LOEWE LOVE FOR FALL 2017

ELLE Magazine selected Jonathan Anderson's Fall LOEWE coat dress for their 18 hot looks for 2017. Photographer Terry Tsiolis created the rich world the look deserves - stylist Samira Nasr really made it look like the dream sequence you deserve! Polka-dot Coat Dress with Oversized Cuff and Collar - $2,690.00 - embellished Satin Sandals -$890.00 both LOEWE - wool Beret Kangol-$45.00In the world of luxury fashion in 2017 there are fewer and fewer "Houses" that you can always count on to make you stop and take notice. LOEWE FALL 17 POLKA-DOT COAT DRESS AS SEEN ON THE RUNWAY At least for me, there is a small group that I trust to really deliver luxury and design. For the most part, it is the usual suspects - Hermes, Chanel, and Ferragamo come to mind.  One that most American's probably don't reference is Loewe.   I've written about it many times.. but the Spanish house is wonderfully under the radar, in a way that is almost as rewarding as the designs itself.  It's like the Raleigh Hotel when it was run by Balazs.

Anyway, Loewe (say Low-ev-ayy) does not disappoint for Fall 2017.  Creative director Jonathan Anderson gives every piece the attention it deserves to stand on it's own- as one SHOULD expect at a luxury house.   The polka-dots got me... and then LOEWE small PUZZLE BAG in calfskin - $2,350.00seeing that coat come to life in Elle Magazine is more exciting than it should be!  Shot by photographer Terry Tsiolis for Elle's 18 (hottest looks) for 17 - it was styled so excellent on the go by Samira Nasr The collection has so much to see!.. honestly - there is so much that a new designer could just pick looks and run with it for many collections to come.  I would be lying if I said that you could say a big "trend" from the collection was polka-dots - but that coat dress just won't let me go! 

*Side Note - Anderson's own capsule collection with fast fashion retailer UNIQLO is in stores NOW!!

Not to mention- in a world of designer handbags that look one-like-the-other..  Loewe created a new shape and made it their signature.   Buy one.. Buy two ..  You will have them for the rest of your life - if you want to! 

Shop LOEWE now.

Fashion in Madrid? Maybe I can recommend a museum?

Of all the wonderful things I saw in Madrid - the art collections were the most impressive.   The amount of art in this city is staggering.   Regardless is you visit the Prado, Queen Sophia, or Thyssen -  , you will be overwhelmed by the collection.   You should see all three of course - I recommend no more than 1 per day.   This is a general rule I follow when traveling - even if it means missing a museum.  To give the proper respect to the work, your mind should be fresh.    At some point, it is just sensory overload.   Also, what better reason to go back to a city than to visit a museum you missed?     A great plan is to have breakfast, hit a museum, break for lunch, then spend the afternoon shopping.

Shopping in Madrid however is a different story.   While there are a few great exceptions to look out for, in general the city is extremely conservative - at least in the terms of the fashion offering.   Of course the usual suspects like Gucci and Chanel have boutiques there - but they seem like site markers - just there for the advertising.   Hermes has a mega size store that just keeps going.. Madridlenos obviously love this French symbol of designer chic - but again - very conservative.   Meanwhile, a brand like Gant had an entire Palacio

Two stand out Spanish collections that you should not miss.   

House of Loewe - this house has hand crafted leather goods since 1846.   The era that saw Louis Vuitton in Paris , saw Loewe in Madrid.    The house is the symbol of classic style in Spain just like LV is in France.   In Fact, LVMH acquired Loewe and it is now under the LVMH luxury umbrella.   The image is almost a cross between LV and Hermes as they have a strong equestrian influence.  Some of you fashion fans will remember the company made a splash in the U.S. when Narciso Rodriguez was the creative director in the late 90's.   The Spring 08 campaign featured Stephanie Seymour.    The collection has a strong following in Asia and South America.  The clothing is nice, but the bags are timeless.

Carmina Collection - This shoemaker has a legacy that dates back to 1866.   The classic house has been a staple in the wardrobe of the best dressed men and woman of Madrid for generations.    You will not find a finer pair of hand crafted shoes  anywhere.   An added bonus is the reasonable prices.   I was able to find an amazing pair of classic black loafers for under $400.   That is just not possible in the U.S. for hand made shoes. 

Finally, you can't go to Madrid without visiting El Corte Ingles.   This is the largest department store chain in Spain.   There are several doors in Madrid.   The store in the upscale shopping district of Salamanca had an entire Christmas village set up for the holidays.   The store is quite conservative - especially the offerings for men, but still well worth the visit to see the different cultural influence all around.  

 

MADRID FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I recently spent 5 days in Madrid.   I was there for Thanksgiving, but the Christmas decorations had just gone up around the city.   This majestic capital is impressive on any day - but with the holiday spirit - it really sparkles.   The decorations were strung by the mile!  Block after block - as far as the eye could see.   Madrid really knows how to spread some holiday cheer!