Bulles 2 Mode ... Fashion Fantaisies

Atmosphere of the Day Lyon/Paris : Summer 2011

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000+02:00

In July the weather was un-summer-y, but in August, seams to be better for the holidays. Great ! It's summertime in Lyon

Some pictures of Paris too :-)

By the way : the opening of a Point WC next to the Place des Jacobins in Lyon. I already told you about it here.

Close encounters of Third Type - hype restrooms

2011-08-17T18:05:00.000+02:00

At the Carrousel du Louvre, if you follow pictograms, you reach a funny boutique, in the depths of the underground.

At the entrance, a guard asks one euro. ONE EURO !!!!

Even in train stations it's cheaper !

But sometimes quality is worth the price right? So I decided to hold the precious sesame to this contemporary Charon and entered the place.

What a surprise to discover a place as colourful as unusual.

Columns of rolls, flashy toilet seats, revolutionnary brushes, everything you need for chic and design restrooms.

And also 15 persons queuing !

I noticed a strange ritual while I was waiting. A black-dressed employee, with aerosol and duster in one hand.

Any time a client left a cabin, he opened the door, entered, comed out, closed the door, pschitted the handle, then cleaned it, then reopened the door, inviting the next client to come in. And again.

Hygiene and comfort for one euro !

On every door the name of an atmosphere, and the designer who created it. One design per cabin : mahogany furniture, metal accessories, bamboo vases, impressing !

To clean your hands, modern basins, and Dyson machines !

Finally, it was worth it, one euro to discover this museum-concept-store, as funny, chic, innovative, as offbeat !

They even have a membership card !

And you, would you have liked it ?

More info on the brand’s website.

Objet du désir : le paréo Soraya

2011-08-10T08:00:00.001+02:00

A magical pareo ... Who transforms into several outfits, very easily. Demonstration !

Luxury but so practical !!!!
More infos on the brand's website.

Bulles wants : the blue dress by Eva

2011-07-21T08:00:00.001+02:00

You know it, I'm in my "Blue Period" (great, it's trendy, awesome ! it's in the air !), so of course I love this wonderful dress by Eva Herzigova for 1,2,3.

New infos : apparently this dress was never in stores. It's a "merchandising" product, created for the shooting only.

Yes ! Some models, often very nice, are created by stylists only for shootings (catalogues, merchandising elements : POS elements, posters, prototypes... )

Too expensive to be sold, or less "commercial" (i.e best-sellerish) they are used to sell the collection, to have the media talk about it, etc. In French, you can speak of an "image product".

Grrr !!!! All I have to do know is find a similar fabric !

Bulles Likes : Visiting an exhibition on line

2011-05-06T08:00:00.001+02:00

New and well-done, the virtual visit of the latest exhibition at Musée du Luxembourg in Paris, Cranach.

I won't have the chance to go unfortunately.... But I have this great tool now to go through the exhibition and see some of the paintings, know more about the artist, and the different themes he liked.

There are also videos, the museum's shop, and the exhibition's audioguide on download !

I'd love every museum to adopt such technologies!

Anyway it's a great sign of the new consciousness of cultural institutions : new means to attract a larger audience, and animate the exhibition.

Let's celebrate the digital era !

Atmosphere of the Day : March 2011

2011-03-31T10:40:00.000+02:00

A few snapshots of the city and windows...

Come, let's screw our portrait !

2011-02-26T16:12:00.001+01:00

Incredible but true, an American artist Andrew Myers, signs his masterpieces with a screw driver-driller.

An incredible realism !

This shows that everything in our environment can be ART ! Thanks Marcel Duchamp :-)

You'll look differently at your tool box this week-end I bet :-)

Bulles de Mode in l'Argus Presse !

2011-02-21T15:52:00.001+01:00

Little presentation of Bulles de Mode in the Argus Presse's blog, Culture-RP.

2011-02-19T12:20:00.000+01:00

Who’s Ken?

If you were a book? “Ravage” by Barjavel
… Because you may never forget your roots.

A movie? Little Miss Sunshine
… Because this movie reminds me of a culture that I know very well, I love the funny and satirical side of the movie and its intriguing characters.

A plant? A baobab tree
… It’s beautiful and it’s a plant that has a self-sustaining ecosystem, it’s the African sequoia !

A painter? Banksy
… Because he is fun, devoted and subversive.

A beauty product? The Marseille soap.
Soft and efficient.

A piece of clothing? My fetish pair of jeans
… Because we did a lot together, they’re an old friend.

A fruit? A chestnut
… Because of the metaphor of the shell.

A vegetable? A turnip
… No reason, just a turnip.

A destination? Pandora, the planet with its paradisiac ecosystem in the film Avatar.

A song? “La mauvaise reputation” (The bad reputation) by Brassens.
… Because the lyrics are very profound, it’s about the people’s differences, and choices in life, to fulfill their dreams.

I like: vintage and ecological fashion, go to the market, vegetarian Makis, Chinese soup.

I don’t like: 4WDs and dog dirts on the pavement (How do you make it to leave your home when you’re surrounded?), intolerance.

Next week, you will get to know more about the mysterious Ken… For the most curious ones … follow the green link!

Translated by Catherine

Back on tracks !

2011-02-14T22:28:00.000+01:00

Bulles de Mode has the pleasure to introduce you Catherine. Welcome !!!

"Hello Hello!

The English version is back on track !!

Just to give you an idea of who I am I made a short presentation of myself...

I am a Belgian girl who...

...studies at Université de la Mode Lyon

...does an internship at Marché de la Mode Vintage Lyon

...is very curious about fashion, art and culture

...would like to see peace everywhere in the world

...shares her shopping guilt

...is addicted to music

...needs to learn the basics of cooking !!

...dreams a lot about Nelson (boyfriend :-) )

...fears missing too much things when she goes to bed too early

...thinks the best thing in life is life

...feels excited about this blog !"

Soon the latest articles ... Stay Tuned !

Bulles Wants : Dior Fall 2010 Leopard Shoes

2010-10-25T21:23:00.001+02:00

Dior does not say shoes, but shoon*. And look how beautiful they are !!!!!

Little tour among the most ... WAOW ones !

Foal-finish leather

Pink patent

Nubuck Calfskin and leather.

* Elder name for shoe, used around Shakespeare's times.

Cinderella saved by ... GHD !

2010-10-23T00:36:00.001+02:00

You might know the English hair-straighteners and products brand named GHD.

GHD ? for Good Hair Day, let’s see, ok I understand, good hair day compared to a … Bad Hair Day, the nightmare of every English girl.

For 10 years, the brand has developed worldwide, in particular with the help of stars such as Victoria Beckham, Shakira, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, SJP*, …, and professional hairstylists.

The brand’s spirit is baroque, and at the same time very sophisticated.

The campaigns’ major inspiration source has been fairytales for a few years now, with e.g this winter : the Midnight Collection.

In the ad, Cinderella goes to at a ball, she’s splendid.

But the clock starts striking midnight… The enchantment stops as described in the fairy tale.

Cinderella runs away out of the ball and loses one of her ~~fur~~, ~~glass~~, euhm… strass slippers.
Look, even Drizella and Anastasia are there!

She goes upstairs, and there, suddenly, ta-dah !!! … The new GHD-styler !

Want to see what happens ? it's here...

No spoilers here :-)

* Sarah Jessica Parker, the leading actress in the TV-show ‘Sex and the City’.

Translated by Catherine.

Shanghai opens up to textiles and regional creations

2010-10-22T22:18:00.002+02:00

PS: Traditionally a PS is written at the end of a message, but I want to warn you now about the regional chauvinism which follows. Soft hearts, you are warned !

It’s THE event !

Shanghai 2010 Worldexpo closing ceremony took place this weekend. For a few months now, eyes have been set worldwide upon China’s first economic city. This is thus a very good place for Rhône-Alpes designers and industries to show their best achievements.

Many companies and designers gathered by Espace Textile, a regional organization whose mission is to promote local skills, could show their work.
Among them: Nicolas Fafiotte, once Miss France competition dress-designer, Max Chaoul, who designs couture wedding dresses, Sophie Guyot (ready-to-wear), Laurence Oppermann (jewelry), Réversible (bags and decoration objects), Frantissor (textiles), USIN-e (home design), Dutel (woven textiles and silk), Deveaux (knits), etc…

Extract from the press release – It speaks for itself !
56 companies from the Rhône-Alpes region representing the whole textile industry, from fabrics to couture creations, using the most innovative technical applications, thus daring to claim the dynamism of a local textile sector, following the tracks of cutting-edge technologies.
Let’s be proud of our regional creation !!!! It radiates already abroad !

Translated by : Catherine.

Little pause...

2010-10-22T21:52:00.000+02:00

Dear Readers,

I'm so sorry I have to say this, but I did not find anybody to help me with the writing, so, unfortunately I have

to put on the pause button for a while, as regards the English Version.

However , I'll try to keep you updated in the French one, with shorter messages, as I did before.

Thank you so much for your loyalty, and I'll be back soon !!!

XXXX

Tendances Maison, October 2010

2010-10-20T21:54:00.002+02:00

This week-end there was a fair dedicated to decoration in Lyon.

I discovered the work of French interior architects : PRINCE DECORATION. They’re specialized in original and customized objects, diverted from their original use.

