GET READY WITH ME: EDITORIAL LOOKBOOK
Vintage pieces, styled by me, pulled from the Generations.Swiss archive. A personal edit from a private showroom visit, now finally shared.
GRWM
Bringing you a selection of vintage pieces from Generations.Swiss that I styled during a visit to their private showroom. After exploring their archive and fitting several standout looks, these are the ones I chose to photograph. Rare finds, personally styled, now brought to you.
MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT
Balmain sequined jacket
MODERNLY CLASSIC
Max Mara single-breasted long camel blazer
Alexander McQueen four-ring clutch black and white pony hair
DETAILS THAT CARRY THE LOOK
Oscar de la Renta mesh top / Dior magné cuffs from the vault (Still stunned by this pairing)
EFFORTLESSLY BLEND COMFORT WITH STYLE
Valentino Tie-dye cashmere sweater
Gianvito Rossi Vamp suede ankle boots
STACKED IN GOLD
Vintage treasures from Generations.Swiss. The weight, the shape, the mix. Just right
Find them ALL at: @generations.swiss
WORK FROM HOME STYLE: MELODY ESHANI
Discover my latest work from home fit by Iranian L.A. born designer Melody Ehsani.
4.5 MIN READ
“Stop waiting to be who you already are”
Stop waiting to be who you already is what I found etched on the back of the label on one of my favorite work from home fits by second generation Iranian LA born designer Melody Ehsani.The look is a two piece, top and pant made of breathable rayon in a glorious cobalt, my favorite color. The top is a traditional short sleeve men’s leisure shirt with a collar and front breast pocket reminiscent of the 1950’s. The pant is a wide straight leg with elastic waistband. All inspired by the Latino subculture that originated in Los Angeles.The most captivating part is her custom paisleys bandana print which feature the iconic ME. emblems: cherries, roses, evil eye, and butterflies. The fit is so relaxed it keeps me in that mood all day while I work. As if I’m wearing a really dope pair of pajamas but not. If I need to make a quick dash out, I can just slip on my kicks and I’m good. Not to mention, the handwritten text that swirls into the print, “I See you” and “My resources are endless” reminding me that I got this. By far one of the coolest work-from-home fits I own and will keep for a long time.
I can’t remember when or how I found her brand ME. but what I do recall is falling in love with not only her streetwear style but also what she stands for: women empowerment, social justice, and community among other things. What resonates is the infusion of conscious thought into her products. She declares that they are there to remind the wearer of who they are and to do the things that they love. A dope reminder!Like Ehsani I too am a first generation American who listened to hip hop growing up and was influenced by two sides of a culture. I also lost my father at a you age same as her and bared the weight of duty or following your passion. Which is why in 2004 she dropped out of law school to launch her eponymous label, created to inspire, and empower, making jewelry, footwear, and clothing with purpose. 
ABOUT THE BRAND
ME. is the first woman owned store in the dynamic Fairfax streetwear district in Los Angles. Ehsani said that she wanted a store with a purpose rather than just a retail spot. A place where she could engage with her customers in a different way and provide a platform for likeminded people to create a sense of community around the store. So, she created a “Speaker Series” every month where they discussed topics like sex education, politics, and racism. I once had the chance to shop at the New York City location which due to the pandemic has now closed. There was such a vibe in the space, from the displays, the lighting, the music, and the shop associates. It was just a really cool vibe. Her mission is to inspire other creative women to follow their divine blueprint, with the hope that they can enact change through design. I have to say, I’m inspired.The brand has gone on to launch a series of successful collaborations with Jordan Brand, Lauryn Hill, Wu Tang Clan, Reebok to name a few.In March of 2021 she was tapped by Footlocker as the new Creative Director for their women's business where she is designing quarterly apparel capsule collections which I am sure are selling out just like her splashy Jordans, so keep make sure you keep an eye out for that!
Courtesy: @melodyehsanishop
Photo: Anthony Blasko for Air.Jordan.com
WHAT I WORE
Top and pant: ME. BANDANA STAYCATION - ROYAL BLUERings: MELODY EHSANIKicks: AIR 1 MID - SNEAKER HIGH BLACK/PINE GREEN/WHITE/GYM REDAll other jewelry - Family keepsakesFOLLOW THE BRAND
Shop Melody Ehsani: WWW.MELODYEHSANI.COMInstagram: @melodyehsanishopBrick and Mortar: LOS ANGELES FLAGSHIP IN FAIRFAXTell us about your work from home style and what brands you have found that make you feel at home. Share in the comments!You might also like this related article: Work from home style: Helmer
GENERATIONS.SWISS
Step inside a haute couture photo shoot I styled for luxury re-commerce site Generations.Swiss. See the vintage looks I wore and loved.
