Rouge et Noir

Even though the name of this post might sound as a reference to the historical novel in two volumes, written by Stendhal in 1830 (i.e. Le Rouge et le Noir), in practice I just want to share with you some TESSful pics. The connection between two is the same red&black palette. Well, I guess, you might have already seen these photos in bits and pieces, but I've just realized that I never shared with you the full portfolio. True, shame on me.

So, have a look at my version of Le Rouge et le Noir, lensed by a wonderful photographer Daniel Lopez-Paullada:

So, TESS of the day: 

Dress - BCBGMAXAZRIA, 

Scarf - Tara Jarmon, 

Sunglasses - Prada, 

 Watch - Karen Millen, 

Pumps - Christian Louboutin, 

Glasses - CHANEL.

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CHANELisation

This ambiguous masterpiece was recently caught by my camera in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The object is fairly usual: a black greasy chainsaw. The trick is that it is branded with CHANEL logo. Well, such an oxymoron, indeed: a mix of high fashion and manual labour. The 'chefs d'oeuvre' was created by the New York born artist Tom Sachs who, among his other creations, also has Prada Toilet (1997) and CHANEL Guillotine (1998). 

Tom Sachs (American, b. 1966)
CHANEL CHAINSAW (1996): Cardboard and thermal adhesive

Fascinated with the intersections of money, power, and violence, Sachs explores the desire and exclusion inherent in a capitalist society's worship of the commodity. Here, he uses actual shopping bags from the French luxury brand Chanel to fashion a credible tool of labor - or of violent mayhem.

-  Annotation, Metropolitan Museum of Art

I am not going to judge the depth of this creative niche, but rather to focus on the branding fact itself. Putting art aside, I really caught myself on the thought that it is quite common for CHANEL to stamp their logo on the uncommon goods. And yes, obviously, the term 'uncommon goods' goes far beyond the general line-up of accessories, jewelry and perfumes. It covers croquet sets, polo helmets, golf clubs, ski masks, hand flippers (!), scooters... just to name a few. 
Have a TESSful look at what CHANEL proudly brings to this fashion world (on top of 2.55 bag:) :

CHANEL Aluminium hand-assembled bicycle with qualified calfskin seat and three bags -  including a make-up case with a signature logo

CHANEL Carbon Snowboard with inlaid genuine 4-leaf-clover; each board is unique

CHANEL Inflatable raft holds up to three people

CHANEL Rosewood, fiberglass and aluminium parabolic skis with CHANEL signature.  Fit for any level of skier, including advanced skiers

CHANEL Monochrome carbon fiber surfboard delivered with a CHANEL signature cover

CHANEL Two carbon beach rackets with CHANEL signature

CHANEL (1) Hand-painted Australian wood boomerang; (2) - 2.2 Ibs metal hand weights with quilted calfskin cover

CHANEL Grained rubber rugby ball with CHANEL signature

CHANEL Handmade, carbon-and-rosewood fishing rod and reel with CHANEL signature  flies delivered in a quilted calfskin case. Limited edition and numbered

CHANEL Ergonomic acoustic guitar with Spruce, marquetry inlay delivered with a quilted calfskin case

So, HOW FAR, you think, a fashion BRAND CAN GO in terms of brand line extension?

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Funky-Fluffy outfit

I think I wore this 'black & red' outfit only once or twice in my life... because  it is so funny, so crazy, so not me in a way. Nevertheless, people around adore this look, so I wanted to share it with you as well. The pictures were shot some time ago (as hinted by the green grass behind), but I guess my late post will give us an extra chance to revisit sunny autumn weather (when it is just 4° outside...huh).  

My little co-model here is called Nafanya. She is adorable little creature, who is apparently extremely lazy and camera shy. Nafanya is a cute doggie of my friends, but I was lucky enough to spend one weekend with her. For this particular walk around the lake Nafanya inspired me to wear something sporty-casual-yet-TESS. Obviously, getting ready for a walk with a dog I expected some kind of physical activities a la 'catch me if you can', but in reality Nafanya barely went off hands! Such a lazybone she is:-) 

So, TESS of the day:

Leather Jacket - Ted Baker

Skirt, Belt - all by GAP

Scarf - Unknown

Gloves - Karen Millen

Sunglasses - Prada,

Handbag, Key ring - Louis Vuitton, 

Socks - Calzedonia,

Boots - Sonia Rykiel

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It was hot in Madrid...

It's not a secret for my friends, that I love Spain (actually: I lo-o-o-o-ove it - just to be precise). Every time they hear that I am heading to that direction, they start boringly whine: 'Agaaaain?' Well, yes, AGAIN! There is something magical about this country that keeps dragging me back...So, you guessed it all - I did it again!

Beautiful weather and friendly sun allowed me to enjoy my light outfit, which I tried to keep in autumn colors yet with a summerish attitude. 
My TESS of the day mainly consisted of Massimo Dutti pieces, which was a pure coincidence, as I usually like to mix & match different brands.

So, TESS of the day:

Leather Jacket, Dress, Scarf, Belt - all by Massimo Dutti,

Sunglasses - Prada,

Handbag, Key ring - Louis Vuitton, 

Watch - BCBG,

Socks - Calzedonia,

Boots - Stradivarius

Keep TESS: Taste.Elegance.Sophistication.Style!

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