Shoe Investment: Francesco Russo

 For all the shoeaholics like me, it's very exciting to hear that the creator of some of the most iconic shoes in shoe history launched his own brand!!! 

Francesco Russo, Born in the southern Italian region of Puglia in 1974, Russo honed his skills in Milano, first at Costume National, where he worked on the shoes, bags and accessories lines between 1996 and 1998, in what was a pivotal moment for the edgy Italian label, then at Miu Miu, where he served as shoe designer under the creative direction of Fabio Zambernardi between 1998 and 2000. 

Talent got him under the spot, and in 2000 Russo relocated Paris, where he still lives, to join the house of YSL, then under huge revamp projects. Working alongside both Tom Ford and Stefano Pilati, Russo contributed to the global success of the brand. 

Following an idea of shoes as both architectural object and seduction tools, Russo created a bunch of iconic pieces which turned right away into must have items: the kittenish Cherry Sandals and the exotic Chinese Lacquered Wedge under Tom Ford are just an example of his knack for fashionable desire, but it was the St Germain and Jeanne loafers, Tribute and Tribtoo and finally the graphic and commanding Cage Boots created under Pilati that made YSL a go-to labels for statement footwear. 

With his uniquely extreme yet utterly refined taste Russo mixes precise lines, flamboyant invention and sex-appeal into creations that have a deep evocative power. So much so, in fact, that in 2008 he was named creative director at Sergio Rossi, which under his tenure flourished into a fully-fledged global phenomenon. Here, Russo continued along the hi-octane path initiated at YSL, creating intricate and seducing shoes while adding body pieces to the whole image. Cachet, Marmaide, Vague ChiChi are among the memorable items he created, all characterized by the highest level of craft.

Taking a bold leap, in September 2013 Russo went solo, launching his eponymous label. 

He chose an unorthodox angle and focused on just a few timeless shapes. By opting for creative rhythms which are more in synch with true invention, Russo now skips the idea of the collection, as well as that of the succession of seasons, to create objects that celebrate beauty, all fully bespoke and, therefore, superbly unique.

 These are some of the extraordinary shoes of his SS15 collection which are available in selected stores only and online exclusively at mytheresa.com
Invest in one of the most exciting footwear designers to emerge in a long time.

Text and images via francescorusso.fr, levelshoedistrict, wwd, vogue.com, mytheresa.com

Embracing Greek heritage: Zeus+Δione/3rd outfit

I always believed that life begins over again with the summer. It's the time when you are not required to be who everyone thinks you are, feeling quiet and grateful with no eyes on you and no past. Summer opens the door and lets you out. 

Wearing my Zeus+Δione 'Athena' kaftan, lost in a beautiful Greek beach gazing at a sunset smeared with too much color feeling full and happy, I decided to upload my favorite post in the heart of the summer! 

Every photo reveals a different emotion, captured in a scenery and at the particular time of the day that the tired brightest star goes to bed… That time that the rest of the human creatures can admire its glow and its majesty, and by stealing some of it's power it's their time to start dreaming!

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or bring storms, but to add colors to my sunset sky."

Enjoy a perfect summer full of beautiful sunsets unfolding in front of your hearts and your eyes!!!

'ATHENA' textured silk long kaftan with lace by Zeus + Δione, 'HEPHAESTUS' handmade leather flat sandals by Zeus+Δione, 'PANDORA' sand knitted cotton fringed bag by Zeus+Δione, handmade contemporary jewellery by Rallou Katsari
You can also shop the Zeus+Δione collection online atMATCHESFASHION.COM

Photos by LYDIA KOUKOU

 Editing by Andy Tsivanidou 

Isabel Marant for H&M: First pieces

The most anticipated fashion collaboration of the season is undoubtedly Isabel Marant for H&M collection, launching November 14. The woman who whatever she creates becomes essential is going to drive fashionistas crazy once more with her creations for H&M.

As mentioned in Harper's Bazaar, her inspiration, came straight from her catwalk archive. 

The sentiment comes through in the clothes: The requisite T-shirts and sweats, tribal-chic jackets that reference Spring 2010, and delicate embroidered dresses reminiscent of the doily lace numbers from Fall 2012 all make an appearance, much to shoppers' delight. Marant can't pick just one favorite from among her hits. "It's like asking which one of my babies I prefer," she says, laughing. "And my style is also a lot about mixing, so they're really meant to work together."

