New York – Stylitz

‘Ghost in the Shell’ premiere with Danusia Samal

Published on March 31, 2017April 7, 2017 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Today sees the launch of the long awaited and massively hyped blockbuster ‘Ghost in the Shell’ starring Scarlett Johansson and Juliette Binoche. Check out the trailer here:

Appearing alongside these superb actresses is up-and-coming, uber-talented hottie Danusia Samal. Who just happens to also be my cousin! With a background in theatre, the voice of a soulful angel, and a training at Brit school and Central School of Speech and Drama, this is Danusia’s first (of no doubt many) film role. And what a movie to land!

Danusia Samal attending the Paris premiere of Ghost in the Shell 21.03.2017. All images: Getty Images

Over numerous traditional Polish family gatherings, Danus and I have always discussed that if she were to do red-carpet and needed a stylist I was her gal. And this month we finally got to work together for the first time, as I styled her for the Paris and New York premiere of her film. It was the most fun ever and I think you will all agree that Danusia looked absolutely stunning. Below are pics of her on the red carpet (apologies for the watermarks, these belong to the photographers named and I must give credit to them for their work). She looked like an superstar and worked the red-carpet like a pro, despite being incredibly nervous.

Danusia Samal wears metallic green jumpsuit, Edeline Lee. Gold bangles and rings, Laura Gravestock. Black suede courts, Darmaki.

Black suede courts with metal heel, Darmaki. Sparkly clutch, Bimba y Lola.

As Danusia’s stylist, I wanted to reference the sci-fi genre of the film and also accessorise with lots of angular bangles for a futuristic warrior feel (another nod to her role in the film). I think this outfit had exactly the desired effect whilst showing off Danusia’s astounding figure. Special thanks to the gorgeous London Fashion Week designer Edeline Lee, creator of this fab metallic jumpsuit (named by Edeline as ‘money-green’), who allowed us to visit her showroom and play dress up in all her designs. And also the adorable Laura Gravestock who provided numerous bangles and rings for us to stack up and Darmaki for these fabulous avant-garde heels. The unique long fish earrings are from Danusia’s personal collection.

Here are some behind-the-scenes details from our fitting day:

Now onto premiere number two in New York, which was only just this week. Our original plan for this was to go for a long sequinned gown, but a last minute re-fit last weekend resulted in this cute embroidered lace dress from Ong Oaj Pairam, paired with silver accessories. Again, Danusia worked it like a star on the red-carpet and even managed to pull off the jaunty socks and sandals look.

Danusia attends the New York Premiere of Ghost in the Shell on29.03.2017. Wearing dress, Ong Oaj Pairam. Large earrings and rings, both Pilgrim Jewellery. Small lightning bolt studs, Laura Gravestock. Sandals, New Look. Socks, stylist’s own. Photos: Getty Images.

And here are a couple more pics from the after party just coz I love these shots:

Photos: Getty Images

And finally a few detail shots of the Pilgrim Jewellery earrings and rings at our fitting day:

All of the above clothing and accessories are from the current Spring/Summer collections and are available to buy now. Please go to the following websites to find out more. I hope you like the styling and enjoyed the pics. Comments welcome and happy shopping!

https://edelinelee.com/ http://lauragravestock.com/ https://www.darmaki.com/ http://www.bimbaylola.com/cms/?lang=en http://www.ong-oajpairam.com/ https://www.pilgrim.net/shop www.newlook.com

Who’s army? Alexander Wang x H&M

Published on October 17, 2014October 17, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So looks like H&M have gone and done it again. Last night saw the launch of yet another cracking collaboration, this time between the high street giant and the uber-cool US designer Alexander Wang. Not only is Wang a firm favourite with the fashion crowd, his blend of street-meets-catwalk has the hottest faces in music and film clamoring for his designs.

The collection debuted at a spectacular event in New York, opening with free runners putting on an energetic parkour performance around the urban boxy set.

Free runners wow with a parkour performance

This was followed by a catwalk show, where an army of black and grey clad models wearing helmets and carrying boxing gloves and basketballs enforced the sports-luxe theme. On conclusion, Wang appeared to take his bow amidst a shower of cannon-launched glitter. Just your average Thursday night then. After the models took their final turn it was on to round three – some 90s inspired music with hip-hop artist Sharaya J opening for a set of classics by Missy Elliot. Get Ya Freak On indeed!

Images from yesterday’s Alexander Wang x H&M catwalk show

Adding a touch of A-list glamour to the front row were the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Dakota Fanning, who all came dressed in garments from the new collection.

