Milan Spring 2014 Fashion Week: Gucci, Dsquared2, and More

From left: A Gucci mesh and metallic silk dress; Close-up details of an Alberta Ferretti spring 2014 dress.

The Dsquared2 label is not meant to be loved or worn by anyone in general. The girl who wears Dean and Dan Coten’s design has to have lots of attitude and confidence to pull of those mini strapless dresses that were presented at their show. It was all about a day at the pool, because models either wore those strapless numbers, or a combination of hotpants paired with suits, cropped tops, or over embellished jackets. There most “normal” pieces most women could deal with were their cropped pants, a navy 50s inspired dress, and some of their luxe detailed coats. The rest may have been too much color in your face like those visible crocodile jackets – in cherry and sky blue – one could notice a mile away. But hey, Dsquared2 knows how to have fun, and even if the clothes weren’t the most compelling of all (it will be for their very loyal customers), one thing for sure is the twins know how to put on a good show that cheers you up no matter what. Let’s take a trip to the pool.

The perks of being an athletic glam Gucci woman. And sexy if you think about it. Frida Giannini has one of the biggest responsibilities where risks aren’t really allowed to be experimented as much as one would like to. She’s the one to claim for making this luxury empire produce millions of dollars each season – Gucci is one of the most savvy brands that sells easily to the point when sales arrive you can hardly get what you wanted (It’s either now or never). And Gucci is one of those labels where party is part of its lifestyle – Slender sexy silhouettes that are eye catching and luxurious. Last season, she sent her models in tight hugging and python numbers that have been a sensation. This time she took a risk and went for a full collection of relaxed silhouettes. Was the risk well received?

Her first model came out in a black provocative mesh shirt with very relaxed printed silk shorts. A feminine version of a men’s basketball shorts? Silk laser-cut metallic prints were the main benefactor that aided in this new silhouette. Prints were injected into oversized t-shirts, caftans, tunic dresses, inspirational track pants, kimonos, and more mesh jackets with insets of triangular bra tops; it was even more intriguing to see models in wet hairstyles as if they had been working out. High lurex, like a green version Karmen Pedaru wore were sporty, while dresses that emphasized the hips hinted a sexier version between the new modern 20s and sportswear. Some of those halter dresses Giannini created were the ones with a bigger potential to be a hit next summer. 

It is no doubt Giannini’s version of sportswear had nothing about simplicity and relaxation. The Gucci women is outspoken, and these looks were surely approved to take them from the streets to the party; I loved how Frida knows her Gucci customer so well. Back to reality, this collection would have worked better if only she would have stopped going wild over those sometimes nostalgic criss-crossing straps. Overall, it was nice seeing the designer going for newer shapes. And side note, if you plan to join the Gucci group here, Giannini sent a secret message about dressing like one: Sandals and flip-flops are unacceptable (none were present here like in other designers). Because nothing looks sexier than a good pair of heels. Agreed. 

Alberta Ferretti designs for the woman who wants to feel romantic and pretty. That’s how it felt at her new South American inspired collection; it seemed she had taken a trip to Mexico from my own visual perspective though. She always chooses light fabrics that are very feminine with only small amounts of embroideries to make someone feel special. The woman who tries on one of her dresses can always leave feeling beautiful. And that was the case with her beautiful floral embroideries etched on dresses and cropped tops that looked sophisticated with bold colored skirts. Threaded bonds of fluorescent colored ribbons attached to white dresses lifted the spirit up, as were her youthful orange and green applique of floral dresses. This was a collection with great sense of fabrics – light, feminine, and subtle – which is how women would want it.

A Moderate Finale for New York Fashion Week Spring 2014

A review from the Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein Collection, and Marc Jacobs Spring 2014 shows. 

From Left: Details of a Marc Jacobs Spring 2014 coat; Calvin Klein cotton tweed deconstructed seams; Ralph Lauren spring 2014 floral pattern trench coat.

