this has to be one of tom ford's finests. in case you need to refreshed, this unforgettable season was all about dramatic coats with huge collars, ballooned push-up sleeves, and form-fitting dress silhouettes that fit like a glove. when studying the details of this collection, I can't help but think of thierry mugler circa 1980 mixed in with a little azzedine alaïa. I can totally see a mugler and alaïa influence with so many looks especially with the shape, and overall aesthetic of this collection. plus, there is a sexiness factor that these two designers possess and with tom ford you know that glamour and sex appeal play a huge part especially when designing for the ideal gucci woman.

my favorite look from the collection has to be this white wool coat with dramatic, upstanding collar. I just love the overall balance of it....the jacket fits so perfectly on her waist and I can't help, but appreciate the way that model hides her face in that collar. certainly, in the winter time us sisters in black feel like doing the same. the only thing I would maybe add is a nice pair of sunnies...this kind of coat certainly needs a little incognito glam! either way, I think this may be one of my all-time favorite tom ford looks. he has such a gift for creating amazing silhouettes and I must say I always love it when he works with white...he definitely has created many iconic looks in this color!

part II: what's that jacket margiela?

in maison martin margiela for h&m

I must admit I have been quite hesitant for some time now about h&m and their collaborations with fashion designers. usually, the fit and cut is all wrong and I end up leaving the store due to frustration and anger, but things changed when I decided to take a look at the latest h&m project with maison martin margiela. first of all, I want to thank my fellow sister in black and our stylish blog friend prêt-à-porter for suggesting I take a look. I was quite content with my new MM6 cape and to find this sleeping bag coat was just icing on the cake. indeed, the jacket is a bit oversized, but it somehow works in a strange high-fashion way. I would compare this coat to wearing a bed spread. it feels exactly that soft and wearing it is almost like taking a nap. it certainly brings new meaning to the term comfy-chic.

when I tried it on I had many style thoughts running through my head. the number one idea I had was how would this coat look with a belt?.... when I got home, I immediately styled it with an oversized black belt and what do you know the silhouette completely transformed into a whole new shape. I so love it when fashion has the ability to change into something so unexpectedly chic! I am so glad to welcome my new margiela for h&m sleeping bag coat into my wardrobe. winter is not only looking, but feeling very comfy-chic this season!

margiela magic!

photo by mario testino

I am currently in the process of writing my latest article for I want to be a roitfeld, which is all about sporty-chic glam, particularly the importance and impact of the november 2004 issue of vogue paris. randomly, while skimming through the pages I discovered the original maison martin margiela sleeping bag coat from his fall/winter 2000 collection. this was such a pleasant surprise to find and I love how carine roitfeld featured and styled this coat...it is actually a winter-ski inspired editorial done with a very avant-garde vogue paris vibe. personally, I prefer my jacket with a belt, but if I don't wear one, the jacket resembles this look exactly....pretty much like a bed spread gone wild. so happy too see this in the pages of vogue paris and of course this image will be featured in my latest article...love it when unexpected photo and style inspiration occurs!

honorable mention

basic instinct (1992)

all this week I have been thinking about white coats. naturally, with my new martin margiela for h&m coat I am trying to find some style inspiration. one coat that comes to mind is the one sharon stone wore in the 1992 erotic thriller basic instinct. I know that this was not the greatest movie and I guess you might even say it was a bit trashy, but the one thing I do appreciate and take away from this film was sharon stone's style.

before I go into detail, I think its important to take a moment to discuss how influential sharon stone's style was in the 90's. growing up, I was totally inspired by her fashion sense especially at the academy awards. I remember one year she wore a gorgeous valentino black dress with matching veil, which totally got me appreciating the whole burqa veil concept. also, at the 1996 oscars, who could forget when she wore that gap turtleneck with valentino skirt? I don't know about you, but I totally went to the gap the next day and bought the same shirt. who could also forget when she wore her husbands white button down shirt and paired it with a lavender vera wang silk skirt back in 1998? clearly, sharon stone is a woman who likes to think forward with fashion and with all that said I think that is why I am taking the time to appreciate her style in basic instinct....she really knows that chic style is not about who you wear, but how you wear it.

now back to the film, I don't think I will ever forget this white-hot look she wore during this very controversial scene. personally, I think sharon stone exemplified minimalism in this form fitted shift dress with high collar. when I study her style in this moment I totally think of 90's calvin klein and jil sander. its simple, chic, and kind of the perfect winter look when getting dressed up. not sure if I am the only one who appreciates sharon stone's style in this movie, but I think there is something special about this white dress and wool coat. I know my margiela coat is a bit more avant-garde....but I find this a very inspiring white winter look. sharp, simplicity at its finest!