Front row: Kate Mara and Mary J. Blige

Karlie Kloss stocks up on her faves from the range

Jessica Chastain works a white striped number

Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne and Kate Mara enjoying the show

Due online and in-store worldwide on 6th November 2014, this sporty collection will certainly cause the round-the-block queues that have become the norm for H&M’s amazing designer collaborations. If you do manage to get inside, I say opt for the bodycon dress, grey striped leggings or the ‘Wang’ emblazoned sweatshirt. Whether you’re planning to wear these in the street or to the gym, they’re bound to create an envy inducing outfit. And an Instagram sure fire hit.

Alexander Wang x H&M lookbook

The Alexander Wang x H&M collection launches worldwide on 6th November 2014, in-store and online at http://www.hm.com Images courtesy of H&M

J. Crew lands in London

Published on October 31, 2013October 31, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

It seems this November is the month for exciting launches. As seen on last Friday’s post, the hotly anticipated Isabel Marant for H&M collection arrives in two weeks, and in 8 days time (and counting) fashionista favourite J. Crew opens in the UK. That’s right, the US brand beloved by Michelle Obama and led by style icon and creative director Jenna Lyons, is opening three London stores on November 8^th. The launch has already generated acres of column inches, with press features going back as far as 6 months. That is quite some build up! The December issue of British Vogue – which landed on my doorstep this morning – has a 30 page supplement (see above), which will only add fuel to the well stoked J. Crew fire.

Model images from the AW13 collection show the label’s bold use of colour and print

The brand is a firm fashion favourite. For years British stylists have picked up their iconic prints and bold tailored pieces when in New York for fashion week. Now, UK based folk can also access the supremely stylish label. J. Crew is known for mixing geek with chic, balancing masculine cuts with feminine prints and is the master of juxtaposed layering. A crisp white shirt under a grey marl sweater, teamed with a printed pant, bold statement necklace and a flat polished brogue is THE J. Crew look and one championed by Jenna herself. Effortless and chic with just the right nod to seasonal trends, this is the style that fashion folk emulate.

President and Creative Director Jenna Lyons addresses St Martins students in the J. Crew Winter 2013 lookbook

A classic J. Crew look (sweater, printed pants, statement necklace and flats) as seen in the Winter 2013 lookbook

Masculine Italian leather loafers are given a feminine metallic edge

The price points place the brand at the upper end of the high-street, with jumpers starting at £100 and key statement pieces costing up to several hundred pounds. This puts them on a par, or even slightly above labels such as Whistles, Reiss and Hobbs, so not one for bargain basement Primark lovers. However, the quality is high, the pieces are divine and the whole aesthetic is unique, distinctive and oozes effortless style. I can’t wait to add this brand to my wardrobe.

Main holding image: Cover of J. Crew Winter 2013 Issue supplement, which came with this month’s British Vogue

J. Crew stores open on November 8th. For more information go to www.jcrew.com

Architectural adventure

Published on September 21, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

If you’ve always wanted to take in the view at The Shard or explore the inner towers of the iconic Battersea Power Station, but don’t fancy having to remortgage for the experience, then this may be the weekend for you. For two days only, a vast number of London’s finest architectural landmarks are opening their doors for free. Yes, that’s free! Named ‘Open House London’ this annual weekend event allows you to take in Tower 42 in the City (once the tallest skyscraper in London) and even snoop around 10 Downing Street. Well, technically numbers for the viewing of the Prime Minister’s residence and The Shard have already been allocated by ballot, but there are still plenty of other famous buildings to explore.

Battersea Power Station (image source: Creative Commons/Aurelien Guichard)

No 10 Downing Street (image source: Open House)

Open House was started in 1992 as a not-for-profit organisation promoting our fantastic architecture. Their aim is to get people to look around them and learn about the structure and history of some of our beautifully designed constructions. Often buildings that are not usually accessible to the public (like the aforementioned Battersea Power Station) are included in the long list of participants. The event has been so popular that it has been replicated in numerous cities internationally, including New York, Melbourne, Rome and even Jerusalem.

Tower 42 (image source: Open House)

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden (image source: www.timeout.com)

Most of the buildings are on a first come first served basis, so you best be quick if you want to peruse the plum locations. It’s already mid-morning and we all know what they say about the early bird…

London’s Open House runs from 21^st-22^nd September- visit www.londonopenhouse.org for more info.

For ideas of where to head this weekend check out Time Out’s guide to the top venues: http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/open-house-london-our-highlights

Main image – Cutty Sark. Source: www.timeout.com