cruella meets chanel

chanel resort 2012

this summer, I have been looking back at some of my favorite one piece bathing suits. randomly, this week I happened to stumble upon chanel's resort 2012 collection and came upon this black and white suit with matching bathrobe. I am a sucker for a sleek bathrobe with suit and I just love how this looked on the runway. the black and white color blocking is perfection and I like the added accessory of that little diamond brooch. personally, I know if I saw someone wearing this on the beach, I would definitely take notice. its elegant, chic, and so timeless. this is also a swimsuit that will forever be in style. just leave it to kristen mcmenamy to add a unique edge to this ultra feminine chanel swimsuit. I have always admired her look...from her sleek black hair in the 90's to her cruella de vil look of today, she is a true original. I normally don't think of kristen mcmenamy when I think of chanel, but I like the darkness and glamour that she brings with this swimsuit and bathrobe. I don't know about you, but I like seeing chanel with a touch of noir, it just feels more relatable to my style. if you forgot about this collection, I suggest you reminisce, there are some really great looks, but this one in particular, will always be a sisters in black frocks summer swimsuit favorite!

prada power

prada spring/summer 2008

I recently read a really interesting interview in the new york times about miuccia prada.....entitled power of one: miuccia prada’s circle of influence. I have always had a strange fascination with miuccia prada. she seems more like an architect and a philosopher rather than a fashion designer. I also appreciate the way she thinks about clothes...it always seems like some kind of science experiment, which definitely makes her quite the visionary in terms of design. even if I don't necessarily like every one of her collections, I still appreciate the thought and imagination that goes into making her clothes. one collection that I somehow completely overlooked was her spring/summer 2008 collection. I admire the seventies biba, ossie clark, and art nouveau feeling of that collection. I also appreciate the way art somehow blends into fashion. a lot of the times this look can come across as tacky, but it actually is done so tastefully in this collection. I like the blend of retro and modern with those funky illustrations. I don't know how she does it, but I applaud her for always thinking so far ahead of the game, and for continuously keeping everything so elegant. this was one of my favorite ensembles from the spring 2008 collection. I will always have a soft spot for prada stockings and mary janes just because I think it is her signature and I love how it is done here with that puffy organdy skirt. when I think about the ideal miuccia prada look.....I always think of old fashioned silhouettes, quirky shoes, and nylon accessories, just like this image. she always sticks to this look, but I love how each season she makes it completely different. if you look back through her past collections you can definitely see just that. at any rate, I love reminiscing and if you haven't read that new york times article on miuccia prada I highly suggest you take a look. personally, I have no idea what planet mrs. prada is on, but I love the way she thinks...a true innovator of style.

miuccia details

laroux in prada dress and miu and miu shoes

looking at that prada spring/summer 2008 look, I was somehow reminded of this pic that I took of our friend laroux at the inez & vinoodh photo exhibit last month. I believe she was having a conversation with my sister and without her knowing I snapped this photo. I actually used that previous image as my style inspiration. I couldn't help but admire those close up details and I wanted to do the same. laroux is one of our favorites to photograph, she has an amazing sense of style and she looks so chic at any angle. not many people have that ability, which makes her quite special. I always love our impromptu photo shoots and this one was so unexpectedly chic. in case you were wondering, the dress is by prada and the shoes are by miu miu. prada is one of laroux's favorite designers and I greatly appreciate that she knows how to wear her clothes in such a sleek and personal way. not many girls can get away with a look like this, but laroux certainly can. I love the way she pieced together this prada ensemble, it looks more like art rather than actual fashion, which is why I think this image looks so appealing. my sister and I are always so impressed by how laroux mixes clothes together....she has quite the eye. on that note, we must thank laroux for continuously inspiring us with her sharp fashion sense and for always looking so prada perfect, brava!

off the runway

prada spring/summer 2011

just in case you wanted to know what laroux's dress looks like in full, here it is. the dress is actually straight from the prada spring/summer 2011 collection. miuccia prada, herself, described this season as minimal baroque and I can definitely see that concept in this collection. laroux's dress, in particular, has a very josephine baker quality to it and if you look closely at those green beaded details at the bottom of this frock you can definitely see just that. also, when this dress moves it has a very jazz age can can dancer vibe. in addition, I think those striped shoes with matching purse, and baroque sunnies are the perfect accessories to make this dress look so modern and cutting edge. I don't know how miuccia prada mixes all those elements together, but I think it works. personally, I liked how laroux wore this dress and the way this model wore it on the runway! both are perfect examples of how to do the prada look. on a side note, I must say that this will always be one of my favorite prada collections. my prada baroque sunnies that I wear all the time come from this collection and they were by far, one of the best fashion investments I have ever made....so many incredible looks from this season and I always love reminiscing back on this one for style inspiration!

