LE STYLE Spring Black & White Edition

Bonjour printemps! The first day of spring started so beautifully. Kick back and get the mobile devices out to celebrate the season with Le Style Spring Black and White Edition. The publication is an inspiration, an idea of passion that we have to live the essence of French beauty that touches our hearts. Click on the magazine below to view!

A piece of the French Riviera fit for a Princess

For those of you looking to splurge on a vacation home, look no further. Have I found a place for you! Let’s just say, it is located in paradise, a.k.a. the French Riviera. Luxury does have its price so for the 21 million Euros, which is nearly $28 million USD today, you shall receive a home fit for a princess, literally. “The owner is one of the most famous and beautiful princesses,” states Irina Alekseeva of Sadaka Exclusive Realty agent representing the majestic villa off the glorious Côte d'Azur.

First thing first, I wanted to cut to the chase to know why the princess, who shall remain nameless for the sake of privacy, would sell such a beautiful property minutes away from world-renowned Monte Carlo. In the back of my mind I envision a stunning young lady, resembling Eva Green dressed in an evening gown in Casino Royale, sipping champagne off the terrace during sunset, overlooking the sparkling sea and twinkling city lights. “She is very involved with charity work,” explains Alekseeva, “she wants to invest her money in one of her charity projects.” 

If you are not writing out that check yet to purchase the home after learning of such a generous deed sure to accept the princess into the sanctity of sainthood, then allow me illustrate for you more. This palatial estate includes the basics you would expect, such as original marble fireplaces, numerous large and spacious rooms, a pool with a guest house, and a private beach, just to name a few. From any one of the picturesque terraces or patios, the views are breathtaking! 

Views from the Villa

“It would be paradise,” Alekseeva declares in her charming French accent when asked what it would be like to live in this elegant manor. “You wake up in the morning in your room to views of a blue, peaceful sea,” Alekseeva continues illustrating for me what you can expect for a typical day in this prestigious locale. “You enjoy breakfast on the beach, later plans with friends for a barbeque. For the evening, you put on a beautiful dress and invite your business partners to champagne. Later, accompanied by your driver, you are off to the famous Monte Carlo Casino where you enjoy the most famous opera in the world. Near midnight, a beautiful table in the best restaurant is waiting for you.”

I suddenly think of Eva Green once again, only this time I am she and my driver is the 007 agent himself dressed in a tux as we race down the winding seaside drive! “You have a great image of Monaco, and you are right,” Alekseeva laughs! “It is the most famous place in the world for the exceptional people and for a unique life style.”

Located in the one of the most exclusive communities in the French Riviera, Domaine Prive du Cap-Martin, this historic villa was built in the late 19th century by prominent architect Hans-Georg Tersling. Well known for much of his work on the French Riviera of that time, Tersling was commissioned by European aristocrats and elitists for his designs from mansions to hotels you find scattered across the highly desirable coastline.  

Monte-Carlo Casino

The accomplished architect knew that the cultured and wealthy holiday homeowners on the French Rivera demanded quality, as evident in the exposed stone structure and the room layouts that captures the natural light gleaming from windows throughout this chateau, a must on the Mediterranean Sea.

Alekseeva is well experienced in representing these luxury properties for her high-profile clients from Paris, to Monaco and even to other cosmopolitan cities like Geneva, London and our very own Miami. Again without mentioning names, most of her clients are on the Forbes list. Due to the high priced residential properties, the savvy and sophisticated Alekseeva chooses to represent only the distinguished to be able to give them her full attention in the process. Alekseeva has built relationships within each location for an irreproachable experience for the sale and purchase of her client’s properties. Currently, Alekseeva’s listings range from a 1 million Euro pied-à-terre in Paris to a 100 million Euros mansion near Monaco she calls “a piece of art.” Gasp!  

These pictures can try, but do not do the lavish villa the justice it deserves. Often purchased as a secondary home, Alekseeva explains of the properties on the French Riviera, “it is not only the villa you buy; you buy your social position and a security which is the best in the world.” The down or volatile global economy does not affect her listings much at all. “Monaco is the most secure place in the world for you and your finances, and for the life of your family,” Alekseeva confidently states. “The highest level of education for your children, great climate, entertainment all year round from the Grand Prix to the best restaurants, art galleries and events,” boasts Alekseeva.

