The Return of the TSAR ♥

I fell in love with LAS8 Paris Maison De Couture last February when they sent me an email about their first collection of exotic leather jackets. I have never seen leather jackets this creative and exquisite until I saw their creations. The first collection was an 11 out of 10. Each piece has a personality of its own but still gives off that kind of sexiness that only LAS8 can show. And now they're back again with their latest collection, TSAR. And this time around, each piece is more. Sexier. More exquisite. More creative.


And I am thankful to be able to be one of the first people that gets a peek of this collection. So, I'm sharing it with all of you so may find inspiration just like I did. :)

Opus, the exclusive piece that highlights their collection

And once again, Philippe Anton, one of the co-founders of LAS8 Paris Maison De Couture, was very kind enough to answer a few questions I have for them regarding their new collection.

1. How did you get this inspiration? 

This is never an easy answer. We take inspiration of many things.

I would say that the first source is the leathers we are working with. As we try to work with different type of skins interplays, the reflection on the skins is a serious and inspiring exercise for us. When we decide to work with one specific leather, we have to think about a lot of questions (Is this leather a coherent choice regarding our creations? What can be relevant with this leather? For women? Men? Both ?…) what lead us to a precise model that we can improve. We are always working with a “work in progress” process.

In terms of pure design or details, our inspiration comes from many sources, such as history, cinema, art and architectures, but also famous or important people that we like to “dress”...

Regarding specifically the Tsar collection that we have just presented to you, we can say that we have played with two adjectives that we appreciate in a woman : strong (in terms of personality) and refined. Generally speaking, our creations are always thought to answer one condition: to sublime the woman who is wearing it.

2. Why did you choose crocodile leather for your collection?

First, we work only with rare leathers what leads us to keep looking for new types of skins (in term of color, finition, species). It is important for us to share our passion in our creation with people and provide exclusive jackets with other leathers. For this collection, crocodile skin and stingray leather have been “honoured”.

To be true, we have been willing to work with Crocodile leather for a long time. So it was a priority for us to work and design a model in this wonderful and noble leather, and we created the OPUS jacket.

Crocodile leather is for us very precious. It is a “refined and strong” material. Even if this is not the easiest leather to work with (technically), we truly believe that it reveals a while side to the jacket, while remaining also « classy ».

Then, our clientele is sensitive to crocodile leather, which is one of the most luxuous. This is also a necessity for us to meet our customers’ expectations and to propose creations that will touch them.  

3. How is crocodile leather different from the typical leather? 

Crocodile leather has some specificity which has to be taken into consideration if you want to appreciate it as much as we do.

The design of the skins depends on the species and the differences between the species are obvious when you look attentively at each type of crocodile skin. New Guinea and Niloticus are our favourite.

The work of this leather requires specific skills, especially for the cutting process. We work with specialized workshop that guarantees us the best quality and finishing.

In term of design and style, the crocodile skin offers a lot of opportunities: lot of finishings are proposed by our tanneries (shining…), the older the crocodile was, the bigger is its skin  and its “shells”. For this collection, we choose to work with quite old crocodile skins, which are rare and also more “precious”.

4. Why did you choose to name your collection 'TSAR'? Is there a story behind it?

Regarding the name of our collection, it represents a lot of symbol for us. First, the Tsars were great art collector, with the wish to get a unique and prestigious collection. Our fashion house shares this spirit and we like to think our creations like “art” and the prestigious leather we work with are the key of this reflection and of the unique side of the model. 

Each of our models is considered as an artwork, whose owner is the ambassador. 

We end up with the name of TSAR at an exhibition about the ROMANOV’s art collection in Paris. With the name TSAR, we refer to the illustrious and legendary history of Russia, which exerted its influence on a large part of the world and which is still a worldwide symbol.

The TSAR collection definitely exceeded expectations. And this just made me excited for their upcoming collections. Truly, LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture, as their name suggests, never fails to come up with the next (big) thing.

Smart Bag for the Smart Girl ♥

Bags have captured my heart recently. And I find myself always on the lookout for the perfect bag. Aside from it being an accessory, it is also a necessity. Bags are like shoes. You need to get it right for the perfect occasion. And most of the time, if one neglects the importance of the bag, a totally perfect look could go wrong.

Most women look for bags for practical purposes. They want something sturdy, big, and spacious. While some chooses pretty over practicality. But there are also some women who want both. It's a cross-over of Practical meets Pretty. The Smart Woman. And what a smart woman needs is a smart bag.

