winged lady

photo by cristhian barron

I know I have talked my a** off, about my new norma kamali modern sculpture dress....but last week I finally got to wear it out for a belated birthday dinner and I must say it truly feels like perfection. I had it tailored a couple of weeks ago, so naturally it was dying to be worn out. I know it is not exactly the most ideal spring dress, but I love wearing ensembles that correspond to my style and not so much of what I see on the runway. I guess you could say it is all about personal style when I get dressed up. I accessorized the dress with a black headband, prada sunnies, an issey miyake bilbao bag, and a pair of black j. crew sandals....all my basic essentials! my dear friend cristhian took this incognito pic of me last weekend and I must say I think he beautifully captured all the mystery and charm of this dress. I almost look like a black crow about to take flight...can you see it? at any rate, I am still so thrilled about this dress. I almost feel like putting on madonna's frozen and reacting her genius 1998 video...feel free to laugh at what I just said, my imagination runs wild!

spread your wings

photo by craig mcdean

for some reason, when looking at my winged norma kamali dress from a distance, I couldn't help but think of this jean-paul gaultier dress from editorial the life fantastic from the october 2002 issue of vogue. the layout was a beautiful montage of some of the best couture dresses from that season and this was just one of the spectacular frocks showcased. I love the way supermodel maggie rizer looks in this silk chiffon dress, especially those wings. I am not sure if they used a wind machine, but I like how maggie rizer appears as though she is about to take flight. interestingly, vogue magazine wrote a little note in the corner of the page and I like the one line story behind the dress....

dawn rises over paris, and she flies in haste from an illicit tryst-her tattered dress fluttering furiously behind her....

yes, that is a bit haute couture dramatic, but I think it adds to the overall appeal of this ensemble. on a side note, I think I am going to use this craig mcdean image as inspiration for the next time I decide to wear my modern sculpture dress out. I so love an inspiring editorial, like this...good times with US vogue!

witchy woman

stevie nicks

perhaps, this isn't the clearest picture, but if there was ever a woman who knows a thing or two about how to wear a dramatic dress with wings it would have to be stevie nicks. I have always admired her gypsy goddess way of dressing and I love how her style has stayed consistent over the past 40 years. I also feel that many designers have been majorly inspired by her style just look at anna sui, ralph lauren, and even the current hedi slimane for saint laurent spring 2013 collection and you will see a total stevie nicks influence. she totally does the boho-ethereal, glam witch look, the right way and I will always appreciate her winged dresses especially when she performs. I so love the movement, the fabric, and just her overall goddess quality. I think this photo clearly captures all that and without a doubt she totally has a very feminine and inspiring way of wearing clothes. I recently read a quote by stevie nicks in which she said, I'll never be in style, but I'll always be different...I couldn't agree more with her fashion philosophy and if I do say so myself, I think these are such eloquent words of style wisdom....much respect!

berlin

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 the vogue paris april 2001 issue...in particular, the editorial entitled berlin. if you love the pairing of carine roitfeld and mario testino, this is a must-see. berlin is such an innovative city full of individual style and this layout certainly emphasis that. it almost reads more like a film rather than fashion layout. however, you choose to interpret the editorial, carine roitfeld does an excellent job at styling looks from certain designers like nicolas ghesquière for balenciaga, donatella versace, and tom ford for gucci....as seen in this photo. I so appreciate how model marcelle bittar, even looks a bit like carine roitfeld in this pic...can you see it? either way, if you love all that I have mentioned I highly suggest you check it out!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2013/4/24/vogue-paris-april-2001-berlin.html

controversial-chic

gucci spring/summer 2001

while writing my latest article for I want to be a roitfeld, I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic for tom ford's highly underrated spring/summer 2001 collection for gucci. I must thank carine roitfeld's vogue paris april 2001 issue, for bringing it all back to me. I know many critics hated this collection, but I have always thought it was way fashion forward. I like how the collection is a little bit dominatrix-inspired with all those corseted waists, rigid bustiers, and stiletto-heel shoe-boots. just by looking at the show, you can tell that tom ford was very much inspired by yves saint laurent, thierry mugler, and maybe even a little 90's dolce & gabbana. even with all that designer inspiration, I still love how tom ford manages to make this collection completely his own. this dress in particular, has been on my mind. I like how sleek and streamlined the shape is. plus, I love the emphasis with those lines and that mesh material. I also love her hair....it is total tough girl chic with a mix of punk rock. by far, this was a risqué and controversial season, but we love it when tom ford heats things up on the runway. us sisters in black will always stand by this collection....even if fashion critics hated it!

