Antwerp

Antwerp is a city that has held much mystique to me through my years working in fashion. It has always seemed like a quiet town where time slows down and people can think without the inertia of modern chaos & commerce. It sits outside of the major fashion capitols yet has more influence than virtually any other city in the world when it comes to shaping fashion and creating emerging talent.

This small city produces some of the most avant garde designers in the world and when you wander the streets you begin to understand how artistic integrity has permeated the city over hundreds of years.   

 I spent 32 hours exploring this special place trying to cover as much ground as possible to grasp the energy of the city.   I cannot wait to return and in the meantime I hope to keep a piece of the city essence with me as I head back to New York.   There is something deeply private and almost protective about the people of Antwerp I encounter while I'm here. It feels like they aren't searching for outside approval or a need to over share and connect with every passing stranger. Coming from the US this is a stark contrast to our culture of overexposed desperation and endless need for attention and fame. I think therein lies the answer to part of the mysterious draw of this special city. 

In shopping heaven at Rosier 41, the best designer resale shop in Antwerp.  (http://www.rosier41.be)

The Dries Van Noten store, in a building that was a fashion emporium dating back to the 19th century. 

Happiness when you're travelling in Europe: a raw food & juice cafe

Boulevard Leopold, the chicest B&B in the city. A truly special experience. www.boulevard-leopold.be

Boulevard Leopold, Breakfast room

Boulevard Leopold

A detail in our room at the B&B

Self-portrait of Peter Paul Rubens at the Rubenshuis

Birds of Paradise exhibit at the Mode Museum

This was a coat Marlene Dietrich wore in the 50's, it took over 300 Geese to make. 

A McQueen piece from his 2009 collection made of goose feathers. 

Artist Kate MccGwire's original piece, covered in feathers at the Mode Museum

The Mode Museum

Outside Ann Demeulemeester's store. 

Antwerp's Centraal Station. One of the most beautiful train stations I've ever seen. 

Well-mannered wardrobe.

The well-mannered woman needs a wardrobe that is chic, modern, functional and effortless. Season after season Pheobe Philo crafts a collection that is the epitome of these elements. She makes clothes for a woman who doesn't need superfluous details, brash textures or loud colors to attract attention. Philo makes clothes for women who are confident and feminine, strong but not aggressive. She makes the modern well-mannered wardrobe and she does it perfectly. See for yourself. 

Let it rain.

Just discovered Parisian designer Wanda Nylon and I'm obsessed. A perfect collection, a brilliant and modern concept. Sharp edges, fresh breath of air. Rainwear inspired and fitted for the modern woman. The clothes are a true prayer for rain. 

The Look

Valentino, you make me want to dress like a woman again.

Playing Dress Up.

I often feel like I spend so much time thinking about and working on dressing other women that when it comes to dressing myself I just go on auto-pilot. I find myself always reaching for the same gray jeans and a ratty concert t-shirt. If I need to look stronger I throw on a blazer. After a while I begin to feel somewhere in between an aging rock star & a 13-year old boy. Lately I've been feeling the winds of change blowing down my beaten look and I feel ready to start dressing, dare I say, age appropriate.

This seasons latest looks have really gotten me excited to be dressing like a woman. With looks like these coming down the runway I think it just might be time. 

                  

                                                    

Big shoes, being filled.

I will admit, I was a skeptic at the thought of the young Alex Wang taking the helm at Balenciaga. I felt his knack for keeping the downtown set looking effortless in an evolving wardrobe of rock chic was going to be his creative calling. Two seasons in at Balenciaga however has started to change my mind about the scope of his talent. This seasons show was sleek, sophisticated and made me think of the original Cristobal himself.

Chelsea Girl

Rediscovered these images from a shoot I did earlier this year with the lovely DJ/it-girl Chelsea Leyland. This shoot was so much fun and she was an absolute blast to work with.