runway

Runway February 28, 2019

Rodarte Fall 2019 Serves Us a Buffet of Frills, Chills, and Sugary Sweetness

Rodarte never fails to charm me with its insistence on girlish whimsy and dangerous levels of sweetness- and the Mulleavy sisters have done it again- achieved a collection that is all at once fun, vibrant, frilly, and fantastical to capture every inch of the human imagination. While their latest collection is rife with Rodarte’s usual bows, ruffles, light pinks, and wispy lightness (physically and thematically), black leather (albeit ruffled and pleated and fun in its own right) provided a juxtaposing darkness to the looks that only served to uplift the bright, happy vibes of the rest of the collection.

Inspired by classic musicals and their leading ladies from the ’30s to the ’70s, this collection was nothing short of theatrical with its oversized shoulders, fresh, floral headpieces, logoed belts and earrings, and kitschy, clear plastic heels that remind me of something I might have slipped onto my Barbie’s unrealistically-dainty foot.

Come to think of it, this whole collection seems like a perfect choice to outfit a battalion of dolls, which is exactly the kind of fashion I love. Something unique and sweet that nobody would consider wearing out into the actual world. Well, maybe it’s time we make the world a better place with fashion choices that make us feel more alive.

Check out my favorite looks from the show below:

All images from Vogue.com

Runway February 21, 2019

Fantastic & Fatal Accessories at Gucci Fall 2019

Gucci came to the Fall 2019 party guns a-blazing with a presentation that included a wall of flashing lights and mysterious, brightly- colored and almost-creepy, spiked masks (which Alessandro Michele admitted were only a fun detail for the show and would not be for sale). While the masks did their job of pulling us in and preparing us for the utter strangeness of the presentation, the rest of the collection firmly held me in place and kept me wanting to see the next look, and the next look, and the next look.

While the clothes themselves seemed to be more tame than Michele’s other recent offerings (he has abandoned his penchant for baseball trademarks and other logos almost entirely for a more subtle look), the outfits still seemed to impart an otherworldly quality that got my heart pumping as I flipped between the looks.

The silhouettes were oversized, hearkening back to menswear from the 1940s that touted extremely broad shoulders and wide pants (Michele’s were tied at the ankle, almost like a scarecrow), but he still added whimsy with plenty of pleats, ruffled colors, unexpected layering and ridiculous use of even more ridiculous accessories, which, in my opinion, became the star of the show.

From plated, color neck pieces to spiked headbands, these looks were embellished with accessories that were both whimsical and brutal, a delight for the eye to parse and the mind to imagine a character that would wear these accessories. Perhaps the most interesting of all of them were gilded ear coverings that made each model look like some kind of elf or alien- something I had never seen before, which left me equal parts confused and obsessed. Some other, perhaps more practical accessories included oversized fur stoles, logoed knee pads, and studded suspenders that will add some edge to any basic business looks in the season to come.

Alessandro Michele’s Gucci never fails to intrigue and delight me with its prolific and obnoxious creativity. I only hope I can learn to accessorize this boldly!

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

All photos from Vogue.com

Runway February 18, 2019

Ryan Lo Makes Us Fall In Love -Again- at His Fall 2019 Show

I can’t believe we’re already blazing through the Fall 2019 fashion season… time is definitely moving much too fast, and I don’t know how to deal with it! But it also means I have the pleasure of once again blessing my eyes with Ryan Lo’s gorgeous, fantastical designs that make me fall in love with fashion and everything it stands for all over again (thank you!).

For this Fall 2019 ready-to-wear collection, Lo once again gifts us a collection rife with romance, femininity, Victorian frills, and plenty of adorable details, including pink, floral, jacquard prints, wispy knits peppered with floaty mohair, and plenty of feathers and bows to make everything appropriately dreamy. Lo apparently cited Rune Naito, a Japanese illustrator credited as the “root of kawaii” as a big inspiration for the collection, which definitely has that rose-colored, innocent, anime charm to it.

ryan lo fall 2019 fashion runway ready to wear love romantic style london fashion week rune naito artist japan kawaii cute — Rune Naito, a Japanese illustrator credited as being the “root of kawaii,” was a major inspiration for Ryan Lo’s Fall 2019 collection, which recently showed at London Fashion Week.

What Ryan Lo’s collections always seem to do best is create an alternate reality for us where everyone is the star of their own romantic comedy that ends in them finding their perfect match and living out the rest of eternity in love, or falling in love. And there’s nothing wrong with that. As with any art form, fashion should offer that element of fantasy and escape that allows our minds to create another world and existence and fall into it, even if only for a few minutes. That being said, none of the pieces shown would be unwearable in any capacity, making the entire show even more admirable, because Lo was able to create luscious clothing to induce widespread swooning, that would also be great additions to anyone’s wardrobe.

