When a Fashion Show is more than a Catwalk

Most people are accustomed to runways show sets, music and merchandise to create an overall mood of the presentation.  However, Louis Vuitton took it a step further for their Spring 2012 Collection.  Their show featured a larger than life Merry-Go-Round, with their models already sitting on the horses, as the fixture spun around to whimsical music that is very reminescent to the sounds heard from our childhood 'Jack in the Box' toys.  The show was a great reflection of their line which possessed a soft, feminine and innocent like quality.  It should be mentioned that Alexander McQueen did a carousel like idea back in 2001, however his theme displayed darker tones with the models wearing clown make-up, as seen in children's parties.  This is not surprising since McQueen's shows are known to take this type of fashion presentation to the next level.  I've inserted the LV video along with a quick glimpse of the McQueen Show.

Louis Vuitton, Spring 2012 Fashion Show

Fun Fact: Vanessa is petrified of clowns!

Alexander McQueen 2001, What a Merry-Go-Round

Street Style, Life's Real Runway Show

I was fortunate enough to find my street subject across the street from my house smoking a butt, readying up to head to a friend's birthday dinner with my neighbor.  It was easy approaching Nichole since we shared mutual friends.  However like me, she was not much of a picture person, so you won't catch her looking at the camera much nor smiling in these pics, although she was a super cool person and completely flattered by my appreciation of her style.  Thank goodness it was a warmer day out because her black scarf which covered the details of her blazer and necklace, didn't allow us to get the full scope of her stylish pairings.

I've mentioned before my love for street style so what first  drew me to Nichole's outfit was her approach to color.  Though red and aqua are not colors that would typically be blended together, she brought them together nicely with a neutral colored top with a floral pattern that contained the same color palette.  The floral pattern was also a spring 2013 trend that Nadege of "Style to the Nines" (http://styletothenines.blogspot.com) had mentioned on one of her previous blog entries.

Street Fashion of Nichole Richard (East Boston, MA)

Her black blazer's stand collar which is very reminiscent of a military jacket, was softened with shirred shoulders, a trend which has been seen for the past 2 seasons.  The black of the blazer also helped to further neutralize the bright colors of her red platform shoes and aqua leggings, while still matching the colors of her flower pattern on her top.

Floral Print Top

Blazer, Floral Top, Printed leggings & Platform Heels

What I found most fascinating was the print seen on her leggings.  It turns out that she bought the pair from a local thrift shop and had her boyfriend, paint and draw the design onto them.  The alien like creature featured on her right leg is a character in which he draws up in many of his 'galactic' pieces.  While the creature was drawn in with both a pen and sharpie, the splattered blots of black dots all throughout the pants were used with black paint and sponge.  The contradicting features of an alien on her legs, paired with a dainty floral pattern as her top, was a nice touch as well.

 

Close Up of Alien Creature, Artist: Juice

Blotted dots, Artist: Juice

  

The personalized drawing on the leggings could be an example of "trickle-up" if it were to be picked up by designers.  Printed pants have made their way into the scene this past year, however this approach brings the element of rawness to the pants that has not been seen or mimicked just yet.

Neutral Clutch

Nichole had mentioned that she wanted to tone down the loud colors of her outfit with minimal accessories.  She wore plain silver hoop earrings, a drop long silver necklace, 2  silver rings, and a neutral clutch purse with silver metal details, making the main piece her red platform heel.

Nichole Richard

Thanks again to Nichole Richard (I know you said you'd take a look at this), my street subject who was shy but flattered, and took the time to allow me to snap some pics of her. 

Big is Beautiful

SPRING 2013 TREND:

TRAPEZE MAXI DRESS

The maxi dress has yet to lose its flair.  In Spring 2013, big and billowy will be the favored look for its simplicity and comfort.  The trapeze dress, which gets its name from the A-line shape it takes angling outward from the neck moving down, is a lot more flattering than what it is given credit for.   

Image:WGSN

FUN FACT:  By age 21, Yves Saint Laurent found himself working as head designer of the House of Dior. His spring 1958 collection almost certainly saved the enterprise from financial ruin; the straight line of his creations, a softer version of Dior's New Look, catapulted him to international stardom with what would later be known as the "trapeze dress."

Lanvin, PreFall 2011

In the last year, the trapeze dress has made its occasional appearance on the European and South American runways.  Its bound to make its way onto the US market, as more women will want to break away from the form-fitted apparel that has overtaken the market the past 2 years.

Etro, Spring 2012

The flared form that makes up the trapeze dress can be visually re-shaped.  By simply altering its hemline, seamlines, neckline, fabric and / or print, the garment will seemingly take on a new structure. 

Damir Dova, Spring 2012

Rick Owens, Spring 2011

Brazilian Designer Cantao, Fall Winter 2011

Ethnic prints will not be as prominent in Spring 2013, but many trapeze dresses will showcase ethnic cuts in a deep and colorful palette that have been inspired by the current trend.

Martin Grant Spring, 2011

Although the trapeze dress is considered simple, it really quite versatile.  Expect to see these dresses used as resort wear, casual daywear and eveningwear.

 

Lauryn Hill at Coachella 2011, wearing Jil Sander - Spring Collection

This trend has yet to be seen on many stars, however Lauryn Hill stylishly wore a trapeze dress from the Jil Sander Spring 2011 Collection during Coachella.  Stay tuned as it makes its appearance on more celebrity paparazzi pics.

My Face is up here, Can you please stop staring at my PANTS!

I had originally written this blog for an assignment for my creative fashion presentation class at FIT.  Then I realized that we were to do a Spring 2012 trend, not one for 2012.  But since I took the time and efforts to put this together and I dig the trend, Here It Is...

SPRING 2012 TREND REPORT: 

PRINTED PANTS

We've seen print pants hit the runway before, yet many have shunned the trend away in fear of seeming as if they were advocates of pajama daywear.  However, this year Designers are doing things differently....

To accommodate various body types and taste preferences, no style was left untouched.  This Spring's wide assortment of Printed Pants will surely appeal to many.

Prabal Gurung, Spring 2012 Collection

Cynthia Rowley, Spring 2012 Collection

3.1 Phillip Lim, Spring Collection 2012

Print Pants has been reformulated.  With a slimmer fit and sheen fabric, these pants suit both the career woman and the lounge lady.  There is no limit to the styles available.  Here we see a skinny fit, boot cut, and a loose fit with a zipper accent. 

Rebecca Minkoff, Spring 2012 Collection

Argentine Designs, Spring 2012 Collection

Wide-leg Print Pants do not always translate into sleep wear.  To counter this perception, designers have chosen exotic prints such as this year's popular animal print.  To avoid overdoing the look, allow the pants to be the main focal point and pair with neutral or simple tops.

Street Style Photos: couturecitizens.com (image left & center), harpersbazaar.com (image on right)

One Style, Many Looks: Casualwear, Daywear & Workwear, Wide-leg print pants can work for just about any occasion, it's all about the styling. 

Image: StyleSight

Printed Trousers paired with Spring 2012's two other hottest trends; Floral Patterns & High Waists.

Source: Vogue

Source: Vogue

Seeing Beauty through the eye of the B-Logger

#1 Sincerely, Jules

Coat: Gryphon (Bib + Tuck) | Blouse: MYNE | Shorts: Johnson | Clutch: Claire Vivier | Sneakers: Jack Purcell Converse | Prescription Glasses: Warby Parker

Faux fur vest: Thrifted (cool ones here & here)  | Dress: H&M | Oxfords: GAP | Bag: Miu Miu |

Skirt: f21 | Leopard Print Shoes: gifted 80%20 | Bag: Alexander Wang

Clutch: Emily Cho c/o Bib + Tuck | Blouse: gifted d.RA | Sweater: my Beloved | Jeans: gifted Kasil x Taylor Jacobson

After looking at shots from my favorite blog, Sincerely Jules, its not hard to tell that I an a fan of streetwear, a genre of fashion in which no rules need apply.  The variety of textures, prints, styles and layers are properly pulled together in every shot, bringing a new fresh look to the portfolio.  Jules does a great job of placing together vintage, high fashion and affordable pieces, and conveniently lists each and every brand, design and retailer her pieces come from.  Her style is so recognized that designers and retailers send this Blogger new pieces to pair with her wardrobe to market their new products.

#2 Justina Blakeney

Upcycled Shutters

Ethnic Print Inspiration

Creative Ideas for the Home

I'd be lying to you if I told you that I didn't enjoy flipping through home interior magazines to catch sight of the amazing set ups that are featured in those magazines, however I haven't reached the level of success where any of it is practical.  Although those publications inspire creativity, I take more pleasure in home fashion finds that are affordable, attainable, and if they are environmentally conscious, the better.  Jusina Blakeny pulls resources from the web as well as from her own personal work and posts to her blog for the world to take note and try themselves.

#3 Dapper Lou

Chains: Mateo Bijoux, Spring 2011

Shoes: Jay Hawker Boots from Cole Haan

 I have a great appreciation for menswear, however with all my time devoted to keeping up with women's fashion, it will come as no surprise that I tend to neglect men's fashion trending.  When I'm not looking at the sartorialist, I follow Dapper Lou, a fashion photographer, who also takes to the streets to capture current street fashion, specifically for men.  What particularly draws me to Dapper Lou's site is that he also features lookbooks and current men's fashion products.  This proved to be  extremely helpful with ideas when I was styling a photoshoot last year and I was at a lost as to how to accessorize my client.