Hello Lovelies

Via *Bon*Chic*Bon*Genre*

Hello lovelies. Happy Thanksgiving to my dear U.S. readers. It's only fitting that we announce the giveaway winner on a day devoted to gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for; including my insightful readers (each and every one of you) and all of the opportunities that this blog has given me.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. I loved reading each and every one of your sartorial inspirations. I'm sure I'll return back to them from time to time. The diversity of your responses is what makes blogging so fulfilling. I enjoy the open dialog that we have. I hope this blog continues to be a great place to exchange thoughts.  

As for the lucky giveaway winner; I wish I had more books to give out, but I only have one. Congratulations to DRIFTERQUEEN. Drifterqueen, please email me your address. I hope you find Balenciaga and Spain as wonderful a read as I do. Curling up with an inspiring fashion tome and tea seems like the perfect way to spend the remainder of my evening. 

From Me To You--- A GIVEAWAY

My Personal Photo

If there's one thing I love, it's a good book. I grew up surrounded by books and reading everything I could get my hands on. To this day, I love bookstores and libraries. That new book smell is heaven. I enjoy collecting books and was very excited to add Balenciaga and Spain to my collection of fashion and style books. There's no better way to unwind after a long week, then with a good book.  

I know I've mentioned how inspiring I found the Balenciaga and Spain exhibit and the resurgence of mid-century couture silhouettes, but this book continues to make me dream. I own a few wonderful books on Balenciaga, but Balenciaga and Spain really considers the rich Spanish heritage, culture and fine art that influenced so much of his designs. Since I enjoy this book so much, I'm giving away a copy to one lucky reader. You all have supported and inspired me so much over the past few months, and I thank each and every one of you for reading this wee little blog.

My Personal Photo

To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment below letting me know what's inspiring you sartorially. For those of you that like to comment anonymously, you'll have to include your email address as well. If you're inclined you can follow me on Bloglovin' and Twitter. That's a lot of Lindsay K (smile)!

The giveaway is open to readers WORLDWIDE and the winner will be drawn at random. All entries must be posted by 11:59 EST on November 21, 2011.

Good luck! 

Dries, Dries, Dries

What better way for the Paris shows to commence than with a show which was strongly influenced by mid century couture. Dries Van Noten was particularly intent on exploring the architectural shapes of Spanish and Italian couture during the fifties and sixties. The phenomenal Balenciaga exhibit (I know I can't stop talking about it) at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute instantly came to mind from the opening look. I was hoping someone would use the Balenciaga exhibit as a starting point for their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. When prompted on drawing inspiration from couture, Dries Van Noten mentioned that "it's always about elegance and beauty." It's refreshing to see a collection that's academic and intellectual. One can only imagine the library research that went into this collection. Have I told you all how much I LOVE libraries?

The Balenciaga exhibit is an interesting starting point. The collections haven't offered sweeping changes or a new silhouette, which is fitting given our troubled global economy. The couture influence speaks to the larger questions of what luxury means today. The silhouettes are undeniably couture shapes, but in fabrics typically reserved for ready-to-wear. Imagine my excitement when I saw jackets that are fitted at the front with more drape and volume at the back. The peplums, size of the sleeves, slim trousers, inlaid shoulders, lace, and jackets that skim the wrist are all fifties Balenciaga references. Not to mention the Spanish embroidery on the toreador jackets- pure craftsmanship and workmanship. 

We all know Van Noten can do prints, but it's inspiring to see a designer who isn't afraid to challenge himself. The technical precision; cutting, draping and attention to line demonstrate that Van Noten is a true couturier. These shapes are complicated and sophisticated which requires precise tailoring. Juxtapositions are key aspects of Van Noten's work and the prints digress from the high fashion silhouettes. The prints don't feel as sophisticated or as high fashion to me as they have been in previous seasons. I have a lot of respect for the collaborative process that went into these prints, but personally I prefer a stylized and perhaps more "high fashion" print. 

A lot of designers have been flirting with ladylike style, elegance and refinement, but Dries Van Noten managed to do it in a wearable way that doesn't look kitsch. This collection is chic and grown up, which I always welcome. Can you guess which items I have my eye on?

You can view the complete collection here. 

PS- I love the last minute decision to do simple pulled back hair and natural makeup. Clothes this pretty don't need overly stylized hair and makeup. 

Credit- Image 5- The New York Times. All other images are from Vogue.com.

On Inspiration

Via the Balenciaga Archives

"A Couturier Must Be: An architect for design, a sculptor for shape, a painter for colour, a musician for harmony and a philosopher for temperance." Cristobal Balenciaga

Recently, a dear friend asked me what inspires my style- if there is a specific time period that serves as an influence. My friend's reasoning was that she would start with generalities regarding my style and sensibilities before moving onto the nuances. I thought about it and began to speak several times, but struggled to articulate my inspirations. My sartorial inspirations are far more subtle than a particular time period. I also find that I'm always inspired by new things that help me hone my vision. 

My style is influenced by life and all of its subtleties. I started this blog as a place to share all of the little influences on my personal style. When the lovely Koko commented that the dress I wore to last week's benefit reminded her of old school Balenciaga I took a step back. There's no denying that the fit and little tulip skirt in the image above influenced my evening look. Vintage Balenciaga has been on my mind for months. I went to see Balenciaga: Spanish Master at the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute twice and had the opportunity to hear Hamish Bowles speak about curating the exhibition. All winter I have awaited today's opening of the Cristobal Balenciaga Museoa in Getaria, Spain.

I have seen exhibits on Balenciaga, but Balenciaga: Spanish Master is the first exhibition to examine the unique Spanish influences on the couturier's work. What I find most enduring about Balenciaga's work is the tailoring. The cut, lines and fall of the material are precise, even when he experimented with silhouettes. He understood the notion of designing for a multitude of body types and how to drape material. I'm reminded of the quote from Pamela Golbin's book Balenciaga Paris, "It seems as though he never had any other aspiration than creating clothes, anonymously and merely for the pleasure of it, for a few women, the smallest possible number; not necessarily beautiful women but those rare few in each generation who are elegant enough to combine audacity, attention to detail and propriety in one dress." I'm constantly looking out for a collectors piece by a true couturier like Balenciaga, Chanel or Madame Grès. 

We each have our own tastes and preferences that serve as inspiration, however I'm always amazed that my travels, favorite pieces of literature, art and decor (to name a few) inform my personal style. Each of these things yields a consistency of vision that contribute to my personal style. What inspires your style?

PS- The exhibit is now open at the de Young. If you are in San Francisco, I would highly recommend checking this out.