DINNIGAN SPRING 2010 - FAILED TO IMPRESS THE EUROPE AND AMERICAN FASHION REVIEWS!!!

"HER DESIGNS DIDN'T SEPERATE HER FROM THOSE ON A DEPARTMENT FLOOR STORE"... OUCH! - This was one of many said observed reviews..from fashion reviewer's/ critics worldwide... towards Collette Dinnigan's Spring 2010 collection.
This does resemble a very generic style maxi dress

Apparently the theme was to resemble the story of Alice In Wonderland..... a progression of going through a 'black rabbit' hole and emerging to a colourful spirited and happy destination. Hence Collette's cause for introducing the black ensembles.... and then progressing to the fru fru colour designs.
Not quite sure about this........

Seated on my fashion throne, I could understand why my colleagues of fashion critics made such a comment......towards Ms Dinnigan's latest. This is only justified.. because the expectations placed on a 'high end' designista based in the Parisian city....is to pull out all the creative stops ever possibly imagined!!!

Therefore.... Ms Dinnigan placed in the Parisian city....high end label..... is expected to take the French breaths away,..... and once the French are impressed .... then the world over shall be too! . xo.
PARIS. FRENCH = COUTURE... the birth place.
If I was critiqueing Ms Dinnigan simply from a local critiqueing point of view... with hardly much expectation.. then I would say.. the creations are delectable. A bit drab and boring with the black numbers.... but the colour offerings towards the end... are delightful!

This tiered ruffle layered creation is suffice

The days' of Ms Dinnigan weaving her creative flare..... is slowly disappearing.... but into where exactly????... A muse perhaps? is the solution. Creatives/ designista's even have arististic BLOCK syndrome..... where we just fail to provide what is expected. But then who sets the expectations???.... well in this case.... the FRENCH.

The French are renowned for their fierce and ferocious hunger for Fashion!. Like their food palettes... and winery.... only the BEST.GRANDEST.FINEST.THRILLING fashion is passable.... throw in a twist of classy Parisian(ess). So when a designista on their shores... whips up just anything... and presents it on a Parisian Runway............, blasphemy is declared.. .and gasps are heard!.



My critic tongue says....... Ms Dinnigan... if you were showcasing in the local shores of Australia... then I am sure you would received a standing ovation... simply because here you are one of Australia's greatest success stories in the fashion pack. But, unfortunately... you are now judged internationally in the highly competitive high end fashion city of Europe... and to this??... alas..... the verdict has been cast........................ I know there is more that you can offer. xo.

Pouring myself a comfort drink..

Luv .............this



c.l.a.s.s.y




Vintage chic,.... is what I'm feeling


No...no...no.. too generic looking for high end



Ummm .. yeah... ok...just created hey?



Seen this too often...



Style rating: Collette Dinnigan Spring 2010 - Applaud ( Stylish effort)

Do your homework for more: http://www.style.com/ ( the best)

Love me or hate me

Madam Alexandra E. ( k)
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

A PERSONAL ENTRY: TRUE VINTAGE

Today it is personally about me... putting aside what is fashionably occurring globally. Let's just focus.

Yesterday I went on a bold expedition with my fashion loving fashionista friend.. Ms D.S... yes you know who you are lovely.

Knowing that I would have a long and heavy day of trekking around town.. I swapped my 'strappies' for a pair of decent flats..... yes... yes... Madam even gives her feet form a break...

As all fashionista's know... there is a wide world fashion phenomenon sweeping the streets of all fashion conscious... and that is the birth of 'Vintage' glamour!, recycled, reclaimed, reworked, reinvented, secondhand, op shop and all!!!.............xo

Armed with a open mind.. I am the first to admit.. I have not really ventured into a 'true' 'real' vintage/ op shop... I'm talking about the ones that are set up for the lower socio - economic class.

Ms D.S. who was an avid vintage shopper... took me to the location where it appeared to be a sea of 'true' 'real' vintage offerings.

I realised there is an art to vintage shopping...that is..., you need to really dig through the nitty gritty of things and you just might be lucky to find a 'real' vintage number.

Please note: you can not claim something to be vintage.. if it is passed off as secondhand after 6 or so years. True vintage is when the style transports you back to it's era of creation OF MORE THAN A DECADE AND MORE AGO!! I'M THINKING 10 - 20 OR MORE YEARS.

True vintage was my mission! .

After hours of trawling through nick knacks of this and that....I discovered a real gem.. yes.. it transported me back to the era of the 1860's.

An epiphany adorned on me.........op shops/ vintage shops/ second hand shops...are priced well above their price points ( only because it has become so fashionable)... so it makes me wonder and feel terribly sorry for those who are really in need of second hand shops.

An enlightening experience indeed... but very exhausting.

Swapping my flats for some nice ice packs... yes there was a lot of walking!


Love me or hate me




Madam Alexandra E. (k)
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

I HAD THIS THOUGHT: MAYBE IT'S DONE.. SO PLEASE JUST LET ME SEE ONE

Just a fashion thought: You know about those hugging mini dress just above the knee with quarter length arm sleeves, and puffed slightly at the rim of the shoulder???.. well it would be nice to see one made from from that 'Chinese.. cheong sum' fabric....( the traditional female Chinese attire in tea rooms).. maybe in a rich jet black palette.. emerald green would be nice too.

Someone hop to it, make one.. send to me.. and I shall oooh and ahh. and review with much delight. Team it with a pair of black ankle heel boot style pumps... HOT.


P.S. but please don't design the high top neck collars, instead throw in a nice low drop V neckline.. or simple rounded cowl neck drop.

Love me or hate me


Madam Alexandra E. (k)
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

Mrs Obama - sneaker rich $

Today will simply be a fashion report. Reporting on the 'White House' and its first lady's fashion furore!

Everybody appears to be up in arms over Mrs Obama's choice in 'sneaker' wear. Fair enough it may have emptied her pockets of less than $540.00... ...but hey... ... the 'urge to splurge'..generally exists in every femme's genetics.
The much discussed topic of conversation, are her metallic pink capped, suede, grosgrain ribbon lace sneakers! ( so fashionable .. it's said in one breath!). Created from the french LANVIN label.... yes... e.x.p.e.n.s.i.v.e $$$.

But please... give Mrs Obama a break... she is merely keeping in touch and up to date with her fashion inner being... after all, she is a female.

I'm sure the worldwide press would still be oohhing and ahhhing if she wore a pair of $20.00 sneakers.. half chewed by the family dog!... the headlines would be reading... 'The first lady... footwear on a budget!".

My critic tongue declares.... if Mrs Obama has the urge............then please splurge!

All in support of fashion! Mwah.

P.S. Exceptional attention for the house of LANVIN!!!!! p.u.b.l.i.c.i.t.y!!!

Style rating: Michelle Obama - $540.00 Lanvin sneaker : Whistle (street cool indeed!)

Love me or hate me

Madam Alexandra E. (k)
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

RESORT 2010 - A COMBINATION OF EVERYTHING REALLY

This is the work of Mr K.Lagerfeld or Coco Chanel!

RESORT 2010 has just been cast!. So befitting for the Australian followers who wouldlove to view predictions for resort wear.

Pucker up the lips and adorn the heads with over sized over brimmed sunny gear.. well in Mr K. Lagerfeld's case.. a hoodie cape will suffice! .. Luving his creativity, of merging the eery vampirish feeling with walking barefooted along a beach front boardwalk???! , only the great Lagerfeld could merge together such a feeling. xo.

And this is Sonia Rykiel......................................

No comment.. really??? what is this? or what is that?... what's so different?.........hmmmm I've witnessed much more glorious creations from Rykiel. This resembles offbeat style. Liking the offbeat mesh stocking under the heels xo.

