My other bags are PRADA

It is wonderful when people use their sense of humour to really make a message stand out.

After a day at work that was challenging, draining and empowering (not the normal combination, I know...). things needed to get better....

I was told to come over to the marketing side of the partition, and was given a wonderful little gift. The simple pleasure and beauty of a card that made me smile with joy.

A gift that had thought put into it, that even Paloma and Co. would appreciate. I was touched, laughing and very impressed.

Why yes, my other bags are PRADA, Dior. Louis. Balenciaga. Ferragamo. Chanel. GianFranco Ferré. FENDI. miu miu - and then some.

Ultimately my other bag is "me". A warm, funny vessel filled with love, tenderness, zaniness and a spirit beyond the material.

People are the ultimate bag. Not "baggage", but rather an accessory filled with wonderful tidbits and idiosyncrasies to be unveiled, worshipped and pleased. (like when you find a $100 note at the bottom of your bag and wondered how it got there to begin with....)

I could patiently unearth, revere and devour one's soul over a period of time.
Yes... love, sensuality and discovery are identical to opening the compartments of a new bag or purse. One by one, each part clicks into place... A story unfolds and the smile really takes hold of you. From within, all the way out - illuminating one and all.

It is true that My other bags are PRADA. However, do the other bags also know that they only belong to one Gougou?

Let's hope that they do!

Until next time, ensure you increase your uptake of Fabulosity Tablets to at least 10,000 milligrams per day.

You deserve it.

Stay wonderful, stay chic. Be unique.

Love PRADA, even if your other bags aren't!

Gougou, x.

Hey... I just met you... And this is crazy.

What can I say? What a week! What a day! What a life. This has truly been an amazing week. A celebration of beauty and of life.

Not only did I turn forty. I was blessed enough to experience some amazingly warm, open and exceptional gestures of love. From PRADA to Vuitton, great books, gorgeous fragrances and also most importantly... Great company.

Getting older is a celebration that awakens one's journey. I love the fact that I am embracing change, whilst steadfastly refusing to compromise my goals and values.

As such, we need to look at what is going on around us. Chic is a concept that we should never let go of. We should ways embrace it, revere it and never be punished, or made to feel any lesser because of it.

Case in point. Last night. After a long day at work, I accepted an offer from a gentleman friend of mine for a casual dinner on Chapel Street. Wow! Now THERE was an experience.

It was the first time we were to meet, and very impromptu was the plan. So, many thoughts buzzed through my mind: should I go home and change? Should I leave Paloma at home?

The answer: a resounding "no". why should I?

In the end, I asked for him to reserve a table for three. (Paloma was not about to miss out.). So he did. Paloma won out and charmed Mr. Wow-factor. He loved the story of how Tessuto transformed a small "shop" into a global Empire. (Being a clever businessman, he couldn't help but be entranced by the superb acumen of Miuccia and Patrizio.)

The food was delicious, the company utterly witty and sublime. His humour, laughter and larger-than-life personality made my friend (let's call him Mr. Wow-factor) just glow.

Fabulously entertaining stories and gorgeous moments of shared laugher dominated. The end result, SUPER!

The evening for me was topped only by a few things: conversation about my favourite topic in the world (PRADA) and its history.

Secondly, the genuine interest Mr. Wow-factor showed. (In Modern history... Or more to the point "PRADA history....")

Thirdly, child abuse. Yes, that is right.

As we were enjoying our meal, a young lass walked in with her "boyfriend" (he of the tribe of the "Pooves"...). He was carrying a Gucci pochette on a belt. (too lovely to be classed as a bum bag.). The said piece of Gucci was being carried like a clutch bag, and close to the chest.

Honey. Man up. You are dying hold a girl's bag. Just DO it!!!!

Anyway... his female companion was toting along a large Galleria (Saffiano) in the most magnificent soft beige tone I have ever seen.

Naturally, my PRADA-radar kicked in, and I could sense its presence a mile away.

The young lady in question sat for coffee on a table for four, and placed her Galleria on the floor....!

I wasn't coping.

