Hello my dear readers, I have decided to interrupt my seasonal reviews for a very important write up on my trip to New York, just giving you an idea of the trends I've spotted lurking in the "Big Apple", and trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Let me begin this story by saying, "fairy tales are the stories that stand with us through the test of time", so here it goes...Once upon a time, there was this young man, full of hopes, aspirations and goals but smitten with the harsh realities of life on an island. He would scourage through many an internet fashion site to find joy, the joy that could only be felt when he saw the season's newest colour, the new "it" accessory or just managed to squeeze enough life out of his internet service provider to lay eyes upon the genius that is Burberry Prorsum. It was a life that he longed to change, longed to recreate, just the chance never really came.
Days, months, years passed by, sometimes with the dreams in his eyes and heart getting bigger and harder to cope with, so his mother said I can grant you a wish, "think wisely" she said, he swiftly replied,"think?...that isn't necessary, I wish to go aboard and study Fashion & Journalism!", and so it was granted to be done in a month's time. One thing he didn't know was that mother had already planned to give him a little one week taste of his dreams by sending him to Manhattan, and that night he closed his eyes with the biggest smirk on his face because all that he could see was a magical journey unfolding before him.
The next morning came, eyes open now, he realizes that his room has changed, noises flooded in from the streets below and with one look outside, he shouted "Unbelievable", with the shock of it all, he sat down, waiting to catch himself and in walks, one of his best friends, Shemida. "So we are here babe" she said, as if it were all planned without his knowledge and he was frozen and shifted to an alternate universe. In time he came to his senses, thought to himself "what the heck", grabbed Shemida and headed out to the door, running to the elevator, through the lobby, swirled around the spinning doors to the bright light that was to be downtown Manhattan, everything was as he expected, well maybe not the trash on the floor but this is not what he was there for, so that didn't slow him one bit.
All the different and beautiful ethnicities, all the looks, the individualistic styles and attitudes were everything he had imagined and more. "To Soho we go", Shemida beckoned and off to the subway, were their Aldo clad feet. On arrival to Broadway-Lafayette St, the subway was filled with so many people, none looking remotely similar to each other, and it dawned on him, what he had been missing his whole life, coming from a society that was swarmed with follow pattern, heavy bandwagon fashionistas. He started to take note, realising the different styles from hipster to grunge to vintage to preppy to urban chic, but what he realised most of all were the hairstyles, it was as if, that was the main accessory of each individual's look...buzz cuts, dreadlocks, but the showstoppers all had one thing in common, shaved sides and hair on the top...whether it was natural, permed or texturised. The most interesting persons to him, all rocked a variation of "The Rihanna", guys and girls, with colours like blonde, red, even pink or just rocked it with the use of the texture of their own hair, some were swooped to the side, some to the rear, but each one was completely different, who would have known it were possible.
Later on that day, another thing he noticed was the array of tattoo sleeves that contrasted and complimented the outfits of each sex, some very vintage in style but then modernised with the edgy pop of the tatts, it was all such a sight to see. Girls wore dresses, with jeans jackets over them, all with a certain flair and confidence to their ensemble. It seemed to be a never ending cycle of fashion, another thing he saw that was predominant in everyone's summer wardrobe were boat shoes, boots and dressier shoes on the whole, sneakers were not to be seen really, it was definitely a different experience from being back home.
The week flew by quickly, but one thing that stood out about the trends and inspirations was that it was the time of being an individual, it wasn't about particular rules to follow and if in some fashion magazine it were, everyone was breaking them.
The End.
I know the end was a bit abrupt but the truth is, there were no real trends, it was all about being you and loving you as best as you possibly could!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Resort 2011 - Givenchy
Irresistible, Givenchy, that is the first thing that escaped my breath when I saw this collection, Tisci creates nothing but irresistible clothing, and continues to keep me a devout fan of the fashion house.
When asked what was his idea of resort, he replied, "Resort, for me, is about making sure the shop floors are stocked with the pieces that our girl has gotten attached to.", I agree, and now with the fashion world's love of leopard print and the abundance of it, along with familiar colours, red, white and black in this showing, his cult should be quite pleased. A biblical air is always felt when looking at recent Tisci creations, with the accessories, the crown of thorns, the crosses, and the use of the lace and sheer, it is as if it would the ritual wear of choice by religious sacrificial believers, but none the less all beautiful and pure.
Tisci's best-selling trompe l'oeil jacket, a piece known to have unique features of looking like two instead of one, was remade in two blends, an all white, with a embroidered bottom and a leopard one with a black bottom, stunning and both covet worthy. Don't think for a minute that the clothing were the only things to drop to your knees and praise GI-VEN-CHY for, the shoes were some sort of graphic fiasco that I couldn't keep my eyes off of, this collection was just praise of brilliance!
When asked what was his idea of resort, he replied, "Resort, for me, is about making sure the shop floors are stocked with the pieces that our girl has gotten attached to.", I agree, and now with the fashion world's love of leopard print and the abundance of it, along with familiar colours, red, white and black in this showing, his cult should be quite pleased. A biblical air is always felt when looking at recent Tisci creations, with the accessories, the crown of thorns, the crosses, and the use of the lace and sheer, it is as if it would the ritual wear of choice by religious sacrificial believers, but none the less all beautiful and pure.
Tisci's best-selling trompe l'oeil jacket, a piece known to have unique features of looking like two instead of one, was remade in two blends, an all white, with a embroidered bottom and a leopard one with a black bottom, stunning and both covet worthy. Don't think for a minute that the clothing were the only things to drop to your knees and praise GI-VEN-CHY for, the shoes were some sort of graphic fiasco that I couldn't keep my eyes off of, this collection was just praise of brilliance!
Resort 2011 - Erdem
Erdem proves once more, you don't always need to begin with something that screams beautiful to actually create something that is beautiful, the feeling of this collection is that of a "Gothic suburban" beauty, words taken from Erdem Moralioglu himself.
Everything about this showing speaks of a designer that knows what they are doing, yes most dresses were simple shirt dresses and drop waist frocks but that was not it, it was the execution that stood out. The electricity fused flower print, something absent of much joy and life, not only had me mesmerised but the use of the other fabrics really amplified everything that was there already, things as clever as laying the lace over the print, added another level of ominous beauty, also ruffling the actual print fabric, it was just a great example of knowing what to do with your prints to create a masterpiece. The fit of the clothing was stellar and just made more sense on the models body, even the floor length looks were amazing, kudos to a designer who adds a touch of reality to his work, our everyday lives aren't always full of beautiful things but we must learn how to make those unattractive and depressing things into magical moments!
Everything about this showing speaks of a designer that knows what they are doing, yes most dresses were simple shirt dresses and drop waist frocks but that was not it, it was the execution that stood out. The electricity fused flower print, something absent of much joy and life, not only had me mesmerised but the use of the other fabrics really amplified everything that was there already, things as clever as laying the lace over the print, added another level of ominous beauty, also ruffling the actual print fabric, it was just a great example of knowing what to do with your prints to create a masterpiece. The fit of the clothing was stellar and just made more sense on the models body, even the floor length looks were amazing, kudos to a designer who adds a touch of reality to his work, our everyday lives aren't always full of beautiful things but we must learn how to make those unattractive and depressing things into magical moments!
Resort 2011 - Diane Von Furstenberg
The queen of prints as she is know to many, of course did not leave her claim to fame for anything else but just showed us why she is so good. This collection's runway was inspired by a 1983 photo of her sitting in a chair in front a wall of mirrors, thus explaining the outfitted models, taking a vain stare at themselves before stepping through a key hole and strutting the vintage beach looks down the catwalk.
For me this showing by DVF, really kept me captivated because not only were the prints great but a real graphic representation was created with how the stripes and other prints were laid on the garments, also the layering of sheers or cutouts over prints, it was the edgiest yet I have seen by DVF, and I loved. The colour scheme was subdued with a slight pop of colour here and there...and the looks ranged from wrap and strap dresses, shorts, bikinis, rompers and even a trench that could be worn after the season has passed, most graced by the accessory of the show, the visor. The other accessories were decent but the orange and blue suede heels with the pattern cloth tie around were excellent, who wouldn't want those in their summer arsenal.
Definitely an impressive collection by DVF, very feminine, graphic and resort worthy!
For me this showing by DVF, really kept me captivated because not only were the prints great but a real graphic representation was created with how the stripes and other prints were laid on the garments, also the layering of sheers or cutouts over prints, it was the edgiest yet I have seen by DVF, and I loved. The colour scheme was subdued with a slight pop of colour here and there...and the looks ranged from wrap and strap dresses, shorts, bikinis, rompers and even a trench that could be worn after the season has passed, most graced by the accessory of the show, the visor. The other accessories were decent but the orange and blue suede heels with the pattern cloth tie around were excellent, who wouldn't want those in their summer arsenal.
Definitely an impressive collection by DVF, very feminine, graphic and resort worthy!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Resort 2011 - Derek Lam
After my run in with Chanel, I was actually pretty unamused about the other reviews to follow but I am very happy that i put my horrible thoughts aside, my almost career ending debacle behind me and opened my eyes to Derek Lam. This collection was so minimalist, so simple, so precise and that put all of my senses back to a place of peace, which is exactly how I should feel reviewing resort collections.
The colours were sometimes electrifying, calm at other times, everything was above the knee, but with all that said, it was refined, it was a vision that seen,set and conquered. Lots of cocktail dresses and just everyday chic clothing, it was a collection the designer said was inspired from the architects he works with that do miniture dolls of his actual models for a showcase in his studio, so it has a certain charm to it that was quite hand crafted, for example the eyelets and the materials chosen, although that was certainly not the only inspiration because some safari looks were seen as well, with the pockets by the bosom.
Overall, a quaint, refreshing, refined and youthful collection by Derek Lam with some worthy accessories.
The colours were sometimes electrifying, calm at other times, everything was above the knee, but with all that said, it was refined, it was a vision that seen,set and conquered. Lots of cocktail dresses and just everyday chic clothing, it was a collection the designer said was inspired from the architects he works with that do miniture dolls of his actual models for a showcase in his studio, so it has a certain charm to it that was quite hand crafted, for example the eyelets and the materials chosen, although that was certainly not the only inspiration because some safari looks were seen as well, with the pockets by the bosom.
Overall, a quaint, refreshing, refined and youthful collection by Derek Lam with some worthy accessories.
Resort 2011 - Chanel
"Now, this is real resort wear" noted my mom, yeah I know she may not be a critic or really not that interested in fashion but she is a real woman, a real woman who could be a future consumer of the same collection that I am now going to throw my reviewing chops at. Chanel, is always known for its very high budget runway shows and should we expect less from Karl Lagerfeld, really? A man who has had some of the most beautiful and famous muses in the world as his own, some whom he actually made their careers; surprisingly this one is much more attire focused.
Anyway, onto the collection, lets begin with the first look, a beautiful full length flowing dress with flowing sleeves, a fresh colourful print and sandals in hand, it was to be the start of a collection which would feel like a breath of fresh air! Most looks came down the runway absent of shoes, as to give you a feeling of an escape to a paradise. The tone of the collection remained refreshingly light with more lively prints, ruffles, cute jumpsuits, and everything allowing the wind to lift it as it pleases. Suddenly, other avenue of spring/summer was opened with more colours but now in bold stripes and colour blocking, then another road of inspiration, with a softer version of a monochromatic female safari inspired woman graced the catwalk, all barefooted of course.
