22 August 2011

San Francisco chronicles and the knee length

Channelling a Hitchcock heroine style, this incredibly beautiful editorial features Daria Werbowy in some gorgeous, very much film noir appropriate outfits: crepe satin and silk ladylike dresses and pencil skirts, silk (!) trench coat, killer heels, retro tote (Yves Saint Laurent if you care to know), cashmere cardigans and elbow-high gloves. This is one of my favourite fashion editorials and ever since I started blogging I’ve been meaning to dedicate a post to it. One browse through my stack of Vogue magazines this past weekend reminded me of it again and all in good time, as I couldn’t find any other photoshoot more suitable for what I was looking for: to talk a little about the most seductive length: the knee length. Straight cut (in pencil skirts) or a little room-leaving lean lined (as in the beautiful dresses Daria is wearing), there really is nothing like it.

Is there anything sexier than a knee hemline, especially a pencil skirt? Compared to it the shortest mini doesn’t even count. The pencil skirt is the epitome of elegance, a full-glamour timeless piece and a big trend for the coming fall-winter season. Christian Dior was the one who introduced this simultaneously sexy and smart silhouette in the late 1940s using the term H-line to describe its shape. No other cut models a woman’s body more perfectly and with such little effort. Simple, but impactful. It’s this quality that I, for one, always look for in the clothes I wear.

I always pair a pencil skirt with sky high heels for the illusion of mile-long legs it creates and because I don’t want to look too polished (and luckily, my work dress code allows me) I wear a simple top or tee with it and a detail that does count, a sculptural necklace.

I hope your weekend was filled with relaxation and happy moments and that your week is off to a wonderful and stylish start!

PS: last week I forgot to mention a very special thank you to Monica at Classy & Fabulous for tagging Classiq in Tripbase’s My 7 Links blog post project. I truly appreciate your consideration, Monica! I invite my dear readers to head over to Monica’s blog for a share of fashion, Chanel, beauty and art, as this lovely lady is an illustrator as well and you can find her works on Etsy.

photos: “San Francisco chronicles” editorial lensed by Mario Testino for the June 2008 issue of Vogue US, model Daria Werbowy (and a dashing Pierce Brosnan), fashion editor Grace Coddington

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29 Responses to San Francisco chronicles and the knee length

  1. My Fashion Tale wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 9:22 am

    You are so right…this editorial is amazing!

  2. Not Just A Pretty Dress wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 9:53 am

    Ada, I completely agree with you on the pencil skirt. I love skirts in general (I wear them more often than trousers..) and that particular style is so feminine and chic even with a simple tucked in t-shirt or lightweight sweater. This editorial is indeed beautiful and what caught my attention were the beautiful necklaces (second and fifth pics): the kind of necklaces we see a lot on Anna . Love them!

    https://notjustaprettydress.blogspot.com/

  3. design elements wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 11:08 am

    some of your posts are better than Vogue articles. a delight to visit you, Ada! Happy new week and BIGGEST hugs

  4. jasna wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 11:13 am

    These outfits are so classic and chic, I love them! Happy Monday babe xx

  5. Aura wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 11:31 am

    The pencil skirt is one of my favourites, too, although for a,long time I didn’t think it would fit me well. I was wrong:)

  6. MM wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Amazing editorial!! I am a huge fan of knee hemline!!

    Have a lovely Monday, honey!! Kisses

  7. LittleRus wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Such a beautiful and elegant editorial! I love the pieces here and totally agree with you about the magic of a knee length pencil skirt. It’s one of my wardrobe staples, too. x

  8. Tabitha wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Oh I love all of this too, I would love for someone to come and gut my wardrobe and replace it why classic Film Noir glamour threads.

  9. Claire wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 1:25 pm

    Excellent post – could not agree more x

    https://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

  10. Meghan @ Wishful Thinking wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Nothing makes me feel classier than a pencil skirt (although not very easy to get on and off the train with them!) and the best part is that I think they work for most body types! Beautiful post for a Monday morning! Got me inspired to wear the pencil skirt tomorrow!

  11. design traveller wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 2:37 pm

    You write wonderfully, I enjoy reading your posts so much – you capture the essence of real elegance. I think pencil skirts are underestimated. Cocco Chanel said, that an elegant skirt MUST cover your knees.

  12. Captivated by image wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 4:48 pm

    This editorial looks stunning!!! The poses, the light, the colors, those clouds, sigh… amazing. The pencil skirts flatters her so beautifully, that’s what its made for:) Hope you had a great weekend Ada!

  13. Alexandra Grecco wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 6:00 pm

    Stunning photos!
    xo
    Alexandra Grecco

  14. BeLighter wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 7:00 pm

    Completely agree with everything you’re saying!
    The images are simply dreamy! Such elegance and simplicity at the same time!
    It’s a really pleasure to see fashion emphasis on elegance these days!

  15. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 7:08 pm

    one word: SIGH!

    Love this post, l.o.v.e. it!

  16. Mary Jo wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 7:46 pm

    I love knee-length Ada and think it’s by far the most alluring length. This shoot with Daria is just gorgeous–love that top saturated image against the bay, and of course pencil skirts and pencil dresses are just divine! LOVE this post!

    xoxo Mary Jo

  17. Tamra {walks with Bella} wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Great spread!! That look is so classic and timeless.

  18. Cherisse wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 10:07 pm

    I’ve always love pencil skirt! It’s a perfect outfit for work and anywhere. Adding a perfect tops, accessories, shoes and of course the hair, you’re good to go! I love this post!

  19. fashionwise wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 10:20 pm

    omg those cute doggs !!! lol !
    wanna follow each other ?
    have you seen my today’s post ?
    https://v-fashionwise.blogspot.com/

  20. Glam Fashionista wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 10:51 pm

    I agree on wearing pencil skirt with high heel and a simple top, elegant and classy

  21. Dawn {The Alternative Wife} wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 10:59 pm

    I so agree with you Ada! Nothing beats a knee hemline especially a pencil skirt! So incredibly feminine.

  22. Monica wrote on
    --> 22 August 2011 at 11:31 pm

    I love this pictures! The pomies are too cute and the church reminds me of the Bahamas!

    Thank you so much for mentioning my little blog you know I’m a fan of yours =)
    Have a fabulous start of the week!

    -M

  23. Kate @ Travelmoon wrote on
    --> 23 August 2011 at 1:28 am

    Such beautiful photo inspiration!

  24. Shin wrote on
    --> 23 August 2011 at 4:02 am

    Such a dreamy editorial Ada! I love the pencil skirt although I rarely wear them….they look very chic and elegant on a woman’s body! Hope you’re off to a fabulous week! xoxoxoo

  25. lexi wrote on
    --> 23 August 2011 at 5:10 am

    Such stunning pictures!

    xox Lexi
    Glitter & Pearls

  26. audrey wrote on
    --> 23 August 2011 at 7:01 am

    beautiful! makes me even more excited for my SF vaca

  27. fashionsensitive wrote on
    --> 23 August 2011 at 11:36 am

    I have to say that at the beginning of this summer I was kind of fed up with the pencil knee hemline skirts (due to my office clothes protocol) and I had to take a break, a summer break! But wake me up when September starts and I will come back to this \classiq\, yet elegant skirts. And I agree that this skirt fits almost every type of body 😉 I love the editorial! :*

  28. Katie*Belle wrote on
    --> 23 August 2011 at 5:34 pm

    So gorgeous! I love the skirts, the backdrop and those adorable pomeranians : )