As shortness of breath kicked in, I had to say something. So, I had to ask her why she placed her beloved on the ground, when there were two perfectly good chairs not being used. Her response: it had little feet, do the ground won't matter.

When I probed further , it was becoming apparent that she didn't wish to appear ostentatious.

I explained that the quality of PRADA cannot be treated with such contempt. Imaginable or otherwise.

Ultimately. The simple lines of the Galleria have become the ubiquitous "staple" of PRADA. Much like the Neverfull, the Speedy and the Pochette Accessoires have to Vuitton.

Unlike the Speedy et. al., the Galleria exists in such a wonderful array colours, finishes, sizes and general fabulosity.

It is the Génifique of handbags. Just as the Youth Activator has recruited millions of loyal skin care addicts to Lancôme - the Galleria is the most potent, addictive, desirable and loved recruitment tool for PRADA.

D, last night's lovely Lass received a veritable history lesson on PRADA, and will always revere her baby, never yo leave her on the floor again.

Paloma was chuffed. Mr. Wow-factor had a twinkle in his eye, and I tingled with the joy that only a goodwill gesture for the "children of chic" (bags) can only bring.

All in all, a wonderful night....

Which goes to show, that even Café Sienna was able to rise above its questionable (hyper-casual) image, and maintain a sense of style.

Now, if I could take the rest of its (female) patrons away from, You "GUESSed" it...!

Hmmm.... Maybe one day.

Until Next time,

Gougou, x.

Perfection doesn't exist. PRADA however does.

What a day. Working insanely today, I was blessed and touched by a gesture of complete beauty and warmth.

At the end if the day. One of my wonderful team came up to me and mentioned that she was giving me a little something for my fortieth. I looked into the bag, to be touched.

I noticed two things that stood out aside from the card in the bag. A bottle of Moët et Chandon. And a box....

A textured box that could only mean one thing. A box that spelt luxury, style and an experience of complete and utter pleasure: PRADA.

This Angel touched me in a way that I was not expecting. A PRADA purse awaited me. Pedro and Paloma now have a new little sister. Yet to be named. Hmm, I need to think.


After consulting www.babynames.com.au. I found many beautiful names: Pascale, Paolina, Persephone, Perdita, Petra, Perla... and many more. Struck by her sweetness, I decided to name her Petula. After all, PRADA and Petula (Clark) are both classics.


What is it about PRADA that makes this world an amazing place? Recently whilst in Tasmania, I stumbled upon this article ... Wow! The mere sight of PRADA is enough to convince a police officer to lose total control and to break the law. Yes, people do strange things to win, where Miuccia and her brand are concerned.

Indeed. Enough said.

Quite simply. Without Miuccia P, there is no sense of style. Wake up world. Chanel is a uniform. Dior must start again under the direction of Raf Simons. Let us see what that will bring us. As for my beloved Yves Saint Laurent - I am still shocked and devastated by the news.

Ah, life is indeed beautiful. I turned 40 since first penning this post. My glow of youth comes from acceptance and inner contentment - knowing that wonderful people understand me, accept me and allow me... To be "me"...!

To top off this week of PRADA-inspired loving, I am also now the owner of the Saffiano iPad cover in Fuoco, courtesy of Mishka, Suki and Poca. How can I not love these wonderful women in my life?

My my my... Miuccia...! (Where is Tom Jones when you need him?)

Enough of my incessant rankings for now. I have major posts to work on this week.

Until next time, stay chic.

Gougou, x.

Ampersands and or should I say "&" Cassandre?

What is the world coming to? Retro is everywhere. I call it the "ampersand" approach to style.

Has the world come to the stage where we have to create synthesised elements of homespun chic?

Black&white. Tiger&goat. Sweet&sour

Why not have bitch&mole?

Must we try to make everything sound established, so that it gives it cred?

What ever happened to simply being original? Maybe I could try something; a simple name. Perhaps even one word. Reaaaaaaally!!



All jokes aside, remove the ampersand, use originality. And stand the test of time.

I walked into the

Anyway, whilst I am having a bit of a whine, the recent announcement that has besieged the world's press has entered my train of thought. ("If it ain't broke, don't fix it....")

