MBF TrendTalk iPhone App Update!

After much acclaim, we decided to "up the ante" and give you a version "2.1" of our blog -- MBF TrendTalk. 

So whether you already have version 1 or have not yet downloaded our app, click here to download the new and improved version of MBF TrendTalk so you can always keep up-to-date with the latest news of the fashion industry. With enhanced features like sharing a post via Twitter, Facebook, or by e-mail, it is an absolute must for fashion enthusiasts and professionals. And of course, -- it's gratis!

image via: NY Times

Considering we are based in New York City, the New York Times' "I Logo New York" submissions had us some good laughs. As readers from all over the world are invited to submit their own spin off of the iconic logo, the ideas vary from food, real estate, love, art, and technology. Take a look; it will be sure to give you a smile!

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Milan Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2011: Update

Paris beckons, as the last week of S/S 11 shows gets underway. So, I give you the final update from some of the shows in Milano...

Bottega Veneta

Utilitarian elegance sums up this collection. The uniform for the urban woman about town. There was an air of ease and effortless sophistication. Soft and slouchy pieces with a sporty feel. The palette was quite dark, but the shapes enhanced the summer mood. Luxurious yet easy-going, what more could you want. 

Emporio Armani

This collection introduced us to the 'Fancy Girl', and wasn't she just. What a wonderful display of colour, texture and shape. Each look had a sense of light femininity about it. The looks varied but had the same mood running throughout. I loved the sheer, ruched 3/4 leggings and sheer tube skirts layered to cover one's modesty. But, what I love loved was the geometric jewellery and the bags... gorgeous. 

Blumarine

Lashings of gold jewellery and leopard prints in a variety of brights. No, this is not saturday morning at Argos, this is Milan. Turquoise, pink, brown all underwent the leopard print makeover. There were flared trousers, mini dresses with sleeves in another colour and did I mention gold jewellery? The biker jackets were cute especially in the orange. Coffee toned, ruched dresses minus the print were as demure as it was going to get. Then came the billowing kaftan dresses. It was such a fun collection, some of the pieces were very wearable. If turquoise, leopard print, flared trousers are your thing, who am I to judge. 

Jil Sander

Oversized and seemingly shapeless skirts, fell to the ground in their neon tones. Paired with the simplest of white tees to further enhance the drama and colour of the skirts. Yellow, pink, green, blue and orange lit up the collection and added to the explosion of colour and shape. This has to be one of my favourite collections of the season. A huge, blossoming, floral print dress in vivid neons looked gorgeous. A key look for me was the pink and white striped skirt with a black and sheer panelling vest. Raf Simons is a genius and I am in love. 

Emilio Pucci 

I'm sure Pucci can bring out the hippy/glamazon in anyone. This time there were a few cowgirl inspirations, in the form of tassels, jackets and thigh high boots. Chiffon dresses swept the floor with the signature Pucci prints. I liked the blue minidress with the subtle print. Not so much in love with this collection. But it did bring a lot of glamour. 

Versace

Coloured stripes on a white canvas of body-conscious dresses. Glamourous fringing, geometric prints and sensual stripes. A well put together and just lovely collection from Versace. I loved the use of colour and the sensuality of the form-fitting pieces. The prints proved to be a good counterpart to the rest of the collection. Some dresses came in a longer-than-usual-Versace length which looked great. 

Dolce & Gabbana

I look forward to Dolce & Gabbana every season and this one was beautiful. Their signature sex appeal was combined with tradition to create a strong and sensual collection. The primarily white collection, used delicate white lace in many guises. Touches of lingerie were sexy and worked well with the more traditional looks. Grown up florals and leopard print also played their role. This was a romantic collection and showed why we all love Dolce and Gabbana so much. 

Roberto Cavalli

Cavalli collections always promise drama and good old fabulosity. So, it came as no surprise that this show had both. Models strutted down the catwalk like survivors in their disheveled and torn pieces. Slashed snakeskin, endless tassles and fringing, told their story. Whatever they had just endured, they looked all the better for it. 

Photos: www.catwalking.com 

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Melting Meringues & Raspberries

Melting Meringues & Raspberries

Summer appears to have deserted us, not too long ago I wouldn't leave the house without my sunglasses.   Today, I left with my winter cape and umbrella in hand. I decided to give summer a proper send off with this sunshine induced dessert. I love meringues with some fresh raspberries and a dollop of greek yoghurt. From now on, I guess it's more apple crumble and warming cakes... so au revoir summer puds. 

Serves 6 

Ingredients 

2 Egg Whites

Pinch of Salt

150g Caster Sugar

1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

Pink/Red Food Colouring 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 140C/Gas mark one and line two baking sheets with parchment/greaseproof paper. 

2. Put the egg whites into a bowl with high sides and add a pinch of salt. Whisk this until soft peaks form. Then add the sugar gradually, a tablespoon at a time. Make sure to whisk after each spoonful. Keep whisking until the meringue has a satin finish and forms stiff peaks. Then do the bowl over head move to make sure its ready. 

3. Fold in the vanilla extract with a metal spoon, then scoop with a spoon or piping bag into individual meringues on the baking sheets. 

4. To add some swirls, dip a skewer into the food colouring and swirl it through the meringues. 

5. Bake in the oven for 30mins, test one by pressing the bottom of the meringue. It should be crisp, but break with slight pressure. 

6. Turn the oven off and leave the meringues in there to cool completely, with the oven door slightly open. 

*Lipstick & Marzipan: Tip* I served these with greek yoghurt and raspberries, but you can mix some whipped cream, raspberries and icing sugar together and sandwich this between two meringues...yum. 

All photography by myself

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New HairCut x

Heey, ik wil jullie mijn nieuwe kapsel tonen!
Hij is (eigenlijk) nietmeer zo nieuw, want heb het al sinds mijn 2de schooldag xD
Maar ik had gewoon geen tijd om deze foto's te posten!
Je kunt mijn haar op deze foto's misschien niet zo goed zien, omdat ik alles naar één kant heb gedaan xD

Het is niet zo lang, zwart en stijl!

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Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: So far...

As we wave arrivederci to London, Milan has kicked off. I wish I was typing this from a hotel room in Milan, but no, I am at home... in East London. Never mind, the delightful Internet has soothed my woes and sent me what's been occurring in Milano.

Gucci

Rich jewel tones in orange, purple and turquoise were combined to create the ultimate sophistication. The sprinkling of gold accessories were the perfect additions. The colour then faded into stunning nudes, where the jumpsuits and bandeaus had a tribal edge. Everyone wants to be a Gucci woman next season. 

Alberta Ferretti

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a fairy when I grew up. Now, I would like to be a Ferretti Fairy. The stunning array of romantic dresses, mostly floor-length was the stuff of fairytales. The forestry inspirations were beautifully done. It makes me want to go to deserted woodlands and play with flowers.

 

D&G 

Florals adorned the looks at D&G. Models wore checked handkerchiefs in their hair, and this complemented the florals well. Crops tops had a tinge of peasantry and the long skirts looked all the more prettier in the gorgeous prints. I love, love, loved the snow white vest.

Fendi

Mr Lagerfeld showed us a sophisticated summer, which was floaty, light and subtly coloured. The opening white dresses were the ultimate summer dress, the burnt paper effect made them even more special. Ladylike shirt-dresses and high waisted skirts also featured in the proceedings. Loose, sexy and a rather happy collection. 

Prada

Miuccia Prada knows how to optimism. I laughed and smiled my way through this collection. It was most definitely a mood lifter. The collection started with skirts and oversized tops in bold oranges, blues and greens. They had a distinct uniform feel to them, minus the colour. Then we had the stripes, bright and beautiful especially with the swirly print. The prints were great, in particular the bananas. Yes, Miuccia had a banana print. It worked, the whole collection worked and it was fabulous... the way only Prada could. 

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London Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2011: Update

Today is the last day of LFW... Our lives will no longer be filled with shows, exhibitions, parties, celebrities and of course beautiful designs. But, we will not stay down for long as Milan takes over the fashion torch tomorrow. So here's the latest from LFW... I will add the shows from today later on. Also, if you are not attending the much awaited Burberry show today, catch it live on Burberry from 4pm.

Nicole Farhi

A clean, simple and thoroughly modern collection. Pieces that we have come to expect and love from Nicole Farhi. Understated evening wear had a little shimmer, whilst subtle prints and silver tunics added something special.

Christopher Kane

Granny on acid from Mr Kane. Florals on neon leather in ladylike shapes created the wonderful theme for the collection. Trusty twinsets and skirt suits were re-invented with a modern twist. I loved the contrast between the traditional silhouette and the neon brights. Then a gorgeous dragon print and expert pleating. Absolutely loved this collection.

Mark Fast 

A combination of Mark Fast's signature spider knitwear with a bit of Swarovski and a bit of neon fringing. This proved to be a winning combination indeed. I loved how it exemplified how knits can be used with other design details to create strong and interesting pieces. 

