Cashmere Competition

The snow has begun falling, society descends into chaos and like a shining beacon providing hope and warmth I am going to run a wee competition. And yes I have Scottish blood in me so I have every right to use the word “wee” as an adjective.

I follow the general credo of “When it’s cold, wear cashmere” because quite frankly fleece is a fucking disaster! Investing in a good cashmere jumper is worth the money. Cashmere is incredibly warm and won’t make you look like you’ve swallowed a child. As much as I love a good chunky knit. Sometimes you need to look a bit less casual and cashmere is your answer. 

Therefore I am happy to announce the opportunity to win this delicious grey crew neck jumper from luxury cashmere brand Gladys & Pixie.

The cashmere is from Mongolia if that makes you more interested!

Look at that detail!! The Mongolian cashmere fibre is one of the finest in the world.

The jumper comes in a size S. If you are a size S woo hoo, if not or a boy what an incredible free present you'll be able to give and claim that you bought, or option number three...ebay!   (and there's no point in keeping it from you its original retail price is £145).

To enter, simply like the Cristo Clear Fashion Facebook page and share the Cashmere Competition post. To be entered twice follow Cristo Clear Fashion on twitter. Links below. Why wouldn't you? A winner will be drawn at random on Monday 22nd January 2013 at midnight. 

www.facebook.com/cristoclearfashion                       www.twitter.com/CristoJohns

Is that CRISTO CLEAR? 

x

London Fashion Week Countdown Begins

Clear the diaries and note the date for the countdown to London Fashion Week begins (again)! LFW will officially begin in just under a month, commencing on Friday 15th February and running until Tuesday 19th February. But that's not a week I hear you cry...well tough, that's the way it has always been so find someway of coping.

In February we will see the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections and I for one look forward to what London's designers have to offer, especially bearing in mind that black (the staple colour of winter) is a major trend for this summer and I am sure the highly fashion conscious will be looking for something new.

The preliminary schedule has been released (www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/schedule) and I have made two lists below. For each day of LFW I have selected two designers. One that I feel fashionista/o's will appreciate (The Miranda Priestly choice) and then one that I think those who feel they don't know/understand fashion should check out (The Andy Sachs choice). If you've never watched The Devil Wears Prada, firstly shame on you! And secondly you will struggle to understand those references. Photos below show the designer and examples from their last collections. 

Friday 15th February

Miranda's Choice: Central Saint Martins MA 
The elite postgraduates selected by fearsome course director Prof Louise Wilson OBE, will send their graduate collections down the runway for the first time. This show is a must see for those scouting new talent and looking for the success stories of the future. Expect the weird and wonderful but an assured display of talent in every garment. 

                                                           
Andy's Choice:  Zoë Jordan 
Awarded WALPOLE Brand of Tomorrow in 2012, the designer has gone from strength to strength. Her aesthetic is built on sleek and clean lines that whilst highly feminine has an androgynous edge that provides a powerful vibe. Her designs are highly wearable and always use a fantastic colour palette. 

Saturday 16th February

Miranda's Choice: Thomas Tait
The Canadian designer who debuted just last year, is the wonder boy of structure. The garments hold incredible curve silhouettes, and the garment construction techniques are obviously complex but effortlessly accomplished. 

Andy's Choice: House of Holland
Henry Holland's bold and colourful collections have resulted in collaborations with Topshop in the past and is a great designer to watch if you are looking for fun without the "why are they wearing boxes on their heads" aspect that a more directional designer might cause. 

Sunday 17th February - THIS IS THE BEST DAY IN MY OPINION AND I COULD HAVE PICKED SEVERAL! I know that I am going to be settling in with my popcorn and notepad and watching the live streams of pretty much every show. 

Miranda's Choice: Jonathan Saunders 
Having won the Elle Designer of the Year Award 2012 and the Vogue Fashion Fund Award 2012, Saunders has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to deliver a knock out collection. I am confident that he will, having fallen in love with his menswear collection I don't see why this cannot be repeated for womenswear. Master of print and colour and an exquisite artisan using silk I am sure the collection will be worth a gander at the very least. 

Andy's Choice: Mulberry
Creative Director Emma Hill has transformed the brand since she took the supple leather reigns in 2007 increasing profits to nearly £50million. The show is always strongly themed has seen the addition of bicycles and poodles accompanying the models down the runway in previous seasons. This show will definitely express the entertainment side of fashion shows. 

