stamp of approval

photo by helmut newton

okay, so I now have another reason to share yet another noir chic image from helmut newton's last editorial from the vogue italia march 2004 issue. oddly enough, after posting my thoughts on this iconic editorial I thought to myself why not mention it to franca sozzani? after all, she is the one who reminded me about this editorial and was kind enough to share with me some hidden details about it. in my message, I told her that I finally got around to analyzing my thoughts on this layout and that I would love for her to have a read when she has a free moment. I was for sure thinking to myself she wouldn't respond, just because I know how busy she is and I am sure people bother her all the time with their websites, clothing lines, etc. but she actually did quite the total opposite and responded shortly, thereafter. I was shocked and so completely honored that she took the time to write me this kind message. I guess this proves that you never know who is reading and I really love that after a couple of months of correspondence I was able to turn our conversations into some unexpected style and photo inspiration. to have franca sozzani's helmut newton stamp of approval means so much and I think its quite cool that she took the time to check out what I had too say. its difficult to put into words, how meaningful this is, but at any rate, I must thank franca sozzani for this generous response and for having such an immense passion for fashion photography...its great learning from her. so on that note, I dedicate these triple noir chic trench coat silhouettes too her, from helmut newton's last editorial, very sisters in black!


franca sozzani's message

the last goodbye

its always interesting to look back on fashion editorials that you have may have forgotten or overlooked. sometimes, new ideas can flourish or you might even pick up something you never noticed before. as we all know, I am a magazine fiend I am constantly looking at editorials both new and old, to find some source of style and photo inspiration. recently, I decided to re-read helmut newton's autobiography, so naturally I became a bit fascinated in discovering some less known helmut newton images. this is definitely one that I somehow forgot about and in case you are wondering these images are from the march 2004 issue of vogue italia. for some reason, while having a discussion about photographer deborah turbeville with franca sozzani (editor-in-chief of vogue italia), our conversation turned into one on helmut newton and somehow, this editorial got brought up. franca sozzani mentioned to me, how much she missed him and his work, and how special this editorial was to her. she even referred to him as "her photographer," which made the conversation, even more exciting. apparently, helmut newton died two months after shooting it, making it his last layout, ever. I don't know why, but that made me very intrigued and even a little sad, to know that this was his final one. I never really hear stories about photographer's last work....so that inspired me to look back on it. there isn't even a name to this layout, its just simply says by helmut newton and what I love most about this editorial is that it is very incognito chic. all the models, included mariacarla boscono, are accessorized with black wigs and sunnies and I love the practically all in black wardrobe. I guess you could this layout, is also very noir chic. personally, I loved 2004 in terms of fashion, I can see a lot of tom ford for yves saint laurent in these photos....so its no wonder, why I am so attracted to the look of this layout. I especially love those suits and the way they are styled. its effortless chic and I also love those sleek wigs, a helmut newton signature. this is an editorial that I could easily see in the pages of vogue paris, as well, but I just love how quintessential helmut newton, it is. for some reason after looking through this layout, I am now feeling inspired to buy a loosely fitted black suit....I guess that is when you know when you found the perfect fashion layout. at any rate, I must thank franca sozzani for making me aware of this editorial and for telling me all the hidden details behind this one, including that it was his last. its fascinating how this layout is now 10 years old and it still looks just as new. I love fashion editorials that get better time and this is certainly one of them. I think I will definitely put this layout in the incognito chic category, I wonder if franca sozzani feels the same.....


photos by helmut newton

sisters in towel turbans

in our towel turbans and sunnies

today, the sisters in black have reached a milestone....it is our five year blogoversary. its amazing how fast the time goes by and I will never forget that january day in 2009, when my sister suggested to me that we start a style blog. at first, I remember I hesitated, just because I thought I would run out of ideas, but surprisingly, it has been quite the opposite. in the beginning, I think I lacked direction, but I feel like throughout the years, my vision has gotten stronger and more coherent. I must admit, I don't even know who reads this blog, or if people even understand half of the topics I talk about, but to be completely honest, I don't really care. all I know is that I love to have a medium where I can combine my passion for style, photography, and writing. I like to think of my blog as a visual scrapbook of ideas and it makes me so happy to know that I have a place where I can go to, to express all that. this is where I like to turn to when I am feeling inspired and I love to share all my thoughts with our readers. on that note, I must thank my family, friends, and I would like to make a special shout out to a fellow blogger, prêt à porter....as she always shares such eloquent and inspiring commentary with us.

