sheer perfection

valentino fall/winter couture 2010

I love when it is black friday, it gives me an excuse to showcase some of my favorite black frocks. I always have a black dress on my mind and recently I stumbled upon this gorgeous sheer black gown from the valentino fall/winter couture 2010 collection. I am really into sheer black dresses right now...as you will see why in my next post. I just think it totally adds a mysterious feminine edge. sometimes, black can be harsh which I like, but I think a little sheer fabric makes for a more ethereal look...just think of madonna in her frozen video and that sheer black top portion of her jean-paul gaultier dress that she wore in that video....so iconic. as of now, this valentino look is my current sheer black dress inspiration. I think when you get close up you can see all the incredible details especially with that bow collar and the lining around her arms. I also love the fluidity, I know if I saw this dress in real life I would definitely take notice....this is what noir elegance is all about. on a side note, I must admit I am liking valentino much better now with designers maria grazia chiuri and pier paolo piccioli. I just think their vision seems very current and much more relatable to the modern woman. I especially like their philosophy and vision behind this season....they entitled this collection the dark side of first love, taking some style inspiration from nabokov's lolita....if you look through all of the looks you can definitely see that influence. the models look like living dolls in such sophisticated silhouettes. this was such a standout couture season and if you have not seen this collection I highly suggest you go back and reminisce, perhaps you might find yourself feeling sheer inspired, as well!

vintage hermès

in my hermès black frock

I have been waiting for the right time to unveil my latest black frock and with today being black friday it leaves me no choice but to share. in september, I randomly walked into a vintage store in san francisco. my sister suggested I go look at one of the mannequins. I didn't really know what I would find, but it happened to be one of the most beautiful black dresses that I have seen in a very long time. immediately, I tried it on and I loved it. the sleeves were sheer black almost reminding me of that brilliant sheer black valentino fall 2010 couture dress, but it still had a casual chic vibe about it too. it went so perfectly with my paul smith sunnies and turban headband. I always feel like if something goes well with those two basics, than it is a keeper. in case you were curious, the dress is actually a vintage hermès dress. I am not sure what decade it is from, but I think its from the 70's. either way, it is my dream black frock. its comfortable, dramatic, but still very easy to wear. its funny how a couple of months ago, I wrote about how I regretted not purchasing a black kaftan dress by the row, but I feel like I have now made up for it. in a way, this dress reminds me of it. perhaps, a modified and shorter version. either way, isn't it funny how when you least expect it, a gorgeous black frock can somehow magically appear in your life.....this was such a fashion highlight of 2013 and I must thank my sister for finding this black frock for me, she is so good with vintage....what would I do without her? I have a feeling I will be wearing this dress for many years to come, glad to have this rare beauty in my closet!

the waterfall dress

in maison martin margiela

yes, I know this dress is not exactly sheer, but I love the drapery and cut on this maison martin margiela black dress. I actually have been using this image as style inspiration with my vintage hermès dress. I have no idea who this woman is, but I think she wears this dress beautifully. I have done a little research and I believe this look is actually called the waterfall dress. I can very much see how that term applies, just by looking at the sleeves and the way that dress accentuates her figure I totally can see a waterfall effect. however you want to classify this look, I am just loving dresses with dramatic sleeves. I could probably stare at this margiela dress all day and I must say I like that this woman paired her frock with those margiela tabi boots. its an unlikely pairing, but I think it works in such a dark, nonchalant, and antwerp-ian kind of way. my only problem with her are those sunnies....I never understood margiela and his approach to eyewear, a little too sci-fi for my taste! at any rate, this margiela dress has been a great source of style inspiration....its always a great feeling when you can take a modern look and apply it to something vintage, this is definitely one of those times.