A few of my favorite details from this collection include the over-the-top, fuzzy earmuffs that created such an angelic, vintage look, and his loose, fur-adorned knits that he’s created for his last few collections (a signature?). But really, anything pink and lacy and vintage-inspired will win me over, which is why brands like Ryan Lo, Rodarte, and Vivetta always manage to grab my attention, no matter what they send down the runway.

Check out my favorite looks from the show below:

All runway images are from Vogue.com

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:

Fashion January 25, 2019

For the Love of McQueen

alexander mcqueen couture runway fashion style avante garde — *McQueen at work backstage, 2001. “I want to empower women. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.” -Lee Alexander McQueen. (Photo by Anne Deniau.)*

If you dug deep enough into any fashion lover’s past you would probably find the one designer that started them on the path to total fashion addiction. Maybe they don’t even realize who it is right away, but if you ask me, I can give a definitive answer almost immediately- Alexander McQueen.

I didn’t always stay up to ungodly hours in the morning clicking through runway show after runway show, saving my favorite looks for inspiration. I also didn’t always voraciously tear through any fashion magazine I could get, looking for material to create elaborate collages to memorialize my favorite trends, models, brands, and editorial photo shoots. I didn’t always construct elaborate fantasies and compelling characters from the simple combination of garments.

I used to just be in love with the idea of clothes and putting them together in ways that made me look good, but everything changed when I discovered McQueen. I started to love the idea of clothing and fashion as an art form, the idea that entire stories can be weaved into every fiber of a piece of clothing. Because of McQueen, the entire world of fashion opened up to me and my mere interest in looking good for school transformed into what I want to spend my life doing.

In my honest and obviously biased opinion, Alexander McQueen is one of the greatest designers of this generation because he went beyond the purpose of fashion, to sell clothing, and made his shows into art exhibitions and works of living, breathing poetry.

As Jaden Trahan, my boyfriend and also an avid fan of McQueen, states, “Alexander McQueen was never like ‘I’m going to sell so many of these dresses made entirely of flowers.’ No. He wanted to bare his soul in that one dress.”

I think what I’ve always loved the most about McQueen’s clothing and his shows is the fact that they tell stories. Each piece sent down the runway clearly has a character in mind and I can’t help but feel transported into a world of fantasy when viewing everything.

“It’s pretty much an objective fact that [McQueen’s] pieces are art,” Jaden said. “His pieces transcend generations and trends. A hundred years from now, people will still think it’s beautiful and that it’s art.”

Jaden and I aren’t the only ones to think that McQueen’s work functioned as art, as many of his works were displayed in an exhibition entitled “Savage Beauty” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in 2011.

Of course, being the obsessed fangirl that I am, I HAD to have the book from the exhibition, which Jaden so graciously gifted me. I spent hours flipping through the pages, crying tears of absolute disbelief at how this man transformed fashion from simply the clothes you buy and wear, into masterpieces that held so much meaning. I eagerly showed each image to Jaden, who became an avid McQueen fan overnight.

I was devastated to find out that in 2010, McQueen took his own life. Although he has passed away, his influence and legacy still live on. Sarah Burton, a designer that worked closely with McQueen throughout his career, took on the role of the new head designer and creative director of his line. Throughout the past five years, she has kept the same fantastical romanticism that was present in all of McQueen’s work.

Lee Alexander McQueen and his surviving brand will always hold a spot in my heart as the catalyst that started me on this incredible journey into a passion that I hope to carry for the rest of my life.

I recommend that anyone and everyone should discover some of his work and truly appreciate it as art and not just clothing to be mass produced and marketed the world over. Clothing isn’t just for the practical purpose of wearing- it can be art that tells a compelling story in a way that no other media could, and it’s important to me to help others learn that- so much that it’s one of the central purposes of this site.

Thank you, McQueen- I don’t know what I would do without your gorgeous creations. Rest easy.

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

Runway January 16, 2019

Of Monsters and Menswear with Prada Fall 2019

Prada’s latest show, a Fall 2019 collection which combined men’s and women’s wear, was meant to be- above all- romantic. And while one usually pictures light shades and floaty silhouettes at the mention of romance, this collection presented us with a pack of alienated monsters decked out in dark, structural looks with bondage-like wrap belts, strong shoulders, and hardware-inspired heart necklaces. And while some looks featured a cute and kitschy heart safety-pinned to the chests of our walking monsters, the show hardly referenced styles that most would consider “romantic.” But the true romance came from within, in the understanding of the deeper, more complex aspects of the human emotion.

prada menswear fall 2019 fashion style runway frankenstein — This sweater was apparently woven by old women in the remote mountains of Italy- how romantic! (Photo: Vogue.com)

These monsters really represented men and women struggling to carve a space for themselves in a world that often feels like a monstrous mess- this tougher side of reality was realized in the strong military inspiration, which included structured jackets, heavy shoes and utility pockets galore. The somber coloring of the main pieces of the show also nodded to the solemnity of the modern political climate, while also making for some highly practical work wear looks.

