Karlie Kloss joins Team America
The Olympic torch arrives in London this weekend. Let the excitement and potential chaos begin… US Vogue‘s June 2012 issue is getting the world ready for America’s descent on the London Games with a little help from Karlie Kloss and some rather fabulous dresses shot by Annie Leibovitz.
Karlie Kloss in Versace with the Bryan brothers
Karlie Kloss in Victoria Beckham with Jonathon Horton
Karlie Kloss in Vera Wang with Jonathon Horton
Karlie Kloss in Oscar de la Renta with Dwayne Wade
These men are a welcome distraction from the incessant images of UK hopefuls Jessica Ennis and Victoria Pendleton’s ripped six packs making me feel guilty about my lunch choices. Just saying.
Ban Ki-moon covers Vogue
Yes, you read right. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the UN, is gracing the cover of L’Uomo Vogue‘s May issue. The issue is dedicated to “Re-branding Africa” and editor Franca Sozzani believes that cover star Ban Ki-moon is the ideal person to get the fashion world to take notice of the continent’s promising future. She is no stranger to a bit of thought-provoking controversy in the fashion world following her all black issue of Vogue Italia in July 2008 issue.
Franca Sozzani is giving the world a different view of Africa. This is not about starving children and poverty-stricken families – this is about prosperity and hope. As Ban Ki-moon puts it, “Africa does not need charity. Africa needs investment and partnership. Joining forces with civil society and private sector, including non-traditional players, like the fashion industry, has become indispensable.” So Franca is using her recent appointment as the first Goodwill ambassador for Fashion 4 Development, an NGO supported by UNESCO, aiming to create sustainable fashion businesses in countries like Bangladesh and Nigeria to start a conversation. A conversation that is not rooted in the negative connotations that come so easily when thinking about Africa but one that showcases the creativity and originality coming out of Africa. Sure, there will be backlash saying that using local African personalities – actors, musicians, actors, stylists, writers – undermines the issues that the continent faces but maybe fashion can succeed where music has tried and failed? Whatever the outcome, at least the fashion world is taking note of the opportunity that Africa presents.
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London’s hidden gems: Covent Garden’s Seven Dials
I’m a Londoner through and through and I genuinely love my city (overlooking London Transport, the weather and… London Transport. But sometimes, I take some of the amazing things London has to offer for granted. Covent Garden’s Seven Dials is one of those things. Home to everything from independent fashion boutiques to trusted faithfuls like Urban Outfitters and MAC, eateries including my favourite Hawksmoor (hello yummy steak) and also to The Cambridge Theatre currently showing the Olivier award winning musical Matilda (which I’m going to see next week). There is such a charm about the area, you can spend hours getting lost amongst all it has to offer.
If you fancy taking a trip to Seven Dials, you should consider checking it out on Thursday 26th April when over 120 stores in Seven Dials and neighbouring St Martin’s Courtyard, including beauty and grooming salons, cafes, restaurants and bars will be offering an exclusive 20% off their collections, services and menus. You will need a ‘Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard Shopping Voucher’ which can be downloaded in advance of the event at Sevendials.co.uk along with a list of participating stores and venues. I’ll be taking a trip down there and cashing in on this post pay day treat!
Currently coveting… Nike x Liberty trainers
These trainers don’t really require many words. The high top Dunks with concealed wedge are from the latest Nike collection for Liberty and have been remixed with the Lagos Laurel Liberty Print, a 21st century take on Liberty’s trademark traditional paisley prints. The print first appeared in the 1940s but has been refreshed for Nike with the addition of a laurel wreath motif. Move over Isabel Marant, this is how us Brits do it.
I want these now.
//Sunday Inspiration//
Hello sunshine. I’m taking inspiration from (unlikely source) Jessica Alba – those sunglasses, the shiny jacket with pastel jenas and Alexander Wang boots are doing it for me. I want that jacket now.
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Breaking the silence with Joan Smalls
Oh Joan, how I love you so. This editorial in the May issue of Australian Vogue has me craving the sun and skyscraper legs. Unsure whether both will be achieved this summer, but I live in hope.
Images via Fashion Gone Rogue
Marni x H&M is coming…
The first ad for the upcoming H&M collaboration with Marni has surfaced featuring British actress Imogen Poots. Likely to be shot in Marrakesh where the Sofia Coppola shot the campaign video, Imogen is lounging in a leopard-print filled room wearing a shiny paisley ensemble. The collection drops in stores on March 8th and I cannot wait.
Preparing for the slopes
I’m getting ready for my first ski trip since my teens and all I can really think about is keeping warm. At the moment I’m thinking the solution is cashmere so I’m on the hunt for affordable jumpers and dresses.
I’ve found some great ladies knitwear basics by Pure Collection but I’m keeping my eyes peeled for some neon cashmere jumpers too.
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