Giovanna Battaglia, b. Italy

Italian-born former Dolce and Gabanna model Giovanna Battaglia is the fashion editor at L’Uomo Vogue and also works as a freelance stylist.

 One of the most stylish women sitting front row and the girlfriend of French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld’s art dealer son Vladmir Restoin-Roitfeld, Giovanna’s looks are always elegant with some flair.

http://rdujour.com/2010/02/03/style-file-giovanna-battaglia/

I love how she wears fabulous coats (very autumn/winter 2010) and lots of great flares or cropped trousers. There's a great sense of quirkyness about her style as well - but it's subtle, just in the details, whether that's a necklace or a colour.

Watch and learn.  

Rodarte

http://www.rodarte.net/

Founded by Kate and Laura Mulleavy. 

The Mulleavy sisters are U.C. Berkeley graduates from Pasadena, California.

After their initial collection of just 10 pieces, the Mulleavys appeared on the cover of Women's Wear Daily and had a meeting with Anna Wintour. 

Autumn/Winter 2008/09

Spring/Summer 2009 RTW

On November 13 2008, The Mulleavy sisters won one of fashion's biggest monetary awards, The Swiss Textiles Award in Zurich Switzerland, worth 100,000 euros. Rodarte beat other fashion designers like Jean-Pierre Braganza, Richard Nicoll and Louise Goldin to the prize. They were the first women to win the award and the first winners from outside Europe. The jury for the prize included New York fashion designer Patricia Field. In a radio interview just after they received their accolade Kate and Laura Mulleavy said their sibling relationship is critical to their work and their success.

Autumn/Winter 2009/10

Celebrity fans include Tilda Swinton, Emma Watson, Chloë Sevigny, Cate Blanchett, Keira Knightley, and Dita von Teese.

At the 81st Academy Awards both Reese Witherspoon and Natalie Portman were dressed in Rodarte. 

Actress and friend Kirsten Dunst accompanied them to the CFDA Awards in 2009.

 Another friend, fan, and model is Joanna Newsom, who is often seen wearing their designs. She has previously modeled for them, and been an interviewer of the two young women.

Autumn/Winter 2008, Topshop Spring/Summer 2009

On April 23, 2009, Michelle Obama wore Rodarte while hosting Queen Rania of Jordan in the Oval Office.

The sisters have also collaborated with Gap, and most recently Target, on limited edition pieces.

Spring/Summer 2008

Latest news, source: Elle UK...

Rumours are flying that the label may be bought by LVMH.

Pierre-Yves Roussel, the chief executive of the fashion arm of LVMH, is a regular on the front row at Rodarte's shows. And, according to WWD, talks have taken place on and off since the spring between the fashion powerhouse and Rodarte - although for now it seems that they're more off than on.

If Rodarte were to be snapped up by LVMH then they'd be in good company - its roster includes Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Givenchy and Celine. Watch this space...

http://www.elleuk.com/news/Fashion-News/is-lvmh-buying-rodarte/(gid)/568399

Their aesthetic is somehow romantic yet gothic, feminine yet strong.  

The Mulleavy sisters are very talented, non?

Winter's coming

What with it being such a miserable blustery day - one of many so far this month - I'm now getting excited for winter.

It's not that I dislike the summer months, I love seeing the sun and feeling it on my face, like any living creature does, but I love the change, I love it when the seasons switch.

It all started in the fashion cupboard at Fabulous.  Getting in the AW collections for the big AW shoot (in Fabulous either this Sunday or next....!) was so exciting and a lot of high street retailers have done a great job this season.

Warehouse has a beautiful leopard print coat, and a romantic white blouse that I've got my eye on.

Oasis has gone for gothic glamour with long-sleeved maxi dresses, velvet and black lace.

River Island has got a great selection of cosy knits and party pieces, while Next has got some fabulous ribbed leggings and tunics.

I've already bought some aviator-style leggings and a brown ruched skirt (above) from River Island and a cosy collared and pocketed cardie from Gap.  

****

Here's the run-down of my high street Autumn/Winter faves:

Boho glam at Miss Selfridge

leopard print eat your heart out - Warehouse

mixing elements of Max Mara, Chloe and Stella McCartney - M&S

say hello to the statement jumper - Oasis...

...and the statement cardie - River Island

check out that scarf.  I have one that's just as long and wide.  It took me two years to knit. - Topshop

tis the season of camel - M&S

Warehouse does a 70s tartan skirt

Thumbs up for the dress and bag - Miss Selfridge

fab lace skirt at Dorothy Perkins

just stunning - Oasis

high street hero Marks and Sparks gets big brownie points for this take on the ubiquitous shearling jacket

looking toasty at Topshop

Warehouse does a camel maxi jumper dress.  I never thought I'd see the day...

somewhat reminiscent of Meadham Kirchhoff and Hocus Pocus simultaneously - Topshop

various shades of taupe and camel -- 1970's at M&S

Miss Selfridge does grown-up, gothic AND 70s all in one outfit

statement maxis by Oasis

gorgeous. Why? It's all in the details - River Island 

fur over a jacket, now that's warm AND fit - Warehouse

shearling in cape form. two birds, one stone - Topshop

chic minimalism - M&S

What a coat - Miss Selfridge

and another great coat by Warehouse

these chunky socks are courtesy of Topshop, via Prada and the school gates

The girls at Tank will be lapping this up - Oasis

channeling Winter Kate at M&S

set hearts racing with this party frock - Topshop

immaculately styled - M&S

THIS is grown up dressing for your twenties - Warehouse (see my post 'Lamb dressed as Mutton')

Golly, I better get saving....