Milan Fashion Week SS 14 - Trends We Love

Milan runways showcased a kaleidoscope of trends, some were new and some were already seen in New York and London like floral prints and the sporty aesthetic, meanwhile some trends like the black & white continued from last spring summer. Here goes..

1. Sporty and relaxed silhouettes. Just when you thought the Italians didn't do sporty, along comes Milan fashion week and what do you see? You got it! I think it is safe to call this aesthetic a movement. Since it started a few seasons ago, it has been far from a fad. In fact it's just getting stronger as we have witnessed in the last few weeks.

Another important trend that has stemmed out this whole sportswear theme is that of the more relaxed silhouettes. Most designers featured boxy tops and dresses and clothes that were generally slouchy and also a little masculine. One would think that Italians would have steered clear of anything that didn't cling! Take Versace for example, hell even they did a few relaxed looks. Going back to New York, Victoria Beckham, famous for her signature sheath dresses featured relaxed looks in her show too.

L-R: Antonio Marras, Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Iceberg, Jil Sander

L-R: Marni, Max Mara, Philipp Plein, Sportmax, Tod's, Versace

2. Prints. Whilst floral prints have been floating on all the runways, some designers opted for those that were inspired by art, their hometown (who else but Dolce & Gabbana), or in the case of Moschino, the house's archives served as inspiration (I totally loved that cow print on the dress!). Whatever the case, there's nothing better than some super cool prints to break the whole floral monotony. Don't get me wrong, personally, I love flowery stuff, but after the last ten days or so of looking at back to back shows, each filled with blooms, my eyes are a tad bit weary.

L-R: Missoni, Moschino, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana

L-R: Aquilano Rimondi, Etro, Jil Sander, Antonio Marras

3. Cropped Pants. I loved how this season we had the more chilled out version of the cropped trousers as opposed to the usual tighter fit. We saw them to be on the looser side all the way from the top to bottom but the best part was its versatility; it can be made to look casual or formal depending on what you pair it with. I particularly loved the Tod's trousers and the Giorgio Armani ones with the gingham/check pattern.

L-R: Emporio Armani, Etro, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander, Missoni, Tod's

4. Black & White. I think there's such sartorial splendor in the black and white combination. I was floored with Marc Jacobs's use of black & white in his SS 13 collections;and I'm ecstatic to see a bunch of designers use it in Milan this year. Wear it head to toe or accent it with a colorful accessory, this color combination is the ultimate and is here to stay (well for a while at least).

L-R: Fendi, Jil Sander, No.21, Philipp Plein, Sportmax

5. Embellishments and 3 dimensional blooms. We may have covered this trend during London fashion week, but it's been quite prominent in Milan too and OPULENT. Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Feretti and Aquilano Rimondi did 3 dimensional blooms whereas Marni and Prada showcased some heavy embellishments and so did Dolce & Gabbana on that gorgeous gold dress. Then there was Emilio Pucci that did some pure bling.

L-R: Aquilano Rimondi, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, Alberta Feretti

L-R: Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Prada, Emilio Pucci

6. Slits. Its time to start those damn squats and lunges like never before because next Spring get ready to show some of those sexy legs. Designers showcased a lot of skirts and dresses, some with smaller slits and some with thigh high slits. My favorite was a teal Jil Sander skirt with a side slit.

Hmm, I wonder if Angelina Jolie's weird leg thrust thing at last year's academy awards inspired designers to start doing more slits? Whatever the case, I think they're extremely sexy and can't wait to show my legs off.

L-R: Gucci, Jil Sander, Just Cavalli, Max Mara, Philipp Plein, Versace

7. Briefs/shorts under sheer dresses and skirts. I'm not sure if this really qualifies as a trend but I saw this happening at a lot of shows. I don't think everyone can just be walking around with ease wearing a completely sheer skirt and their briefs showing so its a little low on the wearability factor. But since it was quite prevalent throughout the week and in London too, I thought I should cover it as an observation if not a trend. Although it can definitely work if worn with shorts like they showcased in the No.21 show. 

L-R: Just Cavalli, Antonio Marras, Gucci, No.21

8. Tiered dresses. Tiered dresses are flirty, feminine and are very flattering. I love how the fabric moves so gracefully when you walk. Perfect for the day or at night for a cocktail, they're a chic addition to your closet. I especially loved the Fendi dress in organza.

