Historians believe that during the reign of the Chinese Emperor Cheng, scarves made of cloth were used to identify officers or the rank of Chinese warriors.

In later times scarves were also worn by soldiers of all ranks in Croatia around the 17th Century. The only difference in the soldiers’ scarves that designated a difference in rank was that the officers had silk scarves whilst the other ranks were issued with cotton scarves. The men’s scarves were sometimes referred to as “cravats” (from the Croatian term kravata), and were the precursor of the necktie.

The scarf became a real fashion accessory by the early 19th Century for both men and women. By the middle of the 20th Century scarves became one of the most essential and versatile clothing accessories for both men and women.

In recent years, scarves have experienced a revival. In cold climates, a thick knitted scarf, often of wool, is tied around the neck to keep warm. This is usually accompanied by a warm hat and heavy coat.

In drier, dustier warm climates, or in environments where there are many airborne contaminants, a thin headscarf, kerchief, or bandanna is often worn over the head to keep the hair clean.

Over time, this custom has evolved into a fashionable item in many cultures, particularly among women. The cravat, an ancestor of the necktie and bow tie, evolved from scarves of this sort in Croatia.

Religions such as Judaism under Halakhah (Jewish Law) promotes modest dress code among women. Married Jewish women wear a tichel to cover their hair. The Tallit is commonly worn by Jewish men especially for prayers which they wrap around their head to recite the blessing of the Tallit.

Young Sikh boys, and sometimes girls often wear a bandanna to cover their hair, before moving onto the turban. Older Sikhs may wear them as an under-turban.

Islam promotes modest dress among men and women; many Muslim women wear a headscarf often known as a hijab, and in Quranic Arabic as the khimar. The Keffiyeh is commonly used by Muslim men. Several Christian denominations include a scarf known as a Stole as part of their liturgical vestments.

Wollen scarves with Bandhani work are becoming very popular. Bandhani or Bandhej is the name of the tie and dye technique used commonly in Bhuj and Mandvi of Kutch District of Gujarat State in India.

Scarves can be tied in many ways including the pussy-cat bow, the square knot, the cowboy bib, the ascot knot, the loop, the necktie, and the gypsy kerchief.

Balancing faith and fashion can be a challenge for following islam women, finding ways to blend your spiritual side with personal style. today many are the options to be faith minded and fashion conscious.

fashiongonerogue

Wikepedia.

Dayly Telegraph

 Scarf me by Adriana Bittencourt

Scarf me by Adriana Bittencourt / Brazil

World famous models flaunted their curves in luxurious lingerie and magical wings as Victoria’s Secret brand is famous for its trademark “Angel Wings”.

Sexy and gorgeous models walked Victoria’s Secret 2010 Fashion Show runway on Wednesday November 10 in New York City and set the stage on fire with their brilliant performances.

Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio walked the runway wearing those iconic enormous Angel Wings.

She sizzled in giant zebra-striped wings, ruffles and lavender bra as well as sexy corset and barely-there underwear.

Alessandra Ambrosio Victorias Secret look was really breathtaking and real treat for her fans.

Sexy angel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley added her presence on most sexy event of year in New York in some top of the line lingerie items.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Victoria’s Secret Angel opted for a VS Sexy Little Things Balconet push-up bra with matching panty, lace corset and spectacular gold studded multicolored wings.

The 23-year-old lady, showed off her enviable figure wearing many other eye popping outfits.

Talking about Karolina Kurkova look, she donned an animal print set with peacock wings and made a real impact. The gorgeous lady was one of the best VS angels out there and really looked outstanding.

Stunning Anja Rubik strolled down the glittery catwalk in white wings. She was also photographed in studded and spiked over-the-knee boots and matching black lingerie, and looked super hot.

Beautiful Chanel Iman was one of 33 Models who walked in Annual show and was snapped wearing lingerie and Victoria’s Secret wings.

Model strutted her stuff on the catwalk in seductive lingerie and looked mind-blowing.

It is not wrong to say that all models put on their best Victorias Secret lingerie and outfits showed off for audience.

Other Victoria’s Secret models at 2010 show seen on the runway with their spectacular looks included Candice Swanepoel, Isabel Goulart,

Selita Ebank and many more along with Katy Perry performance. Victoria’s Secret top models showcased powerful sexy styles in amazing way.

The Show 2010 screened on CBS on November 30 and after a quick cleaning services I sat comfortably on my couch and watched every single minute of it including the commercials. Inspired by those angelical beauties I decided to finally take my looks in charge and start getting advice. Below a few tips:

Justin Gelband, aka The Model Whisperer, has been training the VS Angels for years and has revealed his secrets to getting the best bod for you. He spends the 12 weeks in the run-up to the show doing thorough training with the ladies, but he does have some overarching tips for you

•    Don’t use heavy leg weights. Building bulky muscle won’t streamline the legs, focus instead on balance-reliant workouts for toning.

•    Straighten up! Posture is everything and toning up your core helps you build up strength to stand straight and tall. A great bod is nothing if it’s hiding behind a slouch.

•    Know your blood type. Justin believe in the science where blood types determine how your body processes food. Streamlining your diet this way will help you metabolize food more efficiently. Find out more at Dadamo.com.

