John Galliano: Genius, Showman, Racist?

My day started today by reading a tweet from my friend Emma Jordan over at ifashion, about whether she should post the video of suspended Dior designer, John Galliano's drunken rant that has shocked and saddened the fashion world. I understood her dilemma. I have held off commenting or posting about this situation. Mostly because at first I really didn't want it to be true. Also, because I abhor any and all bigotry and couldn't reconcile this with my absolute favourite designer in the world. "Noooooo," I wanted to shout to the world, "don't destroy my idols." And yet, there is little to mitigate these circumstances and face them, I must.
And so it is with relief that I read one of my other idols, Hillary Alexander's piece on the situation. With both compassion and sternness, she speaks sense. She reminds us that, no matter what, John Galliano has given us fashion-lovers so much, and so we must support him when he needs us. Not condone or enable his behaviour, but with the love we have for him, pick him up and show him a better way so that we might be able to bask in the glory of his work once more. 
We know that racist, bigoted behaviour is unacceptable in ANY circumstances. On this I am immovable. But as John Galliano's life crashes and burns, hopefully redemption and healing can take its place. This is about as close to religion as I come. Because I simply can't set aside the times that John Galliano's work has moved me to tears, inspired me to smiles and filled my heart with a joy I have only rarely experienced. I just can't.

SHOW OF THE WEEK (really)

if a picture paints a thousand words...



Mel Robson


The ladies of HML are both ceramics collectors. There is something alluring about a craft we just cannot do. We dream sometimes of doing a short course and whipping up a dinner set one day but for the moment we'll make do with our Ikea china and our ever growing collections of objects that make us yell at our families (careful! don't touch that!)



Jane Walton


There is a long long history of words on ceramics (think hieroglyphics, ten commandments etc) and there is something to be said for the permanency of text on objects that makes it seem more significant somehow.



Ingrid Tufts


We are looking forward to seeing the words and objects of 8 ceramicists who open up their new show at Pan Gallery this week. Forming Words satisfies on many fronts - for us words nerds and ceramics collectors we are very concerned for the safety of our grocery money. RAMONA

Pan Gallery
142 Weston Street
Brunswick West
show runs 4-24 March

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Best Dressed

No question at all in my mind who was the best dressed at the Oscars last night. Cate Blanchette. Stunning in Givenchy couture. Soft and beautiful, combined with unexpected and alien. She almost made me weep with joy and prettiness.
Next up was Mila Kunis, in my red-carpet-pick Elie Saab, also looked utterly amazing. Top drawer. Wonderful.

And then there was Dame Helen Mirren. Looking smashing. Looking sexy. Looking like the dame that she is in Vivienne Westwood. Pure, unadulterated class. Although, not without a twinkle of wickedness in her eye.
And I will give the Rodarte on Natalie Portman a final place for the glorious colour, the sophisticated maternity angle and the general loveliness. But not for the short arms. Never for the short arms. They offend me to my core. I can't even watch The Black Swan because no dancer would have such short arms. I've said my piece. We will speak of it no more.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Nude - Who Wore it Best?

The biggest dress trend at the Oscars last night was the shimmery, iridescent nude shades that so many of the leading ladies wore. They all looked lovely, but who wore it best? I couldn't decide, so I asked the office here at O Magazine to vote out of these four. They all had something going for them. For example Gwyneth's Calvin Klein sheath was sleek and sophisticated and was accessorised with gorgeous Louis Vuitton jewellery. But Luisa and Megan couldn't get past the shiny trashiness of the dress and Luisa says, 'I can never trust a smiling Gwyneth.' So she was out. 

Michelle Williams looked quiet and pretty and classy in her Chanel. But Kerry's cry of 'she's a ghost' put everyone off it. Best Supporting Actress, Melissa Leo's dress, (she of the f-word) is intriguing, made as it is from hundreds of mirrors by SA-born designer Mark Bouwer. I was pushing for the local angle, but the design didn't get the sign-off from any of the panel.

And so, by default, the win goes to Mandy Moore who looked 'most Oscar-ish' but the memo has been sent out for nest year - step away from the nude shades ladies, it washes you out. The last word on the matter is anonymous, "couldn't any of them have stretched to putting on a damn necklace to brighten things up?" I will leave it there.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Red - Who Wore it Best?

