Boggi Milano AW2015/16 Urban Dandies & Gentle Trendsetters

Boggi Milano AW2015/16 Urban Dandies & Gentle Trendsetters to “Jump forward” is a quick step in the right direction, marked by extra effort and the need to set each moment apart. Sartorial in style, its high quality fabrics and details embody new, refined, contemporary elegance united with values. It’s a reference to an English tradition: soft textiles and coats that are perfect for any occasion further blur the line separating classic from sporty. Thus the classic British dandy becomes an “Italian dandy” thanks to the macro-effect glen plaid (in blue and rust) and gingham (in green and tobacco tones) that are worn over sweaters with pronounced, round necklines to let the wearer’s necktie show through.

In the same vein, Boggi Milano’s bouclé jacket was given a slim cut, while still maintaining a soft fit, a fundamental characteristic of this season. It’s offered in tobacco and azure tones, deconstructed, and single or double breasted. The shirts follow the style of the collection’s outerwear, becoming less rigid and, at the same time, younger, custom made and tailor fit; checked, striped, in microprint jacquard or in textured dobby fabrics. Knits are enriched by new processing methods (stone washed, pique weave, cable knit, diamond shapes, micro ribbing) and materials (cashmere, merinos), standing out in the wardrobe as this season’s under-jacket.

The suits are “Gentleman style” or “Contemporary sartorial”: deconstructed and slim fit with ultra-comfortable, high thread count, natural stretch fabrics to be worn with a waistcoat – the must-have of the season. The three button suit, a Boggi classic, is offered in a 3-roll-2 style with trousers with an 18 cm opening at the hem to emphasize the new meaning of “fit”. When this gentleman is on the road, he’ll become a trendsetter, mixing his suits like the cultures and places he’s exploring, layering ancient materials such as boiled wool with ultra-modern technical ones such as neoprene. This mix and match of tailored and casual, however, will always be bound by the common thread of style and attention to detail. Proposing a way of dressing that is also a way of being, innovative and sophisticated sensory experiences are part of the DNA in the 39 line and its natural inclination towards the casual world. Boggi Milano has designed a collection dedicated to the man of today: always online, constantly connected and contemporary, and able - even needing - to navigate among styles, freeing himself from old patterns as he mixes them. The Boggi man is constantly propelled towards the future and, with a “jump forward”, he is sure to hit every mark.

VALENTINO Pre Fall 2015 Collection

VALENTINO Pre Fall 2015 Collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli interpret the escapist spirit of the bohemian culture, blending it with Couture expertise to redesign the Maison’s distinctive iconography. They are inspired by women such as Celia Birtwell, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Giosetta Fioroni who, while different, are known for their instinctive choices, highly imaginative idiosyncrasies, and their delight in bringing art into everyday life and, as a result, defining their own aesthetic. New approaches and new lifestyles: following the ideal thread of a visual patchwork that blends worlds and references in a concept of complex simplicity, the Creative Directors subtly send a very modern message of lightness, peace and harmony.

Individualism, romanticism and freedom from conventions. The Valentino world becomes the ambiance of a creative community in which each woman finds her own path and can truly be herself. Under the aegis of Botticelli’s Primavera interpreted through the expressive design of Celia Birtwell - an exclusive partnership resulting in prints, intarsia and embellishments - the collection has an impalpable mood. It revives the spirit, seduces the eye, intrigues the touch, and celebrates the power of metissage.

The basic concept is simple: an elegant, precise, sleek vertical silhouette that is unmistakably Valentino. Surfaces are textured, acquiring vitality and substance. Heart motifs designed by Giosetta Fioroni capture the passionate essence of red, while micro-brocade patterns create tactile expanses of mimosas, lilies-of-the-valley, and four-leaf clovers. Clothes become an artist’s canvas on which exquisite intarsia form scenes and landscapes. Harmony is expressed through prints seeking cosmic conjunctions and motifs of astral inspiration.

The V that Valentino used in 1968 as a logo, pattern and silhouette becomes a graphic element that is created by metal studs and leaves its mark on denim, sportswear and double cashmere, linking past and present. Boho couture spirit is interpreted through modern, well-balanced contrasts of shapes and colors, with a naïf pop feel for color blocking. The mirror-embellished coat is worn over jeans and romantic silk georgette blouses peek out from under irreprehensible blue blazers. Periods and styles are blended in a concept that is thoroughly contemporary, because there is no present without a past. Bringing the unique perspective of artists with great sentiment to the intricate world of Valentino style, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli renew the sense of a vision that always focuses on the woman with her inalienable individuality.

A camouflage print becomes the background for pacifist slogans, while butterflies appear in brocade or nocturnal nuances on denim. Fitted suede and ponyhair leather coats are paired up with sweater or baby doll dresses, creating decadent, languid images accentuated by intarsia-striped boots and sandals as delicate as nighttime flowers.

Accessories are a defining element that reinforces and expresses the values and messages of the Valentino Maison. The collection is conceived as a repertoire in continuous evolution: contemporary icons elements of a precise, modern language are gradually joined by others, thus creating an alluring, multifaceted range.

The bohemian mood of Fall 2015 influences accessories characterized by amorous patterns, pacifist slogans, and a distinct texture. The message is direct yet subtle: dreams and divertissement infiltrate everyday life and enhance it. Botticelli’s Primavera interpreted by Celia Birtwell is turned into an embellishment on small bags, while flowers blossom on light sandals with impalpable transparency. The Amour pattern designed by Giosetta Fioroni traces a pulsing red line on bags, clutches, pumps and sandals, and it turns into a camouflage motif on sneakers and appears on brocade boots. Even clutches are shaped like hearts.

Cosmogonic motifs define dreamy moods on plexiglas minaudiere bags, on the transparent heels of pumps, and as embellishments on clutches. The iconographic V that Valentino used for the first time as a logo and graphic element in 1968 is renewed and formed by metal studs on shoulder bags, top handle bags and totes.

Brocade or embroidered butterflies return in nocturnal shades of blue, while the Valentino camouflage print is used as the background for pacifist slogans that underline the collection’s message of harmony. Artisan craftsmanship is a salient feature, where the human touch creates perfect imperfection.

Leather patchwork forms stripes in twelve colors on boots and large intarsia on bags. Ponyhair leather and suede are used together on hobo bags with organic allure. Exact and precise, imperceptible harnesses evoke an imperative vision of love on pretty pumps and small bags.

The inevitable icons of the new Valentino collection follow the season’s moods and evolve. Rockstud comes in a color block version that contrasts with black, while knotted fringe and braids are boho touches. Camera cases in logo fabric complete this picture of metissage and myriad influences.

See By Chloé @ FW2015 Ad Campaign

See By Chloé FW2015 ad campaign cast across the streets of Europe to embody the collection with an independent and carefree sense of individuality. Marking a return to the Paris Atelier and the first See By Chloé collection under the creative direction of Clare Waight Keller, the series of portraits taken by Matteo Montanari features a group of twenty girls discovered in Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, London, Paris and Stockholm. Each brings a unique, nonchalant perspective to the styles - expressing moods, attitudes and styling that is entirely their own. The intimate shots and accompanying short film bring their personalities to the fore, painting a diverse portrait of the contemporary See By Chloé girls and their radiant, playful femininity. Diverse, in love, energetic, natural, sentimental, modern, curious, sarcastic, sleepy, artistic, indecisive, generous, fun and romantic.

COACH Fall 2015 "COACH PUPS" Ad Campaign

COACH reveals its newest advertising campaign entitled <COACH PUPS> featuring canine stars in a series of portraits photographed by Steven Meisel. It launches this month with star Miss Asia Kinney, the adorable four-legged companion of Lady Gaga. The campaign celebrates the dogs in the lives and captures the pups’ unique personalities as they “model” Coach’s Fall 2015 star bags. Additional PUPS staring in the campaign will be revealed shortly. Miss Asia Kinney, Lady Gaga’s now famous French Bulldog has amassed a substantial social media following in only a few short weeks. The Coach bags she elegantly models in the campaign are the Edie and the Rucksack. Art directed by Fabien Baron and styled by Karl Templer, COACH PUPS will appear in print, online and on outdoor media globally starting in July. Lady Gaga commented: “I am so proud of Miss Asia! She's a natural in front of the camera, and we're both so excited that the iconic Steven Meisel shot her for Coach's pup campaign! I really love getting to watch my best friend be a star.” Stuart Vevers, Creative Director at Coach comments, “'I’ve never had so much fun on a shoot. The combination of Mr. Meisel and the pups was an extraordinary, surreal, special moment. We wanted to create playful images that make you smile. We were inspired by some images from the Coach archive, which featured Eddie the dog that starred in the TV series Frasier to create something joyful, with humor and character. That’s a spirit that’s uniquely at the heart of Coach."  This new initiative will also introduce the social campaign #coachpups, including a range of online activities for fellow dog fanciers, opportunities for Instameets, special talks and other events hosted by the great and the good of the canine world. This will also mark the debut of the Coach Snapchat account. Coach has made a donation to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (frenchieporvous.org) on behalf of Miss Asia Kinney and her devoted owner.

Daniel Craig Visits OMEGA Factory In Villeret Switzerland

Daniel Craig has made a special visit to the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry for the inauguration of the OMEGA factory in Villeret, Switzerland. The actor who reprises his role as James Bond in SPECTRE, the 24th Bond adventure, was given a guided tour, as well as exclusive access to the factory’s assembly line.  During the visit he was also shown production of the new OMEGA Seamaster 300 “SPECTRE” Limited Edition.

The Seamaster has been James Bond's watch since GoldenEye (1995), with its naval history and classic style, the watch perfectly reflects Bond’s character. Now, in celebration of the new movie, fans and watch collectors will be able to buy the model worn by 007 in SPECTRE, as the OMEGA Seamaster 300 will go on sale as a limited edition. The release marks a first for the partnership; until now, only commemorative editions have been used to celebrate OMEGA's link with the franchise.The watch features a bi-directional, rotating diving bezel, made from black, polished ceramic, combined with a LiquidMetal® 12 hour scale, so that time can be kept with any country in the world. Other unique features include the "lollipop" central seconds hands, as well as the 5-stripe black and grey NATO strap. On the bracelet's strap holder, the 007 gun logo has been engraved. Each watch has its own unique serial number engraved on the back along with the SPECTRE film logo, celebrating the latest on-screen adventure. Inside, the watch is driven by the highly innovative OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8400, a revolutionary movement in its own right.This special timepiece will be limited to just 7,007 pieces.

Daniel Craig’s visit to Villeret was a momentous occasion for OMEGA. Together with Nick Hayek, Swatch Group CEO, and Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, Craig was shown exactly what goes into making OMEGA watches such as the one he wears in SPECTRE. As an avid collector himself, he was fascinated by the engineering and expertise on show.“I think what was so impressive was the fact that these watches are made from the ground up. You start with nothing, and then there’s suddenly a working watch. That’s the beauty of it.

To see the engineering that goes into it and the legacy that goes into it, that’s what fascinated me.”