•    Hips, inner thighs and stomach. These three main points are the best to target for a shortcut to a hot bod.

The rest is up to God!

Joelle’s Tips:

The Doctor: Dadamo.com.
Dr. D’Adamo
Ann Quasarano   1-203-761-0042

The Trainer: Justin Gelband / The Model Wishperer

The Brand: Victoria’s Secret

The Source : Zimbio.com

The Jeweler:  Damiani

One of the best things to do in Europe during the Summer, besides tanning under the sun, is to make sure you do not miss what’s going on in the upcoming Fall/Winter fashion trends. While you are chilling out, many magazine editors, photographers, models, stage setters and style experts have been working extremely hard to give you the right feel of what should be the next new look.

My advice is that you start by buying some heavy magazines to enjoy along with your morning espresso. Those of you traveling by jet can shed the extra weight (and not get into trouble with your baggage allowance) by tearing out the pages you are most attracted to for later. Your next shopping trip is about how you want to be renewed in your life, family, and home.

This is the reason why in Porto Cervo, Capri, Montecarlo, and Ibiza, you’ll find the latest in fashion, luxury and home design before it appears in the large cities like New York, Paris or London. Don’t be lazy. “Oh, I do not feel like working now. I am on vacation and no way in the world I am going to try on heavy clothes and boots, especially as I will only use them in November and December in the snow. I have all the time on the world!”

Wrong! If you want that powerful feeling of being a trendsetter, style dictator, a glamour enchanter, a global Bohemian example of nonchalant understatements such as: “Oh, I just got those boots on my way to the beach before my flight. The kids ski outfits? I bought those in Capri, I am too busy to shop,” then these are the places and time of the year you should shop.

And while your friends in New York or London are trying to find last month’s sold out edition of Vogue Italia where the fashion trend is ‘black mourning‘, you’ll be peacefully having breakfast at Tiffany with your LTB (little black dress), bought last month in Anacapri. “Gosh, it was such a long time ago, I feel like I’ve had it for years!”

One of most luxurious boutiques in Italy believe it or not, is in Anacapri. Founded right after the war by Tonino Cacace‘s mother, a daughter of second generation hoteliers. Although the only shop at that time in Anacapri, it was very much visited due to its privileged location near the magnificent Greek Villa San Michele, a place of great magnetic attraction belonging to well-known Swedish physician, author, humanist and lover of the queen of Sweden) Axel Munthe (1857-1949).

In 1950 the boutique was moved to a different location and to today’s size of 1,200 square meters by a visionary man named Mario Cacce, whose passionate encounter with Rita resulted in a marriage and a lifelong partnership. After ten years, one of the offspring of their union was the Europa Palace Hotel adjacent to the boutique. The hotel was later transformed by their son, entrepreneur Tonino Cacace, into a five star luxury hotel – the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa.

As I enter the Mariorita boutique after a long day at sea on the hotel’s Capricorn boat, I notice the existence of different departments: men’s, women’s, sea and luxury. I am told that the amazing selection of products is personally chosen by the owner himself, well- known to be an elegant man with a touch of personal Italian classic-casual style. At his right arm is a smart, quick young lady named Valentina Prezioso. Her surname already states it: ‘precious’ and preciosity is what Valentina is able to bring after her precious sourcing for the boutique.

Most of the fashion, luxury and home accessory items are exclusive to the Mariorita boutique. More important, certain brands launch their products in anteprima (beforehand) at the Anacapri boutique before any other in Italy, and sometimes due to the staff’s excellent relationships with the brands and the boutique’s exclusive elite clientele, worldwide.

This is why I decided capture a few of the items around the various departments including the kids’ boutique, Aquamarina and the Pop Gallery through my camera’s macro lens, so that you can enjoy the ride and visit with me.

The men’s department holds Versace Collection, Hugo Boss, Armani Collezioni, Armani Jeans, EA7, Ice Iceberg, Tru-Trussardi, Trussardi Jeans, Maserati and Paul & Shark. My favorite are the Maserati leather jackets–sexy, very sexy. (Photo below left)

The women’s department also carrirs mostly Made-in-Italy exclusives with brands such as Armani Collezioni, M Missoni (my favorite black and white–see photo below far left), Armani Jeans, EA7, Ice Iceberg with funny Walt Disney striped icons, and wonderful ski outfits in fluorescent lilac. Swarovski crystal engravings and fur, very dans-le-vent this winter, Tru-Trussardi, Trussardi-Jeans, Valentino Roma by the “The Sheik of Chic’s” new creative director Alessandra Facchinetti, the collection though, with a lot of white lace and black velvet remains still very Valentino.

In the Sea department we have the Milanese brand Miss Bikini, the Israeli Gottex, Chloé, Atlantique, Vilebrequin for both fathers and sons.

The luxury department, founded in 2007, includes stunning hand picked pieces, most of which are limited editions.

The Bentley pens are one example. The prestigious house offers the possibility of engraving the number of one’s Bentley engine in the roller or ink pen. Tibaldi Da Vinci Code Limited edition, is an opulent and precious work of art engraved with high precision on yellow gold and a touch of intrigue reproducing Leonardo Da Vinci‘s Man Vetruvio, a series of the movie ‘s sites, several codes and symbols.

