Dior – Anna Blachut

Posted on October 1, 2022November 28, 2022 by Astylishstory — Leave a comment

Why Paris Fashion Week is the most important event of the year?

Anna Blachut from A Stylish Story

Introduction: What is Paris Fashion Week?

Paris Fashion Week is a series of fashion shows, designer presentations and events that takes place twice a year. It is held semiannually in Paris, France with spring/summer and autumn/winter events. There is also Couture Week and several designers also create capsule and resort collections during the year.

SECTION 2: Why is Paris Fashion Week important?

Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important events in the Fashion Industry. It concludes the “Fashion Month” which takes place across the 4 main fashion capitals: New York, London, Milan and Paris. Fashion Week is a way for brands to present their new collections to fashion buyers, editors and critics. It is a key moment for fashion creators to connect during the fashion month that takes place twice a year.

SECTION 3: The History of PFW

Paris is the capital of France, hailed for its architecture, gastronomy, culture, history and of course, fashion. The Paris Fashion Week is actually longer than a week, it usually lasts between 10 to 12 days.

The first official Paris Fashion Week took place in October 1973, with the formation of the Fédération Française de la Couture. It was called the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show. The event was a cultural fundraiser that aimed to help restore the iconic French landmark: The Palace of Versailles. The show included iconic designers who still host their own fashion shows today each season during Fashion Month. The most recognisable names at The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show included designs from Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin and Hubert de Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta.

Between the very first Fashion Show in Paris, a multitude of iconic fashion moments took place during Paris Fashion Week. From Karl Lagerfeld’s otherworldly Chanel shows to Alexander McQueen’s performance pieces. Fast forward to today, at Paris’s shows are more dramatic than ever, a spray-painted Bella Hadid at Coperni for SS23 is living proof that fashion shows remain well and truly performance pieces.

Today, The Fédération de la haute couture et de la mode (FHCM) is the governing body for the French fashion industry. The Federation contributes to consolidating Paris’ role as the world capital of fashion, in particular through the Paris Fashion Week® that it coordinates. La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode is a group of French fashion industry associations created in 1973. It brings together fashion brands that focus on creativity and cultural development.

SECTION 4: What makes Paris Fashion Week so special?

What you need to know in a nutshell: It is called a fashion show because that is exactly what it is: a blend of theatrical performances and sartorial style. With festoons of fabric fluttering by, air kisses between guests, and flashes of cameras at every turn. With the digital age advancing rapidly, both Instagram and TikTok are official partners of Paris Fashion Week. Today, with the selfie era in full swing, the fabulous, flamboyant style can be seen both from the runway and nestled on the front rows of fashion shows. Paris Fashion Week is the epitome of Parisian drama at its finest.

This year it ran from the 26th of September to the 4th of October 2022. It presented the new collections for spring-summer 2023. In total there were 105 brands, of which 64 physical shows and 41 presentations.

The most iconic fashion houses present their new collections at the Fashion Week in Paris, it is one of the most important events of the year for the industry. Then key appearances on the calendar include: Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Givenchy, Loewe, Az factory, Gianbattista Valli, Stella McCartney, and this season’s unforgettable Coperni fashion show performance staring Bella Hadid. Iconic fashion brands whose shows are a must, are those of Chanel, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton, which closed the week (and the Fashion Month) on the last day.

Two of the most anticipated fashion shows of this season that had their first debut on the PFW calendar, where the Victoria Beckham and Zimmermann fashion shows. Presenting for the first time in Paris during the Fashion Month is a huge honour for fashion designers because Paris is such a historical and iconic location for fashion.

Posted on September 21, 2022February 5, 2025 by — 4 Comments

J’adore Dior Garden Party

J’adore by Dior Parfum d’Eau launch party in Traumgarten by Anna Blachut from A Stylish Story

In early September I was invited to attend the new Dior fragrance launch on the Swiss market. The event took place in Traumgarten Thalwil, just a short ride outside of the Zurich city center.

The event was a celebration of the new parfum d’eau.

Traumgarten actually means “dream garden” in German, and this could not be more accurate. The setting was breathtaking, with koi fish curling around the bottom of a pond, Dior goodie bags piled high on lush green bushes, and flowers, and the new Dior parfum d’eau.

Why Parfum d’eau, not eau de parfum? This is indeed the unique selling point of this new Dior fragrance. It is the first-ever water-based fragrance. It is an alcohol-free fragrance. Instead of alcohol, it is an oil-based fragrance that needs to be shaken before being applied. The new Dior fragrance is a concentration of water and flowers.

