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.
February 11, 2014
by fashion pulse contributor
[Photos via Style.com]
It’s really no surprise that many of the collections unveiled this week are infused with a ‘70s vibe. After all, the decade was a time for glamorous, albeit effortless fashion. And, harking back to the period allows us to slow down a bit—to escape from the fast-paced chaos that is
New York Fashion Week—even if it’s only for a brief moment.
Jenny Packham offered us such an outlet by paying homage to Bianca Jagger, a quintessential, no-fuss style icon. Jagger appeared as though she lived in her eveningwear, and many of Packham’s jewel-tone dresses would have fit seamlessly into her wardrobe.
From crystal encrusted, deep V-neck gowns with high slits to sequin-embellished minis trimmed with the softest feathers, there’s no question that all of the looks were adoringly lavish. Yes, even though the models walked slowly and gracefully to fitting songs like “3rd Stone From The Sun” by Jimi Hendrix and Lana Del Rey’s “Blue Velvet,” there was not enough time to take in the intricately patterned beadwork; a Packham signature.
Of course, there were plenty of softer silhouettes for those that prefer to make a classic statement. Ruffled sleeves provided a flirty finish to one crimson red number that was adorned with a golden gem brooch above the hip. And, an off-white design in a gauzy silk was cinched at the waist, the flowing material forming a gorgeous bow-like illusion.
As a nod to the relaxed, throw-on-and-go style of the ‘70s, Packham rounded out her red carpet-ready line with loose, lustrous sweaters that paired well with full skirts and wide-leg satin trousers. And, the accessories—from a crop of ostrich feathered clutches to chunky gemstone earrings and bracelets—were eye-catching enough to speak for themselves. In other words, as far as Packham’s concerned, you don’t need to pile on much in order to look stunning (aside from one of her designs, of course). And, isn’t that what effortless dressing is all about?
February 11, 2014
by fashion pulse contributor
[Photo via Style.com]
For fall 2014,
Reem Acra set the clock at midnight and transported us to Paris, where we attended a party that can only be described as “frosted.” As always, the designer proves she’s quite masterful at embellishments. Glistening, spindly branches traveled up the sheer bodices of gowns while layers of chiffon draped naturally to the floor. These silhouettes were especially delicate, making for a crop of dresses that can be appreciated alone, without an ounce of jewelry or any other accoutrements.
[Photo via Style.com]
On the other hand, there were plenty of ultra-modern, structured garments. From violet wool co-ordinate sets with full, A-line skirts, to thick, double-belted trench coats and silky velvet bomber jackets, there were plenty of looks for the edgier sort. But, somehow, the entire range could be deemed appropriate for the same soirée.
Perhaps such fluidity was due to the harmonizing color palette. While the first few designs were limited to black, it wasn’t long before amethyst, pale pink, pastel blue, metallic gold, and, finally, a striking red, emerged to help set the lively tone.
Lastly, although it may not be the most noticeable detail of the clothes, Acra presented us with a diverse range of sleeves this season, and completed a few of the ensembles with fur shoulder wraps. One thing’s certain—this is a collection that is sure to invite head turns.
