Hanne is back! Allright!

After a terrible accident which resulted in serious injuries and a mandatory break from modelling (including missing the a/w 07 shows), Hanne Gaby Odiele is BACK! Like Backstreet. Except way better.

The girl is in NYC and armed with a new self-styled card, which looks pretty darn cool, if you ask me.

This girl is pure gold.



PS. Read this post's title to the tune of "Backstreet's Back". It's fun.

FEATURED BOOK: Frankenstein

What I say:
After wanting to read this book for some months, and being frustrated with other literature I'd purchased I finally went out and bought Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I loved it.

Contrary to popular belief, "Frankenstein" is not the actual monster's name, it is the name of his creator, Victor Frankenstein. This was news to me and gave me a much greater understanding of the whole "Frankenstein's monster" thing. Finally! it all makes sense! Interestingly, it is this confusion which has developed as Frankenstein has grown from 19th century horror-story to 21st century over-done myth -WHO is Frankenstein? - that makes this story so fascinating.

It truly is a comment on the human desire to advance technology, to go blindly into some self-serving venture without considering the possible consequences, and sheds an astonishingly realistic light on the curse of technological, medical and scientific advances, particularly when they are embarked on for selfish reasons.

Frankenstein's single-minded motives for creating a living being blind him from considering the possible drawbacks of creating an eight-foot man and then deserting him. And this proves damning for the once blissfully-happy Victor. Both his and his monster's lives are (eventually, after much tragedy) ruined.

Anyway, I probably sound like I'm rambling, but this really is a fantastically thought-provoking novel. I highly recommend it. It is valuable as a ficticious story in its own right, but it is also a slightly disturbing comment on today's society which makes it ever-more worthy of our readership.

PS. This book was originally deemed to be of the horror genre, but it is much more a tragedy than anything else. Well, that's what I think.


What an interesting review on Amazon says:
In Mary Shelley's novel, there are various statements about the use of science. The field of eugenics is brought into question. The issue of cloning is brought into perspective way before its time. Shelley's novel is prophetic in so many ways for revealing the debates and scientific issues of contemporary times. From the recent FDA consideration of livestock cloning to genetically engineered crops, these controversial issues have been compared to Frankenstein science. Other past scientific innovations such as the use of pesticides like DDT have led to failure and proved dangerous for human civilization. These too were once compared to Frankenstein science, yet humankind persisted on using these chemicals, all for reasons of convenience and capital ambition on the part of corporations involved. We may see Shelley's Frankenstein as the first great scientific warning to humans in an industrial world. It may also be seen as the beginning of environmental awareness. This awareness concerns humans within their own environments such as parent/child relationships and childhood influences, as well as human impact on nature.

Have you read Frankenstein? What did you think?

Maison Martin Margiela A/H 07

After an amazing S/S 07 collection, Margiela has provided us with an equally astounding winter offering. I just wanted to post some of my favourite looks from this 80's-channelling collection.

The primary colours are black and white but the hints of fluro yellow and pink as well as glitter add excitement to this collection. The striking and highly structured shoulder-lines and the densly elaborate jackets and coats mean this collection is full of volume and a certain rock 'n' roll vibe.

It's all very edgy and new but the intricate cuts and the rigid forms allow us to immediately recognise this as distinctly MMM.

Great stuff.

Alexia - these shoulders are the principle motif of this collection, combining both 80's and 40's ideas to create a striking, and surprisingly flattering, aesthetic form. The fluro head-phones add a fun touch.
Mim - timeless black made interesting by cut and texture. I'm also adoring the flesh-coloured tights on the arms (which reminds me of the s/s 07 flesh-tones and adds fabulous subtle detail to the look).
Margaret - the contrast between the exaggerated shoulders and the short dress creates a really interesting contrast here, making this outfit one of the outstanding ones. So simple, so intriguing.
Miriam - an example of the volume utilised in this collection, this fur cape/collar/bolero is offset perfectly by the simple sleek white basics worn underneath.
Jenny - this shows a similar volume but uses glitter instead of fluro fur to create contrast. The slouchy cotton dress and slick leather leggings give this ensemble a rocky edge and a tough sentiment and, of course, the shoulder-motif is maintained.
Jessica - combining 80's tassels, fluro and shoulders, this one is a blast from the past. I love the shape of the dress and the use of the flesh tights. Most importantly, this look fits perfectly in the collection, despite not having any black.

An extremely tight collection which has successfully portrayed a strong, and direct, message. Very rad.

(Pictures from style.com)

Nina Ricci A/H 07/08

I just loved Olivier Theyskens' first offering for Nina Ricci. From the feathery hair down to the ballerina-stockings, it was all simply lovely.

I adored the monotone colouring which featured prominently in this collection and provided a great sense of continuity, something prerequisite for any great collection. However Theyskens prevents us from becoming bored with the continuous greys, whites, blacks and browns by throwing in some bright, sunny yellow at the end to brighten our spirits and remind us that winter isn't all about darkness and cold!

There is a soft, delicate beauty to this collection and this idea is heavily inherent to all Theyskens designs for Ricci - they remind us of a time that, despite being grey, is beyond beautiful. I love it and all the romance it is reminiscent of!