This is Viktor & Rolf ....xo xo xo xo

I just keep looking at the platform pumpy heels!!! I so want... I shall get!. Effortless design style.. dreamy, drapery effect is the key to looking stylishly effortless. C.L.A.S.S.Y modern.


Hmmmm: this is Alexander the great WANG

The shorts are cute... I'll embrace the combination of "longness with shortness", but usually I see much more with Alexander Wang... But keeping in mind that Mr Wang has married 'funk with resort'.


Woweeeee, this is Mr Alexander McQueen!!!

So Strikingly artistic!... You can definately see his inspiration and story behind this little number: 'artistic' infusion of lines and boldness.
Tricky tricky... skin tight, oh so tight that the illusion is as if the pant is painted on?? Very clever Mr McQueen.. artistic minded indeed! xo.

Oh.. and this is Phillip Lim.

So terribly cutesy and flirty. The texture is a match made in fashion heaven.......so innocent in a play up effect.

So there you have it... resort wear 2010 on the runways of the city of NY!..... The challenge: is anybody bold and daring enough to drape on your hoodie cape over your swimmers and bare your devine soul to fash gods' on the beach???? Umm. maybe no.....The only hoodie any Australian would be draping is the towelette beach hoodies??? you know.. the ones made especially for the toddlers for easy drying of the hair and body??

My fashion tongue says: Chanel is my favourite, although I usually like Alexander Wang..., McQueen has definately brought it to another element.. and Sonia Rykiel in resort season.. just wasn't tickling my taste buds... boo hoo. Much love of course.

Style rating: Resort Wear 2010 - Big Grin ( righteously different!)
Do your homework, investigate further : www.style.com ( the best)

Love me or hate me

Madam Alexandra E. (k)
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

A CERTAIN REQUEST INTERVIEW WITH ME!

Day 1:
Request from 'said' publication: 'Would Madam Alexandra E. be available for an interview'?

Reply: 'With pleasure... but via phone' ( elusiveness sometimes gets the better of us)

Day8: One of the questions :

Request: (something along the lines of) : What does Madam Alexandra E think of the growing blogosphere?. A high profile Australian fashion industry insider was concerned that all the 'Tim Blanks' were taking over the industry.. and fashionista's would be following the words of fashion bloggers as opposed to those who have had more longevity within the industry. What does Madam Alexandra E. think of this?

Reply: Embrace the blogging phenomenon.. recognise it as the next big 'fashion must have/ accessory' on every fashionista's hand. Instead of sitting around thinking about the negative aspects of how it can affect the employment status of those in the fash. industry... try to sit down.. and work out ways to 'work together' in order for the Australian Fashion culture to become powerful in its own right!.

Recognise that fashion blogging is here to stay.. and yes the person blogging could be a nobody.. or could be a well known fashion identity.. or someone within the inside fashion industry.. but do not assume that the blogger has had no longevity!. Mwah xoxo. and last but not least.. do not feel threatened.

Fashion is global we should all be working together to make it 'bigger and better'

Confidence is beautiful... display it in moderation.. do not overuse its' existence to the point where it degrades. But please... don't take it too seriously.xo.


Love me or hate me


Madam Alexandra E. (k)
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

BRINGING BACK SIMPLICITY: SECRET SQUIRREL IS THE CALLING

Today I have the sudden beautiful urge to 'dress down, dress oh natural.. and minus the bling, pompous and flare'.

Today I cast my eyes on a Sydney based label ( Australia) fronting the name of 'SECRET SQUIRREL'. Born from the duo collaboration of Bri Cheeseman and Andrew Prince.

They state the type of clothes they design are "Clothes that are simple and elegant without necessarily looking simple and elegant". I second this simple and bold statement.xo.

Most certainly not influenced too much by the hustle and bustle of NYC or down town city lights.... but instead... weaved into a heavy dream of airy sophistication.. for the girl who just simply wants to be 'simple'.

