February 13, 2014
by fashion pulse contributor
by Matt Chu
[Image via mbfashionweek]
No stranger to vibrant colors and modern American elegance, b. Michael accentuated his aesthetics by placing heavy emphasis on the architecture of the clothing. Ranging from diamond paneled dresses to wool coats exaggerated with geometric collars and sleeves, there is an edgy touch to the brand’s sportswear. Alternating long red and black leather gloves that add a classic, 1950s glamour above and beyond the traditional eveningwear seen this season. Although the gloves appear eccentric on some looks, it is perhaps the eclectic factor that adds more dimension and addedflare for the runway.
With Mardis Gras season around the corner, the annual Venetian carnival arrived early with the requisite evening gowns in the show’s lieneup. The models wore ornate Venetian masks that matched the colors of each respective dress. With an affinity towards trumpet dresses this season, b Michael varied the designs by using different textures and gradients of silver. The final crimson silk cloque ball gown reflected a satin, silver-like quality, creating a dynamic ending with other highlights like the metallic Godet gown and the low waist gown sewn with metallic graphic panels. As total sophistication is not complete without fur and a date, there were sporadic visits from mink stoles and men in shawl-collared suits that made the carnival in New York City a festive one.
February 13, 2014
by fashion pulse contributor
by Celina Vicioso
The Show: Katya Zol
The Theme: Mongolian Warrior Tradition, Futuristic
The Color Palette: Largely earth tones; green, beige, white.
The Signature Piece: Zol’s Baby blue wool coat with fur trim was child like, yet, incessantly glamorous and luxurious. Keeping in mind Zol’s inspiration, the piece spoke to the story behind the collection. The glamour and triumph of the look was a sartorial expression of winning a battle and heaps of praise that a warrior will receive for accomplishing such a feat.
February 12, 2014
by fashion pulse contributor
[Images courtesy of Cynthia Rowley]
To be blunt about it, Cynthia Rowley’s not afraid to get weird. And, when you’re in the presence of her clothing—a complete collection at that—you can’t help but sense the overwhelming energy of such eccentricity. You start to feed off of it. You step into the designer’s realm and, suddenly, her offbeat looks start to make a whole lot of sense.
Yes, I could totally rock those mustard culottes with a cropped, satin turtleneck, you start to think to yourself.
For fall 2014, Rowley is taking us to that happy place once again. Thigh-high leather slouch boots and bright pumps act as the foundation for a wide range of wares. But, if I had to describe the line collectively, I might say something like, “Ultra-mod chick boards a spaceship, and brings along her Lite Brite.”
Yes, these designs are every bit as fun as you might imagine. Neoprene, one of Rowley’s go-to fabrics, is fashioned into tunics and flare-leg jumpsuits, and then enhanced with contrasting stripes. Drop-waist dresses get a flirty touch with rows of button embellishments and flouncy hemlines. And, a rainbow motif is echoed throughout the entire range.
Aside from the vibrant color palette, there’s a rainbow graphic that can be found on a number of silk separates. Plus, chunky, two-tone belt bracelets complement bunches of teardrop-shaped leaves that are scattered about on skirts, tanks, and the side panels of pockets. Oh, and there are short, fur-trimmed scarves that add a finishing touch to the ensembles. However, there are plenty of pieces (like a psychedelic mini festooned with a mishmash of metal objects) that really don’t need a single accoutrement.
February 12, 2014
by fashion pulse contributor
[Images via WWD]
If there ever was a collection so wearable, you wanted to drop everything and order five looks (at the very
least), it would be courtesy of Lyn Devon. While the designer has always catered to a girl that’s after functional wares so luxe, they’re sure to be timeless, this season’s all that and more. In short, it’s exciting—quite lively, even, with a brand new color palette that includes bold shades like bright tomato and fuchsia.
Picture Margot Tenenbaum walking down Madison Avenue in the ‘60s, and you’ve landed upon Devon’s declared inspiration. However, I can’t help but mash Margot’s quirky look—that’s felt in pop graphic prints like cats, polka-dots, and daisies—with that of uptown girl Charlotte York’s, since all of the pieces are finished with well-tailored, structural elements that lend a classic touch.
While the line’s styling cues are certainly smart—from a cashmere sweater that’s tied and draped around the neck like a scarf to a cropped, live-in wool sweater and jacquard trouser combo—the entire range is versatile. In fact, it’s likely you’ll want to mix-and-match just about everything. And, with the way the cashmere jumpers, structured suits, and camelhair turtlenecks come together seamlessly, it’s definitely possible.
As I left Devon’s presentation, I couldn’t get one charcoal off-the-shoulder jumpsuit out of my mind. And then there was that gorgeous suede material in a deep eggplant that came by way of a T-shirt, a dress, and a crewneck coat. Needless to say, as soon as I got home, I threw on my scarlet-red vintage tunic and a pair of tights. Because that’s what catching a glimpse of a really great collection will do to you—it’ll inspire and call to action. You’ll be dreaming about the looks until the moment they can become your own.