7.5 MIN READ
THE EMBODIMENT Of YOUR ESSENCE
What would you do if you got a call one day and was asked to try on exquisite Haute Couture pieces? Get your butt over to the that fitting like your life depended on it of course! That is exactly what happened to me over the summer.I had the pleasure of modeling some remarkable pre-loved pieces as part of the latest editorial for the website Generations.Swiss. The re-commerce site is entirely dedicated to vintage luxury fashion, offering iconic and accessible pieces which include accessories and jewelry. Based in Geneva Switzerland Generations is the brainchild of Terry Mesritz and Marilyn Monbaron. 
HOW THE BRAND STARTED
Generations was born out of passion and blind trust that the founders had in each other. Terry explained that she received a great deal of vintage that was so important that she knew they would only be depreciated on her multiple websites. So, when she met up with her soon to be partner Marilyn, they were convinced that with their expertise and great sense for aesthetics they had to work together, thus the start of an exciting journey for the duo. Out of sheer hard work and investment they committed to a joint venture over the summer which endured for an intense 18 months. With no name for their fledgling e-commerce site, let alone a real business deal, the two shook hands over a platter of oysters. A handshake deal, now that really speaks volumes! Then … Covid happened. But the pandemic did not stop Generations from seeing the light of day. Launched in May 2021, the founders offer an array of deliciously curated pieces sprinkled with accessible ones. There is something for everyone here. I sat down with Terry Mesritz to discuss style, being a businesswoman and more importantly sustainability.
How and why did you start your business?
In 2010 I decided I would no longer work for anyone else but myself. So, I started by selling my working-girl wardrobe online. I realized that what was sleeping in my closet had potential and subsequently wondered what my friend’s unworn items’ potential would come to as well. It did come to quite a bit as I developed for over 10 years a multi-site business stemming from a professional account on eBay to multiple websites such as VideDressing, Vestiaire Collective, Joli Closet and last but not least 1stDibs. Of course, it took a lot of trial and error to come to a perfect formula. 
Why do you love fashion?
I ADORE fashion. I am in love with drapery, with volumes, with the Métiers d’arts (craft) and I have come to amass a huge resource library about fashion. Over a lifetime within my career and love of fashion, I have become an expert in vintage, even though I feel like this is a self-proclaimed title. When faced with 20 years or more of collections from my clients, I gained an unintentional acquired knowledge of what an item is or could be. Instinctively I could easily trace and accurately place a value on them.
What does style mean to you? How does one acquire it or are you born with it?
Very few people have an innate sense of style, it is extremely rare. I am a strong believer that a woman learns about herself, her body shape, what suits her, and most times independently of current fashion trends. And more importantly our style evolves over the years. « Originating and building your own style - with consistency and over the years - will ultimately be the embodiment of your essence. »
What do you think about how the secondhand market has blown up in the last couple of years?
The secondhand market has started gaining momentum since 2010. I was a witness to the beginnings of Vestiaire Collective and Vinted. This market has seen a steady and upward trend, going from 11% to a 17% growth in only 7 years worldwide. Now what I think of this is very simple: I wish I had the business knowledge then because I did have the vision. Nevertheless, in hindsight, I know that I was really made for this.
What does sustainability mean to you in what you do as a business?
As I said previously, I had the vision but not the business capacities, I come from an altogether different system. My aim is to source entire past collections from private buyers here in Switzerland and to propose them to a niche of international collectors who want those iconic pieces. Our items are collectible, they are meant to be part of a fashionista’s private collection. Your question is actually our vision statement « What’s a generation before the one that preceded it? » Our clients ideally want to buy what we call in French a « fond de garde robe » aka the timeless Haute Couture piece, the one dress or coat that will stand the test of time.Pieces we will cherish, and keep forever. Why? Because again they are timeless, they will suit you forever. A Valentino Couture dress, a Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche piece, a Courrèges jacket. We offer dream pieces that if you are lucky enough to find and buy are meant to be in your wardrobe for a very long time… This is what we aim for at Generations. And if this is not sustainability, I don’t know what is.
WHY BUYING PRE-LOVED IS GOOD FOR THE PLANET
It is estimated that the resale market will grow from $28 billion last year to $64 billion by 2024. The pandemic has accelerated the shift toward sustainability, and this is evident in the growth of the resale market. According to the online consignment & thrift store ThredUp’s resale report consumers want more resellable garments over disposable ones and there is a new disdain for waste. This is encouraging for the planet.
