Wearable couture from Christophe Josse

The words 'wearable' and 'haute couture' may seem a bit odd together. But in Christophe Josse's sketchbook, they appear as soul mates that are deeply and passionately in love.

This Frenchman has restated the fragile female form in a whole new light by bringing in a ready-to-wear essence to his fall 2011 haute couture collection. His controlled design techniques speak through the delicate and sensual silhouettes encapsulating the real elegance a woman endures.

You'd argue that almost every designer follows that theory - the theory of making his woman feel sexy. But Josse's real point of difference lies in his choice of fabrics; crocodile and python skin, asphalt lacquered edges, rooster feathers, satin silk and frayed organza. His collection creates magic without being too-obviously haute couture.

Transparent chiffon tops with black opaque trimmings draw attention to the shoulders and chest, giving an ultra-sexy appeal. One-shoulder pleated silk dress with a visible zipper proves the man's attention to detail. Subtle modernity peeps through the use of sheer net over a shimmering sequin evening gown. Although the oxidised gold belts seem a bit too war-like for a collection that's blatantly feminine, the corset bustier and siren red feathered headwear reinstate the original inspiration.

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White, gold and Goddess-like: Gisele

It's a combination that absolutely screams summer: gauzy white fabrics and chunky gold jewels. It's also a combination that gives off a Grecian Goddess vibe that can only be heightened by a great bronze tan and glamazonian limbs like those of Gisele Bundchen. But aside from the general beach beauty of this shoot by Jacques Dequeker it's also a perfect reminder that the sold gold jewellery we've been seeing so much of doesn't have to be limited to choker necklaces and wrist cuffs. Gisele's find their way everywhere from ponytail to upper arms and ankles.

For more Grecian Goddess styling inspiration from Vogue Brasil's July 2011 issue, click on the thumbnails.

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Keeping it the right kind of cute

While the dusty pink hue and peter pan collar are the '60s at their sweetest, the full skirt paired with a long hemline means this dress could easily cross over to the drab side. So how to keep it planted firmly in romantically vintage territory? With cute platform shoes and matching pink socks, which add not only height but a playful touch.

This look was snapped by The Sartorilalist in Milan.

Added: 20th July 2011 at 21.50

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Tom Ford on losing himself & becoming Tom Ford

There is Tom Ford's rule for success and there are his 5 ways to be a gentleman. In short, there are now plenty of interviews with one of the most influential menswear designers from which we can glean nuggets of opinions and truths. Today we can add another interview to the growing list, but this is one in which Tom Ford approaches something that A Single Man's George approaches each morning: the art of becoming oneself.

In what is a rather introspective interview, designer Tom Ford approaches the topic of fashion as we at Fashionising.com perceive it: that it's equally about self-projection as it is about anything else;

Q: How long does it take every morning for you to become that Tom Ford you were talking about before?

A: It takes me a long time in the morning to become the person that other people expect me to be. When I feel depressed and I have a bad day or something terrible has happened or I have to face something, I go through a very precise ritual getting dressed in the morning. In a sense it is armor; I'm building up a layer.

Ford also touches on a topic that is infrequently discussed in the world of fashion: spirituality;

Q: Are you a spiritual person?

A: I am a spiritual person in an eastern religion kind of way. I learned that happiness for all of us is a switch that you flick in your brain. It doesn't have anything to do with getting a new house, a new car, a new girlfriend, or a new pair of shoes. Our culture is very much about that; we are never happy with what we have today. We always think that we need something else to be happy.

And in between such topics Ford discusses everything from a midlife crisis to getting hit on. You can read and hear the Tom Ford interview in full at The Talks.

Written: 22nd July 2011 at 06.50

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Tom Ford's earth angel: Candice Swanepoel

Victoria's Secret Angels are not the kind of Angels that are plucked from heaven. Occasionally they're plucked from the desolate lands of obscurity, but most often they're plucked off the international runway scene, handed a coveted contract to sign, and enlisted into a legion that will clutch to them for a career-long life of beach shoots and glittering runway spectacles. Most of these Angels will make some cross-overs back to high fashion from time to time, as if on temporary assignments back to earth, but rarely do they try and permanently leave the career heaven Victoria's Secret has created for them (unless of course they move onto even bigger things, like acting careers).
Candice Swanepoel is an exception. She hit the big time first as a Victoria's Secret model but has ever since seemed intent on making that backwards transition from Angel heaven back to high fashion earth. She cast her way onto many a Paris runway last season from Dior to Givenchy. And now, in a move that truly cements her transition, she's fronting the latest Tom Ford ad campaign.

Photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Candice's campaign is something of a thematic flow-on from Lara Stone's Tom Ford beauty campaign, awash with the same bold tones and high contrast photography (Lara was also shot by Mert & Marcus) - not really surprising given Ford's ability to apply cohesion across all areas of his brand. And it's a campaign that boldly embodies the absolute glamour of Tom Ford's fall 2011 women's collection, though we'll be interested to see how future editorials interpret the collection in softer light.
Tom Ford staple Jon Kortajarena rounds out the men's part of the campaign, which you can see more of by clicking on the thumbnails and browsing the full gallery.


