I AM LOVE

Cinema and theater have a long history of collaborating with designers.  Just think of the memorable clothes by Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

The latest successful collaboration is in the film "I Am Love" ("Io Sono L'Amore"), an international film by Luca Guadagnino which was a hit at Sundance and other film festivals this year.  In it, Tilda Swinton plays a Russian-born matriarch of an aristocratic Milanese family.  Raf Simons for Jil Sander created the iconic red sheath dress, as well as the rest of Swinton's wardrobe.

"I Am Love" ("Io Sono L'Amore") film

I haven't seen the film yet as it will be widely released in the US on June 18th.  However, the wardrobe from Jil Sander apparently embodies Swinton's haute bourgeoise character and follows her development from suppression in the upper classes to release in passion.  The Jil Sander store will carry a limited edition of the red shift dress.

Tilda Swinton as Emma Recchi in "I Am Love"

To achieve a similar Upper Class Look, focus on:

• Simplicity in cut, detail and color
• Clean, tidy, and very neat hair and make-up
• Minimal jewelry - just (expensive) pearls, diamonds, gold or platinum

Because of its simplicity, the Classy Look relies on very high quality fabrics and fabulous fit to look Perfect.

Let me know if any of you get to see the movie!  I am intrigued by the sublime cinematography and haunting score from John Adams.

CASUAL CASHMERE

A friend once told me that nobody wears a suit in her office unless they are visiting consultants.  Given today's casual office cultures, a classic sweater can anchor your office look.

The key to this look is Fit and Fabric. Cashmere provides warmth and soft texture. In warm climes, silk-lycra blends work well too.  The sweater must not be too baggy or too tight.  This adds pounds to your silhouette and looks dowdy.  The ribbing also ends at the high hip, before most women's shapes widen out.  This creates a more feminine shape.

• We pair the neutral sweater with ivory slacks.
• Slacks should have a nice drape and may be lined.  
• Flat front slacks work best for most shapes.  Narrow hips or boyish shapes look good in pleated trousers.
• Flesh-colored slingback kitten heels are comfortable and continue the long line of the outfit.
• The long, v-shape of the accent necklace complements those with rounder faces, and elongates the torso.
• A long scarf with the ends hanging is an alternative to a necklace.

We switch the outfit to one with a tulip-shaped denim skirt.

• Denim mutes the tulip skirt's bombshell shape.
• Vertical panels in the skirt are slimming.
• The dark wash can be appropriate for the office.
• Dark T-strap shoes add polish for work.

So, you can go to the office in casual comfort and style!

RENA LANGE SPRING TRUNK SHOW

I checked out the Rena Lange Spring collection that just came out today.  The German design label has very classic lines, nothing edgy.  In other words, good for the office and can be sophisticated particularly for ladies who are not in their 20s to 40s anymore.  For the younger set, it can be a bit boring.

I saw the African Safari influence that seems popular this springtime.   The khaki and tribal outfits were all over the March Vogue issue.

This jacket had slimming detail down the front seams and would look great with cream slacks.



This shirt dress was on snake print fabric.  That made it slightly edgier than the usual khaki version.

 

This textured suede skirt had elongating vertical lines, particularly the detail down the middle.  It came with a tied safari jacket but I would wear it on its own with a black turtleneck and boots.

Finally, there was the classic boucle jacket (like Chanel or St. John) with hand-sewn abalone shell embellishment.  Those lilac shells looked lovely against the pink satin.

All-in-all, nothing outrageous, but wearable couture.