Part 1 of 2: Paris Fashion Week is Full of Excitement

PART 1: A Review of Kenzo, Chloé, Céline, and Givenchy Spring 2014 Collections.

From Left: A wine embroidered draped dress from Givenchy SS14; an olive pleated dress from Chloe; and the back of Celine blue pleated top

Paris Fashion Week is about to end, but that hasn’t stop Paris from showcasing some of the top labels from the fashion industry. Some made a very surprising presentation like at Celine with its giant strokes of art tailoring and Givenchy in its number of intense draped jersey dresses, while others kept their lines luxe commercial like at Chloe’s modern fabrics , Stella McCartney’s intriguing sporty silhouettes, and Elie Saab’s injection of lace that would look great from daywear to evening. Saint Laurent also infused its bias grunge aesthetics into metallics, deep v-cut colored dresses, and of course black leather looks. And all this happened in only two days that explains why Paris is still the center of Fashion. 

Kenzo has turned its logomania items – tiger sweatshirts, blankets, hats – and prints into iconic items anyone can afford to wear and look cool. If it weren’t for those sweatshirts, I believe I probably wouldn’t have been intrigued to seeing their progress or writing about this label. Or it’s probably ever since designers Humberto Leon and Carol Lim were appointed creative directors to the house that have turned Kenzo into a pocket friendly and desirable brand among teenagers. You won’t leave a Kenzo show without being submerged into an overwhelming amount of prints that while it may not work for critics it sure does turn the switch for its younger audience. Humberto and Carl know their marketing skills very well, because if an eye design can sell pretty well, I bet their new series of melting-fish and scribbled waves – in blue, pink, and red – will be swept away and turned into the next street style moment. New were few outfits designed with patches of thick contrasting strips.

Chloé may have also demonstrated to be one of the most effortless and chic girls when it came to true casualwear at its spring 2014 collection Sunday morning. We already know Chloé is one of the labels girls trust when on a busy daywear schedule. You don’t want to look overly dressed, but neither too casual. And over the time, the lovely balance between a boyish rigor and feminine fabric that has become the signature of the brand seems to be shifting around into only relaxed feminine appeal with the exception of its cool cropped trousers. Creative director, Clare Waight Keller, was thinking about modernity – giving clothes and effortless look with more movement through lighter fabrics.

She played around with fabric and proportional details that added a mighty brisk to the new collection – lightweight chiffon dresses that were made to wear for any woman (no ultra-revealing transparency that would require someone to add another slip-dress underneath); super-chic georgette tops and jacquard looks; rough lace dresses; and edgy pleated designs that gave a great amount of texture and attitude to the clothes. Ms. Keller exceled at introducing her vision of a new Chloé without forgetting the boyish swirl Chloé has been so fond of in very thoughtful olives, whites, blues, and black paired with casual sandals. And a small dose of pale pink to brighten things up.

At Céline, Phoebe Philo gave her clothes another different type of movement through her asymmetrical number of pleated skirts painted with gorgeous brushes of strokes over effortless pieces of tailored T-shirts and tank tops that were artwork. What were more intriguing is how she played exquisitely well with colorful pleated tops taken from knits.

 This collection was the most surprising and one of the best to date so far from Philo. She took art and she referenced it perfectly on her designs. Art is a form of movement, freedom, and a state of mind. These clothes were powerful for the woman who knows how to wear them - especially her number of artistic coats with opening gold circles etched on them and graphic buckets of paints spilled on some. They’ll be a hit next season together with her creative selection of shoes and handbags. 

Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy also surprised everyone with his more mature take on draping. Everyone knows who Tisci is now: the guy who hangs around with Kanye West and designs one of the best graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts according to his young clientele.  He knows that’s what sells the most, and prices them at very high values. Whether a lot of work goes into an ordinary black “Pervert” t-shirt or not, he knows it’ll sell at any price he stamps on it. 

This time he let go of those graphic statements and put his work on draping these dresses in several different manners. It felt like watching an advanced draping segment video lesson; they somehow felt awkwardly delicate. His final pleated ones in metallic embroidery and sequins were the ones that were eye catching. Tisci really did push the boundaries here without letting go of his signature dark atmosphere. His spring 2013 collection didn’t work, but this succeeded. 
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Continue Reading more -->Part 2 of 2: A Continuation of Commercial Paris Collection

Are Menswear Designers Competing Against Zara?

Is it comforting to say that fashionable retail chains - H&M, Topman, and Zara - are now giving high-end designers, especially menswear, a competition of their own? If we look at how fast men's fashion is moving, it has become somewhat daunting for designers to sell off their highly priced designs when another retailer (Zara) is producing similar designs of theirs for half the price (or more) of an original designer item. High-end menswear collections have been around for quite a while, but now that more men are paying attention to their personal style, designers may not feel it fair to see other mega retailers taking over their designs after they've invested more creativity and time in their menswear seasonal collections.

It used to be that tailored and very fitted clothes could only be obtained through designers, but today anyone can obtain their very fitted pieces - pants beginning at $29.99 to a suit retailing at $80 or a intricate biker jacket at $300. What's the difference? Authentic leather has gone up the sky, improved details and cuts are paid much more attention to, craftsmanship may be of a special technique, and a brand's label closes the deal. But most men are less about technique and cut, and more about it's cool, fits well, and a perfect price for such an investment. Men sometimes find it difficult to invest in a great $1,000 coat because they're afraid it won't be a well worth investment compared to a $1,000 technology device. This is probably one of the main factors that have led designers themselves like Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and much more concentrate in producing very noteworthy designs for their diffusion lines that cost less than their designer collections.

While some retail chains hire unknown designers or creative directors to create their own unique "designer collections," one particular retailer seems to be ahead of the curve. Zara has included a series of religious and greek god t-shirts that seem to have been inspired by Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 collections. They not only have these types of t-shirts, but also others that have similarities towards Givenchy's ones. Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent has also put his $4,900 short-fitted biker jackets on the hunt for Zara to retail theirs for only $299.99; huge price cut and fitted, although we'd prefer Saint Laurent's version. Accessories, such as Valentino's most photographed street style camouflage sneakers, have also made it to Zara's store for a price of $99.90, compared to its $795 designer version; these sneakers are so identical it makes you want to buy them. To say the least, the designer inspired items you may seek for could be hidden at a Zara retailer.

There is no denial that Zara has been a clever and an on trend company that seems to be doing their research very well. We could dare to say that Zara is becoming one of the strongest fashionable retail chains that is giving much more attention to its menswear line, introducing and even predicting new trends that are sure to be a mega hit. 

They have created a well put formula for men to wear designer quality items - very fitted pieces, accessories, and special details - but at the same time, have a feel for a luxury designer inspired item. And while half of men may still be investing in highly coveted outfits, the other half may not have an excuse for unattainable style, because there is a retail that is offering you designer inspired models at reasonable prices. The question here though is would you rather opt for the original designer's collection or spend less at Zara? If we could express our personal opinion, you would agree with us that while a retailer may be selling great inspired designs, there will always be a special design only a designer can offer. 

Shop all looks at Zara.

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. 

Paris Mens Fashion Week 2014: Givenchy, Kris Van Assche, and Berluti

Day 3 of 5 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Vibe: The Techno-African Nerd.

Computer nerds is what Riccardo Tisci had in mind for Givenchy's spring 2014 men's wear collection. Except he formed an African influence tribe style that is sure to create a much more massive alliance next season. Tisci doesn't have much styling to do, because he lets his intricate prints do the talking. It's an easy outfit for the Givenchy man that adds a powerful appeal to any look combined. That is perhaps why the brand has had such a successful season, because Tisci understands what men want: simple outfits with a cool amount of prints to choose from.

His prints - hard disks and computer parts - were invigoratingly vibrant and youthful compared to previous darker ones. Printed sweaters and t-shirts kept that luscious Parisian street style look that has become the main attraction of the Givenchy generation. He made his models appear athletic with his techno printed shorts matched with tight leggings. One printed parka was introduced with confidence, whilst his final looks of bolder stripes depicted the future tribe of Givenchy's attitude. At this point of his career, Riccardo Tisci has victoriously toughened up the brand, officially moving it into a very new chapter that may one day be difficult to get accustom to what was once the House of Givenchy. 

Vibe: Sporty-formal.

Kris Van Assche may be one of those designers many may have rarely heard of, but have probably been familiar with his work pictured in several magazines. He likes to identify himself as the designer who mixes sportswear with suits. His spring 2014 men's wear collection may have been one of the strongest collection we had seen so far from him. 

There were an incentive amount of details that depicted his sportswear movement: shirts with snap buttons, fluorescent zipper pockets, and elastic hems; parkas that were easy to style with shorts; slouchy-fitted trousers. A white dress shirt that was replaced for a zipper looked sporty-formal with a navy suit jacket and matching relaxed shorts. Another white dress shirt implied a little more formality with a printed crocodile texture effect that looked appealing with his fitted trousers; a favorite of mine. He also introduced an orange sweater, polo shirt, and shorts that had a crocodile embossed effect that appeared so realistic you had to get close enough to see it was a perfect print effect that scored high in Van Assche's collection. Sportswear and formalwear was something so great we weren't expecting from this collection.

Vibe: The Street Style Dandy.

The Berluti man is someone you would see pictured on the pages of many street style blogs. It's the combination of street, luxury, and casual formality that made the Berluti man much more interesting to watch. Alessandro Sartori did an excellent job taking the brand to the casual side of Bespoke. He presented a series of waistcoats and trousers that were cut shorter than average, giving it a unique appeal that didn't bring it down. Knitwear was noteworthy of the luxury standards that brand never fails at. What was more eye-catching were Sartori's purple numbered suits; the perfect tone of color. His leather jackets were also appropriate for the sportswear theme that has become very popular this season. And speaking of shoes, his two-tone lace-up shoes were the perfect match for this outstanding collection. It may be time to start saving up for one next season.

The 2013 CFDA Nominations - Honoring Our American Designers

Left to Right: Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCoullough of Proenza Schouler // Marc Jacobs // Alexander Wang

Being nominated for any CFDA awards is already a very important recognition for any fashion designer. There are many great designers out there, but these three designers above have proven to be changing the way women dress in today's era. To shorten things up, these three (4) designers above have won an award more than once. When it comes to choosing a winner for this specific nomination, I have to say things look quite tense in selection one. I feel a buzz going in between Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. Who will win? We'll have to wait and find out on Tuesday.

Left to Right: Steven Cox & Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown // Michael Bastian // Thom Browne

Menswear designers must feel quite honored to be nominated in this type of field. It has been no secret as the years pass by, more men seem to be appreciating designer items to include in their wardrobe. All of these three designers above have also made some great changes in men's fashion in their own perspective. Thom Browne can be pleasing for his avant-garde work of arts, whilst Michael Bastian always finds some ways to make the modern man feel confident in what he wears. Duckie Brown has also been a brand that has done quite well over the past few seasons. For this particular nomination, I would give it to Michael Bastian.

Left to Right: Alexander Wang heels // Phillip Lim salmon bag // Proenza Schouler PS1 bag

Accessories are a quite a prestigious award to be nominated for. You know that without accessories, clothes just wouldn't have a story to be told or a touch of personality to your looks. Just as the womenswear nominations, this may be a tough decision to choose from. Phillip Lim has proven to be quite a tough candidate. Proenza Schouler has had a huge success with their PS1 handbags, while Alexander Wang has also had quite a success in the accessories market. In general, all have proven to be a favorite of many streetstyle fans.

Left to Right: Oscar de la Renta // Riccardo Tisci // Vera Wang

While these three designers may not have been nominated for any of the above nominations, they have gained respect in any of the above fields. Oscar de la Renta, nominated (winner) for The CFDA Founder's Award, is a very special recognition for any designer. But one of the most prestigious awards for any designer in my opinion is the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a designer for all their hard work and dedication over the past years. Vera Wang will be this year's designer to receive the recognition. And if you didn't quite grasp what the CFDA awards are, they are mostly to recognize our outstanding American designers who all deserve an applause. That being said, any other designer being nominated for an International Award must be an honor for any designer, who this year's award goes to Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. The CFDA couldn't have chosen any one better this year. 

