FashionIndie » runway

Which Fall 2012 Collections were Made in China?

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:25:29 +0000

Probably more than we could begin to count, much of fashion is being sourced in China; it’s that sweet sweet price that keeps bringing us back. But now designers are taking something completely different and free from the Chinese: Inspiration. There’s a turn toward the orient that is translating in a traditional manner. Gilded birds glide down Dries Van Noten and Proenza Schouler garments, referencing Song Dynasty’s luxurious governmental garb. Marni dipped a toe into splashes of mod Chinese red, but stepped full foot into kabuki shoes that translated the collection into Mandarin. Josie Natori may take the prize for who took the theme most literally, with obi belts, Mandarin collars and a feathered fan. Meanwhile, Jason Wu twisted his own heritage into Maoist jackets and looks that lean toward what Americans in the 1930s thought Chinese clothing was like. Ironically, most of these designers produce locally. Perhaps they are holding up a mirror to the rest of the fashion industry, to make us think about where our clothing is made.

10 Sexiest Attempts at New York & London Fashion Week

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:15:18 +0000

Four words have damn near killed all sexiness on the runway: Downton Abbey. Mad Men. Actually, pattern mashing on hip padding with funny furry hats hasn’t helped. A barrage of wildly cool man-repelling looks sauntered down Fall 2012 runways, but sexy was rather difficult to locate. A straight man, who shall remain nameless, and I went through thousands of photos. Through a sea of “Eww”s and “Ugh”s and “I’d fire that designer”s, we found a handful of looks that qualify as sexy. Keep in mind, we mean sexy, not slutty, so all boob-bearing, thigh rising, skin tightening looks were overlooked. We’ll take curves that these designers presented, thank you. And while this Fall’s sexiest looks might not get your panties wet, they may just get your britches in a twist. And please, PLEASE if you’ve discovered a super sexy look that has escaped us, link us to it in the comments.

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012 at War

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:03:57 +0000

Extra! Extra! Read all about the 1940s grownup newsboy look at Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012. Belted and bowed over bulbous pockets, the first looks are good for stowing the papers and storing that cash you pick up on your route. As we move on we find the peplum kicking up a palette of olive, navy and gray; 40s wartime ration colors. The men walk with canes and the women pass with a hint of austerity. All seriousness aside, the stand out piece for Fall? The cropped pouf motorcycle jacket below. See the full collection here.

Collab Alert! Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:51:27 +0000

London’s loudest designer, Mary Katranztou, is bringing her wild prints to the most fashionable masses with the latest Topshop collab. Chock full of signature small spring flowers, in silhouettes that are runway-ready, we’re getting a grab at the 10 piece collection on February 17th in nine select Topshops and online. So when you’re in Fashion Week shell shock and need a designer fix, this is your spot. See a sneak peek of the collection, and Mary Katranzou’s thoughts behind the designs.

The print mashup was sliced from Coromandel screens and the Qing Long Dynasty floral motif. Fused together digitally, they are now printed on fabrics not quite as luscious as in her ready to wear collection, but look just as vibrant. The price ranges from $80 – $700 (she’s still designer, after all), and they’re yours for the taking in one week!

Mugler Super Man Fall 2012 Takes Paris

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:17:57 +0000

It’s the SuperTailor look. You know, the kind of tailoring made out of superhero materials like neoprene, rubberized cotton, jacquard… okay that last one was more for the Marie Antoinette type, but she was a cake eating hero, too. Nicola Formichetti and Romain Kremer put out a collection of modern party-after-businessman looks for Mugler Fall 2012. It’s not as wild as the typical Thierry, but the textures carry historical silhouettes into overtime.

Marc Jacobs Entire Collection STOLEN

Samantha Lim — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:41:58 +0000

Some style savvy thieves are in heaven right now: Marc Jacobs‘ Spring 2012 one of a kind sample collection has been stolen from a train leaving Paris on its way to their press day. Who could it be! Angry team from Dior punishing him for not joining their brand? Is Carla Bruni in desperate need of cocoon shaped pregnancy coats? More details after the jump.

The company sent out the following email:

Dear all,The Marc Jacobs PR team is sorry to inform you that our press day tomorrow [a refresher of the clothes that were first shown on the catwalk. What, the models' googly-eyed death stares were distracting, alright?] in the Marc Jacobs store is cancelled, due to the theft of the spring/summer 2012 collections during its transfer from Paris.

They have no solid leads yet, but since these unproduced items are one of a kind at the moment, it shouldn’t be too hard to track back once we find these things on eBay. I hope they catch him on the move though, because we really want to see the layering job this thief did with 46 runway looks.

Karlie Kloss To Walk On Victoria’s Secret Runway

Samantha Lim — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:47:19 +0000

Runway all star Karlie Kloss, who started modeling for Victoria’s Secret earlier this year, has now been confirmed to strut her stuff on the televised Angels runway. Victoria’s Secret casting director John Pfeiffer played with the thought of casting a couple high fashion models walk the famous show for the first time ever, hinting at the newly turned 18 year olds Bregie Heinen and Karlie Kloss as prime candidates. What type of wings do you think she’ll have? Tune in next Wednesday November 9 to find out.

Tokyo Fashion Week Roundup

Jessica Lapidos — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:34:27 +0000

The first fashion week back after a national natural disaster had the potential for rocky shakes, but Tokyo Fashion Week soared on even better than before. Japan’s philosophy on mass destruction is not that of wallowing; they see it as an opportunity to rise greater than before and build anew. The Spring 2012 collections out of Japan rode that theme as an undercurrent. Blossoming out of the sadness and into a optimistically sleek future.

Fascinating with spherical flower bombs atop each model's head, designer Koichi Chida dolled up dainty. The feeling is fleeting and tattered, perhaps direct emotions from this year's disaster.

Turning a sinister head toward the skull motif, this dark religious experience brought by designer Masanori Morikawa has us thinking of life after death. Also, a great shelf life of the brilliant shapes beneath the skeletons.

Menswear gets knackered for knickers like a modern Scottish golfer. Which makes sense, as designer Soichiro Ito moved to England after graduating high school. He's mixed British sensibilities with the Japanese fashionably inventive spirit.

First, the hair, spiked out back as if speeding through time and space. Tamae Hirokawa is body conscious in her history but springing for color and volume in the moment.

Fusing science and aesthetics, she sends light through dresses as she sent up a zero gravity wedding dress back in 2009. She represents Japan's technological prowess.

A collection of macrame-like texture turns sleek with fine silk structure over sculptured fine art shapes.

Shueh Jen-Fang is talk of Tokyo for her recount into childhood. She's taken the Harajuku girl to a pretty pretty princess prep, and it's taking Japan into an age of rediscovery and growth anew.

I taste sherbet hues infused with planter prints, and the pop of a peplum here and there. Add the featured creepers, the designer formally known as Mug is onto the wavelength that permeated the globe for spring.

4 Trends that Spring Forward

Jessica Lapidos — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:39:37 +0000

Fashion Week has spread its Spring seed. The Big 4; NY, London, Milan and Paris have offically had their say, and now we can reflect. (We’re certainly not reflecting on NJ Fashion Week. Wait, what? That exists?! No, no. Well, yes. But really, no.) We’ve collected the trends that have spoken. The four trends that dominated the four cities we trust with our fashionable senses called out to us from many a runway. We’ve taken our favorite from each city, each trend that matters. See what’s abuzz here, there and everywhere for Spring 2012.

Menswear billowed into womenswear.The androgyny laid not in cutting a man's suit for a woman, but taking those elements that define a man's wardrobe and blowing it out with a feminine angle. Like a tuxedo shirt that melts into draped jersey. Or suit pants that slit upen to reveal another trouser.

Spring was designed in sheer delight. Whether crochet or clear like water, we see through next spring, and so will you.

Let the leg out. While we're still loving the maxi, they're being steered in a sexier route. Thigh high slits make the floor length look thankfully less austere.

"Florals in spring. Groundbreaking." Exactly why we're so surprised it was so strong for Spring 2012. But it was positively everywhere. The trend forecasters must have predicted rain, because designers listened. That or they all independently decided that now is the time for a communal bloom. Floral or not, it's all about the pattern mash. Loud and proud, ladies.

Lindsey Wixson Takes A Tumble On Versace Spring 2012 Runway

Samantha Lim — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:02:34 +0000

Couture hit the floor when it model Lindsey Wixson took a spill on the Versace runway this weekend at Milan Fashion Week. They’ve cut the footage out of all the online videos, but thank goodness for the Daily Mail for providing us with hi-res proof (along with many other historical model spills) for your viewing pleasure. She lifted herself up with a half thumbs up/half fist pump victory sign to recover. Here’s to your pride, Lindsey!

#NYFW Cheat Sheet: BCBG

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:21:08 +0000

Silk straddled sportswear as Max Azria explores soft angles again for BCBG Spring 2012. Fluttering layers gave way to dropped waistlines and native prints. Sheer jackets may break no wind, but the added layer takes this collection from ancient Grecian flapper cum Native American to the U.S. Open.

Color palette: Dusty lemon and lime over over bold red, cobalt and neutrals.
Mood: Sharp angles of soft silk and low slung hips set to Navajo prints, tennis pleats and sheer hoods, cut with a twenties vibe.
Statement Pieces: JLo-low cut, cut-out shouldered floor touching dress, with a near hem sheer inset and a native american, quasi-Missoni print.
Front Row Name Drops: Primetime took prime seating: Sophia Bush of One Tree Hill, Elisha Cuthbert of 24.
Gossip: @SophiaBush proclaims “my favorite collection of theirs for years!! Stunning.” http://say.ly/SHIGml
Runway Music: Beat boxing scat/pop up techno.

Express Not Going for 2nd Best

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:13:24 +0000

Express, that mall staple with no real distinction other than its nimble name, is attempting to distinguish itself by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most people walking a catwalk.

The current catwalk record was set in 2010 by Paris’ Galeries Lafayette when 521 people strutted their stuff. But Express is determined to best them with their holiday 2011 fashion show in Times Square Saturday night.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Express will open their runway to the general public while an official from Guinness officiates. So if you’re in Midtown Saturday and you don’t mind sharing the fashion spotlight with commoners, you can be part of history.

I, for one, can never turn down a catwalk and while I have an emergency pair of stilettos in my purse at all times, I can’t really justify being in, around or near Times Square on a weekend.

Not to mention, I’d inevitably have to be removed after verbally assaulting any and every one who didn’t properly bring it to the runway. [WWD]

10 Most Unglamorous Facets of Fashion Design

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:30:43 +0000

Runway. Red carpet. Vogue editorials. Ad Campaigns. Silk ruffled into clouds. It all looks effortlessly divine. Design gods like Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld make designing the most fabulous dresses look like one long cocktail party with Anna Wintour picking up the tab. Well, if you’re a designer you know that making it werq is WORK. Hard, annoying, painful and decidedly unglamorous work. Okay, creating clothing as only you can imagine it is incredibly rewarding, but getting those designs into the world on any sort of scale takes a lot of bitch work.

1. Factory Work – Working in a factory is probably the pits. Working with a factory is nearly as bad. In the current state of the world, you’re probably talking to people that don’t speak your language about very precise details.

2. Spec Sheets – Because of that factory fact, all of designs must be transferred into numbers and plugged into an excel spreadsheet. Attached to the spreadsheet is a basic outlined drawing of the garment on which you draw arrows, measurements and instructions (ie, the specifics). Tedious? Yes. Essential? Absolutely.

3. Pattern Making – Many “designers” sketch out their concepts and send it off to a pattern maker. I, however, believe that patterning is essential to the creation process and a proper designer will do it him/herself. It is mathematical and holds the key to transforming the two dimensional into the third. It is typically the step in between the draping and the sample making. Without exact patterns, it is impossible to replicate.

4. Pins and Needles – If you’re the slightest bit clumsy, your fingers might end up looking like Swiss cheese from the amount of time you poke yourself with pins and/or hand sewing needles. Also, when you start bleeding from the fingertips, remember priority #1: don’t get blood on the fabric.

5. Sourcing fabrics – From Project Runway you might think all it takes to get fabric is a solid trip to Mood. Not exactly. Many of the fabrics they carry are limited, like they’ve acquired excess fabrics from designers. That’s why they’re fabulous. But you’re going to need fabrics that you can order infinitely. It’s a catch 22 though, because many textile mills have super high minimums, like 1000 yards per order.

6. Sustainability – Designers looking to make beautiful clothing and do right by the world is going to have a tougher time at it. This means following the lifecycle of their garments from the beginning of fiber growth and spinning, through weaving textiles, through screen printing and dyeing, through sewing and assembly, through packaging and shipping; all to ensure that the earth was minimally impacted and people were treated and paid fairly along the way.

7. Private Label – Many big companies have “in-house” labels. AKA they hire outside companies to design and manufacture these lines, and the designer will never get credit. But that might work in said designer’s favor when they’re designing for Lane Bryant and Chico’s. Or as I like to call it, Selling Your Soul.

8. Not Making Money – Fashion is a business that has historically relied heavily on slave labor. The slaves of the modern day don’t pick cotton – that’s left to machines – but rather are now called interns and are lucky to be there. Also, if you’re starting your own business, don’t expect to turn a profit for at least a year, if you’re any good.

9. Never Sleeping – If you have your own label, chances are you’re losing sleep. In fact, you should probably stop reading this and get back to work. And the closer it gets to fashion week, the less you’ll be sleeping. You simply can’t attain perfection and get eight hours of sleep a night. You can hardly get five. Make it work with three.

10. Knock It Off – It’s going to suck when you go into H&M and Forever 21 and see your designs, being sold for a fraction of the price to people who may never know it was yours. But it’s the game we play.

Alexander Wang Vs. Forever 21

Work is work is work, but if you love it, those unglamorous moments are worth it. It’s the tireless buzz behind the scenes that allows for all the glamour that is fashion.

We know you’re fabulous, but tell us about your unglamorous fashionable duties.

Sewing Machine photo from Danielle Pettee

Blake Lively’s Almost Crotch Shot and Other Chanel Cruise Beauties

Samantha Lim — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:18:30 +0000

Gossip Girl queen and most recently Chanel princess Blake Lively struck a pose in this barely there Chanel skirt (dress?) at the haute couture house’s Cruise collection show last night in Cannes. Although easier than exiting a car door, we wonder what cameras caught a TMI glimpse when she was perched in the front row. More Chanel sirens and a questionable pic of Lively and Peter Marino after the jump.

Lively and architect Peter Marino

Rachel Bilson

Clemence Posey

Poppy Delegvigne and Alexa Chung

Carine Roitfeld

Photos courtesy WWD

Miu Miu Accessory Alert: Sunglasses of the Season

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:05:29 +0000

In a collection sprung from the forties, Miuccia Prada has downplayed the playfulness in the clothes, morphing to a more austere silhouette. Where a glamorous modesty thrives throughout, the new Miu Miu sunglasses embody the ludic quality that could not be entirely contained. Shown first with the cat’s eye furrow, tortoise shell frame and yellow lens, they spell optimism. The shades that follow have a less exaggerated cat’s eye, but wilder frames – crystalized crimson, and glittering silver and gold. These shapely shades are some seriously covetable sunglasses for the Fall 2011 season.

Alexander McQueen’s Fall Shoe-In

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:16:29 +0000

In Sarah Burton‘s vision for Fall 2011 Alexander McQueen, one of the many components she nailed spot-on are the thigh-high open-front lace-up platform heeled boot. In gray. This evokes the “Icy Queen and Her Court” as she envisioned it, while also capturing exactly what we will most certainly be needing in roughly six months’ time. With the peekaboo sliver, I envisage a frenzy of patterned, textured, hued tights that won’t be lost under the many boots to which we’ve grown accustomed. Now just imagine the possibilities if you were to untie, fold and morph the leather, just for kicks. With that, this McQueen boot is a shoe-in for Autumn. In fact, I can already see Lady Gaga working these in my mind.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Recreated My Thrift Coat

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:26:06 +0000

Today Jean-Charles de Castelbajac showed this phenomenal red plaid fringed coat with slightly cropped ‘n’ rolled cuffs and center front buttons. A week ago, I happened to purchase a red plaid fringed coat with slightly cropped ‘n’ rolled cuffs and center front buttons… at the Salvation Army. Am I a fashion future seer or did Jean-Charles somehow see me and quickly add it to his collection?

Who wore it best?

Fine, I see your point. But I’m not a model, she is. How’s a lady to compete with that?

Chloé Colorful Cape Must-Have

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:49:18 +0000

The most playful piece on the Chloé runway yesterday is a building block of colors transformed into a blanket cape. Wrap it, twist it, throw it, sleep it, it will bend to your will. Through a sea of snakeskin, the fleecy quality of the rich hues makes a giddy statement. Hannah MacGibbon has mastered the cape; it seems to be a Chloé signature. This one might just be their best yet.

Photo courtesy of style.com

Paris Fashion Week: Junya Watanabe in Leather and Faux

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:46:09 +0000

Structured and restructured leather bombers walked much of Junya Watanabe’s runway this week in Paris. With columns of fit seams, he builds the strength of the hide and shapes the skin into curves. He played with the typical vision of the leather motorcycle jacket and turned it, not just cinched waisted, but also oversized, caped, bell sleeved and large collared. He faced the stampede of leather against fake fur, the likes of which we have not been seeing this season. His use of the material can be even more intriguing than the real deal.

Rick Owens Accessory Alert

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:37:27 +0000

Rick Owens debuted some rather genius gloves today. They are iPhone/Pad/generally touchscreen ready, though not entirely fingerless. Just a sliver of the thumb and forefinger are exposed through leather cavalier gauntlets. They make sense, and I wish I had them this winter. But, alas, that is why Rick Owens created them.

No Chanel for Blake Lively

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:22:51 +0000

Unkle Karl must be more than mildly miffed – Blake Lively, his very latest lovely, has sent him her regrets. At 10:30 DST on March 8th, she is required to be on the set in NY to film the season finale of Gossip Girl, and will not be sitting front row at the Chanel Fall 2011 in Paris. One would think that being the spokesmodel, the very face of Chanel would be enough to get you a one-day get-out-of-work-free pass, but apparently that is not the case. It’s tough times indeed for a Van der Woodsen.

Hopefully, the bond between Master Lagerfeld and Miss Lively will not be broken based on such a trivial incident as Blake missing his grand show – a show in which she will be wearing most of the looks, a show that she will soon be representing. But no big deal, she’ll just catch up with Karl over dinner in Paris this weekend, and maybe get a sneak peek at the collection.

