Category

Runway

Category
american horror story coven fashion witch halloween
Fashion

Couture Witchy Looks to Elevate Your Halloween

Society is obsessed with witches, and has been since the beginning of time. There is so much mystique and sex appeal about a witch- she’s a woman of tremendous and terrifying power. You never know what lies beneath the often tranquil and gorgeous exterior.

This is what makes the witch such an attractive Halloween costume option for fashion lovers everywhere. You can craft an incredibly unique, couture-inspired outfit and some dramatic makeup and you’ll be the most intriguing person in the room at your Halloween gig. Plus, a slew of visually striking movies and television shows, like The Love Witch and American Horror Story: Coven have awakened a witchy renaissance in the fashion world. It’s all about black and dramatic accessories.

I’ve chosen some of my favorite couture looks from Fall 2018 that are definitely fit for the most fashionable witch that are sure to give you a few ideas for your own bewitchingly stylish Halloween costumes- you’ll have everyone under your spell!

The Velveteen Witch

There is no material more luxe and perfect for Fall than velvet, and in a rich black with some dramatic accessories (um, hello over-the-shoulder gloves!) it certainly feels witchy to me! 

From left to right: Ronald Van Der Kemp Couture Fall 2018, Valentino Couture Fall 2018, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2018, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2018.

Hoods and Capes and Robes, Oh My!

Some of the most classic accessories utilized by witches of lore is the hood, cape, or robe (or a combination of all three!). Not only is this accessory going to totally elevate your Halloween ‘fit, it will also serve as a great, glamorous layering piece to keep you warm and fashionable. 

  • sonia rykiel couture fall 2018 fashion witch
  • giambattista valli couture fall 2018 fashion witch
  • givenchy couture fall 2018 fashion witch

From left to right: Sonia Rykiel Couture Fall 2018, Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2018, Givenchy Couture Fall 2018.

The Devil Is In the Details

Sometimes all you need to elevate your whole look is some well-placed embroidery. There is always something intriguing, witch-like and generally creepy about eyes. They evoke the image of  psychics and tarot cards, which is a bit of everyday magic that people invite into their lives.

  • schiaparelli couture fall 2018 fashion witch

Schiaparelli Couture Fall 2018.

Bewitching Drama

If you want to enchant your audience with a look cranked to 11 (after all, isn’t that what Halloween is all about?) than these looks definitely bring something to the table. From all-over fur dresses that will bring out the feral in you, to delicate, sheer ballgowns and unforgettable feathers, just adding a familiar companion, a pointy hat, and some over-the-top makeup will bring any of these witchy looks to life!

  • guo pei couture fall 2018 fashion witch
  • giambattista valli couture fall 2018 fashion witch
  • alexandre vauthier couture fall 2018 fashion witch
  • armani prive couture fall 2018 fashion witch

From left to right: Guo Pei Couture Fall 2018, Giambattista Valli Couture Fall 2018, Alexandre Vauthier Couture Fall 2018, Armani Prive Couture Fall 2018,

The Witch Next Door

Sometimes even your everyday, unassuming looks can become your witchy masterpiece with some strategic accessorizing. I like to think of it as re-imagining the classic witch for the modern age. A dramatic collar or harness-like straps give the looks some edge, and some out-of-this world makeup and hair styling can make you into the witch you’ve always dreamed you’d be.

Left, Chanel Couture Fall 2018. Right, Azzaro Couture Fall 2018.

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Picnic At John Galliano Spring/Summer 2019

My favorite kinds of collections are ones that exist in a world of pure fantasy and that tell a distinct story with each passing look. This season, Bill Gaytten designed the Spring/Summer 2019 John Galliano collection that interpreted the classic Australian thriller-mystery novel “Picnic At Hanging Rock” and translated it to a dreamy, nostalgic collection that brought us back to the year 1900 in the late Victorian age, where women wore corsets, gauzy dresses, and jackets with puffed shoulders. I swoon.

These frilly, light, girlish, Victorian-inspired dresses bring to life the characters of  Australian author Joan Lindsay’s classic thriller-mystery novel “Picnic At Hanging Rock.” (Photo: Vogue.com)

In the story of “Picnic At Hanging Rock,” a group of school girls goes missing while on a Valentine’s Day outing to the picturesque Hanging Rock. They disappear under mysterious circumstances that leaves the community reeling and poised for tragic collapse. This compelling story was made into a visually striking, gorgeous film that featured a bevy of beautiful ladies dressed in incredible dresses- which served as the inspiration for Gaytten’s work. 

Through the ghosts of these 1900s schoolgirls, his collection managed to evoke a distinctly summery, yet posh and delicate mood with Vicotrian-inspired, translucent dresses and skirts that were rendered in girlish colors like pink, powder blue and white. Each dress also included its fair share of bows, frills, lace and pearlescent beading, perfect for making each girl look like a porcelain doll, while heavy black combat boots modernized each look and gave them some much-needed edge. One of the more charming details of the collection are the oversized, round glasses that scream boarding school, paired with rustic straw hats. I’ve already added both of these accessories to my list of must-haves for next season!

When it comes down to it, I really love collections that strive to pluck something from the past and polish it until it shines anew, so that people can see it with fresh eyes. Vintage looks give me a ton of inspiration in particular because I adore thrifting and finding unique pieces that could never be found in a modern retail store. While these frilly, Victorian getups may not seem practical to the everyday consumer, these types of collections light a fire inside me and really validate my sense of style, while giving me inspiration for what to look for at my next thrift store search.

Fashion, at the end of the day, is about creating a character for others to inhabit, and this collection has done a fine job of bringing a swathe of literary personalities to life. 

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Mira Mikati Wants You to Wear Your Childhood

It’s been raining every day for weeks. There’s bad news when you turn on the TV, more bad news when you scroll through your feed. Every day at work is the same. Everything slogs on and takes on a dull hue of indifference and  boredom. Let’s face it, sometimes life just sucks and you fall out of love with yourself, your job, and everything. It’s at times like these that I can truly appreciate the little, happy things in life, like Mira Mikati’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection. 

embroidered dress mira mikati spring/summer 2019
This delicate, sheer, beautifully embroidered dress is so playful, yet still works as evening wear, while also paiting with more casual pieces for daytime. (Photo: Vogue.com)

This collection caught my eye because of its completely carefree, innocent vibe that cuts through the shadow and smog of a world that doesn’t always seem so great. Mikati has somehow managed, with her colorful, circus-esque stripes, embroidered sheer slip dresses and optimistic slogans, to distill the very essence of joy and imbue every thread of her playful collection with it. Seriously, just looking at these photos makes my heart warm!

Some of the pieces that most stood out to me are a super fantastic jacket with a summery, yellow sun print and a backless, short-sleeved, midi dress that features a bright, child-like polka dot print. What I love most about this collection is that, although it is colorful and clownish (in a good way!), each piece is incredibly wearable on its own, and equally wearable married with other colorful pieces in the collection. In an age where print and color clashing is acceptable and encouraged, I think it’s something special to create an entire line that works so well individually or as a unit. I want to buy it all!

In Mikati’s own words, her collection is “a fairy tale that starts well and finishes well.” No complications, no regrets, no unfinished business, just a happy ending- something we could all use a little more of in our lives.

Check out my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Fashion

What To Wear This Winter As Told By Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2018

We are five days into October AKA “spooky season” and the chill of winter has yet to rear its refreshing and welcome head. If it ever actually gets cold, and if you care about hot trendz and the newest runway looks, you might be wondering “what should I be wearing this winter?” Well, look no further because Balenciaga has got you covered… and covered… and… covered. 

