Posts Tagged ‘Womenswear’
Chanel Resort 2013
As usual, Karl Lagerfeld did not fail in showing his Chanel resort 2013 collection. Set in Versailles, models went down the runway in uniform short bobs with different colors, with bright red cheeks with interlocking Chanel Cs sticker on their faces. As Kaiser Karl would summarize this collection, it is Versailles in a Socialist France. It is clearly a mash of hip hop edge with inspiration M.I.A or Azealia Banks with a hint of eighteenth century Marie Antoinette.
Denim and Chanel? Since when? Now, apparently.
Platform sneakers will be big in 2013.
Dresses, skirts with sneakers.
Frills and girly colors.
Floral.
It’s a pretty inspiring collection isnt it? It is amazing how Karl Lagerfeld and his Chanel team brings us to a whole new world everytime they have fashion shows. From an aquarium, a crystal world, in an airplane and in India. Such a genius!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Best Dressed at the Met Gala 2012
Everyone from Beyonce, Rihanna, Dakota Fanning and Ivanka Trump to the Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake and Tim Tebow were present in one of fashion’s important annual events. This is to celebrate the opening of the Met exhibit of Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli called Prada and Schiaparelli: Impossible Conversations.
This event is in partnership of Vogue so of course, all the designers want to dress up a celebrity. A lot of the celebs wore Prada but I also saw a couple of Givenchys and Zac Posens. Here are the ones who made my best dressed list!
Anna Wintour is number 1 on my list of course! She is wearing a custom Prada dress with lobster detail just like Schiaparelli’s lobster dress. This might be the first time Anna wore a non Chanel dress to the gala.
Camilla Belle in a twenties inspired Ralph Lauren dress. I love that she took the twenties to heart. From her hair to her make up.
Carrey Mulligan in a beautiful and sparkly Prada dress. Shine and sparkle was a trend on the red carpet last night and this dress have out done all of it.
Lily Collins in Valentino. Very soft and feminine look and it is perfect for her demure personality. She looks very sweet and the hint of floral in this dress is refreshing!
Constance Jablonski in a color blocked Haider Ackermann dress. I love Haider Ackermann so much and I am so happy that someone wore his dress on the red carpet.
Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan Atelier. It is her first time to attend the Met Gala and I must say, she did not disappoint! Trains were also one of the trends for that evening and Nina’s train was the best one because of its intricate detail!
Gisele Bundchen in Givenchy. It helped a lot that she came with Tom Brady who looked very dapper and pretty.
Karolina Kurkova looked very shiny and gorgeous from head to toe in a Rachel Zoe ensemble.
Arizona Muse in Erdem. Floral and lace combo always work. Of course only if you are one of the most in demand models today!
Amber Heard in Zac Posen. Old rose is such a beautiful color on her, right? This is one of my favorite dresses from Zac Posen’s fall 2012 collection, and I am glad to see it on the red carpet!
Now, I am undecided about these last two dresses. Not really sure if I like them that much to put them on my list. But kudos to Anja Rubik who daringly wore a hip-bone high slit dress by Anthony Vaccarello and to Beyonce who wore a see through Givenchy dress with embellishments and a purple feather train.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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MUST HAVE! Hand Drawn Sweatshirts by Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin is a long term friend and collaborator of Love 4 Culture and she just recently launched a collection of hand drawn sweatshirts and it is so AWESOME. I am declaring it as a must have for this season!
Shantell is a very talented girl who has participated in a lot of digital drawing and creativity exhibitions and have collaborated and consulted with Dell, NikeID, Coca Cola, Adidas (Japan), Tokyo Art Beat (Japan), CK Shock and Green Hippo, to name a few.
“From London to Tokyo to New York and back again, internationally acclaimed visual artist Shantell Martin is expanding conventional definitions of drawing and animation to transform visual experience in the design, fashion and music industries. Her dazzling light projections have been featured in iconic spots such as New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the megaclubs of Tokyo and Russia, and on the enormous screens at Shibuya and Harajuku crossings in Tokyo. Martin has quickly infiltrated popular culture stateside — she’s been cast as herself on quintessential New York show Gossip Girl, interviewed on CNN, appeared on an NBC morning show, and deemed a muse of super-hip design blog, PSFK. In October 2011, she was interviewed in French Glamour as New York’s “coolest it girl.””
