Dec 31, 2012

Best perfume add 2012

The year is about to change. Good. I wish the 2013 will be happy one.

Here I leave the best perfume add, in my opinion, of this year. It is Yves Saint Laurent's Manifesto. I love Jessica Chastain as an image of the perfume, the violet color and the dipping trend on it. Very beautiful lady with hands full of violet. The scent is too sweet to my taste, ("It starts off with fresh green wave, bergamot and black currant. The heart includes accords of white flowers such as Sambac jasmine and lily of the valley. The base is woody and slightly oriental and captures notes of cedar, sandalwood, vanilla and tonka bean.") so I just admire the add on the women's magazines. 

I hope you all have a wonderful year to come!


Stylish YSL Manifesto

This winter's YSL make up with the name "Northern look" that has been inspired by the northern lights by Lloyd Simmonds (AD of the make up in YSL).

Dec 29, 2012

Exciting news!

Yesterday I got a call from China! I was really surprised and didn't know to which country the dialing code +861 referred to. Of course I googled it and the call happened to come from China. First I thought that how weird as I'm not expecting a call from China, but then I recalled that indeed I might receive a call from China, Beijing. In November I participated to the Hempel International Fashion Contest and if I would be selected to be a finalist they would inform me in mid and late December. Wow!

I will be a finalist in the 21th Hempel Award China International Young Fashion Designers Contest! So exciting and great news to finish the year!
Thank you Melissa for calling me! Here I come Beijing!

Dec 24, 2012

Soft and sweet Christmas

I am just about to start to prepare the Christmas dinner, but before that I just leave here one of the most successful, according to me, Christmas add of this year 2012. Its from TOUS, the jewel firm here in Manresa, Spain. I especially like the softness and sweetness of it. Its not too rudolfish and with the use of pastel colors its fresh and actual.

I wish you all soft and sweet Christmas time!

At the center bottom there is also my favorite Manolo Blahnik for TOUS-necklace.

Dec 18, 2012

Beautiful covers

Again this month I bought a magazine due to its stunning cover; such a beauty and stylish cover on Vogue Spain's December issue. I am not a great fan of Kate Moss (or Vogue), but in this greenish photo she looks really elegant. I love the green typography.

Inside the Vogue there is a special report of Mario Testino; a collection of Spain inspired photos from recent years.

This green cover reminds me of another favorite of mine; Gloria December 2010 issue when Sami Sykkö was still the head editor of the paper. You can see that. The issue was fresh, that something new, for Christmas issue. A theatrical and joyful celebration.


Vogue España, Diciembre 2012

Gloria, joulukuu 2010

Here I add some pics from the reportage. Photos are from Marko/kuvaamo and styling Teri Niitti.



Mr. Sykkö himself






Dec 17, 2012

Winter curtains by Marimekko

We have a small temporary kitchen build by us in a corner of our flat. The building is constructed in 1931 and the room that used to be a kitchen the previous owner changed to be a bathroom as he was a newer cooking, outgoing old man. I am happy to have a big bathroom and now it is really well situated by a long corridor in the middle of out flat, that is fine, but of course now we are lacking the kitchen. Five years ago when we moved in and deep cleaned the flat the only renovation we did was to built an auxiliary kitchen where there used to be a tiny room for gadgets. I like our so called temporary cooking place (temporary as one day we should build a real kitchen to what is now a living room). In order to save space and money we decided use curtains instead of doors in the storage. The thought was also that it is easier to change the look with fabrics.

Well, what is a thought might never happen or only after a long period of time...

Now it has happened; I have changed the spring curtains to the autumn ones! Thanks goes to my Finnish friends who visited me back in autumn and brought this lovely Lumimarjat-fabric by Marimekko. The colouring is from last Christmas edition; dark lila with gold berries. The previous fabric "Kaakaopuu" was also from Marimekko, a fresh bright color design. Both are designed by Erja Hirvi.

Lumimarja is already a classic in the collection of Marimekko and it has a nice story behind the creation; it was created taping real branches of tree to a paper. Apparently that was the only way to create real looking branches. Every year they have new color chart for the design and the pattern is used in several products from bed linens to cups and of course you can buy it in meters as well.