Link Love: Fashionista

How To Master the Headband Braid in a Minute

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:14:36 +0000

You’ve seen the headband braid on many a runway since the Spring 2011 shows, and celebs have been running amok with this milkmaid ‘do. There are some shortcutters out there who wear the fake hair braided headband, like Xtina Aguilera, but they are simply not as chic as the real deal. Get the look like Ashley Olsen, Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011, Rachel Roy Fall 2011 and so many others, and follow my instructional video to hair mastery. I tried it out this morning for the first time and it was a success! It’s super easy and looks fab.

How to get the look:

Start with wet hair. Apply a smoothing serum like Warren Tricomi Hair Polish to keep it sleek. Brush hair to one side and pull it ear level. Begin braiding while pulling outward and forward, then guide the braid upward. Pull the plait over your head keeping it aligned to the tops of your ears. Using complementing bobby pins, pin it in place at the end of the braid and eliminate the need for a hair tie.

Wear it like Ashley Olsen with a loose Cali vibe by leaving it wispy, or slick it back with pomade or hairspray for the super tight Ungaro look.

Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011

Rachel Roy Fall 2011

Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011

Rachel Roy Fall 2011

Nanette Lepore Fall 2011 Delicate Highlights

Jessica Lapidos — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:29:45 +0000

Opening to overpowering chick rock, Nanette Lepore presents a show of ethereality and delicacy. Edged pastels form prints of busting florals with their solid blue counterparts. Poising long open crochet, swingy sheer jersey and elaborate beading against tailored capes and jackets, she’s created the goddess of the woods that is ready to go to work.

Iridescent beading works its way up what is surely a dress under that crop coat.

This pointelle cape looks sumptuously flexible.

Marigold maxis make me smile like sunflowers. Just take off the business suit and play.

These faded twenties colors get colorized in the detailing. This is as pastel as colors should ever get.

Photos courtesy of nymag.com

Dennis Basso Hearts Fur, Now and Always

Jessica Lapidos — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 20:35:29 +0000

Dennis Basso has always been savvy to the majorly impending trend of this Autumn: Fur. But he’s added a twist – fur infused with cable knit. In between rows of luscious fur are tiny strips of sweater which must make for a bouncier more flexible fit. With drawstrings, goat hair and marigold dye, Dennis Basso is an evolving furrier.

Made from Kidassia goat hair, this skirt makes her seem like a mythical creature.

Chinchilla dyed marigold holds its appeal in the bright horizontal gradation.

Drawstrings at the wrists allow for adjustability, and he introduces the rope as belt. And look at the lining, it seems to be like some kind of super soft jersey. You could just crawl up and die in it.

Photos courtesy of nymag.com

Alexandre Herchcovitch Fall 2011: Violent Forces of Nature

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:11:23 +0000

With shearling like sheetrock beneath the earth, neon yellow burst through, cracking like fissures in the surface and minerals pose as magnetic closures. Neon flows like lava down mountainous structures, carving new terrain in its path. Unfinished seams display the violent destruction of natural progression, frayed with time and movement. Layers of raw waistline, sewn into a single seam each on top and bottom, brush the rim of a belt that holds nothing but skin. Exposed darts show the innards out, creating structure with explosion. Lace grows out of seams, bringing up life where once was a split. Coats bind the arms with straps along the bicep, restraining movement; but a small sacrifice for such forceful shoulders. Lace sleeves in the last three looks show the stop motion flow of earth-forming destruction.

(Please bear with my non-iPhone photos. Better photos to come.)

Above is that arm binding jacket. It came two thirds the way through the show. There were a few variations on it, and I’d love to try it on. It wouldn’t surprise me if Alexandre has figured out a way to allow movement while still looking restrictive.

Below is the belt that sits directly on the skin, between the soft edges of layered light material frayed.

Acid toned lava flows over bicep high leather gloves.

Backstage post-show, the man of the hour, Alexandre Herchcovitch seems a touch frazzled, but relieved and proud. He declines an interview (well, his PR girl does), but that’s okay. His clothes speak for themselves.

Photos by Jessica Lapidos on Blackberry

Hervé Léger 2011 Chained Up and Bandaged

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:30:17 +0000

After a flurry of press over Karolina Kurkova being in the front row and not on the runway, Hervé Léger started with a seat shaking vibrating techno bass that only got heavier throughout. Max Azria infused metal links into the Léger signature bandage. Houndstooth found itself growing and shrinking on alternating strips. Corsetry was pronounced in both leather and stretch, and linked cutouts made the body con even sexier.

I’ve never seen such a sensual houndstooth.The changes in size allow for play on curve emphasis.

Chain links made their first appearance in this look, hugging the dress like non stop suspenders, belted by itself. Same in the back as is is in the front.

Tar slick sheen gets woven into the works, raising the question for those without the run of show, what is that material? Velvet? Pony hair? The shine is glorious – I want to touch it and find out.

Did Rihanna have anything to do with this? The raving bass seemed to get heavier as the first cage corset hit the runway. Sticks and stones may break my bones but cages and strips excite me.

