Bringing back the ‘Comma’ heel



We saw mutated versions of it at Raf Simons’ debut Dior couture show last July, and now Bruno Frisoni has updated the original in silver mirror leather and pink mink for Roger Vivier’s Rendez-Vous collection AW13. The iconic ‘Comma’ shoe, designed by Vivier in the 1950s was a precursor to the stiletto. As shoe designer for Dior, his creations set the benchmark in footwear design for years to come, and the bent, squat ‘Comma’ was one of his best.

Fast forward to 2013 and we’re seeing more versions of those inwards- and outwards-curved heels, both from the house of Dior and from the house of Vivier and in short and tall versions. For Dior RTW SS13 they’re tall, slightly flared and bent inwards, while at yesterday’s Dior couture show they were super-slender and came in bright metallics and chalky shades. Let’s see if the ‘Comma”s influence spreads further…

Original Roger Vivier ‘Comma’ heel 1957

Roger Vivier Rendez-Vous Collection AW13

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From the vaults: John Galliano contact sheet 1991



Ahhh, it’s amazing the things you unearth when rummaging through old school and college files. This contact sheet is from a 1991 John Galliano PR shoot. My friend had done work experience in the press office and had smuggled this out along with some stickers and labels. I think it was for a diffusion line called Galliano’s Girl. (more…)



Buy it now: new spring things



This winter I did really well on the jumper front so for now I can ease off on the knitwear buying. That said, I’m very drawn to Stella’s fruit salad chevron stripes and these Maria La Rosa socks. For tapping into the big 60s monochrome story, Motel’s block-striped top will come in very useful, both with tailored skirts (like Carven’s lush poppy red one) and boy fit jeans. Its loosely cut proportions are very flattering and the zip at the back makes it slightly more dressy. While the skinny cigarette heel is making a huge comeback, chunky heels and flatforms are still best for everyday city living – preferably dipped in silver or gold…



ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT:
TOP: Stella McCartney top; Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric; Marni shoes
MIDDLE: Olympia Le Tan book clutch; Motel top; Nina Peter gloves
BOTTOM: Maria La Rosa socks; Carven skirt; ASOS flatforms



Nail news: Spring nudes and the perfect pedi pink



On the nail front, the general consensus is that nude nails are in, and that includes the so-out-it’s-now-in French mani. I haven’t had a French manicure for years but I did go through a phase of having an American (the more subtle version) at Topshop every week. For doing it yourself though, it’s all a bit of a faff. The lazy-girl option could be Dior’s new, one-step clear Nail Glow. According to Vogue, it enhances white tips with one sweep of the brush. (more…)