Fendi and Prada Spring 2014 Collections: A Beauty of Art and Technology

A review of Fendi and Prada Spring 2014 Collections. 

From Left: Graphic Prada coat and yellow bejeweled shoes; Fendi spring 2014 laser-cut fur top and plastic organza heels.

You know where Karl Lagerfeld goes it’ll always make a great impression. That’s how it was at Fendi’s new spring 2014 collection. You have to respect what Mr. Lagerfeld does, because someone like him has to have a lot of creativity and think fast at the same time. Two weeks from today he’ll be presenting his Chanel show, but we never get a clue what to expect at his other show (unlike Marc Jacobs which you kind of know what to expect at Louis Vuitton). Fendi and Chanel may be done by the same designer, but they definitely have a different taste. Mr. Lagerfeld is a lover of organza – something you won’t see much at Chanel – but given he was at Fendi that was what he showed us.

I never feel intrigued by the way other designers play around with organza, but at Fendi they were the most luxurious, comfortable, and lightest fabrics I had seen. So much technology seemed to have gone into those fabrics. Laser-cut organza was layered in different shades of colors, brought into lovely pastel trench coats, cropped tops, and other tops and skirts etched with triangular patches of razor-thin fur. I loved how he made fur – in dresses, coats, tops, and skirts - accessible for a summery day; that red laser-cut fur jacket and skirt above was everything. Organza never looked so fresh and luxe as it did at Fendi. Well, thanks to Mr. Lagerfeld.

Prada may be one of the biggest highlights of the season other designers may find it hard to beat when it comes to FASHION. Miuccia Prada does fashion. There is never quite a trend to follow at her shows. She just puts them out there for the audience to imagine her compelling stories that go so well with her choice of songs (Work Bitch by Britney Spears was played here). I’ve always seen Prada as a love affair. You think it’s wrong or ugly what she does, but most of us end up loving and dreaming her collection after a couple of times. It’s so awkward but it feels good to think about wearing one her clothes. And that’s the message she always brings to her collection: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Because under all those esoteric layering’s -  soccer socks, ribbed tops, bra tops, skirts - there is something special made just for you; I have her recent men’s summer collection stuck in my mind.   She said her new collection was one of her most personal to date, but it also was one of her strongest collections to date. 

She took sportswear and turned into a powerful message of female struggles. All those graffiti facial portraits that were painted on the murals of her runway were applied to her dresses to give a different meaning to each individual – hope, rejection, depression, happiness. Those images conveyed the power of femininity. She also layered embellished and stamped bra tops over coats and dresses like a form of self-confidence. Am I ready to show skin or not? There seemed to have been so much personal feelings into this collection.

Coats were by far the most noteworthy ones, especially those gorgeous graphic colored mink coats; if her $44,000 floral mink coats from her spring 2013 collection were a sensation, I have a feeling Ms. Prada knew very well what to invest into this collection. But not only will her colorful mink coats (our secret sin) and embellished dresses be displayed on magazines. Her accessories (which always sell the most) like those vibrant sandals and handbags are sure to have customers ordering more than one. And again, all those superb embellishments may be too much for your personal like, but if you analyze the rest, there will be something that will have a meaning to you. That being said, this was a beautiful collection of art.

Fendi's Fall Furry Monsters

You know you can't never go wrong when Fendi plays around with their fur. They are the best in the luxury market, taking fur to a whole another dimension then what is perceived by. They have found so many innovative ways to turn fur into a fabric of its own, so razor sharp sometimes you won't believe what type of fur material you're wearing. 

This fall, their accessories - mostly handbags - have gotten fur lovers craving for some playful fur monsters and bird baguette's. Their new designs won't come at such an affordable price menu with prices ranging from $4450 - $7200US for one of these little monsters. And if you're wondering what type of fur these bags are made from you would probably be somewhat surprised to know they are dyed mink fur from Finland. Nice, huh? If you were to take a closer look at them you would be able to appreciate their dying techniques do look very well made when it comes to fur, but of course were talking about Fendi. Everything needs to come out perfect if you want to be the best in the luxury fur market. 

