The LBD revisited with a twist of pop culture

dress: Geren Ford (find an inspirational one here), pumps: Christian Louboutin  

Today's dissection inspects pop culture's influence towards fashion. Already examined in a previous post, the LBD well deserves a second view. This style necessity is way more than just an icon. Indeed, the Cocos of the world turned it into a fashion rule since the 1920s, but it has well developed into the mainstream to appear and reappear in different forms, and within different mediums. 

A closer look at this particular LBD style might refresh your memory and bring back those days of cinematic glory, when Hollywood movies were created under the preconceived notion that anything is possible in love. That is precisely how Pretty Woman came about, and of course, that unforgettable black cocktail dress, which not only caused all heads to turn but survived Vivian's (Julia Roberts) attempts at savoring a 6 course dinner. Of course in this case, we had our beloved Damla to model and add an extra modern touch with some pink Louboutins. A perfect youthful boost of color to her outfit, these lovely feet jewels give off a mischievous flirty feel to her elegant demeanor.

The LBD according to Pretty Woman

Aren't the design similarities particularly striking? Regardless, this is not a contest of who wore it best. They both inspire timeless elegance and youthful mischief. So go ahead and admire them and their wearers, and just an fyi, I'm sure they'd love a little comment, or two...

Studding and spiking: a fiercely dangerous affair

Runways and streets have been welcoming studs and spikes for more than two years, with a pinch of extra fun each season. Rest assured dear readers, we won't be turning into punks and causing anarchy anytime soon. Designers have embraced this new ‘dangerous’ trend attaching spikes and studs to just about anything worthy of a fashion statement. Indeed, this Punk trademark is now decorating the sleeves, collars, pockets, feet, waists, heads and carrying items of all style aficionados.  

images via JAK & JIL

Despite today's studs and spikes craze, the trend originally started out in the 1970s. Punks began customizing their wardrobe as a sign of rebellion so they would not conform to a typical stereotype, opting for shredding and ripping garments among other methods. Looking back at the Punk era, Vivienne Westwood was one of many who were heavy influences due to their controversial connotations. In the 1980s it became increasingly common for street punks to incorporate studs and studded spikes to their looks. This is said to be because they wanted to look untouchable. Not only did they include studs as part of their clothing, but they also added them to wrist bands, dog collars and any other accessory they could get their hands on.

Punks wearing customized studded leather jackets

And now, my own collage of studded marvels for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure:

lace-ups: Christian Louboutin, wrap around bracelets: MOJO, leather jacket (on sale!): Lot78, shirt: Reverse, Parsa bracelet: LeiVanKash

If you like what you see, do a little clicky clicky. Come on don't be shy, you know you have a little fierce in thee!

The gem that are the Loubies

Today's post is dedicated to Christian Louboutin.

Christian Louboutin's trademark glossy red soles are an undisputed stamp of fashion excellence. Since the launch of his label in 1991, Christian Louboutin helped bring stilletos back into fashion, seeking to “make a woman look sexy, beautiful, to make her legs look as long as [he] can". From razor-sharp stilettos to lace-up boots and studded sneakers, the French designer has stayed true to his goal - to 'make shoes that are like jewels'.

Louboutin street wear. Images via Streetpeeper

Louboutin claims his fascination with shoes began in 1976 when he visited the Musée national des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie in Paris. It was there that he saw an African sign forbidding women wearing stilettos from entering a building for fear of damaging the wooden floor. Holding on to this memory, he later used it as inspiration in his designs. "I wanted to defy that," Louboutin said. "I wanted to create something that broke rules and made women feel confident and empowered."

Are you convinced yet? Give your feet a treat!