Wednesday, January 26, 2011

THE KING...BALENCIAGA

Hello guys!! Today I went to the Balenciaga Exhibit at the Queen Sophia Spanish Institute, I only have one word A-MA-ZING!! 

Let's start by saying today was not the best day, the weather was horrible, first I thought it was really cute since it was snowing, but it didn't stop! It snowed all morning! I walked from school (7th Ave and 40th St) to Lexington and 53rd st to get on the subway that would take us uptown to 68th st- Hunter College Station and then walked to Park and 698th...doesn't sound that much I know, but believe me, in that weather it was A LOT. Anyway just wanted to tell you all this to emphasize how amazing the exhibit is, that when I finally entered, I forgot about the horrible walk we just had and just marvelled at the pieces! 

The exhibit consists of about 50 pieces that reflect part of Cristobal Balenciaga's work, from when he moved from Spain to Paris, until he retired in 1968 and returned to his home country.

The exhibition is divided in two floors. On the first floor you can see dresses capes and coats inspired on religious figures (monks, nuns and cardinals) as well as different royal characters such as Philip of Spain.
On the basement is the second part of the exhibition which presents garments inspired by Flamenco and "Toreros". 

Apart from the impeccable details, embroidery and clean lines what amazes me is how I could see most of these dresses at a runway show today! The garments are from the late 30's up to the 60s, but they don't look old fashioned at all! After seeing them you can feel how much he has inspired many designers of our time.  While looking at each dress, different designers came to mind, like Alexander Mcqueen, Lanvin, John Galliano and even Oscar de la Renta (which btw was Balenciaga's protege and is the Chairman of the Spanish Institute), which demonstrate how influential "The King" still is.

This exhibition is a recollection of dresses from around the world. From Balenciaga's private collection in Paris, to the University of Texas. All dresses were curated by Hamish Bowles, European Vogue's Editor in Chief at Large (who incidentally owns many of the dresses exhibited). 

As you may imagine, pictures are not allowed on the exhibition, however, I did take some on the room where a video was being displayed of a Balenciaga Runway, as well as some of the pictures of the booklet given to every visitor. 





Maria checking out the photo she just took.

Me watching the Runway Show


Cristobal Balenciaga












This exhibition will be in NYC until February 19th of 2011, if you have the chance, please come, it is really worth it. However, if you can't, this exhibit will move to the Young Museum of San Francisco and will open on March 26th.




Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Fashion News so Far!

Hello little ponys...long time no blog I know I know...but things have been pretty hectic, with packing and checking every single detail, opening and closing accounts, and of course partying, it's been really hard to blog, but here I am...

So it's been 10 days of a new year and there have been SOOO many fashion news, that now that I've got a little time (thank you insomnia) I'm gonna make a little summary for you;


  • VOGUE PARIS has a new Editor In Chief! 
Photo courtesy of Facebook
That's right, her name is Emanuelle Alt, who was the Fashion Editor of the magazine, as well as a stylist for brands like Balmain and Isabel Marant! After Carine Roitfeld's left her possition and took everyone by surprise, she was the obvious choice. Let's wish her good luck on this new era for her and the magazine!



  • The Beckhams are expecting baby #4
Yes I know this is something you should probably read on People Magazine or US weekly, however, given the fact that Victoria Beckham has really taken the industry by surprise as a fashion designer, I think it's blog worthy! 

  • Karmen Pedaru and Simon Nessman star on Michael Kors Spring 2011 Campaign
If you are not familiar with Michael Kors campaigns, you should know that Top Model Carmen Kass has been the face of the brand for a few seasons, along with Noah Mills. However, take a look at this new campaign, not only is Michael Kors changing it up a little bit with models Karmen Pedaru and Simon Nessman, but has also changed his background, from New York City, to the beaches and ocean view of California... take a look for yourselves: 
Carmen Kaas and Noah Mills /Michael Kors SS10 Campaign
source; www.millionlooks.com

Karmen Pedaru and Simon Nessman/ Michael Kors SS11 Campaing
source: www.style.com


  • "Kate Middleton" will be a Brand?
Not really, but, the royal house's legal experts are taking into consideration copyrighting Kate Middleton's name, in order to sue any  retailers that sell replicas of whatever she uses, and using her name as a way to advertise them in the UK. For more information about this little drama, go to www.vogue.uk.co


  • Blake Lively is the new face of Chanel
Oh yes, our lovely it girl Blake Lively (aka Serena from Gossip Girl) will be the face of the new line of handbags. The campaing was shot in Paris by no other than Karl Langerfeld himself. I honestly don't quite see her as a Chanel girl...after Keira Knightly, Vanessa Paradis and Audrey Tatou I´m not quite convinced...but then again...Karl knows best!!

Blake and Karl Langerfeld at the reopening of the Chanel Soho Boutique in NYC.
Photo by: PR Photos

  • Speaking of Chanel...

Here´s the link to Karl Langerfeld's newest short for Chanel called " World Window" staring Baptiste Giabiconi, Magdalena Frackowiak and Barbara Dvorakova... take a look:






I honestly loved the clothes and bags...I even liked the whole manequin thing...but the music kept making me think that someone was going to stab the other one...


So there you have it... some of these news are not actually from 2011 but from late December 2010...but anyway, I just want to keep you informed dear ponies!

Now stay tuned, because Award Season is about to start...can't wait to see what  the fashion houses will send celebrities to wear! SO MUCH FUN!!! So stay tuned, and watch if you can! The Golden Globes will air this Sunday, please watch them so we can all comment!

Happy Award Season Everyone!