Art Imitates Life...

Art imitates life and we owe all our design inspirations to the biggest designer of them all - Mother Nature. (And, depending on what your beliefs are, to the Power(s) that made her...)

As fashion and luxurymakers around the world gear up towards sustainability and responsibility towards the earth, it seems only natural to celebrate the everyday wonders of nature that we often take for granted.

Earthly Delights by hautekutu featuring Valentino bags

Featured items:
DRESS: Jean-Pierre Braganza Purple Silk Dress, 2,124MYR (380GBP), farfetch.com
BAGS: Emerald Valentino Satin Bow-Front Clutch, 3,070MYR (895USD), net-a-porter.com; Crimson Valentino Satin Clutch, 3,218MYR (640 EUR), valentino.com
SHOES: Elevate Magenta Platform Stilettoes, 1,231MYR (220GBP), kurtgeiger.com; Crimson Patent Pumps, 1,987MYR (355GBP), brownsfashion.com
NECKLACES:Lanvin Snake Necklace, 5,255MYR (1,045EUR), luisaviaroma.com; Kenneth Jay lane Gold and Turquoise Peacock Feather Necklace, 923MYR (165GBP), zentosa.com
EARRINGS: Roberto Cavalli Crystal Parrot Earrings, 1,488MYR (288EUR), luisaviaroma.com; Pade Vavra Amethyst Quartz Drop Earrings, 816MYR (238USD), charmandchain.com
CUFF: Shagreen Cuff with jewelled Sterling Bug, 4,974MYR (1,450USD), vivre.com
RING: Rhodium Moth Ring with Tsavorites and Paraibal Stones, 108,398MYR (19,550GBP), brownsfashion.com
GEMSTONE: Rhodolite Garnet Gem, 26.32 Carats, africagems.com  

hautekisses
xxx

The Reign of the LDD

The LDD has of late become the thing we want to slip into the most on a weekday morning. Complemented by the right accessories, the LDD could also take you from day to night. Who says your LD has to be B?

Featured Items:
FASHION WEEK: DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Dégradé silk-crepe dress
1,570 MYR ($460) - net-a-porter.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Floating Shrug Border
1,348 MYR ($395) - lagarconne.com; Gold Gladiators - zimbio.com; Christian Louboutin - Cache Coeur Clutch, 5,293 MYR (1.048 EUR) - luisaviaroma.com; Rick Owens - Cuff Bracelet 2,692 MYR (533 EUR) - luisaviaroma.com; Alex Monroe Feather hoop earrings 990 MYR ($290) - net-a-porter.com
THE AUDITION: Asymmetrical Drape Dress - Just In, 3,037 MYR - kirnazabete.com; Charlotte Olympia Leather Platform Shoe with Suede Toe
3,249 MYR (575 GBP) - brownsfashion.com; Quilted Shoulder Bag
6,753 MYR (1,195 GBP) - brownsfashion.com; 18K White Gold 'Bypass' Ring with Geode and Diamond 46,366 MYR (8,205 GBP) - brownsfashion.com; Rhinestone Star Brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane
305 MYR (54 GBP) - my-wardrobe.com
MEETING THE MOM: Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress 1,831 MYR (324 GBP) - matchesfashion.com; Acne Patent Court Shoe 1,611 MYR (285 GBP) - brownsfashion.com; Miu Miu Leather clutch bag 3,054 MYR ($895) - net-a-porter.com; Ghost Ring with Diamonds 29,130 MYR (5,155 GBP) - brownsfashion.com; Erickson Beamon Blade Runner crystal earrings
1,297 MYR ($380) - net-a-porter.com
TEA, SHOP, CHATTER: Haute Hippie Jersey tutu tank dress 1,519 MYR ($445) - net-a-porter.com; Lalita Shrug 354 MYR (70 EUR) - coast-stores.com; Balmain Punk suede studded bag 13,394 MYR ($3,925) - net-a-porter.com; Mistrey By Melissa Rubber Gladiator Sandals 170 MYR (30 GBP) - farfetch.com; Glitter flower necklace 3,730 MYR (660 GBP) - brownsfashion.com

Hautekisses
xxx

Trendkutu: Spring Summer 2010 Bag Silhouettes Part 1

According to leading UK-based trend forecasters WGSN, here are some of the bag silhouettes we can expect next season.

We can expect the cross-body trend to continue, influenced by the 70's but with sleeker, slimmer outlines in leather. (I'm hoping mum has kept some of her old cross-body LVs...)

The formal backpack is back, but where Prada vinyls and Vuitton's bucket-based shapes used to dominate the last time the backpack reigned, we can expect a slouchier silhouette this time around, or in alternative styles(e.g. the brief case/satchel shape in right) in soft leathers and fabrics, with pouch pockets on the exterior.

Hautekutu looks forward to the top-handled tote. Wrist it or handhold lovingly, or cross-body strap it as the need arises. Again, buttery leathers rule the day and textures will vary from tans and whiskies to patent or snake.

Meanwhile, although the trend isn't new - Paul Smith has made a signature out of the Union Jack, while Chanel and Kate Moss rocked it two springs ago, and Gucci's Sloaneys commemorating the opening of the flasgship store on Sloane Street kind of left a lot to be desired - as a tribute to London Fashion Week's celebration of its 25th Anniversary this year, here are some yummy bags bearing the Union Jack.

Go Brittania! by hautekutu featuring Monsoon bags

Items in this set:
Alexander McQueen clutch, $1,575
Angel Jackson clutch, 257 GBP
Butlerandwilson.co.uk bag, 37 GBP
Monsoon clutch, 30 GBP
Monsoon clutch, 30 GBP

Look out for Part Two of our SS2010 bag silhouette rundown...

hautekisses
xxx

Streetkutu : It's a Blue Summer

Yes- we are still talking about the colour blue. In fact, at Hautekutu today, we're wearing blue dresses.

Two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to catch a cute Indie flick, "500 Days of Summer", starring Joseph Gordon Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Such a fresh movie and besides the brilliant execution of the story- I must say I loved the styling for Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel). Always dressed in different shades of blue, Summer's style was a clever mixture of anything vintage and kitschy. A splash of blue and a sprinkle of neutral tones like black,beige or grey-- and she was ready to break hearts.
Spotted in Singapore, sporting a 'Summer' ensemble was 26 years old, chemical engineer, Mariam. Mariam, who admitted to copying Summer's style after watching "500 Days of Summer" said it isn't difficult to pull off the 'Summer' look. Just think blue! Mariam opted for a white blouse with printed blue heart shapes from FCUK and dark blue wide legged pants from Cue. To complete the look, Mariam added a brown leather bag from Charles & Keith....and these were items that she had already owned!

Rummage through your closet and you are sure to find something blue. If you insist on getting something new, here are some pieces Hautekutu have picked for your 'Summer' look. All of the items shown are available at Forever 21.


haute hugs ooo

Blues for Choos (a.k.a. I Choose Choos)

The mood at Hautekutu today is blue. This is because we will be several oceans and thousands of kilometers away from the H&M store when they launch the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection on November 14th. With a palette of blacks, whites and electric blue punctuated by crusty bling, studs and flashes of animal print, the collection channels Glam Rock but with luxe undertones of VIP green rooms, swag, free drinks, the smell of leather and caviar. Haute Privilege! The best part is that haute privilege comes at a non-haute price tag with this collection, which reminds us why we're sitting here feeling blue.

We're particularly loving how easy daytime looks can be glammed up for night, with the right finishes and accessories. We're coveting that buttery all-leather bag.

At Hautekutu, we love Electric Blue - we both drive electric blue cars - and this seemingly simple dress hits the spot with a surprisingly low back. Swervy curvy electric blue sandals are bound to add groove to your moves and certainly remind us of why we love Choos in the first place.

The men's collection is rather basic, we have to say, but there are good staples to add to one's wardrobe. Who can ignore a Choo leather jacket at under 200 pounds or a 100% leather weekender at 149 quid?

hautekisses

xxx

Ghost of Gaga

With Halloween just around the corner, many of us stress about what to wear to the many Halloween parties we have been invited to. This year, lets pay homage to a lady who dresses like it's Halloween everyday. Yes- we're talking about Lady Gaga.

At the recent Video Music Awards, Gaga rocked 6 ( yes, 6!!) different outfits throughout the whole night. Some may think the lady's lost it but at Hautekutu, we love it. Individualistic, insane and ingenious. Taking inspiration from the many outfits at the VMAs, here is a Gaga inspired ensemble which you could try this Halloween. Slap on some dramatic make- up, hit the party and just dance!

CREDITS:

MICHAEL KORS: Lace-embellished shirtdress, LIPSY: Feather cape, BALMAIN: Suede Ankle buckle boots,mytheresa.com: Red pearl necklace,brownsfashion.com : Jet square bracelet, johnlewis.com: one button red owl bead bracelet, Debenhams: black feather fascinator

Fifi Lapin Cards it This Christmas

Possibly the most fashionable bunny in the world is Fifi Lapin, a socialite born into a family of 257 siblings, all of whom have died of myxomatosis, and is therefore sole 'hare-ess' to her father's carrot and lettuce fortune. Ah! The good life.

While Hautekutu has long coveted her prints and limited edition tees we're extremely excited to hear that Fifi has collaborated with Topshop to create a collection of haute mode Christmas cards featuring stylish lapins in Topshop outfits! And for charity too... It's just great to know that Fifi hearts Topshop too!

 

As Fifi advises, buy them here if you're from the UK, or  here if you're in the US.

hautekisses xxx