un montage de gaultier

my montage

for years, I have been obsessed with creating montages. personally, I think its a creative way to put together ideas that you are inspired by whether it be fashion, film, or just overall style. I have always admired the way vogue paris assembles their zoom section. they usually blend together some of the seasons hottest trends in such a unique way that is so visually stimulating. I also admire the way pedro almodóvar creates certain scenes in his films. its difficult to describe those almodóvar moments, but they usually include a detailed shot of something interesting on a wall, desk, or something with amazing colors. just look back to his 2009 film broken embraces and practically every scene is a gorgeous montage of some sort. pedro almodóvar has such a gift for creating those one of a kind beautiful cinematic moments and they always resonate in my mind. if you admire him as a director....I think what I am saying makes sense. either way, a couple of weeks my friend darion gave me a belated birthday gift of a jean paul gaultier diet coke that he got in london. I think the look of the can is quite cute, especially with those stripes and that writing. I also love how it corresponds with that signature jean paul gaultier aesthetic. immediately, when I saw the can I knew I had to make a montage to celebrate its beauty. I thought about using red, white, and blue tones and of course adding some stripes in honor of jean paul gaultier. naturally, I used my vogue paris november 2008 issue with vanessa paradis as a foundation and added a vintage red, white, and blue head scarf from my grandmother. somehow, I placed the coke can in and voilà this happened. in the end, I love the way it all blended together so cohesively. this was really such a sweet gift to receive and I always love it when unexpected style inspiration like this happens....I must thank darion for the sweet import and p.s. who seriously knew a diet coke could be such a work of art?!!!!

tantalizing turban

photo by steven meisel

maybe its a summer thing, but every time I put on my turban I always think about this vogue italia december 2008 cover. I have been inspired by this photograph for about five years now and when I think about all my past turban photo shoots....my ideas and inspirations always go back to this image. there is something about this pic that just reads summer turban chic! I love the way model katrin thormann looks in that sleek black turban with coral lipstick contrasted with her vibrant swimsuit. its funny how her bra is placed in her lap, you can tell she is feeling hot. I also appreciate all of the interesting patterns going on and I don't know why, but this so reminds me of a prada ad. this is what italian chic is all about, and I admire the whole summer feeling that this cover exudes. for years now, I have tried to find this cover on ebay and have had no such luck, but surprisingly, it popped-up this week. this cover is long overdue and I am so excited for this one to arrive in the mail. not only is the cover so stylish, but I love the steven meisel editorial inside. its shot in black and white and loosely inspired by a 1964 japanese film entitled woman in the dunes....cannot wait to absorb all its beauty and have some more style inspiration in my life and perhaps maybe some more turban inspiration....just wait and see we always love some noir summer-chic, very sisters in black!

when in capri

photo by my sister

for some reason, I never shared this photo from last summer while on vacation in capri...I made my sister snap this pic of me while relaxing by the pool. I totally had that december 2008 vogue italia cover in mind, but this time I wanted to do a sisters in black version. I find that cover so pretty in its simplicity, but also so rich in style and I thought capri would be the perfect setting to make something like that happen. personally, I don't think a great photo has to be so complicated, sometimes all you need is the fashion basics...like a turban, a pair of sunnies, and a sleek black bathing suit and voilà it is done....being in capri also helps, too! inspiration is everywhere on that island and I must admit I miss that serene setting. it is so good to get away and unwind. my sister and I had a lot of good photo moments on that trip and I really was thrilled when this one happened. its always great when you can incorporate some magazine inspiration and still blend it in with your own personal style. I like to call this look incognito capri summer turban chic. I hope that makes sense....at any rate, I will always have fashionable memories in capri!