Monday 18th February

Miranda's Choice: Tom Ford
Prior to his menswear show held last week Tom Ford was the last designer to refuse press access to his shows. Instead choosing to release a few selected images well after the show. Whether this had diva-ish intent or not, his attempt to keep his shows exclusive somewhat backfired when influential press and bloggers began slating him. Once again the power of the internet crushes a traditional set up, however in this case I am rather happy about it. Ford produces collections of rarely-rivalled quality which is widely known, but this season you can see it as it happens as opposed to waiting a week, which after all in thus day and age might as well be a year! 

Andy's Choice: Burberry Prorsum 
The undisputed crown jewel of LFW, and to be frank, why wouldn't it be? In numbers, Burberry is London's most successful brand by...well... tens of millions. As a global super brand Burberry draws attention from the press, buyers, a sneaky chav or two who thinks they can still pull it off. Everyone! Expect a big budget show littered with celebrity front row occupants. Watch this show if you want to get the gist of what shows are all about. 

Tuesday 19th February

Miranda's Choice: Haizhen Wang 
Pronounced "Hi-jen", I speak Mando so don't mess yeah :p Those immersed in the fashion world sould be eager to see what this Chinese designer, who won the Fashion Fringe Award in September 2012, has to offer. Unsurprisingly with circa 1.4billion people China produces a fair few designers but few have achieved international acclaim. With China becoming more and more influential in the world in every aspect, I am eager to see what Wang can bring to the table.   

Andy's Choice: Roksanda Ilincic
Admittedly having worked for Roksanda I could be accused of being biased in my decision. Well you are wrong, cause even with this in mind as the queen of colour, Roksanda's collections will surprise and gently challenge the fashion fearful amongst us. Combining classic draping with contemporary colour and fabric choices results in consistently well received collections. Some pieces you may love and some you may hate (cue marmite analogy) but regardless deserve your attention.  

That's all...

Is that CRISTO CLEAR? 

x

51 Is The Magic Number: PPR & Christopher Kane

For those who follow the fashion industry you will probably already know, in which case just continue reading for my hilarious banter which is O so entertaining. 

For those who do not, remember how I did a post about the rumours of who would take over the creative helm of Balenciaga and that Christopher Kane was most likely to be the successor? If your having a tumble weed moment you can remind yourself by following the link on the right ----------> 

Christopher Kane 

Christopher Kane was presumed for the Balenciaga role after he split from designing for the Versace diffusion line Versus and had meetings with PPR executives (the French luxury goods conglomerate that owns Balenciaga), the plot thickens. Then Alexander Wang was announced with the role and we all get very confused again, until today when it is officially announced that PPR has bought a controlling share in Christopher Kane. The business is estimated at $27million, you do the maths! 

So what does this mean exactly? Well, it is hardly going to affect our day to day lives but it is a positive step for British fashion. Christopher will now be officially secured into fashion's elite. Even with the likes of McQueen and McCartney, British fashion, encompassing it's home grown and imported London based designers, is held in a somewhat disjointed regard by the global audience. London Fashion Week for example, whilst gaining more and more support and admiration is still considered the runt of the litter in comparison to the Cujo's that are Paris and Milan. By PPR purchasing a dictating share in the brand, Christopher Kane, a British brand will be propelled exponentially into global awareness.

Being bought by PPR is essentially like being hand selected to win the lottery. Naturally colossal amounts of work will be required to make Christopher Kane a global name but and I'm not naively suggesting that the funds are endless but money will no longer be the worry that it once was for the brand that was only conceived in 2006. PPR owns the following brands:

• Balenciaga 
• Bottega Veneta 
• Gucci
• Yves Saint Laurent
• Alexander McQueen
• Brioni 
• Stella McCartney 
• Sergio Rossi
• Boucheron
• Girard - Perregaux
• Jeanrichard 
• and now Christopher Kane

To steal Jane Fonda's line from the L'Oreal advert "Not bad, huh?". The plan is to follow the standard expansion protocol of establishing a stand alone store (then another and another), increase market budgets tenfold and introduce a diffusion line.

Check out Christopher Kane past collections here: www.style.com
Or shop the collection at Net-A Porter: www.net-a-porter.com/Christopher_Kane

Kane's work is undoubtedly impressive and talent has assured him a successful career that lead to him being hand selected by Donatella Versace to lead Versus. Akin to the Versace family, Christopher Kane the brand is directed by Christopher and his sister Tammy. I am excited to see how the company grows with external (French) influence and hope the aesthetic this sibling management team have developed remains strong. Regardless I will most avidly be waiting to comment. 

Is that CRISTO CLEAR?

x

Acting Fabulous: The Golden Globes Fashion

Clearly the Golden Globes are a big deal in the acting world. Actors account for a large percentage of A-list celebrities in the world. Celebrities are a major marketing tool in terms of endorsement. Therefore if a major celebrity wears a particular designer on the red carpet it is a huge promotional boost. And so the circle is completed: The Golden Globes are big deal in the fashion world.

