Oscar de la Renta

Yesterday, Ocar de la Renta died at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer.
And the world will be a little bit less glamorous for it.

Oscar de la Renta has been one of my favourite designers for as long as I can remember having any remote interest in fashion.

From fellow colleagues, models, artists, actors, musicians, and everyday folk like me, he was loved and admired by millions all over the world. 

So much so that Sarah Jessica Parker even got him to splash his name all over the his own design when she wore it to the MET ball earlier this year.

He bought a sense of old-fashioned glamour into a world of fast fashion.

His designs were dripping in style, and he always got the perfect balance of grace from a bygone era, and working that into a busy 21st century lifestyle - come rain or shine.

In a society where so many fashion shows that dons onto the catwalks, includes something to shock or be scandalous, it's so comforting to know that there's someone out there who's care and devotion is still on design, quality, and attention-to-detail.

This is especially true for me. For a girly girl through and through, who loves all things feminine and floral. 

A girl who thinks it's a bit of a shame that people don't dress to the nines anymore, and lusts after the dresses when I watch Mad Men. 

To me, Oscar de la Renta was like a orchid in the midst of a field.

Oscar de la Renta pieces were simply femininity and elegance personified.  

And I think he emphasised the female form so much, because he himself admired it so.

He injected so much beauty throughout living his very full life. And always did it with a smile.

He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed.

Stay happy,

Until next time,

A.x

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

Throughout my 3rd and final year of university at the moment, i am doing my 10,000 word dissertation, and as ridiculous as it may sound, i am doing mine on Disney Princesses. I am looking into the design and appearance of them, but also have found it extremely interesting looking into gender and racial issues in the films also.

Recently though, some of the world's best designers have collaborated with Disney to create their own interpretations of the Disney Princess' gowns, which are now being shown in Harrod's windows for their Christmas display. As I'm talking about this in my dissertation, of course it was vital for me to go have a little look...ahem...and do some...research...

Joking aside though, they are absolutely stunning. Not only the dresses themselves, but the whole display. There is so much attention to detail, it is astonishing, with cute fairies fluttering about, the dwarfs beds snoozing under Snow White and a projection of a clock about to hit midnight shining on the pavement.

Some personal highlights for me were Mulan's colourful gown by Missoni, Rapunzel's (Jenny Packman) lustrous locks weaving through the fields of flowers, Snow White's (Oscar de la Renta) golden apple purse, Ariel's flowing, fiery hair (Marchesa), and Cinderella's (Versace) iconic shoe and pumpkin carriage.

But my ultimate favourite though, was Sleeping Beauty, whose dress was designed by Elie Saab, who is one my favourite designers ever. He creates pieces that just ooze out femininity and that sparkle with a glimmer, and being the complete girly girl i am, i just fan-girl at everything he creates. This dress was no exception, it was stunning, with flower upon flower adorned onto, not only that though, even the bed she was laying on and the mice and cobwebs surrounding her were thought out so carefully.

And her hair! How beautiful does it look with all those flowers dotted around caressing those curls!

It may only be a window display to some, but to me, it was like the world of fashion that i love and am on a journey on at the moment in hope to be a part of one day, and my childhood, joined forces and created a beautiful and breath-taking sight to see.

And if you still want some more Disney festive cheer, check out this animation Barneys New York has created in collaboration with Disney, including a few familiar faces.

Are you a Disney fan? Whose your favourite Princess?

Have you seen the Harrod's Christmas display? Which ones impressed you the most?

Hope you're well,
Speak soon,
A.x