bouganvillea blend

my sister in her floral headdress

while in new york city last month, my sister purchased a beautiful flower headdress in one of our favorite hat boutiques in soho. she wore it to a friend's wedding a couple of weeks ago and I was so blown away by how stunning she looked in it. since, it is now the season for bougainvilleas, I thought it would be rather appropriate for her to pose next to some with her new floral hat. I have been admiring this magenta bougainvillea bush for awhile, and kept thinking to myself.... I so need to photograph her by these flowers. I am glad we made time to do this and I just love the way she blends in so perfectly with those bouganvilleas. perhaps, you may not even be able too see her hat, but I love the whole camouflaged effect. interestingly, I remember my sister hesitated about buying this floral headpiece, but I was so glad that she changed her mind. personally, I think this is what spring style is all about...don't you think?

madonna in flowers

madonna (1996)

looking at my sister in her beautiful floral headdress I couldn't help but think of this madonna givenchy look from 1996. I believe she wore this to the premiere of her film, evita. this is definitely one of those madonna looks that I think a lot of people may have overlooked, but I will never forget the way she looked in this givenchy creation. from head to toe, she looked so alluring in that veil with floral headpiece and I love all those maroon and red colors seen throughout her entire ensemble. plus, her make-up is done so beautifully and her diamond earrings are the perfect finishing touch. it is sexy, but completely glamorous, at the same time. I remember back in 1996, I was a bit surprised by how elegant, she looked. this was a total change from her previous look, but I like that madonna continuously knows how to keep us interested in whatever she is wearing. I also appreciate how she corresponded so well with her role as eva peron....such smart styling, right there! on a side note, whether you are a huge fan of madonna or not, I think it is important to recognize how fashion savvy she has been throughout the years. she always seems to be so far ahead of the game....this look is a perfect example of that, floral-couture done right!

en pointe

photo by brigitte niedermair

by far, this is my favorite magazine cover of the spring 2013 season. I love that there is no actress, model, or celebrity, but just a chic pointe shoe with a heel and carine roitfeld's signature initials covering it. once again, brigitte niedermair delivers quite a photo and I love her take on a stylized ballet shoe. I totally appreciate carine roitfeld's interpretation of dance...through photographs and words. I like how in the issue she states how obsessed she is with the bodies of ballet dancers and how when you dance, you do not do it for the money, but for the love of it....mostly, for the freedom, movement, and the gestures...all that is so true and I think this cover captures all those qualities. on a side note, I was quite taken by carine roitfeld's editor's note in the issue particularly her closing line....

of course you'll find spring fashion, dancing, jumping, gliding, and jetéing across every page. by the end, you yourself may be inspired to go en pointe. but even if you are not, I hope you close this issue with an admiration for those who do. simply for the love of it.

indeed, this is such an eloquent statement to go with such a gorgeous cover...if you have not picked up a copy of this issue....I suggest you do!

on your toes

photo by henry leutwyler

looking at the unique CR FashionBook cover, I couldn't help but think of this disturbingly-chic ballerina image by photographer henry leutwyler. I have always had a strange fascination with ballerinas. I think it all started in my teens, when my dad gave me a 1985 copy of national geographic magazine. in the issue, I remember there was an interesting editorial about new york city ballerinas. I was amazed too see that national geographic not only chronicled how glamorous ballerinas looked on stage, but also showed how damaged their bodies were offstage...especially their feet. it was such a haunting layout, but I like how the magazine showed two sides to their lives....all done with such honesty. at any rate, I am not sure if henry leutwyler ever photographed for national geographic, but I love his work, especially his on-going photo series with the new york city ballet. I so appreciate that in this photo we get too see one foot looking so lovely in that pointe shoe and in the other foot we get too see all the pain that she is going through. it is such a stunning contrast and I think there is something frightfully glam by about this image. perhaps, I am bonkers for thinking this, but ballerinas will always be stylish too me no matter what agony and suffering they put their bodies through. I think this image artistically depicts that!

two become one

photo by brigitte niedermair

if you have not seen the current spring issue of CR FashionBook I highly recommend picking it up. the second issue is dedicated to the theme of dance and I love the way in which carine roitfeld incorporates movement with fashion. plus, the styling is just as impeccable. there are so many inspiring editorials from the issue, that I will most likely be showcasing, but I thought I would start with one of my favorite images from the layout entitled dance with the wind. first of all, I love that artist brigitte niedermair is back again photographing for the magazine. she blew me away with her photography from the fall 2012 issue and this layout, in particular, is equally as gorgeous. every image features a beautiful kimono and I love the way in which their hair practically melts into each other...it is so ethereal and for some reason it reminds me of madonna's nothing really matters video. not sure if I am over analyzing, but I must say, it is stylish, and a bit haunting, what brigitte niedermair does best. perhaps, its a very sisters in black type of editorial, keep it up CR FashionBook, we so approve!