Do you want an original sculpture? What about an airplane propeller? Or an offbeat desk? Why not an airplane wing? A powerful lamp? Would you like a boat spotlight?

Thousands of ideas… Among which two splendid trunks !

I also met a chef working at home. You know what, it’s not expensive at all !!! At Kathia’s 30 € only for a basic dinner for 10 persons !!!

I enjoyed the wooden furniture by Eben-O, especially this clever shelf / mural decoration.

There was also a selection of young designers, selected by Maud Rondard, among them one of my favourites, Laissez Lucie Faire.

More pictures !

Prince Decoration is based in Caudry, but sells throughout France's fairs.

Links : Maud Rondard, Délices Culinaires, Eben-O

Translated by Catherine.

I LOVE ITALIAN SHOES - Shoe selection for next Summer 2011

2010-10-16T18:30:00.001+02:00

Founded in 2007, this label was well depicted in Miss Glitzy's article. I recommend you read it. It's a comparison in 2008 betwee, Fre,ch and Italian shoe professionnal organizations.

I Love Italian Shoes is a babel created to promote the Italian creation and shoe industry. So they organize events, for example the trade fair I've been to in October this year.

It was a great pleasure, and you sure know why, as I'm obsessed with shoes (and bags, but sssshhhh this IS a secret). But saying so is already a good step for recovery, isn't it?

But, here, you would be obsessed too, have a look !

Viola Fonti, and Objects in mirror (Love the bow... !)

Taccetti

My favorite I think : Roberto Guerrini

For men as well (Roberto Guerrini) :

... Why do I love Italian shoes?

Because Italian peope, they do have this fashion touch and feeling ! They give their imagination full credit, and don't care to dare (love this motto!) !
So you have a festival of unexpected colours, which you would never have put together (electric blue and a fuchsia pink? Even Montana spelled them rather with black !

No more excuses for you Sirs : moccasin ok, but please choose a foal-leather with zebra prints, and a touch of red patent leather.

You also have unexpected and original techniques : multi-incision, almost surgical, laser cuttings ok, but with surprising patterns. Extremely punched leather. Croco and Python-like keathers? Plastic as beautiful as wood, and looking like the horn of a yak (Tachetti) ? And the braids between shoe laces, and leather ( Guerrini)?

J'ADORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sites :

Roberto Guerrini, family business, Taccetti, Viola Fonti, and Objects in mirror.

P.S : don't forget to look at Loriblu. I could not take any picture, but next summer articles are great... Can't wait to be in February or March. Wonderful shoes !

Street Bulles : Artis Moda Fashion Show, October 11th

2010-10-16T10:25:00.000+02:00

Sabrina, designer of Fleur de Chapeau.

I loved the lightness, poetry, and sober extravagance of her creation.

You are a designer? Then please do wear what you do, there's no better ambassador !

Street-Bulles : Talents de Mode 2010 Awards

2010-10-04T00:24:00.000+02:00

Waiting for my article about the new winners of the Talents de Mode Prize, Las Tentativas, here isAudrey, whose Fred Sabatier knitted-cardigan and matching peacock blue outfit I liked very much.

Maison Martin Margiela opens its online shop

2010-10-04T00:21:00.000+02:00

Martin Margiela has launched its online shop on October 1st. One week before, Bulles had found the first pictures for you ...

To create the buzz, you had to enter a password to access the website.

If you already know the brand's official website, you won't be surprised by the shop's universe. In deed, it's even the same offbeat humour which has been chosen, through the design : MS DOS-, and Windows-before-95- influences. In brief, vintage internet and computer processes. Fun !

(click to enlarge)

A little film tells you about the opening :

At last, you have access to the collections, organized along the sort of article, and always the same humour : you could think of a Windows explorer file-tree. The presentation of products is very sober, very raw, so MM !

An astonishing design, don't you think so? Anyway very different from what you are used to see on websites.

A part of the site is also a collection of all the season's styles. So you don't need to go back to the main website to see them. Smart !

So, it seems that luxury brands have once and for all understood that their future lies with the internet. The shops won't disapear, (luckily!) they will only need to get along with this huge and mysterious, as well as silently talkative, insidiously powerful partner.

To me, what lies in this awareness is exactly awareness and image of a brand. Control this as well as manage their sites efficiently, this is the brands' great challenge for the future.

If you want to visit the shop : here.

Customized bikes in Auction

2010-10-03T23:57:00.000+02:00

After Cannes' movie Festival, and September's Who's Next, the twelve bikes customized by designers were shown at the Paris Cité de la Mode et du Design on September 25th. This charity initiative has been set up by La Chaîne du Coeur and the Idénium agency.

A way to say "Let's be responsible for our planet, and live sustainably to get a better life in the future", and this, without giving up fashion and style.

My favourites :

On Aura tout Vu for Swarovski, Toile de Jouy bike

Kenzo Takada, Antik Batik, here below Ylan ANoufa and François Duris for Peugeot

If you want more pictures, or if you want to buy one of these bikes, and pedal with style, the auction sale is here, until November 5th. Starting price 1500 euros.

The benefits of this sale will be given to Act Responsible, a gathering of professionnals who promote sustainable communication. More information : here.

Nina L'Elixir - Back to Wonderland

2010-10-03T23:45:00.000+02:00

Alice needs to be careful, in front of a new competitor : Florrie, Nina - L'Elixir's new muse.

A poetic and delicate universe, with a baroque tendency, and two major colours, the ones of the jewel-bottle : dark red and pearly, a purity white.

I fell for the music of the film, so light, so "in", so very Lili Allen, or Kate Nash.
But it's Florrie who wrote - and sings - the ad's song.

Script and fantasy world :

A young girl wakes up in her room (as in a dream?). She goes across the Wonderland, a magical forrest, chasing a larking about perfume bottle, as if it was a bird of paradise.
Following her discoveries, she arrives into a street with red doors, paved with carpet, invaded by bubbles and presents. Florrie ends up finding the Grââl-bottle hidden among Nina apples, after climbing a stair of red gifts.
Great, isn't it?

Some screenshots to give you the need to watch the video... :

How surprising that the colours merge, to reflect shades of pink, blue beige, pearly pink, pink grey, etc.
If you want to watch the vidéo : here.

Bulles Wants : a necklace by Agatha

2010-10-03T23:20:00.001+02:00

My friend Clémence has a much taste, I told you already about her here.
This time, a magnificent necklace by Agatha.
What do you think?

Atmosphere of the Day : Summer 2010

2010-10-03T23:15:00.000+02:00

Rather late than never ;-)

More pictures : here.

Bulles Wants : Dita Von Teese Limited Bottles for Perrier

2010-10-03T23:08:00.000+02:00

So glamourous !

News in Brief about the Fabulous World of Fashion

2010-10-03T23:06:00.000+02:00

H&M has a new flagship in Paris. Designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, it will open on October 6th.

LVMH has become Sandro and Maje's major shareholder. Or how to benefit from the financial power of a group to expand, both vertically (diversification) and horizontally (exportation).

Vogue France publishes for its 90th Birthday a special magazine. Be prepared with your strongest bag, it weighs 2,2 kg ! An Ipad application will also be launched, with exclusive videos by Steven Klein, and unpublished pictures.

Las Tentativas have been awarded the Talents de Mode Prize for 2010 on September 24th. On the same day the Village des Créateurs organized an event called : Emplettes gourmandes.

Volkswagen's Polo becomes a fashion accessory, through its partnership with French ready-to-wear brand IKKS.

WANTED : a passionate fashion lover to translate my articles!

2010-09-25T12:29:00.000+02:00

Dear Readers, I must say that since the September trade fairs, I have been caught in a big whirl, and I don't have enough time now to translate the articles I write in the "room next door" in English...

You might have noticed :-)

First, I'm so sorry !

So, I'm looking for a person, who would be as passionate about fashion and how it works as I am, to help me now and then (and especially now) !

I don't know yet how to pay that person, we can discuss together.

It becomes urgent, so if you love fashion, if you like the way I write, if you want to be part of an expanding adventure, if you want to spend hours writing, because you like it, if you like the subjects, please send me an email : bullesdemode [at] gmail.com !!

Can't wait to read your email !

Maryan Mehlhorn VIP Fashion Show at Mode City

2010-09-19T23:49:00.000+02:00

Maryan Mehlhorn is a woman who took over the family business in 1976. Her ambition was to transform the family underwear brand into a major and luxury swimwear brand.

To achieve her goals, she innovates, by launching 15 years ago what you call now shapewear. I already told you about it in my post about Interfilières. With 77% of the company's turnover abroad, and a presence in 56 countries, it is a success, awarded in January 2010, at Mode City, with a special Price of Paris Capitale de la Création.

heTo celebrate the 60th birthday, the German company created a special event at Mode CIty, with a VIP catwalk Show. Maryan Mehlhorn already organized such a show two years ago, in Düsseldorf. This year, the show had a special theme too : « RAINFORREST ».

This theme goes with the initiative of the brand for Spring 2011 : for every swimsuit you buy, one square meter of Argentinian Forrest will be saved.

For this action, the company works with the international Organisation World Land Trust, which cares about threatened ecosystems, and buys progressively acres of the disappearing forrest, and converts them into natural parks.

