Archives for February 2012
New York Fashion Week Series, Part 1 – Tadashi Shoji
The time has finally arrived – New York Fashion Week is upon us! Today, we’ll be starting a short series that showcases some of the collections that are being seen in New York this year. The first collection presented for your viewing pleasure comes from the timeless and eccentric mind of Tadashi Shoji. Inspired by Marlene Dietrich and the film Shanghai Express, the designs depicted in this collection transform and transcend fashions of the current era with fabrics and styles that are very reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s.
An Introduction To 1930s Style
The dresses above hearken back to styles that were very popular in the 1930s, while adding a modernized touch of class that is typical of Shoji’s designs. His designs showcase intricate elements without being too complicated — for this particular collection, the focus is classic glamour with just enough modern style to remain subtle and sexy. The delicate elegance of these styles allows for fashion that embraces the femininity of the 1930s design; cap sleeves, high necks, draping bodices, tiers, embroidery, and layers.
Fabrics, Layers, Combinations
What you will notice the most in the designs of this collection are the unique textures that have been created by the introduction of different fabrics and combinations. For example, many of the dresses have elements of lace, chiffon, or silk. The dress depicted in the middle of the above image features elements of lightweight velvet that have been combined with a black beaded filigree lace bodice on the back. Green lace is used as an overlay for the dress on the left, while black lace has been layered on the dress on the right; these layering styles help to reproduce the delicate styles seen many decades ago.
Details, Details, Details
The amount of detail that has been incorporated into these gowns is stunning. Shoji’s ability to showcase intricacy within his designs without creating something overly complicated is what leads to success in this collection. The overall style of the dresses are very simple – which stays true to the style of the 1930s and many of the dresses seen in Shanghai Express – while incorporating intricate designs that are both eye-catching and offer a modern twist.
Wrap-Up
There have already been many positive reviews of Shoji’s collection from those who have attended Fashion Week, so it’s safe to say that his 1930’s-Shanghai-inspired designs truly did take attendees to another time and place. All of the designs featured in this collection are glamorous, classy, and showcase a timeless element of fashion that not many designers have been able to feature so masterfully. Likewise, it’s a great opening teaser to one of the most fashionable, eccentric, and exciting times of the year — Fashion Week!
For another glance at these dresses and many other pieces of Shoji’s collection, check out this video from IBtimes.com. Keep checking back over here in the upcoming days for the next update to this series, focusing on another unforgettable designer. Who do you think will be showcased next?
Designer Looks For Less
Do you love designer styles but cannot afford the price tag that is associated with the brand? If you’re a devout fashionista and glamourous trendsetter in your own group of friends, you already know how cruel it can be when you’ve spotted the perfect addition to your next ensemble but can’t afford to splurge! Even if you just like to find a good sale occasionally, these style tips will keep you looking fashionable and financially stress-free.
Beyond The Rack
If you absolutely must have designer clothing and you won’t settle for any lesser quality, you will likely prefer to settle for designer brands at lesser prices. Imagine purchasing Chanel or Dior at 50% off of the original price. Sounds like a dream, right? Beyond The Rack has made this dream a reality for many fashion addicts. So how does it work? You sign up as a member in order to participate in savings events. Certain days will have corresponding events and differ each week. The savings that you can get for each event can vary from 25% to up to 85%, depending on the sale or promotion that is going on. In example, one of this week’s events focuses on designer handbags.
Because of the crazy discounts that are listed on this site, you truly have to act fast when you see something you want. If you don’t, it will sell out very quickly and you will regret that you missed out! In my entire time of having an account with Beyond The Rack, I have never seen a week where there wasn’t some type of designer fashion being featured in one of their events. Shipping is amazingly cheap and they won’t spam your email – in fact, they’ll only send you notifications when new events have been posted. Likewise, although there are many of these “event” based shopping sites out there, Beyond The Rack tends to be one of the top sites with the best reviews.
Know The Style
Sometimes it’s not about what you wear – it’s about how you wear it. If you can’t afford designer brands but you still want to look exquisite or like you dropped a few hundreds on your last shopping spree, it’s important that you know the style and can mimic it to the best of your own advantage. Here’s a quick example. In the picture below, the knit vest on the left (Barney’s New York; Ann Demeulemeester) costs around $1,220, while the knit vest on the right costs only $29.55 (Tambukiki – ebay) and can achieve the same effect by choosing a size form fitting to your body, folded appropriately and paired with a basic belt.
Knock-Offs
Alternatively, maybe you’re the type that loves designer so much that you will even consider wearing a knock-off, if it’s convincing enough. Note that I’ve said convincing enough. You have to be very careful in the realm of knock-offs; no one wants to become known as the king or queen of bad knock-off fashion among a group of friends or contacts in the fashion industry, so tread here at your own risk. A few bad knock-offs can get you blacklisted by even the most sympathetic of your fashionable friends.
This is a point where you really have to consider who you are making your fashion statement for. If you’re wearing copycat designer styles because you are seeking to impress a group of people, choosing a knock-off is generally never the best choice, and you should probably only opt for discounted-designer.
However, if you’re wearing the style for yourself and only purely because you like it, then go ahead and knock yourself out with these knock-offs. The picture below depicts designer Jeffrey Campbell Litas ($158), a custom made knock-off ($80), and American Flag Lace Up Booties ($42 @ GoJane)
Whether you’re a discounted-designer fashionista or a hip and trendy knock-off lover, taking a few of these fashion tips and making them your own is guaranteed to make your style skyrocket while leaving your bank account in peace. What are some of your tricks for saving money while staying in fashion?
Jean Paul Gaultier Collection Inspired By Amy Winehouse
This past week, Jean Paul Gaultier showcased his newest collection at his haute couture runway show in Paris. The collection features 70 looks — many of which pay homage to the deceased jazz singer, Amy Winehouse. Not only does this new collection expand on the signature Gaultier style, it has a variety of elements that Amy Winehouse incorporated into her own personal fashion sense. Styles such as the look pictured below (modeled by Andrej Pejic), feature the classic fitted bodice and curvaceous design that Winehouse was commonly seen wearing while out and about.
Gaultier told Women’s Wear Daily that he “felt compelled” to celebrate the life of the singer “because magazines failed to do so.” Gaultier was also quoted with the statement, “I think Amy Winehouse was truly a fashion icon.” — clearly, this new collection is the designer’s way of paying homage to the late singer. Yet, not everyone is thrilled with the designs of Gaultier’s new collection. Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse, expressed his disappointment on Twitter, stating, “We don’t support the Jean Paul Gaultier collection. It’s in bad taste.”
Although many of the styles featured in the collection are inspired by Winehouse, there are many that focus on the purity of the signature Gaultier design. Beehive hairstyles and distinctive aesthetic similarities are used to hearken back to the days when Amy Winehouse was in her prime, while not distracting from the overall stylistic flow that Gaultier is well known for. This collection features bold colors and prints that demand attention, in looks that are very flattering to the female figure.
At the end of the runway show, the models came out in black veils in respect for the deceased singer.
What do you think? Is Jean Paul’s new collection a fashion faux-pas or was his homage misunderstood?
For a glance at Gaultier’s latest collection, click here.