Saturday, April 13, 2013

Design Down Under: Australia's Fashion Talent On Display

For a few years now, I have been quietly following the burgeoning fashion scene coming out of Australia. 

There has always been something about the overall tone and aesthetic the designers Down Under portray that has held a certain allure leaving me equal parts intrigued, drawn in and oh-so-curious. 

Simultaneously laid-back, skin-baring, vibrant and youthful yet remaining utterly tasteful, chic and possessing a certain je ne sais quois that can transcend many a continental divide; the talent emerging is undeniable and the world has certainly taken notice. 

Many designers from the continent are now becoming household names worldwide, developing their talents and skills on a scale of exponential magnitude. 

The appeal in the Australian aesthetic can be found in its approachable and practical nature, mixed with a specific flair which can intrinsically be found only  in a nation saturated in sun and comprised of vast areas of beach and desert. 

With Mercedes-Benz sponsoring an official Fashion Week in Sydney, the latest event having just wrapped, one thing can be certain - the country put on the map for kangaroos and koalas, beach barbecues and boomerangs - can indubitably add fashion to the list.

Below I present my favorite looks from my top 10 collections from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia SS13 (in no particular order):






























images via fashiongps and mbfwa - collages created and edited by me


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

SS13 Trend Report: Je Veux J'Adore x Sadee Says


From bracelets to rings, earpieces and beyond, the SS13 accessories trends all have one thing in common... more is more!  Whether in the form of over-the-top embellishments, mixed materials and media, or layered looks, pile it on this Spring and Summer!


I've teamed up with SadeeSays.com, an NYC-based online accessories purveyor carrying the latest of-the-moment pieces, to bring you our top 10 trends for Spring all available right now on SadeeSays.com.


Chain Linked Rings 
Whether barely there, or embellished and audacious, all knuckles are gaining long overdue attention with this trend.  Feeling particularly daring? Try the look on multiple fingers, or pairing with our # 6 trend.



Ear Cuffs 
When traditional earrings simply aren’t enough, turn to the ear cuff. These ornamental pieces are surprisingly easy to style, and add a serious dose of glam to any outfit




Extreme Layered Necklaces
Bigger is definitely better when it comes to this trend. Layering extreme quantities of antique and vintage-inspired necklaces is a quick, easy and truly personalized way to stand out in a crowd, especially when paired against the season’s relaxed, casual looks (think jeans, slouchy tees and leather). We love how blogger Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat wore her version!





Spikes
No longer reserved strictly for the rocker set, these dagger-like darlings complement both formal and casual looks,  adding just the right amount of polished edge to any attire.




Body Chains 
Instantly transform your look with an unexpected body chain. Slip over a tank top, a sleek strapless maxi dress or even an everyday tee to truly elevate your style to the next level.





Wide Band Rings
Everyone from editors to bloggers to street-style starlets have jumped on board this trend that shows no signs of slowing. Wear just one, or mix and alternate fingers to find your own perfect look. 




Mixed-Media 
Intertwining unexpected materials from leather and crystals, to fluorescent threading and precious metal plating, these mixed media creations provide big impact and are an optimal choice during the warmer months, as a stunning contrast against bare skin.





Tassels 
A nod to the opulent styles of decades past, these long and luxe pieces are popping up in a variety of styles and colors. The ideal accoutrement for sultry, sophisticated looks.





Geometric Shapes
Intricate, sharp shapes and angles look au courant whether worn stacked, or solo.





Ornate 
Building off of the sleek, solid styles seen in past seasons, gemstones and other embellishments are popping up on everything from cuffs, to collars to rings, and are perfect for effortlessly transitioning looks from work to play.





all images via SadeeSays.com, collages created and edited by me

Thursday, February 21, 2013

FW 13 Collections: New York At A Glance


A predominating trend seen across the collections, menswear-inspired looks ranging in emphasis from specific pieces such as coats, suits and hats, to overall aesthetic proved to be a main theme for the Fall/Winter 2013 season.

L to R: Billy Reid, Prabal Gurung, DKNY, Richard Chai Love


Presented in a myriad of colors, patterns and textures, big impact furs (definitely not for the shy, or faint-of-heart) left quite an impression on the FW13 runways.

L to R: Altuzarra, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta



Quite possibly slated for the position as "color of the season", bright shades of blue emerged on runways juxtaposed against blacks and other neutrals, making the radiant shade seasonally-appropriate and an eye-catching alternative to navy and other tones.

L to R: Araks, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, J. Mendel


The classic pattern took on new life for the season, seen in a range of colors, sizes and styles, from classic prep to downtown cool.

L to R: Elizabeth and James, Tanya Taylor, Milly, Thakoon Addition


The closet staple has returned in full force for the Fall/Winter season.
Seen on coats, sweaters, jersey knits and even dickies, the seemingly uptight silhouette re-vamps itself with a laid-back, slightly ironic and irreverent attitude.

L to R: Helmut Lang, Organic by John Patrick, Rachel Comey, M. Patmos



From beanies to baseball caps, fedoras to full-on fur, headwear returned with a commanding presence being  seen in some form on nearly every runway and presentation, in a variety of shapes and materials. 

L to R: BCBG, Rachel Zoe, Herve Leger, Victoria, Victoria  Beckham



Fur once again found itself at the center of the spotlight, this time in the form of a variety of cold weather accessories, scoping full spectrum from traditional (hats, gillets, and collars) to unconventional (opera-length mittens, whole-body stoles and suits).

L to R: Alexander Wang, Misha Nonoo, Badgley Mischka, Marc Jacobs



Shoulders were a major focal point for the FW13 collections.
Whether in the form of strong upright boxy shapes, or exaggerated downward sloping silhouettes, the body part du jour is drawing all attention upwards.

L to R: Behnaz Sarafpour, Derek Lam, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Calvin Klein



The unofficial uniform of fashion-types worldwide (and just about every New Yorker), black-on-black returned launching 1,000+ cliches...and yes, I too will succumb...you heard it here first, black is the new black. Though seeing this look did not come as a surprise, mixing materials and textures breaks up the look keeping it modern and fresh, while plays on cut and silhouette simultaneously create edge and  sophisticated polish.

L to R: Belstaff, Michael Kors, Cushnie et Ochs, Sally LaPointe


Often appearing in collections for the Spring/Summer season, fluorescent pinks and fuschias took a somewhat unexpected turn by appearing abundantly on the Fall/Winter runways.
Whether as an accent or a head-to-toe look, the vivid shade was a welcome respite from the sea of neutrals and earth tones,  shown in cuts and materials that elevated the shade from callow to chic.

L to R: DKNY, Organic by John Patrick, Kate Spade New York, Diane von Furstenberg

images via style.com, collages created and edited by me

Monday, February 11, 2013

Longchamp SS13 Exclusive

With Nemo having just wreaked havoc on many of us here in the Northeast, and being right in the thick of all the madness greatness that is the NYFW Fall/Winter 13 shows; allow me to, if only for a moment, direct your attention away from all things winter. 

(As if you needed any urging!)

Coco Rocha and Liisa Winkler are at it again, this time for the Spring/Summer 2013 installment of Longchamp's vivavious and energetic ad campaign.

Set to the undeniably upbeat Bee Gee's classic "You Should Be Dancing", Rocha and Wiinkler dance there way through security at JFK airport's old TWA terminal. While Rocha and Winkler exude the jet-setter chic, sophisticated style the brand is known for, the cheery tones and lighting bring a much needed  exuberance and finesse  to the these last few dreary weeks of winter...

All not to be outdone, of course, by the true stars of the campaign: the Longchamp 3D, Gatsby Sport and LM Cuir bags!


Please enjoy an exclusive preview of the Longchamp SS13 video "You Should Be Dancing", as well as special behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the video, before the video's official world debut tomorrow!



Videos courtesy of the Vogue Influencer Network


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Frozen Tundra


The past few days have made it all but impossible to think of anything other than the absolutely, ridiculously, tortuously freezing temperature outside! 

It has been awhile since I have posted, and I do apologize ever-so-much for that.

 I am working on a few projects to share with you soon!

In the meantime, enjoy the ever-so-timely editorial I stumbled upon from Spain's  S Moda January 2013 issue.  

 Plush, cozy attire, and inky, smoky eyes will definitely be my go-to while the temps remain low! 






images courtesy of fashiongonerogue

Model: Maria Palm
Photographer: Alvaro Beamud Cortes



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Work It Out

We all know the deal.

2013 is inching closer and closer, inevitably creating the ominous, all too familiar feeling in people bent on the resolution of self-improvement at the onset of the impending new calendar year. 
Usually seen in the form of gym memberships, pledges to lose weight, tone up, eat healthier, eradicate vices, or what have you.

...Until January 2nd sets in, of course.

And if the above statement describes you, fret not. No shame!

Instead, I bring you a little gym-spiration, fashion style, featuring totally practical gym attire to help keep motivation as high as Lily Donaldson's heels (...well at the very least until the champagne stops flowing)

But on a serious note folks, where can I find this gym in which it's de rigeur to wear stilettos and YSL jumpsuits? Where, I say?

 Sign me up for a lifelong membership, please.

Thanks.







        images via V Magazine

Featuring: Lily Donaldson
Photographer: Sharif Hamza
Stylist: Tom Van Dorpe




Friday, December 21, 2012

Reindeer










images via Marie Claire, Vogue Korea, Huffington Post, Fashionising, US Vogue

Happy Holidays and safe travels to all you reindeer out there!
 
Site Design by Designer Blogs