Dior by Raf Simons

Christian Dior couture Dior Fall 2012 Raf Simons

Dior by Raf Simons

Unknown   08.07   Comment  

 Just one word: perfection.

Raf Simons showed with his first collection an hommage to the style of Christian Dior, the New Look, without losing his own minimalistic style. The show opened with black pantsuits, followed by cut ball gowns worn over simple narrow black pants. Furthermore there were ball gowns, strapless gowns, coat worn as dresses and dresses with different colors on the front and back. I really like the modern take on the fifties. Raf Simons did exactly what LVMH-CEO Bernard Arnault predicted: to bring the style of Christian Dior to the 21st century.

 "I'm not interested in just doing couture that works in magazine pictures. I want it to be relevant" - Raf Simons

Fall 2012 Trend Report: Goth

Fall 2012 Trend Report trends

Fall 2012 Trend Report: Goth

Unknown   10.42   Comment  

 You can come over to the dark side this season, as black is seen everywhere on the catwalk. I can hear you think: 'but black is always on trend' and that's right, but for this fall you can think of a more gothic inspired look. And the variations are endless!
 At Givenchy, for instance, we saw a really nice contrast between masculine and feminine. Leather, blood red and lingerie tops came back frequently.
At Yves Saint Laurent we saw a strict silhouette including a wasp waist and bold schoulders. That made this collection very powerful, strong and brave, but still classic at the same time. The show also got a dark feeling because of the multiple use of leather (of course), chains and the motif of the calla lily, which was also used in the jewelry. The calla lily is a Roman symbol for lust, but were also laid on the graves of those who suffered an untimely demise.
The collection of Yohji Yamamoto was all about contrasts and playing with volume. Also assymetric and draped dresses passed in review.
Gucci brought it in a whole diffrent way. Frida Giannini said she found inspiration in the 19th century. The collection got a very romantic and bohemian feel about it, complete with long and graceful dresses.
You see: there are many ways to make this trend your own and you know, fashion is all about personality!

Space Invader

Fall 2012 trends

Space Invader

Unknown   02.05   Comment  

Spotted: sci-fi

  

 Peter Pilotto

 Mary Katrantzou

 Mugler

 Balenciaga

 Chanel

 Comme des Garçons

Alexander McQueen

The runway is the place to be for designers to experiment with extraordinary materials and technology.

Metallics and graphic forms, but also (faux) fur was often seen. Extraterrestrial beautiful!

I'm very curious how this trend will translate to the street.

The Last Collection

Fall 2012 Jil Sander Yves Saint Laurent

The Last Collection

Unknown   00.40   Comment  

Not one but two designers have left their fashion house this season. Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent presented a dark almost raw income last collection. Yesterday's confirmed that he will be replaced by Hedi Slimane. No stranger to the fashion world. He worked until 2007 for Dior Homme, subsequently to devote to photography. "Slimanes exceptional talent and his knowledge of the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent promises a new chapter in the history of the fashion house" said Paul Deneve, director of Yves Saint Laurent.

Raf Simons also said goodbye. With tears in his eyes he received the standing ovation. He presented a wonderful collection with a fifties feel. It was serene, poetic and pure. Was this a nod to his next employer?
Spoken about Dior: the fashion press is still not stopped speculate about who will be the new creative director and Dior has nothing confirmed. However, Haider Ackermann would have received a bouquet of Dior. Are these the 'welcome to Dior' flowers or maybe 'sorry that we've asked you' flowers. It remains a mystery while I'm getting more curious. And you?

NYFW Fall 2012: Ralph Lauren

Fall 2012 Fashion Week New York Ralph Lauren

NYFW Fall 2012: Ralph Lauren

Unknown   10.19   Comment  

Downton Abbey

 It was just a matter of time after the huge success of the British costume drama Downton Abbey to see it appear on the runway. Ralph Lauren showed us menswear inspired suits, vests and trenchcoats inspired by the English aristocrats. All in a autumn color palette of black, navy, grey, brown and some gold accents. As the show progressed the garments bacame more and more feminine.