cannes do!

I always like too see what people are wearing at the cannes film festival. it seems like the fashion is a little more cutting edge and daring at cannes, compared to other award shows and festivals. perhaps, it has something to do with the allure and glamour of france. whatever it may be, it is nice too see some personal style once in awhile. last week, I was quite taken with this black roberto cavalli dress with cutaway detailing as seen on supermodel karolina kurkova. she wore this to the amfAR event and I must say I think she looks impeccable. I have never really taken notice of karolina kurkova's style till last year, when she wore that amazing sequined dress with turban to the met gala, so this was quite a pleasant surprise. at first, I thought this dress was azzedine alaïa and I was a bit shocked to find out that this was roberto cavalli. sometimes, I feel like his designs are a complete hit or miss....it is either too decadent or just the opposite. personally, I like his more more minimal and classic approach to dressing and I think he is quite good at designing a dramatic, yet polished, black dress, much like this one. when staring at this gown, I can't help but admire that silhouette and overall shape. it fits her body like a glove and I especially love how streamlined the overall look is. I also think that serpentine bracelet and her elegant slicked back hair are the perfect additions to make this black dress look so stand out....brava kk, for yet another stylish red carpet gown. let's hope she keeps up her winning streak of exquisite looks...this is very sisters in black frocks approved!


karolina kurkova

birthday in black

photo by mikael jansson

today is our mom's birthday and on that note we thought we would dedicate this black frock to her. this is actually my mom's favorite donna karan collection so it seems rather appropriate. this was such an iconic season...who could ever forget those amazing black goddess dresses that were draped in those unique silver rings?....so modern, but still very classic at the same time. still to this day, we always talk about the details of that collection and for some reason, whenever I see this fall 2003 ad with cate blanchett in this form fitted black dress with silver ring I always think of her. this is something that she would totally wear in a heartbeat and I am actually surprised that she does not own this. my mom loves a form fitted black dress and this certainly has something very special about it. I love the way cate blanchett looks in this frock....this is incognito noir-chic at its finest. at any rate, it is hard to put it into words on what makes our mom so chic, but she certainly has a way of dressing that is completely admirable. she knows what works for her and I love that she never gets tired of a black dress. not many mothers are like that, which makes her quite special. so on that note, we celebrate our mom's amazing style on her birthday with this elegant donna karan dress...thank you for teaching us about the beauty of a black dress and for educating us on what true style is all about, love you!

well suited

photo by my sister

its always a challenge finding that perfect bathing suit. personally, I think a one piece bathing suit is much more appealing than a two piece bikini....it certainly leaves a little more to the imagination. I recently discovered an amazing swimsuit designer named lisa marie fernandez and I am quite impressed with her approach to designing swimwear. all her bathing suits are inspired by scuba gear and are crafted from neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber. I am not very familiar with this material, but from what I have read, neoprene has never been used in swimsuit design before. the fabric is made to mold the body and flatters many types of body shapes. it actually puts everything in its right place without using padding and underwire, making you feel comfortable and confident. the best part about her swimsuits is that they won't lose its shape when it gets wet. not many bathing suits can do all that and I love the originality and imagination that goes behind the making of her suits....who would ever think that a bathing suit could be so intelligently made!

I am obsessed with this lisa marie fernandez black bathing suit that I recently tried on at barneys new york....its sporty, streamlined, elegant, but above all practical and it goes so well my favorite recent black hat that I picked up in sorrento, italy. it definitely creates a great silhouette and I love how it is sexy, but not too revealing. there is also something kind of bond girl, too, about it, that I so appreciate. its retro, but completely modern. I love a bathing suit that can combine those two elements together. if you are not familiar with lisa marie fernandez I highly suggest you look into her. she is completely innovative and so cutting edge with the cut and technology of her fabrics. I love too see someone who is so far ahead of the fashion game, especially when it comes to swimwear. I think, as women we all know how difficult finding that perfect bathing suit can be and I think lisa marie fernandez might be on to something....do keep an eye out for her. this is swimsuit-technological-chic at its finest!

