One of this season’s predominant jewelry trends speaks to our collective penchant for contradiction (which is, after all, one of the many tendencies intrinsic to the human condition).
Sure, we anointed last year’s Laruicci Spotlight Ring a scene stealer, but the new Laruicci Lava Necklace does more than stage a production: it ignites an explosive, lustful fire powerful enough to burn down even the thriftiest woman’s willpower.
Whether collaborating with the Kardashians on a limited-edition collection, immortalizing the theatricality of Mexican lucha libre (from the actual sport to the elaborate masks and costumes worn by the participants), or offering spiritual protection via modernized San Benito medallions, jewelry brand Virgins, Saints & Angels specializes in pieces that convey a respectful appreciation for Mexican culture and the accompanying symbology, incorporating religious iconography in a manner that feels like a devout form of genuflection.
Since launching his eponymous costume jewelry collection in 2008, Atlanta-bred, Paris-based designer Eddie Borgo has managed to bewitch style hounds with sculptural pieces that boast a brazen, slightly rebellious rock-n-roll edge — all without losing any of their polish or sophistication.
For a while there, it seemed like Amy Winehouse was a walking cautionary tale for those even contemplating experimenting with drugs (I mean, a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum singer going toothless?
When designers Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty showcased SUNO’s Spring 2011 collection in September, fashion insiders marveled at the breezy, artsy, Bohemian feel of their designs: a retro garden dress in a watercolor-esque print featuring splashes of mint green, ink-y blue, mustard yellow, and cornflower blue; an asymmetrical, sleeveless, slightly sheer zebra print dress with tiers of ruffled trim arranged in a zig-zagging pattern from the waist to the cinched hemline of the calf-length skirt; a short-sleeved apron dress in a shimmering champagne shade worn over a long-sleeved, navy-on-blue deco circle print shirt; a cream-colored, knee-length romper with a V-shaped neckline in a vintage-looking coral rose print; among others.
Usually, when we see a lust-worthy footwear style on the runway, we’re forced to wait anywhere from four to six months for it to be mass produced and unveiled at a retail store.
Call their fashion shows theatrical, over-the-top, outlandish, glamorous or even gimmicky, but Phillipe and David Blond won’t stand for you to describe any of their events as “safe” or “boring.” True to form, then, The Blonds’ Fall 2011 show incorporates more glitter and Swarovski crystals than RuPaul’s stage garb, more psychedelic hues than a rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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.
