Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Viktor & Rolf--Photos + Runway Video!

Doll Muse

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 is in full swing and Saturday was the Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012 runway show. Amsterdam-born designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren showed a very colorful collection that had BARBIE written all over it! We all know the duo has a MAJAH doll obsession--no fashionista worth their Louboutin's can ever forget that iconic Russian Doll Collection from their Fall/Winter 1999/2000 Haute Couture Collection. As you will see from the runway video at the end of this post--as well as these photos--from the moment the first model Natasha Poly came out in her synthetic pink eyelashes, over-sized laced-up jacket, skirt and bra-top ensemble, it was Mattel Barbie Land Heaven!

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

They carried the over-sized lacing through out their collection, and everything, from the collars to the blouson Bishop sleeves, was exaggerated 110%. They almost looked like "Valley of The Dolls: The Barbie Edition".

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

Colors were very "Barbie"--bubblegum pinks, deep reds, and royal blues. Lots of swirl-like applique' details as well.

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012

The final Ball Gowns were of Couture-like quality. We may never see these in any store. But I have a feeling Katy Perry, Rihanna or Nicki Minaj's stylists might be calling...Speaking of calling, Mattel might need to make some flight reservations to Paris to meet with these two to come up with a Europe-only "Viktor & Rolf Barbie". I, for one, will be ALL over Harrods next year to get that doll!

Click Below for Viktor & Rolf Spring 2012 Runway Show:

68th Annual Golden Globe Awards Fashion: Who Wore What? Natalie Portman in Viktor and Rolf

What was "Black Swan" actress Natalie Portman going to wear? This was the BIG Fashion Question on everyone's lips. Tout le Monde (including moi) said it was going to be Dior (she's a Spokesperson for Dior Perfumes) or Rodarte (they costumed "Black Swan"), but no, she wore a strapless dusty pink silk charmeuse gown by the Dutch design duo of Viktor & Rolf.

The silhouette, and draped cascading center front ruffle were perfect to "hide" her little baby bump. And the oversized sequin rose placed right at the bust line also drew your eye to her gorgeous face. She looked pretty, elegant and rather "Madonna (not the singer kids!) with Waiting Child"-like.

Gifts for Her!

The most hectic days of the year are upon us and with only a week to go before Christmas it's time to get organised! So many of you have sent me messages asking for advice so I thought I would put together a little last minute gift guide, to suit all budgets, for those struggling to maintain the Christmas cheer while bustling around the shops ;). Let's begin with gifts for her (for him and for you coming up next)!

For Her

Liz Earle Essentials Try-Me kit (£21.75) - This skincare set is great for any age and would make the perfect gift for the girl who is always too busy to pamper herself, but deserves a lovely treat. This kit includes the celebratred Cleanse and Polish (with muslin cloth), Instant Boost Skin Tonic and two Skin Repair Moisturisers (one for dry/ sensitive and one for normal/combination skin) enclosed in a durable little makeup bag.

White Tea and Ginger Bath Gift Set (£24.99) - For the budget conscious who don't like to show it this set has a great range of beautifully presented products including bath soap, body lotion, bath confetti, hand wash, bubble bath, bath salts, shower gel, and sponge in a stylish ceramic bowl. You don't have to rush out either, if you order by Tuesday 21st December with standard delivery your gifts are guaranteed to be delivered by Christmas Eve!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant (Limited Edition) (£15.50) - In this harsh winter weather Eight Hour Cream is an absolute handbag essential for dehydrated skin and chapped lips. The limited edition packaging is adorable too!

ELF 100piece Eyeshadow Palette (£15.00) - Having had the opportunity to try this palette out it is evident that the price does not reflect the quality of these shadows. Pigmented, smooth and with a range of textures this palette would make a wonderful gift for the younger girl starting to experiment with makeup through to the makeup master. I absolutely love it and think it is incredible value for money.

GHD Midnight Collection Gift Set Limited Edition (On sale £119.20 down from £149!) - This wonderful new GHD set would make a wonderful gift for the glamorous girl in your life. We all know GHDs are pricey, but this set including the gold classic styler, limited edition travel hair dryer, styler pouch with heat resistant roll mat, treasure chest case, baroque travel mirror and two ghd sectioning clips is currently 20% off!

Ted Baker Tellan Leather Jacket (£299) or Reiss Rogers Biker Leather Jacket (£275) - Every girl needs a good leather jacket, and I am in love with these two. The quality of the leather is stunning in both and the feminine, fitted shape makes it versatile and perfect to throw over a party dress or a smart blouse and pencil skirt. One of these is actually my Christmas present this year ;). Yay!

Viktor and Rolph Flowerbomb Gift Set (£48.50) and Emporio Armani Diamonds Gift Set (£34.50) - At a recent fragrance event I was given the chance to try a multitude of different perfumes and these are my two top picks for the season. V&R is one of my all time favourites - femine and floral this warm, sweet fragrance with notes of tea, bergamot, jasmine, orchid and rose is a signature statement scent. Armani Diamonds is a fragrance I had never tried before - elegant and feminine with top notes of rose and raspberry that blend into an amber and vanilla base, I think this perfume will be enjoyed by many!