Bravo, Olivier Theyskens! A truly wonderful debut collection for an equally wonderful maison.

Irina - this awe-inspiring number reminds me of a swan: strong and powerul, yet graceful and beautiful. Divine.
Kim - a perfect example of the sunny yellow which brings a smile to my face. This creation is elegant and well-tailored. The yellow gives it edge, indeed. And the fabric and cut is astoundingly fabulous!
Catherine - very rocky. I love this in that it appears so tough but there is still that inherent beauty to it. The fabrics appear soft and the feather scarf adds a feminine touch. The diagonal zipper is a motif in this collection and looks tops styled in this way. I'm also loving the sheer shirt which, again, helps maintain that delicacy.
Anabela - another example of that fabulous zipper. And I love the glittery singlet peeking out underneath. This is a wonderful example of a versatile dress and combines rock and femininity perfectly.
Snejana - another example of the glittery motif and a fine example of an otherwise subdued ensemble being livened up in a fun and subtle way. It's charming.
Elsa - Theyskens' take on the ever-popular bubble-dress. It's not a bad attempt. Lovely fabric, pockets and neckline and I love the long shirt underneath it.
Uliana - black, white, zipper and 'tude. This is an outfit which simultaneously reminds me of the 60's, 80's, 90's and 00's. I love the oversized top and also that lovely shape that the skinny jeans give the frame: skinny legs beneath a billowing top - so cool.
Masha - this skirt-suit is amazing! I love that fabric (is it faux-leather or real?) Who knows, but it's so cool! The skirt-length is perfect and I love that these items would work so well separately or together. The chain clasp on the jacket adds a special touch which gives this ensemble a feeling somewhere between posh gentleman and punky teen. I like it!
Kasia - did someone say layering? This is ultimate. I had to post. So much grey, so much layering, so much radness. The head piece sends this one off the hook!!
Suvi - I love the cut of this jacket and the seemingly double-layered zips. I don't know how it works, but it works for me. Teamed with these casually-cool jeans and soft white top, this one's as ready to wear as an AA tee! Woot.
Tatiana - I love this little slip dress! It has such a soft look to it and I think it's fab that the diagonal zip-like cut is a feature of it. A great example of the soft but funky vibe to this collection.

So, what do YOU think? You like? You don't? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

(Pictures from style.com)

LOMOGRAPHY

OK, I simply love photography and after stumbling across Just Shoot, a specialist Lomography shop, I am exploring the possibilities of my Supersampler Lomo camera!

This is a really cool way of taking photos and the philosophy of Lomo is basically have fun, just shoot, take pictures of anything, take a chance, and be happy!

This sort of photography is a real pop-culture phenomenon and I love that. There are many different types of lomo cameras and they all do something different. Despite their differences, however, they all maintain that lomo motto: JUST SHOOT!

Here's some examples, but if you want more info, check out www.lomography.com!











Please let me know what you think! :D

Some models to watch ...

MAGDALENA FRACKOWIAK (Next)
Runway at Elie Saab
Runway at Alexander McQueen
SOFI BERELIDZE (Supreme)
Runway at Louis Vuitton
Runway at Louis Vuitton
NOREEN CARMODY (Elite)
Runway at Miu Miu
Backstage at Nina Ricci
ALI MICHAEL (DNA)
Runway at Lanvin
Backstage at Lanvin
EVA-HELENE (IMG)
Runway at Chanel
Backstage at Chanel
CATHERINE McNEIL (Next)
Runway at Alexander McQueen
Backstage at Stella McCartney
LARA STONE (IMG)
Runway at Miu Miu
Backstage at Miu Miu
KASIA STRUSS (Women)
Runway at Balenciaga
Backstage at Alexander McQueen
DIANA MOLDOVAN (IMG)
Runway at Miu Miu
Backstage at Chanel
ALYONA OSMANOVA (Supreme)
Runway at Miu Miu
Backstage at YSL
LARAGH McCANN (Women)
Runway at Miu Miu
Backstage at Louis Vuitton
CAROLINA PANTOLIANO (Women)
Runway at Miu Miu
Backstage at Louis Vuitton

All pics style.com

FEATURED MODEL: Suvi Koponen (Women/Supreme/Premier)

SUVI'S GOIN' OFF!

I've been a Suvi fan since the beginning and her fantastic efforts this season are testimony to her ascending status as one of the top models.

It all started with her opening appearance at Prada p/e 07 and it's been hit after hit since then.

She's appeared in French and Italian Vogue, had features in V and starred in the Calvin Klein and Blumarine campaigns.

This season, the striking 5'11"-er has made a significant mark on the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris. She's walked for, among many others, Prada, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Christian Dior.

Just in case you don't know what she looks like, here's some pics.

Suvi in V

In Vogue Paris

For Calvin Klein s/s 07

One of her polaroids by Paul Rowland

PARIS: At Louis Vuitton a/h 07

MILAN: At Burberry Prorsum a/h 07

LONDON: Suvi at Christopher Kane a/w 07

NEW YORK: Marc Jacobs f/w 07
A star on the rise.