"Circular business models, including re-commerce, could enable the industry to cut around 143 million tonnes (~315B lbs) of GHG emissions in 2030. To align with the 1.5-degree pathway [targeted by the Paris Climate Change Agreement], by 2030 we need to live in a world in which one in five garments are traded through circular business models.”
-“Fashion on Climate,” McKinsey & Company and Global Fashion Agenda, 2020
FOLLOW THE BRAND
Shop: GENERATIONS.SWISSInstagram: @generations.swissEditorial: AND JUST LIKE THAT...STUDIO 54Models: @annas.atlasWHAT I WORE
Green Swarovski encrusted dress - Balmain limited edition Embroidered Jacket - Yves Saint Laurent CoutureBlack gown and pant suit - Yves Saint Laurent CoutureWhite metallic jacket, skirt, goggles and moonboots - ChanelTangerine silk dress: Tom Ford for Yves Saint LaurentBlue and white floral paillette gown - Givenchy Haute CoutureRed floral dress - Yves Saint Laurent CoutureTell us about the last pre-loved piece you purchased and why you chose to buy vintage. Share in the comments!You might also like this related article: Is sustainability in fashion?
WORK FROM HOME STYLE: HELMER
Discover loungewear from the lifestyle brand Helmer, you'll want to wear everyday while working from home.
2 MIN READ
Sometime back in March 2020 I started working from home. It was an adjustment on many levels. I found myself scrambling to rearrange my carefully curated living room to accommodate my workstation while trying to transition my wardrobe to something comfier. As time went on, I realized that I did not have much loungewear. My closet needed a tweak.As my mental state declined due to the uncertainty of COVID, I realized that it was necessary to take better care of myself and what I was wearing daily. I am a firm believer that what you put on your body affects your mental state. When you look good you feel good. Period! As my office clothes moved further and further back in my closet, my old leggings and tee-shirts just would not cut it. 
I suddenly remembered that my friend Danielle here in Geneva started offering loungewear in addition to the amazingly crafted handbags in her lifestyle brand Helmer which she created with her beautiful mother and equally as beautiful sister.No better time for loungewear I thought to myself. Needless to say, I could not resist. I saw myself in all the pieces and I certainly relate to the Helmer woman as described on their website, “The Helmer Woman dreams and loves to travel, she’s a multi-tasker, practical and likes understated luxury. She is strong, and the perfect balance of elegance and timelessness mixed with modern and cool.”
The loungewear is timeless and comfortable, made of a super light linen with a beautiful ethnic print which comes in several delicate colors. I opted for the orange Kimono & Pants combo and the Robe & Slip Dress combo. Whenever I put them on, it feels like Bali in my living space (although I have yet to travel there). What I especially love is the versatility of the pieces. I definitely can see myself styling the robe or kimono with my favorite pair of jeans and my CELINE loafers. Helmer provides the ultimate investment pieces.ABOUT THE BRAND
The brand started organically from the mother daughters’ first trip to Bali where they fell in love with the island and its people.Helmer is not only run by women, but it is also a black owned business with sustainability at its core which made it even more appealing to me.Their pieces are sourced and handcrafted by local and family-run artisans. Helmer has made a commitment to promote and help their partners’ businesses to grow successfully, through providing skills, education and training thus giving back to those communities. The brand has been featured in Elle, L'Officiel and Conde Nast Traveller.WHAT I WORE
Kimono & Pants combo - HELMERThe Empress Ring - QUIETEST REVOLUTION RINGSCarter Ring - DYLAN LEXAll other jewelry - Family keepsakesTell us about your work from home style during lockdown and what brands you have found that make you feel at home. Share in the comments!Don’t miss out on future Work From Home Style posts. Sign up for the newsletter and join the conversation.
WHY I HATE AND LOVE FASHION
Gain insights from my fashion journey, discovering the love-hate relationship that led me to embrace sustainability and find my true voice in the industry.
5 MIN READ
Have you ever fallen so out of love with your passion that you started to loath it? Then, join the club. It all started 10 years ago with my passion, Fashion. I found my way back to loving it, but it was a long road.