The last day of New York Fashion Week contains one of the most anticipated and recognizable international designers of all time. It sounds appropriate to end fashion week with such designers like Ralph Lauren, Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs. But contrary to day 6 and 7 that included one of the best shows of the season – Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, etc. – day 8 (the last day) wasn’t so compelling after all for these three designers. 

Ralph Lauren has always had a talent for telling such a beautiful and romantic story. It’s hard not to grasp what the designer’s new theme is all about. For his new upcoming spring 2014 collection, there was a minute I thought a new creative director had been hired to take over the label. The clothes looked like something similar you’d find at a commercial retail store. I felt disappointed there were not that many truly designer pieces that conveyed a gorgeous detailed story like last season’s Russian inspired coats and dresses most women would dream of becoming the protagonist. 

He began with sporty (60s inspired) school uniform looks in black and white that later transformed into stripes, and patterned suits accessorized with big chunky ties. They added a very youthful appeal to the new collection, especially when paired with his midi A-line skirts and black leggings. His geometric and floral print numbers were simply nice and pretty, not aweing. He also wanted to introduce a series of strong neon colors – green, orange, yellow, red, and blue – that turned up to be nostalgic. There was a great start to the cut of these sporty designs, but it was clear that if Mr. Lauren would have used his perfectly feminine pastel colors, these looks would have added much more presence.  Evening dresses like a blue neon one Karlie Kloss wore above or a final red dress with a cape were the most convincing ones in this minimalistic collection.

Mr. Lauren knows how to do great evening gowns just like any other piece in his collection, but taking into consideration how much emphasis he has put into his previous collections of masterpiece, this may be the first time and the only time this collection lacks character. But was this collection nice? Yes, indeed, but we know Mr. Lauren can do so much more than this when it comes to his personal COLLECTION. 

At Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa wanted to expose deconstructed seams to say the least. It looked better in pictures than it did close-up. The clothes had a nice message of a minimalistic touch in most of the looks, even though most pieces seemed to have been unsewn at the hems and sides of tops. 

The first model came out with a white strapless top and skirt that looked awkward with those exposed side seam allowance I’d wonder how many women would want to be walking around with their seams and threads exposed; his colored cotton tweed – red, mint, and pink – made an interesting intro to the classical colors of the label –black, gray, and white. There could have been a great potential for his new jackets to become a hit if only he wouldn’t have added too much confusing patchworks into them.

His most innovative looks that imbued a subtle couture sensibility were his yarn like threads that acted as fringe. He used some colored threads to etch into one woven leather black jacket and skirts, but his final three looks of fringed dresses were the ones that were noteworthy. And if you though everything was lost, his snake print tops and dresses patchworked from graphic leather and silk (above) were what minimalism should have been all about in this collection. 

I believe the collection could have worked, but the problem with the clothes was Francisco’s use of stiff fabric that didn’t help much. It became an esoteric collection maybe even editors themselves didn’t quite grasp. One thing I did admire about Mr. Costa in this new collection was his attempt to experiment with more proportions while keeping the Calvin Klein aesthetics untouched.

If you didn’t quite understand what Francisco Costa was trying to do, then you certainly may have been confused with Marc Jacobs’ new spring collection. It felt more wintery then summer with those dark bulky clothes that went down the mystical setting. Well, the clothes did go well together with the dirty, gothic, vintage runway props that were built for the show. And somehow, this was a weird collection for Mr. Jacobs that worked in some sort of way.

His oversized shoulder jackets embroidered with tassels weren’t that pleasing, but his detailed shorts were the ones that may have a potential when next summer arrives. His jackets would have been very enticing if only he would have toned down those shoulders, but he seemed to have known the audience reaction, and he did lower its volume in some of them; Mr. Jacobs always knows. Other chunky leaf patterned tops and dark colored sweaters matched with beaded skirts and Uggs look alike were just amusing. I actually happened to find his leaf patterned and final embroidered dresses quite normal for a casual day paired with sneakers or sandals. 