To come back to the show, the models were also dancers, which gave birth to a dance show, added to the fashion show. Unexpected and magnificent. Every few models, scenery change thanks to fauna and flora pictures which were projected on 3 walls of the place. Thus, and with the music and lights, the immersion was total.

There was also humour, when you hear Indiana Jones' and the kid's voices, in one of the cult-scenes of the 4-film saga.

EXCLUSIVE ! Some pictures :

Other on Facebook, and videos soon !

Attention, these pictures are not free of right, thank you to write to me if you want to use them.

Mode City & Interfilières - Assessment of the Trade Fairs September 2010

2010-09-19T23:48:00.000+02:00

Mode City is dedicated to underwear, swimwear, and homewear. I told you about it a little here, when I told you about the ideal bathing suit, but we hardly spoke of Interfilieres.

Interfilières is a fair dedicated to suppliers of beads, ribbons, drawings, fabrics, etc. Everything you'd need to create a finished good (bra, panty, shirt, gown, etc.)
If you still need explanations, just look at the motto of the fair, it's so simple, but so efficient : Where it all begins. Promising isn't it?

These two fairs have been working together for a few years now, however they keep their identities. With the next fair in July, the differences will be even stronger.

Today I want to tell you about both animations in the fair.

At Interfilière, I liked the "Fashion Way". It was a path showing tomorrow's trends. A video and a conference were also there to guide the profesionnals.

You were not there ? So here are the main trends. Exclusive ! ;-)

Growing and potential markets :

- Shapewear, a major trend in lingerie and swimwear since a couple of years (see La Perla, which launches Shapecouture...)

- Sleepwear and loungewear

- Summer ward-robe (light and transparent fabrics, short and slit shapes)

Consumer needs :

- Lightness, softness, suppleness, for an everyday wear

- Placed decoration (guipure, inlaying)

- Structure / architecture and geometry (patterns, decorations)

- Young and sexy ("lolita" is still trendy)

- Comfort

- Colour !

On Mode City, it's the Bubble Space I liked (you guessed!). It was an oxygen bar, with a peaceful and resting area.

I liked the dialogue between this space and the welcoming space, at the entrance. There, the "Butterflies Gardens" was a little exhibition of a selection of models, in the shade, lit by huge and evanescent half medusas, half mushrooms.

A dive into a very aquatic elsewhere (it was the year's theme).

This theme was also the theme of the swimwear and lingerie catwalk shows. Here a few pictures of the underwear selection.

Want more ? It's here.

Attention, these pictures are not free of right.

Underwear selection for this Fall ...

2010-09-19T22:32:00.001+02:00

Mode City was last week, so I want to tell you about latest Lingerie trends for this winter.

Sensuality, seduction, of course male/female chic, lace, everybody can find a suitable match.

Bodysuits are still very presents in this fall's collections. Since Natalia for Etam and Lady Gaga, it's one of the flagship products of women underwear!

Many corsets also, this is new. You perhaps now the corsets by Maya Hansen, whose colourful universe is very similar to Kay Perry's.

And, always, a very strong link to the clothing designers Trends.

Cadolle and Hermès

Chanel Croisière and Hanky Panky

Bottega Venetta, Chantal Thomass, Nina Ricci

Lise Charmel and Louis Vuitton

Prada and ... Aubade

Princesse Tam-Tam and Versace

By the way, here is the video of latest Princess Tam-Tam's campaign, renewing its image with the motto "Undress Like You Feel" :

Sponsorisée par Princesse tam.tam

The brand offers special customizing boxes, you only need to play on Facebook.

As a conclusion, little selection in MEN's underwear...

Emporio Armani, Hom, Joe Snyder

Iqoniq

Source catwalk pictures : Madame Figaro.com

A little Late...

2010-09-18T19:03:00.000+02:00

Dear readers,

I'm sorry, I'm late for the translating of latest post. I'll do my best so that you have new things to read by next week-end.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the Catwalk Kuala Lumpur Show from Who's Next.

Most designers I met work local hand-paint silk. More information soon.

More on Facebook : here.

Danse Biennial "Encore" Parade : it's tomorrow !

2010-09-11T15:25:00.000+02:00

Be ready for tomorrow, 2:30 pm, in the streets of Lyon !

PRIVATE SALE ELLIPS !!!!!

2010-09-11T11:38:00.000+02:00

Do you remember Priscille's sublime creations ?
You like them ? You want them ???

Then you might want to go to the private sale she organizes this Sunday (tomorrow) in Paris. If you have the chance to be there :-)

Enjoy your shopping !

Eclat de Mode September 2010 - Synthesis

2010-09-11T11:30:00.000+02:00

The September edition definitely implied novelty and creativity.

NOVELTY : a different organization !

To correspond to the needs of the sector, the booths were reorganized.

So supplies and primers were moved to the same place, level 0, under the name ELEMENTS.

Finished goods were shown on level 1.

In the latter, several spaces, similar to the sector's segmentation :

- a new part, called OLD by Eclat de Mode, reuniting golden jewelry manufacturers and designers. It worked as a mini fair inside the fair with a specific stage design,

- Cream, reserved for new brands,

- two temporary exhibitions, among which "Empreintes", a series of pretty pictures shot by Renan Astier (opposite picture),

- costume, haute-couture and designers' jewelry on the one side, silver, piercing and gold- and silver-plated jewelry on the other side.

CREATIVITY : Free reins to imagination !

- A special Swarovski exhibition of creations made of Elements of the brand, by several designers worldwide (opposite picture is a creation by Philippe Ferrandis),

- the CREAM part, and its new brands, so inventive, rewarded for their creativity, technicity and quality through the SHERIFFS OF FASHION awards.

This Fall's Trends, as I depicted them here, were shown in an wooden igloo tent.

A pretty stage design, especially my favorite part, RED PASSION.

Blood-red dummies, attired in original and sparkling jewelry, bright red roses hanging from the ceiling, falling towards you.

SO romantic, and so fatal. J'adore!

Fanny Kachintreff, Lilakacemi, Carlo Zini

A final note : some of my favorites ...

Satellite, Chicadecanela ?, Krystal,

Michal Negrin,Priscilla Martello,

Windy Choo, Lorena Pestana,

Crézus, Claire Colin, Ineke Otte (who made the last two billboards necklaces!)

Other pictures to come on Facebook.

I could meet some of those talented designers... Their portrait coming soon on Bulles de Mode.

Stay Tuned !

Design : Defimex Space Bag for Who's Next

2010-09-11T10:51:00.001+02:00

Ha... Who's Next really inspired me...

I got an incredible bag, in this woven plastic material they use for shopping bags nowadays. I find the shape very likely to the American Yoghurt shape. You don't believe me? Please have a look !

... Or else the last element of a rocket if you prefer. The shape is, as I said, incredible.

The drawings are related to space too, especially the flames at the bottom of the bag (you can't see it, but believe me!).

I don't know what you feel about it, I feel like Rocketeer, ready to take off to EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE !!
Just for Fun : Intergalactic look :

Thanks for the shoes :-)

Let's be serious a second and congratulate the Defimex Team's skills and know-how. They made this bag and the ones you could find on Who's Next. On their website, a nice vidéo which shows you the atmosphereof their booth at the trade fair (pictures of January 2010).

Parisian Marathon 2010 : Day 5 MESS AROUND & WHO'S NEXT

2010-09-09T21:19:00.000+02:00

Last day of Parisian trade shows… with public transport strikes.

So few people in the paths that exhibitors put away their products at 4:30 pm while the show ended at 6:00 !

What a pity !

On the agenda : new encounters, in particular with Innai, Calvin Thoo and Meesha Sukira, the designers of the Kuala Lumpur selection, whom I told you about here.

A little portrait of them soon...

Synthesis of the Marathon in a few words : Trends, Discovers, Young designers, Young brands, so much to tell you about in the days and weeks to come. What do you think of it?

Parisian Marathon 2010 : Day 4 MESS AROUND & WHO'S NEXT

2010-09-09T21:08:00.001+02:00

Yes, today it’s the other way round. Lol !

The now-become traditional picture ? Ok, here it is :

Today again a worthy day of meetings.

I met Ellips’s designer, you know I told you about her amazing shoes (or else it’s here).

A nice girl, so modest she wouldn’t say she won the Designing Shoes Prize of Romans (Historical Shoe Manufacture City in France). (sorry I don’t remember the exact name ! )

Gnarf, I saw Summer 2011 models... still colours, great ! I can’t wait for the new ads and pictures.

And else, I’ve seen visitors who knew how to use accessories. What do you think of this ring, this necklace matching the top, and these boots?

Who's Next organized also another show, focused on Malay designers from Kuala Lumpur. Their creations were especially dresses. My favorites, before a complete Facebook album.

Last day tomorrow !

Parisian Marathon 2010 : Day 3 WHO'S NEXT & MESS AROUND

2010-09-09T20:51:00.001+02:00

Third day of Marathon.

Today I changed shoes : from magnificent heels to flipflops. Nice, but nothing compared to the heels…

It’s better because I have two trade shows to visit, like yesterday. Difficult to see everything, but I stop very often, careful to new creations to tell you about.

Who's Next organises also a great fashion show which I told you about here.

For more info, please look at the fair*’s site.

* By the way, what is a professional trade show?

If you don’t know already, it is a place where professionals from a special industry gather. It lasts from one to several days, usually 3 in the fashion world. What’s the objective of a fair? Ease the exchanges and meetings between designers, manufacturers and buyers.

