Balenciaga Angora Sweater
Liv Taylor - Givenchy
Mary-Kate Olsen - Krizia 1980s Fox Sweater
Poppy Delevinge - Givenchy
Haute Halloween Trends
It goes without saying that everything from movies to news to celebrity scandals from the past year inspires an onset of new, unconventional Halloween costumes. The latest newsflash you ask? Well, this year your typical cowgirl or vampire just won’t do! Get creative and push the limits because this is your chance to play pretend for just one night!
Still in need of a last minute costume revelation? Well we here at MBF Trend Consulting have some tips on the trendiest and most innovative costumes out there this Halloween.
Lady Gaga
Not only the queen of the airwaves but the perfect costume goddess, Lady Gaga is an easy fix to any last minute Halloween crisis. Time to go platinum with a bleached blonde wig and sky-high shoes! Don’t forget the glitter and avant-garde mask and you’re ready to perform! Check out full costume ideas or create your own version of Gaga herself with accessories galore here!
Pan Am Flight Attendant
With a new television series in flight, the hit show, Pan Am is definitely drawing some inspiration from up in the clouds. With the legendary stewardess uniform, Pan Am bag, and little white gloves, it’s a fun take on the 1960’s with a hint of espionage. Click here to chose from a few different styles of stewardess chic!
Wild Things
Go wild and DIY by creating an animalistic inspired costume! Take your everyday dog and cat and transform into a fierce tiger or ferocious wolf! Or, go a bit lighthearted and dress up as a plush kangaroo, wobbly penguin, or foxy fox!
With less than a few days away, don’t let this spooky day creep up on you! We’d love to see what great costume ideas you’ve put together! Feel free to send us photos and comments!
Still in need of a last minute costume revelation? Well we here at MBF Trend Consulting have some tips on the trendiest and most innovative costumes out there this Halloween.
photo via partycity.com
Lady Gaga
Not only the queen of the airwaves but the perfect costume goddess, Lady Gaga is an easy fix to any last minute Halloween crisis. Time to go platinum with a bleached blonde wig and sky-high shoes! Don’t forget the glitter and avant-garde mask and you’re ready to perform! Check out full costume ideas or create your own version of Gaga herself with accessories galore here!
photo via spirithalloween.com
Score some major points and dress up in one of the hottest costumes this year has to offer, Angry Birds. Be a colorful, flightless bird and slingshot your way into costume. Choose from birds in red, yellow, or black! Hurry and play the game soon before time runs out!
photo via anytimecostumes.com
While last year it was all about the vampire, this year thanks to the comic book turned television series, Walking Dead, zombies have resurrected. Not only is it easy to play dead, but super affordable too! Get in the ghoul spirit and haunt the night away for some fresh flesh.
Steampunk
A very steam punk Halloween seems to be all the rage this season as the past and the future unite! Think a savvy Sherlock Holmes and combine Victorian fashion with some charming gadgets and dash of attitude. Get original and invent your own gadgets and gimmicks by pairing a lace up corset with goggles and a top hat for a bit of feminine flair!
photo via partycity.com
Steampunk
A very steam punk Halloween seems to be all the rage this season as the past and the future unite! Think a savvy Sherlock Holmes and combine Victorian fashion with some charming gadgets and dash of attitude. Get original and invent your own gadgets and gimmicks by pairing a lace up corset with goggles and a top hat for a bit of feminine flair!
photo via The Orange County Register
Get ready to feel like royalty! What better way to play pretend than as a prince and princess? The top couples costume of 2011 is by no surprise, William and Kate! Recreate the wedding of the century and celebrate yourself first hand.
photo via buycostumes.com
Pan Am Flight Attendant
With a new television series in flight, the hit show, Pan Am is definitely drawing some inspiration from up in the clouds. With the legendary stewardess uniform, Pan Am bag, and little white gloves, it’s a fun take on the 1960’s with a hint of espionage. Click here to chose from a few different styles of stewardess chic!
photo via amazon.com
Wild Things
Go wild and DIY by creating an animalistic inspired costume! Take your everyday dog and cat and transform into a fierce tiger or ferocious wolf! Or, go a bit lighthearted and dress up as a plush kangaroo, wobbly penguin, or foxy fox!
