Fall 2013 Review | Oscar de la Renta and Galliano's Magic

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2013 Galliano influence

Oscar de la Renta impacted the fashion media last month with his shocking announcement of John Galliano residing at his studio for the weeks before his show. The big question – How much influence would John Galliano have in this collection?

 Apparently, many wondered the same question, as for when the day finally arrived, de la Renta’s website crashed. For some it took several minutes to access the online live stream. Others had to miss the show, but thankfully, the presentation was replayed several times.

I researched to see if de la Renta ever spoke about what Galliano worked on, but I never got any response. I had to judge the collection based on Galliano’s previous designs at Dior.

Was there any influence of Galliano’s work here?

There was a great amount of Galliano injected into this collection. Makeup and hair resembled a show we would catch if Galliano were still at Dior. The opening jackets had a special tailoring – draped with a bounce of hip augmentation. It reminded me of Mr. Dior’s famous bar silhouettes; those that made the waist smaller and provided those curvy hips. The only difference was those leather belts that reportedly took several days to achieve the desired effect. Cloche hats were classy and provided a nice touch to the overall outfits.

Capes made a presence at the runway that reminded me of Galliano’s last collection for Dior. A black wool dress with a sheer neckline was one of my favorites; luxurious and ladylike.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2013 eveningwear

If anything was de la Renta, I believe were the use of jacquard prints; simply beautiful. Eveningwear had Don Oscar’s signature after all. It felt at seconds like Dior, but then the structure called for vintage de la Renta.

The most striking ball gown dresses of the night were the final two gold embroidered ones; one in pink, and the other one mulberry Karlie Kloss wore. Cinderella may have some competition now.

Oscar de la Renta at his finale with models Karlie Kloss and Magdalena Frackowiak

Now, there was one thing I could state was the reason why the website crashed. We were all waiting for Galliano to make a presence at the finale. Sadly, it never happened.

Fall 2013 Review | Tommy Hilfiger's Preppy Nerds

“From Savile Row to Harvard Yale, sartorial tradition meets all-American prep,” was Tommy Hilfiger’s brief narrative for his fall edition. Before judging his English tailoring techniques, he got saved by the bell when he included “all-American prep.” What does this mean?

Well, when you hear the words “Savile Row,” a street in Mayfair, central London immediately comes to mind. If you don’t know, this place is heaven for men seeking the perfect suit (bespoke tailoring in other words).

If you look closely, you’ll see the influence of Tommy’s preppy designs, but not much of refined tailoring. I am not trying to infer this was a horrible collection, because it wasn’t – it was all the opposite. The risk he took to engage in tailoring and convert into his cool preppy use was by far one of the best I have seen in his collections. It felt confident and grasped the trend that is happening right now in women’s fashion.

Patterns – Prince of Wales, houndstooth, and plaid checks were the main protagonist on the runway. They were either magnified or resized into smaller pieces to offer a more diverse outtake on outerwear. Some coats, such as the ones trimmed in shearling, were a favorite; preppy, youthful, and outgoing.Argyle (diamond patterns) also had a good insect on houndstooth pattern numbers. Suits, which came in navy and red pinstripes, marked Hilfiger’s point of interest.

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2013 - leather, cable knit dresses

If patterns were cool, leather spoke Savile Row. The manner in which Tommy took his leather and converted it into an impeccable leather, cable knit dress was unlike anything I had seen before. It had a special effect I couldn’t get over. If anything, I would love to see Mr. Hilfiger incorporate more leather (in different techniques) from now on.

Fall 2013 Review | Victoria's Beckham Lengthy Sensuality

I can’t believe it has been about five years since Victoria Beckham first launched her eponymous line. As a fashion addict I’ve only had an understanding of her label for about two years. When I first heard of her collection, I can’t deny I thought it was going to be one of those dull celebrity collections with no significance to the real world of fashion.

Dull is an unacceptable description to describe Victoria’s position today in fashion. Today, Victoria has shown she’s grown and matured with her collection as I’d state in fashionable terms. In other words, she has gained my respect, not as a celebrity, but as a true designer.