black and yellow

painting by alex katz

while in new york city this past march, I happen to notice some paintings by alex katz at the museum of modern art and completely fell in love with the way he worked with color and bold simplicity. he has a pop art sensibility mixed in with a japanese aesthetic and I love the way he blends the two in such a minimal manner. I found this painting after returning home from new york city and I can't help but admire the silhouette, shape, and style of her hat. I am always looking for a black hat inspirational image, especially in the summertime, and this is exactly what I have been looking for. who would think that some illustrated sunnies with a floppy noir hat...could look so chic?! surprisingly, it almost reminds me of that previous pic of me in my hat and that lisa marie fernandez bathing suit. not sure, how that connection happened, but I so appreciate when art and fashion somehow mirror each other.

dance with the wind

photo by brigitte niedermair

to all our readers, please check out my latest article featured on I want to be a roitfeld. this month, all the writers are taking an in-depth look at the spring issue of CR Fashion Book. the theme is dedicated to dance and I am so glad I got to analyze brigitte niedermair's brilliant dance with the wind editorial. this layout is interesting because it is not your literal interpretation of dance, but more about the forces of nature and the way in which the body moves within space. each photo is a dazzling display of flowy hair, spring fashion, all mixed in with a japanese edge. I think this image is a perfect example of that. this white louis vuitton dress and kimono are so eye-catching and I love the fluidity of their hair....almost looking like a dance itself. I don't know why, but this layout reminds me of madonna's nothing really matters video. perhaps, you can see it too. at any rate, I so admire the unique style and feminine perspective that brigitte niedermair brings to this editorial...she is a total visionary. check out my latest review to read more!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2013/5/21/cr-fashion-book-dance-with-the-wind.html

red hot

photo by silvia olsen

this week, it was brought to my attention, by one of our favorite readers that when wearing red it can either be extremely trashy or totally elegant. I think that is very true...nobody wants to look a fashion disaster in such a bold color, like red. if one must look bad, perhaps do it in black, chances are you most likely will forget about it. at any rate, I recently was looking back at this raf simons for dior couture designed poppy red tuxedo wool dress that actress leelee sobieski wore in 2012. I think this is a perfect example of how too look sharp when wearing a striking color, like red. everything about this dress works on every level and I love the extra added details of that metallic belt and those pointy heels. let's also not forget her sleek hair, and of course, her red lipstick. I don't think there are enough words too describe how perfect leelee sobieski was for this look. she is definitely someone I regularly look forward too seeing at an event...always so polished, cutting edge, but completely herself. she brings new meaning to the term red hot in this dior and I think if anyone is confused about how to wear red, use this as an example. this is what true glamour is all about, love her style!

pale fire

photo by annie leibovitz

its that time of the year, when I see people heading for the tanning salon, baking in the sun, and lathering themselves in self-tanner. personally, I do not think that is necessary. I have always found pale skin beautiful and I wish more people would recognize that you do not need to change your skin color in order to be beautiful. I have extremely white skin and for some reason I have always proudly embraced it...despite being called anemic, ghostly, and looking like antarctica! its amazing what people will say...I just think with the right color and outfit you can totally enhance your skin. I think part of the reason why I love wearing black is that it complements my paleness. there are other colors too on the list, but lately I have been thinking that red is another great choice. I think this photo of cate blanchett from 2009, in that red roland mouret dress from vanity fair, totally proves that point. her porcelain skin totally complements that frock and I love the expression she is giving to the camera. cate blanchett is quite the natural beauty and I love that she embraces her whiteness. she practically glows in this dress. I find this to be such an inspiring image and for anyone who thinks you need to have a fake bake this summer....I say, think twice. cate blanchett beautifully shows how pale is definitely the new tan....brava!

in progress

drawing by cristhian barron

a couple of weeks ago, I collaborated and modeled for a red inspired photoshoot with some friends. in case you cannot tell from this beautiful drawing done by my dear friend cristhian I am actually wearing that same maison martin margiela for h&m dress that I bought back in december. I chronicled the gown a couple of months ago and I must say I love wearing it. the current spring season feels perfect for it and I love that red tone and the structure of the gown. yes, its not black, but sometimes a little color is necessary. there will be more drawings and photographs to come, but in the meantime I love the way this drawing looks in progress. the expression of my body with that pop of red is totally eye catching and even though it is not exactly finished...I think it says so much! on a side note, I must share a quote that cristhian used as a main source of inspiration when drawing this image...it comes from the late swedish director ingmar bergman and the way he saw the color red in his 1972 film cries and whispers:

cries and whispers is an exploration of the soul, and ever since childhood, I have imagined the soul to be a damp membrane in varying shades of red....

if you have seen the film, this quote makes perfect sense, and if you have not I highly suggest you watch. the costumes, and art direction are absolutely stunning. it is a definite film of style. I hope you can appreciate this quote and this drawing as much as we do and even though this drawing is not complete, I think it depicts so much through color, shadows, movement....not a lot of artists can blend all that together so beautifully and I love how effortless it is for cristhian...a true talent, he is. stay tuned, more photos and drawings on the way!

the power of red

a scene from orpheus and eurydice

one of the main influences for our photoshoot was the late choreographer pina bausch....particularly her brilliant dance- opera, and theatrical production of orpheus and eurydice. if you watch this choreography, you can truly see how genius she was at blending movement with fashion. this red dress, specifically, was probably our main source of inspiration. its quite a haunting and beautiful image to stare at. I love the way her body looks in this long gown and all that drapery with fluidity. there is so much style and beauty in this exact moment and I love how pina always paid close attention to the way her dancers dressed on stage. personally, I think her costumes act as characters in her dance productions. its no wonder why pina and fashion designer yohji yamamoto were such good friends. I can certainly see how they both have taken inspiration from each other. there is a total avant-garde connection between the two, that I so admire and I think this red dress has a definite yohji yamamoto appeal. I am not sure if he even designed the clothes, but I see his aesthetic, in there. perhaps, you can see it too. at any rate, this moment will forever be such an inspiring and stylish moment for our photo collaboration. its always a great feeling when we can incorporate some of our very own artistic inspirations into our creative projects. I highly suggest checking out pina bausch's orpheus and eurydice if you have not seen...it totally takes fashion and dance to the next level!

summer simplicity

in my j.crew sandals

summer sandals are always the best...actually correction, summer black sandals are always the best. recently, I purchased a pair of lillian black suede low wedges from j.crew and I must say they are so comfy-chic. I have been looking for a sleek pair of black sandals for a long time and just when I least expect it, these appeared. I haven't bought anything at j.crew in years, so this was a total unexpected style find. the sandals came in various colors, but I thought the black pair totally emphasized my extremely pale legs, as seen in this photo. I always love a stark contrast with black shoes and extremely white legs and these sandals totally accentuate that look. I think part of the perks of having extremely white legs is that black heels look so good. not sure if most people see it that way, but I do. interestingly, I have been wearing these sandals nonstop since I bought them and I am so pleased and surprised by how they practically work with everything in my wardrobe....very rare for a heel to be like that, but I guess when you wear black all the time, things just work. at any rate, here is a close-up view of my sandals...I tried to do a guy bourdin type of summer-esque photograph. not sure, if that concept went through, but I love spending time in these....its all about summer simplicity in my new sandals!

walk this way

jennifer connelly

I am always on the look for some style inspiration, especially now with my latest j.crew black suede wedges. just last week, I stumbled upon this image of jennifer connelly strolling through the streets of new york city in this stella mccartney top and skirt from her fall/winter 2012 collection. I think this has to be one of jennifer connelly's best street style looks and my favorite part of her ensemble has to be those black givenchy sandals. they almost remind me of my j.crew sandals, so naturally I am taking notes. I think the fit and flare of this silhouette is absolute perfection and I love the color blocking of that black turtleneck and white skirt, there is something kind of carolyn bessette about this look that I so admire. I could totally imagine her wearing a look this like back in the 90's. at any rate, this is simplicity at its finest and I love the illusion of it all. I think that hemline totally lengthens her legs. as we all know, jennifer connelly has gorgeous legs and I think this stella mccartney outfit with those sleek givenchy sandals perfectly emphasizes her lovely figure. she proves that minimalism is always a must for an instantly chic aesthetic. I am so glad I found this image....it is just what I need to inspire me for some looks with my new j.crew suede wedges, its always a great feeling when unexpected style inspiration like this, happens!

