{FASHION NEWS} | Louis Vuitton Series 5

If, like anyone who appreciates fashion, you love Louis Vuitton; you might be familiar with the pictorial dialogue between multiple artists that the brand uses in its Series. This began with Series 1 and now Series 5; the Autumn/Winter 2016 advertising campaign is here.

This one features the super famous Selena Gomez who started out on Disney Channel and has grown into a supernova.

Keeping with the theme from previous campaigns; this one also features and explores the many facets of a heroine. Creative director Nicolas Ghesquière has kept this narrative through the last few campaigns and this time he has brought back renowned photographer Bruce Weber to capture the story.

Once again, Bruce Weber opted to shoot these pictures in Miami, Florida. At first he wanted to photograph the models on a boat. It was while seeing the boat being transported to the dock that he decided to leave the image and scenery “as is”. Louis Vuitton often uses unusual architecture and landscape in its shows (the Cruise Collection2016 show was held at the UFO-esque Niterói Contemporary Art Museum in Rio) and campaigns. The idea to photograph the heroines in this manner is unusual and creates a unique visual discord that acts as a complement to the models’ liveliness and energy.

On Bruce Weber

“In addition to being an incredible photographer, Bruce Weber is also a true

choreographer of images. He knows how to capture the energy of each individual,

and his images are always dynamic, almost alive. I love the unusual perspective

he brings to such a major star. Selena’s popularity is fascinating; she’s an icon

for her generation. And yet, there is a disarming sincerity and a true presence about her,

she’s very direct and grounded. She’s spontaneous and always up for discovering new

things. Two years ago, she had already approached me in her very simple, easy-going

manner and now I’m watching as she changes and grows. For a designer, it’s extremely

gratifying to participate in the process as a woman evolves.” Nicolas Ghesquière

On Bruce Weber and Nicolas Ghesquière

“I have had the honor of working with Bruce Weber before, so it was great to already

have a connection and I consider Nicolas a good friend at this point. We did

the shoot in Miami and it was incredibly laid back. The both of them are very passionate

and enthusiastic about their work. Wearing Vuitton makes me feel strong and confident.

Nicolas knows how to make a woman feel good about herself.” Selena Gomez

I really love Series 5 and the stunning pieces in the Autumn/Winter 2016 collection.

What do you think of Selena as a Louis Vuitton heroine?

LOUIS VUITTON SERIES 5

Artistic Direction: Nicolas Ghesquière

Photographer: Bruce Weber

Creative Direction: Roonie Cooke Newhouse

Talent: Selena Gomez

Models: Jean Campbell, Sora Choi, Luisiana Gonzalez, Erika Linder,

Rianne Van Rompaey and Natalie Westling

Stylist: Marie-Amélie Sauvé

Make-up: Peter Philips

Hair: Paul Hanlon

Shoot Location: Miami, USA

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FASHION NEWS} | The Kooples Opens in Mall of Africa

The Mall of Africa is an exciting new shopping space in Midrand, Johannesburg. Boasting loads of fashion stores; it’s already become a favourite for the style addict in me. It’s also the home to the very first branch of The Kooples in Africa!

In an impressive and dazzling launch on the 3^rd of May, we welcomed The Kooples to South Africa. The space outside the 240m² concept store was turned into a glamorous red carpet event. Zebra Square did not disappoint (they never do!) and over delicious food, hundreds of colourful roses and rose petals and the sounds of Micasa; we welcomed The Kooples to South Africa.

In 2008; after 3 years of hard work, The Kooples was instituted by the Elicha brothers. From their head offices in Vendome, Paris; The Kooples crafts luxury clothing and accessories that is inspired by a mixture of vintage, rock ‘n roll and punk.

The Kooples embraces leathers, denim and a multitude of exquisite fabrics in its luxury collection. Using meticulous English tailoring to put together the clothes; the effect is luxurious yet edgy.

In 2012 The Kooples launched Kooples Sport which adopts the same methods as the luxury collection but has a more relaxed aesthetic. The Mall of Africa store also stocks the Kooples Sport Range.

The price points for The Kooples fall under luxury. You can pick up a pair of shoes for ZAR5000 and a coat for around ZAR8000.

Joining 330 stores worldwide; you can find The Kooples in the Crystal Court at The Mall of Africa.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{Instagram Catch-Up} | February 2015

I cannot believe that the second month of the year has already come to an end. Here are some highlights from my month.

1.       I am so obsessed with this t-shirt that Luxury Fashion SA sent me

2.       Caramel tea and cupcakes with the Miss Veet SA finalists. The winner will be announced on the 12^th of March and I will be sure to tell you who has won.

3.       Graham Moore who won for his writing on The Imitation Game gave one of the most beautiful, touching speeches at the Oscars this year. I really hope that it inspires people as much as it inspired me.

4.       Zakiyya from Loubi Lovers and I have developed a tradition of taking shoe photos at every event we attend together. This is from the Dune London event at the Four Seasons.

5.       This is the outfit that I wore for the Dune London event. It was on a Friday so I went with an abaya.

Valentine’s Day was very relaxed for me but still lots of fun

6.       The lovely people at Edgars sent me these divine cookies which (of course) did not last long.

7.       Some pretty Valentine’s Day inspired pieces.

8.       Picnicking in the gardens. The bread and mayonnaise were homemade (YUM!)

9.       A much needed Mocha Break at Vida E Caffe

10.   Nude pumps, vintage snakeskin and Burberry silk for a River Island event.

11.   River Island spoils and my vintage snakeskin (It was my Mom’s, she got it in the 90s)

12.   Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy passed away on the 27^th. He was so wise and touched the lives of so many fans.’

13.   Celebrating the Lunar Chinese New Year with style.

I hope you all had a fantastic February and I wish you all the very best for March!

You can follow me on Instagram – ladyzaa

I am also on SnapChat where you can follow my story and get realtime updates – PrincessOfJozi

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{Fashion News} | James McAvoy for Prada

XMen star James McAvoy is the face of Italian fashion house Prada’s Fall/Winter 14 men’s campaign. The campaign is shot by genius photographer Annie Lebovitz in England and includes unassuming, moody shots. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the fall collection is made up from rich fabrics like gabardine, silk twill, a mohair-silk blend and crepe de chine.

You probably know the Scottish actor as a young Professor X from XMen: First Class and XMen Days of the Future Past or from movies like Atonement and The Last King of Scotland. He was also the voice of Gnomeo in the animated movie Gnomeo and Juliet which I absolutely loved!

The truth is that I have always had a crush on James. Girls around me swooned over Michael Fassbender as Magneto and Nicholas Hoult as Beast in the XMen franchise and I always gravitated towards Professor X with his intelligence and his blue eyes.

Feelings aside though, I personally think that he is a perfect fit for the campaign. Despite his unconventional good looks and moody aura, the clothes really look like they were made for him. And with the success of XMen Days of the Future Past he is just so now!

What do you think of James McAvoy in Prada’s Fall/Winter 2014 campaign?

(Campaign photo from Women’s Wear daily courtesy of Prada)

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox