Archive for the ‘fashion’ Category

Pretty in Punk

May 9, 2013

Monday night marked the annual “Met Ball,” honoring the opening of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s latest exhibition entitled Punk: From Chaos to Couture.

Much speculation lead up to the event, as to how the theme would be handled by the revelers, hand selected by Vogue’s high priestess herself, Anna Wintour.

Well, today we have the answer, and in most cases, it was handled poorly.

While a few went all out, (Madonna you go girl!) many opted for odd choices that left them looking awkward and uncomfortable. Below are some of our favorites, who embraced the movement and looked pretty in punk:

Madonna at the Met

Madonna at the Met

Miley just being Miley

Miley just being Miley

Sarah Jessica Parker channeling  Carrie Bradshaw in Giles

Sarah Jessica Parker channeling Carrie Bradshaw in Giles

Kim Kardashian in a custom slipcover by Ricardo Tischi

Kim Kardashian in a custom slipcover by Riccardo Tischi

Beyonce in Givenchy

Beyonce in Givenchy

And after couture came utter chaos. What made these attractive young women embrace old age, instead of punk?

Nicole Richie goes grey

Nicole Richie goes grey

Kate Upton goes matronly

Kate Upton goes matronly

Nicki Minaj left us speechless

Nicki Minaj left us speechless

Anna Wintour in Chanel

Anna Wintour in Chanel

The grande dame of the evening may have inadvertently been the most punk of all. While others tried to conform to societal expectations, Ms.Wintour bucked the norm, and showed up in a demure floral Chanel gown. What looked the least in keeping with the theme,may just have out- punked everyone.

From Chaos to Couture

May 6, 2013

Sex Pistols

Tonight marks the opening gala for the latest costume exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, aka “The Met Ball.” This year’s exhibition is entitled

Punk: Chaos to Couture” and examines the movement’s impact on fashion from the 1970’s to today.

Junya Watanabe

Junya Watanabe

With an all-star list of attendees, all personally vetted by Ann Wintour herself, this is the event of the year. Much hype has preceded the opening. Many designers showed a punk or grunge influence in their fall 2013 collections. Moda Operandi, the website where clothing and accessories can be pre-ordered straight off the runways, commissioned designers to create special items to commemorate the event. Ball goers are scrambling to dress to the theme, while maintaining the appropriate level of chic and formality that an event like this entails. Even New York Magazine ran a feature, interviewing people who currently identify with the punk culture.

Fausto Puglisi

Fausto Puglisi

Moschino for Moda Operandi

Moschino for Moda Operandi

It’s all sort of counter-intuitive, to see a movement that was based on rebellion and non-conforming, be the center of something so bourgeois.

Of course, the entire red carpet extravaganza will be live streamed so those of us at home can partake in its glory.

The show opens to the public on May 9, and runs through August 14.

Word

April 3, 2013

Words are making a big statement in the fashion world, with everything from tee shirts to outerwear emblazed with typographic treatments.

London designer Ashish sequined his doomsday slogan tops, and paired them with chic athletic inspired pants.

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Devastee’s tee shirt and cardigan sport quirky crossword puzzle graphics in bold black and white.

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Moschino Cheap and Chic used oversized script to create graphic prints on colorful backgrounds.

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This top states the facts, at Paris fashion week.

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Plaid Redux

March 27, 2013

Plaid is having a resurgence for Fall 2013, turning up as the pattern of choice for many designers. From Celine’s sublime signature coats,to Hedi Slimane’s controversial ode to grunge for Saint Laurent, today’s plaids are used in a way that is anything but classic.

Mulberry’s over-scaled plaid tunic is covered in clear sequins for a glazed effect.

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Mulberry

Celine works bold plaid into new shapes for Pheobe Philo’s covetable coats and mixed, not matched separates and accessories.

Celine

Celine

Celine

Celine

Tracy Reese cuts a tartan circle skirt, and pairs it with a sequined sweatshirt for a young, urban look.

Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese

Designers, such as Antonio Marras and Aquinlano Rimondi took a more retro, ladylike approach with their mixed media plaid dresses.

