CLAUDIO CINA

"I DON'T WANT TO BE COOL, I WANT TO BE FASHION" Illustration Homage to ANNA DELLO RUSSO

For those of you who read my blog, it is no secret that I am a huge admirer, fan, and proponent of one of the most influential editors in Fashion today, ANNA DELLO RUSSO.  Her work can be seen on her website, annadellorusso.com.  When she is not busy running a magazine, styling an editorial, modeling in a fashion show, or dressing in the latest runway looks (a different one each time she leaves the house) she is spending time with her dog Cucciolina.

Here is the beginning of what I am planning to be a larger body of work, I have done some illustrations of ADR wearing only a few of the many memorable and iconic outfits that have made it to fashion week, where she has been photographed by the magazines, paparazzi and fashion bloggers. Let me know what you guys think.

Anna Dello Russo wearing Dolce & Gabbana, illustration by Claudio Cina

Anna Dello Russo wearing Worth Couture, illustration by Claudio Cina

Anna Dello Russo wearing Balmain, illustration by Claudio Cina

Anna Dello Russo wearing headpiece by Alan Journo

Anna, I love you and let me know when you are in NYC so I can show you these in person!  

For more information on these illustrations, please email me; info@claudiocina.com

Armani Privé Spring 2011 was an ode to Tailoring, Couture Craftsmanship & Thierry Mugler

all photos Armani Privé Spring 2011 courtesy Style.com

With the feeling of Mugler in the air with Men's fashion week coming to a close and Couture Fashion week commencing, it is no surprise that Armani chose this future spin as the starting point of their Spring 2011 collection.  Armani, Formichetti, and Lady Gaga have recently collaborated on costume project for the new Queen of Pop, so I am not surprised at all with the new women's line to debut for Mugler at Fall 2011 RTW Fashion Week in Paris that someone would want to be the first to say, "here is what it should look".  And Armani did it with polish, sophistication and fabric innovation.  This wet cloth that look like it was dipped in the same stuff that Jeff Koons uses to make his life size sculptures molded to the body and photographed amazingly. One can only think what it would have looked like in person.  

The larger than life jewels than encrusted the bodices of dresses, bustiers and jacket were stunning in range.  Ready for battle in a polished manner, the face masks looked as though they might have adorned the face of Audrey Hepburn.  The sculptured shiny hats that covered part of the face for that 'Couture look' were brilliant via Philip Tracey.  My least favorite moment where I thought things got a bit heavy and contrived were the color blocked looks (which I conveniently chose to leave out). My favorite pieces were everything in RED.  The reminded me of the 'Hanging Heart' of Jeff Koons.  I really liked this collection and the fact that Armani is still pushing boundaries while making beautifully made tailored clothes. Nothing wrong with that!

On a last note, I am predicting that ADR has already signed up for some of these pieces (of course the accessories) to wear to Fall RTW Fashion Week.  Let's see if my prediction comes true, non Anna???

Jeff Koons 'Hanging Heart' Sculpture conceptualized in 1994

Click here to watch an amazingly informative video on the hanging of the 'Hanging Heart' on display at Sotheby's NYC for the first time I believe back in 2006.

Envisioning A World in Liquid Mercury - Gareth Pugh Spring 2011

all photos courtesy of Vogue.it; Gareth Pugh Spring 2011

Gareth Pugh is a British fashion designer who began designing costumes  for the English National Youth Theater at the age of 14.  Now 29, he has been producing solo shows since 2006.  His bold and exaggerated designs have been featured on the cover of Dazed & Confused Magazine.  Even Anna Wintour is a strong supporter of Pugh's designs.

He managed to dress some of the most famous of the fashion icons, including Kylie, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Ashlee Simpson, and Anna Dello Russo.

His body-clinging futuristic dresses are some of the most inspiring pieces from the Spring collections.  As super talented as Paco Rabanne and Pierre Cardin,  he definitely pushes forward ideas that these designers have experimented with for decades. Wow to the Barberella girl that dares to wear these pieces!

Just in case you hadn't seen this yet, our amazing ADR wore one of  Pugh's dresses to the Lady Gaga concert in Milan yesterday.  Here is a picture that was posted on Twitter taken by her friend designer Francesco Scognamiglio.  Amazining!!!!

 

 

On the top list for Christmas Shopping - The Scent of Anna Dello Russo

Fashion shopper's, this is a MUST for Christmas.  The fashion Icon Anna Dello Russo has collaborated with Yoox.com to create a fragrance that will be exclusively sold on their website.  When asked why she will only be selling online, Anna puts it very simply, “I was born online and want to stay online.”