The recent collection does not leave much to one's imagination. Instead.. quite predictable really.
The blended ensembles of natural prints and colour palettes cause an inner sensation of 'lazy peace' .. but in a very stylish and laid back sense.


The 'Plain Jane' type of fashionista girl could pull this look off with effortless style.

I am in agreeance with the simplistic nature of each design. Sometimes designs that portray nothing... actually allows you to bring out your own creative flare. ( bling it up if you wish)


My critic tongue is so relaxed......falling into a state of 'laziness' so to speak. Mwah xoxo.
Bringing fashion back to the nakedness of nature really. There were definate no no pieces within the collection... only because it wasn't really working it for me!, other than that.. every other piece presented itself well.
Apologies fashion followers... am I boring you??? Don't blame me.. its this unearthed feeling of serenity stirred from the collection from Secret Squirrel. I think their message is portrayed quite loud and clear.. but in a very soft form. xo.
check out the rest:
It is definately a breath of fresh air to see certain designista's breathing a more natural and simplistic approach to fashion... sometimes it's just good to escape from all the embellished factors and cutting back on the cutting edge.... similar to that of 'just staying at home and having a nice home cooked traditional meal.. as opposed to sipping and dining at your five star soiree. xoxo.




Style rating: Secret Squirrel - Applaud ( stylish effort)

Love me or hate me

Madam Alexandra E.
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

TO THOSE IN DOUBT: LETS GET PROFESSIONALLY PERSONAL

It so cracks me up into fits of laughter... when I hear/ or read comments about my Madam Alexandra E. blog page..... one fellow blogger.. took a swipe by stating in their blog that this blog is just an opportunity to 'bi..ch' about the fashion pack.. and that it is a hating site on the designers....

Puhhhhhhleeeeeeeaaaaase get me a hanky/ tissue, pour me a warm bubbly of some sort, sit me down and let me cry!!!!!! NOT!

Let me set the record straight with my 'professional styling tongue'!.

1. This site does not bi....ch. The word bi...ch.. should really be left for the high school playground, when we worry about idle cliches etc..( Come on.. we are all adults here, that word no longer exists... find a fancier word than that please!)

2. This site's existence is for the purpose of helping the fashion culture/ industry move fashion forward. It is used to identify and at times to recognise those who provide input and impact into the fashion industry.

3. Quite right in that I do air my opinions... but done so with good merit!. Never with the intention to disintegrate, destroy or defame a persons skill at their art. But instead.. to inject creative feedback.. that will help the creative give us 'so much more'!!!!! ( those who cannot handle criticism/ feedback.. will only ever jump so high.. but never to their ultimate limit.., yet those who embrace the feedback of others.. will continue to provide and give us the best of their skill....

4. This site is also set up as a fashion portal.. for my many international fashion correspondents, fashion followers and fashion lovers who wish to know more about the fashion scene within Australia... ( be exposed to the underground designers etc) and worldwide.

5. This site has an element of 'New Age Journalism'! - where personal expression and opinion matters most. Executed at all times, with creative witty and quirky flare... Madam Alexandra E. is terribly serious, yet in a very fashionably absurd manner... only the most fashion conscious understands this level of 'style'. Mwah xoxo.

New Age Journalism revolves more around the attitude of the piece. Therefore everything is written with a quirky slant where visual and verbal fall into one. Example please!: If I say that I am strapping on a Choo whilst sipping on a latte... then yes, 'picture the fashion Madam strapping on her shoe, sipping on a latte!!! Got it???.. good.

6. My blog is always to do justice for the fashion culture, never to disdain or try and flush away it's existence.. but merely to flush away what is not working or at least help it to improve before it dissapears into non - existence! Mwah xo.

7. Always supporting those who provide 'INPUT AND IMPACT' to the fashion culture.. therefore: 'yes.. to all designers, fashion followers/ lovers... stylers. etc!

