Marc by Marc Jacobs is known as Marc Jacob's ''cheaper'' brand, but honestly? This collection was far, far better than the Marc Jacobs collection. Kendall Jenner was there to be obnoxious and exhibitionist, and it was just a cult of sheer tops and boring colors. Blah, boring, nasty. I hated it, to say the least. This review, on the other hand, will be a positive one.
Look 1 was a dark minimalist jumpsuit, with a chunky belt. Part school uniform/ part Rick Owens look. 2 had an obvious race car suit similarity, but instead of advertising Tide or Pepsi, this one advertised Revolution (which is not a cologne...I think). I'm not sure if I, personally would wear it, but it looked awesome on the model. I have no qualms about liking something I myself may not choose. 3 was a delight to the eyes. Quirky for lack of better words (and this outfit certainly is deserving). Red and black top, with gray wool overalls. 5's pants were not of my taste at all. The flaps were too abrupt. No last minute ''interesting'' parts, please! 7 was too masculine and boxy. I loved how 10's patched pants went with the chic jacket. The dark blue collar pulled the outfit out of that ''normal clothes'' mode. 12 was too boring and boxy. Gray is not an easy color to work with. But it also isn't fitting for fall, either. Maybe winter, when the sludge comes in, though.
15's pants weren't anything exciting, but the shiny, sleek striped top was cool. In 17, again, we have that shiny, almost plastic look, but in the skirt. It also went perfectly with the plaid top. Look 19 was much different from the other; red/black plaid on the skirt and jacket, but the top of the jacket explodes into a puffy ribbon. For an ''off-brand'', this look is pretty amazing! I still can't believe how different this collection is from the Marc Jacobs one. 21 had another ribbon, but on a mini cape and in black and white plaid. I wasn't all that pleased with 23; It did have the ''puff'' at the top, but it was shapeless. And the pants reminded me of those gross looking basket ball shorts middle school boys wear. 25 didn't work either. Boring gray, with a black ribbon in the middle... it didn't look right. 27 was a definite favorite. The jacket was kind of military style, but the green was just emerald enough to not look too Army Surplus. Patches are a nice touch too.
What's with 28's Justin Bieber face mask? At the tail end of my horrific Bieber phase, he wore a face mask with a skull on it. Skulls are fine on clothes, but how does making yourself look like your not even wearing skin fit into fashion, which is clothes? 29 had too much labeling. I know it wasn't marketing Marc Jacobs, but it was overwhelming. 30 had a delightful sci-fi element. And the blue satin worked well. 32, another favorite, was a satin mini dress with a bright red and labeled puffy bow. It's so unique, fun, and fashionable. 35's skirt was much better than 33 and 34; those were a little boring and predictable. But this one's top layer was cut unevenly, and that gave it an edge. Gray/silver and a stripe of black was the coloring. 36's bow was way too big. Obnoxious, even. It just didn't look like clothes. The skirt was okay, but it's a dress so you have to work with the bow.
Looks 37 and 38 were a good finish. 37's bow was bright red and the dress was nice and snug. I loved the wrap dress part. A bit Rick Owens. 38's skirt was a bit bulky and uneven, but the sweater was nice and silver-y.
This collection was my favorite of NY fashion week. Very few filler pieces, and plenty of color. You will certainly stand out, in the best way, in this collection.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
It's a Cosby Sweater! It's Pee Wee's Playhouse! No-It's a Sweater!
Many of my sartorial tastes are eons from my price range (and by that I mean that quarter that's always floating around my wallet), but I love 80's sweaters, and they happen to be super cheap, so why not purchase as many as humanly possible? And despite my rather ironic tone, they are truly making a come back (I loved them all along, just as Edie always loved her jumbo earrings, before every woman of the 60's caught on). Just go in Topshop. This one reminds me of an Interview magazine cover.
Zac Posen Fall 2014
This collection surprised me. When I think of Zac Posen, I usually think big gowns, that are also subtle. But in this collection, we got to see more office wear, and at the end some gowns. Many designs do almost all-gown collections (which are incredible), but even if you can afford that gown, you can't wear it everywhere! Work wear is important!