The bottle design also has a very unique story.  It is in the form of a golden show, reminiscent of Cinderella and her slipper.  To quote Anna,  “For 20 years no one noticed me — I worked like Cinderella at the bottom of the pile. Finally I’ve been invited to the ball.”

The pocket size 10 ml scent will retail for $25 (what a steal) and it was designed to easily fit inside your clutch.  The beauty of it is when it is time for a new bottle, you can hang the empty flacon as a Christmas bauble.  The scent is described as a vanilla cream and blends the ingredients almonds and vanilla, inspired by Dello Russo’s childhood in Puglia and memories of her grandmother’s kitchen.

We are so excited about this launch, set for this December.  Here is a video of Anna Dello Russo's scent.  For more on the fragrance and details of the video, you can check out annadellorusso.com

 

A-N-N-A 10 Magazine

all photographs courtesy 10 Magazine; photographer Giampaolo Sgura, Fashion Editor Anna Dello Russo, Hair Franco Gobbi at Close Up Milano, Make Up Jessica Nedza at Close Up Milano, Talent Anna Dello Russo, Nail Technician Rosanna De Marco at Close Up Milano, Photographer's Assistants Angela Improta and Giuliano Carparelli, Fashion Assistants Aurora Sansone and Viviana Volpicella, Digital Operator Fabio Leidi

I have been waiting for this issue to come out at newsstands in NYC.....and yes, it has just come out.  Not only is this issue of 10 Magazine a collector's item, but the images of Anna Dello Russo are amazing. It was definitely worth the wait.  Each look celebrates Anna's personal style and the fashion designer's that she loves!  She has already worn a lot of these looks at a Fashion Week near you, and the others  are all ones I am sure that have or will somehow make their way into her massive collection and closet.  The photography by Giampaolo Sgura is flawless and I think that he is one of the best people to photograph Anna because he knows her so well.  Congratulations to all the other people that worked on this spread!  Check out the video backstage of the 10 Magazine shooting.  In the words of my fellow Canadians designers Dean & Dan from D^{2, "}FORZA RAGAZZI" 

The Honor of Wearing it First - ADR's Photoshoot Teaser in Lanvin for H&M

Ok, Brilliant, No Amazing!  Are they out of their minds?  No, they are so right on.  H&M sent Anna Dello Russo the entire Lanvin for H&M collection to shoot.  Now you would think that it was for Vogue Japan, the magazine for which Anna is the Editor at Large and Creative Consultant......but NO, it was for her to shoot and put on her blog, annadellorusso.com.  This is a FIRST folks that H&M has chosen any editor or blog to feature the clothes, shoes, accessories, handbags, jewelry in anticipation of the launch.  

As ADR puts it, 'I was shocked that it was for my BLOG! I found this communication really FRESH and FORWARD cause the samples was available only for online editorials starting from November 4th.'

Here is the video teaser........need I say more?

 

  Anna is no stranger to Lanvin.  She has been rocking looks at Fashion Week around the world like there is no tomorrow.  The photos below are taken by Tommy Ton from Jak&Jill Blog.

Anna Dello Russo in Lanvin Ready-to-Wear at Fashion Week; photo courtesy Tommy Ton for Jak & Jill Blog

"The Wow Factor" - Worth Couture Fall 2010 Presentation

Worth Couture, which stems from Charles Frederick Worth, the English fashion designer of the 19th Century who is widely cosidered the Father of Haute Couture has seen a return the last few seasons with a new collection by designer Giovanni Bedin.  The clothes take their cue from the couture houses heritage in dressmaking and much like Charles Frederick Worth, Mr. Bedin's attention to luxurious materials and meticulous fit is impeccable.  The clothes are very special and this season, he has made petticoat's an inspiration and incorporated them beautifully into these coat-dress shapes.  As we would say in italian, "molto bambola"  which translated means very doll-like.  Take a look at some of the amazing pieces below.

above; all photos from Worth Couture Fall 2010 courtesy Vougue.co.uk

Scott Schumann & Anna Dello Russo in Worth Couture

Anna Dello Russo & Leigh Lezark;

photo Source: http://www.theclotheswhisperer.co.uk/ courtesy Scott Schuman

And who else to be a perfect ambassador of these shapes and the brand is friend to the blog, "Anna Dello Russo" She looks absolutely amazing and brings the dress from the form in the presentation to life during Paris Fashion Week for the Spring 2011 collections.  I look forward to seeing future runway presentations and hopefully a bigger line from Mr. Bedin as the quality and the craftsmanship truly deserves more air time.