So obviously I love Sandra Bullock. If only she cared more about handbags, frocks and shoes, I would have her in my fantasy book club in a heartbeat. I would. And I think that she looked lovely last night at the Oscars. She also was totally on-trend in her Vera Wang red gown. As was host, Anne Hathaway, in the first of her seven outfits for which her stylist Rachel Zoe charged a staggering amount of money. She got most of them right though, so that's cool.
The big surprise for me though was Jennifer Lawrence. I had never heard of her before the Golden Globes (neither had you so don't roll your eyes), and she wore Louis Vuitton to that, and a rather unflattering pink number to the SAGs. I had all but brushed her off as someone that was unnecessary to my brain capacity. And then she turned up at the Oscars looking like a cross between Candice Swanepoel and Jessica Rabbit in this simple floor-sweeper by Calvin Klein. So lovely. She wins.

Oscars Red Carpet: Jade Jewellery - Who Wore it Best?

One of the most striking trends of the Oscars Red Carpet in 2011 was the popularity of jade jewellery pieces (thanks to Angelina). For me the winner of the trend-off is unquestionably the mighty Annette Benning. Not only do I love her for always, always looking just prop-vol delight to be where ever she happens to be, but I think she has chosen exactly the right earrings for her outfit and hair.
Someone needs to have a quiet word with lovely Amy Adams who has cleverly combined navy and jade, but who seems to have done 'a Nicole Kidman' - you know, the unnecessary jewellery on top of dress syndrome...
Celine has gone all old school, so we will just leave it there and Reece has kept it simple and pretty, unlike the hair. But Annette is just perfect. It makes me happy.
Don't hesitate to try this yourself. Grab yourself a wonderful jade piece from the markets or accessory stores and team it with navy, black, green, grey or white. Keep your hair up for earrings, your décolletage open for a neckpiece, and you will be great.

SHOW OF THE WEEK

OK so HML is going a little off topic today because for us it's a very special day - it's Oscar Day! The intern and I have been very dedicated this year and between us we've seen all ten nominated films. So tomorrow she's taking the day off school and watching the live telecast. Very excited! So what did we think of all these movies? And is it possible for me to make some craft comment thus justifying this long blog entry? You betcha!

Inception: We absolutely loved it. The Intern saw it not once but three times at the cinema and we now own it on DVD. Should win for music and art direction but wont. Craft: dreamscapes are always inspiring. Watching Paris fold up on itself made want to make a cardboard city.

Toy Story 3: We love animation, always have. But we were never really attached to the Toy Story Franchise. This one made us cry. Craft: one sequence took the animators two years, that's craft.

The Kids are Alright was...alright. It's all very PC and user friendly. I found it a bit uptight and the Intern couldn't get past the fact that the teenage boy was called Lazer. Craft: kick arse organic farming and landscape gardening.

The Fighter: This is the one I haven't seen despite loving everyone in it. The Intern thinks Christian Bale should and will win best supporting actor. Craft: hmm I can't say for this one, Wahlberg's abs maybe?

Black Swan: hate the first half, hate the second half. She should eat a sandwich she'd feel so much better. But cant wait to see it again. Suspect Portman will win. Craft: oh for costume freaks this is a gorgeous film

True Grit: this was just lovely. The music was just beautiful. The costumes, the shoes! But we made the mistake of watching the John Wayne one afterwards which, despite the lame ending is surprisingly better.
Craft: this is all about the music for me. Steeped in early hymns that then swell to lush orchestration the further away from home she travels.

The Social Network:The Intern and I have decided we would give this best picture. So timely, so smart, so well written. And she has a crush on Jesse Eisenberg. Fair enough. Craft: he builds the equivalent of a new country.

Winters Bone: very few people saw this amazing film. I thought Jennifer Lawrence, at the ripe old age of 19 acted her sock off, certainly overshadowing the pouty Portman . This is hillbilly crime noir, it's tense and sad and compassionate and difficult. Love Love Love. Wont win a damn thing. Craft: there are some excellent handknitted jumpers in this one! And some squirrel skinning which is as gross as it sounds. Poverty has a way of forcing you to be resourceful.

127 Hours: speaking of resourceful! This is a great story and a great film. If I had my way this kid would be winning the Oscar for best actor. If only he'd remembered that Swiss army knife. Ouch. Not for the faint hearted. 4 people ran from our screening and there were warnings at the ticket counter.

