Saturday 2 November 2013

Coco Chanel - 2008 Movie



So I decided to fill up a bowl full of a mixture of different flavoured Ben & Jerry's, and snuggle in a pile of pillows and a blanket and watch the 2008 film 'Coco Chanel'. Similar to 'Coco Before Chanel' another film night favourite of mine, its a film of course about the life and rise of 'Gabrielle Chanel'.  A relatively long film just over 2 hours, where I first watched back at school when I tried to find 'Coco Before Chanel' - at the end of the 2 hours you'll find yourself holding back the tears, and contemplating a really deep seated, intense tweet about friendship, perseverance, and most importantly
strength.


The film starts with crowds of people lined outside a Chanel store waiting to get inside for the first show after 15years out the game, however the viewers quickly get bored and uninspired and walk out - an extremely powerful message, a complete slap in the face. This represents a beginning of a fall from grace, is Chanel losing her respect, her place in fashion? We then begin the journey through Chanel's started with the death of her mother and the desertion of her father, we begin to create an emotional link to the film character of Chanel. We see the beginning of the rise of Coco, after a lucky break of a relationship between Chanel and the very wealthy Balsan, where she begins her true pursuit of developing her own shop, starting with hats - I found that costumes where well created and true to the period - and the contrast between the beliefs of Gabrielle and the rest of society, 'male' mostly, was worlds apart. 

Then we see it all crumble when Chanel needs to thrusts herself into the world with no support after sacrificing her job to be with Balsan, and we see her begin to rebuild. Again the use of costume and props were crucial as we see the how Chanel must sacrifice all she had created, even a fur shawl from Argentina bartered for a fraction of its true worth. Again we begin to build a further link with the character, our own personal feelings begin to sympathise with events of the movie. We see her pay blood and soul to create what she is truly passionate about. 

I have to say the finale seen, when the story is over where we've cried a little, we've cheered, and we've held our breath - the catwalk show took the spot for me. The costume for the show at the end was FANTASTIC. I found myself even wondering had they used real Chanel clothing, it was the true embodiment of Chanel style, they weren't trying to soft focus, reduce the time we saw each outfit - it was very well done. I found that they stayed true to the fact this was a true story about a fashion icon who truly left a massive chic footprint on the word of fashion and on the ideals of society. The last few seconds of the film we see Chanel standing and looking at her life long friend who had always been there, through heartbreak, through risk, through war, through everything life could throw, and holding hands with a business partner who nearly gave up on her then realised the true power & spirit of Chanel. I do suggest if you haven't seen the movie to see it, and I hope that you enjoyed the post and feel free to comment on your opinions on the film. 

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue 

Dolce & Gabbana Summer 2014 - (Ready-To-Wear)

So this post will be a quick look at Dolce & Gabbana's Summer collection, I hope everyone had a great halloween, and that you either looked terrifying or eerily glamourous. So sitting down today after a few days off was like trying to restart a car without any fuel in, so I must apologise for the likely shorter post. 


So I found that this collection will be a strong feature this summer it took traditional summer themes and added very cultural inspirations, and the designer edge we all are drawn to when we walk past a shop window. The pieces had very strong Roman links I felt, linking to a famous empire of the past creating a regal, powerful impression. Another cultural influence I felt looking at the clothes was the more discrete feel of oriental impression, again a culture with a rich history and a very relevant to todays society economically. The combination of the two  created created a strong impact with prints, colours, embellishments, and accessories. The was a range of fit and style that I found created a good balance and I felt reflected the need for variety. 







   
I feel that similar that this collection will quickly have high street shops such as Topshop, New Look, and River Island all producing a range similar to this each taking an element to trying and push to their consumer - like strong prints from Topshop, floaty material from River Island, and an attempt of a replica from New Look. The show ended with a very dramatic march of all the models walking on to the catwalk together, all wearing a variety of golden outfits, this was a nice end to the show and gave us a chance to again see the verity of material use - seeing more metallic colours and materials. 


