June 2008

Wimbledon Fashion

The Wimbledon Tennis Club has always had a strict dress code but the Nike designers have successfully managed to stand out from the crowd this year. Their sponsored players, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Roger Federer were sent on court with outfits that received more attention than their matches.

Maria Sharapova appeared in a tuxedo styled top and tailored shorts with a matching single-breasted jacket and handbag. The outfit was accompanied by a pair of $5000 diamond and platinum earrings from Tiffany. Personally, I don't think the style of shorts is flattering on her but the outfit did impress as it is quite different to what we've traditionally seen on court.

Serena Williams wore a short trenchcoat which she kept on during her warmup and although an interesting look, she did look fairly uncomfortable. How can you swing your racquet in that? The fabric used is meant to allow serious backhands and movement but I'm not sold on this one. Maybe they should've finished the look with some high heel sneakers. You know the ones. Victoria Beckham style.

Roger Federer went for a herringbone-styled cardigan. That's right! A cardigan to suit his personality. The journalists have been really kind because he's a great player and described the look as 'old tradition'. Cough, cough... I have to laugh at this one. To all my friends who over the years have tried to convince me that Federer is much more exciting than many believe, I have one word for you...Cardigan.

Older Supermodels Back in Fashion

Remember the original supermodels? Well, the older supermodels are back and in high demand. The talk around town is that the baby boomers deserve some credit for this fashion shift. With a strong footing of 26% of the population and the trillion dollar spending tag that they have secured, they seem to have bumped off the 'new editions' for the 'timeless classics'. Yes, they have pushed aside the kittens and brought in the cougars. The baby boomers are now aged between 44-62 years so, an advertisement featuring a 20 year old is not going to cut it. See if you remember any of these ladies who are modelling again...and keep up with the antioxidants. There's hope yet!

Linda Evangelista (43 yrs old) for Prada
Cindy Crawford (42 yrs old) for the Cover of Vogue Russia
Christy Turlington (39 yrs old) for Escada and Chanel
Naomi Campbell (38 yrs old) for Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent
Claudia Schiffer (37 yrs old) for Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo

...from St Xavier SALE

...from St Xavier is a Sydney boutique that stocks a great selection of local and international labels. The crew have just informed me of their sale which is on this Friday, 13 June, 2008 from 10am. If you haven't been to this store yet, here's your chance to add some style to your wardrobe at bargain prices. You will find them at 75a Gould St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026 and they are open 7 days a week so, you can sneak away at your convenience and pay them a visit this weekend. For further information, visit ...from St Xavier.

Karen Millen Receives OBE

Karen Millen has received an OBE from the Prince of Wales (aka Charles) for the success of her eponymous label and the service she has provided to the retail industry. The 46 year old began her business in 1981 with her former husband, Kevin Stanford and a loan of £100 (AU $208 / US $195). She bought 100 metres of white cotton with the money and created shirts that she initially sold to friends. Today, she is part of the British Rich List as she formed an empire of stores around the world that we absolutely love. The elegance and style of the Karen Millen label is second to none. Read and learn fashionistas.

Yves Saint Laurent passes at 71

Yves Saint Laurent (71 years old) may have sadly departed after losing his battle with cancer on June 1st, 2008 but he will be gracefully remembered as one of the greatest couturiers of our time and as the first designer who dressed women in trouser suits. He successfully adapted masculine clothes for females and made them look feminine and sexy. Many of the ladies, including Carla Bruni (French President Sarkozy's wife) who modelled for him in the nineties, paid tribute to the designer by wearing trouser suits to his funeral.