I spotted this fantastic page featuring Catherine Baba, stylist, jewellery designer & street photographer darling, in the April 2012 issue of Vogue UK. Of course what caught my eye first and foremost is that she wears a version of the same c1978-79 Harlequin Yves Saint Laurent set that I have in the shop right now! Isn't it amazing?
I love Catherine's style — she is the definitive throwback to the best of the seventies — color, decadence, cut and drape all mixed with abandon and with a master's eagle eye for color and layering. She is also infamous for travelling about Paris on her bike during Fashion Week while wearing her full on, over-the-top ensembles. It must be something to see her whiz by you in vintage YSL, a turban and her insanely long, self-made fringe earrings streaming out behind her. Every season the photos of her weaving through Paris traffic on her bike and platforms, more often then not in a kaleidoscope of prints and vintage, are my absolute favorite shots of the season. The photo below where she perches on the back of a bike side-saddle while being chauffeured about seemingly impervious to the fact that she is sitting on a bike in full traffic — how could you possibly get away with even trying to style a shot like that and making it seem real? Yet there it is and it is just the way she lives her life. Full on and with complete abandon and on her terms.
In the article she states "my mood affects what I wear day to day. The clothes choose me really"
Perhaps, more of us should allow our clothes to "choose us" if this is the result! Bravo Catherine!
My version of Catherine's YSL look — available at Shrimpton Couture now — click here
PS The Summer Flash Sale is almost over — you have from now till Sunday to take advantage of a site wide 20% discount! This is the last discount of the season. All current sale sections items end then too!
Photos: Streetstyle & various — please let me know if you should be credited