ANNA IS FASHION - The Latest From Icon Anna Dello Russo

Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit

Anyone who is my friend or is familiar with my blog knows that I am obsessed.....yes, obsessed, with Anna Dello Russo.  For those of you who have never laid eyes on her until now,  she is an Italian Stylist and Editor.  Her personality and way of being transcend the world of Fashion and inject life into everything that she does.  She is a fashion designer's and fashion blogger's muse and best friend.  Why has she won the hearts of so many people?  My guess is much like Lady Gaga, the person behind the mask, or in Anna's case, behind the clothes, is a very likable and accessible person.  Her southern italian personality and charm is endearing, right down to her accent.  The thing that I really love is that she makes everything look effortless, which is the sure sign that a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes.  For Anna, this is more than a job. Fashion is her life!!!! Thank God that she enjoys sharing it with others as much as we enjoying taking it all in.

These pictures by Juergen Teller are the latest of Anna's collaborations and instead of breathing life into the magazine from behind the scenes, as she usually does when she is styling and editing, she lives it up in front of the camera, exactly where she likes to be!

Comme Des Garcons for Speedo bathing suit and Christian Louboutin fur boots

YSL hat and transparent cape; Dolce & Gabbana bra and briefs

Roksanda Ilincic suit

Dolce & Gabbana gold coin-encrusted suit

above photos of Anna Dello Russo courtesy Juergen Teller for W Magazine

For more on ADR, the shoot and to learn about the clothes and fabulous apartment in the backdrop, buy the November 2010 issue of W Magazine "The Art Issue" and look for  "Little Miss Maximalist" Anna Dello Russo.

Symbolism, Craftsmanship, & Baroque Woven into Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

If there was a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Sarah Burton leading up to Paris Fashion Week, it didn't show.  What she sent out yesterday for Spring 2011 was a culmination of things that we have grown to love from the late Alexander McQueen.  How could Sarah Burton not pay homage to late designer in her first solo outing for the brand.  There was a lot of symbolism I felt behind the collection, something deep that only he and Burton shared between the two of them.  All the things that he loved and cherished I felt were present in this collection.

The craftsmanship and detail in each piece was unbelievable! Couture techniques and tailoring, which McQueen understood well was seen in abundance.  Truly breathtaking.  The dresses above remind me of the Damien Hirst collages of butterflies from his work in Superstition and his latest exhibition opening today called "The Souls" at the Paul Stolper gallery in London.

The sleeve and print placement on this jacket is insane!!!!!  The print reminds me of the florals Gianni Versace did in Spring 1993 and the gold hardware and buckles are reminiscent of Versace's Fall 1992 "Bondage" collection.

 The above print and accessories to me is a very modern take of Baroque.  What I call "New Baroque"  The print and accessories are a throw back to the 90's where the best representation of this was seen in Gianni Versace's work. Here, Sarah Burton has brought them into the language of McQueen and given them air and light.  

ADR favorite pic of the show above.

Cut Outs on Leather with re-appliqued 3-d Leaves looks beautiful

The laced booties with gold toe and studs are amazingly executed and an "I want" piece.

These shoes that look like they have a ceramic platform and heel with the butterfly in front are a work of art and very Anna Dello Russo.

Romantic embellishments and finishes as seen through the eyes of Sarah Burton.  As many have been saying, she is lighting up things and making them more feminine.  I still see the edge.

Beautiful ways of doing fringe in a very unexpected over the top way. 

all the spectacular detail and runway photos courtesy style.com

Wheat is the symbol of prosperity and fruitfulness.  It is a very appropriate motif for this collection and for the future of Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.  She gave this season her all and it shows.  It is very exciting to see her progression and journey.  She is definitely off to a wonderful start. Bravo.

Anna Dello Russo Models at Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011

Anna Dello Russo models in the Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011 collection; photo courtesy style.com

I had to do a double take this morning while viewing the Emanuel Ungaro show for Spring.  Best decision ever.......a brilliant casting of models....with none other than our favorite ANNA DELLO RUSSO.  She looked amazing and stood her weight along with all the other top girls from years gone by.  Remember Claudia Mason, Georgina Grenville, Shirley Mallmann and Kirsten Owen?  They were all in the show and looked better than ever. Bravo Giles Deacon for making us want to look at Emanuel Ungaro again. It is such a great label with history and I am glad to see that it is on it's way and finally back on track.