I loved 1's sharp shoulders and fitted waist. Brown and tan work well together as a shade. 3 wasn't a favorite; gray is so BORING! 4 wasn't terribly exciting, but 5 was fabulous. The black, the wide sleeves, the smoothness... It was just wonderful. This is a top for that woman who doesn't wear wacky out their clothes, but clothes that are right at the tip of stylish and fashionable. Fashionable just enough to escape blending in.7's color was beautiful, but the rectangle shape of the skirt went too far from a person's natural shape. Outfits that exaggerate natural shape (Mugler, McQueen, Vivienne Westwood) are fabulous, but when it completely goes against it? Not so much. Look 9 was a plain black dress, that makes you notice it just from the cleavage. I didn't like 10 at all. It looked sloppy, boring, and not glamorous at all. Even the color just felt dead.
12 was elegant and glamorous; Gray is best in satin. We also had some good inspiration going on, with the chest. Gaultier Fall 2014 Couture, anyone? 13's cape was an attempt at being exciting, but the bland shade and no detail whatsoever didn't help it's case. No structure, either! 15 was just boring. 16's collar was way too big; but if the collar can be folded, it's a gorgeous silver ball gown. 17 reminded me so much of a Thierry Mugler look; I keep seeing outfits inspired by him; it's so cool! The peach shade was very fall-leaf, and the sleeves gave it that otherworldly look. Tiny trains are another trend I like, on this dress especially. I felt like 18's mermaid skirt was too unwieldy. I can totally picture myself tripping over it. And it looked bulky, which doesn't look good on any dress. 19's orange shade was far too florescent for me, and wrinkles...ick.
20 had a little bit of the wrinkles, but this gown was so dramatic, dark, and mysterious. The wrinkles actually looked okay! They were used as details. I can't wait to see this on some movie stars. 21 is the outfit the wearer of 20 would put on when it's time to dance; dramatic, dark, myserious, AND flexible. The black was as sleek as a seal, and the cape made it even better. If 20 was dramatic, 22 is a soap opera star. Aquamarine, jumbo skirt, and the skirt was folded into columns. It was almost bridal. Look 24 was yet another dark and mysterious look, but this one showed half the leg and puffed out even more. The subtle lines at the bottom of the skirt were a nice touch. 25, the last look, unfortunately had a pretty boring color and was too wrinkled.
Some outfits were disappointing, but the beautiful looks made it completely worth it. With the dramatic shades and shapes of the gowns, I can easily see Posen pursuing couture someday.
I loved 1's sharp shoulders and fitted waist. Brown and tan work well together as a shade. 3 wasn't a favorite; gray is so BORING! 4 wasn't terribly exciting, but 5 was fabulous. The black, the wide sleeves, the smoothness... It was just wonderful. This is a top for that woman who doesn't wear wacky out their clothes, but clothes that are right at the tip of stylish and fashionable. Fashionable just enough to escape blending in.7's color was beautiful, but the rectangle shape of the skirt went too far from a person's natural shape. Outfits that exaggerate natural shape (Mugler, McQueen, Vivienne Westwood) are fabulous, but when it completely goes against it? Not so much. Look 9 was a plain black dress, that makes you notice it just from the cleavage. I didn't like 10 at all. It looked sloppy, boring, and not glamorous at all. Even the color just felt dead.
12 was elegant and glamorous; Gray is best in satin. We also had some good inspiration going on, with the chest. Gaultier Fall 2014 Couture, anyone? 13's cape was an attempt at being exciting, but the bland shade and no detail whatsoever didn't help it's case. No structure, either! 15 was just boring. 16's collar was way too big; but if the collar can be folded, it's a gorgeous silver ball gown. 17 reminded me so much of a Thierry Mugler look; I keep seeing outfits inspired by him; it's so cool! The peach shade was very fall-leaf, and the sleeves gave it that otherworldly look. Tiny trains are another trend I like, on this dress especially. I felt like 18's mermaid skirt was too unwieldy. I can totally picture myself tripping over it. And it looked bulky, which doesn't look good on any dress. 19's orange shade was far too florescent for me, and wrinkles...ick.
20 had a little bit of the wrinkles, but this gown was so dramatic, dark, and mysterious. The wrinkles actually looked okay! They were used as details. I can't wait to see this on some movie stars. 21 is the outfit the wearer of 20 would put on when it's time to dance; dramatic, dark, myserious, AND flexible. The black was as sleek as a seal, and the cape made it even better. If 20 was dramatic, 22 is a soap opera star. Aquamarine, jumbo skirt, and the skirt was folded into columns. It was almost bridal. Look 24 was yet another dark and mysterious look, but this one showed half the leg and puffed out even more. The subtle lines at the bottom of the skirt were a nice touch. 25, the last look, unfortunately had a pretty boring color and was too wrinkled.