Roksanda Ilincic 

The fluidity and the soft drapes seen here along with the silk turbans and light colour palette, offered a rather feminine collection. The pieces showed accessible elegance and the movement of the collection was immaculate. 

Giles

You are always guaranteed a fun collection with Giles Deacon. Neon knitwear, ladylike skirts that swished along the catwalk. But, let us not forget the floral/eyeball prints that took over corset and maxi dresses. They were curve-enhancing and fit perfectly, and the eyeball print gave that Giles factor. 

Paul Smith

Nobody does androgyny like Paul Smith. I love a lot of things, but I have fallen head over heels for this collection. The ankle grazing trousers reached to the perfect length. The rich colour palette worked so well with the prints. Buttoned up shirts were seen as were city shorts and waistcoats that showed a glimpse of midriff. Ladylike shifts, double-belted are guaranteed head turners. 

Meadham Kirchhoff

A beautiful nightmare, appeared to be the feel of this collection from the design duo. The painted on eyelashes and ruby lips introduced a dollish mood. Despite this, there were dark undertones. There was a punk neon theme going on too, what with the pink legwarmers, lace and rock tees. 

Jaeger London

Sporty simplicity was the mood at Jaeger. Oversized hoods on parkas, geometry and bumbags all showed off the sportswear feel, to great effect. A predominantly monochrome palette intertwined with royal blue and pretty in pink floral prints. 

Marios Schwab

Lingerie-like dresses and leather with stunning lace edges. Pops of neon and a bit of rock chic. Tattooed leggings and fitted shifts. All topped off with edgy wigs. I like, I like a lot. 

Photos: www.catwalking.com 

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MBF Exclusive: Future of Fashion Video

Earlier this month we were invited to speak at "Take 5ive" a monthly event -- hosted in NYC by WIN-Initiative -- which brings together professionals from various creative industries.

This month’s event was hosted by Take 5ive’s Hans Neleman; Chrissy Reilly emceed a packed Win Headquaters.

Manuela Fassbender, creative director was one of 10 guest speakers.

Each speaker is given 5 minutes to discuss any topic of their choosing.

This evening's selection of speakers was organized by social media marketing & business trending specialist, Karen D'Silva.

Speakers came from diverse industries -- from photography to beer brewing.

They included:
Stanislava Georgieva, photographer

Karen D'Silva of Karen D'Silva Creative Services
Jerry Tavin, Young Photographers Alliance
Andy Katz, photographer

Mario Estrada of HipstamartSonya Giacobbe, Kelso of Brooklyn

Sean Justice, NYU professor photography/technology
Savannah Spirit, photographer

See what Manuela presented here...

About Take 5ive
Take5ive brings together leaders in the creative industry in a forum of sorts. Typically, 10 speakers are split between artists and creative professionals. Past guest speakers have included creative consultant Stella Kramer and Allegra Wilde,tech people Dripbook founder Alex Wright as well as app developers and representatives from Adorama and Sony. Artists participating are split between commercial and fine art.

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London Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2011: So far...

Phew.... it's been a busy couple of days. I've been navigating the cobbles of Somerset House in various heel heights. But, fear not I have been reunited with my beloved mac to bring you the latest from LFW and some key looks from the shows. I warn you now that this is a mammoth-yet-highly-fantastic post and contains nudity. I guess it's too late for the nudity disclaimer as no doubt you have already seen the various lady bits, just below this paragraph.

Charlie Le Mindu

I loved this show. Fashion is about pushing the limits, fantasy and not being afraid to be different. This collection ticked these boxes and more. Loved the naked models, so the focus was on the hair and the fabulous shoes. 

Antonio Berardi

A stunning collection of feminine pieces. White ruffled pieces gave way to modern black and romantic pink chiffon dresses. The looks fit in all the right places and are stunning for a modern woman about town. 

Matthew Williamson 

This was for the urban glamazon in us all. Khaki and gold tones mixed in with a bit of raffia fringing and enviable embellishment... a perfect summer wardrobe to transition from the city to the beach. 

House of Holland

Imagine that it is 1970-something, getting ready for an outrageously glamorous party in a tropical location where sunlight bounces off the disco balls. This is where Henry Holland sent us back to, with palm prints, pompoms and bursts of energetic colour. 

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Aunt Viv showed us all the reasons why we love her so dearly. Her gorgeous and divinely feminine tailoring, soft draping, figure-hugging pieces and of course tartan. I love the prints in this collection, her signature tartan was re-invented in a soft pink. The shapes were just beautiful.

