audace manifeste

photo by mikael jansson

to all our readers, please check out my latest article for I want to be a roitfeld. this month, I take an in-depth look at the iconic march 2011 issue of vogue paris. in case you need to be refreshed, this was carine roitfeld's last issue as editor-in-chief for the magazine...so naturally, she did not disappoint. I give a full analysis on the editorial entitled audace manifeste, which was styled by giovanna battaglia and photographed by mikael jansson. the layout is a beautiful blend of fashion and surrealism with an interesting salvador dalí and elsa schiaparelli influence. if you love giovanna battaglia's unique way of styling of jewelry, clothes, and fantasy you must check it out....its a definite visual feast for the eyes, guaranteed!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2013/3/24/vogue-paris-march-2011-audace-manifeste.html

walk this way

photo by alexi lubomirski

I hesitated on writing about this anthony vaccarello dress, just because I hated the way jennifer lopez looked in it, at the grammy's this past february...but I have decided to put all that aside. oddly enough, I actually loved it on the runway and the way it looked in editorials. this was by far, my favorite anthony vaccarello layout moment....it is from the the february issue of vogue españa and I think that black silhouette is quite amazing. there are a lot of great black dresses for spring, and I think this might be one of my favorites. yes, I know the slit is extremely high, and I do not know if you can wear underwear with it, but I think on the right woman it could work. its sexy, but covered up, and it shows skin in all the right areas. plus, I love the way it undulates. personally, I much prefer this dress on model hilary rhoda than jennifer lopez any day. I like the way hilary rhoda moves in this gown...it looks like she is wearing the dress, rather than the dress is wearing her. always a key fashion rule too follow when finding that perfect evening ensemble. now, if only I could have told jennifer lopez that on grammy night!

in flight

photo by hiro

looking at that gorgeous anthony vaccarello dress, I couldn't help but be reminded of this vintage black evening dress, photographed by hiro from 1963.....I wish I knew who designed this dress! despite all that, I think the silhouette is perfection and I love the angle in which this photo is taken....it looks as if she has wings. I don't know why, but I could totally see anthony vaccarello being inspired by this image...the overall shape is so his style. plus, it is black, need I say more.

on a side note, lately I have been totally inspired by japanese photographer hiro. I am not sure how old he is, but I am amazed too see that he is still photographing for harpers bazaar, after all these years. he is definitely a "photographer's photographer" and I love his distinct eye, especially when it comes to glamour and style. there is something kind of surreal and unique about his photography that I so appreciate and I love the way he combines all those unexpected elements together. this is definitely one of those signature hiro photographs...a truly gorgeous dress to go with such a spectacular pic!

in the row

photo by my sister

not really sure why, but this black kaftan dress...by the row, has been on my mind. perhaps, anthony vaccarello's spring 2013 collection has something to do with it. at any rate, I posted this image a couple of years ago, but I am feeling the need to revisit. I tried this dress on at maxfield's in los angeles and had my sister snap this pic of me from the back...you can even see the tag, but I don't care....I love this dress, that much. I must admit, at first, I was very skeptical of mary-kate and ashley olsen as fashion designers. I just kind of thought of them as those cute twins on full-house, but I really feel like they have come into their own as designers. personally, this was the fashion moment when my view on them, changed!

in hindsight, there was so much about this dress that I loved....the fluidity, the silhouette, and of course how comfortable it was. my only two concerns were the price and the size. I actually needed a size smaller, but I know I could have fixed that with a good tailor. either way, now for some reason, I am having regrets about not buying it. there was just something about it that I will never forget....how sleek and minimal it was and of course that dark chic factor....three qualities that I always look for in a dress. sadly, I have been struggling to find a black kaftan dress for some time now, and I must say that nothing will ever compare to this. I so hate it when that happens. fashion regrets are simply the worse, but I refuse to give up and I have my fingers crossed that one day I will find a black kaftan that is just as stellar! I always believe that anything can happen, if you believe it...especially when it comes to fashion!