This is her first collection of wearable art, with 15 sweaters with hand illustrated and one of a kind drawings that are just very unique.
“All 15 sweatshirts represent one continuous quirky storyline of whimsy and imagination, with characters, creatures and messages playfully arranged in signature Shantell Martin style.”
For more info about Shantell Martin, visit her site at http://www.shantellmartin.com
Click on the gallery to see the awesome sweatshirts!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Why are Accessories Suddenly so Expensive?
You know, there was a time when accessories like bags and shoes did not cost an arm and a leg. These days, an “IT” bag can cost like a down payment to an apartment or a car or maybe a ticket to go on a vacation. It usually does not go less than four figures. These shoes and bags have been steadily increasing prices every year and it makes us all wonder, when did these accessories get so expensive?
Remember when Carrie Bradshaw went shopping for Manolo Blahniks and the average amount she pays for those are $400? Yes, that time, it was such a shocking price for shoes. Now, when you look back, those werent so bad, yes?
In the 90s, if you wanted to get the biggest “IT” bag like the Hermès Kelly or Birkin or a Chanel 2.55, you need to be a billionaire and be in an exclusive wait list for a couple of years and then pay up to $10,000 for your bag. After awhile, there was a boom in designer accessories so there were more “IT” bags that was introduced to the crowd that were a little bit more affordable than a Birkin or a Chanel bag.
Many accessories are being manufactured have started to come in smaller runs which makes the factory costs higher and increases value. This does not happen to Christian Louboutin though because when it comes to pricing, Euro is the controlling factor. 500 euros is equal to $750 and it looks pretty high but it’s really not.
Having a recognizable handbag or shoe immediately sends a message about what kind of person the carrier is: discriminating, fashion-forward, prestigious. Those kinds of statements can’t be bought for chump change, and brands are realizing that pe
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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What Your “IT” Bag Really Says About You
Did you know that your handbag says more about you than any other item of clothing you have in your closet? No? Well that is what Refinery 29 says so. In fact, your handbag is probably the one fashion item you consistently wear the most, and anything that you trust to shuttle all your daily necessities and to match all your outfits should be pretty darn distinctive. These bags are the ones that have reached icon status and I am pretty sure you are familiar with these bags by now. Who knew that those satchels and canvas totes says a lot about you?
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Your Spring 2012 Shopping List!
Spring is officially here, the question is, are your spring ready? Here is a quick list (from Refinery 29) of spring must haves that you need to put in your shopping list ASAP!
1. Spring Loafers
It’s comfortable and it can look very chic and fashionable. This is a good shoe transition from the heavy and dark boots you have worn all winter to a light and feminine flats for spring.
2. Long Pendant Necklace
I still love those bib necklaces so do not retire those just yet. These long pendant necklaces are perfect if you are trying to achieve the relaxed and comfortable vibe. This is very boho chic and very 1970s era!
3. Midi Dress
Yes, it is the awkward length in between the maxi and mini dresses. These are perfect for women with long legs as they can pull this off easily. Fun colors and prints are a perfect choice this spring.
4. Pleasted Maxi Skirts
Do not retire those maxi skirts just yet as they are still a big trend this spring. It was all over the runway and the streets! You can either dress this up with jewelry and high heels or dress it down with flip flops or wedges shoes.
5. White Sneakers
Another versatile item of clothing everybody should own. White sneakers goes with everything and anything. Wear it with cropped pants, mini skirt, shorts or even a dress this spring!
6. Spring Scarf
Comes in bold, fun prints, to keep your neck warm during the cool spring nights.
7. Eyelet Tea Dress
This is the preppier and less formal than lace dresses. Perfect for garden parties for spring!
8.Bustier
Another big trend for spring. The next time you have a date or a party on the agenda, why not try swapping your go-to party dress for a bustier, blazer, and some skinny jeans? The look is a bit more modern and, sexy.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Shoegasm: Best Fall 2012 Shoes
I still have a little bit of a fashion month hangover so I decided to put together the most beautiful shoes from New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks. There were lots of Mary Janes, knee high boots, wedges, pumps and some crazy heel less shoes that are just to die for.