lullaby

photo by jean-baptiste mondino

I think I found the perfect image for mother's day! this year, I decided to take some inspiration from CR's FashionBook and the brilliant first issue entitled rebirth. I love carine roitfeld's vision for the premiere issue and how she interpreted the idea of rebirth and renewal. each editorial features various images of birth, pregnancy, family, and I so appreciate how she blended it all together with the fall 2012 season, as well as with the excitement and energy of being young. this was my favorite image from the layout entitled lullaby. the editorial was photographed by jean-baptiste mondino and I love all the darkness and simplicity. the only words written in the editorial are a new mother, a new silhouette, which is kind of perfect, if you ask me. model marte mei van haaster, gives such an amazing stare to the camera, and I love the way she looks in that roberto cavalli top and givenchy skirt. it is streamlined, minimal, and so darkly chic....what new mom wouldn't want to dress like this? I also like that she has one hand on that baby stroller, while the other hand is decked out in a gorgeous dior bracelet...not sure where she is headed, but I love carine roitfeld's interpretation of what motherhood should be like...this is definitely fashion-fantasy at its finest! I hope new moms are taking notes!

carriage chic

photo by my sister

I am not sure how this happened, but I always love it when I get some inspiration for a photoshoot. recently, I noticed that my mom still has my sister's play baby carriage in her closet. not sure why she still has it, but I like that my mom still holds on to certain items....she is very sentimental, in that sense. the carriage, itself is very creepy, but still kind of stylish, and somehow I was completely drawn to it. I also love that it is meant for a kid and not an adult. as you can tell in the pic, the carriage is miniature in size. just for fun, I decided to pose with it in front of the mirror and see what I would look like if I was mom. yes, I know this sounds strange, but I love to take on roles and use my imagination, especially when it comes to fashion. of course, while posing in front of the mirror I automatically thought of the CR FashionBook editorial lullaby and I totally thought to myself I should recreate a sisters in black version with my sister's old baby carriage. immediately, I thought about wearing my new norma kamali modern sculpture dress and pairing it with my costume national boots and my oversized black hat that I picked up in italy, last year. I kind of wanted to recreate a look loosely inspired from the saint laurent spring 2013 collection, mixed in with some lydia deetz from beetlejuice. two strange combinations, but I love a little dark glamour, even as a mom. I am not sure why, but I always find it fascinating to play with image, especially when taking on an interesting role, like motherhood. perhaps, I look a little obscure and mysterious in this pic, but that is really what us sisters in black, do best. on that note, happy mother's day and thank you to our mom, for inspiring us, she has always influenced us with her unique style and noir-chic sensibility. we feel so blessed and honored to have such a glamorous mother. this is definitely how we would imagine our mother dressing and taking care of us, when we were little babies....somehow, I wouldn't be surprised if our first words were black frocks!

glamMa!

photo by karl lagerfeld

and just for fun...I thought I would share this image of carine roitfeld from the september 2012 issue of harper's bazaar magazine. I am not 100 percent sure, but I assume she used herself as inspiration for her lullaby editorial for the fall issue of CR FashionBook. whatever she was influenced by, you must admit that she is one chic grandma, or shall I say glamMa! only carine roitfeld could make a trench coat, heels, and baby stroller look this good! she proves that a woman does not have to be in her 20's to be sexy, which I think is an important message for women of all ages to understand. at any rate, us sisters in black will always appreciate and admire the humor, grace, and playfulness that she brings to every editorial that she styles...whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera. brava, CR!

sequin stunner

karolina kurkova (2012)

I am still processing a lot of the dresses seen this week at the met gala and I am not sure how I feel about a majority of the looks. I may have one or two favorites, but at any rate, I couldn't help but get a little nostalgic for this look seen on supermodel karolina kurkova from last year. I am actually a bit surprised that stylist rachel zoe designed this, as I am not very familiar with her work as a designer, but I must say it actually works. since I am on a current turban-high, I automatically thought of this ensemble. normally, I do not like sequins or anything that looks too decadent and meretricious, but I must admit I approve of this entire ensemble. the silhouette, the open back, and that train all somehow work together, so beautifully. in addition, I think that sequined turban is actually the best part about this frock...it is by far, the best accessory to complete this look. there is something very old-hollywood and glamorous that I find so appealing. I don't know about you, but I would love to see more turbans on the red carpet. it is such an elegant look and so rare too see these days...making it so standout. perhaps, a sequin turban on the red carpet is not for every woman, but I think if you have the confidence, like karolina kurkova, I say go for it! and remember if sequins are not your thing, this look could easily be translated in black....just saying!

