Fall Fashion

Here are photos of some fall fashion mixing up style staples, from minimal tailoring to structured and oversized.  It is recommended to put your look together from different brands and make it your individual style.  Have fun and look stylish.  J

 

 

The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning

This clay cylinder, inscribed with cuneiform script, records the conquest of Babylon in 539 B.C. by the Persian king Cyrus the Great, and bears witness to the multiethnic nature of the Achaemenid Empire, which introduced innovative forms of writing, religion, and luxury goods to the Near East. Since its discovery in 1879, the Cyrus Cylinder has inspired wide-ranging discussion about the benevolent nature of Cyrus's rule.

In taking Babylon, Cyrus brought what was recently the heart of a great kingdom into the growing Achaemenid Empire. Rather than imposing Persian practices on its peoples, however, he sought to uphold their traditions. This is evident from the Cyrus Cylinder itself. For one, the inscription was written in the local language, Babylonian. Moreover, by embedding this Cylinder in the foundations of Babylon, Cyrus was adhering to a standard practice in the region–intended to secure divine favor and record a ruler's achievements for posterity.

For centuries, the Persian king Cyrus the Great has enjoyed a remarkable reputation. Ancient Greek texts, particularly Xenophon'sCyropaedia, were greatly influential in presenting him as an ideal ruler, while the Old Testament celebrated him for allowing the Jews to return from exile and rebuild their temple. The discovery of the Cyrus Cylinder in 1879 provided support—in Cyrus's own words—for his legacy, and continues to attract new layers of significance.

The French Fashion Invasion in New York


Fashion Week in New York is a very exciting time.  New York is known as one of the fashion capitals in the world.  You can find everything from high fashion to more junior brands spread out in different neighborhoods in the big apple.  What is really noticeable is the quantity of French boutiques in Soho.  You can find the very established brands like Chanel.  There are however many new chic stores that deliver an unexpected mix of reliable basics clothing with an edge.  A combination of elegance and a rock'n'roll attitude that will seduce the contemporary woman.  All are in a very close proximity of each other.  Brands like Maje, Sandro, Carven and Comme Toi.  It is however hard to differentiate between these brands and also to point at one that would be the star brand.  Is it possible for a brand to become likes of Chanel or Balmain?  Next time you are in New York don't miss shopping in Soho! 

Brigitte Bardot's Fashion Influence

Brigitte Bardot’s influence on fashion is seeing renewed interest. The style icon, now almost 80, is an outspoken animal rights activist often criticized in the French press for her dubious political rants. But at the height of her career in the Fifties and Sixties, when she was often described as “the world’s most beautiful woman,” Bardot made the name of certain brands like Repetto and Seafarer.


Bardot’s look was unusual in the pristine celebrity circles she inhabited. She often walked around barefoot, wore miniskirts to the Elysée Palace and sparked many an imitation of her falsely messy blonde locks and black cat’s eye eyeliner. Walking the streets of the world’s capitals these last few years, it is impossible not to notice that such looks are prevalent again.

 

A line of Brigitte Bardot ready-to-wear also continues to make inroads at retail. The Brigitte Bardot Clothing Collection was launched two years ago after the actress sold the license to her name and image to investors. Despite the overwhelming array of unendorsed Bardot merchandise that is widely available, it was the first time she signed such a license.

The conditions for using the Bardot name include no use of fur or leather and respect for the aging star’s image.

“People have really stayed with the image of Brigitte Bardot in the Sixties, and not on her image today,” the brand’s creative director, Sarah Ohana, explained. “That is the image we portray, her beauty, the dream, her style, her look.”

Brigitte Bardot Clothing Collection is now distributed to some 450 sales points worldwide, with around half of these outside France, including a strong presence in Japan. In January, the brand’s advertising was displayed across newsstands during fashion week in Paris and featured in the magazine press.

Giorgio Baldi Restaurant in Santa Monica

Giorgio's is one of my constant favorites in LA.  Giorgio's family is still behind the whole operation and it shows.  The personal service, incredible Northern Italian food and pleasant, simple atmosphere has created a loyal clientele who swoon over the handmade ravioli, fresh Dover sole, delicious langoustine pasta and white truffles imported from Piedmont each fall, just to name a few. 

Just One Eye in Hollywood

Just One Eye is the most exciting addition to the Los Angeles Fashion scene in a while.  Opened by the fashion director of Maxfield, this boutique / showroom / gallery stocks exclusive, one of a kind pieces of clothing, art, jewelry, design and more with the goal of being an open and ongoing progressive space with the best names in fashion.

London Calling!

I had a pleasure of dining at Gordon Ramsay's London West Restaurent located on San Vicente at the heart of Hollywood.  As you enter you notice the old Hollywood style decorations and glamorous settings include five private rooms and an elegant central cocktail bar.  The cusine is tapas style and has been re-intepreted for the California lifestyle; perfect for sharing and experiencing a variety of gourmet dishes.  The restaurent is great for couples and big groups as it offers private dining rooms.  Here are some photos: