1.17 // Trend: Python

Shoes, bags, the lot - python’s making a comeback, although in my mind it’s always been a Good Thing. I recently bought a pair of snakeskin (patterned) booties… alas, they were a smidgen too tight, and I had to return them

Featured on a plethora of Spring ‘09 runways:

Giorgio Armani // Spring 2009 [bag]

Louis Vuitton // Spring 2009 [bag]

Both, Prada // Spring 2009

Sophia Kokosalaki // Spring 2009

D&G // Spring 2009 [clutch]

Ah, I love this trend. <3

You don’t need to go designer to do python, though…

Ninewest, $79

Gojane.com, $29.50

Forever21, $17.80

Forever21, $8.80

Look du jour:

Daughters // Spring 2009. Something about the sheer simplicity of a wide-leg trouser and a white tee… I love a chic, basic look.

Ciao!

~ r

1.16 // Trend: girly touches

Mmhmm, not so much the pants + blazer + oxfords + hat anymore… we’ve gone girl! (Although masculine touches are still - and probably always will be - sort of a classic style. I hope… for me it will be!)

Floaty frocks, ruffled tops, voluminous skirts and bright colours were abundant on the runways; in the streets, vintage lace dresses (worn with a belted cardi or loose blazer) are all the rage.

If you want to only be semi-girly, just add something… un-feminine. Example: wearing a floral dress, but adding a tough jacket (leather usually works) and fierce heels.

Via Chictopia

Chictopia

Anna Sui // Spring 2009

Carolina Herrera // Spring 2009

Jonathan Saunders // Spring 2009

I love this - it combines femininity (the skirt) with a sort of Chinese-ish (the silk does that) military jacket. I just find it so interesting to look at.

All, Jonathan Saunders // Spring 2009

Gucci // Spring 2009

…and our look du jour:

3.1 Phillip Lim // Spring 2009

Sorry there aren’t many images on here, my computer’s being weird and not letting me enlarge anything.

Ciao!

~r

1.12 // Designer: Kristian Aadnevik

First things first: if you love bright colours mixed with, say, black leather, gorgeous gowns, and amazingly chic dresses, KA is for you. If not, you must be blind or dead, because his work is breathtaking. He combines slightly gothic, definitely edgy, pieces with floaty, girly gowns and colours… the result is this.

His signature flowy “mullet” dress, named so for their “short-in-front, long-in-back” cut. Gorgeous, I think you’ll find. Unless you’re opposed to a socially acceptable version of the Dark Ages of the Mullet.

Another “mullet” dress

Amazing fringe top.

I’m thinking about making my Winterfest dress based on some of his designs…

Sorry I didn’t find which seasons they all are… I have to write a story for French and make a layout for a fake VOGUE magazine for history (SO tedious, I know…), and CRAP get my laundry out of the washer. That’ll be it for now.

Oh, look du jour:

Douglas Hannant // Fall 2008

Until we meet again,

~ r

PS: sorry for the 1/2 photos, I'm not sure why I can't get them to work... I think they're just too big. :(

1.05 // black & white & chic!

Whether it was a girly frock, structured tux or studded leather, black & white was a prominent trend on the Spring '09 catwalk. They came in all shapes, sizes, and textures; there were shoes, dresses, hats, bags, you name it - it was on there in plain black & white. Classic with a twist? Definitely.

Paul Costelloe // Spring 2009

Givenchy // Spring 2009

Valentino // Spring 2009

YSL // Spring 2009 (note the caged shoes!)

Thakoon // Spring 2009

Chanel // Spring 2009

Christian Lacroix // Spring 2009

Roberto Cavalli // Spring 2009

Ah, there are so many more, if you want to check them out (I suggest you do!)...

Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Dior, Celine, Iceberg, Rodarte, Sonia Rykiel, Narcisco Rodriguez, Oscar de la Renta, DVF, Marni, Badgley Mischka...

And it's not just on the runway; fashionistas everywhere have taken to black & white like fish to water, each with their own interpretation.

All photos below from Chictopia.

Chictopian h8nd5

Chictopian Ninistyle

Chictopian barepeppermint

Chictopian vanessadatorre

Chictopian ninjaintherun

h8nd5

~ r

1.02 // Galliano & 18th-century England

John Galliano’s Spring 2009 line showcased bright colours, bonnet-like hats, and wigs hailing back to the 19th and 20th centuries, accompanied by heavy blush and lipstick. He also included bright red militaristic tunics and matching hats a la Royal Guard of England.

Guard at Winsdor Castle

Opening look at John Galliano // Spring 2009

Obviously where he drew his inspiration from. His other looks - the more vibrant portion of the show - seemed to be based strongly off of Victorian England, with the wigs and hats. (The clothes themselves, not so much - more like a garden, or something).

Digressing, the next few photos show 18th-century portraits - look at the hair & makeup.

…and the collection:

All, Galliano // Spring 2009

He also threw a few Victorian-esque hats in there as well:

Galliano // Spring 2009

It wasn’t just at Galliano, though; other designers have showcased the ages of England and Britain past, this season and previously.

Gareth Pugh // Spring 2009 : Victorian collar

Puffy Victorian sleeves at Catherine Malandrino // Fall 2008

Sportmax // Fall 2008 [model: Karlie Kloss. more on her later]

Jenny Packham // Fall 2008

So as you can see, it’s a growing trend - not too noticible, I’ll admit, but it’s there. I’m just itching to make myself a Victorian collar…

Martin Margiela had that huge collar going, somewhat reminiscent of the V. collar:

Martin Margiela // Fall 2008

Eh, not so much. But still.

Ok, wrapping it up avec notre equipement du jour:

Giles Deacon // Spring 2009

Auf wiedersehen,

~ r