Maloles

Ok, my list of favourite Spanish shoe designers/brands is growing bigger by the moment. First there was Camper and Wonders, then Japanese-born-yet-living-in-Spain Chie Mihara, then Vialis, and now it's another young woman of Spanish origins, who has stole my shoe-loving heart. Her name is Maloles.

Some info first:

The French shoe and accessory brand was founded in 2004 by Spanish shoe lover Maloles Miracosta-Antignac. Growing up in Alicante, the heart of Spain’s footwear industry, she often raided her grandmother’s vast collection and ardently browsed flea markets for 1920s tap shoes.

The Maloles shoe line is feminine, fun and comfortable. The shoes are crafted in Spain from the finest Italian leathers. Maloles make you smile every time you look at them because they are so sweet, cute and girly. It is luxury that always remains affordable.

[via Finnish boutique My o My]

Some obligatory eye candy:






Maloles may mostly be famous for her ballet flats, including models Georges and Zoé, which are now considered classic, but she delivers amazingly comfy and stylish heels too!


Anyway, as you might remember, the model I recently got from second-hand designer boutique BOHBO was a version of the Zoé ballet flat, which is made by gathering the leather on top of the toes in small pleats, to create the front of the shoe. Maloles' most iconic design till today.


Women with wide feet might be particularly interested in this model, as the ribbon that holds the pleats together can actually be re-tied a bit looser, to make a more space in the front of the shoe for tootsies. As they weren't soft enough already. (Personal opinion: They are.)

And why am I bringing all this up now? Don't worry, I'm not trying to sell you anything! I'm just trying to justify my ordering another pair of Maloles Zoé flats online a few days ago...

So that's just a teaser. Newly received shoes will be posted soon!

Iconic DKNY mural painted over

You know I'm a sucker for anything that puts graffiti and fashion together in the same sentence, but this is just sad...


[photo by me, April 2006]


[photo by BoweryBoogie, June 2009]

The iconic DKNY mural on the corner building at Houston and Broadway is now sadly gone.

The mural was created back in the early 1990's, during the golden years of Donna Karan's fashion empire. It showed a striking New York landscape featuring the Statue of Liberty, the Twin Towers and works by veteran graffiti writes REVS and COST incorporated into the landscape pictured. It has been photographed by millions of tourists these past 20 years (yours trully included) and was considered more of a city New York landmark than a simple advertisement. The mural was painted a greyish brown after the building was purchased by Abercrombie & Fitch to be turned into a Hollister store.

For a more detailed view of the now gone mural, check this picture by wallyg in flickr, in size large. Has some really nice trivia, too.

You know those New Yorkers are totally pissed about this. Especially since Hollister is considered touristy and redneckish...


[photo by woodwood]

[via Fashion Addict Diary]

Sis got a new bag

Yesterday, sister Efi overcame her well-known inhibitions and actually went shopping! She got a new canvas bag from Azadé in Maroussi, perfect for - what else - carrying her laptop around.

She does a lot of that lately, as she is doing a very important experiment for her Master in Cognitive Science final thesis (she's a smartie) and she is always on the run to find people to participate. She actually asked me to mention it here because she needs more people willing to help her.

So, if you are between 18-30 years old, your mother tongue is Greek, you live in Athens and you have about one hour to spend for the good of science (and help my sister get her degree) you can contact her on peirama.info(at)gmail(dot)com

Today is the day

...to wear your Fashion Targets Breast Cancer t-shirt, like we said last time! Are you wearing yours?

Skirt, H&M. Ballerina flats, Maloles. Blue obi belt, shop in Volos.
Don't forget t-shirt, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Greece

Hot pink, slate grey and second hand shopping

This is a post totally dedicated to my latest new buys! Just to make one thing clear, I didn't buy all these at once, every little thing has its own story. Let me elaborate...

My new peep-toe flats in slate grey patent. Found myself browsing through H&M one morning, and my eye stopped on them. They where €12,95. I was sold.

Next, we have a simple hot pink cotton skirt, also from H&M. Don't remember the exact price, but it was quite a bargain, too. Because, let's face it, who doesn't need a simple hot pink cotton skirt, right? Jokes aside, I find this will come in quite handy when I want to create a simple, cool summer outfit with just a top and a skirt, and then liven it up with some accessories. I'm thinking of doing a remix post on the ways I can wear it. We'll see..