at any rate, I thought we would celebrate with a photo shoot. this is a look that us sisters in black are kind of known for, so we thought why not showcase what we do best....which is a towel turban, bathrobe, and some sunnies. I actually took this photo of us, a couple of months ago, while we were on vacation in napa valley and I think its a cute representation of our style. when staying at a hotel, this look is very mandatory and it has totally become our signature.....very incognito chic and in case you were wondering we are both wearing oliver peoples sunnies. I hope you can see the humor and glamour with this image, but most importantly I hope you have enjoyed our blog over the past five years....thanks again to all our readers, and here's to more inspiring years ahead, sisters in black style!

money can't buy it

annie lennox

the inspiration for our towel turban with mirror image came from watching annie lennox's money can't buy it video from 1995 and I must thank my dear friend cristhian, for sharing this video with me. for some reason, I never saw this video back in the 90's, so watching it now, was a complete revelation. first of all, as we all know I love a towel turban and I admire the way annie lennox wears hers in this video. she looks so stunning and I like the way she is singing to herself in the mirror. the video is quite simple, nothing complicated, just effortless beauty in a towel turban. this is a still image from it and I love the way her make-up looks. she has the best eyes and I like the way her red lipstick looks with her gorgeous pale skin, and towel turban. she is quite striking and there is definitely something alluring about her. she's not trying too hard either, which makes it all that more interesting. perhaps, this video is an excellent example of minimal-glam, something I saw a lot of back in the day. however you want to classify it, I thought annie lennox looked the best in the 90's, especially with all her videos from her medusa album. I don't know why, but I feel like she should be more recognized as a style icon, as this video clearly emphasizes just how stylish and fashion forward she really is. she proves that all a woman really needs in a music video is a fabulous red dress, a mirror, and one chic towel turban. who says you need a lot of money to be glamorous...sometimes, you just need these beauty basics. if you have never seen this video or heard annie lennox's medusa album, I suggest you check them both out. this video is definitely one of my favorites and I am so glad we got to do a sisters in black frocks version, loosely inspired by this fabulous video.

a great allure

photo by deborah turbeville

my deborah turbeville photo inspiration continues again and I must thank franca sozzani (editor-in-chief of vogue italia) for sharing some editorials that I should look back on. how we have had these conversations, still baffles me, but I love to be inspired, so I gladly accept. this is the image that I currently cannot get out of my head and it is from the march 2009 issue of vogue italia. the editorial is entitled cornelia and bianca brandolini: a great allure. as we all know, I live for a mysteriously chic fashion moments and this image has all that, and more. its interesting how her outfit is all in white, yet this photo feels very dark. I also admire how the background is blurred out and the way her outfit pops out, especially that skirt. I have no idea who made that skirt, but my guess, is valentino. I love that silhouette of her body and the way her skirt moves with nature....its so striking and I also think it is such a beautiful contrast. I feel like there is almost a dizzying effect with this photo and I don't know why, but I feel like this could be a scene from a film, maybe jane campion's portrait of a lady. whatever the film comparison may be, I think its such a haunting and ethereal image. I think deborah turbeville could have easily been a director....so many of her layouts have such a film-like quality, this one is a perfect example. she worked so well with nature and fashion and somehow connecting it all to the outdoors. whether in the snow or in the forest, she definitely knew how to capture such eye-catching moments. this one feels very incognito chic, even though she is wearing all white. only deborah turbeville could do that....check this vogue italia editorial out, if you missed it....truly inspiring!

mysteriously chic

at the gagosian gallery

I must admit, I love to go to art galleries, but not just for the art, but for style watching, too. last weekend, I attended the william eggleston at zenith opening and happened to notice this intriguing pair. oddly enough, I have photographed them before at the same gallery and I am always fascinated by what they wear. they usually show up in some eye catching ensembles. I have a whole series of them draped in veils and burqa silhouettes that I should eventually share on our blog, but as of now, I was very much inspired by these outfits that I saw them wear that night. she was adorned in a beautiful white grecian style dress and he was dressed in an intricate black pleather-like cape. I love the way they both looked together as they walked...its such a beautiful contrast of black and white drapery. I don't know why, but looking at this photo I was somehow reminded of my current deborah turbeville photo inspiration. perhaps, its the movement, the fabric, or just the overall mystique. whatever it may be, I am not sure why, but I am always attracted to people as they walk away....I just find it so mysteriously chic. I think there is something so alluring about draped fabric as it moves. plus, I think there is beauty in not knowing, especially when it comes to fashion. personally, I think its better for the imagination. it allows for you to come up with a stylish story in your head about who these people might be. at any rate, I have always been a fan of grecian style dressing....especially designers like, madame grès. I assume that explains where my love of drapery comes from....so to catch an inspiring moment like this, was very exciting. I am sure I will see these two again at another art opening, and I hope for more style and drapery to come my way. this ethereal fashion moment was definitely the highlight of the show!

winter discovery

photo by emma summerton

randomly, a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon this image from vogue italia and became obsessed with it. emma summerton is a photographer that I am seeing more and more of these days and I am liking her visual aesthetic. just open up any recent issue of w magazine and vogue italia and you will most likely see her work, she has quite the eye and is so good at capturing feminine beauty. at any rate, this image is from the october 2009 issue and an editorial entitled a coat mania. out of all the pics in the layout, this one totally caught my eye. I must admit I never really thought about a turban in the winter, but now I am thinking with this brilliant photo that the look can be done. just pair it with a simple turtleneck or a sleek black coat, and you have got yourself such a noir chic look. I love the way these two models both look in their black turbans. I think karlie kloss looks so stylish with that turtleneck and I love the pop of that vibrant orange-red lipstick. it definitely adds such a rich appeal to her look. also, I think jourdan dunn looks extremely elegant in her turban. it looks like she is also wearing a black turtleneck dress with her turban and I like the added element of those leather gloves. plus, her vamp lipstick makes her look that much more sleek and sophisticated. to me, this is the epitome of noir chic and I think this is such perfect winter style inspiration. if you have never seen this layout I suggest you reminisce back...one of the best emma summerton editorials!

turban and gun

photo by danny feser

I don't know why, but looking at that vogue italia image somehow reminded me of this turban and gun moment I had a couple of weeks ago. don't worry the gun is fake....I happened to wander into a market in palm springs and they were selling fake wooden guns. strange, yes....but of course, I had to turn it into an obscure photo moment. just for fun, I thought I would test one out and for some reason I thought it blended well with my norma kamali black turtleneck dress, sunnies, and turban. I use to think that turbans only worked in the summer, but now I have come to realize that you can wear one in the winter. I would say a darker colored turban for the winter, and maybe a more vibrant color for the summer....that seems more ideal. I never really realized how complementary a black turban with a turtleneck could look, until now. perhaps, that vogue italia image of karlie kloss and jourdan dunn brought about some kind of fashion epiphany. not sure how that happened, but unexpected style inspiration is always the best and I love it when an editorial has the kind of effect. on that note, I think its safe too say that my number one current winter trend, is a black turban with black turtleneck. not sure, if this trend will catch on, but its the look I am feeling, right now!

little black alaïa

sofia coppola

with the golden globes this weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to one special black frock. interestingly, sofia coppola wore this azzedine alaïa dress exactly 10 years ago and I love how modern and classic it still remains to be. I believe she wore this azzedine alaïa in 2004 and it was when she won her golden globe for best screenplay with her film, lost in translation. that was such a great year for her, as both a film and style maker. I must admit most of the fashion I have seen over the years, at the golden globes, has past right through me, but this one still resonates in my mind. perhaps, its no surprise, that I love this look, but sofia coppola beautifully shows how timeless and classic a little black dress can be. I know that some people may see this as an ordinary black dress, but too me I see, so many incredible details. first of all, I love the drapery, especially the way it wraps over her chest and I also love how fitted it is. there is some kind of unique gold chain behind the drapery that really adds such a stunning and simple silhouette. I would almost say it has a grecian style to it, that I find so eye catching. I also love that she decided to wear her signature black flats with her alaïa. I remember in 2004, fashion critics said how she ruined her dress by wearing flats, but I thought it added so much style and flair to her overall look. it made me like sofia coppola's way of dressing even better after seeing her, in those flats. nowadays, we see so many unoriginal women on red carpets, so too see sofia coppola pair a gorgeous azzedine alaïa dress with such simple shoes, made it all that more interesting and unique. just by watching her pose on the red carpet, its obvious that you can tell that she is not the product of a stylist, which I so admire. I remember there use to be a time when dresses were worn with passion and not publicity and I so wish red carpet fashion was more like that, these days. at any rate, I know I shouldn't live in the past, but I would love too see more elegant and simple black frocks like this azzedine alaïa on the red carpet....brava to sofia coppola for such a memorable and iconic golden globes look, this is what true style is all about!

