Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Smart Buy: 80's Oscar De La Renta Bolero

Channel the confident style of Sade in our latest Smart Buy, this 80's era Oscar De La Renta matador inspired bolero. Tonal embroideries and a clean composition lend it a slick wear-anywhere appeal while its Spanish provenance gives it a subtle ethnic vibe.

80's Oscar De La Renta Bolero-$188

Monday, May 23, 2011

Vintage Advantage: Giovanna Battaglia at Cannes

Fashion editor and street style photog favorite Giovanna Battaglia made the most surprising red carpet appearances at last week's 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival wearing vintage from two of our favorite labels, Stephen Sprouse and Gianni Versace. Knowing that she understands and appreciates the dresses histories and is able to translate their provocativeness in an alluring and subtle way makes her a big winner in our books. As much as they may have been in the past, this time around we don't think these were chosen based on sex appeal alone, this time it was about recognizing powerful design.

Stephen Sprouse(above), and 1992 Gianni Versace(below)

MOGOLLON: Something Is About To Happen

We are proud to announce that Mogollon, the duo who designed our website and treat our editorials, are presenting their first solo show of work, Something Is About To Happen, in Shibuya, Japan this month. From May 21st to August 14th, the show will host 20 various works that include typography, graphics and video.

Mogollon at DIESEL ART GALLERY
cocoti B1F, 1-23-16, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Most Wanted: Jil Sander's Floral Bag

A charming print updated in techno hues makes for the perfect spring tote from Jil Sander.

Jil Sander Floral Print Silk Bag-$740 at Net-A-Porter.com

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Vagabondnyc's Spring Essentials

Since every season needs a touch of vintage flair, look to the past and nail the season's micro-trends dead-on in a one-of-a-kind way. From ditsy Liberty floral prints, to color-blocking, to animalier spots a plenty, V got you covered. Here's a look at what's up for Spring.

Inspiration: 1996 Jil Sander Spring Adverts

One of us used to have this mid 90's series of Jil Sander ads plastered on our bedroom walls in high school and still find it utterly inspiring to this day.
1996 Jil Sander S/S campaign by Craig McDean, featuring Guinevere van Seenus

Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty

Now that the run of stunning runway spectacles from Alexander McQueen & John Galliano has come to an end, we miss the imagination of Christian Lacroix in the world of Haute Couture even more. And while there's no word of him returning, we can't wait to take-in his collaborative book with Camilla Morton, Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty. Together they've created a vivid take on the classic fable that also happens to tell Lacroix's own life story with illustrations from the designer. Inspiring, entertaining and decorative, it makes a marvelous treat for any true Lacroix fan.


Christian Lacroix in Vogue, above.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Smart Buy: 90's Gianni Versace Cap Sleeve Dress

Our latest Smart Buy, this 90's era Gianni Versace dress, not only boasts the kind of forever-chic timelessness you'd expect from an L-B-D, but also serves as a wonderful reminder of the easy sex appeal Versace was infamous for conjuring up. Pair it with sumptuous furs & layers come fall or let its simplicity shine amongst spring's omnipresent energizing neon accessories.
90's Gianni Versace Cap Sleeve L-B-D-$268

Call for Support: Sign the Max Fish Petition

Long before drunken throngs of Jersey Shore zombies began to flood the streets of New York's beloved Lower East Side, there was Max Fish, the bar that not only feels like a second home to many, but also ultimately helped pave the way for the neighborhoods now disastrous gentrification. And while it has reached an iconic status and serves as a friendly reminder of what Ludlow st. once was, the NYPD has diligently begun to strip away its dignity with a series of tireless raids and tactics devised to shut Max Fish down. Do your part and sign the online petition and help support this cherished landmark.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Most Wanted: Balenciaga's Dog Sweater

As hard as it was trying to score this F/W 2000 Balenciaga dog print sweater(we've never stopped looking since), an even greater shock comes at the thought of how difficult its going to be 10 years later, now that its been reissued for Pre-Fall 2011. As eternally elusive as this trophy sweater may be, we could in turn use it as a reference point for the decade long block of cool cult status Nicolas Ghesquiere has had us under his spell with.

Balenciaga Fall 2000 advert, above. Pre-Fall 2011, below.

Best Dressed: 2011 Costume Institute Gala

This year's Met Gala may have been a night dedicated to the world of the late Alexander McQueen and his unmistakable talent, but what we find odd was Gucci Group's Stella McCartney coup. After all, we were thinking the event would shine a glorious light on McQueen's career & legacy. But with only a handful of red-carpet goers clad in his namesake designs, the celebratory spirit we were hoping for felt like watching a candle that will never be lit. Besides the boatload of guests in McCartney, even more numbing was the number of those in labels that tend to mimic McQueen's wizardry. That being said, our hand's down favorite of the night was Ashley Olsen in a simple yet coquettish vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture dress, once again making a strong case for minimal elegance.

Ashley Olsen in vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture, above.

One must also remember that while Alexander McQueen was a genius in the world of women's wear, he was also a notable figure in men's fashion. It's a shame that only Vogue's forever-dapper Hamish Bowles took it upon himself to demonstrate McQueen's vision for men as well.

Vogue's
Hamish Bowles, in Alexander McQueen, above.


Vogue's Andrea Leon Talley, in Balenciaga , above.

Completely Gratuitous: Cosmetics Soft Skin


At the moment one of us can't stop listening to the haunting Siouxsie & The Banshees like vocals of Vancouver band Cosmetics addictive ballad, Soft Skin.