Spijkers en Spijkers Eileen mohair kimono coat

Every Winter I feel I have 'nothing to wear', and struggle to keep warm yet stylish, despite the dozens of coats I own (I own more coats than I do skirts and pants, and absolutely LOVE them!). This year I bought these Spijkers en Spijkers coats, which are brilliant! The kimono sleeves and loose design allow me to assemble a stylish outfit underneath it (from a very blouson-like Stella McCartney jacket, to an actual Haori Kimono, or a bulky by Malene Birger alpaca cardigan) comfortably & VERY warm! I couldn't decide between the two colours, so bought both the black and the grey (a bad habit I seem to have, this time I truly thought I was going to return one, alas, I am too indecisive). Love the mirrored silver buttons, the different textures and gorgeous wide sleeves:

(www.firstview.com)

Spijkers en Spijkers is a fashion label formed by Dutch sisters Truus and Riet Spijkers in 1996 (I've been a fan since 'discovering' them in 2000). Their work is partial to Art-Deco and Modernist styles of the 1920's: 'The Modernistic aspect, ‘form follows function’, is a principle directive in Spijkers & Spijkers design process, and for them, decoration always has a functional element or defines the shape of the garment.

On trying to find more pictures of my Eileen mohair kimono coat, I was excited to see the lovely Susie (of Style Bubble) trying this coat out, showcasing it better than the runway model above.

photo from www.stylebubble.typepad

On a recent trip to Byron Bay I brought one of my coats along:

From left to right: Spijkers en Spijkers Eileen coat in grey, Vintage Haori silk kimono, Stella McCartney for Target cashmere/wool oversized zip cardigan, Burberry Prorsum striped 3/4 sleeved top, and lastly, hubby's treasured grandfather's jacket.

Sex and the City - and THE Dior Extremes

Like many other SATC fans out there, I waited with huge anticipation for the movie to come out this year.  The fashion was mind-blowing, but I only managed to 'absorb' 1% of it.

Every time the Christian Dior Extreme shoes (pictured above) appeared in the movie, my jaw dropped (literally), the brown Python pair in particular.  I have been obsessing about them, and the vintage one-of-a-kind reconstructed Givenchy jacket (pictured above left) ever since.  Obviously I will never get my hands on that amazing jacket, but I am SO excited that I managed to track down and acquire the Dior Pythons, these are seriously the sexiest pair of heels I've ever owned!     

(www.dior.com)

Wallace & Gromit get a makeover - Harvey Nichols style!

This is just too cute! As a huge Wallace & Gromit fan, I just LOVE the new Harvey & Nichols ad campaign to promote their new store in Bristol, never have the pair, nor Lady Campanula looked this good!

Lady Campanula Tottington wears: Dress - 'Acorn' dress by Alexander McQueen, Shoes - 'Tricol' by Christian Louboutin, Bag - Metallic bronze 'Puffy' bag by Zagliani

Wallace wears: Suit - Alexander McQueen (cashmere jacket, silk pants), Shirt: Dolce & Gabbana Tie: Armani

Gromit wears: Scarf - Paul smith (navy silk)

Akira - My Wedding Dress

Akira Isogawa's Layered Wedding Bird dress

This blog is starting to look like an 'ode' to Akira.

I have been a huge admirer of his work for as long as I can remember.  A fortunate series of events lead me to change my wedding dress from Monique L'Huillier's 'Swan Lake' to the dress above 2 months before my wedding.  It was fate.

PS. As requested by a lovely reader, I added more photos of my wedding dress 'in action' in a new post: "Akira - Wedding Dress (Part Deux)"

Picture of the dress after I tried it on at the Akira store (it is the dress the model wore on the runway, which has a tea-stained overlay, whereas mine is in ivory.  On the pink chair: Chloe Silverado in black and Dries Van Noten dress.

After leaving the Akira store I met my (then fiance, now) hubby, and we went to check out my uncle's furniture as part of an exhibition at the Museum (in Melbourne).  As it turns out, Akira Isogawa's work was also part of the exhibition, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw MY dress, which I had just tried on!  Tried to play it cool, so hubby wouldn't notice. (n.b. If you click on the pic you can see a bit my uncle's bench and 'chair' to the right)

A little description on the dress at the Melbourne Museum (to enlarge any of these photos, just click on them) 

Please ignore the ugly hangers! I can't believe this is the first time I've noticed them, after 18 months!

It is by pure chance (or twist of fate) that the bridesmaid dresses that I bought earlier in the year matched the red trim of my wedding dress.  Especially seeing my original Monique L'Huillier dress looked NOTHING like this Akira dress.

Akira Resort 2009 & Vogue Australia Sept 2009

(www.akira.com.au)

Akira's Resort 2009 Collection

Vogue Australia September 2008

The Question: What was your favourite collection from RAFW 2008 and why?

Post of the Month: I tried to remain unbiased towards my favourite designer when perusing the RAFW collections, but to no avail, as Akira Isogawa's collection was clearly the winner for me. It reaffirmed why he is on par with - if not better than - international designers such as Nicolas Ghesquiere and Olivier Theyskens. Isogawa's latest collection was literally breathtaking, and watching his show was an amazing journey through the most wearable collection of the season. Starting with hushed, muted tones on beautifully embroidered and fluid dresses, Isogawa 's then moved to soft feminine florals. And then - lo and behold - an explosion of colour and clashing florals! These were the most vibrant colours I have ever seen him use - it was like bold brushstrokes on canvas. But every piece was completely and utterly wearable, including silk chiffons in saturated hues and even black; there was something for everyone. And as for me, I want one of everything! Brigadeiro

I was SO excited when I found out my answer would be printed as the winning post of the month in Vogue Australia, and that I won a year's subscription to it! I could go on and on about Akira! His work is absolutely amazing, and literally works of art. Was too lazy to scan the page, so took a pic.

What IS a brigadeiro?

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(photo from wikipedia)

BRIGADEIRO - Brazilian chocolate 'truffle' made of condensed milk, chocolate & butter.