With less than a few days away, don’t let this spooky day creep up on you! We’d love to see what great costume ideas you’ve put together! Feel free to send us photos and comments!
Pain d'Epi: Bread Recipe
Pain d'Epi
I can't think of anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread. Well, apart from eating a chunk with butter when it is straight out of the oven. This is an easy bread recipe with impressive results.
Ingredients
275g Strong white flour
1 tbsp Olive oil
175ml Warm water
1 sachet Yeast
1 tsp Salt
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Mix the flour, olive oil, water, yeast and salt together. When adding the salt do not put directly over the yeast, put to the side of the bowl as salt can stop the effectiveness of the yeast. You may need to add some water if the consistency isn't soft enough.
2. Dust the worktop with flour and knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is a soft dough.
3. Make the dough into a ball, ensuring that you fold in all of the edges and shape in your hand. Roll into a long and even sausage shape.
4. Then cover with oiled cling film on a baking sheet and leave to rise in a warm place, until it has doubled in size, roughly around 35 minutes.
5. Then using scissors create a wheat stalk effect by cutting the dough from one end at a 45 degree angle but not cutting straight through. Angle the first cut to the left and the next cut to the right and continue.
6. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt then flour.
7. Spray the inside of the oven with water, to help the bread to rise then bake for 20-25 minutes.
Lipstick & Marzipan *Tip*: Cutting the bread into the shape sounds tricky, but it really isn't, feel free to message/comment and I will guide you through it : )
Recipe: Lorraine Pascale
Home Cooking Made Easy
Fashion's Cutting-Edge Talent
The one constant in fashion is change and that’s a fact. While the fashion industry thrives on innovation, there’s nothing like some cutting-edge talent! Today we would like to highlight the best up and coming international designers that are about to take the stage or should we say catwalk?
Stealing some of the spotlight is a Russian designer, Alexandre Plokhov. Plokhov, a former menswear designer for Versace, recently launched a womenswear line at Barney’s this past September. His gothic inspired menswear line, Cloak, was discontinued in 2007 but his fine tailoring and deconstructed style has gained much attention and now is branching into the women's market.
Since we’ve discussed Chinese models in a past post, “All Eyes on China,” today, we’d like to also draw attention to an upcoming Chinese fashion designer, Zhang Da. Not only is he the designer behind Hermes’ label Shang Xia, but also his own independent label, Boundless. While both lines embody two very different approaches, Da draws much of his inspiration from Japanese design as well as his own traditional Chinese heritage. The buzz about China’s style will continue as the industry further develops and stimulates an onset of new innovation in design and we’re excited to see what’s to come!
Who doesn’t love when a fashion veteran reinvents herself? A former designer for both Valentino and Gucci, Alessandra Facchinetti returned to the runway this past fashion week. However, this time Facchinetti teams up with the Italian fast fashion brand, Pinko, to create her collection, Uniqueness. The 60-piece collection is both non-seasonal as well as available online exactly as it was presented on the catwalk. If that isn’t fashion savvy then we don’t know what is!
From Russian to Chinese to Italian flair, where better to end but right here in the U.S.? Designer Yara Flinn is the name behind the label Nomia, which takes a sculptural approach to design by creating artistic, edgy, and sophisticated garments. While the brand first hit the fashion scene in 2007, it has had great success at New York Fashion week as well as continue to produce all pieces right here in New York City’s historic garment district.
Who’s got talent? Giovanna Randall sure does! From opera singer to pre-med student to now up and coming luxury fashion designer, Randall’s vast experiences have inspired her to create the line, Honor. With only two seasons under her belt, she is already opening a shop up in the Meatpacking district and is dedicated to preserving New York City's garment district.
Former Season 5 Project Runway winner, Leanne Marshall, combines eco-friendly fabrications with sophisticated, feminine design. Her most recent spring/summer 2012 collection inspired by a visit to the ocean, incorporated hemp silk, bamboo jersey, and organic cotton to evoke “the way the wind moves through the sand.” She’s sure a winner in our eyes!
