Fashion Diva Supply Shopping Trip to Milan Nov. 2005

I have just retruned from my bi-yearly shopping trip to Milan, Italy. Fashion Capital of the world?! Yes, in many cases, but no in a few other respects. The Italians, like most of their Latin counter-parts are convinced that they are the end-all, be-all of whatever, be it fashion(Italian), food(France). Now I am certainly not one to argue with this kind of commited self-delusion, let them have their scared cows. But if you observe very closely what is really going on on the street you realize, yes there are some big names out there; in manifestations that they themselves are unaware of(fakes, and serious knock-offs), but that the true pulse is no longer set but the big fashion houses, but that the streets are now setting the pulse of the big fashion houses.

Trendspotting has now become a consumer, forget the years of research that goes in to the making of a trend, I just ask my 13 year old daughter! In some cases the trends change so fast that you don't have time to buy the necessary accessories before there is something else new.

Which make me ask yet again another question, with the influence of Asia in the fashion market these days, who is dictating to whom, who's copying who?

Anyway, It was as usual WONDERFUL to be back in Milan, meeting my old friends, and making new ones. The Chibi show this time was a bit smaller than usual, I was around the place in a couple of hours, it usually takes me about half a day to see all the stands. Some of my suppliers were there and a great deal of the others weren't, but I was able to aquire the items I needed, and my theyare just beautiful, the stones I bought on the first day were stunning, faceted rose quartz, turquoise, flourite, yummmmmy. Plus I was on the look out for Tourmaline, and other precious stones, I found some lovely triangular cut tourmaline, and some lovely green garnet briotette cut beads. And also I bought sone 22k Gold..... The real thing, the butter yellow color, just makes me feel happy, and cheerful. That was day 1- Sunday. I was also quite tired from the trip, and the partying I had done the night before!!!

This time around, the fair was quite small, but it was lots of fun none the less, pluss I have made a wonderful necklace from some of the lovely beads I gathered. it is not like my others, but it is lovely none the less.

Off on my Holy Pligrimage!

On Sunday, 13/11/05, I am off to Milan, Mecca for Fashionistas. Of course there is a great deal of planning that goes on for this bi-yearly sourjon.

First there are the outfits I must pack, I mean we are talking FASHION CAPITAL here, I just can't wear any old thing. This starts the week before I leave, the packing and reppacking, the checking and rechecking of the weather channel. I mean the whole process is quite time consuming.

Second, there is the 'What I Need' vs 'What I Want to Buy' list to prepare, this takes weeks of exact preparations. Looking at the collections, trying to project what the sales are going to be, and when it really comes down to it, what money I have to spend; that is THE major determining factor.

Thirdly, and lastly it is just the idea of going to Italy, that just gets me all a dither and excited, which causes me to behave like a complete and utter idiot for the weeks before my departure.

All this stressing just isn't necessary, but secertly, it is lots of fun to prepare and control the factors of the departure. I won't know what I will find until I get there, so I have to have some known factors.

Victoria's Lust for the Bling!

Allow me to introduce you to my world. The world of color(primarily pink), style, glamour,and the Bling-Bling. If it shines I love it, not tasteless bling-bling, but bling that says something, makes a statment, has a purpose. Fulfills a need in the viewer and the wearer, I mean Bling with a higher calling. We are talking Holy-Bling here.
I use only the best materials available: Swarovski Crystal, precious stones, semi-precious stones, Czech glass beads, hand made glass from Murano*, hand made beads for India, Nickel-free metal only from European suppliers, plus a host of other items, that I feel satisfies the overall statement of the design. If there are any questions about the quality of the item I am using, I simply don't use it! I require only the finest components in the jewelry pieces I create. I wear my pieces as well, and I want only the best for myself, so I wish the best for my clientsl. Simple really.
I am about to make my bi-yearly pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Bling; Milan, Italy. This is where I get inspiration, and supplies for my up coming collections, not to mention a look at the truly fashionable elite, you haven't seen Versace, until you see it in Milan.
I will post photos, and comments for all the curious and interested. But in the mean time, please enjoy my selection of offerings.
Love, peace, and Bling

A Day In Paris

I was given an opportunity earlier this week to spend the day in Paris! It one of my favorite cities, on the planet. The French(hate them if you must), just know style! It is in the water, the air, and the food. The energy of Paris, just fired up my creative juices, got my mojo humming, and made me want to pack up my bags and move there.
I have always wanted to Live in Paris, but not until I get serious amounts of cash to really live there and have fun.
It was just wonderful visiting all my suppliers, and having them remember me after about 10 months of not seeing me. And of course things have changed, as they always do in the fashion world, but the rate of change in Paris is astronomical! I am planning more trips there, because I had forgotten how wonderful a city it is.