Deciphering the code formed by letters and symbols decorating the pens cap will result in the combination of the two words that historically permit the opening of the Cryptex. It’s price is 17,798 euros in case you decide to keep yourself busy. The boutique is the first global retail representative for Tibaldi Giorgio Armani’s pen collection as well.

Another very special item is the woman’s wrist watch from Chopard in white gold and 1.58 karats of diamonds with a mother-of-pearl background belonging to the ‘Happy Spirit’ Collection. The bracelet is available in satin or leather in your choice of colors. Its price is 19,000,00 euros. In addition to the jewelery Chopard introduced this year, for the first time on the market they’ve released a line of leather handbags, which has already met high success in just a few months. Mariorita is among the few worldwide stores to carry the 2009 collection in avant-premiere.

Among many types of jewelry, my favorite is the local Gioielli Di Luca, hand crafted and encrusted with cameos, corals, and precious woods. The owner, Gino Di Luca, is the president of Oro Mare association of jewelers and coral and cameos handicrafts.

Cartujano, a company from the Italian region of Puglia, specializes in leather accessories dedicated to smokers including cigar pocket humidors made out of Cedar wood, portable pens, ties and individual watch cases luxurious for your elegantissmo man.

Memento is an Italian company specializing in home accessories, mainly vases and ashtrays. They are produced out of glass and covered with a hand crafted embroidery of resin, contemporary and decorative at the same time.

Carlo Moretti is the excellent maestro of craftsmanship of hand-blown Glass from Murano. Exclusively for the L’Olivo restaurant at the Capri Palace Hotel and designed by Tonino Cacace himself, they have dedicated a special collection of tableware and glasses. At the boutique, the client has a choice of having his or her name engraved or selecting an exclusive custom designed color also signed by Cacace.

Jewels Sandals by Enrico Lugani can be ordered and produced in nothing less than two weeks after expressly picking the semi precious stones, model, size, color with personalized name or a phrase such as: “You can step on me dear whenever you want my dear… always yours.” The box comes in black velvet and the lock in Swarovski crystals as if it were a jewelry case. (Picture above)

The Pop gallery, the most recent inaugurated this season and the latest grand passion of Tonino Cacace. It involves a sponsored space with works of pop art mainly from artists and craftsmen of the Italian region of Campania. All the exhibits are the result of a thorough search for talented and gifted individuals with personal and original inventive creativity.

Aquamarina is the children’s boutique, the most successful of all. It features blue wood floors and a cloudy light blue ceiling that makes you feel like Alice in Wonderland — what a trip!

Even with the current world economic and financial crisis, it looks like parents still need to spend time with their children–especially in Italy and worldwide.

The Made-in-Italy brands including Armani, Dolce & Gabbana Junior, Dolce & Gabbana shoes, Dior, Ferrari, Iceberg, Miss Bikini, and Vilebrequin are to die for. Cashmere sweaters with flowers and striped cotton Doppio Petto (double breasted) for small and Junior boys nurture you a fantasy of acquiring immediate parenthood.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy: D&G baby sneakers, Baby Dior wool small pink dress for little princesses, and at last…

The motto on an Armani baby girl penguin sweatshirt: “I want to become an Eagle” …

I have nothing else to add..

Enjoy the rest through the view through my camera lens!

You grew up in the middle of France, in Clermont-Ferrand. Did you have a strong fashion point of view early on?
When I was a teenager, you could be a skater and listen to rock or a bad boy and listen to rap. If you were out of those two groups you were considered a dork. Outside of Paris, it’s hard to find cool clothes and there are almost no vintage stores. I found my own style when I moved to Paris. Now I know where to find clothes I like, but I want to create pieces that are different.

Who inspires you, in real life or in cinema?
My collections are constructed like tales. I create my own characters, but I’m truly inspired by the universe depicted in Tim Burton films. That universe, tinged with darkness, also represents my creative vision.

Tell me about your experiences at Jeremy Scott in Los Angeles.
Jeremy is an amazing character with a superb energy. Sometimes, to reenergize us as we worked hard in his atelier, he’d come and sing and do a few dance moves. It forced us to smile. Or occasionally, when we were working late hours, he’d tell us stories about living in Paris, which I loved.

What did you think of L.A. fashion?
People really dress up there, they have fun. But of course I’m speaking of the crowd I was hanging out with, not the Hollywood crowd, who dress up only in designer clothes. It was interesting for me to start from zero in a city I didn’t know anything about. Normally I love to wear layers, but it was so hot there that I had to find another way to show off my style.

Your clothes are made at Patrick Lestarquit’s workshop. What is that like?
It’s amazing. I’m surrounded by fur. It feels like an older era with all the handcrafted work. I choose the skins, staple them, try out some mixes. Patrick Lestarquit teaches me techniques and how to choose my skins. He’s like my mentor. Then I have two people working for me.

One is a Greek man, a specialist of minks. He’s been working with fur for at least 40 years, since he was 13. The other is a woman who takes care of all the linings, and she sews everything by hand. It’s going back to basics. It’s not like you just make a drawing and send it to the other side of the world to be made.