From around the globe and back, a distinct array of talent is giving us a new perspective not only on the industry, but the world. This contemporary energy is leading us into a new era of ever-changing values and aesthetics. We love a fresh point of view, don’t you?
photo via style.com
Stealing some of the spotlight is a Russian designer, Alexandre Plokhov. Plokhov, a former menswear designer for Versace, recently launched a womenswear line at Barney’s this past September. His gothic inspired menswear line, Cloak, was discontinued in 2007 but his fine tailoring and deconstructed style has gained much attention and now is branching into the women's market.
photo via Shang Xia
Since we’ve discussed Chinese models in a past post, “All Eyes on China,” today, we’d like to also draw attention to an upcoming Chinese fashion designer, Zhang Da. Not only is he the designer behind Hermes’ label Shang Xia, but also his own independent label, Boundless. While both lines embody two very different approaches, Da draws much of his inspiration from Japanese design as well as his own traditional Chinese heritage. The buzz about China’s style will continue as the industry further develops and stimulates an onset of new innovation in design and we’re excited to see what’s to come!
photo via fashionologie.com
Who doesn’t love when a fashion veteran reinvents herself? A former designer for both Valentino and Gucci, Alessandra Facchinetti returned to the runway this past fashion week. However, this time Facchinetti teams up with the Italian fast fashion brand, Pinko, to create her collection, Uniqueness. The 60-piece collection is both non-seasonal as well as available online exactly as it was presented on the catwalk. If that isn’t fashion savvy then we don’t know what is!
photo via Elle.com
From Russian to Chinese to Italian flair, where better to end but right here in the U.S.? Designer Yara Flinn is the name behind the label Nomia, which takes a sculptural approach to design by creating artistic, edgy, and sophisticated garments. While the brand first hit the fashion scene in 2007, it has had great success at New York Fashion week as well as continue to produce all pieces right here in New York City’s historic garment district.
photo via salt & studs
Who’s got talent? Giovanna Randall sure does! From opera singer to pre-med student to now up and coming luxury fashion designer, Randall’s vast experiences have inspired her to create the line, Honor. With only two seasons under her belt, she is already opening a shop up in the Meatpacking district and is dedicated to preserving New York City's garment district.
photo via ecouterre.com
Former Season 5 Project Runway winner, Leanne Marshall, combines eco-friendly fabrications with sophisticated, feminine design. Her most recent spring/summer 2012 collection inspired by a visit to the ocean, incorporated hemp silk, bamboo jersey, and organic cotton to evoke “the way the wind moves through the sand.” She’s sure a winner in our eyes!
From around the globe and back, a distinct array of talent is giving us a new perspective not only on the industry, but the world. This contemporary energy is leading us into a new era of ever-changing values and aesthetics. We love a fresh point of view, don’t you?
Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion - The Exhibition
Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Costume Institute, New York
The exhibition will show fictitious conversations between the two women on a range of topics such as politics, art, women and fashion which will be intertwined with pieces from the two designers. There will be approximately 80 designs by Schiaparelli from the late 1920s to the early 1950s and Prada from the late 1980s to present. It will also be great to see the different ways in which the designers are portrayed, as Miuccia is alive and still working, so it will be fascinating to see her input in this project and her representation in the exhibition.
Elsa Schiaparelli was an inspiring and fascinating designer. She was closely linked and inspired by the Surrealist art movement, that was forming in the mid 20s. Surrealism focused on a fantasy and dreamlike world and contrasted this with bourgeois capitalism. Graphic and abstract detailing were featured and key artists in the movement included Salvador Dali and Joan Miro. Schiaparelli was not only influenced by these artists but also commissioned them, and she worked with Dali, Cocteau and Berard. Some of her most famous designs are the 'Lobster Dress', 'Tears Dress' and 'Shoe Hat.'
Miuccia Prada inherited her Grandfather's luggage company and transformed it by using innovative fabrics. She has successfully evolved her collection form black nylon backpacks to a range of leather goods and a RTW collection. Her designs are always timely and are always praised on being exactly what women want to wear at the right time. Her collections always set trends, and her use of prints and fabrics showcase her philosophy and passions. She continues to push boundaries in fashion by experimenting and provoking insightful viewpoints on Postmodernism.