So, here we go again. What is wrong with the House of Dior? Megalomania seems to be the order of the day in the way that they breed them. Firstly, John Galliano. No-one can deny that he is a genius unlike any other in the world of sartorial creation and re-writing the language of fabric (although he will never be my Miuccia.)

Then, the descent into career Hell takes over. In only a couple of months he was deposed of his throne, and the world no longer discusses him.

Hedi Slimane also brought us many trends that have defined the "sexing" of the male species. Skinny jeans, toned physiques. Men finally becoming aware of their power to seduce through strength, combined with a fragility and vulnerability that belies a youthful force of sensual beauty and sexual strength.


There is no denying that Slimane is talented. However, all he is doing is adding the element of gender-bending, timeless design and sensuality of simplicity that were the hallmarks of Yves Saint Laurent's work.

Slimane, with his slim frame and brooding good looks could easily become the next YSL. However, in coming to the House founded instinctively by Love and the workings of genius over 50 years ago.

This is where the journey ends. For Slimane, a new rocket is about to be launched. He plans to rename the Icon of YSL as Saint Laurent Paris.

From YSL to SLP...? What is the world coming to? The utterance of Monsieur Saint Laurent's initials as a mantra is proof positive of the everlasting signature of modern design. Of history. Of culture.

The most idiotic thing to emerge from this whole scenario is that the classic Cassandre logo will still feature in the brand's imagery.

Would Chanel allow the interlocked C's to be unceremoniously re-branded and Christened as something else?! NEVER...

So, back to SLP. I think it is most ironic that a Dior alumnus is heading up the House that was created by the most famous Dior alumnus ever to have graced the world of design. It is criminal.

Saint Laurent left Dior after his ill treatment in the 60s. He created arguably the most creative, revolutionary and August of the Couture houses.

He then went on to mirror the worlds of Art and Literature. A Proustian character in the modern world. A recluse trapped in a social scene - of which he masterminded. Irony and contradiction his stock in trade.

The humble boy from Oran would rise like a Phoenix to rule the world of Style.

Now the house of YSL will try to imitate the fate of Dior once again. From "Christian Dior" to "Dior Paris". Now, is history set to repeat itself ? Must the house of Dior always try to influence the supreme brilliance of Yves Saint Laurent?

Slimane, how can it work, if the Cassandre logo is to remain? Mm, I wonder.

In conclusion. Leave the classics. Let them be. As for the ampersands. Away with them.

Until next we speak, stay fabulous.
Gougou, x.

All we are saying is "give Lance a chance..."

Gay marriage?.. More than a topic of discussion... A lifestyle. A choice? I think not.A key statement from the man himself: if you don't want gay marriage... Stop having gay children...I think that the statement he had made was apt, witty and utterly true.

Whatever one believes in, this is an issue that simply won't disappear! Political battle are being waged over this very issue. People are being condemned to death in public forums - across the world. Iran / Persia, anyone. Laws are made against us as people. However, love will always triumph.

Gay marriage is the one of the most divisive issues that faces the world these days. Not unlike dare I say it, abortion around twenty years ago.

Either way, whatever one believes,it is people's right to choose their outcomes and journey-without fear or of judgement.

Ultimately. Love is what matters.

Lauren Weisberger does it again.

There is truth to the rumours. Fans, rejoice. Ten years ago, Weisberger unleashed a phenomenon ... Four simple words, echoing with a puissance borne of simplicity and a clear message: The Devil Wears Prada.

Four simple words. Four unforgettable words. A title so brilliant, that it couldn't flow as smoothly if the Devil was to wear Chanel or Dior.

I was chatting with my sister the other day, and couldn't believe my ears when she mentioned a sequel. Yes... It is true!!!!

Weisberger is currently in the process of penning a sequel to her loved début novel. This time, the plot apparently centres around Andy Sachs as she edits the ultimate bridal magazine in New York...

Apparently Emily, (portrayed superbly in the film by the stunning Emily Blunt) is now working with Andy, not Miranda Priestley. Finally, Andy and Miranda will come face to face in the Fashion scene of New York...

In the words of Marg Downey as the "SBS woman"...: I can hardly wait for that one...

