Milan Fashion Week!!!

Hello there,
I've missed you. I've been running around mad for the past four days doing the thing I like best: shooting street style. A great big thank you to all the editors, buyers and show attendees for your patience and graciousness in letting me take your picture. I know this was a crazy week for you all given the compressed, four day schedule.

Since I've been away for the last few days, I wanted to greet you with a treat. This season I was invited by Versace to cover the Versace show and Versus presentation. It was the first time that an invitation of it's kind was extended to me, and I would like to thank everyone at Versace for their kind consideration. The experience was truly the highlight of my week as both collections were fierce! Here are a couple images:

Versace


Versus by Christopher Kane

More images to follow in my Refinery29 Milan Fashion Week Diary. I'll let you know when it's up. O.k., good to speak with you again. I have to get back to work now. Big kiss. Tamu

Windy Days

Bunny Bisous blogger Julia Frakes braves New York's seasonal wind with newly bobbed, golden locks.

Joanna Hillman

Can we just talk about how amazing Joanna looks this season? You already know how much I admire her style, but the level on which she has delivered this season is beyond. I don't mean to make comparisons, but she is totally giving off a Jerry Hall kind of beauty and glamor, infused as always with her knack for tempered edge. So how do I describe her style now? With my off again, on again favorite word: FIERCE!

The Fabric of Urban Winter Style Part II • Gloria Baume

Urban Lumberjack/The Fabric of Urban Winter Style

The outdoor experience meets the city life. These guys look amazing. The vibrant colors of their looks really bring cheer to the city streets.

Afterthoughts: My first impression of these looks were that they each resembled the uniform of a modern-day urban lumberjack. But after I published the post, I took the looks apart and began to appreciate them for the sum of their parts. For example, the top look consists of a skull cap, fatigue jacket, a great pair of indigo jeans and Chukka boots, which were originally worn by polo players. Nothing really screams lumberjack, apart from the jeans, which are vulnerable to this type of fashion assignment because of their iconic identity as the ideal garment for manual labor and/or outdoor activity. Why was I so quick to assign the title to the look? I think the media is responsible for my quick judgment. When I look back on all the films and commercials of my childhood that portrayed loggers (the modern term for the trade), these or similar looks are the standard. And naturally, this uniform spilled over into the way we dressed when we went outdoors.

If we look at the bottom look, a similar story plays out. Here we have a fur pilot's hat, a gorgeous red and black check sweater, denim jacket and jeans and motorcycle boots. Where's the lumber jack here? It's the red/black check sweater (reminiscent of a lumberjack jacket) and the jeans. Where do the motorcycle boots come in? Remember my post below? That's where: the biker whose style evolves. But it's more than that, it's a biker who adapts his/her style to the city, or it's a girl like me or the gentleman in the image who likes biker style (as influenced by film icons and rock stars) and introduces it into their personal look.

Well all this thinking lead me to the realization that the title of the post is all wrong. Instead of Urban Lumberjack, I should have just gone with "The Fabric of Urban Winter Style." A title that embodies the hodgepodge of urban dressing that has developed over the last 60 years of American urban fashion (I limit my rambling to American urban fashion because I group up in New York and that's what I know best). It is a title that references urban fashion's recent past and explains it's current love affair with brands like Barbour, Canada Goose, Sorel, and Uggs for example. Hey don't turn your nose up at the Ugg boot! Well this was just an afterthought. I would love to hear what you think and to hear about your urban style. Maybe we can even reconvene and discuss urban summer style. This summer should be interesting with all the utilitarian looks hitting the streets. xx, Tamu

Boot Inspiration • Sophisticated Biker Chic

I got these Chloe motorcycle boots, seen here on Mary Kate Steinmiller, this summer. I thought that they would be the perfect boot to wear with leggings and skinny jeans. But early into experimenting with the look, I decided it wasn't for me. I felt that the look was a little stale and struggled to be excited over it. So the boots have been gathering dust in my shoeset for the past five months- something that I really hate.

