Designer – Page 4 – Anna Blachut

Posted on May 1, 2021March 14, 2022 by — Leave a comment

5 things you didn’t know about Longchamp Le Pliage

Hailed for its innovative approach the leather goods, Longchamp is a French luxury company, founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain. Intrinsically inspired by the allure of the Parisian woman who is always on the go, their designs are practical and polished. Longchamp is a luxury fashion house that creates functional accessories for the modern woman that is perfectly exemplified by their Le Pliage cult collection.

So here are 5 fashion facts about this iconic handbag:

The first Le Pliage bag was created by the son of Longchamp’s founder, Philippe Cassegrain. Its design was inspired by the Japanese art of origami, which Philippe had learnt about when travelling. Indeed the word “Pliage” means fold in French. The concept of the bag is that when you are not using it, you can easily fold it up and store it. I personally like to always slide one in my suitcase in case I buy anything on my trip and can’t fit it into my luggage. This way I have a storage back up. Made of durable nylon with strong leather straps, it weighs nothing but can fit so much inside – so it really is ideal for travelling.
First launched in 1993 by Phillipe Cassegrain and and Isabelle Guyon. It would take another 3 years for the first Le Pliage collection to become a fashion hit according to Philippe Cassegrain. Today this light foldaway bag that has since become an iconic bag worldwide. Today, 10 Le Pliage bags are sold every minute worldwide.
In France, mothers often give their daughters a Longchamp bag as a coming-of-age gift when their daughters turn 15. Indeed, that was in fact the age that I got my first Longchamp Pliage in navy blue, and yes it was a gift from my mother! It was my school bag all throughout my teen years.
Le Pliage tote has been reimagined in over 150 different colours and prints. Collaborations include Jeremy Scott, Tracey Emin, Clo’e Floriat, Nendo, Pokémon, and most recently Filet France which I am wearing here.
Did you know that you can now also personalise your own Le Pliage bag from the model to the colour, flap and handles, snap closure, shoulder strap and right down to the lining color? You can also get your Longchamp items monogrammed free of charge in their stores. I love doing this for gifts to add a truly personal touch to the bag.

So there you have it, 5 Fashion facts about the iconic Longchamp handbag that has become a staple wardrobe must-have.

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Posted on January 29, 2021February 27, 2021 by — Leave a comment

5 fun facts about Haute Couture Fashion Week

Oh couture! The most beautiful event on the global style calendar. A sumptuous serenade of the most talented couturiers.

What is Haute Couture Fashion Week?

Established in 1945, this mandate paved way for the first concept of fashion week, a biannual affair of the top Haute Couture houses hosted in Paris.

Having personally worked at the Haute Couture Fashion Week when I was a fashion student in Paris, I can tell you first hand, that the whole affair was truly a surreal dream come true. For example, when I worked there, we were handling the most exquisite designer dresses that would be worn at Oscars and other extremely high-profile events by the most A-list celebrities you could dream of. Needless to say, it felt like a fairytale. So, with this in mind, I wanted to share with you some fun facts about the annual Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Haute Couture Qualifications: Haute Couture houses are determined based on a set of rules predicated by the standards of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. According to these rules, a house must present a collection of at least 35 pieces (including both daytime and evening wear) per season. Whilst the majority of design houses are French, a select number of ‘foreign’ members are also selected to join. A grand couturier is a member of the French Chambre syndicale de la haute couture, part of the Fédération française de la couture. Indeed less than 20 designers qualify to show on the official Paris couture week schedule. This said, its governing body, the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, allows Guest Members and Corresponding Members to show around the same time. This year’s Haute Couture 2021 Members include: Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Giambattista Valli, Chanel, Alexis Mabille, Stéphane Rolland, Julien Fournié, Alexandre Vauthier, Maison Margiela, Franck Sorbier and Jean Paul Gaultier. The Fashion Week will also show Corresponding Members and Guest Members. Paris’s Haute Couture Fashion Week went digital in July 2020, translating the craftsmanship of couture to a virtual format for the first time. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode hosted videos from accredited couture maisons on a dedicated platform.
Couture Creations are Unique: Each member ‘must’ employ a minimum of 15 people, present their collection twice a year and have outfits which include day and evening wear. All the clothes must be sewn by hand, no sewing machines or beading machines are used what so ever for these collections
The First Ever Paris Fashion Week: PFW feels like it has been around forever. However it is actually quite a recent concept. The first Paris Fashion Week took place on November 28, 1973 and was supervised by the founder of New York Fashion Week, Eleanor Lambert. This event was was the first time that collections of Haute Couture, prêt-à-porter, and menswear were showcased together in Paris. The event was held as a fundraiser at the Palace of Versailles in an effort of covering the cost of renovating the royal residence, which was estimated at around $60 million. The first Paris Fashion Week commenced a fashion mega-rivalry bookmarked in fashion history. Comprising the most prestigious designers; five American–Anne Klein, Bill Blass, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, and Stephen Burrows; and five French designers–Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, Emanuel Ungaro, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and Yves Saint Laurent, the designer teams were pitted against each other in creating eight pieces to represent French and American fashion. The event garnered over 700 people, including a star-studded guest list featuring Josephine Baker, Elizabeth Taylor, and Liza Minelli. A fierce competition, the transcontinental fair was dubbed “The Battle of Versailles.”
Opening The Mystical Doors of Couture With Mugler: In 1984, Thierry Mugler became the first fashion designer to give the French public access to an actual fashion show. In celebration of the house’s 10th anniversary, Mugler orchestrated a grandiose runway performance for his Fall/Winter 1984 collection. Held at le Zénith stadium in front of a paying audience of over 6,000 people, the runway show marked the first fashion show open to the public.
The Clients of Couture: Even though the shows take place in Paris, it’s not actually where the majority of couture clients are based. For example with the iconic Italian designer Versace, their largest client bases are in India, Russia, and Brazil. The couture market itself is estimated by The Financial Times to be globally worth €650million – just 1% of luxury fashion sales in the world. Indeed the average cost for a a couture daywear piece is £8,000. That price rockets through the to the hundreds of thousands for anything close to a gown or any form of couture evening wear. Therefore it is no surprise couture has an extremely niche market of customers. Very unlike the millions of people who buy ready-to-wear clothing worldwide, there are no more than 2000 regular customers that actually buy haute couture pieces. Initially, After World War 2 which is also known as the Golden Age of Fashion, there were approximately 15,000 women who wore couture. Today, the number shank down and is estimated number is down to 2,000 women who wear couture. Indeed couture pieces are often leant out to actresses and public figures to gain publicity.

Posted on January 8, 2021February 5, 2025 by — Leave a comment

Layers of luxury with Princess goes Hollywood

It seems that the winter weather in Switzerland is getting glacial to say the least! I was up in Verbier over Christmas and when I returned to Geneva the temperature just dropped. There was such a gorgeous layer of snow over the city this morning. This is extremely pretty but in terms of fashion, it can be quite a challenge to stay stylish. Layers of sumptuous cashmere sweaters have been helping me survive the biting cold at the moment. This is why I wanted to share with you a couple of looks to keep warm and cozy.

What’s more, I always feel rather flat after Christmas and New Year’s are over. So I wanted to share some fun fashion looks to keep your spirits up even when the weather is not on its best behavior.

Firstly let’s face it, in Geneva and most of Europe, chances are your winter outfit is made up of mostly all-black. But there is a way to keep that part of your winter wardrobe and still switch it up a bit. I’m talking of course of duo-tone looks. For example, mix up your mostly black looks with a bit of navy blue, dark red, silver-grey, or a touch of green. It still looks pulled together and you can continue to wear your usual black. With this in mind, let’s look at my first outfit…

Double Trouble: Burgundy & Black

I am absolutely in love with this two-toned velvet pleated skirt from Princess Goes Hollywood. It can be dressed down or up depending on the occasion, as I also styled it for a party look in this post here.