strike a pose

jazzmun in her turban

a couple of weeks ago, I showcased jazzmun looking so goddess chic in her white dress and turban...interestingly, within weeks, jazzmun showed up to african dance in a beautifully draped black turban. I am always inspired by jazzmun's style, so naturally all throughout class I kept thinking about her turban and how I would love to photograph her. I decided to ask jazzmun if I could take a couple more pics of her, since our last impromptu photo shoot, went so well, and of course, she said yes. I loved this pose she gave me. her black turban looks amazing with that vibrant pink wall and she exudes such confidence, grace, but above all glamour. I totally had that vogue italia december 2008 cover in mind. I know it doesn't look exactly like that image, but I wanted to do an african chic inspired version. in the end, I love the power and beauty of this image and I am so glad that jazzmun approved of it, too. its quite interesting what a great style tool my iPhone has become in my life. I highly suggest doing the same, if you admire someone else's style and I must admit because of these last two photo shoots with jazzmun I think she has now become my new turban muse. a big thanks to jazzmun for the all the turban inspiration she has given me...hopefully, more photo sessions to come!

tattoos and textiles

yes, it is august, but I am still feeling very much inspired by the july 2013 issue of vogue italia....who would ever think that 25 years of fashion, style, and overall glamour could have that kind of effect? there is so much, in this issue, that has caught my eye and as of now I can't help but gravitate towards steven meisel's december 2007 layout entitled vogue patterns. about two years ago, I put together an 1000 piece limited edition vogue italia jigsaw puzzle of one of the patterns so I pretty much think about this editorial everyday, as it sits above a wall in my bedroom. interestingly, the 25th anniversary issue features some other unique vogue patterns that I have actually never seen before, so naturally, I have become quite intrigued. photographer steven meisel and make-up artist pat mcgrath did such an excellent job at mixing blooming florals, psychedelic swirls, mind bending graphics with sky-high hair and tattooed body parts to create such a trippy and vibrant haute couture collage. it almost reminds me of a modern day version of a gustav klimt painting with all that pattern and texture going on. these two, in particular, are my current favorites. I love the overall body composition and the way these two models camouflage themselves within all those textiles. they both look like modern day pin up girls mixed in with an amy winehouse aesthetic. perhaps, she was the style inspiration for this layout.....whatever it may be, I think these two photos are a brilliant mix of fashion and art and I love how everything is blended together so cohesively. to be completely honest, I have never seen tattoos look so glamorous and its always interesting when a magazine can take such a simple idea like body art and push it to a new extreme. by far, this might be one of vogue italia's most memorable editorials and if you have not seen this december 2007 layout I highly suggest you take a look. its quite a pleasant surprise too see tattoos and textile patterns be so thought provoking, mind bending, and cutting edge....I love a fashion layout that can uniquely combine all those qualities together!


photos by steven meisel

noir in nature

its strange the way life can imitate art or perhaps even the way art can imitate life. whatever it may be, I always like it when I feel inspired by an editorial and somehow get to turn into my own off beat version. last week, I went to LACMA too see the james turrell exhibit with my friend chris. he doesn't know this, but every time I talk with him I always think about steven meisel's vogue italia layout from the december 2007 issue. there is something about his arm tattoos that just reminds me of that vogue pattern editorial. I am not sure why I have never told him that, but he has something in him, that is so strangely similar. for awhile now, we have been talking about putting together a photoshoot. I don't normally feature men on our blog, but when someone has a good understanding of style and how to put a look together, I will make an exception. like us sisters in black, chris loves to wear black, obsess over 90's supermodels, and is very selective about the way clothes are cut, fitted, and styled. its always a treat to have other friends who share similar views on style, so naturally he was meant for a sisters in black photoshoot. of course, I suggested to chris to wear black to the museum and to bring an incognito chic pair of sunnies. naturally, he did all that and more. we took a lot of random photos, but my favorite photo moment was when we stumbled upon a wall in what looked like a dirty river in the south. in the end, I love the way his tattoos, black dior homme sunnies, and button down band of outsiders shirt blended in with that river scene. its dark, a bit mysterious, and of course noir-chic, just like chris's style. I don't know why, but when I took these two images I totally had those two previous steven meisel vogue patterns in mind. I was somehow thinking about using blue and yellow tones to hype up these pics and to bring emphasis to his tattoos, much like the way meisel did in that vogue italia editorial. I know it is not an exact replicate, but I think the background design and the texture of his tattoos somehow remind me of a more masculine version of that layout. perhaps, my connections might not make direct sense, but I definitely see something similar and I love it when I can take inspiration from vogue italia and transfer it into my own life. in the end, I had so much fun photographing chris....he has a very classic, nonchalant, but overall dark sense of style that is so similar to us sisters in black. he is a definite man of style to be noticed and we must applaud chris for always inspiring us with his incognito-chic sense of style...much appreciated!


