Fashion and the Steal

My Latest Bag Temptations

I am a definite fan of bags by Prada (the leather's like butter!), Bottega Veneta, Armani and such. However I recently became fixated with bags from first one, then a second label not on the typical fashionista's must-have list.

First, there are specific details that I look for when I search for a bag (or happen upon one).

My list of bag preferences include:

Top handles ... I've noticed that the longer the strap, the more you tend to feel the weight of the bag.
Croc embossed details ... I like the added depth of tones provided with this detail.
Pockets ... I'm a working girl and love quickly finding what I need when I'm on the move.
Rolled handles ... They don't cut into the hand/arm as much.

Enough of my issues. Here are my two recent bag obsessions:

Dooney & Bourke's Pleated Croc Satchel - The resort style handle made me envision flowing skirts, pretty sheath dresses and cropped pant suits on ladies who lunch.

Brahmin's Louise Rose Satchel - This bag totally appealed to my Hitchcock Femme Fatal in pencil skirts and slingbacks or squared-toe pumps. I originally was drawn to the taupe-colored Almond (first picture - which made me think of Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair) but then fell for Pecan ... Pure Beauty. Did I also mention it has several pockets?!

Posted from my iPhone

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: ZMode (Series vol. 3)

Z-Mode is the label by Lithuanian-born designer Victoria Rangayah. Rangayah studied fashion in South Africa and fell in love with the country, people and culture, which she says definitely inspires her.

I would say that Z-Mode's style is pretty, delicate and lady-like with a contemporary touch.

"What sets us apart from our competitors is our interesting mix of menswear suiting fabrics combined together with feminine fabrics such [as] silks and chiffons. We love to contrast masculine and feminine details, which gives our garments it’s creative edge."

Here's what Victoria says about herself and Z-Mode:

How did you get into fashion?

My mother’s old clothes were my first point of inspiration to become a fashion designer. After cutting up few of her dresses and later on few of my husband’s shirts I have decided that it’s time to study fashion.

Did you go to school for training?

I have studied fashion design for 3 years at LISOF (London School of Fashion South Africa)

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?

Having spent 5 years in Africa, this culture rich continent is still my first point of inspiration. I also love art and find it very inspiring. Sometimes the colour or the shape of abstract art can trigger my 'creative genius in me'. I also look for inspiration in unusual places like old buildings or even African squatter camps are great for inspiration!

Do you prefer certain materials?

I absolutely love men’s suiting fabrics; I get so excited walking in menswear section in department stores and try to imagine how these fabrics would work in my designs. I love mixing different textures and different fabrics, although silk fabric is still my favorite of all!

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?

Z-Mode clothes are targeted to over 25 years old customers; however we do have styles that can be suitable to younger girls too. Strong minded, confident, sophisticated - those are the characteristics of Z-Mode customer.

Z-Mode will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week. To learn more about Z-Mode, go to: Z-Mode

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 2 Post: Designer Profile: Amato Couture

Series vol. 4 Post: Designer Profile: Nikolo Bertok
Series vol. 5 Post: Designer Flik Hall
Series vol. 6 Post: Designer Profile: Lipop London
Series vol. 7 Post: Designer Jonathan Liang
Series vol. 7 Post: Designer Belinda Liu
Series vol. 7 Post: Designer Berit NY

Fashion News

Young Designers Fashion Show

The 2010 Young Designer Show will be hosted by Annaliese Dayes (from Britain’s next top model) and W.Livingston Gilchrist (Playvybz’s Radio Presenter) on Saturday 17th July 2010.

Over twenty innovative young designers showcase their collections the Young Designer Show is a show of inspiration, motivation and networking which aims raise the profile of exceptionally gifted young fashion designers some of them as young as 13 years up to 25 years and beyond.

DSUK One-Day Sale

Summer One-Day Sale
Friday, 23 July
11am - 9pm
Exclusive VIP hour
10am-11am
Advance purchase ticket only £25 on website for early VIP admission

Venue
The Music Rooms
26 South Molton Lane
London W1K 5AB

Transport
Nearest tubes:
Bond Street (Central Line)

Entry on the day
£2
Credit/Debit cards subject to £2 surcharge.

For more info or to purchase VIP tickets, go to DSUK Sale

'A La Mode' Designer Profile: Amato Couture (Series vol. 2)

Amato Couture is the brainchild of Filipino designer Furne One, who is based in Dubai. Amato caters to an elite Arab following.

Thanks to supermodel Heidi Klum, Amato Couture is also reaching celebrity status in Germany ... getting featured in the newspapers and magazines in addition to TV coverage. Klum put One's label on the international map when she selected him to design the gowns for 18 models to wear in the final round of Germany's Next Top Model.

Below is a look at Furne One, in his own words ...

How did you get into fashion?

I guess it all started when I was a little boy. I would spend hours marveling at both my mother's and my grandmother's fashionable wardrobes. As I got older, I realized that if I was ever going to be somebody when I grew up, it would have to be someone who designs dreamy dresses that would make girls all starry-eyed.

Did you go to school for training?

Not exactly, I took up advertising back in college; my actual training in fashion was something I got when I went to New York and worked with designer Josie Natori as part of my winning the grand prize in a design competition sponsored by a popular Philippine glossy back in the 90's.

What do you do for inspiration? How do you get inspired to create a collection?

I draw inspiration from a lot of non fashion related things. Like the four seasons for example. And vintage items like old lace, finely crafted cameos and interesting antique pieces. I've always thought that things that have seen the passing of time are so much more intriguing than something totally brand new. Mainly though, I get most of my best ideas from music, movies and gothic and baroque art,

Do you prefer certain materials?

Lately, I have been quite partial to silk tulle.. It's light and breezy, and extremely versatile. It can simulate softly flowing folds yet it can look frothy if it has to.

Who do you design for ... Is it a specific person or a type of person?

I welcome all kinds of customers of course, but when I'm designing for a collection, I do tend to imagine that I'm creating something for an intelligent, independent woman who knows what she wants, and is confident about everything that she is.

Amato Couture will be presented in the next 'A La Mode' International Fashion Showcase, during London Fashion Week. To learn more about Amato Couture, go to: Amato Couture

Series vol. 1 Post: Emerging Designers - A La Mode

Series vol. 3 Post: Designer Profile: Z-Mode

Firsts at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Paris Haute Couture Week, Fall/Winter 2010-2011, started yesterday, the 5th with Christophe Josee. There will be a couple of first at this fashion week:

This will be the first Haute Couture week to include presentations de Haute Joaillerie (Haute Couture Jewelry). Collections presented will include Boucheron, Chanel, Chaumet, Dior, Mellerio dits Meller and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Christophe Lemaire will present his first collection for the house of Hermès, replacing John Paul Gautlier.

The fashion week is the 5th through the 8th ... the clothing presentations will end with Valentino on the 7th. The 8th will be dedicated to the presentations de Haute Joaillerie.