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Cintia Dicker dances. Victoria's Secret should watch.

As much as I may want to hate Cintia Dicker for her perfect figure and covetable sprinkling of freckles, it's simply not possible. No amount of envy is a match for the utter cuteness she exudes, and this adorable video campaign for American Eagle Outfitters lingerie line uses her likability with full force. A lesson for Victoria's Secret if ever there was one: having some genuine warmth, some feeling, in your campaigns is the first step in connecting with your audience.

Love is funny from Fashionising.com on Vimeo.
Watch the video above to be charmed by the cuteness of Cintia Dicker; and for a closer look at the 'Aerie' By American Eagle range you can also click on the accompanying thumbnails.


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Written by Tania Braukämper.

Weekend watch: Chanel couture (video)

In the age of online our experience of a clothing collection - even one most will never have personal, tactile contact with - is a full one. Take Chanel's fall 2011 Haute Couture collection: follow that link and you'll find fashionising.com's full review as well as a selection of photos from the runway show. Then there was the Chanel couture look book which gave us an even more intimate view of the garments in a visually stunning way. And now we can round things out with another aspect courtesy of the limitlessness of the digital space: the fashion house's Haute Couture show in video format.
View the full video after the jump.

Chanel autumn from Fashionising.com on Vimeo.

If you haven't yet perused photos from the Chanel Haute Couture show you can also do so by clicking on the gallery.

View the original article here
Written by Tania Braukamper

Here's a Quick Way to Selecting The Correct Handbag For Your Body Style

Believe it or not try on a handbag is just as important as trying on clothing. While a handbag is just an accessory, wearing the wrong style, size or shape is really ruin your look. The body part that is based on the bag will be part of the body, the eye will be drawn to it. The right choice of handbag can actually accentuate your positive qualities. Before you get the latest bags, learn how to choose the correct bag that suits your body type.




What do you consider before buying a handbag online
If you are thin and tall -
You're in luck! As a tall and thin, you can get away with most styles of the award.Oversized bags, shoulder bags and clutch bags all look great. The only thing you really need to see is the size of bag you choose. Small bags should be avoided because they make you look taller. Medium sized handbags large, floppy or bulky better. Bright colors, prints and patterns are good too.
If you are short and small -
The most important thing for a little girl is the size of bags you choose. A good rule is to remember proportion. Small bags are good for little girls. Choose small bags and wear them close to the body.
If your hips are large -
If you want to try to attract the attention of the hip, a shoulder bag. Choose one with a small loop. The portfolio can be easily clamped under the arm. The best look for you is a shoulder bag or a hobo bag that hangs slightly but ends well above the hip line.
If you are top heavy -
If you are well equipped on the upper body, you probably want the attention of your chest or hips. A shoulder bag or handbag is a good choice for your body type. If you really want a shoulder bag try one that has a long strap and is large enough.
If you have great curves -
A shoulder bag that ends just above the waist is a flattering style for you. The only type of bags, you want to avoid, are those which are either very large or very small.
If you have a plus size -
Any kind of bag that is wider in width like a messenger bag is best suited for you.Stay away from bags that are small. A small bag to make you l bigger. Short or medium bags in length are good for you.

A Sports Bra Could Stop Your Breasts From Becoming Saggy And Unsightly!

If you're the type of woman who loves to keep herself in perfect shape, you'll know how uncomfortable a loose fitting bra can be.

Since your breasts don't contain any intrinsic structural support, the motion caused by exercising can result in damage and pain.



First Know Your Body...

To know how sports Bras can help you, it's important to know a little about how your breasts are structured. There's something called Cooper's Ligaments that are the primary supporting structures for your breasts. Secondary support is provided only by the skin, which can easily be stretched through constant loading.

The result is what every woman dreads - sagging breasts. Sports bras help to reduce breast movement, which limits not only the breast pain but also the irreversible stretch of your skin and Cooper's Ligaments, thus preventing your breasts from sagging.

If you are large breasted, then sports bras are all the more necessary. Research has shown that breasts that are not properly supported can cause back and neck problems.

Studies have further shown that sports bras reduced breast pain and vertical movement by as much as 50% when compared to bare breasted exercise. Other types of bras too, reduced pain and vertical movement but not as much as sports bras.

Now Get To Know Your Bra.

Sports bras are designed to be sturdier than regular bras, thus offering greater support for the entire chest area. They are normally made up of absorbent, stretchable fabric, like Lycra for example. This soaks up the perspiration away from the skin, thus reducing irritation.

Good sports bras have complete cups to prevent movement of the breasts in any direction. They should also have wide, non-elastic straps and covered fasteners, to prevent rubbing against any part of the body.

You can easily find a wide range of great sports bras online. They're designed to suit every Size and come in all shapes, types and colours.