chris donaghue in black

inked fashion

haider ackermann menswear spring 2014

speaking of tattoos and fashion I couldn't help but notice all the body art coming out of haider ackermann's spring 2014 menswear collection. I never limit myself to looking at just womenswear and I always like what haider ackermann designs for men. I find his designs completely practical for both sexes. I could easily see tilda swinton wearing a lot of the looks from this menswear collection....it just has that practical, nonchalant sophistication that is so her style. personally, I couldn't get away with most of the outfits, but I am inspired by a few. this ensemble, in particular, totally caught my eye...I am not sure how you would classify his overall look, maybe haute hooligan, however you want to label it, I really like his black harem pants. they are not too slouchy and they have a nice fit to them. I love the way he adds a simple drape to those pants. my only suggestion about this look would be a black jacket, instead of a yellow one. I think what is also interesting about this look is the tattoo embroidery going across his arms and chest. its obvious that haider ackermann was using tattoo art as a common theme in the show and I kind of like how it blends in with the fashion. perhaps, it adds a more youthful cutting edge approach to the clothes. haider ackermann clearly wants to design clothes for a younger man and I would love too see more men go for a haider ackermann type of style. at any rate, if you pull apart the looks from the smoking jackets, to the harem pants it could easily be a welcomed addition to a woman's wardrobe. while I wouldn't necessarily call this collection a feminine show I think the clothes have a certain fit to them that is very appealing for both sexes. there really is something for everyone and so much to take apart and analyze...from the jackets, pants, to even the tattoos. I admire haider ackermann for always designing clothes that are completely wearable, luxurious, and so very close to his own sense of style...love the way his fashion brain works!

summer white

photo by zoe ghertner

I always seem to be way behind when it comes to runway fashion and just this past week I discovered the hermès spring/summer 2012 collection. I am not sure why I have just found this season, but I like discovering fashion when it is not current, it makes my style journey much more interesting. personally, I think fashion should be more about finding a look that best fits your style and I think this collection has definitely inspired me with some outfit ideas. what I loved about this hermès collection was how clean and simple a lot of the designs were. the models were dressed in crisp white tones and all the skirts were very long and dramatic. in addition, white hareem trousers were featured, as well as some oversized jackets and dresses adorned with pleats and deep pockets. I also admired all the beautiful drapery going on, it almost reminded me of the ways nuns dress, but of course done in a more sophisticated and chic manner. this was one of my favorite white looks that was actually featured in the hermès catalogue from 2012. I love the flow of this dress and how it is accessorized with a simple belt and some sandals. its so uncomplicated in terms of design, making it completely wearable. summertime should be all about casual and easy dressing and this is certainly a white look that is completely practical, but still so stylish, at the same time. I know many people think hermès is just about birkin bags, but I think the label really excels at making beautifully designed clothes. if you have not seen this hermès collection and need some white dress inspiration I highly suggest you take a look...this season certainly brings new meaning to the term white hot!

all that jazzmun

jazzmun in white

for years now, I have devoted my sundays to african dance. it is such a major part of my life and I always feel better when I attend. there is a live drummer and I love the dance movements we put together each week. the class is very tribal, but it still has elements of classical dance and I love that we go across the floor as a group instead of dancing alone in front of the mirror. I have made a lot of friends in this class throughout the years and about a month ago one of the original members of the class passed away in a tragic car accident. robert, was an integral part of african dance and he brought so much energy and spirit to our group. it was a total shock to all of us and recently there was a memorial service to celebrate his life. naturally, our class danced to pay tribute to his life. we practiced a choreography for him and our teacher suggested we wear white. of course, my teacher looked at me because I always wear black...so I knew she was counting on me to not disappoint. one of my favorite people in the class is jazzmun. just like me, she wears black all the time, so too see her in this white goddess looking dress with turban was such a revelation. jazzmun has amazing style and I love the way she puts outfits together. usually, there is some kind of fabulous turban or a sporty chic noir outfit that I take note of. I am always inspired by her style and I must admit I have been thinking about her look at the memorial service for some time now. her white dress almost reminds me of donna karan's resort 2011 collection with all that drapery and fabric. this is a look that I could totally see donna karan sending down a runway or perhaps even wearing, herself. what I love about jazzmun is that she is always ready for photoshoot. she has a total appreciation for beauty and glamour and I so respect that about her. I asked her to pose for me and not only did she give me great body and movement, but she even took out her white blanket to make it even more fierce. this photo is dynamic in every way, and yes, I too had to pose with her, it was just that perfect. this is one of my few white casual chic dance outfits and I must say I feel rather comfortable in all white. I may not love it as much as black, but it works. on a side note, I love the way jazzmun and I blend together in this photograph. it is such an energetic and uplifting image and I know robert would have highly approved of these two pics...he too appreciated style, may he rest in peace!


