September 28, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor
[Image via ELLE.com]
Emporio Armani
In a story of masculine-meets-feminine ease, the Emporio Armani spring lineup displayed the designer’s best foot forward at contemporary sportswear pieces. A closer look at the collection made it seem as if I had flipped through an old-fashioned black-and-white photo album: classically piped blazers and jackets crowned with skimmer hats felt dainty yet refined. Halter dresses, slim skirts, and pastel cropped pants impressed with a definitive sensual feel. In all of its largely asexual appeal, however,these garments are truly ready-to-wear, even with the sparkling crystal details — perhaps the perfect touch to break the monotony of day-wear.
[Image via Style.com]
Emilio Pucci
While we may not all be bold enough to bare our own midriffs, Pucci’s above the belly tops yielded a muted sex appeal that all women aspire to exude, regardless of the stage or current phase of life. It was impossible to look away from the jumble of prints and peeks of lace insets. The black, red and pink palette initiated an early can’t-stop-me strength, and towards the end things got lighter (and shinier!). A lot of skin and a lot of awestruck detailing breathed new life into the storied Florentine brand- magnifico!
[Image via ELLE.com]
Jil Sander
Raf Simons teased us all with bits of color, but his main attraction, the show’s beginning and ending, was pure white. Jil Sander’s spring looks were rooted in its history with its “signature white poplin shirt,” sometimes sensually sheer, further reinforcing a transparent theme for spring 2012. Paisley and gingham later made an appearance; it was certainly modernism combined with couture that sparked the curious, less minimalist spirit of the collection.
-Alana Quagliariello
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September 26, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor
[Image via ELLE.com]
Missoni
Missoni did it yet again with their signature kaleidoscopic knitted effect! Each and every garment possessed a , look-at-me quality, in its gorgeous tapestry essence. No color went missing: fuchsia, royal blue, yellow, pumpkin, indigo, chocolate brown, and more easily surfaced. The shoulder baring tops and ruffle skirts felt very Chiquita Banana meets the Amalfi Coast, and leather added a contrasting texture to the film flounces. This collection got everyone’s minds off the Missoni for Target Collaboration for a moment, and back onto the signature runway collection.
[Image via Style.com]
Versus
Just when I thought I had seen it all…a basketball court-cum -runway presented itself for spring 2012. Donatella Versace and Christopher Kane, the masterminds behind Versus, gave us courtside seats to their SS12 collection filled with bold jersey dresses, eye-catching zig zag patterns, sleek cutouts and slits. The Easter egg color palette made sporty feel soft. Choose your style: cheerleader or jock? Either way, it’s three cheers (or three points) for this design team.
-Alana Quagliariello
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September 25, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor
[All Images via ELLE.com]
Gucci
As Gucci celebrates its 90th birthday, the SS12 collection ushers in a welll-maintained, clean silhouette with a primarily black palette. Androgynous lines yielded boxy jackets and high-waisted pants, yet a bright turoise-green hue kept it more feminine. In addition, there was an incredible throwback to the flapper-era with flirty retro dresses. While not as luxe as the Fall 2011 collection, Frida Giannini ensured her design prowess in the architectural shapes and her expertise with leather and embroidery that any woman can appreciate and dutifully wear.
Versace
Picture mermaid meets rock star meets Greek goddess and you’ve got Versace for Spring 2012. Underwater motifs with seashells, seahorses and starfish were shown in light shades of mint green, lavender, and dove grey. Gold studs covered bodices and skirts or embellished belts to accentuate the waist. There is nothing more crisp than a white suit, and nothing more “Donatella” than a green mini dress or Lucite platforms. Clean, sexy, and sophisticated, Versace knows how to dress a red carpet siren. With Versace for H&M set to hit stores in November, we can all get a portion of that glowing star quality soon!
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta’s spring collection was as opulent as it was bright (deep violet, blood red, chocolate, and emerald); not to mention the array of incredible handbags, in ostrich, lizard and crocodile. Drawing on both the references of technology and handicrafts, Tomas Maier matched urban crewnecks with pleated skirts and leather jackets with long, fringed scarves. The collection ended on a high note with a rainbow of dresses and gowns folded intricately with mesh and chiffon encouraging second and third glances.
-Alana Quagliariello
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September 22, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor
[All images via ELLE.com]
Sass + Bide
Sass +Bide used contrast to create harmony via mixing navy and white polka dots with sequins and bright silk, which felt bold and refined at the same time. Strong metallic and tribal beading formed a beautiful alliance. If there was one thing that left viewers pondering, it was how could “opposing forces” possibly work so well together?
Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Vivienne Westwood wholeheartedly believes in fashion and fun as one unit. Through adapting historical garments into more modern pieces, Westwood shows no restraint, which is what we often love most about her. Over-the-top hair and makeup imposed even more sculpture to already exaggerated suiting pieces, as trousers, jackets, and blouses were untamed, and extravagant in dimensionality. For the eclectic designer, fashion continues to be a living political expression and art form warranting conversation, even decades after her brand’s inception.
Jonathan Saunders
Jonathan Saunders traveled back in time to a period of graceful femininity by using a delicate, “sugary” palette of colors, simple sundresses, negligees and pinafores that were reminiscent of the 1950s wholesome housewife. Traditional fabrics, such as pin-dot printed cottons, jacquard, and silks kept things orderly, while ombre skirts, and dresses paired with sheer silks broke free of the old-fashioned, retro air as if to say cheers to the modern woman in all of her relevant roles.
-Alana Quagliariello
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