M.B By Mboko Ndimba Mobutu - MUSIC, FASHION AND ART.

Spotlight - The Spring 2012 Foulard Print Silk Shirts Trend

2012-02-12T19:22:00.000+01:00

As seen at D&G, Etro and Versace spring 2012 menswear fashion shows, in Zara spring 2012 look book, as well as on Gianni Versace in 1992, on Milan Vukmirovic wearing a spring 2012 D&G shirt during Paris ready-to-wear spring 2012 fashion week (October 2011) photographed by Tommy Ton for GQ.com, on Andrea Porro and on myself during Paris menswear fall 2012 fashion week (January 2012) photographed by Nam for Grazia.it.

It’s the printed silk shirt’s come-back! Versace’s 90’s luxurious opulence gets a makeover this spring thanks TO a slim FIT and fabrics like denim. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Print slim shirt, D&G ON MY-WARDROBE 227,24 EUROS, www.my-wardrobe.com

GET THE LOOK:

Venetian print silk shirt, VERSACE ON NET-A-PORTER 790 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - February, 10th 2012: Beyoncé, Karl Lagerfeld, Karlie Kloss, Maxime Simoëns And The Sartorialist.

2012-02-12T14:42:00.000+01:00

1/ French young designer Maxime Simoëns has been named editor-in-chief of L'Officiel magazine's website for a WEEK, from February 13 to 17. The new Leonard creative director will share a preview of his NEW material as well as his personal favorites from this season and more.

2/ Metro newspaper's guest editor Karl Lagerfeld took it TO the streets to distribute "The world according to Karl" special edition he edited on Tuesday morning (February 7) to surprised and quite amused passers-BY in Paris.

3/ Power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé created a Tumblr page to release to the world the first pictures of their new-born Blue Ivy Carter. A shocking news knowing their usual very strict privacy behavior. Rumour has it they turned down an astonishing 14 million dollars offer for the exclusivity of the photos.

4/ Supermodel of the moment Karlie Kloss is said to BE skipping this season's New York Fashion Week that kicked off two days ago, last Thursday. According to a spokesperson for Kloss, she has cancelled ALL of her appearances because "an engagement has come up" but will "very likely" walk in Milan and Paris.

5/ The Sartorialist's Scott Schuman revealed on his Twitter the release of "The Sartorialist II", the follow-up to his best seller first book, scheduled for Fall 2012. The book will contain exclusive never-seen-before pictures that Schuman saved UP for the project and qualifies as some of his favorites.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Corrupted Style?

2012-02-12T14:36:00.000+01:00

It feels like WAR against street style is eventually being declared. More and more voices are being raised about the predominant - at times even oppressive - phenomenon that knows NO slowdown. To be honest, I threw the towel in a «long» time ago and I can easily count on my hands the few ones I only really care about. Therefore, both GQ and more recently Esquire websites have posted articles stating of the negative influence the abundance of street style photographers outside the shows can actually have. Let’s be realistic here: we’re ALL aware of it and it only stimulates our recognition-eager egos affecting choices of some but not always in the way you’d think. One might tone it down to be left alone and unbothered while others will GO out of their ways to be noticed sometimes falling into the trap of ridicule. Either way, the whole process of actual personal style can BE questionned. On the eve of fashion month, what DO the next weeks have in store for us?

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, on the left, photographed by Estelle Rancurel, Veronika is wearing a Nike cotton and leather down jacket, a Sessùn silk shirt, Pablo Gérard Darel wool pants, a Sophie Papiernik felt hat, a Poggi metal necklace, a Roseanna leather belt and Rupert Sanderson pumps. Ola is wearing a Sessùn flanel blazer and shirt, Pablo Gérard Darel cotton pants, a Poggi necklace and cuffs and MySuelly suede low boots, all from fall 2011. Make-Up by Celine Exbrayat. Hair by Benjamin Muller. Styled by Mboko Mobutu.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: From NYC To London, The Fall 2011 Quest Continues And More.

2012-02-12T14:32:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Corrupted Style?

2/ News: Beyoncé, Karl Lagerfeld, Karlie Kloss, Maxime Simoens And The Sartorialist.

3/ Report: From NYC To London, The Fall 2011 Quest Continues And More.

4/ Trend: Foulard Shirts.

5/ Focus: This Season's Street Style Hits.

And More.

Courtesy of myself.

How-To - Dress In Style For The Great Cold

2012-02-11T16:46:00.000+01:00

It’s been about TEN days Paris hasn’t felt a temperature above 0°C and if you, like me, have a hard time keeping warm in style, here is a little help. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Double up, as seen at Alexander McQueen and Dries Van Noten fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Clockwise:

Velvet coat, TRUSSARDI 1911 ON THE CORNER 1140 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Double-breasted waistcoat, HOLLANDER & LEXER ON MATCHES FASHION 143 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Wool and silk gilet, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN ON MATCHES FASHION 502 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Cotton and fur jacket, DRIES VAN NOTEN ON THE CORNER 420 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Trust a chunky knitted sweater (favor a roll-neck at that), as seen at Dries Van Noten and Z Zegna fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Clockwise:

Knitwear sweater, PAUL SMITH ON THE CORNER 132 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Cashmere sweater, E. TAUTZ ON MATCHES FASHION 302 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Think long, as seen at Acne and Raf Simons fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Clockwise:

Knitted cotton cardigan, RICK OWENS ON MR PORTER 1146,66 EUROS, www.mrporter.com

Flannel coat, UMIT BENAN ON THE CORNER 645 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Choose second skin fabrics, as seen at Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Clockwise:

Suede blazer, GUCCI ON MATCHES FASHION 1319 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Washed cotton cord trousers, GUCCI ON MATCHES FASHION 194 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Cord trousers, WOOLRICH WOOLEN MILLS ON MATCHES FASHION115 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Velvet cotton blazer, MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA ON MATCHES FASHION555 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Cool On Motion (VOGUE.fr, The Sartorialist, Prada, Balenciaga And Lanvin Latest Fashion Videos)

2012-02-10T21:51:00.000+01:00

When thinking of latest memorable fashion films, Lanvin's fall Pitbull soundtracked commercial springs to mind within a second. For a while NOW, the latest frenzy in the fashion industry seems to be releasing all sorts of FUN and entertaining videos. Quirky, original or simply elegantly arousing interest, their purporse are numerous. Whether it's TO promote, to advertise or to relate, and without a doubt counting on the online community to help create a buzzing effect, fashion insiders go OUT of their way to produce films that will be much talked about, remembered but especially with a somehow undeniable cool factor to them. Proof is with VOGUE Paris, The Sartorialist and fashion houses Prada, Balenciaga and Lanvin.

On Monday, VOGUE Paris launched the brand NEW polished version of its website. Along with it came a promo video that had the fashion blogosphere talking. Editor-in-chief of the publication, Emmanuelle Alt is seen channeling George Micheal during his Wham days with the help of Mlle Agnès as Andrew Ridgeley and TOP models Anja Rubik, Kendra Spears, Karmen Pedaru and Jasmine Tooks in a reendition of the 1984 pop music number one classic "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" video. Now that you've been exposed to the situation, please pause. And TRY to picture Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of VOGUE US or Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of VOGUE Italia in Alt's Isabel Marant shoes. Hell, try to picture former editor-in-chief of VOGUE Paris, Carine Roitfeld in a similar scene. Hard, isn't it?

Well, hate it or love it, the fact that despite her position, Alt is willing to take part and center stage in a voluntary (?) ridicule mise-en-scene says a LOT about the woman's character. Some will be offended by the "tackiness" of the effort clashing with the magazine's long gone extra elitist spirit while others will applause her coherence to make VOGUE more approachable - the VERY thing she was attacked about after the first FEW issues under her helm were released. Truth IS, her uncomfortable impression aside, Alt is easily the epitome of effortless coolness transcribing through her stylish back-up singers/dancers in the video and reflecting her own personal style. That, you cannot take away from HER. In the contrary.

Another ONE of those industry heavyweight you just have to love is The Sartorialist's Scott Schuman.

Last week, after posting a teaser video first on his popular blog, the most famous street style photographer nowadays released a video filmed back in January in Florence during menswear trade show Pitti Uomo. The matter: an event reuniting 25 of Schuman's favorite BEST dressed men together and forcing destiny making certain of their paths cross and GET together around lunch. The place: a small traditional Trattoria restaurant with ALL the Italian charm that comes with its simplicity. The result: a well-PUT together black and white short film showing male style icons and The Sartorialist's regulars such as T Magazine's Bruce Pask, KanYe West, L'Uomo Vogue's Gianluca Cantaro, Gilt Groupe's Nick Wooster gathered in one room.

With ONE gentleman being more impeccably dressed than the next, elegance and class exude from the CUT with just what IT takes of modernity. A lot to take in. And when we thought it couldn't GET better, Schuman explains in a heartfelt thank you toast to his guests the essence of his BLOG and the reason of their presence, an appreciative and celebrative window of style in its various forms for the world to SEE wherever FAR away that world may be located. Be careful, Mr. Schuman! What you hope can and will become a semi-annual rendez-vous (during men shows in January and in June) might as well be coveted by fashion enthusiast crashers next time. ME included. Blame IT on being so cool.

If magazine's websites and bloggers DO a pretty good JOB at this video game, fashion houses are not ones to be or feel outdone. And then there was Prada. If the Italian house wasn't cool enough provoking each and every season immediate enviable collections and show-stopper accessories, it HAD to reinforce its topic with strong imagery like it always does. We remember last spring psychedelic and energetic dance-filled commercial that would have make the stiffest want to fashionably party the night away.

This time around with Steven Meisel on hand, Prada takes over a glamorous 50's-inspired GAS station in which its sexy and feminine lady-like pin-ups Natasha Poly, Katryn Kruger, Guinevere van Seenus, Elise Crombez and more follow ONE another. Enjoying a quite irreproachable aestetic from the styling to the OLD school Cadillac cars driven by our not-so-desperate housewives, the stylistic device is based on the judicious soundtrack choice. Including a MIX of songs from alternative artists such as Ariel Pink, Duck and Cover or Tobacco among others, it somehow clashes with the overall retro feel of the video and ADDS in an almost humouristic modern twist, all the more SO very pleasant.

Meisel seems to BE the photographer to go to for that kind of duty as he is the man responsible for Balenciaga's NOT any less funky pre-fall collection commercial. Faithful to his artistic sensibility, the inspiration this time around bring US back to the 80's with models walking down neon lights stairs in Marie-Amélie Sauvé's accurate styling. If the concept is very simple, the effectiveness always resides in the good choice of music and dynamic editing.

Eventually Lanvin - with the help of Meisel YET again - unveiled an animated pictures video serving as its spring 2012 commercial in which models including Aymeline Valade participate in a quite original and exotic snake-themed dinner party to Pharell William's latest protégé, Maxine Ashley's "Cookieman" track. Dynamic production and fun music. Why change a successful recipe after all? Cool, it definitely IS.

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - February, 3rd 2012: Dree Hemingway, Lana Del Rey, Solange, Versace And Yohji Yamamoto.

2012-02-06T20:43:00.001+01:00

1/ After Raf Simons, Dries Van Noten and Kris Van Assche, japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto has been appointed president of the 27th annual fashion and photography international Hyères festival that will take place at the Noailles villa from April, 27th to 30th.