The Balenciage Fall/Winter 2018 show was a delight to the eyes with all of the refreshingly odd styling choices, the vibrant hues, and the crisp silhouettes. I think a few of the gorgeously-curved jackets actually made me gasp. It was also the first show that officially combined menswear and women’s fashion into one huge, delicious display, one that left me wondering why men’s and women’s fashion is so separated anyway. Is it really that different? Is there no room for some give and take? 

The quirky, futuristic vibes from recent shows in the past couple of seasons is a welcome change from the endless army of athleisure and sneakers that has overtaken the catwalk as of late. There were so many tantalizing, dizzying details about this collection, that we all could pick up some inspiration from it to spice up our own winter wardrobe and styling choices. I’ve outlined a few of my favorite threads that wove this collection together (ha!) so listen up and take notes!

The Biggest Coats You’ve Ever Seen… And Lots of Them

Probably one of the most iconic aspects of this collection was all of the coats, literally layers and layers of them. Some of the coats were so large, it was almost comical- which is what made it so damn fun! If you take a page out of their book and wear the largest coat you can find, not only will you look cool as hell, you’ll also be as warm as hell… literally.

Winter Blooms

Throughout this collection, several different, yet all equally vibrant, floral prints assaulted our senses (in a good way) and went in direct contrast to the usual solemnity and blandness of the winter season. So I say, let a little sunshine and joy into your wardrobe this winter with some distinctly warm, summery florals!

Prim Primaries

Primary colors have been a huge trend among Instagram trendsetters and streetwear legends for a while now, but, with this collection, it seems like this simplistic, yet striking trend may soon make its debut in the population at large. I’ve always been a fan of bright colors, so I say, why not? Mix and match- it’s all about bright, vibrant fun this season!

Structured Blazers

I thought some of the most thoughtfully crafted and dynamo pieces in this collection were the shaped and structured blazers and pea coats, which, ironically, were actually crafted and molded by a 3D modeling program on a computer, allowing each piece to be identical in all of its “razor-sharp, sleek, basque-waisted” glory. I just love how it accentuates the shape of the body so beautifully, almost like Dior’s New Look, while also adding that layer of androgyny when the pieces were worn by masculine people. If I were to get anything from this collection, it would definitely be one of these breathtaking jackets.

Velvet is Back, Baby

We all know that all things ’90s have been having some kind of renaissance lately, and velvet just keeps popping up again and again. This luxe, rich material not only adds a ton of texture to your outfit, it’s also warm as hell, so it’s perfect for the incoming cold.

Chunky Chains

I’ve never been a fan of huge, statement jewelry, but there is something equal parts appealing and off-putting about a giant, chunky chain resting upon your fragile, human neck that intrigues me just enough to add this to the list. And these chains are even more interesting because they look like normal chains at first glance, but upon closer inspection the necklaces are actually made of interlocking clips and carabiners often used in rock climbing and other outdoorsy activities, which is a callback to the skiing and snowboarding theme that served as this collection’s main source of inspiration. While chains of all kinds are a staple in goth fashion, I think this style could be recycled to great effect if paired with distinctly feminine, soft looks for some delicious juxtaposition.

I am confident that, even if you don’t look at any other winter collections this season, you have all the inspiration you need to get yourself started on honing your winter style. You definitely shouldn’t feel the need to follow trends when figuring out what you would like to wear, though. Just be yourself and your style will naturally emerge and evolve from that, which is, essentially, how fashion is born anyways.

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Pop Art Meets Polish for Sara Battaglia Spring/Summer 2019

A little known fact is that yellow is one of my favorite colors, making this comfy-looking two-piece set even more appealing. (Photo: Vogue.com)

I am, above all else, drawn to the romanticism, art and drama of fashion, which makes me partial toward collections that are super over-the-top with theatrical makeup and pieces that could never actually be worn in daily life. Since fashion is just another form of entertainment for me, why would I care if something is deemed “wearable,” or not? For this reason, I’m not usually attracted to collections that feature stiff-looking, highly-structured looks like suits, that have a very practical purpose out in the real world.