And here we have one of my Bucharest trip buys, my new grey ALDO bag. I love grey accessories and this is a perfect shade, plus the gold hardware makes it a bit more grown-up, for when I want to look more like a laydee.

It's not real leather, but the quality of its construction makes up for it. This and the amazing pink praisley-print satin interior. God is in the details!

The pièce de résistance, the one I already talked about in this post by Shopping Therapy, my new fuschia strapless fitted dress. Perfect fit, cute colour and an extra pair of straps in case I feel like I need more support, all for just €29, 90. Well, thank you H&M! Now, all I need is an occasion to wear it...

And last, but definitely not least, a pair of Maloles metallic grey ballerina flats. Another pair of flats, you may ask? Well, I see a Maloles pair of flats as an investment.

I will explain more about the company and their shoe-making philosophy in one of my following posts, but for now let me just say that a pair of Zoe ballerina flats, like the ones I got here, retail for over €250. Ouch!

So, how did I get them? Cause I sure as hell didn't pay that much, even though I believe their quality quite justifies the asking price.

Well, my secret is called BOHBO.

I discovered that little second-hand designer goods shop recently, when I covered it as shop of the week for ermoumag. And people, I got hooked! I may not be a labels girl, but one can find some serious bargains in there, including these babies above, which I got for a mere €40. Used yes, but in perfect condition. And it couldn't be any other way, as Mandica, the owner of BOHBO, only brings in items in perfect condition. Do read my shop of the week coverage (in English here) as well as the interview Mandica gave for ermoumag, where she shares lots of fun trivia about the merchandise, her clients and her own thrifting adventures abroad, before she came to Greece and decided to open BOHBO.

So, Greek readers, I'm basically asking you: What do you think of second hand shopping? Granted, here in Greece there are not many second hand shops, designer or not. Moreover, second hand shopping is still considered a taboo in our country. I've already talked about this, in one of my first ever posts, back in April 2008.

More specifically, after you check out the BOBHO shop and Mandica's philosophy I'd love for you to tell me, would you shop there, like I did? Do you shop in other second hand shops in Athens? Do you have any to recommend? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Designers fight back

The text that follows was published at the Council of Fashion Designers of America official webpage cfda.com. It's quite country-specific (about the Design Piracy Prohibition Act, a bill about to pass in the American Congress. Legally Blonde much?) but do read it, it is extremely interesting.

In 2006, the CFDA took a leadership role in supporting legislature that would protect designers’ intellectual property. President Diane von Furstenberg, as well as several CFDA Members including Joseph Abboud, Jeffrey Banks, Marc Bouwer, Nicole Miller and Zac Posen and Gela Nash-Taylor of JUICY COUTURE, traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with senators to discuss the importance of the issue.

The Design Piracy Probation Act will protect original fashion designs for a period of three years from their registration with the U.S. Copyright Office.
CFDA Executive Director Steven Kolb praised the bill, saying “We are grateful to this influential group of U.S. Senators for recognizing the threat that piracy poses to designers in America today, and we are pleased that they have introduced such a powerful measure to help put an end to it.”

Design Piracy describes the increasingly prevalent practice of enterprises that seek to profit from the invention of others by producing copies of original designs under a different label. These duplicate versions then have the potential to flood the market and devalue the original by their ubiquity, poor quality, or speed at which they reach the consumer. Technological advances to the means of textile and garment production, as well as increases in the number of distribution channels and the availability of cheap labor in emerging economies have created serious challenges to the growth of fashion design in America. The Design Piracy Prohibition Act grew from these concerns, and was initiated with two main objectives: to protect both the established and the up-and-coming designers whose development, growth and success helps to support the $350 billion U.S. fashion industry; and to preserve intellectual property.

For more information on the Design Piracy Prohibition Act, visit www.stopfashionpiracy.com. Be sure to check the amazing video on the top of the page (it is quite long, but totally worth it) and the real vs fake section. Both are real eye-openers.

