The fashion forecast for Fall 2012 started out with a whimper and not a bang. I saw drab, tackle clothing from some of the most popular houses in New York. The mood of the country is always expressed through the clothing we wear.
As the week progressed one of my favorite designers, Victoria Beckham featured a returned to the fashion that made her clothing line popular--the fitted shift dresses. You instantly knew where she found her inspiration--the military and her husband with the quaint hats. The color palate was mainly muted taupes, chocolates and rich earthy greens with a few pops of color. If I had to choose a food to describe the collection, I would say a rich mocha lotte with some sprinkles on top.
Naeem Khan is known for his ornate ensembles and he doesn't fail to impress with yet another lovely collection that puts one in the frame of mind of romantic candle-lit dinners and champagne--a theme for today and by the way happy Valentines Day. Khan's style was meant to be visually devoured by the globe-trotting travelers who dallop fragrances like Ispahan and Patchouli.
Dennis Basso turns in a stellar runway show with sumptuous fabrics and iridescent heavenly earthtones that resemble the fragrance of vanilla, licorice and cinnamon. The collection then changes color palates into the fiery red, navy and silky satin concontions that Basso is known for. Basso's fashions are for the kinesthetic lover of couture.
Paris Fashion Week is in full bloom and it is an exciting week. The trend that I am seeing is transparency, although I do wonder who might be wearing some of the looks that I see. I'm seeing lots of white and the color yellow is making a comeback big time. And of course, metallics are still in and will be with us for quite some time. Some of the best collections from Paris are Givenchy, Dior and Balmain.
Angelia Miller, Professional Speaker and Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and the Adrenaline Living Talk Show...A MeTaphor for Life!
"I am a trailblazer and purveyor of “ALL Things” culturally significant, aesthetically pleasing, and conversationally thrilling. I discover adventurous people, places and things and present their encapsulated stories through words and media."
New York Fashion Week is over but the fashion shows in Italy are still going strong. I'll finish up with New York Fashion week with a couple of shows that featured the tribal look. Both Donna Karan and Michael Kors feature clothing with bold graphics and bold prints. The colors are earthy and accessories leathery and feathery. The perfect wardrobe for the hunter or huntress on safari.
In the Italian shows, Emilio Pucci and Moschino features beautiful flowing outfits. Pucci and Moschino creations are sheer fantasy combined with innovative fabrics. You can see in the collections that metallics are here to stay.
Angelia Miller, Professional Speaker and Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and the Adrenaline Living Talk Show...A MeTaphor for Life!
"I am a trailblazer and purveyor of “ALL Things” culturally significant, aesthetically pleasing, and conversationally thrilling. I discover adventurous people, places and things and present their encapsulated stories through words and media."
Metallics are still going strong and are making a statement in the "glamazon" classic collections of Elie Tahari, Herve Leger and Badgley Mischka.
The perfect blending of body conscious dressing with all-day glitz is the focus. Exploring your inner diva you will find that a bohemian goddess, classic goddess, sporty goddess or trendy fashion goddess might be your preference. It's about following your inner impulse and playing with classic silhouettes and creating a new look that could be your signature look, i.e. branding. Knowing who you are and having fun with it is what fashion is all about. Play with bold colors, bohemian proportions, feather-jewelry (Yes,feathers--the new feather-looks are surprisingly sophisticated.) and metallics for a fun new twist on old favorites.
The color red-orange is hot right now so if this color is your WoW color then stock up on sensational little red dresses that make a statement. Make sure you add some metallics to your wardrobe in the form of a great little bag, jacket, tee or jewelry. The right color in an accessory can do wonders for that little black dress that most everyone owns.
I also see that the structured bag is here to stay is made popular by Victoria Beckham. A great new trend is seeing metallics in bags. I noticed a great metallic structured handbag by Kors. These little bags are versatile and you can mix and match them to add an extra punch to your wardrobe.
Beckham's collections are always interesting and filled with great little sheath dresses that are a must-have for any fashion-conscious diva.
Angelia Miller, Professional Speaker and Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and the Adrenaline Living Talk Show...A MeTaphor for Life!
"I am a trailblazer and purveyor of “ALL Things” culturally significant, aesthetically pleasing, and conversationally thrilling. I discover adventurous people, places and things and present their encapsulated stories through words and media."
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear has already begun and this collection is worth mentioning. It has all the key elements of being cutting edge, beautiful, individualized and of course Diva-ish. Prabal Gurung combines the classic aesthetics of sport's wear with technology. Take note of the use of the season's new color, electric purple.
The second collection belongs to Norman Ambrose--the jet-setters designer. Note the use of metallics, tailored suits and use of innovative fabrics that only a consoisseur of luxury would appreciate.