Like or hate the above theorem, celebrity idolisation firmly exists and one must resign oneself to the fact that the essential question from the press to red carpet walkers is: "Who are you wearing?". 

Having spent yesterday reviewing every single outfit and doing my tax return (major productivity points) I have selected three looks that stood out as being appropriate, stylish and set to reward the brand. 

Amy Poehler

Amy wears Stella McCartney tuxedo with Chopard jewellery

Comedy Actress Amy Poehler walked the red carpet in a Stella McCartney tuxedo. By going shirtless she confidently pulled off the plunging neckline of the tailored jacket which was a major feature of the Saint Laurent SS13 collection. It is worth mention that this is an amazing alternative to wearing a dress to your next big event, it is simple and easy to recreate, just make sure the jacket fits damn well! Stella McCartney will no doubt gain sales having covered the shoulders of a co-presenter of the awards and was the only non-dress look of the evening (excluding all the men). 


Anne Hathaway

Anne wears Chanel bodice and full length skirt

White, clean, delicate. The clothing choice Anne Hathaway's stylist made worked perfectly.   Thanks to her scalping for her role in Les Mis, Anne has brought the "pixie" look to attention. The look was so aesthetically pleasing that Harper's Bazaar featured Anne as their cover model for the February issue. The red carpet outfit is actually taken from Chanel's SS09 Haute Couture show but the look comes together so well on Anne that I think white and two pieces are going to be propelled back into popularity and secures Chanel's position as a market leader that produces timeless pieces. 


Julianne Moore

Julianne wears custom Tom Ford

Julianne revealed on an interview with E! that she requested Tom Ford make her a dress and I am pleased that she was so audacious to do so. The result is a monochrome dress with long sleeves and a high, flat cut neckline with an elegant dropped back. Monochrome is massive for SS13 and while many state we should not be dictated by trends, I would call monochrome a classic style and this dress is a prime example of how monochrome is wonderfully flattering and timeless.  

I'd try out one of these looks at your next big event, although you might have to settle for the budget version, not all of us have Tom Ford's direct email address...Lucky bitch! :))

Is that CRISTO CLEAR? 

x

AD-CAMPAIGNS : A picture paints a thousand words, so make sure you take a bloody good one!

It is as clear as the day is long that ad-campaigns are the most important medium for large brands to project their message to "the people". This applies to everyone from Prada to M&S. Akin to a market stall trader yelling "roll up, roll up" ad-campaigns draw wider attention to a brands products after the major shows which even with online streaming are witnesses by a niche of fashion fanatics.  Images are often projected nationwide if not globally and have an undeniable potential to secure the success (or failure) of a seasons line.

The pressure on an ad campaign is huge as the few images must do the following:

• Convey the brand's identity
• Highlight the brand/products' unique selling points 
• Exude class and sophistication 
• It must be aspirational 
• It must hit the target market
• Yet accessible 
• It must be visually attractive
• It must be memorable 

With January being a time of fresh starts and failing resolutions, I am going to review the fresh batch of ad-campaigns and propose a failure and a success story. All views are naturally my own but I shall support why I make such decisions. Let me know if you feel the same or disagree by commenting below. Enjoy:  

Louis Vuitton - LuuuuuuuuuuuuuuViiiiiiiiiit

Immediate thoughts: the models are twinned as they were on the runway show displaying excellent continuity, the 60's influence is obviously apparent through the hair styling, the geometric check and favoured canary yellow are presented as the primary themes of the season by being everywhere in the frame. 

Finale of the SS13 show

Intricacies: the noting of the set designer in the bottom left corner indicates that the set was commissioned adding an element of elitism that is quintessential of Louis Vuitton. The smaller the font of the brand name the stronger the brand, the subtle placement of the words Louis Vuitton in the bottom right corner is discreet and is a direct marketing ploy forcing you to remember the image and associate it with the name, so as soon as you see checks you go "O that's Louis Vuitton". 

A* Louis Vuitton, you have achieved the checklist. 

Burberry Prorsum - Will produce results, but for the wrong reasons 

Last season Burberry's ad-campaign for its most luxurious line (Prorsum) was glorious (see below), the black and white cinematographic styling oozed luxury and british class. This season rather than maintaining that, a gimmicky disjointed campaign has been produced with a heavily featured Romeo Beckham.

AW12 Campaign

The models are starkly posed with every image containing a wide smiling Romeo. Not that I wish unhappiness upon the boy but it just doesn't fit. I also have issues with the retouching. Overdone on the face to almost mannequin levels of unnaturalness, yet not matched on the hands and legs resulting in an uneven finish. Lastly the metallic shirts and trench coats that I deemed sensational when I saw the show back in September and still believe having checked them out in store, have been shot in a way that makes them look thin, uncomfortable and cheap much like a thermal sheet you see wrapped around marathon runners or natural disaster survivors.  

