Michal Pudelka’s Magic and Mermaids for Valentino SS’15 Ad Campaign

Okay.

It’s been a while, we’re flakey.

BUT HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We wanted to bring to your attention the new Valentino SS’15 ad campaign, because it is my favourite ever (I think!). We did a feature on Valentino’s Resort Collection from last year, but this, THIS, is it.

#bowdown

The ad campaign highlights fashion and fairytale in a stunning visual composition. The campaign was shot by Michal Pudelka, whose work features strong female models and juxtaposes bold prints against soft backgrounds. I’m thinking Dazed and Confused meets Vogue with a serious nod to The Shining; there is something distinctly creepy about a lot of his past work.

I love it.

While the Valentino campaign is much polished than many of Pudelka’s work, like Transhumanism and Upcomings, it is distinctly Pudelka.

The Valentino campaign stars models Vanessa Moody, Grace Simmons, Hedvig Palm, Clémentine Deraedt and Maartje Verhoef.

Now seriously, can I get these blown up in for my apartment?

After fawning over the images of pale models floating in the water and parading around the beach in a variety of beautiful bold prints and light airy fabrics, I think I need to rethink my closet goals.

     

Check out the full ad campaign at Fashion Gone Rogue. 
Love,

We LOVE: A R C H I V E S

If you haven’t heard about A R C H I V E S – it is a luxury, designer jewellery store located adjacent to the new flagship Four Seasons in Yorkville at 1275 Bay Street, Toronto.

Afternoon Tea at  A R C H I V E S

The one-of-a-kind jewellery boutique brings together unique and beautiful pieces from designers all over the world. The owner and designer, Jaleh Farhadpour, is a true visionary and has compiled a collection of pieces that bridge classic opulence and contemporary style in a unique urban space. Farhadpour’s collections in A R C H I V E S are inspired by her time abroad. Not only has she lived in several countries including Dubai, France, England and the United States, before moving to Toronto in 1988 but she travels all around the world to find stunning pieces and along the way, found inspiration herself.

Farhadpour journeyed to Sri Lanka in 2005 to aid in the humanitarian effort after the devasting tsunami. While staying in an ashram, she spotted locals working with gems and stones to fashion jewellery. Farhadpour then began to research the healing powers ascribed to each stone before purchasing a large bulk of them that would eventually be reimagined into her luxurious and striking collection now available at A R C H I V E S.

Three stunning rings by Jaleh Farhadpour- top of my Christmas list!

In addition to the owner’s design, the store showcases a variety of international designers, many of whom are only available in Canada at this location. As most girls do, I swoon at the sight of diamonds and gems and A R C H I V E S  provides an avid Canadian jewellery lover with access to a finely curated collection that would be otherwise inaccessible. I attended their champagne drop in a few weeks ago and have been raving about it ever since. Luckily, on Saturday I was invited back for a civilized afternoon tea to try on some of the exquisite pieces and take some photos. Here are a few of my favourite pieces from the store:

Favourite Bag

Les Petits Joueurs //  Italy

This playful contemporary clutch is designed by Les Petits Joueurs.The modern design, eclectic style and colourful hues couple to make Les Petits Joueurs’ bags playful yet refined. The Grace Lolita bag, pictured above, is handcrafted by Florentine aritsans from plexi and real LEGO pieces.

Favourite Hat

High Spirits // Toronto

A R C H I V E S showcases local hat designs by High Spirits. The Toronto based designers opt for subtle delicate accents, like the amethyst attached to the one above, that make a statement.

Favourite Ring

Delfina Delettrez // Italy

The one-of-a kind Delfina Delettrez diamond encrusted stingray ring is just breathtaking, an exclusive to A R C H I V E S. Delettrez, a member of the Fendi family, is a young designer sweeping the world with her modern and “kinetic” pieces. With fans from Beyonce to Katy Perry, it is no wonder that Delettrez is the youngest designer included in the permanent collection of fine jewellery at the Louvre’s Musée des Arts Decoratifs.

Favourite Earcuff 

Cristina Oritz // Spain

Cristina Oritz’ fantastical designs are reminiscent of a coupling of femininity and power. They are strong, metal accented with diamonds, and highlight the natural silhouettes of the areas they adorn. Oritz, previously Design Director at Prada and Creative Director at Salvatore Ferragamo, has a long history with the fashion industry but only recently branched out on her own as a jewellery designer. This ear cuff, worn by Blake Lively and Alessandra Ambrosio, is a part of Oritz’ premier jewellery collection and is definitely one of my favourite pieces in A R C H I V E S.

Favourite Necklace 

Iradj Moini // America

Persian designer Iradj Moini has been designing pieces in New York since 1989. This particular statement necklace has been fashioned to mimic a snake embracing the neck. Several of Moini’s designs utilize the figure of a snake, I find the colours of this piece particularly encapsulating.

Favourite Eyewear

Illesteva // Italy

I’ll tell you what “i” wanna wear, this Illesteva eyewear! This particular pair of mirrored sunglasses by Illesteva caught my eye. All of the designs are functional but stylish and handmade in France and Italy. A R C H I V E S carries a broad range of sunglasses and eyewear and often there is only one pair of each, so if you make the purchase you know that you have something unique to Toronto. And you can rest easy, the price points are comparable to many other designer sunglasses brands as well!

