Oh, This HURTS So Good

The Album of 2010

Indeed kind ladies and gentlemen, if this is what anguish feels and sounds like, I wouldn't pose any hindrance towards myself surrendering to such beautiful affliction. Hailing from Manchester, England, haunting vocalist Theo Hutchcraft and synth-player Adam Anderson comprise the well-dressed British electronic duo known only as HURTS. From melodic harmonies to orchestra-induced bridges, their stunning debut album, Happiness, delivers the utmost quality and freely holds the title of being my unequivocal favorite album of 2010. Currently embarked on a sold-out tour across the United Kingdom, it would seem the future for HURTS is perhaps not so painful after all.

The art direction in their videos is quite stunning and resembles high-fashion editorials. Nonetheless, the visuals flawlessly parallel the tone of which the songs convey.

Current single, "Stay" (My favorite so far. The chorus' beauty is undeniable)

Wonderful Life

Confide In Me - Live (Absolutely stunning live vocals from Theo covering Kylie Minogue's iconic 1994 hit)

Pre-fall 2011: Glamorous Gowns for Elegant Evenings

J. Mendel

From floor-sweeping hemlines to intricate lace tops, designers have displayed an insatiable appetite for those undeniably enchanted evenings. Prominent details, ranging from beautiful pleats and gathering to bold prints and feathers, have appeared throughout the increasingly relevant pre-fall collections shown by the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Thakoon, Carolina Herrera, and Fendi.

Such vibrant looks are sure to promise a graceful evening indeed.

Naeem Khan

Jason Wu

Oscar de la Renta

Fendi

Rachel Roy

Monique Lhuillier

Michael Kors

Carolina Herrera

"When clothes are so versatile, there is no reason why you cannot be suitably dressed for most evening occasions." - Christian Dior

New Face at the Helm of Hermès

"You don't change your wardrobe every six months. You build it up over time." - Christophe Lemaire

With an impending launch into the spotlight, relatively low-key designer Christophe Lemaire gears up for his hotly anticipated first collection as chief designer at Hermès. Since replacing Jean Paul Gaultier, Lemaire's debut women's ready-to-wear collection will signify a new direction for the historic luxury fashion house upon its reveal in March 2011. The new chief designer envisions his minimalist style as a return to a more honest and simple look best suited for practicality with an ode to classic fashions. Prior to succeeding Gaultier, Lemaire's resume shines with a history at Thierry Mugler, Christian Lacroix, launching his own label in 1991, and ultimately becoming the creative director of sportswear label Lacoste in 2000.

Prada Set to Show in Beijing

Miuccia Prada (An icon that makes me proud to be Italian)

At the helm of Italy's premier fashion empire, Miuccia Prada's enduring vision to secure her company's legacy will spread to the vastly growing Asian market with a lavish high-profile show staged in Beijing, China. With profits surging at a massive fifty-one percent in the increasingly lucrative region, Prada's January 22 fashion show will mark the beginnings of planned expansion into Asia. Given the label's recent spike in Chinese revenue, Prada intends to open 17 boutiques across the nation in the coming new year with a further 11 following suit in 2012.

Chief designer Miuccia Prada will revisit her Spring 2011 collection while incorporating new designs for the landmark Beijing runway production.

Initially launched by Mario Prada in 1913 as a leathergoods company, granddaughter Miuccia has transformed the family business into one of Italy's most powerful fashion empires.

"I always wanted to do something that was nearly impossible." - Miuccia Prada

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone that has been graciously reading my words on fashion, music, and life. It means a very great deal and one that I humbly appreciate. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday with your friends and family.

Here's a rather wonderful Christmas and New Year message from my favorite band, Girls Aloud.

On that wonderful note, Diorable Style is being visited worldwide with readers living in fantastic countries including:

United States

United Kingdom

France

Italy

Spain

Australia

Canada

Switzerland

Croatia

Mexico

Germany

United Arab Emirates

Japan

Thank you everyone!

Designer Profile: Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

Who? What? Where? Why? When?

Compelling as they are paramount, several top designers in our glorious fashion industry may remain unknown or simply unfamiliar to the general public. Whether culturally-defining or trend-inducing, simple facts detailing information such as birthplace, education, and sources of inspiration are sadly unnoticed by both the average person and fashion consumers alike. Quite regularly, people have questioned me whether or not Christian Dior was female or living which sees an unfortunately dreadful cringe spread about my face. Nonetheless, I suppose such exhausting questions about Dior have inspired this desire to begin writing, perhaps once or twice a week, about simple designer profiles.

Today's guest of honor is none other than Jean Paul Gaultier.

Prêt-à-Porter Fall/Winter 2009/2010

Born: April 24, 1952

Birthplace: Arcueil, Val-de-Marne, France

Nationality: French

Title: Grand couturier (member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture - the French legal body that states which designers & houses can officially employ the title of "haute couture")

Labels: Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès (Creative Director 2003-2010), Gaultier PARIS, JEANS Paul Gaultier, Eyewear Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier Argent

Education: Never received formal training. Sent sketches to Pierre Cardin who was highly impressed and subsequently hired Gaultier as his assistant in 1970.

Inspirations: Typically found ideas through street-wear and the general public

Classifications: Haute couture, prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), menswear, beauty & fragrance, accessories.

Clients: Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Mylène Farmer, Marilyn Manson, Rihanna.

Menswear Fall/Winter 2010/2011

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Automne/Hiver 2010/2011

The Beauty & Splendor of Haute Couture

Gisele Bündchen & Linda Evangelista walking for Christian Dior Haute Couture

Extreme. Elegant. Extravagant.

These are a minor few adjectives that can be used to describe the intricate art known only as haute couture. Synonymous with "high fashion", haute couture is the highest level of prestige offered in the fashion industry today. Undeniably a French expression, the term essentially translates as "high sewing", a process in which lavish garments are designed and tailored to specific measurements of a woman's body. Using the most luxurious fabrics with intensely exquisite detailing, some of which utilize endless amounts of diamonds and pearls, haute couture gowns are produced in extremely limited quantities. Largely due to the intense workmanship required, with prices that begin in the thousands of dollars, only a small group of wealthy women worldwide possess the ability to experience the most beautiful luxury fashion has to offer.

Pure Opulence

Naturally, a perfect example of this exquisiteness is Christian Dior's 2007/2008 Autumn/Winter haute couture fashion show. Also the year of Dior's 60th anniversary, John Galliano dedicated his remarkable presentation to Monsieur Christian Dior and cited inspiration from his revolutionary 1947 debut, the Corolle line. Quite plainly, this landmark collection is fashion in its purest art form.

Please view with the utmost of respect and enjoyment.

"Couture is the marriage of design and material. There are many instances of perfect harmony." - Christian Dior

NYC Street Fashions: The Stupendously Stylish Scarf

In a classic slip-knot, Stephanie wears a multi-colored/flower-pattern wool scarf.

Versatile as it is stylish, the scarf plays an essential role in applying the finishing touch to any well-rounded look. The scarf, with any given accessory, defines the style of the wearer. So, while retaining individuality, the way in which you decide to wrap this beautiful length of fabric can transform your ensemble with endless possibilities. Even more beneficial, considering the current global economic trend, investing in several scarves with variations in color, texture, and length has the power to keep your wardrobe both vibrant and current with minimal spending.

Earlier today, Stephanie, a lovely and professional New York City Ballet dancer, was kind enough to allow me to photograph her donning a beautiful knit scarf wrapped in several different variations.

The wrap-around. Easily displays the full knit pattern and draws the viewer to your face.

Wrap-around

This simple one-end-loop over the neck provides length the simplest effort.

Traditional ascot

Suited to brave the frigid New York temperatures, Stephanie selects the wrap-around technique for warmth and style while sipping on her decadent cappuccino.

Stephanie is wearing:

Vince wool-knit sweater

Helmut Lang jeans

Lucky Brand wool-knit scarf

Anthropologie cable-knit hat

Kindly thank you to Stephanie.