I would suggest if you haven't seen the show and like the pieces you've seen to watch it - its not too long and is quite drawing to the viewer and you'll find yourself considering each piece and what and how it was inspired. I must thank Dolce & Gabbana for the images provided. And thank you for reading, feel free to comment your opinions on the collection, the show, or even any crazy Halloween costumes you've snapped on that faithful night. 

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue 

Tuesday 29 October 2013

House of Versace

House of Versace - A Lifetime movie 


So after my post last night I decided that I wanted to share my opinions about this film - unfortunately for me & probably lots other viewers, there were high expectations, followed by disappointment afterwards. I found that the film was entertaining and had me spouting quotes for the next few days of how important a party was, taking about my glow, however I was still left needing more. The film started with sass, and a dramatic beat, moved to tragedy and destruction, and finally ended with retribution and a happy ending. I believe what 'House of Versace' needed was a once-a-week 50mins slot on TV, a Hollywood budget, HBOs touch of sex, and CRITICALLY Versace itself behind the whole thing providing first hand accounts, a proper wardrobe for all the actors, and breathing the spirit, the sass, the sensuality, and of course the glamour of Atelier Versace. 


I feel this would have properly reflected the drama & the energy we all were waiting for, and would have corrected the problem of time - the assassination of Gianni Versace needed a lot more build up to reflect how crucial it was in the history of Versace and fashion. Secondly I found myself constantly wondering how things had escalated, how old the kids were and why we seemed to skip seemly drama juicy parts of time - things couldn't get as much attention as they should, otherwise we would be sitting there all week. 


However I found Gina was a really entertaining and convincing Donatella, I enjoyed her representation of the role and lots of her costumes pieces were right for the part - then to find out she herself went off on a Versace vintage hunt. This is a film I will no doubt end up watching a few times in a lifetime, though will always wish that there would be a TV series produced. Its link to such a prominent Fashion House makes it hard to forget and makes me try and turn a blind eye to the unfocused costumes, and the head spinning time line. 
Feel free to comment on wether you agree if there should be a TV show, or you views of the film. 

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue 

Monday 28 October 2013

Versace Haute Couture Collection - Autumn/Winter 2013

I had to have a post on this collection, because, when I stat down to watch this show I was not expecting what I ended up seeing - the most beautiful collection where watching gown after gown grace past the front of the catwalk caused my jaw to fall further towards the ground. Its rare I am completely impressed by couture collection after all it is a form of art & every piece of art needs somebody to love it & somebody to hate it. This collection was stunning. It is what, as a child I imagined fashion to be; beautiful gowns, and glamourous outfits - it stirred the inner child to create a real life fantasy for a more grown up me. It is what I believe is the kind of collection when I am old I would always refer back to in creating the image of true beauty in our time, or a phrase older generations believe us generation Y'ers  can't use yet, 'the good old days'. 


The show started with some classic sass, that embodies the desire for power and a secret guilty pleasure for that diva confidence - with Naomi Campbell strutting on stage with the signature power of hers instantly grabbing our attention. The photo above provided by Atelier Versace is of the closing piece - Versace had Naomi the first & last model we see in the show creating a sense of continuity, and nostalgia. The pieces worn at the end were both sexy and glamours, the jacket like the rest of the collection full of expertly placed embellishment to the point I nearly got a migraine thinking of the time and effort it took to ensure the perfect placement. 

























This collection had a good range of different pieces, a variety of colours, and a mixture of material use - this caused a perfect balance and flow of the collection. Nothing seemed out of place, random, or jarring - the collection was synced to its inspiration of the elegance and beauty of black and white photography and old movies with the stunning actresses with unforgettable features gracing the screen. I can imagine Grace Kelly in many of this pieces an icon I both always hear about and admire myself. This collection is timeless and embodies everything we look for in Haute Couture - beauty, fashion, glamour, uniqueness, style, class, and (sometimes) sex. 




This collection shows the true artisanship of Donatella Versace, how she created art that a woman can where and become the most beautiful version of herself - she becomes a piece of art itself. Even in the sphere of Couture where the life & soul of the industry is ultra-beauty and high-fashion, collections I feel this strongly about are rare - even with my seasonal collection obsession this collection does not fall into that category but one that is much higher.  I must thank Atelier Versace for the images provided of the show. 

