Showing posts with label Alexander Wang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alexander Wang. Show all posts

Spring 2014 Shows| Prabal Gurung, Altuzarra, and More


spring 2014 designer details



Prabal Gurung Spring 2014

Designer: Prabal Gurung

Sweet colors. That was Prabal Gurung�s idea of his new Spring 2014 �preserved elegance.� The theme didn�t quite convey the message in the clothes, but it did help with the setting. The models began the show with lining each other in two rows inside a plastic covered curtain and a melancholy song that made up for the lost theme. It felt more futuristic, which was something that did imbue in Mr. Gurung�s high-tech fabrics. 


The show began with a white cotton sheath number that exposed a plastic harness in the back. He really wants his harnesses to become a wardrobe staple for women. 


He played around with what he does best at � digital prints. It was captivating to see prints etched on plastic skirts and raincoats (every woman should own one of this), tweed, paper-thin leather, and glossy satin colored pieces that were major. His pastel colors � pink, lavender, green, red, baby blue, and yellow � made up a beautiful rainbow for a Saturday afternoon. Surprisingly, there were only three pants shown in the entire collection, but all had a great potential to sell out, especially that hot fitted lavender one with white details. Some final evening or cocktail dresses were also red carpet ready. Say that eye catching baby blue sweetheart satin dress we can�t get out of our minds yet.


Maybe he meant to make this collection preservation for the future of elegance. If that were the case, he outdid himself. But if were to implement harsh fashion into this review, who would this remind you of? Wouldn�t you see a dose of Prada or something our true fashion innovator, Raf Simons, has already done at Dior?



Designer: Alexander Wang

If there was anything present at Alexander Wang�s Spring 2014 collection, it was full on retro 90s. The setting reminded one of a badass school playground. Mr. Wang knows very well how to communicate with the streets, and it sure was present here. Street style has been the sole that has turned his label into a fanatic obsession amongst young liberating teenagers. 


The first three ruffled miniskirts � gray, blue, and pink � with white waistbands were sexy for the beginning of the show. It followed along with a number of gray cropped slouchy gray pants that looked the best in their white waistbands. There was something sort of fetish-y with some of the looks Wang sent out � hospital type gowns, men�s boxer-inspired shorts, single-buttoned collar shirts, �Parental advisory explicit content� tops, and laser-cut leather provocative overalls encrypted with �Alexander Wang.�


He brought back the logomania 90s with his �Alexander Wang� printed tops, laser-cut �Wang� leather gloves, and more that was put in your face. His best looks of the show were a black leather laser-cut �Wang� coat, and his visible stitched denim jackets. And we can�t forget about those overalls we hope to see someone wearing very soon discretely if they can. Overall, these pieces certainly had a demand for that target audience, and it was refreshing to see Wang include a slightly bit of color into his clothes this time. 


altuzarra spring 2014 dresses

Designer: Altuzarra

Altuzarra is one of the most anticipated shows in New York, and one of favorites amongst editors who we see wearing his label all the time. Joseph Altuzzara went for a more liberating tailoring this time, narrowing his structured embellishments to simply �layers.� Don�t take it wrong though, because if it�s Altuzarra doing his version of layering, it�ll be in the most genuine and luxurious manner. 


The show began with Joan Smalls wearing a silk striped button-down shirt and high-thigh semi-fringed skirt. If the first look said easiness with her shirt unbuttoned all the way to her waist, the rest was even more intriguing. Just about all skirts came with super-high slits on the left, but with Altuzarra�s signature of casual fringing. The most interesting skirts were the ones that seemed to be derived from an original button-down shirt cut to form a simple skirt; these will generate opinions and DIY when prices are revealed. 


The silk and layered shirts were the best part of this collection, but if the Altuzarra woman had something to say about these pieces it�d be in his suit jackets fitted to look easily luxurious with anything. His liquid silver and gold numbers � skirts, top, and dresses � brought a soft tailoring that were noteworthy. 


Fashion News You Should be Reading | Julien Dossena, and More

Julien Dossena and Reed Krakoff


Fashion


1. Paco Rabbane has appointed 30-year old french designer Julien Dossena will replace Lydia Maurer as its new creative director for the brand. Most of you may ask who is this french guy and what is there to know about the brand? 


Well, it happens that according to a press release from the label, Dossena was a senior designer at Balenciaga during Gh�squiere's reign from 2008 to 2012. As senior designer, you are in charge of the work and details of a collection the head designer wants to bring to life, meaning Dossena could bring a great influence from Gh�squire's technique to Paco Rabbane next season. He helped design Rabanne's fall 2013 show - a collection that sent a hot streetstyle message - and we can predict is if he were to take the brand in this route, Paco Rabanne could become the next big sensation amongst the youth. Maurer was beginning to shift the brand around quite well. (Read more here)


2. Reed Krakoff, who announced his departure in April as creative director from Coach, had been facing the problem as to who was going to buy his own label, Reed Krakoff. Coach had been the owner of his namesake label for quite a while, but ever since his departure it was time for someone to buy his name as well; felt like getting rid of everything Krakoff. 


This week, as the deadline came to a close for the purchase, WWD reported that Reed Krakoff bought his own label from Coach. A smart move we'd have to state. He is the one who built his signature label after all, so why not be the boss of your own label now? If an agreement wouldn't have been reached, A $3 million sale cut would have occurred. Well, now he will proudly have more liberty to expand his exquisite luxury label even more. Good luck to him. (Read more here)


3. You have probably already heard that Dolce & Gabbana have declared to close their brand completely if a tax-evasion fine is implemented. We hope this never happens, because if it were to happen it would be a very devastating moment for the fashion world. (Read more here)


Tom Ford Men's Grooming Collection - Bronzer Gel


Old News - New News


1. In case you didn't know, Tom Ford is set to launch an exclusive line of men's grooming products: bronzer, moisturizer, clay mask, concealer, and others. Even though it's "grooming", do you think it goes more towards make-up for men? Either way, we can't deny Tom Ford is a well dressed man with a flawless skin we admire. 


If he wanted to implement a great skincare product for men to wear, he would be the perfect candidate for the job. And if the line, which will be released in the fall, offers amazing results, rest assure the rest of the other guys will follow the lead. Investors even have set a well received number for these products, with the collection doing around $2.5 million in its first year. There is a lot of hope in Ford's new men's grooming collection don't you think? (Read more here)


Other Doubtful News


1. Alexander Wang released a video where he invites all his fan to a special top-secret event. The video below captures how people react when he announces that all the clothes are free to take. At first it may seem funny to see how the mass multitude of fans fight for free clothes, but after a few seconds a few doubts are created. Was this video staged, in other terms fake, or just a way to bring more media attention to the brand? We love Alexander Wang for his great use of knitwear and technical fabrics, but do we need this? Maybe for a short laugher we do. What do you think about the video?




Balenciaga Resort 2014 - Alexander Wang is Becoming a Young Couture Designer


Alexander Wang for Balenciaga Resort 2014 Collection


Alexander Wang became quite a shocker when he was announced as creative director for Balenciaga just a couple of months ago. His own fall 2013 collection appeared to have somewhat of a couture volume to several of the designs that made you think twice if he could have been the chosen one for such a supreme luxury brand. Then a few weeks later, his debut for Balenciaga�s Fall 2013 Collection showcased his talent for couture exquisitely, executing a very pleasing collection even tough fashion critic, Cathy Horyn, was very fond of. 


Mr. Cristobal Balenciaga was very famous for his high volume of architectural couture in many of his works, which is something Wang himself seemed to be fascinated about, bringing back some of the archive moments (codes) of the house. It feels with no doubt like a new Balenciaga, toned down gracefully enough to appreciate every detail of work in each piece. Yes, Nicholas Ghesquiere brought the strong vibrant futuristic designs to the house, but Alexander Wang has also kept it injected in the brand. At such a young age, he seems to learning a lot in just a short period of time.



