© Getty Images
The models at Slama’s Rosa Chá show in Rio on Friday were wearing shoes, but there was really no need. They walked on an inset runway filled with an inch of water–not nearly enough to swim in, but enough to make a splash. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)
© Getty Images
The models at Slama’s Rosa Chá show in Rio on Friday were wearing shoes, but there was really no need. They walked on an inset runway filled with an inch of water–not nearly enough to swim in, but enough to make a splash. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)
Bright colors and drama abounded at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, India. Stuck stateside? Not to worry! Chic Report rounded up the best moments to keep you in-the-know…
Shantanu and Nikhil, a sibling designer duo, opened Lakmé Fashion Week with their “Damiani” collection in a dramatic French and Spanish-inspired palette of red, black and gray… Their show was followed by Nachiket Barve’s more easy, feminine collection—Nachiket set the mood for his show with soothing music by Norah Jones… Young designers triumphed during LFW, with shows by the likes of Imcha Imchan, Anand Bhushan, Priyanka and Ravindra, Nidhi Gambhir, and Manoj Dubey, among others… Designer Narendra Kumar’s much-anticipated ‘Nari Nari’ line (the designer recently designed the costumes for the movie Fashion!), aimed at trendy young women, hit the mark with bright colored minidresses and appearances by three of India’s chicest: Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, and Mugdha Godse… Later, Kumar also presented a menswear collection, titled ‘The Rise of Facism’… Deepiki Gehani used the ’70s as an inspiration, sending out energized models in floor-length dresses and caftans with wide headbands… Falguni and Shane Peacock (who’ve shown in the past at L.A.’s Fashion Week), gave their youthful ‘Spendthrift’ line a fun beauty twist: models walked the runway with two different eyeshadows, orange and green!… Tahrun Tahiliani collaborated with Levi’s for torn and tattered jeans glammed up with Swarovski crystals… Vikram Phadnis, LFW’s Lux Show Time designer, put on quite the production; in addition to a performance by Shiamak Davar, Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra walked in his show (as a birthday gift to the designer!), along with actress Shriya Saran and cricketer Sreesanth.
Bright colors and drama abounded at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, India. Stuck stateside? Not to worry! Chic Report rounded up the best moments to keep you in-the-know…
Shantanu and Nikhil, a sibling designer duo, opened Lakmé Fashion Week with their “Damiani” collection in a dramatic French and Spanish-inspired palette of red, black and gray… Their show was followed by Nachiket Barve’s more easy, feminine collection—Nachiket set the mood for his show with soothing music by Norah Jones… Young designers triumphed during LFW, with shows by the likes of Imcha Imchan, Anand Bhushan, Priyanka and Ravindra, Nidhi Gambhir, and Manoj Dubey, among others… Designer Narendra Kumar’s much-anticipated ‘Nari Nari’ line (the designer recently designed the costumes for the movie Fashion!), aimed at trendy young women, hit the mark with bright colored minidresses and appearances by three of India’s chicest: Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, and Mugdha Godse… Later, Kumar also presented a menswear collection, titled ‘The Rise of Facism’… Deepiki Gehani used the ’70s as an inspiration, sending out energized models in floor-length dresses and caftans with wide headbands… Falguni and Shane Peacock (who’ve shown in the past at L.A.’s Fashion Week), gave their youthful ‘Spendthrift’ line a fun beauty twist: models walked the runway with two different eyeshadows, orange and green!… Tahrun Tahiliani collaborated with Levi’s for torn and tattered jeans glammed up with Swarovski crystals… Vikram Phadnis, LFW’s Lux Show Time designer, put on quite the production; in addition to a performance by Shiamak Davar, Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra walked in his show (as a birthday gift to the designer!), along with actress Shriya Saran and cricketer Sreesanth.
(LONDON) Emma Cook
Cook's Spring 2009 collection, "Susie Soleil," featured graphic-print dresses and chiffon tees in a palette of mostly grey, black, white, khaki and coral before turning pink, purple and iridescent for night. A pencil skirt was sexed up with a zipper that unfurled all the way down the back, while ruffled hems and fringe accessorized dresses. In an apparent anticipation of London's frequent showers, Cook also showed variations on the clear plastic raincoat: It came as a jacket and a poncho, embellished with black piping or rhinestones.
Nicole Farhi
For Spring 2009, Nicole Farhi stuck to what she does best: comfortable, classic pieces. Cocktail and sundresses abounded--some in painterly prints, with or without embroidered embellishment, others in sateen stripes or fern appliques. Farhi also sent basic separates down the runway, like simple cardigans, striped long-sleeved tees, pleated trousers and chiffon blouses. Raffia hats, bow headwraps, belts in various prints and wedges were the main accessories, although Farhi's final look sported an additional touch: an Obama '08 pin.
Temperley London
For Spring 2009, Alice Temperley decided to take a "Romantic Odyssey," an appropriate title for a show she has moved back to London after several seasons in New York. The collection was inspired by the age of Enchantment in post-Victorian Britain, a time characterized by a reaction against restraint and a movement towards color and light, inspired by characters of the time such as Beardsley and Chaplin. This translated itself into fashion with uber-feminine dresses-the Dana dress, which emerged in varying lengths and colors, boasted an extravagant bow on one shoulder; the Glade dress had a goddess-y feel to it and the final looks were completely in bloom. Colors ranged from blacks and creams to vibrant pomegranate and sapphire shades; blouses and trousers had a fluid ethereal sentiment. Accessories included studded star-shaped belts and large floral headpieces, while the latter part of the collection included toughened-up add-ons like a medival leather waist-coat and chainmail tunic.
Todd Lynn
Todd Lynn's Spring 2009 collection, "Devour the Divine," took its inspiration from the thirties and forties, particularly the film The Day of the Locust, which tells the tale of a group of Hollywood wannabes in 1938. Progressive fabric choices--glazed bamboo, lacquered cotton, vintage paper leather and silk net give the collection a futuristic slant. Same with the variations on the basic tuxedo jacket, which was reworked as a biker style, a feather-embossed double-breasted spencer and a tailcoat in the season's palette of smoke, antler and raspberry. The final dress was entirely made of plumage in shades of grey, with an exaggerated feather bustle. Suzy Menkes and Plum Sykes sat front row.
(LONDON) Emma Cook
Cook's Spring 2009 collection, "Susie Soleil," featured graphic-print dresses and chiffon tees in a palette of mostly grey, black, white, khaki and coral before turning pink, purple and iridescent for night. A pencil skirt was sexed up with a zipper that unfurled all the way down the back, while ruffled hems and fringe accessorized dresses. In an apparent anticipation of London's frequent showers, Cook also showed variations on the clear plastic raincoat: It came as a jacket and a poncho, embellished with black piping or rhinestones.
Nicole Farhi
For Spring 2009, Nicole Farhi stuck to what she does best: comfortable, classic pieces. Cocktail and sundresses abounded--some in painterly prints, with or without embroidered embellishment, others in sateen stripes or fern appliques. Farhi also sent basic separates down the runway, like simple cardigans, striped long-sleeved tees, pleated trousers and chiffon blouses. Raffia hats, bow headwraps, belts in various prints and wedges were the main accessories, although Farhi's final look sported an additional touch: an Obama '08 pin.
Temperley London
For Spring 2009, Alice Temperley decided to take a "Romantic Odyssey," an appropriate title for a show she has moved back to London after several seasons in New York. The collection was inspired by the age of Enchantment in post-Victorian Britain, a time characterized by a reaction against restraint and a movement towards color and light, inspired by characters of the time such as Beardsley and Chaplin. This translated itself into fashion with uber-feminine dresses-the Dana dress, which emerged in varying lengths and colors, boasted an extravagant bow on one shoulder; the Glade dress had a goddess-y feel to it and the final looks were completely in bloom. Colors ranged from blacks and creams to vibrant pomegranate and sapphire shades; blouses and trousers had a fluid ethereal sentiment. Accessories included studded star-shaped belts and large floral headpieces, while the latter part of the collection included toughened-up add-ons like a medival leather waist-coat and chainmail tunic.
Todd Lynn
Todd Lynn's Spring 2009 collection, "Devour the Divine," took its inspiration from the thirties and forties, particularly the film The Day of the Locust, which tells the tale of a group of Hollywood wannabes in 1938. Progressive fabric choices--glazed bamboo, lacquered cotton, vintage paper leather and silk net give the collection a futuristic slant. Same with the variations on the basic tuxedo jacket, which was reworked as a biker style, a feather-embossed double-breasted spencer and a tailcoat in the season's palette of smoke, antler and raspberry. The final dress was entirely made of plumage in shades of grey, with an exaggerated feather bustle. Suzy Menkes and Plum Sykes sat front row.
Neon was the buzzword at Doo.Ri's Spring 2009 show; her signature jersey pieces were injected with vivid colors or piping. The designer got her inspiration this season from artist Bruce Nauman: "I was inspired by his work and his use of neon art. I wanted to inject that through the colors, the fluorescents, on a background of gray." This combination of organic, natural elements mixed with intense, tech-inspired colors made for a gorgeous, fresh collection. Standouts: a neon pink minidress with ruched details, and an aqua tank/skirt combination.
Anna Sui
Anna Sui immersed herself in Mexico: full flirty skirts, rich earthy tones, embroidery, fringing, beading, and Spanish lace. The folksy fashions were accessorized south of the border style with cowboy boots, straw hats and bags, and Erickson Beamon artsy jewelry piled on high. Sasha and Agyness closed the show in matador-inspired looks. Costume-y, yes, but it put us in the mood for the Mayan Riviera. Besos.