Is it true you only got into fur about two years ago?
Yes, but I always wore and liked fur. When I finished school, I asked Patrick if I could come to his workshop. I became a kind of apprentice and fell in love with the craft. Touching fur everyday reminds me of my childhood. My father is a professional horse rider, and I loved working with him.

You’ve said “fur always existed and human beings always wore it.” Okay, it’s natural, but it’s also controversial. Why fur?
The smell, the feel, the way it looks and moves. I mean, fur is like a diamond. It’s unique, beautiful and makes women feel pretty.

What do you think of PETA protesters? They make me laugh!

Have you ever been confronted by anti-fur people?  Nope.

Where do you get your furs? Have you ever hunted?
I only use farm-raised furs, animals that are specifically raised to be fur, not wild animals. I don’t think anyone would go hunt a cow to have their steak.

Could you envision yourself designing pieces in other materials, or is it fur forever?
I have a fashion designer background, I’m not just a furrier. In fact, for my next collection, I’m starting to add other materials. But fur will always be the center of my collections.

Tell me about your experiences at Jeremy Scott in Los Angeles.

Jeremy is an amazing character with a superb energy. Sometimes, to reenergize us as we worked hard in his atelier, he’d come and sing and do a few dance moves. It forced us to smile. Or occasionally, when we were working late hours, he’d tell us stories about living in Paris, which I loved

Joelle’s Tips:

The Furrier: Quentin Veron

The source: via Hint Fashion Magazine

Photos Credits: Courtesy  Jenny Lexander for Quentin Vernon

Together with a short biography and without adding many words I ‘ve preferred  to pay my personal tribute through  a selection of pictures that in my opinion represent the evolution of one of the most creative fashion genius of all times.

Visual references from the movie Avatar have been added to better illustrate McQueen’s 2010 Spring collection , a fashion show with  a flair on ” the origin of species ” that  as some say,  Charles Darwin would have certainly liked.

Goddess save McQueen.

Born in London in 1969 as the youngest of six children, McQueen left school at the age of 16 and was offered an apprenticeship at the traditional Savile Row tailors Anderson and Shephard, then at neighbouring Gieves and Hawkes.

At 20 he was employed by the designer Koji Tatsuno. A year later McQueen traveled to Milan where he worked as a design assistant to Romeo Gigli. He returned to London in 1994 where he completed a master’s degree in fashion design at Central St Martins College. His degree collection was famously bought in its entirety by Isabella Blow, a leading figure in the fashion world who died in

In less than 10 years McQueen became one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. In October 1996 he was appointed chief designer at the French label Givenchy where he worked until March 2001.

In December 2000, 51% of Alexander McQueen was acquired by luxury brand Gucci, where he became creative director. Expansion followed and included the opening of flagship stores in New York, London and Milan.

McQueen was a four-time winner of the British designer of the year award as well as the international designer of the year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 2003.

Victor de Souza explore a fantasy world that combines elegant pastels and delicate ruffles with structured shoulders and silhouettes on silk blouses and dresses. The softness of the collection is offset with the occasional metal embellishment of shattered-glass embroidery.

These architectural pieces of modern romance appeal to the classic, yet experimental,women of today. With Pierrrot-inspired designs, one can see the power behind each piece. The strong, feminine shapes have both an avant-garde and futuristic feel while being light, playful and sophisticated.

Victor de Souza’s Spring 2010 collection is fitted and sophisticated with a futuristic edge and a touch of “armor.”  Key stylist, Mordechai, created a pulled back style with a rich, kink texture to it; to create almost a “helmet”.  The style is stark in the front however when the model turns, there’s also a romantic, feminine feel.

To achieve this look, he used the “figure 8 hair pin technique”, divided hair into sections then sprayed Phytovolume Actif to each section.  He then twisted the hair into a “figure 8” shape and closed the pins.

He then applied Phyto Pro Intense Volume Mousse and used a flat-iron to heat the hair and left it to set.  In the front, he used a crisper to create mixed textures.  After, he took everything out, brushed the hair and created a mattified look giving the hair a medieval feel.

He then brushed it back, and folded the hair to make it look like a cuff.  Victor uses cuffs in most of his collections and as of late has become his signature.  He finished the style with Phytolaque Soie light hold hairspray.

Joelle’s Tips:

The Designer: Victour De Souza

The Host: Michelle Harper ” The muse ”

The Stylist: Storm Pedersen

The Hair Stylist: Mordechai Alvow ( Watch the video it is amazing!)

The Hair Line : Phyto

The Make-up Artist: Yajara Velasquez

The Models are provided by Trump Modelng Agency, Q Models, Red Model Management, Major Model Management, Wilhemina Models

Sales: Caroline Vike – Vike@victorsouzany.com

The Space: EZ Studio

Watch the video  :  Victor de Souza Spring 2001

Suddenly there she was, not too tall, bumping into my friend. I could barely see her since she was talking on her mobile phone, practically hidden under multiple shopping and garment bags.

Without any interest in the clumsy encounter, I ran away from the wind and the crowd.  As I reached the entrance of Barneys, I heard my name being called from afar “Joelle! Come back, you must meet Stacey!” Impatiently, I went back… Our friend in common apparently wasn’t as cold as I was and hadn’t followed me inside for the much deserved soup break.

Stacey was obviously busy and also in a rush.  My friend was insistent on making this introduction, so I shook what was available of Stacey’s hand, smiled and gave her my card (easier to reach for mine than hers), and the three of us finally proceeded to our respective destinations.

On the short walk back to Barneys, My friend said, “Joelle, you had to meet Stacey. She’s one of the world’s top fashion stylists,  you know!   Stacey has worked with celebrities like Susan Sarandon,Natasha Richardson,  Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Selma Blair, Queen Latifah and Cynthia Nixon.  They’ve all benefited from her keen and discerning eye.”

“Really?” I say, already smiling at the waiter from Mumbai at the restaurant counter who doesn’t need to ask me at all if I want my daily order,  ‘the soup of the day.’  “I am not kidding Joelle, this woman would be a great feature profile for Joelle Lifestyle!”

The soup looks amazing—small multicolored vegetables in a light broth liven my spirit while the waiter smiles back asking “Good?” I have finally warmed up and am in  much better mental condition to hear more about this fashion consultant my friend is so enthusiastic about.

I learn she has contributed to top tier magazines around the globe, including In Style, Teen Vogue, lucky, Glamour, Jane, Real Simple and international editions of Elle. Most recently she was the Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire and has appeared in several TV shows such as  ‘Full Frontal Fashion‘  as a fashion expert and is working on her first TV project, a new BRAVO TV reality series starring Susie Essman of  ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm Fame.’

“Ok, ok, I say to my friend, I got it. I will contact this New York stylist, personal shopper and self described ‘secret weapon, I promise. Can we speak about something else now?”

A few days later, I have a new email on my Mac screen.  “…I met you the other day on Madison Avenue with Ana,  I’ve been looking at your website and I think it’s great.  I really liked theMorocco newsletter.  I was interested to read that you are a Sephardi Jew.  I’m Jewish too, and part Sephardi.  I guess that’s where I get my nomadic tendencies and love of travel as well! – I wanted to give you my contact info, which is below. Perhaps we can do something together?

You can check out my website to read about me and I’m also attaching a story from Vogue from the spring”

Vogue? Vogue wrote about Stacey? This is ridiculous, I told Ana. I want to write this profile. How did I not know about this woman in New York before? I quickly answered her email and  set up an appointment at her Tribeca apartment.

The fresh atmosphere of this bright loft designed by architect Thomas Juul Hansen (who designed several spaces for restaurateur Jean Georges Vongrichten) is surrounded by windows that allow the shades to create beautiful patterns on the sleek furniture… inviting anyone to feel comfortable and at peace.

While I inspect the flowing energy, Stacey comes from another room with her hands full of her favorite necklaces, dresses, sandals and vests. She asks me which she should try on first.  I realize she’s so used to “producing” other people’s looks that she doesn’t understand why I answer in a calm tone: ” none”. I want to know more about the history behind her own accessories and objects retrouvesand create her story from those.

The Buddha necklace was given to her on her honeymoon in Thailand as a wedding gift from a Thai friend.  It was something that was in his family for a long time.  The ivory beads were given to her by her grandmother, who bought them in Asia in the 70s. “I feel serene and protected when I wear this.”

The Cartier watch belongs to her father – “The face is on long-term loan from my Dad!!  I put a new white patent leather band on it to make it look less traditional and a bit more unexpected.”

The bright multi-colored faceted stone necklace was made by her friend Keri who has been collecting new and vintage beads for 20 years.  She makes everything custom- Stacey explains with enthusiasm, without noticing that while she speaks I am capturing a few portraits of her wearing a simple blue top she told me she wanted to take off before the photo shoot began.

“You choose your beads and Keri strings it together for you.  When I made this necklace, I was pregnant with my daughter but hadn’t told anybody yet.  Keri is a bit clairvoyant and she knew I was pregnant!  It was the first time I had met her!

Stacey’s favorite designers tend to be Lanvin, YSL, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Balenciaga and Rick Owens. She tells me that jeans are her everyday uniform so she’s always on the hunt for amazing denim.   At the moment her favorite jeans are by Earnest Sewn and Gold Sign. “I like jeans because they don’t feel so precious.  I also love to mix in personal touches from unknown indie designers (I love to discover them!) and from things that are close to my heart because they belonged to someone I love or because I found them on a special vacation.”

About a photo of Picasso on the wall: “This is one of my most prized possessions.  It’s a Robert Capa photo of Picasso and one of his many lovers taken in the South of France.  I think it’s so sexy and romantic.  It makes me happy to look at it.”

I have asked Stacey to tell me about the profile of her clients. “Mostly women from New York,  but many also come to visit from other places in the US and Internationally.”  I usually end up working with most of their boyfriends and husbands as well. Apparently I hear, there are three types of ladies:

The first is the woman who really needs help!  She is smart and sophisticated in all areas of her life, but she doesn’t understand style and fashion and she hates to shop.  She wants to look great and feel confident when she enters a room, but she doesn’t know how to do it on her own. According to Stacey, I think these are the women whose lives she really changes the most.  They call her afterwards crying because they feel so good and see such a huge difference. In this category her clients range from doctors to fashion executives to film and theater producers to full time moms.

