Linda the Super

In a bid to ease myself into post-holiday work mode, I popped out for a coffee and Vogue break; as one does. Flicking through the July issue I came across 'The History of the Supermodel' - with an icnonic 1991 shoot of Linda Evangelista draped in Dior. I squealed...and may have spilled some coffee. I remember seeing this shot for the first time so many years ago - that red pixie cut, those gold boots, the sculpted bars on the lamé fishtail skirt; and man, can she work a turtleneck! Those elevated poised arms and peek-a-boo eyes said 'you want this' and I did. Ever since, I've used this silhouette as my sartorial archetype. Most recently I found a pair of gold lamé capri pants for €20 in Lucy's Lounge and bought them as an homage. I spied Erin O'Connor at LFW in a similar pair of gold Marc Jacobs boots and coveted them lascivously. Similarly, I found a website that makes fishtail skirts - albeit in black - and declared this to be the AW10/11 sequel to summer's tubular maxi. If one shot could capture the imagination of the public for so long, there's a damn good reason Linda & Co. were dubbed 'super'.

Catherine the Centurian...of Fashion

This Saturday is an important day. My nana - Catherine Coyne - turns 100. This is a woman who knows a thing or three about clothing. She married my grandfather a fisherman and cobbler, taught my mother how to sew, crochet and knit and passed down the appreciation of a finely-tuned garment. This is a woman who once made my siser Aran knit shorts, proving if you have the imagination you can wear whatever you want. This is the woman who predated the fashion critic, insisting that living the simple life didn't mean letting the side down. At 100 years old her skin is still softer than mine, showing that Pond's Cold Cream and fresh air never hurt anyone. This is her wedding picture. She even eloped. What a woman! Happy Birthday Nana. Looking forward to celebrating this weekend! xxx

And Another One...

"The fashion circus rolls on for another day, with two of Britain's best loved designers showcasing their collections for Autumn/Winter 09. Annmarie O'Connor takes us through the key trends from Nicole Farhi and Luella."

From the Archives - Oh Dear

Just came across these vids on youtube from my earlier presenting days. Thankfully my hair and ability have come along since then! :)

"Annmarie O'Connor hosts the must-see collection of AW/09 from British fashion royalty, Vivienne Westwood. Featuring interviews with Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud and international supermodel Alice Dellal. "

Ab Fab @ LFW

Too hysterical not to post. Love Suzy Menkes. Love Patsy. Love Ab Fab. Oh love Kathy Burke too!
Click on 1:27.

Sophia Loren - Style Icon

There's a lot of talk about sex symbols, screen sirens and women of our time but no one in my opinion compares to Sophia Loren. Born Sofia Villani Scicolone in 1934, the actress is a the true definition of a Roman Goddess. In an age where thin is in, it's refreshing to turn back time to get a glimpse of some real curves and a woman who doesn't have to resort to silicone to get them. What's more la bella Sophia can burn up the screen with her almond eyes and self-confidence alone. More than that, what other sestogenerian has appeared on the Pirelli calendar? True beauty...it's an attitude, a belief and a life.