Wednesday 20 April 2011

Mcqueen Spring/Summer 2011

I finally got a chance to look at Mcqueen's spring/summer 2011 fashion show. Overall I thought it looked great and really was a nice addition to her fall/winter show. Some key things I liked:
  • Loved the jackets with the seams at the top undone, a new look that is refreshing and deconstructive yet also modern and sophisticated.
  • The dresses were fantastic. I love how she uses Mcqueens textiles but gives it her own tailoring touch. Definitely speaks to the whole patterns/prints trend going on right now. And even with the black dresses, the patterns are distinct enough they make a bold statement.
  • I love the contrast between the dresses. Some looked more conservative while others looked more liberating and flowed so well, the movement was so airy and looked like they were meant to be worn in the hot weather.
Again, overall I loved it all. Very creative and I really think she is doing a great job for the house of Mcqueen.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

STYLE SPOT: Alexander the GreatWith inspiration from Savage ...

STYLE SPOT: Alexander the Great

With inspiration from Savage ...
: "Alexander the Great With inspiration from Savage Beauty , a retrospective opening at the Costume Institute on May 4th, the May issue of Vo..."

Men's Spring/Summer Trends for 2011

Ooh Spring/Summer where art thou? It is quite cold in Ottawa still but that doesn’t mean we have to submit to our outdated winter fashion. So to rebel against such crap-tastic weather, I’m going to look beyond the frigid climate and talk about what’s HOT and trendy for men this Spring/Summer 2011. Clearly there are lots of trends this summer but here are my top 5 favourites.

Transparency: Yes you heard it folks, “see through” is in. Lace and transparent fashion is a must have this season. Various designers this seasons (such as D&G, Louis Vuitton and Burberry Prorsum) have displayed this fashion on the runway. And done the right way, it definitely does make quite a statement. Specifically, notice how they matched the transparent pieces with subtle pieces. This makes sense considering transparency does standout; therefore why not mix it with something that isn’t as loud.

                                                                                          D & G Spring Summer 2011

White out
: One big trend I’m noticing with many designers is the reintroduction of white…in everything. Of course a crisp white formal shirt does look great, so why not wear white all over. From tops, bottoms, and accessories, white this spring/summer is making a statement and (dare I say it) it might just become the new black (Gasp). But also don’t be afraid to wear some colour, picking one or two items with a bit of colour does add a nice contrast to the overall look.

                   D & G Spring/Summer 2011

Baggy/Relaxed: Big and floppy is in most definitely this season. From sweaters to pants, designers have rediscovered and redesigned how baggy should be done. As the hot climate approaches (hopefully sooner than later here!) why not wear something that is both trendy and helps the body breath a little. Again, folks let’s not forget to maintain some composure aka. Don’t overdo it…losing a bit of shape is okay but too much and you look like a blob.
        
         Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2011                                             Prada Spring/Summer 2011


Prints: Bold and traditional, prints are making a big bang to men’s wardrobes this summer/spring. With the traditional paisley to floral prints, new territory is being traveled and it’s definitely been a hit on the runway. But also keep in mind how prints can be taken to dangerous lengths (aka. too much bold prints in one outfit = may cause temporary loss of sight and/or blindness to those that witness such boldness). Hence exercise
 restraint, and attempt to mix bold patterns and prints with more muted tones

             
                                                    Rag & Bone Spring/Summer 2011

Cruise Look: Yes tis the season to be on a boat, so why not look the part too. The sailor look is definitely in and its been polished up. Notice the strips and boat neck collars, perfect for the hot season. Also, the nautical look is easily transferrable from a causal to a more sophisticated look. Furthermore, accessories like scarves and boat shoes go perfectly with this theme, and again are simple and versatile with other looks.

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2011


Additional notes:
Colours for this season: White, safari colours, neutrals, military shades, oranges and bright colours too.

Pant
: linen loose fit, and colors are in.

Outwear: Trench coats (Both classic and different lengths) are definitely in this season. Military jackets are definitely in as well as studded biker jackets, and wind-breakers

Accessories: boat shoes, loose fitting ties, and scarves.

Sunday 17 April 2011

Where it all began....

      I can't begin to talk about fashion without talking about the one person that constantly inspires me, my mother. Elegance, flawlessness and creativity are just some of the words I associate my mother’s style to embody. And in looking at the images, it is clear that she was not only in touch with fashion, but made it her own.

     Before I got these images I remember asking my mom what fashion was when she was growing up. She stated that it was less about the clothes and more about how someone carried themselves. Someone with confidence does not need to second guess what they wear; they just know it looks good. And no matter the price, it’s about making others believe it looks expensive with just your attitude and creativity. True style is simple and elegant, not restrictive and complicated.

     As she said this I began to reflect on my own understanding of what style means. My notions are somewhat in line with hers, but what stood out to me is how her ideas are more attuned to discovering our own philosophy, rather than emulating others. And in doing so, what comes naturally is our personal style, but also a way of living our life

Magazines!

     Since I consider myself visual creature, I love to look at pictures, but rarely do I find something that really catches my attention. In looking at magazines for instance, I'm quite picky in what I like. Overall, editorial magazines are my favourite ( specifically Acne Paper, Volt, Homme Essential, and Numero). Just recently, Vol 9. of Volt came out and I had to buy it. This magazine is sourced out of the UK and is basically a magazine that displays new talent in fashion, make-up, and other forms of style (http://www.voltcafe.com/)
     Personally, I love this magazine for various reasons. First, I love how the dimensions of this magazine is big, perfect for putting them on your wall. Secondly, I really appreciate how they don't staple down the pages, makes it less of issue to seperate pages to post on your wall. And above all, I love the editorial pictures, rarely do images actually move me, but 9 times out of 10 when looking at these images I feel something shift in my body (and sometimes I give a sigh of amazement at how detailed and crisp the images are).





Acne Paper is another magazine that I keep an eye out for. It is similar to Volt but I find it is a bit more intellectual in the content that it discusses (ex. whats new in the art world etc). And I find that the images are alot more "classic" in that they pay attention to the human form and postures more than clothing. Again, this magazine causes me to react in overexaggarated ways, which usually is a good sign that I love it!
Take a gander at some images I found (some are from an older issue but these ones are some of my favs).




     The last magazine I want to mention for now is Homme Essential. As the title states, this magazine is essentially for men, and literally this magazine goes through all the new trends and styles that are hot for the season. This magazine is great for alot of reasons. I love the fact that it is affordable ( $6/issue) unlike other kinds of fashion magazines that charge alot more. Also, I love the fact that this magazine highlights whats hot on the runway, rather than just showing you runway pics without some explanation. And I should note that this magazine does have some great fashion photography but I wish the dimensions were alot bigger.