In terms of advertising and imagery, the Dior J’adore fragrance has become synonymous with the famous actress Charlize Theron. She has been the face of numerous of the J’adore fragrance campaigns (and before her, Carmen Kass in the 90s). Charlize Theron continues to star in the international campaign launch for the new J’adore Parfum d’eau. But did you know that there will be local digital stars for this Dior Parfum launch? Earlier in the day, the Traumgarten served as a backdrop for the upcoming Dior digital campaign for the perfume in the Swiss market. They shot the most stunning images of the beautiful Swiss influencers Anna Maradan, Elvira Legrand, Lisa Starchak, Sindi Arifi, and Svenja Elena Steness.

The evening event started at 6, there was a garden quiz with prizes to win, delicious food and on each table, there was a white bouquet of Dior flowers along with the new J’adore Parfum d’eau for guests to sample. There was also a pop-up booth with makeup where you could try out the latest Dior Makeup collections with the help of professional makeup artists. There were also several backdrops where you could take your picture including a super fun photo booth, which I loved. Later on, there was a full official presentation of the new Dior fragrance along with a speech from the heads of the markets in the evening.

The theme of the evening reflected the new look of the Parfum d’Eau’s opaque white bottle with its elegant gold neck – the Dress Code was white with a touch of gold. For the event, I wore a Miu Miu white dress with a delicate bow detail along with a cream white tweed blazer, threaded with gold and embellished with a pearl trim. In terms of shoes, I wore a pair of white loafers with gold details. This is because we had been asked to wear comfortable shoes, this is because the garden setting meant that heels would be a tad more complex, and I am so happy I had flat shoes as it allowed me to explore the garden fully. For the event, I had done my makeup using only Dior products. In terms of the look, I did a soft glam look inspired by Lily-Rose Depp’s MET Gala makeup from 2019, so iconic and elegant.

The event was a wonderful moment, and I am so thankful to have been invited. Not to mention because when I was an illustration design student at The University of Edinburgh, my dissertation thesis was in fact on Dior and the iconic perfume ads created by the famous Franco-Italian fashion illustrator René Gruau. In this way, Dior will always truly hold a special place in my heart.

Posted on February 3, 2022February 5, 2025 by — 1 Comment

10 luxury fashion essentials

We all know that fashion is an expression of who we are and what we want to project to the world, and we all know that it can be expensive. But we also know that it’s not always possible to hop on to all the hottest fashion trends each season and nab the latest Prada bag. If you’re like me, and love the quality of hardworking fashion staples, you might want to invest in these ten luxury fashion essentials that will make you look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag.

10 luxury fashion essentials

10 fashion essentials that will make this season your best one yet.

A timeless, leather bag
A pair of hardworking shoes
A well-cut dress for all occasions
Jewelry that you never have to take off
A designer scarf
A statement hat
A leather belt
A structured jacket
A Swiss made watch
Designer sunglasses

Presentation is everything and in this day and age we are all constantly striving to look our best, it’s no surprise that fashion is a booming industry. There are a number of items that are a must have for a fashionable wardrobe, and they can be found in any price range. In the world of fashion, luxury is all about quality and exclusivity. Whether it’s a high-end designer, a vintage find, or a rare designer piece, these pieces are the perfect luxury fashion essentials.

Here are 10 luxury fashion essentials that are sure to have you looking your best.

1. A timeless bag

A designer handbag: A woman can never have too many designer handbags. They’re a great way to accessorize any outfit and my personal favourites are structured classic ones such as the iconic Hermès Kelly Bag, Hermès Birkin Bag, the Classic Flap bag and the Louis Vuitton monogramed bag.

2. A pair of chic shoes

You can’t have a closet full of clothes without the perfect shoes to go with them. From the perfect pair of heels for a fancy event to the perfect sandal for a day at the beach; there’s no such thing as too many shoes. I personally love wearing Chelsea boots and in winter and opt for white sneakers, loafers and ballet flats in Spring.

3. A perfect fitting dress

The perfect fitting dress is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. You can wear it to work, for a date, to a party, or to an interview. Personally, I love my Ganni dress which is the perfect choice for any occasion. The fit is impeccable and the fabric is luxurious and has been with me for almost 15 years. I actually loved the fit and cut so much I bought it in two colours (classic black and a bold blue).

4. Jewelry

It’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the jewelry you wear to complement the clothes. The right necklace can make or break an outfit. A bracelet can be the perfect accent to a dress, or the perfect accessory to a suit. Earrings are the finishing touch to a perfect look. From diamonds to gold, you can find jewelry items in every style and price point. Luxury fashion essentials like jewelry that I love the most are ones that become part of you. You never remove them, like my diamond necklace and Cartier bracelet.

5. A scarf

Cashmere, silk, and alpaca wool are my go-to. A high-end designer scarf can instantly elevate your outfit. My personal favourites are the classic Hermès silk scarfs and the classic House-Check cashmere scarf from Burberry.

6. A structured hat

This is a simple way to add a little edge to your daily looks. You can completely transform your outfit by topping it off with a trendy Prada bucket hat, a casual cashmere baseball cap, or a wide-brimmed Maison Michel felt hat which each all have a completely different aesthetic.

7. A leather belt

A Hermès Belt is one of the most versatile fashion accessories you can own. It can be worn with almost any outfit, from casual wear to evening wear. It can be worn with a dress, jeans, or a skirt. It can be worn with a dress shirt or a t-shirt to add dimension to your silhouette.

8. A Chanel Jacket

They are expensive, but worth the investment. Chanel is one of the most well-known fashion houses in the world. The company has been around for over 100 years and has always been on the forefront of the fashion industry. They are known for their designs and high-quality products. One of their most popular products is their classic Chanel jacket. There are many different styles to choose from, but the classic Chanel jacket in tweed is the most popular. It is the ultimate in luxury fashion, and is a must-have for any woman.

9. A Swiss Made Watch

A luxury fashion essential, a Swiss Made Watch is a must have. The Swiss Made Watch is a timeless symbol of status and timeless class for both men and women. It is the perfect accessory for any occasion as well as being the perfect gift for any occasion. They have a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. A Swiss Made Watch is a great investment as it will last for many years to come. For example, A Patek Philippe watch is a luxury fashion accessory that is timeless, elegant, and versatile. The Swiss-made watches are known for their accuracy, precision, and their ability to last for generations.

10. Sunglasses

It is always important to have a luxury fashion item that will never go out of style. A pair of designer sunglasses is the perfect choice to keep you looking chic and stylish. My personal favourites are black or brown frames and in terms of designer shades, I adore Celine, Christian Dior and Chanel. In terms of style, as I have soft features I prefer square and sharp rectangle frames – although cat-eye suits almost all face shapes and is a go-to.

So there you have it, 10 luxury essentials to stay stylish and fashionable.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! If you want to learn more about luxury fashion styling, why not take a look at my guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

Posted on October 6, 2021March 14, 2022 by — Leave a comment

Purple Rain at Paris Fashion Week SS22 Street Style

PARIS FASHION WEEK Started the 28th of September and came to a close today, the 6th of October 2021. Despite the ever-present rain during our stay in Paris, it was a magical time. Bringing back wonderful memories of when I was a fashion illustration student at Parsons Paris and would run around the beautiful city and get endlessly inspired by the beauty of it. Paris Fashion Week (PFW) is one of the most important fashion events of the year when official membres of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) show their new designs. It is the final destination of fashion month for buyers, fashion bloggers and the press.

What’s so exciting about Paris Fashion Week is the prestige of the fashion shows and designer brands showing their new collections. For the brands that were born in the city of lights such as Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Hermès, Givenchy and Chanel it really is an amazing moment. The fashion houses all have such fascinating and rich heritage that is deeply rooted in Paris, their creations are real works of art and impact the whole fashion industry. These collections will set the trends and the tone for Summer Spring 2022.

The past nine days clearly demonstrated how the fashion industry is now embracing technology. Fashion Weeks are back with a bang one might say, adapting to the post-pandemic era. Although many key designers remained digital during this particular fashion season, most will be back with full-blown fashion shows by the next one.

So here we go with this look that I wore during Paris Fashion Week. I played with the contrast of modern and vintage. Bold chic statement and rock grunge. Pairing a bright purple vintage Albert Nipon tailored blazer with grey stonewashed jeans and my tiny Le Chiquito handbag from Jacquemus. Whilst my dear friend Bella paired a canary yellow Chanel tweed coat with dark rinse denim.

This is actually a very “Parisian” fashion style. Unexpected twists on traditional combinations such as a beautifully tailored blazer combined with a pair of relaxed jeans. I remember I initially learned about these style tips from Ines de La Fressage’s book, “La Parisienne” (“Parisian Chic” in English). The author of the book (Ines de la Fressange) is a fashion icon and symbol of Parisian style. Indeed she was the late Karl Lagerfeld‘s muse and she is chosen as the ambassador for the House of Chanel and is the first model to sign an exclusive contract with a luxury brand. So if you are a fan of Chanel and the effortlessly chic look that Parisian girls all intuitively have, I definitely recommend picking up that book!

A Stylish Story

Your luxury fashion blogger from Geneva

Posted on September 1, 2020January 13, 2021 by — 1 Comment

Dior des Lices in St Tropez

A gourmet garden when fashion meets food.
Situated in the heart of Saint Tropez, the street is lined with luxury boutiques from Saint Laurent to Gucci. The Dior des Lices café is a little oasis for fashion lovers in need of a quick pick me up. Created by the multi-Michelin French chef Yanick Alléno of the Pavillon Le Doyen in Paris, and LVHM (backed 1948 at the Cheval Blanc in Courchevel), the Dior café is light and elegant.

The café echos the aesthetic of haute couture. Located in a beautiful garden of the Christian Dior flagship store, (designed by Peter Wirtz). It was previously only open and accessible to the fashion elite who can afford something more than just an éclair.

For me, having written my thesis on Dior couture and the renowned fashion illustrator René Gruau (also know as the the Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli della Caminate), it was like stepping into a fairytale garden. Everything down to the silverware was branded by Dior. Even the waiters were decked in Breton tops, light chinos and white sneakers from Dior. It was without a doubt one of the most fashionable breakfasts I’ve ever had. Dior des Lices truly knows how to pamper their well dressed clients.

We enjoyed their breakfast which begins everyday at 10 am. I had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a Dior stamped cappuccino coffee and eggs. As of 11 am they also serve the famous Dior choux pastries. My personal favorite was the green pistachio with praline.

For the occasion I wore a white lace eyelet dress, armfuls of bracelets and orange heels to add a pop of color.

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Posted on November 28, 2019March 9, 2021 by — Leave a comment

How to Shop for Luxury – A Millennial Guide

A Millennial Approach to Luxury

When it comes to sustainable fashion in luxury it has become more than a buzzword; it has become a conscious necessity. In particular for millennial and Generation Z consumers.

In fashion, there has been a paradigm shift linked directly to the fact that these generations are exposed to the internet and social networks. Making them aware of social and economic issues linked to the way we consume and wanting to take action. Millennials are mindful consumers. It’s no longer sufficient to use the best quality leather for your designer handbag. Millennial consumers want the product to be made of ethically sourced raw materials that respect fair trade and use sustainable production practices.

So how are millennials are transforming the luxury market? And more importantly: how can we stay chic and sustainable at the same time?

Digital natives with a conscious, millennials like myself care about what and how we consume. 14% of consumers from the ages 18 to 24 complete their first luxury purchase online. What is more, today although millennials only represent 32% of spending in the luxury market, come 2025, millennials are expected to make up 50% of the luxury market (FORBES, 2019). Meaning that we have a direct impact on the luxury market as future consumers with a substantial purchasing power. Luxury brands aware of this are upping their green game. Conscious that luxury sustainability will become synonymous with our way of consuming fashion.

“Sustainability will continue to advance in importance,” Sarah Willersdorf, partner and managing director at BCG and Global Head of Luxury explains. “It will feed both the secondary-luxury market as well as give a lift to limited-run collaborations which show a brand’s respect for not flooding the market with too much merchandise.”

Some luxury fashion brands such as Stella McCartney are already way ahead of the game. In 2018, Gucci also eradicated fur from their collections in an effort towards ethical manufacturing their creations.

Purchase decisions are shifting and the luxury landscape with it. For example 56% of true-luxury consumers are attuned to luxury brands’ stance on social responsibility. 62% choose to do business with a brand that supports sustainability over a brand that does not, compared with 50% in 2013. Interestingly, sustainable luxury consumers are primarily concerned with the environment (37%), animal care (27%) and ethical manufacturing (21%). Whilst millennials top priorities are on the environment (42%) and animal treatment (26%), versus Boomers whose primary concern is ethical manufacturing (32%). (FORBES, 2019)

The characteristics of millennial behavior are seeping into older generations— which accounted for 73% of luxury purchases in 2016. (Bain & Company)

The stigma of second-hand luxury fashion goods is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

“Second-hand luxury is rapidly becoming mainstream,” Willersdorf says. “And it is not just the lower price that attracts these true-luxury consumers. It is often the only way they can buy scarce, limited-edition, special sold-out collaborations missed the first time or vintage items.”

Breathing a second life into your wardrobe – traditionally considered less impressive than getting a new shiny item – is now the cool thing to do. Lending, renting and buying clothes second hand luxury goods is an eco-friendly trend in 2020 that is here to stay.

Unsurprisingly handbags make up 40% of all pre-owned purchases. The most popular and purchased pre-owned brands are the big players such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior. With Vestiaire Collective at the forefront (BCG, 2019). I can honestly say that my first purchase was indeed a pre-loved Balenciaga City Bag bought with my first paycheck. The reasons for this? Firstly, it was a classic in Balenciaga’s permanent collection and bound to stay in style for years to come. Second, I happened to have spotted the exact same petrol blue bag on the arm of my favorite fashion blogger Chiara Ferrangi. And lastly, it was a little treat from me to me without breaking the bank but still investing in a quality, luxury item that I still have, wear and love. Timeless style, the product’s qualify and prestige are all key factors Millennials take into account when purchasing a luxury good such as a handbag.

Moreover, Millennials (myself included) are known to spend time, endlessly exploring and comparing their retail options, both online and in-store. My favorite luxury resale websites include The RealReal, Ruelala and of course Vestiare Collective. Also if you are looking for a hard go find piece Lyst is amazing. Whilst Swiss equivalents include LuxuryLove and Reawake in Zurich and Vintage Garderobe and Downtown Uptown in Geneva.