2/ Model Dree Hemingway has turned designer for French label Sandro creating a ten-piece line inspired by American roots and her personal Bohemian look that will HIT stores next month, in March.

3/ Singer, model and DJ Solange Knowles is British VOGUE's website latest "Today I'm Wearing" star blogger. Beyoncé's sibling will showcase her daily stylish looks including designer items from the likes of Tibi, Dries Van Noten, BCBG, Alexander Wang and such throughout the whole month of February.

4/ Italian house Versace took advantage of Paris Haute Couture fashion week to launch its latest Versace Étoile de La Mer sunglasses capsule collection. Inspired by the aquatic FEEL of the spring 2012 womenswear collection, the campaign for Étoile de La Mer sees supermodel Gisele Bundchen shot by Mert & Marcus.

5/ Pop sensation Lana Del Rey is the face of VOGUE UK's March issue shot by super photographer Mario Testino wearing a spring 2012 Louis Vuitton dress. The cover has been revealed on the week her eponymous debut album is making headlines dominating the charts in NO other than 14 countries.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Happy (Late) 2012!

2012-02-06T20:35:00.000+01:00

They SAY we have until the last DAY of January to wish a happy new year. After that, it's off limit. Well luckily for YOU, I'm an off-limit kind of GUY and one of the few annoying left to (almost) always remember to actually wish a happy new year all January long.
In this case though, the year started OUT for ME involuntarily putting the blog on hiatus to deal with a crazy amount of things including shooting TWO stories and attending men shows here in Paris with ALL that comes along with those!
So it's now (February 6) that I inappropriately decide to sincerely wish you a happy new year 2012, both healthy and very complete: filled with excitement, fullfillment, love, adventures, encounters, newness, experience, and above ALL - like I intend it to BE - the occasion to change things you don't like about yourself or your life and to make them better. I think it pretty much covers it all. Let's just pray to BE more diligent about those good feeling resolutions during the year than I already have been for the past month.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Estelle Rancurel, Veronika is wearing a Sonia Rykiel wool and fur coat, an Eleven Paris cotton tank top, Ralph Lauren acetate sunglasses and Hélène Zubeldia metal earrings, all from fall 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-Up by Céline Exbrayat. Hair by Benjamin Muller.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: The Cold Winter Strikes And Stays And More!

2012-02-06T20:31:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Story - The Cold Winter Strikes And Stays!

2/ Édito - Happy (Late) 2012!

3/ News - Dree Hemingway, Lana Del Rey, Solange Knowles, Versace And Yohji Yamamoto.

4/ Report - New York Fashion Week Kicks Off Fall Season.

And More.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Merry Christmas.

2011-12-25T22:02:00.000+01:00

I'll take my mother's ritual of saying the spiritual speech on each and every occasion this year. We've come a long WAY. We've learnt the hard way. But even in our struggles, we found ourselves being really lucky in SO many ways. The most important of them all being to BE healthy and to have a family. We take it for granted but it's a blessing we shall remember, cherish and be grateful for. Like every year, this day is there to remind US. In the hope of all of you being surrounded and loved, I wish you a verry merry Christmas. «From my house to yours.»

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Emel Bayram, Isaac is wearing a Daniel Hechter cotton shirt and an U-ni-ty cotton waistcoat and suit, Allison is wearing an Arzu Kaprol satin dress and a Casadeï leather clutch, all from fall 2009. Make-Up by Wilna Sainvil. Styled by Mboko Mobutu.

Courtesy of myself.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: The Very Best Of 2011 In Music, Fashion And Art.

2011-12-25T21:58:00.001+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Merry Christmas.

2/ Focus: War Of The SS12 Campaigns.

3/ Focus: The Very Best Of 2011 In Music, Fashion And Art.

And More.

Wishlist - The Fashion Advent Calendar: J-1, Milan Vukmirovic's "Fashion For Men" Magazine Issue No. 1

2011-12-24T23:30:00.000+01:00

Our fashion, music and ART day BY day Christmas wishlist selection and countdown to the final special day.

«Fashion for Men» magazine, Issue n°1. 23 x 30,3 cm. 614 pages. Edited in chief by Milan Vukmirovic. 25 euros. www.colette.fr

Courtesy of myself.

Shop - This Week's Menswear Holiday Cravings

2011-12-24T23:24:00.000+01:00

1/ Cotton blazer, H&M 199 DOLLARS, www.hm.com

2/ Gold fit bib fronted dress shirt, DOLCE & GABBANA ON MR PORTER 382,22 EUROS, www.mrporter.com

3/ Wool pants, JIL SANDER ON THE CORNER 380 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

4/ Satin pocket square, THE TIE BAR ON PARK AND BOND 8 DOLLARS, www.parkandbond.com

5/ Patent leather «Albert» slippers, MATTHEW COOKSON 370 EUROS, www.matthewcookson.com

Courtesy of myself.

Wishlist - The Fashion Advent Calendar: J-6, H.E. By Mango's Leather Strap Monk Shoes

2011-12-19T11:07:00.000+01:00

Our fashion, music and ART day BY day Christmas wishlist selection and countdown to the final special day.

Leather monk strap shoes, H.E. by Mango, 159 euros.
shop.mango.com

Courtesy of myself.

Wishlist - The Fashion Advent Calendar: J-7, Urban Outfitters' Military Watch

2011-12-18T15:07:00.000+01:00

Our fashion, music and ART day BY day Christmas wishlist selection and countdown to the final special day.

Navy and red classic military watch, Urban Outfitters, 37 euros.
www.urbanoutfitters.fr

Courtsey of myself.

News Of The Week - December, 16th 2011: Acne, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Sofia Coppola, Versace For H&M.

2011-12-18T12:35:00.000+01:00

1/ Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are launching a new Dolce & Gabbana jewellery line. Model Bianca Balti is the face of the campaign, shot by A-list photographer Giampaolo Sgura.

2/ Director Sofia Coppola is said to have filmed the commercial for the upcoming Marni for H&M collaboration coming in stores this SPRING(March 8) in Marroco.

3/ Label Acne follows Carven in launching their FIRST unisex sunglasses line, spotted at the spring and resort 2012 shows. They are availabe since December 15 in the brand NEW Paris' Acne store of the 3rd arrondissement (rue Froissard).

4/ Still life and lookbook pictures featuring Abbey Lee Kershaw of Versace for H&M cruise collection have been made available online ON Wednesday. Only sold online this time, the Italian house and high street collaboration will be sold on www.hm.com from January 19 on.

5/ Louis Vuitton has unveiled the first pictures of their Spring 2012 collection campaign shot by Steven Meisel with models Daria Strokous and Kati Nescher striking the pose in a typical American dinner made over IN pink for the occasion and filled in with pastries.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Quality T-I-M-E.

2011-12-18T12:27:00.000+01:00

This is going to be ONE of those corny posts. But it's NO news anymore that I am one of those corny guys. With ALL the commercial appeal there is to Christmas (and all other celebrations for that matter) nowadays, it's sometimes hard to remember the essence of it all without drowning under the lightings, trees and presents wishes. Where does it come from? What does it mean? Why has it become tradition? What does really matter? See, ALL year long, families are scattered around the globe caught UP in the speed of their own life with its joys and troubles. What I love the most about being reunited with my close family is being reminded how all of that doesn't matter anymore and HOW much happiness sitting around talking, sharing good laughs truly feels. No artifices, just love. As simple as that. Celebration, holiday or not, it always is that way when we get together and I'm thankful for it.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Estelle Rancurel, Veronika is wearing a Louis Vuitton wool bomber jacket, a Joseph silk-blend shirt, an Eleven Paris cotton tak top and Hélène Zubeldia golden metal earrings. Make-Up by Céline Exbrayat. Hair by Benjamin Muller. Styled by Mboko Mobutu.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: 8 Days Of Christmas - The Last Week!

2011-12-18T12:24:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ 8 Days Of Christmas: The Last Week!

2/ Édito: Quality T-I-M-E.

3/ News: Acne, Dolce & Gabbana, Lois Vuitton, Sofia Coppola and Versace For H&M.

4/ Shop: This Week's Holiday Cravings.

And more.

Shop - This Week's Menswear Cravings

2011-12-18T12:15:00.000+01:00

1/ Classic wool-blend trench coat, BURBERRY PRORSUM ON MR PORTER 1295 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
2/ Cotton jumper, H&M 29,95 EUROS, www.hm.com
3/ Cotton trousers, A.P.C. 190 EUROS, www.apc.fr
4/ Leather clutch bag, ZARA 49,95 EUROS, www.zara.com
5/ Leather lace-up boots, H.E. BY MANGO 169 EUROS, shop.mango.com

Courstesy of myself.

Wishlist - The Fashion Advent Calendar: J-8, Burberry Prorsum's Ethnic Printed T-Shirt

2011-12-18T11:53:00.001+01:00

Our fashion, music and ART day BY day Christmas wishlist selection and countdown to the final special day.

Printed cotton jersey t-shirt, Burberry Prorsum on Mr Porter, 276,77 euros, www.mrporter.com

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - The World Of Louis Teran: A Strange Eye

2011-12-18T11:45:00.000+01:00

Let ME introduce you to Louis Teran, a Paris-based talented photographer, filmmaker and musician I met almost TWO years ago now, during my assisting days - and his as well as a matter of fact.

"I like to capture people with a strong face, attitude, allure..." Louis told ME, asking if I could pose for him someday. I accepted. But little did I know about the enchanting feel of his photographs. Teran's series of portraits could easily be mistaken for drawings thanks to dramatic lightings and effects playing with strong contrast emphasis. With almost a mystic quality to them, sometimes even scary, his mysterious aestetic keeps the observer both curious and entertained. He manages to create an unusual intimacy between HIS camera and the subject that is as much revealing of the protagonists as of himself in the most intriguing yet honest WAY.

Courtesy of myself.

Wishlist - The Fashion Advent Calendar: J-13, Inez & Vinoodh's "Pretty Much Everything" Retrospective Book

2011-12-12T09:10:00.001+01:00

Our fashion, music and ART day BY day Christmas wishlist selection and countdown to the final special day.

«Inez van Lamsweerde/Vinoodh Matadin: Pretty Much Everything», Penny Martin, Michael Bracewell, Olivier Zahm, Bruce Sterling, Antony and Glenn O'Brien. Hardcover, 3 vol. in slipcase, 31 x 31 cm, 984 pages, 500 euros (Taschen).
www.taschen.com

News Of The Week - December, 9th 2011: Alexandre Vauthier, Clémence Poésy, Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld And Prada.

2011-12-12T00:58:00.000+01:00

1/ A sneak peak of Prada's Spring 2012 campaign HAS surfaced online. It sees the belgian model Elise Crombez channeling her inner 50's pin-UP as photographed by Steven Meisel.

2/ The first look of Karl Lagerfeld's NEW affordable womenswear line has been revealed (slim-LEG black trousers, a metallic silver biker jacket anda detachable leather collar). The entirety of the collection will BE unveiled during Paris Couture Fashion Week on January 25.