Some outfits were disappointing, but the beautiful looks made it completely worth it. With the dramatic shades and shapes of the gowns, I can easily see Posen pursuing couture someday.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Rodarte Fall 2014
I'm sorry I've been a bit lazy with posting; I started the couture show reviews late (and still haven't gotten around to Chanel!) and the NY shows keep multiplying like rabbits. I'll definitely do the Chanel show when I'm done with the rest of fashion month.
I have been waiting anxiously for the Rodarte show. Rodarte always looks different from all the other shows. Look 1 was awesome; the nerdy little beret was very fancy, and the bright gold sash was superb. The rest of the look, especially pants, also: AWESOME! 2 was a copy of Chanel dresses from the Fall 2013 couture collection, in tan. 3 was different, and beautiful. Soft yellow, frills, bee hive columns on the top.... 5 was a blue dress in the same kind of style, but the skirt and top were way to long and wide. Lazy. Look 7 was just ugly, and casually boring. Wow, I can't believe it... a red sweater...and ooohhh, a vest. So ''exciting.'' 8's sleeveless coat on the other hand was interesting, in the way a Comme Des Garcons look is; beauty in it's mis -shapenness, and missing parts. 9 was so sloppy and unappealing! Yuck! It reminded me of the way some of the teenagers (yes I am one but I precociously consider myself stylish ;) ) where I live dress, and that is never a good thing to be reminded of.
At first 10 excited me; It looks modern, cool, and inspired by art... just like the previous Prada collection. I hate copying in design, art, music... it's bad all around. On a much different note, I loved look 11. Again it had that torn-up-but-not-quite look. Cut off sleeves, dark blue and brown. The top was pretty ugly though. Like a robot top. 13 was not a very notable piece, more filler. Plaid, fluffy collar, striped shirt. And shimmery gray pants. Should I pretend to be excited? There were more looks that copied of Prada, which irks me. Inspiration (even from a fellow designer) is fine. But when it's that overt? Please. Be original! If you can't come up with enough ideas, have a small collection! Five gorgeous looks are better than hundreds of boring ones. Luckily for me, I liked 17. This was an example of inspiration, not copying. It would be easy to just name Garcons as an inspiration (it looks torn up! It drapes!) but I saw more of McQueen's suits, with the plunging and curved neck line.
19 was beautiful. The metallic blue shade looked like a sky, and the collar's fluff was subtle. 20 was basically a Lisa Frank folder as clothing (my sister does have a Lisa Frank coat...)21 was the best coat. It combined the glitter, cut off sleeves, and furry collar of all the other coats excellently. 22 was okay, but it came across as a stereotypical-Madonna style-80's look, but under stated. You either do 80's or you don't. Make up your mind! The next few looks are boring copies of 22. 26 was downright ugly. Way too long, ugly, plain...the lace and print were terrible. 29 was different; it had so much going on: sheer skirt with daisies, gold glitter, black/orange fabric, bare shoulder top... I adored it. I don't know how all this went together, but it did and looked fabulous. 30 was even better. Same style, but in emerald green with a silver mini under the sheer part.
32 was a dark black, edgy dress. Glitter, velvet(?) and semi sheer black skirt. I loved it because it was gorgeous, but not obnoxious. It speaks for itself and the wearer. It's so good, it doesn't need cut outs (which, let's face it, is just a method of using less fabric) or SUPER BLING. 34, another favorite, had a relaxed black top with a pale purple/pink skirt that also had two jumbo white polka dots. Polka dots have always been a favorite of mine (especially in the case of Yayoi Kusama's work) for their artistic element mixed with playfulness.
35 most certainly was not a favorite of mine whatsoever. It isn't a dress, it's a Star Wars fan dress for Comic Con! Unless you like Star Wars, how are you going to wear this? I really disliked the other Star Wars themed dresses. Like I said, if your not a fan, how would you wear it? Over all this was a great collection, and my favorite Rodarte collection so far.
I have been waiting anxiously for the Rodarte show. Rodarte always looks different from all the other shows. Look 1 was awesome; the nerdy little beret was very fancy, and the bright gold sash was superb. The rest of the look, especially pants, also: AWESOME! 2 was a copy of Chanel dresses from the Fall 2013 couture collection, in tan. 3 was different, and beautiful. Soft yellow, frills, bee hive columns on the top.... 5 was a blue dress in the same kind of style, but the skirt and top were way to long and wide. Lazy. Look 7 was just ugly, and casually boring. Wow, I can't believe it... a red sweater...and ooohhh, a vest. So ''exciting.'' 8's sleeveless coat on the other hand was interesting, in the way a Comme Des Garcons look is; beauty in it's mis -shapenness, and missing parts. 9 was so sloppy and unappealing! Yuck! It reminded me of the way some of the teenagers (yes I am one but I precociously consider myself stylish ;) ) where I live dress, and that is never a good thing to be reminded of.
At first 10 excited me; It looks modern, cool, and inspired by art... just like the previous Prada collection. I hate copying in design, art, music... it's bad all around. On a much different note, I loved look 11. Again it had that torn-up-but-not-quite look. Cut off sleeves, dark blue and brown. The top was pretty ugly though. Like a robot top. 13 was not a very notable piece, more filler. Plaid, fluffy collar, striped shirt. And shimmery gray pants. Should I pretend to be excited? There were more looks that copied of Prada, which irks me. Inspiration (even from a fellow designer) is fine. But when it's that overt? Please. Be original! If you can't come up with enough ideas, have a small collection! Five gorgeous looks are better than hundreds of boring ones. Luckily for me, I liked 17. This was an example of inspiration, not copying. It would be easy to just name Garcons as an inspiration (it looks torn up! It drapes!) but I saw more of McQueen's suits, with the plunging and curved neck line.
19 was beautiful. The metallic blue shade looked like a sky, and the collar's fluff was subtle. 20 was basically a Lisa Frank folder as clothing (my sister does have a Lisa Frank coat...)21 was the best coat. It combined the glitter, cut off sleeves, and furry collar of all the other coats excellently. 22 was okay, but it came across as a stereotypical-Madonna style-80's look, but under stated. You either do 80's or you don't. Make up your mind! The next few looks are boring copies of 22. 26 was downright ugly. Way too long, ugly, plain...the lace and print were terrible. 29 was different; it had so much going on: sheer skirt with daisies, gold glitter, black/orange fabric, bare shoulder top... I adored it. I don't know how all this went together, but it did and looked fabulous. 30 was even better. Same style, but in emerald green with a silver mini under the sheer part.
32 was a dark black, edgy dress. Glitter, velvet(?) and semi sheer black skirt. I loved it because it was gorgeous, but not obnoxious. It speaks for itself and the wearer. It's so good, it doesn't need cut outs (which, let's face it, is just a method of using less fabric) or SUPER BLING. 34, another favorite, had a relaxed black top with a pale purple/pink skirt that also had two jumbo white polka dots. Polka dots have always been a favorite of mine (especially in the case of Yayoi Kusama's work) for their artistic element mixed with playfulness.
35 most certainly was not a favorite of mine whatsoever. It isn't a dress, it's a Star Wars fan dress for Comic Con! Unless you like Star Wars, how are you going to wear this? I really disliked the other Star Wars themed dresses. Like I said, if your not a fan, how would you wear it? Over all this was a great collection, and my favorite Rodarte collection so far.
Prabal Gurung Fall 2014
Finally....I get to these NY fashion week shows! I will start with Prabal Gurung.
The first three weren't favorites. I just don't like fur, and even if it's fake, the super fuzzy fur looks can look so obnoxious. I really liked four, though. Deep red and browns gave it a rustic, and very fall look. 5's fur jacket was pretty terrible. Fall is brown leaves and sunsets, squirrels and geese flying away. Not sludge. Look 7 was much better, like sherbet ice cream. Outfits with wraps or really big scarves can sometimes look like sheets or quilts, but this wrap was just small enough to not be overwhelming. 8's colors went together well... but it reminded of a camouflage outfit for hunting. I once wore a hunting hat, and actually thought it looked good. No, it did not. 9's jacket was way too bulky ( and furry) but I simply adored the pants. The mix of colors, prints, and splotches were fun.
10 was the ugliest fur jacket on earth. The fur was in all the wrong places, and gray/silver is a horrible shade for fall, mostly because fall, again, usually doesn't involve sludge, at least in it's most beautiful form.12 was a favorite; Again and again I criticize shirts or dresses that are also wraps, but this top was relaxed, chic, and unique. Not everyone walking down the street will be wearing this top, for sure. I didn't see the point in 13's shapes, print, and extra fabric. It looked haphazard and sloppy. After this, a lot of the looks are also boring and sloppy. 18's coat was especially terrible. If your going to do fur, or fake fur, at least attempt to make it look real. This looked like a Gap Kid's coat, one of those coats that a little kids gets dust and gummy bears stuck in it. The cheapness was overwhelming (and I am not referring to the price).
19 was a modern, interesting one sleeve shirt. The orange and black sparkly stripes reminded me of some of Tom Ford's recent work, with the animal prints and fur. 20 was just the bestest, the same stripes but in the form of 12. Look 21, was the best women's suit I have ever seen, besides a Dior suit. Crimson red is a classic color, and with the silky red collar ( and ruched stripes on the side) was a work of (modern) art. 23, on the other hand, was quite ugly. Gray, when not used correctly, can be the most boring color on earth. It's the color of factories, dental offices, and rainy sidewalks. All happy things, right? Extra silver satin did not help this look's case either. 24 looked ripped up to me. 26 was okay, but the wrapped up top only really looks good with prints. Without it it looks like a sash.
Look 29, officially, is my favorite. Rich red satin, white/red ostriche feather skirt, tulle sash off to the side....This design could easily masquerade as a couture look. I'm glad ready to wear can be so exciting. Until 33 it was just cleavage tops and dresses. 33's top part was nice, but the way the skirt cutoff and then connected at the very end was not flattering. A quick, sloppy attempt to make it ''interesting''. Look 35 was, sadly, a prom dress. And the cut outs didn't differentiate it either, considering that it's a prerogative for a prom dress to have cut outs nowadays. 36 was different; cut outs were there, but modestly and not overbearing. The shade of red was just right. I loved the almost prickly texture of the sleeves and top. With 37, I would probably get a matching red slip to cover my stomach, just so I could wear it. Colors are excellent, and the texture simply fabulous. Look 38 ended the show on a good note, a similar dress to the previous but very dark blue with the same texture mentioned above. It would also be easier to wear, with it's complete lack of cot outs. YAY!
The first three weren't favorites. I just don't like fur, and even if it's fake, the super fuzzy fur looks can look so obnoxious. I really liked four, though. Deep red and browns gave it a rustic, and very fall look. 5's fur jacket was pretty terrible. Fall is brown leaves and sunsets, squirrels and geese flying away. Not sludge. Look 7 was much better, like sherbet ice cream. Outfits with wraps or really big scarves can sometimes look like sheets or quilts, but this wrap was just small enough to not be overwhelming. 8's colors went together well... but it reminded of a camouflage outfit for hunting. I once wore a hunting hat, and actually thought it looked good. No, it did not. 9's jacket was way too bulky ( and furry) but I simply adored the pants. The mix of colors, prints, and splotches were fun.
10 was the ugliest fur jacket on earth. The fur was in all the wrong places, and gray/silver is a horrible shade for fall, mostly because fall, again, usually doesn't involve sludge, at least in it's most beautiful form.12 was a favorite; Again and again I criticize shirts or dresses that are also wraps, but this top was relaxed, chic, and unique. Not everyone walking down the street will be wearing this top, for sure. I didn't see the point in 13's shapes, print, and extra fabric. It looked haphazard and sloppy. After this, a lot of the looks are also boring and sloppy. 18's coat was especially terrible. If your going to do fur, or fake fur, at least attempt to make it look real. This looked like a Gap Kid's coat, one of those coats that a little kids gets dust and gummy bears stuck in it. The cheapness was overwhelming (and I am not referring to the price).
19 was a modern, interesting one sleeve shirt. The orange and black sparkly stripes reminded me of some of Tom Ford's recent work, with the animal prints and fur. 20 was just the bestest, the same stripes but in the form of 12. Look 21, was the best women's suit I have ever seen, besides a Dior suit. Crimson red is a classic color, and with the silky red collar ( and ruched stripes on the side) was a work of (modern) art. 23, on the other hand, was quite ugly. Gray, when not used correctly, can be the most boring color on earth. It's the color of factories, dental offices, and rainy sidewalks. All happy things, right? Extra silver satin did not help this look's case either. 24 looked ripped up to me. 26 was okay, but the wrapped up top only really looks good with prints. Without it it looks like a sash.