sisters in colorful frocks

two girls in central park

speaking of beautiful hair, I happened to notice these two random girls while walking in central park a couple of weeks ago. for some strange reason, I was totally mesmerized by their gorgeous black hair and their corresponding sari dresses. as much as I admire a stunning black frock, sometimes a little color is a bit necessary and these two girls were definitely inspiring. I loved watching these two girls walk and I was especially drawn toward the color blocking of their dresses and they way their hair flowed so perfectly, together....it almost seemed a bit unreal. the red sari, in particular, totally caught my attention. I never saw what these girls looked like from the front, but I like that I caught this spontaneous moment of them practically blending into each other. I don't know why, but sometimes I think there is beauty in not seeing everything especially when it comes to style. am always inspired by a little incognito-chic on the streets!

givenchy street chic

mariacarla boscono in givenchy haute couture

I love an interesting sartorialist shot from the back and I must admit I thought about this 2011 mariacarla boscono image quite a bit, while photographing strangers in new york city. this is one of those dresses that I know a lot women could not get away with, but I think mariacarla boscono totally works this givenchy haute couture feathered dress to absolute perfection. it is glam, but still a bit edgy, which is definitely her signature. there is also such an added sense of mystery about this photo. I know she is headed to the met gala, but I love how elongated her body looks here, especially with that new york city background. she almost looks a bit like a las vegas showgirl, perhaps, a more sophisticated couture version and I also love those random two girls dressed in black, standing right in front of her....what a combination! there is definitely an incongruous element, but it somehow all fits together. at any rate, this is a perfect example of why I admire mariacarla boscono's style....she is truly chic at any angle!

miyake moment

a girl in central park

I am not sure why I love observing other people's style, but I do. perhaps, I am subconsciously inspired by photographers tommy ton and bill cunningham...they both take street style photography to a whole new artistic level and I am always inspired by their candid fashion shots. personally, people watching has always been one of my favorite pastimes and no matter where I am in the world, I always like to scope out interesting style. while in new york city, a couple of weeks ago, I did just that. for some reason, I was completely surprised by all the continuous individual style that I kept seeing in central park. I took so many interesting pics, but this girl caught my eye, right away. I was immediately drawn to her purse. I actually own a similar version of her issey miyake purse, so this was a very exciting fashion moment. surprisingly, I never see anyone at home with this bag, but whenever I travel, I somehow always manage to find one on the street. just this past summer, I noticed two stylish women in chicago and italy, carrying the same issey miyake bilbao bag, but sadly I missed out on snapping a pic of them with their bags. luckily, this time in central park, I happened to notice this girl standing right next to me, so naturally I was glad I got a second chance. I totally loved this girl's style...her gorgeous black hair, the oversized blazer, the black stretch pants with boots, and of course her silver tile issey miyake bag. I have never seen this color before, but I love how vibrant it looks. by far, it is the perfect complement to her casual-chic sense of style. I probably should have told her that I liked her bag, but I had too much fun channeling my inner tommy ton. I truly love it when an issey miyake bag all of a sudden shows up somewhere on the street. it is probably the best bag out there...and just by looking at it you know that it is more than just fashion, but a total work of art!

meeting norma kamali

photo by my sister

yes, you are seeing correct....that is me with fashion designer and style icon, norma kamali. not sure how this all happened, but I loved every second of it. anyone who is friends with me...knows how much I love her clothes, especially her brilliant sleeping bag coats, I practically live in my gray one....so this was very major. I have admired norma kamali's design aesthetic for so long and whenever I am in new york city I always make it a priority to visit her store. I love how versatile her clothes are and how she has always managed to not only design, but to invent...who could forget her genius parachute clothing? norma kamali is not only a fashion innovator, but also extremely savvy by the way in which, she sells and markets her clothes.....she is one smart and stylish, business woman, much to admire!

now back to my story! after, I purchased my gorgeous modern sculpture dress as you will see....my sister quickly informed me that norma kamali was in the store...I had no idea and as soon as I turned around I saw that she was having a conversation with fellow fashion designer betsey johnson. it was actually quite cool too see those two together...so much fashion history right there! I heard betsey johnson say how she was was in the neighborhood and she just wanted to quickly stop by too say hello. norma and her talked for a bit and being the fashion dork that I am...I interrupted to say how much I admired them both. betsey, smiled and said thank you, but then she said that she had to run to meet someone...which was perfect for me, I could finally talk to norma kamali one on one. as she left, I told her, how I basically come to new york to browse through her store. norma kamali politely said thank you and asked me where I was from....I told her california. after that, I decided to express to her how much I loved her sleeping bag coats and how brilliant the concept was. in case you do not know the fascinating story...I must share. from what I have read, norma kamali and her then-boyfriend, decided to go camping, the trip did not go well, and her boyfriend decided to dump her, norma kamali was apparently devastated and decided to turn her sleeping bag into a coat. I don't know why, but I find that idea so clever....talk about turning misery into something creative....I would love if more women could think like that, sounds way better than going to therapy, if you ask me!