If the best location is key in real estate, then the French Riviera is the place to be. However, if you are already fortunate enough to have a villa there, no worries as Alekseeva has more to offer at www.sadakarealty.com. By: Slavica Monczka

Opening of Festival de Cannes 2012

“Cannes belongs to each and every one of us who, year after year, from wherever we are and in our own individual way, contributes towards creating it step by step. It is only by constantly analyzing the Festival, adapting its function and encouraging debate about it that we will continue to make it the very best it can be. Cannes must be open to new ideas, while remaining faithful to its past, of course. Diversity can only enrich it. That´s what makes the Festival de Cannes our festival.” - Thierry Frémaux

MOONRISE KINGDOM, the new film by American Wes Anderson, will open the 65^thFestival de Cannes on Wednesday, 16 May in the Grand Théâtre Lumière of the Palais des Festivals, with the Jury presided over by Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti in attendance.

If you love films, glamour and French style with a beautiful culture mix at a festival, note the date next month with your friends for a fabulous day on 16th to 27th May.  Read more on Festival de Cannes website here.

Beauty in navy + gold

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Les Parisienne

Cool and sophisticated at the same time. Always electric. Take a moment and enjoy this video below of Garance Doré's video, Les Parisienne.

Marc Jacobs remains in LV and Hedi Slimane returns to YSL

Fashion updates in the French luxury brand empires

Louis Vuitton

It is set to be a big year for Louis Vuitton. A major exhibition opens on March 9 at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, called simply 'Louis Vuitton - Marc Jacobs', spread over two floors, each one devoted to the life and work of each man.

Jacobs also firmly laid to rest rumours that he was to move to Christian Dior to replace John Galliano. "It's a great honour to be considered, and Mr Arnault is a super intelligent man and a very smart man and it was certainly a very great honour for him to know that I was capable - and not only capable but that I am someone that he would have wanted for the job. But I am very happy to be here. There is so much more left to do and building Louis Vuitton into a fashion company is something nobody else can say they really started."

Yves Saint Laurent

The return of Slimane has been enthusiastically welcomed by an industry that reveres him as a cult figure. Slimane, 43, has been absent from fashion design since leaving Dior Homme in 2007, and has been pursuing a successful career as a photographer in the US.

Paul Deneve, the YSL chief executive, praised Slimane's "understanding of the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent" and said he looked forward to "a promising new chapter in the story of the maison". Francois-Henri Pinault, PPR chairman and CEO, said the "formidable potential" of YSL "will be successfully harnessed and revealed through the vision of Hedi Slimane".

Slimane's first designs for YSL will be seen when a "resort" collection is shown in June.

By: Tamsin Blanchard & Jess Cartney-Morley

Out Now: Le Style Digital Magazine - for the smart, busy modern woman

Le Style Digital Magazine is now released to the world!  It has since been received many great reviews and love from readers and companies in the industry in France, US and Australia.  Besides the state of excitement and gratitude, Le Style will celebrate this unique publication in yet another stylish French event that will be revealed to subscribers exclusively.

The first issue is specially for the smart, busy modern woman who wants nothing more than a luxurious life.  Featuring photographic beauty of Paris and parts of France with a clean look, including insights on travel and fashion buzz.  Other surprises like Magnifique Men and Luxe contents fill this unique digital publication with readers wanting for the next issue already.

A quarterly published e-magazine for each beautiful season in Melbourne, it showcases French style and news from around the world.  Enjoy it now here!

Graphics

Life is an amazing picture..

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Pardon My French

Enjoy this brilliant video below of French fashion blogger, Garance Doré's new episode of Pardon My French. Immerse yourself in the fashion arena in New York.

Thoughts of you, Paris, on Le Style magazine

Beautiful photography, French fashion trends, bridal and travel needs to France, delightful food and secrets.  Ah, secrets, yes that's what we'll include in the unique digital magazine of Le Style that launches on 1st March.  Celebrating one of our favourite season, autumn and fantastic interviews with professionals in the arts and entertainment scene, this is a beautiful and unique digital publication you'd want to look out for.