8. Warning; Flamboyancy is a hazard to those who live in an element of space where they don't really understand why 'fashion needs to move forward' and therefore continue to hinder its existence. Note: 'I am Flamboyancy to the 'Nth' degree! Mwah xoxo.

9. When I say I am a fashion critic it is because, yes I am a critic.. but one who appreciates all forms of artistic flare in fashion, lifestyle and beauty... read my definition of critic and you will understand that it does not mean what you have assumed it to mean.

When I say I am a fashion stylist.... it is because I am. Do I really need to start scanning and uploading my paper certified credentials?????That's filed away.. and really.. style has more to do with the 'eye'.. ....not a piece of paper! Note: but yes for all those in doubt... I do possess both!!!

When I say I am a fashion queen.... it is because theoretically I am. Seated on my fashion throne.. I am the fashion queen on my own element and space... I am not claiming to rob any one else of their title of being queen... we all like to wear the crown every now and again!xo. Fashion queen???... has anyone heard of 'figure of speech?'... yes.. well put two and two together please.

10. To other fashion bloggers and those who possess skepticism of this site, all I can say is: Yay!! the more the merrier.. there can never be too many players in the 'blogosphere'. 'Skepticism' your little hearts away. I certainly do not call myself a 'critic.stylist.queen', and not have the tenacity to accept criticism from others myself. Mwah xoxo.

11. Oh yes I forgot to say. When I sign off 'Love me or hate me'.... I do really mean... you can either 'love me or hate me'... but admit it.. you can't ignore me really???!!! xoxo.



Love me or hate me,


Madam Alexandra E.
fashion stylist.fashion queen.fashion critic
at

VICTORIA'S SECRET 2009.... OH SO SWEET ...OH SO SENSUALLY STYLIIIIIIIIISH

Hello.. and Merry Christmas!!!, it's that time of year again when Christmas arrives especially early for all the lingerie fanatics... all ladies and gentlemen fans of Victoria's Secret and their lovely angels.

My critic tongue is always in utter awe and speechless for words ( yes surprisingly so.. I do become speechless) over this big 'showing come festival' like event. And all for 'sleep wear'..!!! not just any sleep wear.... if anything.. this range of 'sleep wear' is the most famous kind of all...a 'super star' status in its own right!.
The whole, concept, story and outtake on the Victoria's Secret label and it's empire.. is so big.. it's unbelievable. Who would have thought lingerie would have a dedicated fashion show event as big as a 'premiere' screening of a much anticipated movie?!

This year.. the usual sashayed down the runway.. with all the fan fare and creative elements... so much so that one would feel like they were in a 'Willy Wonka' type of world ( minus the chocolate.. but full of sweet candy ) intrigued with fantasy beyond one's wildest dreams.
This dream obviously hailed from some very sensual and sexual place.. but oozing with all class, style and attitude.

The usual angel wings magnified ten fold behind the beauty forms. Clad in all types of lingerie themes.. from sporty, to vixen to little Bo Beep bonnet...........similar to that of some male's fantasy / dreams...............oops, yes, I did just think that out aloud xoxo.


My critic tongue says... Victoria's Secret could never put a foot wrong on the runway. With meticulous attention to detail from the selection of it's exclusive angels.. to the intricate designs.

One does wonder... whether you would feel ultimately heavenly and blissful if you adorned yourself with a pair of VS panties, VS bras and maybe borrow your daughters angel wings.. and prance about the bedroom.. sashaying down the little bedroom strip performing your own Victoria's Secret montage runway show.. for that special someone.



Thumbs up to this oh so classy and much anticipated concept.. it definately has created a cult following of its on.
Now let me just slip into a pair of VS slipper comfies.......and keep my toes warm xoxo.







Style rating: Victoria's Secret - Standing Ovation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do your homework and if you must, shop at: http://www.victoriassecret.com/

Love me or hate me

Madam Alexandra E.
fashion critic.fashion stylist.fashion queen
at

DOILY EFFECT ON THE NECK!

Things are heating up in the accessories department! Dress up or dress down with a plethora of accessory offerings.

