Archive for FASHION WEEK
An Ode To the Lost City of Atlantis
Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 Collection, Plato’s Atlantis, was a Poseidon adventure at its grandest scale during Paris Fashion Week. Reptile printed garments with space age silhouettes and kaleidoscope patterned textiles in vibrant hues set the tone for this deep sea-inspired collection. The show was an amazingly executed spectacle that was tautly constructed with each and every detail. It was set on an abbreviated catwalk with the models circling parallel tracks with cameras mounted on robotic arms. In the background a screen projected the shadowed profiles of the models. Read the rest of this entry »
Burberry Goes Home!
After a decade of showing in Milan, the Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2010 show in London began with statuesque models cascading down the catwalk in what appeared to be a brand metamorphosis. Christopher Bailey, the young British designer put glamour into the austere line known for its English countryside appeal and classic cut military-inspired trench coats. Since Bailey took the helm of Burberry as creative director in 2001 he has done for Burberry what Tom Ford did for Gucci. He ushered the label into a new era and transformed the brand for a new generation. Read the rest of this entry »
Fashion Week: Ralph Revels In the Recession
Photo credit: style.com
In all his typical galore, Ralph Lauren tells a story with his spring 2010 runway show. The looks read like a depression era fashion guide with simple cotton floral dresses reminiscent of what a 30s housewife might wear to do laundry or the digs of a railroad worker like worn patchwork jeans, Farmer John overalls, and notch collar shirts.
The collection is an obvious poke at the recession we are currently experiencing with looks reminiscent of the digs worn by blue collar workers in the 20s and 30s. Lauren’s modern interpretation of a laborer’s garb included distressed, loose-fitting roll-cuff jeans and the newsboy cap, which ruled ruled the runway. As usual, Lauren never passes up an opportunity to show off his penchant for haberdashery like with a pinstripe shirt dress paired with a suit vest or the three-piece pinstripe kneeknocker pantsuit with tie and button down shirt.
There were also amped up versions of his worn demin looks like the oversized overalls in silky satin. But, just when you thought the lifestyle designer opted to rest on his laurels with the blue collar worker look, he steps it up a notch with glitzy touches that take a laid back look and jazzes it up like the tattered overalls acessorized with a felt, derby-style hat and metallic heels.
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
Mission: Street Trends Become High Fashion
PART I
Zoot Suit
Beatniks
Beat Generation poets artists in North Beach, San Francisco photographed by Larry Keenan (1965)
In the 50s, during the post_World War II era, a new movement manifested that were intellectuals concerned with social issues. This look can include slim-fitted slacks, berets, darks sunglasses, and for men, goatees.
Teddy Boys
The Great Balls of Fire! film photographed by Bob Marshak (1989)
This Edwardian-inspired look hails from London and was typical for young men. In the 50s, the look became associated American rock and roll music.
Mod
Twiggy Lawson (1962)
This style was inspired by the 60s London subculture and supported by fashion-forward designers such as Mary Quant who introduced the miniskirt. Twiggy was the epicenter of this era with her wide-eyed waifish look.
Hippies
Hippie Girls photographed by Ralph Crane (1970s)
This street style was influenced by the social and political issues during the late 60s and 70s. Hippies are known for wearing looks that challenge the status quo like these young girls in tunics embellished with stars and stripes.
Disco
Saturday Night Fever film poster (1977)
The disco era was about being flashy and the look was glitzy with a lot of shimmer and shine. The clothing styles included silky jumpsuits, shiny fitted jeans, and sequinned dresses.
Punk
Japanese Punk Rockers (1990s)
This style is inspired from the punk rock music genre. Fans of the music started to emulate that favorite rockers and sported some of their outrageous looks by wearing studded leather gear, dog collars, and sported brightly colored and spiked hait. The look also included clothing that appeared heavily worn with large tears.
Hip Hop
Faada Freddy of the Senegalese rap crew Daara J (2005)
Hip hop found its origins from inner cities among the Afrtican American community and young rap musicians. THe style that emerged from this cultural and entertainment movement was marked by oversized garments, name-brand gear, and flashy jewelery termed “bling bling.”
PART II
Zoot Suit
Christian Dior Spring 2008
This suit resembles a zoot suit with a long double-breasted blazer and wide-legged trousers.
John Galliano Spring 2002
This suit has classic zoot suit styling with a flamboyant print and wide-leg trouser with a narrow cuff.
Beatniks
Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2009
This Burberry look resembles the relaxed look of the Beat Generation, which was about simplicity.
Calvin Klein Fall 2008
This coat has the classic look often seen in fashions worn by Beatniks.
Teddy Boys
Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2009
This look gets inspiration from menswear with classic pieces like a cardigan, collarded shirt, and a pencil skirt.
Ralph Lauren Fall 2006
This tailored 3-piece suit has British influences in style and silhouette, mimicking the look of 50s London subculture.
Mod
Lacoste Spring 2009
This geometric print A-line shift dress is the epitome of the styles that were popular during this era.
Missoni Pre-Fall 2008
Bold color on a mimidress was the uniform of the Mod fashionista. The modern look has a pop art influence and a streamlined aesthetics.
Hippies
Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009
This shabby chic look has a hippie influence evident by an abundance of florals, an mix of textures, and free-flowing silhouette.
Marni Spring 2003
An eclectic blend of styles with the addition of vintage-inspired pieces like a fur stole create a Boho chic look reminiscent of the Hippie era.
Disco
Balmain Fall 2009
This sequinned embellished minidress has the glitz and glamour that was popular in the Disco era.
BCBG Max Azria Spring 2009
This silky jumpsuit has the look that discothèque-goers sported out on the town.
Punk
Just Cavalli Fall 2009
The influence of punk rockers in this ensemble is in the shredded leggings paired with the acid washed blazer.
Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2009
Punk gets an upscale look with a leather ruffle-trimmed trench and cutout patterned hosiery.
Hip Hop
Alexander Wang Fall 2007
One of the many looks of wearing hip hop gear includes blending sportswear with jeans like these black leather jeans coordinated with combat boots, baseball cap, baggy tank, and exposed brassier.
Christian Dior Spring 2004
Hip hop is known for its over the top appeal with flashy garments like this fur jacket paired with silk lounge pants and a Kango hat.
PART III
Gothic Lolita
Japanese girl (2007)
Japanese street fashion has a look all its own derived from styles around the globe. Gothic Lolita has an influence centered on Eastern and Victorian Goth style. The look is characterized by dark colors, feminine silhouettes, and accessories. Dresses and skirts are typically knee-length atop petticoats for fullness. The bodices of the dress and blouses are often embellished with ruffles or trimmed in lace. The Lolita allure is achieved with the girly air of the ensemble and knee socks and hosiery worn with Mary Jane or ballet-inspired shoes.
Alexander McQueen Fall 2008
Luella Fall 2008
Harajuku
Gwen Stefani backup dancers known as the Harajuku Girls (2005)
This is another example of a Japanese street style. The look has influences from street styles from other parts of the world incuding Guatemala and Jamaica. There is also a eclectic mix of other local street styles from club kid and skater to grunge and hip hop.
L.A.M.B. Spring 2008
Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2004