Vera Wang
"I wanted to play. There was toughness, but also magic kingdom pale neon colors. It was like being an artist; it's girly with a tough act. That's who I am. I'm girly but not goth," Vera explained. Sheer over and underlayers played well with leather pants; shifts were adorned with fantastic bejeweled accessories. Wang dabbled in menswear with blazers and jackets but didn't stray far from her frothy chic. "She's hit her stride. It's going to be a huge success," declared Robert Burke.
Neon was the buzzword at Doo.Ri's Spring 2009 show; her signature jersey pieces were injected with vivid colors or piping. The designer got her inspiration this season from artist Bruce Nauman: "I was inspired by his work and his use of neon art. I wanted to inject that through the colors, the fluorescents, on a background of gray." This combination of organic, natural elements mixed with intense, tech-inspired colors made for a gorgeous, fresh collection. Standouts: a neon pink minidress with ruched details, and an aqua tank/skirt combination.
Anna Sui
Anna Sui immersed herself in Mexico: full flirty skirts, rich earthy tones, embroidery, fringing, beading, and Spanish lace. The folksy fashions were accessorized south of the border style with cowboy boots, straw hats and bags, and Erickson Beamon artsy jewelry piled on high. Sasha and Agyness closed the show in matador-inspired looks. Costume-y, yes, but it put us in the mood for the Mayan Riviera. Besos.
Vera Wang
"I wanted to play. There was toughness, but also magic kingdom pale neon colors. It was like being an artist; it's girly with a tough act. That's who I am. I'm girly but not goth," Vera explained. Sheer over and underlayers played well with leather pants; shifts were adorned with fantastic bejeweled accessories. Wang dabbled in menswear with blazers and jackets but didn't stray far from her frothy chic. "She's hit her stride. It's going to be a huge success," declared Robert Burke.
Focus Studios hosted Sari Gueron's show this season, a perfect plain backdrop for the heavily girly collection she showed. While her pieces began in muted floral colors, it flowed into see-through lacy dresses paired with black underlay. "I think the inspirations came from watching the Olympics while I was designing, so we added the racer back," said Gueron. "Swimming and diving sort of got in our head." Sleeves were loose, while shorts were low and baggy. Sparkles, the perfect accompaniment to many collections, paired well with ruffles and the slight menswear looks, keeping it girly and chic. Models had a bit of trouble with their shoes as more than one pair came undone while walking the runway!
William Rast
What a way to introduce William Rast to New York: bring a bunch of city-dwellers into Roseland Ballroom and turn it into a literal Southern party, complete with wooden seats, a stage that opened from a wood porch, as well as leaves covering the ground so thickly that a model almost fell on them. "I'm a little overwhelmed," said Timberlake of his first showing in New York. "I'm pheklempt. We're excited. I feel like we're absolutely ready for it and just want to introduce ourselves. I think for New York Fashion Week for your first show it's enough for me to fit in. We're not trying to do something crazy, we just want to show who we are." Buckets of beers greeted guests at their benches for the show that was (unsurprisingly) full of denim. More surprising was the fact that Anna and Bee took their seats early and stayed, waiting for the masses to arrive as the show started almost an hour late. It began with the William Rast movie, which featured Timberlake and Erin Wasson as fugitives on the run, looking chic in -what else?- William Rast. "It was a whole new way of working," said Wasson of her experience. While post-show there were rumors of a Justin performance, the William Rast face didn't even show up to his private VIP bench to party with best friend Trace (who rocked a shirt that said Music is my Life) and their bottle of Dom Perignon. Guests nibbled on delicacies from Southern Hospitality while chilling with their bottles of beer or Bourbon on the runway porch, waiting for a little JT crooning.
Y-3
It's an unusual concept, the collaboration between an avant-garde Japanese designer and a mainstream athleticwear company; the outcome usually comes out along the lines of fashion-y sweats, neither very practical nor aesthetically pleasing. This season, Yohji Yamamoto walked the line between Y-3's athletic roots and a more sophisticated style, opening with tailored pieces like vests and jackets. Those pieces were successful; it was in the attempts at formalwear that Yamamoto started running into problems. If anyone could pull it off, it would be Yamamoto, but maybe chiffon just doesn't belong in the same look as a hooded sweatshirt. His two closing looks, wedding dresses in black and white, were topped by long white veils attached to baseball caps. Judging by the slew of celebs like Ellen Pompeo, Sean Paul, Peaches Geldof, and Vincent Gallo in the front row, Y-3 puts on a good show, but as far as fashion goes, it doesn't quite fit.