Alexander McQueen
It is like a fantasy translated into shoes. Sarah Burton has been doing a good job with the label since Lee McQueen’s death. When it comes to heel less shoes, everyone goes to Alexander McQueen for it.
Altuzarra
Boots are a must have for fall and since you will be wearing boots most of winter, why not choose one that is so stylish and chic like these ones from Altuzarra? With tassels hanging around while you walk, how can you resist?
Balenciaga
Known for their quirky and fun shoes, these Balenciaga shoes is perfect to be worn as a statement.
Dolce & Gabbana
I have no words for these shoes. Who does not love those pillars and column like shoes? I personally love the lace boots because it looks so chic and trendy!
Erdem
The shoes are just as beautiful as the collection. The heels look like a beautiful building structure and the prints of the shoes look like graphities.
Jean Paul Gaultier
When it comes to wedge shoes, Jean Paul Gaultier makes them right all the time. Love the design of this season’s shoes, so fun and girly!
Louis Vuitton
From croc skin to ostrich skin, Louis Vuitton shoes has it all for you!
Nina Ricci
Jewelry for your feet? Ankle bracelets? This is so beautiful. Real diamonds used as decorations for the straps of the shoes.
Prada
If you are looking for a sixties inspired shoes, the fall 2012 shoes of Prada is perfetct. Big chunky heels, flower prints and cute embellishments on the shoes.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 Top Trends
Paris is the grand finale of the fashion month and it never fails to just wow us. The top designers show in this city and most of it are the most awaited shows for the season. Usually, the shows are always top notch with lots of intrigues (a real steam train and bag porters at Louis Vuitton, diamonds at Chanel, and Stefano Pilati’s last collection for Yves Saint Laurent) which were really the highlights of the whole week. There were a lot of things that went on for just that week and it was so awesome watching and reading all of it as an observer. Now back to the collections, here are the top trends from Paris fashion week.
1. Fun Furs
I’m pretty sure animal activists were very mad because this season, a lot of collections had a lot of fur in them. From traditional silhouettes and colors to loud, fun and colorful furs that is a huge trend come fall. Hot pink stripes at Celine, fur piping at Viktor & Rolf, and fur dresses at Lanvin and Jean Paul Gaultier.
2. Knit
Not the kind your grandmother would make. These knits have evolved from being just a cute sweater kind to a full on coat seen at A.F Vandervorst. Perfect for fall right? There are also chunkier versions of knit coats at Stella McCartney and Chloe if you like pullover knits. It’s really nice to see that this type of fabric keeps on evolving!
3. Cinched belted waists
It’s all about accentuating the waist for fall because a lot of looks have belts that cinch the waist and showing off that torso. You might also want to get rid or put aside the slim belts because wide,big belts are back this season like these ones from Lanvin (with a tiger!), Haider Ackermann, Yves Saint Laurent and Maison Martin Margiela.
4. Supersize Coats
You can now breathe and feel comfortable because the oversized look is a huge trend for fall. Most of these oversized looks are outerwear like Celine’s, Comme des Garcon’s and Margiela’s big coats.
5. Futuristic clothes
I love avant garde looks because it is so creative and I am always amazed when designers interpret their inspirations through clothes. Balenciaga’s collection had a futuristic theme where the tops have intergalactic sci fi prints, Jean Paul Gaultier had gold-bronze leggings, Chanel was all about diamonds and kryptonites and Gareth Pugh had alien inspired outfits.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 Top Trends
1. Baroque
From brocade to lace to embellishments, it was seen all over the runway especially at the Dolce & Gabbana show where Domenico and Stefano covered their entire collection in elaborate gilt and pearl ornamentation with plenty of Roman Catholic iconography thrown in. There were bejeweled crosses and embellishments at Aquilano.Rimondi cut gold foil patters at Marni.
2. Head to Toe prints
If you are up to it, head to toe print is very big trend in Milan. This is a simple concept that’ll stretch your wardrobe a bit further: buy building blocks in the same print to wear separately or, more dramatically, together—for a full dress or pantsuit look.