Subscribe to our newsletter here for the latest on Le Style digital magazine and event details for 2012.  For advertising and submissions, please email us at advertise@lestyle.org by 24th Feb. 

Fabulously taken by: Juliane Berry 

NYFW : Stylish, affordable fashion trends

A new generation of fashion designers comes into its own with fall looks that are stylish, wearable — and affordable.

"These are the designers of the future," says Stephanie Solomon, fashion director of Bloomingdale's. "When you think of the old guard, of Karl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, as much as I respect them, they are not spring chickens anymore. These designers are going to usurp them. And they are making clothes with beautiful quality, innovative fabrics and silhouettes. In the future, I envision an entire level of our store based on these up-and-coming, talented designers."

These more affordable, accessible lines offer head-to-toe dressing, with accessories and outerwear. And they hit on all of the trends seen this week, including sleek, minimalist tailoring; Asian influences; black-and-white graphic schemes; and bright color-blocking. Key pieces for a fall wardrobe? A pair of statement pants in a colorful jacquard or print and with a tapered silhouette, worn over a pair of pumps (Manolo Blahnik forJ. Crewperhaps?); a shift dress or a pencil skirt that hits below the knee; and a fun swing coat or fur accessory in an eye-catching texture and hue.

Stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe was inspired by the London rock 'n' roll scene of the late 1960s, and her collection was a balance of the glam and the wearable, with all the Hollywood entrance-making maxi dresses and shaggy faux furs that fans have come to expect from Zoe, alongside flared trouser suits and velvet tuxedos, gaucho jeans and melange sweater dresses.

Zoe's line is barely a year old, but is well on its way to being a success. Come fall, it will be in 300 stores. Another advanced contemporary star is born.

By: Booth Moore, LATimes Fashion Critic

Victoria by Victoria Beckham

It’s always good to see a collection with an authentic, personal integrity about it. Victoria Beckham has schooled herself in the skills of cutting and fitting from scratch—and with the help of a top-notch team assembled in London. The way contrasting horizontal bands were set into dresses, dissecting the body at flattering points, was faultlessly done, and her control of the use of luxury signals, like the shiny python on a shirt-collar or in the lining of a khaki coat, is well-judged—there but not ostentatious. All this is being discreetly accomplished under the super discreet management of Simon Fuller of XIX Entertainment, who was at the show. Also in the front row, for the first time, was her husband David, taking pictures. “I don’t think he realized I have a proper job till now,” she joked backstage, as David juggled the new addition to team Beckham, baby Harper Seven.

In her insistence on developing slowly, and gradually earning respect, Mrs. Beckham has scarcely put a platformed-foot wrong. Still, now that the fashion world is showing her acceptance—she won the Designer Brand Award at the British Fashion Awards in 2011—perhaps she should dare advance her case further. Seeing a few evening looks would have been nice to round things off. But kudos to her: She has well-made clothes, and a strong identity already. Besides eagerly studying the properties of luxury fabrics, the even more fundamental lesson she’s taken to heart is the kind of advice always given to aspiring authors: “Write what you know about.” Victoria Beckham designs what she knows about—and only from that starting point can a coherent brand begin.    

An Amber Shade of Gray - Film Director of Distinct Sensibility

When it was recommended we ask photographer and film director, Amber Gray to direct our lifestyle show in Paris last year, my reaction was, "only in my dreams!".  I've been a fan of this young talent's work for years, favoring mostly of her dreamy and alluring images, so soft and seductive.  Gray has been behind the camera for numerous top brands in the world such as Gucci, YSL and Sony so when I had the honor to work with her recently in Paris, (yes, my wish was granted) I became to admire her even more.

I had two personal requests of Gray when we arrived in Paris.  One, was she must attempt to make me look as beautiful as some of her previous clients such as Penelope Croz, Selena Gomez or Maria Sharapova.  Although I am aware Gray is not a magician so the pressure was not all on her.  Secondly, Gray had to accept an interview from me so I can share her greatness with others.  To me, the person behind the amazing work gives their creation a much more valued meaning.  