red velvet

gwyneth paltrow

this past weekend, I was reminiscing back on tom ford's iconic fall/winter 1996 gucci collection and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic for his amazing velvet suits. I don't know if this suit looks dated or not, but I still find it extremely chic. personally, I think the suit has a cool 70's halston vibe and I love the tailoring and the trimming. the blazer has beautiful satin accents and I love the flare on those trouser pants. I also like that it is red.... it really gives the suit such a standout appeal. while I normally go for black suits, I think this one is quite special. I remember when I first saw gwyneth paltrow wearing this to the 1996 mtv video music awards I totally did a double take. I just thought she looked so cutting edge. I didn't really know who she was back then, but I thought she seemed like someone to watch. on a side note, I use to love seeing all the individuality on the red carpet at the video music awards back in the 90's. its interesting how times have changed, nowadays style at the video music awards seems to be about getting attention and causing controversy, which I find highly annoying. I hope one day it will be the opposite. at any rate, I must admit after I saw gwyneth paltrow in her red velvet suit, I tried to do the same, so I went to the gap and bought a pair of red velvet trouser pants hoping I could do my best knock off tom ford look. I didn't have the blazer, so it didn't turn out that great, but I give myself props for trying. either way, seventeen years later I am still inspired by this velvet suit and this collection. I always love it when tom ford and gwyneth paltrow work together for red carpet events. I think he totally understands her style....she was meant for this red velvet tuxedo and I think this was the outfit that definitely put her on the style map...such a tom ford classic!

double incognito chic

paul mccartney and george harrison

since today is my dad's birthday I thought I would celebrate with one of his favorite images. I actually showed this photo to him a couple of months ago and I knew automatically that he would love this. perhaps, it is the all in black, or george harrison's top hat, or maybe it is paul mccartney's sunnies, whatever it may be....it is way incognito chic. I suppose I got that mysteriously chic gene from my dad and in case you were wondering this image was actually taken in austria during the filming of the 1965 beatles film help!. this is such a rare photo and I think it is so my dad's style...I could definitely see him in paul mccartney's look back in the day. at any rate, we must thank our dad for constantly inspiring us with his amazing sense of style and for sharing a passion for interesting rock n' roll photography...I love that we can connect through style and images. he is the ultimate father in black....thanks dad for always supporting our blog and all our creative endeavors, love you!

gold grillz

photo by steven klein

is it me or are grillz becoming a major trend in fashion? I feel like it has been moving past hip hop and entering into the high fashion world. just look at michele lamy (wife of rick owens) and even madonna...these two fashion icons have been seen sporting some teeth jewelry. I must admit I like this look. of course, its not for everyone, but if you have the style and know the correct way to wear this look, I think it can be done. I would say madonna and michele lamy are perfect examples of women who understand how to wear grillz. recently, I was skimming through my magazine archives and came across some images of grillz that I found inspiring. interview magazine did a super chic editorial on diamond grillz earlier this year and even CR fashionbook did a clever take on them, for their first fall issue from 2012. as of now, this image of supermodel kristin mcmenamy from the w magazine september 2012 issue has been a major source of inspiration for me. yes, I know she looks a bit creepy with that mask, nose ring, and full set of grillz, but I like how ugly-beautiful she looks. sometimes, beauty doesn't have to be so perfect and I like that kristin mcmenamy is always the chosen model to do so. I would say that she almost looks like a mannequin in this photo, very wax like, but I love the way her grillz light up and I think that car light totally enhances her teeth in such a haunting, ghetto-chic way. yes, I know gold teeth are not what most people want to wear, but I love seeing grillz in fashion editorials. I am pretty sure that this look will not translate into real life just because I know most people want perfect white teeth, but I think its a unique beauty trend worth discussing!