Antonio Marras

Antonio Marras

Aquinlano Rimondi

Aquinlano Rimondi

Stella McCartney keeps it light, for her voluminous coat.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney

Marc Jacobs kept it short at Louis Vuitton, allowing the pattern to fade into an embellished border on his plaid coat.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton

Biker Chic

March 20, 2013

Biker influences were all over the Fall 2013 runways this season. From takes on the classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket in black leather, to the loosely interpreted hybrids, it seems biker chic is a trend to watch.

Sacai was a much buzzed about collection during Paris fashion week. Designer Chitose Abe merged familiar elements with one another to create unique versions of fall favorites. The teal double-breasted princess coat with an inset leather front bearing classic motorcycle jacket details is a feminine and modern twist on the expected.

Sacai

Sacai

Consuelo Castiglioni took an austere approach at Marni this season, showing strict cuts and angular silhouettes. Her woolen coatdresses utilized the asymmetry and zipper details associated with the classic motorcycle jacket. Low slung belts and shiny boots completed the look.

Marni

Marni

Joseph Altuzarra layered a shrunken vinyl biker jacket over a trench coat, and worked the fabric into body con dresses for his eponymous collection. Both vinyl and leather were skillfully manipulated with other fabrics to create a young, sexy collection with lots of street cred.

Altuzarra

Altuzarra

Phillip Lim cited “girlfriends of bikers” as his inspiration for the season. His edgy collection was filled with motorcycle references, including zippers, asymmetry and channel quilting, often on leather. He softened and feminized the look, opting for softer colors and mixing it with more fluid fabrics.

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

Junya Watanabe took the classic Perfecto jacket on a journey, as he mixed it with plaids, tweeds and denim to create a collection of punk inspired clothing with a thrift shop vibe.

Junya Watanabe

Junya Watanabe

At Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld stepped away from the fur just long enough to craft a cobalt blue leather motorcycle jacket with a high-low hemline. Layered over a white dress with thigh high slits, and shown with contrasting hot pants and over-the-knee stockings, the jacket added an urban air of sophistication to the look.

Fendi

Fendi

Etro, the Italian house known for its rich paisley patterns and luxe fabrications, got on the biker bandwagon, showing long and lean leather pieces over plaid. The double layer effects and fur trim, added a sleek modern air to the collection.

Etro

Etro

Highly hyped designer Fausto Puglisi mixed two of the season’s biggest trends: biker and plaid, in his mixed media jacket. Paying homage to the upcoming Met Costume Institute’s show entitled “Punk: Chaos to Couture”, Puglisi managed to make the obvious look new and exciting. By combining his motorcycle details with tartan, as well as crystal and metal embellishments, he rebelled against the expected, creating his own style revolution.

Fausto Puglisi

Fausto Puglisi

Photos: MCV photos courtesy of Fashionista Cafe

This article was previously published on Fashionista Cafe

What Do You Call a Female Pope?

March 15, 2013

By now you’ve seen our post about the new Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio and our recommendations for his Papal footwear. But for a moment, let’s just imagine that the Catholic Church displayed some unique open-mindedness, and the new Pope is a woman!
Now we can really look at shoes, y’all!!

Chances are, she wants a little height. I mean, those flowing robes can swallow up a petite girl. Perhaps she might rock some Valentino stilettos, with very Papal gold studded heels.

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We all know that Popes prefer Prada, so these high platform sandals with a cut out wedge could work well for summer, provided there is a pedicurist at the Vatican.

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Snakeskin Loubies are a status symbol and our Pope-ess might love the elegance of this sky-high heeled, peep toe pumps with a hidden platform. Christian Loubitan’s signature red soles are said to be good for a women’s soul, so we say “hallelujah” for this choice!

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Brian Atwood’s strappy zip front sandal could be a great way for the Popette to feel feminine and dare we say it, sexy. It’s the equivalent of wearing silk and lace lingerie under a conservative business suit… it’s a guilty pleasure only she knows about. Those vestments are pretty long, and hey, your secret is safe with us, girlfriend.

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Sometimes a girl needs comfort, and these Tory Burch ballerinas are iconic these days. The gold logo on the front kind of resembles a cross, doesn’t it?

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These shoe choices may not be needed now (although nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors) but it’s fun to dream. We are looking forward to the day that pink smoke blows from the Vatican chimneys, symbolizing the election of the first female Pope.

The Pope Wore Prada

March 14, 2013

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires has been named the 226th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Frances.

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As his predecessor, Pope Benedict turns in his red Prada slip-ons and shuts down his Twitter account, “@Pontifex” in preparation for his departure, Cardinal Bergoglio will be finding his way around his new town, and thinking about how to make his mark as the new Pontiff.  Once the smoke clears (pun intended) he will need to make some stylistic choices to get this Popedom started.

In honor of the momentous occasion, we have gathered some of the season’s fiercest red shoes for his perusal.

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These skull embossed patent leather Alexander McQueen slippers would lend an edgy vibe to the traditional Cossack look.

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Nothing screams Italian like a horse bit loafer, and these Gucci patent ones will have him blending in with the locals in no time.

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Fashion duo Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared2, have created a classic wingtip in rich red. A manly choice.

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Perhaps he will choose the iconic Tod’s driving moc, which is perfect for cruising around town in the Popemobile.

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For the modern Pope on the go, these DC skateboard shoes are just the thing, offering both comfort and a sense of urban cool.

We’re sure whatever he chooses will be historic. Best of Luck Francis! Glad we could help.

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Coming Full Circle

March 11, 2013

Femininity abounds next fall, with soft swingy skirts taking center stage. Full, voluminous circle skirts made their appearance from some of the most sophisticated and influential designers. Retro insprired, yet modern, this silhouette is a must for next year.

Rochas showed full cut skirts hitting just below the knee in rich burgundy wool.

Rochas

Rochas

Prada went full circle in red leather.

Prada

Prada

Nina Ricci’s knee skimming skating skirt is paired with a fur trimmed top.

Nina Ricci

Nina Ricci

Elie Saab’s fitted bodice and full skirted dress in rich turquoise is tailored, yet feminine.

Elie Saab

Elie Saab

Ports tweed ensemble pairs a circle skirt with a fitted coat.

Ports

Ports

Chanel kept it short and flirty for their hot pink suit.

Chanel

Chanel

Lanvin’s dress has retro flair. Giant insects optional.

Lanvin

Lanvin

Tie One On

March 8, 2013

From the modernist to the retro-couture inspired, scarf tied necklines made a statement on the catwalks this season. Wide swaths of fabric draped and wrapped the necklines of coats of jackets, framing the faces of some the world’s most beautiful women.

Nina Ricci

Nina Ricci

Nina Ricci’s couture-inspired suiting with an off the shoulder tie at the neckline.

Dior

Dior

Dior’s swing jacket is pretty in pale pink.

Dior

Dior

Dior cuts a scarlet great coat with a scarf tied closure.

Hussein Chalayan

Hussein Chalayan

Hussein Chalayan’s slim coat with architectural folds has a tossed scarf in lieu of a collar.

Gucci

Gucci

Gucci’s smart tailoring with leopard trimmed sleeves boasts a self tied neckline.

Celine

Celine

Celine’s Phoebe Philo is fit to be tied with her tongue in cheek take on the cape.

 

Coat Check

March 4, 2013

Outerwear is making a huge statement across all four of the major fashion capitals. Often oversized, yet impeccably tailored, these coats truly make the outfit.

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

This voluminous silhouette with an over-scaled lapel is asymmetrically cinched at Phillip Lim. Watch for teal as an emerging color for the season.

Blumarine

Blumarine

Blumarine takes the classic trench look up a notch, cutting it in supple,nude colored leather.

Max Mara

Max Mara

Max Mara layers camel hair with satin and sweater knit for a play on texture and shine. The cocoon shape adds a air of casual chic.

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten

The wool steamer coat gets feminized with gold embellishment at Dries Van Noten.

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein belts his emerald green leather coat for a modern take on military style.

Dsquared2

Dsquared2

Dean and Dan Caten cinch a fur collared tweed coat over a satin gown for a new twist on retro-glam at Dsquared2.

Prada

Prada

Muicca Prada adds a full circle skirt to her simply tailored coat. The fur trim adds a touch of elegance to the vintage inspired piece.


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