spring is in the air

normally, I try to go for colorful floral prints on the first day of spring, but I thought I would go dark this year. lately, I have been thinking a lot about this stella mccartney editorial from the april 2012 issue of interview magazine. I bought this issue about a year ago, and for some reason, these craig mcdean images still play out in my mind. to be honest, I didn't really care for stella mccartney's spring 2012 collection. those mixed micro-print dresses, never did it for me on the runway, but interestingly I liked the way her clothes look in this layout. perhaps, it has something to do with that floral imagery and the black-n-white photography. whatever it is, I must say I am so drawn to the overall atmosphere, especially those severe light and dark tones. I also think stylist karl templer did an excellent job at creating a seductive side to stella mccartney's sporty designs and I think that model, katryn kruger, looks quite beautiful with that slicked back hair and natural looking make-up. overall, its quite an amazing blend of fashion, fantasy, with photography, and I truly believe that those flowers in the background really add so much intensity to those dresses. I highly approve of this dark approach to spring... who would ever think this could work together so harmoniously? perhaps, it is wise to say, that one should never judge a collection by how it looks on the runway. sometimes, you just need to see it in an innovative editorial, like this, too get a better picture. on that note, happy first day of spring, in black-n-white tones!





photos by craig mcdean

prism gallery

prism gallery



all in black at mario testino, naturally....



rio de janeiro incognito-chic with kate moss and my sister...




love my sister's vintage missoni sweater and hat...perfect styling for testino

last weekend, I got to spend some much needed quality time with my mom and sister. earlier in the week, I asked them join me at the prism gallery too see an exhibition on photographer mario testino. if you read our blog, you know that we are huge fans of his work so this was a definite highlight for us too see. the gallery features both human subjects (such as kate moss...his muse) and landscapes (a la rio de janeiro) and showcases some of mario testino's most eye catching images as well as some personal works that I have never seen before. it really was quite special to get so up-close to his photographs and for us all to have an impromptu photoshoot while viewing the show... we always love it when something spontaneously stylish like that happens. at any rate, if you live in los angeles and you like mario testino's lustrous images I highly recommend seeing this exhibit. it runs through march 30th, so check it out before it disappears. prism always has such interesting exhibits and I so appreciate that we got to chronicle the mario testino show in true sisters in black style!



under surveillance....posing with one of my favorite testino pics from gucci fall/winter 1997




noir mode with my mom and some red...love her vintage black coat



up-close and personal with kate moss

the girl in green

since it is st. patrick's day, I thought it would be appropriate to go green! coincidentally, last week I stumbled upon this amazing green coat while looking through some street style pics from paris fashion week. I have been admiring the personal style of fashion designer ulyana sergeenko for some time now, but this look, simply took my breath away. she was by far, best dressed at the chloé fall/winter 2013 show. the overall silhouette and shape is truly exquisite and I love the way ulyana sergeenko accented her coat with an elegant hat and veil. plus, those super high black heels are the perfect finishing touch. she practically floats on air in this ensemble and she looks impeccable from every angle. on a side note, I find ulyana sergeenko's look very fascinating. there is something kind of a 19th century russian doll about her mixed in with a fifties element. such an interesting combination and she pulls it all together so elegantly. not only can she dress, but she truly knows how to design, as well. I liked her last couture collection and I feel like she has a very promising future in the design world. if you are not familiar, go to style.com to check her out....beautiful, talented, and a total trendsetter. clearly, this is not just a coat for st. patrick's day, but for every day....I so love too see such a stylish woman like this on the fashion scene. if anything, ulyana sergeenko, distinctly shows why it is so important to have some individuality and uniqueness when dressing up...much to be learned from this woman!


ulyana sergeenko

black frocks

jessica chastain

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to look through the spring issue of CR Fashion Book...so much anticipation for this one! the theme is dedicated to dance and from all the images I have seen, I know I will be amazed and inspired. at any rate, last week there was a launch party in paris for carine roitfeld's magazine and I was so pleased too see how stylish everyone looked. I always love these type of elegant soirees, especially when everyone shows up in some type of chic black frock. two of my current favorite fashionistas appeared that night and I kind of admired both looks, even though they were both completely different in terms of personal style. first, I loved the way actress jessica chastain looked in that black givenchy fall 2013 draped gown with sheer sleeves. I also can't help but admire, the way she accented her black dress with a thin black cable belt, that silhouette is truly stunning. plus, let's also not forget her gorgeous pale skin....love that coral lipstick shade on her...its the perfect complement.

