A/W Trends: La Parissiene

(Chanel, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nina Ricci, Erdem, Louis Vuitton)

The femme fatale of 80's Paris was the main star of the fall collections. Seductive stockings, glimpses of lingerie and red lips were the accessories of choice to compliment the often coquettish and frivolous glamour of our over the top french heroine. Silks, bows, lace and ruffles embellished the sophisticated sexiness of the Paris inspired stylings. By day she revels in left bank inspired ensembles which payed homage to Coco Chanel. The look was strictly monochrome from Breton stripes at Meadham Kirchhoff to conservative lace necklines at Chanel. At night her fanciful bourgeois side emerges with cascades of gold brocade(seen at Roksanda Ilnic) blue or red stain(Erdem and Nina Ricci) and intricate detailing such as surging ruffles and frills (like at Marchesa). Typically the Paris collections reigned supreme with designers such as Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu completely defining the look.

A/W Trends: Metallic Embelishment

(Balmain, Balmian, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, Julien MacDonald)

The a/w catwalks were laden with sparkling gem encrusted ensembles from Balamin's sequin covered mini dresses to Isabel Marant's Delicious studded ankle boots, metallic embellishment established itself as a key trend for fall. Jewels wern't just reserved for evening wear though, at Balmain a casual Breton striped sweather was swathered in sequins,and at Calvin Klein a subtle knee length day dresses offered a twist with its glittering fabric. Everything from leggings at Gucci, harem pants at Preen and jackets at Paul & Joe were burnished with sparkly sequins. Studs and spikes offered an aggressive alternative with a glamorous edge. Jean Paul Gaultier sent models in antagonistic stud encrusted leather jackets storming down the catwalks and At Julien MacDonald shoulder padded jackets were coated with jagged spikes. This punk inspired edge suggested a rebellious remedy to the glamour infused fall collections.

J'Adore

Isabel Marant a/w 09

Model of the month: Lara Stone

As W Magazine declared fashion has a new it girl. At 25 years old Lara stone doesn't seem like a likely candidate for the next top model, but her quirky look, voluptuous figure and versatility are a potent mix which has shaken up the fashion industry's perspective of what is beautiful. Stone isn't your typical cookie cutter model, with her infamous tooth gap and womanly figure, the Dutch model has been branded the anti-model, Unlike the innocent doe eyed look of now-a-days typical model, stones overt sexuality and Bridget Bardot-esque look exert a powerful femininity and a dominating presence.


However stone isn't a completely fresh face to the modelling scene, at 12 years old she was discovered in a Paris metro by a model agent's wife. At 15 she entered into the Elite Model Look competition. While not winning she didn't go unnoticed. For the next few years she worked internationally, doing regional print in places like Japan and Barcelona. However Stone wasn't getting the recognition she has hoped for and at 22 years old felt that she was too old to make it big. Then with the switching of agents from Elite to IMG, she was relaunched as a fresh face even though she had been working the industry for years. IMG'S tactics worked as she was became bombarded with requests for runway shows and editorial work. It was however Ricardo Tisci, creative director of Givenchy who really helped her establish her position in the modelling industry by casting her in his Fall 2006 show.


Her feminine frame and feline features enthralled the fashion industry and with editorials, covers and campaigns galore Stone doesn't have to worry about her hatred of the runway hindering her career. With her unusually small feet not fitting into the catwalk standard size shoes, her fear of falling has made her catwalk appearances far and few. But when she has graced the runway it has only been for the best, including Prada, Chanel, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, Victoria's secret and Miu Miu. As well She has become a sort of muse for Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld, and was the sole model featured on both the cover and editorials of the February 2009 edition.

Stone also has managed to capture some of the most coveted campaigns in the industry such as Givenchy, Hugo Boss and Dsquared as well as replacing Kate moss as the face of Calvin Klein. With her soft curves and atypical features this girl is a refreshing shake up in the monotonous modelling industry.

Commercial VS. Creativity

The battle of commerce vs. creativity has always been an underlying theme present in every fashion week. Usually designers are situated on either end of the spectrum, with the Chloes, Burberrys and Chanels of the world concentrating on desirability, wearability and longevity, nearly trend less pieces and then there are the likes of Alexander McQueen and Gareth Pugh who delight in displaying ferocious fantasies of creative genius. While this battle has always been one that rages through the veins of fashion week it is this battle has become overarching story of the 2009 A/W season. Being in the midst of a recession has piled the pressure onto designers to produce collections that are wearable, desirable, yet inspiring, in other words abundant in 'investment' pieces. But while investment pieces such as a simple white shirt or classic trench coat are long lasting; as something you can also pick up in Gap, they are unlikely to be the holy grail of a collection that will ring in the tills. However On the opposite end of the field, visions of high drama theatrical showmanship such as those by McQueen will hardly be drawing in the cash either. But is it necessary to sacrifice all sense of creativity until this recession decides to draw to a close? McQueen’s collection provided a statement, rebelling against this sense of creative sacrifice and the current predicament of fashion and consumerism. While many criticized the collection for being showy and exaggerated, while neither pushing the boundaries of fashion forward, it was an energising and a refreshing change from the sensible collections of many designers aimed at the middle-aged workforce, that sacrificed the key elements of construction and craftsmanship in favour of profit margins.

(Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Richard Nicoll)

However, while an element of creativity is required especially to show that fashion is very much alive and not the sombre, black affair reflecting current economic times, it is the designers who can produce a classic well made garment with an edge, a desirability factor that will come up on top. It is the young designers who are creating waves this season with mainly British talent revolting against the lacklustre recycled conformity the recession is demanding. Christopher Kane, London’s fashion darling has established a label of international repute based on his wearable yet inspiring garments. Kane started out his collection with an androgynous feel, with tartan knits and motorbike jackets leading the way but it is his highly covetable dresses which have caught the industry’s eye. Sheer panelling, scalloping and sheer organza have embellished his dresses which didn't skimp on the creative, yet still manage to be wearable and well constructed. Richard Nicoll and Marios Schwab have followed Kane's lead, with an abundance of conceptual cocktail dresses on Schwab’s runways, and an element of futuristic space age construction encapsulating Nicoll's show. However black still reigned supreme as the colour of choice especially on the Parisian and Milan runways where even fashion favourite Lanvin conveyed slightly sombre mood.

(Balmain, Marc Jacobs, Gucci)

However a select number of designers rejected winter's colour of choice, black, and instead opted to choose vibrant colours as their way of fighting any claims of creative sacrifice. Marc Jacobs supplied a refreshing antidote to all the gloom and doom of the era with a burst of colourful 80’s glamour in his collection. Neon, prints, sequins, shoulder pads, velvet, metallics and brocade provided a rebellious statement against the collapsing economy and the attitudes that people just wont want to shop anymore. Embellishment also offered an escape from the sober mood with Gucci and Balmain offering that perfect mixture of commercial and creative. Gucci, while hardly the definition of creativity, stepped up it's game in these stakes but still remains is perfect example of a label that has gone from raw creativeness to commercially driven. Ever since of the arrival of Frida Giannini to the Gucci label the label had been wrought with criticism of over commercialisation. Opinions have been divided over her accessible channelling of trends and those who want something a bit more fashion forward and boundary pushing then Gianni's market niche of glitter embellished girls out on the town. While the controversial Tom Ford days where overt sexuality was the creative direction of choice are over there was a slight reminiscence of his hard glamour running through the look. Sequins, lame and shoulder pads conveyed a feel of luxe night tome glamour. While the collection wasn’t exactly boundary pushing it did offer an alternative to the austere and overly simplified evening wear on display from other collections. Balmain on the other hand offered a potent mixture of clever embellishment and architectural craftsmanship, toying with geometric shapes to produce a strong visual statement. The label has caused mass excitement for the past two seasons creating an entire look copied by every shop on the high street. The labels blend of big 80’s shoulders, stone washed jeans and a rock chick aesthetic, all while being adorned in vast rage of textures from studs, to sequins, buckles, chains, cuffs and crystals. Like Gucci it has taken the aesthetic direction of the disco-esque nightclub scene.

