New York Fashion Week Round Up - Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren's girl is going on a glamorous safari next Spring! Khaki coloured clothes were seen throughout the show and were crafted out of luxurious fabrics like silk, satin and chiffon. The show opened with utilitarian, khaki skinny cargo pants in silk and suede, bound to be a hit for SS 15. Paired with bright colours like a purple one shouldered draped top in silk in one look, or a lemon yellow trench coat in another, these trousers were suited for the day or night.

There were Ralph's versions of safari inspired looks all over. Some in all khaki, like the button down suede dress or an organza skirt paired with a waist length, thin, belted wrap jacket, and some in bright colours like the bright orange zip up silk jacket style dress. One cannot miss the slightly Indian influence on the collection as was seen with the Jodhpurs (the trousers that were fuller on the thighs). Especially the look which had a raw silk waistcoat worn on top of the jodhpurs. The best part of the collection was that most of the clothes could so easily be glammed up or turned into lux casual depending on the mood. Take the khaki and black jumpsuits for example, both of which were paired with colourful jewels making it perfect for a fancy evening out. Take the jewellery off and you can effortlessly wear it during the day.

Whilst most of the clothes seemed more on the conservative side, there were a few looks that were sexy as hell without being too in your face. Case in point, the cropped black sweater worn over a long black silk skirt held together by lace from hip to mid thigh and leather detailing.

Eveningwear was spectacular and consisted of a lot of interesting contrasts. The sporty bodice of the pink silhouette was juxtaposed with sparkling jewels and a tulle filled skirt. A heavily embellished yet light as air tulle gown was paired with a huge shoulder bag. A basic safari jacket was turned into a high collared floor sweeping gown (paired with coloured baubles of course).

Apart from the clothes, the accessories from this collection are going to be flying off the shelves. Be it the big, brown distressed leather belt with two pockets (who needs an evening bag when you have this?!) or the shiny jewellery or the gorgeous handbags (the orange croc bucket bag and the black croc tote nearly made me cry) from the collection; I say it would be wise to start a Ralph Lauren SS 15 savings account circa NOW.

Ralph Lauren SS 15

Ralph Lauren SS 15

Ralph Lauren SS 15

Ralph Lauren SS 15

Ralph Lauren SS 15 Bags

Ralph Lauren SS 15 Bags

Ralph Lauren SS 15 Bags

The cool girl's belt

 

New York Fashion Week Round Up - 3.1 Phillip Lim

Designers often turn towards art, history, architecture etc. to look for inspiration for their collections. At Phillip Lim, that wasn't the case. Try bedroom interiors and bedroom furniture and loungewear instead. The designer has been redoing his home and has been stuck in his bedroom for nearly a year. An unusual inspiration right? The results were far from unusual. They were pretty great in fact.

Clothes that were crafted out of fabric with raised patterns (think fancy bedcovers and mattress patterns) were seen throughout. There were beautifully sculpted tops and jackets with curvy lapels and uneven hems, all textured of course. The gold on the white clothes reminded me of the carving you see on Louis XV style furniture but according to Lim, they were a symbol of sunlight peeking through the bedroom window. There were tiny shorts, like the kinds you wear to bed or even like those Nike running shorts that only cover your butt cheeks. Except you could take these out to dinner. (I don't know why, but I really want to see Deepika Padukone wear these shorts. I think with her long limbs and effortless style, she would look amazing!)

Silhouettes with detailing mimicking a bedroom robe belt (the big kinds) were cool and unique. Case in point being, a leather jacket that zipped up on the side or a black and green dress fastened in a complicated style with the belt. And how about the two toned tops with shoe lace styled detailing and a suede patch?

The ankle length drawstring trousers oozed comfort that one can only attain in bedtime pyjamas.  Simpler clothes like a midnight blue dress or an all white suit which one can wear with heels or cool girl trainers were great investment pieces for the everyday closet. However, my favourite were the clothes (especially the white trousers) embroidered with the cane pattern like that on Louis style cane furniture or even those cocktail dresses featuring sheer organza panelling that played peek-a-boo with the skin.

Finally, being the crazy bag lady, I have to talk about the bags. There were two main shapes that were seen throughout the show. One was a soft slouchy triangular shaped with a little indentation in the middle and the other was a soft bucket bag with an edgy metal top handle along with a shoulder strap. The bags came in various colours. But the textured variations with woven cane detailing on them were the ones that made my heart beat faster. It reminded me of my Louis style cane bed and my obsession with anything to do with antique French furniture! I had never bought a Phillip Lim bag before, but these designs are so unique and fun, I think it's time to do so.

For someone who is a master at street wear, Phillip Lim has beautifully added a romantic touch to his otherwise sporty signature. P.S Phillip Lim is available at the Le Mill boutique in Mumbai and through their e-commerce portal.

3.1 Phillip Lim SS 15

3.1 Phillip Lim SS 15

 

3.1 Phillip Lim SS 15 Bags

3.1 Phillip Lim SS 15 Bags - With Woven Cane Detailing

 

New York Fashion Week Roundup: Altuzarra

The show opened with pretty ginghams that remind you of innocence. However, with Altuzarra, it was far from that. The collection was about "sinister and undone prettiness" as described by the designer who was inspired by Rosemary's Baby and Barry Lyndon. It was amazing how he took the most basic silhouettes like a simple skirt suit or even a shirt dress and made them look sexy as hell and that too, in a pattern used for table linen. That's what the show was all about. Contrasts. Slits and deep necks were everywhere and added detailing including ribbons with pearls. Sometimes the ribbons were tied up all prim and proper and sometimes they were trailing screaming nonchalance. Current favourites from the gingham series was the blue shirt tucked into a pink pencil skirt and the blue shirt dress with an added slit on the right.

Then came the black and white stripes, in different angles mind you, with a thin brown belt on the waist. I always thought you couldn't pair brown with black, in Altuzarra's case, you most definitely can. A favourite look amongst the stripes was the camel suede button down shirt tucked into the striped pencil skirt with a slit on the side. I love the different angles of the stripes and the two different colour tones of the black. It really is a world full of contrasts! You can add the striped shirtdress to my favourites list too. Leather lattice in the form of sleeveless coaties, skirt and a dress inspired by renaissance architecture that followed upped the kink factor on the runway. Post this, things got a little feminine and romantic with the floral silhouettes featuring light embellishments. Finally, the beautiful, feather light evening gowns that closed the show, inspired by Barry Lyndon were made to suit modern day times by removing the corsets.

A little sinister, a little innocent, a little kinky, a little conservative, a little romantic, a little edgy; Altuzarra's collection will have women lining up outside boutiques once the collection hits the stores.

Altuzarra SS 15

Altuzarra SS 15

Altuzarra SS 15

 

New York Fashion Week Round Up: Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang - Boy this was one fierce collection by Wang! Whoever thought that clothes inspired by sneakers would yield such phenomenal creations. Everything was perforated. Jackets, oversized shirts, evening dresses, skin tight dresses and skirts all came with punched holes. The designer definitely played with a lot of textures this time. How cool was that grey leather dress with the design of a sneaker sole on it (I hear the dress was foam injected). And how about those tennis dresses with pleated skirts and tops that looked like they had a leather breast plate on them? Or perhaps the tops which had embroidered cabochons (at least it looked like that)? There were very few smooth surfaces in sight. Then there were skin tight dresses that came in highlighter orange and green that definitely brought sexy back with their scooped low backs.

High waisted pants with leather pockets and contrasting outline, grey sweatpants moulded into comfortable skinny trousers held at the waist with a slim leather belt and side button down, tapered trousers (remember those Addidas track pants with buttons on the side circa 1997); the trousers were just to die for. This was one collection that had very little loose clothing. Apart from the very Wang style oversized white shirt and floor length gowns (all with lots of holes in them) and perhaps a bomber jacket or two, most of the stuff was figure hugging (uh-oh, time to watch out for that muffin top). Those psychedelic mini dresses with pleated skirts worn over tight polo necks towards the end are going to be a massive hit amongst the fashion flock.

However if there's something I'm planning to save for it's the handbags. I've always been a fan of Wang's bags (proud Pelican clutch owner) but these ones were just pretty freaking cool. Both edges of the purses looked like the back ends of sneakers. I spotted a clutch and a small top handle tote with a shoulder strap. All in some pretty funky colours. And guaranteed to be on every cool girl's list or arm come next fashion week. A stellar collection delivered by Wang, yet again.

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang

Prabal Gurung - As much as I love Prabal Gurung, I have to say this collection didn't leave me with the WOW factor that his last two collections did. Remember SS 14? That was pretty great. However, not to say that his SS 15 wasn't good. It really was. Just not as good.

Clothes in shades of white and blue kick started the show. Skirts with trailing scarves paired with blouses crafted out of luxurious fabrics and sporty jackets were very pretty. Especially a racer style top with ostrich feathers on the sleeve. I have some sort of obsession with ostrich feathers I admit. I also really liked his athletic, drawstring trousers with the elongated fabric trailing on the side.

Then came the knee length dresses. Some with flailing drawstrings and some cinched at the waist with industrial-esque side squeeze buckle belts (the ones you have on children's car seats or in suitcases). To be honest, this was the only part of the show I didn't like. I just felt there was too much happening there especially with the ruffled dresses. I preferred the knit tops/sweaters and the beautifully tailored blazers that came in towards the end. The last three evening dresses were the best part of the collection. Sporty and feminine, with racerback bodices, flowy skirts and some embellishments on the torso, these dresses were pure perfection.

Hopefully next season, Prabal should just edit a bit of the excess and all will be well in the fashion world again.

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung

 

New York Fashion Week Round Up: Jason Wu, Victoria Beckham

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

Jason Wu - At Jason Wu, it was all about thigh high slits, abstract prints and lots of green, blue and white. The silhouettes were simple and just plain beautiful. There was no fuss and clothes were very fluid. Nothing seemed like a hassle here. Shirtdresses in flowy fabrics cinched at the waist, silk blouses and loose trousers were understated and extremely chic. The suede silhouettes such as a midnight blue romper or a sleeveless green dress featuring a plunging neckline, thigh high slit with a button right above the thigh were not only sexy but just seemed so easy to carry. There was without a doubt a sportswear influence too. Case in point being the tight blue zip up top (Malaika Firth wore in white too on the runway) reminiscent of the top half of a scuba diving suit tucked into a pencil skirt with a slit in the middle. Finally, came the evening wear. Beautiful, knee length, shiny cocktail dresses gathered at the waist or billowing gowns with a slit in the middle, cinched at the waist with a belt and navel deep a plunging neckline. Overall, a very safe, and power-packed collection.

However, apart from the clothes, this was the first time I started checking out Jason Wu handbags. Well, the bags I saw on instagram before the show and when style.com added the details online I got to get a closer look at them. I have to say, I am really loving them. There were two new models introduced for next Spring. First up, there was the Diane bag named after Diane Kruger and the second one was the Charlotte tote which was styled as an oversized clutch for the show. The Diane is a boxy shoulder bag whereas the Charlotte is a bigger, top handle tote in a cool shape with origami style folds on it. Both the bags came in some exquisite exotic skin too and are bound to be next season's IT bags. I for one am really eyeing the Charlotte bag!

Jason Wu Charlotte Bag

Jason Wu Diane Bag

Victoria Beckham - If there is one show I look forward to with utmost enthusiasm during NYFW, it is Victoria Beckham. Not only have I been obsessed with her since I was a teenager, I just think the woman is so bloody talented. Clothes designer, check. Handbags and sunglasses designer, check. What's more now, is that she's added shoes to her line. From giving out small presentations in her hotel suite, to becoming one of the most sought after designers, what this woman has achieved is truly remarkable. As the seasons have gone by, Victoria has definitely matured as a designer. Her first few collections focussed on body hugging sheath dresses. But she has slowly looked beyond those dresses as we have seen. Of course they are and will remain her signature. But the sign of a good designer is one that evolves with the seasons and that is exactly what she has done.

For the SS 15 show, the highlight in my opinion were the jute jackets. There was so much detailing in them. Starting from the contrast coloured belts coming out from the slits to the lapel that was folded over away from the shoulder in a curvey S shape whilst the jacket zipped from the opposite side to the impeccable tailoring. I wouldn't be surprised if they sold out on every e-commerce site. Moving on, there were clothes that looked like sexy military style uniforms in shades of beige, oxblood, black and florals too. A full sleeved, beige button down dress with patch pockets or a black mini shift with unevenly placed pockets or a black cargo style top paired with a tight, striped skirt  or even a head to toe floral safari-esque suit being excellent examples.

Tight, but not too tight ribbed dresses and skirts along with a boyfriend sweater with shoelace style detailing on the side were a great addition to the collection. The clothes focussed on everyday wear as opposed to red carpet dressing. Victoria makes it a point to understand her consumer closely and giving them exactly what she wants. Phenomenal style combined with comfort.

With respect to the handbags, it was all about structured box bags with an optional shoulder strap. Most of them were in crocodile leather, so exotic skin fans can rejoice! Also seen was another structured bag in a bucket shape also in crocodile. Good to see some cool new additions to her growing bag collection.

Finally, her latest offering to her growing empire was a brand new shoe collection. Not the usual point heeled stiletto you might have thought. But chunky platform heels and pointy toed masculine inspired brogues. I'm definitely getting those platforms next summer. What about you?

Victoria Bekcham

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Bekcham

 

New York Fashion Week Round Up - Suno, Creatures Of The Wind, Lacoste

New York Fashion Week started out by checking images on my style.com app on the iPhone on the go in Russia for me (I'm still holidaying here but I try to squeeze in some work from time to time). Whilst I try to keep up with most shows, I don't end up seeing all of them from every country. I usually have my favourites short listed, however, every new season I open up my mind a little bit and start checking out labels I haven't ever seen before. This time it was Suno.

Suno

Suno

Suno - It was the first time I was checking out clothes by Suno and I have to say I have a new favourite brand in my dictionary. The vibe was relaxed and easy going with ankle length cropped pants appearing throughout the collection. I'm a huge fan of these ankle length pants. They can be paired with heels to appear more formal or paired with flats to make the look casual. Quite versatile. Overall the clothes were more on the loose side and looked extremely functional and highly suited to daily wear whilst being stylish at the same time. Prints seemed to be the focus of the collection with stripes and squares dominating the runway. There were also mis-matched prints such as florals paired with geometric squares which looked as if they belonged together. Absolutely loved it.  Silhouettes like boxy dresses with ruffles at the bottom or a dress that was stripes from the bust down and a white shirt for the bust or even the pastel blue summer jacket are just right for the days when you can't be bothered to try too hard. The collection made me smack myself at the back of my head for not discovering the label sooner.

Creatures Of The Wind

Creatures Of The Wind

Creatures Of The Wind - Yet another collection that rated high on everyday appeal. The cropped ankle length trousers were chic and understated and versatile enough to be worn during the day and in the evenings. The striped clothes were perfect for the scorching summer. Almost felt as if they were inspired by the khadi kurtas worn in India on hot summer days, especially the button down, long sleeveless tunic paired with pants. The striped, asymmetrical hemmed skirt paired with a matching cotton top had a very nonchalant vibe to it and looked very cool. The separates, like a sleeveless, yellow cotton waistcoat or the leather and herringbone jacket are great pieces to invest in for next summer. There was a grunge element to the clothes as was seen with the plaid shirt tucked into a red pencil skirt. Mind you, this was grunge meets fancy with sequins embroidered on the shirt. Pretty funky I think. Even black silk organza skirts which you may wear on an evening out were all edgy with lace on top and shiny yellow and blue thingamajigs. And finally, how about that plaid dress with numerous slits and sequinned straps that closed the show?

Lacoste

Lacoste

Lacoste - Being a huge Lacoste fan and having worn the label's clothes in the past, I always look forward to checking out the show. This collection was just really sexy. The powder blue boxy neoprene coats that opened the show featured some fantastic tailoring. In addition, it was interesting to see the use of neoprene in a sportswear brand. The first few looks were paired with sneakers; camel and white coloured ones. I have a feeling with this whole sneaker movement happening, these will be flying off the shelves. Then came the larger than life, mixed up team number printed dresses with polo necks exuding not only sporty but sexy too. After this, the theme related clothes started rolling in. The theme was yachting. But don't expect to find portholes and traditional blue and white stripes. Instead, Yachting was written on a football jersey style dress and skirts with (or without) windcheaters attached to the waist (think tying a sweater on your waist when you were in school). Or how about on a sweatshirt. Pretty neat eh? My most favourite looks were the dresses towards the end. Dresses with colour blocked stripes (instead of blue and white, try white, red and purple or purple, white and orange). And the yellow and white striped dress with a sexy, sheer blue veil as an added layer will ensure I pay regular visits to the Lacoste boutique in the next few months.

Images via style.com

 

Bag Review: Burberry Bloomsbury Tote - Too Big To Handle

 

Christopher Bailey sent down one of his best collections for Burberry till date for the Fall. Hand painted clothes and accessories were the style du jour for the fall at Burberry. Who wouldn't want a revamped Burberry trench coat, a sheep skin jacket, or gorgeous ankle boots with hand painted motifs on them. Bailey has certainly revived the brand that was on the brink of being written off as old and boring. I mean lets face it, eventually one will get bored of seeing the checks. I like how Bailey has mixed the old with the new.

Now when it comes to Burberry hand bags, I've still got my reservations. The Bloomsbury is the brand's newest bag for the fall and has already been said to be the IT / MUST HAVE bag for the season. I beg to differ.

The bags are really beautiful to look and are crafted out of a combination of some interesting materials like wool, cashmere and leather or jute, viscose linen and so on and feature unique artwork (done by hand) on each bag. Agreed these are all very special qualities and will definitely make the person carrying it feel special. But have you seen the size of the tote? I can make do with the medium sized tote and find the hand painted ones really nice but the large one is about 16.9 inches in height! I mean I have enough trouble with the size of my Givenchy Antigona, the Bloomsbury is another level of big. Not to mention structured. So you've got this giant, structured tote, now what? Apart from the artwork, in terms of functionality its saving grace is the optional shoulder strap which might make it easier to lug around. Also, I'm not really caring for the whole tapestry/blanket theme. Furthermore, I'm not feeling very inspired with the shape either. It reminds me terribly of the Louis Vuitton Alma, just a more elongated version of it.

Louis Vuitton Alma

The artsy Bloomsbury bags start at USD 3,195 on their website. A little pricey for a shape that isn't that appealing. Truth be told, if I really wanted to spend that much on a bag that reminds me of tapestry, I might as well go to Jaipur and buy a Persian inspired rug that is handmade in Kashmir. With respect to the painted totes, I can instead buy myself MF Husain serigraphs for that much money too. Sometimes, artistic handbags just don't work. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem in spending that kind of money a on a bag, but just not this one. Click here to check out the bags.

Images via: Burberry & Louis Vuitton