Look 29, officially, is my favorite. Rich red satin, white/red ostriche feather skirt, tulle sash off to the side....This design could easily masquerade as a couture look. I'm glad ready to wear can be so exciting. Until 33 it was just cleavage tops and dresses. 33's top part was nice, but the way the skirt cutoff and then connected at the very end was not flattering. A quick, sloppy attempt to make it ''interesting''. Look 35 was, sadly, a prom dress. And the cut outs didn't differentiate it either, considering that it's a prerogative for a prom dress to have cut outs nowadays. 36 was different; cut outs were there, but modestly and not overbearing. The shade of red was just right. I loved the almost prickly texture of the sleeves and top. With 37, I would probably get a matching red slip to cover my stomach, just so I could wear it. Colors are excellent, and the texture simply fabulous. Look 38 ended the show on a good note, a similar dress to the previous but very dark blue with the same texture mentioned above. It would also be easier to wear, with it's complete lack of cot outs. YAY!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2014 Review
Elie Saab's work is pure couture. Nothing is garish, over the top, or boring. His designs are some of the most beautiful lace creations I have ever seen. Since lace is such a fixture in all of his shows, one would assume they start getting boring and predictable. While not every single look is perfect, every collection breaths new, artistic light into his work.
Look 1 was a bit too sheer for me, and not enough dress. Look 2, on the other hand, was just plain gorgeous. Pink in it's most elegant and beautiful form. The beading, the light pink on the skirt, the little four petal flowers at the skirt. The skirt, also, was layered and flowed well. 3's skirt was too wide. It made the top disappear. 5 was another creation made in heaven. The hips of the skirt were very structured, and jutted out in both directions. The skirt had the palest pink, with equally pink lush roses going down the skirt. This was art. Look 8 reminded me too much of a Balmain look, or a Miley Cyrus.
10's white beading was shiny and glittery in an incredible way. Of course the top was too sheer, but the jacket was perfection. 11 was an angel dress, with a floating white back. 12 reminded me of a toned down, but still wonderful Thierry Mugler look, with it's unusually structured and floral dress. I didn't think 13's skirt was very manageable. The front looked bulkier than the back!
An iconic part of Saab's shows is how the looks follow a strict phase of colors. First the whites, than the reds, than the blacks, and occasionally some green. Look 16 was a tad prom-dress-y, but it was chic enough to be red carpet ready, for any style minded starlet (why don't more of them wear Saab? Jennifer Lawrence would look incredible in a red look!). Maybe a New York City debutante ball? Sheer looks that are covered up by embroidered flowers or leaves are one of my favorite fashion-things. 18 did this expertly. Layered red flowers on the top, and red strips making up the skirt. 20's skirt was far too huge for my liking. The top almost didn't exist! Is it extinct?
The first few yellow looks weren't quite exciting for me, but 25 was the prettiest little dress I ever did see! Haha. Gold/yellow, with simple beading. 28, the first blue look, was so pure and, um, SPRING?! The sheer blue peplum top turns into a smooth flowing skirt. 29 was just sheer lace. 30 was a very basic bridesmaid dress. The next few were a little boring, but 33 and 34 were beautiful dark blue dresses, with a mix of thick, dark blue flowers and sheer. 35 was way too much lace. Look 36 was pretty, but it looked too ready to wear for me.
With 37, I saw something that I haven't seen in many Saab shows: Multi color outfits. 37's (again :/) skirt was way too big. It's overwhelming and strange! 38 was a lot better; the black, red, and blues were sprinkled all over the top and skirt. 39 was just boring. 40, on the other hand, was incredible. Black/sheer tops dissolves into pink and orange shades, like when you see all of the shades that go into a black pen ink. 43 was luxe, dark, and mysterious. A darkest shade of black turns into white at the very end. Good couture is known for either being very eccentric, or uber-elegant (which eccentric can also be, but in a different form), and this look was a perfect example of a more elegant look.
For the rest of the looks, they were either too sheer or had jumbo skirts.But this collection was one of my favorites, and was an almost all-standout collection.
Look 1 was a bit too sheer for me, and not enough dress. Look 2, on the other hand, was just plain gorgeous. Pink in it's most elegant and beautiful form. The beading, the light pink on the skirt, the little four petal flowers at the skirt. The skirt, also, was layered and flowed well. 3's skirt was too wide. It made the top disappear. 5 was another creation made in heaven. The hips of the skirt were very structured, and jutted out in both directions. The skirt had the palest pink, with equally pink lush roses going down the skirt. This was art. Look 8 reminded me too much of a Balmain look, or a Miley Cyrus.