turban beauty

photo by paolo roversi

while in new york this past march, I bought an amazing missoni turban. I have been wearing it nonstop and I must admit because of my recent purchase, I have become rather turban obsessed. I am not sure why I find them so stylish, but I do. I just love the history of the turban and how so many cultures seem to have their own version of this look. from what I have read there are over sixty types of turbans, and believe it or not I am fascinating by them all. whether afghan, pakistani, or greek I find turbans from various countries so uniquely beautiful. oddly enough, recently I stumbled upon this paolo roversi photograph of a girl in a head turban, from the september 1997 issue of vogue italia and became totally enamored with this image. I love the volume, texture, and color of her turban. this is really such a spectacular portrait, it almost even looks like an oil painting. I don't know if paolo roversi was inspired by vermeer's 1665 painting the girl with a pearl earring, but I definitely see some strange connection. this is certainly not your typical paolo roversi image, but I always like it when I discover something surprisingly unique and gorgeous. personally, I think this may be one of his best photographs. just by looking at this portrait, I am suddenly feeling inspired to do some kind of photoshoot with my very own missoni turban. this image is definitely conjuring up some thoughts....love it when unexpected style inspiration happens.

cover boy

national geographic (1979)

who says you have to read a high fashion magazine to find beauty and style? I recently stumbled upon a copy of the november 1979 issue of national geographic magazine and fell in love with this cover. I swear, I always find something unexpectedly stylish and interesting whenever I browse through this magazine. this just proves that individual style is everywhere, no matter what continent or country you are on. I am not sure why I love this cover, but I do! there is just something so captivating about this man in his turban and sunglasses. I love how circular and heavy his turban looks at the top and the way it somehow unravels down toward his mouth and turns into a scarf. there is some kind of strange yo-yo effect going on, that I really appreciate. in addition, the color and texture of his turban-scarf seem almost palpable making it such a standout image. I also think that signature national geographic yellow border really adds some pop to this photograph....it looks so modern, even though it is from the 70's. this is a perfect example of why I love this magazine...they always seem to find beauty in the unique and unfamilar. perhaps, this is a strange thing too say but sometimes, I feel like the best fashion comes out this publication. I believe this cover totally proves that point....amazing turban realness going on! on a side note, if you do not read national geographic I suggest you do....so much visual stimuli you will most certainly be inspired!

turban casual

girl in turban

I always love a turban when the weather gets a little warmer...of course, its not for every woman, but if you know how to properly wear this look I say go for it. my whole philosophy with a turban is try not to make it look like a costume....just think cool, casual, nonchalant and of course, add a chic pair of sunnies and you are good to go. it is actually a very easy look to do, that is if you don't over do it! I think this sartorialist image of a girl on the street in her turban is a perfect example of how to properly wear this look. everything works so well...her high waisted shorts, the sporty tank top, the shortened blazer, and of course....her turban and sunnies. I think these two accessories totally complete the look. I like how she looks as if she is ready for a day at the beach or maybe even a walk around the city. she manages to combine summer ease with a modern sophistication....two key elements that I think are very important when dressing in the summertime. if you have never thought about a turban before, perhaps, you should reconsider. this girl totally does it right, much to be learned from this street style pic!

pucci perfection

renée zellweger (2012)

all this week, I have been looking back at some of my favorite dramatic black frocks. I guess I just need some visual inspiration to go with my norma kamali dress. oddly enough, this peter dundas for emilio pucci gown as seen on renée zellweger at the met gala, came to mind. this was probably one of my favorite frocks of 2012, yet I somehow didn't even mention it last year. not sure why I forgot, but at any rate, I loved the way renée zellweger looked in this silk black frock. its completely elegant, streamlined, and fits her body like a glove. plus, I love all of the chiffon details, that organza train, and of course, that sexy open back...her signature. let's also not forget, her sleek updo and those silver chandelier earrings. its all those little accents that totally complete her look. by far, the best part about this dress was renée zellweger's body composition. she always gives the right expression, pose, and angle for the camera. I am not sure how she does it, but I find it so intriguing. personally, I know I will use this image as inspiration for the next time I put on my norma kamali dress....this is truly the proper way to pose for the camera. so much to be learned from renée zellweger....just watch and observe! on a side note, in case you do not know the met gala is next week....let's hope to see some similar chic black frocks on the red carpet, we will keep our fingers crossed!