Catherine Membre's VEHLA bag is the answer to all the Smart Woman's bag needs. The VEHLA bag is not your ordinary bag. It is very versatile and has a lot of uses. It is an essential accessory for the modern, stylish woman.

Aside from its practicality, the VEHLA bag is also stylish and can be paired with any look. Its size is not too big, and you can fold it onto itself through its internal pocket.



Photo courtesy of www.parkandcube.com





You can use it as a handbag, or a bag organizer inside your bag. It is also sturdy because the materials they used are chosen carefully by Catherine Membre herself. It is made with noble and high-quality materials: 100% Authentic Liberty of London Cotton and Superior quality 100% Silk lining, which makes it lightweight and resistant, but at the same time, with enhanced seams.

The luxurious shopping bag is handcrafted with utmost attention in Catherine Membre's workshop in France. But you don't have to go all the way to France to purchase this one-of-a-kind bag. It is now available on Dubai's Art and Fashion online boutique, Aura-B. You can visit Catherine Membre's website, or log in at Aura-B to get your hands on the VEHLA bag.

All photos are property of Catherine Membre, unless otherwise stated.

Pre-loved. Not Pre-owned.

Every girl has a dream to own the 'It' item. Whatever 'it' is. Whether 'it' is a bag, an accessory, a pair of killer shoes, or a must-have dress. But these must-haves doesn't always have to be new.

Nowadays, vintage items are gaining popularity. I believe that they have more value than brand new ones. And in my personal opinion, vintage items have more meaning. For all you know, you could be buying an item that was previously owned by Audrey Hepburn, or even the Queen. Regardless of the previous owner, each item has a story. And each story is a source of inspiration.

 But how do you know if a certain vintage item is genuine? Are vintage items more expensive than brand new ones? Where can you find reliable vintage shops? If you think shopping is an adventure, then vintage shopping is a war. You have to be prepared and be aware. But most of all, you have to be prepared for competition. There's a lot of people who are also on the lookout for unique vintage pieces, so you have to be quick on your toes.

So how do we simplify and make vintage shopping convenient? This is where Rewind Vintage enters our life.

Rewind Vintage is an online vintage boutique that sells unique vintage pieces dating back from the 1950s up till the present. Founded by friends, Claudia Ricco and Yasmina Khanlari, Rewind Vintage is capturing fashionistas' hearts all over the world with their wide range of vintage branded items, focusing mainly on bags and accessories. They have a great selection of items from top brands like Chanel and Hermes.

But why should you opt for vintage items in Rewind Vintage?

Rewind Vintage has been created for women who want a little more out of their shopping adventures. In their own words, they want high-quality vintage fashion to be more accessible to women who want to 'look outside the box' when shopping. Aside from that, purchasing from Rewind Vintage, is enabling you to recycle fashion which will help us preserve the world. On top of that, a vintage is still a vintage. It's like wine. The value increases over time.

Items coveted by the Rewind Vintage

Rewind Vintage has made vintage shopping easier for all of us. It's true that vintage shopping is more difficult and more risky compared to shopping directly in shops. How can we guarantee the product's sustainability and quality? Rest assured that Rewind Vintage only gets from top-of-the-line sources they have all over the world. In fact, you can be one too!

some of the items they have on hand

Aside from that, they take meticulous measures to assure the product's quality. They grade them from 'Gently Used' to 'Pristine', so clients will know that the product they are buying is in good condition.  From the moment they received the items up to the moment they deliver it in front of your doorstep, Rewind Vintage makes sure that everything is carefully taken care of.

After all, it's Pre-loved. Not Pre-owned.


For more information, please do visit their website: http://www.rewindvintage.co.uk

LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture: THE NEXT THING

As soon as I laid my eyes on Stefan Salvatore wearing a black, leather jacket on the pilot episode of The Vampire Diaries, I knew I'd fallen in love. Not with Stefan. Well, with him too. But, with his leather jacket and how he made it look bad ass and mysterious. And then sweet but tough Elena Gilbert comes into the picture wearing a similar one for girls, and I knew that I needed to get myself one. 

I've always fantasized about walking the streets in a leather jacket, sun glasses on, with my hair tied up carelessly in a beautiful bun, looking very mysterious. Like, not wanting to stand out but standing out just the same. I believe mystery draws people in, and sometimes it can give the best first impressions.

