Trend Alert: Saffiano Leather

I've known about Saffiano Leather for quite a few years.  It's a practical leather; durable, scratch resistant, easy to clean, etc.  To me it was really Prada that put it on the map, having used it in their accessory collections for years and most notably in the iconic Galleria Bag...but I digress.  So what exactly is Saffiano Leather? 

Saffiano Leather: (courtesy of aspinoloflondon.com) is made by a stamping method. Saffiano, being a textured leather, meaning that it is a treated leather made with the texture pressed on it by a machine. It gives the leather a cross-hatch finish, which is a special diagonal pattern. This calf hide leather is also finished with a wax treatment. As a result, the leather is pretty much scratch resistant, durable and easy to clean.

...And on to my point; Saffiano Leather is in full trend swing.  The leather has gone from being scarcely used in the designs of high-end luxury accessories such as the aforementioned Prada to more affordable bridge-line designers such as Micheal Kors and Rebecca Minkoff.  I for one support this trend, Saffiano is a great leather to add to your bag collection. Go get it NOW

 Kate Spade, $348, Neiman Marcus

 MICHAEL Michael Kors, $228, Neiman Marcus

 Tory Burch, $575, Neiman Marcus

 Zac Posen, $595, Neiman Marcus

 Prada, $2,200, Neiman Marcus

Fendi, $2,550, Neiman Marcus


 

2014 Met Gala: Charles James Beyond Fashion

May 5th, 2014- The Met Gala celebrates the costume institute's newest exhibit Charles James: Beyond Fashion.  The exhibition examines the career of twentieth century Anglo-American couturier Charles James.  The designer is known for exquisite ball gowns, masterful tailoring, and incorporating complex cuts and seeming into his designs.  Charles James is known for being one of the few American designers to work in the tradition of Haute Couture.

The exhibit will be available for public viewing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 8 - August 10.  Now let's get to the Met Gala fashion.  Celebrities and the fashion elite arrived at the Met to celebrate the latest fashion exhibit, and let's face it that's what's really important here.  Some of my favorites of the night come from those who not only looked fabulous, but exuded the theme/elements of the exhibit.  When glamor and fashion history collide it's a beautiful thing and in my opinion says that 'they earned their ticket' (you know the old saying about the price of admission).  Some of my favorite looks come from the hostess of the night Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lupita Nyong'o in Prada, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen....to name a few.

FASHION SKETCHES

It's that time again...the seasons are changing and I'm updating my portfolio.  With a little extra time on my hands I figure why not give you a taste...

TREND ALERT: Slip-on Sneakers

What's not to love?  They're comfortable, easy, chic...Those fashion girls and off-duty models have been wearing them for years and with designers jumping on this trendy bandwagon you can get them in a variety of styles and price points.  It doesn't matter if you call them 'slip-on sneakers', 'Vans', 'skater shoes'...I call them a must have....

 Christian Louboutin

 Lanvin

 Valentino

 Vince

 Celine

Perfection :)

Must Have Accessory: GIVENCHY NIGHTINGALE

I admit I have an obsession with Givenchy accessories and Neoprene fabric, so when I saw this little gem at Jeffrey New York I knew it had to be mine.  But with spring/summer right around the corner a large neoprene bag just makes sense, no?....It's practical, chic, big enough to travel with yet small enough to use every day...have I sold you yet?

Available at Jeffrey New York

CURRENT OBSESSION: Lanvin Jewelry

I've always been a fan of oversized/chunky jewelry and for Fall 2014 Lanvin's Alber Elbaz took the trend to a whole-nother-level.  I know the collection debuted in February of 2013 however, we are now able to see it up close and personal in stores like Bergdorf's and on the fashion elite a la Anna Dello Russo.  What's more is the chunky chains and whimsical word jewelry trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so go get yours now.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: American Horror Story; COVEN

American Horror Story casts a spell over the fashion crowd with it's third season Coven.  The past seasons of AHS brought to mind Halloween, costume-y, scary, etc.  But the third season has shut-it-down so to speak in terms of fashion.  Who would have thought that an FX television show would be able to deliver such edgy high fashion?  Each character brings something to the table looks include everything from quirky Marni esque dresses, Saint Laurent hats, simple Chanel black dresses, platforms, furs, Alexander Wang style jumpers, you name it the show has it.  Well take a look for yourself.....