The Kings Speech: yup well it's probably going to clean up. Colin Firth seems like a nice chap and I dont begrudge him the win. And crazy Helena, well shes such a nutbag its always good to see what shes wearing. Craft: the absolute joy of this film is the interiors. So if you need us we'll be in front of our respective televisions today, trying to get work done in the boring bits and make dinner in the musical numbers. Beck and I will be on the phone bemoaning the lack of wacky outfitting and faux pas (people are so well behaved at these things nowadays). The Intern will be ignoring her maths homework and the Womble will clap when everyone else does - because he can. RAMONA

Trend Alert: Oversized Geek Glasses

At Design Indaba yesterday, it has become apparent that my giant, enviable, vintage spectacles are no longer mine alone. Everywhere you look there are hipsters in large, black-frames glasses.
Obviously, it is a trend, although I am fighting admitting it as I really don't want to have to give mine up when they are no longer cool. In fact, when I was at London Fashion Week last week, I got stopped and asked several times about my specs. It warmed my heart but sent a shiver down my spine at the same time. Argh, the vagaries of fashion. The dastardly middle-class problems I have!
And now look, Oscar presenter, Anne Hathaway, lovely as she is, is wearing them. Sigh. Really? Already? What should I do? Let me know.

Royal Wedding Style: Kate Middleton Reduces, Reuses, Recycles

On her first official day-time public engagement yesterday, Royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton accompanied Prince William to a lifeboat naming ceremony in their hometown of Anglesey (I know, these are the important issues of the day). But despite being a curious use of their time, Kate did set a great example with her style - as she reworked an old herringbone coat, refreshing it and making it a more modern design. A Royal recycling project!
She wore the coat much longer back in 2006, but recently had it shortened to work with her current style. Much has been made of her appropriate feathered facinator, but I was more pleased to see that she was wearing brown opaque tights (yes!) and a very modern ankle boot. Very well played, Kate, much improved.

The Two and Mememe Cheapy McCheap Cheap End of Summer Sale

I never just cut and paste PR copy. First of all, I always have my own crazy story to tell you, so it is almost never relevant. In fact, unless the press release is great, I seldom read past the second paragraph. And second, PR copy sounds like PR copy, and you guys would totes give me a hard time about it. But this headline is copied verbatim from my friend Miss Milli B's email. Anything that uses the phrase "Cheapy McCheap Cheap" gets my vote.
So gang, if you are in Jozi next week, get your stylish selves down to the Two/Mememe sale in Parkhurst and  then come back here and boast about your fashion bargains.
Milisuthando works tirelessly to promote local fashion and has been the rallying voice behind wearing SA fashion on a Friday in Joburg. Blogger, retailer, fashionista, writer, she is also magazine star in the latest March issue of O Magazine. Go and check her out now if you haven't bought your copy!

CRAFT FINDS OF THE WEEK

Blue Monday... on Friday

Monday I had the increasingly rare privelidge of heading off in search of op-shop booty without toddler in tow. It seems the more I clear out of the studio come nursery for intern number two the twitchier my op-shop antenna becomes. No real surprises I guess there! Monday's haul again came with a colour theme. This time blue. First find was a beauty straight from the Time Life library The Art of Sewing/BOUTIQUE ATTIRE . Behind what was I can only describe as a misleadingly blue hued pastel cover lay the keys to what will undoubtedly become the inspiration for my winter wardrobe. Take a look at these beauties...


Because of course we all want a metallic patchwork puff jacket as the perfect transeasonal accessory, but never knew how to make one before.


And a floating multi-shibori maxi dress to get you through those difficult to dress for 'last days of summer ' outdoor social gatherings.

And why not take tips on how to hand paint your own silk kimono jacket from a cross dressing Brains in a Barbara Feldman wig.

Of course we already knew that macrame owls were so last season ... but who would have thought that cloud motifs work so much better when hand painted, cut in faux suede and applied to a winter mu-mu?

Fabulous, inspirational and now proudly sitting on the bookshelf right beside my copy of Bob Mackie's Dressing for Glamour.

I also managed to find this Japanese ceramic bird, the likes of which i've been searching for seemingly forever. So excited. And also so terrified that with a house full of boys it will last all of five minutes on the mantlepiece...

and then there were these two blue handworked embroidery pieces that clearly I couldn't do without either.

