Spring 2012 Trend: The Peplum

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, like the global fashion calendar is an ever spinning roller coaster ride. You never quite get off to catch your breath. Before the spring collections hit the stores, the pre-fall collections are out. Just two weeks ago, it was Spring 2012 haute couture week, before we get a chance to stare at and appreciate the craftsmanship of the stunning collections, we are being ushered hurriedly into Fall 2012 fashion week, kicking off in New York today.

New York Fashion week schedule

In spite of this apparent madness – and I don’t want to imagine what the designers and their team of stylists, makeup artistes, art directors, publicists etc must feel – it still is a great rush when another fashion week is coming up. You can’t help but be curious about what the trends for the next season will be, where the designers will be drawing inspiration from, what to expect from your favourite designers and if some trends you love will be making a comeback. As a diehard fifties aficionado, I’m always on the lookout for a fifities comeback, that means I get to find those nipped in the waist, full skirted dresses in the shops.

So, I’m waiting with eager anticipation for the shows to start. In the meantime, I get to keep looking at and talking about some of my favourite trends from the season we’re in now.

Spring is the most relevant season for us in these parts because we can identify with the clothes and can wear them, unlike Fall where most of the clothes are made in fabrics and come in styles we can’t wear in the tropics. Some stunning trends came out of Spring 2012 and make for great fashion. Over the next couple of posts, I will do a spotlight on some of these trends, starting right now with The Peplum.

I fell in love with the Peplum since my childhood days in the 80s, it was just so girly and I liked it. I never really did get a Peplum dress but how I longed for one. This right here is my chance to fulfil my childhood fantasies.

Now, you’ve never seen the peplum get as edgy, psychedelic and avant garde as it got in the Spring collections, and it showed up everywhere, from Celine to Jason Wu to Marchesa, all the way to Vera Wang. Some designers based their collection on this trend – Vera Wang and Givenchy had Peplums on at least half the clothes they showed – it was stunning what Givenchy did with the style.

This trend is bang on for girls who want to emphasize the waist, give a chic twist to work wear or play up their feminine side with a girly, frothy peplum in lace or tulle.

However you like it, get inspired by a plethora of peplums in every conceivable style.

 

 

Photo credits: Elle.com

 

Victoria Beckham Spring 2012 Bags

This lady is certainly not laughing, she’s ain’t kidding. Watch your back Louis Vuitton, VB is coming.

The first Victoria Beckham bag collection was moderate and just enough to complement the clothes. Enter Spring 2012 and it’s obvious she has plans to build a bag empire.

The Spring 2012 collection features such a wide variety of bags, ranging from ipad and blackberry cases to clutch bags, shoulder bags, convertible bags and travel cases. There were chain strap bags, duffel bags, totes and a departure from the regular structured bags to slouchy bags. They came in a variety of colours – lemon, turquoise, peach and the signature “Victoria” bag was made in python and alligator textures.

I mean,  this lady could give LV a run for their money, how do we know she’s not dropping a travel luggage range in the mix next season. Either way she goes, Viva Victoria Beckham!

And by the way, if you’re drooling, start saving, prices range from £900 for the shoulder bags up to £8,000+ for the ‘Victoria’ crocodile bag. They sell out fast too, so save up fast ;)

Photo credits: styledotcom

Fashionably Artsy Marchesa Spring Collection

Marchesa has fashion artistry down to an art, pardon the pun. The detail and craftsmanship that goes into the collections qualify them for a spot in Haute Couture.

Wearability for some of the designs is a different question, depending on who you are and what your taste is. Appreciating and admiring this stunning work however, is a must do.

See for yourself from my favourites from the collection.

 

Photo credits: Elle.com

The stunner Burberry Prorsum delivered…LFW S/S 12

My Spring 2012 fashion week retrospective continues…

I have to say i’m pleasantly stunned and so inspired by what Burberry put on display in London. A fresh, eclectic departure from the norm. If you were expecting to see trench coats and the signature checks, plaids and neutral hues, well think again.

This collection was packed full of bold tribal print, crochet designs, wood and bead detailing, the accessories – bags, shoes, hats – were intricately designed and so so bright and beautiful.

I’ve put together a collage of my best picks from the  beautiful collection. This is arguably my best of the Spring 2012 collections, it’s a call to break out and do something different. Christopher Bailey described the collection as ‘Joyous, upbeat, nostalgic.’ With this collection, he wanted to celebrate things that take time to do instead of delivering the status quo. Great results coming out of that thinking, it’s spectacular and beautiful.

And of course, the outer wear wasn’t completely excluded, that’s the Burberry classic, the style, cut and design was just updated. In an eclectic way.

 

Photo credits: Styledotcom, Elle.com

The Rachel Zoe Spring 2012 collection

When a fashion connoisseur cum fashionatic cum stylist to hollywood chics launches a line, it’s for sure something to look out for. Asides from her credentials, Rachel Zoe is to be loved because she is one person who is passionate about what she does, she makes it look like the great fun that I’m sure it is. Her reality series ‘The Rachel Zoe project’ was my fashion fix for a good part of last year. I’ll be watching the new season 4 as well, starting the back episodes this week.

Anyways, on to my Spring 2012 retrospective….

After being a stylist for a long while, Rachel Zoe decided to launch her very own fashion label. The first collection was for fall 2011 and she made a brilliant showing.

What I love about this Spring collection, which she showed during NYFW, is how versatile, graceful and pretty the pieces are. RZ is a seventies inspired girl, her style is very distinct and its reflected in the collection. I kinda like it when a designer’s collection reflects their style a la Victoria Beckham in the earlier days. What better way to endorse the brand?

The maxi dresses and tailored pieces have to be my favourites, the inclusion of ruffles here and there add the right dose of girliness without being too sweet. That cobalt blue jumpsuit? Is so badly wanted!

All in all, j’adore

Photo credits: Elle.com

I quite liked the Christian Dior collection

What a day it has been! It wasn’t going to end without me adding one to my Spring 2012 runway retrospective. And there is plenty more to come. Watch out for the luxe and delectable Elie Saab!

These here are my picks from the Christian Dior collection. Post the much talked about departure of creative director John Galliano (after his anti-semitic comments fiasco), I knew it would literally be impossible for whoever took his place to follow directly in his footsteps. I mean, how do you copy a theatrical artist? John Galliano had taken wacky to a whole ‘nother level and the Dior collections were much more theatrical fanfare than fashion show. Even though there was the argument that if you took out the props and pulled the pieces apart, there was something there. Oh well, I liked the collections for pure artistic value, John Galliano made a good show.

So it goes without saying that I was curious to see what his back fill would do. And if you ask me, he did well. Bill Gaytten played it safe I must admit but it was refreshingly and wearably safe. They are all pieces I would love to own, in beautiful soft patterns and fabrics, love the play on textures and smattering of colour. It was ladylike chic and very grown up.

Photo credits: Elle.com

Lace works for Spring at Miu Miu

Miuccia Prada’s design aesthetic is lost on me sometimes. I think she’s just done with real practical fashion and is bordering  on art, very edgy art. Now I’m all for fashion as art but you really have to be uber edgy and give no thought to realistic or practical style to wear Miu Miu and Prada…it seems. Having said that, we see the street style pics, especially from fashion week and we see the 0.1% of humanity who dare wear monkey motif blouses.

The reason for my perplexity is the first set of pictures you see down here. Like, what’s with the criss cross, strait jacketish do??? Yeah, I don’t get it too but I’m sure the fashion editors and stylists will find some great editorial use for it. And of course, not forgetting the 0.1% who will wear it, lol. We look forward to the street style shots.

There’s real reason to smile though, just scroll down a bit further.

I LOVE lace! My favourite fabrics in the world are lace, silk and chiffon/tulle/the sheers in general. So, she does some interesting stuff with lace. Discount some of the funky layering and you’d find some stunning dresses, skirts and coat even.

Now, those are right up my alley!

To digress from this collection, Spring 2012 fashion month is over and there were so many stunning collections.  I’ll be rolling out the ones that made the most impression on me over the next few days or even weeks??? Totally love Spring collections. Dior is up next.

See you around!

Photo credits: Elle.com

The Stunning Bags of Louis Vuitton’s Spring Collection

The clothes and shoes in the Louis Vuitton collection were pretty, very quaint and girly. A huge departure from the 70s disco party from last season.

I admired the use of laser cut lace and pastel shades and the lacey umbrellas the models clutched BUT it was the bags that grabbed me and didn’t let go. What beauty! The colours, the sizes, the styles. Louis Vuitton is so so hard to beat when it comes to bags and luggage.

I fully and totally heart this bag line up. If this really is Marc Jacobs’ last collection for Louis Vuitton, it’s a very fitting finish, we’ll be waiting for him at the Dior end.

All  these picks are loved and very wanted. Lol

 

Photo Credits: Styledotcom

 

 

 

 

Ohhh Valentino

Paris Fashion Week will always deliver the goods. It’s in Paris you separate the girls from the ladies. Lol. Since the fashion month train moved to Paris, I’ve seen enough fantastic fashion to make me drool. There have been some ‘rolling my eyes and saying next?’ types but the Valentinos of this world typically never disappoint. Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen has worked some wonders too and I will post shortly but right here is a bright spot of sunshine on a rainy day.

This collection is the ultimate girly girl’s dream. Whimsical tulle, delicate lace, gold embroidery, pastel blues, pinks, blush, floor sweeping red frocks and a stunning velvet floral appliqué dress. The hair, makeup and accessories really complemented and played up that ultra feminine style; you almost see a hint of Victorian influence in the styling and a couple of pieces.

You just kinda want almost every piece? Because it covers the wardrobe from day to night, may be difficult to find work wear in there but depending on the type of person you are and what job you do, you just might.

Enough of the gushing, here are my favs, you be the judge of this stunning collection.

 

 

Photo credits: Elle.com

Go Balmain!

I was so excited about this collection, I almost screamed. The transformation that has happened at Balmain is reminiscent of what happened at Alexander McQueen last Spring.

Balmain has always represented the signature rock chic designer. As at last Spring, that rock chic was bordering on grunge. With ripped, dirty jeans and tees, all combined with the signature heavily embellished Balmain jackets.

The creative director, Christophe Decarnin was our sweetheart. I loved the spunk of Balmain under him, but he shockingly left the house in February and handed over to Olivier Rousteing, a 25 year old young man who had worked under him for 2 years. Now, I really don’t want to get hung up on how cute Olivier is, but he is cute. We’re talking fashion here however…*clears throat*

So! What he has done is brought sleek chic into the equation, keeping the elaborate embroideries and embellished details but upping the glam factor and class. The rock chic bordering on grunge has been tossed and there’s beautiful, properly feminine light thrown into the design aesthetic.

We will be watching Olivier.

Olivier Rousteing

Photo credits: Style dot com

 

 

 

MFW Blugirl Spring 2012

Milan Fashion Week definitely brought it. More than a handful of designers dropped a collection worth oohing and aahing for. You bet Paris Fashion Week will totally decimate it!

I was going to check out the A list designer collections when I ‘stumbled upon’ Blu girl and boy was I transfixed! This collection is simply stunning. Intensely feminine bordering on sweet but so sleek, so chic. Whimsical floral prints in floaty chiffon, stunning colour blocking, pretty pastels, pinks, yellows and greens. The blush in silky fabrics are so drool worthy. The combination of colours, patterns and fabrics worked to perfection. I mean, every piece in this collection hits my kind of style note. Perfect for Spring and interpreted in a style I consider refreshing.

It was a 46 piece collection and these are my favs. Look out for more of my favourite picks from more designers.

 

 

Photo Credits: Elle.com

Viva Jason Wu

Jason Wu

This young designer’s creativity inspires me to no end. The consistency in his style, impeccable tailoring, that effort to add a fresh and different dimension to his designs, with clear inspiration; all result in pretty, very wearable pieces.

I was a bit taken aback by the thigh baring shorts that started the collection, that was his attempt at taking chances this season. True to his style though, he featured the delicately pretty ensembles that made us fall in love with him the first time.

Speaking of Spring 2012 though, I’m still trawling through the shows but i haven’t yet found my ultimate wow factor. Most of last Spring’s trends seem to be making the come back. As Cathy Horyn said though, let’s wait for the design power houses showing in Paris and Milan to tell us the game changing trends for next season.

Either ways, i’ll be back here talking about my ultimate wow factor collection once i find it!

 

Photo credits: Elle.com

Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Month is upon us

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