sunnies and grillz

double self portrait

okay, so I am probably bonkers for doing this, but I had to. in case you cannot tell I am wearing a gold tooth. I work in the dental business, so having one made, is not really an issue. I have always loved this look and I don't care what people say I think its ghetto fabulous....that is, if you know how to style this look, properly. I think the key is keeping the look minimal and simplifying in black. after skimming through the w magazine september issue I totally felt inspired to do something reminiscent of that kristin mcmenamy photograph. of course, I didn't use a mask or a nose ring, but I decided to accessorize with my basics, which include my paul smith sunnies, a silver vine ring that I bought in italy, and my favorite black headband. as you can see, I did nothing too outlandish because I wanted the gold tooth too glimmer. I also am very fascinated by mirrors and reflections so I thought I would play with that concept when I photographed myself. steven klein also inspired me to play with color. I very much enhanced this photo, just because I wanted everything too shine bright in a ghetto glam manner. in the end, I like how we see two versions of the tooth. I must admit, at first hesitated to post this image, just because I didn't know if it would translate, but in the end, I realized its all about inspiration and after seeing kristin mcmenamy in her grillz I knew I had to do the same.....perhaps, the lesson I learned with this gold tooth project is that its always important to take fashion risks, even if no one understands!

clémenti chic

perhaps, now would be the perfect time to discuss some iconic gold grillz featured on screen. like most people who appreciate style, I love belle de jour. I thought catherine deneuve looked so yves saint laurent noir chic throughout the film. I also admired pierre clémenti's style in the film, too. I don't know if other people have felt that way about him, but I thought his style was way cutting edge for the time. I will never forget that amazing black leather jacket he wore in the movie...he looked so balenciaga fall 2002 and of course his gold grillz. like catherine deneuve, I was shocked too, when I saw his gold teeth, just because that doesn't seem like something you would see during that era....it feels more today. at any rate, this was another key moment that made me become very fascinated by gold grillz. I am probably strange for even remembering this specific part in belle de jour, but this scene definitely inspired me with my gold tooth photo project. I so love that creepy emphasis on his gold grillz. I don't know why, but every time I watch this film I always find something new to inspire me...not many films can do that and I love that about it. if you have never seen belle de jour, I highly suggest you see it, both catherine deneuve and pierre clémenti take noir chic to the next level.


belle de jour (1967)

on the marc

louis vuitton fall/winter 2003

with marc jacobs leaving louis vuitton I started to think about some his past collections and what I will remember most. I know most people love his various collaborations with japanese artist takashi murakami, but that is what I liked least about louis vuitton. it just seems too loud and label driven for my taste. personally, what I liked best at louis vuitton were the coats and capes. I remember back in 2000 marc jacobs designed a gorgeous blanket cape with a zig zag pattern and I loved that he even revamped this look back in 2012. perhaps, another brilliant winter coat season would have to be his fall/winter 2003 collection. this look in particular is one of my favorites. I just love that overall silhouette and the way that jacket plays with volume. its classic, but still so modern and I really like the added accessory of those long black leather gloves....its the perfect complement. perhaps, I am going off on a tangent, but there is also something very balenciaga about this look....I can't help but think of nicholas ghesquière 's brilliant fall 2006 collection. I could totally see this jacket being part of that collection. maybe that is why I like this look so much. either way, when I heard that nicholas ghesquière was taking over for louis vuitton this look immediately popped into my head. I have a feeling that we will be seeing similar shapes like this when nicholas ghesquière takes over. I am very excited too see what he has in mind at louis vuitton, but in the meantime, I will always appreciate the coats that marc jacobs designed during his years there. this form fitted silhouette will always be a classic and I love how 10 years later it still looks just as chic!

well structured

gareth pugh fall/winter 2013

looking at that louis vuitton jacket, I couldn't help but think about the gareth pugh fall/winter 2013 collection. I know these two collections are 10 years apart, but they both beautifully show how a well structured black jacket will never go out of style. there are so many great looks from this gareth pugh collection, but this noir ensemble might just be my favorite. I guess I am a sucker for a well fitted black coat, but what is not to love about this look? I think that silhouette is perfection and I also love the collar portion of the jacket. perhaps, my favorite part are those leather gloves. its interesting, how marc jacobs did the same with his structured jacket at louis vuitton. both designers show that a pair of black leather gloves are the perfect finishing touch to any elegantly structured black jacket. on a side note, its interesting to hear about what inspired gareth pugh for this collection. he mentioned a tribe of women called the asgarda that live in the carpathian mountains in europe, as well as, by the way women dressed from the late victorian era. I love the unlikely blend and I must say I am now looking into the asgarda women of the carpathian mountains....its always fascinating too discover what influences designers in their creative process. I would have never known and I just love how this collection blends dark romanticism in such a structured and sophisticated way. I highly suggest you check out this collection out if you have not seen.....its very sisters in black approved!

street schiaparelli

photo by gregory harris

this past weekend, I was skimming through the october issue of interview magazine and stumbled upon an eye catching editorial entitled karlie's couture. what caught my attention about the layout was that it seemed very sartorialist looking....meaning its all photographed on the street in such a casual-chic sort of way. I like editorials that take fashion to the street because that is where I think true style inspiration occurs. out of all the images from the layout, this pic in particular made me do a second take. perhaps, I am a bit bonkers, but I like this ensemble. after a doing a little research, I found out that the house of schiaparelli is now being relaunched. this outfit was designed special by christian lacroix just for this specific fall 2013 couture season. yes, this ensemble is a bit over the top, but I like those loose red pants and that corresponding black long sleeved top....its an odd pairing, but I think it works in an 80's christian lacroix sort of way....I like to call this look couture comfy chic. personally, my favorite part of the outfit has to be those striped adidas sandals. I must admit that I have the same sandals and I too like to wear them with socks. I have been wearing this look since the late 90's and I love seeing this now, in the pages of interview magazine....who knew this was still in style? I remember back in the day, models use to wear these sandals with colorful socks backstage at fashion shows and that is where I got my style inspiration from. its quite cool too see this look back again. its a strange, yet inspiring combination that I think somehow works. I don't know if people are interested in this label, but I will definitely keep an eye out for schiaparelli....am curious too see what marco zanini, the new designer, has in mind.

sexy back

photo by richard avedon

since I am feeling very richard avedon inspired this week I thought I would take a moment to look back at one of his best black frock moments. I don't know if many people even know of this image, but I loved this photograph the moment I saw it...this one is truly gorgeous. any chance I have to show off a beautiful black dress I will take full advantage. in case you were wondering, who the woman is, its actually model jean shrimpton. the photo was taken in 1965 at richard avedon's studio in paris. I love that halter dress silhouette and the way it drapes and highlights her beautiful back. I also appreciate the way jean shrimpton's hair somehow stands up on her own....her curls are styled to perfection. she looks so statuesque and I love all the glamour and mystique that this photo conveys. personally, I think its always sexier to show a little back, rather than some cleavage. for most women, the back is a nice part of the body to emphasize....boobs not so much. I might be going off on a tangent, but I see too many women who make that mistake. it should be the opposite, more back less chest. sometimes, I wish I could help certain women and teach them about covering up to look sexy. this photo perfectly exemplifies that. at any rate, I love that this image is over 48 years old and how it still looks completely modern. if there is one thing that this photograph teaches us is that there is beauty in not knowing.....bravo to richard avedon for capturing such an incognito chic and classic black frock moment!

avedon women

the exhibit opens with this photo of cheryl crane-daughter of actress lana turner

this past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of the avedon:women exhibit at the gagosian gallery. of course, I was very excited to see this show as I have always admired richard avedon's diverse visual style. the exhibition spans six decades of his work and it was quite amazing to see how the gallery managed to put all of this together....what a career he had! of course, we all know richard avedon for his imaginative fashion photography and his gorgeous celebrity portraits, but we also get too see another side of him and some images he took of anonymous female subjects. personally, I was very fascinated too see his less obvious works, just because there was such a raw and gritty appeal to them, much different than what we are normally use to seeing. it seemed like no matter who richard avedon photographed, he could always capture something unique and special. richard avedon was so versatile and I think that is what I appreciate most about his photography. at any rate, if you live in los angeles and admire richard avedon's amazing visual range than you should definitely check out this exhibit. its one thing too see his images in magazines and books, but too see his photos in real life is quite spectacular, this is something that does not happen very often, making it a definite must see. on a side note, that night of the show I decided to take some photographs, myself, as I felt motivated to snap some pics of inspiring style and somehow blend it in with the surrounding richard avedon photos....I was quite pleased by what I saw around me, hope you like, too!



where to begin....over 300 richard avedon contact prints featured on this wall



posing with dovima in my london black frock and gucci heels



laroux in a balenciaga jacket, chanel boots, and a vintage knit dress



I asked this man to pose for me, I liked his casual chic look with this specific avedon photo....



a chic black hat blended in with some avedon photos...such a perfect combination!



just happened to notice this black frock in motion....love that shape and silhouette

meaningful beauty

with lauren hutton

not sure how these two moments happened at the avedon:women exhibit, but I am so glad they did. I am never shy to go up to people that inspire me, so when I saw both lauren hutton and angelica huston I knew I had to say something. I admire these two women for embracing their individual beauty and for not changing who they are. immediately, when I noticed lauren hutton, so many thoughts ran through my head...just because I think she totally defined american style in the 70's. I also think she started the whole sporty chic trend and perhaps, she also made it okay for women to not have perfect teeth. the photo below is my favorite richard avedon photo of her. I just love that black dress and that stare that she is giving to the camera. she definitely excudes confidence and I feel that not many models, have an understanding of style quite like her. for some reason, I always think of this quote in which she said: fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers and style is what you choose...I think that is such inspiring fashion advice and when I chatted with her I mentioned that quote and what an impact it had on my style. she was very kind and out of nowhere she told me that I had a very chic way of dressing. I was completely flattered by that remark...never in a million years would I think she would say something like that, but I graciously said thank you...what a moment that was!


photo by richard avedon



laroux, myself, and angelica huston

as for angelica huston, that was another memorable moment. for years, I have admired her as an actress...who could forget her performance in the grifters or her iconic role as morticia addams in the addams family...nobody could work a black frock quite like her. I remember back in the 90's, I read an interview in harpers bazaar with angelica huston, in which she said: I'm going to make myself beautiful. I might not have physical perfection, but I'm going to think myself into being beautiful. I don't know why, but I always think of that quote and I love that she knows that beauty is not about being perfect, but about being confident in yourself. its all about working with what you've got and not fixing everything with plastic surgery. its obvious that richard avedon saw so much beauty and style with her and I thought he captured her so exquisitely in the 70's. this is one of my favorite images of her....I so love her facial expression, that cuff bracelet, and how she is holding that pistol...its hard to look glam with a gun, but angelica huston does it all so elegantly. I was so honored to to chat with her and to take this photo. its obvious that she loves to wear black so I knew we would get along. overall, it really was quite special to meet these two inspiring women....personally, I feel like there is so much to be learned from both lauren hutton and angelica huston as I believe that they both understand what true beauty and style is all about!


photo by richard avedon

roitfeld interview

photo by mario testino

to all our readers, please check out my latest article featured on I want to be a roitfeld. its actually not an article, but more a question and answer about what has been going on in my creative world within these past couple of months. I must thank kellina de boer (the editor-in-chief) for coming up with these brilliant and thought provoking questions. for some reason, my question and answer reminds me a bit of something out of interview magazine, but of course it is done in that I want to be a roitfeld signature style that we all know and love. perhaps, kellina was inspired by that magazine....at any rate, I discuss some of my favorite designers, hobbies, art galleries, and of course, I talk about carine roitfeld and when I first discovered her. this image featured is probably one of the first times I ever took notice of her and it was from that moment on that I became so inspired by her creative vision and obviously her amazing sense of style. in case you were wondering this mario testino photograph is from the august 2001 issue of US vogue. carine roitfeld looked so noir chic in that balenciaga snap and buckle black balenciaga shirt and skirt. she totally defined cutting edge style and even after 12 years I still look back to this signature carine roitfeld outfit. at any rate, if you like the topics I talk about on sisters in black, do have a read at my latest article...its all very relative to this blog. on a side note, I must give an extra thanks to kellina de boer for always being so supportive of all my creative endeavors. so glad to be collaborators, but above all friends.

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2013/10/28/iwtbar-style-editor-dara-block.html