Warriors! Come out to plaaaayay!

So many TRIBAL influences on the runway this season.  My favorite being, Nicolas Ghesquiere's version for Balenciaga. No matter the season nor the influence he takes what is forward-thinking, fresh and inspiring and creates clothes that are familiar, wearable and forever cool. I am obsessed with the Pierre Hardy boots he commissioned; fashioned after Masai warrior necklaces. Salivating. I am eager to get these looks onto my body. Even if I have to rip up the block print pillows in my living room.

Photos: Top, OHNE TITEL SPR '10 RTW - JP Yim via Life.com. Middle, DRIES VAN NOTEN SPR '10 RTW - Imaxtree via Elle.com; DRIES SHOE by JAK & JIL. Bottom, BALENCIAGA via What The Hellz; BALENCIAGA SHOW - Imaxtree via Elle.com

Brazzaville Here We Come...My New Best Friends

Oh golly! Just found this exquisite book, Gentlemen of Bacongo, by photographer, Daniele Tamgni. A gorgeous expression of artistry, by both Tamgni and his subjects, The Sapeurs. I can't believe we will be living there. I hope you can spare a moment do a bit of reading about these fascinating men of the congo. The Sapeurs today belong to Le SAPE; an acronym for the movement itself, Société des Ambianceurs et Persons Élégants. I'm sure it's no coincidence that the word sape also means “to dress with elegance and style” in French. Members not only remain resolutely faithful to the church of high fashion and it's designers, but have their own code of honor, codes of professional conduct and strict notions of morality. C'est tres cool! Can't get enough.

Photos: Daniele Tamgni ("Gentlemen of Bacongo" - Trolley Books)