Golden boys

Creative director of Chanel make-up, Peter Philips rocks ! This Belgian (yep! ) guy, really impressed designer Karl Lagerfeld when he worked with him for the first time.   I met him twice in Antwerp before he got famous and he was really nice and friendly . Described by Susie Rushton from "The Independent" as a softly-spoken Belgian with dark  blond hair and a calm demeanour, it seems that he is still the same nice person.  Listen to his zen like voice .......



Philips, a graduate from our prestigious Antwerp Academy, abandoned fashion design to take up a career in make-up.  He is exceptional creative and has an amazing modern approach ( he used feathers, pearls, fabrics, temporary tattoos,  ......) He wants to offer a nice palette, nice tools for women to use ( rouge coco). Yeah, that's why we love Chanel's golden boy !

Another golden boy, fantastic talent, Stan Shaffer, a contemporary American fashion and art photographer whom shot for Vogue, Victoria Secret ... Last year he passed away after a cardiac arrest only months before his book " You should have been with me" was to have been released. Amazing book by an amazing artist ! Definitely on my wishlist !

Have a happy Halloween weekend !!! xoxo

Trick-or-treat

When you're in Antwerp and forgot your favorite T-shirt, pop in to the "So Antwerp" ( Simply Original Antwerp)  store ( Lombardenvest 33).  This Belgian brand offers basics in a large range of colours, in easy going styles. They presented their autumn & winter collection with a cocktailparty ( without cocktails ) on wednesdaynight, think leggings, dresses, T-shirts .... or order online on www.soantwerp.be

Last chance :
Kate Moss has unveiled her final boho-style collection for British label Topshop. So be quick and check out her latest range which will include her best-selling items (in case you missed them).

Dig up inspiration from the grave with bonechilling skeleton costumes or make some italian osso buco with fake blood. Start carving your pumpkin now, with other words : just have a happy Halloween weekend : eat, drink and be scary !! ( but still in style) xoxo

Hot news

So much news today :

Yeeep ! It's official now, Abercrombie & Fitch is coming to Brussels ( 2011). One of my friends (collects their shoppingbags with the male models on it) is gonna be very happy !  Get ready for their sexy T-shirts ( and the smell of their aftershave when you enter the shop) . Brussels here we come !

Hot Jenny from the block, miss Jennifer Lopez is starring alongside her 2-year old twins Emma & Max for Gucci's childrens spring 2011 line, talking about glam in the sand ! Too cute !

Belgian genius and wonderboy, designer Olivier Theyskens, former Nina Ricci and Rochas designer, will take over full design at Theory. His first collection will be launched for autumn/winter 2011/12.

We love Olivier !

Have a hot day ! xoxo

Shopping weekend

What a weekend !  People, parties, places.
The Fashion Museum of Hasselt  organised a stocksale of designerclothes by upscale designerboutiques in Hasselt with brands like Martin Margiela, Balenciaga, Prada, Dior, Dries van Noten .... obviously I had to visit  (it's allways nice to impress for less).  The menswear collection was so much nicer then the women's, so the hunt for exquisite was not that exciting.

We were saved by a visit  to the expo "Devout/Divine  Fashion VS Religion"  about the not so obvious connection between fashion and religion. The expo tries to show striking examples in contemporary fashion of the use of elements of the major world religions. Very nice exhibition ( till 09-01-2011-www.modemuseumhasselt.be)

From Hasselt to Ghent were Belgian brand A.F. Vandevorst launched "Aktion III" , their 3d pop-up store in Belgium. The Aktion III store , which looks like a hospital, even includes a gallery, hosting art expositions, book launches, performances and an Aktion III restaurant. ( Brabantdam 70-72, 9000 Ghent) (Aktionen@AFvandevorst.be)  . The fashion crowd was dancing ( untill the musicinstallation broke down) and drinking ( untill there were no more bubbles) and having their pictures taken in a Rx photoboot ( untill they were out of money) .....

Time to relax !   Have a nice sunday ! xoxo

Get chunky

While my friend J is enjoying the beautifull weather in South-Africa, it's getting freezing cold in Belgium.  Maybe I have to get cozy and put on a chunky sweater and boots ( they are all over the catwalk) or curl up under a blanket with a magazine and a cup of tea or just start knitting ( joke) . Love these following looks :

This idea has even been transferred into interiors. Give your room a  warm feeling by adding texture and knits  ( knitted poufs, cable knit pillows ...) 

Or, get funky and book a stunning suite at " Soul suites" ( Marnixplaats 14) Antwerp. Think luxurious, prefectly decorated suites, located in the South of Antwerp. All the appartments  are treated with stylish vintage furniture. You will feel at home immediately  and no stress for breakfast here. ( www. Soulsuites.com) 

Love doesn't walk away, people do. xoxo

Hairday

Congratulations to Dutch beauty Milou Van Groesen ! This cool blond opened the spring/summer 2011 Balenciagashow ( at the age of 22) ; She was scouted on the streets of Amsterdam 2 years ago. Nicolas Ghesquiere was so impressed by her that he gave her this worldwide exclusive to open the show ! Love her look !

Having a bad hairday ? A bad hairday is defined as a day when one's ( mine) appearance, especially one's hair ( mine again) , does not look attractive ( I went for a run). We all have one ( only I have many), a day when no amount of combing, brushing or styling will get your locks to look their best. Don't worry, make the most of it, get some inspiration from these girls and just make a loose bun.

Happy sunday ! Hope your week is full of smiles ! xoxo

Fashion photography

Last night famous Dutch photographer, Ronald Stoops (editorials for magazines like I-D, Dazed & Confused ....)  and his wife Inge Grognard, make-up artist, presented their book "Ronald Stoops & Inge Grognard", at Galerie Van De Weghe  in Antwerp ( Museumstraat 4).   Their book is focused on their non-commercial work, celebrating 30 years of collaboration including projects with Martin Margiela, AF Vandevorst, ..... a fantastic piece of art which let you discover fashion photography from a different angle.  Ronald is also the photographer of the must-have catalogues of "Just in case", so definitively a book to buy ! 

At American brand Abercrombie & Fitch ( can't believe how popular their sweats are at the gym) 30 adult male and female models were shot by Bruce Weber last week with a 13-hour a day schedule. An agency supervisor booted Belgian model Florian van Bael for eating a croissant at the wrong time !!! Who said models don't eat ( maybe only the female) ?  They should have known better when they booked a Belgian model, Belgians like to eat ( because their food is sooo good) 

Florian, I think you rock !  Please, give that boy a croissant ! 

Enjoy your weekend ! xoxo