"I was always, even as a little ten-year-old kid, playing with my parents camera, orchestrating people to reflect my vision, rather than reality," Gray says when I asked of her photographic beginnings.  "I would dress my sister and her friends up, paint their faces, and have them jump off the hood of my mom's car.  It was a very warped music video shoot playing in my head."

Fast forward to more recent years and Gray admits, "I realize now that I was super lucky early on," to have broken into the professional business of photography so quickly.  In no time, she was able to move from San Francisco to New York City with her partner Julian Bernstein with a focus more on directing.  "My first national broadcast spot is currently running for Disney, and I'm in pre-production on my first feature."

Gray started off as a photographer right out of film school basically as "a stepping stone" towards her ultimate goal of becoming a director or cinematographer.  "Film is an opportunity to share my vision as a whole, with movement, and music, and time.  It really is the ultimate form of communication."

To stand out as a true talent in film and photography, the images must be utterly stunning and evoke a reaction (be it positive or negative) or a feeling from the viewer.  Gray's photography and motion film instigate these reactions.  "I like to imply a storyline without ever saying it aloud," explains the artist, "which leaves some blank space for your imagination to fill in."  This also applies to her, what I referred to as, slightly disturbing images.  "I have heard that rumbling about some of my imagery being perceived as dark," teases Gray yet clarifies that this is an intentional attribute.  To her it is "a love of creating different atmospheres and scenarios that play beyond the human character."

Gray is able to conceptualize her clients' requests yet still be satisfied with her creativity, "because if they have chosen to hire me for the job, they obviously get my work, and trust me to execute their concept in an extraordinary way."  Evident also in the list of celebritites she has worked with like Beyoncé, John Turturro and Nina Hagen.  

"I especially liked working with Penelope Cruz.  She has a good sense of humor, and is super easygoing."

I asked Gray if she could share an interesting experience with any high-maintenance celebs she has worked with.  "They have all been really professional and lovely thus far, but I have friends who have shot some realy nightmare personalities, including one actress that locked herself and the stylist in the hotel room and refused to come out for twelve hours."  What could you possibly be doing for twelve hours along with your stylist?  Well, unless I was the actress and my stylist was David Beckham.

The other attribute of all the beautiful women she shoots goes beyond their obvious good looks for Gray. “Even though a lot of my work features beautiful, lithe young women, I don't deal in blank stares or victims,” Gray explains. “Even the fruitiest, fluffiest examples of my work features a woman that would be perceived as aware and intelligent.  I truly abhor the idea that in order for a woman to be ‘attractive’ or ‘sexy’ she needs to appear to be a simpleton.” 

 
Beautiful people Gray portrays with a sexual undertone in photography and in motion picture are tastefully presented. “I always admired artists like Angela Carter, Floria Sigismondi, and Sally Potter for their ability to sort of capture that aspect of things in a way that wasn't cheesy or played-out and obvious,” Gray elaborates. “I think that what is generally marketed in America as ‘sexy’ could just as easily be marketed as ‘cliché’ so I try to avoid the obvious cues, in favor of subtler, more interesting ones.”

Talented, experienced and hard working, I have a lot of respect for Gray who says she always wants to challenge herself. “I'm extremely hands-on as a director so for me, it's an opportunity to bring a whole universe that's residing in my imagination out into the world to be experienced by others.  I am involved in everything from the writing, casting, storyboarding, lighting design, wardrobe, music, and editing. 

Filmmaking can include pretty much anything, which is why it never gets boring, and there is always more to learn.” Thankfully for us, it is like that little ten-year-old girl still playing out those warped music videos in her head. 

To view an Amber Gray video, go to http://vimeo.com/20318583 and her website at www.ambergrayphotography.com.

By Slavica Monczka, Seductively French

Mode du jour - Power skirts trend at Paris fashion week

Dior Haute-Couture 2012 show 

Paris Fashion Week 

Salons Christian Dior in Paris, France

Talk of Paris fashion week - Power skirts

If catwalk front rows offer the most accurate long-range fashion forecasts, then the next few months will be about the power skirt. It can be any shape but to qualify as a power skirt it must distinguish itself by the fabric, a print or an embellishment.  At Dior, knee-length skirts were made from individual squares of ostrich skin stitched on to an organdy base, while at Armani, standout skirts came in shiny reptilian green.  For Kate Phelan, the creative director of Topshop, skirts aren't the new "It" bags, "they're the new trophy jacket. Whether embellished, sequinned or just plain colourful, the power skirt has replaced them."  View the gallery here.

