Category archives: Wearable Art
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8 years ago
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File this fashion endeavor under : WTF.
This week, as part of New York Fashion Week, Japanese label N. Hoolywood presented to the world a Fall 2017 collection inspired by homeless people.
Yes. Homeless people.
Whether or not N. Hoolywood was channeling Derelicte à la Zoolander, it's safe to say this fashion label's fetishized "ode to street people" was done in poor taste.
Photo: Imaxtree
Ill-assorted chairs and benches wrapped around a circular runway. The models bundled up in overcoats and jackets and holding what looks like trash bags, lumbered down the pathway in somber time. To round out their looks, some models had their legs wrapped in plastic bag like material.
As Daisuke Obana delineates in show notes: "As our designer traveled the cities of America, he witnessed the various ways in which people there lived on the streets and the knowledge they have acquired while doing so. His observations of these so-called homeless or street people revealed that them [sic] to be full of clever ideas for covering the necessities of life. Space blankets or moving blankets can be fashioned into coats for cold days, and plastic bags can double as waterproof boots when it rains. This season features designs that embrace their unique style of combining traditionally contrasting elements, such as unconventional layering or senses of color, along with experimental sizing."
Photo: Erik Maza on Instagram
In reality, there are over 600,000 homeless people in the United Sta[...]
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8 years ago
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Have you seen the movie 'Hidden Figures' yet? It's the first film, with an all female (and predominately black) cast, to remain the Number 1 movie in America for two weeks in a row since 2011's 'The Help,' according to Huffington Post!
And after Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the movie is poised to surpass the $100 million dollar mark.
Yas, kween!
What's also extraordinary about the 60s-era gender and race-barrier-breaking movie is the costuming by Renee Ehrlich Kalfus who recently a nomination for Excellence in Period Film by the Costume Designers Guild of America (CFDA).
"In many ways it's not a flashy picture, so the costumes have a fresh reality in a period way that's not... flashy," Ehrlich Kalfus tells Fashionista. To create the stunning looks seen in the movie, Ehrlich Kalfus referenced vintage issues of Ebony magazine, while adhering to NASA's ironclad rules for office attire.
However, Ehrlich Kalfus managed to find inventiveness and individuality when it came to the film's vibrant looks.
Regarding Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson)'s costuming, she adds: "There was some liberty in terms of colors, styles and shapes, because she did make her own clothes and I took advantage of that."
Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/20th Century Fox Film Corp. h/t Fashionista
Vivid and rich colors abound in 'Hidden Figures,' including 60s-era jewel-toned 2-piece suits and soft prints -- a sharp contrast to the male costuming of white button-down [...]
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8 years ago
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Sayonara 2016! As we wait to learn and experience more of what this new 2017th year of existence has in store for all of us, one positive thing is for certain: New year = new start!
And for starters, there are a few epic moments that we already know will happen in 2017. Check out three of the most amazing below. Happy new year!
Alexander McQueen Biopic
Announced in late October 2016, a biopic, based on the Alexander McQueen biography "Blood Beneath the Skin" by Andrew Wilson will start filming Spring 2017, and will hit movie theaters later the same year.
Starring former "Skins" heartthrob Jack O'Connell, all of buzzy buzz surrounding this movie seem to unanimously agree that the actor closely resembles the troubled designer, who committed suicide in 2010 at the age of 40.
We can't wait to see McQueen's incredible life story be brought to life.
Below Alexander McQueen, left and actor Jack O'Connell
Photo Credit: Getty
Gingham, Ruffles and Wide Legs, Oh My!
Key clothing trends to expect in 2017 are ruffles, gingham, and wide legged pants — items that you might still have in your closet from seasons past, might be ready to take centerstage again.
Below: London Fashion Week Looks from L-R: Toga, Peter Pilotto, House of Holland, Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard.
Photo Credit: Imaxtree/Fashionista
More Over, "It" Bag, Make Way For Mini Purses
When Nicolas Ghesquiere debuted an iPhone case shaped like a bag October 2016, little did we know that there was a bi[...]
