von Holzhausen, whose debut collection of luxury handbags are just starting to appear in renowned boutiques around the world, is preparing to follow in Paris with a unique collection for Fall 2012 Fashion Week. Vicki von Holzhausen, former luxury car designer, has drawn inspiration from her automotive design roots to develop this stunning new collection of day and evening bags. Fascinated by the design of the historic Bugatti Automotive Brand, known for its beautifully crafted vehicles with a bespoke approach to exclusivity, von Holzhausen set her focus on elevating artisan traditions and creating one-of-a kind, modern pieces for luxury minded women.

The Mini Bugatti Crossover

The von Holzhausen Fall 2012 Collection stands in sharp contrast to a marketplace increasingly flooded with products made overseas. The latest collection owes its construction to an incredibly talented ensemble of master artisans working in and out of the traditional fashion industry and local to the designer’s Malibu studio.  von Holzhausen spares no effort to ensure each piece is unique and even difficult to replicate.  “I work with craftsmen that are at the top of their discipline.  Our laser cut Wenge wood hardware is created by the same group that makes the wood décor for custom Rolls Royce and Aston Martin interiors. Our automotive-inspired titanium accents are crafted by fine jewelers.”  von Holzhausen comments, “It’s incredible the talent you can find in Los Angeles if you’re willing to look outside of the box”.

 The Infinity Python Hobo

Along with the artisan techniques that define each von Holzhausen bag, luxurious and exotic materials play a big role in making them true objects of desire. Von Holzhausen takes an unconventional approach in layering exotic skins such as hand-painted alligator, caiman, and degrade snake combined with matte or distressed calf skins to create both glamour and lasting appeal.  The partnership with Swarovski Elements flows into this second collection with sewn-on crystals and custom crystal fabric for the evening clutches.

The Lago Clutch

von Holzhausen Fall 2012 features a collection of top handle woven totes, woven hobos, a multi-functional crossover collection, woven and exotic evening bags, and small leather accessories for Iphones and Ipads.  The prices range from $300 – $700 for clutches and small leather goods to $1125 – $3500 for calf and exotic day bags.

The Interlace Tote

For more info visit www.vonholzhausen.com

What is more sexy and feminine than lace? Hmmm nothing else comes to my mind right now.  Well, this season you can be super sexy just buying a lace garment. It does not need to be all lace but … discover the selection of garments I have picked for you.

To avoid being late on this trend I have already bought 3 lace blouses ( see my post “my spring shopping” ) and probably I might get something else later on next month. What I would love to wear is one of those long white dresses with lace around the waist and scalloped hem on the bottom, this kind of dress reminds me of Provence, France but I dont know why.

BCBG: Confident feminine look in this pretty mixed-lace sheath dress with round neck and sleeveless. Mixed-lace construction, back vent and a keyhole opening at upper back. Center back zipper with hook-and-eye closure.  www.bcbg.com

 Temperley: Naughty but nice jumpsuit. Inspired by intricate Indian henna tattoos, the navy lace has an all over graphic pattern accented with a scalloped lace hem and sleeves. A small ruffle falls around the neckline which unfastens with a series of eight buttons while the waist is nipped in with a tie. The jumpsuit is fully lined. www.temperleylondon.com

J.Crew: This swirled top is really cozy thanks to thoughtful details like scalloped hems and delicately fringed edges. It is made of cotton/nylon, short sleeves and it is fully lined.  www.jcrew.com

Alberta Ferretti: delicate mauve colour for this sophisticated lace and tulle top. Short sleeve, see-through. www.albertaferretti.com

Zara: Bon ton baby blue lace dress. Fabric on the top part, opening in the back with hooks and buttons fastening at back of neck, elastic at the waist. Rose print lace. www.zara.com

FCUK: cheeky pink lace dress perfect during the day and chic at night time. This dress is fully lined with a lace overlay, round neck, cap sleeves and a concealed zip at back with hook fastening at back of neck. www.fcuk.com

Hobbs: This ribbon lace jacket features three quarter length sleeves and hand crafted ribbon lace, which means that each garment is created individually.  www.hobbs.co.uk

Laura Biagiotti:  Short floral dress with lace strips overlaid. Round neck, fully lined. www.laurabiagiotti.it

Twin-set by Simona Barbieri: embroidered tulle top with sequins applied. www.twin-set.it

In most cases the lace used is synthetic fiber instead of cotton or silk as it was in the past. While if you are looking for organic lace, please visit www.eurolaces.com. Eurolaces made of 100% certified organic cotton threads. They use only environmentally friendly, non-toxic production techniques from start to finish on our laces. They are first company producing machine made organic cotton laces, and pride themselves on the fact that they are of the highest quality not only in the organic market, but in the mainstream market as well.  

High style performance for a curvy summer.

The Spring Summer G.G. By Giorgio Grati, pays tribute to “real” women through wise garment buildings that enhance the body.
A large variety of proposals  for the daytime with soft sweaters, skirts with ruffles and curls and flowing dresses; in the afternoon with light matching shirts and jackets till the evening with silk cady, fine silk ottoman and chiffon dresses and suits.
The absolute protagonist is the colour in its infinite shades, for a romantic woman with a fusion soul.

For more info visit www.giorgiograti.com

I saw this pair of shoes the other night in a fancy store near where I live. I have never found a pair of Santoni shoes that I like but now I have two favourite pairs and they both cost Euro 440 – they are part of the Rose Collection.

Let me show how you what I am talking about.

Jessy

High heel sandal in calf beige, brown and orange with maxi fringe and internal platform. The heel is 120.

Pretty

High heel sandal in beige suede with piping and tassels in contrast colour, inside platform. Hand-painted heel. The heel is 120.

What I like about these 2 pair of shoes is that they are incredibly made and very versatile: I can match them with a knee length dress or with a pair of trousers and I still would look great.

Santoni was founded by Andrea and his wife Rosa in Corridonia, in the Marche region (where there is one of the most famous shoe industry polo) in 1975. Then their son Giuseppe joined the company and he developped the export business and now he is the CEO. Most of the Santoni shoes are still made by hand, there are around 400 hundred people working for the brand.

For more info visit www.santonishoes.com