What time it is?

Is time to buy Clox!

I get a lot of media requests from various brands to publish some information about their new collections daily, I seldom pick pieces from collections which I really like and present them to you, my lovely lady readers.

After yesterdays post Balancing it all where I was talking about how hard it is for a women today to find a proper work life balance and to find time for herself in her busy daily schedule where 24 hours just doesn't seem to be enough to do it all....I got information about new collection of Clox! It must be a sign! Shoes come to girl''s rescue! In every single fairytale there is a prince, OK, maybe sometimes a horse..but always and I mean ALWAYS there are shoes.

When I was little, you could ask me to tell you back a story about Cinderella or a Snow White and I would not remember the whole story from start to finish and I would probably make it up as I go, BUT I could remember and in details explain and elaborate on her dress, and her shoes.

Once again...as it happens in a fairytale, shoes come to rescue. 

CLOX is the first brand of stilettos with working clocks (yes, they tick-tack on your fit). Clock hands are actually legs, running in circles day after day, showing the irony of steps and time and its connection in the life of every modern woman.

Clox collections are produced in very limited editions in a small family-run factory in Croatia, and is available worldwide through the web shop.

Clox woman is never lost. Even when she wanders into The White Forest, she uses her intuition to find the very tree rich in juicy fruits of fashion. Passion Fruit Collection is nothing but a reflection of herself - uninhibited, independent, different. It's made for women who always choose to take the hidden path and dare reach for the forbidden fruit.

 Photographer: Mladen Šarić | Model: Martina Marinić  | Mia Marić, Igor Manasteriotti

Be sure to follow Clox via Facebook & Twitter. 

Maxi trend.

Extra magazine Croatia editorial.

photos by Goran Matijašec. Model: Helena Šopar.

 Dresses: Lei Lou by Alex Dojčinović

As I have promised yesterday, I am continuing my holiday wear posts with my favorite model of the dress, the maxi dress. My favorite maxi dress this year was Zigman’s sequins maxi dress with open back which I have showed in this post of my Christmas recommendations.

 I made a selection of Croatian and international designer maxi day to night dresses, choosing Lei Lou by Alex Dojčinović who trully triumfed with dazzzling wearable collections she presented in the past year, big brand comercial cooperations and vast numer of celebrities appearing wearing her dresses in numerous media events confirms that she designs clothign for women of different sizes, ages and income levels. 

Maxi for the day.

I would recommend wearing these amazingly comfortable Lei Lou maxies during the winter work day or weekend with short leather jacket, biker boots and a thick woolen scarf or with a thin belt and high heel boots with a comfy coat for the more dressy look. The price for these lovely dresses is 1500 HRK or 200 Euros while the belt goes for 500 HRK or 66 Euros.

Extra magazine Croatia editorial.

photos by Goran Matijašec. Model: Helena Šopar.

 Dresses: Lei Lou by Alex Dojčinović

Maxi for the evening.

For the evening, there is a lovely selection of black and cooper colored sequin tube maxi's which can be worn with or without belt. The price of these gorgeous dresses is 2000 HRK or 266 Euros.

Puffy jackets - boring no more!

So I came to the office today at 8 am after all day of work and shows yesterday and after minor heart-attack due to my computer not wanting to turn on I could finally push this post live!

Alright, let’s get down to business.

For the most of the evening I was flapping around with my social butterfly wings chatting with business partners, agencies and organizers, as well as the backstage team and my fellow blogger Maybe who is doing backstage beauty report.

This year I love the positive energy, hard work, team spirit and professionalism I am seeing while observing this young team. Obviously, there is always room for improvement but I think that fundamentals set are quite strong already.  So cheers to you DFWZ team!

While I was chatting away in front of the runway hall some cool looking foreign guy with bright green sneakers kept interrupting me with various questions, naturally I was polite but a bit surprised as well as I had no clue what he wants or who is he, sorry Nino Bollag but you made a dramatic style change with that beard you grew.

My favorite three shows were definitely The Rodnik Band, Milena Rogulj and sisters Špoljar.

The Rodnik band.

Since I already wrote a postannouncing their collection, here I would like to emphasize the business sense as another of Phillips talents. Phillip has carefully selected to tone down a bit for Zagreb, showing price wise acceptable and very wearable pieces all wrapped up in another charming musical and dancing performance. FYI – the Rodnik Band has left Zagreb three seasons ago with empty suitcases, selling out the whole collection within an hour after the show ended.

Milena Rogulj.

I must admit I have had a preconception about this designer as a bit too abstract, sculptural and targeting the older audience; however with this Fall/Winter collection she wowed me as she presented the proper combination of wearable, innovative and “winter theme magazine editorial worthy” collection while still staying true to her brands image and vision. Individual pieces, like the brown vest and patchworked cozy and warm looking puffy jackets are sure to make an appearance with its volume, color and innovative design. They can be styled and worn as athletic apparel, casual but also dressy. Milena, you have definitely widened your customer base with this collection!

Špoljar sisters.

All photos: (c) 2010 Borna Čavrag Photography

These two charming ladies are now traditionally cooperating with auto-industry and have won numerous international awards as a result of it. I really admire their creative idea, strength to stitch this kind of material (car safety belts) ;) and eco way of thinking as they are recycling old auto gear transforming it into lovely and wearable clothing pieces.

I am so looking forward to Basso & Brooke tonight, as well as the marvelous Bad Spirit and talented Nino Bollag! For those of you who cannot be with us live, be sure to watch DFWZ live stream here (link appears at 8pm) if you have missed yesterday shows video is available here .

La GIVEAWAY: WIN "Black&White Heaven" necklace!

Here is my first jewelry giveaway lovelies!

You can win this unique & quit lovely necklace by “Black & White” jewelry.

The winner will be selected at random, the giveaway will end & winner will be announced on Tuesday September 20^th at midnight!

 In order to participate and potentially win this fabulous necklace please do the following 3 steps:

1. Join the network of my lovely followers

(Click Join this site Google Connect button in the right hand column)

2. Like La Passion pour la Fashion site on Facebook for latest & the greatest from fashion world  and Black&White Heaven fan page

3. Write your full name and email address in the comment of this post

Good luck to you all lovelies! 

Sinfully envious! Ole!

Fresh from print FW 2011. Campaign by young Croatian fashion designer brand Envy Room.

Campaign was shot on Croatian coast and it was inspired by the religiousness of Mediterranean women, Spanish culture, Flamenco, passion and sensuality.

Which one is your favorite look lovelies? I adore the long black maxi dress!

Model: Vedrana Linardic;  Photo by Jelena Balic

Shop the collection in Envy Room boutique. Visit their blog where you can see the exclusive story of making of the campaign or their website & chat with the designers via Twitter or Facebook. Amen!

Fashion editor quickie: Lucija Biondic, moda.hr

      

 How is moda.hr different from other fashion portals in Croatia?


Moda.hr is first Croatian fashion portal which started of 9 years ago. Right from the start we are following global fashion scene but from the start we have also set an objective to support and follow young Croatian fashion designers which we continued to this day.

We are acting as Croatian fashion designers media partner throughout their career via different columns (IT pieces, custom fashion editorials etc.) on our portal where we always give local designer advantage over foreign ones.


Other then fashion news and trends globally you strongly support Croatian fashion designers, what kind of relationship do you have with them?


As the name of our portal saids – we are moda.hr and it is normal that we are first and foremost supporting Croatian designers; we are pleased to say that they have recognized our efforts and our cooperation is exquisite.


Croatia has very talented designers. The biggest obstacle for them is positioning of their collections to the market. Most of them are still working as small manufacturing workshops, they do not have serial production – mostly because there are no interested multibrand stores in the country and/or the region (or interested buyers) who will order and purchase their collections. In most of the cases Croatian designers work as a „one man show" they are: designers, manages, salesman and PRs for their collections.


Moda.hr is helping them by playing a role of“ their PR“ in a way that we publish and support all of their projects, news on new collections and by including them in our own projects in order to put them „on the map“ for potential buyers and 
companies to sponsor their work.


How do you see the current situation in Croatian fashion industry? What is your portal's involvement in it?


What is still missing is the bridge between the fashion buyers and local designers which could financially motivate their small workshop production to become mass production. Most of the guests taking up front rows of their shows are local celebrities, event sponsors and media –while their most frequent customers seem to be taking seats in last rows.


