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It's Paris Fashion Week! Hands down my favorite of all the fashion weeks. Milan is eccentric, London is witty and quirky, and NYC is generally hardcore, but Paris--Paris is fashion forward.
Balenciaga, Balenciaga, Rue du Mail: And speaking of fashion forward, here's a little Balenciaga. I feel like Nicolas Ghesquiere is always light years ahead of everyone else. What he does with texture and color is absolutely breathtaking. This cut has a simple cut and restricted color pallete, but the variety of textures makes it both rich and ultra-modern at the same time. The rounded shoulders almost have a bit of a Jil Sander feel, but the overall look is very Balenciaga. And what that man does with knitwear...no words (that's a lie, I still have words). The sweater itself is interesting with its asymmetrical color blocking, but the idea of belting it so that the hem of the sweater forms a mini-peplum and that finishing that all off with ankle-grazing pants in colors that echo the jacket is just genius. Belted knits were also big at Rue du Mail. How luxe and fluffy does that sweater look? I really love the idea of taking a voluminous sweater/top/scarf and belting it into a sexy, figure-flattering shape. It's the ideal mix of hard and soft, glamourous and cozy.
Rochas, Gareth Pugh, Dries Van Noten: Pairing a leopard coat with a green top and teal leather pants sounds totally ridiculous. Ok, it kind of is ridiculous, but that leopard print coat...me want. The print is very out-there, but the clean, classic lines of the coat rein it back into the wearable realm. And even Gareth Pugh is getting in on wearable clothes this season. Don't get me wrong, it's still Gareth Pugh, but it's subversive and dark in a sexier, more feminine way. The way the chains hug the model's figure is almost reminiscent of a flapper dress, and then the long sleeves and emphasis on the shoulder give it an even more modern, edgy feel. Dries Van Noten had even more spectacular layering with leopard prints. The leopard print scarf actually works over the leopard print top because they're in two very different color palettes, and the large, neutral block of color in the skirt balances out all the pattern on top nicely. Who else loves the idea of a leopard print, fur scarf?
All Giles Deacon: My brain somehow always pairs Giles Deacon and Gareth Pugh together, even though they're really quite different. Silly brain. Gareth Pugh does wearable dominatrix, and Giles Deacon did a fab, slightly futuristic take on the '60s. Shearling aviator jackets with oversized colors have been all over the runways, but this version feels fresh. The collar swoops in an organic, artistic fashion, and it looks like it could be turned into a hood (super practical). This black leather dress combines dominatrix and girliness so well. The top is very little girl's dress, with its ruffled neckline, but the high sheen of the leather skirt adds a modern, sci-fi edge that makes this dress bridge the gap between badass and sweet perfectly. I absolutely love the structured bustier top on this blue dress. The simple shape downplays the inherent sexiness of the top, and the spontaneous floral print of the skirt mediates the highly architectural lines of the bodice.
And now for some lovely pics from V:
"The Art of Being Kirsten Dunst," photographed by Mario Testino for V Magazine and styled by Nicola Formichetti. I guess Kirsten Dunst is back. I think she's a bit of an underrated actress--she was seriously amazing in "Interview with a Vampire," "Virgin Suicides," and "Marie Antoinette." Off-screen she usually dresses very casual and low-key, so it's nice to see her get all glammed up for V. Doesn't she look insanely Old Hollwood? That bone structure is insane.
Alexander Wang Cutout Ponte Knit Dress, $620 at nordstrom.com: So one of our lovely readers, Sophie, emailed us and asked for help in finding a cute, unique, and affordable prom dress for this year. And of course, being the formal occassion/planning nerd that I am, I'm all over it. Look out for a few posts on different prom looks at different prices points in the next few days, and as a little taster, here's what I'd wear to prom. I realize that I'm in college, but hey, a girl can dream.
Image Sources:
Balenciaga: style.com, Rue du Mail: style.com, Rochas: style.com, Gareth Pugh: style.com, Dries Van Noten: style.com, Giles Deacon: style.com, V Magazine shoot: vmagazine.com, Alexander Wang dress: nordstrom.com.
So another little break from fashion week today (wait for Dries Van Noten and Gareth Pugh tomorrow!), and lots of lovely, drool-worthy, particularly Alexander Wang things instead.
