Part 2 of 2: A Continuation of Commercial Paris Collections

Part 2 of 2: A review of Stella McCartney, Elie Saab, and Saint Laurent Spring 2014 Collections

A close-up of a Saint Laurent SS14 red zebra and bow-tie sequined dress; a Stella McCartney patchwork lace dress; a red embroidered Elie Saab dress.

A continuation of Part 1 of 2: Paris Fashion Week is Full of Excitement. 

I respect how Stella McCartney has developed her own niche that works so well for the label. Her clothes are always chic, sexy, and comfortable looking with the sportiness she injects into them. Although lately, I believe she may be having too much of a commercial or resort thing stuck in her mind. We were all dying for her edgy relaxed silhouettes that worked for all women when she started, but with so many new designers and high competition today she's staying behind compared to other designers who have developed much more intense creativity. 

She hasn’t lost it all though. Some that were noteworthy here were her interpretations of slimming track suits that came in feminine colors - burgundy, blue, and rose - that focused on the daily needs that have attracted her customers. And those final splendid dresses – colorful patchworks of lace that looked beautiful in the front and the back – will have her women very content for another season.

Elie Saab also appears to be mixing in commercial and his signature lace and embroidery in his ready-to-wear collections. All there is to say is that they make a beautiful collection his loyal customers and young girls will be pleased with in delicate pink, white, green, red, and black. Floral prints and appliqué statements were a plus. 

I’ve already talked about Hedi Slimane as new creative director for Saint Laurent. While on the runway this collection may look trashy and horrible on some of those skinny models, these clothes look superbly different on real people – Kate Upton, Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson – and even normal on his menswear counterpart. There is power to these looks and if Slimane wants to shock the fashion world again, it’s hard to now, because most of us feel comfortable with what he offers. It’s just a matter of imagining someone perhaps like Johansson in them (minus those kitsch sock heels). 

He presented again his grungy leather pieces – skirts, pants, biker jackets, dresses, suits – and emphasized still on chiffon button-down shirts, slim fitted tuxedo cigarette pants paired with borrowed men’s suits. What felt new was a sequined dress, like one he sent out the runway at the beginning of the show and another red zebra stripped dress with a sequin bow-tie wrapped around the waist. There were also cropped jackets, a red sequined striped top, sequined silver-y suits and miniskirt combo, and his final half-sleeve with a puffed up shoulder embroidered with sequined red lips that stated luxury.

He also included color like a deep-cut green mini and asymmetrical blue dress, and a pink strapless one over a black blazer. I personally found a gold metallic wrapped dress he showed would make a great statement for those girls with special attitude. Overall, this wasn't a bad collection if you first learn to see it from a different perspective. As long as that cash registers keeps ringing, nobody else gives a damn what haters have to say. He's just doing his job now, making this label return to everyone's mouth. And trust me, these clothes do look much more inviting on the floor (retail store) then what saw Monday night.

The Fall 2013 Couture | Chanel, Valentino, and More

Chanel is one of the few - maybe the only one - brands who can produce 68 looks without appearing it was rushed at all. Karl Lagerfeld's team has become perfectly comfortable with couture, that by know it's as easy as stealing a piece of candy from a kid. Effortless and chic are their iconic Chanel suits - presented each season in newer designs - you would forget these are the true suits, made entirely by hand. 

There is always a question for others who are familiar with Chanel's collection though. Don't the other ready-to-wear suits and jackets have just about the same designs as the couture ones, but separated because one is handmade? Not exactly. 

Chanel's couture jackets are what keep couture alive momentarily. Even though these pieces may retail around $10,000+ for each, they do sell like hot pancakes. You would think such ridiculous price tag would exempt some one from purchasing these beauties, but it is the idea that a Chanel suit would fit perfectly like a glove (based on your body measurements) and embroidered with such impeccable details the main factor that would lead to a mass demand. 

Karl Lagerfeld in general seems to stay in his comfort zone, upgrading newer versions of his Chanel suits that's not hard to in love with. Yes, there is a dramatic detail effect in Lagerfeld's couture suits that drive their prices up. One dark gray suit and skirt ensemble was actually stitched with small silver-ly strips to achieve its lustrous effect, while another white suit jacket (pictured above) appeared to have been hand braided throughout the sides - something only Chanel has mastered. Dresses were pleasing to watch as well, but would have been much more beautiful without Mr. Lagerfeld's sumptuous skirts anyone could rock if money weren't the blockade. 

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino were feeling the beauty of nature. For this, they decided to begin their show with a series of nature prints that didn't work too well to say the least. There were some that were intriguing, but others were too much in your face; it could make someone dizzy. 

Even though their choice of prints may have not been a winning factor as were their extraordinary crepe pipings last couture season, there was an effort put into those designs. There lace and embroidered dresses were the definition of high luxury here. There couldn't be woman who wouldn't think twice at least in trying on a black laced dress (pictured above) that would portray the refined classical woman Valentino is.

We know they are also perfect at making a great cape and overcoat - present in here - but what brought a doubt here was one specific look. It was the only look that was the most different of them all and infused somewhat of a vintage Valentino. A light brown deep cut dress (pictured above) seemed quite provocative compared to what we have been used to seeing Chiuri and Piccioli show at Valentino. This dress could make the younger girls of today go desperate for something like this; a favorite of mine. It indeed maintained a classic sophistication with the correct color choice, but the question is could Valentino soon be moving to another new chapter? If the question were yes, I believe most of us would be in favor. The duo is doing excellent introducing new elements in their menswear line, so why not shift some major things around in their womenswear line?

Elie Saab can best be recognized on the red carpet for his signature embroideries and beadwork. They have become a favorite among celebrities to wear on the red carpet, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a dress from this collection appear soon at a premiere. 

His colors - burgundy, blue paillettes, light gray, emerald, and violet, - were a big triumph for Elie Saab. It may have been Mr.  Saab's strongest couture collection compared to previous seasons, because just like his burgundy numbers, imbued seductive authority. His jumpsuits, like one light gray embroidered look, was feminine and elegant - appropriate to wear for a gala besides a dress. Overall, there were various options of colors and cuts to choose from. This doesn't mean it was bad, it just means choosing something to wear from this fall 2013 couture collection will be harder to decide. Good Luck. In your dreams.

Alexis Mabille loves to create drama in his couture collections, for which being couture most of us have to view as a form of art. But his fall 2013 collection had somewhat of a less drama; surprising. Of course not all was about taking away drama as were his dresses - finished with exaggerated shoulders and more structures. He included several pants - hand painted, embroidered, and simply satin pastels - that weren't as unappealing for a couture standard. The only drama in his pants could have been they were high-waisted.

A semi-draped pink satin dress stitched with an embroidered top was an interesting technique coming from Mabille. Compared to his other dresses, one black embroidered dress with a 3-dimensional purple flower was appealing, and had Mabille's signature in a much more refined (modern) manner.

 Someone searching for a little dose of couture drama could definitely find something of their wish in these collection. If Mabille would want to reach a much wider audience, his precision in dramatic effects while still managing to tone his obsession for drama, could put him on the map of a designer who can offer very special treasures.

The Final Hours of Paris Fashion Week

The last day of a month full of Fashion Week was finally over. What a way to have begun the final hours with Louis Vuitton, following Miu Miu, and ending it relaxed with Elie Saab. You couldn't have asked for more.

Vibe: A romantic intimacy.
Results: This was by far the most romantic theme Marc Jacobs could portray for Louis Vuitton. Pajamas. It was all about those silky daywear numbers he opted to present. Who wouldn’t want to wake up like this in their LV pajamas and still look as gorgeous as a dress would imply? I know for most women this is their dream come true. No more dealing with the daily struggle of what to wear. Coats definitely were a plus. The manner in which colors sort of faded from each other was femininity to the max. And for the suits as the one above, Jacobs basically said, forget those pants, just make it your dress. I don’t know if that was romantic or lusty. What do you think?

Vibe: Star Trek gone sexy.
Results: Miu Miu (derived from Miuccia Prada’s nickname) has become one of the most sought out brands in fashion. It’s no surprise why this brand has had some of the honors of being one the of the second to last shows to close Paris Fashion Week, and to add, close a month full of Fashion Week. Ms. Prada has made it clear about the differences between Prada and Miu Miu. To summarize it, Prada is all about being playful and feminine, but Miu Miu – she’s the chic, fashion-forward, and lusty one. Those neckerchiefs provoked something mysterious hidden in her. The setting appeared futuristic, which gave the clothes that perfect atmosphere. Pink polka dot coats screamed femininity in a lustful style. Shoes became the future of the new sexy footwear. I mean, as usual, Miu Miu taught us some fashion tips to expect to be wearing in the future. Some of you may know that Star Trek will be out soon. I don’t know why, but the movie comes to mind when I view the collection. I can already imagine the women fighting with these clothes on. 

Vibe: Office evening
Results: Elie Saab has been in charge of closing a month full of Fashion Week. I believe it does feel adequate to close Fashion Week with a collection that feels relaxed and pleasant for many. This is what Elie Saab delivered in his presentation. I would have to state I view his collection more commercially than anything else. Now, his Haute Couture is another story. He is a talented man, but for a collection, I felt it was a little too resort or pre-fall to say the least. I hope you agree with me that the clothes were quite relaxed and lovely to watch. Colors – navy, purple, black, yellow, and white – were a hit target for many women. Southern women would definitely fall in love with the collection. If anything Elie Saab knows how to make beautifully, it would be lace embroidery. You have got to love them.

Stars Who Didn't Shine at The Critic's Choice Awards Red Carpet

The People’s Choice Awards red carpet yesterday was full of statement trenders and well……horrible mistakes. As usual, not everyone is pleased as what celebrities wear when walking a red carpet. There’s always got to be that person who really didn’t make it to the best dressed list. Below, we give you some of the stars who didn’t shine at all. Poor Them.

Ellen Pompeo in Lanvin

 This western number above did not look suitable for an awards ceremony. The look felt too casual to be worn here. A horse ride would of appeared better.

Jennifer Aniston in Dior

Jennifer Aniston always manages to pull of a good look. This time she seemed to have forgotten about her curves. We adore Dior, but the dress simply made her look heavier than what she is. Or is she hiding something? Hmm.

Katy Perry in Valentino Fall/Winter 2012

 Katy Perry is known for her outgoing personality that she portrays in the red carpets in stunning body-hugging silhouettes. We know she has the perfect body to rock any outfit, but this particular look seemed very restrained. It felt more of as we were meeting with her at a casual lunch conference than an awards night. The dress was elegant no doubt, her hair nicely done, but there was something missing. What happened Katy?

Lea Michele in Elie Saab

It seems Lea Michele is your average outgoing girl who feels young and energetic. This pink ensemble from Elie Saab didn’t portray that girl many of us are in love with. With all respect, pink was not your color. Try better next time please, and again, we do love you.

Paris Hilton in Mary Kantrantzou Fall/Winter 2012

 Paris Hilton somehow emulates your typical well dressed Barbie doll. Parisian chic we could say as well. We don’t know what happened here, but we thought there was too much color going on everywhere. The dress seemed very heavy on her thin body, which we actually appreciate. A short luxurious silk/chiffon dress would of put her on the best dressed list for sure.

Olivia Munn in Carolina Herrera Resort 2013

 Why would you hide your curves when you know you have something to show off? Olivia Munn’s piece felt more constrained than Katy Perry’s choice. We don’t know what happened to her, but we’ll just leave it to our thoughts.

Erin Hayes in a black fringed dress

What was this Erin? 

Monica Potter in a pale pink dress

Pale and grotesque are the only words we could use to describe this.

Kristen Kreuk in Jean Fares

Kristen Kreuk should have known this was a risky outfit to wear. There was too much texture and color bolting everywhere, or maybe they were desperate to run away from her.