In October,2010. We have organized first sales event „Noć hrvatskih modnih dizajnera powered by Dreft“ right in between 3 fashion events happening in Croatia with intention to bring shoppers to Croatian designers stores. We motivated them with in-store promotions, entertainment events in each location and generous discounts of 30% on current collections - all inspired by globally known Fashion Night's out.  The feedback we got was great and we would like to definitely do it again.

                            

Foto: Goran Čižmešija, Styling: Jasmina Arnautović, Model: Nikolina Rak

                                 all clothes collected from local vintage market  

In comparison to similar fashion news portals you seem to be quit neutral? How do you stay neutral considering the rivalry among existing three fashion events and sometimes media polarization among them?


Maybe because we do not actually organize our own fashion week J  Although partially a joke, a number of designer suggested that we should organize our own event – naturally, I never took it seriously as we represent media and having an event would be a conflict of interest and we would not be as objective to all as they would be our competitors – this would go against journalism ethics and basics of professionalism.


In regards to other media, their rivalry comes out of their competitiveness, they each select one event to be media sponsors of – this includes magazines, TV stations etc. I am more critical towards media which are ignoring Croatian designers with an excuse that Croatian public is not interested, this is simply not true as we know that our readers consume what we – media, serve to them, at least most of the time. Croatian designers have a good quality product which deserves to be consumed.

                                     
                     Foto: Goran Čižmešija, Styling: Eva Misirača, Model: Mirjana Knežević


  I have noticed that you are shooting your own online editorials featuring Croatian fashion designers clothes, result of which is a recently published comprehensive lookbook, you also do sponsored advertorials - how did you come up with the idea of online editorial? How do you think it compares with print fashion editorials? Does it pay of financially?


The „guilty ones“ for the idea of custom our online editorials are our amazing creative team members:  Tomislav Perić is the one who came up with an idea and who together with our amazing photographer Goran Čižmešija brought this idea to life. In the past 3 years we did more than 20 editorials with Croatian designers -  we are the only Croatian portal doing this.


This year we put together a Lookbook as well with selected local designer pieces but we plan to continue this practice in the future as well– as the results and feedback was above expectations.


In comparison to print editorials, both bring the same information to the reader, however online editorials are more viewed and shared then print,  I have to admit that I am in love with glossy magazine editorials but we are currently working on bringing the same print emotional qualities to moda.hr editorials. Currently we do not have financial benefit out of editorial segment but we do stay on positive zero with it.

Foto: Goran Čižmešija, Styling: Eva Misirača, Model: Josipa Kusić, 

Clothing: Etna Maar & Maion 

How do you see print fashion magazines of the future? Is there a future for print?


I recently discussed this topic with someone. It is hard to estimate how the print will involve competing with digital in fashion world; currently I do not see how print would do it. 

Current trend is that many print editions are shutting down, maybe collection reviews quarterly magazines would make sense (Elle collection) and those with good quality stories which one could archive, however I do not believe many glossies will be able to maintain sales volume good enough to stay profitable. Fashion news is extremely recyclable; fashion people want their news here and now.


What are the trends you see on you portal in terms of demographics? Which columns are most visited?


Age ranges from 14-70 year olds – with an average age of 35. Most of our readers are women – 70%. However growth in male population and their interest in fashion is more then noticeable, so about more than year ago we have opened a new column – Y chromosome – which is tailored to male readers. In this period we are noticing growth of male readers of about 5% and growing.


Majority of our readers is interested in current beauty and clothing trends.
So most visited columns are: Trend, What to wear, Get inspired, Cro designers IT piece etc.

                   

Foto: Goran Čižmešija, Styling: Jasmina Arnautović, Model: Lana Petanić

Clothing - Modna kuca Mak 

What is your opinion on Croatian fashion bloggers? Do you think they should be treated as traditional journalists/editors?


Since the blogger is asking the question I need to be careful with my response. J
A blogger boom in Croatia started about two years ago, I find them welcome refreshment to the global and local media scene; however their text quality is not the same as the one written by an educated journalist. With this I am not referring to their competence on writing about fashion but more on their objectivity – as their comments on the designer collection could  be limited to „Like“ or „don't like“ from journalist one expects more detailed and objective approach.


