You could study style for years, and still have scope to learn more.
It’s an interesting topic that doesn’t always get the love it deserves, with some dismissing it as frivolous.
We wear clothes everyday (although a duvet day now and then is compulsory), and wearing something you love can often change your mood.
In homage to the dynasty that is style, this A-Z guide will bring you a little insider information on one of our favourite subjects, this week concentrating on all things L.
L’Wren Scott
The fashion world suffered a devastating loss earlier this year when L’Wren Scott was found dead in her New York apartment on March 17. Her first collection in 2006 was entitled ‘Little Black Dress’. It had quite an impact and she soon amassed an impressive following. A 2013 collaboration with Banana Republic also proved popular.
The designer understood women and their foibles, qualms and insecurities which meant her designs were appreciated by many.“If you don’t feel good in it, don’t wear it. Because it’ll never look good. Any hesitation in the fitting room and walk away.”
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LOOK Magazine
Fashion and celebrity magazine LOOK is published on a weekly basis. It was launched in 2007 by IPC media. One of its most popular features is a piece which details the latest pieces dropping in the high street shops.
Ali Hall is editor while Maria Coole is acting editor of the magazine. Look.co.uk was launched in 2008 and it proved just as popular. Kate Stephens edits the online edition.
Louis Vuitton
The Louis Vuitton fashion house was founded in Paris in the year 1854. It originated with flat-bottomed trunks made of canvas which could be stacked easily making them suitable for long voyages. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, control passed to his son Georges. 1930 was the year of the Keepall bag, 1932 saw the introduction of the Noé and soon after came the iconic Speedy. Gaston-Louis, son of Georges, took over when Georges died in 1936.
From about 1945 on, leather became a key part of Louis Vuitton’s designs. The company had stores all over the world at this stage including South Korea, Taiwan and in many American locations. Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy was created in 1987 and the luxury company is now one of the most successful in the world.
Nicolas Ghesquière was announced as creative director in November 2013 and he debuted his first collection in March of this year. He also showed a Louis Vuitton Cruise line ‘Louis Vuitton Monaco’ in Monaco, earlier this month.
Louis Vuitton Cruise Line – Monaco, May 2014
Lanvin
French fashion house Lanvin was founded by Jeanne Lanvin. Jeanne made beautiful dresses for her daughter Marie-Blanche de Polignac and soon other French women were coming to her to dress both them and their daughters. An influential designer in both the 20s and 30s, Jeanne’s trademarks included beaded decorations and detailed trimmings. Jeanne passed away in 1946 and Marie took creative control. Marie didn’t have any children and when she died in 1958, the fashion house became ownership of a cousin, Yves Lanvin.
1989 marked an important year for the company. Claude Montana was hired to design couture and Robert Nelissen began designing boutique and ready-to-wear lines. Britain’s Midlands bank also bought a stake in the bank. The following year, the bank sold its stake to French company Orcofi, owned by the Vuitton family. In 1994, L’Oréal bought 50% of the company from Orcofi and over the following two years, the beauty giant bought the remainder of the Lanvin company.
Things changed again in 2001 when Shaw-Lan Wang bought a controlling stake in the company. He hired Alber Elbaz, who remains the creative director today, and this proved a major turning point for the company. Elbaz’s designs were well received by the fashion industry with Vogue describing his work as “essential couture”.