I can't wait to see this exhibition, I think it will draw in a large crowd and the Met Ball of course, will be just fabulous... as always <3.
For more information visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art Website.
Photos: The Prada Group, Life In Italy
Survival of the "Creativists"
The times are craving for a change and new approaches to the way we do things. Everything is being challenged right now and with great challenge comes opportunity. Here at MBF Trend Consulting, we are exploring these trends and here to give you the rundown on what's going on in the world around us.
As the global economic crisis continues, people have to make the most of what they have and in this case, what they know. The return of bartering began with link exchanges on blogs and websites as well as with clothing and housing swaps, but from here it goes way beyond that. We first discussed bartering in our blog “No Rules” and now bartering has finally begun to infiltrate the world.
With the current economy and rising unemployment rates, bartering systems have been expanding internationally. Greece, a perfect example, has used these exchange networks in their farming industry for years and now has a growing community that swap everything from babysitting to home-cooked meals, classes, tech advice, and local discounts. In support of these initiatives, the Greek government recently passed a law that encourages “alternative forms of entrepreneurship and local development.” It’s about building a sense of community and breaking down barriers that monetary systems create.
Even here in the U.S. it is taking off as people exchange labor for health services. True North, an integrative medical practice based in Maine, not only focuses on enhancing quality healthcare and strengthening the relationship between patient and practictioner, but accepts "time dollars" as a form of payment. These "time dollars" can be paid in the form of yard work, cleaning, or anything else you can offer. Not only does this concept promote trust, but a better awareness and vigilance of personal health.
From healthcare to the food industry, a Chicago based restaurant, Fireside, has adopted a bartering system that supports an exchange of kitchen appliances, vacations, and even dog grooming for meals. With its cash only no credit policy, it’s not uncommon that customers dine at the restaurant and instead of picking up the tab, are sent to work (or trade), literally. While many meals are still paid in full, it’s a very unique business strategy during times of economic distress.
Another innovative company Panam, a Mexican streetwear sneaker brand, is revitalizing themselves by sharing a little free love. This concept promotes the idea of stimulating sales by offering free merchandise and promotions. By hosting sneaker swaps, Panam fans are invited to trade old pairs for new ones at no cost. While customers are only entitled to one swap, there are over 250 sneakers to choose from. This may simply be business strategy, but the brand is conserving it's resources and showing fans they still hold a place in their heart. So get out there and show some love!
Moments like this call for a rise in creativity as people look for new ways to get by. What better place for revolutionary change than the internet? Not only are bartering sites like skills2barter.com, homeexchange.com and styleswap.com popping up, but entire digital trading communities as well. Ourgoods.org is a creative network that promotes an alternative method of exchange in the areas of art, design, and culture. This creative community combines their resources to produce independent projects and build relationships and trust among their members. It seems the starving artists have finally been fed!
Are our values finally becoming more mindful? We think so. This sharing or better said, trading of resources, is helping us break barriers and instead adding substance to our lives. With this sense of community evolves trust, unity, and a conservation of resources. By combining our capabilities, we are not only more powerful, but more aware of our actions. This new outlook gives hope for what’s to come next. We ask you to take some time and check out these animations that give four scenarios about what the future might hold for us. Let us know which outcome you predict!
As the global economic crisis continues, people have to make the most of what they have and in this case, what they know. The return of bartering began with link exchanges on blogs and websites as well as with clothing and housing swaps, but from here it goes way beyond that. We first discussed bartering in our blog “No Rules” and now bartering has finally begun to infiltrate the world.
photo via The New York Times
With the current economy and rising unemployment rates, bartering systems have been expanding internationally. Greece, a perfect example, has used these exchange networks in their farming industry for years and now has a growing community that swap everything from babysitting to home-cooked meals, classes, tech advice, and local discounts. In support of these initiatives, the Greek government recently passed a law that encourages “alternative forms of entrepreneurship and local development.” It’s about building a sense of community and breaking down barriers that monetary systems create.
photo via npr.org
Even here in the U.S. it is taking off as people exchange labor for health services. True North, an integrative medical practice based in Maine, not only focuses on enhancing quality healthcare and strengthening the relationship between patient and practictioner, but accepts "time dollars" as a form of payment. These "time dollars" can be paid in the form of yard work, cleaning, or anything else you can offer. Not only does this concept promote trust, but a better awareness and vigilance of personal health.