3. Black Black Black
Black is perfect for fall as we know but the black for this season’s fall is very dramatic. There’s a distinct Film Noir feel in the air, with ‘40s silhouettes as seen in Antonio Maras’ lean, World War II-era dresses and Gucci’s Hollywood Regency sets.
4. Textures
Texture play, mixing prints, patterms and colors are still in season. The visual interest comes in the unexpected texture combinations: lamb fur with latex and thick knits at Missoni, and leather with wool next to micro-pleats and lace at Fendi.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Best Fall 2012 Collections from London Fashion Week
The fashion month is almost half way over so it is now time to choose the favorite collections from London. It is actually pretty hard to choose favorites because London, just like New York is a haven for emerging fashion designers. There were lots of established designers and even buzzworthy new ones. This season’s shows are very diverse and all kinds of women would have something to wear.
1. Burberry
The Burberry collection was full of magnificent coats that every woman would like to have in their closets. There is an array of choices for women from slouchy coats, big pockets, lots of wool and tweed in every shape you can think of!
2. Giles
It was beautiful in a dark way. Burnt fabrics ruled the runway. Yes. There were burnt holes in most of the dresses, even on white ethereal dresses, that looked different but still gorgeous.
3. Mary Katrantzou
I have always anticipated her shows because she always has the wow factor. She has a genius way with print and color and you can clearly see it in all her clothes. She finds ways to incorporate everyday household items and made inspired prints from them–think spoons, hangers, even a typewriter. Genius!
4. McQ
This is the first time since Alexander McQueen died that the presentation of the brand is close to how McQueen would do it if he were still alive. Mostly military inspired with tartan and lace details. I love the whole collection and the theatrics of it all!
5. Antonio Berardi
I love this collection because of its femininity and its silhouettes. Lots of peplums with a little bit of sleek suits, oversized coats with fur trims, and fitted dresses.
Which one is your favorite?
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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The Worst Fashion Trends of 2011
The year is almost over and it is time to look back and remember the craziness that we all went through, fashion wise. We’re doing this because we want to avoid doing these mistakes again for 2012. Sure, when you saw these fashion trends, you thought they were cool and awesome, but think about it again and look back, was it really that cool and awesome?
1. The Dukan Diet.
Admit it. The moment we all saw Kate Middleton on her wedding day, we all wanted to know her secret diet. Right? It was all credited to the Dukan diet and apparently, this is what French people do. It is this low carb high protein diet and it was a craze around the fashion world. The down side to this? Well, what you lose is what you’re going to gain back once you get off it.
2. Short denim shorts with pockets showing
You think it looks very hip and trendy but it’s really not. It looks like you are wearing shorts the wrong way or tissue paper or a napkin is sticking out. It is not a good look. I dont even want to know how this trend started.
3. Spider Eyelashes
A very lumpy and messy trend. The eyelashes are overcoated with a lot of mascara that makes it look like spider legs. Celebrities are guilty of doing this and I am not sure why everyone seemed to love it.
4. Cheap Looking Animal Prints
Animals were big this year especially on the runways. It did not take a long time before cheap knock offs were found in department stores and on the streets. The knock offs looked very very cheap and it is destroying what’s supposed to be a classic animal print fabric.
5. Harem Pants
MC Hammer is no longer visible these days and yet harem pants found a way to make a come back and surprise the fashion world. This is not the 1980s. Designers and fashionistas tried to reinvent its design but it still did not work. Let us hope that this 2011 trend stays in 2011.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Chanel Paris-Bombay Pre-Fall 2012 collection
Karl Lagerfeld has never been to India and he said that “It is much more inspiring to not go to places than to go”. The theme for the Pre-Fall 2012 collection is Paris-Bombay. The clothes are still very much Coco Chanel while the jewelry, bags and shoes are very India. Style.com said “It was a reminder that Europe’s fashion industry has increasingly turned to India to produce extravagantly handworked pieces as it has become prohibitively expensive to make them at home.”
Indian Chic meets Parisian Chic
These bags will be the most coveted bags next season.
and just like that, nose rings and heavy eyeliners are chic, thanks to Chanel.
Watch the fashion show here, it is worth your 10 minutes!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