(Jil Sander, Nina Ricci, Rodarte)

Architecture and cut have been some of the main links that connects a designer to both the commercial and creative aesthetics of a collection. Designers from Jil Sander to Nina Ricci and Rodarte played with beautifully cut shapes and sharp lines especially focusing on the shoulders, a huge trend this fall. Cocoon coats, soft curves and minimalistic one shouldered gowns dominated these shows and showed that clothes doesn’t have to be shrouded in vivid colours and over the top cuts to be creative. Something as simplistic as a well sculptured evening dress can have as much as a visual impact as a garish and haughty McQueen gown. Rodarte offered a sumptuous mixture of interesting cuts, textures and colours to their collection. This relatively new brand has wowed the industry and is a favourite of Hollywood celebrities and fashion personalities alike. The brand is utterly unique and its a/w perspective was eery yet ethereal at the same time. Confections of sculptures knits, chiffons and even foils enthralled the audience as mini dress after minidress sauntered down the runway. This brand remains unique in its ability to offer artistic creations while still retaining a commercial edge.

While most would assume the recession demands a pared back, simplistic approach to fashion, designers are refusing to obey these rules demanded by a collapsing economy. While some may have stuck to what they know best, others offered an alternative option allowing consumers to choose between a wide range of visually inspiring garments that don’t skimp on the creative factor and are yet wearable and desirable at the same time, and while not instantly recognizable classic this season has produced some of the best ‘investment pieces’ to date.

Inspiration - US Vogue

While i am a lover of all things Vogue, The American edition of the magazine is not my preferred choice when it comes to reading up on the latest trends. I find the magazine backs up Vogue's stereotypical image as being pretentious and out of touch, because who really wants to read about Andre Leon Talley's dalliances with Manhattan's upper elite over cocktails at Butter, when there are a lot more important and interesting topics dealt with in other fashion publications. Even when it comes to fashion, its editorials compared with the likes of Vogue Paris aren't on the same par. Uninspiring, monotonous, and lazy are words that come to mind, but the recent July issue surprised me, while almost reluctant to pick it up from the news stand with Sienna Miller leering back at me from the cover, i was shocked to see two high fashion editorials reminiscent from those of an edgy Vogue Italia or Paris spread. The genius behind these fashion stories, Mario Testino and Terry Richardson
Testino's editorial, named 'City of Dreams, featured Daria Werbowy and Caroline Trentini posing as two young girls heading to Manhattan looking for fame and fortune. This spread featured multiple different looks conveying moments in the girl's new york lives, from an opulent red gown while on stage to a pair of sweats, a leather jacket and a pink wig while eating Chinese on a bed
Richardson's spread was entitled "Visionary" with model lily Donaldson featured in an optometrist's office. The focus of the editorial was jewelery, with a lot of chains, studs, metal and gems adding a mix of texture to the spread. For once the pages of US vogue seeked to inspire their readers..a possible first. So enjoy this rare moment!!

'City Of Dreams' - Mario Testino - American Vogue









'Visionary' - Terry Richardson - American Vogue





all photos from www.fashiongonerogue.com

Muse of the Month: Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

As far as fashion offspring go, Julia Roitfeld (29) is one lucky girl. As only daughter of famed Vogue Paris editor-in-Chief and style icon Carine Roitfeld, Julia seems to be following in her mother's Alaia clad footsteps into the world of fashion. Roitfeld has only come to the attention of the fashion press in the past few years, most notably after her graduation from Parsons School of Design in New York back in 2006. Since then she has been a front Row fixture on the fashion scene, attending countless catewalk shows as well as having her face embellish multiple campaigns, most notably Tom Ford's first fragrance 'Black Orchid' and Jil Sander's debut fragarance, 'Jil'.