The most important part one should understand about Marc Jacobs is that he is a risk taker, and the woman who wears his label is one who is very confident in who she is. She doesn’t have a season in her wardrobe as well as a dress code from daywear to evening. She just puts whatever on, and as long as its luxury, doesn’t give a damn about what the rest have to say. And that’s what we love about a Marc Jacobs show. You never know what he’ll bring next season.

An Approach to Minimal Femininity at Spring 2014 Shows

From left: Close-up geometric cuts of a Narciso Rodriguez brocade dress; A bronze metallic textured cropped top; A black chiffon with a ruched detailed bodice.

It is no secret that American designers have one of the best luxury sportswear aesthetics women want. Something European designers envy when it comes to loosening naturally in such a manner. Americans love the mix of casualty, semi-formal, and luxury when dressing up, and American designers understand that demand very well; there was such a minimalistic approach designers took this time with sportswear. And even though we tend to focus more on international designers at the end, there were fascinating pieces some designers offered for next season at New York Fashion Week spring 2014 that proved to be on top of the league.

Narciso Rodriguez crowned himself with one of the best shows of the season. Minimalism is hard to master, but not for this incredible designer. There was something so intriguing about what Narciso did with proportion, cuts, and simplicity that put him on a high level of must see designers. He’s been keeping hems just below the knee for the past few seasons, but his new collection was all about bringing hems to the mid-thigh or even higher yet perfectly managing in keeping a refined ladylike balance; no vulgarity. 

He opened the show with a perfectly cut graphic white wool and black leather jacket that looked appealing with his dubbed version of a mini-skirt; they were actually short shorts with a panel at the front. Other skirts – ones cut to form double layers, other etched with different shades of fabric, and two white and black skirts layered over long chiffon fabric – were invigorating. 

What put him on the spotlight of triumph were not only his skirts, but his superb approach to minimalism, which wasn’t so minimalistic after all. The clothes were put together piece by piece in a very intriguing way that looked so effortless. I couldn’t have imagined how long it took to cut small slices of brocades and stitched them all together to look unified, or his detailed fringed embroidered tops which I suppose were more than embroidery as were his technical use of sheer, chiffon, and organza constructed into one slipdress. 

His final dresses were simply terrific. At far or in pictures, they appeared to have been embroidered or laced, but in reality those shiny patches were none the less but silk bonded to these dresses; it made you want to be close and personal to these light beauties.

 I haven’t had the opportunity to meet Mr. Rodriguez in person, but he appears so humble and shy that his simplicity of light spaghetti dresses (no one does it better than him) and super sharp tailoring make a sumptuous minimalism that just clicks for him. His pastel colors – pink, orange, grays, yellow – and black and white were feminine but sexy without overlooking it. It was almost a perfect collection - even shoes and handbags - other designers should start taking note.

Reed Krakoff was also fighting to imbue a minimalistic touch of femininity. It worked in some, like his asymmetrical chiffon dresses with a ruched bodice or nice looking satin sleeveless trench. But it lacked creativity, because even though Mr. Krakoff may be one to love for his sportiness and sharp tailoring (it was present here), there are other labels already producing these type of looks. Mr. Krakoff can become a copycat if he doesn’t awe with his innovation. But again, he left Coach to put more time into his own label, and with all the scandal that had been going on with his departure, I’ll let this one pass. One thing I admired though was his luxurious satin techniques, something the Rodarte sisters should take note; pictures can fool you from the true messy reality. It was also nice to see an intricate mesh appliqué of flowers on a white dress; it earned him some bonus points.

At Oscar de la Renta there was really not that much to talk about. Mr. de la Renta is a genius who always has something available for every generation of women. From Karlie Kloss’s opening luxurious lady look – double-face sleeveless coat, cardigan, and pencil skirt – to strapless dresses, like a short salmon chiffon detailed dress for those young girls who need a little mix of class and youthfulness. It makes sense for Mr. de la Renta and for me.

Botanical prints were just the perfect brush of femininity, embroidery like a white numbered one above I could see any kind of women in, and lace and crochet numbers were a triumph for this icon. He knows what women want and does it in a very American sophisticated manner. It’s impossible to leave an Oscar de al Renta show without feeling cheerful and with great memories of beautiful pastel colors. Just like any other, his new gorgeous embroidered and tulle evening dresses, can leave any women feeling like a princess. A light green puffed up textured dress was one I had some younger girls’ state they’d be dreaming for their Quinceanera. Gorgeous Mr. de la Renta. Just a gorgeous collection.

And while some were producing ladylike and minimalistic clothes, the guys at Proenza Schouler were trying to give it all with their urban luxe. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough are the designers everyone wants to hang out with. In simpler terms, they know how to make something look cool and effortless. They have a keen eye for superior craftsmanship that always awes. This season they seemed to have taken an approach to minimalistic urban wear, which wasn’t the most aweing thing to see but neither was it horrible. They boys somehow have learned to mix a designer collection with marketing techniques that work well, like in their new collection.

Their wide crepe pants cut well above the ankle were the ones that were noteworthy paired with lustrous metallic cropped tops and straight peplum suede tops. A burgundy red dress with a wrap skirt, along others was pleasing. Their lurex knit evening dresses and metallic pleated skirts were also show stopper. If this was their approach for still looking effortless, it worked, but I would have loved some more hardcore structures that I’ve been fond of for the past few seasons.

Last but not least, Michael Kors was the one who definitely knew how to balance his marketing side between his new collection. It was ridiculously chic and energetic. This would be the collection women would happily wake up to take their kids to school, go grocery shopping, take a walk along the park, and do so much more feeling feminine and effortless in what they wore. Even the models conveyed a fresh look with those minimum hairstyles.

It was as simple as putting on a slender white trench coat that added so much femininity with that flirty light brown belt, or layering on a light vibrant cardigan over your printed cropped bra top and pencil skirt. Crochet numbers were also beautiful and chic. And silk beaded dresses were perfect for a special meeting or date.

More Spring 2014 NYFW Shows: Tory Burch and Timo Weiland

Vibe: Going to the French Riviera Honey.

“The Easy Glamour of the French Riviera in the late 1960s.” That was Tory Burch’s inspiration for her new spring 2014 collection; it clicked immediately when a French country song played before the show. It’s hard not to love Tory Burch in the spring. There are some nice fall pieces to choose from in her label, but you have to agree spring is her niche. It’s flirty, youthful, and descent. Just what women need for a hot summery day in the Riviera. 

She opened the show with a beautiful white embroidered botanical print cotton dress that made its presence on other tops and pants. Her creative designs of embroidery and applique were the highlight of the show. It was even more captivating to see the final pieces of jeweled-collared dresses that would look effortlessly glamorous for any occasion; no need to accessorize. She also offered simpler botanical prints, like ones printed on jeans and cute dresses, the South would greatly appreciate.

Chic were her peter pan collar numbers – a green crochet and silk dress, jersey and crepe de chine print tops, knits etched with these collars, and other embroidered and laser-cut leather dresses. There was a lot of potential for this collection to be a success when spring arrives next season. Without a doubt, her collection was easy on eye, but with very luxurious fabrics. I can already picture girls wanting those white leather-laced dresses accessorized with her belt wrapped around her lower waist and mini bag for a hot summery day. And for those flirtier girls, her introduction of swimwear pieces were a must have. 

Vibe: Just the clothes you want to wear _______.

Timo Weiland is quite a new brand that just keeps growing in a very positive manner. When it comes to menswear, the designers (Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein) know how to execute something with refined tailoring. They’ve mastered menswear very well though, but they are still developing their mastering for womenswear.

It wasn’t quite clear what the inspiration was for their spring 2014 collection. Although, we could tell there was a sporty mood transmitting in some of their looks.  Either way, when prices come fair, I’d admit I have to let this one slip off. What worked here were their tank tops, a graphic sleeveless white dress with ruffled hems that created a two-piece set (tank and skirt); bonus points, an interesting print for a must have cropped top, and some knitwear and patchwork pieces (like one color-block dress with an open waist). Those were interesting to watch, and just appreciate the designers are taking time to mix fabric to make them work together without looking dull; great color and fabric use in most of their looks.

In the men’s side, they only presented five looks, but were enough to make them great pieces to incorporate into a men’s wardrobe next season. That light white cardigan with black spaced lines had the right elements for a summer look, and their outerwear jackets were worthy of a try, like their black leather hoodie any guy would want. 

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2013 Ready-to-Wear: Innocent Stripes

Model Ruby Jean Wilson wearing the 1st look of the collecton

We could say that the Marc Jacobs show was one of the shortest, yet most memorable shows during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013. Mr. Jacobs has had a talent of hypnotizing us each season, for he leaves us like innocent children drooling over a piece of lollipop. This spring, the collection focused more on a 60s theme, presenting an interesting side to the Marc Jacobs woman we weren’t quite familiar with….until now.

The show began with model Ruby Jean Wilson wearing a striped t-shirt with short black hot pants. It was a huge surprise to us seeing the first outfit on the catwalk, knowing the brand to be expressed as a modern, classical lady. “It was necessary to do something different,” Jacobs recalled backstage, and it certainly was something shocking. 60s bedhead hair and smoky eyes the models ported lifted the atmosphere of the collection.

Stripes! Stripes! Stripes! Everything else was all about stripes, the dominant rulers on the runway. The construction of the stripes were not just any kind of stripes, they were the representation of a revealing and playful woman. Neutral colored coats were showcased throughout the show (such as trying to set the outspoken stripes down), but we actually couldn’t still get over those striped suits, we wanted more and more. We didn’t mind jotting those down in our wishlist either though. Low dropped skirts that sat at the models hips, were one particular interest that set part of the tone in our opinion. It was an exceptional manner of Mr. Jacobs allowing those swinging hips to move around. He definitely knew how to interpret a more sensual (and in a way sexual) woman without needing too drastic changes. Exposed midriffs were shown as well, for those who wanted to go to the next level.

The exquisite t-shirt dresses, which exposed a good amount of bare legs, added temptation and adrenaline. As the models wore the t-shirt dresses on the catwalk, you couldn’t really notice how much exposure was given, unless you were to bend down to see the panorama. Marc Jacobs knew what he was experimenting with…a teasing game between reality and imagination.

Dresses were of course all about stripes and intriguing back. The finale dresses were thought of as a game mademoiselle was finishing playing with, focusing her playfulness on sequin stripes, rather than her innocent body. Mr. Jacobs always manages to have a new talent hidden under him, which never bores us.  After his shows, we leave like blissful young kids counting the days till we return again to our beloved place.

A model wearing a red striped suit with a low hip skirt that allows for movement.

A t-shirt inspired dress that provokes imagination for some.

A sequin striped dress from the collection.

Dolce and Gabbana's Sicily Tour - Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2013

A detailed Dolce & Gabbana print dress depicting the history of theater.

Dolce & Gabbana has proven to be not just a brand, but a heritage to the Italian culture. Its rich gold embroidered dresses from last season were a prominent collection that gave through another chapter in its Sicily theme for spring. The collection was as usual….fresh, young, and full of happiness.

