new year's yves

photo by mikael jansson

it has become a tradition on sisters in black frocks to end the year with an homage to yves saint laurent and while I know hedi slimane has dropped the yves, I still think this photo counts. I have been saving this image for the perfect day and now I think the time has come. in case you were wondering, this pic is from the march issue of interview magazine and it is from one of my favorite editorials in 2013. the layout is entitled the art of shopping and it takes place at the legendary bergdorf goodman department store in new york city. there are so many clever and stylish images in the editorial, but this is by far, my favorite one. what is not to love about these hedi slimane for saint laurent looks on these two models......this collection was definitely one of my top 10 of the year and I think karl templer did an impeccable job with the styling. its not only the clothes that I admire, but I also like how in the moment, it is. immediately my eye gravitates toward those wide brimmed black hats and the way they practically cover their faces.....there is so much mystery conveyed, leaving much to think about. personally, I think there is something very sisters in black frocks about these image, almost like a photo shoot we would do. I like how these two models are walking side by side with their bergdorf goodman bags all decked out in those floor sweeping saint laurent gowns. I also love the fluidity of those saint laurent dresses as they move. there is something kind of witchy about these looks together, but I think it works in that hedi slimane goth chic way, we all know and love. I respect that hedi slimane really kept with his own aesthetic in this collection, but still incorporated those classic ysl elements. somehow, I can see the late yves saint laurent approving of hedi slimane's vision for his spring 2013 collection and perhaps even loving this photo. if you have not seen this stunning mikael jansson layout from the march issue of interview magazine I highly suggest you take a look....it doesn't get any more incognito noir chic than this. so on that note, happy new years yves and of course, to more dark glamour in 2014!

full of grace

after much consideration, I think I have picked my favorite editorial of the year. interestingly, I think it corresponds so well with the annual christmas eve midnight mass special that airs on television and with pope francis being named time magazine's 2013 person of the year. I am by no means a religious person, but I have always had a strange fascination with the way the way nuns dress and also, the pope. perhaps, it has something to do with all that drapery of their gowns or maybe their habits and headdresses, whatever it may be, I find it all so stylish and I love it when editorials can somehow see all that style and beauty, that I see. I was quite taken earlier this year, when I saw this vogue brazil editorial from the february 2013 issue and I must say months later I still feel very strongly about it. the layout is actually entitled cheia de graça, which translates as full of grace and features model izabel goulart dressed as a luxurious and decadent nun who looks like she is yet to take her vows of poverty. I love how dramatic and cinematic this layout is and I don't know why, but I think it feels very much like a film. its not only the clothes that standout, but that beautiful church setting....so much detail in every aspect. the layout was styled by vogue japan's editor-at-large anna dello russo and she styled izabel goulart in pieces from chanel, fausto puglisi, and dolce & gabbana....just to name a few. its interesting how this is actually high fashion and not actually nun attire....it really takes religious chic to a whole new level. at any rate, I think it is brilliantly styled and I love how glamorous it is. this is definitely the kind of religion I like....there are more images from this layout that I will share in the future, but as for now, these are the ones that I am feeling inspired by. oddly enough, now, whenever I think of pope francis at the vatican these are the photos that will forever be implanted in my brain. I love it when an editorial, gets me thinking interesting thoughts that go beyond fashion....this one is a classic!





photos by giampaolo sgura

rosary mode

photo by my sister

I hesitated about posting this image, but I thought the timing seemed rather appropriate and after looking at that stunning vogue brazil layout I said to myself.....why not? my sister actually took this photo of me last year in italy when my family and I went to visit the vatican. when I look back at my time there and all of the amazing detail that was put into st. peter's basilica, I still can't believe how all that was executed and even though I was not born catholic, I think there is something beautiful for everyone to discover. I must admit, I have always had a fascination with rosary necklaces. perhaps, it all started with madonna in the 80's and even that film the craft from 1996. I don't know why, but growing up I loved the way those girls in that film dressed....especially fairuza balk and her goth-like rosary necklaces. those are my two very obscure rosary moments that I so vividly remember and as of now, I am looking back at the fall 2008 givenchy collection for style inspiration...as there are some really interesting noir chic rosary necklaces from that season. at any rate, when I was at the vatican last year, they had rosary necklaces everywhere and I was so delighted to try this one on. yes, it is a bit oversized, but I thought it complemented my white dress with headband and dior sunnies quite perfectly. I might even look like a nun in this photo, but I think it somehow works. I was also so glad that my sister snapped this moment as I have always wanted a perfect rosary moment. whether in the 90's or today, I will always admire the look and style of rosary necklaces and I think crosses can look very holy chic if you wear them in the right way!

the bridonna

christian lacroix fall 2009 couture

somehow, by looking at that giampaolo sgura vogue brazil layout and my impromptu photo shoot at the vatican I couldn't help but think about the christian lacroix fall 2009 couture collection and this bridonna look. I have no idea if bridonna is an actual word, but I like too think, that it is. if you take some time to observe each aspect of this model in that extravagant wedding dress you can definitely see how she is a unique blend of a bride and the madonna....two very interesting combinations. there is something very holy and religious about this look, that I so admire. I must admit I am not the hugest fan of christian lacroix just because I think he is a little too meretricious, for my taste, but I still admire his skill as a designer.....he was a true couturier. this was actually the final look from his last collection, before he was sadly forced out of business and I think he certainly closed on a high note. in case you are unfamiliar with haute couture, most shows end with a bridal look and I think this one takes religious chic to a whole new level. there is so much attention to detail with those floral designs and with that satin gown. plus, let's not forget that eye catching gilded headdress. I also love how she reminds me of an image of a saint in a devotional church painting....I could totally see this on a ceiling in the vatican. there really is so much to look at and I think this bridonna look is a magnificent combination of art and fashion. christian lacroix always ended his collections with some amazing brides and if you have never seen I highly suggest you go back and reminisce on some of his past bridal looks. this is my personal favorite. perhaps, I am style bonkers, but one day I would love to go back to the vatican and wear this look there....I think this bridonna ensemble would be rather appropriate, don't you think?

a winter in st. petersburg

photo by deborah turbeville

happy official first day of winter....I thought this image seemed rather appropriate for today. recently, I was looking back at the vogue italia july 2006 issue and came across an interesting editorial entitled a winter in st. petersburg photographed by deborah turbeville. she passed away a couple of months ago and ever since I heard the news I must confess I have been quite obsessed with reminiscing through her body of work. she had a magical way of blending darkness with high fashion that I found so inspiring. I also admire how cinematic her editorials were. just study this image and you can see how it conveys a story without using words. its all about their faces and body language. plus, I think those beautiful black ensembles contrasted with that white snow, indicates so much. its obvious they are both in agony and I loved how deborah turbeville was never afraid to channel the dark side....I believe she was one of the first fashion photographers, to do so. at any rate, I have a fascinating story to tell. I recently messaged franca sozzani through instagram asking her if she would be paying homage to deborah turbeville in the pages of vogue italia. surprisingly, she responded to my message and told me the december issue would be dedicated to her. I had no idea she would even answer me, but the intriguing part was when she wrote me back saying how much she missed deborah turbeville and how she would never forget the moment she discovered her. I was surprised by how lengthy she was with her response, but I so appreciated her taking the time to answer my question. franca sozzani has a major passion for photography and I love that she totally understood my fascination with deborah turbeville's visual style. our conversation got even more intriguing with discussions about helmut newton, herb ritts, and even nelson mandela. I will save my franca sozzani stories for another post, but in the meantime, I just love how sisters in black this deborah turbeville image is. I don't know about you, but this photo makes me want to put on a black cape and act dramatic in the snow. perhaps, I am a bit overboard, but I love how captivating her work can be. she definitely could always see such beauty in darkness and I think that is what I will miss the most about her....if you have never seen this editorial, I highly suggest you look back on it...perfect for the winter's solstice!

the cape dress

viktor & rolf fall 2013 couture

I don't know why, but looking at those dramatic black capes in that deborah turbeville photo got me thinking about viktor & rolf's brilliant fall 2013 couture collection. I have been waiting for the right time to discuss this season and now seems rather appropriate. personally, I think this viktor & rolf collection goes above and beyond and I love how sisters in black frocks, it is. its very rare for me to like every look that comes down the runway, but there is just something so noir chic about this entire collection. I love that it is high concept and completely wearable, at the same time. not many couture collections can do all that, but I think that is what makes this one so special. it appears as though, all of the looks are made out of the same black silk fabric and I like that all the models are wearing the same ropy sandals. its complicated, but yet so simple and I can totally see a japanese influence on this collection. personally, I see elements of yohji yamamoto, when I look through this season.

at any rate, out of all 20 looks from the collection, this black cape dress was my favorite. it appears so fashion forward from all angles, but I chose this image because I love how it looks, close-up. you can certainly see all that detail and of course that exquisite ruching. I also love that this cape is not very long, it is cut just below the knees...making it much more practical, perhaps, a day time cape....however, you want to classify it, you have to admit that this is an amazing piece. I know some people may see this ensemble as an enormous black blob, but I see beautiful structure and shape. I don't know why its been 13 years since viktor & rolf last designed a couture collection, but this is a sure sign that they must be doing more avant-garde and wearable fashion. I live for collections like this and I think this has to be one the best winter collection of the season....its always a thrill too see such practical couture in black!

