Musing: 500byGucci

 

Gucci’s Frida Giannini is honing her automotive design skills. The creative director has helped to thrust the fashion house into a whole new hemisphere by teaming with Fiat’s Centro Stile to release the 500byGucci: a limited-edition mini coop.

The collaboration was presented during opening day of Milan Fashion Week as well as at the Geneva International Auto Show that took place in March. The editions come in black and white, and are embellished with Gucci’s signature red and green stripes. What’s even better is that the car will be available exclusively online.

I once owned a Gucci bag, many years ago. And though my taste has become more refined, I notice that through Frida’s direction, is becoming a lot more sophisticated, as demonstrated here. This collaboration is to celebrate both the 150^th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci’s 90^th anniversary – both being monumental and emblematic to Italy’s identity.

Retailing at £14,565 OTR for the 1.2 litre while the award-winning 0.9 litre TwinAir, is priced at £15,765 OTR this is certainly an investment. But if you’re passionate about luxury, and if you’re always wanted to own Gucci at in its finest moment, this is a good investment.

I have always considered Gucci to be one of the more innovative brands when it comes to implementation and creation. I can certainly see it being something rather personal. I wouldn’t drive this car during a night on the town. Quite the contrary. More like, possibly, driving the countryside, on the way to the beach. But then again, perhaps that how personal brands like this have become to me. You don’t need to show it off to the world, you need revel in the luxury.  

 

Fiat
Fiat 500 by Gucci
Italian car

Sponsored Post

Viral video by ebuzzing

Men in Sequins

Givenchy via Getty

Last year it was men in skirts. Then heels. Lipstick. Now it’s sequins. Hey, that’s not so bad. Quite frankly, the world has seen worse. But Givenchy’s sequins – as seen its Paris Fashion Week round up – is painted in a rich forest green adding a bit of masculinity. I kind of like it. I’m not a green girl. But it’s the colour of nature and fertility. Despite all the heavy florals throughout the collection, there’s no party going on here. There’s strong Amazon references (South American, perhaps?) Exoticism. Eroticism. Natural beauty.

Check out my Tumblr to see more images from the collection.

Some Givenchy Sexy

Givenchy Hi Top sneakers via selectism

I’ve got a serious problem. Sneakers. Quite coincidental considering I haven’t worn a single pair since moving back to London. But that’s also because I don’t own a pair of jeans at the moment. Out of all things I’ve got rid of: heels, boots, jackets, sneakers have been the hardest items to part with. Well, these Givenchy kicks don’t help much.

Givenchy Rottweiler shirt via Selectism.

I’ve got another problem. I don’t think I could make my admiration for Givenchy any more clear. Initially, I wasn’t crazy about Tisci’s Fall/Winter 2011 menswear delivery. But when paired with the high tops as seen up top, I’ve had a major change of heart.

I’m at a different stage in my life. I’m not finding my style, I know what I’m about. And my clothing reflects my mood. Superstitious people are afraid of black. Apparently it attracts ‘evil’ spirits and bad luck. I don’t know what to say about that, because it’s a staple. And, I beg to differ with regards to its negative connotations. According to Colour Wheel Pro, black “denotes strength and authority; and gives the feeling of perspective and depth.” I consider it to be the most sophisticated hue of the lot and the perfect contrast to every colour under the sun. Top it with  an angry Rottweiler, one of the most misunderstood pits of hound lot, and you’ve got a pretty fierce combination. In my so called ‘predicament’, being a lover of the unknown, and drawn to things people fear, what’s a girl to do?

Well, in my case, fundraise the money to the coveted pieces. Rock them and wear them as tokens of my strength.

Shout out to Selectism for providing the images. See more of my favourite Givenchy pieces on my TUMBLR.