anyways, after that, I told her how much I admire her as a designer, business woman, and for being so health conscious. she kindly said thank you, and of course I asked to take a picture with her. she agreeably said yes...and I was extremely excited and relieved that I wore my dior cat eyed sunnies....they look so complementary to her shades, which I think adds a little something extra to this photo. at any rate, I always love it when I get too meet interesting people like norma kamali...she will certainly be one of those designers that I will always look up to and I am so glad I had this moment with her, truly unforgettable!

modern sculpture

photo by my sister

while in new york, I managed to find that perfect black dress that I have been searching for....all thanks to norma kamali. its amazing how many black dresses are in this store, no wonder why I like it so much. I tried on a lot of kamali silhouettes, but this turtleneck modern sculpture dress was the clear winner. its goth-chic, elegant, soft, and completely wearable. all the elements that I have been looking for in a black dress. perhaps, the best part about this gown are those circular sleeves....love all that extra-flowy fabric, its actually quite perfect for striking a pose.

randomly, my sister took this incognito pic of me, outside of the dressing room and I love how edgy it looks...even from a distance. not many dresses can look so standout from far away, but this one totally does. its funny how a couple of weeks ago, I was regretting not buying that black kaftan by the row, but now I feel like I have made up for it. I am so pleased to welcome this black stunner into my wardrobe. I have a strong feeling, that this will be one of those signature norma kamali pieces that I will be wearing for years to come....now, is it me or does this gown just scream sisters in black frocks?

the circle game

circle dress by tom ford

apparently, norma kamali isn't the only designer who has designed a modern sculpture dress....take a look at tom ford's current spring 2013 collection and you will find this striking black dress with circular sleeves. as of now, I am totally feeling inspired by this tom ford dress. I absolutely love that silhouette and all that extra added volume going on in the sleeve area....she looks very much like a noir butterfly, exactly the look I am going for. I am not sure if tom ford was inspired by norma kamali's modern sculpture dress, but I definitely see a distinct connection. yes, tom ford doesn't strike me as a designer who likes to copy other designers, but I certainly could understand if he was feeling inspired by norma kamali's version...after all, this is one of her signature shapes. tom ford has actually never commented on this exact dress, but norma kamali has, and I like what she has said....

I love tom ford's dress—and mine, too, lucky for me that this look feels right in the industry. to me, there are styles that are timeless, and this one has been in my my collection in different incarnations for over 20 years.

perhaps, the phrase is correct...imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. its interesting to discover that norma kamali doesn't feel annoyed and actually approves of tom ford's version of a modern sculpture dress. I must admit that even though both dresses look practically identical there is something quite avante-garde and unique about the two, when you start to examine them, individually. at any rate, such inspiring dress-shapes from both designers, hats off to both!

manhattan mode

incognito-noir-chic while waiting for the subway....



african dance in central park....quite an experience and a workout!



sweater, scarf, and hat perfection...all brilliantly styled by my sister



blending in with gino de dominicis at the museum of modern art....love this painting!

as you can tell from the photos....my sister and I had a blast last week in new york city. the experience seems almost surreal...my birthday is coming up, so we thought why not do a pre-celebration in the big apple. naturally, we made a list of boutiques and art museums that we wanted too see and we were so glad we got to do everything on our itinerary. perhaps, the best part of our trip was all the unexpected discoveries we made along the way. I think that might be the reason why we like visiting new york city....we always feel that, no matter, where we are in the city, there always seems to be something new and interesting going on. we totally love all that unexpected inspiration....not many cities are like that. at any rate, hope you like our images! we must note, that these are just some our photographs. do stay tuned for more unique new york city style pics and stories....so many great fashion finds to share. we promise, you won't be disappointed!


hat shopping in our favorite soho boutique...linda, our hat guru, showing us how to wear a floral headdress...



I couldn't resist had to try on those infamous céline fur pumps...very ugly-chic!



the pharmacies in manhattan are the best especially their accessories....love my sister in her new pink fur headband



of course, my wardrobe was all black, but sometimes you need a colorful billboard to spice things up....


photos by the sisters in black frocks