Ballerinas in Motion

Black Swan already has everyone talking, thinking or taking a ballet class, and I'm predicting they'll pick up more than their share of Oscars this Sunday, (which I'll be watching and rooting for Natalie).

I always find ballerina photo shoots look a bit contrived, but this one is quite literally floor sweeping.
London based photographer, Jan Masny has captured the motion and grace of the gestures and arabesques of these dynamic balllerinas. It almost makes me want to put on some ballet shoes and.... err.. on second thought, it might just end up very badly.

Have a great weekend!

via: trendland.net

Treasures from the Earth: Rare Gem Finds

My current infatuations are chunky crystals formed by the earth's terrain; Raw gems and slices of the earth that have been untouched and harvested from the planet's core made into dangling necklaces and bold statement rings, each of them unique in colour and texture. No two are alike.

There seems to be a lot of new stores popping up on Etsy with these gems and I recently caved in and bought one..

via Sadie Design

via Sadie Design

via Sadie Design

via The Vamoose

via billy bride

via billy bride

Marchesa's Muse

I think I might have died and gone to heaven after laying my eyes on the Marchesa Fall 2011 collection. Chantilly lace, rose cuffs, beaded lace, sheer silk tulle, inspired by Miss Havisham from Great Expectations. I'm loving Vogue's close-up detail shots.

source: Vogue.com, courtesy of Marchesa

Preen Flashbacks and Adrenaline Rushes

While I was on exchange in London during my days in Fashion School, (which feels like lifetimes ago), I had the opportunity to intern for the lovely design house, Preen. I was asked to do some light sewing, prepare samples, and hand stitching in labels/buttons (oh so glamorous!) but I was secretly hoping to be asked to dress for their London Fashion show.

behind the scenes Preen Fall 2005

It's exhilarating to be a dresser backstage. There's always a model searching for a lost shoe or a missing earring and a make up artist standing by to apply last minute touch-ups. And just when the show starts, your model is coming back for the second outfit, your adrenaline kicks in and you're frantically zipping up that dress on her skinny frame. You then madly rush her back in line again to stomp down that runway, cool and confident.

Fall 2005 via: style.com

Their look has definitely evolved over the seasons, and has grown up in way. I love what Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi have done with their Fall 2011 collection. There's a real emphasis on simple silhouettes and sophisticated styling with punchy geometric prints, hand beaded tops, and simple shift dresses with a touch of hand craft.

Fall 2011 via: style.com

Rouge: The Color of L'amour

via tumblr

via:wannaliveforever.tumblr.com

via: justmygreeneyes.tumblr.com

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Hopeless Lingerie

camilla akrans

via: flickr

via: omgitscindy.tumblr.com

Available in my shop.  Just a sneak peak of what's to come..

 Red lipstick, red nail polish and a red dress. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

Montreal Fashion Week: Anomal Couture, Melisa Nepton

Ever since I moved to Montreal, I always make a point to attend the Montreal Fashion Week and this year was no exception. I decided to bring my camera with me to capture some highlights.

Anomal Couture was a blend of very bold and structural pieces. Lots of bustiers, bodysuits and big shoulders, cut out backs and boleros with a mixture of fabric blocking, leather and shimmering brocade. Very different and edgy pieces in this collection.

Melisa Nepton was the last show of the night. She had a polished collection of wearable knits, textured over pieces, blush silk blouses and soft draped blazers. I especially loved the Etruscan inspired felted caps with hair peaking out from the top. It added a touch of warrior edge to the soft cozy over sized knits and blazers. Where can I pre-order these?

Montreal's Couturier: Denis Gagnon

I went to check out the Denis Gagnon exhibit a the The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts before it shuts its doors on Feb 13th.  It's a pretty amazing collection of his best work. You're able to walk around all of the garments and view every detail closely. There were a few garments made entirely of zipper teeth; braided and crisscrossed to form different shapes and patterns. He also displayed some extreme fringe dresses, chain detailing and lace.

Such beautiful pieces of art and to see them up close was even more amazing.

She's all Leg

 via: weheartit/ tumblr/ melinwonderland/ tumblr

I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm a bit obsessed with legs.

If you own these pictures, please let me know so I provide the proper source. Thanks.

Couture Spring 2011: Dior's New Look

I always look forward to the Haute Couture shows during this time of year.  It always serves as a guide for what will trickle down into retail fashion and more RTW clothing.

I find that this collection, John Galliano has toned down his extravagance and really fine tuned his craft. He has churned out some beautiful chiaroscuro confections, blending washes of colour with layers and layers of tulle. An homage to René Gruau, the illustrator who drew for Dior in the fifties and the forties, the silhouettes are reminiscent of the New Look with tight waists and flared skirts.

By far, this is my favorite collection from the Haute Couture show.