Celebrating real supermodels

Claudia Schiffer, Gianna Versace, Christy Turlington & Yasmeen Ghauri

As a kid my mom had a book on Versace. It was a retrospective; pages and pages of beautiful models in beautiful Versace clothing and I adopted it as my own. I would spend hours in our study, combing through this incredible database of what I called 'barbie dolls' in the likes of Yasmeen Ghauri, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington.

Of course looking back they look nothing like barbie dolls, but seeing how someone so beautiful could be transformed (just like a Barbie), through clothing, little hair and make up and a fantastic photo shoot, opened my eyes. The aesthetics of it all really excited me and these models brought the clothing to life. 

I woke up this morning thinking about the photos in my old book and decided I needed to dig them up, so here is a small selection, celebrating the incredible supermodels of the 90s on the Versace runway. They just don't make them like this anymore.

Yasmeen Ghauri

Claudia Schiffer

Helena Christensen

Linda Evangelista

Naomi Campbell

A Taste of Tel Aviv

For those of you who don't know, I have just spent the last week in Tel Aviv. I know it well, have been going there since I was born, and even lived there for a year but it is only more recently that I have started noticing its beautiful architecture. Granted, there are many ugly buildings but amongst the monstrosities are many gems that I thought I'd share with you.

Palm House, Nachalat Binyamin

Palm House, designed in 'Art Nouveau' style by architect Y.Z Tabachnik in 1922, boasts beautiful balconies and staircases right in the heart of Nachalat Binyamin. As one of my favorite places in Tel Aviv (although I may be biased; as this is the street where my grandparents married), it is definitely worth checking out whilst strolling along the arts and crafts market.

Pagoda House, King Albert Square, Montefiore.

Built by architect Alexander Levy in the architectural boom of the 1920s, in an "Eclectic Style', the building on the corner of Nachmani street and Montefiore is a treat to look at. Once a decrepit disaster zone, it has now been restored combining Oriental and Western style elements. Walk past on your way for a drink at the Montefiore hotel.

Bialik House, Bialik Street

Home to Israel's most celebrated poet Haim Nachman Bialik, the elaborately and colourfuly decorated house became open to the public after his death. Built in 1927 and restored in 2008, the architect was influenced by Islamic styles which is reflected by its impressive decor. Visitors can view Bialik's work and works given to Bialik by Israel's finest artist. A great activity for the culturally hungry.

Calling All Chanel Lovers.

To all you Chanel lovers out there, take a look at this footage from Chanel's womens RTW collection for Fall/Winter, two days ago at Paris Fashion Week. The layout and setting of the show was original, breathtaking and definitely my favourite show so far.

The collection is still as true to its brand as ever. Tailored traditional suits teamed up with lots of sequins and sparkles...except with a darker more grungy feel, and did I pick up on a bit of vampire influence in there? Just how i like it! Which is your favourite look? Am I greedy if I say I want them all?!

Rock Chic

You are looking at the new Balmain ad and to me, it is more than perfect. I love the detail and the use of safety pins.
For great deals on Balmain visit www.theoutnet.com, they have 70% percent off at the moment, so if you're strapped for cash, I recommend spending your little money there: how can anyone say no to an opportunity like that?!

"This Is Hard Core"

If you haven't already, you must go and check out the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of LOVE magazine. Yes, it is the one with Justin Bieber, referred to as 'the beautiful one' on the front cover, but he is not the reason I am sending you to go buy it.

The real reason is that I couldn't bear for you to miss out on Gloss, the amazing shoot by Solve Sundsbo. Fun, beautiful, high fashion photographs with the most beautiful models. Here is a sneak peak, which is your favourite?

'Shiny, smooth and a little bit fruity, spring's lipsmackin' colours run wet and wild - and so hot they'll have you lusting after lustre.'

Accessorize Me

Check out these great rings from Civilized Wildlife http://www.civilizedwildlife.com/. 
Yes, you will injur someone should you need to punch them while wearing these. Fine, sterling silver handmade rings. Super thick in diameter and wide around your finger. Choose between smooth or hand-hammered finishes. Shiny Silver Punching Ring- $64 and Cactus Core Ring - $74. Great, fun rings for every day. 

Home Sweet Home

I could not let the day pass without sharing this incredible modern rustic barn with you.

The converted barn is one of these places that makes you just want to snuggle up on the a sofa next to a crackling fireplace and just watch movies or catch up with friends, somewhere where you feel instantly at home. The wood, stone and neutral tones brings me back to the home's original rustic form; it inspires me and re-inforces my love for organic furniture and interiors. What do you think of this?

Become a Knotting Pro

Ladies (and feminine Gents), Try to contain your excitement for the piece of news I am about to share with you...

I recently came to the discovery that you are able to buy the amazing Hermes Knotting Card set, instead of actually having to buy an Hermes scarf in order to get them. Incredible news which I never thought I would hear! 

Each card shows a different way to wear your fabulous Hermes scarf, there are ways to work them which I would never have thought up! My favourites are the slouchy bag and belt. So for all you scarf lovers, or for those of you who'd like to give it a go, the genius knotting cards are available to buy on Ebay, but you better go snap them up quick before someone else does! Enjoy experimenting!

Gaga for Gaga

If you're a follower of Lady Gaga on Twitter you will have seen her multiple tweets this week on her walking in her good friend Thierry Mugler's show at PFW.

Building up a buzz around her cameo in the Paris show, Gaga stayed true to character and went all out for Mugler, strutting up and down the runway to her two new singles 'Government Hooker' and "Born This Way' with crazy long blonde pigtails, edgy clothing and a cigarette permanently glued to her hand.

In my opinion, and in true Gaga style, another great performance. Take a look and see if you agree.

The Best Pop Up Yet.

Today I came across Bottega Veneta's 'Salone Del Mobile' living collection.

From handbags to homewares, they are a company that I adore. I always marvel at how elegant and stylish their furniture looks and how just a few pieces of their furniture can make a place look so effortlessly chic. Using them to do up your home may cause a dent in your pocket, but I guarantee that it will be a dent well worth it.

Take a look at these photos from their Pop Up shop in Japan, if only it was in London, I would have been there in a heartbeat and cleared out the entire store (that is if my bank would allow me).