The Secret Life of Shoes

Daffodil Pump

The Daffodil pump by Christian Louboutin is a style of shoe incorporating both a high heel and an inset pump. Approximately half a foot tall, these shoes extend legs and improve posture. With padded leather insoles and their signature red sole, Christian Louboutin Daffodil pumps are made exclusively in Italy. The Daffodil pump came into creation as a collaboration between Daphne Guinness and Christian Louboutin in the most unexpected of places, a Los Angeles airport. While sitting at a Burger King (among other places) at LAX, the two designed the original Daffodil pumps, a pair of delicately embroidered floral Mary-Jane pumps. After coming into popularity in 1979, the shoe design soon ranged from black patent leather to Pink Swarovski encrusted. The Daffodil pump soon became the must-have accessory of stars such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Victoria Beckham.

Source: Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkXqQg7kh-g

Hangisi Jeweled Pump

The Manolo Blahnik 'Hangisi' Jeweled Pump is a shoe with a 4” self-covered heel, a traditionally satin textile upper, and a square crystal brooch on the vamp. These shoes are made especially to make women’s legs appear longer and thinner with more shapely calves. Exclusively made in Italy with both leather lining and a leather sole, these shoes have made history since their inception in the late 1970’s. Shown on shows like Sex and the City and worn by stylistas such as Ashley Olsen and Olivia Palermo, the Hangisi pump is clearly identifiable. As there is no heir to Manolo Blahnik, it is understood that there will eventually be a discontinuation of the Hangisi Jeweled Pump.

Source: http://www.lyst.com/shoes/manolo-blahnik-hangisi-gold/

Iris Shoe

The Iris Shoe by Iris van Herpen and United Nude is a special collection shoe with a 6.5" heel and 1.75" platform. Created as part Herpen’s Synesthesia runway collection, there were only 100 pairs made. The handmade bootie is made of high grade Italian kid leather with metallic gold detailing. Created to show fragmentation in movement via the gold strands and also balance out the fragility and strength personified in the Synesthesia collection, the Iris Shoe is a one of a kind platform. Worn by celebrities such as Solange Knowles and Louise Roe, these shoes will be remembered.

Source: http://www.solestruck.com/iris-van-herpen-x-united-nude-iris-shoe-black/index.html

International Beauty

Thousands of models are scouted around the world every year to star in ad campaigns, editorials, lookbooks, and runway shows. Then, there are the special few who make it to the top using their beauty, brains, and positive attitudes to radiate throughout the fashion industry and are recognized for their talents.

Ajak Deng- Sudan

We first saw her in Italian Vogue with bleached micro-short hair and Louis Vuitton SS11 dresses. A fast favorite of high end fashion magazines and runways around the world, Ajak is what the fashion industry has been waiting for. Noted for her lithe and athletic physique, she made the covers of Vogue Gioello and i-D magazine (twice), and she was featured in numerous editorials in other magazines. Ajak and her family relocated to the UK and later to Australia, where she currently resides.

Ajak is wearing a Louis Vuitton SS11 dress and purse.

Ajak is wearing a Jensen Conroy crochet gold cuff.

Ajak wears a Jil Sander SS11 dress

Source: http://beautyisdiverse.com

Lily Donaldson- England

Burberry Prorsum's secret weapon, Alber Elbaz's muse (Lanvin), and a Victoria Secret favorite, Lily Donaldson has been the reigning queen of modeling since she was signed by Select Model Management in 2003. She was featured on the cover of Vogue September 2007 as one of the world's top models, and more recently has graced the covers of Bazaar, Numero, Marie Claire, i-D, Vogue Nippon, Vogue Spain, Elle, Glamour, and many more.

Source: http://coolspotters.com

Lilly Donaldson (left) and Jessica Stam (right) both in Alexander McQueen

Source:  http://models.com

Source:  http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com

 

Source:  http://www.supermodels.nl 

Abbey Lee Kershaw- Australia

Sharp cheekbones, doe eyes, and mile-long legs are just some of the attributes that make Abbey Lee Kershaw an amazing model. Abbey Lee began modeling at age 16 while attending high school in Melbourne, Australia. After she graduated, she moved to Sydney. In 2004, she won a Covergirl modeling competition and ever since has been a familiar face in the fashion industry.

