FASHION MONTH ROUND-UP

______________N E W   Y O R K______________

ALEXANDER WANG This season, Wang was truly an interesting balance in the color and texture varieties. The styling was on point (I love the high necked layering) as were the accessories (who doesn't want a ubiquitous Wang purse?). If I were to get a pair of calf/thigh high boots, those would be the only ones I'd "yes." Also, gonna cry at the insanely cool hem of that last white shirtdress. 

DION LEE It's been many seasons since I first followed Lee's work and I can say with confidence that I'm very happy with his aesthetic growth and progression. This season, a monochrome palette was kept interesting with clean-cut asymmetrical details, enviable layering techniques, and of course a few amazing dresses that I'd die to have. 
______________L O N D O N______________

J.W. ANDERSON Just when I had the slightest notion that I would be a little bored by J.W. Anderson, this collection pops up and leaves me stunned. Languid yet structural, the dresses were a perfect mix of juxtapositions.  I aboslutely adore the bustier detailing on a few of the pieces. 

ISSA Taking after Celine last season, Issa was arts-and-crafts-y in the most refined manner. An embellishment in the form of a goofy face and zig-zag tops were adorable details while the larger color blocks were artfully pieced like a Matisse. Being done on clean silhouettes in nice proportions, this collection remained elegant and tasteful. 
______________M I L A N______________

MARNI

I think it goes without saying that there our expectations are low going into Milan. Yet, in the most recent seasons, Marni has been thoroughly impressing me. The resurgence of the great boldness that Marni carries so well was displayed throughout this collection, ranging from the multicolor coat with broad brushstroke-like colors to the fur and feathered dresses in the last few looks. It was over the top in all the right ways--without the garishness of everything else in Milan. 

ICEBERG

Another exception to the Milanese rule, Iceberg presented a superb mish-mash of different design details. The collection looks fit for a neo-galactic fashion week attendee, with its foil textures, constructed silhouettes, and palette of cool neutrals with vivid brights. 

______________P A R I S______________  

JACQUEMUS

In a quick ascension to the top of the fashion scene as of late, JACQUEMUS has stolen the spotlight once again with his FW14 collection, a delightfully composed array of puffy and cushy looking pieces that I want to touch so badly. I love that the simplicity of the pieces does not conjure boredom but rather garners more interest and curiosity (at least for me!). I am just in love with the variety of silhouettes he puts out on the runway, they are too fantastic. 

CÉLINE

I will start off by saying that this collection was not my favorite when I first saw it, but it grew on me (and continues to do so...waiting for that moment of Céline explosion that inevitably occurs every season). The mix of ribbed knits with picnic-basket gingham is an unexpected but intriguing combination; meanwhile, the luxe pairing of fur and jewels was fresh due to the twist--that massive cluster necklace and orange fur are paired nicely. Once again, footwear and handbags were on point--more things to add to my "unattainable wants" list.

images via style.com

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SS14 | New York Round-up

DION LEE I think I always begin my Dion Lee reviews with something along the lines of "season to season" or "consistently," because that's just it--for the duration of time that I've followed his work, Lee has executed stunning and brilliantly constructed garments without fail. His SS14 collection, newly shown in New York, did the same, giving an injection of Australian cool to the minimalism we've been seeing on the runways. While the monochrome looks are to die for, the elegantly draped dresses really caught my eye with their stunning "looping" details on the bodices. The play on texture and print was also very refreshing after all the black and white at NYFW.

BRANDON SUN Spring doesn't often equate to layers but in this collection, it was pulled off beautifully and weather-appropriately. The clean cut pieces joined downtown edge with UES class in a gorgeous grayscale palette injected with muted pastels. I love the geometric detailing throughout the garments, from the ruched/pleated leather to the paneling on the gray skirt. 

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Sure to be the future of subject blogger/street style phenomena, Lim's SS14 collection was made for the streets but nonetheless extremely sophisticated. The motifs on the garments reminded me of concentric circles in wood and slices of agate. Many of the pieces were organic and tied back to those motifs, with the agate print between the solid bodice and dissipating into the sheer hem. The texture on the sweater of the fifth look is also killing me (it's like a frankenstein of rugs, in a weirdly good way). 

CALVIN KLEIN Costa celebrated his 10th anniversary at Calvin Klein with this collection and it was celebratory indeed. The signature clean simplicity was maintained well throughout save for a few party pieces (rainbow fringe, is that you?) but it flowed nicely from pure whites and subtle beiges to a pleasant green. The frayed hems were later exaggerated into a lovely airy fringe in the last gowns, a beautiful way to close the collection.

