Nicolas Andréas Taralis

Photographed By Pauline Forje

Palais de Tokyo. Paris, March 1, 2011.

Masquerade

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

There is nothing wrong with your screen. Do not attempt to adjust the image. We control the transmission. We can soften the focus into a dreamlike haze or sharpen it into crystal clarity. You are about to experience the awe… And the mystery.

All right, enough with the "Outer Limits" references.

Still, the mannequins in that window really do look like cyborgs poised for a full-scale fashion invasion, don’t they? One starts to wonder how long it will be before the traditionale model is declared obsolete.

"Terminator," anyone?

Love Has No Desire

Photographed By Pauline Forje

These photos are from Mal-Aimée's showroom in Paris earlier this month. One half of the design duo, Marius Borgeaud, is the one standing next to the clothes rack in the first picture. The other (½), Leonie Hostettler, isn't featured because the sibling's camera wasn't adjusting well to the light in the room when she snapped the two of them together. Well, that's her story, and she's sticking to it☺

The designers' art deco inspired vision for the next autumn and winter, is similar to what they have in mind for this spring and summer; tailored ambivalence, duality and sensuality, only in darker shades.

Leading us to the blog post title, it's the best I could come up with considering Mal-Aimée means unloved. It doesn't make any sense though. What's there not to love about you?

A Hint Of Mystery And Excitement

Photographed By Pauline Forje

I didn't attend the Vantan Tokyo show in Paris (I need to move to Paris already!) two weeks ago. But my sister did. And She's still fangirling over their presentation. I think - I know for a fact, that she's developed a little crush on the androgynous Bushido figure in the post above. It's slowly creeping up on me, too. Okay you guys, it's official, I'm in love.

So, the other Forje girl ("The Other Boleyn Girl"), describes the designers from the Vantan Design Institute, as friendly and accessible. And their respective collections as simple, classic and refreshing. "A reaction to what came before". That is minimalism at its best. I wish I'd been there.

A Bad Mama Jama

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward

My friend Shay has no idea that I’ve borrowed this photo from her profile page (with a nod to Meta). I simply couldn’t resist, it had to be done. I absolutely adore this vintage, movie-star moment of her mom, and the kind of “I will sit on the hood of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and rule the world” energy that photographs so effortlessly.

It does make me wonder, though; how is it that our parents, at virtually any age, seem to look better than we do? Truly, what’s the secret? Generations X and Millenials may need to step up their game.

That said, Shay herself is a remarkably stylish woman. At some point, hopefully within this century,  we’re meant to attend the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.

In truth, I’ve more or less invited myself along, since she goes every year.

I’m told the undead walk among the living in New Orleans, and that the city even offers guided vampire tours through certain historic neighborhoods.

“Shay,” I ask, “could we possibly add a complimentary cemetery tour to the itinerary when we visit NOLA?”

Shay shakes her head and promptly deletes me from her friends list.*

*Just kidding.

The Tea Pot Is On

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

I'm not big on coffee; with the exception of large ice-cold frappucinos (and, of course, hot chocolate, come rain or shine) with lots of whipped cream. Lots of it.

The Issue

Photographed By: Elvira Gligoric
Make-Up: Gabriella Mattson
Clothes  By: My Wardrobe
Styled By: Ellinor Forje
Model: Alma

Let The Beat Hit Them

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Natasha Skou is the new PR and Marketing Manager over at CHP Vision and Terminal 2. I met her briefly, right before the Designer's Nest fashion show last month. I've got no photos of her from the day (dammit!) as there wasn't time nor room, for a fashion shoot before the event. But her outfit; composed of a blazer with a casual shirt underneath, a pair of jeans (I think it was jeans or slim fitting slacks) and funky boots; sorta reminded me of Lexington's AW 11 collection.

Skou, who has several years of experience working in advertising, marketing, public relations, and the music industry, was appointed to her new position in December last year. And this is what she had to say in our quick Q & A:

WHAT CAN WE BE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN FEBRUARY, AND HOW WILL THIS YEAR'S EVENTS DIFFER FROM THE ONES IN THE PAST?

Please see press releases. But one thing we have done this year is a special treat for all visitors; free concierge service.

WHICH AREAS HAVE YOU SPECIFICALLY PAID EXTRA ATTENTION TO AS A RESULT OF YOUR OWN BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE? As I have only been working for Copenhagen Fashion Fairs for two months, I haven’t had a lot of time to put my “personal touch” on the upcoming fair. But in the future I will put some work in getting a lot of attention to CPH Vision & Terminal-2. We have two fairs held in spectacular surroundings, which is the base for business and pleasure at the same time. I am very interested in starting new initiatives and see great possibilities in working across the industries, like music, print and online media.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER PEOPLE ASPIRING A CAREER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN TODAY'S CLIMATE?
Work hard and do everything to always widen your network. And most important - Remember to be humble, you can always learn more.

Nature That Framed Us

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

I snapped this photo last year at the Monies' shop in Copenhagen. I'm in love, no, obsessed with their jewellery. I own one of their rings and swear by my precious like that wretched creature, Gollum.

Hair

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Veronica B. Vallenes, AW 11.

They Can Dry The Sea

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Last year during Copenhagen Fashion Week, I encountered several notable figures, particularly relevant for anyone pursuing a career in the fashion industry. One of them was Fernanda Palmeiro. Until November 2010, she held the dual role of Editor in Chief and PR and Marketing Manager at Copenhagen’s leading fashion fairs, CPH Vision and Terminal 2. She has since gone on to become Head of PR for Scandinavia and Europe at Georg Jensen. Her career progression is well documented in Fernanda Palmeiro Part 1 and Part 2, which also offer a glimpse into her distinctive personal style.

I also met the fashion forward married couple behind Storm, the concept store they own and run together.

Unfortunately, I missed most of the shows I had been invited to attend, as I found myself stranded on a night train somewhere between Sweden and Denmark. A technical error in the booking system had assigned an additional carriage, number nine, to the train, one that did not in fact exist. As a result, instead of resting, I spent the night listening to the noise and disruption filtering through from the space where I was supposed to be sleeping.