Drinking coffee with Clooney

I was dreaming of drinking coffee with George Clooney because...
Yesterday I had the pleasure to be at Clooney's for a hot chocolate. The walls were decorated with amazing photos of George Clooney. One photo attracted my attention and I like to share it with you.

This photo is taken by Marco Grob, a portrait and fashion photographer, known for his intriguing black and white photos. He has photographed countless celebrities, from Obama to Clinton and from Samuel L. Jackson to George Clooney. His work has appeared in Vogue and Time amongst many other magazines and he has shot for clients as Nike, Tag Heuer and Louis Vuitton.

Clooney is a new place to be in Zoetermeer, it stands for style, class and accessibility for all. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks or to enjoy lounging. It opens in the morning at 8:30 and closes at 5 in the morning...on Friday and Saturdays! On weekdays and Sunday Clooney is closed at midnight.

A Mystical Season by Paolo Roversi for Vogue

Paolo Roversi captured Maja Salamon, Ola Rudnicka and Sasha Luss for the editoral A Mystical Season for the March 2014 issue of Vogue Japan.

Styled by Nicoletta Santoro with items of the spring collections of Céline, Prada, Marni, Givenchy and Dries Van Noten, hair by Samantha Hillerby and make up by Marie Duhart.

"Fur? I'd Rather Go Naked" by Lucy Watson

Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson knows a thing or two about glamour and she knows there's nothing glamorous about wearing fur.

Photo by Pal Hansen

That's why Watson was happy to strip down for a new ad that shows her confidently sitting below the words "Fur? I'd Rather Go Naked".
And to kick off the new campaign, she unveiled a poster of her risqué new ad on the Chelsea Bridge today during lunchtime.

"I have always been disgusted by people's acceptance of fur as a fashion statement, in particular as there is so much information now showing how appallingly cruel the methods of acquiring it are", says Watson. "My statement with PETA outlines what I think is a simple choice; I'd rather wear nothing at all than wear fur."

For every coat, collar or cuff made of real fur, animals suffer immensely. Animals on fur farms spend their lives in tiny, filthy cages, and they are drowned, beaten, strangled, electrocuted and even skinned alive. In China, the world's largest fur exporter, 2 million cats and dogs are skinned every year for their fur - which is often falsely labelled as fur from other animals before being exported around the world.

Watson joins a long list of celebrities - including Penélope Cruz, Pamela Anderson, Eva Mendes and Alexandra Burke - who have bared it all in PETA's anti-fur campaigns.

Kati Nescher by Lachlan Bailey for Vogue

Lachlan Bailey captured Kati Nescher for the editorial "Sur les quais" in the February 2014 issue of Vogue Paris.
Styling by Claire Dhelens, hair by Damien Boissinot and make up by Christelle Cocquet.

Lindsey Wixson by Sebastian Faena for Interview

Sebastian Faena captured Lindsey Wixson for the February 2014 issue of Interview Germany.

Peter Lindbergh for Alberta Ferretti Spring Summer 2014

Peter Lindbergh captured Mariacarla Boscono for Alberta Ferretti Spring Summer 2014 campaign.

Hello My Name is Paul Smith @ Design Museum

Design Museum is pleased to announce that due to significant public demand Hello My Name is Paul Smith is to be extended to 22 June 2014.

The exhibition invites you into the world of designer Paul Smith, a world of creation, inspiration, collaboration, wit and beauty. Starting from a 3m x 3m shop in Nottingham to the global operation of Paul Smith today, this exhibition has attracted unprecedented audience numbers to the museum.

Celebrating his career to date and exploring future developments, the exhibition references Paul Smith’s influences and fashion designs, charting the rise of this quintessentially British label which has become one of the leading fashion brands in the world.

Looking at the impressive scale of its global operation today, the exhibition draws on Paul Smith’s personal archive, from the company’s beginnings in Nottingham to its international prominence today. The exhibition explores how Paul Smith’s intuitive take on design, together with an understanding of the roles of designer and retailer, have laid the foundations for the company’s lasting success and offer a unique insight into the magnificent mind of Paul Smith.

On Monday 3 February Paul Smith will be giving a special talk as part of DM25 - marking twenty five years of the Design Museum. Other speakers lined up for this year-long celebration include Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Alan Yentob and Jonathan Ive. Tickets for this talk include entry to the exhibition and are priced at £25. They can be purchased from tickets@designmuseum.org.

Further events planned for the exhibition run include: a bunny-themed Easter Extravaganza; an evening of discussion with architect Sophie Hicks and creative director Alan Aboud on designing for Paul Smith; and a Friday late night opening dedicated to men's fashion and style.

The Design Museum Shop has seen record sales of exhibition merchandise, with the most popular purchase being the exhibition catalogue (published by Rizzoli), closely followed by the "Every day is a new beginning" button badge. A small number of sets of 12 Limited Edition Flower Prints sold in an embossed archive box, numbered and signed by the designer are still available for the true Paul Smith aficionado.

Due to the popularity of Hello My Name is Paul Smith pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entry for weekend visits. Tickets can be booked via Ticketweb.



This announcement comes at the beginning of a landmark year for the Design Museum, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Other exhibitions for 2014 include: Designs of the Year 2014 opening in March; Daniel Weil - The Art of Design in May; Louis Kahn - The Power of Architecture in July; Designers in Residence in September and Women Fashion Power in October.

Introducing Made of Carpet: The return of Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins' style has had a comeback in recent years, with her taste for Peter Pan collars and pussy bow blouses,
Now with Saving Mr Banks (out on DVD in April) re-awakening our love for this prim and elegant character, these captivating carpet bags from www.madeofcarpet.com are set to enjoy their own fashion moment.

The idea of beautiful unique CARPET Bags has been inspired by the romantic Victorian Era and in some way influenced by such famous English literary characters as Mary Poppins and Miss Marple.

Although in America the words "carpet bag" have many more meanings apart from a fashion accessory – for example a history term for migrants of the Reconstruction era (1865-1877).

Made of carpet has closely examined all possible styles, shapes and patterns of CARPET Bags from fashionable and historical points of view and has discovered the best solution for the modern romantic and elegant lady with a passion for haute couture and vintage paraphernalia.

The bags are absolutely unique. Out there you can find "carpet" bags made of tapestry, kilim, fabric, velvet or velour... Some of them even have Oriental patterns, but none of them made of thick deep-piled woven rug.

Bags made from the finest quality rugs produced in Western Europe, that woven from unique synthetic yarn, patented by a rugs manufacturer. It is plushy, soft, light and silky, but deep-piled, quite thick and firm at the same time, that makes bags look and feel full bodied.

The chairman and founder of the company Made of Carpet has extensive experience in the production of fashion accessories and shoe manufacturing – he has been working in this industry since 1969.

Whilst the magic bag sported by P.L. Travers' original supernanny might have been bottomless; these spacious Gladstone bags made from luxurious deep pile carpet with a metal frame and genuine leather handle certainly bring back nanny fashion in the most delightful way.

The original carpet bag prop from the Mary Poppins film, recently sold for over £65,000 in an LA auction, however, the Made of Carpet® collection costs from £29.95 - £199.95. With a range of weekend bags, tote bags and clutch handbags giving a modern twist to this vintage style, there's a design for everyone.

Made of Carpet® bags come with two inside pockets; one zipped, and have a black, silky lining. Created from Western European woven carpet with traditional Oriental patterns, the finish is plush, soft and silky, with a deep pile that gives firmness and a full-bodied look and feel which is true to the high quality bags of the Victorian era. Durable, rainproof and easy to care for, the bags can be treated with ordinary foam carpet cleaner or dry-cleaned.

For more information, visit www.madeofcarpet.com

Jordan Hampton by Paul de Luna for Blank Magazine

Paul de Luna captured Jordan Hampton for Blank Magazine. Styled by Antoine Hemdera and makeup and hair by Pierre Alter.

For more photos visit Blank Magazine.

Day Ten @ Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam - Sustainability and business

Yesterday it was "Business Monday” at the Westergasfabriek. During the tenth and final day of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam, the setting up and development of a successful and sustainable fashion company was an important topic.

Winde Riensta in Stedelijk Museum

The fashion designers who appeared on the catwalk yesterday distinguished themselves not only by their collections, but they also differ greatly from each other in terms of how they conduct their business. The women's collections and Said Mahrouf’s performance-related designs find their way into the world through the ComposiTe foundation.
Corset maker dennis diem works from his salon in NoJo, Amsterdam. Designers Spijkers en Spijkers commute between London and Amsterdam. The sisters are loyal to the Dutch fashion week and their work is growing steadily. The SIS by Spijkers en Spijkers collection is accessible to many.
Queen Maxima is certainly not the only one with creations in her wardrobe.


Spijkers en Spijkers

Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam also offers newcomers the opportunity to grow as a designer, brand and company. Pilger and the label “Frida by Alexandra Frida“ took the opportunity to show a limited version of their complete collection to the fashion professionals and press by sharing a Fashion LAB show.

Pilger

Edwin Oudshoorn’s Salon Show demonstrated his growth with the fashion platform, and his strong business development.

Edwin Oudshoorn

Vodafone Firsts Fashion LAB ended with the screening of a documentary about the talent programme, created by VICE.

The fourth edition of “Keys to Success", the networking event of fashion week, was dominated by the development of sustainable business models. Speakers from the FashionWeek Nederland network included Brigitte de Wilde (Cora Kemperman) Carlien Helmink (Studio JUX and former winner of The Green Fashion Competition) and Sofie Schop (CSR-specialist Schuttelaar & Partners). The latter developed a tool guide with ABN AMRO to assist the fashion professionals who were present in setting up a business.

The cooperation between Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Nederland and the cultural institution, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam took shape with a Fashion Talk from Winde Rienstra, hosted by Victoria Koblenko, Winde‘s fan from the word go. Experts on fashion and art like Rogier Vlaming (GLAMCULT) and Noni May (Amsterdam Curated)  interviewed Winde and debated about art and fashion. This allowed not only the Catwalk audience, but also the Downtown audience, to enjoy this interesting designer.

During day ten the fashion week also celebrated the connection between fashion and interiors. At the Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam location, the Westergasterrein, the Sanoma Woon Awards were presented under the theme Living meets Fashion.
The awards, designed by dennis diem, were given to individuals and brands that made an exceptional contribution to the residential sector in 2013.

After ten wonderful days of fashion Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam can look back on a colourful, inspiring 10-Days.
See also my previous post on MBFWA by clicking on the days:
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8 and Day 9.

Kate Moss by Steven Klein for Alexander McQueen Spring Summer 2014

Steven Klein captured Kate Moss for Alexander McQueen's spring-summer 2014 ad campaign. Including the film.

"Inspiration comes from the many progressive art movements of the early Twentieth Century – a mix of primitive shapes, graphic forms and bold colour. There is a suggestion of the clean lines and the dropped waist of the 1920s in places.

Kilts, leggings, biker jackets, boxy coats and tunic tops all feature with a nod to uniform and sportswear. Shoulders are relaxed. Inner structures are absent and garments are finished with laser cutting so that they are eased and light.

Metal embellishment, jewellery, and aged multiple zip trim are reminiscent of found objects as are heavy bracelets in different geometric forms. Triple layer box pleats, sun-ray pleats, bulleting, flocking, perforation and feather embroideries are all key details of the collection. Traditional silk-screen printing and beadwork are elaborate and placement is technically advanced but the overall effect remains graphic and fresh."

Source: Alexander McQueen

Day Nine @ Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam - Catwalkshows, pop up stores and more

Yesterday, on Sunday, the 26th of January anyone who loves fashion or who works in the fashion industry could witness, from close-up, how fashion in all its manifestions was addressed during the jubilee edition of the Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam.

Winde Rienstra

Yesterday’s '10 Days Downtown' programme was 'On the Ninth Day...God Created Fashion', a collaboration between Hutspot and Jutka & Riska. All afternoon fashion lovers could go to the popular pop-up store on Van Woustraat for small shows full of creativity and inspiration, and to browse through all the cool brands. The day perfectly matched FashionWeek Nederland’s mission to celebrate the beauty of fashion with a wider audience.

Yesterday, the focus in the RAI was on creating alliances in the fashion world. Enterprise Europe Network had teamed up with Modefabriek and FashionWeek Nederland for the 'EU Fashion Match'. Until the end of today, people from the Dutch fashion industry here get to know their European colleagues.

In the Gashouder the public saw the catwalk shows ‘L'Oréal Professionnel presents Dorhout Mees’ and ‘Vita Coco presents Winde Rienstra’. The fashion designers’ creations are eye-catchers of exceptional materials and show how emotion, inspiration and experimentation can go together.
Day nine was also Tony Cohen’s day, a label that worldwide reaches an increasingly wider audience beyond the catwalk. L'Oréal Professionnel’s catwalk was full of work from their hair artists.

Dorhout Mees

Tony Cohen

In the evening, Fashion LAB PRO designers Rebecca Ward and Ratna Ho experienced their moment in the spotlight. In the Vodafone Firsts Fashion LAB they both had their 'first' with their own show on the catwalk in Amsterdam.



Rebecca Ward

Source: Press Release AFW

Day Eight @ Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam - New and established

Yesterday was already the eighth day of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam, again guaranteed a good dose of fashion talent. From fresh designers taking their first steps on the catwalk, to labels that have spread their wings internationally.
Also foreign discoveries contributed to a day full of new inspiration.

In De Gashouder Jiksu presented the catwalk show with MaryMe-JimmyPaul’ fashion fantasy collection. Earlier this week the dynamic duo had already organised a tableau vivant in the Stadsschouwburg.

Ilja Visser showed in her collection ‘Ready to fish by ILJA' that she has profound and persistent talent. Exactly ten years ago, she was already part of the very first edition of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam. Meanwhile, her label is present in a number of major fashion countries and she has her own brand store in Amsterdam.

The organisation of the fashion week was happy to be able to include a shoe show as part of the catwalk programme for this anniversary edition. Saturday afternoon Janine van den Bosch was declared the winner of the Dutch Shoe Award 2014 supported by Clarks. In the catwalk show ten talented young designers showed a small collection of shoes which they had made themselves and one pair based on the ' Bombay Lights' pump from Clarks.

Also the Vodafone Firsts Fashion LAB was bursting with talent again: newcomers L.Rousseau Capsule Collection from Milan and Evan Menswear divided the audience’s attention with a Fashion LAB duoshow while Jacob Kok in his own fashion LAB PRO show was surprising in the way he integrates fashion and technology. Menswear designer and creative entrepreneur Jonathan Christopher has been a guest all over the world and now stood on the Amsterdam catwalk for the first time.

Jacob Kok

Jonathan Christopher

The public presentation and exhibition ‘Next by Modefabriek’ on Saturday was included in '10 Days Downtown'. This gave visitors a preview of eight emerging talents from home and abroad who can be seen on Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th of January at the Modefabriek. The exchange is one of the ways in which Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam and Modefabriek work together.

In the evening, the 10th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam was officially celebrated with a 'Please Don’t Tell' party in Westerliefde and Westerunie, which were decorated with RGB wallpaper from Carnovsky. The line-up consisted of The Flexican, Girls Love DJ's, Phalerieau, Jaziah, TNO Soundsystem, Dio, Covergirl Sunny and many others.