WEARING IT: REISS SS13 FOR YOU

Flames!  My stay in London did not just have the sole purpose to attend the London Collections:Men – there was something else that I already had impatiently been waiting to show you. I was granted the great honour to model the Spring/Summer 13 collection by iconic and modern British fashion house REISS for my blog!

In my last preview of the SS 13 lookbook I made no secret of how fond I am of the collection- which is dominated by candy hues and pastel colours like baby pink, coral and sky blue with contrasting khaki and tomatoe tones, that add depth and a certain grown-up-ness – exactly the shades of my dreams.  Stylish, wearable, directional, with a subtle sexiness, is what REISS wear always meant to me since I discovered the label in 2006. It was interesting to hear, that the company, which launched in 1971 started producing women’s clothing only in 2000!

Experiencing the quality and softness of the fabrics, which were floaty and silky  and felt luxurious yet comfortable against the skin (mainly tencel -very light viscose – and silk were used for the dresses, blouses and shirts) made this a valuable experience. The down side of this experience is that I am left way more indecisive about what I would love to get for myself and this summer (thinking that obviously I won’t be able to have it all….;) ) When it comes to tayloring, I’d always rely on Reiss designs and it seems that the design team behind it all exactly knows what a young women living in a buzzing world metropole wanst: sophisticated – chic – effortless. Don’t you just love it when you throw on a dress and instantly look like the well dressed , self confident woman you are?

All photographs thanks to: Philipp Ueberfellner

Eye catching details of the accessories are large flower applications on bags and clutches, adorable square stud details and the mix of materials like raffia and suede. I also immediately noticed the soft as butter quality of the grosgrain leather used for jackets and handbags, that had me craving for both badly.

Part of the SS13 collection already is available in stores and online. For all of you savvy and budget concious shoppers (like myself mostly ) I also wanted to give you the hint that sale is coming to an end – which really is the best time to shop, because it means that prices drop down to the lowest. Reiss is now offering up to 70% off the Autum/Winter collection and free shipping when more than 150 Euro spent or 300 USD (free standard shipping in the UK on all orders). To give you a hand, I have a pre-selection of the best pieces of the sale for you, those that would really make sense to have in a well assorted wardrobe:

Hadden Jacket  Was £225 Now £90

Joyce Refined Track Pants  Was £89 Now £26

Bella Skirt  Was £135 Now £40

Felicity Coat  Was £295 Now £88

Greneta Shoes  Was £149 Now £44

Since we have been talking men’s fashion a lot lately, I thought I’d  let you know that the choice of men’s wear is on sale is eclectic offering suits and jacket from classic, clean- cut tayloring to a more fashionable approach in colour and fabric. (Who knows, you may have an ultra stylish hubby or boyfriend). Here you can  Shop the Men’s Sale at Reiss.com. I am also working on my next giveaway for all of you, gorgeous readers, in cooperation with Reiss, so make sure to check back for that!

Now I am just left wondering which one of those outfits did you find the most striking?

xox, the Flamboyante

MR. PORTER AT LONDON COLLECTIONS

One of the reasons I eventually decided to attend the London Collections and widen my horizons in regards to men’s fashion was, that I received and invitation to the MR.PORTER presentation. MR.PORTER is the male ‘counterpart’ of  NET-A-PORTER, of whom I’m admittedly an addict, and who are the number one source for me, when on the look out for the extravagant certain something.

What looks like a casual gathering of handsome male models here is the presentation of four of the most coveted British men’s wear designers: Katie Eary, Matthew Miller, Richard Nicoll and Sibling. The simple installations spoke for themselves and without a doubt a host like Mr.Porter wouldn’t leave his guests neither hungry nor thirsty – tea and crumpets by Good & Propper tea were served outside of the venue. Enjoy a preview of what is going to set the tone in men’s fashion  this Spring/Summer –  not just in the UK but world-wide.