These Prada pumps--heart stopping. Just heart stopping. The studs look are so tiny that they're almost delicate, and contrast perfectly with the huge platforms and sturdy heels, and then the grape tights add the perfect pop of color. I absolutely love this look from The Sartorialist. That dress is textured leather. TEXTURED LEATHER. The long-sleeved tee layered under it is very on-trend, and the over-sized sunglasses give it all a bit of girlish whismy.
Alexander Wang Ponte Dress with Cross Back, $595 at shopbop.com, Alexander Wang Trish Loafer Wedge Mules, sold out at shopbop.com, Myne Addison Skirt, $202 at shopbop.com: Alexander Wang needs to stop doing this to me. And by this I mean creating totally covetable, zipper-embellished LBDs. I like that this one has a zipper down the front, which gives it an interesting, scuba-suit vibe, and the crossed straps in the back balance out that sportiness nicely. It's made out of a thick jersey, so it's equal parts holdy-inny and formfitting, These wedges are highlarious. I can't decide if I love them or hate them. They're a fun take on the high-heeled oxfords trend we've seen for a while, but redone in a '90s inspired way. I think that on the right person, these could be crazy amazing. I've been on the hunt for a high-waisted, floral mini-skirt for pretty much ever, and I love the addition of the zipper pockets on. With the burnt hues of the ditsy floral print, there's a little bit of a '90s grunge feeling, but I think the shortiness of the skirt saves it from the dowdiness that '90s grunge can have.
J. Crew Twisted Treasure Bracelet, $65 at jcrew.com, Vintage Poppy Erica Dress, $250 at jcrew.com, Dolly Forever Barbie by Christian Louboutin, $150 at net-a-porter.com: Oh, J. Crew. Your jewelry department's personal mission to destroy my checking account continues. Combining big black crystals, ribbon, and chains all on one bracelet? That's just mean. And don't even get me started on the vintage poppy print on this dress. The contrast between the clean, simple lines of the dress and the sponatenous abandon of the print is spot-on, and gives the dress a timeless, ageless feeling that makes it a really great buy. Styling it with that menswear belt was also a fab choice. So, there's a Christian Louboutin Barbie (?!) which obviously I have to post about. That Barbie is FIERCE. The thigh-high fuschia moccasin boots? And three extra pairs of heels in tiny boxes? I'm a big girl, and I want to play with that Barbie.
Lanvin Silk-Mousseline Embellished Gown, $10,680 at net-a-porter.com, Alexander Wang Asymmetrical Leather and Cotton Skirt, $595 at net-a-porter.com, Alexander Wang Twill Trench Dress, $595 at net-a-porter.com: It still kind of astonishes me that you can buy Lanvin gowns online. It just seems wrong. But I'm not complaining. Anyways, this dress is stunning. The off-white hue is actually pretty flattering and easy to wear, the clinginess of the silk mediates the looseness of the empire-waist cut, and there's a lot of subtle decoration on this dress. The back of the straps are sheer, so they look like they're floating across your shoulders, there are tone-on-tone flower appliques on the skirt, and all sorts of girly ruffles at the neckline. I'm very intrigued by this Alexander Wang skirt. The darker beige is actually leather, which adds a nice bit of edge to all those neutral, and the shape is so unexpected and offbeat. It almost looks like it's wrapped and folded all intensely, but I think it's actually really easy to wear/put on. I love things that look insanely complicated so you get inherent fashion kudos for wearing them. This dress is so, so stunning. Doesn't it look like the lovechild of a trench coat and a Matrix jacket and a safari uniform. Which sounds ridiculous, but looks totally chic. It's equal parts sexy and restrained, classic and modern.
Image Sources:
Jak & Jil pic: jakandjil.com, The Sartorialist pic: thesartorialist.blogspot.com, Alexander Wang dress: shopbop.com, Alexander Wang shoes: shopbop.com, Myne skirt: shopbop.com, J. Crew bracelet: jcrew.com, J. Crew dress: jcrew.com, Christian Louboutin Barbie: net-a-porter.com, Lanvin gown: net-a-porter.com, Alexander Wang skirt: net-a-porter.com, Alexander Wang dress: net-a-porter.com.