Honestly, I am very sorry about how in detail I've started in comparison to where I am about to go now, but with eighty-seven looks with so much different directions showcased, it is only fair to you and myself, that I try to sum this incredible array of Chanel up; oh don't stake my when you see me, I'm sure you would have done the same if you were in my position. Lets get to it then...embroidered faded denim, sheers, checkered is here to stay (well, at least if Karl has a say in it anyway), also seen was a fishnet-esque coat thrown over the swimwear, yes, so much to talk about but should I really be complaining when its all actually pretty good!
Alright, this is the part you have been waiting on, the moment where I found something to keep me writing but this time with more enthusiasm than anguish, yup, there is one, a good one too. Chanel managed to keep the classic quality that is found in the their suit and make it resort wear, with the types of fabrics chosen to the creative mind of "channeling" it into a jumpsuit, even having it in a shorts version, I found that to be quite refreshing.
Although I stated that i have found new life in extending my review, I will quit while I am ahead, say to you, it has been a daunting ride of beautiful clothing but collections of this stature, make a whole heap of editorial pain in the rear end and in the ego, it is as if I have bitten off way more than I could have possibly chewed!
Anyway, onto the collection, lets begin with the first look, a beautiful full length flowing dress with flowing sleeves, a fresh colourful print and sandals in hand, it was to be the start of a collection which would feel like a breath of fresh air! Most looks came down the runway absent of shoes, as to give you a feeling of an escape to a paradise. The tone of the collection remained refreshingly light with more lively prints, ruffles, cute jumpsuits, and everything allowing the wind to lift it as it pleases. Suddenly, other avenue of spring/summer was opened with more colours but now in bold stripes and colour blocking, then another road of inspiration, with a softer version of a monochromatic female safari inspired woman graced the catwalk, all barefooted of course.
Honestly, I am very sorry about how in detail I've started in comparison to where I am about to go now, but with eighty-seven looks with so much different directions showcased, it is only fair to you and myself, that I try to sum this incredible array of Chanel up; oh don't stake my when you see me, I'm sure you would have done the same if you were in my position. Lets get to it then...embroidered faded denim, sheers, checkered is here to stay (well, at least if Karl has a say in it anyway), also seen was a fishnet-esque coat thrown over the swimwear, yes, so much to talk about but should I really be complaining when its all actually pretty good!
Alright, this is the part you have been waiting on, the moment where I found something to keep me writing but this time with more enthusiasm than anguish, yup, there is one, a good one too. Chanel managed to keep the classic quality that is found in the their suit and make it resort wear, with the types of fabrics chosen to the creative mind of "channeling" it into a jumpsuit, even having it in a shorts version, I found that to be quite refreshing.
Although I stated that i have found new life in extending my review, I will quit while I am ahead, say to you, it has been a daunting ride of beautiful clothing but collections of this stature, make a whole heap of editorial pain in the rear end and in the ego, it is as if I have bitten off way more than I could have possibly chewed!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Resort 2011 - Celine
I know my usual way of starting reviews is to, jump with joy, rant about my obsessions or just praise to the almighty that these designers are allowed to do what they do oh so well, but this time, its different, I'm speechless. Celine has honestly captured everything that is the essence of resort wear, the simple flow that the pieces allowed with the movement of the models, the choice of materials used, even the array of looks from pant suits, coats, sun dresses, party dresses, even a gown & a jumper to shorts, bags(in particular, an amazing fluorescent yellow clutch and shoes, it was all there.
Celine, has been forever rising in terms of their collections but its like their only aim now is to top themselves each season, and I know my words may not stand for much in the fashion world right now but I think they conquer and defeat with ease everything they have done in the past, each and every time. There is one particular look in this whole collection that jumped out at me and said "whatagwan rasta" but in the most chic way that could possibly be said; the way in which those three colours were made to look so effortlessly high fashion was something I not only waited to see happen for years but was completely proud to see finally stand clear from all the others.
To say much more about a collection that has left me so speechless with joy, would be robbing you of your time and just encouraging me to ramble, so without further ado, I give you the collection that made me doubt my skill of words but blessed my eyes with the joy of sight!