3/ French designer Alexandre Vauthier's latest fall 2011 couture collection is being exhibited at Paris' Joyce gallery from December 10 to 30 with fittings by scenographer Philippe Di Méo. Vauthier's jewllery and accessories for spring 2012 will also BE shown IN the gallery's POP-UP store.

4/ French actress Clémence Poésy follows IN the footsteps of fellow actresses Gemma Arterton and Liv Tyler as the NEW face of jeaner G-Star Raw. She will appear in the brand's spring 2012 campaign alongside director Vincent Gallo.

5/ An Hermès Birkin handbag has SET a world record as the most expensive BAG ever to BE sold at a public auction, after it reached $203,150. Made using crocodile skin, the rare item features diamond detailing and was sold to an anonymous bidder at a sale in Dallas.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Reality Check.

2011-12-12T00:51:00.003+01:00

"Everybody dies but not everybody lives" raps Drake on Nicky Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" track. What does it mean to live? To BE alive? It's a subjective appreciation and matter that depends on each and every individual's perception, I guess. For teenagers, it often means partying it UP to the fullest: doing anything "crazy" that one won't BE able to DO once grown and responsible.
But with maturity and growth comes wiseness and clarity. It's NOT about drinking the most, sleeping with the most people, going OUT the most or being the loudest. Living one's life is about opening up. To the world surrounding us, to THE people we love, people that loves us and to others, to experiences, to encounters. It's keeping one's eyes open and OUT there, to BE inspired and to inspire, to always try, never to get bored because the world is filled with enough endless beautiful things NOT to BE bored for quite a lifetime. I once heard not too long AGO that being bored is being boring... A notion for US to meditate upon. With time passing by in a wink of the eye, it's easy watching your OWN life without actually enjoying and living IT. Opening up. Take control. Be responsible for what happens to us. This IS being alive.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Sarah Ford, Julien is wearing a Diesel studded leather biker jacket, from spring 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-Up by Emilie Peltier. Hair by Sandra Yazoue.

Courtesy of myself.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: The Holiday Spirit And More.

2011-12-12T00:48:00.001+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Reality Check.

2/ News: Alexandre Vauthier, Clémence Poésy, Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld and Prada.

3/ Shop: Holiday Spirit - The Christmas Countdown Continues.

And More.

On the cover, photographed by Sarah Ford, Julien is wearing a Diesel studded leather biker jacket, from spring 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-Up by Emilie Peltier. Hair by Sandra Yazoue.

Courtesy of myself.

Wishlist - The Fashion Advent Calendar: J-16, Christian Louboutin's "John John" Men's Flat

2011-12-09T15:46:00.000+01:00

Our fashion, music and ART day BY day Christmas wishlist selection and countdown to the final special day.

«John John» crepe satin, lurex, velvet and leather derby men’s flat shoes, 865 Dollars.
us.christianlouboutin.com

Focus - Chanel's Indian Dream (Paris - Bombay Pre-Fall 2012 Collection)

2011-12-09T15:41:00.000+01:00

While many designers ARE releasing pictures of their pre-fall collections for 2012, a few of them who CAN are actually showing. It's the case for Chanel which reminded US why it IS Chanel. In a somptuous and decadent decor of an opulent Indian royal feist, where cristal ceiling lights hung OUT with endless pyramid-shaped arrangements of fruits and other candelabras. If you think it's bling, think again as designer Karl Lagerfeld thinks of the idea of IT as dated. What we have here is a label making a statement of its superiority because it can. Long gone is the classic elegance of the French house. What about the clothes? As for many Chanel shows, more than the collection itself, it's the extravaganza of the staging and intricate details that really leave US speechless and this time was NO exception. Despite showcasing the very best of Chanel's craftspeople and "métiers d'art" through the precious beading, delicate embroideries and luxurious silks, NOT everything worked in its "too much" factor that often toppled over into kitsch territories but leave IT to Lagerfeld to TRY and match French chic with Indian culture.

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - December, 2nd 2011: Gap, Jimmy Choo, Kate Moss, Marni For H&M And VOGUE.

2011-12-07T17:05:00.000+01:00

1/ On December, 2, luxury shoes label Jimmy Choo launched a NEW store in winter sports resort Saint-Moritz. To help celebrate the launch, the brand released a capsule collection of furred bags, snowboots and such, exclusively sold in the store for the most of it.

2/ Condé Nast International publications will release the 19th edition of VOGUE magazine worldwide next year in the Netherlands. It will be edited by the current editor or Dutch Glamour, Karin Swerink.

3/ Brit supermodel Kate Moss scores YET another VOGUE magazine cover with the latest December issue of VOGUE Paris styled by Emmanuelle Alt leading to a total of 17 covers of the prestigious French publication in her entire career. An impressive number considering she has appeared and graced 31 British VOGUE covers and 6 American VOGUE ones to date.

4/ Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova is teaming UP with GAP to launch a homewear capsule collection part of their "Body" line designed by HER and inspired by dream-like tales. Sketches of the model are printed on SIX lingerie items including boxers, tuckers and babydolls.

5/ Italian label Marni is the next luxury brand in line SET to release a collection (both menswear and womenswear) in collaboration with Swedish retailer H&M. Designed by Consuelo Castiglioni, founder and creative director of the house, it will land in 260 stores worldwide - and online ) on March 8.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Christmas Time Again.

2011-12-07T16:58:00.000+01:00

It's like Christmas comes around earlier every year. Halloween passes away and Thanksgiving is NO even there YET for our fellow Americans that the Christmas spirit has already taken over the BIG capitals of the world in early November. It is true for London where I was this year at the time. But for Paris as well and elsewhere also I'm sure.
Now in December though it is only FAIR that the streets are glowing with shining lights, the department stores are drowning in crowds, windows leave the KIDS in awe, houses dress UP in their best costumes and fir-trees perfume the AIR with their delicate winter holiday smell. It's that time of the year again: families come together in abundance of JOY, spirituality, celebration and offering. Let the countdown begin.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Emel Beyram, Isaac is wearing an U-ni-ty double-breasted suit, a Melinda Gloss coton shirt, an H&M silk tie and Philippe Zorzetto patent leather shoes, all from fall 2009. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Grooming by Wilna Sainvil.

Courtesy of myself.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: The Christmas Countdown Begins And More.

2011-12-07T16:54:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ The Christmas Countdown Begins - The Fashion Advent Calendar Day By Day

2/ Édito - Christmas Time Again

3/ News - Gap, H&M, Jimmy Choo, Kate Moss And VOGUE.

And More.

Courtesy of myself.

How-To - Master The Art Of Menswear Layering

2011-12-07T16:45:00.000+01:00

Acne, Jil Sander and Lanvin teach US which pieces and HOW to layer them the right way in order to execute the perfect warm show-stopper winter look. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Casual, as seen at Acne:

Ribbed double neck sweater, JIL SANDER ON MR PORTER 410 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Sable cashmere jumper, DUNHILL ON MATCHES FASHION 462 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Cotton shirt, ACNE ON THE CORNER 135 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Trendy, as seen at Jil Sander:

Quilted nylon crew neck t-shirt, JIL SANDER 500 EUROS, store.jilsander.com
Wool sweater, PS BY PAUL SMITH ON MR PORTER 170,77 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Wool rollneck sweater, YVES SAINT LAURENT ON MR PORTER 365,10 EUROS, www.mrporter.com

Classy, as seen at Lanvin:

Moleskin bomber jacket, MR. BY ROLAND MOURET ON MR PORTER 1160 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Double-breaster blazer, VIKTOR & ROLF ON MR PORTER 800,88 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Slim fit cotton shirt, GUCCI ON MR PORTER 234,55 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Wool rollneck jumper, PAUL SMITH LONDON ON MATCHES FASHION 167 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Courstesy of myself.

Zoom In - What We Want: YSL Camoouflage Derby Shoes

2011-12-07T16:17:00.001+01:00

What other than to boost a classic LOOK than statement shoes? These elegant Yves Saint Laurent lace-up Oxford derby shoes will help you make a loud style statement thanks to their camouflage printed wedge rubber SOLE. That kind of accessories speak for themselves though so the KEY to a successful attire with them is to tone the rest down. An all-black outfit will make them POP out like they’re supposed to for an example.

Leather lace-up Oxford derby shoes with camouflage printed wedge rubber sole, 595 Euros.
www.colette.fr

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - November, 25th 2011: Isabel Marant, Karl Lagerfeld, McQ, Rihanna And Vivienne Westwood.

2011-11-30T12:54:00.000+01:00

1/ English designer Vivienne Westwood returned to the Occupy London anti-capitalist protest outside St Paul's Cathedral this weekend after HER and her son, Ben, had already shown their suppport to the movement multiple times since it started. She told the 400 protesters that what they ARE doing is "wonderful".

2/ Alexander McQueen second line McQ has been added to the upcoming London Fashion Week for fall 2012 schedule in February and is SET to show followed by the opening of the label's first flagship store in London.

3/ POP superstar Rihanna has created her first fashion line ever in collaboration with Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans comprising denim and lingerie. Already the FACE of both brands, the collection will also feature t-shirts and biker jackets and IS available nationwide since mid-November.

4/ Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld is SET to guest edit the Metro newspaper of February 7 for his "The World According to Karl" edition. He will supply illustrations and commentary from Paris for the special issue that will kick OFF Metro's coverage for Fashion Week and will run in 100 cities in 22 countries.

5/ French designer Isabel Marant has teamed up with GAP Red by designing a t-shirt to raise awareness for World AIDS Day. 50 per cent of each sale will BE donated to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. It will be available in stores on December, 1st, official World AIDS Day date.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Ayo Technology.

2011-11-30T12:46:00.000+01:00

Those of you WHO are regular and loyal visitors will have noticed that ever since September, I try to present this blog (my blog!) as a weekly magazine - blame it on working for ONE. The week usually starts in here on the weekends (Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the very worst according to my schedule) with a NEW cover, an édito, a news page and changes in the sidebar features. You ARE reading ONE of them right now, surrounded by the other two... only we're Wednesday. A short week it will BE, indeed, since a new one is supposed to start off in two days. Well, blame it on technology this time... It is fully part of OUR daily life to an extent I would have never guessed it WAS (I actually lie when writing this since I know I've been addicted for quite some times now).
Last week, my MacBook charger died (yet again! This one was actually 1 year old...) preventing me to have any sorts of access to my laptop since its OLD battery can't keep up with ALL that I demand from it without some extra help.
Here I was, MacBookless, refusing to spend another 80 euros for a product whose longevity had already proved to be defective. What then? Well you find yourself drown in a world of hopeless need and addiction as if everything around had stopped. You'd think I exaggerate? Barely. Luckily, I have an offer-eager sister who has found a 25 euros charger for ME that put me OUT of my misery but that didn't gave me back all the time I had lost. In short... ayo technology.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Louis Teran, I am wearing a Zara cotton shirt and wool hat and River Island wool-blend pants. Styled by Mboko Mobutu.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: Me, Myself And I And More.

2011-11-30T12:43:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Ayo Technology.

2/ News: Isabel Marant, Karl Lagerfeld, McQ, Rihanna and Vivienne Westwood.

3/ How-To: Master The Art Of Layering.

And maybe more.

On the cover, photographed by Louis Teran, I am wearing a Zara cotton shirt and wool hat and River Island wool-blend pants. Styled by Mboko Mobutu.

Photo Diary - Spring 2012 Fashion Favorites Up-Close

2011-11-28T21:03:00.000+01:00

Take a fashion ride with ME on a mission to visit as many Paris showrooms as possible during TWO busy weeks of press days presentations for NEXT spring collections. Discover some of the strongest items I’ve come across and my favorites as well... Only, «some» I said!

Shop - This Week's Menswear Cravings

2011-11-28T20:50:00.000+01:00

The TOP 5 menswear items to lust over and to SHOP online on our favorite retailer websites this week. And GET a show-stopper look as a plus. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

1/ Cotton jumper, RIVER ISLAND 30 POUNDS, www.riverisland.com

2/ Cotton skinny trousers, TOPMAN 32 POUNDS, www.topman.com

3/ Leather loafers, G.H. BASS 119 EUROS, www.americanapparel.net

4/ Doeskin wool peacot, E. TAUTZ ON MR PORTER 1160,09 EUROS, www.mrporter.com

5/ Rabbit-hair hat, ADAM KIMMEL ON THE CORNER 185 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Courtesy of myself.

Menswear Trend Inspiration - Military Coats

2011-11-28T20:35:00.000+01:00

As seen at Alexis Mabille, Bill Tornade, Corneliani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Thom Browne and Yves Saint Laurent fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Numerous mettalic buttons, dark colors and khaki, double-breasted and straight cuts: the military coat is on to ride for another season.

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - November, 18th 2011: Atelier Versace, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher, Jimmy Choo, Julia Restoin Roitfeld And Marc Jacobs.

2011-11-21T15:55:00.000+01:00

1/ Hollywood's glamorous couple, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, is officially splitting this week after a six-year marriage. The 49-year-old actress has filed for divorce following speculations that Kutcher allegedly cheated on her with 22-year-old Sara Leal a FEW weeks AGO.

2/ Marc Jacobs' spring 2012 collection has been stolen on its WAY to the brand's London press day leading to the cancellation of the event. Only select duplicates were taken while the originals are safe in New York and the theft is being investigated by the police in London.

3/ Jimmy Choo founder and designer Tamara Mellon is leaving the label's supervision while the house is celebrating its 15 years anniversary following 5-year-long CEO Joshua Shulman's recent departure. She will be replaced by DUO Sandra Choi and Simon
Holloway.

4/ Former VOGUE Paris editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld's daughter, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, is pregnant with her first child. Roitfeld broke the news on her Facebook page and announced that SHE and long term boyfriend Robert Konjic "are delighted, happy and excited".

5/ Atelier Versace, Versace's couture LINE, is making its return to the couture calendar in January, after a seven years break - although the line altogether never stopped. The label will show in Paris on January, 23.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - "Now" Generation

2011-11-21T15:47:00.000+01:00

The past two weeks marked 10 DAYS of press days extravaganza for US fashion journalists here in Paris. Going from one showroom to another pretty much ALL day every day to have a look at the spring collections, we found ourselves lusting over Prada pastel bejewelled bodysuits, Walter Steiger fluo heel wedges, Balmain luxurious MINI numbers or Victoria Beckham funky accessories while the weather outside would actually BE appropriate for an oversized Isabel Marant Navajo knitwear cardigan or warmer. Colbat blue, yellow, printed swimwear, lace, african-inspired prints, we want it ALL... In the middle of November, already fed up with whatever look from any of the fall collections. That's what you GET for working in the fashion industry: the irony of its staggered circle, haead of a 6 months advance leading to a quicker need for posession right away and an even quicker weariness of things. We are the "now" generation.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Mario Epanya, Eka is wearing a Smalto coton t-shirt, from spring 2010. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Hair and make-up by Mario Epanya.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: Next Spring Fashion Up-Close And Personal And More.

2011-11-21T15:43:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: The 'Now' Generation.

2/ News: Atelier Versace, Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher Jimmy Choo, Julia Restoin Roitfeld and Marc Jacobs.

3/ Photo Diary: Next Spring Fashion Up-Close and Personal.

4/ Shop: This Week's Fashion Cravings.

5/ Menswear Inspiration: Military Inspired.

And More.

On the cover, photographed by Mario Epanya, Eka is wearing a Smalto coton t-shirt, from spring 2010. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Hair and make-up by Mario Epanya.

Trend Spotlight - Clutch Bags For Men

2011-11-20T22:21:00.001+01:00

As seen at Gucci and Louis Vuitton fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Referred to AS «70’s cheesy and old-fashioned» by VOGUE Hommes International, the clutch bag for MEN is bound to become one of this season’s HIT as the publication acclaims its return to the runways, so do we.

Clockwise:

Monogram canvas «Clutch Historique», LOUIS VUITTON 1600 EUROS, www.louisvuitton.fr

Cuir Indra «Portfolio» clutch bag, LOUIS VUITTON 2300 EUROS, www.louisvuitton.fr

Courtesy of myself.

Photo Diary - A Week-End In London

2011-11-20T19:28:00.000+01:00

The visual diary of a group of Parisian friends visiting a-year-long limited Londoner PALS. From some shopping at Oxford street to the exploration of the London Tower without forgetting the strolling through Notting Hill's market OR cheeseburger brunches.

Courtesy of myself.

Zoom - KanYe West's Lesson Of Style In Versace For H&M

2011-11-20T15:13:00.000+01:00

After Mark Ronson, it's rapper KanYe West's turn to teach US a thing or two about how to pull off the Versace for H&M collaboration collection. The artist rocked the printed sleeves velvet bomber jacket with a simple black t-shirt and some black leather pants on stage with Jay-Z while performing at Victoria's Secret fashion show last week in New York. Later on, he changed into an exotic colorful printed t-shirt from the collection that HE paired YET again with all black everything (velvet blazer and leather pants) to exit the venue. Only a few men can rock this collection successfully and KanYe surely is ONE of them.

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - November, 11th 2011: Loulou de la Falaise, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, And More.

2011-11-13T23:43:00.000+01:00

1/ Former Yves Saint Laurent model, friend and muse, Loulou de la Falaise, has died on November, 5 at age 63 from a long sickness. She had MET Saint Laurent in 1968 and had never left his side, running the knitwear and accessories department of the label later ON and launching her own accessories brand when the designer died.

2/ Designer Tom Ford is SET to once again create costumes for Daniel Craig in the upcoming James Bond movie, «Skyfall». Ford has already dressed the actor in the 2008 release "Quantum Solace" film and will provide a wardrobe including made-to-measure suits, shirts, knitwear, ties and sunglasses, all handmade in Italy.

3/ London-based French designer Roland Mouret is officially putting a HOLD on his menswear line, Mr., to launch three new womenswear footwear, bridalwear and cocktail collections in 2012.

4/ Young designer Anthony Vacarello is releasing yet another capsule collection with French retailer La Redoute after a successful spring 2011 one. Modeled by supermodel Anja Rubik, it will include mini body-con dresses, satin jackets and SUCH and will be available on sales from December, 15.

5/ The Marc Jacobs "Oh Lola!" perfume campaign, shot by Juergen Teller, and featuring a 17-year-old Dakota Fanning sitting with an oversized perfume bottle between her thighs has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) who deemed it inappropriate because it "could BE seen to sexualize a child".

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Butterfly Effect

2011-11-13T23:38:00.000+01:00

We can blame him, HER, this or that for whatever happens in life. But what IF it was larger than all of this? Larger than life? What if we had to DIG much further to explain what occurs everyday? What if the consequences of infinite small and accumulated facts on the other side of the globe had built UP to a situation today in one's life?
We're selfish, and self-centered, forgetting TOO often to look at the bigger picture too pre-occupied of whatever that can make a situation better for us AS inviduals. It's only smart from time to time to stop through the mayhem of our condescension and remember how little control WE have and how much more bigger nature can BE.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Estelle Rancurel, Cristina is wearing a Vivienne Westwood Red Label coton jacket, a Trendy Workshop cashmere sweater, a Jil Sander cotton shirt and a Hélène Zubeldia resin and paste necklace, all from spring 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-up by Hugo Villard. Hair by Sonia Duchaussoy.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: London Week-End Photo Diary And More.

2011-11-13T23:33:00.001+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Butterfly Effect.

2/ News: Anthony Vacarello, Loulou de La Falaise, Marc Jacobs, Roland Mouret and Tom Ford.

3/ Diary: London Week-End Photo Diary.

4/ Style: A Lesson With KanYe West.

5/ Trend: Clutch Bags For Men.

And More.

On the cover, photographed by Estelle Rancurel, Cristina is wearing a Vivienne Westwood Red Label coton jacket, a Trendy Workshop cashmere sweater, a Jil Sander cotton shirt and a Hélène Zubeldia resin and paste necklace, all from spring 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-up by Hugo Villard. Hair by Sonia Duchaussoy.

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Yes, To The Man Skirt?

2011-11-11T17:00:00.000+01:00

Cherished by Jean-Paul Gaultier and his eccentric extravagance for years, popularized by Marc Jacobs wearing them at the END of his shows, adopted more recently by rapper KanYe West on stage in Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci during HIS "Watch The Throne" tour with fellow rapper mogul Jay-Z, the SKIRT - epitome of feminity just as much as the high heel in the overall occident mentality - seems determined (more than ever this season) to GET its pass into the menswear wardrobe. Will it succeed to break through and do SO?
Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Despite being part of the heritage from the past of many cultures around the globe (the Scottish and their kilts, the Romans in antiquity, certain African tribes and ON...), modern times in the Western world have dictated the skirt as meant for women gender only leading to a heavy shadow of negative connotations including homosexuality, feminization and such regarding MEN wearing them.
Only, as menswear keeps on evolving and getting more and more inovative as of lately, pushing a BIT further what's considered normal (for fashion and style appreciative people at least), will the skirt BE parading on men in the street as much as the pants DO on women while it wasn't quite accepted multiple dozen of years back? We can be sure more years are still needed before we GET to that point, if we ever do.
Until then, designers are more then willing to help US make the transition. Rag & Bone and Antonio Marras at Kenzo take their inspiration in Scotland and their traditional pleated kilts, checked, knee length and aerial following the body's movements. At Rick Owens, the skirt is mini and in leather with a fastening similar to the kilt's but an overall peplum-like rigidity. Jean-Paul Gaultier explores the full length to the floor worn with a basic striped sweater while Ricardo Tisci at Givenchy imagines luxury warriorwear for next spring with all sorts of tailored pleated mini numbers worn bare legged in white and green with tropical-flower prints on them. Are you ready FOR it? You decide.

Courtesy of myself.

Menswear Trend Inspiration - Labour Looks

2011-11-11T16:54:00.000+01:00

As seen at Bottega Veneta, Corneliani, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Issey Miyake, Kenzo by Antoni Marras, Lanvin and Prada fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Washed out prints on prints and fabrics, patchworks, dull colors, old-looking leather: these are the keys to a modernized beginning of the 20th century migrant farm worker from a steinbeck novel-inspired look.

Courtesy of myself.

Zoom - Mark Ronson's Shocking Versace For H&M Pink

2011-11-11T16:47:00.001+01:00

For those of YOU who (like me!) did not think we’d ever see someone, a celebrity at that, wearing this look as styled and presented on the runway, UK producer Mark Ronson proved us all wrong by pulling off quite well this fuchsia pink suit, shirt and shoes - which don’t even look that BAD on him - at the «Versace for H&M» fashion show and launch party held in New York on Tuesday night.

Courtesy of myself.

Zoom In - What We Want: Prada Brogues

2011-11-11T16:42:00.001+01:00

Italian house Prada had US all crazy in love and obsessed with their spring 2011 menswear and womenswear collections, from the clothing right down to each and every ONE of the accessories OUT of it. It’s no surprise then that one of the emblematic hit pieces of last season - the wedge sole brogue - has seen its life span extended for yet another 6 months period.

Brushed leather lace-up brogue shoes with wing-tip toe details and leather and striped microcombination sole, 590 Euros.
store.prada.com

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - November, 4th 2011: Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, Versace, And More.

2011-11-05T10:25:00.000+01:00

1/ With quite a crowd expected ON November, 17 when the Versace for H&M collection will be launching, the Swedish giant retailer has announced that the first 500 queuing customers at ALL stocked stores will be gifted Versace's Yellow Diamond fragrance.

2/ Fashionistas' NOW favorite English designer and latest sensation Mary Katrantzou revealed the first look of her collaboration with Topshop via her twitter account. It seems like what can BE expected from the collection is not a bit less high fasion that her main line.

3/ British Angel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley won't appear at this year's Victoria Secret's fashion show, having work commitments elsewhere while rumour HAS it that Next Models supermodel Karlie Kloss is likely to walk the runway for the famous lingerie brand for the first time.

4/ Former Spice Girl turned talented and successful designer Victoria Beckham launched this week a capsule collection available ON Net-A-Porter reworking five of her best-selling silhouettes in this season's shades that she qualified "chic, timeless and elegant".

5/ Reality star Kim Kardashian made the headlines YET again as she filed for divorce on Monday, only 72 days after tieing the knot to NBA player Kris Humphries, said to be "devastated" by the news.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Live From The UK

2011-11-05T10:19:00.000+01:00

It seems to have become a ritual: FOR the past 3 years NOW, I have been in London at this time of the year. Whether it was to visit family and do some shopping (2009), work shooting a fashion editorial (last year) or visit some friends, family, and shop ALL at the same time (right now, this year), there's always this strange excitement not only to BE away, but to specifically be here, in the UK. Without a doubt thanks to the great energy that seems to emanate from all big Anglo-Saxon cities.
Here I am, sitting under the picture window adorned of A giant Olympic logo at Saint Pancras station drinking a hot chocolate with the sweet sound of English people's polished and oh-so-chic posh accent IN my ears, already noticing some of the guys' typical cool and effortless uniform of style (loose t-shirts, brogues, boat shoes, rolled up skinnies...), everyone passing by wearing their poppy brooches to remember the members of their armed forces who have DIED in the line of duty since World War I, including myself soon enough... And being cold among other things, BUT that goes without saying. It feels good to be back, England.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Anthony Kiraz, Pierre-Harald is wearing a Smalto skin jacket, a Lee Cooper denim shirt, a Petit Bateau cotton t-shirt, Dockers suede pants, Police Sun sunglasses, a vintage leather belt and Agnelle gloves, all from spring 2010. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Grooming by Wilna Sainvil.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: Hearing London Calling And More.

2011-11-05T10:15:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Live From The UK

2/ News: Versace, Kim Kardashian, Topshop, Victoria's Secret and Victoria Beckham.

3/ Fashion: Yes To The Man Skirt?

4/ Trend: Labour Looks

And more.

On the cover, photographed by Anthony Kiraz, Pierre-Harald is wearing a Smalto skin jacket, a Lee Cooper denim shirt, a Petit Bateau cotton t-shirt, Dockers suede pants, Police Sun sunglasses, a vintage leather belt and Agnelle gloves, all from spring 2010. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Grooming by Wilna Sainvil.

Art News - Paris Goes Arty

2011-11-03T21:08:00.000+01:00

From October, 18 to 21, for the 6th time in a ROW, the annual contemporary art fair in Paris (Fiac!) partnered UP with the Louvre and the Tuileries to exhibit in the middle of the Tuileries garden an entire programme of outdoor art work.
Parisians were able to enjoy somehow OUT of place impressive gigantic sculptures from the likes of artists, Vincent Mauger, Antoine Dorotte and others, erected in the middle of the capital. Dorotte's "Una misteriosa bola" mirror-covered enormous disco ball was floating in ONE of the park's fountain at the entrance, while Mauger's "La somme des hypothèses" - a hybrid rounded form made out of cut-out pointed wood planks - was sitting on the grass a BIT further down the alleys. Other curiosities included a mirrored prism reflecting the Vendôme square, its luxury hotels and high jewellery boutiques. A fresh initiative that would have to BE seen more often.

Courtesy of myself.

Spotlight - Focus On & Shop The Fall 2011 Chic S&M Trend

2011-11-03T15:43:00.000+01:00

As seen at Givenchy and Louis Vuitton fall 2011 womenswear fashion shows as well as at Mugler and raf Simons fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Get the look:

Mostly black, patent leather, transparency, accessories including gloves, and caps will help you execute the perfect S&M look in the most sophisticated WAY. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Clockwise:

Gold plated collar necklace, AURÉLIE BIDERMANN ON LUISA VIA ROMA 840 EUROS, www.luisaviaroma.com
Stretch-leather gloves, AGNELLE ON MATCHES FASHION 128 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Stretch-jersey bra, CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR ON NET-A-PORTER 41,23 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com
Wool jacket, GARETH PUGH ON THE CORNER 1645 EUROS, www.thecorner.com
Leather belt, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN ON MATCHES FASHION 401 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Leather ankle boots, VERSACE ON NET-A-PORTER 690 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com
Pansy print clutch, GIVENCHY ON MATCHES FASHION 822 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Gold pyramid bracelet, STELLA MCCARTNEY ON MATCHES FASHION 592 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Patent-leather pencil skirt, GUCCI ON NET-A-PORTER 1200 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com
Leather-trimmed tulle shirt, ALEXANDER WANG ON NET-A-PORTER 425 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com

Clockwise:

Print clutch, GIVENCHY ON LUISA VIA ROMA 778 EUROS, www.luisaviaroma.com
Gold bracelet, TOM BINNS ON LUISA VIA ROMA 535 EUROS, www.luisaviaroma.com
Wool and leather jacket, HELMUT LANG ON MATCHES FASHION 656 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Faux-leather and nylon skirt, GIVENCHY AT COLETTE 1340 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Cashemere-lined gloves, AGNELLE ON MATCHES FASHION 161 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Patent-leather and suede boots, SERGIO ROSSI AT COLETTE 640 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Leather leggings, BALENCIAGA ON MATCHES FASHION 1155 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Leather-trimmed stretch-crepe dress, MICHEAL MICHEAL KORS ON NET-A-PORTER 320 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Where Is Dior Going?

2011-11-02T22:44:00.000+01:00

The END of the year is near and looking back at the significant fashion moments of 2011, John Galliano's dismissal from French house Dior must be just IT.

The English extravagant was let GO, ending 15 years spent at the service of the luxury brand after getting caught on camera undeniably drunk proliferating racist insults towards customers of a BAR in Paris in last February. Causing the effect of a bomb in the industry, his apparently-not-so-many friends including the likes of supermodel Kate Moss were quick to support him, others didn't want anything to DO with him anymore like actress Natalie Portman who had just landed the "Miss Dior Chérie" fragrance's representative role and finally IN between there WAS the last category composed of industry people embarrassed by the affair and prefering to keep a low profile about the whole situation.
Then came Paris Fashion Week in March during which Dior is always showing. Galliano's infamous last collection walked the runway BUT the designer wasn't there to give is bow.

The word wanted HIM in rehab ALL the way in the United States. Instead of the decadent and dramatic finales we were so used to get from him strutting his stuff down the catwalk, we had Sydney Toledano, CEO of Dior, introducing the show with a speech just as dramatic in its serious tone filled with a touching uneasiness betraying a company in trouble trying to save what's best of IT after his fallen leading man: the design team, seamstresses and craftsmen. The matter was never to deny Galliano's talent which led the brand to the successful place it was at that point and Toledano made sure to address it without mentionning the designer's name once the entire speech.
What happens next? Dior had a successful season in sales with the spring collection (retail revenue UP 27 per cent for the first nine months of 2011 to 705 milion euros) and is still as present in magazine editorials (its advertising power and LVMH's, not being stranger to that fact, we can be sure).
Where does it stand now though? ALL sorts of relatively believable rumours were whispered ever since from a duo made out of Carine Roitfeld and Givenchy's Ricardo Tisci to Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, all of which were denied.

The strongest and most persistant rumour - more likely to happen as well - was Marc Jacobs though. Only he WAS supposedly asking for A LOT of money and would have had to deliver couture collections for the first time of his carreer. Insiders also report that among his conditions, ONE was to bring over at Dior his entire team from Vuitton which would understandably cause a dilemma for the replaced force.
Despite ALL the speculations, the fashion world just keeps on going like every 6 months and the French house showed its collection for next spring during Paris Fashion Week about a month ago with everyone expecting an official statement OR announcement about what to expect. Nothing of that occured, which pretty much reveals everything is still uncertain for Dior.
Studio head Bill Gaytten was IN charge and delivered a decent but safe overall lady-like 50's-inspired collection, very loyal to Dior's DNA and signature aestetic from the archives... Minus the strong character and personality Galliano was SO talented to incorporate in his work. Organza, tulle, silk, Grace Kelly dresses, wrapped bodices, Hollywood's golden age evening gowns : long gone IS the recognizable daring eye-catching visual factor of the label. Here, we GET a quiet glamour filled with a prettiness, shy to break the codes and give away a REAL proposition enjoying its own loud identity. NO need to mention how necessary it is for a brand of this scale to live on. So, I'm asking: where is Dior going?

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Christian Louboutin's 20 Years Career Anniversary Book

2011-11-02T16:37:00.000+01:00

As reported previously, French luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin has released on October 25 a book celebrating his 20-year-long successful and always flourishing career.
The most important SHOE designer of our DAY offers a work of art in itself showcasing his artistic sensibilities through dramatic and theatrical photography evoking his shoe designs. Divided into six different chapters, the book contains a biography, interview of the MAN himself, his early creations, some personal archive pictures and collaborations as with legendary director David Lynch among others.

For the occasion, he reunited with SOME of his closest friends and collaborators to gather them in front of photographer Philippe Garcia's camera: formel model and Jean-Paul Gaultier muse Farida Khelfa becomes a contortionist while singer Mika transforms into a conscious-conflicting Joker and openly GAY former rugby player Gareth Thomas turns into an Antic sculpture. Other guests include eccentric entertainer Arielle Dombasle as a fetichist madonna, actresses Kristin Scott Thomas and Rossy de Palma, burlesque show girl Dita Von Teese, ...
Therefore, the designer's website takes US behind the scenes with a making of the visuals video revealing the make-up process or tricks AS well AS Christian Louboutin's devotion and strong vision but mostly interviews from the protagonists sharing ALL sorts of anecdotes from back in the days. You'll be surprised to learn Louboutin was a "no future" kid as Farida Khelfa refered to themselves at the time or amused at the fact he had dinner with Scott Thomas in his underwear, confirming what WE already knew about HIM: he is a man full of surprises.