Sexy, skintight silhouettes are a ritual of Beckham’s presentations (no surprise). For fall, things were changed, as for there were some stunning surprises I wasn’t expecting.

Turtlenecks became her new sexiness embracement. Mandarin collared tops were deeply sliced for those women eager to show some skin. Other tops, dropped shoulder seams, added a special VB signature.

Length was a main factor on the runway, as for most dresses were dropped below the knee.  A decency that provoked sensuality.

Outerwear was by far one her best numbers in this collection. Who knew she would execute outerwear so well?  A checked tweed coat with an intense, blue leather bottom was perfect for next fall, providing that masculine trend so popular right now.  A black pony skin jacket with brown sleeves oozed confidence in Victoria’s designs.

Knitwear, such as a black turtleneck with a vibrant yellow triangle, were striking for there first introduction.

For evening, menswear inspired tuxedos became another new staple. I was quite intrigued as to how she turned her tuxedo into a cape-like form; a stand innovation.

Overall, makeup and hair portrayed convincingly the woman who seeks to wake up and look radiant on a demanding schedule; one Victoria knows very well how to manage.

I have to confess, after this collection (no pressure VB), what else can you bring to the table now?  

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Fall 2013 Review - Alexander Wang's Future Boxing Club

Alexander Wang appeared ready to fight his for next important boxing round. If you haven’t read any news lately, he recently got appointed as new creative director of Balenciaga, which he’ll debut during PFW. For fall, dark chromatics colors of grays and black made presence again as part of Wang’s comfort zone. Texture has been a big win for Alexander Wang, possibly making him the adequate candidate to take over the Paris brand.

Coats were the star of the night. Interpretations of 20’s dropped waist numbers modernized Wang’s badass girls. Mohair, alpaca, and flannel covered heels illustrated Mr. Wang’s futuristic streetwear. Mohair was brushed to achieve a hairier texture that set him apart from other designers’ technical use of fabric. With coats, he oversized them, adding details and extra twists of fabrics around the midsection. The “idea of roundness and volume” in this collection showed off what Wang is capable of performing. The beanies ported down the runway were a favorite accessory of mine. These gave away the badass streetstyle attitude ready for a street boxing.

Fur mittens resembled your future boxing gloves, which came perfect with the “Eye of the Tiger” intro runway. Leather appliqué jackets, constructed in a sort of Balenciaga mood, were one of my favorites. The texture and urban kick of tees were reinvented, fresh, and retro.

  For evening, pants were astonishingly tailored. The final white deep v-neck ensemble was not your typical chic eveningwear. Some doubts may begin to erase for the young designer.As the organized guy I am, I’ll be waking up on February 28 at 4:30 am to watch Alexander’s debut in Paris. I hope it’s worth the wake.

A Battle Won at Prabal Gurung's Fall 2013 Collection

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 Embroidered Top

On Saturday noon, Prabal Gurung unveiled one of his best “regiment” military creations that declared victory to its max. I couldn’t think of any outfit that shouldn’t have belonged here. We can tell Gurung has a passion for designing, for I always end up feeling deeply connected to his collections. When you see him walking down the runway for his recognition, you see an average guy who is fighting for his dreams like everyone else. His signature white v-neck shirts and pants have enough statement to love him. Gurung doesn’t design to market, because his efforts and devotions are what attract us to purchase an item from him.

Anna Wintour Front Row at Prabal Gurung's Fall 2013 Collection

While waiting for the show to begin, I couldn’t resist taking a picture of Anna Wintour arms crossed, portraying a “bring it on Gurung” pose.

Olive Coat with White Fur at Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 Collection

Once the first model came down the runway in an olive peplum number, matched with a black harness belt, I knew the rest was victory. Fur brought an attitude to the outfits without feeling overly exaggerated. The olive coat with the white fur collar and sleeves was stunning. Colors – olive, navy, and white were enough to breathe for.