Celine, has been forever rising in terms of their collections but its like their only aim now is to top themselves each season, and I know my words may not stand for much in the fashion world right now but I think they conquer and defeat with ease everything they have done in the past, each and every time. There is one particular look in this whole collection that jumped out at me and said "whatagwan rasta" but in the most chic way that could possibly be said; the way in which those three colours were made to look so effortlessly high fashion was something I not only waited to see happen for years but was completely proud to see finally stand clear from all the others.
To say much more about a collection that has left me so speechless with joy, would be robbing you of your time and just encouraging me to ramble, so without further ado, I give you the collection that made me doubt my skill of words but blessed my eyes with the joy of sight!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Resort 2011 - Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera, the epitome of femininity, colourful elegance and class, this collection didn't fall short of the descriptions i so blatantly threw at you a moment ago. It is a collection for all those women whose lives are full of upper strata social events during the summer and just need as much ball gowns to choose from as possible.
Every piece seemed as if it was it's own masterpiece to framed and plastered on a wall in a museum, but with so much different lengths to play with, its not an one era showing by Carolina Herrera, I could go on and on about the beautiful prints, the tulle, the pronounced high class structure of the pieces but I'm sure my words won't do justice to the beauty I've seen in the pictures. Kudos to Carolina Herrera, for yet another look in the dreams of many a woman but the realities of only a few.
Every piece seemed as if it was it's own masterpiece to framed and plastered on a wall in a museum, but with so much different lengths to play with, its not an one era showing by Carolina Herrera, I could go on and on about the beautiful prints, the tulle, the pronounced high class structure of the pieces but I'm sure my words won't do justice to the beauty I've seen in the pictures. Kudos to Carolina Herrera, for yet another look in the dreams of many a woman but the realities of only a few.
Resort 2011 - Calvin Klein
One thinks of Calvin Klein and automatically erotically charged images of underwear ads are probed to the front of all thoughts allowed by the mind, it would be as if this fashion house was a strong promoter of sexual promiscuity but in fact, you couldn't be any further from being completely incorrect.
Calvin Klein, has repeatedly put out amazing collections with architectural edge, ease of flow, the most innocent looking and angelic pieces one may have ever seen...a bit over indulgent with my words, eh? maybe but not quite. This collection was like all the others, simplistic, sometimes bland, but yet effortlessly effortless, it just made you feel as if it was created to be lounged in at your favorite resort in the Greek isles or somewhere in the Caribbean, maybe even Sandy Lane, in Barbados. The fabric choices soft, and the colour choices gentle as always, with whites, faded grays, browns, a washed blue but then a pop of striking yellow was seen on this one dress and some of the shoe heels; Also, a shimmery fabric was another highlight of the collection which made it seem as magnificent as looking over the glistening crystal clear waters of the places I stated before.
Of course, with such minimalist attributes to Calvin Klein's design, the details were mere darts, tucks and vertical pleats all of which really gave an interesting effect. This is definitely a collection that will thrive from the many accessories you ladies collect, but with that said, it stayed true to the nature of what we know as the new Calvin Klein, not only a sexual beast but quite the opposite, maybe even a simple, cool, playful breeze of ingenuity.
Calvin Klein, has repeatedly put out amazing collections with architectural edge, ease of flow, the most innocent looking and angelic pieces one may have ever seen...a bit over indulgent with my words, eh? maybe but not quite. This collection was like all the others, simplistic, sometimes bland, but yet effortlessly effortless, it just made you feel as if it was created to be lounged in at your favorite resort in the Greek isles or somewhere in the Caribbean, maybe even Sandy Lane, in Barbados. The fabric choices soft, and the colour choices gentle as always, with whites, faded grays, browns, a washed blue but then a pop of striking yellow was seen on this one dress and some of the shoe heels; Also, a shimmery fabric was another highlight of the collection which made it seem as magnificent as looking over the glistening crystal clear waters of the places I stated before.