Abbey in Dolce & Gabbana SS10

Abbey in Gucci SS09 ad campaign

Source: http://coolspotters.com

Abbey and Joost Van Der Holst in Tom Ford Eyewear SS11 ad campaign.

Source: http://www.styleatron.com

Source: http://faystyle.com

Mariacarla Boscono- Italy

A favorite of designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Peter Dundas, and John Galliano, Mariacarla continues to star in ad campaigns for numerous brands. Born in 1980, she has been modeling for almost fifteen years. Mariacarla and her family lived in Italy, Africa, and the United States before Mariacarla settled in her homeland, Italy, to begin her modeling career.

Mariacarla in Bergdorf Goodman's AW11 catalog

Source: http://mode.newslicious.net

Mariacarla in Givenchy SS12

Source: http://models.com

Source: http://models.com

Mariacarla in the Prada SS11 ad campaign

Source: Steven Meisel

These Designers are their own Best Models

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

With all the titles Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen hold: entrepreneurs, designers, icons, it is easy to forget the most important one: ladies. These young women design their collections, specifically their CFDA award winning womenswear collection The Row, for classy women of all ages. When they cut a garment, choose colors, or pick fabrics, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen know what they are looking for. When these two women step out onto a red carpet or a sidewalk in Soho, people pay attention. The easy way they wear their designs, no matter their size, is an example for all of us. Not only are they advertising their collections, but showing women of all ages how to find clothes that look good on their bodies.

Mary-Kate and Ashley with bags from The Row

Source: http://www.beautysnob.com

Mary-Kate in a dress by The Row, purses both by The Row

Source:  http://news.instyle.com 

Ashley in a suit by The Row

Source:  http://www.upscalehype.com

Mary-Kate and Ashley in Resort 2013 collection from The Row

Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

Victoria Beckham

Although most women don't have size negative-two bodies like Victoria Beckham, she knows better than anyone how her clothes are supposed to look. Victoria balances her roles of mother, wife, and celebrity and designs her clothes to make women feel empowered in any role. With sharp cuts and body-skimming fabrics, Mrs. Beckham constructs her clothes with the female body in mind. Whether she's dropping off her children at school or modeling in a magazine editorial, it's easy to see Victoria Beckham is her own best model.

Source: http://www.posh24.com

Source: http://www.splashnewsonline.com/

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Victoria in dress of her own design, Christian Louboutin  daffodil pumps, and Philip Treacy hat

Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/

Carolina Herrera

Blonde, middle-aged, and sharp-witted, Carolina Herrera is like many any other women, except one thing: she is a fashion designer. Carolina knows women's bodies better than almost anyone, she knows what looks good and what does not. It's evident her designs are spot-on by looking at her clientele: Nicki Minaj, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Renée Zellweger, but when Carolina Herrera dons a pinstripe suit or a white blouse and skirt, people notice.

Source: http://www.zimbio.com

Source: http://www.everaftermiami.com

Source: http://www.glamour.com

Source: http://www.style.com

ADR's Favorite Designers

As many of you know, Anna Dello Russo, empress of fashion, loves to make a statement in every look. Whether it's a see-through dress with red undergarments, a hot pink fur stole, or a plumed military helmet, ADR will make every head turn. So the question is: who are Anna's favorite designers?

Anna wears Dolce & Gabbana SS10

Source: Tommy Ton on http://jakandjil.com/

Anna as Barbie

Source:  http://www.annadellorusso.com from Lorenzo Oddo

Anna wearing Balmain jacket and Prada stole

Source: http://www.annadellorusso.com from Tommy Ton for http://www.style.com/

Anna in a Gareth Pugh SS11 Dress and Versace AW11 boots

Source: http://www.annadellorusso.com

Piers Atkinson

If you've ever seen a picture of Anna Dello Russo, you'd see, more often than not, that she wears a headpiece. These headbands, hats, and other eccentricities come in all shapes and designs, but are usually bold, colorful, and out of the ordinary. Shiny gold apples, vibrant red cherries, and crystal embellished watermelons all make it to the top of the list on Anna's favorite headbands by Piers Atkinson.

Anna in Piers Atkinson SS12 headband

Source: http://www.annadellorusso.com

Source: http://www.piersatkinson.com/

Anna in a Balmain coat and Piers Atkinson headband

Source: http://www.leeoliveira.com/

Anna in Giles SS11 dress, Brian Atwood shoes, and Piers Atkinson SS11 headband.

Source: http://www.annadellorusso.com/

Fausto Puglisi

A man from Anna's home country, Italy, Fausto Puglisi designs his garments to be one of a kind. His embellished satin dresses have become a staple in ADR's wardrobe. These structured beauties have become synonymous with glam sophistication. Whether Fausto is using a pop of yellow or color-blocking neon green and purple, he surely has a loyal following.

Anna's Closet

Anna wearing Fausto Puglisi dress and Miu Miu AW11 shoes

Source: http://www.annadellorusso.com
Source: Tommy Ton for http://www.style.com

Anna in Fausto Puglisi dress and Victoria Beckham sunglasses

Anna in Fausto Puglisi dress and Pierre Hardy shoes

Source: http://www.annadellorusso.com

Lanvin

A staunch supporter of Lanvin for H&M, ADR calls the clothes "delicious!" With playful ruffles and classic fabrics, Lanvin is a favorite for Anna and her fellow fashion elite. Always accessorized with belts and jewelry, Anna wears Lanvin from morning till night. We know Lanvin will continue to reign with Alber Elbaz's clear vision of the future and reminiscent eye on the past.

Anna modeling in Lanvin for H&M

Ann modeling in Lanvin for H&M

Source:  http://www.annadellorusso.com

Anna in Lanvin

Source: Tommy Ton for http://www.style.com

Anna on the runway for the Lanvin Hearts H&M show

Source: http://www.styleite.com

Fashionable Armor

Many designers use cotton, silk, or animal skin as their go-to material to create wearable art. Then there are the designers who use chain mail...

Michael Schmidt

Michael is the man responsible for numerous designs worn by stars such as Cher, Fergie, Madonna, and Janet Jackson. His unique couture costume pieces require months of preparation, in which he applies each scale, crystal, or adornment by hand. Some of Michael's other work include furnishings in the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs California, a collaboration with Chrome Hearts, and the VIP rooms in the Palladium Nightclub in New York City. Visit Michael's website to view more of his work: http://www.michaelschmidtstudios.com/

Source: http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/04/meet-the-man-behind-the-sequins/

Source: http://www.freecelebritygraphics.com/

Source: http://cher.aeglive.com

Rihanna in Coldplay's Princess of China

Source: http://www.metro.co.uk

Anillarte

The Spanish designer group Anillarte is a label dedicated to the proliferation of scale and chain mail fashion. With collaborations with designers such as Gori de Palma and Yiyi Gutz, Anillarte is sure to become a big name in fashion. Visit Anillarte's blog or Facebook page: http://www.anillarte.com/catalog/blog

Source: http://www.anillarte.com

 

Source: Mario Franco Photography

Source: http://www.anillarte.com

Anillarte featured in Publicación Coiffure Magazine

Source: http://www.rebecasaray.com/

Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne is a design known for his use of chain mail in every collection, blending it with his clothes to create a balance between fragility and strength. Though Manish Arora took time as creative director of the Paco Rabanne label, the aesthetic of the house remains the same. Isabella Blow, Lady Gaga, Freida Pinto, and Katy Perry are just a few of the lucky ladies who wear these designs.

Katy Perry at the 2012 Echo Awards

Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

The model Erjona Ala walks the Paco Rabanne AW12 runway

Source:  http://www.style.com

A window display at Luisviaroma in Florence

Source:  http://noirofficial.com

Lady Gaga in Marry the Night music video

Source: http://www.vevo.com/

Make Your Own Chain mail!

Follow this simple tutorial to find out how to use can tabs to create chain mail! You can make a belt, purse, or jewelry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrl8pAMQ-aM

Source: http://www.anillarte.com

Kristen Stewart receives a hand made can tab bracelet from a fan

Source: http://www.twilightish.com

Can tab jacket by Cruzcampo designer Nicolas Vaudelet

Source: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com