to have and to hold

my beauty in wonderland montage

so my other exciting news is that my beauty in wonderland book has finally arrived from milan. in september, I mentioned that the photos franca sozzani selected would be placed inside a special moleskin journal. so after three long months, I can proudly say that the book is here and I must admit I cannot stop looking through it. so many inspiring photos to peruse through and how I got four photos inside this book still makes no sense, but I feel so honored that franca sozzani has taken notice of my work. this is by far such a creative highlight of my year and even though it took so long to receive I am glad it came in december, its the perfect way to end 2013....such a personal achievement. on a side note, I thought for fun, I would put together a montage of one of the photos in the book of me on the beach in my rick owens ensemble and black parasol and blend it with one of my favorite images of linda evangelista from the vogue italia june 1990 issue, and of course, the condé nast package it arrived in....I even thought the packaging was chic, too. at any rate, I thought this seemed like the perfect celebratory image....its got that vogue italia spirit mixed in with a sisters in black edge....quite a suiting combination. I don't know when I will be able to fully process how this all came about with the recognition and book, but I feel like I should really enjoy the moment...this is not an everyday thing. as of now, I don't know what will happen next, but if there is one thing I have learned through this entire beauty in wonderland experience, is that it is always important to stay creative, think different, and to believe in yourself...as you never know who is watching!

playing by heart

my chosen heart

this past week, I had two surprising and exhilarating things happen to me. I will share it in segments, but here is the first of the exciting news. it actually started in october.....franca sozzani (the editor-in-chief of vogue italia) decided to ask her instagram followers to post various images dealing with the theme of the heart. there were no rules to the challenge, just to try and be as creative as possible. of course, I sent in a couple of pics...only because I felt inspired by the shape of the heart. at any rate, this is the photo she chose and I think out of all 3 photos that I sent, this was definitely the most eye catching. in case you were curious, I played with my shadow and took a photo of my hand with a cut out heart and enhanced it with bluish tones. I must say I was so surprised to have a 9th photo selected by franca sozzani, as I totally admire what she has done for vogue italia in the past 25 years. it just seems a bit unreal that she would even notice me, but I feel so grateful for the opportunity. at any rate, with this challenge, there was a very interesting reward. my photo was 1 out of the 44 selected that was used on a limited edition bottle of disaronno alcohol and a collaboration with the italian fashion house moschino. the project is actually called moschino loves disaronno. it really was so cool to be included in this and I think the greatest part is that the profits for the moschino loves disaronno bottles will be donated to the charity fashion 4 development (sponsored by the united nations) to support the work of talented fashion designers in africa, with franca sozzani, as its goodwill ambassador. I had no idea that she was such a humanitarian, but I like that she does more than just run a fashion magazine. she truly is an inspiration and its great that through all this, I am able to discover all the fascinating projects that she is part of. I was also delighted to find out that earlier in the week, there was an unveiling of the limited edition moschino loves disaronno bottles in milan, and I thought it was quite cool that she put the bottles on display at the party. you can check out all the hearts including mine on vogue.it I am hoping that I will be able to get my hands on my special bottle...at any rate, I really enjoyed being part of something for such a good and stylish cause, grazie franca for including me once again in your vision!

here is the link:
http://www.vogue.it/en/magazine/daily-news/2013/12/heartfrancasozzani1#ad-image306865

sisters in issey miyake

this past weekend I asked my sister to help me find a new bilbao bag and I am pleased to say that I found a one of a kind pleats please messenger bag. I never knew issey miyake made this type of bag, but I am so excited to welcome this unique piece into my wardrobe. I promise to share my new bag in the future, but as of now, my sister and I can't stop obsessing over this issey miyake scarf. we first stumbled upon it on a mannequin in the window and we were both amazed by the structure and shape of that collar. also, by its versatility. you can wear the scarf so many ways. the mannequin had it bundled up and paired with a signature pleats please black dress. the look was so simple, but yet so eye catching with just the added element of that scarf. naturally, we took the scarf off the mannequin and both decided to try it on. its interesting how my sister and I chose to wear the scarf. my sister went for a more bohemian approach. I like how she layered it across her neck and the way it looks with her oliver peoples sunnies and her sleek hair bun. she makes this issey miyake look all her own and I so appreciate that. as for me, I chose a more japanese and futuristic way of wearing it. I live for incognito-chic fashion and with this scarf you can do just that. I was quite amazed by how oddly glam it looked in this pic, even with it covering my mouth. I also love the texture of those handmade buttons on that scarf and the way it contrasts with my paul smith sunnies....such an interesting blend. who knew a scarf could take on so many styles and shapes.....at any rate, neither one of us bought the scarf as the price was rather expensive, but we certainly enjoyed our impromptu photoshop, this is such an avant-garde piece, that is so our style....always something interesting from issey miyake!


