Dolce Gabbana Hotel

With one of my favourite designers, Maison Martin Margiela taking to designing a hotel earlier this year, (which I look forward to visiting when I move to Paris!) I was very excited to hear the news/rumour that Dolce Gabbana will be following suit? I've always loved the decor in the stores, black lacquered floors and a boudoir feel; sexy and sophisticated all in one. I'd imagine a lot of leopard print, chandeliers and gilded mirrors, with a strong Sicilian influence. The fictional hotel would be perfect for my fictional honeymoon- if only...

I'm Watching In Awe: Beyonce

Beyonce. Is. Inspirational. 

"When women don’t have friends, Im afraid of them. I grew up around women. I believe that we can teach each other so much. Im always thinking about how unselfish we are and the things we need to hear and how much pressure there is being a woman. I try to write songs that will bring out the best in all of us and keep us close together. Put a ring on it? That’s a nice little way to hint something without being the psycho that’s like ‘marry me!’. Sometimes we gain 5, 10 pounds, sometimes more. Whatever. Sometimes you have to just embrace it and find the beauty in it. So, bootylicious. When I travelled around the world, I could see ho important independent women was and I could see how much strength it gave women when they were able to sing irreplaceable. For women in burqas, women who may have been accepted now to have any goals of their own. When I have women coming up to me and saying, ‘I had to sneak to listen to your music, but it makes me feel strong and now Im saving up my money and Im moving away from here’, it makes me feel like my purpose is so much deeper than I ever imagined. So Im going to continue to write those songs that give women strength." -Sunday Times Style Magazine

I think the introduction to her performance at the Billboard Awards summed it up, from Michelle Obama, to Lady Gaga talking about what makes her so incredible. Watch the video- the performance itself is sensational- not only does she have a powerful voice but the graphics and lighting made it so current and fresh. 

Pharrell Williams- Guy Knows

It's safe to say Pharrell is a man who epitomises 'cool', for always being one step ahead of the game. He's definately a visionary, from music to his clothing label, and being that laid-back chilled attitude, he's clearly got the smarts- enough to build an empire.

PARIS AFTER MIDNIGHT

As my impending move to Paris in September draws closer and closer, I've taken a greater interest in the Paris After Midnight feature by Cobrasnake Party Photos. Here are some of my favourites.

Angelina For Louis Vuitton

Here's a preview of Angelina Jolie's ad for Louis Vuitton, to be officially released later this week. I love her 'natural' look and the desaturated photography.

New York, I Love You

(words aren't necessary)


Mindrelic - Manhattan in motion from Mindrelic on Vimeo.

The Fourth Sex: Adolescent Extremes

Flicked through this book the other day. It looks at the importance of teen sub-groups in society today, pretty interesting. I'll have to find time to look at it properly, however for now I have to say: love the front cover.

You Wanna Be In My Gang?

Kanye, Marc Jacobs and Jay Z. Would love to have been part of that conversation... 

Leopard Print Beauty

LOVE this. The nails are a wrap, by Nails Rock but in all honesty i'm most concerned as to how I can get those lips- although there would be no drinking/kissing all night if I did!

Spotted: A Single Man

Nicholas Hoult walked past me the other day- he has a nice smile. London can be such a lonely place.

Oh, Hi?

Just been flicking through old issue's of Wonderland and I came across this gem of a photoshoot by Alexi Lubomirski (2009). He's an incredible photographer who's worked with Harpers Bazaar and Vogue amongst others. Here, he's really brought out the theatrical side of Chace Crawford (who's known for his chilled out vibe off-camera). Feast on this. 

Shoreditch High Street Station

ShoI was walking under the bridge near Shoreditch High Street Station and pasted onto a wall was a series of photographs.

How exciting! I love guerilla art like this; I think it's so much more exciting to stumble upon on photography like this, instead of seeing it up in a gallery somewhere. Here is my favourite of the images- an anonymous figure dressed up for the camera and accompanied by a quote by the fallen angel Galliano; "Dressing up. People just don't do it anymore. We have to change that."

The idea of stumbling upon someone's art reminds me of something I found a few years ago on one of the boarded up buildings in Northern Quarter, Manchester. 

I wish more designers would do things like this- not only is a cheap, effective way of getting your work noticed but from an anonymous point of view- it could simply just make a stranger smile.