Mulberry

A gorgeous seventies vibe at Mulberry. Seventies is the decade du jour at the moment. *Trend Alert*. I think this collection may have jumped into my favourites of the week. Soft denim, trenches, romantic florals and a colour palette to die for. Oh and weren't the dogs unbelievably cute but remember: A dog isn't just for fashion week...

Richard Nicoll

Hard romanticism arrived at the old Eurostar platform. Chiffon dresses with lingerie naughtily peeking out from sheer tees. The softness and pleating of some pieces contrasted with dark leather looks. The collection was mainly monochrome until the dusky peach. 

Basso & Brooke

A techno-literary affair from Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke. A wonderful collection, I loved everything from the handwritten notes to the romanticism of the faded florals. The silhouette had a bit of a 60's/70's feel and the movement in the skirts looked just lovely. 

Michael Van Der Ham

A collage and juxtaposition of fabric, texture, tone and shape. Each look showed the ultimate in individuality and personality. Each look also worked fantastically well, each piece in the jigsaw fit perfectly and looked like they were made to be placed together. 

Julien Macdonald 

Romantic innocence in all its forms at Julien Macdonald. Shades of cream and diaphanous layering were seen with the softest of florals and sweeping dresses. I loved the subtle naughtiness of some of the later looks, in black and tincy-tiny babydolls. 

Hannah Marshall

Sheer and deliciously see through at Hannah Marshall. It was refreshing to see sheerness in black and grey as opposed to cream, which has been used in many shows for S/S 11. I loved how they didn't look overtly sexy and dare I say it respectable (well as respectable as a see through shirt can get). 

Jade Kang

One of my fashion besties who was at Fashion Fringe declared her love for Jade Kang. I too am now declaring my love for this designer. *Thanks love*. Decidedly pretty dresses, bathed in chiffon and satin drapes. I loved the wearability with that hint of drama and colour. 

Corrie Nielsen 

Now onto the winner of Fashion Fringe. A fantastic winning collection it was too. Nielsen took us on a momentous trip down fashion memory lane. With a corseted and Victorian mood,  each piece was dramatic and perfectly constructed. I loved the exaggeration, the theatrics and the story each look told. Congratulations!

Photos: www.catwalking.com 

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London Fashion Week Day One: Spring/Summer 2011

Yesterday, was the start to the wonderful, creative and simply fabulous London Fashion Week. I spent my day shuffling between Somerset House, On|Off and my house (for naps). The first day was filled with excitement, people spotting and great shows. I haven't had a chance to look around the exhibition yet, but I may have a lil peruse today or tomorrow. I'm on my twitter @gisellabella_ every 5 minutes, so follow me on there for all the latest LFW updates. 

Paul Costelloe

This is the first show that I went to of the day. As you know fashion never sleeps, and at 9am sharp, the line of stylish fashionistas braved the cobbles and were lining up for the show to begin. We all hurried in and took our seats, I was sat on the 2nd row with my buddies. The show was inspired by 'A long Day's Night', pretty dresses were shown with biker jackets for looks that were feminine with a 60's feel. Babydoll and bell shape dresses were resplendent in silver as was a mint peplum dress. I loved the abstract checks and femininity of the show. It was girly and fun, and everyone was bopping along to the Eliza Doolittle soundtrack. A great moment in the show had to be when Paul's sons graced the catwalk for a spot of nervous but impressive modelling. The crowd looked a little confused as to who they were until we overheard Hilary Alexander say 'Those are Paul's 6 sons'. Love her. 

Ashley Isham 

After a much needed nap, I stormed back onto the central line to ON|OFF for the Ashley Isham show. Further queuing ensued, but I was seated on the front row much to my delight. Before the show, Paloma Faith and Shingai Shoniwa from the Noisettes arrived which caused much excitement amongst the photographers. The buzz soon died down and the show commenced. The collection 'East of Eden' was a stunning show with the most gorgeous dresses. 'Club Tropicana' screamed out from the soundtrack and gave an indication of the theme of the collection. Black and gunmetal dresses came first and proved their worth as red carpet favourites. Then came a burst of sensational colour, with breathtaking pieces with flowing trains. Every look was beautiful and the origami folds and body con details added an extra dimension. 

PPQ

A sea of celebrities arrived for Percy Parker and Amy Molyneaux's latest outing. The show was fashionably late and filled to the brim. By the time it got to 8:30pm everyone was wondering if the show would ever start as the queue was still stretching through Somerset House. The collection showcased peplums, dizzy prints, and pops of colour. The blue and white stripes towards the end of the collection looked like sweetie wrappers. My favourite looks were the layered peplum dresses. I decided to shun the after party in favour of my bed. Bring on Day 2. 

Photos: Some by catwalking.com

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