PRABAL GURUNG On the other side of the fashion spectrum, Prabal Gurung brought us powder puffed flowery that was rare on the SS14 runways. The lightest pinks and limes took on the form of ultra feminine frocks and cool separates, splashed with black and white geometric and floral graphics. Although it was derivative of past collections (who do you see?), aesthetic wise, it was a generally gorgeous collection. I am infatuated with the pairing of the sheer coat over the green and black in the fourth look. 

DELPOZO Toying with volume is something that few designers can execute successfully (in my eyes, at least). Consequently, my first encounter with this collection already made me a fan of the Spanish brand. Whimsical and spring-y in all the right ways, the variety of shape and texture throughout the pieces had me swooning. The mix of floral types was also amazing, spanning from painterly and cartoon-y to rigidly geometric. I love the contrast between the milky blouse and the solid cracker like skirt pairing as well as the embellishment on the third look creates an icing-like effect. Maybe I'm just hungry, but everything looked scrumptiously adorable.
images via style.com
And that concludes my NYFW coverage! Keep your eyes out for my LFW posts, coming up soon!
xx
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SS14 | NYFW - William Okpo

images by yours truly!
During my first month in NYC last fall, I was invited to my first ever presentation during fashion week for the relatively new label William Okpo.  It was such a welcoming gesture and it really made my freshman year of college (so many thanks to Danika!)  Today, the quirky brand continues to present fashion in innovative and unconventional ways, as evident in their latest spring summer 2014 collection, which was shown with Opening Ceremony's BTW series at "super pier" Pier 57. 
The designers Lizzy and Darlene Okpo have a real knack for pulling off proportions in all the right ways (look at their past seasons and you'll see!). Hem lengths were longer than the usual thigh-high miniskirt or shorts that pervaded the New York runways but maintained an aura of street cool. When I entered the venue, I was immediately drawn to the volume and cut of that red tank top paired with the slim fitting bermuda length leather shorts. The muted blue color with a sea of white and hint of red made for a stunning color palette. Also, look at those super rad "face prints" all over the collection! The adorable graphics were inspired by illustrations in barber shops that the Okpo sisters saw during a trip to Senegal. 
Personally, I think one of the best parts of the collection its tie to charity, as they teamed up with 14 Plus NYC, an organization that builds and develops schools and orphanages in rural African communities. The Okpos created a capsule collection of monochrome tees and totes featuring the fantastic print, with all proceeds going to the 14+ foundation. Talk about an amazing marriage of fashion and philanthropy. 
Find out more about 14 Plus NYC & view and shop William Okpo capsule collection here!
xx
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SS14 | NYFW - Opening Ceremony

all images shot by yours truly!
This Sunday night, I attended Opening Ceremony's inaugural runway show for their spring summer 2014 collection, held at Pier 57 (many thanks to the amazing Blake!)  All I was told was that it involved cars and that it was going to be MAJOR.
The seating was all around the perimeter of an enormous empty center space and we all suddenly had the feeling that the cars were going there. Then, the lights dimmed and the fashion crowds cheered as the first sleek sports car drove in (Maserati? Ferrari? I don't know cars, sorry haha).  Once they all parked in a complex alternating chevron pattern (I seriously applaud those drivers), the girls began to exit their cars and tour the "runway." 
I expected an heavy auto/racing theme but was proven otherwise (at least for most of the collection). In the first few looks, elegant and clean cut monochrome separates were balanced with quirky printed frocks with strap details. Refined silhouettes and round edges kept the pieces visually interesting one after another.  Likewise, the accessories game was on point, with amazingly tailored handbags and satchels accompanying the cool ensembles down the runway. Pastel heels with chunky lucite heels also contrasted beautifully against a few of the printed pieces.
Once all the models were all stationed next to their respective cars, the beat changed and suddenly a  troupe of male models and a few girls entered the runway. There, the sportif look came to life, as the models were wearing these amazing moto helmet visor-esque contraptions. Colorblocking, stripes, and garments reminiscent of NASCAR uniforms appeared in the menswear pieces, which were more subdued and done in darker hues and no-fuss tailored silhouettes.
What I appreciated most about this show was how it transitioned to a "presentation" type set-up following the runway portion. Although the models were ushered out early because one seemed to be lightheaded/dehydrated, it was fantastic to be able to go up to my favorite looks and snap detail shots. 
The show was an incredible (and historic at that--what an over the top yet very well-executed first show--can you imagine how crazy their shows are going to be now?!) #NYFW experience that I'll probably never forget.  I call show of the season. 
xx
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SS14 | NYFW I

SALLY LAPOINTE Sally Lapointe is inarguably one of the rising stars to watch in the NY market. Her aesthetic stays true season after season and it is done without fail--simple and sleek separates layered to perfection. The fluctuation of volume accompanies the eclectic accessories so well; I love the shark tooth shaped leather collars and the molded belts in leather and other cool materials (is that plexiglass?!!?). The draping of the last dress is also really killing me right now. 
SUNO It is always a fun, refreshing surprise to see what printed textiles Suno generates for each of their collections. The stunning patterns really maximize the effect of the pieces, from the boxy grid dress on Xiao Wen (I met her last night, she is absolutely adorable and sweet in person!) to the organic shapes in the brocade/jacquard of the stunning layered dress in the last look. I love the airy whimsicality of it all too; those wild animals in a few of the looks keep it fun and give the eyes something new to look at--cool details can sometimes push a collection past one's expectations. 

HELMUT LANG With a nod (better yet, full embrace) to the high point of the Helmut Lang brand, the ss14 collection returned to its '90s roots and did so in a beautiful and languid manner. Modernity invigorated the minimalistic aesthetic by the means of barely there hardware, artistic paneling, and the presence of the stunning pink hue in a few of the slip dresses. I applaud this collection head to toe (the footwear is making me swoon!) and would wear Look #4 in a heartbeat! 

CHADWICK BELL As you can already see, the resurgence of minimalism on the runways is big for the ss14 season. Although definitely referential to other designs seen previously (Celine anyone?), I am nonetheless in total love. Boxy sleeves get me every time and when done in monochrome black & white or whispery pastels they can not go wrong. Also, let's discuss the insanity that is the sheer skirt and those barely-there chokers !! 

LISA PERRY So I think a majority of the appeal of this collection comes from the "themed" quality of it. Perry only sent white designs down the runway and they were a fantastic contrast to the turf green of the tennis court-esque carpeting. Design wise, I thoroughly enjoyed the variety she was able to produce on a white palette. The almost apron-like silhouettes were interspersed with a healthy dosage of clinical feeling shifts, sleek separates, and cool cable knit motifs. The sweatbands and white slip ons were totally on point accessorizing, too.
Check back in a few for more NYFW coverage as it continues onto next week!
xx
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NYFW | FW13 Round-up

PROENZA SCHOULER

Before I proceed with my little review, I would like to say that I was initially not impressed with Proenza Schouler the first time I clicked through it (maybe because I was hyped up on all the gorgeous brights they used last season). Upon further examination and after viewing some amazing video footage, I fell in love. To achieve a seemingly average piece of fabric, Jack and Lazaro used intricate mechanisms (woven strips of leather for that "tweed" and laser cut leather for those lace/eyelet-like dresses!) and created something that needed to be seen and felt up close to get the full impact. Pair those impeccable details with a mixture of both timeless and modern silhouettes, and you get a truly fantastic collection. 

HONOR

Honor took me on a trip back to my childhood days of cutesy ballooned skirts and dresses worn over big blouses. The saccharine palette of pinks and pastels fit quite well with the feminine qualities of the metallic and embellished frocks. Also, the cut of the neckline in that last dress is killing me. 

ALTUZARRA

Yes, this review is a bit late (it somehow got lost in the scuffle of fashion week). To put it plainly, this collection was sexy. The play on a voluminous piece of cropped outerwear with a tight-fitting, thigh-high slitted leather dress was very well done. We also got a sense of great craftsmanship in the details, from the seamless mesh of leather and fur to the geometric piecing of the leather each of those va-va-voom numbers. 

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ

Ah, another palette cleanser of fashion week (and what a great one with which to end!). Narciso's use of poppy hues translated immaculately well into both the solid pieces and the slinky silk dresses, and the combination of the two was stunning. Those several architectural coats and generally edgy cuts sealed the deal.  images via style.com With that, fashion week has relocated to LONDON! LFW posts soon! xx INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN' | FACEBOOK

NYFW | FW13 part III

 RODARTE

An abundance of sumptuous layers and unconventional silhouettes were the stars of this collection. I loved the play on volume and texture with the waterfall of fabric and the contrast of those angular white panels. I was confused by the tattoo socks though (you reading this, JD? haha) but it was generally intriguing and interesting to look at this collection and just wonder.

 3.1 PHILLIP LIM

This season, Phillip Lim once again doled out a selection of finely tailored pieces, each extremely wearable to say the least. I could see most of the 18-25 in NYC wearing these simple yet sophisticated pieces, from the pink paneled coat to the patch trousers in the last look. The piping gave an almost cartoon-like quality to the pieces, which were styled together so well. I can't really say much other than the fact that it's very cool, very chic, and that I get really great vibes from this collection. 

VERA WANG I loved the presence of volume and structure throughout this collection. The jewel tones and numerous  embellishments splashed throughout the bodices and skirts were beautiful against a dark and muted tones. Also, can we talk about those necklines? Perfect balance of high, low, and in-between.

THEYSKEN'S THEORY Most of the pieces that I took away from Theysken's collection were the ones with interesting surfaces. Quilted and embossed textures breathed life into otherwise basic shifts. The final dress really stood out to me--the round exaggerated hips and that incredible pearly corrugated texture really spoke to Theysken's idea of looking to the "future." 

THOM BROWNE Inconceivably cool and mind-boggling is the best way to summarize Thom Browne's fairy-tale, out-of-this-world aesthetic. We can always count on Browne to take traditional silhouettes and blow them to exaggerated proportions, yet successfully execute a hauntingly beautiful array of romantic pieces. The look of tattered lace and the abundance of fire-engine red florals on white and gray were absolutely stunning. 
images via style.com
xx
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NYFW | FW13 part II

 PRABAL GURUNG

Prabal put on a fierce show this season with girls bedecked in army green, fine floral embroidery, and intricate patterns. The flowing fabric and some asymmetrical details softened the perceived harshness of a military inspired collection. On top of it all, his exquisite draping skills really amplified the delicate beauty of his elegant silhouettes.

RAG & BONE Utilitarian looks could probably win me over until the end of time, to be honest. Exposed zippers on oversized outerwear pieces and details like the quilted minis and patched pants had me hooked while the occasional punchy accent of color perfectly accompanied those earthy neutral pieces. 

LACOSTE We can now count on FBO to give us something new and fresh every season at Lacoste (my class even discussed the tactics used in the radical repositioning of this iconic label-those tennis polos have nothing on this new stuff!). Sporty and elegant all at the same time, a fresh palette of white and other brights kept the cool Thom Browne-y silhouettes interesting. 

SALLY LAPOINTE In the clutter of vibrant street style and overtly extravagant embellishments on the runway, Sally LaPointe was a true palette cleanser. Pristine whites and beiges ruled the runway, then gave way to a pleasant pinky-red and then a gorgeous deep wine hue. The play on volume in the sleeves was magnificent, with the princess sleeves tucked toward the wrist and the structured outerwear pieces layered over sleek skirts and leather pants mimicking thigh-high boots (or were they?).  ALEXANDER WANG The man of the hour presented his collection at the Cunard Building in the financial district a few days ago, and I was there to witness the fanfare outside as photographers snapped away at Grace Coddington, Carine Roitfield, Lynn Yaeger, Hanneli Mustaparta, A$AP Rocky, and many others (tI myself was taking street style pictures for College Fashionista!) Indoors, Wang introduced some beautiful boxy silhouettes in a stunning arrangement of origami pleat silhouettes and textured fabrics. Overall, an elegant collection but somewhat of a deviation (to me) for the traditional fall/winter Wang girl. I am, however, far more interested to see what he will send down the runway at Balenciaga during PFW.  images via style.com xx INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN' | FACEBOOK

NYFW | FW13

 CREATURES OF THE WIND

The palette of searing hot orange, deep ochre, and earth tones at Creatures of the Wind was originally what drew me in. Sharply tailored silhouettes, magnificent colorblocking, and spectacular details (diamante encrusted tie, double lapel, leather piping, YES) worked beautifully with the saturated hues. 

KIMBERLY OVITZ

I will forever be mesmerized by the drapey, languid nature of Ovitz's gowns; on the other hand, asymmetrical thigh high slit hems and deep V necklines make for a killer look. Add in some incredible graphic prints and I'm simply sold.

M. PATMOS

Marcia must teach me how to layer, because I want to be dressing like this until the weather warms up (not likely, thank you Nemo). The sleek, tailored bottoms of slit skirts and trousers look great when paired with semi-bulky outerwear pieces like the layered cardigans/sweaters and the simple but chic zippered coat. Also, the turtleneck contraption will be on my mind for a while.

TADASHI SHOJI

Ethereality is one of my personal requirements when I deem evening wear to be "beautiful." Case in point, Tadashi Shoji gave us an array of lacy cocktail frocks and dark embellished gowns but I was stunned by the icy numbers in snow white and muted blue. The high neck, princess sleeve, columnar gown translated well for the lace and chiffon as well as the velvet version. Leave it to the last look, a theatrical mermaid gown of lace and volume, to end the collection on a rather high note. 

TIMO WEILAND

Crisp pleats will get me through the darkest of days (I actually recently purchased a black skirt in the same silhouette of that metallic brocade one). I loved the overall cleanliness in the tricolored collared blouses as well as the neat knitwear. A very wearable and desirable collection indeed!

images via style.com

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