What is Vintage?

Vintage (from the online Oxford Dictionary)
noun 
1 the year or place in which wine was produced.
2 a wine of high quality made from the crop of a single identified district in a good year. 
3 the harvesting of grapes for winemaking. 
4 the grapes or wine of a particular season. 
5 the time that something was produced.
adjective 
1 referring to vintage wine. 
2 referring to something from the past of high quality.



Vintage fashion acquired its name from vintage wine, a better way of categorizing second-hand clothing that belonged to a certain era. Since second-hand could mean any item, it didn't do the older and more original pieces any justice.


There is no exact rule/definition of what is vintage, there are different schools of thought but there is a general idea of it. As with vintage wine, it has to pertain to a year it was produced, be available in limited supply and to some people its a collectible item especially if it was from a luxury label. It doesn't necessarily mean it has to be from a luxury designer, but just the fact that its a piece that pertains to an eras fashion like shoulder padded 80's jackets or flapper dresses.


There is some debate that a vintage item can only be 15 years or older and clothing made before the 1920s are considered 'antique', while clothing made in the 80s to mid-90s 'retro'. 


A vintage item is something that is in great shape and not a rag.
Like one would pay a lot for a vintage watch or vase in great shape, that's the same idea that should be expected of a piece of clothing. It's pre-worn but in excellent shape and hard to find, making it super special and stylish.


Another version of vintage is making era inspired pieces from vintage fabric. 
Inspired vintage on-the-other-hand, is a vintage design but with new fabric.


Most importantly don't be afraid to buy and love your vintage. 
After all you will be the only one wearing it ;)

10 boutiques in Dubai you must visit!

These are 10 of my favorite Dubai boutiques to inspire the wardrobe and the mind ;)
This is more of an insight rather than a shopping guide. We have tons of malls with tons of shops, but this list is for the kitsch, stylish and young designer items. Each piece being a wearable art.


People in Dubai are very nice and the stores are nicer. Shopping here is great, endless supply of everything!

Have fun..

I've included locations/landmarks to make it easier for the cab driver.


50 Degrees - in Souk Al Bahar

Minimalist. Simple. Clean. And a super concept store.


5 Green - in Bur Dubai next to DHL

This store was one of the first concept stores to open in Dubai back somewhere in 2004, combining art, music, literature, exhibitions and fashion, it's still as cool as ever!

5 Green website - click here


Amzaan - in Wafi Mall

For the trendy, casual and social girl in all of us and with access to young local designers, this place is a must if on a shopping spree!

Boom & Mellow - in Mall of the Emirates

Reminds me of the beautiful Parisian boutiques. Très jolie..
Boom & Mellow website - click here


Ginger & Lace - in Wafi Mall
Cute, girly and pink! Every-time I go there I discover a new designer. 
Ginger & Lace website - click here


IF - Jumeirah next to Central Perk cafe

IF you can pull of what they have then by all means go for it. 

A huge and gorgeous 2 level villa with clothes, clothes and clothes! 

I'd say if you just wear black or prefer darker colors, biased cuts, asymmetric cardigans, plastic belts then this is for you. Showcasing genius designer labels such as Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe and Maison Martin Margiela.

O Boutique - Jumeirah beach road right next to Roadster diner and the One furniture

Funky furniture by students, chocolate calculators, a Sponge bob painting and really unusual gift items. Need I say more?


O'de Rose - right opposite Choithram supermarket in Umm Suqueim

If I had to describe this place in one word it would be magical! It will put a spell on you..

Villa turned Middle Eastern boutique with a relaxing and homey essence. It's more like a museum of Arabian pop art mixed in with oriental antiques with a twist. SOOO many things to see and buy.. Good luck!

O'de Rose website - click here


Sauce - at the Village Mall on Jumeirah beach road and Dubai Mall

If you want quirky and girly, Sauce is the place to go. The place makes me feel like I'm going into a dolls house or a girly candy store. Endless supply of clothes that will make your heart skip a beat!


Tigerlily - in Wafi Mall

Also one of the early stores to bring in names such as Future Classics, Mathew Williamson and Chloe. 


If you need more personal help, feel free to contact us info@xoxochickpeas.com

or check out Dubai City Guide

Kitty Cooper's eco-styled footwera

Please welcome Kitty Cooper and her Riverbank Carnival Collection! (the trumpets play)
A wide array of very feminine and stylish eco-footwear, a trend that is slowly emerging amongst young designers. 
People and fashionistas (because fashionistas are a very different breed of people!) are more and more environmentally cautious and so are looking for eco-friendly options. And here we found a designer who has a very quirky, kitsch and sustainable line.
Her environmental cautiousness starts all the way from her fabrics, which are all vintage fabrics through to her packaging.

