John Galliano makes his return...

John Galliano is set to make his return...

The British born designer is set to make his return to the fashion world, with a temporary stay at Oscar De La Renta's studio in New York City. 

In March 2011 John Galliano was fired from the House of Dior, after an incident that took place in a Paris cafe, where Galliano was caught and recorded making anti-Semitic expressing to customers. This spread worldwide, celebrities that had previously trusted in Galliano's work and wore his pieces with pride, were disappointed and disgusted by his behavior. The house of Dior took quick action in cutting John Galliano from their team, to protect the respect of their brand. 

The fashion world knew that they were loosing a true master-mind, with his amazing innovated designers and constant surprise of style. Since he joined Christian Dior in 1996 Galliano undeniably made his mark on the industry, transforming the way in which Dior Haute Couture was presented, with unforgettable drama and theatrical dazzle. His flair was most definitely iconic, a huge fan of his work, I was truly devastated and disappointed by the way he departed from the industry. 

After a much needed break from the fashion industry, Galliano has decided that 2013 is his year to return. He has confirmed that he will spend the next three weeks with Oscar De La Renta as he prepares for his upcoming New York Fashion Week show.

Oscar De La Renta has expressed that "John and I have known each other for many years and I am a great admirer of his talent. He has worked long and hard on his recovery and I am happy to give him the opportunity to re-immerse himself in the world of fashion and re-acclimate in an environment where he has been so creative."

Galliano has previous told WWD that he is an alcoholic. He has spent the last 2 years in recovery, he has said that it was the disease that caused his outburst in Paris. He has tried to apologise for his words and the hurt he has caused to the Jewish community, and wishes to try and amend all that he has done. 

I was overly ecstatic about this news, I knew there would come a time when John Galliano would return to the fashion world offering us once again his magic and creative aptitude... Excited to see what he comes up with next! -★

"I am grateful to Oscar beyond words for inviting me to spend time with him in the familiar surroundings of a design studio, His support and faith in me is humbling" John Galliano.

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Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

French Fashion label collaborates with high street store H&M:

The avant-garde brand Maison Martin Margiela is set to be the next luxury brand to tie hands with high street store H&M. After previously may successful collaborations with top high end brands, like Versace, Marni, Jimmy Choo, Sonia Rykiel, Karl Lagerfeld, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli and last months Vogue Japan's Fashion editor Anna Dello Russo. H&M's outstanding success on these brand collaborations, helps to bring in a new audience that appreciate fashion at an affordable price, appealing to a whole new market. Many of these luxury brands are densely priced, catering to a very niche market of elite with high street collaborations like these, pulls in a new prospectus of market. 

I am for one, very excited about this collaboration after viewing the look book of 100 of the pieces that are expected to hit the stores on November 15th... thats right fashion followers mark the date in your dairies... November 15th. I have already selected my favourite pieces from both the men's and women's collection, a dream come true for all those die-hard fans of the avant-garde label. 

The launch party took place in NYC, where a star-studded line up of Maison Martin Margiela fans of the brand, were present supporting the high street collaboration and were even dressed in their favourite piece from the collection. 

Be prepared to expect the unexpected best of avant-garde, with oversized draped silhouettes, soft turtleneck jumpers, extreme outerwear, and master class tailoring with a masculine edge. Accessories take a spin on the unpredicatable side with hair lock pendants, glove shaped clutches, high-top sneakers, skinny belts and the perfect wedge boot with clear perspex heel. The Maison Martin Margiela for H&M is offering the best of the label without the price tag attached... its every fashion lovers ultimate wish. 

There was one item from the collection that I couldn't ignore, its completely recognizable and perfectly functional idea, The Candy Clutch. Made to resemble a candy wrapper with a zip fastening opening, just where you would tear open your favourite bar of chocolate or candy. Available in electric silver and pink, its genius! 

SKarman's Choice:

Below is a selection of favourite items from the collection, that I can't wait to get my hands on, from clothing to accessories: 

(From left to right)

-Body with integrated bra, £29.99

-Enlarged watch frame bracelet, £29.99

-Plexi Wedge pump, £149.99

-Darted Jumper, £69.99

-Flat Jacket, £59.99 & Pattern cut trousers, £59.99

-Trompe l'oeil tattoo top, £29.99

-Oversized peacoat, £149.99

-Oversized turtleneck jumper, £79.99

- Hightop Trompe l'oeil sneakers, £69.99

-Glove clutch, £79.99

-Candy Clutch, £34.99

Save the date & get ready to shop on : November 15th

Watch coverage from the Launch party of the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection in New York City!-★

Little Black Jacket Exhibition - London

Little Black Jacket Exhibition

-London-
12 October - 4 November 2012

By Karl Lagerfeld &Carine Roitfeld

Classic. Chic. Can only mean Chanel. 

The most stylish exhibition to hit the world this year has made its mark on London, this October at the Saatchi Gallery. The exhibition is set to hit over 10 capitals, from Tokyo to New York from London to Moscow. 

Based on the iconic jacket design that Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel introduced to the world of fashion over 50 years ago, and yet is still a major feature in all current Chanel collections. Karl Lagerfeld has continued the legacy of Coco Chanel's creation by keeping true to the jackets signature silhouette and cut. 

Chanel is a brand that has created its own language in fashion, with its unique codes and symbols of flare. Over the years it has paved its way into establishing its trademark stamp of style, from quilting, to the internationally recognized logo of interlocking C's and the stable garment to any collection the French fashion house creates, The Little Black Jacket.

The Little Black Jacket has graced the shoulders of many celebrities from fashion designers, musical sensations, actors, supermodels, film directors and fashion icons, all photographed by Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carine Roitfeld. An overall of 150 Black and white images, each featuring a Little Black Jacket being worn in the persona of the individual that is being photographed. The breath taking imagery leads you into a world of Chanel, allowing you to appreciate the superior elegance of the Little Black Jacket, that has lived on for decades being admired by the men and women. The stars wear identical Chanel Jackets, a black, slightly boxy, collarless tweed, with a single row of silver buttons.

(Video: The making of a Little Black Jacket) 

The exhibition not only featured a star studded list of female women but also of influential men, which can come as a surprise as Chanel do not cater for menswear. Like many of Chanel's famous designs, the Little Black Jacket, originates from menswear being based on a groomsman's jacket. I believe that the mens participation in the project makes this exhibition a lot more unique and unexpected, to the audience. Just shows that such a mass amount of timeless elegance in one garment can even have men wanting to wear it. 

I truly enjoyed the unique and simply idea of the exhibition, Karl Lagerfeld kept the images focused on the individuals personality and how they would wear the Little Black Jacket, clear studio images. If your unable to make it to an exhibition in your city, then there's a whole website (www.thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com) dedicated to the exhibition, just log on and check out behind the scenes footage from many shoots.-★

Explore the London exhibition held at The Saatchi Gallery, in a short video I have put together.

All images taken by SKarman

Little Black Jacket: 12 October - 4 November 2012

Rob Pruitt for Jimmy Choo

Rob Pruitt for Jimmy Choo 

Art & Fashion Collaborate:

New York based contemporary artist Rob Pruitt recently launched a new collaboration with London based luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo. Much of the collection is based around Pruitt's main fascination that is a constant inspiration to his work, the beloved lovable animal... Pandas! 

The collection which is available now, includes glitter zebra sandals, slippers, silk scarf, key chain and adorable glitter angel and devil panda clutches, priced at £9500.00. The exclusive angel and devil panda clutches, are incrusted with over 11,000 hand applied Swarovski crystals and finished inside with black leather lining... WOW...thats some serious SPARKLE!

In a press release Rob Pruitt shared his story: "The panda is a recurring image seen throughout the body of my artwork. It’s a symbol that reminds us both to tread lightly and to appreciate the adorable. They represent the harmony of yin and yang."

Simple concept, yet executed in such a fabulous manner and a whole lot of glitter. Rob Pruitt broke out onto the art scene in NYC, during the 80's with his colourful, pop-art influenced work and his latest art collect was influenced by the master of pop-art Andy Warhol. Jimmy Choo;s creative director realized the potential in his bright and playful style of art and knew that this would balance out perfectly with Jimmy Choo's classic elegance. 

Jimmy Choo creative directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway said. "We sensed that Rob's twist on Jimmy Choo glamour would yield something very collectable and uniquely beautiful." 

This is not the first time that Jimmy Choo has collaborated with artists, I believe the strong relationship with fashion and art is continuing to flourish in the industry, with more influence and appeal to different audiences.-★

(Video: Exclusive interview with creative directors of Jimmy Choo & Rob Pruitt animation)

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler

Brand Profile:

Contemporary New-York based brand

The New York based brand Proenza Schouler was established in 2002, by two partners who had both met while studying at The Parsons School of Design. After collaborating with both of their design ideas, the entire collection was bought by Barneys New York, and this is where the new 'IT BAG' was established. 

The name of the band came about from both of the partners mothers maiden names. Proenza Schouler is defined by its great balance of craftsmanship and attention to detail, a great example of how a simple detail can work so effectively.

The refined ease of the look of Proenza Schouler's bag designs, is drawn from the contemporary art and the youth culture. Much of the brands women's clothing line also shows great execution on tailoring and the use of custom developed fabrics and textures.

SKarman's Thoughts:

I truly love the simplicity of Proenza Schouler's designs, with the great use of fabrics, textures and colours in all styles of the bag from large to wrist strapped clutches.

My favourite bag style would have to be clutch (PS11 Clutch), with metal detailing, i love the size, like a fresh new take on satchel but in mini size, perfect for day and even evening...I LOVE!
With the metal detailing at the front of the bag, I would work it in a bright colour, like the Python yellow print or a classic black which you can never go wrong with. -★

Celebrities also can't get enough of Proenza Schouler's fresh designs!

John Barrett's: Pony Tail Bar Opens!

John Barret's: Ponytail Bar Opens

The first Ponytail Bar opens in New York City:

The 23rd of July 2012 marked the opening of the first ever Ponytail Bar, to take the chic city of New York by storm. Thats right ladies, who would of ever thought it to have a dedicated salon just for perfected pony's, styled by the greatest hair stylist in fashion, John Barrett. 

Luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman, is where the salon is based, John Barrett already has a successful salon launched, which offers classic salon experience as well as a exclusively Barrett's Braids bar. Barrett's Braids bar offers, the stylish braid designs, which many celebrities can't get enough of.

The new launch of the Pony Tail Bar, at Bergdorf Goodman was marked with a Pony Tail Party, celebrating the effortless style that can now be worn easily by the fabulous women of New York City (so unfair).

"A good ponytail is like a good heel-it gives you a little lift" - John Barrett

The experience at the salon bar offers you a menu of various different ponytails, to suit every hair type, for every occasion and for each individual personality. You can choose from:

• The High Pony: From tight and sleek to playful with a few loose curls
• The Mid-crown pony: Think classic, think British Royalty Duchess of Cambridge 
• The Sculpted Pony: Style Grecian twist, with a spin on Olivia Wilde
• The Braided Pony : Red-carpet-to-go, Blake Lively 
• The Low Pony: A light casual mess, sophisticated and tucked under 
• The Top Knot: A professionally polished version of what so many of us do ourselves on a hot summers day, but with a whole lot of chic

The ponytail is a hairstyle considered by many designers, hairstylist and photographers as the most effective hairstyle, so easily made interesting with added braids and crown volume, perfect for any occasion be it a day lunch or a red carpet extravaganza... its just Absolutely Amazing!
So for anyone traveling to NYC soon, be sure to make a booking at John Barrett's Salon, i know that i defiantly have this on my to-do list! I'm dying to try out the Braid pony! -★

Met Ball 2012 Fashion Breakdown

Met Ball 2012

The fashion low-down:

The biggest and brightest night, where fashion and arts come together in celebrate the glamorous industry, in the heart of New York City. Celebrity royalty arrive dressed in their best from the music, fashion, film and art industry, the creative world is joined together for one magical night. The ladies dress to impress in the best attire, working the red carpet... its one night where everyone is evaluating what and who you are wearing. 

From metallic gowns, to feathered details and slick tailored suit, the Met Ball shapes its own trends. 

Beyonce Knowles:

 In Haute Couture Givenchy

Embellished gown with feather trail 

Scarlett Johansson:

In Dolce& Gabbana

Editor-in-Chief of Vogue USA Anna Wintour:

In Custom made Prada 

 Eva Mendes:

In strapless Prada

 Gisele Bundchen:

In Givenchy

 Jessica Alba:

In Metallic Michael Kors

 Rihanna:

In Tom Ford 

 Roise Huntington-Whiteley:

In metallic Burberry  

Sarah Jessica Parker:

In Couture Valentino 

 Gwyneth Paltrow:

In Prada

Renee Zellweger:

In custom made Emilo Pucci

Chanel Iman attended the evening with Tom Ford:

In Tom Ford

My Top favourites of the evening!-★