The second type is the woman who has taste and style but doesn’t have time to shop. These are usually career women with very busy lifestyles. They are often either high profile New Yorkers or celebrities and they are leading more public lives than the average person.  They feel a lot of pressure to look great and “get it right” because they are being photographed often or need to project a certain look professionally. They also tend to travel a lot and need clothing that travels easily and travels well. In this category her clients range from art world personalities to financial types to philanthropists.

The third type, is the woman one who just wants to take it up a notch and exude a more stylishly confident look. “Most of my clients fall into this category.”  They already have taste and style but want to look even better than they already do and they want that special stylist’s touch that makes them look as good as celebrities!  Many of them already own great pieces but they don’t necessarily have the confidence to mix it up in an eclectic and interesting way. They’re afraid of getting it wrong, so they play it safe instead. I show them how to mix like a pro and I make sure it looks like they did it on their own!!  Most of Stacey’s clients in this category are chic urban moms.

If you find yourself in one of these three categories and think you’d need some extra help, this is how Stacey would work with you:  She starts with a Closet Consultation that usually takes about three hours, depending on the size of your wardrobe.   She listens to the stories behind your clothes and makes a smart selection of what should stay, or be courageously let go of.  She shows you how to creatively mix and match what you have. Through this process, Stacey will make an assessment of your body, budget, lifestyle, wardrobe problems and needs, resulting in a personalized shopping plan.” I tell my clients to relax, enjoy and just TRUST ME!”

The shopping, depending on clients’ availability, takes place with them, without them or both.”  I usually do seasonal wardrobes, so I’m working with my clients twice a year, for fall/winter and for spring/summer.” Good to know that Stacey works with any type of budget, so that one can shop in high design boutiques or at more moderate price points. She also told me she often gets great discounts she likes to share with her clients.

“We can buy a full wardrobe if the client wants to be extravagant or, if they’re on more of a strict budget, perhaps we only buy just the perfect 10 items that really upgrade the wardrobe, pull it all together and create maximum versatility”  This ‘shopping with strategy’ not just ‘randomly’, makes it easy for both client and shopper to figure out  what the ‘smart purchases’ are.

Basically, it’s all about taking a practical approach and buying the fewest number of items that create the maximum level of impact.  So in the end, you end up with fewer items in your closet, but many more outfit combinations…because she only buy things that work with everything else in the wardrobe.  “When you shop in a smart way, you actually don’t need that much.  My mantra is ‘less is more!’ “, Stacey concludes while picking up a Look Book.

“Look book?”,  I ask, “You’re kidding!”

“Yes Joelle, do not laugh. For the clients who really want to take things to the ultimate level, I create personalized look books for them for the season.  I style hundreds of outfit combinations, fully accessorized from head to toe, using items that they already own mixed with new purchases.”

“For one client, I created a book for every area of her life where she needed help. I did 8 different books: work casual, work dressier, evening out, black tie, casual Hamptons weekend, day to night looks, etc.  If the client has a more limited budget, I can do one book that has the top 30 go-to outfits.”

“The books are like a manual or kit…so my clients open their books in the morning and decide what to wear.  The books are also a great tool for packing for trips because you just choose your outfits and put them in the suitcase and you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything because it’s all in the photos!  My clients get addicted to their books and call them their ‘bible’.”

“The books really put the “soul” into the new clothing because I style each new item in so many new ways that my clients wouldn’t have thought of on their own.  It becomes very instructional and after several seasons, they don’t need the books anymore because they understand the ‘Mayesh Sensibility.’”

Mayesh Sensibility…I pause for a while wearing one of Stacey’s necklaces and looking at my leopard print boots.   I remember vaguely, like in a cloud, a picture of my daughter when she was three striking a pose while wearing her fake leopard coat and matching hat, standing — bareley standing — on complicated suede Cowboy boots…

Where was her Look Book?

Joelle’s Tips:

The Fashion Stylist: Stacey Mayesh Price per hour of consultation: US$375. She’s now offering US$250 due to recession times. For a consultation contact: + 1 917 859-8240 stacey@staceymayesh.com

The restaurant: Fred’s, Barneys,  660 Madison Ave., 9th fl, New York – nr. 61st St.  / + 1 212-833-2200

Rihanna is the new face of the 2008 Gucci UNICEF Campaign.

The multi-platinum award winning artist will feature in a campaign called “Tattoo Heart”.

The campaign will have special-edition Gucci products bearing a tattoo-style heart motif on offer, with 25 percent of sales to be donated to UNICEF program that supports supports education, healthcare protection and clean water programs for orphans and children affected with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Gucci UNICEF partnership has been active since 2004 and this year, the campaign will again benefit children in Malawi and Mozambique.

The products are already on the shelves as part of a holiday release and the campaign will last until January 31, 2009.

I went to the New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue for the November 19 collection launch and took these pictures .

Check it out. It’s hip, it’s bright and it’s fresh. The perfect cruise must-haves.

At the New York event, Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, said:

“It’ s a permanent mark that you can wear with pride and that stays with you. This represents our ongoing commitment to the incredible work that UNICEF is able to achieve. It’s our chance to give back”

And if it’s all about giving back this season, might as well do it in style, don’t you think?