In recent years Roitfeld has wowed us with her unique and edgy style which is distinctly similar to her mother's daring taste. Her style has a slightly more feminine edge, all the while still retaining the sophisticated sexiness, her mother is known for. Recently short, sequined and Balmain are thes words of choice, with Roitfeld turning up to numerous events tightly wound in a Balmain bandage dress. But sexy is only one of the many personalities of Roitfeld's style. It's hard to pinpoint an exact look with this girl, with her turning up at Donna Karen all casual in a pair of jeans and a coat, at Calvin Klein in denim cut-offs and a leather jacket and then at DVF in a flirty white eyelet dress with a pin stripe waistcoat. She is a fashion chameleon, never one to stick with one look for too long, always keeping us on our toes, and never a slave to trends.

But while fashion is key to her social existance she also understands that clothes are more then just something you wear. Speaking to to the UK Times she said "some people think that clothes are just things that you wear to cover yourself but i'm blown away because clothes to me are a sort of new pop art. Clothes can be either art or design but need a real purpose". This is a girl who not only exudes style but understands it as a form of art and self expression....a true style maven.

Model of the Month: Lily Donaldson

Flick through any fashion magazine with their sumptuous and extravagent advertisements and editorials and there will remain one consistent face in the overcrowded world of modelling, that of Lily Donaldson. The 22 year old model has graced the covers of countless magazines, the catwalks of numerous designers and is the face of limitless fashion houses. Last thursday night at the unveiling of the new Burberry US headquarters, which is now the newest member to illuminate the New York sky line, Donaldson reined supreme, nearly overshadowing the man of the hour, Christopher Bailey (Burberry’s head designer). The self declared Burberry girl and face of the brand for over 2 years hung onto Bailey's arm for the night, draped (of course) in head to toe Burberry.


But while being a self described member of the Burberry family, the model has graced the campaigns of many competing fashion houses. As well as being the main face of the British luxury goods label, last year Donaldson scored the highly coveted position as the face of iconic label Gucci. Since, Donaldson has earned her supermodel status with the past 5 years being a whirlwind of prestigious international cover shoots and gracing the catwalk for many esteemed designers.

Donaldson started her career in a typical fashion, after being scouted in Camden market while
shopping with friends at the young age of 16. Only 2 years later she was catapulted into the spotlight as she scored her first Vogue cover (UK), which was shot by iconic photographer Mario Testino. Since she has since been featured on covers and in editorials for the leading international fashion publications including Vogue (UK, US, Chinese, French, Australian, Italian and Nippon), W, Harper's bazaar, I-D, V magazine, and Numero. Her presence has also graced the catwalks for a diverse range of designers including Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chloé, Dior, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hermès, Jil Sander, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Missoni, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Rochas, Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Vera Wang, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent and Zac Posen.


But what makes Donaldson stand out in the modelling world is her vast portfolio of advertisements for renowned high fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, MaxMara, Jill Sander, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino which embellish the pages of international fashion bibles.

With the re-emergence of the model as key, it is Donaldson's time to shine.

Met Gala

The Fahion event of the year, The Metropolitina Museum Costume Institute Gala took place monday the 5th of may. The theme this year was "models as muse" and was attended by some of the most celebrated faces of fashion, music and movies. However controversy sparked over the absence of designer azzedine alia, whose work was ommitted from the event. He along with some of the worlds most recognized supermodels (Naoimi, Linda and Stephane Seymour) who he designed gowns for failed to make an appearance in a protest against the ommission and described "dictator" Anna Wintour. He told womens wear daily how she has ignored his work for 15 years and how "“She behaves like a dictator and everyone is terrified of her . . . but I’m not scared of her or anyone.” While his absence didnt go unnotived there was plenty of fashion to make up for his lack of attendance.

Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop

Topshop does it again as today marked a new addition to it's spring/summer collaboration collections. Barbara Hulanicki the legendary designer of the seventies cult label, Biba, debuts her capsule collection for Topshop, which hits stores today. Following her illustration exhibition The Art of Barbara Hulanicki last march, Topshop approached her to "to do a collection that didn't look like Biba" says Hulanicki (Vogue.co.uk).
(Biba Clothing)

Biba encapsulated the look of the youth generation of the 60's and 70's. Based in London, it's signature stylings consisted of mod-con dresses, mini skirts and uni-sex t-shirts. It was a cult among teens and young adults, and allowed them to wear the latest trends from the Paris runways at affordable prices. Musicians, models and Hollywood stars alike such as Mick Jagger, Twiggy and Bridgette Bardot etc, found solace in the store's art deco, Hollywood golden age and nouveua mix of decor."Freddy Mercury lounged on it's leopard print chairs, Lou Reed wore it's black nail polish , The New York dolls played a legendary 2 night-stint in the upstairs rainbow room and David Bowie regularly took tea in its roof garden" (thebibaecxperience.com). By the Early 70's, the store had completely altered the London look, transforming the city into a fashion capital of the world. The 7-story shop sold everything from feather boas to children's clothing to pet food. But the dream was shattered when the shop closed it's doors in 1975. The label has since been relaunched by designer Bella Freud in May 2006.

While Barbara's Topshop collection differs from the designs of Biba's heyday it still manages to incorporate the boutique's quirky stylings with the use eccentric prints varying from bees, a girls face, animal spots and stars which are emblazoned on everything from shoulder padded dresses to trousers and bikinis. The line manages to maintain the Biba tradition of producing cool clothing with affordable prices, and has already been seen on the likes of Mary Kate Olsen, who was spotted in a blue star and bee spotted blouse. While the Biba of the 70's may be gone it manages to live on its modern day reincarnation, Topshop.

Kate Moss for Topshop S/S 09 Collection

All Vogue.co.uk

Its collaborations galore at Topshop this summer with an invasion of British designers, such as Preen and Johnaton Saunders releasing new capsule collections that hit both the US and UK stores on April 2nd. But the most highly anticipated collection is nearly here, , you can only expect the best, as Kate Moss unveils her latest Topshop collaboration on the same date. Making a personal appearance herself at the US opening, Kate will be there to reveal her Liberty (iconic British department store) print inspired dresses and camisoles, beaded jackets, ruffled maxi dresses and lace body suits. This is her 9th collection to date, for the British store and is one of the most colourful and detailed to date with intricate beading on dresses and spectacular embroidery on jackets as well as Ms Moss's first foray into lingerie.

Expect this one to move quick. :)

Topshop Hits NYC

Some of my current favourites, all available at topshop.com.

(That pink top is very Philip Lim S/S 09 dont ya think!?)

Clear your schedule and set your alarms because come April 2nd at 11 am, Topshop-mania will begin. The extremely popular British chain store is branching out for the first time in the US by setting up one of its flagship stores on Broadway and Broome. Synomous with its cool stylings, Topshop's clothes have been seen on everyone from the British fashion pack (Pixie&Peaches Geldof, Daisy Lowe, Alexa Chung etc.) to Hollywood celebrities (Keira Knightley, Paris Hilton). But what makes this store so popular is it's accessibility. One is able to to pick up Topshop's take on all the latest fashions at a reasonable price. Topshop doesn't do catwalk copies. It takes a trend and adds it's own spin, whether its by adding unexpected detailing such as fringing to the side of a tunic or doing a series of t-shirts on famous rock couples, you wont't find anything else like it on the High Street. But its not only the shop's own brand range that has people talking, topshop has collaberated with some of the coolest designers on the catwalk, from fashion's latest it-designer Richard Nicoll to Marios Schwab, Johnaton Saunders, Preen, Sass & Bide, J Brand and of course Kate Moss.
At the moment the shop is bursting with wardrobe staples, well-fitting basics, and the best collection of shoes you've ever seen, as well as the highly anticipated Kate Moss S/S collection on its way . As the day American fashionista's have been anticipating comes even closer, all i can say is recession? what recession? :)

