LA MODE

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!

Trend Spotting: Sheer Black

 

Item of the Week: Topshop Love Colorblock Suede Sandals

These shoes by Topshop are beyond amazing because they’re colorblocked, suede and feature an ultra-comfy, chunky heel for those days you really don’t effing feel like hurting your feet. Perfect for summer, these shoes can even carry you into the fall if paired with opaque black tights.

Topshop Love shoes, $130 available at Topshop.

Accessory Digest: Neon Arm Candy

Labels like Burberry Prorsum and Fendi injected a burst of neon hues into their Spring 2011 collections. The art of pairing electric accessories with a relatively neutral ensemble proved to be a hit on the catwalk resulting in celebrities and fashionistas taking inspiration from these runway outfits by stepping out with colorful bags in tow.

Get The Details!

Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2011-12: Christian Dior, Elie Saab & Chanel


Bill Gaytten stepped in as Creative Director of the Fall-Winter 2011-12 Dior Couture collection making it the first sans John Galliano and of course,  John’s presence was missed. Rumor is Gaytten channeled sad clowns as his inspiration and fashion critics have been probing this collection since it hit the runway. What do you think? Is it a total fashion fail? Check out the Spring 2011 couture collection by Galliano and judge the difference yourself. Does Dior need to rehire it’s fallen designer? SEE ENTIRE COLLECTION


Lebanese designer Elie Saab unveils another couture collection for the fashion-obssessed to fawn over. For his latest collection Saab created more figure-flattering, embellished gowns which absolutely solidify his title as Hollywood’s dress king. While some take jabs at him because he’s super consistent, we think he knows what he’s doing. Saab is almost too talented at what he does, so why would he need to take risks? We like the classic shape he utilizes and in all honesty it’s nice that he doesn’t have to put a multicolored bubble dress on a model wearing flatforms to get buzz. SEE ENTIRE COLLECTION

If we were inside Karl Lagerfeld‘s head, we’d presume he was inspired by a ton of old Film Noir movies for this Fall-Winter 2011-12 Chanel couture collection. The Coco-inspired tweed suits were a staple in this collection per usual but some were executed differently with a bell silhouette and show-stoppers included the magenta pieces and sheer floor-length gowns. SEE ENTIRE COLLECTION

Runway Recap: Gucci Resort 2012


    INSPIRATION

Frida Giannini, the current creative director for the popular design house, is known for her love of fashion interpretation and her ability to take past Gucci looks and re-create them in modern, fresh ways. Giannini also strives to make Gucci clothes more wearable for wide range of women in order to escape from the “party girl” image that the label previously attained. In fact, she noted that she wants “to understand an intelligent glamour, everyday luxury-things a woman can wear with sensuality, not just to show off here tits.”

    TOP TRENDS

For Gucci’s Resort 2012 collection, Giannini proved to believe in the same philosophy as many designers when considering the “in-between season”- drive sales by creating easy-to-wear separates. She delivered a collection that included color-blocking with strong solid colors such as gold and bronze metallics, neon yellow, purple, orange, deep taupes, and several variations on red as well as the standard staples-black and white. Giannini also utilized prints in a number of her looks, particularly Hawaiian-themed designs as well as both nautical and zebra-inspired stripes. As far as textures go, the Gucci Resort collection seemed to play with the contrast and interaction between pleated and crisp fabrics.

    ACCESSORIES

To tie her looks together, Giannini called on here accessories experience, she was formerly the label’s creative director of accessories, and smartly decided to use skinny belts, gold broaches, sky-high heels- both strappy wedges and closed-toe printed pumps, and a mix of oversize totes and minimalist clutches.


    FAVORITE LOOK

Giannini’s pleated metallic skirt look takes office-chic to a whole new level. From the top up, the model appears to be ready for a business meeting. When taken in as a whole outfit, however, the skirt makes the ensemble become something really special.

    THOUGHTS

While her experience with accessories is obvious, Giannini really shines as a womenswear designer through this collection. Her style is simple, yet she puts an emphasis on the details that really make a difference.

Item of the Week: Simeon Farrar for Japan ‘Kate Mouse’ Shirt

Inspired by Kate Moss, this cute t-shirt by Siemon Farrar will donate 50% of proceeds to the Japanese Red Cross for earthquake relief.

Simeon Farrar Kate Mouse shirt, $80 available at Net-a-Porter.