The Sara Battaglia Spring/Summer 2019 collection, although very practical and wearable in a lot of ways, managed to capture my attention with its playful colors and refreshing shapes. Work-ready suits are rendered in bright colors like pink and orange. Jackets have drooping, dramatic sleeves and large, pop art-inspired prints. Sleeves are bunched up and tied to create fun, pirate-like, puffed sleeves on an otherwise nondescript dress or shirt. It’s just plain fun!

You can tell that Battaglia gets a kick out of creating looks that have a distinct shape, like the shirt that features sleeves that stick out like two halves of a full moon, which played very nicely with the crisp white skirt it was paired with. Inspired by ’50s and ’60s professional dress, vibrant art from that time- swishing tulle and billowing ballgowns just aren’t her thing. And hey, even though I’m a sucker for those dreamland dresses, I can appreciate that every designer has their own aesthetic and motifs. Plus, every woman needs a good power suit in her repertoire, even if it’s bright yellow and has fringe hanging from the sleeves.

Check out a few of my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos from Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Alien-esque, ’60s Schoolgirls Tromp Down the Runway at Prada Spring/Summer 2019

Prada is always one of the most anticipated shows of Milan Fashion Week, and hardly ever disappoints. This collection has, once again, captured the world’s attention, not only for its playful take on conservatism vs. rebellion, but for its out-of-this-world accessories. Every girl donned a retro-inspired, puffed up Alice band (something I have never seen before), while others made a statement against the small glasses trend with enormous sunglasses that immediately create the impression of large, alien eyes. In other words, the show wowed. 

The oversized sunglasses at the Prada Spring/Summer 2019 show mimicked the eyes of the classic image of the little green men aliens, and were also inspired by the pronounced lower lashes of the ’60s. (Photo: Vogue.com). 

Prada first knocked me off my feet with their Fall/Winter 2015 show, a pastel, retro-futuristic dreamworld that begged us to consider the difference between natural and artificial beauty. Prada has a flair for the dramatic, and turning tastes and conventions on their head, which is exactly what made this collection so exciting. It mixed schoolgirl, cutesy aesthetic (translucent, glittering knee-high socks paired with fetished-up Mary Janes, and flipping, tie-dye, pleated skirts evoked a young femininity) with a rougher, edgier sense of rebellion. Sensible button-ups had holes cut at the chest, and the once-sweet Alice bands became embellished with punky metal studs. A sweet, innocent makeup look- harsh cut bangs and extremely pronounced lashes- reminded me of a Twiggy mixed with Rosemary’s baby, and complemented the rougher, edgier vibes of the show surprisingly well.

All in all, the show was a success, with tons of wearable pieces that fashion-lovers will be scrambling to get their hands on when the time comes. Some of the most noteworthy pieces were their sheer dresses (worn over bloomers at the show), the mock-neck satin tops with a dainty neck bow, the strappy, satin A-line mini dresses and the ubiquitous knee-high socks complete with their iconic triangular logo. My greatest hope, though, is that I see more of these headbands and sunglasses out in the real world. We need everyday fashion that takes risks and challenges conventions, fashion that asks questions and demands attention. Fashion that makes us stop scrolling through our feed and look.

Check out some of my favorite looks from the show below:

All photos were found on Vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Having Fun with Vivetta Fall 2018

This adorable blue and red hand dress layered with the white shirt hooked me on this collection. If anyone knows where I can cop this dress, HMU. (Photo: Vogue.com)

I know you all are out there looking for all that juicy Spring/Summer 2019 coverage, but I just wanted to interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to let you all know I still can’t stop thinking about the Vivetta Fall/Winter 2018 collection. It’s. Just. So. Damn. Fun. 

