While browsing through Vogue’s ‘Best Dressed’ issue, I couldn’t help but gawk at this beautiful photo of ’90s supermodels Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell.
I love when photographers opt to capture contrasts. Case in point: these finely dressed bombshells enjoying their hot dogs and beer.
Brilliant.
Love,
B
It’s official—I’m back from my blogosphere hiatus! I decided to take some time away from blogging because I felt like I was lacking vision for my blog. Don’t get me wrong—blogs are meant to be open forums, and I know it’s totally possible to have a rad multi-themed blog, but I was just having a hard time with content.
During my hiatus, I traveled to London and Paris to pursue my dreams. I enrolled in a dual-city course offered through Central Saint Martins, and soaked up all I possibly could on fashion and culture. Over the next little while I’ll share some invaluable lessons I took away from both the course and people I met along the way.
However, this post will highlight some of my favourite designers and pieces from the world’s four fashion capitals: Paris, Milan, London and New York.
It was pretty difficult to narrow it down, but I decided to feature only my top three faves from each city. Also, the pictures I’ve used are via www.showstudio.com –a wicked website suggested to us in summer school (and is now frequented religiously).
Paris
I think the wearability of Margiela’s Spring/Summer (S/S) collection is what instantly drew me to it. Each piece had an element of elegance, whether the outfit was accessorized by a pair of long gloves, or the mere cut of the garment. I loved how the collection was mainly made up of neutral colours, making it flattering on practically anyone. If I could sum up this collection in one word: dreamy.
On the contrary, we have McQueen’s S/S collection—no real element of simplicity here, but lots of dramatic glamour. I loved the hive-like hats each of the models wore—I think it added to the somewhat theatrical look Sarah Burton was going for. The honeycomb inspiration was apparent in some of McQueen’s dresses, like the pale yellow beauty above. The mix of bright and dark colours gave the collection an interesting twist. The final few gowns were mind-blowing—my personal favourite was the poppy red gown.
I loved everything about this collection—from the makeup and hair to the downright fun garments. The models walked out in pairs, showing a contrast in two pieces, whether it was colour, cut or style. This was a very fresh collection with pop colours. The models rocked beehive hairdos and muted makeup, a perfect combination for this 60s vibe. Personally, I loved how Marc Jacobs gave this collection a twist by changing up the classic damier cavas and infusing it with an array of colours.
Milan
This was a fantastic collection– Prada was infused with Eastern influence, taking us all on a journey to Japan. Kimono dresses, satin, and flowers were just a few of Prada’s ingredients this season. I thought the collection was very fashion forward, and I loved the Japanese influence–it added an element of playfulness to the otherwise elegant collection. Finally, I can’t help but mention my love for the accessories, specifically the funky floral glasses–brilliant!!
I’m a sucker for monochromatic outfits, and Gucci’s glorious S/S collection exuded just this. Minimalist, yet bold looks, I loved the choice of colours: white, grass green, and hot pink just to name a few. There was a late 60s, and 70s influence to the collection–long slim sleeves and oversized sunglasses are just a couple elements that intensified these utterly glam getups.
Another minimalist, yet totally chic collection comes from the talented, Jil Sander who made her return to the label with a bang (a cool aside–the show had no music in an effort to have guests focus entirely on the garments). I love how the collection included the essentials– skirt and pant suits, day dresses (just to name a few) and revisited them with a twist of colour and/or shape. Tangerine orange and crisp white was my favourite combination. All in all, a seemingly effortless and wearable collection.
London
So, let’s talk about the trench, or better yet, gawk at the splendor that is Burberry. Metallic colours were the trend at this S/S show, both in the garments and accessories. Models graced the catwalk in gold and silver heels, adding (if it’s even possible) more glam to this impeccable collection. I loved the mix of bold hues with classic colours–fuschia, white, navy and gold/green were just some colours that highlighted the elegance of each trench. Simply divine.
Although it was one of the most eccentric in the entire S/S collection across the four fashion capitals, Vivienne Westwood managed to include a mix of polished, monochromatic looks with kookier, theatrical getups. I thought this stark contrast was clever– intermixing ladylike looks, with Alice in Wonderland references (think Mad Hatter), floral wigs and brightly painted faces. It’s safe to say that calling it a whimsical show may be an understatement.
Let’s kick it back to minimalist looks– Paul Smith graces us with a fresh and wearable collection. I love the use of colour blocking and totally agree with British Vogue’s tweet describing the collection as having the ‘right amount of boyish femininity’. Oh, and the orange lips were the perfect statement accessory.
New York
I would have to say that this collection was the most challenging to narrow down to my three or four favourite outfits (even choosing five was painful). I loved the variety in this collection–there’s a mix of casual, business and formal attire, but each looks exalts a certain sultriness. I found it interesting to see how vastly different certain looks were, from boyishly feminine, to downright sexy. Where romance meets poetry is a look I see and love about this entire collection.
Another sexy collection, I love how Jason Wu mixes fabrics to make the looks a lot sharper. The use of leather, satin and lace all contribute to the sensual vibe. I personally like the mix of leather and lace–I think it adds a romantic effect to what would otherwise be seen as an edgier look. Oh, and again we see the bold, red lips–the perfect finishing touch.
I don’t want to gush about how much I LOVE this collection, but please know that I truly admire every detail about this collection and show. First off, do you notice something different about the models? They are actually smiling/smirking!!! I think this makes a huge difference in the way we perceive the outfits–I don’t know if it’s just me, but the way the girls carry themselves actually brightens the outfits. I love the mix of bold and neutral hues, monochromatic looks, colour blocking and patterned garments. This is such an eclectic collection that exudes sexiness, confidence and playfulness. Finally, the accessories are perfect–rad shades for rad outfits. MUAH, perfecto.
There you have it–the world’s fashion capitals’ S/S collection all in one blog post. So, what do you think? Did I capture your favourites? I’d love to hear which collections you gushed over, or couldn’t bear to look at.
Until then, have a wonderful day and stay beautiful!
Much love,
B
Le Bon Vivanteur 