Angelia Miller, Professional Speaker and Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and the Adrenaline Living Talk Show...A MeTaphor for Life!
"I am a trailblazer and purveyor of “ALL Things” culturally significant, aesthetically pleasing, and conversationally thrilling. I discover adventurous people, places and things and present their encapsulated stories through words and media."
Last week was Fall Fashion Couture 2011/2012 week and what a week it was. These are some of the best collections.
Angelia Miller, Professional Speaker and Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and the Adrenaline Living Talk Show...A MeTaphor for Life!
"I am a trailblazer and purveyor of “ALL Things” culturally significant, aesthetically pleasing, and conversationally thrilling. I discover adventurous people, places and things and present their encapsulated stories through words and media."
Mercedes fashion week in Berlin started on Wednesday this week and I just spotted one of the best shows thus far. The designer is Rena Lange and the collection is fierce. Lange encorporates a Kalidascope of colors from Mexican pinatas and table toppers in the land of eternal sun-drenched vistas, Tequilas and Mayan Temples. The collection takes the viewer on a journey through a day in Mexico beginning with the sunrise and ending with the sunset and the romance of beautiful evenings in a secluded hideaway.
Angelia Miller, Professional Speaker and Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and the Adrenaline Living Talk Show...A MeTaphor for Life!
"I am a trailblazer and purveyor of “ALL Things” culturally significant, aesthetically pleasing, and conversationally thrilling. I discover adventurous people, places and things and present their encapsulated stories through words and media."
Paris Fashion Week has come to an end and I have to say I was a bit disappointed. Normally, Paris Fashion Week is fraught with bright colors, pert sophistication that can only be described as distinctly Parisian joie de vivre. This season was different; it was as if the city were in morning. Paris Fashion Week began with a bang when Galliano, read previous post, was dismissed from the House of Dior. The couture shows begin July and I will review the best of course as a part of the What Do Divas Wear series. The collections featured are Elie Saab, Gianfranco Ferre and Loewe. The trends for this Paris Fashion Week Fall 2011-2012 season are as follows: Velvet, neutrals, bright colors accents, lace, ornate details, cut-outs, transparency chiffon, fur and of course patterns.
New York Fashion Week ended today and it was a flurry of color, texture and nostalgia. New York Fashion Week Fall 2011's fashion shows consisted of influences from the 70s and 80s, the use of red and mustard yellow, chiffon, shoulder pads, fur and metallics with ornate detail of every kind including lace beading, ribbons, jewels, etc. There were several collections that really went for the hollywood glamour look of days gone by and I loved it. Of course, the bohemian style was back in full force-- a look I am fond of as well as the full-on-glamour girl look as well. I chosen the best of the best to show here and by no means is this list all inclusive. Some of my favorite collections from New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Oscar de la Renta, Eli Tahari, Naeem Khan, Herve Leger, Pamelah Roland, Venexiana and Dennis Basso.
Angelia Miller Founder of Diva Maverick Mavens and Fashion expert
With Spring 2011 collections almost over, I can say that some of the best collections have featured the boho look meet goddess sea nymph with a touch of cow girl and old hollywood science fiction noir. I love the wild fringes and Jet-Setting prints that have been coming down the runway for next year. My personal faves are Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Pucci, Gucci and Bluemarine for those Jet-Setting nights.
This is Fashion Week in Berlin and one of the best shows is Dimitri. I watched Season 3 of the Real Housewives of New York and wow, what an emotional season. In the Dimitri fashion show, I saw each of the Real Housewives of New York's personal style represented. I'll give you a hint. The first dress down the runway was definitely an Alex frock. I saw a fur jacket that would work for Kelly and a trench coat that Ramona would die for, and of course; bold jewelry would be a favorite of the Countess LuAnn.
Let me breakdown the archetypes of the women: Alex is the fashion risk-taker, Bethenny is the structured flirty classic, Jill is the flashy dynamic, Kelly is the youthful bohemian, LuAnn is the sophisticate with a twist of youthful bohemian and Ramona is a lively youthful dynamic type whose stylist is dressing her in classics.
Photo of Bravo's Real Housewives of New York publicity shot. Left to Right Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Jill Zarin, Bethenny Frankel, LuAnn De Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Alex McCord
What do you think? Which outfit would work best on which women?
This is final installment for New York Fashion Week Spring 2010. I love bohemian style and so very few designers know how to interpret the style so that it looks fresh and sophisticated each season. My favorites designers for the bohemian look for New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 are: Custo Barcelona, Diane Von Furstenburg, Vivienne Tam and Anna Sui.
The bohemian look is comprised of exotic fabrics, bold layered jewelry, innovative fabric combinations and a flare that says I'm a creative type that lives life on her own terms. Bohemian style can be defined as maverick with artistic panache.
Custo Barcelona's collection was heavily influenced by African tribal costumes meets rock n roll. His clothing is delicate, complex and colorful. To think of Barcelona's collection, you can't help but dream of a warm San Tropez nights.
Diane Von Furstenburg collection featured flower haired models dressed in layered print dresses, shocking pops of color, and draping. One can't help but think of goddesses at play when watching her clothes on the catwalk.
Anna Sui collections always beacon forth the school days for me in some really hip high school. Her clothes are both playful and sophisticated. There is nothing generic about Sui's clothes they have character and defiantly declare I am a rule breaker. Sui's collections always make you smile--unconventional.
Vivienne Tam took inspiration from butterflies and my favorite dress from the collection is a dress that looks like the wings of a captivating butterfly. There were pops of blue greens, beiges, jewel tones and reds throughout the collection. One vest of note was covered in butterflies and a must have from her collection.
NY Fashion Week is over and it was incredible. Spring 2010 fashion for NY can be divided into two categories: Feminine and Bohemian. I'll start with the designers that made the largest impact on me for their flowing, tailored feminine collections. Here is my list and by no means is it comprehensive.
First the Feminines: Dennis Basso, Christian Siriano, Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Caroline Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Pamella Rolland and Donna Karan.
Second the Bohemians: Custo Barcelona, Arise, Diane Von Furstenburg, Anna Sui and Vivienne Tam
I'll start with the feminine collections and finish with the bohemian tomorrow. Here are my favorite collections from NY Spring 2010 fashion week.
Dennis Basso used a mineral rich palate that was rich in metallics in the color palates of golds, taupes, creams and purples. He also peppered in black silken garments with large flowerettes and red and white floral dresses. Sophistication in the use of color combinations and the use of tailored coats and shrugs.
Victoria Beckham collection featured what I would call the Doris Day dress-beautiful and well-tailored. I love old movies and Doris Day was the picture of tailored simplicity with femininity in the cut of her garments. I found myself pointing at several of the garments and wanting to buy each one.
Christian Siriano collection looked as if he had Victoria Beckham in mind. His collection featured teals, creams, beiges and the red of the season. Siriano mixed cool silver metallic bustier with warm beige bodice to create several looks that I could very easily see several starlets wearing to premiers.
Isaac Mizrahi's collection was comprised with soft pastel metallic fabrics cut to accentuate the female form. My favorite dress of the collection is the lavender metallic shift dress.
Michael Kors collection was dominated by the best look of the spring which is skin. He used clear materials in creative ways to give your typical shift dress a tweak but with class. The peak-a-boo quality of the collection was accentuated with large lucite jewelry.
Pamella Rolland's collection was inspired by florals but not in an obvious way. I love the way she took the floral influence and allowed each piece of her collection had a different floral characteristic. Favorite pieces the gray tailored fish fin dress and the white cashmere coat with silver bag.
Carolina Herrara is known for her intelligent collections. She really understands the female form and how to accentuate. Herrera was stongly influenced by the theme of basket weaving and there were several dresses in flame red that were of special note. A truly inventive collection.
Donna Karan's best looks were greek goddess dresses. The clothes are beautifully draped and her color palate reds, grays and whites. My favorite dress in the collection is a white shoulder-less dress with a draped neckline and greek inspired swag at the waist.
What should Diva Maverick Mavens wear for Spring 2010? The answer is clear. New York Fashion Week has come to an end and there have been many collections of noteworthy. I have decided to divide this article into three sections. The first section we will discuss the influences of fashion Spring 2010 collections.
First, let's discuss color. The most important influences I have seen is the color red-orange. In past seasons the a red with a distinct undertone of blue ruled the runways but not for spring. The brighter the red the better. Red-orange is an attention getter and the color evokes passionate responses. This new flaming read is about life and I love red. Red is the color of divaness. I have also noticed the continued use of white and black and the new star on the runway was teal. Teal is everywhere and pops on the runway next to the new red of Spring 2010.
Second, metallics are stronger than ever and done with panache and flare. Metallics done in rich earthy colors are the palate for spring.
Third, other influences include the return of print i.e. boho look that has ruled the runways for many seasons and has an almost cult quality and subculture to it. Prints aren't done with the naivety of past generations but with sophistication. New fabrics combinations are highlighted in fresh and invigorating ways.
Fourth, the peplum is back stronger than ever and is reminiscent of the 40's and 80's. The lines of the clothes were tailored, feminine and exotic bohemian in feel.
What do Divas wear the choice is clear...Feminine flirty, tailored, boho and fiery exotic!
One of the better collections offered this season and incidently is Christian Siriano's from Project Runway which I will be discussing on my talk show Adrenaline Living with Lien Ta of Hollywood.com.