photo via psfk.com
From healthcare to the food industry, a Chicago based restaurant, Fireside, has adopted a bartering system that supports an exchange of kitchen appliances, vacations, and even dog grooming for meals. With its cash only no credit policy, it’s not uncommon that customers dine at the restaurant and instead of picking up the tab, are sent to work (or trade), literally. While many meals are still paid in full, it’s a very unique business strategy during times of economic distress.
photo via springwise.com
Another innovative company Panam, a Mexican streetwear sneaker brand, is revitalizing themselves by sharing a little free love. This concept promotes the idea of stimulating sales by offering free merchandise and promotions. By hosting sneaker swaps, Panam fans are invited to trade old pairs for new ones at no cost. While customers are only entitled to one swap, there are over 250 sneakers to choose from. This may simply be business strategy, but the brand is conserving it's resources and showing fans they still hold a place in their heart. So get out there and show some love!
photo via ourgoods.org
Moments like this call for a rise in creativity as people look for new ways to get by. What better place for revolutionary change than the internet? Not only are bartering sites like skills2barter.com, homeexchange.com and styleswap.com popping up, but entire digital trading communities as well. Ourgoods.org is a creative network that promotes an alternative method of exchange in the areas of art, design, and culture. This creative community combines their resources to produce independent projects and build relationships and trust among their members. It seems the starving artists have finally been fed!
photo via forumforthefuture.org
Are our values finally becoming more mindful? We think so. This sharing or better said, trading of resources, is helping us break barriers and instead adding substance to our lives. With this sense of community evolves trust, unity, and a conservation of resources. By combining our capabilities, we are not only more powerful, but more aware of our actions. This new outlook gives hope for what’s to come next. We ask you to take some time and check out these animations that give four scenarios about what the future might hold for us. Let us know which outcome you predict!
55DLS Kids In Italia
55DSL , the original street wear company, has dressed people for over 15 years. During this time they have collaborated with MTV, DIM MAK, ... and many more. They are not only launching a new F/W 2011 collection but there is more. They are starting an exploration into some of Italy’s other creative exports: it’s artists.
The Kids In Italia series begins with two short films (made in partnership with VICE), about these game-changing artists @work. Lele Saveri is an Italian photographer who lives in Milan and New York. Working around the world he has shot issues for Rolling Stone, VICE, ... The film follows him as he explores and shoots traditional Sicilian festivals for his new book. Giulia Centofante and Elisa Bee are DJs from Milan. ‘Giulia From Above’ and ‘Elisa Bee’ play together as a rare female duo in a scene dominated by male DJs. In the film we follow them in their journey to build a party in the biggest club in Milan, the girls give us their opinion and motivations from this unique perspective.
This “Kids In Italia” series is supported by the “55DSL Italians Friends and Family” t-shirt series, celebrating the most original stuff happening in Italian street culture. 55DSL tracks down the next generation of Italian street culture and explores the environments in which they play.
Giulia From Above and Elisa Bee
Come discover “Kids in Italia”.
Enjoy the films on 55dsl.com
Autumnal Apple Crumble
Crisp leaves in a comforting rust colour, a breezy chill in the air, cozy knits and warming soups. Autumn is finally here. I was very dismayed at the heat outburst we had recently. Autumn is my favourite season, plus there's a time limit for how long you can wear your summer wardrobe. I am so ready for tights and oversized jumpers. I want to ditch sandals for ankle boots, salads for soups, sunglasses for fur stoles and iced drinks for hot chocolate. I've been craving apple crumble and custard since July, but it wasn't seasonally appropriate...until now.
Ingredients
360g Cooking Apples
30g Ground Almonds
60g Plain Flour
2tbsp Water
100g Demerara Sugar
1/2tsp Mixed Spice
1/2tsp Cinnamon
30g Butter, chilled
A Few Cloves
Sprinkling of Flaked Almonds
Makes two individual dishes, or one larger dish
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/400F/Gas 6. Slice and core the apples, then place into a saucepan with the water, half of the sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon and cloves. Leave to simmer gently until the apples are soft but haven't started to break down.
2. Rub the butter and flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then combine with the sugar and ground almonds. Rub the mixture using your fingertips only.
3. Put the apple mixture into your desired dish and top with the crumble, then place into the oven for 30 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes take out the crumble and scatter with the flaked almonds, before putting it back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and serve warm with custard, ice-cream or greek yoghurt
<3
Also, check out my Tumblr Page: Flying With Feathers for inspiring and positive quotes and a few things that I love.
Recipe & Photography: My own
Also, check out my Tumblr Page: Flying With Feathers for inspiring and positive quotes and a few things that I love.
Recipe & Photography: My own
Fashion and The Celebrity
Fashion and The Celebrity
Every season, we see the latest collections and trends from great designers. Having a place on the schedule whether at London, Paris, Milan or New York, is a designer's dream. It is a privilege and a reward for the endless hours, days and months of work that they put into their pieces. Spring/Summer 2012 is over and there were beautiful collections and trends to look forward to next year. But, as is the norm in the industry celebrities had a large part to play in the proceedings. I am over it. Yes, we all know that celebrities give brands publicity and their endorsement of a brand or product is unrivalled. However, when I want to know about the latest Burberry collection I don't want to read through a comprehensive list of who was on the front row and what they wore and then have a mini breakdown of the actual collection somewhere at the bottom. It may be fantastic press for a designer to have their name on the front page of a national newspaper but does it carry the same worth when it is solely to exemplify a celebrity entering their show and not on their actual collection?
Then we have the plethora of celebrity-come-designers. I am not against this in the slightest when it is done appropriately.Victoria Beckham started her line with her denim and sunglasses collection. They were in stores and were a huge success. She then decided to start a RTW collection. Her first seasons were modest and humble presentations, where she played a large role in showing and explaining the pieces to only a select number of the press. She has now evolved into a larger catwalk show, but only after the popularity of her line and her proving that she is worthy as a designer to have a place at New York Fashion Week. On the other hand, we have Kanye West who recently showed his debut line in Paris. He shared his place on the schedule with Chanel, Christian Dior, Lanvin and Balenciaga to name a few. Houses who have a rich and lengthy heritage in the industry. To say he queue jumped is an understatement. Not only that but his collection wasn't strong enough to warrant the media circus that it created and had the overwhelming feeling that it was rushed. It was his first collection and he has a lot to learn, but this isn't my problem. His show was a big affair, which was to be expected but for your first collection, I think humility is required, especially if you're a celebrity. Every designer has to prove why they deserve a coveted spot on the schedule. I know many designers who work hard and dream of showing at Paris, is it really ok for celebrities who just decide to try their hand at it because they like 'fashion' to be able to jump on the schedule?
Photo: www.glam.co.uk
October MBF Favorite Picks
Another season down, as fashion week Spring/Summer 2012 has come to a close. Fashion week may be over but the fashion chatter has just set into spring! We’ve been reviewing the runway shows for the freshest, most stylish looks and our fashion verdict is in!
Overall for spring, fashion goes sporty as designers shift from the lux dressed up looks of fall to everyday sportswear mixed with hints of neon, glossy pastels, and an array of peplums. The 50’s emerge as do inspirations from traditional Spanish heritage, the 1920’s Jazz Age, and intimate apparel. As nighttime details shift into the functionality of daywear, is our overall mentality feeling more relaxed as well? We say, fashion first! So here is this month’s MBF Favorite Picks straight from the catwalk!
1. Alexander Wang
In New York we saw a predominantly athletic inspired presence and when we say sporty we mean everything from tennis to motocross. At the lead is Alexander Wang with his off road sport utility driven collection. We love how the mesh cut zip ups, Hawaiian prints, and fitted geometric racing gear team up with leather minis and pockets galore. There surely isn’t any competition here!
2. Ralph Lauren
The Jazz Age has a fever as it provokes a fashion frenzy. At Ralph Lauren, a major 1920’s influence transpired but in glossy pastel tones, sleepwear inspired silky fabrications, and soft vintage florals. Hemlines remain a bit elongated on bias cut dresses as do clean, sharp menswear inspirations in shades of white and light grey. We’re still fascinated with this feminine masculine play on silhouette and what better decade for it to shine through than the 20’s! Isn’t that snazzy?
3. Marni
Marni had it all from 50’s florals to drop waists to oversized geometrics, and sheer hems. Most of all, we love the tinted candy colored shades in bubble gum pink, yellow sorbet, and dusty blue. While many of the looks remain polished with major accents on the hip, a bit of texture sneaked in with fringe trims, large sequins, and 3D flower embellishments.
4. Moschino
At Moschino decadence is in the ring as it drew inspiration from one of the most historic customs of Spain, bullfighting. The traditional matador goes modern as it pairs with sunflower yellow, décolleté laces, and oversized florals. The entire collection grabs our attention as its spin on historic culture merges with elegant ultra-feminine looks and better yet, a Midwest cowboy. This collection does anything but play it safe and we are right there cheering in the crowd!
5. Prada
This spring Prada has the getaway car and it’s a 1950’s hotrod. Classic ladylike shapes in satin sheens paired with leather skirts, sheers, and car conversationals. Atypical color blocking and fire prints flaming from hemlines give the collection a flare of lightheartedness, which makes us optimistic and keeps us on the move for what’s to come. Can we say varoom varoom?
6. Givenchy
Probably one of the most innovative collections of the season (and possibly our personal favorite), Givenchy, reshaped the peplum by applying new textures and tailoring, unlike anything else from the entire season. Shades of olive paired with neutrals and monochromatic looks in pastel pink, white, and black combined skin tight fabrications, sheers, skins, sequins, and silk satins to create waves of layering. Overall, the collection produced a lively sense of modernism and we are super interested to see it’s metamorphosis into the mainstream.
7. Dolce & Gabbana
While florals are everywhere for spring, Dolce & Gabanna took the garden to the market as large-scale vegetables freshened up the menu. From full-skirted dresses to short shorts, cropped tops, and ladylike suiting, this collection screamed 1950’s and we couldn’t be more excited! A touch of glam remained with overly decorative bejeweled dresses, sheer lace blouses, and again textured flower embellishments. We have to add, we love the kitschy pasta shaped earrings and picnic inspired bags!
8. Custo Barcelona
From movies to fashion, a 3D design aesthetic and revolutionary concept hit the runway this spring and grabbed our eye at Custo Barcelona. The collection titled, “Tripolar” was broken into three segments each featuring a different theme. Dual focused on androgyny as two models both male and female strutted together down the catwalk wearing interchangeable looks. Inspired by the shapes and colors of a kaleidoscope, "Kaleidoscopio", combined brights, patchwork fabrics, and geometrics to create a truly graphic experience. Finally, "Mírame", took nighttime looks with neon pops and high tech printing techniques and brought us into a third dimension. Care to experience this experimental technology or better yet, wear it? Well, each garment comes with a pair of 3D specs so check it out and take your fashion to another level, literally!
Overall for spring, fashion goes sporty as designers shift from the lux dressed up looks of fall to everyday sportswear mixed with hints of neon, glossy pastels, and an array of peplums. The 50’s emerge as do inspirations from traditional Spanish heritage, the 1920’s Jazz Age, and intimate apparel. As nighttime details shift into the functionality of daywear, is our overall mentality feeling more relaxed as well? We say, fashion first! So here is this month’s MBF Favorite Picks straight from the catwalk!
photo via Style.com
1. Alexander Wang
In New York we saw a predominantly athletic inspired presence and when we say sporty we mean everything from tennis to motocross. At the lead is Alexander Wang with his off road sport utility driven collection. We love how the mesh cut zip ups, Hawaiian prints, and fitted geometric racing gear team up with leather minis and pockets galore. There surely isn’t any competition here!
photo via style.com
2. Ralph Lauren
The Jazz Age has a fever as it provokes a fashion frenzy. At Ralph Lauren, a major 1920’s influence transpired but in glossy pastel tones, sleepwear inspired silky fabrications, and soft vintage florals. Hemlines remain a bit elongated on bias cut dresses as do clean, sharp menswear inspirations in shades of white and light grey. We’re still fascinated with this feminine masculine play on silhouette and what better decade for it to shine through than the 20’s! Isn’t that snazzy?
