February 19, 2012

F/W 2012 Fashion Week Live Streams, What is your opinion?

I don't know if I have been living under a rock and all of you already know this, but I am amazed and pleasantly surprised at how most designers are streaming their shows live for fall/winter 2012.

I am thrilled to be sitting here awaiting the anticipation of the start of a show and getting to watch it from the comfort of my own home as it is happening! I of course would love to be sitting at the shows themselves, (Let's face it, any self-respecting fashion lover would!) but so far this platform to me is the next best thing.

I keep thinking about how technology on different levels has brought fashion-lovers closer to a world that we might not have much access to otherwise. Let's take blogs for example: they are a means for people to communicate their interests and feed their love of whatever it may be in a very accessible manner. It gives people a form of expression and allows us to reach a mass audience worldwide, I dare to say it validates us on some level.

Twitter is ideal for spreading the word quickly. It is an ideal way for people to connect and disseminate information in under 140 characters from the comfort of a phone while on the go or on a computer from anywhere at anytime.

In fashion, I think these forms of communication allow us to follow great artists and commentators and feel an immediate connection that before technology would have never existed. I really enjoy hopping on twitter at any time of day and seeing the comments coming from those I follow about the latest news from the front rows at fashion week. Comments about the backstage last minute preps and who is wearing what that day at the shows, I feel this connection that I otherwise would not get from an article I might read a month later or even a day.

I remember when my fashion fix came from my monthly subscriptions to magazines like Vogue, Harpers Bazaar or Elle and I couldn't wait each month until a new issue arrived and I could devour as much fashion news as humanely possible. Before these developments in technology, I had to wait an entire month for that news and now we can acquire that immediate gratification via the internet on different platforms like blogs or twitter or visually through programs like instagram.  I am still a magazine junkie don't get me wrong, and for me the tangibility of a magazine can never be replaced however, I now combine the Internet and magazines to get my fashion fix. The internet is how we get fast snippets of information on whatever we want to know and magazines serve as a lasting acknowledgement of a great show, or a wonderful editorial on the latest trends, or some fabulous article we want to pour over and contemplate.

I would be really interested to know what all of you think about how the Internet and developments in technology have affected us?   Is it bringing us together and allowing us to have a piece of this once unattainable world? or does it make you feel even further away? Is knowing more right away overwhelming? or does it engage you and make you crave more?

My two cents as I take in Fashion Weeks across the globe via Live Stream. Keep the comments coming!

xx,
Amuse Shoes



Finale at Marios Schwab, London Fashion Week
Taken earlier today on my computer as I watched.

February 12, 2012

Rachel Zoe: Fall 2012

I have always been a fan of Rachel Zoe the stylist and I am extremely impressed with Rachel Zoe the designer! The fall 2012 line shows a richness in textures, colours and wearability.
These are a few of my favourite looks from the collection:

This pantsuit is to die for!! I am loving the colour combination and the pussy bow blouse.

So happy to see knits still going strong for fall 2012!



Zoe's combination of prints, chunky knits and leather is fabulous!!

You know I can't let a post go without commenting on the shoes.
The over-the-knee platform suede boots are a must have!
photo source: www.style.com

Steiger Shoe Atelier

In my travels of researching the shoe world I keep running across a shoe with a very distinct heel, it's bent back and visually looks like you would be performing a feat of acrobatics trying to walk in them. Well, I am pleased to say that I finally discovered who makes these incredibly interesting shoes!, Walter Steiger. Walter Steiger is a shoe atelier that was started in the 1930's  and has remained until today a family-run business. They have collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion such as Oscar De La Renta, Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein. Walter Steiger has been a major influence on modern-day footwear design and are known for a minimal design, a high-level of craftsmanship and the use of only the very best materials.
 Recently, they opened a "Steiger Bottier", a Parisian studio dedicated to made-to-measure shoes for Men and Women. This is a luxury well worth paying for! If I ever have the pleasure of visiting and acquiring a pair, I would be the happiest girl in the world!

Oh! and this crazy heel shaped like a comma?... believe it or not creates great stability and are quite comfortable!

See below for some of the most recent designs in the collection, as well as a photo of the Steiger Bottier.









Inside the "Steiger Bottier", oh to be so lucky!!

photo source: www.waltersteiger.com

February 6, 2012

Vivian Ying: Designer to watch

The London College of Fashion recently did a show where they showcased the work of over 200 MA graduates. Vivian Ying caught my eye as a designer who I think will do really well in footwear design, she is innovative and extremely creative. Her inspiration for this collection was the Kimono, she set out to see if it was possible to apply the aesthetics and principles of Kimono wrapping into the techniques used in footwear. Her use of colour and textures is fantastic! I wish these were for sale and that I had a pair!

What do you think?, would these be shoes you would like to have on your feet?











photo source: http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/vivianying

February 5, 2012

Spring is Calling!

In light of the fact that it snowed here in London last night and as much as I like snow I am aching for Spring to arrive, I have decided to do today's post on fun spring shoe lines that I love and can't wait to get my feet into!  Which shoes are you coveting for the spring season?
Brian Atwood S/S 12

Brian Atwood S/S 12  


Brian Atwood S/S 12

Brian Atwood S/S 12


Brian Atwood S/S 12

Brian Atwood S/S 12

Brian Atwood S/S/12

Brian Atwood's collection for this Spring is just genius!! The use of pastels mixed with neon and bright primary colours makes me want to pack my bags and head for the Islands. Just looking at these shoes makes me happy!



Nicholas Kirkwood kept true to his style mixing materials and textures to create a line that is both sophisticated and fun. Again, the use of colour this season is just spectacular and so needed after a cold and grey winter.


Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12  

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12  

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12

Nicholas Kirkwood S/S 12  


Fendi and YSL went a slightly different route this spring using primary colours instead of pastels, neons and florals. Fendi's collection for spring looks a bit safari and African-inspired while YSL's would fit right in Paris or the French Riviera. Bateau Tops and Baguettes anyone?
Fendi S/S 12

Fendi S/S 12

Fendi S/S 12


Fendi S/S 12

Fendi S/S 12

Fendi S/S 12  


Yves Saint Laurent S/S 12

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 12

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 12

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 12