(For more info about Kitty Cooper's collection, please visit the website by clicking on the title.)

and now The Riverbank Carnival Collection

Rich

Buy Rich

Luke

Buy Luke







Rose Lee

Buy Rose Lee

Not for the 'fashion victims'!

Unusual... Twisted... Quirky... Les Queues de Sardines (Translation: Sardine Tails)

check out the website for the complete collection and the limited ones!

QR Codes

Unbelievable technology!! 
It's already all over Japan, on billboards, flyers, emailer.. etc..


As usual we are still way behind.. 

Tips on how to scan it from your phone:

- For Blackberry's: the easiest way I know is to go to your BB Instant Messenger, Opions>Scan a Group Barcode>Slowly press the camera button and a weird sound should come out, like the supermarket barcode scanner (the tricky part)> et Voila! 

- iPhone's: For iPhone's you need to download an application called NeoReader to get your phone to read the code

But hey, here's ours!

A Single Man

Did you ever think that although the canvas of a fashion designer maybe a piece of cloth meticulously draped or a runway concept so avant-garde, it always has so much thought, life and imagination transporting you to their state of mind.. 

Now imagine these thoughts and ideas used to make film.. 

Tom Ford, director and screenplay writer for 'A Single Man', a 3 Golden Globe Award nominee and Official Selection in London, Tokyo and Toronto Film Festivals.

He did it again..

Watch 'A Single Man' Trailer

Maison Martin Margiela

Unconventional and cutting edge.

Designer/artist

Our man of the month (maybe even year!)

Mr. Martin Margiela or Maison Martin Margiela

Unusual website (as with all his collections) http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/

Belgian born fashion designer with a degree from Antwerp's Royal Academy of Fine Arts, rumored role in the collective Antwerp Six. In his early years a designer for Jean Paul Gaultier and later on a creative director for the Hermes women's line... 

All that and more, but at this point I'll save you the history class. Look at his collection and then be a judge of whether you want to read more about him or not.

Deconstructed cuts, edgy, asymmetric, messed up proportions, wearable art and just weird items

Puts mainstream fashion to shame.. even art

HIS stuff should be in museums 

An acquired taste

Wearing a Maison Martin Margiela will attract a lot of attention but not the usual stares

something more like 'what the hell is.. is that.. how is she wearing it.. Oh interesting' stares.. 

Monochromatic palettes with hints of color

take a look at my top items

AIDS t-shirt with a percent of the proceeds given to the Association 'AIDES' France
Originally part of the A/W 1993/4 collection, but has been in every season ever since.

http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/en/collections/PE2010/collection-13.html

As seen in the Madonna 'Celebration' video

Fine jewelry indeed (also notice the display)

http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/en/collections/PE2010/collection-14.html

And last but not least the collection...

http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/en/collections/PE2010/collection-1et4.html

http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/en/collections/PE2010/collection-10et14.html

'Cat Burglar' Barbie

Turns out Barbie has a French godfather, who hearts sexy shoes and dramatic fashion.

Would u like to guess who that would be?

Who else but Christian Louboutin.

Christian Louboutin designed THREE barbie dolls of which the first became available on Net-A-Porter on December 4th, and has already sold out!


Press release on stylist.com reads:
Christian Louboutin Barbie Sells Out in One Day on Net-A-Porter

Oh, what a girl won't do to snag a pair of Louboutins -- even if they're completely unwearable -- for under $200!

While the first Barbie by Christian Louboutin became available on Net-A-Porter just yesterday (Dec. 4), alas, it has already sold out!

Now, shoe fiends coveting the $150 limited edition 'Cat Burglar' Barbie will have to add it to their Net-A-Porter 'wish list' in order to be notified when the dolls are back in stock.

One look at the fiery-haired Barbie and we can pretty much understand why she flew off the virtual shelves so quickly. The mini fashionista not only comes wearing a smokin' second skin catsuit, but with four drool-worthy pairs of mini Louboutins, too.

The pint-sized, red-soled wonder includes the strappy "Differa" sandal (that seemingly fit over Barbie's "too fat" ankles -- Louboutin's words, not ours!), sleek "Miss" ankle boots, bright pink "Claudia" peep-toes and leopard print "Altameche" knee-high boots -- along with tiny Louboutin boxes and bags to hold each, plus Barbie and Louboutin's Paris travel journal. Swoon.

While new Louboutin Barbies will be released in 2010 -- with safari, showgirl and Cannes Film Festival themes -- let this story be a lesson to all the procrastinators out there (and yes, we sadly fall into that category, as well).

In the meantime, check out what Barbie herself thinks about the Louboutin makeover in StyleList's exclusive interview with the world's most famous blonde.

http://www.stylelist.com/2009/12/05/christian-louboutin-barbie-sells-out-on-net-a-porter/

xoxo

Betsy

Itaru Yonenaga from Tou

This guy is a genius!

He gave normal everyday items a whole new meaning and that is the concept behind Tou products.
'Tou' is finding your point or a different view point on something so mundane, so everyday. Mix it with a little imagination and creativity et voila! Wearable Art...

Some my favorite items by Tou:

The Sweater form (or the Swarf as I like to call it)


Long hand scarf


2face Cap

Cool just got colored!

I'm totally speechless at this discovery.. and I don't care how old it is or that it can kill me!

No matter what kind of a smoker or non-smoker you are, just one look at that and it'll make anybody start puffing away!

Thank you Nat Sherman!



AND a lovely disclaimer from where I found the post on this COOL product
'Disclaimer: thoroughly endorses the need to be different in order to be noticed. Most of you have turned your back on smoking to the point where it is once again becoming “in” to smoke. Remember indies, addiction isn’t fun. If you’re prone to addiction don’t be an idiot loser and take up smoking. It’s pathetic. If you are addicted to smoking, get off of it. No one thinks your special. Casual smokers rule the world. Just thought you’d like to know.'
http://fashionindie.com/trendspark-colored-cigarettes/

Too bad they don't deliver to the Middle East :(

xoxo
Sasuki

Mary Katrantzou dresses women in perfume bottle shapes!

I love how it's so easy to discover things on the net just by clicking some place random and signing up to this and checking that.. its just so convenient.. so I stumbled upon this today while setting up my 'Bloglovin' account and I thought Ah! What an excellent addition to our blog! .. (this one is from www.designboom.com)

So this designer's fall/winter collection is inspired and focused on fancy 'Baccarat' like flasks of perfume.. which she uses to emphasize and outline women's bottle shape bodies.. As you can tell from the images, the coolest thing here is how these fabrics have these lovely flask patterns which do mostly all of the emphasizing in addition to the cut and design..

My take on it would be that its a more sophisticated way of saying 'Coca-cola' shaped body or 'Hour Glass' with a more literal treatment!

Her line is available at Paris' number one trendiest store (in my opinion) Colette

Chanel Classic Handbag

November 30th, 2007 / Posted in Chanel Handbags by Vlad Dusil.



One very commonly asked question on our Chanel Forum is on the difference between the Chanel Classic Flap and the Chanel Reissue 2.55 bags. I’ve scoured the forums this morning to educate myself, and our readers about the differences between the two. Let me start with a few historical facts on the Reissue.


HISTORY:
The lock on the Reissue is the original lock, it is called the Mademoiselle Lock as Ms Coco Chanel never married, the ‘CC’ lock was introduced to the Classic Flap Bags only in the 1980s by designer Karl Lagerfeld. The 2.55 in its name refers to the first release of the 2.55 bag in February of 1955. Coco Chanel grew up in an orphanage/convent, therefore, the double chain shoulder strap comes from when the children’s’ caretakers in the orphanage would dangle keys from their waists with the same type of chains as on the Reissue. Also, the zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap of the Reissue is where Coco sequestered her love letters, as she was having an affair at that time. The brownish red color of the inside represents the color of Coco and the rest of the children’s uniforms (the nuns’ were black with white trim: thus, the packaging on Chanel Parfum/Eau de Parfum/Eau de Toilette). The back outside flap of the Reissue actually marks where Coco would stash extra money!
Over the years there have been many variations to the original design of the 2.55, including the leather/fabric, the chain – metal vs. interwoven leather, single flap vs. double flap, and the closure – mademoiselle vs. interlocking CC. The 2.55 refers to all flap-style bags, including variations of the original! The term classic flap commonly refers to the flap with the interlocking CC closure and the leather interwoven chain.
In February 2005, Karl Lagerfeld re-made the 2.55 – exactly as Coco Chanel had made in 1955, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 2.55. It came to be known as the Reissue. Technically the term Reissue should only be used for the bags that were made to commemorate the original – so only those in 2005. However, it has become convenient to call all 2.55s that resemble the original 2.55 Reissues and all 2.55s that have the interlocking CCs Classic Flaps.
More on the fascinating history of the Reissue 2.55.


THE DIFFERENCES:
This thread, particularly post #57, gives a great amount of information on the differences between the two styles. If I may briefly summarize:
1. Closure/Locks: Classic has the double CC turn-style lock, the Reissue has the Mademoiselle lock (rectangular shape).
2. The handle: The reissue has an all chain handle, while the classic has leather interwoven between the chain links.
3. Reissue has a different type of leather, that is made to seem more worn than the caviar leather on the classics.
4. All the reissues have a double flap inside, whereas the Jumbo Classic does not.
5. The sizes on the Reissue are different than the sizes on the Classic Flaps.

Louis Vuitton: A Passion for creation

Louis Vuitton and Art

A symbol of French elegance and savoirvivre, Louis Vuitton has maintained close links with the art world for more than 150 years. As pioneers of the art of travel, Louis Vuitton and his successors have forged a strong relationship between traditional know-how and contemporary design.

The arrival of Marc Jacobs as artistic director in 1997 reinforced Louis Vuitton's ties with artists, notably through exemplary collaborations with Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. In Hong Kong, the Louis Vuitton and Art exhibition brings this exciting story to life illustrating the creative process through installations combining works of art and archive documents.

....

LOUIS VUITTON Art, Fashion & Arquitecture

"Of all modern luxury brands, Louis Vuitton can claim to maintain the richest and most varied associations with the world of art! The book is structured as a seductive anthology of the house’s most visible collaborations."

Enjoy the read!

xoxo
Betsy

Artist With His Signature on the City

By STEPHEN HOLDEN - Published: May 22, 2009 - NYTimes

“To Inform & Delight: The World of Milton Glaser” may leave you with the impression that the spirit of modern New York was conjured out of thin air by its subject, the celebrated graphic designer who is about to turn 80. It was Mr. Glaser who came up with the “I ♥ NY” logo in the 1970s when the city, then on the verge of bankruptcy, was widely perceived as a crime-infested danger zone. As the center of a campaign to revive New York, the logo helped reverse the decline and boost morale.

Mr. Glaser’s signature is everywhere: not just in logos but in magazines (he founded New York magazine with Clay Felker in 1968), on posters (his silhouette of Bob Dylan with psychedelic hair is one of his most famous) and in restaurants and supermarkets. The hallmarks of his work are its simplicity, wit and elegance; it may be commercial art, but with a capital A. One of his strategies, he says, is to appeal to the problem-solving part of the brain by creating simple visual puzzles.

Instead of a detailed biography, this small, heartening documentary, produced and directed by Wendy Keys, concentrates on his work, with analysis by many commentators, of whom the most articulate is Mr. Glaser himself. The film takes its title from a quotation of Horace — “the purpose of art is to inform and delight” — that encapsulates Mr. Glaser’s humanist aesthetic.

As a child, Mr. Glaser recalls, he grew up in a crowded three-room apartment in the Bronx and attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan and Cooper Union. He discovered the wonders of great art after winning a Fulbright scholarship to study at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, Italy, under the painter Giorgio Morandi. It was there, he recalls, that he realized “history was not the enemy” and he rejected strict modernism. We meet Mr. Glaser’s wife, Shirley, with whom he has collaborated on children’s books, and are shown the couple’s remarkable collection of African art.

Mr. Glaser, who speaks with the measured phrases of a born teacher, emerges as an articulate and humane philosopher of communication through art. “Everything is related to its opposite,” he observes. If you have light, there has to be darkness; truth requires lies; the world we live in is a kind of purgatory.

He is also a passionate connoisseur of good food, a pleasure he first discovered in Italy, and takes special pride in the Underground Gourmet columns he wrote with Jerome Snyder for New York magazine, because they showed middle-class New Yorkers the joys of the city’s ethnic restaurants.

His wry recollection of his mother’s frightening pasta recipe — boil a package of spaghetti for an hour, douse it with Velveeta and ketchup, bake it into a mound shaped like the dome of St. Peter’s, fry it in chicken fat, then slice it — explains a lot.

MILTON GLASER

To Inform & Delight

Opens on Friday in Manhattan.

Directed and produced by Wendy Keys; director of photography, David W. Leitner; edited by Tom Piper; music by Hayes Greenfield; released by Art House Films. At the Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street, Greenwich Village. Running time: 1 hour 13 minutes. This film is not rated.