photo via style.com
3. Marni
Marni had it all from 50’s florals to drop waists to oversized geometrics, and sheer hems. Most of all, we love the tinted candy colored shades in bubble gum pink, yellow sorbet, and dusty blue. While many of the looks remain polished with major accents on the hip, a bit of texture sneaked in with fringe trims, large sequins, and 3D flower embellishments.
photo via style.com
At Moschino decadence is in the ring as it drew inspiration from one of the most historic customs of Spain, bullfighting. The traditional matador goes modern as it pairs with sunflower yellow, décolleté laces, and oversized florals. The entire collection grabs our attention as its spin on historic culture merges with elegant ultra-feminine looks and better yet, a Midwest cowboy. This collection does anything but play it safe and we are right there cheering in the crowd!
photo via style.com
5. Prada
This spring Prada has the getaway car and it’s a 1950’s hotrod. Classic ladylike shapes in satin sheens paired with leather skirts, sheers, and car conversationals. Atypical color blocking and fire prints flaming from hemlines give the collection a flare of lightheartedness, which makes us optimistic and keeps us on the move for what’s to come. Can we say varoom varoom?
photo via style.com
6. Givenchy
Probably one of the most innovative collections of the season (and possibly our personal favorite), Givenchy, reshaped the peplum by applying new textures and tailoring, unlike anything else from the entire season. Shades of olive paired with neutrals and monochromatic looks in pastel pink, white, and black combined skin tight fabrications, sheers, skins, sequins, and silk satins to create waves of layering. Overall, the collection produced a lively sense of modernism and we are super interested to see it’s metamorphosis into the mainstream.
photo via style.com
7. Dolce & Gabbana
While florals are everywhere for spring, Dolce & Gabanna took the garden to the market as large-scale vegetables freshened up the menu. From full-skirted dresses to short shorts, cropped tops, and ladylike suiting, this collection screamed 1950’s and we couldn’t be more excited! A touch of glam remained with overly decorative bejeweled dresses, sheer lace blouses, and again textured flower embellishments. We have to add, we love the kitschy pasta shaped earrings and picnic inspired bags!
photo via style.com
8. Custo Barcelona
From movies to fashion, a 3D design aesthetic and revolutionary concept hit the runway this spring and grabbed our eye at Custo Barcelona. The collection titled, “Tripolar” was broken into three segments each featuring a different theme. Dual focused on androgyny as two models both male and female strutted together down the catwalk wearing interchangeable looks. Inspired by the shapes and colors of a kaleidoscope, "Kaleidoscopio", combined brights, patchwork fabrics, and geometrics to create a truly graphic experience. Finally, "Mírame", took nighttime looks with neon pops and high tech printing techniques and brought us into a third dimension. Care to experience this experimental technology or better yet, wear it? Well, each garment comes with a pair of 3D specs so check it out and take your fashion to another level, literally!
Fashionista Of The Day: Hailee Steinfeld
@Cars2 Premiere in Los Angeles
Dress: Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti
Shoes: Jimmy Choo Youth Leather Biker Boots
Clutch: H&M
KW by Kanye West Paris Fashion Week
Last Saturday fashion mogul Kanye West showed his 1st ready to wear S/S 2011 collection of KW by Kanye West in a late night fashionshow @Paris Fashion Week. The front row was packed with A-List celebs: Ciara, Jared Leto, Anna Wintour, Alexander Wang, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, ... After the show Kanye said: ' I had a lot of ideas about the colors and the shapes I wanted to use, I'm very pleased with the result!'
What do you think of Kanye's 1st collection!?
We can see urban evening wear with cuts, zippers and patterns similar to Balmain in bright colors complemented by the perfect balance of darker hues. Jeggings in suede fabrics with stilettos. The collection was softened with a tastefull palette of creams and whites. The collection wasn't all soft, there were leather gloves and beaded stilettos.
Even though this is a Spring/Summer collection, there were a lot of black outfits. There were all black outfits with huge amounts of fur!
Front row: Lindsay Lohan, Jared Leto, ...
Kanye West
What do you think of Kanye's 1st collection!?
