Vassilios Kostetsos Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Fall hasn’t even started, and Greek designer Vassilios Kostetsos already has me excited for spring with his Spring/Summer 2011 “Aella” Collection, inspired by “Vazes & Amazones”, or greek ceramic vases, and the ancient amazon culture. I left the show in absolute awe – never before had I seen clothes so imbued with magic.  Originality, creativity, and absolute majesty are only three of the millions of positive words I could use to describe the line. I fell in love.

Breaking away from the light pink and tan colors he used last spring, Kostetsos made gold and blue the dominating colors of the collection, giving it an air of ancient royalty fit for the goddess Athena herself.

Many of the pieces were neutral colored dresses that danced along the model and were adorned with Greek images, such as vases and Greek women.

Scales also accentuated the collection, giving the pieces life and movement while adding  amazon flare to pieces that were otherwise rather simple. Swimwear, dresses, and jackets can all be found intensely decorated. The jacket below also displays elongated shoulder pads, which were also a key part of his collection.

Kostetsos graces America’s fashion with the inspiration of his home, Athens. Each piece displays the blood of his ancestors, while likewise intertwining modern fashions fit for the streets as well.

Custo Barcelona Spring 2011: Runway Rundown

Custo Barcelona’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection made it’s debut on September 12, and I was thrilled to be sitting in the crowd, watching the line float and flounce it’s way down the runway.  This collection could best be described as the Little Mermaid goes chic. Neons, fluorescents, and plenty of geometrics combined to make a fabulous line. Each piece was made to command attention by combining fiction and reality, with inspiration drawn from the movement of a Calder mobile and the functionality of “everyday clothes.” Pieces were created with geometric shapes, feathers and fringe. Subtle colors, such as nude and aquamarine, were re-combined with fluorescents in fuchsia, green, and yellow. In other words, it was all about contrast.

For Custo Dalamau, the designer behind the Custo Barcelona line, there is obviously no such thing as a solid color. But who needs solids when you can strut fabulously in mixed prints? Whoever says that you can’t mix your polka dots and stripes has obviously not seen what Dalamau is capable of. Patterns were ingeniously assembled into one coherent piece that is surely built to turn heads.

In a hat tip to the seventies, feathers and fringe also dominated the runway, giving each piece movement and boldness (as if the colors and patterns weren’t already attention-grabbing in and of themselves). Feathers were found on tops, bottoms, shoulders – you name it. Likewise, fringe was everywhere – including swimwear.

Dalamau managed to combine geometric shapes with the antithesis of flowing feathers and fringe, creating an avant-garde collection fit for anyone desiring to command attention. He received a thunderous applause from the queen of fabulosity herself, Miss Kimora Lee, alongside a few other celebrities who graced the front row.

Do you think the line is a hit, or a miss?

Fall Fashion Trends: Military Inspired

A Ten- HUT! Sound the trumpets- military is back!  Fashion does indeed repeat itself.  During my past couple of trips to the mall, I could not help but notice that from wall-to-wall, the army was sweeping into fall fashion. I was at first, slightly disconcerted; the thing that comes to mind when I think of army is camouflage, which certainly is not my thing. Fortunately, I came to find that army and camouflage are not one in the same!

Almost every major retail store is joining the trend, selling plenty of military-inspired pieces that are suitable for all ages and styles.

Mackage ‘Diana’ Military Inspired Wool Blend Coat

Mackage certainly puts a posh spin on the standard idea of “military”. This classy wool jacket has a standout collar, and flared cuffs. Whether worn over jeans or a suit, it is sure to make a statement, and is ideal for those chilly days ahead.

Military Strapless Dress**Love

This casual dress is the epitome of the trend- super simple but still marvelously stylish. All that would be needed to complete the look is some layers of Bengal bracelets and ankle boots.

A Ten-Hut Military Jacket

And the essential staple piece of fall is undoubtedly the jacket, or in this case, the military jacket. Always known for selling trendy items at affordable prices, Forever 21 also caught on to the trend. This jacket is under $30

Michael Kors “Joplin” Buckled Military Boots

Combat boots are as military as it gets. To wear boots like this is a bold statement sure to turn heads and show off that “tough-girl” image.

Alexander McQueen Military Lace-Up Faithful Bootie

For those a little hesitant to strut in combat boots, there is a softer alternative. The late and legendary genius Alexander McQueen knew just how to intertwine lady and soldier. These peep-toed stilettos are absolutely to-die-for. Who wouldn’t feel like a supermodel in these six-inch-high sensations?

There you have it- military-inspired looks that are completely absent of camouflage. All of those pieces are only a sliver of what’s out there, so there is no excuse not to leap enthusiastically onto the bandwagon, especially after seeing that exquisite pair of Alexander McQueens.

Copenhagen Fashion Week Trend Alert: Nude Colors

Last week, fashion week hit Copenhagen. Hundreds of designers put forth their best as models hit the runway, awing onlookers and inspiring Scandinavians for Spring/Summer 2011. Americans, being in the most diverse cultural center of the earth, can certainly also draw from the designers from across the ocean. Fashion is, after all, an international language of expression.

Almost every designer had ensembles that were nude colored. The trend seemed to be the biggest among them all. Within the nude variety, there were outfits that channeled Indiana Jones with safari-themed ensembles, and feminine chic pieces.

1.  Safari in Nude.

Ivan Grundahl used a scarf to add flare and two belts to accentuate the model’s feminine shape. These two touches made all the difference, transforming simple to runway-ready.

For Margit Brandt it takes bold jewelry and a standout pair of shoes complete with a matching belt. Although they are the two smallest pieces of the outfit, the green bracelets act as bold accents, proving that one standout piece of jewelry can in fact complete an entire ensemble.