What originally drew me to this collection was its use of hand motifs (apparently one of Vivetta’s signatures) in super creative ways- from bedazzled vests and cutout sleeves to entire dresses made of them, I just couldn’t get enough! Plus, if you all have learned anything from the few posts I’ve already made, it’s that I adore bright colors, which Vivetta made spectacular use of in her whimsical designs. 

But like I said before, this collection, above all, is just plain fun. And sometimes it’s important through all of the stresses we must endure in life to have some little ray of enjoyment. Because at the end of the day, for normal, working class people like me, high fashion is just another form of entertainment, a fantasy world to get lost in during my spare time. So it’s always nice to be newly delighted with collections like these that exist in celebration of femininity and joy. 

A few of the most notable pieces include a mini, Swarovski-embellished hand dress, knee-high pink glitter boots, a bright orange puffer jacket cinched perfectly at the waist and a gauzy white dress with an appropriately placed red heart applique. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Check out my favorite looks from the collection below:

Feature image from Grey Magazine. All other images from Vogue.com.

by
Keep Reading
Runway

A Classic Story of Love… and Witches at Ryan Lo Spring/Summer 2019

There are very few shows I see that make me think “wow, I need to write about that NOW.” But as soon as I saw the first look with the golden “broom” and whimsical, oversized witch hat, I was hooked.

The girl gets the classic fairy tale ending with the last look in the show, in which the show’s bride is escorted down the runway by her very own knight in shining armor- WOW! (Photo: vogue.com)

I’ve been following Ryan Lo since 2014, when I stumbled across another one of his sugary, pink, fluffy and downright adorable collections. And, although I haven’t seen his last few collections (oops), I can confidently say that he’s only gotten better with time. 

In his newest collection, Ryan Lo tackled the classic story of love… and witches. A magical combination of pastel princesses, knights and vibrant, cone-capped witches slowly made their way down the runway, giving onlookers enough time to appreciate each look in all their glorious, saccharine-sweet details.

We were treated to flowing gowns in retro-inspired floral prints, decadent loose-knit tops, dreamy hats and plenty of ruffles, bows, scallops and sheer layers to go around. Each dress was paired with a pair of boots or a pair of girly pumps with socks- eschewing the overwhelming trend in the past few seasons of pairing dresses with sneakers. 

For Lo, and his aptly named “Saturn Returns” collection, it was all about love and happy endings. In fact, the bride (the last look of the show) was escorted down the runway by a literal knight in shining armor- what could be more romantic and dreamy than that? This collection, in all of its fantastical glory, succeeded in giving us all the happy ending we desired- one in which we can revel in collections like this and dream of a life where we might wear these very dresses and find our own knights in shining armor.

Check out my favorite looks from the collection below:

All photos found on vogue.com

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Marc Jacobs Reminds Us of the Bizarre Nature of Modeling

Just a couple of nights ago, Marc Jacobs lit the fashion world ablaze with his newest Spring/Summer 2019 collection; a swirling pink, pastel fantasy that reminded me of benevolent circus clowns and cotton candy dreams. 

While the collection itself was noteworthy for how good everyone thought it was (sure- it’s Marc Jacobs, of course everyone would be raving about it), it was also noteworthy for a few other reasons. One being that it started over an hour and a half late (hence all of the “Worth the Wait!!” headlines) and the other being that 35 models agreed to have their hair dyed to match their looks at the show. And I don’t mean temporary dye, or hair chalk, or wigs. I mean like full-on-hair-bleached-and-colored-by-salon-professionals dyed.

While that in and of itself is impressive and noteworthy on the hair stylists’ part, it also got me thinking about just how strange the profession of modeling really is. These models went through the lengthy process of dying their hair for one part of one night. Kay Smetsers, the model that closed out the night, bleached and dyed her hair for the show, only to admit later via social media that she would be returning to her usual brown the very next day. 

Kay Smetsers, the model that closed the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2019 show, bleached and dyed her normally-brown hair just for this show. She admitted she would be dying it back to its usual color the very next day. Photo: vogue.com

And while dying the hair may be tough but not impossible to reverse in the course of a day, some models even agreed to have their hair buzzed for the show. Now that’s a change you’d think one might not take lightly, and yet, in the modeling industry, these sort of changes are just par for the course.

My introduction to the world of modeling came through the over-the-top, corny and addicting world of America’s Next Top Model- a show that gave contestants extreme makeovers to supposedly make them more marketable in the fashion industry. For me, the makeover episodes always tended to be the most entertaining, not only to see how the girls would look at the end, but because there was always at least one that would burst into tears as the stylist unapologetically sheared off their locks. When the dust settled, someone was always there to give the poor gal some tough love- this is how the industry is, sweety. Get used to it, or hit the road.

It seems that modeling is a profession largely devoid of bodily autonomy. Of course, one always has the choice to not take the job. But within any modeling job, the model and the model’s body act as a canvas to enact another person’s art and vision. While this attitude has enabled many gorgeous works of art to be shown to the world, it makes me think- how healthy is the lifestyle? Physically and psychologically- what happens when it feels as though your own body, the only thing that truly belongs to you, is largely under someone else’s control?

All that aside, this collection, while it didn’t totally woo me, had some great moments. Sequin pants, ’50s silhouettes, cute, candy-colored cardigans and insanely indulgent, ruffled-to-the-max dresses so sweet they’d give you a toothache- the designer gave us a saccharine show that didn’t take itself too seriously. And, although pastel hair has probably been way overdone at this point, I do appreciate Jacobs’ take, which aimed to show a more grown up, vintage-inspired version of the millennial hair trend.

Check out my favorite looks from the show below! Next up: London Fashion Week!

Images found on vogue.com. 

by
Keep Reading
Runway

Rodarte Spring/Summer 2019 and the Fantasy of Fashion

If asked what kind of child I was, my mother would probably say “imaginative” or something similar, as I quite literally had more imaginary friends than real friends (and hey, I like to think I turned out alright!). While some parents may have seen this as a cause for alarm, my parents encouraged me to put my wellspring of creativity to good use. So, I became a writer.

I only started with that anecdote to help explain why I fell into fashion in the first place. It started with magazines and editorials. Although I am normally an avid reader of all sorts of media, I’ve never been one to actually sit and read the various articles in a magazine. I’ve always been drawn directly to the shoots and editorials, my eyes hungry and ready to feast on the visual splendor of the newest fashion collections. 

This pastel, frilly frock played beautifully with the somber, eerie mood of a graveyard in the midst of a downpour. Photo: Vogue.com 

Runway shows were the obvious next step in my progressively increasing addiction to the art of fashion. Sure, I love the practical collections that will be sold at all of the big department stores and online retailers, but it’s the artsy, non-practical stuff that leaves non-fashion people asking “who would wear that?” that really gets my blood pumping.

The Rodarte Spring/Summer 2019 ready to wear collection managed to stimulate my fantasy brain, plunging me into a vibrant world of absolute decadence and sensory overload. Sheer dresses, crocheted shifts, metal armbands, floaty veils, giant ruffled shoulders, frilly tiered dresses, embroidered capes- and all in a rainy graveyard? I mean, the location alone is enough to inspire daydreams for days to come. My story-seeking brain was groomed, pampered and fully slaked with this richly textured and vibrant collection. The unexpected rain even added to the drama of the event, as the sound of the rain accented the soundtrack and models had to more carefully maneuver their environment. 

As Maya Singer so aptly wrote in her review of the collection for Vogue.com, 

No one is better at provoking daydreams than Rodarte—it’s impossible to watch one of their shows without fantasizing about the kind of life these looks demand, a life of endless decadence and romance. You could see them as the ghosts of possible selves.

And I could really only ever hope that one of my possible selves could wear clothes this hauntingly beautiful.

Check out my favorite looks from this collection below:

All photos in the above gallery were found on Vogue.com. Featured photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images.

by
Keep Reading