Weekly stealth round up

Burgeoning Fashion Icon?

Not yet royalty but already following in the footsteps of Princess Diana?

Conservative would be the word to describe Kate, while the famous couple were still dating. But now that they’re engaged and about to get married, her fashion sensibilities have definitely stepped up. According to the Daily Mail, a Burberry trench that she was spotted in last week sold out across the country on the same day she was seen in it. And her penchant for local British labels — from designer brands Mulberry, Temperley and Burberry to high street vertical fashion Jigsaw and Topshop — proves that she has patriotic style that appreciates both ends of the scale.

I do hope she actually wears an Alexander McQueen on the 29th, it would be so fitting to start a fairy tale life in the grandest of couture. And I’m sure all the world will be watching, myself included. We girls really can’t help but wish for our Prince Charmings and happily-ever-after endings. Although in hindsight, do they even actually happen? Ever-after? Sounds too much of a promise to me. But still, we all dream.

Triple Treat

The dress that launched a number of covers: This Dolce and Gabbana S/S 2011 dress rules the covers this month

The Miu Miu monopoly of glossy covers last August was a rare incident. Elle UK, British Vogue, and W all had the same Miu Miu dress — albeit in slightly different variations (but the same nonetheless) — declaring Miuccia’s beribboned and flowered appliquéd, thick-strap dress to be the epitome of a feminine summer. While that may be a glaring nightmare for all the magazines involved — think of it in the same context as having three major celebrities wearing the same dress in one event — it was good exposure for the dress, and the brand. But with digital encroaching on sales of actual print, publications need to sell more — and that means having original, and one-off covers to entice and engage the readers. Although with three different variations, a fashion-inclined head like me might be compelled to buy all three—just to see how it was reinterpreted.

This month sees one dress in three covers again. The new Miu Miu is Dolce & Gabbana. While last season’s visual competition ran against three different magazine titles, this new case of deja-vu repeats itself in the same glossy brand, but in three different countries: Vogue Paris, Vogue Spain and German Vogue. Ironically, Emmanuelle Alt, the successor of Carine Roitfeld as the new French editor-in-chief flexes her styling prowess as editrix boss for this month’s cover. Her pick: Giselle Bundchen, the ever supermodel, in the transparent frock posing in some deserted country road — muted tones, very boheme, very mainstream. Not very Paris Vogue. I liked German Vogue’s better — sleek, with a sharp contrast of bright blue. I wonder how that’s affecting Emmanuelle Alt. What a way to start her career. Would that mean poor choice of a key outfit? Or would that mean a better appreciation of what the consumers would like? Since three editors handpicked the same dress? Anyway, I hope the trickle effect churns out some version in black. I never really looked good in white.

My art will go on: A street art installation called the “Hipster Trap” Photo from the gothamist.com

Some Good Street Art

While trawling the sea of blogs, I stumbled on this photo. Images that manage to capture my attention for more than two seconds deserve more than than share of spotlight. This “Hipster Trap” contains a camera, a can of beer, ciggies, a bike chain and the classic wayfarer. I often wonder why hipsters get so much flak. Is it because of the homogeneity? (And no, I’m not talking about orientation lest I get misquoted, I’m talking about uniform similarities.) Not that I’m not guilty of putting anyone in plaids, short shorts, skinnies, and clear-frame glasses in the same subculture box. The photo made me smile, but c’mon, leave the kids alone. I’m sure Gino Dela Paz will agree.