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Armani Hotel, Dubai


Hey everyone todays post is going to be on the Armani Hotel in Dubai. My main inspiration on todays post is due to many different factors, firstly is my link to Dubai as it was where I was born, secondly I believe that Dubai is very much a centre of retail & fashion, and lastly it is a great example of the strong development of fashion brands & industry. 


Again the hotel is something I have had personal experience with as I visit Dubai as much as I can to visit family and thus can't resist the glossy, luxury, & opulence Dubai has to offer. The first thing one experiences is the drive up to the entrance at night ones pathway by car or foot is illuminated by an army of LED lights, on the tops of palm trees, behind the lettering of words, not so much you think "woow its not christmas yet' but makes a pretty scenery and begins ones gateway to fashion luxury. I walk in to the hotel and notice how the whole place is not desperately scream 'LUXURY' you just know your in a place that was built by someone who truly knows what they are doing. I am then greeted by a very sleek employee with the blend of smart businesswoman and stylish model perfectly balanced. She seems more than happy to spend time making sure that I know where to go if there is anything I needed, never once doubting my if I "should" be there - a situation 
I'm all to familiar with in England. 


I know this is a fashion blog but it must be said returning to the hotel for a celebratory dinner at one of the many restaurants was the best meal I ever had - though I'm no food critic or chef. The food didn't arrive in portions so small that taking a deep breath could mean the end of my meal, nor did they shovel enough food for the lot of us with each dish. I order pork and it was the best pork ever - super crispy top, and tender and perfectly seasoned core. Its then when I look around and start truly taking in the details of the interior. Giant windows facing the biggest fountain in the world which produce some spectacular displays, warm indirect lighting creating a welcoming comfortable ambiance. Nothing about this place seemed to be trying too hard to seem luxurious it was all effortless glamour. It was then I noticed that the chef was speaking in french and I had a feeling if I were to ask for a name and gave a quick type on google I would find a heap of information of past high end chiefiery. 


Before my trip ended and I had to return back to the cold and rain of England I couldn't pass the opportunity to acutely see one of the resident apartments. Again I was greeted on the faithful day by another extremely stylish gentleman this time, who made me feel valued and at complete ease. All making me fall further in love with the place. The walk through the corridor alone made me feel like I a model walking down the runway, as of course no fashion hotel would have just had any old corridor every element was considered nothing was left out or under valued in customer experience - awesome corridor ... tick. Walking into a one bedroom apartment I found that even the design of the light switch was taken into account to follow the sleek modern design. I was already tying to lessen my reaction so I didn't go back to child me and run around scream 'omg look at this toilet  omg look at this closet' like for some reason just because I liked the place basic rooms suddenly became a novelty. Then we walked into the main lounge and I properly looked at the window and gasped. It was the most stunning view of the downtown area - looking over the fountain, Dubai Mall, The Address. I began day dreaming of older me standing in the same spot, just more stylish, wealthier version - I couldn't help it. I was miles away from what I see so much when people do luxury which is dark wood every where, and a few bluer LEDs behind the dark wood 
- finally my kind of place. 


I feel that this hotel is a good example in how fashion is needing and successfully evolving. The fashion industry has become dangerously dynamic, with more savvy consumers & blurring of lines. luxury brands like Louis Vuttion, Chanel, Dior etc, are not competing with each other / like brands their competing with the entire industry high street and value market included. In 2008 Uniqlo became the most preferred brand in Japan, taking over from Louis Vuttion, two completely different brands operating in difference segments of the market, where at a time the middle market suffered the most globally here a middle market company thrived. Expanding into sectors such as hospitality further increases the scope in where brands are expanding such home, accessories, cosmetics, & technology all examples (some older than others) of increasing product range, accessibility, and reducing dependancy
 on one type of product or service. 



I hope this post was both entertaining and interesting. What do you think, was it a good idea for Armani to expand into tourism sector, was the risk worth it? Have you stayed at either Armani Dubai or Milan what was you experience? Feel free to share stories, or ideas. I have to thank Armani Hotel for some of the images I have used in this post. 