Big contracts can be signed in the paths of a show.

Indeed, upcoming collections are shown, so that the client can touch, see, choose, and check the quality of prototypes. Then he may decide to order, and do it on the fair. Trade shows are every year more open to new designers, which can meet and check the market and their products’ potential success.

Swimwear Watwalk Mode City September 2010

2010-09-09T19:04:00.000+02:00

As I told you, here a few pictures of next summer’s swimsuits, in a preview ! Sorry, I can’t tell you the brands precisely !

The models were smiling, the lights and nice music, and choreographies created a kind of magic for the 30 minutes long show.

Other pictures : here.
Videos soon.

Attention, these pictures are not free of right. Thank you to write if you want to use them.

Catwalk Fashion Show Who’s Next September 2010 : INTERGALACTIC

2010-09-09T18:22:00.004+02:00

Fashion wants to conquer space in latest Who’s Next and Premiere Classe editions.

The visitor dives into the universe at the very entrance of the fair : a sort of airlock separates today’s Paris, which you are about to leave, from Tomorrow’s Fashion. Even the identity check confirms you that your badge is a kind of passport…

A metaphor for upcoming fashion through the exploration of space… Nice idea.

This allusion is very present, especially with the lights and neon lighting of the fair design. You also have “laser rays”, if you imagine them, in the coloured cabels tightly fixed at the entrance.

Who’s Next and Premiere Classe’s ads are related : One of them is a sort of warrior, the kind you find in Star Wars, and on the other, you find his geisha.

The atmosphere chosen by the art director has a logical following in the NOMAD INTERGALACTIK selection, which shows the work of UFO – designers. UFO, not because they come from other galaxies (but who knows?) but because their work is original in today’s fashion. Soon a focus on a few of them on Bulles de Mode.

In the meantime, a few words about the falous catwalk SHOW, which you could also call Intergalactic…

Here are some reasons :

Two escalators, huge neon billboards, step. A vertical stage, very uplifting.

Concept goes on at the start of the music and lights. Electonical music, with a very low voice giving the rythm.

Smoke comes in the heart of the stage. A silhouette comes out of it, Sylphide is written on the stage. Motionless, she attracts the attention in one second. Then, graceful and slow, she goes down, step after step, to show herself in the full light. WOW !

After a little turn, she lets her place to a series of very different but complementary stories. Constant are youth and their rituals, danses, hip swaying. The circle forms around one dancer, followed by the next, who dances alone, and so on.

The clothes are incredible in fabrics, colours and shapes. A Japanese influence. Much poetry.

You feel like watching Luc Besson’s Fifth Element, and that the models and situations reflect the ones of the future.

Danse is very present, and impulses the rythm of the stories. A sort of musical ! Anyway, the models-dancers seem to enjoy themselves!

Crazy but realistic, I found. Offbeat but likely. Powerful isn’t it ?

Congratulation to the choreographs, I found the show amazing, with a richness I wasn’t expecting.

The final ? The French olides, TATA YOYO, by Annie Cordy. A funny twinckle of the eye, totally unexpected, which makes you smile, after staring wide-eyed.

Morality of the story ?

To me, invite everybody to have fun with fashion.

Fashion is this explosion of colours, shapes and fabrics. The only thing which counts is to express your personality, mood, desires, without taboos, limits or constraints. HAVE FUN !

Other pictures : here.
Soon videos...

Attention : these pictures are not free of rights. Thank you to write if you want to use them.

Parisian Marathon 2010 : Day 2 MODE CITY

2010-09-05T08:19:00.000+02:00

There were certainly much more people yesterday, of course with the opening of Prêt-à-porter, Whos'next-Première Classe et Mode City-Interfilière.

Thanks to my Press-Badge, I could do pretty pictures of the Swimwear Catwalk.
I'll publish them tonight.

Difficult to tell you the brands, there were different from one model to another. But at least you can have a look. Soon videos on the Bulles de Mode Channel on Youtube.

Parisian Marathon 2010 : Day 1 ECLAT DE MODE

2010-09-04T00:01:00.002+02:00

First pictures, without order. The text will come later :-)

I got my Kicks on Route 66 !

2010-09-01T22:57:00.000+02:00

It's the end of the summer !

The suitcases are carefully put away, waiting for next year, the swimsuits finish drying in the shade, and the agenda demands attention again, all your attention !

Before diving into the busy-ness of the Paris Fashion Trade Fairs, a little break, memories of the holidays ....

Meeting Nixia Varela Lamar, Panamanian designer

2010-08-29T09:00:00.000+02:00

Fashion is universal !

To follow this line, let's discover this week a designer from Panama, Nixia Varela Lamar.

Remember your geography...

Panama is a country of Central America, famous of course for its coveted Canal, completed in 1881.

Former colony, its native civilisation has been marked by the Spanish as in every South American country (apart from Brazil :-) ). At its independence, in 1821, Panama was a Colombian region, until 1903, when it began to form its true Panamanian identity.

To Nixia, this identity is built on the theme of connection : indeed, Panama, by its geographical situation in Central America, and by the sus-mentionned Canal, does link both Americas. Today, it's the Bridge of the Americas which makes this link palpable.

« Building the link…. »

Nixia grew between mountains and city, where the Spanish have left tracks in history and architecture. The designer tries also to draw a bridge between these two environments, her personal history, her culture, and the world. This is the theme of her latest collection.

Links between El Valle and Nixia's clutch bags

Few Panamanian designers put ther cultural difference forward. To Nixia, it's on the contrary a real richness, and a valuable difference. She thinks important to express one's creativity without forgetting one's roots.

Nature is also present in her creations, through peacock feathers, flowers, but also the fabric she uses : silk and molla, a local and traditional fabric. Some details, especially the work of beads embroidery, show her attachment to tradition.

FW 2010

For the Panama Fashion Week du Panama, which was on the last week of July, the designer had 35 models.

Sobriety of the lines, modern attitude : Nixia's woman is active and elegant, with lustrous fabrics, light veils and this little touch of glamour brought by the sequins !

Developpment Strategy

The brand Varela Lamar is presently distributed in a shop in Panama City, but will also be soon available online.

At first, export will target the USA, then Europe.

Nixia works as well on measure (which she loves, to adapt best to her clients' needs) as in ready-to-wear.

More info on the designer's website here.

Bulles Loves : New Chanel Ads

2010-08-27T09:00:00.001+02:00

Over the traditional shooting, in a sober but present scenery.

In its new campaigns, Chanel goes back to minimalism, the one Coco loved at her start.

White background, two pages, one with a logo, the other with the photo shoot.

J'A-DORE !

90-2010 : The ideal Bathing suit

2010-08-25T09:00:00.131+02:00

This year, I have the chance to go to Mode City in September. Before discovering the fair trade, and the news of the lounge-, under- and swim-wear worlds, I decided to go and try incognito bathing suits, and perhaps find the Ideal one.

When you think of it, what would be the One ?

I would think, perhaps a shape which flatters the body, without revealing everything. A shape which would offer a certain support, but with comfort. A print pattern, or a colour which would be trendy, but suit my favourites. A nice detail which would give the final touch, as an accessory finishes an outfit off. And of course, I would also look at the price, the fabric's quality, and the sewing work.

A little drawing of what could be the bathing suit of the Future, in blue metallic fabric, with bustier, lace boots, epaulets and matching covering glasses. Of course sexy, apparently one of the B.Suits first missions... Really?

Before... After !

As a teenager, the buying of a B.suit was a real QUEST. You know, this search of an absolute and unreachable ideal. Every year the same anxiety. Don't even think of going to a trendy shop, or in a standard chain-shop, like H&M, C&A, Orcanta or ETAM (French underwear and swimwear chains). NOPE !
It's +sizes underwear-specialised shops, or department stores, if you want the choice. But in the latter, the B.Suits are available in February... so you can't still wait for the sales...

As regards distribution, it is quite the same today, but some chain-shops, as ETAM and Soleil Sucré try and offer now D and DD sizes, and better adapted shapes.

Comeback to the fitting-room... Once in the shop, alone in the fitting-room, always the same questions : will I need to try the whole collection to finally choose the least worse model? Will there be other shapes than the traditionnal half and wired bra, with wide braces and a seam in the middle of the breast? Will the prints be modern and less old-fashioned than the colours I like?
And the salesperson, a middle-aged woman who is no longer sensitive to your young woman considerations...

This year, I saw with delight that the brands have realized that today's woman has more breast and taste !

Just to tell you, in about 30 years, the French woman has taken one size, from B to C, and her breast is approximately 93,7cm (about 36'')... (source : National measurement campaign, 2006).

It's incredible to see how the B.Suit market has evolved in 15 years.

NO Match models

First step of this change was for me the creation of dismatched models. About 10 years ago, marketing observed on the beach that the girls would rather mix their B.suits. Several brands have decided to differentiate using this principle and sell dismatched but matchable outfits. Picture : Victoria's Secret 2010

Coherence comes with the detail, the print, a piece of jewelry, or a colour / fabric. No size problems any longer, if you are thinner from top or bottom : you can choose !

In the meantime, marketing also developped different shapes of bottoms to fit every morpholy : string bikini, thong brief, panty, shorty, regular underpants, or even G-string for the boldest. The dismatched b.Suit, now a standard of b.Suits market. Such an evolution !

Development of the supply

Second step, I could observe in the underwear shop I've been to, that the +-sizes corner has doubled or trippled ! Has the market increased or is it only the increasing awareness of the brands, and thus a development of choice? Both, Sir !
In fact, I discovered new brands : Maryan Melhorn, Anita, Freya, Empreinte, Fantaisie.

Technology : smart fabrics

Third step, technology. Today, you can hear often about smart and smarter fabrics. Undistortable, UV-radiations filtrating, bodyshaping fabrics have first invaded underwear - waist belts for example - and invite themselves to the closest market : the beachwear.
There are also new fabrics which you don't need to sew. They are formed ! The consumer gains thus comfort.

Revolution in Shapes

Over the triangle breasts, like Madonna ! Shapes benefit from these new techs, and fabrics and braces, offer new possibilities to generous breats.
Halle Berry's and Ursula Andres's James Bond teardrops take over the half and wired bras.
So, breast is no longer so impressive, because it is not seperated, and it becomes more sexy, as in the Wonderbra's merger . Questions?

Technicality also decreases the amount of fabric. You then leave your armour, without giving up the comfort. And you don't look like an 80s fitness teacher!

I think the major evolution was also to suppress all rubbers and undetachable shells on D and after sizes. Honnestly, wasn't there an error in the problem statement ?

Price

To finish off, greater market implies economy of scales, so a direct influence on prices. Before, you had to spend at least as much as for an underwear outfit (from 800 to 1000 francs, which is now about 120 and 150 euros). The b.suits I tried were 70 euros, and there was a 20% sales on it. QED.

Results of the enquiry : I loved a Freya model, purple teardrop, with a little heart in the brace. I have to say I'm in the target of the brand... :-)
Eclipse, here in Red Star (Freya)

A real comfort, a real support (yep I play beach-volley!), without having a canvas in the middle of the chest!

Well... if you insist, it still exists !

Shoe Challenge #29 : Grey and rose Platforms

2010-08-23T09:00:00.001+02:00

Objectif : 70
Done : 29

PROLONGATIONS - Spartoo Challenge 80 euros* to win !

2010-08-21T04:47:00.000+02:00

As it is still the holidays, the Bulles de Mode and Spartoo Challenge is postponed untill 15th September instead of 30th August.

Don't hesitate, and start thinking of your story !

Soon back to work, there must be a shoe pair blinking at you ...

The rules are here.
A 80-euro vouche(*)r for the winner !

Good luck everyone !

TRENDS FALL 2010 ECLAT DE MODE

2010-08-20T09:00:00.001+02:00

Organized by Reed Expositions, Eclat de Mode (or Bijorhca) is a trade fair dedicated to jewels and accessories. For seasons, its ads have inspired me.

In September, I've already told you, another beautiful ad, announcing this fall's trends.

Little analysis :

- Red hair. If you are not already ginger, run to your hairdresser's ! This colour is THE trend you sloud not miss. I might tell you more soon. Still reluctant?
Then watch the popular French big brother cariation called "Secret Story" . 3 red-haired and a red red haired women, égalité with the blondes.

- green, continuing its way. After garden and spring colours, it's on for the winter !
We saw some at Gaultier, Lefranc-Ferrant, Chanel, ...

- the fur... le Pompon.
Fur again this winter, it's been three years now. Of course it's so chic to have faux-fur as soft and beautiful as the real one !
For Gustavo Lins, even the fur is... green ! But if you'l like pink or blue, you might find your needs at New Look :

A trend concentrate this ad, do'nt you think? Powerful !

Else, on the fair trade, I appreciate the FASHION TRENDS corner, which describes all upcoming fashion musts. Summary...

4 directions to work on if you want to be sharp this winter :

- FROSTY WHITE

The sophistication of the Snow Queen, draped in cold but luminous colours. Silver, pearls, mother-of-pearl, crystal, will be your fetish materials to shine a thousand lights.

- NOMAD LUXURY

The audacity ot the Queen of Steppe, draped in warm and luminous colours. Fur, leather, trimmings, copper, amber give you the brightness of the Mongolian great spaces.
This is a major fashion trend which has already been developped litterally by Galliano (center) and more subtly by Catherine Malandrino.

- PASSIONATE RED
The sensuality of a Tango or Flamenco dancer. Dare red, black, with lace, feathers, velvet, dark jewels, and strass ...

- MALE CHIC

The elegance of an urban woman, who seizes the power ! In the lineage of Coco, and YSL, the masculine inspiration gives a fascinating charm to officer jackets and 3-piece suits. The might of leather and tweed, gives you the self-confidence of an EMMA PEEL ! cp. last Gaultier show for Hermès.

If you want more info about the trends developped by Elizabeth Leriche Fashion Style Forecasting and Trends Agency, please download the style book : here.

Debriefing of the trade fair, in a few weeks. In the meantime, it's here.

Sources : images défilé par Imaxtree (Madame Figaro).

Bulles Wants : a dressing for my shoes... A shoesing?

2010-08-17T09:00:00.000+02:00

Source : Douglas Friedman
Thanks Sea of Shoes !

Aqua di Gioia : back to nature

2010-08-15T09:00:00.000+02:00

Emily DiDonato is the image of Armani's new feminine fragrance.

I have been sincerely surprised by the fragrance's film.

... Under the moonlight, dewdrops are forming on the leafs, a sublime woman walks in the lush jungle. ,It starts raining, and the streaming water reveals the beauty and sensuality of the young woman. The musique is soft, almost giving shivers, with the piano and violins.

The woman comes out of the jungle, runs accross the beach, among the rocks, and jumps into the water, to play with the waves forming at the border, and her wet dress. Sensuality again...

I'm been surprised, because this campaign is so radically different from the ones Armani usually offers. Exit alluring and sensuous woman.

Welcome natural woman, in harmony with nature. The image of the water crossing the sky, streaming on the trees, to join the ground and the sea stands for and celebrates a communion between those elements.

I like this campaign !

So, let's go and try the mint, jasmine and lemon of the fragrance !

MUST accessory of the summer : the fan !

2010-08-11T08:00:00.118+02:00

Openwork, handpainted, in fabric, paper, bamboo, ivory, feathers, with flowers, naive, touristic prints, the fan has been present in every civilizations throughout the globe, and this, for centuries and millenia. However, it has nearly disappeared from our day to day life...

Little focus on the itstory of this object.

Legends tell us that the tradition of fans goes back to India, before conquering other countries. Useful tool originally, (a little breath of air, but also an efficient take-away for flies) it quickly became a tool for seduction, a ceremonial piece, completing an outfit.

Often linked to Spain and flamenco dancers, the fam is also traditional in other culturel, contrary to castanets : Japan, China, environning asiatic civilizations, Spain of course, but also Egypt, where archeologs found two big feather-fans, decorated with gold and gems, and finally pre-Colombian civilizations.

This accessory is typically feminine, but it was used also by powerful people (you all have in mind the king, or pharaoh, whose slave brandishes a huge ostrich fan !)
and for religious rituals. The fan's forerunner, or flabellum, was in fact one of the Pope's attributes until the Vatican council about 40 years ago !
It even became a tool for political propaganda under the French Revolution.

In Japan, it is an accessory of Nô and martial arts, as in China, where it served as a weapon (closed, you can use it as a shield during a sabre fight).

Today, the individual (=mobile) fan exists in multiple shapes : quarter, flag (italian shape) lotus flower, etc. and in multiple materials.

The Greeks used peacock feathers, or lotus flowers, and the forerunner of the flexible fan (a Japanese innovation) appeared in the 9th century.

It's during the Renaissance, that the great sailors brought Pre-Colombian and Japanese fans to Europe courts.

The French words for this accessory were then esmouchoirs, esventours, or esventoirs. Italy developped a massive production, and improved in the use of swan feathers and skins, and vellum paper, on which they drew mythological scenes, or copies of paintings. The illustrations evolved, especially towards pastoral scenes, for marriage fans.

Progressively, with the Industrial Revolution, fans disappeared from the society. At the end of the 19th century, fans were produced in Celluloid, and became an advertising tool. During the 20th century, mass production, especially for touristic reasons, caused for me the collapse of this accessory. However you can still find very pretty fans today !

Fans have always been represented in Arts. If you don't know James Tissot, let me introduce you to the English aristocracy he depicted.

The fan today

It's hot, a scorching heat, with the growing greenhouse effet. But still, no comeback of the fan in our habits. l

Yet...

- the colour and shape possibilities are infinite, as for bags !

- it's a very delicate and refined object. Look at the Chinese wooden openwork and handpainted fans

- it's typically feminine to use a fan. It's glamour, and linked to seduction, and blinking. :-)

- it's so practical with the heat, and it fits into your bag !

In Spain, it is like mascara, you would not go out without ! (Théophile Gautier extract in French)

I love fans since my parents brought me one from Viet-Nam, when I was 10.
It was an openwork in sandalwood. Last month, I asked a friend on holiday in Madrid to bring me one... Ah la la, it's magnifique !!!!

Where do you find a pretty fan today ?

If you don't have a friend on holiday in Spain, or family there, you might want to visit those internet sites :
- Flamenco suppliers e.g Flamencoexport

- in stores, or on the web for the Lyon-based brand Véra Pilo.
It's a young brand, whose universe is fun, with nice and various colours.

Bulles de Mode meets her in September to let you know more about the designer and her creations !

More info : wiki, Place de l'éventail

Painting : Algérienne et son esclave, Tissier.

A Postcard from Vienna

2010-08-06T09:00:00.002+02:00

Last week-end, I received a postcard from Vienna. Give a look ...

KARL FOR LIBERATION, analysis

2010-08-03T09:00:00.002+02:00

Done ! I have just finished to read June 22th 's issue of Libération.
I don't know how people succeed in reading several newspapers everyday. There is so much info in here ! Apart from the free newspapers, I find it impossible to assimilate everything in one day !

I'm not used to reading dailys, so I don't know the classic Libé formula, but what I liked in this edition, were the "basic notes" at the bottom of the difficult articles, such as the conflict in Afghanistan. It's sometimes hard to understand anything when troops, terrorism, deads, rare ore and raw materials are involved. I appreciated those notes to come back to the primer problems and better see what's happening.

I really enjoyed KL's interview. Strange how I found myself reading with a sort of German accent... As if the article was written in a new language, the Karl.

Karl speaks of course of his ~~passion~~ obsession for books. Do you know his office-library in Paris ? He uses this landmark for the shootings, but also as an office. A magical place, which I would love to visit !!!

Karl, in the windows of Printemps, Paris, 2007

Karl tells us also about less well-known aspects of his personnality. You discover his love for good words and formulas. Every drawing he did to illustrate the news shows a humouristic and offbeat vision. I really liked the Marseillaise "cagole" by Karl. ("cagole" is a local slang term for bimbo).

In addition to the dozen of collections he draws every year, and the multiple collaborations with other brands, you read about Karl's new whim : the direction of films. Does this hyperactive man even sleep ?

Nothing to do with it, you know I've seen a picture of him once, without the sunglasses. It was for a shooting by Elle. That was something !

Another surprise in the newspapers? The giant ad for Light CocaCola, totally unexpected, at the middle of the paper!

And, at last, the last page, with the silver plate in which Karl brings us more than a Coke, also a special newspapers edition.

Don't forget that advertising is Number one revenue source !

Moreover, the circulation had been increased by 30%, in forecast of the "phenomenon". At 11:00 am, everything was sold out! I had to rely on a friend whose kiosk was remote enough to get some left in the afternoon. Ah ah !

As a conclusion : it's always very nice to see drawings in the news, especially by a famous designer. Interviews of him, Chinese portraits are classics, but still interesting to discover new facets. However I would have liked a column by Karl himself. I could'nt find any ! I wish I had.

I wonder if this edition has received the success which was forecasted. Who will be the next ? I suggest another powerful designer... Jean-Paul perhaps?

So, you're waited on hand and foot Ladies and Gents !

Shoe Challenge #28 : Python Print Platforms

2010-07-31T09:00:00.000+02:00

Objectif :70
Done : 28

No comment !

Meeting JEITO's designer

2010-07-30T18:00:00.000+02:00

Last week, I had a very nice afternoon, meeting Jeïto's designer, Sonia Philippot.

JEITO, is a brand of handmade jewels and accessories, unique models, or little series.
Why Jeïto ? « They are my beloved's initials, but it also means chic in Brazilian ». The designer likes these two meanings, for chic elegance is one of the brand's values.

Ther's no website yet, thus I had never seen Sonia's creations. After a few passionate - and passioning - minutes, I could not resist any longer to temptation...

Sonia then took her prototype from her bag : a padded casket, in grey and pink, the brand's colours. Lancôme's Fall 2010 colours ! Classy ! On th satin laid strings of wooden pearls in every existing colours.

Sonia held out a necklace to me, which I took nearly religiously.
The colour already gets me : a very nice fir tree green, enhanced by silver threads. If you look closer, the hreads are in reality ribbons, which envelop pearls of increasing sizes. Sonia uses essentially beech or box tree pearls, which she dresses with ribbons, or layers of paint.

The technique shes uses is incredible : such accuracy, and regularity in the envelopping, you could think the pearl was made like this. But it's real wood !

A satin ribbon links the pearls together, sometimes with a little knot, a series of different and smaller pearls, eand of course always the brand's identity, a small matt plate engraved.

Metal is absent, from Sonia's creations. It's not a lack of technique, for she formed by a jewellry, but a real choice, source of differentiation. Jeïto are jewels in fabrics and ribbons only.

After a classical career in Human Resources, it's a serious injury which drove Sonia to creation. Always optimistic about it, the woman considers this accident as a revelation and as a new gear for the development of her brand.

Today's collections consist principally in a series of necklaces, each more colourful than the other : orange e and pink, orange and yellow, green and silver, green and bronze, black and white.

I totally fell in love with the bicolour ribbon Sonia uses in several models. She also creates matching peal-rings, with a cute closing ribbone, hold by a heart-shaped button.

For the Winter, the designer works on a series of earrings prototypes. Ah la la, I Loved the purple pendants with little knots ! Also grey and pink, again, with much grace and subtlety.

For the moment, Jeïto creations are available only in private sales, but further development includes a website around Christmas. Can't wait the next private sale !

Source Jeïto.

Thank you to the clients who posed with their necklace.

Sacroche - Advertising analysis

2010-07-29T01:00:00.001+02:00

I've just discovered a new brand, whose ads really impressed me. So sexy, provocative, eccentric !

Let's see…

First series
Two women, one of whom has a androgynous look… A game of looks, poses, gestures. Brought to light? A bag, hanging from to a table border.

The picture is neat, and at the same time, something falls over.

I found those pictures very subversives :-)

Ambivalence, sensuality, and almost sexuality. Troubled, I then happen to wonder, what the ad is selling ????

The young woman holds an object, design, in her hand. I don't know if it is the gesture, the attitude, but that woman gives me the impression to be Cleopâtra, taming the asp….

The erotic tension is very present on this ad. Should this be a sex-toy?

Non, non ! The next ad is there to correct and explain. Thanks to a subtle game between product presentation, name of the brand and the little "e" in the shape of a sacroche, Interesting, this game besides, between the object's name, its designation under a brand name, and its shape. An infinite loop indeed :-)

Second serie
My favourites !

Eccentric, colourful, outbeat, waow this strips !!!

Nothing to do with the first series, but yet enriching them, with a fun, mockery way.

So, what do they sell ?

Sacroche, is an accessory which you can hold in your hand, very useful to avoid the thousands bacteria you can find on the ground. Let's hang your purse wherever you want!

Well, we all know this accessory, it's not so new.

In fact, it has been invented in the 18th century, but has been forgotten for a long time...
So useful, it deserves to earn back its place in our active and mobile woman day-to-day !

The purse holder exists in several shapes, from the basic rod, to the most technical jointed magnet , not mentioning the nice and eccentric shaped ones.

One more ? Well, yes, but this model has an advantage : you can custom it, with 4 colours of the rod, (black, silver, gold, copper), and 15 heads. To match your oufit, 60 possibilities !

A customer service is also there to fulfil your dreams, with additive strass, engravings, etc.

Please also note that Sacroche is a French Brand, based in Nancy :-)

More infos : on the brand's website.
Until August 8th, buy two get one free !

Shoe Challenge #27 : Beige High-Heeled Sandal Boots

2010-07-28T10:36:00.003+02:00

Objectif : 70
Done : 27

There was a fan, which mischievously played with our dresses... So we posed as Marylins !!!

Chanel's E-Commerce Strategy

2010-07-28T08:00:00.002+02:00

In terms of 2.0 strategies, Chanel is a precursor among other luxury brands. This is what reveals a very interesting article by the BOF, which you can read here.

In fact, since January 2008, Chanel relates its proper, original and exclusive contents on its blog, Chanel News. Secrets, making-ofs, exlcusive interviews, the whole world of Chanel and its backstage within reach of your ~~hand~~ mouse. But be careful, Chanel keeps an eye on the content !

The speech is carefully selected (normal !?). And somewhere I fin very subtle the reference which is made to the products. It's rather the universe which is shown, and the heritage of Gabrielle.

Else, the "Coco" part is itself a real dream, where you can discover personal objects of the designer.

Today I received a newsletter, inviting me to discover Shopping Fever N°3...

What? Number 3 ? I did not get Number 2, neither number 1? Ah, the art of frustration developped by the brand!

Well, so I click on the news, and there, I land on a pdf catalogue, with very nice pictures in white and black, staring Baptiste of course, but also Abby Lee and Dree Hemingway, and a reference to the film Shopping Fever, which Karl directed. I bustle round to find this film on the blog Chanel-news.com.

I realize then that the catalog is a series of pictures extracted from the short film.

The film is built like a teaser, with star names, a classical music, intimist lights of a Parisian Palace. If you want to watch the film, click here.

The outfits are great, but they aren't the ones of the latest fashions shows. New ones, specially created for the film?

Favourites : little black dresses, with belt and epaulets, armbands, and of course the cloak skirt suit, with the jewel brooch.

Alexander McQueen Visionnaire 58

2010-07-27T21:04:00.000+02:00

A collaboration started in 2003, which was never published...

Following the tragical death of McQueen this year, Visionnaire finishes the work and offers a special edition in its number 58, as a tribute to the couturier.

Stars, photographers*, an ode to the work of the artist, an essential collector. Well, if you have the budget (295 $).

To order: here, delivery in August.

*Lady Gaga, Steven Klein, Mario Testino, Nick Knight, Mario Sorrenti, Steven Meisel, David Sims, Sean Ellis, Sebastian Foena, ...

Creation, for Vanessa, of Unfini Couture

2010-07-27T19:11:00.000+02:00

"Chance always does a good job..."

For Vanessa, chance is a major part of her life.

What a chancce ! When we met, ot was the brand's birthday. "It's been right three years that I've decided to try and create my brand!".

It's also a question of chance that she started creating costumes, as she was working in a theater, and did not know how to sew.

"A revelation". From costume to costume (one by one, and one more !) she learns. She told me she even unsewed a whole closet, just to learn how they were assembled. Since then, she draws mentally every pattern she needs to build for a new creations.She only has to close her eyes !

Self-taught person, yes, but Vanessa also had a great experience at Pfaff where she improved her techniques, and knowledge of the sewing machines. Then she worked for a Lyon-Based Silk manufacturer. "I wanted to know more of the fabrics, the materials."

Today, she likes to discover nice fabrics, and this pleasure is also the one she likes to share with her clients. "What's the point having a beautiful silk, with velvet prints for example, if I keep it for myself? I have rather show it, share it, by sewing a dress for example, and imagine that the dress might travel, and be shown everywhere where its owner would go.".

To Vanessa, creation is also this way to share, to travel."I love imaging that my creations are traveling across the world. For example for Christmas, I have sold scarfs, which are now in New-Zealand, Australia, America. All my accessories can be folded to fit into a purse, and globe-trot".

She sold Her first collection, on the designers' markets. "It worked, so I went on."

"The brand's name is a game linked to the first costumes I sewed. (familiar "one more "= un de fini in French )". To me, who did not know how to sex, it was a kind of exploit, so long a time I had to work !" An... infinite time ! "The logo came naturally, while I was sketching ideas. I like round letters, so I finally reached this type of letters. I like the "infinite" idea, because in my opinion, fashion is a neverending cycle, eternal starting over."

"And it's a name which attracts attention".

Vanessa's creations do not work under main themes. She works following her instinct, and present desires, according to the fabrics she finds, the inspiration she has.
The quality but also the exclusiveness are leit-motives. "Do you imagine my client if she finds the same fabric she bought on somebody else's ? Impossible. I believe a designer has to offer designer clothes, so exception, quality of finishing, but also exclusiveness of the fabrics.

I like to work with Japanese cottons, and other fabrics, which I bring back from my travels. Vanessa tells me then about her latest travel to Viet-Nam, from where she brought a traditional costume. "I think I might cut into the fabric, to use this embroidery as a detail. I like fabrics to have a history, and write a new chapter, by giving them a whole new function in a very different piece of cloth."

Chinese cotton hairbands are in every collection by Vanessa. "I like this fabrics' rarity. It's such a fine and quality materials." Vanessa has them come directly from out there. It's expensive, yes, but "I really like them. There's an incredible variety of prints, colours, harmonies." She shows me the fabrics one of her clients chose to have a personnalised belt. pink, yellow, blue and green match together, along with arabesques and flower prints. However, no choking a harmony, but a very special one, in the lineage of Japanese aesthetics.

The Japanese influence exists also in the second constant in Vanessa's work. This winter, she plans to focus, and produce only kimonos.

"They were my first creations, because I couldn't find any in the shops. I love asiatic shapes, because they are so sober, and however elegant.
To show me what she has in mind, she goes and takes a book of hers, upon an exhibition of modern but old kimonos. Fascinating.

"Kimonos are often even more pretty inside. It's theri philosophy, the real wealth comes from the inside. I subscribe to this philosophy."

And there is also the comfort. Three qualities she tries to share in every creation.

The advantage of a kimono, is that you don't have any sizes. "I like to think my clothes accompany people in very different moments of their lives. For example if I gain or lose weight, or if I'm pregnant, I'll still be able to wear my kimono. It's a research I have for every piece of cloth I design."

Her inspiration, Vanessa has it from the 20's-30's, the roaring twenties !

"I like the curves of this time, especially in hats." Hats are Vanessa's other desire for the winter.

"I like to work directly in 3dimensions, on the head. And somewhere, it''s the hat which corresponds the best to my creation philosophy. It reveals a bit of a person's personality with great audacity. Not everyone wears a hat nowadays!"

Hats are Vanessa's new challenge. She did not learn how to create them, so she tries techniques, reads books, learns with her practice. "The first times, when I was new in Lyon, I had a shock seeing women dressed in black. It's practical, and I do the same now, but I like the idea that you can show who you are with what you wear. A hat is for me the little touch of colour and fantasy which brings freshness to an outfit. "

A contemplative silence settles down. "How crazy the path I've walked on already, since the theater ! A succession of chance and random meetings, and here I am in a wonderful and nice workshop. Already 3 years of creation, and I'm so happy !"

Sewing, Vanessa has it under her skin. I notice then for the first time her tatoo, on the forearm : a pair of scissors, following a broken line....

Source : Unfini Couture

Street-Bulles : Apéro Chic My Little

2010-07-27T17:00:00.000+02:00

I loved : a very smart outfit, consisting in a light silky skirt, with flower prints, neutral sleeveless shirt, and matching suede shoes.
SO CLASSY !

Incredible LouisVuitton House in Mexico

2010-07-27T13:03:00.000+02:00

In Mexico, there are tortillas, guacamole, but also fashion fans, especially Louis Vuitton lovers.

You always have infinite ways to express your passion, it's different from one person to another... Question of imagination, creativity, personality.

This Mexico-inhabitant decided to refresh his façade. (hand-painted!)

Incredible don't you think?

Photoshop? Might not be. But the picture is mysterious : it has been posted anonymously on the blog Hazme el Chingado Favor.

And you, would you pass from bag to house?

Apéro Chic My Little Lyon, Showroom Marie-Luce

2010-07-27T12:20:00.000+02:00

In a secret place, so chic a drink, outside on the roof, a nice night in July...

This was the script of the latest My Little Party, organized with their sponsor.

The landmark was beautiful : a pretty and cosy flat with terrace and mezzanine. This place is in fact Marie-Luce's Showroom. She is a specialist in design. I loved the furniture, all different, but well matched.

Oh, I would love a photo shoot in this place !

If you want to see more, it's here.

Elettra, Daria, French Coquettes by Lancôme Fall 2010

2010-07-26T20:18:00.002+02:00

Retro is a major fashion trend, which Lancôme has well identified, thus launching for Fall 2010 a new make-up collection based upon "Belle Epoque" style.

Aaron de Mey models the rose, icon of the brand, in a very Art Deco palette. The nail polish and lipsticks are dark chic, the glittering eye shadows.

Renew your smocky eyes with a glitter halo, which reveals the intensity of your look.

Grey and pink match very well, in subtle softness and elegance. Be prepared for the winter and wear this magical duet from now on !

Finish your Parisienne Chic Touch, by selecting also a big flower, or a little Bibi, which you'll match to your make-up. Yes ! Make-up is an accessory !

The video of the campaign by Mario Testino is here.
To find XXL flower brooches, shop Accessorize, H&M.

And if you are DIY Enthusiast, follow the Bubbleline :

You'll need :

- a nice plastic flower, for example at GDbôbalcons,

- a photo frame attachment device, or a piece of felt, matching the flower colour, to hide the brooch at the back of the flower.
- a brooch primer, for example at matierepremiere.fr

You can choose either to glue or sew the brooch primer,, my advise is to do both :-)

So, for less than 5 euros, you have a pretty flower brooch, which you can match, apart from your smile, with a little "I did it myself!'

Cathy Guetta Tweets For André

2010-07-25T07:00:00.000+02:00

Do you remember the "Blogger" collection by André?

The brand did it again, with first choice guest-star, Cathy Guetta.

After a book, a fragrance, Famous nights in France and Ibiza, this business-woman in chief goes on with the creation in 2009 of a brand of clothes, which will be represented by shoes this autumn.

Andre's Studio Line offers from September 4th on thirteen models of pumps, boots and ankle boots. Two years of work to reach a collection described as "glamour, sexy, funky", by Cathy herself.

The ambition is to deliver a collection of shoes affordable to anybody, especially teenagers. From 130 euros to 189 euros.... Woaw, isn't it a bunch ?

Anyway I like the kitsch effect of the platform pump pink sole...

Cathy herself poses for the ad campaign, starting on August 30th.

Decryption?

The scantily clad Beauty, after a party night? No, those curls are too fresh, the MU as well...

She's getting ready for a crazy night, with her pink pumps... ah la la !

Please note the use of the body, first come back into vogue thanks to Lady Gaga, now reaching the trendy world.

Shoe Challenge #26 : Turquoise Suede Fringed sandals

2010-07-24T11:57:00.000+02:00

Objectif : 70 (yes, latest update of the meter !!!! I swept up, to give room to new ones !)
Atteint : 26

A nice sunny afternoon outside the Café des Beaux Arts....

2nd Lyon Cinema Festival : tribute to Luchino Visconti

2010-07-24T00:58:00.002+02:00

Rolling out the red carpet, the manager of the Lumière Museum in Lyon, and Managing director of the Festival de Canes, Thierry Frémaux launched the Cinema Festival of Lyon in 2009, offering the complete works of Sergio Leone, with among others, Clint Eastwood as super guest-star.

This year, it's the complete work of Luchino Visconti which will be highlighted, through new copies, or restored ones.
The films : Ossessione, 1943, La Terra trema, 1951, Bellissima, 1951, Senso, 1954, Le Notti bianche, 1957, Rocco e i suoi fratelli, 1960, Il Gattopardo, 1963, Vaghe stelle dell’Orsa…, 1965, Lo Straniero, 1967, La Caduta degli dei, 1969, Morte a Venezia, 1971, Ludwig, 1973, Gruppo di famiglia in un interno, 1974, L’Innocente, 1976.

A selection of pictures about Violence and Passion will be shown at the Préfecture.

Other films, especially silent movies, will be shown also. Thus, the Festival takes on its role of cultural mediator, by the selection of rare indeed forgotten masterpieces.

You can already buy your ticket, especially for the opening ceremony. Be careful, already half of the tickets have been sold ! So don't be late !

If you want to know more about the festival here.
If you are nostalgic of 2009 edition, it's here.

Atmosphere of the Day : July 2010

2010-07-24T00:46:00.000+02:00

Private Sale PANTS TO POVERTY at Origeen

2010-07-21T01:40:00.000+02:00

On July 15th, Origeen organised a private sale of PANTS TO POVERTY.

This brand offers a colourful line of underwear in fair trade cotton, sometimes organic. Fun colours both for men and women !

On some models, the print of the little wings (from the logo). Others get the characteristic stripes. An incredible softness, and, for me THE advantage of this brand : the colours ! unusual for men underwear !

A little apple chip, and you can go on, and check the summer sale opportunities of the shop. It lasts until August 3rd, so don't be late ! Laspid T-Shirts are 15 Euros !

And always, the nice shopping windows, of course in the line of the concept.

Bulles de Mode at summertime... Happy Holidays !

2010-07-14T22:26:00.000+02:00

It's hot !

The rythm slows down ... Bulles rests in th shade before setting about the new Fall season, with even more news, trends, designers.

What's on in September ? New posts live from Fashion Trade Shows !

For your info, Bulles de Mode is very proud to be a partner of MODE CITY and ECLAT DE MODE.

More info soon !!!

Shoe Challenge #25 : Silver Tropeziennes

2010-07-13T13:11:00.001+02:00

Objectif : currently unavailable :-) *
Atteint : 25

*Ahem summer sale ... Hihi !
1st Kiss Kool effect, new pairs. YIPPIE !
2nd Kiss Kool effect : Compulsory End of Season Statement of current assets, for stock re-evaluation.
I'll ask you to attend to the General Meeting :-)

What a great lion, Only Lyon must be envious !

2010-07-08T11:42:00.000+02:00

Is Karl a bit megalomaniac ? ... I wonder, with this golden lion, whose paw lies - possessively? - on an immaculate pearl (the world?)
I consider this as an affirmation of his empire, or better, his hold on the fashion world, and aesthetics in general. Remember the Coca-Cola Bottle? but also the French mail-order selling catalog 3Suisses, or the Karl Lagerfeld collection at the French Optic 2000 opticians, or Karl as chief editor of the French newspapers Liberation. KARL IS EVERYWHERE !!

I recall Dustin Hoffman as Hook wondering what the world would be without Hook.
So... What would be the world without Karl?

Source : Fashionmag / Pixelformula.

Dior likes Women to be Flowers for Fall 2010

2010-07-08T11:28:00.004+02:00

Colours, corollas, stamen, pistils, but also raffia, cellophane, in short a wonderful bouquet of silhouettes offered by Galliano for Fall 2010.

Flower Prints, sharp and constrasting colours. Clever harmonies which evoke lily, orchifds, camelias, irises, etc.

The underskirts become petals of the Flowerised Woman.

Hairdressing is also telling us the language of flowers : bulb here, corolla there. With much poetry !

The shapes tend to look like New Look by Dior clothes. And a certain reference to Alice also?

Euhm.... Isn't it very "summer" however ???
(cf. Chanel fashion show, which os more "Autumn", with hheavier fabrics. Soon an article).

Source : Fashionmag / Pixelformula.

A light and bag by Sheila Kennedy

2010-07-08T11:18:00.000+02:00

Some developing countries live only with daylight. Once the sun has set, activity stops. When she left Mexico after a trip there, struck by what she calls "ernegy poverty", architect Sheila Kennedy got the idea to create a bag who would be used as well as light and energy source (LED,USB).

Back to the USA, she developped an association with Elle and designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Loomstate, Diane von Furstenberg, Loeffler Randall, Lutz & Patmos, Rogan, Vena Cava, and Zero + Maria Cornejo, to create a series of exclusive bags, to be sold on Ebay. You can make a bid forone of those until July 15th, it's here.

This initiative goes on with the Portable Light Project, a non-profit organization which provides solar textile kits to energy-poor areas.

Fashion Show Esmod Lyon 2010 - Pictures

2010-07-06T23:40:00.000+02:00

ESMOD organizes every year a fashion show to show the work of 1st, 2nd and 3rd (graduate students) students.

This year, the show took place at the Moulding Museum. It is a museum where you can find mouldings of sculpture masterpieces.

As a speaker to the show, Alain Boix, head teacher of the school. 3 different times in the show : first, the work of the 1st years, around the dress, then, the 2nd-year students, about women suit and denim, and finally, the first collections of the third-year students. At the end of the show, an awards ceremony.

This year's theme : "Borderline".

Soon, a video. For the moment, you can watch the pictures, here.

Some of third-year's collection were so inspired, especially the one of the winner of the Jury Prize. I also loved the surprising suits of another rewarded student.

Style was also in the audience. Such a pleasure for your eyes.

Soon, the videos !

Fashion Show Mousselines of Tarare - Video Part. 1&2

2010-07-03T11:30:00.001+02:00

This is it !

Approx. 10 hours of work, with the help of an expert, (thank you !!!!!) :-), and here is the result, nearly 15 minutes of great happiness :-)

Oooops... Youtube doesn't accept more than 10-minutes long videos, so you'll have to watch part 1 and 2 to see the whole.

Part 1, is here.
Part 2 (Nicolas Fafiotte and Final) here.

Next podcast will soon be available. It is the final show of ESMOD Fashion School 2010.

An afternoon at the Cintra.... Shooting

2010-07-03T01:57:00.003+02:00

The Cintra is the oldest bar in Lyon. Its decoration hasn't changed since its creation in 1921. Even the paneling are original !

A magical place !

Thanks to Julien, who took over the bar 6 years ago, and Claire's complicity, we organised a little shooting (the first, but not the last!)

I have the great pleasure to show you one of my latest creations, in a fabulous place !

Overview :

To see the whole shooting, please, click here.

Otherwise, more info on the bar : outside, wrought iron chairs and big trees provide a peaceful and comfortable place when it's so hot.

The Cintra likes fashion : on Thursdays, during the year, it organises fashion shows, presentations, entertaining events.

Again thank ,you to the team, who received us so nicely and kindly.

LE CINTRA 43 Rue de la Bourse 69002 Lyon

Style Hesitations : High-heeled Tennis Shoes

2010-07-02T23:59:00.000+02:00

It's Pataugas 60's Birthday this year !
On this occasion, the brand republishes its original model, called AUTHENTIQUE.

At San Marina, I could see that they have also very nice products. Judge for yourself !

I have been impressed by other models, especially by COSMO, which is often my aboslute dream for shoes!

Otherwise, I had a shock discovering the NafNaf-like tennis shoes which I used to wear when I was 10, just before Converse got its success (personally I had 7ups !!!) ...
A shock, I was saying, discovering these 90's shoes, in a Pataugas way for the soles, but... with HIGH HEELS !!!
SHOCK !

I must say I'm not convinced. Are you?

Shoe Challenge #24: Silver Sandals

2010-07-02T23:47:00.001+02:00

Objectif : 64
Done : 24

Presently, I love this coral colour. It's such a luminous colour ! For a wonderful and healthy look.

2010-07-02T21:26:00.000+02:00

A wonderful way to buy these fantastic shoes you are dreaming of !

Try and play at the summer Game !

The winner will take a 80-euros voucher at Spartoo.
The rules are here.

Good Luck everyone !
Until : August 31st.

Shoe Challenge #23 : Bronze sandals

2010-07-01T01:58:00.002+02:00

Objectif : 64
Done : 23

For the Esmod Fashion Show, I take out my glitter !
Soon pictures, and videos. Stay Tuned !

Backward texture : Ermenelwen

The mystery of the Bag .... the Return !

2010-06-30T02:21:00.000+02:00

I have investigated a few months ago, like a very skilled Sherlock Holmes, you probably recall it :-)

If you don't, please follow this link.

This time, I have not hesitated a hundred times, before asking the third person I saw with it.This blue, sequinned bag was offered for Christmas by ... Sephora

Which just goes to show that the power of presents is very ... powerful ! We French people tend to under-estimate what American people really do understand very well.

6 months after receiving this bag, people still wear it ! "Free" advertising, maximum profitability, don(t you think so?

Well, if you d'ont have yours, you could still find one...

In the meantime, Yves Rocher did it again !!!
I investigated once more, and found Mystery Bag N°1's brother. Let's meet Mystery Bag N°2.