Watch the video

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - October, 28th 2011: Karl Lagerfeld, Prada, Louis Vuitton And More.

2011-10-30T13:25:00.000+01:00

1/ French emerging young designer Maxime Simoens, 26, has been chosen by fashion house Leonard to replace designer and consultant Véronique Leroy. He WILL have to modernize the brand mostly known for its foulard prints.

2/ Karl Lagerfeld will be launching NEW affordable womenswear and menswear labels, entitled Karl and Karl Lagerfeld Paris which will GO on sale in January exclusively on Net-A-Porter.com with price ranges starting respectively at 60 and stretching to 450 euros for the first and from 300 to 1500 euros for the second one.

3/ The Council of Fashion Designers of America has enlisted two NEW board members: designer Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez who were named 2011's CFDA womenswear designer of the year in June.

4/ French fashion house Louis Vuitton has announced the upcoming release of its FIRST fragrance ever. The luxury brand will benefit from the help of the MAN behind YSL's «Opium» or Dior's «Midnight Poison» among others, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. No date has been revealed yet though.

5/ Prada’s limited edition capsule jewellery collection presented last month during the brand’s spring 2012 fashion show is hitting boutiques in November. The collection comprises necklaces, bracelets, brooches and rings featuring coloured gemstones and leather details.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Growing Apart.

2011-10-30T13:16:00.000+01:00

"Maybe it's not blood bonds that make us a family, perhaps it's the people who know our secrets and love us anyway so we can finally be ourselves." the melodic voice OF
Gossip Girl declared at the end of an episode broadcast a few weeks AGO. A strong statement rocking the boat of common ideas wanting that ONE does not choose his or her family and naturally loves unconditionally their relatives. While the first one is hardly questionable, the second ONE, as much as we would love it to always be that easy, we know TOO WELL is a fraud that only a thousand examples on this Earth could prove wrong. As sad as it is.

The truth being, comes a time in life when we actually GET to choose our own family, made out of people we connect with and we are willing to let in, sharing the same blood or NOT. Only sometimes, we start the composition of our substitute entourage at an early stage of life to find out later on that the process perpetually keeps on going including growth and change along the WAY. Where does this leave the friends from back in the days when the perceptions have changed, expectations have evolved and the needs have been shaken up?
At times, despite of it ALL, the connection lives on, in other cases, it doesn't. And IF we tend to force ourselves to be convinced we still got it, more by habit and loyalty than actual sincerity, maybe the best thing to DO would be honesty and acceptance of the situation as it IS. Any type of relationship must be fed by both parts but at some point, sometimes, the food feels rotten and fresh products are necessary to be able to go on. We have TOO little time to pressure ourselves to be where we don't want to so, as part of growing, let us know how and when to CUT the strings apart, for the best.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Sarah Ford, Julien is wearing a Richmond X satin suit, a Melinda Gloss cotton shirt, a Kiliwatch vintage leather skinny tie, Amercian Apparel cotton socks and Kenzo patent leather derby shoes, all from fall 2010. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-up by Emilie Peltier. Hair by Sandra Lamzabi.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: Paris Goes Arty And More.

2011-10-30T13:11:00.000+01:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Growing Apart.

2/ News: Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton, Maxime Simoens, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs.

3/ Focus: Paris Goes Arty.

4/ Focus: Louboutin's 20 Years.

5/ Focus: Where Is Dior Going?

6/ Trend: S&M Fashion.

And More.

On the cover, photographed by Sarah Ford, Julien is wearing a Richmond X satin suit, a Melinda Gloss cotton shirt, a Kiliwatch vintage leather skinny tie, Amercian Apparel cotton socks and Kenzo patent leather derby shoes, all from fall 2010. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-up by Emilie Peltier. Hair by Sandra Lamzabi.

Focus - Carine Roitfeld's Irreverence

2011-10-28T12:37:00.000+02:00

It's been a Roitfeld world FOR about a month or SO, now. Everywhere you turned: there was Carine! There was hardly ONE magazine she wasn't in (Vogue Paris aside!): Grazia, Madame Figaro, M Magazine, i-D, Be... You name it.
The Vogue Paris former editor-in-chief has released a NEW book, «Irreverent» on October, 28 and has made sure everyone knew about it.
A book? Will she finally reveal the drama behind her "departure" from the French fashion Bible and what went down in the dark and mysterious golden tower of Condé Nast? Why wasn't SHE and former fashion director turned editor-in-chief Emmanuelle Alt on speaking terms not TOO long ago - assuming they rose the white flag since?

Well, I hate to break IT to you but there's nothing of that order in stores for us. Roitfeld is NOT that kind of lady: she has much more class than that. Perched from her refined Sergio Rossi sandals, wearing her signature pencil skirt (Givenchy branded most of the time) accompanied nonchalantly BY a simple basic top or elegant YET sexy blouse, she represents the upper Parisian chic at its finest, falsely sassy from a distance but more approachable than she is given credit for in reality. The ONE you love to hate because you actually admire her and would like to BE what she IS.
See, Carine Roitfeld has become a brand (she’s just legally protected the name) over the years and like only a few lucky of them stands on a name alone, or almost. She IS an empire and has no intention to bring it down. Who would blame her? Vogue Paris or NOT, she remains ONE of the stallions in the fashion arena: among her recent work, styling Chanel's fall campaign, being a guest collaborator for New York's Barney's, styling editorials for V and W magazines...

Among her friends remain Givenchy's Ricardo Tisci, super photographer Mario Testino, designer Tom Ford... Worried? WHO's worried? I know I wouldn't be if I was walking in her Alaia strappy S&M heels. And I know she isn't either because she legitimately has NO reason to BE. Carine Roitfeld is a busy woman with a bunch of surprises up her sleeve. Proof is, the book. Back to the matter of IT. If no dish, what's that all about?
A visual retrospective of the woman appointed to have made the porno-chic aestetic popular with her strongly erotic but very sophisticated images BACK in the late 90's/early 00's with the help of Tom Ford during his Gucci days. To her 30-year-long career work, ADD in personal photographs and portraits by her photographer friends (Inez & Vinoodh, Hedi Slimane...), her attending shows during Fashion Weeks, drawings from Karl Lagerfeld, signed "thank you" notes from Burberry's Christopher Bailey or Raf Simons, family photos and souvenirs commented by hand by Roitfeld herself.

Cooked up by Carine and Purple's Olivier Zahm for about the last 2 years she says, «Irreverent», titled to refer to the polemical nature of Roitfeld's overall offering and her NEED to push the fashion enveloppe towards attention-grabbing imagery rather than to settle for safety, could easily come across as a fruit of vanity more prompt to feed one's EGO than to serve any other purpose. Carine Roitfeld's contribution to the industry is NOT to be proved anymore but Is it worth spending about half a hundred euros to flip through almost 400 hundred pages of a STAR editor's pictures annoted of perceptive "Family! The most important." comments and such? I'll let you answer for yourself. Carine's latest irreverent effort maybe?
«Irreverent», by Carine Roitfeld, edited by Olivier Zahm and Alex Wiederin. Ed. Rizzoli, 369 pages, About 50 euros.

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Beyoncé's "Party" (Feat. J. Cole) Music Video Premiere

2011-10-27T20:53:00.000+02:00

Another DAY, another Beyoncé NEW video! The R&B diva premiered yesterday on BET's 106 and Park the visual she co-directed for the infectuous KanYe West-produced 90's feel to it summertime joint "Party".
In the video, the superstar takes us on a joyful colorful ride to the ghetto and their typical afternoon outdoor (and evening indoor) parties looking just the part in too much make-up and fashion that will make a FEW eyebrows raise.
If Beyoncé left her class somewhere in her New York city's Upper East Side appartment with husband Jay-Z, she took with her sister Solange, former Destiny's Child band mate Kelly Rowland and albino model Shaun Ross, ALL three of them making cameo appareances in the cut. One she could have done without is rapper J. Cole who replaces original feature guest André 3000 with a mediocre verse leaving us a bitter taste for the album version.
With footage from her "4" album booklet and "Dazed and Confused" spread photoshoots wearing Louis Vuitton and Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci, Queen Bee's pattern to ADD more "roughness" and edginess to the table is clear and fits the song perfectly. A better execution would have made the difference here and there though.

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Shop The Fall 2011 Menswear And Ready-To-Wear Roll/Turtle Neck Trend

2011-10-27T17:41:00.000+02:00

Who knew Apple late CEO, Steve Jobs was NOT only a visionary when it came to technology but fashion as well? The year the world has lost the incredible creative force that he WAS, his signature everyday outfit item, the turtle neck, becomes a HOT piece that appeared on the most prestigious runways this season. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

As seen at Jil Sander and Versace fall 2011 menswear shows.

Knitwear roll neck sweaters: as seen at Canali, Corneliani, Costume National, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dries Van Noten, Gucci, Hermès, Iceberg, Maison Martin Margiela, Pringle Of Scotland, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Smalto and Z Zegna fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Get the piece:

Thick and chunky, these roll neck knitwear sweaters will keep you WARM from the neck down, during the coldest days of winter. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Clockwise:

Wool sweater, MARC BY MARC JACOBS ON MR PORTER 255 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Alpaca wool jumper, GUCCI ON MATCHES FASHION 495 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com
Wool-blend sweater, ETRO ON MR PORTER 490 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Wool sweater, LEVI'S VINTAGE CLOTHING ON MR PORTER 276,77 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Wool sweater, DRIES VAN NOTEN ON THE CORNER 345 EUROS, www.thecorner.com

Thin polo neck sweaters: as seen at Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Dior Homme, Emporio Armani, Hermès, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Maison Martin Margiela, Missoni, Mugler, Rick Owens, Vivienne Westwood and Yves Saint Laurent fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Get the piece:

Thinner than THEIR previous counterparts, polo necks will slip under v-neck or round collar jumpers, cardigans and shirts for a trendy modern approach. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Counter-clockwise:

Merino wool sweater, JOHN SMEDLEY ON MR PORTER 189 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Wool-blend sweater, Z ZEGNA ON THE CORNER 345 EUROS, www.thecorner.com
Merino wool sweater, PS BY PAUL SMITH ON MR PORTER 169 EUROS, www.mrporter.com
Wool sweater, ACNE ON MR PORTER 250 EUROS, www.mrporter.com

Women want thin pomo neck sweaters as well: as seen at BCBG Max Azria, Céline and Costume National Fall 2011 ready-to-wear fashion shows.

Get the piece:

Women WANT their piece of polo neck sweaters as well leaded by Céline and its minimal 60’s-inspired chic SKI look. Definitely how to wear it: under a fitted jumper paired with skinny pants. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Clockwise:

Cotton and blend-silk jersey top, MIH JEANS ON NET-A-PORTER 153,10 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com
Metallic stretch-jersey top, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ON NET-A-PORTER, 253,23 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com
Stretch-jersey bodysuit, KELLY BERGIN ON NET-A-PORTER, 147,71 EUROS www.net-a-porter.com

Knit sweater, MANGO 24,95 EUROS, shop.mango.com
Cotton and modal-blend top, SPLENDID ON NET-A-PORTER 70,66 EUROS, www.net-a-porter.com

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Is H&M Ready For Versace?

