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Runway Recap: Moschino Fall-Winter 2012

Inspiration: With references to “parades” and “good times”, Rossella Jardini has produced another unashamedly glamorous collection for Moschino.  Signature motifs such as heavy gold embellishment and super sharp tailoring are present, whilst colour blocking and ski influences are also thrown into the mix.

Top Trends: Featuring on almost every look, it’s safe to say that if one trend dominated the Moschino A/W 2012 collection it was gold detailing. Zips, chains, military style buttons, you name it, all were placed strategically to make a major statement.  Proving classics never go out of style, monochrome pieces were playful yet chic, showcasing new takes on suiting and the ever popular LBD.

Accessories: The Italians never do things by halves and this includes accessorising.  Large gold hoop earrings, platform leather ankle boots and oversized hair bows combined to keep pieces youthful and fun.  Quilted, chain handle bags, large brimmed fedora hats and the much coveted gold letter ‘MOSCHINO’ belts were also featured, providing a selection of seriously lust-worthy accessories which were every bit as desirable as the clothes.

Favourite Looks: Moschino is always a personal favourite come show season, managing to continually produce collections which are full of ‘favourite looks’.  The quilted leather mac is an amazing twist on an iconic wardrobe staple and would no doubt look perfect dressed up or down.  Proving that it wasn’t just black making a bold statement, the final look, an amazing pink cocktail dress covered in oversized ruffles, referenced the collections’ influence of “good times” perfectly.  Not to mention it was modelled by girl of the moment, Cara Delevigne, a match made in fashion heaven.

Thoughts: Following the rule of ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it’, this collection was unabashedly Moschino, through and through.  A continuous subtle reinvention of brand motifs sees the design house remaining true to itself and its heritage whilst simultaneously pushing it forward with experimentation in regards to new references and colour palettes.  What is immediately apparent is that Creative Director, Jardini, really gets the brand as well as its audience, which is often an incredibly difficult feat to achieve.  What has been produced this season is a well-executed collection full of exquisite looks which are totally Moschino and that is never a bad thing…

 

Runway Recap: Chanel Spring 2012 Couture

Inspiration

For Chanel’s spring 2012 couture show, Karl was feeling blue in a major way.  Aquatic hues adorned feminine garments with masculine details, a nod to the design aesthetic of Miss Coco Chanel herself.

Top Trends

The extensive collection threw out three definite trends.  Every look shown featured either a dress, or skirt, of varying lengths. Mini’s, midi’s and maxi’s showed just how versatile these pieces could be, without a trouser in sight.  Dropped waists were abundant, lower even than those of the Flapper dresses in the Twenties, Mr Lagerfeld juxtaposed this seemingly masculine element with decidedly girly designs.  The third trend? Perhaps the most obvious – blue. Light, mid or dark, this is one colour that will definitely be making a splash come springtime…

Accessories

Shoulder skimming earrings provided a sparkling accompaniment to each look, whilst the pointed heels came complete with triple ankle straps. It wouldn’t be couture if there wasn’t a stylistic flourish and this came in the form of feathered headpieces created in, you guessed it, various shades of blue.

Favourite Looks: Due to the sheer size of the typical Chanel collection it is always difficult when it comes to narrowing it down to favourites.  The white ankle length dress, in Chanel’s trademark boucle fabric, with matching jacket, was truly exquisite, whilst the powder blue shift dress with gumball-esque detailing across the shoulders and pockets was definitely a personal favourite.

Thoughts

Where Karl goes others always follow, which means we will more than likely be seeing a lot of blue in the ready-to-wear collections in the future. Despite it featuring heavily in the Chanel couture collection, it was done in such a way that meant you still couldn’t pinpoint exactly what shade the next look would feature, lending the collection a surprising unpredictability.  A beautiful collection, as to be expected, and the fact that the show itself took place inside a specially created Chanel private jet? Truly genius.

Accessory Trend: Statement Belts


If the spring shows are anything to go by, the new season will see us accessorizing to perfection, with statement belts being used to accent both dresses and coats. For those who are unafraid of going bold with their sartorial choices, follow in the steps of Balmain, who showed heavy metal creations on the catwalk, mixing golden buckles with chain detailing. Renowned queen of eccentric, Anna Dello Russo, styled up her metallic Balmain waist-cincher with an equally embellished mini dress.

For a more subtle approach, look to Céline and match your belt to the colour of your outfit, an understated way to follow the trend whilst also creating a perfect silhouette…

SHOP THE TREND

 

Runway Recap: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012

 

Inspiration: Sophisticated tailoring and playful comic-strip graphics hardly sound like a match made in heaven, but this is exactly the winning combination behind the 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall collection and, crazy though it sounds, it totally works.

Top Trends: Razor sharp tailored pieces were a significant feature within the collection as was a bold use of colour blocking. These trends combined to provide a super sleek, minimalist approach which was then juxtaposed with the colourful comic pieces.

Accessories: Shoe boots with pointed toes, metallic sandals, skinny leather belts and handheld totes and clutches were used to accessorise looks.  The key was subtlety to avoid detracting from the impressive cuts and silhouettes of the garments.

Favourite Looks: The appeal of the impeccably cut grey coat with deep v-neck paired with the comic strip clutch lies in its very simplicity.  The leather and suede long-sleeved tee with knee length camel coloured skirt is a perfect ‘edgy yet prim’ look.

Thoughts: For pre-fall 2012 Lim has produced a collection which, although not breaking boundaries, plays up to his impressive strengths, the most noteworthy being his well-executed tailoring.  The comic graphics add a much needed youthfulness which also brings the pieces bang up to date for 2012.  This collection gave an exciting glimpse of a direction which Lim will hopefully explore further with the fall season.

Jet, Set, Review: Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh

What? Hotel Missoni

Where? Edinburgh, Scotland

Who? The Rezidor Hotel Group partnered up with Italian design house, Missoni, to create an innovative ‘designer boutique’ hotel.  Five star accommodation right in the picturesque city of Edinburgh.

But wait, there’s more!

Steal Her Look: Elizabeth Olsen



Surface To Air Long Sleeve Shirt, $120 Old Navy Pea Coat $50 Topshop Faux Leather Leggings, $56 YesStyle Tote Handbag, $50 American Apparel Acrylic Beanie, $20 Forever 21 Plaid Scarf, $11

Runway Recap: Celine Spring 2012

 

 

Inspiration:

Celine offered up a fresh twist on the brands’ trademark minimalism for Spring Summer 2012.  Present were the paired down lines of previous collections, this time paired with sculptural, oversized pieces.

Top Trends:

There is no doubt that white is set to be the colour of the season.  In Celines’ case, the brilliant hue was used to exaggerate and complement the simplistic designs.  Dark, forest green, oxblood and vivid oranges were juxtaposed with black and mid-greys.

Accessories:

Platform sandals complete with thick ankle cuffs and wide buckle belts provided subtle accents to the sleek looks.  Envelope style and hobo handbags were carried not using their shoulder straps, but instead held as clutches to provide a modern, surprising alternative.

Favourite Looks:

The dip-hemmed, collared vest top, paired with two tone grey flares is a perfect work look, a modern alternative to the traditional suit.   The all white ensemble comprising of the peplum-waisted top with matching pencil skirt was minimalist perfection, a look which proves sometimes less is definitely more.

Thoughts:

For their latest collection Celine remained true to what has propelled them to ‘most wanted’ status amongst many a fashion editor.  Philo has effectively explored new silhouettes and shapes whilst also experimenting with a subtle use of colour.  Expect to see the tailored flares and cuffed platforms adorning  fashions’ minimalists very soon…

Runway Recap: Spijkers en Spijkers SS12

Inspiration:

Spring Summer 2012 saw twin sisters, Truus and Riet, take inspiration from the fairy tale, One Thousand and One Nights, for their eponymous label, Spijkers en Spijkers.  Combine this with elements derived from Oriental geometry and Spijkers have created a ladylike collection with a distinctive edge.

Top Trends:

Cocktail dresses, ¾ length trousers and straight cut skirts came in contrasting tones of lime yellow, coral, oriental blue and hot pink. Pieced together these bright hues were offset with black to provide a fresh palette for Spring Summer.  A modern twist came in the form of fabric choice, cotton lurex, silk twill and cotton blends leant the garments a degree of fluidity.

Accessories:

The bold stars which adorned the silk dresses were also found on platform sandals, whilst the jewel tones were mimicked in the head scarves which came tied to one side.  Skinny belts were also used to enhance and emphasise waistlines.

Favourite Looks:

The collection as a whole had such a beautiful, cohesive vibe and had more than a few standout looks.  The zig zag hemmed skirt in nude and lime green with matching top was stunning, as was the flapper style, fringed violet and pink dress, complete with oversized tweed blazer.

Thoughts:

There is no doubt that Spijkers en Spijkers have created an incredible collection.  A truly fresh look for Spring Summer, it is the very opposite to the ever present androgynous trend. The Spijkers girl is feminine yet isn’t afraid to pair her delicate dresses with heavier pieces such as tweed blazers.  Statement pieces if ever I’ve seen them, yet in this case statement equals bold but wearable designs, for the woman who isn’t afraid to play with her style and is never overshadowed by her sartorial choices…

Steal His Look: Jamie Campbell Bower

1. Insight Bayou-Born Denim shirt, $60 2. Ray Ban Classic 2140 Wayfarer sunglasses, $145 3. Timex Wrist Watch, $56 4. All Saints York Iggy jeans, $120 5. Frye Leather Harness boots, $218 6. All Saints Knots s/s crew $28 on sale.

