Marcel Wanders / MAC Collaboration for Spring 2012

Another amazing collaboration on the way: Marcel Wanders and MAC!  Whenever my two passions for architecture/interior design and fashion (in this case makeup) meet, I am inspired to share! MAC Marcel Wanders 2 Collection for Spring 2012 will be available March 1st at select stores.  This is the second limited edition collaboration for these powerhouse designers.  The first was a dark, elegant collection for Holiday 2010.  The new collection for Spring 2012 is similar in design, but with a lighter feel.  The cult-collectible packaging will have an ultra-sleek chrome finish. 

Marcel Wanders, a Dutch industrial designer, is known for classicism meets futurism in the objects that he designs.  Similar to the first collaboration, Wanders was given free reign on the packaging design.  He was told what products would be in the collection and asked to bring back his vision.  His design philosophy is to bring beauty to everyday objects, raise the aesthetic bar, and elevate the normality of the everyday.  Below is a preview of the upcoming collection:    

The new spring collection includes:
   
A brush clutch designed with silver threads and antique embroidery

Air of Style solid perfume in a multi-faceted chrome compact

Mascara 

#187 face brush with chrome-finished wooden handle

Sheer Powder in 2 shades:

• Light Medium Pale ivory
• Medium Plus Tan beige

4 Lipglosses:

• Jana Creamy beige with gold pearl
• Julia Light blue pink with pearl
• Karin Pink-mauve with pearl
• Kim Dirty plum with pearl

4 Lipsticks:                                                                           

• Annelie Soft peachy beige with pearl (Frost)
• Annemiek Soft neutral pink with pearl (Frost)
• Felicienne Dirty mauve with pearl (Frost)
• Inez Plum with gold pearl (Frost)

More on Marcel...Marcel Wanders is known  for his designs on architectural, interior, and industrial projects.  Additionally, he has designed for many international companies including  B&B Italia, Puma, Swarovski, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.  His claim to fame was the 1996 iconic knotted chair designed for Droog Design.

Iconic 1996 "Knotted Chair"

...with a frame of woven rope consisting of a central core of carbon fibre and a covering layer of aramid fibre hardened with epoxy resin

“It’s a mess up here.” Marcel Wanders is talking about his brain, and the necessary disorder of an open mind in design...love this quote! 

Below, are a few additional images showcasing his amazing talent.

Moooi Collection "V.I.P Chair" designed for World Expo 2000...woollen upholstery, available in several colors

"Tulip Chair" for Cappellini

"Monster Chair" for Moooi (company founded by Wanders)

Interiors of  Casa son Vida - villa on the island of Mallorca:  (3 photos)                                                                                                                                              

"Bon bon gold" seat - crocheted rope reinforced w/ resin and metal

Bisazza Bagno bathroom collection  - note the "soap shaped" washbasin and tub

"The original concept for the collection came from a fantasy I had of taking a bath in a bar of soap..." ~  Marcel Wanders

Larger image of  the Bisazza collection washbasin shown above

Bisazza collection chandelier shower head

"Chubby Armchair" for Slide

Interior of the Kameha Grand Bonn Hotel in Germany

Interiors of the fashion store Villa Moda in Bahrain: (3 photos)   

(note the mirrors used in lieu of faces on the mannequins)

Thor Restaurant in the Hotel on Rivington in New York

Poliform Dream bedroom collection

Interiors of the Mondrian South Beach Hotel in Miami: (5 photos)

  

                                    Wish I was here right now!

Cathy

Nicole Richie Collection by QVC

Ok, girls...it has finally happened.  Nicole Richie has joined the ranks of the celebrities/designers who have expanded their lines (clothing, accessory, jewelry) to the television shopping audience.  Following in the footsteps of Dennis Basso, Isaac Mizrahi, Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, the Kardashians, etc., Nicole Richie will be making her QVC debut this Friday, February 24th, with her new, moderately priced clothing and accessory line!  She will be on QVC at 9pm ET on "The Buzz on the Red Carpet - Live from LA" in anticipation of this weekend's upcoming Oscars.