Now don't get me wrong, the use of David Beckham's son translated marvellously into column inches as I am sure it will into sales. I have read numerous articles commenting how little Romeo is following in his mother's fashion footsteps and so the Burberry name is spread. Many have noted how Romeo stole the show and brought energy into the campaign. Call me cynical but would this have been so if it were anyone but David Beckham's son, I am inclined to say no.  

And perhaps I am too emotional over a few images, but everything has a knock on effect. As much as this pains me to write this I think using easy celebrity-hyped publicity isn't fitting for one of the world's most successful luxury fashion brands. Technically this ad campaign will produce good results but is it fantastic fashion imagery?!?!

No. 

Is that CRISTO CLEAR?

x 

The Launch

Clearly I have been shirking my blogging responsibilities for which I apologise! I was not even ill! I was merely lazy, but I have had a severe word with myself and I endeavour not to miss a post again.

Now in true AGM fashion having started with the apologies I move onto the main points of business. The launch of my business Cristo Johns Personal Style Consultancy. The event took place at The Duke of Richmond Hotel in Guernsey. The resident's lounge was taken over to provide the perfect background for champagne and cake with a collection of luxury womenswear from START and TRILOGY boutiques from London. 

They tasted as good as they look 

Richard Nicoll, Maison Martin Margeila, J Brand, Equipment, J Brand, Moncler, Theyskens Theory, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang 

The room

Guests could enjoy everything while relaxing over the latest editions of VOGUE

Explaining the details

Showing the detail on this amazing print dress by Theyskens Theory. The draped sides can be tied at the back just to mix things up a bit. 

A little presentation

Mulberry's on display

Fabulous guests 

Model wears Alexander Wang leather fronted dress

It was a fabulous launch to my business and a joy to host. As I said in my speech. Cristo Johns is not shopping with your friend. It is shopping with a professional. Men and women will pay a hairdresser or a masseuse huge hourly rates without a second thought. By comparison the services of Cristo Johns are perfectly accessible. Clothing and our presentation is the first port of call for judgements, and like it or not we live in a world ruled by first impressions. I am not claiming that you must wear Gucci to look good, but there are ways and means of presenting yourself to the best of your ability regardless of price point. To those who say, I don't care what I look like. I think A) you are lying and B) that is a real shame. It is not a bad thing to present yourself well. It is only when appearance becomes your only care in the world that it can be worrying.  

So book yourselves in with Cristo Johns while I go and pay the champagne bill...ouch! Any other business? No. Good. 

Is that CRISTO CLEAR? 

x

Well slap me and call me psychic!

Mr Wang

It has now been confirmed and it is all clear. As predicted in my post "Balenciaga Saga', the successor of Nicholas Ghesquière is Alexander Wang. 

I told ya! And whoop whoop for Wang! More frequently it gets harder to find quality clothing that is not covered in branding or liable-to-snagging embellishment. The Alexander Wang Ready-To-Wear lines and diffusion line T by Alexander Wang act as simple saviours. Have a look at the current collections at www.alexanderwang.com and see what you think. 

At 28, Wang's youth is set to bring a vibrancy to Balenciaga that I am excited to see. Some have flagged up the criticism of whether Wang will be able to handle his duties at Balenciaga and at his eponymous lines. My rebuttal to these critics is quite simply that Marc Jacobs seems to be doing just fine with his line whilst simultaneously heading up creative at Louis Vuitton. Yes it is undoubtedly a huge responsibility but, cynics must be reminded that hundreds of employees work goes into creating the clothing produced by "super-brands" such as Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton. Creative directors are required to dedicate a large proportion of their time as faces of the brand. All of this work is incredibly necessary. We live in a world where people enjoy having a quasi-celebrity to focus on. Fashion most certainly encompasses this, where creative directors, the Karl Lagerfeld's and the Donatella Versace's of this world attend the shows, meet the press and create the show and spectacle that us as "the masses" love to follow and idolise. The only way to survive is by having a strong design team behind you. It is a simple fact that the majority of people who's name is on the label don't actual make the clothes. In fact it is childish to think that they do. 

So come on Alexander Wang. Take the Balenciaga reins, manage it well, stamp your mark onto the brand and show us what you can do! Do it with confidence and I am positive the reaction will be favourable.  

This is a very short post as I have been very busy with the launch of Cristo Johns but I promise I have a  lot planned for December. There will be treats for you I promise! 

Is that CRISTO CLEAR?