Marant says that the process of working with H&M felt symbiotic. "It was clear from the beginning that we didn't want to just do a cheap version of Isabel Marant, so we worked around keeping a really high level of quality in the fabric and the manufacturing, doing things by hand," she explains. The partnership offered a chance for the designer to push her creative boundaries. "I'm a big fur lover and do a lot of fur for winter, but for political reasons H&M doesn't use it. So I tried to work with a new idea of making something furlike that is not fur, and we did a kind of knitted 'fur' in wool, which is super cool." Her inspiration comes from women she sees in the streets, from their style and their attitude.

I am a huge fun of Isabel Marant myself , and I am so looking forward to get my hands into this collection. Being in love with her jackets, the jacket in the picture with the tribal influences is already No1 on my wish list!!!

Via Harper's Bazaar

Wandering around Katie Rowland's jewellery collection

Award winning 'New Jewellery Designer of the Year', Katie Rowland launched in 2009 with her revered 'St Tropez' collection. Named in the industries 'Hot 100' list, Rowland has since shot with Rankin and collaborated with the fashion industries finest including Chloe Kerman, Gemma Slack and Hasan Hejazi.

Awarded the Lonmin Design Innovation Award For Platinum two years running, Winner of Coutts New Jewellery Award and Winner of the Sonama Cutrer Design Award, Katie Rowland's latest accolade of New Jewellery Designer Of The Year' has cemented Rowland as the one to watch. Bringing her to the forefront of the fashion worlds attention, Rowland has captivated press, buyers and celebrities with her unique designs.

Katie Rowland's eponymous designs of 'St Tropez' and 'Lilith' have secured her global stockists including Liberty of London and New York's Treasure and Bond, whilst cultivating a strong celebrity following including Keri Hilson, Lady Gaga, Cheryl Cole, Daisy Lowe and Tali Lennox.

Inspired by the female form, Rowlands designs investigate the powerful human emotions of lust, escapism and pleasure to offer a luxurious, seductive yet playful collection across her Signature collection, Fine Jewellery range and bespoke pieces. Her unique use of gold and precious stones perfectly blur the boundaries between jewellery, fashion and design creating luxurious adornment for the modern woman.

Katie showcased her Spring Summer 2011 jewellery collection during London Fashion Week at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Exhibition. This is where i met her and i had the chance to have a close look and admire her sculptural jewellery. My instant huge crush and immediate buy was the knuckle duster (see below)!!

Katie was really kind to answer to a few questions of mine for all the fashion wanderers.

FW: What was your inspiration for this collection?

KR:The St. Tropez collection which includes the stone set knuckledusters, was inspired by 1960's St. Tropez where the stars of the era used to enjoy cocktail graced days followed by sultry nights. It screams statement jewels and red carpet glamour. The collection looks great dressed up, or worn simply, with a white shirt. It really is for the women who is looking to make a killer entrance....and exit!

FW: Why do you think jewellery are important as a part of an outfit?

KR:Jewellery is probably one of the most important accessories, it can really make an outfit and take clothes to another world. 

FW: What's fashion for you? Could you please define me the word "fashion"? 

KR:Fashion to me is about creativity, experimentation and a big dollop of glamour! I'm in the jewellery business and I work with some of the most precious materials known to man, so it's pretty exciting to be surrounded by all that sparkle. 

FW: Who are your distributors in the UK or abroad?

KR: Liberty of London, Machine-A, Azendi, Nude, Johnny Rocket, Pressleys

Kiki de Montparnasse - New York

Treasure and Bond - New York

With her innovative designs Katie has cultivated a celebrity following that includes Cheryl Cole, Coco Sumner, Tali Lennox, and Danni Minogue and Lady Gaga to name a few.

I can't wait to meet her again and view her Salome SS12 collection in London Fashion Week in about a week time!

Photos by LYDIA KOUKOU and katie-rowland.com

Loving Lover!

Lover "The White Serpent" RAFW '11

I have a huge crush on this brand! I am officially a Lover girl!

The collection is amazing and the pieces are beautifully crafted!

Models crossed the catwalk in long tunics that were undone and trailing, and in extremely low-cut dresses, entirely sheer and made of embroidered french lace. 

Lover "A dance for one lookbook"

"A Dance for one" - A short film

Are you a Lover girl yourself? Cause i definately am!

Source:Lover, stylebubble,alteriormotif