DKNY Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: DKNY Fall 2013 RTW Collection
Who knew that one of the season’s most memorable collections would come from DKNY?
The bold collection was aptly titled “Juxta-Posed and set in front of a New York skyline with images of the city being flashed in technicolour.
The palette of fire-engine red and shocking pink coupled with its signature sportswear aesthetic gave the collection a sophisticated spin.
Donna Karan mixed exceedingly wearable pieces like black and camel coats and neutral colour-blocked day dresses with oversized 90s-inspired separates, many done in wild animal print, and quilted jackets and tops.
Bomber silhouettes came in every conceivable shape from oversized and quilted floor-sweeping coats to cropped styles worn over silk dresses. Animal-inspired patterns adorned knit dresses and oversized sweaters while knee-length nylon jackets were used to colour-block scuba-inspired dresses.
The DKNY fall 2013 collection is representative of the brands knack for producing timeless frocks and although it’s a bit more serious and utilitarian than we’re used to seeing from them, it does so without totally eschewing a fun and playful side
DKNY is having quite the moment. And with their 25th birthday fast approaching, the fall 2013 collection reminds the fashion elite just why Donna Karan remains at the forefront.
My favourite look? I know i’ve said it before BUT this collection really is my favourite from New York fashion week! If i had to choose – Look 1 was the pick of the bunch with the camel, white and black winning combo. The tapered trouser, the stiff collared shirt, the double breasted chic blazer and THAT coat – to die for!
QC x
Pics courtesy of Vogue.
View more Quixotic Culture Fashion posts here.
Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 RTW Collection
Victoria Beckham designed an impeccably elegant and sharp collection that was extremely thought out and sophisticated beyond belief.
Set in the grandeur of an upper floor in the New York Public Library, the label showcased a sense of maturity as the designer moved on from the skin-tight dresses she has become well known for.
The subdued neutral palette had splashes of strong purple, primrose and cobalt amongst the dominant notes of grey, camel, black and taupe.
The 1960’s-esque vibe worked well with the strong play on English heritage fabrics – all executed superbly with a genius mix of masculine and feminine modernity.
The most desirable pieces included superb coats, fabric blocking, rigorously worked black skirts to the knees, slashed open sleeves to form a cape effect, chic shift dresses and sleek tuxedo suiting that gave a nod to YSL’s Le Smoking period.
By successfully playing with the art of tailoring and introducing more textures, the Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 collection embraced one of the major trends of the season: menswear for women.
My favourite look? I can’t go past look 29 – the mix of fabrics, the cut, and that sensational thigh high split matched with an edgy boot.
QC x
Altuzarra Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Altuzarra Fall 2013 RTW collection
Altuzarra has earned his reputation for producing brash and sexy collections that push the boundaries. The fall 2013 collection was no exception.
Joesph Altuzarra described his new vision, “In the past, we’ve had these really fantastical journeys,” he explained backstage. “This season, the idea was going back to the street—to a purity of line. If you take away print and embroidery, you have to challenge yourself a bit more on the cut.”
The restrained tonal palette was black and white with flashes of orange and bottle green. The crazy glamour was evident through the huge reflective buttons, tiny cinched in waists, peplums, boxy coats and power-suit jackets.
The collection was styled to perfection with sharp tailored grey wool suits that had padding to exaggerate the hips; leather boleros layered over coats; leather and mink cocktail dresses; black and white checkerboard booties and sexy double-breasted coast dresses.
And let’s not forget about the over-sized fur mittens! Outrageous they may be, but come Fall I expect fur mittens to be coveted items!
My favourite look? Black on black on black! Look 31 oozes sex, mystery and style – a winning combination!
QC x
Helmut Lang Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Helmut Lang Fall 2013 RTW collection
Helmut Lang creative directors Nicole and Michael Colovos were captivated by the ‘Picasso Black and White” exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery last October and thus born the idea behind the striking fall collection seen at New York Fashion Week.
The line-up featured graphic elements in interesting fabric combinations, sleek winter layers, angular lines, structured silhouettes that skimmed the body, thick wool, metallic coated leather, sturdy felt and fur that all aligned perfectly with Helmut Lang’s masculine and monochromatic roots.
Graffiti prints adorned straight-cut shifts and pants while multi-coloured coats were pieced together with felt to reflect movement. The design duo worked in Cubism by seaming, cutting and folding leather trimmed dresses and skirts in angular lines that artfully mimicked Picasso’s iconic work.
The mostly tonal palette consisted of grey, ivory, black and white – a true reflection of Helmut Lang’s signature sense of effortlessness.
The models middle parts matched with bare faces and returned a sense of grunge to the truly wearable Helmut Lang fall 2013 collection.
My favourite look? Number 37 – So simple and so chic, but with an alluring twist of interesting fabrics that oozes affluence.
QC x
Jason Wu Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu Fall 2013 collection.
Bold shoulders. Cinched waists. Stiff collars. The Jason Wu fall 2013 collection screamed ‘TUDE.
This one’s for the commanding woman with a silhouette that resonates with the power players of the eighties.
“It’s all about the embodiment of a woman – powerful, sensual, sexy, glamourous,” said Jason Wu.
There were undeniably glimpses of classic YSL in the narrow black pantsuits with stiff collared blouses, but Jason Wu’s signature sweet prim collars and pleated knee-length skirts were still very much there.
The heroes of the collection were all undeniably sexy and alluring.
Leather-edged fur boleros worn with a second-skin pant, black Chantilly lace bonded onto clear plastic, sleek cocktail dresses with nipped-in waists that broke out into swirling skirts. Even the sweaters were finished with mesh panels that revealed suggestive strips of flesh. With every hard edge evident in this collection, came a softness that contrasted beautifully.
The strict colour palette of black, white, bright red, deep violet and touch of grey spoke to the edgy design aesthetic. Usually for me too many combinations of black and white feels corporate, but this collection represents the next level of power dressing for women.
The slicked middle parts, nude lips and sultry eyes with a splash of colour perfected the edgy feel that was all over the Jason Wu fall 2013 collection.
My favourite look? It’s too hard to choose just one!!! Look 4 was an absolute standout that I think represents the feel of the entire collection while look 40 was sexy, alluring and provocative all rolled into one!
Which one was your favourite?
QC x
Pics courtesy of Vogue.
View more Quixotic Culture Fashion posts here.
BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 collection.
The BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 RTW collection can be easily summed up in two words: ethereal bohemia.
“This collection is a mixture of fabrics and expression,” says Azria.
Layers ruled this collection – from the modern take on leather leg-warmers all the way to the models beany clad heads. Silk shift dresses and geometric shapes laid the foundation for the plethora of layers including slouchy knit sweaters, chunky patch-worked fur vests, parkas with fur hoods and an enthralling mix of leathers and rich jacquard.
My favourite look? The very first! The divine and eclectic clash of fabrics, layers and patterns seriously makes me want to jump inside that model’s skin and just start wearing it! It is street-style perfection and not to mention looks oh so cozy as well!
The utterly wearable BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 collection was made up of a combination of so many simple layers that it’s able to capture a global marketplace of fashion and style. That’s where this collection really hits the mark.
Simplicity, it seems, is a universal language.
QC x
Valentino SS 2013 RTW
The well-defined mantra at Valentino was about composed and sensual elegance courtesy of designers Pierpaolo Picciolo and Maria Grazia Chiuri. The duo have stayed true to the heritage of the house over the past few seasons while at the creative helm of the historic maison and this time served up a strong yet quiet vision, as they termed it, “memory without nostalgia”.
The collection was injected with a dose of modernity as models walked out in intricately beaded fabrics, printed lace, rich brocade and broderie anglaise. Their take on sheer was done in the most beautiful and meticulous manner: dresses layered over lace slips, while gorgeous gowns showcased impeccable floral beading on diaphanous layers.
The collection is bursting with bridesmaid inspiration with the array of lace gowns featuring whimsical contrasting collars and beaded embroidery showcasing the breath-takingly sublime beauty of the couture work.
The silhouettes were light and with little waist definition and were characterised by knee length and long styles. Fine petticoats peeked through from underneath the dresses reminiscent of flowing and iridescent memories with a whispered seduction.
The Spring Summer 2013 collection is perfect fit for a bridal party at a vintage style wedding. The complimentary designs and colour combos would make for a fantastic take on a group of mismatched bridesmaids.
Rever de la France
It is with great reason that France is a place where many leave their hearts. There are very few places in the world that can offer such a diverse travel experience in a single country. A honeymoon in France will be one not soon forgotten!
Paris:
A cliché perhaps, but there really, truly is something entirely magical about the city of Paris. The city is bursting with an old-world romanticism that is rarely seen elsewhere.
The magnificent charm of the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré Coeur, the palace of Versailles and the list goes on. Each location possibly more beautiful and special than the last.
Many a simple pleasure can also be found in Paris – a baguette and wine sitting along the seine or a picnic packed with cheese in front of the Eiffel tower. Even without visiting the major attractions, the real magic of Paris can be found down mysterious lanes and allies by exploring hidden cafes, restaurants and vintage markets.
It is no wonder Paris is affectionately known by many as the city of love, the perfect start to a romantic honeymoon escape!
Click here for places to stay in Paris
Beaujolais wine region:
After experiencing all the luxuries that the city has to offer, the French countryside is a breath of fresh air (literally!). A countryside honeymoon will allow you to experience all that traditional France has to offer.