2011-10-26T09:49:00.000+02:00

Ever since the END of last week, the release of "The very best of Versace for H&M" collection's complete look book including ready-to-wear, menswear and household items had the Internet hyped some MORE about this year's collaboration of the giant Swedish retailer brand with a luxury house.
Announced back in June, previewed by Donatella herself wearing ONE of the dresses from the collection at the END of Versace’s menswear show in Milan on the same month then by Anna Dello Russo during Paris Fashion Week about three weeks ago, we then got more of a glimpse with leaks here and there feeding our expactations and strongly dividing people instantly loving IT from the ones hating what they were getting so FAR. Well, the cat is finally out of the bag so what do we think?

Bottom center:

Cotton pillow, VERSACE FOR H&M 49,95 EUROS, www.hm.com

Taking her inspiration straight from the archives of the iconic Italian house and the designs of HER late brother Gianni, Donatella Versace does him justice servicing a vibrant tribute collection NOT without its OWN flavour of herself as well. From the past, we get the flamboyant colorful and extravagant prints mixing leopard, cheesy landscapes and fancy architectural decorative details all together, gold and silver metallics or studded leather. From the brand's current aestetic, we get Donatella's favorite body-con knee length dresses with gold Grecian buttons, corseted party mini numbers, strappy patent leather sandals...
Verdict? If you ARE supermodels Abbey Lee Kershaw, Daphne Groeneveld, Lindsey Winxon or Sasha Pivovarova photographed by Mert & Marcus, you can easily GET a pass wearing ANY of the pieces from that collection making them high fashion and fabulous. Unfortunately for most of YOU who are not, it is unlikely to happen. While women with a sharp sense of style could easily work them out with edginess, a LOT of those items when in the wrong hands will only end up being of a higly questionable taste and most likely appear tacky with "italian bimbo" written all over them.
As for MEN, we just know the kind to wear dressy pointed pink shoes or head-to-toe psychedelic graphic patterns, don't we? Raise your hand IF you're NOT one of them. I found myself considering a few pieces though, including the pink blazer (don't judge me, I'm a sucker for color) and the studded leather perfecto jacket.
All and all I was telling my brother the other DAY how I felt it was overall quite a risqué collection that will not necessarily appeal to the basic and random H&M customer because of its forced fashionable approach YET very faithful to the Versace D.N.A. Considering Lanvin last year's collection had supposedly got mixed feelings that showed in sales, how will this one do? Is H&M ready for Versace? Only November, 17 (19 in the U.S.) will tell.

Clockwise:

Metal bracelet, VERSACE FOR H&M 59,95 EUROS, www.hm.com

Leather shoes, VERSACE FOR H&M 99 EUROS, www.hm.com
Leather bracelet, VERSACE FOR H&M 34,95 EUROS, www.hm.com
Printed skirt, VERSACE FOR H&M 59,95 EUROS, www.hm.com
Velvet jacket, VERSACE FOR H&M 129 EUROS, www.hm.com

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Rihanna's "We Found Love" (Feat. Calvin Harris) Music Video Premiere

2011-10-24T17:44:00.000+02:00

Raunchy POP star Rihanna goes trashy in the new Melina-directed video for the song "We Found Love". Shot in Northern Ireland a FEW weeks ago, the visual to the UK DJ Calvin Harris-assisted track displays a conflicted Rihanna caught up in a harmful destructive relationship marred by drug addictions and overall frail foundations, NOT without reminding of the tragic ending of her relationship with Chris Brown thanks to blond male lead Dudley O'Shaughnessy.
The dance-pop song is the first single off the singer's upcoming album "Talk that Talk" due November, 21. Fortunately for RiRi, her gimmicky overexposure and persistence to put out NEW material that lacks any type of growth every year make up for the talent as she's already no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and celebrates her third week at no. 1 in the UK. If we're not waiting for quality music from her anymore - this song, addictive as it is, being NO exception - the imagery for it enjoys both conceptual depth and effective editing.

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - October, 21st 2011: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Miranda Kerr, James Franco And More.

2011-10-23T22:14:00.000+02:00

1/ Carla Bruni-Sarkozy gave birth to a baby girl on Wednesday night at a private clinic of Paris. She and husband, French president Nicolas Sarkozy have named their daughter Giulia the former supermodel revealed on HER website while thanking her well-wishers for their support.

2/ Actor Orlando Blum turns photographer and shot his wife, supermodel Miranda Kerr, topless for the latest Rag & Bone sexy DIY campaign. The picture sees a glowing Kerr holding her breast while smiling backward at US in nothing but a pair of denim jeans.

3/ "127 hours" star James Franco is the new face of Gucci's bespoke SUIT campaign. Shot by Nathaniel Goldberg at the Roman film studio Cinecittà, the James Dean-alike imagery introduces the world to the Italian brand's NEW men's made-to-measure service.

4/ After a successful 3 years-long collaboration with japan retailer Uniqlo, designer Jil Sander is putting the +J line to an END as previously reported. The last collection, modeled by supermodel Arizona Muse, has been revealed and offers all the german designer's codes of minimal and simple elegance.

5/ Designer Jason Wu has been confirmed AS the latest talent to release a collection for US mid-market department store Target. Scheduled for a February, 5 2012 release, it will range from $19.99 to $59.99 for apparel, handbags and scarves. Wu describes the upcoming collection as an embodiment of his "signature aesthetic of feminine sophistication, with a [...] nod to the 60s."

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Welcome Back, Fall!

2011-10-23T22:08:00.000+02:00

If Paris Fashion Week's heatwave in the beginning of the month made US forget about being in the middle of autumn season, the fresh AIR hitting us ever since is making sure to remind us.
Hello chunky knitwear cardigans, A.P.C. lace-up leather boots, hair-felt fedora hats and cozy H&M parkas. That's right, the everyday uniform is changing into keeping us WARM but always with style.
As layers are multiplicating as the leaves fall down the TREES, rolled up pants are rolled down as fast as the sunset comes at the END of those now short dark days and turtle necks are making US LUST about as much as being able not to BE cold in our own living rooms (thank God for heating!).
Color-blocking might still BE on trend, it's burgundy, mustard yellow or bottle green that steal the spotlight of our wardrobes. And while the blues of the COLD preventing us to wander outside our homes for TOO long is around the corner, let us convince ourselves we need those 6 months in order to appreciate spring even better and more when it comes. Everything and everyone GOES through changes: seasons pass by, people come and go. And we never like IT when they do until we get used to it. Accept what we cannot change is the rule to go by. Welcome back, fall. We embrace you. Sort of.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover, photographed by Anthony Kiraz, Alexis is wearing a Paul & Joe cotton turtle neck and a Petar Petrov satiny blazer jacket, all from fall 2009. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Grooming by Odile (Mood Up).

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: Fall Season Is Back And More.

2011-10-23T22:02:00.001+02:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Édito: Welcome back, Fall!

2/ Trend: Return of the turtle neck

3/ Focus: Carine Roitfeld's irreverence

4/ Focus: Is H&M ready for Versace?

5/ News: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, James Franco, Jason Wu, Jil Sander...

And More.

The Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Fashion Trends Report

2011-10-19T23:31:00.000+02:00

Yellow, africanism, the 20’s, CHIC sportiness, all-white, bohemian, pastel, pin-up, pleats and more: which woman will you BE when the spring comes right back to US in 6 months. Figure it out thanks to our selection of the best trends to follow NEXT season. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Runway: Balmain.

The roaring 20's: As seen at Etro, Gucci, Limi Feu, Marchesa and Ralph Lauren.

Chic neo-tribalism: As seen at Burberry Prorsum, Carven, Proenza Schouler.

Bandage: As seen at Anthony Vacarello, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Versace.

All-white everything: As seen at Altuzarra, Céline, Jil Sander, Lanvin and Stella McCartney.

Chic bohemian: As seen at Emilio Pucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

Lacy openwork: As seen at Dries Van Noten, Giambattista Valli, Louis Vuitton and Valentino.

Prints: As seen at Altuzarra, D&G, Dior and Léonard.

Yellow: As seen at Burberry Prorsum, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, Oscar de La Renta and Sonia Rykiel.

Fauna & flora: As seen at Chloé, Erdem, Jason Wu and Talbot Runhof.

Pastel colors: As seen at Chanel, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton.

Pleats: As seen at Céline, Chloé and Prada.

50's pin-up: As seen at Anna Sui, Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, No. 21 and Prada.

Pajama pants: As seen at Antonio Berardi, Lanvin and Léonard.

Chic sportiness: Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Kenzo, Victoria Beckham.

Poncho-djellabas: As seen at Diane Von Furstenberg, Etro, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, Lacoste Sonia Rykiel and Tommy Hilfiger.

Courtesy of myself.

Focus - Terry Richardson's World At Colette

2011-10-18T22:15:00.003+02:00

A-list photographer Terry Richardson transforms Paris' trendy concept store Colette into his OWN world until November 5... Literally. If you can't get enough of the trademarks plaid shirt and giant glasses-wearing photographer and his humouristic sexually-filled, part trashy part glamorous touch, you'll definitely get your piece of HIM.

Clockwise:

Untitled (signed and numbered), BY TERRY RICHARDSON 5250 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Untitled (signed and numbered), BY TERRY RICHARDSON 6300 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Untitled (signed and numbered), BY TERRY RICHARDSON 5250 EUROS, www.colette.fr

Celebrating the release of HIS new book "Mom & Dad" which the subject doesn't need more explanation, the mini exhibition depicts chosen pictures from it showcasing a charismatic and photogenic father enjoying posing for his SON and resulting in photographs with great personality. On the other hand, not one BIT less enthusiastic to strike the pose for her beloved son, and if they DO show strong personality as well, Terry Richardson's mother pictures leave a disturbing feeling of embarrassment though. Call me prude but watching an edentulous advanced woman showing her breasts in all sorts of unattractive RAW environnements is not part of my aestatic taste or understating. It explains a LOT about the photographer's though. Terry's world, Colette has limitedly become, indeed. His home: where his parents ARE living, himself in the form of cardboard cut outs and his wardrobe AS you can find all the signature items that characterize Richardson’s style and other playful accessories or goodies such as a "Terry for president" cap.

Clockwise:

Terry Richardson cardboard cut out, 600 EUROS, www.colette.fr
3 mints set box, TERRY RICHARDSON X COLETTE 15 EUROS, www.colette.fr
«Mom & Dad» by Terry Richardson, MORE BOOKS 70 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Untitled (signed and numbered), BY TERRY RICHARDSON 8400 EUROS, www.colette.fr
«The Terry LE» glasses, MOSCOT X TERRY RICHARDSON 325 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Terry toy, UNCLE TERRY 145 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Untitled (signed and numbered), BY TERRY RICHARDSON 6300 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Flannel shirt, UNCLE TERRY 155 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Embroidered cap, UNCLE TERRY 55 EUROS, www.colette.fr

Courtsedy of myself.