For a casual day look, I layered the long skirt under a black knitted cardigan also from Princess Goes Hollywood. It’s like a bit of a sexy grandma look as cardigans always have that connotation. So adding heels is a must. I chose some with a bit of a patent crocodile to contrast with the soft and comfy aspect of the top half of the look. Punctuating the look with a luxury Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Pochette Métis (borrowed from the stylish fashionista and friend, Miss Xenia).

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The next tip I want to share with you is for more adventurous fashion daredevils. The idea is to mix and juxtapose your evening accessories with everyday outfits. A soft, cozy sweater paired with statement earrings. Or else a pair of everyday jeans and stiletto heels. A sweatshirt with a luxury, monogrammed brooch pinned on it. You get the idea. The options are endless and ever so fun!

Cast a Wide Knit: Day meets Night

Here I played with proportions and mixed daywear with evening accessories. Flared jeans and an oversized fluffy jumper from Princess Goes Hollywood that had a definite retro vibe to them. Making sure to keep it modern by pairing the wide pants and a cozy sweater with a sleek updo. I selected quite a statement accessories that would traditionally be worn for an evening look, including my very much loved silver Bulgari Forever Serpenti bag and bold, gold earrings from Stein Kult. I was so pleased because the stones exactly matched the colors of my sweater, so that was a happy style accident. I love these earrings from Stein Kult as they look very luxurious. The brand itself is a Swiss one. They had amazing quality jewels, like the earrings and ring I’m wearing here. What I love as well is that the designer creates capsule collections based on her travels.

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So there you have it, a little style inspiration to start 2021 off.

For more fashion and Swiss-style tips, click here.

Posted on December 4, 2020March 14, 2022 by — Leave a comment

5 fun facts about Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show at the Château de Chenonceau

Last night Chanel held their Métiers D’Art Fashion Show 2021. It was the first audience-free format. Chanel filmed its Métiers d’Art show at the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley and which was reveled online last evening on the 3rd of December 2020. The Métiers d’Art means ‘art professions’. This title is given to the annual Chanel collection that pays homage to the small specialist workshops that Chanel began buying in 1984, in order to preserve the expertise and craftsmanship associated with French luxury. Today these ateliers are crucial to the everyday running of the iconic fashion house, providing Chanel with everything from feathers to embroidered buttons. What’s more, all of these specialized ateliers help to craft Chanel’s iconic, luxury handbags.

These specialist workshops include the milliner Maison Michel, the costume jeweller Georges Desrues, glove maker Causse, the feather-worker and flower-maker Lemarié and the famous embroidery house, Lesage.

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collection is a tradition the house started back in 2002. Every December the show shines a light on the exceptional savoir-faire of its artisans. Each year, Chanel captures the history of its brand by designating a city that is linked to the brand’s past or present. Paying homage to the unique codes of Chanel. Past locations have included Moscow, Edinburgh, Bombay, Salzburg and Tokyo. This year was a bit different with the restrictions linked to the global pandemic. The Chanel fashion show took place a little closer to home at the Château de Chenonceau in France.

A beautiful show that highlights the exquisite skills of Chanel. Here are 5 fashion facts about the show.

1. There was only one VIP guest present: the one and only, Kirsten Stewart. actress, fashion muse and model. Initially, there was suppose to be 200 invited guests, but with the new restrictions in France linked to the Global Pandemic, drastic changes needed to be put in place. In total there was a cast and crew of 300 and only one VIP guest at the Chanel show.

2. This was the first Chanel fashion show of Virginie Viard, the house’s creative director, to be held outside of Paris. Although it is not the first castle to host the prestigious Métiers d’Art Chanel Fashion Show. For instance, Chanel held their annual Métiers d’Art fashion show at Austria’s Château de Leopoldskron in 2011 and then at Scotland’s Linlithgow Palace in 2012.