Beautiful Embroidery at Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 Collection

Olive cut dress at Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 Collection

Embroidery was crafted beautifully on tops, pants, and coats. Dresses had the perfect description…………..control, authority, and seduction. Evening dresses showed skin necessary for an awards night. High thigh warrior boots were fit for any regiment women. The finale of models aligned in rows, such as the army would perform, snapped to you Gurung’s ability to make a women reveal her inner warrior weapon. Who doesn’t want to be Gurung’s army soldiers now?

The Finale at Prabal Gurung's Fall 2013 Regiment Collection

Editor’s Note: Beginning February 10, Prabal Gurung’s limited Target collection will be available throughout stores for your loved one to purchase you an item before Valentine’s Day. No excuses.

Nautica Men's Fall 2013 Collection: The Reinvented Parkas

Nautica celebrated its 30^th year anniversary returning to the runway with one of its strongest collection ever. Creative director, Chris Cox had a huge card under his sleeves that was taken out at the right moment. The brand could have been described as old and worn out for many, but this was not the case. The looks presented Friday afternoon were ones we could shockingly describe it as a seasonal collection. Even though colors were general, details were the main protagonist.

 I am usually not a big fan of fur, but I have to say those fur parkas gave the masculinity men are seeking for; no femininity, pure male structure. The overall parkas had a sleek silhouette that felt comfortable for anyone to wear; not too tight, not too loose. What appeared to be leggings were not actually the ones it would come to your mind. They were meant to be worn by the adventurous men who journeys around with style, constructed in patchwork designs for an ultra masculine touch. Sweatpants were not your average ones, as they appeared like pants. It may have been the suits that added this magic illusion. Fisherman sweaters………..were simply sexy. Thanks to Cox, I’ll now view these sweaters in a whole different manner. Accessories, such as hiking boots and beanies portrayed the confident attitude.

To summarize (briefly), the entire collection was adequate for any generation of men. If you ever are one of those guys who is laid-back, but wants to feel confident with style, Nautica has you covered. I, as a client, will be waiting for next’s fall to arrive.

Editor's Note: Notice how I posted two collages of the collection. That's how much I'm deeply in love with the entire looks. Outerwear look refined here. What do you think?

Outgoing and Flirty at Rebecca Minkoff's Fall/Winter 2013 Collection

Rebecca Minkoff is the girl everyone wants to hangout with. It’s rare to find a designer who portrays who she/he really is. Most designers take inspiration in their collection to market their brand. Rebecca…..she’s someone else. She doesn’t need models to wear her clothes, because what she wears is enough statement. Her signature is written all over her design!

Her fall 2013 collection was again, outgoing and flirty for this fall mood. Who said fall had to feel so depressing? Striped navy pants were so chic, no coat was needed. Shades of gray tweed uplifted the cold weather. There was a camel colored trenchcoat that was to die for. Skirts came with textured that grasped eyes to the details (and something else). Fur was crafted so well that it became cool; not too exaggerated, just the right touch. Shoes! You need to go get a pair ASAP.

If there is something you need to know about this designer……are her bags. They add an incredible look to any outfit you decided to wear. 

P.S.: Rebecca Minkoff handbag prices are not over the sky. This should be your excuse to go out and buy one to look fashionable and trendy.

Check out her bags at rebeccaminkoff.com

Jason Wu's Fall/Winter 2013 Seductive Collection

It appears we can’t get over Jason Wu’s red dress designed for Mrs. Obama. What do you see in this collection? Take a closer look, and think about it. There were signs of seductive authority that portrayed the different side of Mr. Wu’s mood. Colors - white, gray, red, and olive were enchanting. As the seasons pass, it seems like young Wu has matured throughout his brand. There are no more chic ladies who were afraid of taking small risks. They are more seductive and risk takers, but remain youthful in different manners. His fall collection gave another homerun we were expecting to come.

Military numbers made its presence at the runway, whilst luxurious fox fur collars whispered a sensual atmosphere. Tops were beyond spectacular – appearing in numbers of drapes, peplum, and whips of leather. A red striped see-thru sweater showed Wu’s rebellious side, while embroidery tops were needed to showcase its youthfulness. Dresses were playful and feminine. A vibrant navy dress struck for a gala.

Kenneth Cole's Big Return at New York Fashion Week 2013

Kenneth Cole’s seven year hiatus came stronger than ever. He knew how social media was impacting the fashion world today, and used it to his advantage. For every #KCRUNWAY that was tweeted, $1.00 would be donated to amfAr. I felt great being part of this fund, which Kenneth has been very supportive of.

His fall collection was superlative; in basic terms awesome. He delivered a collection that appeared practical and fashion-forward. You know when you buy a designer item, but it’s not really meant to be worn with everything. Well, Kenneth hit a huge target audience here. The clothes were practical, structured, and adequate for any occasion. Colors – hues of gray, olives, and oxblood gave presence. Hats added an interesting point to outfits, bringing that tiny attitude one needs. Chokers came perfect for the finishing touch.

For men, leather pants were well fitted and masculine. As a customer, I don’t appreciate leather pants that portray too much brightness, or too thick. Pants here were clean, trimmed, and well made for the fashionable men. In other words, I adore leather pants now. Coats added formality to these looks that I could bet are going to fly off the racks very fast.

If anything, you should feel necessary to invest in collection (like this one), where you’ll feel confident and trendy no matter what you choose to pair it with. Don’t feel remorse for purchasing an item from this collection, because I doubt you’ll feel it (I won’t).

New York Fashion Week - Timo Weiland Fall/Winter 2013

Timo Weiland’s fall/winter 2013 collection described a sophisticated and uptown trendy girl. Navy plaid suits appeared flattering on the models, whilst shoes had and edgy flow that lifted the spirits of the outfits. These designers hit bingo with outerwear, which defined luxury to its standards. Shearling coats were a winning number here; the navy one with a shearling collar was perfect. Colors – olives, navy, black, and red, were necessary for the presentation. Sweaters had texture that set them apart from your average ones, dividing them between cashmere and leather. Weiland’s collection was honestly, superlative for fall. Leather was well used in a way many women would feel confident porting it.  Timo Weiland’s and Alan Eckstein’s interpretations of travel and dapper dressing had enough statement for one to interpret. Their men's line is one to be inspired also, which will be posted soon here.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Takes New York Fashion Week With Fierce

Fur and Beanie attitudes! What more could you have asked for at BCBG MAX AZRIA’s fall/winter 2013 presentation? BCBG stroke New York Fashion Week with fierce. Shoes became the center of attraction, resembling trompe de l’oeuil leather pants. Fur felt with no doubt colorful and full of authority. Prints had a sensual touch with those side slits that moved beautifully as the models walked (the proper fabric performed the desire), but best of all, those beanies taught us a style lesson…..or should I declare...…. the new must have accessory.

BCBG’s inspirational gypsy vibe (a modern one) took us to another level we weren’t familiar with, and superbly pleased. Sheer had always been a fabric of choice for this brand, but not as detailed and crafted as the one we experienced Thursday morning. Prints were stitched on the fabrics in various colors – white, navy, black. Let alone, the printed fabrics were simply fascinating; fabrics spoke luxury. New designs emerged here, such as a laser-cut burgundy, leather top that made its debut on the runway. Besides the effervescent numbered heels, vibrant fur vest were the one’s to watch. Fur was present everywhere – on sleeves, collars of coats, to a whole body suit. The beanies finished marking the look.

This particular collection was the right moment to introduce new ideas to the brand, like other designers have done as well. Overall, as a spectator, I left intrigued to know what else could they bring to the table? For now, it was simply………marvelous. 

Editor's Note: As you can tell, a beanie adds another level to your wardrobe. Choose one that appears of good quality. It's not going to look so attractive wearing one that has holes or cotton balls.

Choose for example a Marc by Marc Jacobs beanie below from net-a-porter.com