Each collection comment featured on moda.hr is argumented, while with bloggers their comments is based on their personal style preferences, which is why they do have followers of similar fashion style, but number of Croatian bloggers followers still cannot compete with fashion portals and other media.


My belief is that bloggers should be treated as other media – based on their readership and visitors quality for advertisers – this is now not the case. 

What is a long term plan for moda.hr? Are you preparing any innovations on page design and renewal of page branding?


I don't like to usually answer this type of questions until I am in the final phase of project execution. We do have rather comprehensive  plans for refreshments however we are currently focused on second fashion sales event  „Noć hrvatskih dizajnera” which we plan in second half of this year.


Who do you consider to be the most influential people in Croatian fashion industry? Do you think they work in its best interest?


I respect people who continue to remain on Croatian fashion scene, among those I would mention organizers of all three fashion events (Viktor Drago - Cro A Porter, Suzy Josipović Redžepagić i Sarah Josipović - Fashion Week Zagreb i Vinko Filipić - Fashion.hr).


 Experienced Croatian fashion journalists like Ana Lendvaj and Bojana Radović who do write about Croatian fashion, people who create editorials for which they use also Croatian designers clothes like:  Saša Joka - Elle, Vanja Ljubić - Cosmopolitan, Petar Trbović - Grazia, Ivan Friščić.


Which Croatian fashion designers would you identify as most successful in terms of design quality and business sense?


Successful designers are those who can live out of their work. Here I would differentiate:

 Nedu Makjanić-Kunić (Modna kuća MAK) she has more than 20 people working for her in addition to her base collection line she also features exclusive collection by young and talented designer Teo Perić.


Aleksandra Dojčinović with her brand Lei Lou who has incredible sense for business, she has developed her own signature collection but still cooperates great with well known global consumer goods brands.


MAKS studio which exists for more than 40 years on local fashion scene, they design, produce and sell – which is a real success considering the economic environment.


Fashion duo ELFS who have recognized a very delicate niche market in which now they have no competition locally. They continuously invest in new, good quality materials, brand growth and their people.

                        

Foto: Goran Čižmešija, Styling: Jasmina Arnautović, Model: Ana Ivančević, dress - Elfs

Ivica Klarić who became a synonym for Croatian men's fashion brand and who I would compare with London brand Saville Row-a.


Đurđica Vorkapić and Saša Momirović have grown their brand Hippy Garden and now they have several franchises in Croatia and Bosnia.


Designer Andrijana Subotić- Pjajčik behind the brand Etna Maar works as a 'one man band' for years now.

                       

  Foto: Goran Čižmešija, Styling: Jasmina Arnautović, Model: Josipa Kusić

Unfortunately many young designers in Croatia still think of fashion as an art rather than a business. During one fashion design contest  the winner said he would like to do high fashion as nobody does it in Croatia. As economics classes  seem to be neglected in local fashion schools – he didn't learn that he will not be able to produce and distribute Couture in Croatia. Not many can afford to buy it and even those who do – what events would they wear it to?  
This is the reality of fashion design in Croatia.

Lei Lou Resort 2011.

There is certainly no better way to kick of a tourist season then with a glamorous, summery and never breezier fashion event – Fashion.hr Cruise.

 “You can turn of the sun but I am still gonna shine!” might as well be the motto of by now widely recognized by her regular celebrity and many other clients - young Croatian fashion designer – Aleksandra Dojčinović who’s brand Lei Lou continues to grow and develop into an international fashion brand. 

Alex held her show on the gorgeous beach at the island of Brač inspite the wind and rain and showed another wearable collection which was sold out before even hitting the runway.

Aleksandra’s Resort 2011. Collection did not disappoint! She continued to grow her: confident, young, stylish and strong lady brand image where each lady regardless her shape, size or age can find an amazing suitable piece of flattering summer maxi, strappy or rich 60s inspired corset top dress, multi functional one piece swimsuit embellished with her well known skinny belts and rich jewelry pieces which can also be worn as a top combined with skirt or pants – during the work day or simply be worn as a piece to lounge in all day long on your yacht while cruising via beautiful Croatian coast.

Alex stayed true to her romantic inspirations and she used comfortable, cooling mixtures of cotton and silk for maxi’s and soft stretches for swimwear. Suede and leather accessories were produced sparingly in vivid summer colors not to over shine amazing florals, eternally elegant champaigns and Adriatic Sea vivid blue colors.

Lei Lou on Facebook

Lei Lou on Twitter

All images via www.fashion.hr

Is local market becoming too small for Lei Lou brand? – many were commenting while watching Alex’s show. To some surprise, to those of us who know her – to be expected.

Congratulations darling!

Designer quicky:Vjera Vilicnik - the fairy with the hands of gold

I am so happy to learn about this amazing young lady. Vjera's resume embellished with masters in fashion design from Italian school of Design, Instituto Marangoni - the incubator of fashion talent and degree from haute couture embroidery school Ecole Lesage, the last remaining house of haute couture embroidery dating from 19^th century which collaborates with fashion institutions like Dior, Chanel and Lacroix on their couture collections, as well as her experience working with labels like: Julia Smith, Abercrombie&Fitch, Meeting, Basso&Brooke, Saint Hill Couture, Roksanda Ilincic, Max Mara, Tom Ford and WGSN differentiates her from many other fashion spotlight hopefuls.

My first impression of Vjera was "Gosh her name suits her so well!" and my second was "Gosh her pieces are so gentle, classic, delicate and dreamy." 

Vjera started her label back in July,2010. in pursuit of a  constant quest for more beautiful, more intricate garments that are unique yet timeless. She treats every piece of her clothing as a precious part of the overall story creating beautifully hand crafted, meticulously finished and soul stitched wearable timeless pieces each embellished with a tad of couture.

Vjera Vilicnik seems to create with free spirited, happy, elegant, very feminine and soft but confident women in mind. As she saids: " The woman in my mind, my muse, is a woman full of contradictions, but they are not really opposed to each other." Read more here.

Vjera Vilicnik Spring/Summer 2011.

Vjera took time and was kind enough to answer couple of my questions:

Were you ever approached by any of the organizers of fashion events in Croatia and would you ever consider showing your collection on any of them?

 Croatian fashion scene is still new to me, and since I was a part of fashion studies in London, I fell much more at home here. I would of course love to show in Croatia too, but for now time doesn't let me focus more on that idea. I recently gave an interview to Fashion.hr so there is a chance there will be collaboration with them.

Where do you sell your clothes? Do you have a showroom,do you sell online or via multibrand boutiques?

I have an online shop as part of the website, and you can see the pieces at The Showroom, just of Marble Arch, London, which is a part of FASHIONCAPITAL.CO.UK, an organisation that helped me to with the start. I would love to have my own little boutique but that is something for the future.

Brandalley.co.uk and Brandalley.fr have had competition for young designers and I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the winners, both with LBD and Perfect Blouse project, and so for a certain period of time you could buy the pieces on their websites too.

Are you ever planing to go towards mass production or would you prefer to have a smaller more exclusive stores in selected locations?

Because of the haute couture embroidery in my pieces, it is impossible to direct it toward mass market. The pieces sometimes take few days to finish, which of course, suits a smaller range. I would love to have the collection in a few selected stores, and keep the pieces unique and long lasting in making and quality as they are now.

What are the demographics of your customers?

The customer that wears Vjera Vilicnik, is a women full of contradictions, but they are no contradictions at all. She is a work force, and a gentle lover, she is a loving mother and she dances the night away. She is between the ages of 25-40, in search for something unique, long lasting, and classical with a twist, something that she can express herself with.

Do you have a "signature piece" and would you please indicate a price range of your pieces?

The signature piece is the carnation waistcoat. It is fully covered with handmade silk chiffon roses in shape of carnation flower, and for this season it is mixed with fine woollen balls for a more dramatic effect and mix of textures. It takes days to finish and hand stitch but it is also my favourite piece. The prices range from £80 for a simple t-shirts, go to £150 for short dresses and then climb to around £400 for long dresses or embellished pieces.

Please do visit Vjera's website to buy her clothes or view her collections at http://www.vjeravilicnik.com or her facebook fan page.

Vjera will show her latest collection at the Charing Cross hotel, Strand, London on Saturday 19th February 2011 as part of LGN Events off-schedule London Fashion Week catwalk show - A LA MODE. 

"God gave women intuition and femininity. Used properly, the combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I've ever met. "

Farrah Fawcett