And to add to the discussion, here is the craft world's point of view, via BurdaStyle:

If this bill is passed, what does this mean for the indie crafting world, as well as the fashion industry as a whole? On one hand, it would ensure that indie designers, who have quite often been victims of intellectual theft by bigger companies are better protected; it would mean that all the hard work gone into designing and creating clothing for sale are not all attempted in vain.

On the other hand, will the bill potentially stifle the creativity of young designers and crafters? Painters and artists often exchange ideas- in the past, this inspired artistic movements. When asked about their favorite fashion designers or influences, fashion students usually have a long list of names they’re able to recite by rote.

How does one specifically pinpoint where design elements come from, or who they’ve truly been inspired by?

I believe I have given you enough food for thought. What do you think? And please, let's try to see this matter as a whole, and leave specific cases out of this. You know who/what I'm talking about...

Closet zombies

Strippy top, PULL & BEAR. Skirt, ZARA. Ballerina flats, Camper. Grey scarf, H&M.

I love that skirt!
You know, it was one of those pieces that you fall in love with, you buy them, hang them in your closet and after one year, they're still there, in the same place, tags hanging and all. Not one of our proudest moments, right? I got this skirt a couple of years ago and I only started wearing it these past few days. And you know why? Because, before, I just wasn't used to wearing skirts that high up my waist. And now that gave in, I just can't stop!
So, don't give up on those closet-zombies. Dig them out and give them a try. You might discover one of your new favourite pieces.

The Consolagate

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Right: Vasso Consola Collection

It all started with this post by Greek fashion blogger Fashion Paths.

Then came Greek designer Vasso Consola's answer via her facebook.

Allow me to translate:

Usually, we fashion designers don't reply to musings by people who are not in the fashion industry. I'm not sure why exactly that is, probably because we consider our work speaks for itself and that it is not one of our biggest concerns how it will be perceived by someone else. However, when I read this particular comment, I have to say I was bothered, not that I don't accept criticism - that will always be existent when someone works in a profession where criticism is expected and accepted when it's thoroughly thought and good-intended. We can't be agreeable to everyone, we are all different and addressed to different people.
But here, I believe that I detected smart-ass hints and covered meanness, ones that verify the fact that in this country, anyone can be a self-acclaimed anything. Without basic knowledge in Costume History or contemporary fashion, its structures and the way it functions, it seems like Economics should be the subject where this comment's writer can continue to be occupied with, with more accuracy and success.
Nowhere does it state that this is my winter collection. And as far as the fabric is concerned, which seems to be the subject of most similarity accusations, I just want to state what those who are familiar with those things, already know that it is called Pied e coq (sic), it exists as a pattern since the early 1900's and has been used by many designers, in numerous colour combinations. If she [blogger Fashion Paths] was as observative as an actual fashion critic, she would have known that neither the fabric, nor the influences or the concept are the same as my colleague's, Marc Jacobs.
If she knew a few things about me, she would have known that I have my own knitted fabric made for me and that my Atelier Collection clothes are custom made according to each customer's measurements or completely unique (as some of them are created on a dressmaker's form, using the moulage technique, therefore can't be recreated). The ID line is a project connected with the producing process and it's more of a part of my prêt-a-porter line.
In times like this, when you don't even have to buy books to be informed, but instead all information you need can be found online, it's a shame for someone to play fashion journalist, without previously having done some sort of research on the subject they are talking about.

(quick question here: What's with talking in the third person? Isn't she answering to the blogger who "insulted" her? If not, who is this text addressed to? Her "followers"?)

Anyway, here's Fashion Paths' post update after the designer's answer:

By studying economics, I've learned that fashion, via marketing, mainly addresses to the public outside of the fashion industry. A fashion professional may tarnish a designer's name by negatively criticizing him/her. In the end, though, it's the public that judges what is worth buying or not, as its opinion matters the most (the money factor, that is).

Vaso Consola's second facebook answer after that:

Translation:

Someone may be called a "Professional" when they acknowledge their work as something really important and serious. Someone who writes without knowing what they are writing about are not "Professional" even if they have self-proclamed themselves as that. Have a bit of caution girls... One should not buy a laptop and shoot away!