Then I spotted Mary Kate a couple of times wearing them with dresses and was totally impressed with the styling option. I love the look seen here in particular. The slim silhouette and length of the dress are genius with this type of boot. It creates a completely different vibe from the one I initially pursued. It's sophisticated biker chic. It's as if Mary Kate was once a biker, holds the passion close to her heart, but has experienced a style evolution. I am definitely going to try it out soon, and maybe I'll even take the look for a test run during Milan or Paris fashion weeks. x, Tamu

Vika • Ready to Spar

In the fashion ring that is! Her cap/helmet, which is from her line, is a total K.O.

Mix and Layer All Star

I only recently met Michelle Reneau, senior market & accessories editor at Nylon, but I am already a huge fan of her knack for mixing patterns and textures, and for her sense of layering.

Chloë Sevigny

One of my biggest surprises during New York fashion week was capturing these images of Chloë Sevigny. Like I mentioned over at Harper's Bazaar, I had no clue it was her when I approached to ask for the picture. The first thing that I saw was her profile, which was notably cool. What happened next is definitely one of the funniest moments of my life. When my eyes made contact with her sunglasses and the rest of her face registered in my brain, I exclaimed out of sheer surprise, "oh shit it's you." Then about two seconds passed before either one of us said anything. It was quite surreal. But I managed to regain my composure and mumbled (yes mumbled), "can I get a picture." She was really cool about it, and these images are the result of our brief encounter.

Ludivine Poiblanc

This past fashion week I spotted Vogue Paris' Ludivine Poiblanc in a couple of menswear inspired looks. After seeing her the second time, I started to wonder if these looks were an indication of her personal style. With a google search I found some images of her in dresses and decided that her style was more varied and actually really fresh. But as I reviewed my pictures, I tried to discern whether she is simply a fan of menswear or if her look was more along the lines of androgynous. I decided no to the latter choice as her femininity just kept staring right back at me.

Anna • New York Fashion Week

It was really fun shooting Anna during New York Fashion Week. It's always interesting to interact with someone who I associate with my "new" home (Milan), in my "old" home (NY). But, wherever on the planet she goes, Anna is always amazing!

What, let a little snow get in my way?

Jen Brill, always beyond cool, outside the Rodarte show.

Fresh and Chic

If I asked you to guess on what day of fashion week I snapped this image of Harper's Bazaar's Kristina O'neill, you'd probably guess the first, or maximum second day right? Well your guess would be wrong! I took this picture on the sixth day and during the snow storm (you can probably see the tiniest of snow flakes whizzing by). My biggest question is how does Kristina manage to look so fresh faced, collected and so casually chic after a hectic week of shows and exhausting weather?

Rose Cordero

Fur Front

Carine looking fierce in a Ohne Titel fur and suede coat.

Joanna ● Military Chic

Joanna defends her style territory in a formidable Proenza Schouler jacket.

Julia ● Skin

Julia is stunning in a fur cape, leather pants and zebra print handbag.

Grace

All the Pretty Birds at HARPERSBAZAAR.COM

Hello! Fantastic News! Harper's Bazaar has invited me to be their official street style blogger for the women's Fall/Winter 2010 shows. Please head on over to harpersbazaar.com to check out daily updates on what the global fashion set are wearing on the street. And please pass on the exciting news!

The Aviator

Laurel Pantin, beauty assistant at Teen Vogue, soars high in a vintage aviator hat, vintage chubby, J.Crew cashmere sweater, J Brand jeans and Nine West suede wedges.

R.I.P Alexander McQueen

Dear Lee McQueen,
Thank you for sharing your great creativity with us. It is through people like you that we are able to experience this life to its fullest. We will miss you. We will always love you.
Tamu

Oatmeal & Black

New York Fashion Week

Hello! I made it! I'm super lucky that my plane got clearance to fly in tonight. I overheard someone at the airport saying that about 95% of today's flights to JFK were canceled. It's a miracle, especially considering I flew Alitalia! I wish everyone else traveling to NY for the shows a safe and smooth flight. Tomorrow's weather looks much more promising. I can't wait to get out and shoot some New York fashion week street style! I'm sooo happy to be home! Yeah!!!!!