I cannot believe it... I am already contemplating the soundtrack the styling and the costumes... 2013 begs to be the year of the great chic-flick now...

Hmmm, maybe the Devil also works at PRADA...? As I am always being tempted. Sooner or later, I will lose it and succumb to the pull of PRADA. Help....!

Until then, I will have to remember Anne Hathaway as the face of Lancôme's Magnifique in 2008, and now Emily Blunt as the face of Opium by Yves Saint Laurent - two of my favourite fragrances... What next, Streep for Trésor...?Until next time,Gougou. X.

What a day!

Has style taken a back seat in favour of seriously demented people walking the streets looking like clones of tragic celebrities?

Visiting the "fashion capital" (Chadstone) today... Mishka, Suki and I were shocked to see how many Kim Kardashian wannabes were strutting their stuff in pleather leggings, sans underwear, overdone bronzer with visible demarcation lines. Honey... Do you live in an MFZ? A "mirror free zone"? I long for the days where makeup matched the skin tone... the whole idea of foundation is to be imperceptible... That is why it is designed to go on first...

If this wasn't enough, a 'Sian princess decided to pose outside my other temple, miu miu, wearing shoes two sizes too big... Honey, if you are going to stand outside an icon, and dare to even take a pic, make sure the finer details are right...  How could she even walk?

Seriously, what was she thinking?

To think - she had the audacity to stand outside my beloved miu miu...?!!?

This is where I long for the days of individuality. That is why when I look at the défilé, I am very fixated on PRADA and miu miu. Every season, the genius that Is Miuccia Prada goes way beyond the expected direction of houses that espouse a uniform (Chanel, anyone?). It is the approach that Miuccia takes which makes her shows one of the most anticipated events of the Fashion Calendar.

The creations that step out from the runways, into the boutiques, only to enrich lives by empowering people to be confident in themselves. Take Spring / Summer 12. A collection that has been revered in many editorials, commented on by bloggers, designers and also by editors. The collection draws its inspiration from the 50s hot rod culture of middle America, and fuses a sense of adventure and sensuality. Prim and proper femininity meets with a streak of polished rebellion. The staging, the collection, the soundtrack. Utterly unforgettable.



Images from the most magnificent collection from PRADA Spring / Summer 2012...
Simple, pure and sublime visions of chic... as only Miuccia Prada knows how...

Today,I touched, rather stroked a fur gilet today in Hugo Boss. Wow. Then, I thought to myself, fur is a natural product and we eat the meat... Ideally, fur can be justified if the food chain is taken into account. Therefore, I have coined a new "pearler". Ready? MinkDonald's. Feed the world mink, and then we can all wear it!  Highly contentious but thoroughly practical. What would Anna FENDI have to say?

There is so much about fashion that fascinates me.

One thing I will say, is for those who criticise the lovers of the sartorial arts, labelling us as pretentious... Get over it!!!!

Any other form of art... exhibits in a gallery, museum or concert would be celebrated. However, because the Art of fashion is transient, mobile and wearable, those who revere this amazing artwork are misunderstood and denigrated. Remember, that every Epoch in history was defined by what we wore... Not what was hung on our walls.... History itself has proven it... Fashion is vital... Wake up world... Art is art.... Enough said for now, or I will need to hospitalise myself for stress.... Art is art... No matter what!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzF4nFmG4Y

Who but Miuccia can take the boundaries of design, blend them effortlessly with the worlds of art, music, architecture and also literature... Creating the seminal statement of perfection that we all secretly lust after. This is what the Kardashian "Klones" should wake up to. Being themselves. I am still recovering from the day we had today. I am toying with the idea of fur... There, I said it! After so many decades of not agreeing with the concept. What is appending to me? Last season, Marc Jacobs himself proudly wore a coloured men's fur stole, by none other than PRADA. I really want one. Anyway, enough about me. I am dreaming of my collection of goodies that I want for the upcoming season. The only complaint hat I will make is that Miuccia and Anna (FENDI) will send me broke. Stay tuned for the pictures. To be posted shortly.

Until next time.

Gougou, x.