Nicola Formichetti x 6 – a brief timeline

Image via ViceStyle

In Vice’s fashion issue:March 17, 2011

On fashion and sex:

“The ability to watch porn straightaway means that the times when you have actual physical intimacy with someone else aren’t so special. You just think, “I could have just done this on my own and I wouldn’t have had to shower or spend all that money on drinks,” you know? It ends up just being easier. The world is changing and it’s an exciting time to be experimenting with sex, fashion, and music.” Read more…

In T Magazine’s blog: January 4, 2010

On inspiration:

I get inspired from people around me: my friends, collaborators, designers and photographers. I’m so lucky I get to meet and play with all these amazing people! I also have a huge toy collection that I often source through for ideas, but most importantly I find that traveling and visiting new places is very inspiring. Read more…

In Fashion Indie.com: April 9, 2009

On how he started:

“It was almost ten years ago, maybe. When I was 22. I sort of fell into it really. I was working in a shop called the Pineal eye, selling young designers. I was the shop assistant/buyer. I met Katy England and Alister Mackie who were the fashion directors of Dazed and Confused then, they asked me to work on small projects for the magazine. What began as a small monthly column grew in to monthly projects. A few years later Jefferson Hack asked me to be the creative director of the magazine. Through the whole experience I started working for other magazines and pursuing other projects in fashion, creative consulting, opening a shop in japan, etc.” Read more…

In Models.com: July 16, 2009

On giving back:

“I like to give people something positive and fun, just pure love and if I can make money doing so then that’s great. But it is very important for me to give back to people, which is why I like working with young creative designers and new models. The more successful I become the more I can give back, that’s the way I see it.” Read more…

Un Nouveau Ideal: November 28, 2008

On influence:

“My Mum had the biggest influence on me and she still does! I share her love of beauty and adore her ability to balance this with a very practical nature. She keeps me focused too.” Read more…

Where The Lights End: September 12, 2008

On fashion in Japan:

“There are alot of interesting things happening with high-fashion and streetwear in japan. It doesn’t really reach out because it is so far away from the other fashion capitals and it doesn’t really reach out. My new job at Vogue Hommes Japan is an attempt to push Exciting fashions from Japan to the rest of the world!” Read more…

If I were a boy: Casely-Hayford

You know, I’ll admit it: I have an obsession with style. So I don’t discriminate. And I’ll never constrict myself my personal style to work settings, social environments or the like. If I come across something I consider to be of good taste, I’m gonna give it credit.

In this case, to come across a family – a black family – with such a strong linage, in fashion, politics – that’s style. And it’s fascinated when you realize that unless you’re deep into a certain culture, you wouldn’t know who the Casely-Hayford clan is. And they’re prominent.

Joseph Ephraim Casely-Hayford was a Lawyer, Author and political leader, better known as “King of the West,” who aimed to improve quality of life for West-Africa’ citizens.

Sydney Casely-Hayford is a highly respected business and financial analysis in Ghana. And look at him, he’s got class.

Dr Augustus Casely-Hayford, art historian with an extremely long title, demonstrates a passion for the craft that it’s only right to reference him when it comes to education on African art.

And then, perhaps, the most ‘fashionable’ of the Casely-Hayford tree is Joe Casely-Hayford and he son, Charlie.

I came upon Joe about four years after his infamous “t-shirt” collaboration with renowned artist Chris Ofili. The shirt, according to the Victoria & Albert museum press release, reflected the ‘ideas of liberations’ demonstrated in the artists’ works. The collaboration was fitting as they were two of the most prevalent in their field at the time. Chris Ofili had gone on to massive success, while Joe, still active, no doubt, went low-pro. However, with the introduction to his son, Charlie, a burgeoning style icon at the tender age of, 23? Casely-Hayford and son are progressively becoming international style icons.

Joe’s most recent venture was collaborating with UK department store chain John Lewis on a collection of menswear pieces:

While Charlie was apart of the ad campaign – shot by Todd Selby – in celebration of Jack Purcell’s 75th anniversary:

2011 was a good year for the father-son duo. It will be exciting to see where the new year will take them, especially when you have this type of talent, and passion. My main thing, though, is that it (they) will hit the younger (black) generation.

