And I will not be starting this blogpost by commenting on the elephant in the room, i.e. where have you been? It’s sadly getting cliche. I’m thinking about making some changes, still thinking, might involve a new blog but hey i’ll keep you posted.
To the subject at hand. There’s no better inspiration for daily blogging than the unveiling of a new fashion season. Spring/Summer is the season to look out for because it dictates the trends we will be seeing and most probably wearing for the most part of the coming year. If you ask me, A/W tails behind and retains some trends from the S/S season.
Spring/Summer is also the most relevant season for all we tropics dwellers. We get to see what trends are making the come back, if it’s going to be another colour bomb season, there’s been talk about whites, muted turquoises, wisteria wave purples, neutrals. Will the 70s influence stay or go, what will be hitting the shops for the new season, how creative is it going to be, will any interesting trend make a come back, like polka dots or animal print from the last two seasons? Or perhaps my favourite 50s era will make a comeback? Unlikely but can’t help but wish. It’s exciting stuff I tell you.
Having said all of that, there’s been a lot of talk about what designers to watch out for, both old and new, I’ve read with keen interest. The thing is though, I have the designers I always look forward to with bated breath. Seeing another collection from these creative geniuses is pure bliss and a delight.
I’m talking about my top 5 designers to look forward to and why, with a peep at my favourites from their Fall 2011 collections.
1. Oscar de la Renta
I did a blogpost on Oscar de la Renta recently. This is one designer who makes the girly girl in me tingle with excitement. The dresses, the flawless tailoring, a very less is more elegant and soignée take on the season’s trends. His fall 2011 collection featured shift dresses, damask, jewel tones, lots of beauty.
2. Lanvin
I really like Alber Elbaz, the creative director of Lanvin. He combines a passionate artistic side with an understanding of the feminine silhouette and what’s practical. On top of that, he fully has a mind of his own, I sort of see him as an artist artist in the fashion industry. Alber Elbaz it was who decided last minute during the Spring 2011 shows, to put his models in flats because they were not comfortable in vertiginous heels during the dress rehearsals. Never mind that the flats were paired with flowing long dresses. Lol. Fall 2011 was some draping, flowy fabrics and quirky pretty accessories.
3. Jason Wu
He has come a mighty long way since Michelle Obama’s famous inauguration ball gown. He now has a shoe, bag and accessories line. I can’t help but look forward to see where he’s headed next in his design aesthetic. You can’t ignore Jason Wu’s sharp tailoring, detail and precision.
4. Victoria Beckham
Since her foray into fashion, it has been a minimalist, sleek chic aesthetic. Very polished, a mirror reflection of her own style. No one wears a Victoria Beckham dress better than the lady herself. The styles are practical, pretty and very wearable, straight off the runway. I fell hook, line and sinker for the clean lines, form flattering fit and the generous use of block colours with just a touch of patterns and prints here and there.
I’ve loved seeing the label evolve, slowly and steadily. Fall 2011 was quite different, in a really beautiful way. It looked like she opened up and was more experimental, with great results to show.
5. Elie Saab
Elie Saab is unrivalled in the expertise of draping the most exquisite fabrics delicately and stunningly on a woman’s frame. It really doesn’t matter what season it is, you’ll find red carpet ready dresses in the Elie Saab collection. The tailoring is exceptional, generously draped fabrics dripping with glittering jewels, totally exquisite. For Fall 2011, he added in quite a bit of simplicity, with knee length, softly draped dresses and shifts in block colours.
I look forward to Elie Saab with eager anticipation every season.
There are quite a few others who I look forward to as well, Haider Ackermann for the most amazing deconstructed pieces and lush draping, Gucci for luxe style and opulence, Diane von Furstenberg for girly and fun style.
Will report as much as I can on my favourite collections.
Have a blast this week. xx
Style Fest 
