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

Isabel Marant for H&M: Wishlist

As you all may know, Isabel Marant for H&M Lookbook and Full Collection Photos is already revealed, and I am so excited that I have already created my wish list - since the collection is a strong repetition of her past creations from which I am lacking some pieces.

The collection is inspired by some of Marant’s top selling pieces from previous seasons, though at more affordable prices. You can witness the revival of the ikat print (from F/W 2011), a pair of fringe boots resembling the Mony sans wedge (again F/W 2011), skinny trousers, chunky knits, boyish coats and an embellished jacket which looks a lot like the gorgeous Weez (S/S 2012), but without the tie-dye (you can browse the similarities here).

As you can see on the lookbook, Alek Wek, Lou Doillon, Milla Jovovich, and Constance Jablonski model pieces that echo Marant's Parisian bohemian aesthetic perfectly.

The majority of the pieces are made of silk and wool plus prints and cut have been loyally transferred onto the H&M version of Marant’s designs.

Marant's trademark wedge sneaker might be missing from this collection, but the men boots remind me of my favorite Jenny boots and it's the first time I feel lucky enough that my feet's size is 41!

You can browse the complete lookbook here.

What are you waiting for? Start making your wishlist now before the collection hits the stores on November 14. 

Manolo Blahnik SS14 Presentation Film

"Look at these shoes - are they just not decadent and beautiful!" demanded Manolo Blahnik at the unveiling of his spring/summer 2014 collection, which he introduced by way of a Michael Roberts film screened in the plush screening room at the Covent Garden Hotel. The music, the movements, the passion, Stephen Jones' hats and of course the shoes - being kissed, danced, and taking sensuously slow steps. This film is a sensational visual feast traveling you back to another era....

Pink and red jewelled, yellow and navy tasselled, black and white checked, embroidered, embellished - it's difficult not to be thrilled and exuberant after seeing a collection like this. The only difficulty being how to choose just one pair.

Personally I fell in love with the black embroidered one! Which is your favorite?

Via vogue

Antonia Karra: Arm party full of braided inspirations!!!

 

When i first saw Antonia Karra's friendship bracelets it felt like love at first sight! Being a huge fun of arm parties and loving different colors, shapes, beads and textures blended together during the sun kissed days of summer i noticed that these bracelets have something unique to say, it was the piece that could give that extra touch and make my'party' the one that everyone would remember!

Meeting the designer during the 'Fun in the sun' event at Bettina boutique, i realized that Antonia Karra creates pieces that reflect her sense of adventure and love of life!

Inspired by her travels around the world AK collection is a mix of different cultures and styles sprinkled with a bohemian touch.
It all started last June during her trip to NY where she noticed all around her the arm party trend and she got influenced by Man Repeller's addiction to arm candies. As soon as she got back she started creating her own friendship bracelets and after posting herself wearing them on facebook she found out that there was a huge demand for her creations. So, she found herself creating her own fashion business!
When I asked her about her talent and how she learned to knit and bead these little arm treasures, she stated: " I was taught the handcraft of knitting by my darling grandmother. Under her loving watchful eye I pulled myself through knitting puzzles of ever increasing complexity. What started as a game to occupy my restless child’s mind soon became a habit of nature. Visions of golden Greek sunsets, the eye- soothing blue of the sea just a step away from our summer house are an endless inspiration'".

My favorite one, is the blue frayed one as seen on the second pic (taken by me :-)). In my opinion what makes AK bracelets unique is the quality of the materials she uses -silk yarns- that when knitted and blended together they have a smooth and luxurious feel. I guess that's the point when the essence of luxury is getting synonymous to hippie chic! 

You can find Antonia's bracelets at Bettina boutique, Gee list boutiques, starbags.gr and soon an exclusive capsule collection will be available for you to buy at queen Calliope e-shop!

Pick your favorite one and keep in mind that: Summer should be an endless colorful party full of surprises!

Photos via Antonia Karra-Makios facebook page

Valia Gabriel: Perfect summer sandals

Style/Apiana

Style/Black cave

Style/Saline

Style/Lorient

 Style/Apiana

 Style/Hampton

Style/Hampton

 Style/Lorient

Style/Sandy Cay

Style/Robertson

Now that summer is literally one breath away, I can't stop daydreaming about vacation and my favorite summer outfits! And there is no summer outfit that can be completed without Valia Gabriel's perfect summer sandals. 
Spending her summers in the Greek Islands and currently living in the Bahamas (a year full of summer is a great source of inspiration), Valia Gabriel believes that sandals are an important element for someone's vacation. 
Valia Gabriel started designing sandals in 2009 and went on to create her own signature line in 2011. Hand made on the island of Crete, her sandals are inspired from Ancient Greek designs reflecting minimalist lines and earthy colors. For her the notion behind sandals is one of comfort and practicality captured in beautifully simple footwear.
Personally, I am in love with her sandals due to their distinctive shapes, in addition to the quality and the pastel colors (dusty pink, pale blue, khaki) of the leather she uses. They are an everyday essential to me - the perfect partner to casual denim and bold print dresses. 
Ιf you by any chance pop by the Bahamas visit the The Sugar Mill by India Hicks & Linda Griffin boutique and don't be surprised if you see a Greek designer grabbing the whole of attention!
Otherwise you can visit one of my favorite Greek boutiques, BETTINA, to pick your dearest color and model! I vote for Sandy Cay and Hampton!

XoXo

Photos via Valia Gabriel