The POP party a couple weeks go was an insanely rad affair filled with killer dancing, tons of wine, tiny rice krispies treats and of course, fabulous people wearing amazing shoes. In between all the dancing, I managed to get a shot of POP’s own Dasha and Olympia rocking the coolest pairs.
Ps.I’m sorry for the cameo that third foot is making in the first picture, but I actually find it kinda hilarious.
Thakoon Panichgul was back in fine form for spring, offering a collection that was bright, edgy and unmistakably his. His colorful prints were right on track, but that comes as no surprise since he always produces interesting and offkilter ones, whether inspired by upholstery or by artists with a humorous twist (rose on legs from last season anyone?). He really pushed himself to another level and his collection had slight undertones from Comme des Garcons, especially the Spring 2008 collection that had Rei Kawakubo putting clothes on top of clothes in a sort of madcap faux layering. In Thakoon’s world though, the cartoonish aspect is totally removed and instead we just get a classic feminine look with an interesting twist. And as awesome as the beaded chunky sandals were, the influence of Balenciaga’s Spring 2006 collection could not be ignored. Shoes aside though, the whole collection felt like a breath of fresh air, especially in his own timeline as a designer. He was the most succesful when he let his amazing sense of color run wild, especially when he created nude-toned pieces with a surprising burst of blue in the most unexpected place. The more casual looks that featured pants were also my favorites, as they had a perfect mix of chic but not-trying-too-hard, which is the heart of Thakoon’s awesome vibe.
The Zero Maria Cornejo show is the perfect way to start a day. The whole experience is very serene and beautiful, much like the clothes themselves, which this season were a little sexier than recent offerings. There were beautiful ocean-like blues and rugged blacks and grays perfectly accented by wooden jewelry and the most amazing shoes ever; a half boot/half sandal that came in everything from a simple flat to a super cool triangular wooden heel. My favorite looks were definitely the black and white asymmetrical maillot and the bandeau/jacket/skirt combo worn by Ranya (who is SO pretty in real life!), they are just the perfect mix of edgy and casual cool. But in the end that’s what she does best, no?
This season found Alexander Wang in an entirely new place. A place filled with AWESOME, that is. He took his love of portswear to another level with this collection that took its main inspiration from good ole’ American high school football. (Now, I don’t know about the “high school” part, but the washed out colors and leathers seemed to have a nostalgic vibe of ideas being interpreted in an idealized sort of way.) I loved the army greens, the rich Ralph Lauren/Safari-esque brown leathers (which is really a HUGE compliment for Alex), the heather grays and especially the wonderful animal print wedges. The shoes were cool, of course but what I loved most about them is that they did not seem like an obvious pairing with the football vibe of the collection (although I guess if you think about the safari side of it, then the animal print shoes make sense). There was truly something for everyone in this collection, from youthful body-conscious knits with cutouts, to perfect white shirts tucked into sleek and modern leather skirts. He also followed suit with must-have sweaters (yes, there is such a thing. especially if you think about last spring’s insane blogger lust for his marled gray/black mesh inset long sweater), with a strangely feminine metallic knit open weave striped version. The open toed-knee high socks that just have elastic holding them in the back are an absolute must-have, and I love that he’s kind of finding new erogenous zones and is making it all about the calf! (remember that guy with the calf implants on an episode of “True Life: I’m getting plastic surgery” or something like that 10 years ago? No, you probably don’t. I’m the only loser that remembers that).Everything from beginning to end was 100% great. It was rugged, it was sexy and it definitely had a feeling of classic running through it
When the Star Spangled Banner started playing at the beginning of the Y-3 show, I wasn’t sure quite to expect (I was even more baffled when everyone started applauding when it ended). The looks started coming out and I knew I was in for a fun ride. At the beginning some of the looks had little flags pinned on them, and I started figuring out the secret code that Yohji was trying to communicate. A look with a Spanish flag featured a beautiful flamenco-inspired skirt, all paired with the perfect sporty jacket. Big almost honeycomb-like mesh was also very prominent throughout, and I’ve already stated to figure out how to incorporate it into my wardrobe next season. The white sandals with a little wedge were my absolute favorite especially because there was a slight hint of 90’s sporty minimalist in them. The usual palette of red, white and black gave way to some beautiful pinks and oranges by the end of the show; the perfect fun colors for the lil’ bit of horseplay that was the show’s finale.
Six models came out in dresses and soccer balls while a soccer net was lowered from the ceiling. Irina Lazareanu then walked towards the photographer pit and picked out a photographer to come out and get in really close to the action. She kicked the ball and then all the other models did the same and we all cheered because it was FUN. Then the BEST thing happened. Yohji came out holding two balls and walked over to French Soccer (or Football for the non-Americans) Zinedine Zidane and motioned for him to walk over to the court as well. Then everyone REALLY started freaking out. They both kicked the ball and then we all went even crazier. I took video of the whole thing but it’s taking FOREVER to put online. As soon as I get it to work I’m posting it here for all of you, I promise. I’m so lucky I got to witness this!
The Bensoni presentation on Thursday was a great surprise. Designers Sonia Yoon and Benjamin Channing Clyburn really worked their magic to create beautiful clothes that had a youthful spirit but were very classic at the same time.
How amazing is this white suit? Moto jacket and artfully pleated skirt, this is how you dress cool for the office.The combination of patterns and colors on the second look are also incredible. I feel like that striped skirt is calling my name. It feels like the right kind of retro.
I am OBSESSED with this white jacket! It’s the perfect combination of girly and tough. I would wear it with pretty much everything and then it would get really dirty and I would cry. But I would treasure it forever because it’s just the coolest. Their prints were also big standouts, and this shirt is just lovely (is it candy? is it trash? WHO KNOWS?).
Rag & Bone is really a label full of cool basics and they did not disappoint with this collection. The jackets were by FAR the best part of the show. I cant decide if I want a casual navy jacket with tails or what appears to be the softest blue leather motorcycle jacket. Either way, this is all full of WIN.
And on a lighter note, it is really a funny thing to see models walking intently towards a brick wall and then turning right at the last minute. No, Seriously.
Michelle Ochs and Carly Cushnie from Cushnie et Ochs are definitely one of my favorite new designers. They have developed such a clear aesthetic in a very short amount of time and it’ just right on point with the needs of the modern woman. Ok, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but their collections seem to perfectly mesh a heavy does of 90s-via-Tom Ford sexy with a slight modern sportswear aesthetic. They continued their exploration of slashes and cutouts from last season, which only made me like them more. I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!cushnie et och, spring
Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi staged another amazing show on Friday morning at Milk studios. Expanding on some of the ideas that have become part of their signature, they delivered a collection that was a bit avant-garde and a bit sexy but definitely wearable. I loved their relaxed wide leg trousers and the body-con dresses that took on another dimension when volumed-out with ruffly things as well as their sharp shoulders and bursts of color (there were some very nice coral pieces that went down the runway, unfortunately they did not look good in my pictures). Definitely a departure from their last show, which seemed to have a very specific look in mind that was also a bit younger and fun. This is all grown-up femme fatale with a twist. Do you think Bjork will want to wear some of the pouffier pieces? I think she should.
The Vena Cava presentation was held at Milk Studios yesterday morning and as usual, it was full of awesomeness. There was an underlying feeling of a tough flapper chick which was reflected in the bold accessories like beaded collar necklaces, oversized safety pin crop tops (worn over a garment, of course), killer sunglasses and an amazing dark purple lip. The celestial print that appeared in little shorts, obviously appealed to me, but it was their collage print that really took it to another level, especially when paired with a little striped bandeau top. The Robert Clergerie shoes were the perfect compliment, little wedges and platforms that were a little bit retro without being tired. My favorite was a pair of silver oxfords that somehow need to find their way into my closet right away. Another surefire winner collection for Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock. Yay!