True, Abu Dhabi is not really the best place to wear leather jackets with our constant, almost-whole year round humid climate. But it won't hurt, won't it? I mean, if you're going to wear leather by LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture, won't it be worth it?

Sometime last week, I received an email from Philippe Anton, a french designer who specializes in exotic leather and fur jackets. He sent me photos of their recent collection  and to say that I was blown away would be the understatement of the century. Each piece was fierce, exquisite, and very sexy.

Wearing leather could have been a taboo in the fashion world, for all we care. We don't see a lot of people wearing leather, especially in this part of the world due to the climate. But, since this year is the official comeback year of the leather or rather the biker look, why don't we try shaking things up by getting one (if not all!) of these exquisite pieces? It comes with fur too. How's that for hitting two birds with one stone?

Not a lot of designers can pull of mixing fur and leather in one garment, but I think that LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture got this one in the bag. The cuts are very smooth and comfortable. I don't think I'd be complaining even if I'm under the heat of the scorching sun with this on. Who knew leather could be this soft?

These photos spoke a thousand words, but I needed a thousand more to get to know this up and coming hip brand. So I sent in a few questions for them to answer. Read on, guys.

1.      First, why the name LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture? It sounds very sexy though, very fitting for your brand. Does it mean something?

Regarding your article, your first question is an interesting one. The name of our fashion house underscores our commitment to put our models over time. Actually, in French, LAS8 is pronounced « La Suite ». It means « the following », or ‘the next thing’, regarding the continuity of our collections and style which have to remain coherent and timeless. This is also why the « 8 » becomes an «∞ » in our emblem.

It also reminds a luxury hotel suite, which is for us very interesting in terms of universe for our fashion house. The universe LAS8 wants to be noble and captivating as a palace, awakening discovery, wonder and privilege throughout the stay.

2.      There have been quite a lot of designers who are also inspiring from leather, what makes your brand different from the rest?

Furs and exotic skins are a true passion for my partner and I. We can create and work on exotic skins during all the day. It’s a real inspiration source for us. We are fascinated by the animal world. We love working with interplay of 2 or 3 different leathers and colors on each model, and we manage to create assortments are innovating on the market, for exemple with our stingray collar.

Each time we create a model, we want to develop a timeless creation. What is important for us is that our customer always finds the same pleasure to wear the model he or she has selected, year after year. Our models are designed like precious jewels.

What is important for us is to respect our commitments, rigor, and provide the highest quality to our customers. Be as exigent as could be to your clients. And above all, to always be in a dynamic of creation and discovery in order to preserve the excellence of each model.

Currently fewer craftsmen have the knowledge to work on these skins. France is recognized for years as an expert in this market. It's what makes each model unique and valuable. The work of skin and fur requires a true expertise.

3.      You said that Middle East is a good market for your brand. Are you planning to open a branch or a showroom here? If so, then when and where?

We are searching to develop our distribution channels worldwide with luxury multi-brand boutiques, and Middle East would be a great opportunity for us. It offers a prestigious display, that is in coherence with our brand and this is the reason why we want develop partnership with it. 

For sure we plan in the future to open a showroom in the Middle East especially on Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will be our priority location. But to give you a precise date is hard for us right now.

We would like to be introducing on the Middle East Market as soon as possible. We feel that our creations are appreciated there and fashionistas share same value and refinement as us.

4.      Using animals for fashion, especially endangered ones, are a big issue in the world right now. I understand that you are under the agreement of the Washington Convention and that you are taking certain measures to make sure that it is safe for everyone. But can you elaborate more? Or just a brief explanation will do.

Yes of course it’s really important for us to secure all species we use. All our lambskin comes from serious tannery in France. It’s important to know that these lambs are not only use for the ready to wear.

These lambs are destined for the textile and food market. We do not kill for pleasure. We have planned to work the Orylag fur which is similar to Chinchilla with a better density quality of hair. These animals are also destined for the textile and food market. The controls are very strict.

Moreover, the Convention of Washington allows to preserve these species. Many wildlife species in trade are not endangered, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future.

To secure the exotic skins market for example for the Alligator, permit to make research within farms in order to preserve this species.

Finally, we want to educate our customers : exotic skin and furs justify that you should take care of your jacket, that you have to respect what you are wearing, simply because it comes from an animal, and not from a synthetic yarn. 