mariacarla boscono also caught my attention in this givenchy by riccardo tisci ensemble from his fall 2013 collection. not a lot of women can get away with this type of edgy-noir look, but mariacarla does it with such grace and style. totally love the way she looked in this long black chiffon dress with black tweed and nappa leather jacket and black leather boots. its very gothly-glam...what mariacarla does best. I am sure a lot of fashion critics hated this look, but I appreciate how she always takes a fashion risk....very fashion forward, gotta respect that! there were so many other interesting black frocks from the CR Fashion Book launch party, but these two caught my eye and I love too see both jessica chastain and mariacarla boscono looking so sleek and cutting edge...very sisters in black frocks approved!



mariacarla boscono

bal masqué

photo by mert alas and marcus piggott (2010)

what is it about a mask that is so appealing? its interesting how a little lace, or some delicate netting over the eyes, can make a woman look so mysterious, elusive, and even a little sexy. recently, I was looking back at the vogue paris 90th anniversary issue and stumbled upon an interesting layout entitled bal masqué. I think this has to be one of carine roitfeld's most most memorable vogue paris editorials...the styling is so darkly-chic, and I truly admire the way she incorporated masks with high fashion. it is all done in such a sophisticated noir manner. out of all the stunning images in the layout, this one was my favorite. I love the way lara stone looked in that philip treacy black lace mask and how it is paired with that choker necklace and high collared lace valentino blouse. it is polished, elegant, but still so gothly-glam....what carine roitfeld does best. perhaps, this is a strange thing to say, but lately I have been trying to figure out a way, to wear a mask without it looking like I am playing dress up...I know that is a challenge, but this image gives me hope and some serious style inspiration...always love it when that happens.

me and my mask

photo by my sister

a couple of months ago, my sister and I were walking late at night on sunset blvd and happened to notice a mask in the window, at the hustler store. of course, we were shocked by how stunning it looked on display, so we had no choice but to take a look inside. I must note, that the hustler store, is not a place we frequently visit, but when we find style inspiration, all the rules change! I guess you could say, we are very open minded when it comes to fashion. immediately, I asked the salesman if I could try the mask on and of course, it was everything I was looking for. the mask had such amazing black detail and quite intricate diamond work...I was quite taken by its beauty. I think what I loved most about the mask is that it reminded me of the vogue paris october 2010 issue. as soon as I put the mask on my face, I thought of lara stone and that brilliant bal masqué editorial by mert and marcus. its not everyday that I get to experience such a magazine and style connection, like that...so naturally I was excited.

of course, after purchasing the mask, my sister and I had to do a photoshoot. I wanted to put together a look inspired by bal masqué but also something that incorporated my own personal style. I thought why not pair the mask with my black ann taylor oversized turtleneck. when wearing something as ornate as a mask, I think it is always important to simplify. I also thought it would be appropriate to add a black headband and my silver vine ring that I bought in italy, last year. for the final touch, I had my sister do my make-up, which really only consisted of armani rouge #400 lipstick and some light mascara. on a side note, I must thank my sister for capturing this moment...it certainly has some vogue paris october 2010, mixed in with a little natalie portman in black swan, but still 100% sisters in black. who knew we could blend all that together, with a little help and style inspiration from the hustler store....very trashy-chic!

a little lace

how to steal a million (1966)

as much as I love audrey hepburn in breakfast at tiffany's and her gorgeous little black dresses...I think my favorite style film of hers is how to steal a million. I basically want every givenchy ensemble that audrey helpburn wears in this film....from the hats, the sunglasses, to that iconic black lace mask. I will never forget this scene when she was waiting for peter o'toole's character to arrive at the ritz hotel, in paris. she looked so incognito-chic and I love how her chantilly lace dress matches so perfectly with her mask. I also can't help but admire, how her lace mask covers the upper half of her face and how her beautiful dark eyes pierce right through it. plus, let's also not forget those white gloves. normally, I would think black gloves would be more suiting, but I like how those white gloves add a little something extra...perhaps, an element of vibrancy with elegance. at any rate, if you have not seen this film, I highly recommend...I know when I bought my mask I totally had this scene in mind. there really is something beautiful and inspiring about a lace mask....perhaps, it is the whole seeing without being seen concept, that I find so captivating.