Nicole Richie in one of her maxidress designs for QVC

“I want to connect with the women watching by letting them know that we are similar in many ways; I’m a mother of two and I work. We all want to feel relaxed on the inside but stylish on the outside. And that’s what I’m trying to provide.”   ~Nicole Richie to WWD  

Nicole's collaboration with QVC embodies her personal bohemian chic style with printed maxidresses, kimono jackets, flowy printed shirts, and leather hobo bags ranging in price from $75-$257.  The leather handbags are expected to be priced at $257.

Nicole and model in her flowy blouses for QVC

Nicole Richie Collection by QVC leather handbags

 

This latest, and third, line by Nicole is reminiscent of (but more affordable than) her Winter Kate line which  launched in 2010.  The printed maxidress, which is expected to price at $115, is similar to one she created for her Winter Kate collection.  

"It was important for me to do a version [of a maxidress] for QVC because it can be worn so many ways. I paid close attention to the seams to give a woman a nice shape, because a lot of maxidresses can feel tent-y."   ~Nicole Richie to WWD

Following Friday's debut, the Nicole Richie Collection by QVC is expected to return in August with an entire hour showcasing the line.  Coincidentally, the new collection is timed well with the upcoming debut of Fashion Star on NBC which includes Nicole in a mentoring role.

So, thoughts on this new collaboration?  Will you tune in?

Cathy

The Long and Short of it...High-Low Skirts and Dresses

The high-low skirt and dress trend of summer 2011 has returned for spring 2012!  The mini in the front, maxi in the back look was seen in pink on Charlize Theron at this year's Golden Globes.  Spring/Summer 2012 designer collections showcased this look as well.  I didn't give this style a try last year, but I am really feeling it for this spring.  Whether it's neons, pastels, black, white, or prints, or short vs long, there are so many ways to have fun with this look!  What do you think?

Charlize Theron at the 2012 Golden Globes

 

Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2012

Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2012

Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2012

Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2012

Helmut Lang Spring/Summer 2012

Kristin Cavallari in Funktional Doppler high-low skirt ($146) - available at pinkmascara.com

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1  Bebe high-low chiffon skirt ($79)
2 Bebe high-low chiffon print skirt ($89)
3 BCBG Angelika dress ($178)
4 BCBG Donesa striped dress ($138)

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5 Jason Wu cascade-back charmeuse skirt ($990) Neiman Marcus
6 Jason Wu high-low pleated skirt ($1,870) Neiman  Marcus

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 7   Michelle Mason jersey wrap dress ($253) shopbop.com

 8  Lanston jersey maxi dress ($166) madisonlosangeles.com

 9  Forever21 chiffon high-low skirt  ($18)
  
10  Forever21 tulip tail skirt ($28) also available in orange

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There are many length choices in this style.  Personally, being petite, I plan to rock the above-the-knee in the front and midcalf length in the back look.  Shoes?...because it's always about the shoes!  The above images show several shoe options...open and closed toe heels, flat sandals, boots.  My preference leans toward the open toe heels/sandals.  How will you wear this look?

Enjoy!
Cathy

Is Everybody Ready for the Horizontal Shower?!

Yes, it's true...the horizontal shower has been launched by German company, Dornbracht, at a trade show in Switzerland.  This may not be the most practical or functional idea, but it is definitely creative and luxurious.  It's as easy as lying down on a custom, marble platform that juts out of the wall at a 90 degree angle and turning a few dials.  Enjoy!

      

 This sideways shower has 6 programmable shower heads that operate using the ambiance tuning technique (ATT).  ATT allows the user to control the intensity, burst frequency, and temperature of each of the 6 shower heads by adjusting the row of dials on the wall.  The idea is for the user to roll over onto his/her back halfway through the shower in order for the jets to wash the front of the body.   

So, thoughts?  Number one...pricing has yet to be announced, but undoubtedly will be skyhigh.  Functionally, for the purpose of an actual shower, it has drawbacks:  the soaping up process (unless it is built into the system, similar to a carwash?), rinsing, hair washing, not to mention space required.  What about the comfort of lying on a marble slab?  On a positive note, although it may not be practical in personal residences, it may have it's place at spas and resorts.  No one can deny the luxurious, pampering, massaging benefits of this design.  Hmmm, someone let me know when one is available! 

Enjoy!
Cathy