And while the collection did nod to the darker emotions in the human repertoire, it was also surprisingly whimsical, playing up the Frankenstein inspiration with vibrant prints that featured florals, dismembered hands and Frankenstein’s monster himself. Other playful details included fuzzy winter hats in various shades, matching fuzzy shoulders, thick-rimmed glasses, and comfy-looking sweaters worn on top of blazers for a refreshing look.

This collection definitely stood out with its unique inspiration and combined structured, serious, military garb with funky monster-ific details to fabulous effect. And with all of the different ways these looks were layered, it leaves a ton of room for Prada-lovers everywhere to create their own terribly terrific monsters with a ton of heart.

Check out my favorite looks from the show below:

All photos from Vogue.com

Runway January 14, 2019

Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2019’s World of Sheer Etheriality

I’ve been absolutely obsessed with layering lately, and not just because it’s winter (though that has at least a little to do with it). Layering lets you reinvent your clothes and outfits in new ways each time you wear them, like adding a turtleneck under a dress, or a sheer, mesh shirt over a worn tee. Adding different layers to a look adds more dimension, substance, texture and style- so, needless to say, I am into any collection that presents me with new layering ideas, which is just what the Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2019 did with a collection that included all kinds of warm-toned, incredibly-wearable looks sprinkled with whimsical, sheer dresses layered over various pieces, all inspired by artist Sonia Delaunay.

Scrolling through this collection, I was absolutely delighted by all of the use made of these dainty, ethereal dresses- layered over briefs with knee socks or knee-high boots, layered over turtlenecks acting as a second skin, layered beneath jackets, adorned with gold and gorgeous, fairy tale-esque embroidery- my inner fashion fiend was practically salivating at all of the different ideas presented in this collection. Not to mention, it was all very romantic with a lot of throwback charm (which directly speaks to my old-fashioned asthetic), but made modern with the sheerness and the styling (isn’t the bare leg just so chic?). And it’s nearly all black, which I don’t usually gravitate towards when it comes to fashion shows, but works really well with all of the warmth and dainty detail of the collection.

I’ve always been a sucker for sweetness and fantasy, so these intangible-yet-tangible, dreamy dresses hit the spot and make me crave a good, sheer dress for my own wardrobe. Check out some of my favorite looks featuring sheer dresses and skirts below:

All photos from Vogue.com, courtesy of Christian Dior.

Runway January 4, 2019

Live Out Your Dollhouse Dreams With Batsheva Pre-Fall 2019

Hot on the heels of their charming Spring/Summer 2019 show, which was presented in a diner with their bouffant-ed and prairie-clad models slinging plates of classic American cuisine (mostly french fries) and looking appropriately disruptive, the eyes of the fashion world are turning toward Batsheva. And if Batsheva is anything, it is that- disruptive, or a playful reprieve from the usual, all-too-similar sleek and chic looks that sashay down the runway season after season. Featuring whimsical, prairie-inspired prints and silhouettes, Batsheva manages to hearken back to fashions from various past decades, while still feeling fresh. But that might just be because I’m a huge sucker for brands that cash in on the playful aesthetic (remember Mira Mikati’s technicolor treats?).

batsheva pre-fall 2019 prairie alternative vintage fashion style runway dresses — Will “Dance Like A Mannequin” be the next “Dance Like An Egyptian?” Stay tuned to find out! (photo: Vogue.com)

This season’s lookbook saw supermodel Coco Rocha transformed into various jaunty characters/dolls/mannequins- and she imbued personality into each and every one. While the concept of the lookbook was, in and of itself, appealing enough to make note of (I mean, how fun are these photos??), the clothing and styling also left me utterly delighted with the charming vintage silhouettes and cheery prints/color combinations. One of my favorite looks in the collection is actually the very first one- a pastel yellow/powder blue dress with an exaggerated, nearly-humorously huge Peter Pan collar styled with only one leg covered in tights/stockings, something I definitely took note of for my own styling repertoire. The ’70s inspired floral print sprinkled throughout various looks also managed to draw me in, especially when paired with the Raggedy Anne-ish gingham.

I would definitely wear these clothes and gladly reminisce on the times I would play house as a little girl dressed in my mother’s kitchen apron and a pair of heels much too large for my little girl feet, all while rejoicing in the fact that this fashion exists not for daily practicality or professionalism, but to ignite the imagination and to transform you into a cherubic darling that belongs in the Swiss Alps, singing about edelweiss and searching for four-leafed clovers.

Check out my favorite looks from the collection below: