Givenchy: Ricardo Tisci’s Gothic Glamour

In the world of fashion, as in any, really, your reputation precedes you. The hardest part of it all is working at one of the Grandes Maisons, labels specialized in haute couture that have been around for a while now. Why? Because there are a lot of expectations, like, for example, “Will s/he be able to keep up the brand’s style and add his/her personal touch?” or “Will s/he just imitate the previous designer”. But hey! The good news is that this is just at the beginning, when the public is sort of testing you. If you survived a whole year, you made it. There are even some times when the acceptance is so big the designer becomes the maison, like Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel or Ricardo Tisci and Givenchy.

1) Look A

Givenchy is one of the big legends, and belongs to the classics-with-a-style-not-so-classic; well, no, what could be classier than Holly Goligthly’s (Audrey Hepburn’s) beautiful black dress at “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”? Yes my friends, a Givenchy production. Being completely honest, I recently watched “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and that’s were I thought to myself: “Hey! Why haven’t you written about Givenchy?” So here I am.

After Hubert de Givenchy, founder of the label, John Galliano (former Dior Creative Director) took it over, but it was until 2005 when Givenchy’s Womenswear division passed to Tisci’s hands.  In 7 years, Ricardo Tisci has shown us a new both, glamorous and gothic face of Givenchy that we love more and more as seasons go by. Want to love it too? Parfait! Here, from the Spring-Summer 2013 Prêt-à-Porter Givenchy Collection, my Top Three:

2) Look B

1) Look A. Interesting indeed. I love the blouse. The cut of the upper layer is unusual, but it completes perfectly the look along with the halter underneath. Halter blouses make your neck look longer, stylize your torso and give the illusion of leaner arms. The transparencies used are a trick to make them think you’re not showing anything but then again, you are. Also, see how the layer on top is bigger? It is so because that way people perceive the body covered with the halter is smaller (in other words, thinner). The metallic brooches give it a futuristic taste, don’t they? Though I’m not sure about the detail on the neck. I mean, it does reflect light, but then again, makes the neck look thicker, counteracting the effect of the halter. What do you think? I adore the shoes. That barefoot appearance is the perfect to go with the artificiality of the rest of the outfit. The skirt is really pretty, pencil cut with the piece of fabric on the front that sways along as you walk. The metallic brooches in this part of the look make you focus on the central part of the body, marked by the part of fabric that hangs at the center of the skirt and is smaller than the whole piece, making you look thinner. Again, layers.

3) Look C

2) Look B. Turtle neck to make the neck appear longer. Sleeves that open at the end for the visual effect of smaller hands. Stitches at the center to divide the body in two and make the torso appear smaller. Stitches under the shoulders to make the arms appear leaner. The star of this outfit is the skirt (same as the previous one) and it’s tail. Look how it flows with the wind! If only life could be like that!

3) Look C. Now, this is what I was talking about! Hello, Gothic princess! The upper part is gorgeous! Look at the detail on the neck! Wow! So many faux necklaces and the fact that they’re in dark colors, make the neck look longer. The bagginess on the upper part of the body is meant to contrast to the faux belt on the waist, so it appears to be smaller. The fact that the skirt (from hips to the edge) isn’t wider than the top makes us look thinner.  The black jeans underneath are just to make it casual, but here’s an interesting effect you may cause if wearing leggings: Tell me, where are the knees? The legs seem longer than they really are, making us look taller and generally, slimmer.

I’d certainly explore my dark side wearing Givenchy, I mean, wouldn’t you? Gotta go, crazy diamonds! And remember, shine all over and dream on because that’s what we’re meant to do! Lotta Love. Ciao!

P.S. Images taken from Vogue ES. Here’s the link to de photo shoot of the whole runway show!

http://www.vogue.es/desfiles/primavera-verano-2013-paris-givenchy/7871

Balenciaga: Time For Evolution

Read it at http://wp.me/p2X2CO-1C :)

So guys, have you heard the news already? Nicolas Ghesquière, creative director of Balenciaga since 1997, is leaving the brand! That’s right! This Summer-Spring 2013 Collection is the French designer’s last collaboration with the label. That is like, what? 15 years of working together? Wow! I certainly didn’t see that coming, did you? Anyway, I found this out on Monday and I thought: “I really have to make a homage to Ghesquière’s art this Thursday”; so here we go.

Balenciaga’s last Ghesquière’s creations’ Top Three:

1) Look A

1) Look A. Like it? I do, very much. The perfect “V” collar for the top is wonderful at creating the illusion of a longer neck. The pattern is all right. It’s perfectly logical they’re combining a darker color at the top with a lighter one at the bottom; remember why? Darker colors tend to make us look slimmer, while lighter colors work the other way around. This way, the ribs and waist look tinny and the hips seem to be generous. The skirt is tightened at the waist and falls gently all the way down to approximately 10 cm. from the knees. Even thought the fabric isn’t playful or moves along, the lines it has modify with each step, making it look a lot more dynamic. Why does she look so tall? Not only because of the height of the skirt, the vertical lines help… a lot! And combined with that neckline… Poof! Killer combo!

2) