I met Paolo Ferrari at a fashion trade show in Berlin. His sustainable bags made from reused seat belts struck me as chic. I have been a fan ever sense.
Check out our Before Tacky interview with the Italian handbag designer behind the 959 brand.
Paolo speaks about why and how he creates the brand’s collections.
Advertisement: My shirt, courtesy of Esemplare from ThinkInc Communications.
Still, in yet another lockdown since November the barbers and hair salons have been closed. Perhaps, getting a hair appointment, maybe possible on March 1st. Until then, with all my online conferences, interviews and meetings, I do not want to want to leave a lasting impression with a James Brown mugshot hairstyle. I adapted a lockdown style. It’s one thing to have a “Bad Hair day”. But, like everyone during these times, I am living “Bad Hair Months”. I may wear mismatched socks under the desk, but the thought of having unruly hair immortalized on social media is a no go zone, an epic nightmare.
Thankfully, luxury Italian hat brand Borsalino gave me some hats to use. Each style has been a lifesaver. I decide on a hat and shirt before the digital medium close up.
Thank you to the Borsalino Team for giving me the hats.
France 24 goes to Dakar, Senegal to get the lowdown on Fashion Week.
Saint Laaurent Creative Anthony Vaccarello took the brand off the Paris Fashion Week schedule in April 2020, announcing it would create its own calendar. Two days ago the brand unveiled the Spring/Summer 21 collection. What can I say? Yes. I really loved the looks.
A throwback to the fun days of going out. A celebration of just being wonderful and fabulous without guilt. The attention getting halter neck and sleeveless silhouettes are for a woman not afraid of chic attention.
Vaccarello designed sixty six looks for going out to Studio 54 to meet Liza and Marisa Berenson.
Biker or exercise shorts styles were not my favourites, Chic Cheap.
Saint Laurent does not need my review. But, I had to give credit where credit is due. It is good to see a fashion megabrand still rooted it its historical sophistication.
I asked Bocheron Creative Head Claire Choisne about a new piece from the Contemplation Collection. The statement Arrow Earring Piece struck me as gender free elegance with a tinge of radical from the historic jewellery brand.
The Arrow Earpiece, I saw it was worn by a man. Is this a gender free piece?
It was actually the first time we chose a man in our campaign. When the model tried the earring, it was so cool, even cooler on a male. I don’t know why men are not wearing jewelry because we also design pieces for them. High Jewelry should not be only for women. When I saw the man with the earring, I felt it was perfect and the right person to wear it. I am so happy if you notice that.
I went to the Ingolstadt Outlet Center outside of Ingolstadt Germany. The 110 store center had pretty much all I wanted as a Bargain Hunter, designer stores with some very good prices. As a habitual shopper with less cash but a lot of ambition designer outlets are heaven sent. I have to stretch my “fabu budget” anyway I can.
Covid 19, health and safety concerns come first. Located at each main entrance there is a guard to take temperatures as well as body temperature scanners. Each store allows only so many people in at a time. At the better known brands there were lines, so be prepared to wait a few minutes. I had to skip the Calvin Klein Underwear shop because of the long waiting time.
As the shopping conditions were different, I needed to make a plan. Get the layout in my head. Find my favorite brands, get a cafe while planning the logistics and visits Simple, start from one end, work my way around. Easier said than done. I got distracted by the Bally Store. There was no line plus, I am a fan. The markdown was too good to pass up. The service was also good. I got a pair of shoes and belt for good prices. Continuing to work to end, Prada Store but busy, happily they told me to comback or make an appointment. I did the latter
Surprisingly there was no line to get in Versace. The sales guy was wonderful. My find of the day, I got a scarf for 15 euros.
Back to Prada. Sneakers on last mark down for 100 euros. I wanted them, but sadly, too large. Life is cruel.
There is something for everyone. I admit a few brands could have been more generous with the markdowns. 50% off is my minimal point. Anything less makes me feel unwanted.
During these days many of the stores now have phone in and WhatsApp service. Call and ask what for the latest outlet offerings. They will even send pictures and arrange for package delivery.
Shop at Ingolstadt Outlet Centre year round near Ingolstadt Germany.
Black and Paper presents From Milan With Love by Flora Marcella Cusi with Gabi Thiam wearing Borsalino Hats and Colmar Outerwear.
Stay Tuned for more from the series.
Winter is Coming. I am a big coat fan. I believe having one for everyday of the week is not enough. My seven picks.
I got a bit behind schedule. Of course I am paying attention to Milan Fashion Week. Sadly, we decided to skip the event this season because of Covid. Notheless, thanks to the digital platform we have been able to see the latest collections.
Stay Tuned for full reports.
Is there a need for fashion week? Being fashion enthusiasts we have to ponder this question. I recently spoke to a TV editor. He said, “No way will I attend a fashion show”. As the world continues reeling from Covid 19 the need for a new wardrobe, questionable. September is fashion month. Normally this time of you, packing, invites, calling colleagues about where to meet. Not this time. I got a few live invites, but did not expect many.
The First of the Big Four Fashion Weeks starts today.
As the numbers of infections increase in France, Italy, and UK, sitting in front row feels a bit oblivious. Bags, shoes, and complete looks to wear in front for a Zoom. The style effect gets lost from the neck down.
So many fashion related business face challenges. Models are no longer booked. Their agencies face closing. Magazines struggle to fill ad pages. Retailers attached to life support. Customers fearful of loosing jobs, have less discretionary income.
The future is not clear for all. One certaninty: the fashion industry’s day of reckoinig has arrived.
Stay Tuned for more on this subject. And of course, Black and Paper will cover the fashion weeks.