Literally the most amazing dress ever!

Hello Paris '99ers! I just could not contain my excitement for this dress, it is literally the most amazing dress ever! (As per the title of this post ;)) (Love the double bracket smiley face combo haha)! Enjoy, and come and see it in person to share the love!

People always ask me how I can part with all of the beautiful pieces I am surrounded by every day, and its hard, I do get attached to almost everything. I mean I am attached the minute I decide something has to be a part of the salon, and when it arrives in person I'm 99.5% happy, with the very occasional misstep, but even so I understand I am a conduit, connecting beautiful clothes to beautiful women in Melbourne, and I let them go to a happier home, and someone who can actually wear them!

Well let me tell you about this dress, it may just be the exception! From the minute my friend in New York swayed around in it when I first saw it, I knew it would be amazing, but I could only imagine it.

The dress is a custom made for the ball Luca Luca, and regular visitors to the salon will know that I have always loved it, and its not available anywhere else.  Founded in New York in the early 90s by Italian Luca Orlandi, its very Upper East Side; glamourous, luxurious and gorgeously put together, for the gorgeously put together woman. For a stage in the early 2000s the label turned in direction of the 'new young things', catering to the New York party scene and even the Hilton sisters.

In 2008 Raul Mendoza took over from Orlandi as creative director and brought a new freshness and refinement, bridging the gap for everyone, with beautifully designed and lovingly produced wardrobe pieces for everywhere, all the time.

Back to the dress. Now my postman is a bit all over the place, but of course morning deliveries are my favourite, and the box arrived with morning, shipped Express with my friend's name on the box, and tightly wrapped in tape. I was already itching with anticipation, and to not by some terrible mistake damage the contents I slowly unwrapped layer after layer of tape, getting both irritated and now almost exploding with excitement.

And then the box was open. And under a few layers of tissue paper, and a garment back fit only for a gown of its magnitude, there it was!

I grabbed a hanger, placed the hang tapes on its sides, and in one big, dramatic swing of my arm lifted the gown right out the box and seriously almost screamed; it is absolutely stunning! (See title once more.)

The fabric is a crispy dense silk organza, it crunches in the hand, super scroop, for all you textile heads.

The floral print is huge, and has to be, to stay balanced with the massive skirt that booms underneath the neatly fitted corset bodice. The under layers are made of metres and metres of tulle, providing the perfect amount of volume, as expected there is hand finishing everywhere and its all finished with a hand folded watermelon silk crepe belt.

If theres is one piece I will find hard to part with, its is undoubtedly this dress! 

xx

All photos are copyright Yahav Ron 2012. 

Things I like!

So I literally just realised I can blog from my phone, new discovery of the year! This means the whole process of posting will become a lot more organic and easy, hooray.

As you would know, fashion is life, and life is good, and therefore fashion should be good. Narciso Rodriguez is one of my all time favourite designers; well most designers have a place in my favorites as I don't discriminate, but the perceived ease, delicateness and refinement of Rodriguez's pieces just have me hooked. I say perceived, as with all minimalist design, practice makes perfect. The beautiful lines and perfectly body fitting silhouettes are due to hours of painstaking work for a better fit, smoother seam, a finer result.

Now of course as I write this post I realise I actually haven't quite figured out how to add images from the phone, but don't worry, first the words, then the pictures! Above will be an image of the workings of a jacket, as seen in the book Narciso Rodriguez as published by Rizzoli. I promise you it's beautiful.

Of course I love a beautiful dress, and no-one does a subdued and elegant gown like Rodriguez. See images of Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker and Uma Thurman to prove. That blue dress with the square panel suspended in the back and then dreamily cascading to the mercy of the breeze, to borrow from a certain stylist of our times, one could 'die'.
And the subtly yet somewhat overtly sexy red number, shown with gorgeous designer himself, I love the colour, and also what it says about the woman wearing it: powerful, lusty and in control, stunning.
The gorgeous gown as worn by Uma again speaks to me for its small changes which make it so much more than just a Hollywood style halter-neck. The way the side cleavage is revealed almost to the point of no return but stops just before it, the curving seams that send our eyes in and around her beautiful form (and not just her, the effect would be the same for any wearer) and bring us to the explosion of fabric just above the knee, perfection.

Now this isn't a plug, I just have to share a couple of Narciso things that are currently at Paris '99. The stunning cotton body-con (but never in knit with Rodriguez)dress which pushes everything up and in, and is, as expected, immaculately constructed with a contrast white binding on the inside, and the almost charmeuse bubble hem dress which floats lighter than air and is alluring by leaving it to the imagination of the observer; one of my favourite ways of sexy dressing.

Now please forgive my brazen attempt at blogging minus pictures, but they will follow almost immediately, after a few emails from phone to computer. I really am a stickler for more simple times haha!
Much love and till next week x

PS. Here's to learning as you go; thanks to Edit Post everything is in its right place without too much trouble, amazing! ;)
xx

Longest post ever!

Hello Paris '99ers! I realise that due to my absolutely dismal discipline when it comes to blogging some of you may think that I had stopped, but oh no, all is well here at Paris '99, the sun is shining, the champagne is flowing and the clothes are plentiful! I give you the mother of all posts, a load of new arrivals, to take you through to the next post which will certainly come sooner than this one! xx

Alexander McQueen lace applique silk blouse, need I say more ;), divine. Sz 42 (Fits 8-10-12) Now SOLD

Wow, Chloe buckle closure small leather bag with two compartments and though unseen is on a long leather strap with metal hardware loops and buckles, perfect for across the body in summer, and of course winter too! Now SOLD

This jacket shows what an amazing cut with a bit of detail will do. Jean-Paul Gaultier long line blazer with black pearl necklace detail. The necklace clicks into the larger stone and can be worn open or doubled back on the neck. The little ribbon detail provides an excellent balance, just so Gaultier! Now SOLD

Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme acetate/polyester blazer, silk lined, Sz It44 (Fits Aus 10-12)

Bam! Divine Givenchy vibrant orange dress made from swirling silk and finished with an edgy corset back. This one seriously won't last.
Givenchy Paris silk dress, Sz 36 (Fits Aus 6-8)

Stunning Versace Spring 2001 printed cowl neck dress. If this is not the 'dressonification' of summer colour I don't know what is!

Gianni Versace Couture printed viscose dress, sz It44 (fits Aus 8-10)

The fabric has to be felt and the finishing details have to been seen to really appreciate this jacket by the unfortunately defunct New York label Tuleh. It is a sturdy duchess satin which really gives strength to the boxy design and when worn with a skinny jean and clashing hat is a perfect autumn fashion jacket. Love it! Now SOLD

Tuleh New York double breasted 'pea' coat in duchess satin, sz US6 (Aus 8-10)

Back to Versace, this amazing printed patent leather evening bag with metal frame and chain is going to be stunning on the amazing woman who bought it literally the minute it touched down this morning. With plenty of space and a weight to be reckoned with its simply covetable! Now SOLD

Is it tweed, is it boucle, is it a houndstooth, a herringbone, a check? I can't tell you! This is a really intricately constructed fabric that eschews definition, apart from the fact that it is amazingly used in this perfectly fitting Michael Kors skirt suit. The jacket fits like a glove the has little rounded cap sleeves to just accentuate the shoulder line, while the skirt is just so lady-like and completes the look. With black pumps Carli Bruni would be jealous!

Michael Kors made in Italy skirt suit, sz US 6 (Aus 10)

Iconic Junya Watanabe destroyed denim jacket. Intricately constructed to swirl around the body in a snail like manner is this jacket from the untouchable Japanese master Watanabe. I like his work as regardless of the bombast, stiffness, or volume of his work, it always relates back to the female form and as such is amazingly flattering. Gorgeous! Now SOLD

Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons pieced denim jacket, sz S (Aus 8-10)

From one fabulous jacket to the next, is this Veronique Branquinho collarless skinny fit jacket with what can only be described as three perfectly folded pleats taking up the job of a lapel. I have matching pants for this jacket too, they will be uploaded soon in a pants special post.

Veronique Branquinho grey woollen collarless jacket with sharp narrow shoulders, sz 38 (Aus 8-10)

Back with the warmer weather pieces, this Marni silk chiffon 'dry flower' printed top is gorgeous for layering, and the drawstring detailing can be left loose or gathered tightly for a complete change of mood.

Marni printed silk chiffon top, size It 44 (Fits Aus 8-10-12)

Keeping on cute sheer printed numbers is this simply gorgeous Roland Mouret back button gathered shoulder blouse with its abstract print. I love this top for its youth, allure, sexiness minus vulgarity, all the things for which Roland Mouret is known! Now SOLD

Roland Mouret back button silk blouse, sz UK 8 (fits Aus 6-8)

And to leave you on a positively summer note are these Pierre Hardy architectural peep toe mesh pumps with stunning heel, perfect for the hot days that seem to be here to stay.

Pierre Hardy structured white mesh heels, sz 40 but fit more like 39.

I hope this keeps you all occupied and excited for the next little while, there are more fabulous pieces to be seen soon, but remember that to keep bringing you more, these gorgeous items have to find themselves loving homes, so remember to contact through the blog, via email on enquire@paris99.net or on +61 424 583 409 to make an arrangement to visit the beautiful salon in Elwood, and friends are encouraged of course!

Till next time adieu from Paris '99 xx

Forest greenery Ferretti

Hello!
Please enjoy this new arrival Alberta Ferretti forest green silk satin, chiffon, lace and beaded top. I love this piece for its transeasonal beauty; right now, all it needs is a pair of light wide legged pants and summer is a breeze, and in the winter a gorgeous knit fitted bustier or bodysuit and a narrow pencil skirt! The lace is cut so intricately and the beaded leaf that can be snapped on for evening or off for day adds that touch of Italian glamour. Perfect!
Alberta Ferretti mainline silk lace and bead leaf detail top, Sz Italian 42 (Fits Aus 6).

Remember to contact through the blog, email on enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit the gorgeous Salon in Elwood.

Badgley Mischka dazzles!

I don't know if I have mentioned this already, but I really like American designers and feel that here in Melbourne they are definitely under appreciated and almost unseen! What could be more amazing than this Badgley Mischka Couture silk crepe beaded sheer detailed dress? Not a lot, indeed!
This is American 'sportswear' at its finest; beautiful fabric, attention to detail, a streamlined and body conscious fit and of course the touch of Hollywood Glamour with a touch of restraint. I love how the back has been paid attention to with the small reveal of skin without being vulgar, and the bead work on the front is just so intricate and 'right'. Best of all this dress will be enjoyed and impressive at an upcoming pre-races ball! Perfect!
Badgley Mischka Couture beaded sheer details silk cocktail dress, sz US 4 (Aus 8) SOLD

Remember to contact through the blog, via email enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit us in person at the gorgeous salon in Elwood. Enjoy!

Dear Alison!

Hello all,
I would like to introduce you all to a new but certainly dear friend of mine Alison Waters. Alison has had an illustrious past; she has experienced the height of London through her work at the fabulous and legendary BIBA, started on her own by looking after visiting philosophers and of course has a permanent place in Melbourne's history by bringing the life to every party she attends!
Alison has amassed a famous collection of hats (more than 300), perhaps the most amazing one I have seen is over 120 years old from France and features the most stunning and shiny featherwork from some exotic game bird. Of course the one pictured below is divine, and the Costume National dress from the Salon is spot on perfect with it!
Costume National panelled silk dress with cut out back, SOLD to a fabulous friend!

Newly come and gone

Hello, its a rainy day once again, can't spring finally break through!
This is a selection of new arrivals and also some amazing pieces that have come and gone and actually you lovely internet darlings never got to see :(

I loved this simply stunning Gianfranco Ferre golden silk jacket. With an abundance of details; the lightly pleated cuffs, the wide 1940s lapels and puff sleeves and the impeccable contrast silk binding and organza panel at the double vent on the interior (unfortunately unseen), it was bound to impress and it certainly did!
Gianfranco Ferre golden silk jacket, sz Italian 40 (Aus 8)  NOW SOLD

This was a real stunner too. Donna Karan Collection, only the best of course! I loved the abundance of buttons that help to define the line of the top and add a little subtle sparkle on the cuffs. The silk chiffon is pleated organically that gives the piece that extra lightness, and the stretch back keeps it all together. Its one to take to the office, to dinner, to a costume ball, and in fact I know its been to all three!
Donna Karan Collection pleated elasticated sleeve button detail stretch back blouse, sz Italian 40 (Aus 8) NOW SOLD

Wow! I got excited by this one of a kind number! One of the strongest purveyors of body conscious and sexy dressing is Antonio Berardi. This piece hits that on the nose; the corset jean all-in-one, and its amazing! When summer finally hits it will surely be a go-to piece for any party hopping, beach loving lady, and she most probably will not even be from Melbourne. I love its unabashed youth and playfulness, and as one would expect, its fit, finish and construction is tip top!
Antonio Berardi corset denim half overall, sz Italian 40 (Aus 6)

Narciso Rodriguez is one of my all-time favourite designers. I love the absolute precision in cut and slowly evolving nature of his work and this ensemble is a perfect example. The fabric is an amazing hemp mohair silk mix, and is nothing short of luxurious. The dress is strapless, but there are two fine straps which a somewhere between a halter and sweetheart neckline, and the panelling on the bodice is just lovely, subtly 3D with every part bound and lined in silk. The big metal zip at the back gives it a harder and not too pretty feel, something which Narciso does so well! Then jacket; the little boxy cropped shaped raglan bolero. I love how it lifts the outfit to the next level, and of course can be worn on its own with a pair of fitted jeans and a tank; the slightly loose silhouette showing the space between garment and body. Its just great!
Narciso Rodriguez hemp, mohair, silk strapless dress and cropped jacket, sz Italian 42 (Aus 8) Now SOLD.

Remember to contact us through the blog, email enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit the salon in Elwood.