Leather brings this unestimable and untouchable value that is necessary in our vision to create exceptionnal and timeless models and this, only if we respect the agreement of the Washington Convention. This is important that our Customers understand this philosophy.

5.      What should your customers look forward to in your future collections?

We're already working on the second collection. The Alligator and the Niloticus will be honored. As mentioned previously, the fur Orylag will also be part of our creations. We always try to discover new skins, and new processes of confection. New designs will be present for jackets but always in order to sublime the feminine curves and structure the masculine silhouette.Each model that we develop is synonymous with rarity and prestige.

We have planned to expand our range of clothes for the second collection. However, we wish to remain experts in luxury jackets and become a market reference. If we expand our range of raw material, we are still working primarily exotic leathers, furs and lambskins.

This season we chose to focus on the bolero for the woman, symbol of glamour and seduction. For the second collection we want to work on long cuts but also on suit jackets while remaining faithful to the spirit and elegance at the heart of the brand.

LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture is really a brand to watch out for. Their jackets are a real must-have, something that each woman and man should have in their closet. Let's just pray, mazuonas from the Middle East, that this amazing brand will grace us with their presence soon.

But if you can't wait, do contact them through their website: http://www.las8-paris.com. You can also give them a call at 09 81 03 41 76. Drop them an email at contact@las8-paris.com Or go to their showroom located in: 3 Place Boulnois 75017 Paris.

All photos and information are courtesy of Philippe Anton, co-founder of LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture.

Getting a head start for Spring/Summer 2011

Holidays are almost finished and we will be going back to our busy lives once more. We are days into the end of this year and onto the next one. Tell me you're not excited about that. Just like everything else, fashion trends are changing once again. Some of you, if not all, maybe looking into a change of wardrobe. After all, a new year is a fresh start. Another chance for a new image. A better you. :-)

But before you start throwing the clothes in your wardrobe and buy half of the mall, what are the trends to follow for Spring/Summer 2011? What styles and pieces will be fashionable? Which trend or piece will be making its come back? In layman's terms, what clothes should I throw away and what should I keep in my closet? Too many questions with one simple answer, the Spring/Summer 2011 Trend Forecast.

The designers have already done the shows and by now, their collections, if not sold out, are undergoing production and marketing. And they are probably halfway through coming up with the Fall 2011 collection with the help of the trends.

 Now, trends are a fashion designer's best friend, but may be the enemy of a consumer. Inspiration is very very important but without the guide of the trends,  it may be useless. It basically tells the designers what's fashionable and what's not. For the consumers, it simply tells them what to wear and what not to wear.

So, what should you be caught wearing for the next season?

Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Trends:

1. The glamour of the 70's is back.

Think bohemian and sophisticated glamour. Clean and voluminous silhouettes and earthy colors palette are the way to go. Belted, high-waist and wide legged pants, Bow blouses with billowing sleeves. Jumpsuits. Chic and sheer fabrics like satin and silk with metallic accents are advisable.

Koton's Spring/Summer 2011 collection is a very good example of the 70's sophistication:

2. Make way for the bikers.

You have to admit that the military trend is getting old, so it's just about time that we move on to the next one. And in this case, the bikers. Leather, leather, leather. That's all you need to know. You will be seeing a lot of leather pants, leather jackets,  and leather biker boots this season. I knew it. Now, I want that leather jacket more.

Burberry has made an entire collection inspired from the bikers. Delicioso.

3. Punks not dead

This is probably the most controversial trend of the season. One must possess a certain kind of confidence in order to make this trend work. It's different and out of the ordinary, and that's what makes it strong. However, it's what makes it vulnerable as well. Punk is the fine line between playing dress up and being rebellious. And you have to walk that fine line if you want to pull this off.

It has many elements but for this season, it is limited to three: Studs, heavy boots, and safety pins. These elements are quite easy to incorporate into your style. You don't have to actually wear something with these. I find accessories are easier to play with when it comes to punk. :-)

Photo courtesy of  tinysparklythings.blogspot.com

Studs at Balmain S/S 11

Heavy boots at Balmain S/S 11

4. It's 60's all over again

The 60's trend will carry on from this year to the next featuring full circle skirts and below-the-knee hemline dresses. Hips will be flaunted. Light and sheer fabrics in summer colors are advised. Pair that with kitten heels, red lips, cat's eye glasses, after-sex hair, and you're ready to go and conquer the world.