Stay in any number of quaint B&B’s or perhaps a more luxurious experience by staying in a chateau, either way it’s the perfect location to have some alone time and explore.
The small villages display a patchwork of greens, with farms, wineries and natural wooded areas delighting the eye at every turn. Nestled against the rolling hills are charming country towns basking in the glorious French sun.
While in the Beaujolais region, a hike up to ‘the top of the world’ is a must do experience. Bring along a picnic filled with local wines, baguettes, cheese and cured meats to take in the gorgeous views. From the lookout, you can see as far as Switzerland on a clear day.
Relaxing in the countryside, wine tasting, and nothing to disturb you but nature – part two of your French honeymoon will not disappoint!
Click here for places to stay in the Beaujolais Region
Nice:
In contrast to the city and the country is the legendary Cote d’Azur (French Riviera). This world renowned luxurious resort area has lured visitors for decades, inviting them to splash in the clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, relax on the pebbly white beaches and savour local wines or café au lait in its offbeat bistros while admiring views of yacht-filled ports.
While in Nice it’s merely a hop-skip-and-a-jump away to Monaco where you can dress up and be treated like royalty. A visit to Casino Montecarlo will leave you feeling like a celebrity and give you a touch of luxury to end your escape as newly weds.
Click here for places to stay in Nice
Marchesa SS 2013 RTW
The powerhouse British design duo, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, better known as Marchesa took a trip to the sub-continent for their Indian-inspired spring/summer 2013 collection.
There was a rich array of immaculate whites, contrasted with bold hues of orange and fuchsia. The constant theme: elaborate, decadent and luxurious gold embroidery.
The stunning A-line, flared, straight and flowing shapes were draped; reminiscent of traditional Indian saris. All of them adorned with the shimmering of metallic embellishments adding light to a series of looks comprising tops and palazzo pants.
The sophisticated and opulent gowns, complete with lustrous fringes and delicate layering, were a mix of fabrics such as silks, chiffons, taffeta, organza, tulle, sequins and lamé all purposely placed to highlight the breath taking design aesthetic.
The glamorous Bollywood feel was evident top-to-toe from the heavily embellished jewel-applique sandals to the simple hair and striking makeup looks. Gold foil adorned eyes set the mysterious mood on the Marchesa catwalk.
The Ready To Wear collection is a grand and worthy rival to Marchesa’s more traditional bridal looks and is a dream come true for the exotic bride.
Pictures courtesy of: Vogue
BALMAINIA
Bal-mai-nia/Bal-mayne-ee-a/ -
An uncontrollable desire to be clad in Balmain. Effects of wearing said label may result in you marching to the beat of a powerful song (or perhaps just leave your pockets empty!)
Ledge shoulders; harlequin checks; basketry style jackets and dresses; crystal sparkles; white lace; spray on skinnies; high-waisted pants; flat A-line leather skirts = modern, edgy, perfection.
Reminiscent of the powerhouse iconic 90’s styles seen on the likes of Cindy and Naomi, the Balmain RTW Resort 2013 collection was made for the powerful women of the world.
The new tailored pants – fluid and high-waisted, tapering slightly into cuffs and cut at a length to show the foot and shoe to perfection – revealed a rare, flattering mastery that will magnetise a much bigger public to Balmain. Right down to the tiny details of the oversize hoop earrings and single braids grazing down their backs, the models exuded a contemporary style of swagger rarely seen these days.
I would happily wear every single piece in this oh-so delectable and desirable collection.
I’VE GOT BALMAINIA…HAVE YOU?
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly,
talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages, with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely,
await occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.
-William Henry Channing"
DKNY Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: DKNY Fall 2013 RTW Collection Who knew that one of the...
Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham Fall 2013 RTW Collection Victoria Beckham...
Altuzarra Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Altuzarra Fall 2013 RTW collection Altuzarra has earned his...
Helmut Lang Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Helmut Lang Fall 2013 RTW collection Helmut Lang creative...
Jason Wu Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu Fall 2013 collection. Bold shoulders. Cinched waists....
BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 RTW
New York Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013 collection. The BCBG Max Azria Fall 2013...
Valentino SS 2013 RTW
The well-defined mantra at Valentino was about composed and sensual elegance courtesy of...
Rever de la France
It is with great reason that France is a place where many leave their hearts. There are...
Marchesa SS 2013 RTW
The powerhouse British design duo, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, better known as...
BALMAINIA
Bal-mai-nia/Bal-mayne-ee-a/ - An uncontrollable desire to be clad in Balmain. Effects of...
Florence Welch – The Dreamer
…that feeling you get when a singer never fails to send shivers down your...
"To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly,
talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages, with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely,
await occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.
-William Henry Channing"
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly,
talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages, with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely,
await occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.
-William Henry Channing"