Other Important Nominees

Swarovski Award for Womenswear:

Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty, Suno

Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters, Creatures of the Wind

Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs, Cushnie et Ochs

Swarovski Award for Menswear:

Tim Coppens

Todd Snyder

Dao-Yi & Maxwell Osborne, Public School

Swarovski Award for Accessories:

Pamela Love

Irene Neuwirth

Jennifer Meyer

Board of Directors' Tribute:

Colleen Atwood, American Costume Designer

AND A VERY SPECIAL AWARD

See who won here.

Carine Roitfeld and Amanda Seyfried Model for Givenchy Fall 2013 Campaign

Amanda Seyfried appears all high-end model in Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign.

Carine Roitfeld has practically become part of the Givenchy family, or more like a mother to the brand. Riccardo Tisci has always had a huge talent as the head designer for Givenchy, portraying that tough high-end semi-gothic look he's seen in the brand. This is why many of his special clients and celebrities like Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Rooney Mara, Amanday Seyfried, and much more have been a big supporter of the brand. 

Wearing a Givenchy item is like gaining confidence in who you are. There is something in it that makes you feel special, fashionable, and people questioning you, "Where did you that cool shirt?" "Oh, thanks, it's Givenchy," which sounds so much better when you say it in a tough french accent. Say it!

For it's Fall 2013 campaign, Carine Roitfeld (french accent) collaborated once more in styling Riccardo's collection, and being responsible for showing off a very different Amanda Seyfried. Doesn't she look all high-end model? I thought her physical edginess fit perfectly for this brand. She's already the model for one of Givenchy's perfume ad where she appears much more like an actress compared to this campaign. I personally think other models may have found another competition for a brand, because Amanda is really selling it here. Maybe, mama Carine was responsible for the magic shot as well. 

Carine Roitfeld (left), and her daughter Julia-Restoin Roitfeld (right) in Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign.

Also, not only did Madame Roitfeld style the campaign, she was also photographed for the campaign. Fair and square I would declare. Why not just help for the photoshoot, but be in it? Oh, and with her daughter too, Julia-Restoin Roitfeld. They both looked stunning in the campaign. A total perfect image of what a Givenchy lady looks like. It may be true, French women know how to work it better.

Fashion Note: If you're not familiar with Carine Roitfeld, which you should, she was once the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris from 2001 to 2011. She later resigned from her position due to some special projects she had in mind. In 2012 she became the founder and  editor-in-chief of her famous seasonal magazine, CR Fashion Magazine. She is also very well known for being an editor with a unique taste of style.

Spring/Summer 2013 Trends - 2. Beloved Ruffles

Gucci Spring/Summer 2013

Ruffles have proven to be the star of season for spring/summer 2013, but take in consideration that the spring ruffles should declare serenity more than drama. Some designers chose to add small layer of this design and extend them into longer waves, maintaining a classical feel. Gucci’ssophisticated ruffles proved just how luxurious an effortless dress or top could be. Peter Pilotto’s extravagant layered prints maintained the level of modernism without being too loud spoken. Givenchy’s inspired catholic roots added a purification touch that any would be willing to wear to clear their sins. Isabel Marant decided to present a classical ruffled blouse in a jolly manner. 

Peter Pilotto Spring/Summer 2013

Givenchy Spring/Summer 2013

Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2013

Top 10 Fall/Winter 2012 Trends - 6. Red

Donna Karan's Fall/Winter 2012 beautiful dress.

Red has become the new black, so do not be afraid to dress in this color from head to toe. As many know, red is known to be the color of dominance, which in our opinion doesn't need no order of trend.

Givenchy Fall/Winter 2012 

Zac Posen Fall/Winter 2012

What do you think about wearing florescent reds?