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8 years ago
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In the world of Google, names like Priyanka Chopra, Beyoncé and Hillary Clinton certainly ruled 2016. But did you also know that a fashion designer from Mumbai, India was also a top ranking search this year too? Of course, it was thanks in part to the Duchess of Cambridge's infamous 'Kate Effect.' (more on that below)
In the meantime, meet Anita Dongre, head of India's leading fashion houses House of Anita Dongre. Her Rajasthan-inspired designs have been well-known in India since she launched her fashion line in 1995.
Anita Dongre
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMb8JopAfE1/?taken-by=anitadongre
However, 2016 was the year where Dongre's name became recognizable worldwide thanks to Kate Middleton decision to wear one of her dresses — the “Gulrukh” dress from the SS16 Love Notes collection — during her visit to India and Bhutan in May 2016.
According to Telegraph UK, the original gown had a full length skirt, complete with matching traditional stole. Kate's stylist Natasha Archer helped to alter the look by shortening the hemline and adding a belt.
Kate Middleton playing Cricket in India, wearing Dongre's multicolored design.
Photo Credit: REX
It is also reported that Kate's final choice to wear Dongre's dress to a Cricket event was unexpectedly delightful as the designer "had no idea that her designs made the cut."
“It was a real surprise," she tells the news source. "I was at home when I saw the pictures and was so delighted.”
Since the princess wore the number[...]
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8 years ago
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In addition to the kick off of a Trump presidency, this winter is forecasted to be brutally cold. So why not embrace the frosty temps by looking cute in a fabulous, statement-making coat!
Recently, Canadian first lady, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was seen wearing an "ELODIE" coat from House of Mackage for the Remembrance Ceremony at the National War Memorial.
Trudeau, with her husband Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Her choice of overcoat that piqued our interest in the Canadian outerwear brand, and in their collection of luxe, high-end cover-ups.
For those that don't know, House of Mackage specializes in outerwear for both men and women. Check out 3 gorgeous additions to their latest line of coats!
BABIE
We're partial to this camel version of this maxi length, cashmere blend belted wool coat. Notice the classic smoking jacket inspired notched lapel and semi-fitted silhouette! Supa dupa fly!
HELINA
This cloak is the perfect overcoat when you've reached maximum winter layering. The HELINA is a double- face wool creation that's longer in the front with zippered closure at the collar.
TRISH
TV Star Priyanka Chopra is seen here wearing a classic down-filled number that comes complete with a split hood that doubles as a sumptuous shawl collar.
Happy winter! Stay warm.
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8 years ago
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It's official. The Obamas will be vacating the White House soon. And at their last state dinner, the first lady Michelle Obama wowed the world with a custom, rose gold Atelier Versace gown, made with chainmail.
President Barack Obama, and first lady Michelle Obama
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP/REX/Shutterstock
This gorgeous number can now be added to a long list of stunners FLOTUS has worn over the years. And from Jason Wu to Vera Wang, Mrs. Obama has represented her country flawlessly decked out in memorable American-designed creations.
She has also incorporated high fashion from international brands, including Versace.
President Barack Obama, and first lady Michelle Obama
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Donatella Versace says in a statement: "I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to dress the first lady of the United States Michelle Obama. Thank you, Michelle, for all of the things you have done for America and for the rest of the world, for the women in the United States and the rest of the world."
As E! Online points out, rose gold is on trend thanks to Kylie Jenner's dyed rose gold hair, and actresses Blake Lively and Emilia Clarke's gown selections (coincidentally both by Versace) at the recent 2016 Emmy Awards.
Blake Lively
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
A final thought: Will Michelle Obama's stunning look serve as a hint to potential daring numbers a FLOTUS might wear in the future? Who knows.
But one thing is certain: Firs[...]