Matthew Williamson for H&M

After a string of very successful, sold-out collaborations, H&M does it again with the announcement of a capsule collection with Matthew Williamson. With highly received collections from Comme Des Garcons, Viktor & Rolf and Roberto Cavalli, the British Designer has a lot to live up to. But after a highly acclaimed S/S 09 collection it doesn't look like Williamson has a lot to worry about. The capsule collection is as Matthew himself (for vogue UK) put it: "a strong urban collection fused with the brand's signature symbols and shapes". Colour is a main theme along with his trademark peacock print which is embellished on everything from candy coloured cardigans to harlequin print bags. However the collection isn't all sugar coated colouring and charming prints, the inclusion of leather items such as a brown zipper induced jacket and black studded vest along with a brown silk jumpsuit and a sequin covered mini dress really toughen up and add variety to Matthew's feminine styling.
My personal favourite? The pink structured mini-dress.
The Collection is out April 23rd, and for a H&M first is available at all its outlets. Don't worry however if you miss out on this collection a second more summer inspired collection is available may 14th.

The Trends S/S 09

One thing i love about the spring 2009 trends is how fun they are to wear. This season, Runways looked more like a costume party then a compliation of chic designer ensembles. The season is all about self expression, its exciting, its bright and its a whole lot of fun. Sure some would call the trends tacky, garish and even a little ugly, but in the words of former American Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland: "Never fear being vulgar, only boring". Of course if your not into the whole looking like a fancy-dress-shop-threw-up-on-you look, there are a whole lot of more subtle less in-your-face trends to embrace such as innocent nudes, colour blocking and tribal. So anyways here's a round up of the best.


Denims:

(Balmain, Topshop, Diesel)

Denim has never been more relevant then now. The spring 09 runway has unleashed denim in every form, from dresses to jackets, and shorts to the dependable jeans. But the s/s shows have really changed up denim's position as an old reliable. This season's denims were studded, torn, acid washed and ripped. The best of the bunch looked like they had seen better days, such as Balmain, where the jeans were tattered and bleached. The high street has really embraced this trend, with everywhere from Miss Selfridge (acid washed peplum dress anyone?) to Forever 21 really taking hold of this look. My personal favourite product of the season, Topshop's now sold out bleached denim high waisted shorts. Add a tucked in tunic and fringed ankle boots and your all set.

Colour blocking:

(L.F. Markley)

Colour blocking was seen at every major fashion house worth it's value, Luella, Richard Nicoll, Alexander Wang, Ferragamo, Dries Van Noten etc. etc. But it was Lanvin and L.F. Markley (Fashion Fringe) that stole the show, especially with Lanvin's yellow-black combo and really the entire Markley collection (above). The whole colour blocking trend exudes a youthful and slightly sporty vibe. The whole idea of the trend is separates and potent colour combinations, such as fuchsia and orange, purple and blue, black and yellow. The total effect is one that is show-stopping, powerful and vibrant. For high street reincarnations, there is not a store which hasn't produced its own version. For the best check out Topshop's colour blocked skirts and taffeta dresses or surprisingly enough M&S.

Nudes:

(Chloe, Herve Leger, Thakoon, Prada)

From one extreme to the other. At one end of the fashion spectrum citrus yellow and cobalt blue reigned supreme, at the other, the catwalk was bathed in a Delicious palette of peachy blush tones and creamy browns. Nudes took shape in anything from ruffled full length evening dresses at Thakoon to Bandaged swimsuits at Herve Leger. But while some designers chose to convey a more innocent image, others took the oppurtunity to make this look a whole lot sexier. Take Chloe, who covered a cropped nude bustier modestly with a knee length skirt and peach scallpoed jacket. Sheer also became the word of the day at Just Cavalli and C'N'C Costume National, as well as an innocent crumpled look at Prada. The look can be left soft and romantic or subtly sexy...your choice.