The caging continued back to the bandage and buckled it up, creating the same structure as above, but out of the standard Léger texture rather than leather. Golden.

These metal bits differ from what we’ve seen previously. They’re the sliders you find on adjustable straps, but used as embellishment everywhere. In this copperish orange, she glows.

The second to last look swept in black and strap sliders, fading to texture at the bottom. It looks as though it could serve as armor as it lines horizontally across the body.

Real Men Wear Yamamoto

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:00:39 +0000

It got very real at Yohji Yamamoto’s Fall 2011 show in Paris, when some of his models far outsized and over-aged the likes of the typical jaw-cutting mascufeminine lads to which our eyes have grown well accustomed. It’s a shock for sure, but also a wake up call to his customers: Avant Garde holds no reservations. The weathered man may find the most comfort in his pieces that defy the norm.

In a collection born of patchwork suits with antique-bordering-on-amish getups, a piece like the pocket watch plays to the elder gentleman. But this is Yohji Yamamoto; that chain could very well be attached to an iPhone, and if it isn’t I’m going home and creating that tonight. Anyway, with the collection’s old world vibes and overgrown proportions, juxtaposed by his future running Y-3 Adidas, the show has a brilliantly cooky life of its own. Even if that life has white hair and wrinkles.

Photos from Fashionisto

Rolando Santana’s Spring 2011 Collection

McArthur Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:44:35 +0000

The Rolando Santana Spring 2011 collection is full of beautiful above the knee dresses that any woman would die for.

Learn How To Runway Walk Like Karlie Kloss

Nicole Vardo — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:54:22 +0000

Thanks to youtube anything is possible.. literally. So why not learn how to runway walk like the amazing Karlie Kloss.

All I can say is besides model and living every girls dream, this girl is going places.

Karlie Kloss Runway Walk

Lanvin for H&M is HERE! Last Night’s Show

Josh Linam — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:10:56 +0000

I joined the city’s most stylish crowd at the Pierre Hotel last night for Alber Elbaz’s highly anticipated Lanvin for H&M runway show and private sale. The crowd was sprinkled with celebrities (Emma Roberts, Andie McDowell, Sofia Coppola), style bloggers (Rumi Neely, Bryan Boy), and fashion royalty (Grace Coddington, Patrick Demarchelier, Anna Della Russo, Anna Sui, Alex Wang, Tory Burch, among so many others!).

The pre-show cocktails were as fanciful as the venue, butlered mini-desserts and crustless cucumber sandwiches were passed around while male models sported the Lanvin tuxedos with oversized bowties. I pretended to be interested in the fancy finger foods while I chatted with a Teen Vogue editor about how we both felt much more Eloise than the Princess of Monaco.

The runway room was stunning – at least 20 crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling and an entryway with hundreds of white roses surrounded a neon sign sporting Lanvin [hearts] H&M. Name cards in calligraphy sported the names of top editors, press, socialites and celebrities, and a live jazz band filled the air with music while people mingled and took their seats. I was in a pit between Patrick Demarchelier, Tory Burch, and a gaggle of NYC’s finest social circle. Tory tells me that she is thrilled about the collaboration and that the looks are absolutely beautiful.

I’m not sure if it was the intimate setting, the beautiful venue, or the fact that Alber Elbaz is fashion’s reigning king, but I hadn’t seen that much excitement at a fashion show in a long time. The energy was intoxicating and the audience went crazy for the giant tulle skirts, bold colors, and exaggerated shoulders that have been transformed by Elbaz into H&M looks. Andie McDowell stated “I think it’s genius. I’m a big fan of Lanvin. I can afford Lanvin and my daughter can afford H&M, and now my daughter’s going to have the opportunity to have a little bit more pizzazz.” The show was absolutely breathtaking and people ran out immediately after to get into the private sale. After beating my way through the crowd, I snagged seven pieces of the collection including 3 dresses, a fur vest, a t-shirt, a necklace and a bow tie. All in all, a successful evening!

Five original Alber Elbaz autographed sketches went up for auction on www.lanvinforhm.com through November 26. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to UNICEF, as part of H&M’s “All for Children” project.

[Written by Samantha Lim, LookBooks editor]

Lanvin Covers All Trends For Spring 2011

lookbooks — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 10:23:39 +0000

All was a buzz outside the Lanvin Spring 2011 show yesterday in Paris .? The show was running over an hour late while I (along with about 300 eager guests) had to wait in the rainy weather while final dress rehearsals were being executed.? It did make for great people…

Daily Fashion News on LookBooks.com

Paris Fashion Week: Barbara Bui Spring 2011

lookbooks — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:32:15 +0000

Pastels and free-flowing maxi dresses have been a staple for top designers this season, but don’t expect Barabara Bui to conform. Not only is she taking the optimistic route, with an overall vibrant collection – she is straight up rocking out . Glam rock may be the only words to …

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LFW Runway Report

The Fashion Web — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:29:20 +0000

With celebrities and models fresh off the plane from NYC, London Fashion Week was definitely one not to be missed! That’s why Honey was there! Check out our runway report of the fashion shows we clicked our heels into, for London Fashion Week… Vivienne Westwood Unsurprisingly, there was something …

LINK:http://www.honeymag.com/2010/honeymag/lfw-runway-report/

SNEAK PEEK X // SPRING SUMMER 2011

The Fashion Web — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:22:22 +0000

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// ANNE VALÉRIE HASH // BALENCIAGA // BALMAIN // GARETH PUGH // ROCHAS // ZAC POSEN

LINK:http://www.hitmag.pt/blog/2010/10/sneak-peek-x-spring-summer-2011-.html

Giorgio Armani- Spring 2011 Fashion Show Photos- Womenswear Collection-Milan

The Fashion Web — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 01:12:48 +0000

GIORGIO ARMANI WOMENSWEAR Fashion Show Photos / Runway Collection Spring / Summer 2011 Milan Fashion Week LA FEMME BLEUE Collection > > More on Giorgio Armani > > More on the Arman i brand

LINK:http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FocusOnStyle/~3/Mqr99gNkVd0/Giorgio-Armani-spring-2011-fashion-show-photos

Models Were all Smiles at Moschino Cheap & Chic

lookbooks — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:52:33 +0000

Vanusa Savaris appeared on the runway midway through the Moschino Cheap & Chic show, wearing a canary sweater with the word ?smile,? and that was exactly what the models were doing, clad in bright red lipstick.?.? The Spring 2011 collection may as well be coined as the …

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Jeremy Scott SS11

The Fashion Web — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:24:19 +0000

Date & Time September 15th, Wednesday, 1pm Location Milk, 450 West 15th Street Stylist Francesca Burns Hair Eugene Souleiman Makeup Val Garland Producer People’s Revolution

LINK:http://coacdinc.com/jeremy-scott-ss11/

NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson Spring 2011

The Fashion Web — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:16:59 +0000

S he's the designer many little girls want to grow up to be (I'm wayyy past little girl and I still want to grow up to be Betsey). Her brand of fun, party, dress-up clothes are for the Barbie-doll in all of us. Fun…

LINK:http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/msfab/~3/RjVawKlc-no/ny-fashion-week-betsey-johnson-spring.html

Boudoir D'huitres S/S '11

The Fashion Web — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:16:16 +0000

In the jungle the mighty jungle, the lion sleep tonight, aweemawa, aweemawa, aweemawa….erm, pardon me but I just can’t view the Boudoir D’huitres spring collection without that song running through my head! The title of the show was “Prey and Pray” and designer Mimi Plange inspiration was found in…

LINK:http://www.fasshonaburu.com/2010/09/boudoir-dhuitres-ss-11.html

rodartespringsummer2011

The Fashion Web — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:57:06 +0000

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LINK:http://houseofscissors.blogspot.com/2010/09/nyfwrodartespringsummer2011.html

karenwalkerspringsumer2011

The Fashion Web — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:48:15 +0000

Karen Walker Spring-Summer 2011. (style.com)

LINK:http://houseofscissors.blogspot.com/2010/09/karenwalkerspringsumer2011.html

White Mountaineering SS 2011

The Fashion Web — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:32:12 +0000

White Mountaineering recently debuted their Spring/Summer 2011 collection with a runway show. The theme for the collection is the “primitive” and the looks pair classic stylistic elements from many different countries. Overstated stitching and embroidery patterns are common throughout, with the collection offering a wide array for the Spring …

LINK:http://www.wearethemarket.com/?p=9554

Anne Bowen S/S '11

The Fashion Web — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:35:34 +0000

Anne Bowen’s Summer collection was all about cool, old fashioned glamour, combined with sexy modern cuts and sheer draped fabrics. Almost every piece shimmered and sparkled as it came down the runway, with garments encrusted with Swarovski crystals, shimmery chiffon silk, sequins and metallic leathers. The run of show…

LINK:http://www.fasshonaburu.com/2010/09/anne-bowen-ss-11.html

Anna Sui Spring 2011

lookbooks — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:21:16 +0000

Anna Sui’s spring 2011 collection brings us back to Southern California, circa 1965. The models were stunning against the golden meadow, which served as the runway’s backdrop. ?Although the boho-chic style has been slightly neglected in the past season, Sui does a great job with its return. The pieces…

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Sally LaPointe Spring/Summer 2011 Runway

Rebecca Alexander — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:20:25 +0000

LookBooks.com contributor Hillary Beck offers a review of Sally LaPointe Spring/Summer 2011.