Although between you and me what I will eventually do with them still remains somewhat of mystery. BECK

Breaking News: Michelle Obama Has A New Stylist

Michelle Obama has a new stylist. She is 29-year-old Meredith Koop (top left), Mrs O's current personal assistant. “Ms. Koop’s responsibilities include advising the First Lady on her wardrobe and acting on her behalf in arranging for purchases, including considering the best offered price and buying on discount if discounts are available,” Kristina Schake, a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said. 
Meredith Koop is said to be responsible for Obama’s latest fashion choices, including the controversial Alexander McQueen gown she wore to a state dinner recently. In addition to her styling duties, she also helps in “managing the demands on her time and schedule, along with other day-to-day requirements for keeping the residence running smoothly.” So, how did this stylist score the gig? She used to work for Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman (top right), Obama’s previous unofficial stylist.
All the best to Meredith. She has a nation's fashion hopes riding on her shoulders. Alert to local designers - if you want the Obama effect on your label, Meredith Koop is now the lady to persuade.
Sadly we can't find out more about Meredith Koop as she is not allowed to give interviews or talk to the media. Sigh.

Sylvie Says: Ombre-s It!

(Really? That's the heading she sends? Like this blog is a cheap and tacky tabloid! Humph. But I did warn you yesterday in my trends piece that ombre hair was on its way...and here it is. Enjoy.)

Hi all. So its a rare thing indeed when Robyn and I disagree on a trend. I finally got her to agree that my much coveted Swedish Hasbeen’s Jodphur Clogs were ‘ok’ but I’m not allowed to tell a soul. And I granted her her long pleated skirt (with a minimum of whining). But we cannot reach agreement on Ombre hair.
You see – I like it. She doesn’t. I like it so much that if I had Hair with a capital H I would do it, but I don’t. I have a crop, and if I did it, I would look like I had a crop with frosted tips. And that’s definitely a look we agree to hate on!
I loved it when I first saw it on Drew and Nicole – and I think my buddy Kate Moss may even have done it for a fraction of a style second. And it sort of reminds me of Debbie Harry.
But, there are rules:

1. It should not look as if your roots are growing out;
2. It should look as if your roots are growing out EVENLY;
3. The tips should be coloured regularly to keep them fresh and not all dried out and dusty;
4. Ditto the roots;
5. It can be done with extensions – BUT (again with the but) they must be fresh, human hair, high quality, beautifully coloured and well maintained;
6. Ombre hair is not an excuse for shampoo dodging – neither is matte hair for that matter;
7. Dip dying your ombre hair in hot pink or orange is not a look;
8. Matching your dip dyed ombre hair to your buddy’s.... Well I think you know the answer to this one.

Try Huey or Nicole at Love Hair Salon – they’re hip and they know about stuff like this
LOVE, 5 Wandel Street, Dunkley Square Gardens, Cape Town or www.lovehairsalon.com
[Obviously we are deeply grateful to MasterCard and L'Oreal Paris, as ever, for sending us to London so we could discover the trends first, for you]

StyleGuideCT at London Fashion Week 2011

I thought that I might prove to you that I was actually at LFW by posting a lovely photo of moi. I like this photo because (as is traditional with street style photography at the shows) I am small and the background is large. No not really. I am actually shamelessly free of issues. I like it because it features my lovely bright new scarf from Zara. Also my quilted utility from Uniqlo. And my Tods loafers. Combined as they are with my old favourite David West dress and a Craducci Women boyfriend blazer under the puffer. Yes, it was that cold. And then some. Brrrr.
It is of course shot at Somerset House last Friday, the first day of LFW this season.
Comments are welcome, naturally.

GIFT OF THE WEEK

token tote

The ladies of HML have taken a little time out this week. We even managed to go out to breakfast together - a rare occurrence these days. Despite living in the same suburb weeks go by without clapping eyes on each other. Lucky for us we have HML to keep us connected! Everyone is so busy these days. My friend K is the stage manager for Victorian Opera which means 16 hour days and no fun on midweek birthdays. I spent an hour on Sunday making her a little tote to take her lunch in to work - or in her case breakfast lunch and dinner.

I also got to use some of my wrapping paper - which between you and me made me feel smugly organised.
Now for an early morning delivery before her rehearsals start. They're doing Verdi so it'll be a long day. RAMONA

Design Indaba: Design for Dignity

As many of you will know, I spent a rather unfortunate time in the hospital earlier this year. And there were days when I was forced to wear one of those dastardly hospital gowns with the back opening and everything. Humiliation. And defs no photographic evidence!
So imagine my delight when, at Design Indaba, I hear that fashion designer, Ben de Lisi, has redesigned the old back-opening gown and brought dignity and class back to this garment.
Just one of the many exciting creative subjects under discussion at Design Indaba. Follow my tweets on @StyleGuideCT for up to the minute commentary from the conference over the next few days. And I will post more as I find these nuggets. Good.

Top 10 London Fashion Week Must Have Trends

We are going to have an entire conversation at some point about what people dress for at fashion weeks these days. However, just for you, I braved the cold at London Fashion Week this year and tried to capture all the street style trends that I could see. There are some trends that need their own posts, but here are the 10 must-have trends for this winter.

1. Leopard print scarf
2. Wider leg jeans
3. Platform ankle boots
4. A cape. Maybe more than one.
5. A bright red coat or jacket. Or cape.
6. Flatform shoes. (Although I will not be embracing this one. Sorry.)
7. Ombre hair (see above)
8. A furry jacket
9. A fedora
10. Brogues. Lots of them.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

tweet tweet

Thanks Portlandia via Michi for giving us the funniest thing we've seen all year... as if we needed another reason to love the peeps of Portland.

BECK

Trend Alert: More Block Colour Cocktail Dresses

I posted a couple of months ago about how to wear block colour cocktail dresses. And obviously people are listening! Here are even more ideas for your next cocktail dress outfit.
I especially love the coral-red Prada with contrasting shoes that Diane Kruger (aka Pacey Witter's girlfriend) has chosen, which is a really fun way to add a bit of extra oomph to the look. The snakeskin clutch of Angie Harmon combines beautifully with the purple one-shoulder and adds a subtle detail to the ensemble. Young Emma Roberts strikes two trends in one at Michael Kors, coupling electric blue and block colour, and the Marchesa frou frou ruffle dress of Vanessa Hudgens hints that the High School Musical girl may be growing up and leaving aside the boho look that she has been touting for years, by keeping it sleek, to the knee, and solid with minimal accessorising.

Design Indaba: Limited Edition Canvas Totes on Sale

Back in 2005 I bought a "This is Not a Plastic Bag" canvas tote from Anya Hindmarch. I loved it. I also got a bit giddy and got a "Plastic is Not My Bag" bag which I still have and use. I got them while I was living in London and using a plastic shopping bag was about as cool as drink driving. In other words TOTES NOT. Social pariah, tumbleweed stuff. But here in the sunny colonies we have been a bit behind the times on both these social issues.

Not any more. Fashion label Take Care and Spence the online fashion portal have teamed up to produce (what I am declaring as) this season's hippest bag "It's Never Winter With You". The canvas shopping tote will be available in limited edition quantities for you to get your grubby paws on at Design Indaba Expo this year for the princely sum of R100. Seriously. Get it. Or make someone get it for you. Good.

Behind the Scenes at London Fashion Week 2011

As you all know, I headed out to London last week to shoot some editorial for O Magazine, and was lucky enough to get behind the scenes at London Fashion Week, and attend some of the shows. I will post loads of pics this week, but first, here is the team at the registration at Somerset House, where the base tents were situated.

Sylvie from L'Oreal Paris was our make-up artist and thanks must go to L'Oreal Paris for the sponsorship. Anthony Friend was the photographer (although obvs these snappy snaps were just by me) and Alex, now based in London, was the first assistant stylist. Sylvie and Alex are, of course, blog favourites.

We must also thank MasterCard for trip sponsorship. Shopping photos to come soon.

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

I've made a list (what a surprise) of all the people I want to learn more about this year. That list includes artist and textile designer Sonia De Launay. The Intern and I have also made a commitment to attempt projects 'in the style of...' as a way of learning new skills and enjoying the process.

We bought a simple white tshirt scarf and spent a couple of hours hunched over the dining table painting it together

Of course there are things we'll do differently next time. I'd let it dry more on the table to avoid the colour bleeding and I'd use an even lighter base material.

The Intern makes a far better model than I do.

A tip: instead of putting newsprint underneath to protect the table put good butchers paper so then you have wrapping paper at the end of the day too.

It's been ages since I made something just for myself and for fun. Should be more of it! RAMONA