Mark Schwartz: The Art of Shoes

Sorry for this terribly late post everyone. I just got off the plane and everything was just soo hectic and all that I just hadn't had time to update. But anyway, enough of my excuses. Today, I wanted to bring your attention to the art of shoes- literally.

We all know that shoes is an artform, and that the shoe department is an art gallery, but Mark Schwartz brings the art of shoes to a new level. Mark Schartwz is an accomplished shoe designer. Inspired by the likes of Warhol and Roger Vivier, he designed shoes for Charles Jordan, Ralph Lauren, Bergdorf Goodmans etc, and has his own store in New York. But as if that's not enough, he is an pioneering artist exploring the grace and ecletism of footwear as a work of art! His art pieces featuring shoes as an art form are amazing. They are energetic, vibrant, abstract, compelling and incredibly chic.

I absolutely adore this piece called the Falling Sandals. Although I can't quite put a finger as to why. . . I guess art if beyond the power of words? It just makes me want to stare at it all day. . .

And these two, the Chartreuses and #5 is just fabulous, because of the simplicity and subtleness of it. Especially # 5 on the right. It subtley resembles a shoe AND the #5.

And how cool is this lampshade? At a glance it looks a little bit oriental, but on a closer look its just awesome, because they're actually SHOES!

I love the art of shoes . Check the rest of them out at Mark's website, Shoe as Idea. All fashionista's should have a piece of art like this hanging on their walls!

America's Top Model Quits Modelling

~phew~ I'm finally done with finals and am back in the world of fashion. So it seems that America's Next Top Model's, "Top Model," Tyra Banks, is going to quit modelling. And if you ask me, the timing couldn't be better.

She looks fabulous, she got to choose which stunning outfit to wear on her last runway (a rare treat) and everyone knows who she is! And for a 32 year old model, what better way is there to retire from modelling? As she said wanted in her interview with the AP, she's leaving on top. Better to have a dramatic halt to a dazzling career than fading into anonymity as you grow old and beauty and youth fails you, right?

And honestly, its no big loss to us. She hasn't been on the runway for some time anyway. In fact, if it wasn't for her show, America's Next Top Model, I don't even think I'd know who she is! And I don't think this is just me either. It applies to all those who were not "fashion aware" in the early 90's-when her modelling career was "kicking off"-as well.

So for those who don't know, in the 90's she was featured on many magazine covers. And more importantly, the Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue cover, which I do believe is a very sought after cover to be on (wasn't there a show some time ago about a competition to be on the cover of it?) And of course, she is in the Victoria's Secret catalog. She also recieved a Michael Award (apparently the "Oscars of fashion")for "Supermodel of the Year."

But since ANTM is still running and her talking show career is just kicking off- I don't think we will "miss" her much at all in her "retirement".

The Next It Bag?: The B Fendi Bag

Thanks to Mary Kate and Ashley, the Balenciagas of every colour ruled 2003. In 2004 came the Chloe Paddington. In 2005 celebs and socialites clamoured over the Fendi Spy bag. The question is, which will be the 'it' bag for 2006?

For a fashion house, being the creater and seller of an 'it' bag is a dream come true. In 2004, Chloe shot to stardom thanks to the Paddingtons (and the cool girly designs of Phoebe Philo of course). Even people who don't know much about fashion suddenly learnt about the brand Chloe. This year, Fendi went from an old, not-so-popular brand to an attention-grabbing brand, (although admittedly, the clothes of Fendi are still not all that great.)

So because all the fashion people are at the end phase of loving the Fendi Spy bag, they are itching to be the first to carry around and show off the next 'it' bag. With the winds still blowing in the Fendi direction, rumour has it that the next 'it' bag will be the B Fendi bag. The only thing I can say is that fashion designers must think the fashionables' IQs are dropping lower and lower. Really, what kind of idiotic name is 'B'? At least 'Spy' had three alphabets.

Anyways, here are some of the B Fendi bags seen in the Fendi SS06 catwalk:

White leather B Fendi bag with floral beading.

White leather B Fendi bag

Straw B Fendi bag with embroidery and green python trim

Snakeskin B Fendi bag

Obviously, just because 'rumour has it', it doesn't mean the B Fendi bag will be the next 'it' bag. Some fashion media such as magazines and websites may say so, but ultimately and most unfortunately, the fate of the next 'it' bag will depend on what the celebs feel like toting around next.

Cowgirl Boots Are So Out

Last week I was on the phone with my uncle, who lives in San Francisco. He's one of those relatives who has no idea what's in fashion and which celeb is who. So I was quite amazed when the topic of fashion came up (I was enquiring about recent purchases of my aunts'), my uncle said aren't those cowboy-type of boots really trendy now? Apparently everyone is wearing them in CA. Well, at least in San Francisco anyways.

And that was totally like the sign I needed to confirm that cowboy boots are out. I mean, even my uncle noticed them, what more evidence does one need? Personally, I'm SO glad this weird trend of cowboy boots are out. While I admit some celebs looks fantastic in them and can totally pull it off with the effortless boho vibe (see Mary Kate Olsen), there are some celebs who don't get that cowboy boots are NOT meant to be paired up with the whole sexy image *coughjessicasimpsoncough*.

Anyways, to prevent anyone accidently thinking cowgirl boots are still in and buying them, here are some examples of what NOT to buy:

Nine West 'Plank' Boot

Jessica Simpson Footwear 'Jessica' Boot

Frye 'Faith' Western Boot

Kenneth Cole Reaction 'Urban Cowgirl' Boot

Obviously if you have an outfit that would look great with cowgirl boots then wear them. Afterall, style isn't always only about what's trendy. But people, stop walking around in them thinking they're fashionable -they're not!

Book Shopping

Ever since college I haven't had the time to read much. Of course I always read the monthly magazines, but with school work and activities, books had to be put aside. But in the past week, I've been in a reading mood and went on a little book binge. If you've been walking around your local bookstore or surfing on net, then you'll see loads of great bargain in time for Christmas.

I've been looking at my favourite online store, Amazon, and wow, they have some serious bargains. I love shopping on Amazon because their books are usually cheaper than in bookstores, and most importantly, they deliver for free (as long as you order over a certain price.) Btw, I'm not advertising for Amazon here. Vitually all bookstores are on sale, so book-shop where ever you want!

There's nothing happier for me than to snuggle under a warm blanket and read in winter (except buying clothes of course.) Usually I almost only read chick lits, but I'm trying to branch out. Anyways, so here are some books I've bought recently:

The Symphony of Ages box set by Elizabeth Haydon -It's a fantasy triology. The story is basically the typical girl and friends try to save the world in a strange world with element powers and weird creatures. This is actually my first attempt at the fantasy genre, but I can never resist a book with loads of girl power. Not to mention the book cover -doesn't she looks so cool with the sword and bow? I've only read two of the books so far (out of three) but it's been pretty interesting so far.

Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult -An ex-prisoner goes to a new town (Salem Falls) and falls in love with the diner owner who he works for. But then a few girls set him up and he gets accused of rape again. A lawyer finds out little clues and we see the whole trial. (OK, this summary isn't very coherent but it's hard to summarise a whole book into three sentences!) I finished this book in one go -it was quite a page turner and a touching story! If you haven't read this or any of Jodi Picoult's books, go try one!

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -"This is the story of Henry and Claire, who have known each other since Claire was six and Henry was 36, and were married when Claire was 20 and Henry 28. This is possible only because Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with chrono-displacement-disorder- allowing him to travel in time." I can't say whether the book is good or not since I haven't read it yet, but it's got brilliant review and it was on serious sale so I bought it. Anyone read it yet?

Resort Collection 05-06 Accessories

You know how when you go to end-of-season sales, and there is always this corner of the shop that is not on sale? When I was small, I used to think that those were the clothes that were very popular and there was no need to put them on sale, (which really annoyed me because I always want something from the non-sale sections!) But now that I'm older and wiser, I've come to appreciate that non-sale section -the resort collections. For those who are not familiar, the resort collection is the transition from FW into SS.

I've been looking around the resort accessories online and in store, and some were great while others were just err, not so attractive. But as usual, I like to show the pretty ones.

So firstly, my absolute favourite resort collection is from Miu Miu. I took one glance and was like WOW *stars in the eyes*! The shoes are amazing! This pair of glitter ballerina pumps are great if you like to walk comfortably and brighten up a daytime outfit.

This pair of Miu Miu glitter pumps is just a variation of the previous one, but because of the heels, it's much more suited for an evening outfit. The black gives it a more quiet elegance, but still brilliant of course.

I've noticed quite a few pair of resort shoes looking like this pair so this roman sandal trend will probably extend into the Spring/Summer season. This pair of roman flat sandals is by Jimmy Choo. But designs like this can easily be found in high street shops for a much cheaper price, (although obviously they will look less posh.)

And of course, a new collection comes a new Chloe Paddington. This time the special thing is that not only is the leather in silver, but even the lock is in silver! (All the old Paddingtons had gold locks.)

This is a pretty cute little bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs. It's great in that you can use it for day and night, and the colour makes it so versatile to go with outfits of all kinds.

Another great bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs. This bag is available in four colours, but I think this yellow one really has that vacation feel. Sigh, it would be so fabulous holding the bag, sipping a cocktail in a holiday resort.

Kate Moss, the Scandaleuse Beauté

The biggest news in this slow, end-of-season time of the year is Kate Moss's comeback. And as predicted, she's back strong and prominent. This week, everyone is oohing and ahhing over the French Vogue covers, which Kate is guest-editting. (Of course, the question still remains whether she can actually speak French...) Anyways, four beeautiful French Vogue covers were produced, and I love how they're all in black & white. Initially, the four covers were supposed to be taken by four different photographers, but since Kate went to rehab for a month, only Craig McDean got a chance to shoot her. Anyways:
Kate in Chanel couture -This is my favourite cover. It makes her look like fashion royalty.Kate in Dior Homme jacket and Superfine jeans -This is my second favourite cover. It's the cover that reflects Kate's style and personality the most. And definitely the most suitable to the title 'Scandaleuse Beauté' ('Scandalous Beauty'). Kate in Giorgio Armani Privé, a Dior Homme bolero, Givenchy couture boots -OK, I admit I don't really like this cover. Kate and the photo is great of course but the cover just doesn't appeal to me.

Kate in Valentino couture -Another fantastic cover, but not the most outstanding one. Doesn't she look like she's lying down in water here?

I would say I can't wait to buy this issue, but I won't since I don't know French and it would be a total waste of money to pay for only the photos. So on other Kate news, just in case you didn't already know, she will be starring in the Spring/ Summer 06 ad campaigns for Virgin Mobile, Longchamp and Roberto Cavalli. And rumour has it maybe even for Stella McCartney. It's amazing how even after the scandal, she still has more contracts than other models huh?