The 80's:

(House of Holland, Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Philip Lim)

This has to be one of my favourite trends of the entire season. Its trashy, its gaudy...i love it! The era that fashion forgot has made a return. Every show of the season had an 80's vibe going some way or the other. Even designers renowned for their touch of class such as Chloe and Lanvin went a little 'bad taste' on us with gold lame Hammer pants and purple leopard print party dresses. Its all about neon leopard print, ripped denim, shoulder pads, tunics, zips, clashing and mismatching prints, hammer/harem pants, cropped tops (oh hell no!) and body con. Herve Leger, king of the 80's did whats he does best with his skin tight bandage dresses. Alexander Wang pitched in with his colour blocked sport inspired outfits which looked straight out of some 80's fitness video. While everyone from Versace to Philip Lim offered us a jumble of zippers. House of Holland presented us with Henry's trademark crazy ensembles, that only Agyness Deyn can pull off. On the high street i don't think there was a shop that wasn't laden with 80's inspired goods.

Tribal:

(Louis Vuitton, Junya Wantanbe, Miu Miu, DKNY)

Tribal is a pretty standard fare trend in every s/s runway with Safari Jackets and cropped military pants featured in most shows. This trend is never really translated well off the catwalk and never really grabs the public's attention. But spring 2009 is a whole other story thanks to none other than Louis Vuitton. LV was an orgy of leopard print, feathers, phyton, crystals and bangles with a dash of 1940's Paris thrown in, it was a complete culture shock. Accessories was key here, with the Japanese inspired obi-belt taking centre stage on most of the shown ensembles. The leopard bags and feathered shoes wowed, while the chunky statement necklaces and earrings stunned. All i have to say is 4 words: Thank you Marc Jacobs.
Of course Louis V. wasn't the only designer to embrace this trend in a whole new way. Junya Wantanbe's collection was completely African inspired with a range of printed head scarfs and blouses; and Miu Miu, who's abstract print dresses offered us a different perspective on the Global tribal theme. For an extremely wearable version check out DKNY's leopard spot mini dresses.

Spring/Summer 09 vs. The Recession

The spring/summer 09 shows offered us one of the most difficult to pinpoint season yet. Unlike the traditional fashion seasons, there wasn’t a focus on a handful of consistent trends, which the high street will eventually start to devour over the next few months. There was nothing that put designer's shows into easily identifiable slots. According to Elle this season is one that is trend less. In keeping with the economic times all it will take is a few items to up date your look to this season. This season designers kept to the basics and did what they knew best. They played to their strengths. Fashion editors alike were leaving shows with comments like: “Lanvin is soo Lanvin” or "that was classic Chanel". At first glance this season doesn’t seem compliant with the 'save your money for a few investment pieces' theme of the a/w 08 shows, but take a deeper look and this is one of the most investment worthy seasons yet. This season is strong with forever pieces, you buy a piece from Chanel, such as one of its famous boxy tweed jackets, which emerged hugely this season, and you will have it forever. In other words it is season-less. We want clothes that will endure fashion season after season, which we can keep forever and that will bite back in the face of the recession. And it is the spring/summer collections which offers us this, overflowing on a platter of bleached denim and tribal prints.
But there was a number of themes loosely linked from the shows which will satisfy the taste of any trend slave. 80’s fashion victim, African safari, floral feminies etc. were the standouts of the shows but again the standard spring/summer fare that seems to emerge very year. But it was Colour who remained the consistent link throughout all the shows and dominated the season. Instead of keeping with the basic and black of a/w 08, colour was fashion’s weapon of choice to fight the economical gloom with colour-blocking a major themes of s/s 09 shows. Cobalt, coral, burnt orange etc. intertwined the collections and offered us a beacon of optimism and hope, which is desperately needed. This season has taught us that In dark times such as these, only fashion can emerge as our saviour, even if it is clad in a leopard print tunic.

Hi!

Hey, My name is Lola (well no not really) and welcome to fashion storm. Well at the moment I'm an undergrad student studying liberal arts and although my taste ranges from Alexander Wang to Gucci my budget is a little more on the primark/target/some cheap chain store from whatever country you come from side. My blog is generally just my opinions on fashion, trends and celebrities as well as advice on how to live the designer lifestyle without paying the designer price tag. So If your just here to just look around or add a comment, enjoy! xx Lola