The Renew-fication of Louis Vuitton

Marc Jacobs was the one who made the bold-faced brand new contemporary when in 1997 he stepped in as the artistic director of the leather goods house and eventually its offering of women's wear.

When he decided to vacate his 16-year-old post last year, days later, the name of the one who will fill up his post was announced. On twitter blared the name 'Nicolas Ghesquière' (struggling? try nee-coh-la GUESS-K-YAIR),  the innovative designer formerly of Balenciaga.

Since then the eager spectators have been wondering how he would do it to show that there's a changing of guard. (I, myself, just like to follow his inventions and reinventions.)

Shown exclusively on Style.com to mark his much-anticipated debut show (or I dare say "comeback"?) as Artistic Director, twelve looks from the collection -- aptly named A Dozen Girls -- lensed by MJ collaborator Juegen Teller were shared as a portfolio of NG's "stylistic expression" of a vision for LV.

NG is known for incorporating high-tech experimentation into his designs

Nice jacket

Hi, Maggie Rizer!

These go to prove that through the effortlessly luxe sportswear,  the collection's mantra timeless is now can be naturally interpreted as timeless is cool as timeless is luxury. 

Kudos!

P.S. I don't know about me but I'm getting kilig induced by Ghesquière. Pinapatibok mo ang puso ko!

Gotta get my groove back

Since Tuesday last week I have been feeling feverish and groggy.  I had a burning fever Wednesday night so I spent the following day in bed (and daybed) medicating. On a Wednesday morning, I started feeling like my left cheek got punched, plus I got irritating colds that needs to go out of my system and dry cough. I would go to the office on Friday and Saturday as if I was dazed but thank God I managed to survive.

Saturday afternoon, I decided that come Monday I am going to drag myself to a diagnostic lab for a blood test and X-ray because I thought the colds and cough might be causing this sickness or that I have dengue. #Hypochondriac

But come Sunday, my mother had told me to visit a dentist. I didn't question why.

Fast forward to this afternoon: apparently the fever and the punched feeling were caused by an "erupting wisdom tooth".

I believe I have no dengue, and I'm not coughing much anymore. (Thank you po, Lord!)

Akala ko pa naman masisisi ko na ang malamig na tubig kapag umaga. Sorry I'm not sorry na wala kaming heater.

Babush.

I Wish I Can Afford My Tastes: Fashion Designers Musical Chairs

Heidi Klum's "one day you're in, the next day you're out" holds true in the many walks of life in the fashion industry, from editors to executives to fashion designers.

2013 saw some warm welcoming:  the purveyor of New York's downtown look Alexander Wang took over the storied fashion house Balenciaga where Nicolas Ghesquiere reigned supreme for 15 years of rarefied creative force. Alessandra Fachinetti (formerly of Gucci) signs at Tod's as replacement for Derek Lam.

And there are some adieu's: Mulberry and Emma Hill bid farewell to one another. Nicola Formichetti exits Mugler (Formechitti's replacement is David Koma) yet soon takes the creative gig at Diesel and immediately puts to it his social media magic. Jil Sanders has gone three-peat for her eponymous brand, while Ann Demeulemeeter retires.

Yet this year's Fall 2014 collection showcases should be more fun to observe:

• The pairing of Katie Hillier (as Creative Director) and Luella Bartley (as Design Director) at Marc by Marc Jacobs.

• Allesandro Dell'Acqua heads to Rochas as it's previous brand director Marco Zanini proceeds to Schiaparelli.

• Jeremy Scott, as Rosella Jardini's successor, at now-25-year-old Moschino.

• Hugo Boss has added an artistic director role and signed on Jason Wu to spearhead the women's collection.

• Jonathan Anderson (of J.W. Anderson) at Spanish brand Loewe -- replacing Stuart Vevers who has replaced Reed Krakoff at Coach as Krakoff decided to focus in his eponymous line in the same vein as the decision of Marc Jacobs, after 16-strong years at Louis Vuitton.

• Of course, there's the roaring buzz of MJ's successor at LV, the broodingly charming createur that is Ghesquiere. This was one tranquil transition, and after months of speculations where he'd land next.

• And then, there's Christopher Bailey at Burberry doing his job as top creative officer whilst juggling the CEO post.

For Vevers, and LVMH newest recruits Anderson and Ghesquiere -- designers with sharp and modern take on fashion design -- it's exciting (and this newly bag observer is eagerly anticipating) what ch-ch-changes they will bring in those lucrative leather-goods houses.

Who did I miss to mention?

Goodbye 2013; Huzzah for 2014 #ManigongBagongTaon

It's only now (slept at 3 AM after rounds of brandy over videoke; woke up at 9 AM) that I get to have a real good sit down at home and reflect over the busyness I enjoyed from Saturday until last night. (Yes, while this ~multitasker~ writes this post.)

Still, I don't have the energy to enumerate what a year 2013 was. Despite a heart-breaking national calamity and a couple of goodbyes, last year was truly colorful and one for the books.

Here's wishing each and everyone of you an awesome/wonderful new year. God (or should I say Yeezus?) bless. 

Belated

I had one Gaga Christmas.

Gift Ideas for the Rich And/Or Famous (PH Edition)

Well-to-do people typically fall under the "difficult to amuse" category -- they likely have and/or have seen them all. But certainly, as the saying goes, it's the thought that counts.

If you're a friend or a huge fan (with a budget) of the persons listed below, you're welcome.

For Manny Pacquiao:

• Prada boxing shoes

• Alexander Wang boxing gloves

• TurboTax software (kidding!)

For Korina Sanchez:

• DVD boxed set of The Men Who Built America and of Gossip Girl (which has among its characters, Cooper's fictitious relative Nate V. Archibald -- hey whatever happened to Chace Crawford?) (hihi)
• Gloria Vanderbilt Women's Sarabelle Ankle Jean (:p)

• For her hubby Interior Secretary Mar Roxas

For Janet Napoles:

• bacon ice cream

• this cookbook

For Vice Ganda:

• Akris bag -- made of fabric woven out of horsehair

• Takatak paper mache horse

• Rocky the Rocking Horse for Magis by Mark Newson

(Photos not mine)

Had I won that recent multi-million peso lotto jackpot, they had probably received the items I listed down. They're welcome. Hihi! 

Addendum Part 2

10 days to go, you guys! This Season to be jolly will be extra special since some dear relatives will be coming over to spend the Merry/Happy day with us in Baao town.

Meanwhile, since this Buzzfeed list about why people love lists inspired me to list some items (again -- this better be the last wish list I would make for this festive season), this time for the forever curious/child-at-heart me:

Books:

Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairytale by Camilla Morton, illustrated by Christian Lacroix

Guillermo del Toro Cabinet of Curiosities: My Notebooks, Collections, and Other Obsessions (Hardcover)

Collectible toy set:

Eevee + the 8 Eeeveelutions mini figures by Takaratomy

Via

Takaratomy also has versions in plush doll form (around 7"-9" tall).

Obviously my fave pokemon since forever.

An animal to become my first (ever) pet:

Either a furry cat, whose name will be -- guess it? -- E.V.

or a hedgehog

No name idea yet.

Cole More gift of books:  

Chloe: Attitudes by Sarah Mower

For its history, n.b. having Karl Lagerfeld and Phoebe Philo among its roster of designers.

The Wes Anderson Collection by Matt Zoller Seitz

For loads of things about the auteurist and his seminal style.


(Photos not mine)