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.