There were no new shows on Style.com today, so I pulled up a few slides that I really loved but that never made it into my roundups. When there are 10 shows with 30 looks each posted a day, and I only post 12-16 of those looks, I have to cut a LOT of stuff out, even if it's lovely and covetable and drool-worthy.
Marchesa, Clements Ribeiro, Marc Jacobs: This Marchesa dress is so jaunty and sassy. The body-con, one-shouldered mini dress thing is nothing new, but the Asian-inspired, organic, ruffled appliques definitely spice it up. The juxtaposition between the clean lines of the cut and the tactile nature of the decoration is genius. How chic is this Clements Ribeiro cardigan? I love updated, basics with a luxe twist, and the crystal appliques on this gray cardigan take it from boring to drop dead chic. In retrospect, I love the Marc Jacobs show even more. Topping off a velvet column dress with an oversized fur stole sounds over the top, but doing it in a muted color palette gives it just enough restraint to toe the line between Sunset Boulevard and drag queen.
Gabriel Colangelo, Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli: This first dress very much reminds me of last season at Calvin Klein, but in a slightly more wearable way. The softly-draped neckline contrasts perfectly with the slim lines of the skirt, and the veined grey fabric has a stony feel that mediates the light sheen of the silk. I love how hardcore Bottega Veneta went this season. Red and leather usually don't go together in my book, but the minimalist cut and refined lines of this little red dress are nothing but lovely. This jacket/pants combo from Roberto Cavalli definitely has a bit of a medieval vibe, but it totally works. Skinny pants get a glamourous update in a rich brocade, and the cropped, voluminous jacket gets an equally voluminous texture from the black fur.
3.1 Phillip Lim Asymmetrical Bow Wrap Cardigan, $425 at lagarconne.com, Sequin Broomstick Pleated Dress, $895 at lagarconne.com, Thread Social Boatneck Striped Dress with Bow, $294 at shopbop.com: This Phillip Lim cardigan is not only adorable, but a total possible DIY project. Just take a grey, v-neck sweater and sew on a few asymmetrical black bows diagonally down from the neckline. It has a spontaneously vibe with just a hint of French girl chic. I remember this Phillip Lim dress from his Spring 2010 show, and it move so, so well. The swingy, pleated skirt is also sticking around for fall, and adds a slightly Roman, toga-esque feeling that contrasts with the silvery, mock croc print on the bodice. The neutral palette spices up with the metallic silver, and the black band at the waist gives it a flattering hourglass shape. This Thread Social dress is also a great DIY project. Just take a simple, striped boatneck dress (there's a similar version at American Apparel) and add an oversized navy blue bow on one shoulder. I realize that today is all about sewing bows on random things, but it's kind of one of the funnest, girliest things to do ever.
So Maud and I opened up an account on Lookbook.nu, one of those daily outfit shot websites, and here's a little preview of the hilarity that may ensue. And by hilarity I really mean the first picture.
Image Sources:
Marchesa: style.com, Clements Ribeiro: style.com, Marc Jacobs: style.com, Gabriel Conangelo: style.com, Bottega Veneta: style.com, Roberto Cavalli: style.com, Phillip Lim cardigan: lagarconne.com, Thread Social dress: shopbop.com, Phillip Lim dress: lagarconne.com.
Apparently Milan fashion week is shorter this year due to Anna Wintour's schedule, which explains the 1234235 million shows being crammed into each day (seriously, style.com is murdering me). On the plus side, that means a whole lot of pretty for me to ramble about.
Pucci, Pucci, Bottega Veneta: Oh, Pucci. I love the new direction you're moving in. Glam '70s rock and roll done a la Italian is so, so fabulous. I mean, Peter Dundas managed to make a floor-length, long-sleeved, crew neck dress very sexy (the body-con fit helps, for sure). Apparently he dip-dyed a classic Pucci print in dark purple, which I think is absolutely genius--a subversive take on an old standard. This one-shouldered dress is possibly one of the hottest things I've seen on the runway this season. It is crazy tight and short and has a lace-up hem, but the multi-tonal black fabric gives it a little more class. The slightly messy, undone hair adds a lovely contrast to the hard edges of the dress. Bottega Veneta definitely went the edgier route this season, and I love it. That coat is a great combination of the outdoorsy outwear and anoraks we've been seeing a lot of, and the more subversive, '80s biker meets '90s minimalism that's also been all over the runways. I like how the focus is kept on the high-sheen coat, and the emo hair actually works.
Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Alberta Ferretti: Even Versace went down the minimalist road this season, and surprisingly, it worked. The white makes it all feel very clean and light, the one sleeve adds a bit of quirky assymetry, and the zip-up/pleated skirt gives it just a little schoolgirl-ish/sci-fi feel that brings it all back to Versace. Alberta Ferretti was absolutely gorgeous this season, all pleated velvets and chiffons with an air of faded glamour and mystery. How adorable and yet somewhat dark is this cocktail dress? It's hard to do velvet well, and here it manages to be both nostalgic and modern, with an interesting, tactile look. The attached neckline drapes over the shoulders so perfectly, adding just enough casual sexiness to offset the formality of the velvet. The dark, pleated chiffon over the pale slip of this gown and those tiny sleeves are so Gothic romantic, but the body-hugging cut takes it far, far away from the 1800s.
Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versus: Gucci and Versace were both on the same, toned down, minimalistic but still slightly retro-glamourous vein this season. I would wear this Gucci look head to toe in a second. The Charlie's Angels glasses, the little fur jacket, the rocker pants (skinny, but not too skinny), the leather panel on the shirt--it's a very pared-down vision of glamour, and basically the perfect daytime outfit. Dolce & Gabbana's show was nostalgic in the best possible way, going back to their roots without being repetitive. Here velvet made another comback. This dress is so clever. It looks casually pulled-together and draped, but it's done in way that's very figure-flattering and that has a slight hint of structure. The sheer straps add a delicate, lingerie contrast to the heaviness of the velvet, and that emerald green hue is so rich. Christopher Kane also played with velvet at Versus, Versace's little sister. The shape is very flirty '50s, with the highly pleated skirt and little sweetheart neckline, but the dark sheen of the satin and the velvet add a subversive touch that makes this a perfect little party dress.
Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, Salvatore Ferragamo: The Diana the Huntress gone urban thing going on at Roberto Cavalli was so stunning. Very modern bohemian with a hint of minimalist classicism, and hence very on-trend. I'm so glad maxi-dresses are coming back in--there's something so casual and glamourous about them, and the leather appliques on the bodice and side cutouts give this dress just enough edge to mediate all that flowiness. Missoni did mountains and mountains of cozy, adorable knits, like this sweater coat. The knit fabric adds a lot of visual interest and a hint of classic Missoni-ness, and the touch of fur at the collar ties that all in with what's going on on the rest of the runways. How Indiana Jones is this Ferragamo look? The jaunty hat, the oxfords and socks, the beiges and caramels--all very sporty and safari. But the idea of a cardigan as a dress adds a little sexiness, the belt at the waist gives it shape, and the unified color palette ties it all together.
3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Studded Leather Bag, $700 at net-a-porter.com, Hunter Festival Tall Boots, $225 at shopbop.com, Charlotte Ronson Studded Drape Skirt, $295 at shopbop.com: Love, love, love this Phillip Lim bag. I'm really feeling bags with longer shoulder straps--they have a more casual, '70s vibe that fits in perfectly with current runway trends. The contrast between the pyramid studs and the droopy bow on the front is tres chic, and the tiny, squared-off shape is insanely practical. How hot are these Hunter boots? The original boots are very classic and sensible, but adding studs and mock-croc straps adds such a rock and roll edge that gives these classics a very modern update. That's a crazy fashion forward way to battle the rain. I think this Charlotte Ronson skirt is a great runway-to-real way translation of the draped, Balenciaga tulip skirts from two seasons ago. The drape adds a casual, French-meets-Roman chic vibe, and the pale, dusty pink works perfectly with the heavy chain belt. Tuck a white tee into that and you've got an outfit.
Image Sources:
Pucci: style.com, Bottega Veneta: style.com, Versace: style.com, Alberta Ferretti: style.com, Gucci: style.com, Dolce & Gabbana: style.com, Versus: style.com, Roberto Cavalli: style.com, Missoni: style.com, Salvatore Ferragamo: style.com, Phillip Lim bag: net-a-porter.com, Hunter boots: shopbop.com, Charlotte Ronson skirt: shopbop.com.
