Have a Starry Night...

Fulfill your dream of becoming a beautified and live canvas adorning the likes of Van Gogh's masterpiece by visiting Moda Operandi's trunkshow. 

Black and blue craze

Have you already turned black and blue in a fabulous way? Here's the guide on how to make that happen--trust me, no one will get hurt.


Let me explain what influenced the dissection I am about to reveal. Since the early eighties, Yohji Yamatoto's work has challenged traditional notions of fashion by designing garments that seem oversized and unfinished.  His skillful use of the color black which he describes as 'modest and arrogant at the same time' will often be 'softened' with the use of primary colors, such as blues, yellows and reds. 


Now you are wondering, why on Earth did I bring up Yamamoto? Well, It is precisely him who made black and blue outfits acceptable. What render his pieces truly unique is his continuous use of naturally oversized silhouettes as the basis for his lines, as well as drapery in varying textures. Usually limiting his pieces to a single shade (which, who is he kidding, is black for the most part) are at times enhanced with a touch of additional color (blues and reds being some of his favorites). 

What inspires my black and blue craze is Yamamoto's outfit below. Both shades complement each other well that one's gaze ends up blending these into one perfect "electric" vision.

 Yohji Yamamoto, AW 2010

And now, my translation (and dissection) of the craze, in images:

Jacket: Sally LaPointe, Jumper: Sally LaPointe, Platform boots: Jeffrey Campbell, Bracelet: LeiVanKash, Bag: Jason Wu, Scarf: Erdem

Yamamoto certainly rubs off Sally LaPointe's draping and shoulder sculpting skills, with her jersey draped jumper and crackled leather cropped jacket. Bolden up and style yourself in this emerging designer's pieces, sport a LeiVanKash feather lapis bracelet, some Jeffrey Campbell electric blue platform boots with a silver heel that screams "ooh la la", a galactic Erdem scarf, and not to mention an outrageously gorgeous Miss Wu electric blue python mini! 

See? Black and blues are totally harmless. You'll only get hurt if you don't give into the craze!

When pop art and fashion meet, a new TOD'S collection emerges

Remember when I said fashion designers draw their inspiration from just about anything artsy? So do their campaigns, literally!

It has only been a month since TOD's launched their Signature Collection worldwide, and yet their online ad campaign still delights me the same way. The new line consists of bags and small leather goods in a range of striking colors from bold tones of deep red and electric blue and to more subtle shades of lavender, beige and cream. Striking tones indeed--both seen in person and online, as the consumer is first introduced to a flash of kaleidoscope colored purses, which remind us art aficionados of Andy Warhol's silk screen printing methods. 

TOD'S first became famous for their driving shoes, particularly the Gommino shoe. In 1979, Diego Della Valle found a strange pair of moccasins in an antique shop in America. Thinking they were very comfortable, he decided to produce and market them under the name of JP Tod's. Twenty years later, the brand gains enough recognition for Della Valle to abandon the JP label, reducing it to TOD'S. 

The new line of handbags and accessories is made from a carefully researched and well-crafted material which the company hopes to become their "monogram": a patent leather in deep jewel tones with dot indentations on a diamond pattern, reminiscing the very pebbles found in the Gommino shoe.    

TOD'S Gommini

Tod's Signature Collection Campaign

Andy Warhol's Marilyn

Isn't the resemblance particularly striking? I think so!

Anne Hathaway for Tod's Signature Collection 

Chosen as the brand ambassador for this campaign, Ann Hathaway is seen lying on a red convertible clutching a day bag in one hand and a petite pouch slung over one shoulder, her vixen red lips and porcelain skin contrasting with the burst of electric blue emanating from the purses. 

C'mon...you know you want to check these goodies out! Do it for the sake of Andy!