I hope you are delighted as I am about this boost that men’s fashion seems to be experiencing at the moment. Which designs did you like?

xox, the Flamboyante

MEET THE HENTSCH MAN

Would you have thought that behind these modern classic and utmost wearable men’s wear designs is a girl? Alexia Hentsch to be more precise is the designer of cool British men’s fashion label Hentsch Man and she is just as fun and outgoing as her creations. She was so kind and sweet to do a short interview with me for my blog, which was more like a little chat.

I was laughing when Alexia said that her ex-boyfriend inspired her to design menswear – because it is taken right out of life. She said that she used to be making clothes for him. Today Alexia is presenting her Autumn/Winter 13 collection in one of London’s most coveted areas for fashion lovers: on Monmouth street in Covent Garden.

The models wearing double-breasted boxy cut men’s blazers in grey tones with contrasting wool trousers are kind of the epitome of the up to date, young British man – who is certainly not the usual type of beau. I asked her about the models and Alexia, said she chose a more preppy and hype kind of look in men, something that is more international – hence the plenty of tattoos and piercings. I love patterns and drawings and the quirky and kind of ironic illustrations of the adventures of the Hentsch man run like a thread through the presentation. In the eyes of Alexia,   the contemporary man isn’t scared of fashion, neither of colour – and with the rising trend  of men’s fashion, men can rest assured to have more variety to complete and give the certain it to a standard wardrobe.

Don’t forget to let me have your thoughts and be prepared for more fabulous men’s fashion inspiration from London Collections: Men!

xox, the Flamboyante

LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN CANAPES

Flames! I have just gotten back from an amazing and incredible trip to London and London Collections: Men – you are able to imagine I am tired – yet I am way too excited to go to rest before I haven’t shared some canapés (little delicious fingerfood to stimulate your appetite) of the LCM. Please enjoy first impressions for now and stay tuned as I will be posting more and more about this alluring event turning around modern men’s fashion and –  that you shouldn’t miss out!

I really enjoy photography more and more – did you enjoy my photos?

I cannot wait to show you more highlights of the past three days – good night and sweet dreams!

xox, the Flamboyante

…AND A HAPPY NEW JAU!

It is so good to be back on my blog 😉 –  I did in fact take that time out, as I mentioned after coming back from my last trip to London. So therefore it has been really quiet – here on my blog as well as on my social media channels. I took the past five days to intensively spend with my beloved ones and recharging my batteries a little in order to get a fresh view and new inspiration as well as new motivation.

I have plenty of good things to share with you – some things I promised to bring a little bit earlier already, but better late than never. When it comes to the following article about Jessica_Au and her JAU LABEL I am in fact way too early, because – you may already have guessed it: we are talking fashion future trends again! In September it has been quite a hot topic on my blog and I focused on and tried to detect what is awaiting us in the world of fashion in our near future – to me a highly interesting subject, because in one or the other way it is reflecting a collective us or humanity. Ofcourse fashion would be just an aspect of the trend of community spirit or to put it in other words –  to answer the question: where are we going? I believe with fashion always comes so much more, other than just new colours, new tailoring, pattern, prints and fabrics – it stands for the time we live in, the music we hear, the status of environment, economic situation and even political stability (or not). Looking back in fashion history we can divide it into different eras – from the flappers in the Twenties to the Flower Power era with its hippie culture over to punk, grunge up to today’s fashion. It sometimes seems hard to see through, when at the moment the world of fashion seems to be overflowing with choices as well as information, but I have very clearly gotten an idea of some key trends that describe our current time – in terms of what fashion may look like in the future as well as in a more communal way of thinking. That’s why I think London-based designer Jessica_Au’s  JAU LABEL lookbook is so interesting to look at together today.

About JAU LABEL:

Her influences range from the neo-trash movement to Japanese street styles over to glamorous personalities such as sex idol Brooke Candy or Mykki Blanco, a rapper with multiple personalities including the female version of himself. Her collection ‘Neon’ came from a love of going out and clubbing , Jessica Au says herself, who can’t quite put her finger on what this collection is about except it is definitely intertwined with the lightheartedness and humour of her boyfriend Kaidy, and the things he introduced her to. Her collection sold out this year at the London Fashion Week in September at Somerset house and it has been housed in Japan’s TEKKNOPOLICE alongside some of today’s most sought after designer’s. Her label is set to expand at an incredible rate in the next few years to come. She has teamed up with film director Rob Heppel to create a fashion film, that accompanies her collection (click here)

I talked about how I detected many trends in the past few months. When it comes to materials, I could definitely and delightfully see that designers currently seem to love to play and experiment with the use of organic materials like wood, fabrics and leather combined with industrial materials such as perspex and PVC. Deconstructed and deformed – or exaggerated forms of tailoring seems to appeal more and more and there is a general vast expressiveness wether it be in detail or eye-catching and bold. To make a long story short: I see fashion becoming way more deliberating, tolerating and a form of articulation, while we all learn to think out of the boxes.

Now doesn’t that sound like a sweet future? With all of that I think we’re looking into a bright 2013.  Can’t wait to hear what you predict – or wish for!

xox, the Flamboyante

DIY: THE FLAMBOYANT SHIRT

Dear all, I hope you are having a great start into the week! I just had to share this incredible DIY by lovely South African blogger Anje from Made in Pretoria. When I returned from London last week I had a pingback in my mailbox to this blog post and when I opened it, I was speechless: The first time (in my time of blogging) someone has done something so lovely for me – and for everyone of course! Anje has recreated one of my looks with her own ideas and the result is beyond! I was so pleased – and yes a little proud to see how one of my outfit looks can be re-created and becoming a significant look too. To me it is the most beautiful Christmas present from a reader- Thank you Anje, for making me feel such a star! When really you are!
You must see how cleverly she has put the DIY together and how gorgeous she poses for the photos!
We love Made in Pretoria because Anje never fails to bring us adorable, easy to follow DIY’s , that promise to turn fashion into fabulous fun for everyone!
Enjoy!

This DIY was inspired by the beautiful Nadine, from the Flamboyant. Here is how to create this printed silk blouse from the Outnet:

1. Supplies: A white blouse, a square sponge, red & black fabric paint
2. Mix the red fabric paint with a touch of black paint. This will create a dark red, maroon-ish colour
3. Use the sponge as a stamp. Stamp the shirt at the hem, and without adding new paint, stamp upwards 3 – 4 times.
4. Continue this process until the entire shirt’s hem is complete.
5. Mix more red to the dark red. Repeat step 3 & 4 with the new colour.
6. Take plain red and stamp randomly where colour seems very dark, or empty.
7. Leave the paint to dry for 24 hours, and iron over the paint to make it last.
8. Voila, a pretty blouse :    

Anje’s Motto is: I do it myself. I can only add to that: and you’re doing it pretty well!

Your verdict?

xox, the Flamboyante

THE EARLY BIRD SPIES ON REISS

I would put on any of these –  right away…The upcoming REISS Spring/Summer 2013 collection has hit the nail on the head for me!

My love affair with British fashion label REISS dates back to 2007, when I moved to London to spend the most amazing three years of my life. Going to a REISS store would always have been a special treat and when wearing REISS clothing I would always feel grown up, ladylike and ultra stylish. Pieces I bought back then are still hanging in my closet, which tells me a lot about the quality of  REISS wear. It also means that their designs, as fashionable they are, are timeless and versatile.