Joelle’s Tips:

Watch:  The E-Trailer

Shop on line :   White Tatoo Heart Collection

The org: UNICEF

Watch : The New York Event

Foho is one of the naffest terms possible, but hats off to the Daily Telegraph for coining it. The term represents the origins and influence of the trend; it’s origins in the Boho look, and the heavy influence of folk culture.

Foho is about a more understated, eclectic mix, fusing classic Boho elements – Seventies silhouettes, crochet trims and trippy hippie prints – with more subtle folk pieces, such as washed-out denim and traditional embroideries.

Crucially, it also throws in something modern like a great big shiny It-bag or über-cool trainers. It’s cooler and far more authentic than Boho and owes more to the original folk look of the Seventies.

Foho is also the style of up-and-coming “freak folk” stars (a fusion of folk, pop and psychedelic 60s sounds) such as Joanna Newsom, who performs in pretty bib-front dresses and CocoRosie, a sister duo whose style (hippie scarves and gipsy skirts with more street-inspired pieces) is a reflection of their eclectic hip-hop folk music.

Like Medea in her fury, Daily Telegraph mentions, last summer Sienna Miller destroyed Boho, the bohemian look she had created and made her own: “I feel less hippy,” she lamented to American Vogue. “I just don’t want to wear anything floaty or coin-belty ever again. No more gilets, or cowboy boots. There are 12-year-olds wearing exact replicas of my mother’s Moroccan belt.”

She was right on target. We had all had enough of low-slung belts, tiered gipsy skirts and straw cowboy hats – and out they went, along with a look equally beloved of Kate Moss, and style-mongers from Elle Macpherson to the Olsen twins. Few of us were sorry to kiss goodbye to what had turned into an identikit head-to-toe look.

Foho, is a luxury take on a bohemian look. Part peasant, part Cossack, part sex-goddess rock chic. And it’s here for the colder months of 2008/2009 – largely thanks to an outstanding collection by Frida Giannini for Gucci’s Fall (Autumn) / Winter 2008/2009 women’s collection and men’s collection. Looks from Gucci, Naeem Khan, and Anna Sui

The Foho folk aesthetic wouldn’t be complete without flares. The faded, flared jean has rapidly usurped the skinny jean and has been spotted on Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz and Billie Piper.

The Key Elements:

• Billowy white peasant shirts
• Fringed boots
• Folk-inspired tooled leather pieces
• Embroidery and paisley prints
• Charm / coin belts and jewelry
• Luxurious fur or fur-trimmed pieces
• Fringed long skinny scarves
• Bed hair and smudged smoky eye-makeup

My life, has always been a traveling caravan of cultural mix though my friends know, I am often called the gypsy. Whether I lived in New York City, Milan or São Paulo, I never forgot my Mediterranean and Oriental ancestry. India and Turkey and Spain have always been in my unconscious manifesting the way I  dress and wear jewelry. Tibetan nomads, Thai dancers and Burma monks have been my life’s inspiration when it came to organize the space I worked on my returns.

Today, we are becoming so global that it is not so difficult to feel each other cultures through the way we dress, and express ourselves. We want to feel we touch each other, going to eat a sushi in New York City, wearing the last Retro Russian look pants from Gucci and our grandfather’s vintage floral print shirt. Many models and stars not only adopted the trend but created their personal  look through  the inspired collection.

Among them Danish supermodel Helena Cristensen who  just launched her own folk-inspired fashion label with her friend Lief Sigersen. The Christensen & Sigersen range, sold in the UK for the first time this season at Net-a-porter.com, includes white cotton (organic, of course) puff-sleeved peasant blouses and pretty sun-dresses with crochet trims and velvet ribbon belts

Milla Jovovich, another hippie at heart, has packed her first own label collection for Mango with retro, folky pieces such as floor-length tiered dresses with crochet or lace trims, dreamy washed out floral prints and denim flares. Topshop has produced a version styled on vintage Chloé, while the revival was led by the aptly named Woodstock jean by 18th Amendment.

Admittedly, some designers, such as arch-bohemians Consuelo Castiglione, of Marni, and Dries Van Noten, have ditched the folksy aesthetic for a more urban sportiness.

Beyond her micro-mini party dresses there are wide studded belts, twinkling coin-covered waistcoats, Ibiza-style hippie-embroidered bikinis and kaftans, floor-length bias-cut jersey skirts and, of course, the model’s signature suede moccasin boots. Elsewhere there are floral-print patchwork tops and dresses by Kimchi + Blue at Urban Outfitters and more upscale versions from Chloé, based on Gloria Vanderbilt‘s handicrafts from the Seventies.

It’s rare that Paris Hilton is a style role model but even she has recently paired a crochet-trimmed dress with sexier high heels and glossy sunglasses to good effect.
Chic gladiator sandals are a far more feminine alternative to the now highly naff cowboy boot. If you must invest in one of Prada‘s fringed suede or leather shoulder bags, try not to go overboard. Miu Miu‘s more subtly boho tie-dye bags are far cooler in any case.
Keep hair groomed and avoid Jessica Simpson-style tumbling curls or Heidi-esque plaits at all costs.

