FASHION MANSION

Carmen Dell’Orefice exhibition extended

January 13, 2012 11:39


Photo: Richard Avedon

Carmen Dell’Orefice unveiled the first exhibition dedicated to her astonishing sixty-six year career as one of the world’s most enduring supermodels in November of last year. Haven’t had time to see it yet? Don’t worry, the exhibition is now extended until 31st of January.

Dell’Orefice has been a celebrated icon since the end of world-war two beginning her modelling career at the age of thirteen, being discovered on a bus on New York on her way to ballet class. In 1947 she graced her first cover of Vogue which came to be the starting point of her long career in fashion. Last summer, in recognition of her big contribution to the fashion industry, Dell’Orefice was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London.

Held in the Fashion Space Gallery of London College of Fashion, the showcase displays Dell’Orefice’s career from 13-year-old new model, to 80-year-old icon via all the career ups and downs in between with never before seen photographs from her personal archives alongside her professional work posing for legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton and Irving Penn. Carmen herself being a living legend.


Photo: TIm Peterson

Carmen: A Life In Fashion takes place at London College of Fashion’s Fashion Space Gallery at 20 John Princes Street until January 31, 2012.

Blogger spotlight: WhatEmmaDid

October 19, 2011 23:10

I’m starting a new concept on my blog putting some bloggers I personally like under the spotlight once in a while. First out is my lovely flatmate, dear friend and fellow blog colleague here on Fashion Mansion, Miss Emma Lippold! She tells me about her Fashion design degree, what inspires her and what she thinks about other bloggers!

Emma, you’re currently on your second year of studying Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni, tell us about the course
The course is amazing, you learn everything you need to know about how to design a collection, the work behind it (illustrate and production) and why fashion always have been and is such a big part of our lives. The second year is very stressful and full of hard work, but it gives you a good idea of what work as a fashion designer is.

What are you career aspirations?
One day I would love to have my own brand and make remarkable clothes. I would love to see people on the street wear my creations!

How do you find inspiration in your daily life?
I love watching people, that’s why I love London, every day is inspirational. Mostly because when you go to a fashion school people put that extra effort into looking extra cool. It’s like fashion week but every day.

Difficult question but what are your favorite designers?
Oh, you are right about it being a difficult question. My favorite designer’s changes from time to time, right now I’m very hot on Thierry Mugler because I’m doing a project about him.

What do you feel about the bloggers impact on the fashion industry?
I think it’s both good and bad. Good because it gives more people a chance to be a part of an industry which can be difficult to become a part of. Bad because there are many times I think that some of the bloggers are overrate and have too much to say and think.

You’ve been in London for over a year now, share your favorite spots to shop, drink and eat in London?
My favorite shop is Selfridges, because you can find nearly everything there. My every day regular place is The Westbourne in Notting Hill, but I spend warm summer nights at Aqua’s terrace and cooler nights at Beach Blanket Babylon. For dinner I always go to Electric, Langans or the classic Le Suquet.

Last but not least, what are your favourite blogs?
I always read Fashionina, Niotillfem and  Kate Loves Me

Thank you Emma! There’s no doubt that this lady is going to reach far with her designs and creations, the fashion scene should watch out cause as soon as she’s graduated she’s on it! Check out her blog and fab life living in London here.

Come into my sphere

October 5, 2011 23:58

I was in Topshop the other day and saw this adorable purse! It’s called the Sphere Cage Tassel metal bag. Unfortunately I couldn’t fit my iPhone in it, something I think is a necessity when getting a purse, so I ended up leaving the shop without it. But boy it’s lovely! It’s the perfect purse to glam up any little black dress with, just skip any other large accessories or jewellery! Yours, or mine, for £35.

Trend report: Polka dots

August 12, 2011 20:22

Stripes are out this season! We saw lots of polka dots on the catwalks earlier this year, and now finally the shops have recieved their AW 2011 deliveries. We will see spots on everything from dresses and coats to tights and gloves this season. Designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs have led the way into a fun and playful winter. If you don’t want to spend a-months-rent on a polka dotted coat – be sure that high streets such as Topshop and Zara will follow. Remember to mix and match as much as you can, apparantly, this season more is more!

D.I.Y tips: Match the polka dots with your manicure!

Shopping tips: Diane von Furstenberg sale

July 2, 2011 01:19

I’m sure none of you have missed the ongoing sales right now. They are everywhere from Zara and Topshop to Harrods and Matches. Here are some of my favourite items from DvF (where I just started working), and it’s all marked down to 50%! You can find all of the above items online here at Matches Fashion and in DvF shops around London!

P.s. That green playsuit is soo cute! I wore it today at work and recieved so many compliments!