#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.

#009: Fashion Week Chit Chat PART1...

For those of you who are active Fashion Week followers, you'll understand the struggle with keeping up with (most of) the shows from Marc Jacobs in New York; Mary Katrantzou in London and a few hours ago, Dolce & Gabbana in Milan. It's difficult. Despite having all the shows at your fingertips from your laptop. I pity the models and editors; jetting from country to country. Lets be honest, we all want that, right? I know I do. 

A week before New York Fashion Week began, it was my mission to report a few of the shows from each city. Clearly I underestimated the triumphant task. As per usual, celebrities and bloggers filled the front rows from Rihanna (at basically every New York event), Cara & Kate at Burberry with Amy Adams sitting comfortably at MaxMara. I genuinely cringe when celebrities sit front row. I find it tacky and meaningless. If your brand can't generate enough press without celebrities, evidently something isn't right. Your clothes should speak; not the celebrities you paid thousands for. 

Let's talk New York fashion: I have a huge soft spot for Victoria Beckham. I have no idea where it grew and why. Maybe it's because we have a similar style when it comes to designing. Clean, crisp and simply modern. Season to season, the stalker in me seems to grow bigger and bigger. It can't be wrong can it? Anyways, VB presented her Spring/Summer collection with a clean pallet with a mix of black, whites, beige and rather surprisingly pink and yellow floral prints. Beckham took a huge departure this season by leaving her "young spirit" behind; producing a rather mature collection where hems feel mid-shin, button ups in strong fabrics, and genuinely dressing a much wiser woman. Exposed seams and darts were played on canvas. Belts were also included in the majority of the looks - pulling the waist closer in true Victoria Beckham style. Not only bags did she produce this season, but Victoria debuted her shoe collection with some strappy velvet heels and rather surprisingly flats, yes, flats, who'da thought that!?

Another show I tend to look forward to is Alexander Wang, who else? This season, he continued with his "raver" girl where models walked the runway wearing neon in various silhouettes from technical body conscious dresses to Nicola Ghesquière ripoff crop tops. Like many shows this season, sportswear was widely referenced throughout. Textured mesh bomber jackets to a more literal approach of creating incredible oversize "sneaker" clutch! I must applaud Wang; season after season, he always experiments with  texture and this season was no exception - embossed neoprene mini dresses and combining three fabrications from plastic-type mesh, neoprene and leather. The crop tops looked great if I say so myself! One thing that genuinely concerns me is the constant referencing of other designer's work. It's like he's doing it deliberately to spit the critics. 

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled. #010: Fashion Week Chit Chat PART2... (London) is coming very soon. Make sure to keep up-to-date with me on social media. Instagram: eamonncollins // Facebook: Eamonn Collins' // SnapChat: eamonncollins