with jazzmun in white

drape me

looking at jazzmun in her gorgeously draped white goddess dress, I couldn't help but think of these two paintings by ana teresa fernandez. I am a huge admirer of photorealism and I love the fluidity and strange beauty that she depicts in her work. her painting style is all about resistance and restraint and I like that her images deal with such ordinary things like household chores, sleeping, and even swimming in heels. these two paintings are my favorites. I so appreciate the way she paints all that delicate drapery especially with such a simple idea of hanging laundry up to dry. who knew washing clothes could look so chic.....and I love that she is doing all this in black high heels. she looks so glamorous and a bit mysterious, which is always a beautiful combination. I would love too see women in real life do their laundry like this....very stylish, if you ask me. at any rate, if you are not familiar with her artwork I suggest you check her out. I could easily see donna karan, haider ackermann, and maybe even rick owens being inspired by the way she paints all that movement and drapery. she has a total gift for blending fashion with art and I greatly admire her technique and skill, quite an inspiration!



paintings by ana teresa fernandez

in vogue

vogue.it

whoa!!! to see all three of my photos featured on vogue.it is quite surreal, but I feel like I must share this with our readers. its not everyday that one is featured on vogue.it. as of last week, franca sozzani chose another one of my photos. a couple of weeks ago, I bought this orange hat from a vintage store. the hat was really cheap only $35 and I love the shape of it...very 60's and for some reason the look of it reminded me of those balenciaga riding hats from spring/summer 2006. I will never get over those hats from that season, one of nicolas ghesquière's most memorable collections. on a whim, I decided to take a hat self-portrait in my parents green bathroom in their beach house. this is one of my favorite rooms in their house...the walls and the tile work are quite exquisite making it so perfect for a photograph. I wanted to create something vibrant with contrasting colors and in the end I like the way it turned out. its mysterious, but still eye-catching due to those green and orange tones. I think this photo really showcases the beauty and uniqueness of that hat and I love how incognito-chic it is. yes, you can see my face, but I am still hidden behind my hat and sunnies...the way I like to dress in my real life. I was so surprised that franca sozzani picked this one, but I must say I feel so honored for the acknowledgement. I guess I can officially say that I am now in vogue....do check out vogue.it too see my pics as well as all the other interesting ones chosen by franca sozzani. this is definitely a milestone for the sisters in black!

here is the link:
http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/vogue-arts/2013/07/people-instagram-franca-sozzani#ad-image0

to swim or not to swim

gucci spring/summer 2001

my summer black swimsuit obsession continues...all this week, I couldn't help but think about tom ford's gucci spring/summer 2001 collection. I talked about this controversial season, a couple of months ago saying how hated it was, but I still find a lot of the looks from this season very inspiring, especially this noir look as seen on kate moss. I assume this is a bathing suit, even though she is wearing combat boots with it, but I like the whole military aesthetic that tom ford put into this look. I also appreciate the fact that this two piece ensemble seems very effortless. I remember when I first saw this look on the runway I totally tried to copy it. I went to a sporting good store and purchased a long sleeved wet suit top with a black bikini bottom and tried to do my own tom ford version. I even contemplated cutting my hair like kate moss. I absolutely loved her punk asymmetrical blonde chop and I must say I think this was one of her best hair looks....such a style that only kate moss could pull off and who could ever forget the way she looked on carine rotifeld's first ever cover for vogue paris back in february of 2001 in this hair do? whether this look on the runway was meant for swimming, is up for debate, but I do remember watching tim blank's fashion file and seeing tom ford spray water on kate moss as if she was just getting out of the pool, so I am going to say that it was meant for swimming. I am all for bathing suits, that look sexy, without showing too much skin and this definitely fits in that category. its interesting how twelve years later, I am still inspired by this look. yes, I know many fashion journalists have said that tom ford was going through an identity crisis with this collection, but I really feel like a lot of the looks from this season were very fashion forward and so relevant to the way a lot of people are dressing today. so, say what you want, I stand by gucci spring/summer 2001. this black two piece swim ensemble will forever be a classic through my eyes and it will always be a source of major swim inspiration...bravo, tom ford for such an underrated, but brilliant collection!


photo by roxanne lowit