Also, you may have noticed in case you these prices seem a bit high for a furry monster, you could always grab Fendi's furry keychain monster to accessorize any other bag. Although, at $700 for this whimsical charm that could become the next big trend this upcoming season, it's much more creative to say maybe a new DIY project? While you're at it, have fun with some furry ankle boots as well, because fur has turned out to be bigger than ever this fall.

What do you think about these accessories?

The Best of Fall 2013 Ad Campaigns

Kenzo Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Most Fall/Winter 2013 Ad Campaigns have been released by now, and by most we mean we're still waiting for Gucci to close the deal. Yes, it's still July, but if you think about it, fall season is just around the corner. You'd have to agree that a great amount of campaigns have really put some effort into making one of the best advertisements this season. Some may be quirky cool, provocative, thoughtful, or controversial like Saint Laurent has been. 

Whether you love a certain campaign or not, the whole point of these campaigns are to captivate people's attention for a minimum amount of seconds. It only takes about two seconds to have someone take some time to turn around and pause to see an ad. This is why it comes to my conclusion that the following ads below and above are one of the best of the season. Being familiar with the brand's collection doesn't have to be tough homework, because a striking ad is all it takes to have you searching for that brand. 

Kenzo Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

In a short summary, Kenzo deserves an applause for its numerous outstanding campaigns. Its Fall 2013 campaign will probably have a wider audience searching for what the brand sells, and overall purchasing the item. In fashion, their collection may not have been the best of the season, but it will surely cause another street style sensation with their most recent technique of advertisements. As a customer, I felt somehow compelled to purchase those shoes the cat was in; they felt luxurious and cool. And about their other awkward semi-dissection ad, we have to say it does grab your attention.

What do you think about the rest of the Fall/Winter 2013 Ad Campaigns?

Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Miu Miu went for a provocative (lusty) ad that was set on a boat. Doesn't this sound like the perfect setting to provoke sensuality with models Adriana Lima and Emily DiDonato above? 

Michael Kors Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Michael Kors seems to have focus on delivering a much more sophisticated campaign over the past few seasons. We know Michael Kors is a traveler, but we want to see where his collection will take us each season. Karmen Pedaru and Simon Nessman have turned to be the perfect couple to take us on their adventures. This season, it seems Kors' was portraying a tough military influence with class. Pedaru's black and white coat number sold us. If you thought the coat may have looked kitsch, think again.

Fendi Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Fendi took us to a very high building surface in their Fall 2013 campaign. It may be too overt (editorial vibe), but Saskia de Brauw is sure looking high-end in that fur coat. The campaign could even quality to have it framed in your salon.

Kate Moss in Versace's Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Versace without a doubt hit a high note with their Fall 2013 campaign. Who wouldn't want to pause to see Kate Moss naked covered with only Versace's yellow fur coat? Or see her making us want to purchase those colorful handbags? Let's just say this may go on our wall of iconic supermodels who can sell anything easily. 

Gisele Bundchen in Louis Vuitton's Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Louis Vuitton had no other than Gisele Bundchen and an extraordinary selection of more supermodels pose for its new Fall 2013 campaign. Just as the collection implied, it wouldn't be surprising that the setting took place at a hotel. It was a romantic intimacy with supermodels that felt alluring.

Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Jil Sander likes to keep things minimal, and that was how her Fall 2013 campaign felt. There was only something about the wind blowing the model's hair and high-collared leather coat that was mind thoughtful and relaxing if you think about it. 

Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Tom Ford is the symbol of sexuality. This would be why his campaigns always portray a strong sex appeal in them, which is what his fall 2013 campaign had in them. As stated in one post, Mr. Ford knows who he is marketing to here: a woman who wants high luxury made sexy. (See more pictures here).

Donna Karan Fall/Winter 2013 Campaign

Donna Karan fall 2013 campaign was about capturing an intimate relation between an artist and his muse. The campaign doesn't need much explaining after this, because there is clearly something steamy going on between these two models. (See more pictures here). 

Also, take a look at Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign with actress, Amanda Seyfried here. 

Milan: Gucci Men's Spring 2014, Roberto Cavalli, and More

Day 3 of 4 Milan Men's Fashion Week: Texture Techniques.

Vibe: Youthful Luxury.

The first model came out in a full floral print t-shirt, matching leggings, and an interesting black backpack. A full astonishing ensemble. The effortless cream setting sent a vintage relaxed feel, and once the first two models walked down the runway, all became instantly clearer. Frida Giannini has recently become mother to a baby girl, who will most likely experience the luxurious life a young Gucci girl should have. Her motherhood experience may seemed to have helped transform the phase of the new Gucci man we witnessed: more youthful, delicate, and athletic.

She replaced all her button-down dress shirts for t-shirts - floral prints, yellow, light brown, blue, red - and easily appealing silk scarfs styled around suits. Too casual? Not at all. She perfectly managed to keep the Gucci guy on luxury territory. One full matching gray floral print suit had a triumphing victory to the the collection. And Gucci being an international label who is best at designing on trend luxury outerwear, utilized its sportswear mood to present a series of exquisite anoraks with various color-blocked leggings done in rich high-tech fabrics. Her other light trench coats and blousons were worth the effort. Giannini stamped yet another obsession to be included in international editorials and magazines very soon.

Vibe: Playing with your Biker Jacket.

Diesel Black Gold started off day 3 of Milan Men's fashion week with a great show. Well, maybe not as perfect, but you can't help but try on one of their jackets or denim you know have a clean cool vibe in them. The brand is always looking for new methods to keep their designs updated and desirable in todays competitive market. The presentation opened with a white biker that was finished with an additional cream detailed hem, and slouchy pants (jeans) that has become quite a trend over these past few weeks in men's spring 2014 collections. Trending were their floral brushed denim jackets that would have its Diesel guys going wild for them. They added a nice notch to the classical denim top. It was fine to see a black leather t-shirt paired with an appealing semi-stained graphic suit and skinny-slim cropped jeans.

Vibe: The Modern Dandy.

Roberto Cavalli only offered 19 looks for its new spring 2014 men's wear collection. But that's more than enough to invest in the entire collection. If you don't favor Roberto Cavalli's work, then there must be something odd in you. The king of subtle prints, who knows how do masculine embroidery superbly well, evidently kept his crown once more. The Cavalli man is one who can be identified for being outgoing, festive, a cool dandy, and knows how to appreciate the feeling of luxury. All were evident in these collection. His embroidered shirts had a very satisfying confidence men wouldn't mind wearing, whilst his silk smooth suits - especially the final one pictured in the middle - were captivating. His outerwear wasn't left behind. A brown embroidered collarless biker jacket in leather and black python sleeves were more than gratifying to have come across by. 

Vibe: A Gentleman's Mermaid.

Canali is a label you can recognize it's suits by its light gray tone of stripes that can help one know who you're wearing. A crisp blue suit, sophisticatedly tailored, were noteworthy of a man who has a sharp taste of style. It was interesting to see Canali go into semi-casual looks that weren't unappealing to see. A light denim suit, pictured above, looked fresh with diminutive polka dot print trousers, a blue-striped shirt, and a white and purple polka dot tie. Mermaid prints in shorts, sweaters, and suits made of nice insets to the newly Canali man. Its trousers were much more interesting to see available come in a strong tailored palette of colors. Canali set a questionable doubt here. Conservative or youthful? Which route did the brand actually take?

Vibe: Outerwear Luxe Gear. It's necessary.

Belstaff doesn't make the most desirable outerwear you'd wear for a temporary season. They understand a man is much more adventurous, and wants to feel they've invested in a luxury piece that won't hurt him when he accidentally scratches his newly thousand dollar outerwear jacket. That has been Belstaff goals for many years. Making men feel not only protective in their jackets, but trendy. It's new spring 2014 menswear collection had a mixture of vintage and past seasonal collection incorporated back again here: iconic belted coats modernized in colors and details, newly hand-painted camouflage jackets that looked so new to the brand, brilliant orange parkas, and leather ribbed biker jacket. Creative director, Martin Cooper, included only two noteworthy sweaters - one in orange (pictured above) and light blue - that imbued a high-tech competition to other outwear designers.

Vibe: Mesh Shirts are In.

There is not much to say about Emporio Armani men's spring 2014 collection. Armani seems it will always stick to its regular house codes no matter what season. But the only thing we appreciate from him is bringing in new shades of colors in each collection. This season he went for more intense metallic colors the Armani man would enjoy wearing. His graphic t-shirts and shady suits had some pieces to be inspired by. There were asymmetrical jackets that have become the trademark of the brand. His trousers had a choice of going fitted, slim, or relaxed, which is what most men would appreciate from Armani. Shorts, such as one light gray tailored above, had a sportswear aesthetic that were convincing to watch. But his mesh fabric - in suits and shirts - reminded us of who the Armani man is: a fit contemporary city man who has little to fear about who he is.

Vibe: Keeping it Cool in the Desert.

Fendi's runway can never be disappointing to experience. I wonder how much sand it took to fill that marvelous runway to look appealing to to the new men's spring 2014 collection? Fendi demonstrated they don't only know how to play with fur. They too can deliver an exciting collection of bold textures. Innovative t-shirts have become a bigger trend in menswear, but it is the price brands have to battle to get a customer to truly buy that single t-shirt that will add a significance to anything they wear. A plain white t-shirt or a glossy faded illusional Fendi t-shirt? Fendi is the winner; t-shirts were an important part of the collection. 

Texture was crisply noticeable in outwear - cracked glossy leather jackets, ostrich jackets, crinkled shorts, and knitwear sweaters. A splash of colors - burgundy, sunset orange, saffron, blue, and tan - drove the collection much higher. Even though half of Fendi's pieces were oversized or more relaxed, they couldn't be analyzed harshly; texture aided. Sneakers - graphically painted - were fresh with a relaxed gray suit, larger t-sirt, and matching trousers with hems rolled up. 

Vibe: El Mariachi.

Etro can never go out of style with its upgraded paisley shirts. That is the print (paisley) that has been its signature mark ever since. For spring, Kean Etro seemed to be dedicating an homage to the Mariachi man. Pants - in studded details - resembled the gold side seams a Mariachi pant would come decorated with. Trending were its fitted color-blocked pants - the best in the collection - which reminded one of how the more casual Mariachi pant is, only done in Etro's version. The full collection of pants are sure to be a big hit for the brand next summer, and in international men's magazines. Etro's formalwear also kept the vibe going on with his exquisite embroidery details that made you want to sing a Mexican song with those vibrant sombreros. Overall, what seemed to be a Mariachi interpretation helped Etro be on the map of designers with great influence.

Spring/Summer 2013 Trends - 8. Double Slits are What Matter the Most

Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013

A slit sometimes is not enough when spring arrives. For some particular reason, women want to feel more liberal towards what they wear, but isn’t that the whole reason what spring is all about? This is the same question we ask ourselves then. Why one slit, when you can add another for more presence?

Several designers opted to upgrade their past spring collection with more revealing silhouettes this season. Michael Kors navy skirt offered a more seductive secretary with those zippers. This suit could make the perfect outfit for office, zipping it inside office hours, and unzipping it outside office hours. Alexander Wang presented, as we recalled before, one the best urban dresses any street style girl should seek after. We drooled over the silver double-slit dress that marked confidence and authority anyone would be allured by.  Roberto Cavalli was one of those shows that centered all its attention on the double slit dresses. Its extravagant prints, lace details, and slits combined very well. We could post the entire collection, but we’ll have to narrow it down to two. Karmen Pedaru wore a beautiful light green silk print dress with delicate lace embroidered over it. Daria Strokous white embroidered skirt and top marked purity to the max (you know what we mean). Fendi’s chic leather skirt was all about color and structure ready to be caught by any street style photographer any time.

Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2013

Karmen Pedaru at Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2013

Daria Strokous at Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2013

Fendi Spring/Summer 2013

Top 10 Fall/Winter 2012 Trends - 10. Fur of Arms

Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2012

I cannot think of any woman who has secretly thought about how luxurious fur would look on her. I state ‘secretly,’ because I know some do ponder whether they want to or not. Fur has always been contemplated as the queen of fashion, for luxury is written all over her. This season fur has been seen on the runway of top brands in a very distinctive way. Instead of concentrating on a full fur coat, several designers decided to focus solely on the arms. I, in general appreciated how impeccable fur looks mixed with leather and other prints. 

Roberto Cavalli Fall/Winter 2012

Theyskens' Theory Fall/Winter 2012

Fendi Fall/Winter 2012