Nice work insulting an entire community, lady.

Sorry if I have tired you with all that back-and-forth answers. I really wanted all the parts of this "conversation" to exist as screenshots and links, and also be translated in English online, so one can form a complete opinion.
For that matter, also read Alecca Rox's post.
That girl tells it as it is.

And other than that, I agree with most of the girls. This matter has left the did she copy or not territory and is now all about why won't she acknowledge fashion bloggers, their presence, their power, and their opinion, not as fashion professionals, but as people who really like fashion, and were admirers and potential clients of hers.

Well, not any more.

It's not your fault, dear flamingo

Sunday should officially be declared as "Online Shopping day".
So here I am, wasting some time at Urban Outfitters after seeing Rebecca's amazing new UO dress in her latest post, and my eyes fell upon this little cutie:

Flamingo Bag Charm by Luella, was £55.00, now £39.99.

Cute and a bargain.
Now, lets take a look at their shipping policy, I said to myself.

If I was in mainland UK, that would be £4.99.
If I was living in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, France, Germany or Luxembourg, it would be £10.95.
Italy or Spain, £12.95.
Finland, Portugal, Denmark or Sweden, £15.95.
And finally, for Norway, Switzerland and Greece, the delivery cost is £39.95.

Thirty-nine fucking pounds and ninety-five bloody pennies.

I have to pay twice the price of the merchandise (which is obviously really tiny and lightweight) to have it delivered from the UK to another European Union country? Can someone please explain, cause I'm busy cursing right now?

Opening night

Well, not much to say, really. Saw many of you in real life last night, which was great by the way. But now it's over, friends and loved ones went back home, and we must throw ourselves into studying. That's life!

Skirt, ZARA from two seasons ago. Tank top, Benetton. Rope wedges, ZARA bought back then. Woven leather belt, came free with these H&M pants. Pink bangle, some shop in Volos. Bow ring, Accessorize.

Styles In It

An exhibition on the underground street art that is graffiti, focusing on the three most prominent styles (3D lettering, wild style and characters) and featuring artwork by some of the most famous active graffiti artists in Greece today.

Opening tonight, at 8:30 in K44 Exhibition Space in Gazi, Athens.

My other side

Totally unfeminine?
Scruffy?
Unkept?
All of the above?

Guilty as charged!
This is what I have to wear when I ride my bike. Which I don't do that often nowadays. Athens streets are a bitch. But today, I had to collect it from the mechanic in Nea Smyrni and drive it back all the way to Maroussi. In *this* heat.

My face and eyes still hurt from the hot air blasting through my helmet. Not to mention what happened to my legs...

Two-stroke. And that's why I would never wear my more "proper" shoes to ride.

PS. I see many people got confused... I don't ride a bicycle. In fact, I don't remember how to. I drive a two-stroke (hence the oil stains) 125cc motorbike, more specifically the one I mentioned months ago, in this post.

Yellow bag

Ok, confession time. During summer, I get this silly problem... Leather or synthetic bags get too hot for me to carry around, pressed on my side. I sweat and have to carry them by hand instead of on my shoulder, which is not the most practical thing. So, until I find the perfect chic straw bag that doesn't scream "beach" (QueenB has already found it at ZARA) so I can carry it around in the city, I am forced to go back into my younger years and dig out my colourful fabric totes. I got this one at H&M during a trip to NY in 2006 and I haven't really used it much since. Well, everything on its right time, as they say.

Dove grey scoop-neck t-shirt, Marks & Spencer. Black tank top, H&M. Grey skirt, BADILA. Yellow tote bag, H&M. Leather gladiator sandals, ZARA. Bead necklace, H&M. White-rimmed aviators, Von Zipper.

New summer tops

Four down, and I still want more!
Simple solid colour cotton tops for €5,95 each, H&M.

Most probably, my new all-time favourite summer top.
Light blue and white top, Pull & Bear.

Looks like a pyjama top, I hear you say? I don't care! Love it!
Teddy-bear print t-shirt, €12,95 Pull & Bear.

Already wore this one here. Totally the best option for keeping cool in warm summer days.
Checkered top that ties on the shoulder with strings, Pull & Bear.