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.
As spring is sweeping and the seasons change, I wanted to share with you my favorite beauty products from this month.
These are a few of my spring beauty must-haves…
First and foremost, as the sun comes out and the weather warms up, one thing that inevitably needs to be updated is ones skincare. For me, I have been particularly vigilant when it comes to cleansing recently. Especially as fresh, healthy skin is the ultimate foundation and having a great beauty base to build on makes other makeup steps so much easier. With quarantine and the global pandemic, skincare routines have seen a renewed level of enthusiasm and have truly taken on an extra level of importance.
How to get flawless skin fast?
The Double Cleanse
Good skin is the foundation for feeling confident and beautiful. So I wanted to share with you my current skincare cleansers that ensure I remove every spec of makeup from my face before I go to bed each night.
The importance of cleansing is something which came to my attention when I was in my mid 20s and did a skin analysis which showed that I was not cleansing my skin thoroughly enough and therefore there was a build up of makeup still on my skin. I was so shocked by this revelation that I immediately looked at how to remove my makeup correctly. I had always prided myself on the fact that without fault,
I always removed my makeup before bed, having heard that not doing so caused premature aging. So I made sure to double down on my cleansing efforts from that moment forth, which is when I started double cleansing.
On a daily basis I do a double cleanse, which is as simple as it sounds: cleansing the face twice. Usually the first cleanser is an oil-based cleanser. Then this is followed up by a water-based one. However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you. The important thing is to find the right products that suit your skin.
My current double cleanse partners in crime are both from Clarins.
First I use the ClarinsHydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Alpine herbs and aloe vera extracts. It is a great product for dry to normal to dry skin and also this cleanser smells really good. It is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as an organic aloe vera extract. It cleanses, gently removes make-up, and softens the skin.
Then I use the Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse as the second part of my double cleanse routine. This is really great cleanser for all skin types, it is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as tamarind pulp acids, which contain AHA. It gently cleanses and brightens the skin. It revives dull complexions for an instant renewed effect.
Another cleanser which I opt for when I have worn more makeup than usual is the Soy Face Cleanser by Fresh Beauty. It smells divine with delicate notes of refreshing cucumber. The formula gently and effectively lifts away all my make up leaving my super sensitive skin soothed and toned.
For days when I really need some TLC, I’ll follow up my double cleanse with a face mask. At the moment I have been using the Rose Face Mask by Fresh Beauty. A true hydration boost, this gel-textured Rose Face Mask instantly cools, soothes and hydrates parched pores. What is more, the strawberry-hued gel is actually jam-packed with real rose petals and pure rose water to soothe and tone while cucumber extract and aloe vera gel provides an immediate cooling and calming effect that also aids soothing. I absolutely love it for my special “SPA” at home nights.
All About that Base
Other skin-perfecting products that I have discovered this month include M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse and NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.
The M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is crazy cool as it is literally an all in 1. Super easy to use and the texture is really quite weightless. The magical aspect of it is that it actually adapts to any skin tone. Instantly concealing any redness, pigmentation and smoothing The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can also wave bye-bye to your dear dark circles as it doubles up as a concealer too. It really is a magical 4-in-1 product that can be uses as a: primer, make-up, powder & concealer. Indeed, the M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is the No. 1 make-up in Germany at the moment and it’s hard not to see why.
This said, I was delighted to discover the NARS foundation this month too. A makeup brand that needs no introduction, NARS is an absolute beauty cult classic. Makeup junkies who love NARS are even referred to as NARSissists (brilliant marketing). This foundation give me a full yet natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. I get so many compliments about my skin every time I wear it. I do think it helps that this particular foundation has a perfect 4-to-1 ratio, when it comes to gold and green pigments that negate redness and combat dullness. This really helps to create a bright, even finish. Indeed the compliments I got often when wearing this foundation where about how luminous my complexion was.
Cheek to Cheek
I tend to enhance my foundation with a touch of cream highlighter. I am loving the MAGIC FINISH Diamond Glow Serum from M. Asam. It smells super rich and yummy and the texture is perfectly buildable. The iridescent pearl finish is universally flattering as well. It is another magical product that also acts as a 4-in-1 Highlighter Serum with diamond peptide complex, radiance boost technology, silky care formula and offers extra moisture to your skin. This particular formula is enriched with retinol & vitamin E, almond and apricot oil as well as soothing aloe vera and magnolia extract.
In springtime especially you want to get your glow on. I tend to gravitate toward stronger pinks in springtime. My favorite at the moment is the Clarins Glow-the-Go stick in 01 Glowy Pink. It’s a multi-task stick that functions both as a highlighter and a blush.
PRO TIP:
When it comes to enhancing your skin with highlighter you should apply it anywhere that naturally catches the light: cheekbones, bridge of nose, inner eyes, Cupid’s bow and brow bone. This will bring forth your best features and compliment you bone structure naturally.
A Modern Love Affair
Quite possibly the most-coveted eyeshadow palette yet, Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance features 14, highly-pigmented powders in a rainbow of pinks, taupes and berries. Indeed it was the most sold beauty palette in the world in 2019.
I have been eyeing it up for months now and I discovered it at the Anastasia Beverly Hills beauty Pop Up corner at The Ritz in Geneva when I went for their ABH Signature Brows experience this month. The Renaissance Palette is just perfect for travelling. I brought it with me to Zermatt where I played with the different effects you can create using the different matte and shimmery shades. I’m a total fan and find myself reaching for this palette every time I want to get that soft glam makeup look.
Lash but not Least
I had a wonderful experience in early March when I tuned in to the global launch of Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara launch. Their global launch of the product was super cool and had a whole program including an interactive website, a live show as well as key speakers including the internationally renowned beauty bloggers. The product itself is great and I really see a difference when it comes to building up my lashes. This is because of the innovative Extender Brush that actually has a magnetically charged core which pulls the Magnetic Mineral Enriched Formula up to the tips of lashes when you apply it. Indeed the l Benefit brush is custom-designed in a way that ZigZags the bristles which are strategically positioned to fan out, separate & define lashes. And what better way to look wide awake and ready for the season change than with brilliantly long lashes?
Innovative, iconic and eccentric, Gucci is the Italian, luxury fashion house based in Florence.
Under the romantic and eclectic direction of Alessandro Michele, Gucci is redefining luxury for the 21st century. Founded in 1921, Gucci represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship. Today part of the Kering Group, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands, with a renowned reputation for creativity.
So here are 5 fun facts for fashion fanatics who are fans of Gucci.
The GG logo: First up, the iconic, double G logo stands for Gucci Gucci. He founded the famous fashion house in 1921, however this GG logo was not created by Gucci himself. It was actually designed in 1960 to honor him after his death.
Fashion Jean-ious: Secondly, did you know that in 1998 Gucci’s “Genius Jeans” entered the Guinness World Records as the most expensive pair of jeans in the world!? They were valued at a whopping $3,134. A record that was only broken in 2005 when Levis sold a pair of jeans for $60,000 at auction.
Christie’s x Gucci: Speaking of auctions, back in 2010, Gucci teamed up with the auction house Christie’s to launch the Gucci Collector. A unique service where team of experts would offer an appraisal of your vintage Gucci items online. It was the first Gucci-certified online destination and became an online hub for Gucci collectors from all over the world.
The Gucci Garden: This set the scene for the Gucci Museo which opened in 2011 in the heart of Florence. It is also known as the Gucci Garden and even has its own library, cafe and of course it’s own boutique.
Alessandro Ascends: In 2015, Alessandro Michele took over as creative director of the brand. He totally revolutionized the Italian fashion house. Juxtaposing his maximalist aesthetic with geek chic. Right up until today he continues to incorporated unexpected materials and create uncommon beauty in each and every Gucci collection.
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).
SHOP THE LOOK
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4333477″]
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.
SHOP THE LOOK
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4333543″]
So there you have it, a little style inspiration to start 2021 off.
For more fashion and Swiss-style tips, click here.
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.
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…
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4257135″]
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.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4257144″]
The Nadira courts are another incredible pair of Manolo Blahnik’siconic 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!
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4257152″]
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.
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4257160″]
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.
