I couldn't tell you why, but I've been feeling a shift in my sense as a designer as of late. Previously, my tastes leaned towards the hard and sharp aspects of dress culture; but lately I've been favoring sexy, romantic lingerie inspired design. I think it's because I've been obsessively listening to this stunning cover of What's My Name by Hobbie Stuart.
The only word I can use to describe this song is "sexy". It's so incredibly sexy. I feel like it's the perfect soundtrack to go with the collection that Jean Paul Gaultier did for La Perla.
It's soft and romantic, but with a slightly dominating edge to it. The detail work is fabulous.
I know, I know.... ANOTHER McQueen post. But I love the label, so...... Deal with it!
Moving on, the Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011 womenswear collection has just been released.Can I take back my post on my 3 favorite Pre-Fall looks and just show images of this collection? There was a very heavy dosage of utilitarian and military influence, but it was done in a cool and interesting way, ie: this officers jacket - cum - evening dress.
And, is it just me, or did the mens show and the womens show HEAVILY influence each other as well?
I'm really loving this new take on an obi (really really loose usage of the word, it's not even really an obi at all, or anything close to something like one. For lack of a better word, I shall call it an obi) style belt.
And the evening wear, it's very reminescent of some of the flower dresses from the McQueen archives (think Spring 2007)
Ah, McQueen.... What do you think of Sarah Burton's Pre-Fall collection?
A while back it was announced that Nicola Formichetti (aka LADY GAGA'S STYLIST OMG) would be taking over the position of creative director at the famed haute couture label Thierry Mugler.
Whenever someone says the the words Thierry Mugler to me, I think drama and I think glamour. And glitter, lots and lots of glitter. He was known for taking the 80's power shoulder to new extremes, and for his fun catwalk shows that featured the hottest models of the time (Naomi, Linda etc...) in outfits that ranged from the space age to the classically demure with a futuristic twist.
I don't know much about cars, but this tire suit is uber fierce.
A classic Mugler gown. As a learning seamstress, I can appreciate what must have been the hundreds of hours that went into this breathtaking work of art.
Yesterday, Mr. Formichetti showed his first presentation for the label, which was for menswear Fall 2011. I thought it was quite good, though it strayed a bit from the Mugler look.
I LOVE THOSE PANTS. As soon as I saw those, I died a little inside knowing that I can't have them. I thought it was really interesting how he covered the tattoos of the model, which were applied to the models as a nod to the muse of this collection (Rico, a Canadian covered in skeletal tattoos).
I loved this very Mugler take on the classic suit.
However, about halfway through the show, he started to introduce this neon orange, and then left it. I was thrown off by it, it was confusing, and while the pieces are nice, I didn't feel like they fit in with the rest of the collection.
Another re-imagining of the suit. With a little tweaking (ie: more fabric), I could totally see myself wearing this.
Finally, Formichetti hired Lady Gaga as the musical director of the show. She did not disappoint and premiered a remix of a track coming off of her upcoming album! I especially love how she''s speaking German!
One word to describe menswear? B-O-R-I-N-G. Designers often don't experiment much with their menswear presentations, as cultural and societal norms usually clash with what could be a phenomenally quirky menswear design. It's usually not saleable to most men.
However, I always look forward to the Alexander McQueen show (surprising right?). Sarah Burton did not disappoint.
There is a sense of drama in her clothing that I like to emulate in my own wardrobe. And who wouldn't want to make an entrance in a splendid red coat and leather pants!
I was rather intrigued by the layering in this ensemble. Normally I would just wear the vest under the coat, allowing only flashes of leather to peek through, but this works well because the revers on the vest are larger than that of the coat.
I ADORE THIS PRINT. This makes me want a printed blazer so bad.
Taking the unfortunate trend of vampirism and making it modern, the coat is what sells this look for me. A classic black coat is a staple in mens wardrobes, however, the oversized collar makes me fall in love with this even more.
I was fascinated by this new take on the double breasted coat. Interesting.
And of course, the suit. This continues to pursue an idea Sarah presented in her first womenswear presentaion for the label, the slashing open of the shoulders. I never would have imagined this working well with menswear, but the just-perfectly-crooked-to-look-like-an-accident-but-it-really-wasn't tie brings the casual aspect of the shoulder into sharp professionalism. Blue socks with a suit! Ugh, perfect.
