Though he has historically flaunted an endearing affinity for the eccentric, flashy, loud and kooky, Brazilian fashion designer Alexandre Herchcovitch took a surprisingly understated approach when designing his Fall 2011 collection — all without sacrificing innovation and edge.
Wedding bells were ringing at the Bensoni Fall 2011 show — but, in this fashion love story, the characters were happy to buck convention, as guests donned snake print dresses, cousins wore tartan print tunics with thigh-high boots, bridesmaids entertained their darker sides with melting rose print frocks, and the bride strolled down the aisle (or, in reality, the runway) in a floor-length, embroidered black lace dress.
Though motorcycles were clearly on Phillip Lim’s mind when he envisioned the 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2011 collection, showcased yesterday during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, the Asian-American designer went beyond the cliché studded, spiked, and zippered leather pieces, instead crafting street-flavored, effortlessly cool pieces like cobalt blue silk jumpsuit with brown leather sleeves or a chunky coat-colored cardigan worn over a black tunic made out of a shimmering, lurex-like fabric and layered over slim-cut white pants.
Ever since First Lady Michelle Obama graced the dance floor at the 2009 Inaugural Ball in a dreamy, one-shoulder, white chiffon ball gown covered with tiny rosettes and shimmering embellishments (the dress is now on display at the Smithsonian museum) crafted by Jason Wu, the Taiwanese-American designer has been anointed fashion’s latest wunderkind.
Whether you’re treading through the giddy, “Teenage Love Affair”-worthy territory of a new crush or you’re basking in the commitment-ready, forever-and-ever, “At Last” stage of your relationship, you know to cherish every heart-swelling moment in the journey known as love.
Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Dolce & Gabbana launched its Light Blue fragrance?
If I had to pick a single beauty collection to highlight on as momentous an occasion as the eve before the dawn of a new year, when the air is rife with hope and the promise of new beginnings, I’d choose the enchanting Yves Saint Laurent Holiday 2010 collection.
From her pink-haired, mid-riff baring days as the lead singer of No Doubt to the early days of her solo career, when she dyed her hair platinum blond and donned low-rise houndstooth print pants, Rasta-colored wristbands and knit caps, and printed hooded sweatshirts, to her current more glamorous look, which involved oversize shades, tons of plaid and chevron prints, bold platform heels and boots, and camo print details, Gwen Stefani has more than earned her spot among the most influential style icons of our day.
Almost three decades before Lady Gaga bewitched audiences with her outlandish costumes, New Wave/dance singer Grace Jones set the bar for lovable eccentricity, donning embellished face masks and sculptural, gravity-defying hats and headpieces; bucking traditional gender norms by rocking a masculine, cropped, flat top ‘do, along with blazers with squared shoulders; toying with dominatrix motifs through leather bustiers, fishnet tights, come-hitter platform heels, and figure-hugging leotards; wearing wire armor ensembles; and generally advancing the avant-garde agenda.
For the third installment of this year’s gift guide, which is inspired by female music icons (as you know from last week’s ode to Pat Benatar and the previous tribute to Janelle Monae’s equestrian-meets-funk style), we’re focusing on British pop star Lily Allen.
