Tokyo Fashion Week F/W 2017

Asian culture offers a style that is like nothing else and Tokyo tends to be vanguard, embracing and combining westernized style with its own heritage and fast paced culture. Runways, simultaneously innovative and classic, present with precise tailoring and clean lines in even the quirkiest of collections.

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My favorite collection was from Yuki Torii International. It was a very chic sportswear line for women that just had such a definitive, luxurious feminine appeal.

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Dressed Undressed gave a nod to business attire and casual wear, weaving the two together as if they were one in the same.

The simple, intricate style from Akiko Aoki really caught my attention with its softer color palette.

Viviano Sue is one of the popular avant garde collections, and while I wouldn’t necessarily wear the exact outfit, some of the pieces were really nice.

Lala Love had a pretty unusual collection complete with safety pins on the models mouths. The line stayed trendy with its colorful gingham print and bow wedges, but the presentation was a little rough.

Cote der Mer Menswear line was aggressive. The line had an deconstructed expression, with the acid wash and even a reflective safety vest.

A model for Matohu

Model walking Murral runway

Tokyo Fashion Week definitely delivered on rule-breaking style that still had an amazing quality that could really set a standard for the fashion industry. Even in the most anti fashion of runways, clothing is still speaking volumes and looks are pulled together where they normally wouldn’t be. Some might say is has grown stale, but it would appear to be vibrant as ever.

Photos courtesy of Amazon Tokyo Fashion Week & Reuters

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Creating a Wardrobe & Why Closet Essentials Are Important

Fashion in all its wonder can be daunting at times. Trends come swirling in and out of our lives so quickly we don’t have time to blink. For a long time I stressed myself out over keeping up, and I spent way to much time and money on things I didn’t need. But since I have started studying fashion, I’ve finally found a way to balance fashion to suit my lifestyle. Closet maintenance can seem tricky, but with a few good guidelines can be easy and fun.

A good wardrobe will allow for better time management so we don’t spend an hour looking at a stuffed closet thinking we have nothing to wear. Less time doing laundry and caring for clothes, less shopping for things that will never be worn, leading to more money for things that matter, contentment and happiness.

Closet essentials are the building blocks to a great wardrobe. Essentials are the pieces worth splurging on, they will go with everything and if good quality, can last forever. These pieces also work for men, swap out the dress and pencil skirt for a suit, heels for brown oxfords and flats for sneakers.

Essentials are not to be confused with a capsule wardrobe. Capsule wardrobes were developed in the 70s by Susie Faux. It is 30 to 40 versatile pieces that represent time and energy for what matters to you. I like to use the capsule wardrobe as a reference, tweaking it to build on what I already have, not limiting myself to x amount of items. Others like to have multiple capsules i.e. one for work, one for casual. Ignoring it is fine too, it really just depends how you want to approach it.

So the question is how do we create a wardrobe? The first thing to do is assess what is already in our closets. To start, empty out your closet entirely. It sounds intimidating, but I promise it’s not. Then sort each item into 4 piles:

• Love it-It fits your lifestyle and you feel comfortable and confident when wearing it.
• Maybe- These items are the ones you don’t wear but paid a lot. Whether because the color is off, doesn’t quite fit right, or needs to be fixed. These can be stored in a separate box if you aren’t ready to get rid them yet. Getting rid of the visual clutter can take the pressure off, but if you realize there was something you could use, it isn’t gone. If it isn’t worn in a year, it can be donated.
• No-Anything you can’t stand or never ever wear. Donate, have a clothes swap, or sell. It seems weird to let go at first, but you won’t regret the extra space for sensible new things you’ll actually enjoy.
• Seasonal- The staples that you love can be rotated in when they are needed.

The love it pile should show what pieces work best for you and what your style is. From here, a shopping hiatus might be good. Living with what you have for a while can better show what your style is and what you need. If you don’t have staples you can invest in those. When you need to go shopping, make a list of those things you need, but don’t forget to give yourself room to experiment and indulge by allowing for nonbasic or trending pieces per season. (I.e swimsuits, sandals and sundresses in the summer, a sweater or new gloves in winter.) Remember that just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it has to be bought, but if you like it don’t feel bad about making a purchase.

Continue to edit as needed. Evaluate at least every season, but as often as you’d like. If you need pieces for work, travel or special occasions, get them! Our wardrobes are an expression of who we are and investing in that should not be frustrating or difficult. Fashion should make us feel good, end of story.

Paris Fashion Week

Fashion month has come to an end, and what a fitting place for the final stop to be than in Paris. Although my reviews are mixed on the actual shows themselves, Paris always gives you hope that the shows will be as spectacular as the city itself. Whether or not the shows lived up to the glamour of Paris or not is open for debate, but it always is something to anticipate. Here is the wrap-up of this years Paris fashion week.

Balmain had a cohesive bohemian collection that had layers in suede, mohair, shearling and legging boots to accent.

I liked the rich berry color that dominated the runway at Elie Saab.

Other fresh styles from Lemaire, Haider Ackermann, Isabel Marant, Chloe, Christian Wijnants, Louis Vuitton and Masha Ma.

Paco Rabanne used chainmail as a statement fabric. It looks lightweight, I’d probably try a skirt, what about you?

Lanvin’s Bouchra Jarrar said her mission was to blend tenderness and force of materials that represented modern women. The delicate fabric was breezy and pleasant.

Rick Owens & Commes de Garcons had extremely abstract runways that were peculiar and confusing to say the least.

Although in the popular color of this season, the Undercover runway was another spectacle.

Aalto had both streamlined and so so looks. The cropped cape and pinstripes were really chic, but the removable fur panels against heavily printed knits and patchwork like suits didn’t strike me as an odd contrast, and as a result, made the runway trail off into nowhere.

Leislore Frowijn is a dutch designer that loves the juxtaposition of sportswear and luxury. I thought the color and pattern duo on most of the clothes made it a little busy and hard for the eye to follow, but the gold accents in the gloves and collars were really unique.

Runways like Kenzo are using a lot of brighter colors for their fall collections that is a really cool alternative to darker colors for winter months.

Mugler had a futuristic, space collection with lots of metallics, strong shoulders and Star Trek inspired gear. I like the strappy jumpsuits, belted waistlines and sheer sleeves under sleeveless jackets.

Givenchy was in red being the color of the runway. The entire collection had different red ensembles. Even though I like these looks, I dot think I’d walk out of the house in an entire red outfit, but the matching belt and pants would look good with a white or black tee and different color shoes.

I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the frumpy dresses and askew draped attire from Moon Young Hee.

Dries van Noten celebrated their 30th anniversary with loud mixed prints.

Valentino presented a lot of Victorian style dresses ranging all across the color spectrum from deep black to pastel blue.

A brand that I hadn’t heard of before whose presentation I really enjoyed was Andrew Gn. It was dramatic in pattern, sleek in cut and moody in color. This collection was fun to see and definitely one I’ll keep my eye on.

So, another Paris fashion week comes to a close. Much like the city itself, we saw vibrant colors, many layers and very different styles everywhere you looked. Whether you loved or just liked or even disliked the lines in this year’s show, Paris fashion week always results in great discussion about fashion that never dissapoints.

 

The 13 Worst Looks from iHeart Radio Music Awards

On Sunday at The Forum in Inglewood, California were the 4th iHeart Radio Music Awards. Top 40 music has not been great lately, but the fashion from musicians at this event was insufferable.

Katy Perry started the night off in a cute cream jumpsuit with foil geometric shapes, she stepped out later in a clashing ensemble not only in color, but it material and texture. I have no comment on her latest hairstyle.

Jumpsuits were the popular attire of the night. Some of them were nice, while others could have done better. The best look was from Janel Parrish. It had a nice color, silhouette and the pant legs were hemmed appropriately. Other attire from Kristen Doute and Stassi Schroeder of Vanderpump Rules and Jojo Fletcher.

Daya’s jumpsuit on the other hand can hardly be called that. Sheer sleeves and pant legs weren’t enough, the middle had to be cut out also. Miley Cyrus has apparently passed the baton to her sister, Noah, who’s look seemed to be inspired by Miley’s style as well, with platform shoes and a sheer dress.

Midriff baring looks from Halsey and Karrueche Tran. Crop tops are still cool to wear, no need to resort to bras or belts. Especially belts.

The Chainsmokers looked pretty clownish, like they are lounging around the house, not at an event where they would be performing and winning awards. Swap the sweatshirt out  for a button-down or even a tee and jacket, just a little effort is all anyone is asking for.

Some of the worst looks were Maddie Ziegler and Hunter Mcgrady. Where one look was hectic and overzealous, the other was lacking and smutty.

Demi Lovato needed some contrasting color to break up that silver. Monochrome looks are best with different tones, not pieces in the identical shade. Christina Milian has the same problem, a necklace or bag was needed to compliment her matching dress/shoe combo, not to mention she’s one wrong fraction of a turn from a wardrobe malfunction.

