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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September 13, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor
[Click above for the video]
VLOV by QingQing Wu
“V.L.O.V.” One by one each letter was spoken aloud to begin the VLOV SS12 runway show. QingQing Wu, a leading designer in China, markets fashion forward apparel for middle-class Chinese men aged 18 to 45. The color palette for spring was divided into two main themes. First, grey nylon made a statement representing “introspective elegance.” Monochromatic looks reined, such as charcoal wool short sleeved jackets and shorts, along with black nylon jackets and cotton pants. For the rest of the show’s duration, blue and white dominated the runway. Sharp silhouettes incorporated “laser-cutting techniques and finish on high-tech wool, creased linens and embossed fabrications.” Said to look similar to Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein, VLOV’s fast growing China market remains its select focus.
Pamella Roland
In the 1940’s, artists Robert Motherwell and Helen Frankenthaler greatly contributed in laying the foundation for the movement of Abstract Expressionism. Inspired by the abstract notion, Pamella Roland played with special fabrics, such as perforated leather, silk and canvas faille, fils coupe and silk crepe. In choosing a solid color palette of neutral tones such as pale navy, moonrock, canvas, chalk pink, stone blue, and white, Roland allows the assortment of embellished evening and cocktail looks to speak to the polish of the collection. Full skirts and sweeping trains create movement while complementing the chic form fitting shapes of the dresses.
Lyn Devon
Lyn Devon’s passion for modernizing iconic American design remains spot on. She combined two aesthetics that are not always thought of in conjunction with one another to design a collection inspired by the“urban picnic.” What may seem to be rather ironic in theme proves to be impeccable in finish. Take for example, the basket weave pattern in citrus (as cute as it is clever!). Picnic prints, leather “blue jeans”, rompers and flirty swim inspired silhouettes meet sleek, edgy metallic. Pops of color like limeade, poppy and chambray blue would make any city girl attending a rooftop picnic and be the talk of the gathering.
–Alana Quagliariello
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September 13, 2011
by fashion pulse contributor
[Images Courtesy of Payless]
Before any model graced the runway at Lela Rose, the designer played “Imagine” in its entirety, a song reminiscent of peace; one world, one people. Only then did she begin her runway collection of beautiful, whimsical, overtly feminine pieces. Rose drew on a variety of inspirations from Vegas neon signs, the Coney Island amusement park, and graveyards to create signature checked spring jacquard and “carousel” cotton prints. Cinched waist dresses appeared in navy, white, gray, yellow, pink and more. Airy polka dotted skirts flounced by, cute cardigans made a sweet statement, and gold metallic floor length gowns reigned. A striking orange jacket, sure to stop traffic, left a lasting impression in classic structure. Pattern, embellishment, and even a few feathers made an elegant appearance on this runway. She also unveiled the latest Lela Rose for Payless ShoeSource collection. The footwear proved to be as vibrant as the clothing with graphic shapes and resin studding. When all is said and done, Lela Rose successfully crafted an approachable, girly collection for SS12.
–Alana Quagliariello
[All images via ELLE.com]
