Final Days of Milan Spring 2014 Shows

A review of Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Missoni, and Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2014 collections.

Milan Fashion Week came to a close yesterday with Giorgio Armani being one of the biggest shows of the day and easiest to relate to. The thing about Armani is that he has set his signature looks very high. There is something so confident and serene about his couture cuts you can tell right away who made that dress. He knows who he is and that is all that matters to succeed. While others may find his show a bit boring (or the same continuation), I’m always intrigued to see his palette of colors like subtle pale blues, pinks, and grays he showed for his new collection. Trust me, you can’t find those types of luxury colors anywhere. 

What’s more interesting is that he manages to use the same classical types of fabrics – silk, viscose, chiffon, pique, velvet and wool – and inject into them couture-cuts that are a plus; so delicate it seems they’re worth a fortune. I’ve always been a believer that a woman’s greatest investment should be owning a great pair of Armani trousers or suits, because these designs will never fail to make a great impression. Where he experiments as a designer though are in his prints which sometimes fail to do the work. Some made a nice impression like a digital floral jacket matched with a ghostly faded printed skirt. In all, we saw some of the same classical looks we’ve been familiar with but minimally modernized in some sort of ways. 

Salvatore Ferragamo will be a brand to watch for next season. Creative director, Massimiliano Giornetti, has had his ups and downs over the past few seasons, but I actually saw potential in his new spring 2014 women’s collection. For those of you who are not familiar with this prestigious label, Ferragamo was one of the most iconic names in Hollywood designing shoes for stars like Marilyn Monroe and others. And that has been the goal for Giornetti, keeping the essence of refined glamour. 

He began his show with relaxed creamy striped suits and cropped trousers paired with snakeskin bra tops, sleeveless suit dresses, and others suits cut in half to appear between a cropped top and mini skirt over pants (all detailed with small belt straps). His most talked about pieces were his skirts pleated only halfway at the sides. Some girls may love them and others may not, but his leather numbers felt buttery soft; I personally thought the first few without wraps around looked nicer. He didn’t include much of dresses this season as for he opted to go for skirts and appealing knitwear, but he did include three halter dresses, which I thought his metallic ones, like a gold pleated dress, was casual-luxe. And he may have not imbued a great glamour vibe, but where he did outdo himself was in outerwear – trenchcoats, sleek leather hoodies, blousons, and biker jackets - like his intricate snakeskin jackets that will be a dream for the edgy generation of young girls and women. 

Missoni has been one of those luxury knitwear labels I have been fond of for the past few years. But recently, the family run business seems to be taking things to another direction. Their new collection felt awkward in some ways – birds printed on knitwear, quirky fringed dresses, nature prints – that lost the spirit of the Missoni zigzag signature codes. There were some pretty pieces like their knitwear cardigans and color-block skirts and tops that were fresh. Knitwear is there supreme niche, and we’d love to see more their visible high-tech knits making a strong return soon as were present in their men’s spring 2014 collection. 

At Dolce and Gabbana there was a beautiful treasure hunt going on. Applique of floral and Greek coin dresses, gold laser-cut dresses, intricate prints of ancient ruins, lustrous embroidered dresses, souvenir accessories, and much more to indulge on. We know designers, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, have had a hard time lately with the business of their brand, but they’ve managed to show that they deserve to be doing what they do best……………designing to create beautiful clothes and represent Italy in an honorable manner. Most Italians would be proud to have Dolce and Gabbana be a representation of what true Italian fashion is all about. I don’t know about you, but it kind of is a joy to see these designers come up with creative ideas that are marketable yet a personal collection that speaks about their beliefs and history. 

There was so much more to choose from then just the previous descriptions: sheer polka dot blouses and dresses; lacquered skirts and dresses in forest green, burgundy, and red; jacquard coats; soft furry skirts and tops; swimsuit pieces. Their fur numbers were the only thing I wasn’t fond of, but from there on, the hours of thoughts and craftsmanship that was put into this collection paid off.  These were clothes that were made to empower the balance between a delicate and powerful woman. And hopefully aid in balancing the company even more. If feels like a family when you purchase something from this brand.

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.

Dolce and Gabbana Men's Spring 2014 Greece Influence

It's been quite a week for designers, Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana. First came their tailoring presentation and opening store in London, then came the court battle, and finally we were honored to experience such a beautiful collection of extraordinary scenes of Greece meets Italian craftsmanship. There was a resemblance going on in this runway just like a battle that was going on in real life. Zeus vs. Apollo. Which greek god would you go towards? It is only these designers who make choosing a printed shirt so difficult to decide. There was a scenery in every piece that  you could think of - shirts, jackets, suits, shorts, and trousers - that added a soothing atmosphere to their looks with their relaxed silhouette. Once again, professional male models should most likely be forgetting to walk on this prestigious runway, because Sicilian men seem to be sticking with the brand. And even though some may have been disappointed, we appreciated reuniting with their Sicilian models. It is perhaps that we know they're not professionals, and their heights, that makes us feel were receiving a warm welcome from the brand.

Suits were no where loose like in previous collections. They were the contrary. A sharp tailoring that almost looked too perfect to be true. And they came in a masculine number of colors - light gold, dark brown, dark green, cherry red, baby blue, cream, plum, bronze, black, and white - in some choices of either single or double breasted looks. Skinny pants here looked formal when paired with these luxurious confident suits. Other colored pants were fitted and cut at appropriate lengths. A particular dress shirt, such as a black shirt pictured, caught a special attention with oversized buttons. Some suits printed with the image of the Greek god, Apollo, were pleasing to watch as well.

After their court rule, there were speculations that Dolce & Gabbana would present a series of stripe designs in their spring collection. The rumors weren't false after all. Stripes - in duller shades - were present in suit ensembles, shorts, and other shirts. And speaking of shorts, their somewhat fitted short shorts had a nice appeal to them with various printed scenes. They would make a great combo with a simple t-shirt, or why not, without one if you have the body to show it. Their knitwear pieces - one in blue and purple - were no doubt fresh and tough to say the least. Accessories - sandals, dress shoes, belts, and bags - described the whole triumphing story.

Let The Skirt Do The Talking

This Dolce & Gabbana crystal-embellished mini skirt can do all the talking you want it create. More than gossip, it speaks money.

Many of us are often out there on the hunt for the best deals in fashion, whether it be online or in stores. Some people can get desperate and rather purchase it at full retail price with the fear of not being able to get what they wanted in the future. The question is how much are we willing to wait to be the first to catch that amazing item we know we could have waited for a little bit more? 

I have always been a believer that what's meant to be yours will wait for your all season (or year) long no matter what. If those shoes you were dying to get were gone, chances are they weren't meant for you. Sorry, maybe you'll have luck with something else next time. 

Getting a real luxury designer item is like the stock market - you've got to choose right and risk it to look good. When I describe real luxury I am not referring to a $4,000 Gucci dress, but to those average types of garments (not dresses) that can be worth about half of your college tuition - for example, the original retail price of the $13,760 Dolce & Gabbana mini skirt above. It can be shocking just how much the value of a skirt can rise. I often ask myself, I know details are what drives the value of something so high, but are their really people out there who would do anything to purchase such a beautiful skirt which we know you'd probably wear it only once? Maybe the answer is yes, the richest people who don't have a problem with this type of prices.

Most retail have mega sales each season to stock up their next season orders. I had already seen the price of this particular skirt before, but when I came across the online retailer The Outnet, who offer great savings, I came across the skirt again. And guess what, it was on sale for 75% off. Even though the percent was cut off quite high, its price - $3,440 - could seem like a mega deal, or not, to those who like to collect treasures as I always like to say. 

One thing I would like to point out is that this specific skirt comes from Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2012 collection. I was left with the curiosity to know how long had this item been online that it was drop severely in my opinion? Who would've thought you could steal get a deal after a year old collection? 

There was also recently this buzz going around about Dolce & Gabbana selling one of it's Fall 2013 collection dresses at $49,000. It had been stated they would sell six of them to the online luxury retailer Net-a-Porter, who are very confident all of dresses will sell out, meaning that hopefully there won't be any sale as the iconic skirt. We'll have to wait and see if confidence beats the price. 

Oh, and if your planning to get the skirt, don't overdress it, just let the skirt do the talking. You know it will. 

Would you purchase the skirt at it's sale price knowing what the price of the skirt was originally?

A Religious Fashion Devotion at Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2013 Presentation

Stefano Gabbana (left) and Domenico Dolce (right) at their Fall 2013 Menswear presentation.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s theme for its new fall/winter 2013 menswear collection was “devotion,” a word that couldn’t be any perfect to describe the craftsmanship these two men dedicate hours into, designing a collection that always leaves me eager for next season to arrive. Their Sicilian inspirations were no longer available here (not that I wasn't fond of), but perhaps they felt it was time to take a slightly different route; religion became the new trend setter and our new devotion. The setting – mounted with crystal chandeliers and decoration of flowers – marked a new purified atmosphere.

Professional models were left out of this runway, and replaced once again by average men of different heights and shapes that made tailoring be much more appreciated. Dolce & Gabbana knew perfectly well how to attract the non-model guys who seek to feel confident and trendy; not everyone is tall and slim. They provided several options that molded the realistic man we’d find out in the streets somewhere. I felt more connected towards this presentations than from the other shows. It was nice to see how I probably could rock an outfit very well even if I'm not as tall and lean as a model.

Shirts, crisp white with delicate embroideries, reminded me of Sunday morning church attires I would be willing to assist each week if given. Other tops printed in religion icons, to a yellow number embroidered luxuriously in gems, added a new statement to the well endorsed Dolce tee. Pants were tapered and felt comfortable enough to wear; not too tight, not too slouchy. Overcoats were kept classical and modern (mostly black), to their standards.

The real magic was captured with one of the most beautifully made floral print suits of the season. Flowers could be a topic of major concern for men, but the designers managed to pull off a well convincing, breathtaking artwork. Suits made out of handmade needlepoint floral designs added the perfect masculine and alluring touch. Other suits, such as a white laced piece, had enough to shut the envious guys who know they’d secretly want one. And their velvet lined shoes were definitely a plus. 

The final rain of models walking down the catwalk, wore Domenico’s and Stefano’s love to their catholic roots. The end deserved a well respected applause that commended us to pray for these talented designers to keep doing what they’re best at……..designing for the modern gentleman.

Print Inspirations

A print top can become your inspiration to complete your full look. This silk top was taken as a motivation to fulfill a tropical ambiance.

1. Michael Van Der Ham print top - available at net-a-porter.com
2. T by Alexander Wang pleated skirt - available at ssense.com
3. Maison Martin Margiela leather belt - available at net-a-porter.com
4. Dannijo earrings - availabe at ssense.com 
5. Yves Saint Laurent pumps - available at mytheresa.com
6. Dolce & Gabbana clutch - available at mytheresa.com
7. J.Crew necklace - available at net-a-porter.com

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.