 

Runway Recap: Prabal Gurung Resort 2012

    INSPIRATION

As the recent winner of the Swarovski Award for Womenswear at the CFDAs, Prabal Gurung is certainly a credible designer. For his Resort 2012 collection, Gurung “wanted to do something not just commercial but also covetable.” With this in mind, Gurung did as it seems all designers do when preparing a resort collection-focus on pieces that can be worn as beautifully separately as if worn with other items from the collection.

    TOP TRENDS

Gurung’s Resort 2012 collection encompassed many of the same features we have seen in other designer’s collections, but done in different ways. For instance, he utilizes the Hawaiian-inspired prints that are popping up everywhere, but combines them with polka dots, something a lot of designers have not done. Additionally, unlike the other designers who have played with a wide range of colors this “season,” Gurung had a distinct attraction to black and white and only inserted a few pops of yellow, green and pink.

    ACCESSORIES

Gurung kept the accessories simple, with almost all of the models rocking the exact same pair of black and white strappy heels and a few of the girls sporting skinny belts.

    FAVORITE LOOK

Gurung’s black pantsuit with a printed crop jacket is fantastic. However, it’s the pop from the neon pink belt that makes the outfit really stand out.

    THOUGHTS

Gurung’s versatility is clear through his variation on classic staples. He achieves unique perspectives on suits, dresses, skirts, jackets, and shorts-not an easy feat for such a new designer.

Item of the Week: Yves Saint Laurent Chyc Cabas Bag

Yves Saint Laurent‘s latest it bag, the Chyc Cabas, has been described as the “perfect city carry all” boasting enough room for all of your makeup, files and gadgets. We currently have our eye on this gorgeous leopard version which will be available in the Fall.

 
Yves Saint Laurent Chyc Cabas handbag, $1,995 available for pre-order at YSL stores.

Runway Recap: Stella McCartney Resort 2012

As the resort collection is a time for designers to produce and present ready-to-wear clothing between the twice-yearly seasonal collections, the majority of resort looks are driven by a push to increase sales during the fashion “off season.” Accordingly, many designers create each piece with the mindset that it can be just as special standing alone as it would be if incorporated into the full head-to-toe runway look. Stella McCartney obviously kept this in mind when working on her Resort 2012 collection. McCartney focused on mixing prints in a way that created unique looks yet was still comprised of pieces that were accessible to a wide range of women.

INSPIRATION:
McCartney addressed the collection by saying “There’s a lot of versatility; that’s what’s nice about a [Resort] collection. You don’t have to be so controlled. You can give a lot of different people a lot of different things and not be afraid to do that.” With this mantra in mind, McCartney introduced pieces that can stand alone from the rest of the collection and still look great instead of items that only work in one particular way.

TOP TRENDS:
McCartney’s Resort 2012 collection was largely comprised of menswear staples, the majority of which were oversized. While she played on the Spring 2011 trend of color blocking by using subdued colors like grey and black instead of the jewel tones we saw earlier this year, McCartney also incorporated deep blues and citrus hues. Additionally, McCartney introduced a number of printed pieces, with looks including houndstooth and Hawaiian inspiration.

ACCESSORIES:
To complete her ensembles, McCartney turned to oxford-inspired deck shoes as well as minimal clutches and gold broaches.

Catwalk to Sidewalk: Chanel Spring 2011

For years Chanel has been recognized for it’s timeless designs that epitomize chic style. Because the fashion house focuses on updating classic looks rather than creating current trends, Chanel’s looks can be easily mixed and matched in various ways that embody effortless beauty. However, as we all know, Mr. Lagerfeld isn’t necessarily creating the most budget-conscious pieces. Here are some options for those of us who are looking for chic affordability!

1. Grizas Crinkle Linen Jacket, $187 2. Tusnelda Bloch Grey Pants, $130 3. Antik Batik Braided Belt, $57 4. Miss Sixty Jaiden 2 Booties, $169  5. Dorothy Perkins Cross body shoulder bag, $16

Lanvin Debuts Children Collection #CuteOverload

Sorry, I'm cooler than you.

Does your kid need a silk taffeta trench coat? Well you’re in luck because Alber Elbaz rolled out a Lanvin childrenswear collection.

The line boasts girly skirts, statement jewelry and Elbaz even created four rag dolls who also sport his designs. Lucky dolls.

Sorry boys, the collection is targeted towards 4-10 year-old girls.

CHECK OUT THE COLLECTION HERE!