Alexander Wang for Balenciaga Resort 2014 Collection


His resort 2014 collection is a living proof that the designs do appeal quite classically futuristic, such as a black cropped top with exaggerated epaulets, or the white cropped top cut with a voluminous back (Balenciaga DNA). Dresses also have somewhat of an effect in various elements � drape, print, fabric technique � that make each dress special for the modern Balenciaga customer. Sure, it may not be of an appeal to the very young street fanatic who wears Balenciaga all the time, but it certainly is to the client who takes detail and craftsmanship seriously.  One that could be a favorite amongst several is a beautiful white dress over the shoulder that adds a fine couture quality. 



One very important key design that deserves to be talked about is Alexander Wang�s suits; perfect for the brand. He only presented one specific suit number in a very rich light gray color with cropped tailored trousers that were well worth it. His other black cropped numbers brought a nice touch to the overall looks. 



Accessories are the only aspects that should be taken into consideration putting more effort in. The clothes itself send a great message coming from Alexander Wang, but accessories are what could change your mind towards the collection. It is the same thing that happened with his fall 2013 debut. He sent great pieces of clothes to the runway, but there was something lacking when it came to analyzing accessories alone. I�d give him some time for at least appearing to giving an effort to pull out those fringe (sequin?) hats and shoes. What do you think? We�ll have to wait and see in September if he has elevated his ideas on accessories, and if we might at least see him play with some color, considering it�ll be an official (real) spring/summer 2014 collection.



Alexander Wang's Cool Urban Shirts Collection

Alexander Wang's Mens Urban Cool Shirts
Alexander Wang can make any guy look Urban Cool. An exclusive collection for Mr. Porter only.


Mr. Porter may be having their seasonal sale going on right now, but I am more interested in something else. Not so long ago Raf Simons presented his exclusive floral prints collection for Mr.Porter, and all of the sudden as I visited the site today,  it appears that Alexander Wang has also created an exclusive collection that will only be available on the online retail site. Quite a surprise happening too soon.

When it comes to being the cool kid in the streets, Wang just has it all for your. Those cool yet sophisticated sweatpants, sleek t-shirts, and simply your damn cool bomber jacket. You have nowhere else to look for them. Urban cool would be the two words that comes up to mind when describing Alexander Wang's work. And let me tell you, kids here in the South, who had not been familiar with who Wang was, have become quite a fan of his work. Raf Simons, who I greatly respect, can be somewhat of a debate, but as I've shown these exclusive pieces to some guys today, they seem to have gone wild for those washed t-shirts, structured jackets, and both the contrast sleeve shirt and sweater pictured above. 

The white contrast-sleeve shirt may range at a price of $275, which I find it quite a fair price being that Alexander Wang could be considered a well known designer label. I mean, you could ask for it instead at let's say $600? His gray-contrast merino sweater is priced at $395 (fair, considering fabric and design), while one bonded-leather bomber jacket goes up to $1,195. Hey, it may seem a lot, but something tells me it could have looked like a $3,000 jacket. That's what I love mostly about Alexander Wang. He always delivers his best fresh designs, while considering price both in men's and women's fashion. What do you think about this exclusive collection?

Check more of his other designs at his official site, alexanderwang.com. And exclusive collection at mrporter.com.

The 2013 CFDA Nominations - Honoring Our American Designers

CFDA 2013 Nominees- Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCoullough of Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang
Left to Right: Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCoullough of Proenza Schouler // Marc Jacobs // Alexander Wang



Being nominated for any CFDA awards is already a very important recognition for any fashion designer. There are many great designers out there, but these three designers above have proven to be changing the way women dress in today's era. To shorten things up, these three (4) designers above have won an award more than once. When it comes to choosing a winner for this specific nomination, I have to say things look quite tense in selection one. I feel a buzz going in between Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. Who will win? We'll have to wait and find out on Tuesday.


CFDA 2013 Nominees- Duckie Brown, Michael Bastian, Thom Browne
Left to Right: Steven Cox & Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown // Michael Bastian // Thom Browne


Menswear designers must feel quite honored to be nominated in this type of field. It has been no secret as the years pass by, more men seem to be appreciating designer items to include in their wardrobe. All of these three designers above have also made some great changes in men's fashion in their own perspective. Thom Browne can be pleasing for his avant-garde work of arts, whilst Michael Bastian always finds some ways to make the modern man feel confident in what he wears. Duckie Brown has also been a brand that has done quite well over the past few seasons. For this particular nomination, I would give it to Michael Bastian.


CFDA 2013 Accessories Nominees - Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler
Left to Right: Alexander Wang heels // Phillip Lim salmon bag // Proenza Schouler PS1 bag


Accessories are a quite a prestigious award to be nominated for. You know that without accessories, clothes just wouldn't have a story to be told or a touch of personality to your looks. Just as the womenswear nominations, this may be a tough decision to choose from. Phillip Lim has proven to be quite a tough candidate. Proenza Schouler has had a huge success with their PS1 handbags, while Alexander Wang has also had quite a success in the accessories market. In general, all have proven to be a favorite of many streetstyle fans.


CFDA 2013 Awards - Oscar de la Renta, Riccardo Tisci, Vera Wang
Left to Right: Oscar de la Renta // Riccardo Tisci // Vera Wang


While these three designers may not have been nominated for any of the above nominations, they have gained respect in any of the above fields. Oscar de la Renta, nominated (winner) for The CFDA Founder's Award, is a very special recognition for any designer. But one of the most prestigious awards for any designer in my opinion is the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a designer for all their hard work and dedication over the past years. Vera Wang will be this year's designer to receive the recognition. And if you didn't quite grasp what the CFDA awards are, they are mostly to recognize our outstanding American designers who all deserve an applause. That being said, any other designer being nominated for an International Award must be an honor for any designer, who this year's award goes to Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. The CFDA couldn't have chosen any one better this year. 


Other Important Nominees

Swarovski Award for Womenswear:

Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty, Suno
Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters, Creatures of the Wind
Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs, Cushnie et Ochs

Swarovski Award for Menswear:

Tim Coppens
Todd Snyder
Dao-Yi & Maxwell Osborne, Public School

Swarovski Award for Accessories:

Pamela Love
Irene Neuwirth
Jennifer Meyer

Board of Directors' Tribute:

Colleen Atwood, American Costume Designer

AND A VERY SPECIAL AWARD

CFDA 2013 Media Awards - Tim Blanks




See who won here.



Spring/Summer 2013 Trends - 8. Double Slits are What Matter the Most

Michael Kors Spring 2013 RTW
Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2013


A slit sometimes is not enough when spring arrives. For some particular reason, women want to feel more liberal towards what they wear, but isn�t that the whole reason what spring is all about? This is the same question we ask ourselves then. Why one slit, when you can add another for more presence?

Several designers opted to upgrade their past spring collection with more revealing silhouettes this season. Michael Kors navy skirt offered a more seductive secretary with those zippers. This suit could make the perfect outfit for office, zipping it inside office hours, and unzipping it outside office hours. Alexander Wang presented, as we recalled before, one the best urban dresses any street style girl should seek after. We drooled over the silver double-slit dress that marked confidence and authority anyone would be allured by.  Roberto Cavalli was one of those shows that centered all its attention on the double slit dresses. Its extravagant prints, lace details, and slits combined very well. We could post the entire collection, but we�ll have to narrow it down to two. Karmen Pedaru wore a beautiful light green silk print dress with delicate lace embroidered over it. Daria Strokous white embroidered skirt and top marked purity to the max (you know what we mean). Fendi�s chic leather skirt was all about color and structure ready to be caught by any street style photographer any time.

Alexander Wang Spring 2013 RTW
Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2013


Roberto Cavalli Spring 2013 RTW
Karmen Pedaru at Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2013


Roberto Cavalli Spring 2013 RTW
Daria Strokous at Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2013


Fendi Spring 2013 RTW
Fendi Spring/Summer 2013


Spring/Summer 2013 Trends - 5. Exceptional Bermuda Shorts

Alexander Wang Spring 2013
Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2013


Spring/Summer 2013 could not be anything without shorts. This spring think top notch Bermuda shorts. The menswear inspired trend has been greater than ever, and just about any street style girl is eager to rock the look. Alexander Wang�s shorts were no doubt in the zone, delivering those tough deconstructed shorts anyone would be willing to wear to stay at the peak of its trend. DKNY presented a modern interpretation of the denim short, resembling those of past culottes, yet making the look flow with ease.  Nicholas K, first to open New York Fashion Week as usual, gave a semi-draped feel to the camel colored shorts. Others such as Rag & Bone, remained at the top with its tender blue Bermudas fit for most ladies.