What great honour to feature the REISS Spring/Summer 13 lookbook so early on my blog!                                                                                                                                               Expect vivid colours such as pale pink, watermelon, cornflower, olive and navy to come your way in spring, on clean cut feminine aesthetic, that is teamed with exaggerated graphics and floral prints. When taking a close up look on future fashion trends I’ve noticed that play on texture and the combining of diverse material will be written in capital letters. REISS SS13 isn’t any short of that. Raffia, linen, canvas and leather, all these materials are finding common ground in the up coming creations of fashion house REISS. I am very pleased to see that dresses continue to come in a fit and flare shape, some of these beauteous dresses ( the pale pink dress as well as the black graphic print dress) remind me of the lighter, summery baby doll version of the EOS dress I wore in autumn (here and here). I’m even more delighted about crisp pastel hues and candy colours that remind of the sassy and womanly flair of the 60s. What I find so utterly clever is the head-to-toe tonal look, where contrast is achieved through the use of different material, texture or colour shading. Grosgrain leather jackets that finally come colourful alongside leather dresses and skirts that say va-va-woom let my own heart skip a beat. Also expect some fierce accessories, that feature oversized flowers, as well as chunky chain necklaces and top handle bowling bags alongside oversized clutches handbag – wise. I’m smitten with any of that and as  – what I am afraid could be an incurable fashion obsessed I decide to kindly ask REISS to keep one of the above outfits with unbearably beautiful abstract flower print – reserved for me.

I will leave you with some good news and some bad news, and the bad one is first: These beautiful pieces won’t be available before February 2013, when they hit the stores and will also go online.

And now the good news:  You can shop the current Autumn/Winter collection online and comfortably take a 30 percent off shoes and accessories, including free shipping! For limited time only, so hurry if you still need to get your hands on a special gift for the festive days! Simply click on the banner below and happy shopping!

xox, the Flamboyante

NO GREAT EXPECTATIONS

The plan was to belt on some Louboutins and once again turn the streets of Vienna into a vibrant runway. But today was rainy and grey and as nice as it is to go all colorful and prepped up, it just doesn’t work everyday and in each life situation.

So I ended up in my casual all day street wear – and maybe it has been about time for me to do so.  I am taking it from some of my readers’ response that some of you may get the impression that style or being fashionable mainly is a question of money . Well, I certainly don’t want to leave this impression, because it is not the case and also not the point.  I have already mentioned it many times on my blog- I buy a lot of things in sale or on the OUTNET, in fact I am not always willing to pay the full retail price and rather not wear the latest, latest. Which also isn’t a problem because trends keep coming, going and returning. When, in two days the Maison Martin Margiela collab with H&M will hit the stores everyone will want to wear oversized vests and coats. Both of the items I am wearing today, the oversized checked jacket from Richard Nicoll as well as the oversized Alexander Wang cardi are from last year and where in sale already. I teamed them with my nude Acne pistol booties, a style that won’t go out of fashion for long, because it is classic, stylish and versatile. They are from last year as well. And to make the statement, that it is not about having money to burn, complete – I also sell a lot of things on E-bay to have that extra money to keep my wardrobe fresh and exciting. My best bag at the moment is the golden Falabella by Stella McCartney –  when I bought it in August and I must say it was a good pick as the bag is a skillful style, able to accompany many of my looks. To me personal style is how you put your outfit together, which defines you and noone else but you can do in the same way and creativity is the key word.

Another thing that had me thinking quite a bit was the fact that I received an email by a modeling agency today, saying that they didn’t want to work with me. A couple of weeks ago I met the booker of an agency I’ve worked for many years ago, at the after show party of the Vivienne Westwood couture show. I went to say hi and he suggested I should stop by the agency. I felt akward because after I moved back from London to Vienna, I actually didn’t feel like working in this field again, reason being that the market in Vienna is too small and as oppose to London, one can’t make a living out of it. Modeling in Vienna means a lot of waisted hours sitting at the castings and in the end of the day not really getting much out of it. Nevertheless last Friday I followed his invitation and dropped by the agency. I was quite puzzled when he didn’t even take a minute to say hello, or ask me how I’ve been or what I’ve been up to in the mean time. Instead he refered me to his casting agent, what must have been an about eighteen year old girl. I could tell right away she didn’t like me and I was utmost uncomfortable with the whole situation. So when today she sent me the mail with negative reply I immediately was forced to think: What was that? Where they just looking for an opportunity to drop their beloved ‘Sorry, we don’t have a picture for you today’ line?