"In many cases, a scarf gives a final touch to a dress. But you have to experiment and try many different ways of wearing a scarf before you find the way that suits you best. The way you tie a scarf is part of your personality" - Christian Dior

Pre-Fall 2011: Byzantine Empire Reigns in Chanel

Chanel Empress

Ancient? Extinct? I think not. At the helm of Chanel's own fashion empire, trend-setting Karl Lagerfeld has single-handedly resurrected Byzantium for his pre-fall 2011 "Métiers d’Art" collection. Directly citing Gabrielle Chanel and the Byzantine empress, Theodora, as inspirations, Lagerfeld has blended ancient beauty with modern style. From updates of classic Chanel tweeds to prominent gold detailing, Chanel's homage to a stylish empire remains unsurpassed.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Chanel.

For the entire slideshow, visit www.wwd.com (subscription required)

GaGa Français? Oui Mais...Non.

Mylène Farmer (Full-on black ensemble with variations in texture)

Iconic French popstar Mylène Farmer rockets straight atop France's Singles Chart this month with her RedOne-produced banger, "Oui mais... Non" (Translated as, "Yes but...not"). Several of my fellow Americans and Brits will naturally dismiss the track as a desperate Gaga copy but, in reality, Mylène has been a legend in France since 1984. Although the video does indeed evoke a "Bad Romance"/"Alejandro" vibe, the track is diorably infectious (one that I'm currently playing on repeat). Nonetheless, global superstars Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue have publicly stated their fondness of the song.

I hope to look this marvelous at 49. C'est magnifique!

For HD viewing, please click the following youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar0FEyBB0lQ

Whimsically Wondrous Windows

Dior, 57th Street, New York

In the short span of a few hours, one can manage to time travel back to the glamorous 30's and 40's, brave pirate ships & sea monsters, lounge at a glitzy gala, and finally return home to famously dine with the ladies all the while dressed in your best. At least that's how this gentleman has spent his Friday afternoon. Fresh and vibrant to embrace the holiday spirit, instantaneously I knew my day would be sorted with a luxurious stroll along New York's 5th avenue to complete some holiday shopping. From beginning my journey with my two favorite Christians (Dior and Lacroix) to ending at Saks, window shopping evoked a rather surreal, yet satisfying adventure only words can describe. As such, a photographic record of my quest shall reasonably suffice.

Where did Angelo decide to shop... for himself that is? I say take the journey to find out :)

Dior, 57th Street

A deliciously French Lady Dior continues to illuminate New York

Unquestionable homage to the era-defining "New Look".

Christian Lacroix, 57th Street

(One of my favorite haute couture designers)

A blurry Diorable colorfully & properly attired at Lacroix (Apologies for the fuzzy shot but the boutique is fairly dim-lit)

If you've read my Century 21 entry from last night, you'll notice I'm wearing the Valentino scarf and SAND tie as promised with some Dior, Prada, & Lanvin thrown in for good measure :)

Chanel, 57th Street

Snow queens.

Miu Miu, 57th Street

Prada, 5th Avenue (I love you, Miuccia)

Henri Bendel, 5th Avenue (These gowns were incredible to view)

Zara, 5th Avenue

Fendi, 5th Avenue (One of the day's favorites)

Effortlessly fierce mannequin working the camera.

Bottega Veneta, 5th Avenue

Lovely Athenian-inspired dress

Beautiful blazer

Saks Fifth Avenue, 5th Avenue

My favorite Saks mannequin

Child: "Madame, help me, I'm floating away!"

Madame: "Darling, but I'm wearing couture. Perhaps next time."

1930's Hollywood glam

Daffy's, Madison Avenue (This was interesting)

So which locations saw Angelo treating himself to some diorable holiday goods?

Answer: But, of course Christian Dior & Christian Lacroix :)

If you live in, or near, New York, please take full advantage of the endless beauty and brilliance our shop windows have to offer. As you've witnessed, they can be quite the spectacle.