Spring/summer 2012 | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 2

Spring/summer 2012

November 12, 2011

Sue Wong: Beauty. Magic. Transformation for Spring 2012

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Strapless Optional Seutache Embroidered Long Gown with Beaded Accents

Sue Wong, best known for her elegant evening-wear division, aims to transform the woman into a goddess; “It’s akin to the special feeling we all had as little girls when we first tried on our mother’s or a loved one’s best garment or jewelry and saw ourselves redefined.” Let us walk you through our favorite feminine pieces from the designer, equipped with sparkle, shine, and frou.

Art Deco-Inspired Beaded Gown with Laser-Cut Petal Skirt Trimmed with Ostrich Feathers

Embellished and Embroidered Long Gown with Sunburst Pleated Skirt

For Spring 2012, Wong draws on “The Lady and the Vamp” motif as she plays with the duality of the two. Fresh designs of organza petals are delicate, while sexy black laced gowns demand gothicism. Art deco gowns and 20s inspired silhouettes of satin and chiffon allow the clothes to take on a power of their own. Each gown is meticulously hand beaded adding to the fantasy allure.

Above are my favorites within the general SS12 collection; Below I chose the best of bridal. The incredible vintage feel and bright colors made it rather difficult to pick!

Long Halter Ball Gown with Beaded Embroidered Torso and 3-D Raw Edge Floral and Tiered Skirt

Art Deco Inspired Beaded Gown with Lazer-Cut Petal Skirt Trimmed with Ostrich Feathers

Bridal  for Spring/Summer 2012:

Sweetheart Neckline Ball Gown with Intricate Torso Beading and Tulle Ruched Skirt

Strapless Long Gown with Embroidered Floral and Ribbon Appliqued Jet-Beaded Bodice

Sue Wong designs are available in over 27 countries and at department stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom.

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 10, 2011

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent: Ephemeral Ease for Spring 2012

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After previewing the SS12 lineup of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, all I can think of is traveling. It’s that simple; the line allured me to a bohemian, distant land where maxi dresses, tunic blouses, and basic slips gracefully coexist and transition from an early stroll to an evening beach gathering around a fire pit.

The collection portrayed an ephemeral ease that can only be produced in such one-of-a-kind prints such as Ikat, Bow and Arrow, Peacock Floral, Powder Floral, Kaleidoscope, and Patchwork. Glorious color remains prominent for spring in shoes (ballet flats, cork platforms, and espadrilles), bags, and apparel alike. The palette of melon, chartreuse, hibiscus, teal, blush, black, and violet provides endless options to introduce new shades into your wardrobe.

I ‘m impressed with the convertible skirt (pictured above), which works as both a maxi dress and a maxi skirt. I also adore the mini dresses (summer knits and soft slips), great for a beach cover up or a night on the town. The collection left an impression in its effortless transitional capabilities, and with one piece, you have plenty of easy-to-wear chic options.

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 4, 2011

The Latest Collections: WeSC, Dr. Martens, Rousseau, Incase, More

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[Image via WeSC Lookbook]

We attended a bevy of spring 2012 collections, bringing forth our most favorite brands and products with the most amazing items for the upcoming season to FPD’s readers. Check out the roundups below, and enjoy!

WeSC (WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy):

WeSC was founded in 1999 in Stockholm, Sweden. From then until now, WeSC has become a culmination of dynamic people, often activists, and the apparel holds on to that spirit with it’s washed out crop tops, chambray, and funky bathing suits. With a semi-skater appeal, the tees, sweats, and denim are perfect to hang out, chill, and have a good time in.

[Mata Hari Collection, Image via Delphine Charlotte Lookbook]

Delphine Charlotte

“A woman on the rise to power” inspired jewelry designer Delphine Charlotte to create her SS12 line of costume jewelry. Half art-deco, half Hollywood glam, the collection includes rhinestones, pearls, circles, cages and more!  The necklaces are the standout pieces for FPD.

[Cartegena Leather 3-Tie Shoe in Raspberry, Image via Dr. Martens Lookbook]

Dr. Martens

The now classic Dr. Martens shoes, especially boots for spring show  a lot of crocodile, monochrome (my personal favorite) and bright neon hues. Apparel holds on to the same history of innovative youth culture: embrace being an individual.

[“Bizante” Jacket Image via Duvetica Lookbook]

Duvetica

Despite the fact that the line is for SS12, each piece of outerwear has at least 5% down. Great for traveling, many of these jackets can fit into a small pouch zipped into the jacket itself. So fun-ctional!

[Images via Rousseau Lookbook]

Jerome C. Rousseau

Yet again, Rousseau has crafted incredibly distinctive shoes, heels, and flats meant for the girl who is not afraid to be admired (ie: Siobhan Fahey). The coral suede platform with platinum leather is certainly one of the standouts from the spring season’s collection. Modern art, pop culture, European design and nightlife are just some of Rousseau’s many muses. There are jewels, glitter, ribbons, mesh, ostrich, cheetah… need I say more?

[Campus Pack Image via Incase Lookbook]

Incase

If you’re reading this blog, you very well know the value of technology in our modern, demanding, hectic live over here at FPD. We can thank brands like Incase for always creating reliable products (covers, backpacks, cases and sleeves) to protect and enhance our Apple gadgets. I’m particularly glad to see the company continuing with the Andy Warhol collaboration, a man who understood contemporary culture well (and a native of our editor Julia’s hometown, Pittsburgh!). Fashion, meet functionality.

-Alana Quagliariello

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October 27, 2011

alice + olivia’s “Very Secret Garden” for Spring 2012

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Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is clothing that packs a powerful personality punch, and lots of it. This year’s spring 2012 assortment was inspired by the idea of the “Very Secret Garden,” a classic concept of knowledge, mystery, and wonder.  It is a ready-to-wear collection of party dresses, crop-tops, bustiers, here-to-stay maxi dresses, high-rise wide leg pants and other separates that do not fall short of a feminine magnetism.

Entering the showroom was like entering the closet of my dreams…and that’s before I even noticed the shoes! Bold purple, poppy, orange, green, strawberry pink and icy blue all popped against the white walls of the room. Pretty suede, silk, and tweed fabrics captured the essence of the private garden theme. One-shoulder shift dresses and the incorporation of numerous bustier tops offered a sensual feel, while both exaggerated and miniature floral patterns maintained the season’s girlish charm. I can totally envision the summery knits paired with the brand’s premier line of colored denim; a fun rack filled with bubble gum pink, lemon yellow, and robin’s egg blue jeans.

The spring assortment of a+ 0 shoes, Bendet’s first full line, presented gorgeous bright wedges, some plain and some adorned with painted snakeskin. Yet, neutrals also remained essential to the sky high pumps, wedges, and flat sparkling sandals. Overall, the looks can certainly please a number of girls, moods and styles. Bendet also continues to expand her aesthetic collaborating with the legendary Gene Meyer on a scarf collection.

The alice + olivia girl is the life of the party, in a sweet, refined way. You can’t take your eyes off of her — there is glitz and glam via sequins, feather, and leather, but there is also a delicate undertone beneath the entire line. Perhaps this ethereal duality is what makes the clothing and accessories so appealing and enduring.

-Alana Quagliariello

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