Introducing and hailing from the whereabouts of accessory land.. is the label 'BROOKE JOHNSTON DESIGN'... designer: Brooke Johnston.

I came across the designs at an urban underground style market in the sleepy hollow 'burbs' of Brisbane, Australia.

Something definately caught my eye... whether it was the unique displaying of the creative contents... , the over large 'business card'.. resembling that of a postcard!, or maybe just the unique detailed designs?.

Although there were other offerings such as fabric covered button earrings etc... my fashion styling taste was leaning more towards her creative detail offerings of 'doily like jewellery'

"Oh how delicately cute and appealing".. I declared to my styling companion on the day.

Brooke Johnston designs can be summed up as a 'Vintage like candy'... so feminine and delicate in design.. that it looks like a very thin layer of laced something???


I completely adore her visual concept of marrying the notion of doily jewellery with an afternoon of sipping tea and having cake in the great garden outdoors ( how clever is she? xo.)

My critic tongue says, although not overly unique... there is an element of 'special appeal'.. with the Brooke Johnston collection. Almost everyone should have one amongst their treasured wooden jewellery box.... just so it can be readily available to slip on and pair with your next picnic(y) event. Mwah xoxo.


Style rating: Brooke Johnston designs - Applaud ( Stylish effort)


Do your homework stylers : www.brooke1984.etsy.com


Love me or hate me



Madam Alexandra E.
fashion critic.fashion stylist.fashion queen
at

SUBFUSCO....A BOLD PREDICTION!

Apologies, where have I been?..... so many emails from the fans of this little label... or progressing fans... requesting that I pen a Madam AE. review on this 'FEMME & HOMME' ( female and male) label.

So here it is... after many weeks or even months.. after the current collection of S/S 2010 was released.. Madam AE. is now only penning her words. ( Quite honestly... I have been going back and forth, back and forth viewing and researching about this label..just so I can get that complete feel for its purpose, style and story.

Subfusco.. emerges from the fashion brain of a gentlemen named Joshua Roberto Scacheri. This current collection of his... has definately made me sit up on my fashion throne.. and pay that little bit extra attention to.

I recommend to my international fashion followings..... and counterparts... to please look into this label a bit further, because my prediction is that 'SUBFUSCO' ( Mr Joshua R.S).. could just as well be tipped to be Australia's very own "ALEXANDER WANG".

A bold prediction that I am declaring... and those at the house of VOGUE would be sitting up.. thinking 'are you sure??'.... well yes.. I am sure......because, there is something eerily unique about this 'designista', but most importantly.. it's his current collection that throws you into an absurd feeling of 'alienation Vs... clean cut simplistic style emerged with preppy funk class??? ( you know what I mean.)'.

This style is exactly what you would see hitting the streets of NYC.. downtown in urban street style. And so to see Subfusco create a collection that magnifies this hunger for street clean style....is absolutely refreshing!!! Ahhhhh, pour me one of those ice teas will you??.

My pals in Europe please look at the Homme range!!!!, so 'manstyle street chic'!!!! Everything appears to be so clean and simplistic... but clearly the designs have been thought out meticulously with creative caution and flare! xoxo.



The 'FEMME' range is just as powerful....... femininty mixed with a bit of rambunctious tomboy street flare???!!.

So refreshing to see that there are creative souls amongst the fash. pack who are looking after the 'maleista fashionista's'.


Do your homework, for those who have yet to be exposed to SUBFUSCO!: http://www.subfusco.com/

So there you have it... to all those who have requested for this review.... my critic tongue.. is saying...."Watch out... purchase a Subfusco fashion offering in your fashion investment portfolio...... because this little label is on the cusp of going huge.... NYC?? quite possibly soon".

Style rating: SUBFUSCO ( Collective species S/S 2010) - "Standing Ovation".
Love me or hate me

Madam Alexandra E.
fashion critic.fashion stylist.fashion queen
at
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