If I Were Kate...

If I were Kate Middleton, my wedding dress would look a little like this:

Elie Saab Couture, Spring Summer 11

Of course; it would be beautiful (and traditional) in white or ivory but I can't help but love the lilac... swoon!

Archive

Currently sat in the beautiful London sunshine working on my final collection for second year. People watching always proves inspiring, and today everyone seems to be looking summery chic- makes my job a lot easier!

Spring Clean

Fashion is chaotic and forever fickle; without a clear sense of personal style it can easily reduce a wardrobe to becoming a minefield of trends-that-once-were. Call it Spring Fever but I've spent the last few evenings de-cluttering and streamlining my wardrobe; out with the fading fads and in with a cleaner, more concise look. The magical thing is; with more space allowing me to take a closer look at what I have, I've rediscovered a whole new wardrobe! 

My Summer Inspiration: Hip Hop

UPDATE

3citiesgirl has been in Barcelona as well as the usual LeedsManchesterLondon triangle so look out for some Spanish pictures; until then I shall leave you with these:

Roll on the 15th payday; I definitely need these on my feet. 

What is Va Va Voom?

Love. This. Ad.

Indian Summer

Over summer, I was lucky enough to travel around India with one of my friends. We went to Delhi, Goa, Agra and many pit stops between. Having been to Delhi before and experiencing it from the perspective of parties and fashion shows, it was amazing to be able to see the other, more rural side of India. It was during the Monsoon season, but despite the rain, the element that fascinated me the most was the presence of colour everywhere- as opposed to here where everything and everyone is in black and white.

(3citiesgirl on the right)

Princi London

After a whirlwind trip to Paris, I came down with the flu & spent some recovery time in London. The best pick me up was a freshly baked treat from Princi- simply gorgeous! Located on Wardour Street, it's Soho's best kept secret; olive bread, pizzas, cakes... and the chicken in mushroom sauce is dreamy! As a bonus- it's open till 12am, which makes it the perfect Plan B when i've burnt dinner... 

The Editor + 3CitiesGirl =

If You Like Pretty Boys, Yeah They Like You

Watch the boys of Milan/Paris Fashion Week- I wonder if the girls will come up with something too? 

Thanks Whistles, I'll Take It All

It's embarrassing that I've actually been waiting for the Whistles Spring/Summer 11 lookbook to come out. Ever since Jane Shepherdson took the ropes, the brand has had a new lease of life; on trend pieces with their signature twist, made up in gorgeous fabrics-oh and their fitting is consistently immaculate, which is rare for high(end) high street fashion. So thanks, Whistles- I'll take it all.

 P.s. While your at it, I'd love one of these too.

Lara Bohnic's Pretty Things

Until recently, Lara Bohnic took the Margiela route of staying relatively out of the press, letting her pieces speak for her. I think the simple, art-deco, vintage inspired designs are the perfect example of luxury without being ostentatious.

I've been coveting the Apollo ring for a while now; so I'm ditching the daily latte's to save up and buy it- perfect to satisfy my ring obsession.

I've been following her blog on Vogue ; she too spent Christmas in Bangkok and her "survival guide to being stuck" was so relevant to me; I'm so glad I travelled in 'Winter clothes' because I can't count the number of travellers I saw stranded in maxi dresses and flip flops in -11° weather. My trusty pashmina served not only as a scarf and blanket, but rolled up, became a pillow for napping in the airport lounge and later cleverly hid the coffee stain on my travel clothes- truly invaluable for travelling with. 

Poke Me, Karl

                    

Rick Owens: The man who drank his own piss (kind of)

Read my article on this fascinating designer in the latest issue of Mens Fashion Magazine 

I Wasn't Invited To The Party (it was cool people only)

Oh hello- browsing through the ever expanding file on my laptop entitled 'Fashion' (the only file I am ruthless about backing up) I found this picture.

I must have saved it laptops ago, before the coffee fiasco of Feb '10 destroyed laptop no.1 and before I committed death by Limewire on the family PC. It's from a website called DirtyDirtyDancing and photographed by Alistair Alan who captured hundreds of infamous club nights at the legendary Boombox Club in London. So I had a little stalk, and here are some of my favourite shots, which will definitely find their way into the 'Fashion' file.