couture – The Young Eclectic

Fashion February 13, 2019

Romantic Valentine’s Day Outfit Inspiration from the Couture Spring 2019 Runways

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, and while for some it’s a time for candy and roses and candlelit dinners, for us fashion folks, it’s a great excuse for us to be as extra as we would like and dress like the ingenue in a classic movie or play, whether or not we have a date or party we plan on attending. And while I don’t have anything planned for tomorrow’s romantic festivities, I thought I would do all of you out there with dates a favor by giving you some great inspiration for your outfits, based on some of the couture looks that gave me the strongest Valentine’s Day vibes.

From subtle pinks to ravishing reds, and frilly ruffles to sleek silhouettes, these soft and sweet couture runway looks really awakened my inner hopeless romantic. Check out some of my favorite looks below:

Red Power Suit

Absolutely dominate your date in a crisp, red suit that will make you look like the sultry CEO your mom always wanted you to marry! We especially love any frilly details added in, which will make the look appropriately romantic for Valentine’s Day festivities.

Left- Elie Saab Couture Spring 2019, Right- Christian Dior Couture Spring 2019

Short, Sweet, Frilly & Unforgettable

Wow your date in an absolutely unforgettable cocktail dress that has all of the frills and embellishments expected of an over-the-top Valentine’s Day look including, but not limited to, ruffles, shimmery beading, floaty tulle, and whimsical crinolines to make the skirt extra full. Bonus points if the dress is so pink it assaults the vision with equal parts delight and alarm!

Left- Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2019, Center- Zuhair Murad Couture Spring 2019, Right- Schiaparelli Couture Spring 2019

Giant Bows

Bows happen to be one of the most feminine and charming details you can add to a dress, so I love the idea of including one in a romantic, Valentine’s Day outfit. And imagine how much more whimsical and fantastic your look would be if that bow was an oversized focal point of the whole deal- I love it!, I need, and so do you!

Left- Christian Dior Couture Spring 2019, Center- Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2019, Right- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019

Soft Florals

Florals can definitely make for a great accent to a Valentine’s Day getup because it will channel the romantic vibe of all of the bouquets of soft red and pink petals being handed out to everyone in the name of love. Plus they’re just so girly and cute, so you’ll definitely be feeling yourself in a dress covered in them!

Top: Left- Valentino Couture Spring 2019, Right- Luisa Beccaria Couture Spring 2019. Bottom: Left- Luisa Beccaria Couture Spring 2019, Right- Elie Saab Couture Spring 2019

Dramatic, Pink Coat

A statement coat is the perfect piece to spruce up any winter outfit, so why not make it an over-the-top, frilly one to really make your Valentine’s Day outfit stand out? And while both of these beautifully-textured coats are layered over body/swimsuits, we don’t generally recommend this for your casual February look- the coats though- wow!!

Left- Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2019, Right- Zuhair Murad Couture Spring 2019

Ruffled Layers

In case you couldn’t tell from all of the available examples here, dresses with layered ruffles were ALL OVER the runway this couture season, so you’ll be ahead of the curve if you wear a Valentine’s Day look with this inspiration in mind! I’ve always really loved the look of Victorian-inspired ruffles because there’s just something so dreamy about it- I honestly wish I had somewhere to go just so I can wear something this extra!

Top: Left- Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2019, Right- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019. Middle: Left & Right- Chanel Couture Spring 2019. Bottom: Left & Right- Alberta Ferreti Couture Spring 2019.

Sleek, Monotone Pink

There is something so sleek and modern about these monotone, pink looks that forgo all of the extra bling and embellishments for a more understated style of elegance. The soft, pink colors scream Valentine’s Day and you absolutely can’t go wrong with something so simple, yet sophisticated!

Left- Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2019, Center- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019, Right- Antonio Grimaldi Couture Spring 2019

Bridal-Esque White

There is something so pure, innocent, and uniquely appealing about a frothy, floating, sheer veil that covers an equally flowing, white dress. And while it does channel major bridal or angel vibes, I think it creates such a dreamy look that would look breathtaking on a Valentine’s Day date!

Left- Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2019, Center- Armani Prive Couture Spring 2019, Right- Alexandre Vauthier Couture Spring 2019

Are you ready for all of the Valentine’s Day fun? I just can’t wait to put together a cute look to celebrate! Keep your eyes peeled for my Valentine’s Day editorial that will most likely be dropping sometime today or tomorrow! Happy Valentine’s Day, lovelies!

Runway February 3, 2019

Ronald Van Der Kemp Gifts Us Couture Sportswear Made with Recycled Materials

If you’ve followed my website or Instagram for long, it is probably not surprising to hear that I am a big advocate for sustainability and recycling in fashion- practically half of my wardrobe is thrifted and thrifting is one of my favorite activities. Because of this, I have a bit of cognitive dissonance regarding the fashion industry. I love getting new clothes and seeing all of the creations that designers send down the runway, but I hate the impact that the industry has on the environment because people get new clothes every season and get rid of their other, perfectly good pieces just because they are suddenly no longer en vogue. Enough is enough!