Redley Exantus collection no.1 (2007) Paris - Photos: Ulysse Frechelin
Fashion has consistently been a source of joy for me. As a teenager I never missed an episode of shows like Behind the Velvet Ropes and Fashion File (if you know you know). I obsessed over designers and their fashion shows. Diligently memorizing the names of all the models who strode the runway. Wondering what life was like on Rue Montaigne in Paris.Understanding early on the influence of style and what a change in appearance could evoke in others. In elementary school my classmates and I would hold fashion-offs for “Dress Down Friday” and I usually won (we wore uniforms the rest of the week). Knowing that I was on to something, I decided to take fashion and style seriously.So, I experimented with my own style. I was conscious that changing the slouch on a jacket or wearing a particular shade of cobalt could change a mood. To me that was powerful. Fashion had captivated me, and I knew it was my calling. Although my mother was having none of it, I secretly put all my efforts into getting there. I enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Landed a job in fashion and eventually launched my own fashion label.Until the day came when I decided to stop.
Redley Exantus collection no5 (2011) Geneva - Photos: Jess Hoffman / See more from the archives
FINDING MY VOICE AGAIN
This website has been online since the days of my fashion business. Having put in countless hours on building my namesakebrand, the task of letting it go was daunting. The thought of loathing my passion terrified me. With my work “archived” and this blog untouched I went into hibernation.I had to figure out who I was and what I wanted to say. I had to find my voice without my beloved fashion. Asking myself if there would be more to my story.The deception of not “making it” along with the fast pace of fashion made me want off the hamster wheel. Disheartened, I didn’t want to open one fashion magazine, look at any fashion shows or talk about clothes with my fashion peeps.ON HIATUS
During my time away from my passion, the reality was that I could not imagine designing the way that I did in the past.For one, I designed through a Caucasian lens. My clients and most of my models were white European women. Although I put out alluring pieces, there was no diversity around my work. I was hard pressed to find designers that look like me and that I related to.Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times wrote a piece about this. In the article “Fashion’s Racial Divide”, one fashion advisor stated this about fashion schools,“Sometimes I wonder: Are we training people to be Caucasian designers?” … “On the other hand, there is an international fashion business with an international norm, and the bad news is it is westernized and largely Caucasian.”
The lack of diversity in the fashion blogs and magazines I exposed myself to fed into this reality.I also would never waste as much resources as I did. Although I produced locally most of my designs were cut on the bias which requires more fabric leaving more waste.The fashion industry is considered by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, to be the second most polluting industry in the world, just after the oil industry.I was always marred by the idea that as a designer, I too was contributing to the negative impact on the environment. I had a choice to do things differently, but I didn’t. I did not posses the power of refusal.SEEING THE RAY OF LIGHT
When 2012 rolled around I went corporate, taking on a job as an assistant in a completely different industry. Within a few years I join the corporate sustainability team and played a part in the company’s sustainability journey.Instantly I found a new passion.What I was learning was fascinating; How to build a sustainability strategy, draft a human rights policy and how to empower employees to do the right thing. I learned about the complexities of a supply chain and how to prevent child labor within it.Grasping that there was a huge learning curve and confusion about what Sustainabilty actually means, resulted in 2 lessons. One, repairing the damage that has been done can only happen collectively doing what we can. Two, we must not be so hard on ourselves, it’s ok to start now.The world was transforming. Notably the rise of social media and more recently the issues of social justice and sustainability.I noticed that consumers were driving the increased focus on sustainability and beginning to question the general life cycle of their garments. Buzz words like circular economy bubble to the surface and the outrage over Rana Plaza awakened a sleeping beast. It is estimated that only 2% of the world’s manufacturing workers earn a living wage (Source: @thesustainablefashionforum). Circular Economy
I started attending fashion conferences around sustainability and could see an up take by brands on the idea of sustainability, acknowledging that action must be taken. For example, the forming of the Fashion Pact, a global coalition of companies in the fashion and textile industry committed to tackling the industry’s environmental impact. I found this undeniably encouraging to see.IT WAS THERE ALL ALONG
When the desire grew to marry sustainability with my fashion experience, I felt like I finally had something to say. I slowly began sharing my sustainability findings in-between my style posts on my social media. I was surprised at how engaging everyone was with my content. There was a hunger to discover more so I posted more.Allowing myself time to discover another passion brought me right back to my first. It was not how I imagined it would be. It was far greater. I had found a purpose.I could not have imagined this 10 years ago. Accepting that I did not have the answer inadvertently led me to the answer. Letting go, time and maturation was all I needed.
5 takeaways from my journey back to my passion
1. Find your voice outside of your passion.
2. Take a break from your passion, it doesn't mean you failed.
3. Make room for other passions in your life.
4. Trust that your passion will always stay with you.
5. Allow yourself to follow your passion in a new way.
There are no rules!
Have you ever hated your passion at one point in your life and felt lost? If so, tell us how you overcame that. Share in the comments!Related articles: Behind the Woman