The out-of-the-way Center 548 became an unlikely punk haven for Sally LaPointe‘s debut NYFW presentation. Once guests were seated around strategically placed cinder-block bridges, a pair of androgynous boys in black flanked the industrial, neon-lit elevator, fog spilled out over the floor, and girls embracing “the intoxication of accepting madness” tottered out onto the runway.

LaPointe’s collection is all about the juxtaposition of tough edge and dark sophistication–or in her own words, “a mix of beauty and distortion.” Highly conceptual, the 26-year-old is at her best when she keeps it simple. An impossibly slim pantsuit with exaggerated “horsehair lash” hips is a bold, geometric take on proportion, and her opalescent, iridescent monochromes are both elegant and avant-garde.

Call it post-apocalyptic/goth-futurist chic, if you can say that three times fast. She still has a bit to learn to become a real, signature force in high-fashion; there’s quite a hint of Gareth Pugh here, a touch of Rick Owens there–particularly in her hand-crafted shoes, astronomically high monster boots made girly with a cloudy coating of flowers (more than one model took a wee bit of a tumble).

But with her fall 2010 collection already selling out at Convent and Oak, she’s well on her way to becoming a directional superstar. Her first, altogether stunning runway show down, expect her to flourish.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Werner.

Carin Wester

The Fashion Web — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:29:12 +0000

Link Love:Carin Wester

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Stockholm au revoir!

The Fashion Web — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:16:05 +0000

Link Love:Stockholm au revoir!

Snap, snap, snapping shots! Running from show to show. Chit chatting with old blogger friends as well as new ones. Everyone Twittering, Facebooking and blogging to give YOU the latest updates on what has been on the runway just minutes ago. As usual, fashion week gathers fashion lovers from all over the world to enjoy right now as well as what the future has to bring.

Thank you to Stockholm Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for these vibrant days of Scandinavian fashion at its best. It has been a great pleasure – everything from the runway shows to the stylish people catwalking the streets.

See you in Stockholm for Fall/Winter 2011 !

by Saba Giliana

Stockholm’s own Lady Gaga ??

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ARE YOU RUNWAY READY?

Saynt — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:54:28 +0000

Once again, the Women’s Mafia is hosting an un-missable New York Fashion Week event, including our signature Fashion Show & Fashion Week Kick-Off Event. This September the Women’s Mafia Fashion Show will feature the winners of our “Are You Runway Ready” contest, in an exclusive show at Tela Design Studio on September 9th, 2010.

Established and up-and-coming Women’s Wear designers are invited to submit an application and low-res images of Spring/Summer 2011 looks through the link below. Only a few select designers will be chosen to win coveted spots in a Women’s Mafia Fashion Show and a PR and Branding package worth over $10,000. Runners-up will win a profile on Womensmafia.com and FashionIndie.com. Submit by tomorrow to Marcy@womensmafia.com.

In order to be considered, please include all of the following information in your email:

Name of the Line
Name of Designer
Why should you be chosen as a featured designer for the Women’s Mafia Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Show? (150 words or less)
Are you participating in any other NY Fashion Week events?
How many collections have you produced?
5-10 images of your designs for 2011
Will you have at least 12-15 new looks ready to choose from by August 25th?
Contact information (Email, Cell, Website)

We’ll see you on the runway!

Enjoy some images from recent Women’s Mafia Fashion Show’s and Last Years “Are You Runway Ready?” Winners:

NBC Feature on Last Fashion Week’s Show

Pics from our summer Fashion Show with Engie Hassan

Q&A with winner Shauntele

Q&A with winner Ardistia

The Women’s Mafia Fashion Show at Bryant Par

Go the Extra Mile for Fashion: Record Breaking Runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week

The Fashion Web — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:57:59 +0000

SOURCE:Go the Extra Mile for Fashion: Record Breaking Runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week
Photo Source: NYMagA Fashion record was set last week during Copenhagen's Fashion Week with the longest runway on record. Supermodel Helena Christensen was the brains (and beauty) behind the idea, which broke the record of longest catwalk previously set by Thailand's Pattaya Fashion Week.Video Source: watchFashionNews

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Betsey Johnson To Serve As Guest Judge On “Project Runway”

The Fashion Web — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:21:09 +0000

Each season Lifetime reality show and fashionista favorite “Project Runway” invites a number of celebrity guest judges to appear on the show and this season is no different. According to People.com, for this weeks episode “Project Runway” invited well-known designer Betsey Johnson to sit in as guest judge. This week designers will have to design an outfit using items from a party supply store. So far, this season of “Project Runway” has included a special appearance from Selma Blair who also served as guest judge. “Project Runway” airs Thursday’s at 9 p.m. EST on Lifetime.

Image Source: www.PhiladelphiaWeekly.com

LINK LOVE:Betsey Johnson To Serve As Guest Judge On “Project Runway”

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