Oh crazy day!

Today was a little intense. Packing for NY fashion week + my husband's birthday celebration this evening= very tired and off to bed. Hopefully my plane will not be delayed because of the impending blizzard due to hit NYC any minute now. Wish me luck!!!!!!!

French cool

The exceptionally creative, super charming and ever stylish Garance Doré. And yes that is her new Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton bag. She also has it in cobalt. I love it! I am the same way. When something works really well for me, I buy multiples.

Team Tank

The lovely Caroline Issa and the dashing Masoud Golsorkhi.

Fur

I'm in the mood for fur today. Are You? I mean it doesn't look like winter is going away any time soon. Have you heard about the blizzard that's assailing Washington D.C.? The district is basically paralyzed. So I say, grab a warm cup of something or a cup of something that keeps you warm (hey it's the weekend), and let's look at some great fur looks that I captured during Milan men's fashion week.

cropped- A great smile tops off Avril's Russian Folklore-inspired look.

vested- Sarah, always stylish with perfectly measured edge, giving of total chic-nonchalance in a V-neck mini and sleek OTKs.

pocketed- Sherwin, another stylish member of the Prada visual team, is the sweetest person ever! And, he always has the most enviable hem lengths!

military luxe- Ekaterina's look was hard for me to resist. Have, I mentioned my love for military-inspired style, especially parkas? Ekaterina goes straight for my heart by layering this old Mandarina Duck parka over a fantastic Boss Orange textured maxi-sweater with fur collar. The layering here creates such great movement in the look. No?

vintage- If you are anything like me, and itching to get into some of spring's hottest trends without freezing your tooshie off, then Giulia's look will totally inspire you. Throw on your favorite vintage fur chubby with a pair of soft, fluid pants and accessorize the look with a vintage structured purse. And voilà, spring is in the air!

A Stylish Bird • Sarah

While riding the complementary shuttle bus between the Canali and Versace men's' shows, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah and her friends, and listening to their very thoughtful opinions about designers like Marc Jacobs and Alber Elbaz (Sarah respects Elbaz for his directness and adores his kindness.)

From our conversation, I gathered that Sarah is a part of the current generation of multitaskers (smitten with multitaskers this week) who, by their hands-on-approach, are taking the fashion industry by storm. They have boundless energy, and are an inspiration for me when I am exhausted and my imagination taxed.

Now based in Paris, Sarah hails from South Korea and spent her childhood in the US, UK, and are ready u ready for this, Namibia! Even though she just recently finished her studies at Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, she has already done design work for Balenciaga and Lanvin and has freelanced as a stylist. In addition to these impressive accomplishments, she also finds the time to design gorgeous jewelry. Like the necklace pictured above, she says that her creations tend to have "a very earthy, ethnic feel as well as very contrasting digital and geometric textures."

With all these accomplishments under her Lanvin belt, she now has her sights set on conquering the Magazine world! Knock 'em dead darling! Use those beautiful YSL mittens!

Marcelo Burlon ● Fashion Multitasker

Editor-in-Chief, Rodeo Magazine



Stylist



DJ and founder of the infamous Milanese Club night Pink is Punk



Event organizer for top fashion and lifestyle brands



Friend. Ever since I met him back in 2005, he has remained super-close with his extremely tight-knit group of pals. They are like family.

Good Times!

I am so excited! Refinery29 listed me as one of 3 Street Style Sites to Bookmark Now. I'm thrilled to be included among talented photographers like Maya from Turned Out and Vanessa Jackman! Thanks Refinery29! And thanks to everyone for swinging by and showing love!

The Kid in You

Katie Grand's Giles Deacon dinosaur bag brings out the kid in her.

Gourmet sandwiches, brownies, cupcakes, and most of all, playing with my son bring out the kid in me. In fact, sometimes when my mother observes us at play, she can't help noting that I am the more excited one. What brings out the kid in you?