Line to Watch: RYGGRAD

RYGGRAD is the emerging label from designer duo Lindsey Alt and Ella Jacobsson. Originating from New York and Stockholm respectively, the two met in 2010 and consequently RYGGRAD was born.  With the brands’ name meaning ‘backbone’ in Swedish, it perhaps comes as no surprise to hear that the pieces created by the label are incredibly versatile, intending to provide essential items for any wardrobe which can be mixed and matched to create an edgy look that is entirely your own.

Merging their geographical influences with their current base of Los Angeles has created a striking aesthetic to their collections with clear sportswear and gothic influences.  Androgynous silhouettes mix with leather, harnesses and sheer chiffons to make an impressive collection for a brand so new to the game.

If the latest collection is anything to go by, RYGGRAD have definitely proved they are a label to watch. Expect to see their creations on the backs of fashions’ brightest young things in the very near future.


www.ryggradfashion.com
Follow @RYGGRAD on Twitter

Line We Heart: Radenroro [Interview Included]

Indonesian-born designer Liquica Anggraini is the brains behind cult womenswear label, Radenroro. Focusing on fashion forward design, whilst simultaneously retaining a timeless appeal, ensures each piece withstands fleeting seasonal trends.

Fall/Winter 2011 sees a collection full of beautifully executed, feminine designs, offset with unexpected elements. Demure, lady like midi dresses are backless, whilst separates come layered for a mix and match look.

As well the innovative collections which are being produced each season, the brand also display a refreshing take on the design process. With each step from design to manufacturing being completed in the heart of New York City, customers can be assured that each piece is of the highest possible quality.

After being featured on the new reality show, ‘All on the Line, featuring Elle Magazines’ very own Joe Zee, the brand now counts Nordstrom as a stockist of their much-coveted line. Taking this into account it perhaps comes as no surprise that Radenroro are already enjoying a huge amount of, much deserved, success.

BTW Radenroro gave us an exclusive sneak peek at their new handbags! Don’t forget to check them out below!

Q: What were your influences for the Fall/Winter season?

A: The best way to understand our influence is to check out the editorial look book on our website. The phrase “Raden Roro” in Indonesian (Liquica’s native language) translates literally to “little princess”. With this in mind, you’ll often see our looks mix sophistication with playful and youthful touches. Our prints are a great example of this. Each season we’ve themed them around objects that are special or significant in a girl’s life. Last spring we did a diamond print that was really popular, this fall we did our Teddy Bear print, and for S/S 2012 we are continuing the theme with an abstract unicorn themed print.  Working with Joe Zee on Sundance’s All on the Line show was also helpful as it encouraged us to really embrace these concepts and run with our ideas.

READ THE REST OF OUR INTERVIEW HERE!

Runway Recap: Jason Wu Resort 2012

INSPIRATION
Jason Wu had a clear vision for his resort 2012 collection. The looks shown played on the juxtaposition of masculine cuts and silhouettes with distinctly feminine fabrics and prints. A modern interpretation of classic ladylike chic.

TOP TRENDS
The dominant trend of the collection is undoubtedly that of tailored sophistication. Pieces come in colours which are as to be expected, such as black and off-white, as well as those which provide a fresh element to the palette, see the introduction of coral and lime green. As well as block colour Wu also made use of print in his designs, with a Liberty style floral motif which adorned dresses and separates.

ACCESSORIES
Candy coloured wristlets, clutches and long strapped day bags were used to accessorise and complement each look. Additional accessories, which perfect the holidaying in Saint Tropez vibe, include cats eye sunglasses, strappy sandals, skinny belts and frayed raffia sun hats.


FAVOURITE LOOKS
Sometimes the looks which seem to ooze simplicity are the very ones which stand out most. One of the most lust-worthy looks is Wu’s feminine take on the classic tuxedo. A fitted navy blazer is teamed with black shorts, a pleated white shirt and black bow-tie, a look which exudes an Alexa Chung, androgynous vibe.

THOUGHTS
Even though tailored, preppy looks have been explored in many a resort collection in the past, Wu has achieved a thoroughly unique take with his block colour/printed vision. A subtle use of neon colour ensures a youthful vibe throughout, whilst the silhouettes hint at classic sophistication. Taking into account Wu’s use of scuba style contouring, which has already proved to be a hugely popular, yet surprising trend, this collection has all the ingredients to make it one of the most successful, easy to wear collections out there.