Tibi
Tibi's cute, printed-dress loving girl has grown up - and moved to designer Amy Smilovic's 1980s Asia. Sunday night in the tents, Smilovic showed this new girl to a packed house and got the crowds buzzing. Obi belts and mandarin collars were perfect touches to full-sleeve blouses and pegged satin pants; just enough to give the collection a clear direction but not enough to make it costumey. Though drapes of fabric around the hips on skirts and said pegged pants might not be the most flattering option for the non-mannequins, the collection as presented was striking and sophisticated, a real evolution for the Tibi girl. "I know that when she sees this, she's going to love it," Smilovic said. "I think it won't scare her. She's going to be like, 'I want to look like that girl.'"
Focus Studios hosted Sari Gueron's show this season, a perfect plain backdrop for the heavily girly collection she showed. While her pieces began in muted floral colors, it flowed into see-through lacy dresses paired with black underlay. "I think the inspirations came from watching the Olympics while I was designing, so we added the racer back," said Gueron. "Swimming and diving sort of got in our head." Sleeves were loose, while shorts were low and baggy. Sparkles, the perfect accompaniment to many collections, paired well with ruffles and the slight menswear looks, keeping it girly and chic. Models had a bit of trouble with their shoes as more than one pair came undone while walking the runway!
William Rast
What a way to introduce William Rast to New York: bring a bunch of city-dwellers into Roseland Ballroom and turn it into a literal Southern party, complete with wooden seats, a stage that opened from a wood porch, as well as leaves covering the ground so thickly that a model almost fell on them. "I'm a little overwhelmed," said Timberlake of his first showing in New York. "I'm pheklempt. We're excited. I feel like we're absolutely ready for it and just want to introduce ourselves. I think for New York Fashion Week for your first show it's enough for me to fit in. We're not trying to do something crazy, we just want to show who we are." Buckets of beers greeted guests at their benches for the show that was (unsurprisingly) full of denim. More surprising was the fact that Anna and Bee took their seats early and stayed, waiting for the masses to arrive as the show started almost an hour late. It began with the William Rast movie, which featured Timberlake and Erin Wasson as fugitives on the run, looking chic in -what else?- William Rast. "It was a whole new way of working," said Wasson of her experience. While post-show there were rumors of a Justin performance, the William Rast face didn't even show up to his private VIP bench to party with best friend Trace (who rocked a shirt that said Music is my Life) and their bottle of Dom Perignon. Guests nibbled on delicacies from Southern Hospitality while chilling with their bottles of beer or Bourbon on the runway porch, waiting for a little JT crooning.
Y-3
It's an unusual concept, the collaboration between an avant-garde Japanese designer and a mainstream athleticwear company; the outcome usually comes out along the lines of fashion-y sweats, neither very practical nor aesthetically pleasing. This season, Yohji Yamamoto walked the line between Y-3's athletic roots and a more sophisticated style, opening with tailored pieces like vests and jackets. Those pieces were successful; it was in the attempts at formalwear that Yamamoto started running into problems. If anyone could pull it off, it would be Yamamoto, but maybe chiffon just doesn't belong in the same look as a hooded sweatshirt. His two closing looks, wedding dresses in black and white, were topped by long white veils attached to baseball caps. Judging by the slew of celebs like Ellen Pompeo, Sean Paul, Peaches Geldof, and Vincent Gallo in the front row, Y-3 puts on a good show, but as far as fashion goes, it doesn't quite fit.
Tibi
Tibi's cute, printed-dress loving girl has grown up - and moved to designer Amy Smilovic's 1980s Asia. Sunday night in the tents, Smilovic showed this new girl to a packed house and got the crowds buzzing. Obi belts and mandarin collars were perfect touches to full-sleeve blouses and pegged satin pants; just enough to give the collection a clear direction but not enough to make it costumey. Though drapes of fabric around the hips on skirts and said pegged pants might not be the most flattering option for the non-mannequins, the collection as presented was striking and sophisticated, a real evolution for the Tibi girl. "I know that when she sees this, she's going to love it," Smilovic said. "I think it won't scare her. She's going to be like, 'I want to look like that girl.'"
Next Friday is the first day of New York's Fashion Week when designers unveil looks from their Spring 2009 collections. But why should the Fashion Today audience have to wait until next week to see everything? Fashionistas don't like to be kept waiting...so here's a peek at some of the looks you'll see coming down the runways. Included are sketches from Marc Bouwer, Rubin Singer and Maticevski. And there'll be more to come as I get them from other designers over the next few days leading up to the big event.
Next Friday is the first day of New York's Fashion Week when designers unveil looks from their Spring 2009 collections. But why should the Fashion Today audience have to wait until next week to see everything? Fashionistas don't like to be kept waiting...so here's a peek at some of the looks you'll see coming down the runways. Included are sketches from Marc Bouwer, Rubin Singer and Maticevski. And there'll be more to come as I get them from other designers over the next few days leading up to the big event.