Front row beauty - clean and simple

Paris Fashion Week for spring/summer kicked off with a bang, with big names like Versace and Dior showcasing their couture collections on the first day. Celebrity attendees at the Dior and Versace shows were so on-trend they almost looked strapped into a uniform. But one trend they were all sporting that played to their individuality was a clean, minimalist style in hair and makeup. Is this a new beauty trend for 2012?  What's not to love about this look - beauty, elegance and confidence.  Perfect for 2012 and Valentine's day.

By: Imogen Fox / Pascal Le Segretain

Blushing Brides Make Guests Blush with an Hayari Couture

By Slavica Monczka

Among all the finer things in life produced in France, fashion tops the list. Not only the simple ready to wear, but more importantly the jaw-dropping haute couture. If there is ever a luxury in fashion worth splurging on, then that would be a dress by Paris based Hayari Couture. Nabil Hayari designs spectacular wedding and evening dresses for women with discerning taste, and a desire to impress all with such sensational gowns.

 

 

 

Hayari’s clientele are international woman of wealth and prestige yearning to be sexy and glamorous for a special occasion or for their very own wedding. Women from Russia, China, and the US call upon Hayari with a request to transform them into a princess for a day. Hayari Couture carries the official “haute couture” certification by the French government, ensuring and upholding the authentic and artistic quality of this talent. For these reasons, it is typical that the dresses run well into the tens of thousands of dollars and often takes an average of five months to complete.

 

 

 

At my recent visit in his atelier in Paris, I asked designer Hayari, why do people go to the expense and time of haute couture? Why not simply indulge in a high-end designer brand? “It is a woman’s worst nightmare to show up at an important event wearing the same thing as another woman,” he reminds me. Nabil is very familiar with the fact that a woman would rather set fire to her own hair than to arrive at an event wearing the same dress as another. Oh, the horror!

“All the details are very important,” Hayari explains. “We embroider by hand, and use noble fabrics,” states Hayari of the significance in his designs. “La doublure fabric inside (lining) is silk because when it touches the skin, it is very agreeable!” These hand placed details are time consuming but it is what makes them so exceptional.

 

“The red dress, the fabric is silk taffeta and all the flowers are made by hand. It took more than 800 flowers made by hand,” Hayari proudly claims in his sweet French accent I so love. Fine French lace, feathers, and Swarovski crystals are some of the extraordinary details that adorn these elaborate gowns. With each dress, Hayari completes the look with complimenting accessories.

New to Hayari Couture is their fragrance Only For Her, which will be making its debut here in the states at this year’s Golden Globe Awards available exclusively for nominees and presenters of the event. Created by Hayari in Grasse, France, the eau de perfume features “oriental florals and is evocative of Hayari’s childhood memories of jasmine growing in his own gardens.” It is a lovely floral scent that compliments his feminine dresses.

 

 

Hayari and partner Alard with Mrs. Russia, Alisa Krylova

A great big merci to Nabil Hayari and partner Hugues Alard for their gracious hospitality while in Paris, and for my very own bottle of Only For Her. Now, when my Hayari dress comes off, the scent still lingers.

“A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off of you.” –Francoise Sagan

J'aime le Ballet

Mon hommage au ballet... (My tribute to ballet...)  More on Le Style's Pinterest page here .

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Style for men by Hermes

Style for men by Hermes SS 2012... c'est magnifique for sunny Australia!

A great new year party it has been..

Bonne année et bonne santé!  We hope your beginning of 2012 is as wonderful and fabulous as ours has been..

Get ready to glitter for the new year...

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Summer Xmas style with NET-A-PORTER.COM

Click on the image below and shop with our partner, NET-A-PORTER.COM for the 'Heatseeker' stylish getaway trends.  Parfait for a summer Xmas!