#015: Fashion Week: Day 3: Victoria Beckham: Review

Another day, another show to review. Today I've decided to review Victoria Beckham, why? because I believe she can do no wrong. Every season she grows and grows as a designer and a brand. I guess you could say I'm biased, but there is no denying Buckram's blossoming talents.

Along with the brand, Victoria's personal style has changed over recent years, and this season just shows that. From mini-skirts to long-skirts. Maybe she's maturing as a mother or would frankly like to keep her legs warm; and sleeveless sleeves to figure-tip length sleeves. I got strange vibe throughout the collection. It reminded me of the woods from the wooden paneling of the runway and the warmth of the palette. Unlike previous collections, this season its less clean-cut and structured and more relaxed and draped. (reminded me a little of Celine's spring/summer 2015 collection) For me personally, the collection didn't take off until the 10th look where the continuation of the wool stampede develops through layered skirts and curvaceous oversized coats. This season, it was more about layers and comfort where the wearer doesn't seem too restricted, but not in a literal sense of stock piling numerous amounts of clothing on top of one another, but in a way - overlapping fabrics that already exist from garments. What I love most about the collection is the coats. The coats are perfectly tailored in a way that look disproportionate yet mimics the shape of the shoulders that are the same width of the hips. The collection concluded with patchwork skirts and dresses of mismatched fabrics from velvets and satins all of which were truly beautiful!

The two looks above are two of the many favourites I have for this collection. The first one to the left features a wool turtle neck, sleeveless sweater with a wrap-skirt in a monochromatic stripe, completing the look with a pair of patented leather boots. I love this look for many reasons, firstly the colours, or lack there of. Anyone who knows me knows black and white are my favourite "shade" combination. It's so elegant and timeless. Strangely enough, over the past season, I've been loving the turtle neck. As for the second look, I love the sweater. It's a continuation of the wool sweater from last season that featured a ribbon lace-up on it's side. I think it's extremely elegant and a sweater that I haven't seen before until now.

#014: Fashion Week: Day 2: Jill Stuart, Alexander Wang: Review

Today, I originally planned on reviewing the collection by Christian Siriano, but after seeing a few snaps of Jill Stuart on Instagram, I had to voice my opinions once again. I guess you could say I was equally happy and taken by the collection. Firstly, let me begin with the elephant in the room; doesn't it kinda remind you of a certain collection; created by a certain creative mastermind; for a leading luxury fashion label...? Nicolas Ghesquiere, yes? I thought so too. Once Ghesquiere made his fashion-return for Vuitton, it was inevitable that he would, once again be totally ripped off. Whether that's a good thing or not, we'll ever know. I would personally find it as flattery. But I didn't just get the Ghesquiere vibe, I also strangly enough got the Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent vibe. Whether thats from the mismatch of prints or quite bluntly cutting and pasting the silhouettes we've seen a mere- 6 months ago. But the resemblance of Vuitton is uncanny.

Having said that, it is in fact a great collection. Throughout, there isn't a fluid theme besides checks and stripes in an array of colours and fabrications. As per usual for at least all autumn/winter collections, coats where on almost every girl, some above the hips, above the knee and my personal favourites, mid-calf.

The two looks above are my personal favourites, simply by how simple they are. The look to the left includes a chevron mini-skirt, a nude sweater, fascinated by a brown suede belt and of course an above the knee coat. Despite being a literal copy of Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2014 look, it is quite stunning and very retro, which is a trend I'm loving right now. As for the second look, words can't describe how much I'm loving it. A black velvet skirt and blazer combo with rich silver metallic thread creating a pinstripe skirt-suit. Over all, it was a great collection and will certainly sell and we'll most likely see it on the streets come next autumn/winter.

Talk about intense. When watching the live stream, I honestly had no idea what we were in for. I guess the Punk/Gothic era has risen once again. As soon as the pounding music began, my back instantly tensed up and with reason. This season, Alexander Wang didn't give us the Raver Girl from last reason, basically the complete opposite. The juxtaposed palette of black and a smear hint of red is not exactly refreshing, anything but that, but a girl and mood he has never known us before. It's strange, despite the punk era growing tremendously in the late 70s, it's a huge testament that Wang has taken the very "trendy" 70s movement but doing it in a way that is frighteningly brilliant. As previously stated, the palette wasn't exactly diverse in exception of the fabrications, ranging from valves, leathers, metallics, silks and satins and of course the brilliantly executed knitwear.

Typically, the whole gothic/punk idea doesn't interest me, if anything it repulses me. However, ever since myself and a few of my friend's got our new college project, my friend, Aoibhinn, who has decided to focus her studies on the idea, I slowly but surely found an interest. Although, the collection Wang just showcased, it's growing much deeper. It was pretty hard to pick two looks that I really liked, therefore I've decided to insert a few.

Seeing as I loved basically all the collection, and have carefully selected a few of my favourites as shown above, I will only analyse two just like my other posts. Firstly, allow me to talk about middle look on the top level. It consisted of a knitted v-neck sweater where around the collar is detailed with silver metallic studs. Underneath was styled with a leather turtle-neck top, the leather trousers are cut at 3/4 length. And to conclude the look, a pair of rather sticking snow boots decked out in of course more metallic studs. I love this look. I have been noticing these deep v-neck sweaters around ever since Rag & Bone shown them in white for their sprint/summer 2014 collection. And finally, one of the finale looks which is shown from the far right in the bottom level. The coat is EVERYTHING. Shown in metallic gold foil with a fur trimmings on the hood. The look is completed with a chainmail skirt with silver metallic balls hanging off the hem with a velvet bra-top. 

#013: Fashion Week: Day 1: Wes Gordon, Jason Wu: Review

Today, 13th of February marks the second official day of New York Fashion Week where the likes of Kate Spade, Zimmermann, and Rebecca Minkoff showcased their latest Autumn/Winter 2015 collections. But for today, I will be reviewing both Wes Gordon and of course Jason Wu. The reason I chose these two specific designers, is that they embody the classic "American Fashion", sexy with an injection of a sportswear influence.

It's no secret that New York is notorious for their commerciality and Wes Gordon certainly proved that with this collection. The collection spammed 32 looks. The first quarter of the collection consisted of the same cliche New York Fashion Week separates; the charcoal and grey wool mimics the tough surroundings of the 'concrete jungle where dreams are made of' (sorry, I had to). Personally, from look 15-24, the collection was perfection; 70s prints enthused with lace trimmings. The hand-painted aesthetics adds a personal touch the otherwise boring collection. The pinks, yellows and oranges adds a refreshing approach to an autumn/winter collection. Which it needed. The finale looks included lace tops, doubled slitted skirts. There were two looks specifically I thought were beautifully designed. One being the look to the left below. An embroidered deep v-neck shirt dress complemented by a boxy dinner jacket and a pair of ankle boots. As for the second look below, one word comes to mind, which is DEVINE. The skinny-strapped black dress with two pretty high slits with embroidered lace gracing from the legs up could easily be mistaken for a Spring/Summer dress.

Overall, the collection didn't exactly spark too much excitement other than about 5 looks. I understand that the label Wes Gordon is still growing as a label, but hopefully over the course of the next few seasons he experiments with more experimental fabrications. 

As for Jason Wu, one word is simple enough to describe the general, well everything, which is "wealth". The collection began with rich shades of military greens, with crocodile embossed leathers, courageously large fur coats and scarves. Wu is genuinely known for his extremely luxurious fabrics and body-commplemeting silhouettes. As for the palette, it isn't too exciting or "out there" other than the shades of berry red. Another thing Wu decided to continue with is the hem length. Mid-calf is very flattering and could easily be pulled off by both the older generation and also the younger, which he has achieved numerous times in sales for both Jason Wu and Hugo Boss. 

The two looks above are my favourite from the entire collection, why? because they look extremely expensive. For example, the first look on the left is very modern. The whole black look is very Kanye West x Prada. The cropped jacket is very suiting to the collection making it look as young and youthful as possible, because Wu has the tendency to dip too much into the more mature customer (I know they are most likely his key-clientel) It's very working-girl. The look on the right is my number one favourite. Despite my hatred for real fur, I really love this look. The satin jumpsuit is truly beautiful. It is very smart and could easily be worn from day to night which everyone likes, right? I just hope Dakota Johnson wears it to a 'Fifty Shades of Grey Premiere'. Let's be honest, she'd look incredible!

Overall, it hasn't been a too shabby day for fashion. I just hope it gets more exciting tomorrow with Alexander Wang who always delivers and Christian Siriano. 

#008: Emmy Awards Red Carpet Review...

Last night, the 66th annual Primetime Emmy Awards look place in Los Angeles. There was more red on that carpet that it reminded me of the bloody elevator scene from The Shining. Over kill. Nevertheless, it was a star studded event that attracted the heavily nominated cast of 'Orange is the new Black' and 'Mad Men'. But who wore what and did it pay off?

Camila Alves
10/10

Let me start off on a high note. Camila Alves undoubtedly one of Hollywood's true and natural beauties. Married to Matthew McConaughey, who else? The Brazilian model wore this incredible Zuhair Murad Pre Spring/Summer 2015 gown teamed with a thin white belt with matching clutch. Clearly she looks like a like-life version of the Disney princess, Jasmine? Back to the fashion - she looks incredible. The silhouette of the dress skims her curvaceous body. If I were to nitpick I would have liked a younger neckline, as this particular shape can become very aging; luckily the cutouts throughout the dress keeps it look young. 

"It is likable - though not overly impressive. If I cut the end of it, it would look like a Kardashian casual outfit. 6/10"

- Deirbhile

Lena Dunham
7/10

Okay, Lena Dunham hasn't been my favorite red carpet star despite having worn a few of the world's biggest designer names including the likes of Prada. Dunham opted for a dramatic Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown from his latest Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. On the runway, the skirt was shown with a blood-orange, luckily her stylist used, lets say a more forgiving coloured top. Unfortunately, the top was a little off putting. I would have much preferred if it was a different [less shinny] fabric without the sleeves. If I were her stylist, I would have put a small cage-like thing underneath the huge skirt to ensure it sat correctly on the red carpet instead of the hem sitting underneath the bottom half of the dress. It would be more forgiving if the hem was sitting in front of the dress rather than underneath it. The make-up a little clown-like which completely changes the entire mood of the look. A lighter shade of pink would have been fabulous against her ice-white hair. I'm liking her new 'do, very retro and really different from her character on 'Girls'.

"WELL. What words do I use? As a self titled fairy-princess you would think I would love this, you couldn't be anymore wrong. The awful styling of the skirt-top on her body is awful. Sack the stylist. Place this on the likes of Emma Stone with a white crop top and killer heels this could have been amazing. 0/10"

- Deirbhile

The Cast of 'Orange is the new Black', including; Uzo Aduba, Laura Prepon, Natasha Lyonne, Selenis Leyva, Taryn Manning, & Taylor Schilling

Uzo Aduba
8/10

Natasha Lyonne
8/10

Laura Prepon
6/10

Selenis Leyva
9/10

Taylor Schilling
9/10

Taryn Manning
8/10

Laverne Cox
9.5/10

I wasn't too sure what I was expecting from the cast of 'Orange is the new Black' to be honest. I'm still not sure. Some looked extraodinary as were others looks okay, yeah, okay! Although, one person I was extremely excited about seeing is Laverne Cox; the world's first transgender Emmy nominee. Cox wore this incredible custom Goddess-like Marc Bouwer gown. I must say, I wasn't expecting this. I was expecting something more figure hugging like most of the other dresses she's been wearing recently. The neckline complements her boost perfectly without looking reviling. The train hanging on her shoulders is a perfect touch which separates her from the rest of the cast of OITNB. Bravo! 

"This dress is a 'common girl' dress, unoriginal and quite boring. BUT, I must say it looks amazing on her body. The hair/makeup combo really sets this dress off. 8/10"

- Deirbhile

Michelle Dockery
8.5/10

Hmm, normally Michele Dockery looks outstanding in everything she drapes on her body, but like many others, I'm questioning her latest. Wearing a Rosie Assoulin gown from her Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, Michelle looks like a Grecian statue. Personally, I quite like this look. The colours are so bold and striking; not expected by Dockery. I would rather have the draping on the sides much higher, because from the angle on the photograph, it's very long and drippy. A night slit would make this look instantly younger. Both her hair and makeup is on par. 

"The origami inspiration with the crisp edges and the contrasting colours is the perfect combination. So simple but yet not too OTT. The plain styling works amazingly for this dress. YAY for this dress. 10/10"

- Deirbhile

A few more looks I loved from last night's Emmy Awards:

Julia Roberts
9/10

Hayden Penetierre
10/10

                           

Jessica Pare
9/10

Taissa Farmiga
10/10

Gwen Stefan
9/10

Heidi Klum
10/10

#002: Miu Miu Pre-Spring/Summer Collection: Review...

Last night, Miuccia Prada released her latest Miu Miu collection, and boy it a star studded front row from Marc Jacobs to Alexa Chung. Over the past few years, Miu Miu has stood on its own two feet without the “branding” of Prada’s sister brand, which is a huge accomplishment in comparison to other huge brands. Firstly, I LOVE this collection – well, “love” is a huge understatement. Throughout the collection, two pretty huge brands stood out to me relating to cut and print, yes? Cavalli & Pucci.

The collection began with deep blue 60’s military-type dresses with pleats sitting comfortably in the front of each. The military theme continued (look 4) with masculine pant-suits flooded with snotter (sorry for the horrible description of colour. It’s accurate, I guess, right?) And the same blue from before continuing. The print is classic Miu Miu/Prada; you’re not too sure what it is, but you love it, why? Who knows!?

It was only a matter of time before the classic “Grandma-Chic” was introduced, this time in these horrible sleeveless knitted tank-tops/sweaters, I don’t know. One of my favourite pieces from the collection were these incredibly chic multi-patterned-coloured shift dresses (reminds me of Pucci, hmm). As the collection continued, a huge fleer of the 70’s has been introduced through sheer baggy high-neck blouses in an array of colours from blue to red, all of which placed underneath heavily embroidered, what looks to be suede mini dresses. The military jackets made reappearance, paired with both mini skirts and wide-leg pants. To break up the collection, Miuccia inserted pretty (Chloé, I'm sorry for the references. Who dares accuse Mrs Miuccia Prada of copying) flowy navy and white dresses, because really, who could wear all that one print?

ANOTHER key section of the collection that was my favourite began at look 23, near the end. These incredible desiderated mint green pea coats embellished at the top of the each pocket. But, what for it...THE FINALE LOOK: LIKE OH MY GOD! The sky blue and white silhouetted flower print is seeping the 70s decade, even the model looks like Jean Shrimpton.

The accessories didn't have a huge impact of my overall experience watching this extraordinary collection, but I guess without the gladiator sandals it wouldn't look the same. Great job to the stylist on set. Like I said, gladiator sandals made an appearance as well as three other styles of shoes, from neon green kitten heels to suede calf-length boots as well as metallic strapped heels. Despite being overly happy about the overall collection, I was a little disappointed in the style of bags. I wish a few more clutches were added rather than the same patterned bag-sacks. Also, very surprisingly though there were no sunglasses, like what? It’s a resort collection, therefore sunglasses are a much, right? I suppose you can wear last season’s pair.

Overall, I give this collection 8/10

Eamonn Collins