modern grecian

lanvin fall/winter 2012

for some reason, while studying the details of sofia coppola's azzedine alaïa dress I couldn't help but be reminded of this look from lanvin's fall/winter 2012 collection. this was a very interesting collection, this season marked alber elbaz's 10 year anniversary at the label and featured all sorts of dresses on the runway. I assume too display what alber elbaz does best. whether you love an hourglass waist, a voluminous skirt, a little dance dress, a redingote coat, or a flouncy taffeta trench....all was showcased this season. there was also a distinct separation between the very colorful and more subdued dresses. I know this is not a surprise, but I responded more to the darker looks. this was the one dress from the collection that made me do a double take....I don't know why, but I like the way that this dress drapes. you can tell underneath the layering that there is a very simple silhouette and I like that the fabric adds a little something extra to the shape. perhaps, it looks like a modern grecian dress especially with that belt and the way that fabric ruches together. the color blocking is also interesting with the dress underneath being black and the drapery over it, being a grayish navy tone. the dress definitely has a certain goddess quality to it and I like that it falls right above the knee...making it more wearable for the everyday woman. personally, I think drapery and shape is what alber elbaz does best and I love it when lanvin goes in that direction...this is an excellent example of how to properly wear a modern grecian dress, am definitely taking notes on this look!

it's all in the details

my parasol

this month, franca sozzani (the editor-in-chief) of vogue italia has gone with the theme of detail for her latest instagram challenge. the motive is to take pictures of what, you think makes something special. it can range from the details of a place, an object, a face, or even a moment. immediately, I loved this challenge because it leaves a lot up to the imagination. a couple of weeks ago, I submitted this photo that I took of my parasol in my patio over the summer and what do you know it was the first photo selected by franca sozzani. I was completely shocked because there are so many great photographers who have submitted some really interesting images and I do not feel like I am any way near as good, as them. at any rate, I felt so honored to be the first one picked. I bought this parasol back in 2009, while on a family vacation in israel and I must say I love the design and silhouette of this parasol....its beyond elegant and it has such a feminine quality to it. also, in certain lighting you can see all the black lace detail of my parasol and I for sure wanted to capture that in my photo. my patio has symmetrical square lines on the ground and I thought with the design of the parasol it would make for an interesting combination. its really, all about capturing that perfect angle. in the end, I loved the way it came out....its simple, yet complicated, with all that lace detail, and I love the noir feeling that this photo conveys. I am so happy that franca sozzani saw the beauty in this one, too. I so appreciate how her photo challenges allow me too see things from a new and unique perspective. now, I am starting to understand when people say its often a detail that makes a difference.....

parasol inspiration

photo by irving penn

in case you were wondering, where the inspiration came from, for my parasol patio image...well, here it is. I was very much influenced by this irving penn photo of nicole kidman from the september 2003 issue of US vogue. I loved the way she looked in this rochas by olivier theyskens tiered brocade black dress. this is the olivier theyksens that I miss immensely, and I so wish he still designed dramatic dresses like this. rochas was so special, at this time. for some reason, I still get nostalgic for his early days. at any rate, I think my favorite part about this photo, has to be her black parasol. I love how you can see all that design and texture. for some reason, when I was looking back at this photo, I couldn't help but gravitate towards the beauty of her parasol and I totally thought I should do the same with mine. its amazing what some sunlight and black lace can do and I must say I had no idea that nicole kidman's parasol would end up inspiring me, but I love it when something like that happens. its always the most random moments, that can have a huge style impact. this will always be one of my all time favorite irving penn images....nicole kidman never looked better and I love it when she looks noir chic. I don't know about you, but this was the reason why I had to purchase a black parasol for my wardrobe...its just the perfect accessory, don't you think?