Zara Messenger Bag (£29.99) - While browsing the Zara website (as you do!) I noticed this stunning bag and thought it would make a perfect present at a budget friendly price! With it's classic shape, mix of materials and geometric perforations it is completely on trend for this season, and will accessorize a number of outfits perfectly.

Phew! I hope that was helpful my lovelies! Stay tuned for the next installments in this series - For Him and For YOU! Hope you are all well and looking after yourselves :). 

Natalya xxx

Paris Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Show Videos: Viktor & Rolf, John Galliano, Dior and Lanvin!!!

Fashion Shows and More Fashion Shows...During this most recent Fall/Winter 2010 Paris Fashion Week, we saw lots of Layering (quelle surprise), tailored suiting and coats (Viktor & Rolf above), lots of folkloric accents (Dior) and...ethno-influences (Galliano Russian Mongolian Princess above). There was also... Liquid bias cut Hollywood Glamour/1930's gowns (Galliano above) and a continued mood for off-kilter draping usingMetallics and soft liquid fabrics such as wool jerseys (Lanvin above) or...Stiffer Wool fabrications (Lanvin above). And then there was the dynamic duo of Viktor & Rolf. Using 90's Supermodel Kristen McMenamy as their "Head Mistress", they decided to pay a sort of homage to their decade old "Babushka Couture Collection" and bring McMenamy onto the runway wearing practically the entire collection and then peeling each piece off her and adding it to the corresponding models. See for yourself in the Viktor & Rolf Fall 2010 Fashion Show. And enjoy the other runway videos I have included as well...

Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2010/11 Runway Show--Part 1:

Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2010/11--Part 2:

Click Below for the John Galliano Fall/Winter 2010/11 Runway Show:

Click Below for the Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010/11--Part 1:

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010/11 Part 2:

Lanvin by Albert Elbaz Fall/Winter 2010/11 Edited Video:

Paris Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2010: Lanvin and Viktor and Rolf Runway Videos!

Tulle Explosion, Draped Leather: Bonjour Paris!Where's My Drink: Looking serious but fabulous, Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010

More from the European Collections...via my Downtown LA studio (he he!). I scout the web and bring it back to you (see, I'm really nice!). In my last post, I showed you some of the collections from Milan Fashion Week, including Dolce and Gabbana and Versace. Now, we have taken the "imaginary web train" from Milan to Paris. Here two of my favorite collections from Paris Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Week.
Lanvin:
Draped Leather: A look from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010

According to Sarah Mower, of Style.com, Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, blew the runway house down, with this collection. It started off slow, with black (not so Spring/Summer looking) dresses which didn't seem so different than what we have "come to know and love" in regards to the House of Lanvin; in essence, variations of what you can already see at the Lanvin department in Barneys NY. Lanvin Asymmetrical Goddess: A look from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010

However, as the collection continued, it progressed into a full blown symphony of some of the most glorious looks that Elbaz has created. Lots of incredible asymmetrical drapes, folds and tucks that would make a patternmaker blush with technical joy! Liza With A "Z": A beaded jumpsuit from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010

There was one black leather dress that was draped and tucked as if it was silk charmeuse! Lanvin ended with an explosion of multi-colored sequins worthy of a Liza Minelli tribute concert (love those beaded jumpsuits!) After watching the runway video, I only wish I was there to witness such a "Fashion Moment".
Click BELOW for Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010 Runway Video:


Viktor and Rolf:
How Will I Sit In My Limo: Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010

Oh Lordy!!! Speaking of "fashion moments": I just took a look at the latest Spring/Summer Collection from Viktor and Rolf and I had a grin so large that nothing could take it away. I also found myself exclaiming "Go on Viktor and Rolf, WORK IT OUT!!!!!!" loud and by myself, as I watched their runway video. It was, in three words "A Tulle Explosion".
Who Ate The Tulle: Viktor and Rolf Spring Summer 2010

Tulle suits, tulle cocktail dresses and gowns with shirred, chopped up, out of control netting that seemed to defy gravity. Holes were cut out of tulle gowns as if a Haute Couture bullet had gone right through them--or a starving fashionista had taken hold! Other gowns were propped up by inner structures that supported the yards and yards of gathered tulle to create incredible silhouettes. The entire show looked EXPENSIVE--all that fabric, all that beading, the staging, the hiring of Roisin Murphy to sing at their show. I kept thinking how I rarely even see Viktor and Rolf clothing at stores (and I shop A LOT!), so how are they affording to stage such grand events? (I'm jealous!)
Defying Gravity: Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010

But then, I remembered: The Viktor and Rolf perfume! Oh yes, launching a fragrance can help a lot! I don't know who in the world will wear these frothy concoctions; other than the models in the Spring/Summer magazines we will see on newsstands in three months. But I doubt that is what the designers are concerning themselves with. I'm sure back at the Viktor and Rolf Showroom, and in their boutique, you will see something totally different and much more wearable, as it is always the case. This was a show to inspire and make rich Dubai women and fashion editors squeal with joy.

Click BELOW for the Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010 Runway Video: