Milan Spring 2009: D&G by Dolce & Gabbana

What a fun and fresh collection! The Spring 2009 collection was in nautical style with a touch of French 1929 chic. Beautiful dresses, minis and shorts romanticized by a large rose on the neck or as a belt came down the runway. The music was by Grace Jones “La vie en rose,” which was originally sung by the beautiful and most charming Madame Edith Piaf. High waist, scarves and silky materials were the main accents. Stefano Gabbana said in an interview, which is also available in video below, “The inspiration for this collection is the French Riviera. Every year there is a big party in Cannes. It is so fun. The last one was in May during the film festival. And we said with Domenico “Why don’t we do a collection for D&G like French Riviera.”" So, fall in love and enjoy the collection below listening to La Vie En Rose.

* D&G Spring 2009, Milan

* Interview with Stefano Gabbana

Lyrics to La Vie En Rose

Des yeux qui font baisser les miens
Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche
Voila le portrait sans retouche
De l’homme auguel j’appartiens
Quand il me prend dans ses bras,

Il me parle tout bas
Je vois la vie en rose
Il me dit des mots d’amour
Des mots de tous les jours,

Et ca me fait quelque choses
Il est entré dans mon coeur,

Une part de bonheur
Dont je connais la cause
C’est lui pour moi
moi pour lui dans la vie
Il me l’a dit, l’a juré pour la vie,

Et des que je l’apercois
Alors je sens en moi, mon coeur qui bat…

Fashion: Yachting

Going on a yacht and sailing away is becoming more and more about fashion than the sport itself. We have seen famous designers, such as Roberto Cavalli and supermodels, such as Kate Moss indulge in this hot lifestyle over the summer. Yachts are also the set for many designer photo shoots and music videos. Yachting has also inspired many design collections with its crisp whites and linen long dresses. And who can forget the never-ending nautical trend? Many designers have also made collections especially for cruising and “boat dressing.” Whether you will chose to sail from Positano to Provence or from Venice to Santorini, the sun-drenched coasts, the azure waters and the Mediterranean breeze will be the perfect combination to your upscale fashion sense. Now, here are a few tips for your yachting adventure.

Hot Bikini: Chose a beautiful and glamorous bikini. Softer colors and golden tones are preferable. You may chose bandeau, triangle or a one piece bikini. Keep in mind that the most important thing for a bikini, is to feel comfortable and sexy. You can slip into some tiny Brazilian cuts like Rosa Cha or chose from the variety of swimwear at Victoria’s Secret.

Cover-up Essential: As it gets quite windy on the yacht, you need to have a cover-up. Remember to chose wisely in order to be color coordinated with your bikini. If your bikini is neutral, chose a pattern and bolder cover-up. You can be more elegant with a Kimono-style or crocheted cover-up.

Hat Must-Have: Hats are very important and here is your chance to experiment with an extravagant hat. You may chose over sized crocheted hat with large decorations. Just remember that it should fit you well, so that you do not have to chase it in the sea.

Sunscreen: You should enjoy the sun to the fullest but be extra careful. Sunscreens are extremely important to ensure that your skin will be youthful and glowing. Remember to apply the lotions regularly throughout the day and do not forget to protect your face, lips and hair also. If you chose to wear lip gloss, be sure to apply sunscreen on top of it. As an alternative, the Balm Shelter Lip Gloss is a moisturizing, sheer gloss with SPF to protect and it comes in all shades. Aveeno offers good face and body sunscreens and Fekkai has some great leave-in-conditioners with activated UV shield to protect your hair!

Accessorize: Sunglasses are your absolute most important accessory. Remember that fashion and protection will go hand in hand. Over sized glasses are still in but you can experiment with the patterns and colors. Bags are a necessity. Louis Vuitton offers great beach bags, large but classy enough to show your fashion sense and practical side. Jewelry becomes more important as the sun sets. Chose one center piece and remember that less is more. You may decide to wear a large turquoise ring or a white pearls necklace.

Dress Appropriately: When on the yacht, fancy dresses and shoes are not needed. However, when stopping at ports and going to the fancy coast restaurants, note that cotton, linen and silk materials are impressive. White is the queen of chic but do not underestimate all shades of blue. You may chose longer or capri linen pants and short silk dresses. Shoes are preferably wedges or comfortable high slides. The materials can be colorful fabrics and even decorated with crystals or flowers for a more fancy look. Remember that gold tones are especially stunning with a golden tan during summer. If you are looking for high fashion, Chanel never disappoints with Resort wear and its Cruise Collections.

Sea Scent: When going out at night, make sure you bring your sea adventure to the inland. Eau d’Italie from Positano, Italy is a collection of shower gels, scented soaps and perfumes inspired by the world famous five-star Positano hotel La Sirenuse hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This fragrance is so cultural that it is sold only at the hotel and a few London boutiques. It has a fresh and seductive scent especially for the summer months.

Bring Your Camera: You will be spending unforgettable moments at sea. The adventure-romance combo should be pictured. Explore the coasts and azure waters, and at night have some fun time in your fashion outfits and golden tan.