I respect figures like Kanye West and their attempts to incorporate high-fashion into our culture. But within cultural circles, there’s a certain swag that’s not flamboyant or showy, it’s intrinsic. There’s a love of art, being punk – in a rebellious sense – and cultivated. And the Casely-Hayford’s represent that. This is important. They are important. A much needed part of black culture.

LFW Fall 2011: Meadham Kirchhoff

via Getty

Must take note: This collection was heartbreaking. I say that with nothing but compassion. To have been introduced to Meadham Kirchhoff by the likes of Vogue in 2008, to see the fabrics up close, the raw talent, this season is an injustice. I honed Ed Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff as icons, and I meant what I said. Maybe I’m wrong for dwelling in the past, but it is unfair to see the potential in something so great, and then get something rather uninspired. Reds, tweeds, lace, sure, it’s all there. But they can do better. They’ve hit big time, and this is not the time for stagnancy.

They have got to pick it up.

The Meadham Kirchhoff that I love:

reconstructed denim jacket via farfetch

LFW Fall 2011: Burberry Prorsum

via Getty

Must take note: I wonder if Maggie Cheung (famous Actress) and the beautiful Alexa Chung (famous… famous) coordinated their purses together. After seeing Burberry Prorsum‘s grande spectacle, I wouldn’t be surprised if the front-row was more interesting to look at than the runway itself. ‘Joes’ had the opportunity to gather round Piccadilly Circus to see a livestream of the show, and pieces were “click-to-order” off the runway. The collection was everything you’d expect from Burberry: plaids, bursts of yellow and orange, with a bit of unconventional dalmatian print. But those sapphire coats are stuck on my brain, as were Chung + Cheung’s ice blue pocketbooks, so I thought I’d call them out.

Burberry Prorsum A/W 2011 fashion show

Shout out to maxlinden2630 for providing the video.

LFW Fall 2011: Julien Macdonald

via Getty

Must take note: Julien Macdonald had a stellar 2010. Last year, his collection bathed in a sea of disco glamour, but his current looks entailed fur coats over lace minis, and floor-length chiffon dresses worn under leather biker jackets. Macdonald presented his take on the reoccurring leather sleeves trend once again, along with those thigh-high lace-up boots I have yet to get a pair of.

Ribbon detailed fine knit dress via Net-A-Porter

LFW Fall 2011: Pam Hogg

via Getty

Must take note: Hmm, this is a hard one. Pam Hogg’s skin tight catsuits are, essentially, as punk as they come. This whole, thing of the `80s and ‘naughties’ (`90s) hasn’t changed with the exception of, well, nothing! But I admire Hogg, because she’s the epitome of ‘London cool’ and at this point, she has surpassed a ‘type’. She (along with Vivienne Westwood) are not subject to time. They’re international brands with a religious cult following. And women of all ages love what they do. Hogg is a bit more underground than Westwood, which is why she hasn’t strayed too far from the grittier side of fashion. And I like it. I’ve seen many young brands try, some of them may succeed, but longevity is few and far between. If you can be that kind of designer and enjoy a fruitful career, consider yourself Hogg-ed!

LFW Fall 2011: Vivienne Westwood Red Label

via Getty

Must take note: I take to the Vivienne Westwood a lot more than her actual clothes. It’s not that they’re not good – they’re spectacular indeed, but I suppose they were a little too complicated for me to get into (figuratively). But seeing that I am drawn towards the ‘punk’ and ‘goth’ aesthetic of fashion, I appreciate the ruffled blouses she presented. This is not a trend, but a classic piece, and it’s a staple in my wardrobe (I have about 10 of them, all rarely worn), and I don’t intent on changing that anytime soon. I did however, notice a patchwork plaid skirt with about five different hues. That and the breezy cuts along with her use of the pinestripe.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Blazer via Hervia