But of course, menswear is still presenting. Nicola Formichetti's first menswear collection for Thierry Mugler shows on Wednesday. Lady Gaga is the musical director. Am I excited? You bet your fierce blue socks I am.
No designer will ever EVER take Alexander McQueen's place in my heart and soul, but Tom Ford runs a pretty damn close second. After "retiring" (I use this term extremely loosely) from the fashion industry, Mr. Ford began to make his triumphant return with his directorial debut, the 2009 film "A Single Man".
A Single Man was one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen, with imagery reminiscent of the work of Sofia Coppola and of the extreme poppy-ness of Tim Burton. I could go on forever about this film; the flawless portrayal of very deep and emotionally scarred characters, the stunning camera work and the fabulous costuming all made for a breathtaking film experience.However, while the film was very fashion centric, this was far from a return to the fashion industry.
After helming as creative director at the house of Gucci, Ford moved on to YSL, where, like at Gucci, he greatly improved profits and brought both houses into a modern age. In 2005 he left the Gucci Group and launched his eponymous label. Although he never really retired, he never released a full womenswear collection. That is, until now.
The thing that I adore most about Tom Ford (aside from his designs), is his attention to detail and true value to customer service. He kept his presentation personal and intimate, the focus being on the clothes and the women wearing them, rather than on spectacle.
And the clothes themselves were amazing. Beautifully structured suits,sequined gowns, and above all, that pink fringe leopard print dress. Such a concoction of fantasy and glamor! The collection felt expensive, it felt polished, it felt correct. If this is a premonition of what's to come in the future for Tom Ford, then I can't wait to tag along for the ride.
Personally, I am a non-believer in the concept of "between season" collections. Pre-Fall, Pre-Spring, Resort, Cruise etc.... No. Just no. There's no point! To make a brand exclusive, and keep it at a luxury state, one must keep it exclusive and at a luxury state. Spring and Fall. That's all you need to show.
Having said that, I don't make the rules when it comes to fashion, and like most others in the industry, I obsessively wait for a designers next collection. So, these are my 3 favorite Pre-Fall looks.
No one captures effortless cool quite like Alexander Wang does. I chose this look simply because of it's versatility. While the color may not be flattering on everyone, there is no denying that it is a gorgeous color. This dress would look great for day paired with some leather pieces, but because of its length it could easily transition to evening with the simple addition of a sheer nude, floor-length slip dress underneath.
Nothing screams fall more to me than a trench coat. And who does trench coats better than Burberry? Nobody. Christopher Bailey has done an admittedly fabulous job with Burberry, with a special mention for the Prorsum line. Everything about this look works as a whole. It's seductive, it's dramatic yet demure, it's wearable, it's many things. But above all, it is FIERCE. LOOK AT THOSE BOOTS!!!!!!!
Yes, yes, I know that fall is meant to be a rather dreary season. But who ever said that fashion couldn't be used as a form of escapism? Crystal Renn looks amazing in this cerulean concoction courtesy of Zac Posen. I especially adore how upon first glance the color is the only thing that really stands out; however, one begins to notice all the detail that has gone into this dress. A perfect example of entre-deux and cutwork.
So, those are my 3 favorite Pre-Fall looks. What are yours?
A while back, Lady Gaga was appointed the Creative Director of the slowly dieing Polaroid brand. This was quite possibly the smartest thing Polaroid could have done.
Last week, Lady Gaga announced at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show her first line with the label: The Grey Label. Yo say that I am excited to get my hands on some of her products is an understatement. The Grey Label maintains the instant quality that Polaroid is most famous for, yet moves it into the 21st century. Products shown included an instant portable printer, and a digital version of the original Polaroid camera.
However, I am most excited to get my hands on a pair of these bad bitches: The Camera Sunglasses.
Looking super ballin' AND taking pictures from your direct viewpoint? Sign me up.
I haven't even started my Design Collections class, and already I have a million and one ideas flying through my head at light speed. Do I go super flashy with lace and latex and vinyl and all of those trashy (yet strangely compelling) fabrics? Or do I go soft and romantic, with chiffon and organza? I have no clue! But I DO know what I'm inspired by. This time, it was hunting.
Not to go too much into detail, but this collection will (as usual) have an avian influence, there will be feathers, plaids, over embellishment etc.... It could be the tackiest shit ever. Or not. Let's hope not.