Of course, with such minimalist attributes to Calvin Klein's design, the details were mere darts, tucks and vertical pleats all of which really gave an interesting effect. This is definitely a collection that will thrive from the many accessories you ladies collect, but with that said, it stayed true to the nature of what we know as the new Calvin Klein, not only a sexual beast but quite the opposite, maybe even a simple, cool, playful breeze of ingenuity.
Resort 2011 - Burberry Prorsum
Christopher Bailey, the king, the creative genius that is the head of a fashion house that I can speak no wrong about, that elite fashion house being Burberry Prorsum. I kneel with one knee to the ground and the other facing my computer, head bowed and hands in a "hats off" position at the glory that is his resort 2011 collection, brilliance!
The aim of this collection is one of a much more personal "worn in" feeling that is to be exuded from each piece, said King Christopher, and with my limited scope of the said pieces I can say, mission accomplished. From the military inspired scuffed leather thigh high boots which definitely show an aged sexy, to the aged belts, one in a very exotic and appealing python, oh la la, snakes are definitely a turn on in the fashion world.
Alright, I know you are saying to yourself, I haven't spoken much about the clothing and this is a clothing review more so than a downright admittance to my obsession of all things Burberry, what can I say, the clothes are just magical, as expected! We know that trenches are the main forte of their arsenal, and one's mind continues to wonder how much more can be done with a mere coat, but surprise, surprise, surprise, why not wear nothing under it, lighten the fabric and transform that piece into a wrap dress, again I say the word, brilliance. The fabric choices in this collection are stellar and the colour story is one that I quite favor with olives, tans, blacks, grays, navy and greens, also a follow through theme of military remained in the forefront, It honestly couldn't get any better and just pushed that amazing Fall 2010 collection back into the mind.
Everything was fitted to the body as it were an exoskeleton, so the youthful factor was sure not to perish as a result of all the aging, the bags were credit card worthy as were the strapped booties. I do have one confession to make though, one small thing that I was a little in dismay about, was the detailing that was on most of the dresses and skirts that could be a bit odd shaped, unflattering and messy for anyone above the size of a supermodel but who knows how it will fall in reality.
Okay guys, don't be sad, this collection had about four male looks, each simple but each amazing and definitely closet worthy, so imagine the collection that would be the menswear, such a tease, King Christopher, such a tease.
In conclusion, this collection stands for everything that Burberry is and also cements my stand for everything that is Burberry!
The aim of this collection is one of a much more personal "worn in" feeling that is to be exuded from each piece, said King Christopher, and with my limited scope of the said pieces I can say, mission accomplished. From the military inspired scuffed leather thigh high boots which definitely show an aged sexy, to the aged belts, one in a very exotic and appealing python, oh la la, snakes are definitely a turn on in the fashion world.
Alright, I know you are saying to yourself, I haven't spoken much about the clothing and this is a clothing review more so than a downright admittance to my obsession of all things Burberry, what can I say, the clothes are just magical, as expected! We know that trenches are the main forte of their arsenal, and one's mind continues to wonder how much more can be done with a mere coat, but surprise, surprise, surprise, why not wear nothing under it, lighten the fabric and transform that piece into a wrap dress, again I say the word, brilliance. The fabric choices in this collection are stellar and the colour story is one that I quite favor with olives, tans, blacks, grays, navy and greens, also a follow through theme of military remained in the forefront, It honestly couldn't get any better and just pushed that amazing Fall 2010 collection back into the mind.
Everything was fitted to the body as it were an exoskeleton, so the youthful factor was sure not to perish as a result of all the aging, the bags were credit card worthy as were the strapped booties. I do have one confession to make though, one small thing that I was a little in dismay about, was the detailing that was on most of the dresses and skirts that could be a bit odd shaped, unflattering and messy for anyone above the size of a supermodel but who knows how it will fall in reality.
Okay guys, don't be sad, this collection had about four male looks, each simple but each amazing and definitely closet worthy, so imagine the collection that would be the menswear, such a tease, King Christopher, such a tease.
In conclusion, this collection stands for everything that Burberry is and also cements my stand for everything that is Burberry!
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