DKNY Spring 2013
DKNY Spring/Summer 2013


Nicholas K Spring 2013
Nicholas K Spring/Summer 2013


Rag and Bone Spring 2013
Rag & Bone Spring/Summer 2013

Top 10 Fall/Winter 2012 Trends - 7. Military Ladies

Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2012
Romantic military coat at Salvatore Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2012


Military designs were presented in a vast selection throughout Fashion Week. Last season they proved to be popular, and this fall they proved to be supreme, for they returned again as one of the top trends of the season. You will view street style girls wearing military inspired designs, and you probably have already seen it around your town. There are so many military frames within this trend you can choose from. Would you rather go boyish, feminine, or naughty?

Victoria Beckham Fall 2012
Military dress at Victoria Beckham Fall/Winter 2012


Alexander Wang Fall 2012
Gisele Bundchen wearing a military coat at Alexander Wang Fall/Winter 2012



Print Inspirations

Print collage


A print top can become your inspiration to complete your full look. This silk top was taken as a motivation to fulfill a tropical ambiance.


  1. Michael Van Der Ham print top - available at net-a-porter.com
  2. T by Alexander Wang pleated skirt - available at ssense.com
  3. Maison Martin Margiela leather belt - available at net-a-porter.com
  4. Dannijo earrings - availabe at ssense.com 
  5. Yves Saint Laurent pumps - available at mytheresa.com
  6. Dolce & Gabbana clutch - available at mytheresa.com
  7. J.Crew necklace - available at net-a-porter.com

Sexy Till Death- Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2013



Liberty Ross at Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2013
Liberty Ross at Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Runway

Tough. Graphic. Urban. Alexander Wang gave once again a breathtaking presentation. There was not a single piece that did not describe the first three words. Everything starting from the setting, and the music, to the models wearing the outfits, mixed as well as a good old martini garnished with olives. Patterns such as croc, zebra, giraffe, and snake skin were very well present at this show. The method of �applying them to the garments, but in an abstract way through embroidery,� as Alexander pointed, was a clean tactic that separated him from other designers.

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Parka
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Parka Outfit
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Men's Inspired Shirt
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Men's Inspired Shirt

The whole point of this collection was of �creating this tension between structure and solidity,� which was perfectly executed. The first model wore a black jacket paired with retro shorts that looked so stunning with high knee boots that seemed as if they were glued on to the models legs. The interpretation that Wang took from the men�s inspired shirts was so sick, that it made the models look much sexier. Leather was introduced in a form as Wang recalled �dissected.� The patterns used for each garment, top and bottom, were like no other seen before in New York. The white parka Fei Fei Sun wore on the runway (the dissected dress, heels, and of course knitted bag complimented everything so well) became a dream every street style girl should seek after.

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 T-shirt
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 New T-Shirt
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Little Black Dress
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Black Dress
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Revealing Dress
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Revealing Black Dress

As the show progressed, the rest of the outfits seemed to separate in a very interesting way. The metallic and white/black t-shirts ended up making a regular girl�s t-shirt look so boring. For evening, Wang created an �illusion of the clothes floating on the body.� Any men would wish his woman�s new little black dress could become the one Jac wore on the runway, or why not go all the way to the one Erin Wasson wore (although lets not forget the beautiful gray dress as well). 

Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Glow in the Dark Dresses
Alexander Wang's Spring/Summer 2013 Glow in the Dark Dresses

Even though at Alexander�s finale there are small surprises, this summer collection he presented, gave us a huge surprise. We could say he crowned himself as the emperor of sexy fashion technology. Why?...�. Glowing dresses. If we could honestly describe this collection in one word, well two, it would be the following: Urban sexy