Prints were introduced in a bright jolly structure paired with puppet theater earrings that marked the roots of Domenico’s beloved Sicily. Raffia dresses were a major turning point in the show, demonstrating what a rich culture the south of Italy has to offer, for most of the raffia pieces were made with the help of Sicily. The vivid embroideries injected into the raffia dresses and skirts made the models appear so feminine, yet so delicate. Stripes were another element that were done very well, and will probably have most women desperate for the collection to arrive at near boutiques in spring (for those who don’t have a personal contact with Dolce & Gabbana). One part of the collection we thought was quite interesting was the manner that prints and lace were paired together. “We make a dress, I hope good, in a good way, but the people want a story, a philosophy,” were some words that Domenico Dolce chose to describe his presentation, which by the way Mr. Domenico, you do know how to make a great dress.

Dolce & Gabbana embroidery done on this raffia jacket and skirt.

As we know, the show couldn't end with the last couple of models wearing raffia corsets, which surprisingly pleased everyone. In our opinion, the corsets were more of a beautiful craftsmanship that could be enjoyed in an art exhibition than a daily wardrobe piece, but who knows whom we may be seeing wearing it. One thing we can assure is that the entire accessories in this collection were to die for (literally). An upgrade in your accessories next spring would probably be a good choice to begin with this brand, and if your at it, a wardrobe full of prints, stripes, and raffia could be another choice, if you happen to still have money left in your clutch.

A tailored Dolce & Gabbana raffia dress that marks curves. 

 A Dolce & Gabbana striped dress intersected in a unique way.

A Dolce & Gabbana raffia corset. 

A colorful Dolce & Gabbana handbag matched with low heeled shoes.

A detailed Dolce & Gabbana platform that will bring life any outfit.

Sexy Gladiators - Versace Spring/Summer 2013

Versace's Spring/Summer 2013 first outfit.

Versace has always been described as one of the most provocative fashion houses. This season there were no exceptions, for lace and gladiator princesses became the new lust to look after. The introduction of the first model wearing a black dress with lace running over her body and legs left very little to the imagination. Only a Versace girl is allowed to wear something like this, and with gladiator heels. The color palette centered more on the colors of the dessert (orange, cream, and warm blue), which brought a pleasant atmosphere to the show. The music and walk of the models all correlated exactly together to an “I don’t give a * what you think.” Donatella took a risk in introducing the crinkled silk effect dresses, describing the previous phrase. The slit dresses were all extraordinarily provocative, as for any women wearing it would need to take precautions of a wardrobe malfunction.

Versace Spring/Summer 2013 tie-dyed dress

Out of the whole collection, the laced pants Donatella presented should become one of the most items sold next season. Not that the whole collection was great, but for some women, the collection may be a little too sexy (not that we wouldn’t mind). Who knows, maybe she may decide to turn into a goddess when wearing the finale dresses that are only fit for a crown.

Versace Spring/Summer 2013 lace pants

Versace Spring/Summer 2013 gladiator dress

Balenciaga Revealed - Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013 1st look

At Balenciaga, Nicholas Ghesquière left us with one of the most intricate collections of the season (for the few fashionistas that have not read the news lately, he is parting away from the brand). No other man can play with clothes in such a beautiful art form than Mr. Ghesquière, who has turned the house into one of the most demanding French brands, making top celebrities such as Kristen Stewart, and street styles appear stunning. 

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013 ruffle dress

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013 suit

The show started with a model wearing a white halter top with a unique dark trouser. The real adrenaline began when the next model walked down the runway wearing a black ruffled dress layered with white underneath, forming a high-slit that ran all the way up her leg.  It felt as if Mr. Ghesquière had mastered the art of femininity move, for the ruffles moved beautifully as the models walked the runway. This collection was as Mr. Ghesquière recalled, “the most sensual collection I’ve ever done.” Looking back at past shows, this was in fact, the most revealing collection that we had seen at Balenciaga. The choice of pairing the suits with bra tops made everything so much daring. 

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013 tweed skirt

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2013 lace dress

We could say the most revealing part of the show were the asymmetrical skirts that left little to the imagination. The tweed skirts (from what we could describe as) were another exceptional part of the collection. The finale of models wearing those stunning laced dresses left every women waiting for spring to arrive, and for those who are now just knowing what Balenciaga is, should hurry to shop for this collection, for we cannot tell if we’re going to experience another show as Mr. Ghesquière delivered.

Kristen Stewart at the Balenciaga show

Balenciaga street style look

Sexy Till Death- Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2013

Liberty Ross at Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Runway

Tough. Graphic. Urban. Alexander Wang gave once again a breathtaking presentation. There was not a single piece that did not describe the first three words. Everything starting from the setting, and the music, to the models wearing the outfits, mixed as well as a good old martini garnished with olives. Patterns such as croc, zebra, giraffe, and snake skin were very well present at this show. The method of “applying them to the garments, but in an abstract way through embroidery,” as Alexander pointed, was a clean tactic that separated him from other designers.

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Parka Outfit

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Men's Inspired Shirt

The whole point of this collection was of “creating this tension between structure and solidity,” which was perfectly executed. The first model wore a black jacket paired with retro shorts that looked so stunning with high knee boots that seemed as if they were glued on to the models legs. The interpretation that Wang took from the men’s inspired shirts was so sick, that it made the models look much sexier. Leather was introduced in a form as Wang recalled “dissected.” The patterns used for each garment, top and bottom, were like no other seen before in New York. The white parka Fei Fei Sun wore on the runway (the dissected dress, heels, and of course knitted bag complimented everything so well) became a dream every street style girl should seek after.

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 New T-Shirt

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Black Dress

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Revealing Black Dress

As the show progressed, the rest of the outfits seemed to separate in a very interesting way. The metallic and white/black t-shirts ended up making a regular girl’s t-shirt look so boring. For evening, Wang created an “illusion of the clothes floating on the body.” Any men would wish his woman’s new little black dress could become the one Jac wore on the runway, or why not go all the way to the one Erin Wasson wore (although lets not forget the beautiful gray dress as well). 

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Glow in the Dark Dresses

Even though at Alexander’s finale there are small surprises, this summer collection he presented, gave us a huge surprise. We could say he crowned himself as the emperor of sexy fashion technology. Why?...…. Glowing dresses. If we could honestly describe this collection in one word, well two, it would be the following: Urban sexy. 

Gucci Romanticism - Gucci Spring 2013

“It’s all about color, such real color,” Ms. Giannini stated backstage at the Gucci Spring 2013 show. We already had a hint there was going to be a new Gucci woman emerging, looking back at its men’s spring 2013 collection. From fuchsia, to cobalt, turquoise, and electric yellow were one of the main colors chosen to dress from head to toe. Ruffles played the protagonist in this collection, making the look even more desirable. Frida Giannini showed us that the Gucci woman can be sexy, sensual, and provocative, but overall romantic. Everything was about an “architectural silhouette,” focusing more on the details and accessories without too much emphasis on the body. It was a risk she took, and very well taken.

            The look felt more conservative yet sophisticated, setting upon a late sixty and early seventies. The beginning opened with a model wearing a fuchsia tunic paired with a long trouser. As the show progressed, the introduction of the ruffled dresses became the main attraction. The front of the dresses were more conservative than the actual back, making the dresses more playful and classic. Some dresses were paired with plastic jewelry, which reminded one of royal monarchy. Giannini knew the right moments to introduce prints in the collection, which were beautifully admired. From the Japanese inspirational prints to the charming snake prints, none exceeded to the point of vulgarity.

           
“For evening,” as Ms. Giannini explained, “all the color goes away and pure black and creamy white come in.” The dark setting towards the end resembled a woman feeling seduced in a black dress with a very revealing back, and at the end uncovering her confident (provocative) love with a white deep v-neck gown. Giannini presented a collection which truly showed what sophistication is all about, leaving us eager for spring to arrive again to just get our hands into one of these dresses.