3. The architecture of the chateau itself features intertwined CCs, similar to the Chanel logo. These initials are in fact those of Catherine de’ Medici, the former queen of France.

4. Indeed, the location was once home to Catherine de Medici and is often referred to as the Château des Dames. It is a location which, as with all the Métiers d’Art shows, is linked deeply to the brand’s heritage and values. Virginie Viard highlighted that, “showing at the Château de Chenonceau was an obvious choice”. It was designed and lived in by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici, two women who greatly inspired Coco Chanel.

5. Last but not least, to complete the fashion experience, for the first time, Chanel produced exclusive content that can be unlocked by invitation only. It includes photographs of the castle by Teller compiled into a coffee-table book, as well as audio clips that recount the fascinating history of the place. With narrators including Keira Knightley in English, Penélope Cruz in Spanish and Anna Mouglalis in French. All three women are modern day muses for Chanel.

Posted on November 20, 2020November 22, 2020 by — 4 Comments

4 ways to wear cashmere this winter

Anna Swiss mermaid cashmere fashion guide

It’s winter’s most luxurious basic. Cashmere is a cold weather go-to classic. Be it a super soft cardigan or a rib-knit turtleneck, cashmere sweaters are an effortless way to stay in style this winter.

If you’re looking for high quality, cashmeres with cool, contemporary designs then Princess Goes Hollywood is the brand for you. This Swiss fashion brand is famous for their luxuriously cool cashmeres. Their collections feature a modern take on luxurious textiles featuring playful details such as pearl beads and crystal embellishments.

Cashmere is a textile that transcend seasons and will always be in style. Making it a winter wardrobe must-have. In fact, my love for cashmere stems from my years studying in Scotland. It was the first thing I purchased as a student, frozen by the highland winds I ran into the first store selected a soft, nude cable knit which became my faithful companion throughout university. What I love about cashmere is that it is incredibly soft and lightweight. You don’t need to have tons of layers to stay warm, just a good quality cashmere. Snuggly yet stylish, these sweaters will keep you warm all winter!

So let’s take a look at 4 classic winter knits and how to wear them.

Looking for timeless, winter-closet staples? Here are the 4 must-have sweaters for this season:

1. The cashmere cardigan

I am a huge fan of cashmere cardigans, they are amazing loungewear luxe pieces. They look effortlessly chic when thrown over a silk camisole in the evening or else paired with a graphic tee on the weekend. I love this plush, oatmeal colored cardigan that ties at the waist. Here I chose to play with textures a bit by layering this Princess Goes Hollywood cashmere cardigan with a black leather skirt, sheer tights and tall crocodile print, pointed boots.

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2. The black turtleneck

This is one of my wardrobe staples when the temperature drops. I love wearing turtlenecks and I pretty much own one in every colour. They are so easy to wear, warm and oh so effortlessly elegant. You can layer them or play with proportions like it did here. Pairing my black Princess Goes Hollywood turtleneck with one of their beautiful, beaded black tulle skirts. To glam up the look, I added a dash of red lipstick and a huge pair of Topshop earrings.

Anna Swiss mermaid cashmere fashion guide2

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3. The white cable knit

This chunky cable-knit is a classic preppy piece which looks great in the winter. Soft, light and amazingly warm this Princess Goes Hollywood ivory knit is a made of 100% Merino Wool and makes a wonderful wardrobe staple. What’s more I am a huge fan of the “all white outfits” which are currently trending so I couldn’t resist trying it out myself. Although I did break up the all white with my snakeskin Zadig et Voltaire ankle boots.

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4. The neutral knit

Crew neck with embellishments, this Princess Goes Hollywood cashmere sweater is the perfect piece for any occasion. Be it for a weekend walk, a laid back dinner with friends or an end of the year party – the subtle sparkles add a little luxe to this truly timeless piece. I opted for a tonal look here. Adding a pair of coffee colored leather pants and chestnut red ankle boots to compliment the accents of crystals

So there you have it, 4 winter ready ways to wear your favourite snuggly sweaters.

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Posted on November 12, 2020March 14, 2022 by — Leave a comment

Manolo Blahnik in Geneva

Since the 1970s, this high-end luxury footwear brand has grown into one of the most recognised shoe brands in the world. Hailed, “The King of Shoes”, Manolo Blahnik needs no introduction for luxury lovers.

This autumn, Manolo Blahnik in Geneva welcomed me into their stunning store situated on 20 Rue de la Corraterie to discover the latest collections. Upon entering the store I was struck by the gorgeous scent of Diptyque’s Baies. Like an elegant introduction welcoming me into the luxury store.

Indeed, did you know that Manolo Blahnik actually lived and studied in Geneva? It was the first place he moved to after growing up in the Canary Islands. The location of the Geneva store was actually very strategically chosen as it holds fond memories of Manolo’s years walking to the Université de Genève. It is situated just across from the cinema (Ciné 17) he loved going to. Geneva is a cosmopolitan city that hold of quiet luxury. In the Spanish designer’s own words, “Geneva, such a charming city that is calm and beautiful. And the people! I was spellbound by them, they are intelligent and sophisticated with an incredible eye for detail and craftmanship.”

Now speaking of craftsmanship, let’s take a closer look at the latest collections…

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The New Manolo Blahnik Collection

The Autumn / Winter 2020 footwear collection included a sumptuous array of ankle boots and pumps. In fact, this collection was designed during the lockdown earlier this year. Details of the collection pay hommage to designers Paul Poiret, Azzedine Alaïa and Eileen Gray. Inspired by a concoction of art, architecture, and landscapes. The collection plays with form, texture and pattern, featuring geometric patterns, embroidery and animal print details.

The Icons

Signature styles from the luxury shoe designer include the Lurum mules. One of my favorite pairs was this beautiful burgundy satin one with Swarovski crystal embellishments. A timeless style which can be worn with a beautiful dress just as easily as it can rocked with a pair of jeans. With eye-catching details, they are true show stoppers.

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The Nadira courts are another incredible pair of Manolo Blahnik’s iconic shoe designs. I was immediately mesmerized by the delicate curve of glittering crystals that tickled the sides of the satin pumps. What is more the embellishments act almost like straps when you wear the shoes. I loved how comfortable and easy they were to walk in. Indeed I was very pleasantly surprised by just how comfortable all the heels I tried on were!

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Of course one cannot go to Manolo Blahnik and not try on a pair of Hangisi. They are one of the most well know of Manolo’s designs. Made famous by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Luxurious and regal, these shoes dress up any outfit. My favorite variant was the Hangisi denim and diamanté combination.

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Indeed with a lengthy list of cult silhouettes, it’s not hard to see why Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik is hailed as a living luxury icon. Indeed he has won many awards along his career including the most recent Luxury Legend Award which was given to Manolo Blahnik by UK’s leading luxury alliance, Walpole in 2018. In 2015, The Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion was bestowed to him by the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Art and the list goes on! Exemplifying timeless luxury and true creative flair.

The Manolo Blahnik Store in Geneva

The Geneva store was opened May 3rd 2020. The exposed walls are actually historic, dating over 100 years. The interior is a beautiful combination of classic and modern design. With mod art monochrome polka dots and stripes on the walls, big glass cabinets are filled candy colored collections of satin shoes and Manolo’s framed shoe design illustrations line the walls. Indeed these illustrations played a key part in inspiring my own creative journey. I discovered the illustration book before I went to art school and spent hours pouring over the creations. Loving how playful yet detailed each one was.

I was honored to have such a wonderful experience at Manolo Blahnik. It was a fantastic afternoon spent discussing the designs, the brand values and heritage as well as discovering new collection and playing Cinderella.

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