 Other Summer/Spring 2011 trends to go by:

1. Maxi + Sheer

Maxi dresses and skirts in sheer fabrics will be very much in fashion this season. They will be almost lingerie-like in very light summer colors to make it look and feel very comfortable.

Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2011

Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2011

2. Romance and Lace

Two of the many things that never go out of style: Romance and Lace. Lace has never left the trends. It is classic and timeless. But this season, we're giving lace a twist. Unique lace clothing will be fashionable this season.

Kate Bosworth in Burberry S/S 11
Photo courtesy of starandstyle.com

My girl, Leighton Meester, in Marchesa S/S 11
Photo courtesy of starandstyle.com

3. Bows out, Tassels in


2010 has been the year of the bows and zippers. And for next year, the tassels will be taking the spotlight. You will be seeing tassels everywhere, clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. Get used to it. Or better yet, start looking for tassel-ed clothes and accessories.

Pucci S/S 11

Sonia Rykiel S/S 11

Diane Von Furstenberg S/S 11

4. Jingle your Bell Bottoms

Guess what's back? You'd probably think that this won't be making a comeback anytime sooner, since we're all  used to skinny jeans, leggings, jeggings, and the like. But, no. Bell bottoms, as a part of the 70's trend, will be seen in full swing next season. Most of you might be finding it odd and might not be brave enough to wear this. Some of you may even question yourself, can I really wear this outside the house without getting shot? Of course you can. Kidding aside, there are so many reasons why you should wear it. First, they're really very comfy. Second, you can pair it with anything. It's so versatile. You can play with it however you like to adapt to your style.

Opt for bell bottoms that literally ends in a bell-like shape. You can choose to wear a skinny pant but flares from the leg down to the hem in a bell shape, or a fitted one at mid-thigh then gradually flaring to form a straight cut to the hem. Wear either one of these, and I promise you'll be safe. Oh, don't forget to wear them high-waist, preferably belted.

Here's a more descriptive visual:

Derek Lam S/S 11
Photo courtesy of  fashionherald.org

ADAM S/S 11
Photo courtesy of fashionherald.org

5. A tail of the hem

No, they're definitely not for weddings anymore, because this season, tail hems will be all over the place. A tail hem is when the hem is longer at the back and short at the front. It's very similar to a wedding dress. Although, you wouldn't really want to walk in the streets with a dress that long. So, shorter ones than a wedding dress is advisable.

6. Stripped

Stripes have started to dominate women's closet since this winter season. I've been seeing a lot of collections that have stripes. But for the next season, nautical or sailor-like stripes will be very much fashionable, especially if they are in navy blue and white. One should take note that stripes should dominate the whole outfit. It should be the main course, and not just an appetizer. But, I wouldn't mind if it was dessert.

Kate Moss

Audrey Tatou as Coco Chanel in Coco Chanel
Photo courtesy of  vanillachymes.blogspot.com

Spring/Summer 2011 Accessory Trends:


1. It's raining cats

It will be raining cat sunglasses next summer. Prada has already started this trend last A/W 2010. But it will be making stronger reappearance in Spring/Summer 2011. It will definitely stand strong alongside the 70's trend.

Prada A/W 10

Tom Ford

Spring/Summer 2011 Shoe Trends:

With the comeback of the 70's, the shoes are sure to follow. Therefore this season, clogs and kitten heels will be fashionable next to the 70's trends. Pair your outfits with these lovely shoes and you're good to go.

Stella McCartney

Chanel

Chanel
Photo courtesy of lilisfashion.com

Now that you have everything you need for next season. Are you excited? We definitely have a lot of retro stuff going on, so to keep things cheap and practical, you can always raid your mom's or your grandma's closet for vintage but timeless pieces. ;-)

But whether you will buy or raid, I say just enjoy dressing up for this season. Have fun. And whatever you do or wear, never forget that your confidence will outshine any trendy item you have. And a smile is the best way to do that. Oh, and good posture too. ;-)


*All photos that have not been credited beforehand are courtesy of fashionising.com. This entry is also inspired from Fashionising.com's entry 'Spring 2011 fashion trends: Spring/Summer 2011'. Content has been taken and processed accordingly. No copyright infringement intended. For more information on this topic, please visit: http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--spring-2011-fashion-trends-spring-summer-2011-4073.html*