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8 years ago
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On September 24, the National African American Museum opened its doors to public. And while the museum's timed passes are sold out for the rest of the year, it's still a great time to learn about what's currently on exhibit.
And if you are wondering if there's a showcase at the museum that relates to the world of fashion, you're in luck. The museum will be showcasing a selection of Ann Lowe's dresses, and they are a must-see!
Ann Lowe — a highly sought after designer in her day — is the first world-renowned black designer who created dresses for socialites and brides. She created looks for families including the Auchinclosses, DuPonts, Kennedys, Posts, Rockefellers, and Roosevelts. She is also the first black designer to own a boutique on Madison Avenue. And her stunning creations were also sold at Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.
Pink satin and organza ball gown, designed by Ann Lowe, 1959, once owned by Patricia Penrose Schieffer, wife of CBS News' Bob Schieffer. Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane. Photo courtesy of NMAAHC
Famously, Lowe designed Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding gown in 1953. Lowe crafted a dress made up of fifty yards of ivory silk taffeta for the Bouvier-Kennedy nuptials, and cost approximately $700 — roughly $13,000 factoring today's inflation, according to Racked's Danielle Kwateng-Clark .
And as Kwateng-Clark deftly sums up, Lowe "did the impossible in the Jim Crow-era by making a name fo[...]
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8 years ago
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New York Fashion Week officially ended today.
If you've been following any news from this week's past events:
*You would know that Hood By Air made weird fashion magic with PornHub
**Kayne West's Yeezy Show was considered a hot mess
***Fashion insider Eva Chen was everywhere you wish you were.
Former editor-in-chief for Lucky Magazine, Chen is Instagram's head of fashion partnerships, as well as CEO of Trend Micro. (She's also my hero)
Over 600,000 fans keep track of the fashion maven via IG. And if you are an Instagram stalker like me, you'd know that she's pregnant with her second child to Tom Bannister, and loves to show off her shoes from the backseat of car services. I especially love her #ootd shots, featuring designer Rosetta Getty and Tanya Taylor.
Chen is also a brilliant digital strategist. In an interview with Business of Fashion, Chen lays out five basic principles for clothing brands big and small.
Paraphrased from Business of Fashion:
Seek real conversational engagement online. "It's not a numbers game," Chen says. "You can have millions of followers, but more important is whether people are commenting and tagging their friends. That means you’ve created something that people are talking about and that’s what makes a good post."
Possess a strong visual identity. "ust as when you pick up a magazine, whether it’s Self Service or Vogue, and you could remove the title from the cover, but you would still know which magazine it was j[...]
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8 years ago
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Hello, September! This fall, get ready for Kate Moss, patent leather, platform boots, Ally McBeal-inspired mini-skirts, and "Pretty Woman" style references!
From Alexander Wang's Fall/Winter 2016 looks to Thierry Mugler's 2017 Resort collection, various nods to the 90s are currently trending. Heck, even leggings are back, with Céline creative director Phoebe Philo styling stretchy pants under the label's latest set of skirts and dresses!
Here's a stunning example from Céline Photo: Monica Feudi / Courtesy of Céline
Gorgeous 90s inspired outerwear to look out for include Isabel Marant's red, Rock n' Roll patent leather trench, and Vivenne Westwood's puffer coat (below).
But in the world of womenswear, expect lots of style references this upcoming season from that memorable decade. Just this week, we saw the return of Kate Moss as the face of Charlotte Tilbury's fragrance "Scent of a Dream" (video at bottom), as well as Kenzo World's send-up to Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" music video, directed by Spike Jonze, featuring actress Margaret Qualley.
Check out this insane video below!
And just when you've thought you've seen enough genuflects to the 90s, there are mini-skirt suits from Alexander Wang à la "Ally McBeal," and cut-out looks from Thierry Mugler, harkening back to the Julia Roberts classic "Pretty Woman." Smells like Teen Sprit? Oh yeah!
A look from Alexander Wang, Fall/Winter 2016.
Photo: Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv
Thierry Mugler's 2017 Reso[...]
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8 years ago
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Designers, looking for ways to connect your brand with clients? Master class is in session, y'all! Brand activation is the go-to marketing strategy for spurring direct consumer engagement via an event, campaign, or experience.
"Brand activation is not just about gaining affinity -- it's about inspiring consumers to act," says Amanda Hansen for Ad Age. A brand must present a flawless, harmonious, and fluid union of all available communication vehicles in a creative platform in order to activate consumer interest.
And it would appear that the women's e-commerce website Revolve Clothing are the experts at brand activation, and they have the ad-dollars to prove it!
Even their macaron game is on point.
They work with celebrities, jetsetters, model, style influencers in order to create an overall exciting and enticing image in order to drive consumers to their e-commerce checkout line. And this past month, the brand invested in a 6,636 square foot Hamptons beach rental that costs about a $37,500 a month to rent.
For the stunt, Revolve hosted tastemakers, including pay-for-play bloggers who boast a following of over 1 million on Instagram like Natasha Oakley (1.8 million), Danielle Bernstein (1.5 million), Chiara Ferragni (6.3 million), Eleanor Calder (3 million), Kristina Bazan (2.4 million), Negin Mirsalehi (3.2 million) and Camila Coutinho (1.9 million), according to Fashionista.
Revolve covered all of the bloggers' travel expenses, appearance fees, and[...]
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8 years ago
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Who would've thought that a classic summer white look could be effortlessly elevated with a pair of Kanye West-designed heels?!
This week, rising star Margot Robbie surprised many show fanatics while promoting her latest film The Legend Of Tarzan in London. She fashioned her chic ensemble with a pair of Lucite Yeezy Season 2 heels — a shoe that is part of the rapper's latest collection which hit stores last month on June 6.
Below: Lucite Yeezy Season 2 Heel
Photo Credit: YourNextShoes.com
What's amazing is that just last year, West was the subject of many takedowns, characterizing him as a joke designer that was fooling the fashion world with "beige under-things" and "broken-down basics."
"I don't read the reviews," West told Vogue's shuttered website Style.com sometime after the debut of Yeezy Season 1.
And now, it would appear that West's passion for fashion is becoming less of the laughing matter with the fashion bible now describing the Lucite heel as the "most-sought-after footwear of the summer."
Below: Kayne West appearing to have the last laugh.
Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
And if you think that a bad review is actually a bad thing, think again.
According to Racked, one of Kayne biggest naysayers, legendary fashion critic Cathy Horyn, (the scribe responsible for the "broken-down basics" remark) is known for taking swipes at design stars.
Horyn once equated Oscar De La Renta to a hot dog, and she "famously has been banned from shows by[...]
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9 years ago
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Ok, fashion creatives, now let's get in formation! If you are passionate about streetwear design, be sure to create brand merchandising that seamlessly promotes your brand in a unique and fun way, and that stands out with Beyoncé-level swag.
After all, it's not only a spectacular way to strengthen customer allegiance, it also pushes word about your company further into the world.
Below: This week, a model sporting an old-school style logo tee at Gucci Cruise 2017 at Westminster Abbey. Crafted by creative director Alessandro Michele, this season's layered looks also embrace logo design
Photo: Getty Images
Even outside of the fashion world, Internet giants like Reddit and Mailchimp have discovered great success in brand merchandising.
For Reddit, their first run of promotional gear sold out in 24 hours. And, as spirits company Sweet Tea Vodka points out, company swag is a more widespread form of advertising: [Fans become like] "billboards walking around, which is great," he says. "The beer companies have done it forever."
As journalist Tim Donnelly writes in Inc., "brand merchandise is a great way to create new loyalties with your customers and enlist them to spread your name to new audiences."
However there's a caveat: "You have to do it in a way that creates viral sensations, not just oversized promotional T-shirts that end up at the bottom of someone's closet."
Below: Looks like Alessandro Michele took a risk using oversized promotional gear for a look th[...]
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