Focus - Beyoncé's "Love On Top" Music Video Premiere

2011-10-17T14:57:00.000+02:00

A week after releasing a minute-long preview, pregnant R&B superstar Beyoncé continues to please her FANS treating them with the full length version of a brand new «Love On Top» video not too long after a recent release of a controversial video for the song "Countdown". The soulful cheerful retro mid-tempo CUT off her latest album «4» is the song that helped her announce her pregnancy to the world at this year VMA’s during her now historical performance. The video sees a happy Queen Bee impeccably executing a spot on choreography with male back ups as a tribute to bands she wanted to be IN while growing up, she says. The sexy singer cumulates a total of four outfit changes, coordinated with her dancers from casual to dressy - including her signature leotard paired with Isabel Marant sneakers and an officer cap, a gold suit, a double-breasted white suit and a final black embellished tuxedo with removable pants and a top hat - all of them revealing a ready-to-pop cleavage.

Courtesy of myself.

Story - Street Style Hilarity

2011-10-17T13:24:00.001+02:00

A FEW days ago, I came across one of Garance Doré's signature hilarious post on her popular eponymous website. The super photographer-illustrator-blogger has a judicious ability to portray the fashion industry with a humorous and honest TONE that only emphasizes the irony of it all because of how true what she says always IS. Hysterical.
Refering to ONE of her other worth-cracking-up-to post about how to be photographed by street style bloggers during Fashion Week (a must read!), Garance related her desperate attempt to actually GET to the Valentino's fashion show venue taking place at Paris' "jardin des Tuileries", wearing a vintage plum-coloured Mugler dress, coordinated Fendi heels and a nicely lent Gucci fedora HAT from the fall 2011 collection.
For stylish people, Paris' Tuileries during Fashion Week marathon transforms into this giant hungry photographers - and others - ready to shoot whatever colorful, printed or unusual coming their WAY, filled area. Indeed, the choice of what you ARE wearing must be strategic if you want to be ABLE to walk by without stopping every TEN seconds (literally!). In other words either dress down, don't look too good, don't be a model or ANY type of celebrity.
Speaking of celebrity, back to Garance and HER post in which she responds as a "Vogue version of herself", stating HOW someone asked her name and IF she was famous, another ONE wanting to take a picture with her and the stopping every step of the way to have her picture taken, leading her to RUN away from all this sudden oppressive whole lot of attention given to her modest self, not quite used to it. That's what the Tuileries do to YOU. Or rather that's what wearing a must-have accessory of the season does to you.

The reason I enjoyed that post SO much WAS because of how accurate and real everything she was narrating was, including the embarrassing emotion you get when drawing TOO much attention from a LOT of people at once. On the last day of Fashion Week, I was wearing my turquoise-green blazer, burgundy shirt, Klein blue pants... And a navy fedora. Color-blocking and a season hit accessory, all in ONE outfit equals not a smart move when closing fashion month with Elie Saab fashion show... At the Tuileries.
What was bound to happen, well pretty much happened from the posing every ten seconds pace (not knowing where ONE third of those pictures will end up as usual) TO the point it gets annoying to the hordes of photographers running in front of YOU to get their shot. One of my horrified-by-all-of-this camera shy co-worker and friend asking me along the way why do I agree to actually STOP every time? I've always considered people's interest both flattering and a compliment to my sense of style so I feel like it's only fair to, especially when it takes only a few seconds of my TIME (add all the seconds together and it's another story).
At least SO DO I like to think. I must add it's not in my character to just give a cold "no" and pass by. How inappropriate and rude would it BE of me? I'm not Anna and I just don't take myself that seriously. Anyways, thank you Garance for another good read and laugh.

Courtesy of myself.

News Of The Week - October, 14th 2011: Beyoncé, KanYe West, Kate Middleton And More.

2011-10-15T11:53:00.000+02:00

1/ Mother-to-be and R&B superstar Beyoncé graces the cover of latest Harper's Bazaar US ISSUE for November 2011 photographed by Terry Richardson and styled by Andrew Richardson, in Reed Krakoff.

2/ Rapper KanYe West is set to get back to his music business after HIS latest fashion undertaking, by performing at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show next month alongside supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Adriana Lima, Karolina Kurkova, ...

3/ Rumour has IT that Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge would have refused to appear on VOGUE UK's cover under the influence of a reluctant Queen Elizabeth II. Buckingham Palace is indeed said to believe that erecting the young princess as a fashion icon would be a negative move considering the humanitarian WORK she's involved IN.

4/ English brand Burberry has been named most "digitally competent" fashion brand by New York University think-tank Luxury Lab's new Digital IQ Report. Each label was ranked according to its website, digital marketing, social media and mobile presence.

5/ English designer Matthew Williamson revealed during Paris Fashion Week the macaroons casket he realized for luxury French pastry house Ladurée incorporating his signature kaleidocope prints.

Courtesy of myself.

Édito - Wake-Up Call

2011-10-15T11:44:00.000+02:00

"Everything happens for a reason" the popular set phrase says. Every encounter you make, every good or BAD thing happening to you, every HIT and every miss.
It can also be referred to as karma, I've been told: what goes around comes back around. Act right and you'll be rewarded, DO wrong and it'll get back to you as well somehow, someday, in time.
All behaviour aside, what if God was playing chess with our lives? Some are black kings, some are white knights and others are rooks. We're not ALL meant for the same destiny but we all must play the same game sleekly, crossing thousands of pieces in a case similar to ours, on the verge of getting killed with every second that passes by. Helped by FATE along the WAY, throwing clues called chance or coincidence, maybe only really there to guide us in our decisions and choices. Or to shake us UP and remind US of what we might have forgotten with time, leading us a bit more to the point we're supposed to get to, without even realizing it.
YES, «everything happens for a reason» and no, we're not all meant for the same destiny... at least so I like to believe. I had forgotten, I was woken up and reminded this week. Checkmate.

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU.

On the cover from left to right, photographed by Sarah Ford, John is wearing a Freesoul denim jacket and Bill Tornade denim short shorts, Jerry is wearing a Polo de Deauville cotton shirt, Freesoul denim jeans and a G-Star Raw denim jacket (around the waist), Laura is wearing an H&M denim shirt and Freesoul denim jeans and Alex is wearing a Diesel denim shirt, Raphael Hauber denim jeans and a Freesoul leather belt, all from spring 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-up by Lamia Bernard. Hair by Sandra Lamzabi.

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog: Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Main Trends And More

2011-10-15T11:39:00.000+02:00

This Week On M.B By MNM Blog:

1/ Report: Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Main Trends

2/ Focus: Terry Richardson's world at Colette

3/ Story: Street Style's hilarity

4/ Édito: Wake-up Call

5/ News: Beyoncé, KanYe West, Kate Middleton...

And More.

On the cover from left to right, photographed by Sarah Ford, John is wearing a Freesoul denim jacket and Bill Tornade denim short shorts, Jerry is wearing a Polo de Deauville cotton shirt, Freesoul denim jeans and a G-Star Raw denim jacket (around the waist), Laura is wearing an H&M denim shirt and Freesoul denim jeans and Alex is wearing a Diesel denim shirt, Raphael Hauber denim jeans and a Freesoul leather belt, all from spring 2011. Styled by Mboko Mobutu. Make-up by Lamia Bernard. Hair by Sandra Lamzabi.

Spotlight - Focus On & Shop The Fall 2011 Menswear Varsity Jackets Trend

2011-10-15T11:29:00.000+02:00

As seen at Givenchy, Junya Watanabe, Moschino and Rag & Bone fall 2011 menswear fashion shows.

Clockwise:

Reversible wool jacket, SHIPLEY & HALMOS ON PARK AND BOND 425 DOLLARS, www.parkandbond.com

Wool and leather jacket, JUNYA WATANABE AT COLETTE 905 EUROS, www.colette.fr
Wool and leather jacket, RAG & BONE ON MATCHES FASHION 660 EUROS, www.matchesfashion.com

Get the piece:

With the help of edgy luxury brands like Givenchy or Junya Watanabe, varsity jackets are NOT only trendy but they get sharp as well. Editor Mboko Mobutu.

Clockwise:

Wool jacket, H&M 49,95 EUROS, www.hm.com
Wool and leather jacket, D&G, www.dolceandgabbana.com
Wool and leather jacket, TRUE RELIGION BRAND JEANS 1158 DOLLARS, www.truereligionbrandjeans.com
Wool and leather jacket, THOM BROWNE ON PARK AND BOND 1295 DOLLARS, www.parkandbond.com
Wool and leather jacket, A BATHING SAPE 1158 DOLLARS, www.bape.com
Cotton jacket, LACOSTE 325 EUROS, www.lacoste.com
Wool and leather jacket, JUNYA WATANABE ON MR PORTER 1350 EUROS, www.mrporter.com

Courtesy of myself.

Report - Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 Day By Day: Day 7, 8 & 9

2011-10-14T10:41:00.000+02:00

- Chloé's neutral pleats

- Giambattista Valli's daring luxury

- Leonard's Parisian chic

- Stella McCartney's alternative suit

- Thierry Colson's hispanic holidays

- Ungaro's colorful psychedelism

- Valentin Yudashkin's sassy secretary

- Vanessa Bruno's 60's twist

- Yves Saint Laurent's original class

- Alexander McQueen's poetic couture

- Chanel's immaculate fish tank

- Hakaan's delicacy

- Ingrid Vlasov's enchantress

- Jean Charles de Castelbajac's cartoon lady

- Ji Choi's graphic suit

- Paco Rabbane's UFO

- Paul & Joe's safari girl

- Shiatzy Chen's bride

- Valentino's pretty lace

- Agnès B.'s monochrome

- Alena Akhmadullina's light opulence

- Arzu Kaprol's all-white

- Elie Saab's vibrant glamour

- Louis Vuitton's carousel

- Miu Miu's sweet darkness

- Talbot Runhof's blooming

Courtesy of myself.

Report - Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 Day By Day: Day 4, 5 & 6

2011-10-13T13:05:00.000+02:00

- Amaya Arzuaga's architechtural dresses

- Ann Valérie Hash's cobalt blue

- Chalayan's clean cut

- Dior's Hollywood glamour

- Gaspard Yurkievich's boyish sportiness

- Isabel Marant's metallic knitwear

- Lanvin's dark vixen

- Maison Martin Margiela's experimental minimalism

- Roland Mouret's masculine suit

- Vivienne Westwood's japanese style

- Yohji Yamamoto's groom

- Cacharel's girly simplicity

- Comme des Garçons' bridal extravaganza

- Haider Ackermann's intricate masculinity

- Jean-Paul Gaultier's diva

- Junya Watanabe's neo-lace

- Loewe's unexpected mix

- Martin Grant's fluidity

- Sonia Rykiel's soft feel

- Tsumori Chisato's prints clash

- Véronique Leroy's chic rustic style

- Viktor & Rolf's bullfighter woman

- Akris' pajama-inspired attires

- Alexis Mabille's flower girl

- Andrew GN's brocades

- Céline's sculptural silhouettes

- Costume National's transparency

- Givenchy's pastel aquarium

- Hermès' orange

- Issey Miyake's structured flounces

- John Galliano's ballet

- Kenzo's geometry

- Steffie Christiaens' neon

Courtesy of myself.