L-R: Alberta Feretti, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Luisa Beccaria

Milan Fashion Week SS 14 - My Three Favorite Shows

Aah, finally finished going through the shows at Milan fashion week and am ready to present to you our little trend report. Before I go ahead and post it, I want to write about 3 of my favorite shows. Not to say the other shows weren't equally fabulous, but these 3 shows genuinely left me heart broken. I say heart broken in the sense that I wanted all the clothes and cant have any, well not just yet at least!

First up was Dolce & Gabbana, with their once again Sicilian inspired collection. From start to finish, I thought the show was simply beautiful. Those ancient pillars and ruins printed on the clothes, the gold coin belts cinching the silhouettes on the waist, the polka dots and the 3D almond blossoms embroidered on the clothes; it was a flawless collection. And the finale, oh the finale, the models strutting on the runway head to toe in gold; MAGNIFICO!

Then there was Tod's. If  I were saving up to buy a piece from a luxury brand's runway collection Tod's would be it. Fuss free, high on craftsmanship and wearability, this collection really outdid itself. The clothes look extremely simple but they werent that simple to create. The shirt dresses were just fantastic and were so versatile (worn during the day or night, they really make a powerful statement). My favorite was the white shirt dress with a pastel ish hem featuring with laser cut holes in cinched at the waist with a big leather belt. I can totally see myself wearing it during the day with gorgeous flat sandals or at night with a pair of sky high heels. My next favorite was a white shirt paired with a black skirt again with laser cut holes which left me drooling. And how stunning was that perforated leather skirt? Most of the looks minus the leather tank top (or whatever you call it) were so wearable without compromising on design and workmanship which is crucial for any collection. I mean if you're dishing out thousands of dollars on an outfit it better stand out. All in all, one of the best collections I've seen in all three fashion weeks (we still have Paris to cover!).

The Fendi clothes took me to the moon and back. As you go through the collection, you will notice that it wasn't only about the clothes, technique was key here (the leather jackets speak for themselves).

Those tiered dresses crafted out of organza (especially the one Cara Delevingne opened the show with in reducing shades of coral) were mind blowing and looked as light as air. As you can see, I am a lover of the more subtle silhouettes as opposed to dramatic ones as I can actually see myself wearing them (not that I am going to be buying a Fendi dress anytime soon but hey, if you're looking to wear a dress for your wedding cocktail next year, I suggest it should be Fendi SS 14). Whilst fur being the essence of the Fendi house was present at most times, it was the leather that really hit the spot. Masterfully crafted into panels seen on the jackets and into geometric motifs on other clothes, I wish upon a star I could buy one of those.

Manish Arora Bridal @ PCJ Couture Week 2013: The Creative Details

Got my hands on some dainty-meets-uber funky wedding ensembles from Manish Arora's collection at the PCJ Couture Week 2013. Not much to say -- I would rather show!

Multi-layered applique in PVC and silk in large motifs on a lehenga:

Funky matt and shiny sequins and beading against silk:

Graphic patterns with pop colours, crystals and sequins:

Maang tikkas made out of PVC hearts, and laser-cute eye enhancers which I decided to club with a Dior AW 13 necklace and cuff:

The bib-style ornate collars that were metallic, laser cut and embellished, paired with plain monotone jersey cholis:

And the final result -- insanely quirky Indian bride:

Toodles, until tomorrow!

Zac Posen Spring-Summer 2014

A favourite of the desi brigade of fashion forward fashionistas, Zac Posen's collection was replete with his signature dose of sensuality and stark finesse. Soft pastel shades such as lavender, powder green and blue, and even hints of silver and wine were seen in the ensembles alongside ample attention to cut details.

We witnessed a series of twirly, full circular skirts and skirt bases that accentuated the waist a la Dior's new look. Then this being Posen, cascades and panels had ample presence.

In fact, ruffles and cascades played a very prominent part in this season's ensembles in variating hemlines that delved more on the couture scale than ready-to-wear.

A sucker for everything see-through and wispy, I am in love with these Flamenco-style numbers. Especially in the first one, I could not stop raving about the chiffon skirt that just has one word for it -- chic!

Flutter sleeves and bias-tailoring with a corset-like bodice set within wispy fabric accentuated the first look above, and the silver-black jacquard did a repeat in the second gown.

Here are some more looks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The collection is on pre-order for a limited time here.

Thom Browne Spring Summer 2014

Ensembles with a clinical vibe, rendered almost in an entirely snow-white palette best describes Thom Browne's SS 20014 collection. Browne also played the exaggerated shoulder to the hilt -- what I may declare as one of the biggest trends of the season. The styling of the models were reminiscent of embodying insanity, much like some of them reminded me of The Joker with their smeared red lips.

 Corsets, panelled skirts, and straight-jackets, with laced up shoes were cast against see-through textured materials. Victorian high collars were present too, alongside tousled and puffed graying wings. Ensembles shown below had graphic black peek-play. Don't you just love the socks?

I am also totally loving these backstage photos by Sonny Vandevelde!

 

And the whole time, I have the video Fighter playing in my head, Aguilera style. Do you think there is any resemblance? The models were also giving out 'medicines' -- white M&Ms -- to bring the asylum aura full circle. Talk about New York Fashion Week crazies! ;)

London Fashion Week SS 2014 - Trends We Love

As London Fashion Week came to an end on the 17th, it's time to take a closer look at the most prominent trends seen on the runway. If you all must know, it was a rainy rainy time during fashion week, I cant imagine how everyone lived through it! I was out shopping at Bond Street a few times during that week and I was so miserable. My bag was being rained on, my suede boots had been soiled by the puddles, my hair became all wavy after a fresh do. Oh dear, I can just go on and on, but I wont! Here are some of the most important trends.

1. Garden blooms. Florals are never too far behind when it comes to summer trends and hence were seen in abundance this year. This time though a lot of designers did three dimensional blooms which were embroidered onto the fabric .I have to say this touch definitely added a fresh twist to the usual floral prints. Of course that's not to say that there weren't any printed flowers. Printed over sized and micro blooms were also seen on many of the silhouettes. One of my favorites was a Burberry Prorsum trenchcoat made with floral lace (at least that's what it looks like). What a fabulous redo of one of their most iconic pieces.

L-R: Burberry Prorsum, Mary Katrantzou, Matthew Williamson, Temperley London, Holly Fulton

2. The bling factor. Paillettes, fractured mirror (in the case of Tom Ford), iridescent fabrics or glitzy embroidery; the presence of the bling factor is inevitable on the runways.

L-R: Christopher Kane, Julien Macdonald, L'Wren Scott, Tom Ford, Marques Almeida

3. Black. After seeing an abundance of bright colors on the runways, its refreshing to see designers do black silhouettes for next spring summer. Besides, whoever said that black was reserved for funerals and dark winter days?! Despite my very own colorful personality, I love nothing more than to dress head to toe in black, yes in the summer too. No, not because I want to expose my dark side or whatever, simply because I think black is the hottest color ever. Of course the fact that its slimming is an added bonus. A plethora of mullet dresses with ruffles, boxy tops, le smoking type pant suits, leather dresses all in black were seen on the runway implying that black is definitely one of the strongest colors for SS 14.

L-R: Erdem, Giles Decon, John Rocha, Simone Rocha, Tom Ford

4. Sheer. The sheer aesthetic is still going strong and will continue to do so next spring. Peek-a- boo or completely see through, this trend, albeit a bit risky, in my opinion is wildly feminine and seductive (with the entire opposite effect if not worn correctly!). So for next year, prepare to show some skin. Speaking of showing skin, I better get to the gym soon if I want to show any!

L-R: Christopher Kane, JW Anderson, Mulberry, Burberry Prorsum, L'Wren Scott

5. Boxy tops/shirts. This year, I've noticed an insane number of designers and high street brands retailing boxy style tops and shirts and it's going to be no different next year. Which is good for me as I have this adorable boxy top from Whistles (an impulsive buy) which I got on sale and later thought I might have to let it hang in my closet forever as it might be out of style next year, thankfully not the case. Hey, I even got a sexy pencil skirt to pair with it!

From Peter Pilotto to Mulberry and Roksanda Ilinic, everyone is doing these boxy/loose tops and shirts (they were pretty prevalent during New York fashion week). Hmmm, I wonder if silk blouses are still in or has this new sporty top taken over?

L-R: Roksanda Ilinic, Peter Pilotto, Mulberry, Emilia Wickstead, Eudon Choi

6. Minimalism. Season after season, we have seen more and more designers adopting the minimalist look in their silhouettes. Raf Simons did it for Dior, Alexander Wang did it for Balenciaga, Phoebe Philo is a genius in that area and the list goes on. Bold, clean cut, not to mention sleek and architectural silhouettes are recurringly dominating the runways. My favorite minimalist looks were the ones that incorporated the use of leather like Tom Ford, L'Wren Scott and David Koma. I love how this movement makes such a strong statement sans all the drama. After all the prints and embellishments we constantly see during fashion week, minimalism is almost like a breath of fresh air.

L-R: Tom Ford, Daks, David Koma, JW Anderson, L'Wren Scott, Tom Ford