By Malene Birger proves that when you have a lovely beaded jacket over a pale pink cami, less is more. No jewels or belts were necessary here.

BZR nails it by ingeniously layering shorts over a trench.

2.  Super Chic In Nude.

As the name suggests, American Retro brings back America’s good old days with this dress. No jewelry was necessary, for it would have created a distraction from the cut-out detail of the neckline. However, the boyfriend jacket adds edge without neutralizing the femininity of this delightful dress.

Bruuns Bazaar created this absolutely adorable piece, which was perfect as is. Don’t you just love the lace and ruffles?

Jesper Høvring created a dress fit for royalty. Detailed roses cover it from top to bottom, while a long ribbon hugs the right above the waistline to flatter any shape.

I say that this trend is a definite keeper, and for that, I’m already anticipating spring fashion.

Those few looks were merely a small bite out of the hundreds of pieces from many designers, which you can find on Copenhagen Fashion Week’s official website

Madonna’s Material Girl Line for Macy’s

In case you haven’t heard, Madonna is capitalizing on her material girl ways, joining the long list of singers and actresses who lend their names and fashion smarts to clothing lines. To be completely honest, when I hear that a celebrity has decided to make a fashion line, I roll my eyes. Madonna predictably named her line “Material Girls”, which can be found exclusively at Macy’s, and I must admit that my expectations were, well, minimal. Nevertheless, I looked online, and was pleasantly surprised to find that some of her line’s pieces will contribute to autumn’s attire rather well.

Unfortunately, looking at the pieces online and in-store are two very different things. I’m glad I visited Macy’s before making any impulsive online purchases. A lot of the fabrics were very inexpensive, and I felt like the quality wasn’t as high as it should be. However, among the disappointment there still were some great pieces.

This leather jacket, which is about $80, is my beloved. Doesn’t it just force that melting, I-have-to-have-it feeling into your heart? I definitely hope to buy this piece for this fall. It is both leather and studded. I get giddy with uncontrollable excitement thinking about how great this would look against a neutral-colored minidress, or even with just jeans and a t-shirt. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it at Macy’s, and although that perhaps is a sign that it’s so amazing that it’s sold-out, I’m on the lookout to find this jacket at every Macy’s I come across. Hopefully, it doesn’t disappoint.

The lace on this flannel shirt is another one of my favorites, as it adds a soft touch the “boyfriend” look which plaid entails. It comes in several other colors, and is, in general, a great piece for fall. I also am obsessed with the studded purse. Small crossbody bags have been everywhere lately, and I like Madonna’s studded version.

The striped crop top and studded fleece sweater were also great, and certainly a tribute to the 80’s, where Madonna first made her stamp in the world of pop. Cropped tops and studs are both also very in-style this fall, and these are two cute and casual pieces. They would look especially fashionable with high-wasted shorts over leggings, which is also a major trend.

There are adorable parts of her line, but all-in-all, I’d recommend checking out the clothes in person before you buy – not everything felt high-quality and durable. Fortunately, there are a couple of stellar items that I am actually very impressed with, and will certainly be great for the fall.

Simone Camille Bags: As Worn by Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus

Simone Harouche is the responsible for the metamorphosis of Christina Aguilera from teenage vixen to classy pin up girl, the controversial change in Miley Cyrus’ fashion in these past couple of years, and Nicole Richie’s bohemian chic style. Lately, she’s also been dabbling in a little designing. Her colorful and standout bags have been seen on some of her famous clients.

You also can indulge in the stars’ look, and it will only set you back by $280-$1860, depending on the bag.  Ok, I was kidding when I said only that much. But, you must admit, these purses are one-of-a-kind, colorful, and by the looks of it, easy to hold while taking care of your tots or walking your dog.

To join the all-star club of Simone Camille bag-holders, visit Simone Harouche’s website.

Fall Fashion Trends: Studs and Spikes

The winds of my favorite fashion season are beginning to stir. With layers, scarves, bold colors, extra accessories, fall is always about standing out. One of my favorite trends that has been lingering through summer and is sure to make a statement throughout these next few months of fall and winter is studs.

I believe that the perfect outfit will draw a little bit of inspiration from different genres of fashion. A pinch of classic or vintage, something bold and unique, etc. Studs are certainly influenced by the punk movement, but when worn properly, can compliment any look beautifully.

Here are some of my favorite looks that will certainly be my inspiration for all the shopping I will doing these next few months.

Michael Kors’ Pyramid Studded Set is killer.

I envision that it would look phenomenal with a denim jacket, or a black coat and a colored scarf to add a pop of color.
Marc Jacobs Stardust Stam Python-Embossed Leather Studded Satchel

This is a statement accessory which is obviously to die for! I love this color- alluring, and certainly made to match autumn’s boldness.

Topshop tackles the trend, too.

For a studded bag that will take less of a chunk out of your bank account, this is from London/New York’s famous fashion boutique, Topshop, for only $70.

Betsey Johnson ‘Lu Lu’ Studded Bow Leopard Print Leather Hobo

Betsey Johnson is a genius when it comes to mixing feminine and edgy. All of her clothes embody girlie qualities, but have a dash of funkiness as well.

Louboutin Clou Noeud Spikes – Black

Louboutin has a cornucopia of studded shoes. Loafers, pumps, peep-toed, closed-toed- and each made my mouth water. This particular design is my favorite. It’s edgy, but still sophisticated.

And voila! Maybe some of these can get your creative side going so that you can start the search and for some studded pieces this fall as you begin to trade those sun dresses for sweaters.