Enter Ronald van der Kemp. His wasn’t a name I became familiar with until, like, last season and I was only drawn to it because Ronald isn’t a name that seems all that ~fashionable~ if you know what I mean. While I enjoyed his designs, they didn’t seem all that special or interesting, and they didn’t spark something in me, because I didn’t know the full story- Ronald van der Kemp is exactly the icon I’ve been looking for because he makes all of his couture creations using recycled and “second choice” materials- adding a layer of impressiveness that made me want to know the story of each and every piece.

This couture season, he created a wholly practical collection starring a plethora of sporty chic looks that will make every Cool Girl want to take note. A few of the most notable looks included an 80s-inspired color block tracksuit that is sure to spark interest in men and women alike, and a delightfully daring BDSM-esque belt bustier paired with a cape and some jeans.

I flipped through the collection before ever knowing about van der Kemp’s knack for transforming secondhand materials and I would have never guessed that this collection was made from the fashion industry’s scraps- including a wedding cape made from an old, embroidered bathtub covering and a floral dress made from leftover lampshade materials. It’s seriously inspiring to see him polish trash into this season’s treasure, even if a good amount of his looks channel a strong, kitschy, 80s vibe, which isn’t exactly everyone’s thing (but I can appreciate it!). It’s safe to say that he’s found a new fan.

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

Runway January 24, 2019

The Embodiment of Childhood Wonder with Schiaparelli Spring 2019 Couture

Just when I thought I was finally catching up on all of the shows I have yet to see, couture season begins. Gosh darn you, fashion industry! The cycle never ends! But I freaking LOVE couture, because- in my humble opinion- couture is really where fashion shines. It’s not the practical stuff that someone might reasonably wear on a day-to-day basis. It’s the fun stuff that often leaves people not as keen on the art of fashion scratching their heads and asking “who would ever wear that?” (a sentiment that never fails to make me roll my eyes an entire 360 degrees). So here is the first of the couture collection I’ll be covering this season- Schiaparelli Spring 2019.

Usually, I choose the collections I would like to cover based on photos I have already seen of the collection, and while the first look in the collection did appeal to my whimsical sensibilities, what really hooked me was the Vogue review (yes I read these!) which included the quote from Elsa Schiaparelli that the collection was inspired by, and it was so dreamy and sweet, I fell in love with the collection before even seeing the rest of the finely-crafted looks.

Lamenting on how plain she thought she looked as a child, Elsa Schiaparelli had the imaginative idea to plant flowers in her ears and said:

To have a face covered with flowers like a heavenly garland would indeed be a wonderful thing! …
And if she could make flowers spread all over her face she would be the only woman of her kind in the whole world.
ELsa Schiaparelli

fun whimsical couture fashion style girly pastel schiaparelli spring 2019 couture — My favorite look from the collection- so sweet! (Photo: Vogue.com)

So, the collection was inspired by childhood wonder and the magic of nostalgia that makes us long for the days of fairy tales and imaginary friends- displayed in a gorgeous arrangement of dresses fashioned in vibrant colors and embellished with constellations and lush gardens of romantic florals. Everything was soft-edged and fluffy, much like the world of a child should be- adorned in feathers and rendered in rounded silhouettes that accentuate the natural waistline and the curve of the hip.

One of my favorite looks is a matching blazer and shorts combo that features a precious cloud print that looks like it would be at home painted on a the wall of a nursery- perfectly sweet. Another detail I found strangely appealing was the addition of star-spangled cowboy boots that added the right amount of quirk, and almost evoked how a young girl might look if she put her daddy’s boots on.

And, as if to bring home the collection’s childhood sense of freshness and innocence, the final look was worn by an eight-months-pregnant Erin O’Connor, who looked absolutely stunning in the over-the-top, layered tulle dress. I love it, all of it.

Check out my favorite looks from the show below:

All photos from Vogue.com

Fashion October 17, 2018

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.

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.

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!

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

Topics
The Latest
Trending

In Runway
Marc Jacobs Reminds Us of the Bizarre Nature of Modeling

September 15, 2018

In Fashion
Trends I’ll Definitely Try, Inspired by the Best Streetstyle Looks of Fall/Winter 2019

April 23, 2019

In Runway
The Best of Pre-Fall 2020 Fashion

December 17, 2019

In Read My Thoughts
Business Classes Should Stop Telling Women They Need to Wear Makeup

April 17, 2019
Meet the Editor-in -Chief

Anna. Austin, TX. 23. Recent college grad with a love for fashion, sci-fi, and all things cute and cuddly.

I liked the title Editor-In-Chief, so instead of waiting for someone to give it to me, I gave it to myself!

I work as a marketer and copywriter at a tech startup and moonlight as a fashion blogger/magazine editor extraordinaire. This is my effort at carving a little piece of internet for myself and those who relate to me.

So welcome! Take off your (hopefully fashionable) shoes and stay a while!
What Is The Young Eclectic?

Fashion. Forward-Thinking. Forever. | A Fashion Blog for the Modern Human in an Eclectic World

A fashion community/online publication excited about runway, style, beauty, poetry, film, literature, music, thrifting – an eclectic set of interests to express ourselves in the most holistic way possible.

We are constantly growing, changing, evolving, discovering, and learning, so the content we engage with should do the same.