gladiatrix

I am loving the march issue of interview magazine...so many stylish editorials to accompany such great articles on people that I am actually interesting in reading about. perhaps, that sounded a bit snooty. at any rate, what I appreciate so much about interview magazine is that they showcase many new photographers. one of the many layouts that my eye gravitated towards was gladiator, which was photographed by robbie fimmano. I am not very familiar with his work, but I love this montage of pale legs and black strappy boots. I have noticed for spring that gladiator boots are quite the trend, just look at tom ford and salvatore ferragamo...they were all about this look. yes, these images have a dominatrix noir quality to them, but I think it is all done in such a sexy and sophisticated manner. very gladiatrix if you ask me! it even reminds me a bit of madonna's 1995 human nature video directed by jean-baptiste mondino. perhaps, that was the inspiration...whatever it may be, I love the vision that fabien baron is bringing to the pages of interview magazine. I never really thought this publication, would be so cutting edge, in terms of style and fashion design, but I like this new creative direction...if you haven't seen this issue, I highly recommend that you take a glimpse...it is a total visual feast for the eyes!


photos by robbie fimmano

two artists, one vision

photo by inez van lamsweerde & vinoodh matadin

lately, I have been totally inspired by photographers inez van lamsweerde and vinoodh matadin. a couple of months ago, taschen published an astonishing two-volume retrospective, that chronicles their work from the past two decades and for some reason whenever I go to a bookstore I always find myself looking through it....so much visual stimuli, within each and every page. I have always admired this amazing husband and wife duo and I love all the originality, imagination, and style they bring to their photos. I also love how wildly diverse each photograph is...they are not easy to define, which I find quite intriguing. I have so many favorite inez and vinoodh images, but I think this pic of penélope cruz and bono might be my all time favorite. I love a good black and white profile shot and I think this one is absolute perfection. this was actually the vogue paris cover for the may 2010 issue and I remember when I first saw this image I totally did a double-take. the way their faces connect is quite uncanny and I so admire that effortless blend...its simple, natural, but yet, completely elegant. I am always drawn to this type of minimal beauty. if you have not seen this book I highly recommend skimming through the pages. its fascinating to get inside the minds of these two visionaries. I will leave you with this quote by vinoodh matadin that pretty much sums up their photo process...

"we're just obsessed with making images, it will never stop...I think it's a journey to your-self, basically. it's like a self-portrait, a way to understand yourself. to take possession of everything around you by taking a picture of it."

I couldn't agree more....do yourself a favor and check this book out, inspiring, indeed!

profile view

my sister (1996)

looking at that stunning portrait of penélope cruz and bono, I couldn't help but be reminded of this photograph I took of my sister back in 1996. as a teenager, I was all about summer photography courses. I don't know if I was ever any good at it, but I had an inspiring teacher who always encouraged me with my ideas. she thought I had a very dark vision, and she always pushed me to go to those obscure places. at the time, I didn't quite understand her, but as of now I so cherish all her wise words she told me. I use to love spending time in a dark room waiting for my photos to develop. its interesting how that type of photo process seems almost extinct, now....especially in an era with cell phone cameras and instagram. don't get me wrong, I love my cell phone camera, but I so appreciate the idea of waiting for something to develop in a dark room. mystery and "not-knowing" is always exciting especially with photography!

ever since I was child, I have always been obsessed with the idea of an incognito-chic profile shot...so, naturally, I wanted to take one of my sister. I remember I asked her to wear her dark green velvet blazer and some cool egyptian jewelry. of course, she put it all together in true sisters in black fashion and I love this moment I captured of her. interestingly, I feel like her personal style has remained the same since I last took this image of her 17 years ago. this photo is a bit mysterious and very noir-glam... what my sister does best. love that time has not changed her, at all...its quite fascinating too look back at my early photographer years!

unbearable lightness of being

persona (1966)

speaking of profile views...one must never forget ingmar bergman's classic 1966 film persona. I have seen this movie countless of times and I always find myself learning something new. with each viewing, I feel like I am taking a different visual journey and I always find something unique and inspiring that I may have not noticed before. its really not just a movie, but an excellent study in photography. lately, I have been admiring this moment from the film. I so love the blending of faces between actresses bibi andersson and liv ullman. their profiles look so darkly chic and I so appreciate the way cinematographer sven nykvist was able to capture all that in such a strikingly black manner. this moment is stark, yet hauntingly beautiful, and I am quite drawn to the overall simplicity. I will always admire the visual style of sven nykvist...he was probably one of the best cinematographers of all time and I love how he could always convey such natural beauty on film. I think this scene is an perfect example of that. if you have not seen persona I highly recommend..it truly is a work of art within a larger work of art!