Joelle’s Picks

Shop Foho fashion on line:

• Topshop
  
• Mango
• Net-a-Porter
• Urban Outfitters
• The Gladiator sandals

The Designers:

• Gucci
• Naeem Khan
• Anna Sui
• Marni
• Dries Van Noten

Renowned internationally as a successful, trendy fashion accessories designer, she had formerly been selling her designs out of a charming boutique in the heart of São Paulo. The shop is filled with custom jewelry, good luck charms, Brazilian amulets (reflecting her country culture), Texan Cowboy hats, Djellabas, Kaftans and beach and Yacht-wear cover ups.

Her limited series wrist watches, sandals, cell phone accessories and jewelry are custom designed for Brazilian companies like Guerreiro and Nokia. They enhance the sparkle of Jet-setters worldwide, especially on the Saint-Tropez-Ibiza-Saint Barth-Capri-London and Paris circuits.

With archetypes like Talitha Guetty, the muse of Yves Saint Laurent during the 60s, Adriana a few years ago confided to me she had a dream: Like Talitha she wished to have a living role in the “Magic, Red City of Marrakech and among others, own her personal Petit Palais that today she calls Ryad Nour meaning light.

Talitha had a style she made her own, tossing together Yves Saint Laurent, Palestinian wedding dresses, Ossie Clark, Valentino couture, Balinese wraps, little white leather boots and piles of dramatic Kenneth Jay Lane fake jewelry with a bohemian aplomb that Kate Moss might envy and Diana Vreeland think is terrific.

And, unconsciously, like some fascinating women at the turn of the century, icons that Andriana in the mist of her youth probably doesn’t know yet, Misia Sert in Paris, the baroness Karen Von Blixen in Africa, and princess Gayatri Devi, the Maharani in India, she chooses to pick her part-time destiny in the Marrakech Medina renouncing her friends, her family, a comfortable life in São Paulo, as well as her faith of origin; she has now converted devotedly to Islam.

I am now in her newly renovated terrace with the help of a long time Brazilian friend of mine and partner, the interior designer Beto Galvez. We are sunbathing overlooking Jean Paul Gaultier roofs, drinking fresh lemonade with mint, honey and ginger, a recipe I brought a few years ago from Rishikesh in the foot of the Himalayas. Latifa, her cook, is discussing with her why the Moroccan eggplant appetizers do not taste like the others. Latifa’s a cook temporarily borrowed from a Casablanca entrepreneur — a friend and today a mentor Adriana met in Saint Tropez .

I try to concentrate on Latifa’s explanation with attention but I can’t help being overwhelmed by the mixture of smells and sounds of Juoao Gilberto’s Bossa Nova, Eagles Hotel California, Rolling Stones Angie and the 12 o clock call for the salat prayers coming from all the mosques in each and every roof speaker adjacent to our ryad.

While she learns Arabic and belly dance, I beg her to understand not to necessarily expect from her servants the same treatment she gets from her Brazilian nanny of 20 or more years. I know for sure I am the one losing the battle.

Everywhere next to Adriana these days, in the Souqs with suppliers, at the Arab Baths for royal treats or at her favorite restaurant the traditional Dar Moha and former residence of fashion designer Pierre Balmain in the 70′s or Villarosa alone or in company of royal family acquaintances, night scene key personas, French and Brazilians guests in the world of fashion, design and entertainment, we were treated with respect and devoted hospitality surrounded by Hassans, Salims, Abdallahs, Youssis, Noureddines, Muhammads, Camils, Simon Hameds, Nassers and plenty of Abdul Salams.

I am tired from the intensity of the day, I walk my way to the princess green room, a tone carefully picked by 80 year old interior designer Bill Willis, the undisputed maestro of grand Arab-chic homes of part-time Marrakechis like Yves Saint Laurent and Bernard-Henri Levy. Bill no longer is professionally active but was wittily charmed by Adriana with a smile and a Brazilian Figa amulet. Several pillows with small elephants from India are neatly organized on my bed.

Finally sitting on a charming Syrian mother-of-pearl inlaid chair, Adriana tells me she decided to give herself a Sabbatical year.  She’ll evaluate the possibilities of partnerships in the real estate business, spending time in the creation of her Nour collection consisting of expensive and luxurious Kaftans, home fragrances, embroidered beach bags and the lifestyle of being one of the most talked-about hostesses in the mysterious Red Clay city.

I look at her, smile, and realize that only a few months in Marrakech during her sabbatical year, my dear friend and ‘little sister’ Adriana Bittencourt already reigns supreme.

Today listen to the song: Cest la Vie

Joelle on Adrian’s Tips:

The Interior Designers Beto Galvez e Nórea De Vitto / São Paulo
Tel: + 55 (11) 3085-5035 /(11) 3062-1913/ E- mail: contato@bninteriores.com.br

The Restaurants: Dar Moha 81,rue Dar El Bacha Medina, Marrakech

Reservations:+ 212 24 38 62 64 -E-mail: darmoha.ma

Villa Rosa Restaurant
Reservations: +212 24 44 96 35- Email: villarosamarrakech@yahoo.fr