Photos courtesy toofab.com and Huffington Post

Oscar After Party Looks You Can’t Miss

The fashion kept going at the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party. The gowns were much better than the red carpet. Here are a few of the swoon worthy late night ensembles that were spectacular.

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Chic Black

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Bright Spring Colors

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Shades of Blush

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Photos courtesy of Huffington Post and The Zoe Report

London & Milan Fashion Weeks

After fashion month kicked off in New York, the fashion world moved across the pond to London and Milan respectively for their Fashion weeks, with a lot to say.

I wasn’t all that impressed with the J.W. Anderson runway. The more relaxed skirt in the white ensemble was how I thought more of the line should have had. The puffiness and feathers are out of balance and replete.

At Roksanda, warm and cool colors were mixed for an unusual palette, but relaxed and enticing none the less.

Margaret Howell is the master of the art of unchanged dressing, and I do like that although oversized and in heavier fabric, can still look feminine or masculine.

Erdem had a romantic energy to its runway with a light color palette, fluttery skirts and soft fabrics.

More impactful style from London by Anya Hindmarch, Simone Rocha, MM6 Maison Margelia, Roland Mouret and Pringle of Scotland.

I liked the menswear presented better than the women’s apparel at Burberry. They were utilitarian and layers built details, in knit, pattern and color.

The women’s line was sloppy and poorly constructed. The proportions were off, elongated sleeves and the asymmetrical attire was extremely irritating.

Onto Milan, while there were great pieces and styles, something was left to be desired.

Sportmax was crisp and a bit moody. The jacket midi lengths were really great muted but modern pieces. This was my favorite line from Milan.

Gucci showed a men’s and women’s collection for a total show of 120 outfits. There were lots of colors and inspirations from different eras, but it didn’t have any kind of flow to it. With that massive presentation, it was difficult to follow. I think Alessandro Michele should leave the street style on the street so his runway is less chaotic.

Angel Chen said this was a playful line with a blend of eastern and western culture with a nod towards unity and togetherness. I found it to be a bit monotonous.

I did like this color combination and the geometric lines from Byblos. I thought the mohair pieces added an additional, whimsical texture to the outfits..

..but this half fur style from Au Jour Le Jour does not look good at all.

Red was a popular color in Milan, the red boots at Fendi were the star of the show. It definitely stood out, though I’m not sure it there was a reason to include such a strong color, or if it was merely coincidence.

Clockwise from top left, Tod’s, Jil Sander, Missoni, Fendi, Byblos

Annakiki show, Ready To Wear collection Fall Winter 2017 in Milan

Some other looks that were good from Missoni, Au Jour Le Jour, Tod’s, and Etro. A weird debut new to Milan was from Annakiki, a Chinese brand whose collection this year was an ode to aliens. (Middle photo)

How are you feeling about the latest fashion collections?

Photos courtesy of Italian Vogue, Now Fashion and Hero Magazine

The 2017 Academy Awards

The Oscar’s were a night full of event, candy falling from the sky, Matt Damon being played off the stage as an announcer, even best picture being mixed-up. (Yes, really.) While the night was eventful, the red carpet was not all that impressive.

 

These beige yellow-y gowns were a popular color of the evening, but I thought it was bland and washed out.

Dakota Johnson in Gucci, Emma Stone in Givenchy Couture, Felicity Jones in Christian Dior

These dresses were cute but so similar, who do you think wore it better: Emma Roberts in Armani or Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton?

Pharrell Williams had a sharp suit by Chanel, but went a little overboard on the jewelry. And while Charlize Theron had a simply styled Dior gown, she’s had such amazing gowns in the past, this one was just a little bit of a disappointment.

Alicia Vikander’s Louis Vuitton and Brie Larson’s Oscar de la Renta gowns also left something to be desired. I wasn’t impressed by the ruffled lace of Alicia’s dress and the neckline Brie had was that batman shape that did not look good. She also could have used a necklace or bracelet to elevate the look. However, they did have nice shoes.

Janelle Monae’s Elie Saab gown while shimmering and glittery, was a little too frou frou.

Leslie Mann in this chartreuse Zac Posen was such a flop. The heavy fabric definitely weighed this gown down.

Ruth Negga’s long sleeve Valentino looked kind of stuffy, I think it could have gone without the high sheer turtleneck neckline and Scarlett Johansson’s chunky accessories didn’t pair well with the light pink georgette dress, not to mention that the gauzy texture has the resemblance of a shedded snakeskin.

There were a few styles that were absolutely  breathtaking.

Sting and Trudy Styler were so well dressed and elegant.

Kirsten Dunst had a chic and classic black gown by Dior.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel in Kaufman Franco. This dress is pretty amazing. It had favored styles others were wearing, the light gold color and long sleeves, but I admired hers the most. The double sided sequins added an unexpected texture, the train wasn’t too long, and the collar had really exquisite beading on it.

Mahershala Ali went with an all black look and minimal accessories that looked very dapper.

Halle Berry was sleek and sultry in Atelier Versace.

Octavia Spencer in Marchesa. I loved this color and the way the feathers in the skirt blend.

The two best gowns of the night were Viola Davis dressed fabulously in Armani and Taraji P. Henson stunned in Alberta Ferretti.

photos courtesy of CNN

New York Fashion Week 2017

Fashion month is underway, and New York brought a lot to the table. However, a few shows went to LA, like Tommy Hilfiger and Rebecca Minkoff. There has been discussion about fashion week being dead, that changes in the coming seasons are to be expected as designers tie social media into selling clothes. There has already been a shift, some designers have chosen a see-now, buy-now schedule over an excessive runway. Instead of using professional models at the Rebecca Minkoff show, she used popular social media influencers. ‘”They have strong and dedicated followings”, she said. “What better way to get the customer excited than to have their favorite influencer walk the runway?”‘[1]

It’s an interesting approach that definitely shows acceptance from the fashion industry, which has been outspoken about the lack of credibility social media has as a platform. A following is attractive to a designer or company to reach a large audience and maybe a different demographic they otherwise wouldn’t reach, but social media influencers sometimes come off as glorified fashionistas and shoppers, not that they have any knowledge of fashion. It’s not that they don’t have expertise, but in the chaos of social media, it easily gets lost.

But back to NYC, the runways were pretty strong.

My favorite collection was from Pamella Roland. It was colorful and sparkly, interesting me in details I normally don’t like. For example, the first two gowns have huge slits, but they are toned down with a mesh insert and pair of tights. Those small additions tone down the leg and enable other open or sheer elements, because their isn’t a large and direct amount of skin. I also liked the way she used feathers that were short and blended into the dress (in the third image).

The all black runway from Alexander Wang had some pretty pieces that were kept fresh in their monochromatic color with layers and accents of mesh, rhinestones and even chain mail tees.

While Calvin Klein is known for sensual American minimalism, this year’s runway looked very androgynous. Even though the styles look good, it could have been a man or woman in any of the outfits, and it just surprised me to see that from such a popular design house.

Luxurious metallics dominated the Christian Soriano runway, and they were absolutely breathtaking

Carolina Herrera’s line was very crisp and streamlined, she told Vogue, “It’s a very uncomplicated silhouette. To me, the less complicated, the more modern, Sometimes, when things are too complicated, they belong in the circus.” [2] I really liked the playfulness of the line amidst its classic silhouette. Everything had a refined ease to it that moved well.

High fashion and old Hollywood glamour were infused in every ensemble on the Badgley Mischka runway.

Other lines that had classic looks and daring colors include Narsico Rodriguez, Victoria Beckham, Alice+Olivia, The Row and Oscar de la Renta (clockwise from top left).

[1] Is New York Fashion Week Dead?, Arati Patel, toofab.com, 9 Feb 2017

[2] Nick Remsen, Vogue, 13 Feb 2017

photos courtesy of Vogue

Grammy’s 2017

Wow, was the Grammy red carpet a disappointment. There were so many gowns that had fabulous elements, but then other parts of the attire that just ended up making them weak. The event was pretty cool, I thought James Corden was a great host, and I loved Adele’s tribute to George Michael. However, the arrivals and outfit glimpses left me wanting so much more. Let me explain.

The shape of Laverne Cox dress by Bryan Hearns isn’t horrible, but the cutout and metal detail along the sides makes it just that. And that weird extra strap hanging off her shoulder is unnecessary.

Thousands of question marks are on my mind when I see this attire from Cee Lo Green.

The most confusing dress of the night was Katy Perry in Tom Ford. The sequin half is great and had it gone floor length would have been to die for. But instead we got a weird hybrid ensemble that is not interesting in the least.

This, and the outfit Lady Gaga wore during her performance were both sleazy and lousy no explanation needed.

Even though the color of these dresses are really nice, when you can and have to hold the hem of your dress down to avoid a wardrobe mishap, the dress is too short.

Heidi Klum in Phillip Plein & Tara P. Henson in Marc Jacobs

Another dress that doesn’t have a horrible silhouette is this Ralph & Russo couture Jennifer Lopez is wearing. Her clutch and shoes are great accents right? Then there is this tulle mess the size of her head. Why?

This Gucci dress Solange wore came so close but fell so far with that atrocity of a sleeve.

Do you see what I mean by unnecessary elements that are ruining these ensembles?

Halsey said this outfit was inspired by TLC and that she wanted an androgynous look. In that she succeeded. I like the color, and maybe for a different event this outfit would be acceptable, but for the Grammy’s I feel its innappropriate. I feel like every time I see her at an event she has no top. This is the biggest event in music, she could have at least worn a tank top.

Katharine McPhee wore a Thai Nguyen Atelier dress that was nice enough, although I think it could have been a bit chicer without the slit.

Back to another style that fell short, at least for me, was Lea Michele in Roberto Cavalli. The silhouette is fine, the crop top/skirt combination is a trending style and the embellishments are cute, but the skirt is sheer and I am so annoyed with that. Why are people into that trend? Her hair and makeup are also weird. The pink shadow made her look like she was sick and her hair looks so stiff.

Whose cleavage cutout do you like better-Carrie Underwood in Elie Madi or Demi Lovato? If these gowns weren’t sheer they would be some of the better gowns of the evening, but sheer skirts and a huge cutout make for too much on one dress.

Luckily, the night’s attire was not completely lost to us. Charlie XCX wore this vivid Vivienne Westwood gown. I really liked her velvet heels.

And a few of the better dressed of the night were Andra Day, whose hair accessories and dress color were superb; and Diana Gordon whose dress was modern with the cutout and tied straps, but balanced through the neck and hemline.

Rihanna wore Armani Prive also from couture week, although I think the top was cropped a little high, the skirt is great.

To some this might be too much floral, but I think Elle King in Teuta Satoshi had the perfect blend of elegant and bohemian.

Ryan Seacrest and Chance the Rapper both looked dapper.

This Balmain dress Daya wore was very sleek. The pleats were a very stylish component.

Faith Hill and Celine Dion both stunned in Zuhair Murad. (Tim McGraw looked sharp as well!)

Adele looked surreal and glamorous in Givenchy, and a congratulations to her for winning song, record and album of the year!

I thought Beyonce and Jay-Z  were the best dressed of the night. The contrast of navy in Jay-Z’s suit against the vibrancy of her dress and necklace are flawless.

Photos courtesy Business Insider, USA Today and Elle

Paris Couture Fashion Week

Haute Couture is one of my favorite things about fashion. It pushes boundaries to such a creative realm that I find so inspiring.

Elie Saab was my favorite collection all around. It was glitzy, shimmery and it didn’t matter if it was a gown or a pair of pants, it was breathtaking in make and movement. You can see the entire collection on the video screen to the left.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection was very streamlined, but bright and striking with lots of movement.

Zuhair Murad presented a dramatic and beautiful rainbow that was another favorite of mine. The embellishments, tulle and embroidery against volumes of satin was a dream brought to life.

The Armani Prive line was full of that bold orange hue and the classic black. The details and layers were lovely and sharp.

Chanel had a calm and tailored presentation that came in the most spring-y pastel palette.  Karl Lagerfeld said, ” I wanted something impeccable, clean.” I thought the classic silhouettes nodded to what the Chanel brand has been and with some of the more progressive ensembles, showed why Chanel is still a beloved part of fashion to this day.

This dress would have been a favorite if not for the overwhelming fuzzy hemline. The tiny bit on the sleeves is sufficient.

Yay or nay to these nail rings by Georges Hobieka?

While I thought this collection had a bit too much going on with its pieces, Dutch brand Viktor and Rolf have dedicated their last two shows to up cycling fabrics, and I like the notion.

A favorite trend of mine were these bold statement earrings. I think the larger size will be a fun accessory to play up outfits for the spring.

Alexandre Vauthier and Zuhair Murad

Not all the looks were great though. Some were weird, questionable at best. For starters, what’s the purpose of a hat with holes in it and block a persons line of sight?

Maison Margiela

Alexia Mabille

Statement jewelry doesn’t need to be terrifying.

Julien Fournie, Maison Margiela

This oversized gold corset from Jean Paul Gaulier looks like its swallowing this model up and where exactly is one to wear this paper bag-esque attire fro Franck Sorbier complete with headgear?

Photos courtesy Vogue and Chron