Lumimarja, Erja Hirvi 2004

Kaakaopuu, Erja Hirvi 2007


Dec 3, 2012

Welcome December!

December has started and to my surprise and delight on Friday I received an old style Christmas calendar. My sweet friend from Finland gave me a late birthday present (my b-day was in October), but for me the timing was perfect, because it just arrived to be ready on Saturday the 1st of Dec.

I don't fancy anything on the door of the fridge, but this one will pass this month as an exception on the front line of our kitchen.

The calendar is from Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo (museum of Helsinki) and it is drawn by Jaana Mellanen.


A view from Sofiankatu to Senaatintori

Oct 2, 2012

Why, oh why

I had to give me a time to think about it and maybe adjust my opinion a bit, because my first reaction was pretty harsh. Why Lana Del Rey is in the campaign of H&M? I see no connection there. It was kind of a shock see the adds on the magazines, on the metro or even on TV. So plastic and grey, flat. The TV spot is absolutely irritating; Lana singing a Cover of "Blue Velvet" with horrible light pink leggins on, just hideous. Its clear it is too similar to David Lynch, but then again it is not even near that. Typical H&M, I think, not actually creating any new, but just following the steps already used.

But why Lana is there? I have to say I had thought she would be above of this kind of commercial dullness, but I was wrong. I am a fan of Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive and Lana Del Rey, but separately and not summed up in a cheap fashion commercial. No one is perfect and I still adore the songs of "Born to Die", but with less admiration for the artist itself.


Oh, so pretty, but so grey!


Sep 24, 2012

A magazine or a book?

Inspired by the document of the Vogue's September Issue I went down to the international magazines kiosk to find my copy of the American Vogue. Luckily I was still on time as they still had one Issue left. All together the kiosk had received 200 issues and after my purchase sold them all.  Having the magazine in my bag I couldn't help myself wondering whether it is actually a book more than a paper. Really. I know the speciality of the September Issue is that almost more important is the weight and the number of pages than the content itself, but still. This year it is...hmmm...heavy and has 916 pages (thickness = 3cm).

The American Vogue is having its anniversary this year. 120-year-old, not bad; congratulations! Although the issue is a special anniversary issue I find it a bit irritating; only adds, adds, adds...and really you need to search for some reading. As this is a reference for the whole this seasons fashion I would still need something else than only advertisements on it. Of course the adds are containing clothes, accessories, what ever of the upcoming season, but I had expected to be able to actually read something... Now this thick item seems to be too thick and empty in content in order to be accepted as a good morning reading...

I don't know, maybe the Sep Issue is not that special at all and might be that next year's one will stay on the kiosk. The document did raise some high expectations that, at this time at least, were not fulfilled.


Sculptural Lady Gaga on the cover of the thick Sep 2012 issue



Very first Vogue on December 1892



Sep 21, 2012

September Issue

On Sunday night I watched a document of Vogue; The September Issue (la noche temática - Vogue: el número de septiembre.) It followed the creation of September 2007 Issue of American Vogue magazine and was already released on 2009, so I'm a bit late with this one...

Lately I have been a bit tired of fashion, but almost always if there is something about it on TV I will sit down and swallow it. Fascinated I followed how the staff of Vogue produced the most important issue of the year. I never have been good in styling or creating window displays, so I really give my respect to the editors/stylists who are actually organizing and imaging all those photo sessions. My absolute favorite was the creative director Grace Coddington. She is a real grand old lady with a life long career in the fashion industry; first as a model and after as an Junior editor in Vogue UK and then a creative director in the American Vogue. She seemed to be such a cheerful professional with her red hair going around the office, funny, but sharp.

Inspired by the document I had to buy the September Issue of Spanish Vogue. The magazine itself was not that splendid, the color palette for this year's fashion seems to be dull etc., but of course it did have something to interest about. For example I found Grace Coddington as young model in an article about an artist Antonio Lopez. Also when writing this I discovered that the Grace is about to release memoir's of hers on November 2012. Since I was a teenager I haven't been interested in other people's memoirs, but maybe this might be worth of having an eye.

