simplicity vs details

Sometimes I don’t know what to wear.   Do I go for something that is beautifully embellished- with lots of marvelous details- or something  simple and understated?  The images from Paris Fashion week show that they are having exactly the same problem.  Even in the same show: the designers swing between detail and simplicity- Chloe and Celine being standout examples.

I did enjoy the quirky imagery of the Dolce and Gabbana show.  I am not usually a fan of their clothes but this show was amazing.

And even after looking at hundreds of images, I still don’t know what to wear.

Marimekko + Aesop Collab

I love a good collaboration- here at Eclectic Cool we are all about collaboration- NOT competition!

Marimekko, the Finnish design brand and Aesop have just launched two new products, a body scrub and balm that enhance each others’ brands.   Packaged in Aesop’s beautiful amber bottles but with a label using a Marimekko print; the  products : a body scrub and body balm,  are packed with richly aromatic essential oils of Fir Needle, Sage Leaf and Pine Needle, and purifying ingredients to help detoxify the skin.

It merges Marimekko’s Finnish roots and references to Finnish nature with Aesop’s talent in blending  plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients of the highest quality; celebrating the healthy, balanced life for which both brands represent.

I love a great body scrub and I have to admit I am a bit of an expert-having tried hundreds in my life. I was pleased to find that the finely milled pumice and bamboo stem particles were fine enough not to be too rough and, mixed with the freshness of the pine, left you with a cool tingly feeling, a welcome contrast to my hot shower.

The packaging is equally as lovely, with the pair enclosed in a cotton bag featuring Marimekko’s Vellamo print- designed for Marimekko by Maija Louekari- an interpretation of moving water inspired by the Finnish national epic, Kalevala.

Marimekko was founded in 1951, producing high quality fabrics, tableware and accessories.   Their designs are graphic and unique and brightened many a  70s interior! Their designs are fun but also timeless.  In addtion to the collaboration with Aesop, they also collaborated with Finnair,  producing tableware for business and first class. Makes me want to fly them!

Aesop has an impeccable design pedigree- their stores are always designed to enhance their products, are highly individual and use innovative materials.   This collaboration is certainly a success!  I know I will be heading down to the Aesop stores at the  end of April and stocking up on some more- with its invigorating scent, my husband will love it too.

Thanks Aesop for giving me a sneak peek!

The Aesop-Marimekko Duet will be available at the end of April 2013 at Aesop stores in Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA, online at aesop.com and marrimekko.com and at Marimekko stores as well.

Sauna Body Scrub 190ml

Sauna Body Balm 190ml

Marrimekko ‘Vellamo’ cotton bag

Retail Price:HKD600

Cool…Isabel Marant F/W 2013

Work has been so busy that my Isabel Marant sneakers have been doing overtime.   Doing the amount of installation and product moving I do everyday, they are the perfect footwear.   Parisian girls about town have been wearing Isabel Marant for years, and even though I am not a leggy model- the fabrics and attention to details are unsurpassed as well as being amazingly comfy to wear.

I am loving the new fall/winter collections- and I hope Moda Operandi are going to do a trunk show so that I can pre-order.   Tons of great separates that could be worn for years. The drape of the skirt in the second image is gorgeous.   It looks like they are making the high heeled sneaker into more of a shoe shape- got to get me a pair of those too.

Cool…tattoo parlour by Louboutin

I just got back from Paris, but I am quite tempted to hop back on the plane and high tail it back to the Louboutin atelier to order my custom embroidered shoes.   If you do read this blog, you might have noticed that I have a bit of a thing for custom made things.  Is it because I am so short that nothing ever seems to fit? or is it just the idea of the luxury of it all-someone slaving away to produce something just for you?

However, I digress.  Back to shoes.  There has always been a tradition of getting your crest or initials embroidered onto your shoes.  Now, in a unique 21C twist,  you can visit four Louboutin boutiques around the world and get your own shoes custom embroidered with a tattoo of your own design.   If you are like me and the thought of having needles and ink stuck into your body gives you the shivers,  you can live out your bad boy/girl fantasies with your shoes. Although I have to admit that Mme Villiers reworked looks cute in her Louboutin tattoos.   At probably around the same price as a good tattoo artist- it is totally without pain & you can take it off when you want.

There are a few styles to choose from for both men and women.  You could be daring and choose the highness platform pump but for me , I’d love the understated luxury of a rollergirl flat embroidered in beads in an amazing design.

The service is offered in Louboutin’s men’s boutiques in Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles starting from

February 2013 and takes 3 months from the date of order.

Mount Street Boutique, London
17 Mount Street, London, Greater London W1K 2RJ + 44 20 7491 0033

Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, Paris
19 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris +33 1 42 36 53 66

Washington Street, New York
808 Washington Street, New York, 10014 +1 212 255 2056

Robertson Street, Los Angeles
657 North Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 + 1 310 652 5700

ladys and gents

Stylist Estee Stanley and designer Jenni Kayne have just launched a mini version of the Sartorialist called Ladys & Gents.    Mini meaning kids and  without  Scott Schuman’s excellent photography. I’m all for kids looking cool but maybe putting them on a website is a little much?  And it doesn’t it just prove that if you  shop at Bonton and Bonpoint you can make it onto this site.  Anyway, you decide…would you submit your kids’ pics here?

Cool… dangerous shoes by Louboutin

Have you seen the photos of Christian Louboutin and his atelier in The Selby?  Owing a few pairs of Louboutins myself, I can attest to the fact that though beautifully made, they aren’t the most comfortable of footwear, but apparently this is because I wear too high heels for my size 37 feet.

Interesting to see that apart from creating shoes for celebrities like Dita von Teese, he also likes experimenting with shoe design.   I wonder if a ballerina could walk in those pointe shoes?  My pick for the most uncomfortable looking pair of shoes are the ones with the overly long and pointy heels.

Aside from peeking at his experiemental shoes, I am also a huge fan of those skylights, which were apparently were inspired by the rooftops of Paris, which, of course, are the most romantic in the world.

Cool…The 9th Muse

Have you visited the cool jewel store, the 9th muse in Lyndhurst Terrace?   They have an varied selection of fashion jewels and accessories for sale and you will love their prices!

The founders ,Charlotte and Jing, have been friends since university days and dreamed of one day starting their own accessories business.   Their store is the culmination of this dream and the research and work they have put into  it shows!

So many of their pieces are unique and original- just the thing to brighten up a dress for Christmas or just to perk you up today.   They cater to lots of different styles too, you will be sure to find something whether you are boho chic or sleek and sophisticated.

They very kindly interviewed me for their blog (you can read it here)  & making me sound much more interesting than I am.  Thanks girls!

Cool…fashion & food @ Harrods

Loving the creative direction of these advertising shots for Harrods.  Shot in one of my favorite places in the whole world- the Harrods Food Hall.  The excess!  This could be something out of the nineties, it is so over the top.

Cool…the coveteur

Okay, this site is a bit voyeuristic and usually takes itself a bit too seriously.   It even manages to make my very extensive wardrobe look paltry…and that could be only a bad thing as we should only surround ourselves with stuff that we love and use.   However, the girls at the Coveteur surpassed themselves this week to cover the wardrobe of one of the most glamorous stars I know…Miss Piggy.   I have always wanted to know what she has in her closet and how she manages to  look as young today as she did when I was a child.

And she does have a great taste in men- who wouldn’t be a little bit in love with Kermit- he is just so nice & I do love green (though I have heard it’s not easy…).

You can read the full post here.

Joanne x