However, the whole situation didn’t leave me hurt, sad, insecure or anything like that. On the contrary: I embarked on this journey to taking my career into my own hands and to secure my place in the fashion industry. I said to myself that I won’t sit around, waiting for someone to give me a job or think I am great or suitable or whatsoever. I have knowledge, expertise and profound passion for many things related to fashion and I am sharing it with you – What more can I ask for 🙂
Besides it is never said that I won’t hit the catwalk ever again or be a designer’s muse, it even doesn’t say that another agency wouldn’t  love to work with me if I was looking for their contact. If there is anything I ever learned in my life and especially with my blog, than this is not to let other people tell you what you can’t achieve – just because maybe they couldn’t. Sometimes it is good to walk through life with no great expectations but with patience and stamina for the projects y o u called into life and the dreams that you dream and not other people dream for you (or don’t)…

I was wearing:  Alexander Wang oversized cardigan from the OUTNET

                            Richard Nicoll checked blazer with shearling trim

                            (lovingthis one from TOPSHOP, quite affordable!)

                            Falabella bag by Stella McCartney in gold

                            J Brand denim 901 glittered finish

                             (similar one here)

                            Acne pistol booties in nude

                            McQ razor blade brass and leather cuff

                            Andrea Garland vintage inspired lip balm necklace ( win here)

I hope that with my story I inspired or encouraged you to stay true to yourself and believe in you. How do you deal with rejection? I’m really interested to hear!

xox, the Flamboyante

PS: Don’t forget to enter my November giveaway for a chance to win a cute lip balm necklace by Andrea Garland – as I’m wearing in this post. I keep my fingers crossed for you!

BRITISH FASHION AWARDS 2012 EXCITEMENT!

I don’t know if you noticed but my ways quite often lead to London, mostly intentionally, last time at Halloween even accidentally because I bought a flight ticket for the wrong date.

I will let you into a secret: I secretly am in love with London, you could say I’m a Brit at heart. I’ve spent three wonderful years there, working as a promoter and model and within the past three years, since I moved back to my home town Vienna, I am always looking for an excuse to visit this wonderful city and always am ready to just jump on a plane and go there (London is a two-hour flight from Vienna.)

My next visit will be on the 27th of November, I will be going to watch the ceremony of the British Fashion Awards 2012 live taking place at the Savoy theater in London. I am beyond excited about the event and was so lucky to get my hands on a purple ticket – tickets reserved for bloggers and fashion students. Star studded nominees include Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Burberry for the Best Designer Brand 2012, Victoria Beckham for the Red Carpet Award, Mary Katrantzou for designer of the year and the models, we’ve seen in almost every show and campaign: Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn.

I have already told all my friends about how thrilled I am and kept telling them about the outfit I chose for the event. Since I have a blog, I thought why not share the excitement and outfit I chose with all of you. For the first time I will be wearing a designer from head to toe, a look that has also hit the runways on London Fashion Week. I will be wearing a Moschino Cheap and Chic patchwork lace dress together with matching Crystal-embellished suede pumps as seen on the runways. To top off the outfit and channel the look from the show I will be adding a pop of neon with my AILA neon yellow spike me mini bag with silver studs, which I have been wearing up and down in my post about the neon yellow Christian Louboutin bis un bouts.

So here is the break down of my outfit for the British Fashion Awards 2012:

MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC PATCHWORK LACE DRESS

MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC CRYSTALL EMBELLISHED SUEDE PUMPS

AILA NEON YELLOW SPIKE ME MINI BAG 

And here how it looked on the runway:

image source: Google images

This patchwork lace dress with its interesting, fresh color palette just hit the nail for me. I don’t even have to say that the crystall-embellished suede pumps are the ultimate princess shoes, they are like a dream come true! I have a very special relation with Moschino because I once strutted the catwalk for the label at the Vienna Life Ball, a huge and internationally renowned AIDS benefit event. I am completely crazy about the whole collection because it embodies feminine elegance and playfulness at the same time, with wonderful adorable pastel shades and interesting photo prints, which are absolutely current trend.

I also wanted to share a photo from one of my outfits at London Fashion Week in September, which I withheld from you for so long. I am wearing a Preen line quilted leather pencil skirt with peplum, which I hope to show you more of in the future:

photo credit: Amar Daved

Source: www.elle.com

I really want to know what you think about my choices for special occasions. Do you think I have got what it takes to be a style setter?

How would you choose to dress for a  high-profile fashion event?

All your comments are much appreciated!

xox, the Flamboyante

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD FOR CHIVAS

Speaking of art and just recently about the Vivienne Westwood Couture After Show Party – an interesting article about an extra-ordinary co-operation has fallen into my hands:

Just in time for her 70th anniversary the last year (would you have guessed it?) the grand dame and punk royalty Vivienne Westwood has designed a signature sleeve for the  Chivas Regal 18yo bottle.

With her stylish four-piece design in Union Jack Vivienne Westwood has turned the Chivas Regal 18yo bottle into the style icon of  whisky.

The co-operation has been presented first time at London Fashion Week 2011, where Vivienne Westwood, who celebrated her 70th birthday on April 8th, strutted some pieces of her Autumn/Winter collection on the catwalk – amongst it the stylish four-piece in Union Jack style for  Chivas Regal 18yo Scotch Whisky.

The designer delightfully signed a few of the bottles before her very first show in Vienna. The hand crafted edition is limited to a 2,5k pieces, signed in gold, serially numbered and available world-wide at the price of 425 Euro. In the meantime some of the exemplars have already been auctioned for a way higher price.

Chivas is continuing a series of legendary co-operations with prestigious designers, such as Christian Lacroix, Andree Putmann and Alexander McQueen.

Tasteful co-operation:

The queen of punk has re-invented and revamped the premium blend scotch whisky and tailored a sophisticated silk coat in Union Jack print. The history of Chivas as well as the history of Union Jack reach back into the year 1801 – Vivienne Westwood took it as an inspiration for the exclusive limited edition.

”Only by looking at the past, we are able to create the future. I come from England, therefore the British culture is undeniable in my designs“, says the artist and designer, who happen to have a very special relation with Austria. ( Her spouse and former student Andreas Kronthaler is Austrian)

The foundation of this co-op between Chivas and Vivienne Westwood was the love of handy-craft and the profound knowledge about the meaning of the past for the future.

”The symbiosis with Vivienne Westwood is a colaboration on the highest fashion level. Artisan craftwork and exclusivity make the two of them a perfect match, the fact that we now have Vivienne Westwood ( flag-ship store) in Vienna is a great pleasure because the international character is made visible, ” says Doris Kurzbauer, head of marketing about the interplay of design expertise and whisky creation.

Limited edition:

Four hand-tailored pieces with golden embellishment are exuding masculinity and elegance. White golden, round logo buttons are keeping the coat together and giving it the typical Vivienne Westwood look. The designer has included an instruction, that describes how to put the four pieces together, so they build the coat. The colours blue and red are giving this special edition of Chivas Regal 18yo a touch of luxury – they represent precious stones sapphire and ruby which also  are set on the crown of the Queen’s crown jewels. To top off this exclusive and extravagant creation the British fashion icon has added a crowning accessory – each bottle is carrying a blue golden ”flash” with her signature imperial orb around its neck.

Pernod Ricard has one of the most prestigious portfolios of drink labels such as:  ABSOLUT Vodka, Havana Club, Rum, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s Olmeca Tequila, Beefeater Gin and Mumm and Perrier- Jouet champaign.

Pernod Ricard is supporting responsible drinking and handling of alcohol – more information on: http://www.verantwortungsvoll.at

Text translated from German by the Flamboyante

From what I see on the pictures I think the coat looks opulent, wonderful and cool. Now I am just left wondering: for the price of 425 Euro – would you love to make such limited edition Vivienne Westwood for Chivas bottle yours or would you invest in one of her famous and unique tailored dresses? Do you love Vivienne Westwood as much as I do?  You should then certainly have a look at her blog Get a live where she is campaigning for environmental issues and a sustainable life style.

Ps: A little birdy told me that there is a 20% mid-season promotion in stores and online  – just thought, I’d let you know…

xox,

the Flamboyante