This time was the first one that I focused who were the fashion editors of the shootings. In the long run I am interested in finding, if possible, my favorite editor/stylist...let's see how long it takes.


Grace Coddington in Jamaica (1975)





Sep 11, 2012

Morning glory

On my free days I love long, lazy mornings. I need to wake up alone, prepare my morning coffee with my classic Bialetti coffee maker and enjoy coffee&cake while reading some magazine. Today's choice has been old Kauppalehti Optio, which light ups the day with Finnish language and good articles.

To start the day is really essential. Only after having spent something like an hour (or more) by myself I am able to socialize and share the morning moment with my boyfriend. This suits him fine as he sleeps much longer than me and when waking up he has everything prepared and I can have my second round of coffee.

Although I adore my classical style coffee makers I also do fancy Ascasos -machines. Those have real style and what best: they are from Spain! Designed and made in Spain since 1962! So this year is also 50th anniversary to the company. It is a family business and the creator J.Ascaso is still around although has already handed the business over to his son. The product range is wide from home/office coffee machine to bar/restaurant equipment, spare parts, coffee grinders and complements. And they are made in Gavà, next to Barcelona!

Their slogan "for coffee lovers" tells it all, so if you have a coffee lover friend and you are lack of present ideas, maybe from Ascaso you might find something to choose from.




The model Dream has a total retro look and an abundant selection of colors!





The model Steel is perfect if you want to play "the home barista".



The Basic might be my choice, simply and stylish.



For coffee lovers!



And my collection of Bialetti's coffee makers on Polkka Jam's dishcloth

Sep 4, 2012

Welcome autumn!

September is here and I like it! I adore summer and days at the beach, but still when the weather starts to be chilly I welcome autumn as a long waited friend.

This "Back to school" -period equals in a way to starting of a new year, but it is not so aggressive change and you don't need to be so ambitious with your promises for the future.

I just purchased a new camera; Canon EOS 1100D, and this fall my goal is to learn how to use it. I think that is already something.

I wish you all great autumn!

Jun 8, 2012

What is this? A dublicate?

Now I don't understand; how the same cover can be in 2 different fashion magazines? Lana del Rey was on British Vogue's cover on March and now again in Glamour...seems like someone hasn't been on the loop...

Is there an explanation for this? Pls.



Original; British Vogue March 2012


Clone; Glamour Junio 2012 


May 2, 2012

This month's winner is Harper's Bazaar

With Liya Kebede on the cover, 25th Issue, May 2012.
I fancy turquoise and the contrast red hair with the air of the 80's career woman.

I am a window shopper and the same comes to the magazines, the cover needs to be stunning in order to buy it. Earlier I was more loyal to certain magazines, Woman for example, but nowadays I just let the cover speak. Last month it was British Vogue, on May the Harper's Bazaar which I had never bought, I think. I wonder why not, bec the paper seemed to be more interesting than its fellow competitors and I actually read some stories as well. Not only picture glazing. Funny size has the paper; 24x33 cm.

I liked the way they presented the perfumes; together with the flowers although my this year's favorites were not on the list. I am pretty sure I am obliged to by either Roberto Cavalli's new fragrance or Chloé 's Eau de Chloé, or maybe both. The first for the summer nights and the latter for the sunny days...























Apr 9, 2012

Thanks ASVOFF

Diane Pernet's "A Shaded View On Fashion Film" International Movie and Fashion Festival was already held in January 2012, but as I had a pause in postings I am commenting it only now. ASVOFF was created by Diane Pernet, fashion critic and video journalist based in Paris. The 1st edition took place in Paris in 2008 and since then every year they hold the festival first in Paris and afterwards it is transferred to other cities, like New York, Tokyo or Moscow. This year the turn was to Barcelona. During 4 days in CaixaForum there were presentations of short movies, documents and lectures. This edition had three competitions. Therw were the official ASVOFF Competition, a Mobile Fashion Film Competition and the first global Students Fashion Film competition. My favorits were the shorts of students.

I had printed and highlighted many different programs to follow, but unfortunately finally I could participate only in one, Les mains d'Hermès, and almost had the leave the auditorium, bec of my cough. But I am happy I made it, could see at least one document and that it was this particular one about Hermès. It reminded me why I had studied fashion in the first place and brought back the enthusiasm about crafts. I also found the saddle makers very sexy with their strong hands and art of doing saddles...

I hope next year there will be another edition of ASVOFF here in Barcelona!

I love the sunglasses, ASVOFF 2012.

Mar 29, 2012

Only McQueen

I have never been fond of Vogue although I follow fashion, clothes, beautiful things in general. It is a thick magazine, but full of...nothing really; adds only. This month I bought the British Vogue as the cover was irresistible. When looking through the paper the only thing that really captured my eye was the add for Alexander McQueen. It did have something new. Light, fresh, airy.


Add in British Vogue 3/12


Spring-Summer 2012

Mar 28, 2012

Back to track with Lana Del Rey




In the first quarter of this year happened many things; back to work with 2 different jobs, a lost of a close family member, renovations in my flat...many things, maybe too many at a time, but as you cannot choose how the life goes you just need to cope with it. And that is also why my postings have been on hold.

But now I cannot be without commenting the admirable Lana Del Rey. I love her songs and aesthetics. She is unique and her art is beautiful. I know she has been a phenomenon over the internet for the past, what; half year or even more, and last autumn I did read about her. It was her name that captured my attention; Lana Del Rey and her beautifulness. As I am not especially interested in music I didn't pay too much attention, but the name stayed on my mind and it has been impossible not to notice all the praise she has created. It was only when I saw her Born To Die music video on MTV I had to find her from Youtube. She is fantastic.

Her videos remind me of Nancy Sinatra, Chris Isaac's Wicked Game and a bit of Frida Kahlo's abundant&colorful world. She describes her own style as "Gangster Nancy Sinatra" and yes, it suits her.

I am not a fond of any Vogue, but had to buy the issue of March of British Vogue as Lana is on the cover. Oh so wonderful the cover this month!





Born to Die, Lana Del Rey





Blue Jeans, Lana Del Rey

Jan 15, 2012

Old Pantone color charts recycled

As I love colors I was more than happy few years ago when my ex-flatmate, artist Daniel Jacoby,  offered his piece of art to me. The collage is a collection of old Pantone color charts that Daniel had found from a trash pin. As the piece is huge and Daniele travels a lot and does residence stays in different countries he had troubles of keeping the piece. For me the perfect storage is on my big white wall.

Daniel has studied Fine Arts in the University of Barcelona and is extremely active in participating to different art contests and exhibitions.  He has elaborated his style from paintings to modern and conceptual installations; traditional still lifes you won't see from him.

The latest collaboration is TEXTO, a book of different visual artists trying the narration as a form of expression.


16 bits, Daniel Jacoby
Acrylic, feltpen and collage to a canvas, 130 x 195 cm




Some details of the 16 bits

 As you can see there is much more use for the industrial Pantone colors. As Pantone provides a wide range of services to any kind of industry with its specific color info and trend forecasts, the use of those products can be much more creative than the typical analyzis to maximize the success in the field of different trends.


Jan 11, 2012

Nooou, Pantone announces the Tangerine Tango is the color for this year!!!

I was ahead of my time as Pantone declares the Tangerine Tango to be the color of the year 2012! It was my favorite last year, now I am already for mint, but of course I can continue with my orange path... Pantone is the world's color authority that has since year 2000 announced a color for each year. These colors then influence product developments and buying decision of different industries; fashion, graphic design etc. Trendforecasts are of course made much earlier, but at the beginning of the year there is this announcement.








The new color is applied to accessories, of course. I could buy one of these mugs, but they are huge, so I don't know what would I be drinking from that.


Interesting for this year makes the fact that Pantone has teamed up with Sephora, the make up empire, and in spring Sephora will launch their collaboration as Sephora + Pantone Universe. It will be the first "Color of the year beauty collection". I only hope that the limited edition collection is not only to USA market...I will be wating for Tangerina Tango nail polish and maybe this year I would dare also use an orangish lipstick, maybe.