Zara Fall/Winter 2011 Ad Campaign

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I am the man of autumn. Well, at least that's what I discovered upon doing one fashion quiz recently. Though any quizzes shouldn't be taken seriously coz they're merely for fun, but I think there's some truth in it. I like autumn - apart from summer - coz the season is all about glamming up. It's such a sheer luxury to be in autumn season. Not only the color of nature around you exudes luxe itself, from golden brown to wild berry red to luscious dark chocolate and deep mustard - the clothes too indeed gives off that feeling as well.

How? Coz autumn is the time to don those long wool overcoat and the calves-high boots and wrap the snood around the neck - oh, it's so cool to be in autumn. I always feel glam when fall season arrives. Pure and sheer luxury to be wrapped like that....

Anyway. Talking about fall/winter, for this coming season Zara gives you the pure luxury feel without breaking your bank balance. The ad campaign featuring top model Sean O'Pry looks a bit different compared to previous Zara campaigns. The denim background appears rough, rustic and masculine, while the clothes manifested very polish and sharp styling; giving such a perfect juxtapose.

Shearling seems to reappear in term of overcoat and bomber jacket, proving that it's becoming a staple for at least another season. So as cable knit which always synonymous with cool weather. The color browns also dominate but branches out into coffee bean and terra cotta, instead of just camel in previous FW10. There's also deep teal - the Pantone Color for FW11/12. And I love the injection of colors like burnt orange which was similarly seen at Burberry FW11 early this year. There's some blue and red, which trying to take away the typical sombreness of autumn/winter.

Overall: great collection. I can't wait to see what's in store soon...

Btw, great news for our friend at Stateside coz Zara online store gonna make its debut in the US on September 7. Isn't that date is just after the release of the new iPhone5? Awesome.

[pix from zara]

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Jack Wills' 'Back to School' Handbook

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I was once thrown out from the Jack Wills store at Long Acre, Covent Garden in London after the sales guy found out I've been snapping photos of the store. It's not new thing for me to take photos inside the fitting rooms, but to snap photos of the store environment - that one I've never done before. And Jack Wills' is the first one. And boy, I'm busted ... but thank God the guy politely asked me that I'm not allowed to do so. Not that I've been 'thrown out' thrown out, coz I decided to leave instead. Wat malu beb... mana nak letak muka aku ni, Awie!

Anyway, what I like about Jack Wills is their collection separates from other highstreet stores around. In fact, I don't think the word 'highstreet' even applied to them as the price is way beyond the typical highstreet range. We're talking £300 for a blazer - can you find that price in Zara? Nope. Yet since the store is located in the highstreet, I would say their collection is more to the 'upmarket' highstreet instead. The clothes somehow got that Tommy Hilfiger meet Abercrombie and Fitch vibes; as most are preppy, collegiate look. Lots of preppy blazers, college sweatshirt, tailored shorts, some got regatta feel and much more. Suits for those who think they are more to Cambridge than UCL, or Yale than MIT, if you know what I mean.

Their new 'Back to School' handbook which feature top models, Sam Well and Jeremy Young, somehow seems to feature much lighter appeal as it tone down towards less preppy. But there's a range in the clothing - somewhat a freshman look in laid-back plaid shirts and parkas, which later on transcends into much grown up in tweed suits and Fairisle knits. I love how the ad campaign is shot especially the dusky, sepia-look photos which brought nostalgia of my college years. Very nice indeed.

[pix via racked national]

In case you're wondering how does the Jack Wills store in Covent Garden look like, these are some photos that I previously snapped. The store that spanned to three floors has high ceilings which is so cool. What is much cooler is the focal point of the store - the staircase, with the huge murals made of picture frames. Kinda give that country house feel which you normally see in old movies. It's awesome. And that's why I have to snap the environment of the store. And that's what made me busted too!

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Love, Simone. S/S Lookbook!

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Photos by Kristin Sweeting
Models:
Christina Sedor
Atlanta Northcutt
Kelly Etheridge

Makeup:
Dhante Alderson


Sooo..better late than never, right guys? Swept away by the craziness of life, I completely forgot to post my S/S Lookbook! Of course, now I'm already working on my fall collection as well as planning my fall photoshoot :)

This was my first "real" lookbook project and I'm so proud/happy/giddy about the way it turned out. I got to work with some amazing people on it, and can't wait to do another!

Also, be on the lookout for a huge sale this weekend on my spring collection on Etsy!

Happy Monday Loves!

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