Favourite Earrings

Jaleh Farhadpour // Canada

I couldn’t pick just one! All of these earrings have interchangeable tops and bottoms so the options are everlasting. If I ever open my own jewellery drawer and it looks like this, I will likely perish from happiness. Jaleh Farhadpour’s collection is a breathtaking composition of colour, texture and functional architectural design. BRAVO!

Now that you all know where to head (or send your most generous family members) for your Christmas shopping, I’ll leave you with some other photos to peruse from the champagne drop-in and afternoon tea.

PS, big thanks to Kate Nishida, A R C H I V E S assistant manager and PR aficionado, for all the info and photo opportunities. Also, my gorgeous dark haired Deanna for modelling in some of these pics!

     

            

      You can also see more photos and check out additional content from A R C H I V E S online on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram- @archivestoronto
And check out their website here!

Love

Daydreams: Valentino Vacation

It’s bleak, it’s cold and it’s definitely grey.

Not that long ago the weather was navigable in short skirts and flowy dresses, and today I’m yearning to feel a little sun on my face. The dissolution of the fall into overcast dreary winter weather has me daydreaming of a vacation down south.

Naturally, one turns to Valentino’s effervescent, vibrant and whimsical Resort ’15 collection. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s inspired collection features parrots, monkeys, flora and fauna in a variety of prints, appliqués and embroideries. Even though it was released in July this 83 piece collection has stayed at the forefront of my fantasies.

After reading Samantha Adler’s quip on the Vogue blog this morning about Valentino resort monkeys, I have spent an hour gawking at the collection and imagining myself somewhere hot- Punta anyone?

And because I can’t pick a favourite:

x

WE LOVE: Tiffany and Co. Holiday Campaign

With Christmas coming up just around the corner I’m hoping you all are saving your naughty till the new year.

The end of November marks the mad dash for everything holiday, your favourite coffee joints change their cups, Christmas music hits the airwaves (anyone else replaying The OC: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah?) and window displays impart festive cheer/ impending got-to-shop stress on passerbys.

In two weeks we will bring you our gift guide, featuring the most coveted items we want under the christmas tree this year. BUT, for now we’ll just wet your appetite with a close look at what every girl wants this year… Besides Taylor Swift’s wardrobe in the new Blank Space music video.

The facade of the Tiffany’s fifth avenue flagship, inspired by an exhibit created for the Tiffany Diamond at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
Source: Instagram

#ATIFFANYHOLIDAY

Tiffany and Co., the quintessential jewellery store based in New York City, has launched a new holiday campaign. Yes, Tiffany’s just got a whole lot cuter.

Source: Twitter

This years campaign features images of Tiffany’s jewelry juxtaposed with cartoon videos by creative design firm Ogilvy and Mathers. The videos and pictures feature iconic New York scenes, like the flagship Tiffany’s store and yellow taxi cabs and skating at the Rockefeller centre.

Source: Instagram

OUR FAVOURITE is an ad for Tiffany’s mens wallet that features two men and their son sitting around the fire and drinking hot chocolate. The caption reads, “The merrier the gentlemen, the better.” Kudos to Tiffany’s for striking hot with contemporary advertising geared towards same sex couples- we love.

Source: Twitter

So be good, because we all know good things come in blue boxes.

x

Source: Instagram

Outerwear Trends F ’14

Now that fall is fully underway, it’s evident that there is some serious variety in outerwear this season. Luckily, no matter what your style inclinations or budget there are trendy options.

1) EDGY- Leather

Mackage
$690

NOISY MAY
$105

2) CONTEMPORARY- Sherpa

Wilfred
 $275

MEXX
 $170

3) BOYFRIEND FIT – Wool

Wilfred
$325

Zara
$149

4) LUXE – Faux Fur

MARELLA
$725

Zara
$169

5) STATEMENT- Leopard Print

Dianne Von Furstenburg
$860

Topshop
$160

Now get out and enjoy the city streets and brisk weather in style.
Try to not blow your rent money to get all of these pieces into your wardrobe!

Monochrome Movement

Black and white fashion is the basis of street style. Blogs, Tumblrs and coverage of fashion week show a distinct focus on monochromatic schemes. It’s easy to wear, contemporary style that is kind of badass.

Take a peek:

Source: Instagram – Vydia

Source: queenofclassy.com

Source: Tumblr

It’s easy to incorporate this trend into your style profile, try reworking a staple tee-shirt with edgy accessories.

This is my take:

L-R:  Socks, Urban Outfitters | Boots- BCBG | Lipstick – MAC Media | Skirt- H&M | Glasses – ALDO | Wallet- N/A | Shirt- Zara

    

This trend is great to rock in the city. Try it for a night out or TO A BRAND NEW RESTAURANT OPENING!

I’ll be checking out WILBUR MEXICANA opening this week at King and Brant (so YES, I’m not posting a picture of me in this outfit because it’s too hot out today- like what is this weather? It’s basically October. BUT I’ll be wearing this to Wilbur.)
http://www.wilburmexicana.com/

 Hope your Monday’s not sucking too much!