photos by the sisters in black

bilbao dream

issey miyake fall/winter 2012

I love it when I find an inspiring look on the runway, even if it is from a menswear collection. as of now, I am all about finding that perfect winter black jacket and I feel like this might be my dream look. anyone who knows me is aware that I am very much obsessed with this signature issey miyake print as I carry around my bilbao bag wherever I go....so too see this pattern on a jacket is quite amazing. personally, I would love to wear this look in real life. its sleek, modern, and so cutting edge with those geometric designs. plus, what I also appreciate about it, is how practical it is.....this outfit could easily go from day to night, its all about the styling and how you choose to wear it. if this jacket seems to good to be true, it most likely is. I have a friend who told me that he went to the pleats please store in new york and asked about it. sadly, he told me that this jacket was made only for the runway and if it were to be sold it would cost about $30,000. I was somewhat surprised when I heard the price, but in a way I was not, because I know how much detail and time goes into making that signature bilbao print. this jacket definitely is a perfect blend of art and fashion, so I guess it is safe too say that the only place I will be seeing this jacket will be in my dreams.....I hate it when chic fashion is unattainable, such torture!

together forever

my issey miyake bilbao bag

so, I may not have that incredible issey miyake jacket, but I am glad too say that I have an equally chic bilbao bag with the same print. I bought this bag back in 2009 at the pleats please store in new york city and I must admit I still love it just as much as the day I bought it. I don't know if many people can say that about most of the purses they own, but this one has been such a major source of style inspiration in my life. I feel like wherever I go, it somehow becomes some sort of photo and style project. just this past summer, I went to the adamson house in malibu and decided to juxtapose my bag with the amazing tile work on that house. I don't even know if the photo is that great, but I love the way that colorful spanish tile pattern contrasts with the design of my bag....very eye catching if you ask me! this was a very spur of the moment photo, but I love how uniquely stylish my bilbao purse is. on a side note, I must admit that I don't think I could ever get tired of this bag....while some girls praise their louis vuitton and hermès bags, I stand by my bilbao purse....I love it when fashion meets art and this does just that and so much more!

lucent tote

the bilbao lucent tote

I don't normally like to buy the same bag in different colors, but there is something about this bilbao lucent bag that has caught my eye. interestingly, I stumbled upon a woman, last year in italy, carrying this same bag and I immediately gravitated towards the design and color. I was so surprised too see that bag in such an unusual hue, but I loved the way it looked on the street. yes, I know its not black, but I think with the right ensemble this lucent bag can look quite striking. oddly enough, just last week I came across this image and fell in love with the styling. first of all, I must confess I am sucker for a sporty chic look and I love the way this person paired that lucent tote with those corresponding nike tennis shoes. personally, I think this is an excellent example of how to wear color. I carry my bilbao bag to the gym all the time so seeing this reassures me that I could easily get away with this purse in a bright tone. so, as of now, I am on the hunt for that perfect bilbao bag in a vibrant color. yes, its a bit of a departure for me, but I can't help it, sometimes you just need a little pop of color...wish me luck on my bilbao journey!

pretty woman

photo by sante d'orazio

I recently stumbled upon this image of julia roberts from instyle magazine and totally did a double take. I think this might be one of my favorite images of her. she just looks so stunning in that black dress with veil. photographer sante d'orazio shot this image of her in italy and I love the unique contrast of that country scenery with her long black dress and veil. plus, I think that silhouette is total perfection. this is a side of julia roberts that we rarely get too see in editorials, but I like seeing her this way. personally, I think this feels more national geographic than in style magazine. not sure why, but I seem to have forgotten about photographer sante d'orazio. he was one of my favorites in the 90's, but for some reason he escaped my brain once the 90's were over....strange how that happened, but I like how I am now discovering some unseen images. this photo was actually taken in 2007 and I love seeing julia roberts in this noir burqa shape! I think we get use too seeing the typical image of julia roberts with her big smile that we forget about some of her more obscure and lesser known images. if you look back at some of her editorials with herb ritts and deborah turbeville you can definitely see her in a different light....perhaps, a more dark and ethereal side, which I much rather prefer. at any rate, this sante d'orazio image is truly unforgettable and I love how sisters in black it is...I now feel like putting on a long black dress with veil and reenacting this sante d'orazio image, always love it when some unexpected noir style inspiration, magically appears in my life!