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue 



Monday 21 October 2013

Dior Mens Winter 2013-14 collection


Hey everyone sorry for the delay for a proper first post. I've decided that this post will be about both the Winter 2013-14 Men's Collection at Dior and my views on my experience with Dior. This is mainly because I both love Dior and recently went to have a look at all the pieces and found myself trying them on (mistake, they ended up fitting amazingly & made me look better than I thought I could). Firstly I'm going to talk about the customer experience; a major reason why I have an affiliation with Dior. Walking into Dior the first noticeable thing is the interior design and how it reflects the strength and culture behind the designs, adhering to both the classical beauty and modern sleek glamour. I find myself impressed with more than just the price tag and the clothing.




Secondly, I found myself quickly welcomed by a very well dressed employee who approached with a smile on his face and gentle tone that didn't make me feel like he wanted to sell what he could as quickly as possible or get me out. This quality of salesmen/women is consistent globally as personal experience has taught me; I always feel welcomed, cared for and valued. The salesmen quickly grasped what clothes I wanted (if only I could afford them) and I found a drink in hand, a changing room ready and the most amazing selection of outfits, (I started thinking I should marry the man and not just for the spanish accent, piercing light blue eyes and bright smile, but he could dress me better than I can). Of course each new outfit I put on seem to fit amazingly, which is almost impossible for me. I find my self either finding clothes that are too baggy or too short;  looking either twig like, or like an Mike TV after the taffy stretcher. But no exaggeration, these clothes fitted perfectly and at the risk of sounding vain I looked good! As time went on compliments from other customers, and employees, which sounded so genuine started filling my head and the salesman wasn't selling me clothes anymore -  he wasn't selling at all - he was just talking to me about fashion, and and everybody's secret favourite topic, ourselves. I never really felt such confidence about my appearance or knowledge about the success of my outfit, however then, I did. I felt AMAZING. There was no pressure to buy anything just gentle helpful offers of assistance, which in turn made me want the clothes even more (if that was possible) as I didn't feel pressured. 




Now that my more journal like part of the post is out the way, we'll move on to my general thoughts and opinions about the collection. I found that the collection was a strong, more classical winter collection, keeping to more neutral colours like; white, greys, black, & dark blues - cooler colours reflective of the season they will be worn in. The collection to me was focused on great tailoring, creating a sexy gentleman look that just makes any man stand out from the crowd. There is a strong timeless feel to the collection like the clothes have been worn by the suave elliot back in the day or the fashionable gentlemen when my generation is old & accessorising our zimmer-frames. I feel that this collection truly brings out two natures in a man which is both rare and desirable - the model ...... & the gentleman. I was surprised by my extreme liking to this collection as almost every year I find that I'm watching show after show of lots of different designers thinking 'I get it, its winter but where. on. earth. IS ALL THE COLOUR!!!. Though there was distinct prints creating a strong link with the inspiration of the collection on T-shirts & jumpers using a vivid shade of red, I believe there could have been space in this collection for some more colour, as that would have, for me, perfected the collection. Finally I do believe that the Winter 13-14 collection truly captures the customer of men's wear at Dior, and also more as my own personal style is at the other end of the spectrum of the majority of the pieces - yet I found myself drawn to the allure of a luxury gentleman.





I hope that this was an acceptable first post and that my opinions & experience was entertaining, and thoughtful, feel free to comment any opinions of your own on the collection, or any experience one has had with Dior. Must thank Dior for the great service and the images produced. Hope you enjoyed;

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue 

Thursday 17 October 2013

Intro into The Fashion Dialogue

Hi everyone this is my first official blog, I have created it with a few purposes. Firstly its to post and share my opinions on all things fashion whether its from new collections, to promotional campaigns, to customers service; and I hope in return all of you feel you can share with me the same. Secondly its to have some fun post some photos of my life revolved around fashion, style, art, or culture and all the surrounding inspirations. I will be posting a mixture of things both light hearted and hopefully some more deep seated, more thought provoking material; I have a few controversial views but hope no one gets insulted if they pop up. I hope this blog will be both entertaining & engaging for everyone.     

RNW

The Fashion Dialogue