10's white beading was shiny and glittery in an incredible way. Of course the top was too sheer, but the jacket was perfection. 11 was an angel dress, with a floating white back. 12 reminded me of a toned down, but still wonderful Thierry Mugler look, with it's unusually structured and floral dress. I didn't think 13's skirt was very manageable. The front looked bulkier than the back!
An iconic part of Saab's shows is how the looks follow a strict phase of colors. First the whites, than the reds, than the blacks, and occasionally some green. Look 16 was a tad prom-dress-y, but it was chic enough to be red carpet ready, for any style minded starlet (why don't more of them wear Saab? Jennifer Lawrence would look incredible in a red look!). Maybe a New York City debutante ball? Sheer looks that are covered up by embroidered flowers or leaves are one of my favorite fashion-things. 18 did this expertly. Layered red flowers on the top, and red strips making up the skirt. 20's skirt was far too huge for my liking. The top almost didn't exist! Is it extinct?
The first few yellow looks weren't quite exciting for me, but 25 was the prettiest little dress I ever did see! Haha. Gold/yellow, with simple beading. 28, the first blue look, was so pure and, um, SPRING?! The sheer blue peplum top turns into a smooth flowing skirt. 29 was just sheer lace. 30 was a very basic bridesmaid dress. The next few were a little boring, but 33 and 34 were beautiful dark blue dresses, with a mix of thick, dark blue flowers and sheer. 35 was way too much lace. Look 36 was pretty, but it looked too ready to wear for me.
With 37, I saw something that I haven't seen in many Saab shows: Multi color outfits. 37's (again :/) skirt was way too big. It's overwhelming and strange! 38 was a lot better; the black, red, and blues were sprinkled all over the top and skirt. 39 was just boring. 40, on the other hand, was incredible. Black/sheer tops dissolves into pink and orange shades, like when you see all of the shades that go into a black pen ink. 43 was luxe, dark, and mysterious. A darkest shade of black turns into white at the very end. Good couture is known for either being very eccentric, or uber-elegant (which eccentric can also be, but in a different form), and this look was a perfect example of a more elegant look.
For the rest of the looks, they were either too sheer or had jumbo skirts.But this collection was one of my favorites, and was an almost all-standout collection.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Schiaparelli Spring 2014 Haute Couture
This collection was disappointing. It wasn't horrible, and as with most collections it had it's highlights, but considering that Schiaparelli had been dormant for so long, and now has a new designer...wouldn't they try to make it a little bit more exciting? I don't mean provoking to provoke, or ridiculous cleavage dresses, but something fun! Something Elsa would do herself.
The first look was pretty horrible. A sheet folded into a dress. The print looked like something a Whole Food's water bottle would have. 2 was just a sloppy Celine suit clone. 3 was okay, but it doesn't belong in a Schiaparelli show; It belongs in Dolce and Gabbana! Look 4 luckily brought something interesting. The slightly off-white dress flowed and looked so smooth, with a fluffy flower(?) holding up the skirt. I loved the white metallic jacket and it's ruffles, too. What was 5 supposed to be? A wrap dress put on the wrong way? Look 6 had a 70's/techno thing. The stripes and colors went together perfectly, but the dress had no shape! You have to wonder how something is ''made to meaaure'' when it has to be that wide.The dress of look 7 was nothing to squeal over (that is what fashion is for, after all!), but the jacket was fabulous. A white cropped jacket, with huge circular puffs at the end of the sleeves. This is something I could actually see Schiaparelli her self doing, or at least liking.
Look 8 was much better than some of the looks, and had a nostalgic early 80's Oscar De La Renta look, with the polka dots and puffy sleeves. Pastel colors for the dots reminded me of a clown, and Schiaparelli did have a circus themed show back in her day. Look 11 was a favorite. The print of children looked like a 30's-40's kid wall paper (and that is a compliment!). I really didn't like 12. Colors didn't work, and it looked like cheap replica Baroque decorations. I won't even go into how much 14 copied the Dior wedding dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the Oscar's. We are paying tribute to SUCH an iconic couture house, one which has, may I mention again, been dormant for years. Is it pushing it too hard to expect pieces that are for the house, and not copies of others? Look 15's pants and top had a hotel-wallpaper print, and the sleeves were so garish.
I really liked 16. A fitted pale blue dress with a leaf(?) print, and a full layer of black tulle over it. The best part was the skirt. It flowed perfectly. 17's blue jacket was fun (and very luxurious), but the shorts were typical and the top was, yes, another copy of another designer, in my opinion Comme Des Garcon, with the folds and twists. Look 18 was one of the better looks; it reminded me of something Carolina Herrera would do. I love Carolina Herrera's designs, but she's a ready to wear designer, and this is a couture show! For lack of better words, could we have something just a little, I don't know...CRAZY? One of the things I highly disagree with is the overwhelming effort to defend boring couture shows. Everyone knows it's bland and stupid when a designer sends models down the runway in a denim dress, or just black suits, but they still defend it and give it some ''artsy'' and precocious argument.
The last look, 20, was disappointing. The only thing that made it bridal was the veil, which can be bought anywhere else (and for much cheaper). The tropical embroidery at the bottom of the jacket looked like souvenir jewelry from a trip to Florida. Schiaparelli's reopening was something I really anticipated. I (and I'm sure many others) expected iconic Schiap pieces, colors, and avant garde outfits. If you believe that all clothing has to fit into the rigid standards of wear -ability our society has, then you really don't like Schiaparelli.
On a more blog-ish note, New York Fashion Week/Fashion Month is starting today. I will start putting out my reviews for those, but I will have a review of the Chanel Haute Couture show soon. I can't skip that!
The first look was pretty horrible. A sheet folded into a dress. The print looked like something a Whole Food's water bottle would have. 2 was just a sloppy Celine suit clone. 3 was okay, but it doesn't belong in a Schiaparelli show; It belongs in Dolce and Gabbana! Look 4 luckily brought something interesting. The slightly off-white dress flowed and looked so smooth, with a fluffy flower(?) holding up the skirt. I loved the white metallic jacket and it's ruffles, too. What was 5 supposed to be? A wrap dress put on the wrong way? Look 6 had a 70's/techno thing. The stripes and colors went together perfectly, but the dress had no shape! You have to wonder how something is ''made to meaaure'' when it has to be that wide.The dress of look 7 was nothing to squeal over (that is what fashion is for, after all!), but the jacket was fabulous. A white cropped jacket, with huge circular puffs at the end of the sleeves. This is something I could actually see Schiaparelli her self doing, or at least liking.
Look 8 was much better than some of the looks, and had a nostalgic early 80's Oscar De La Renta look, with the polka dots and puffy sleeves. Pastel colors for the dots reminded me of a clown, and Schiaparelli did have a circus themed show back in her day. Look 11 was a favorite. The print of children looked like a 30's-40's kid wall paper (and that is a compliment!). I really didn't like 12. Colors didn't work, and it looked like cheap replica Baroque decorations. I won't even go into how much 14 copied the Dior wedding dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the Oscar's. We are paying tribute to SUCH an iconic couture house, one which has, may I mention again, been dormant for years. Is it pushing it too hard to expect pieces that are for the house, and not copies of others? Look 15's pants and top had a hotel-wallpaper print, and the sleeves were so garish.
I really liked 16. A fitted pale blue dress with a leaf(?) print, and a full layer of black tulle over it. The best part was the skirt. It flowed perfectly. 17's blue jacket was fun (and very luxurious), but the shorts were typical and the top was, yes, another copy of another designer, in my opinion Comme Des Garcon, with the folds and twists. Look 18 was one of the better looks; it reminded me of something Carolina Herrera would do. I love Carolina Herrera's designs, but she's a ready to wear designer, and this is a couture show! For lack of better words, could we have something just a little, I don't know...CRAZY? One of the things I highly disagree with is the overwhelming effort to defend boring couture shows. Everyone knows it's bland and stupid when a designer sends models down the runway in a denim dress, or just black suits, but they still defend it and give it some ''artsy'' and precocious argument.
The last look, 20, was disappointing. The only thing that made it bridal was the veil, which can be bought anywhere else (and for much cheaper). The tropical embroidery at the bottom of the jacket looked like souvenir jewelry from a trip to Florida. Schiaparelli's reopening was something I really anticipated. I (and I'm sure many others) expected iconic Schiap pieces, colors, and avant garde outfits. If you believe that all clothing has to fit into the rigid standards of wear -ability our society has, then you really don't like Schiaparelli.
On a more blog-ish note, New York Fashion Week/Fashion Month is starting today. I will start putting out my reviews for those, but I will have a review of the Chanel Haute Couture show soon. I can't skip that!
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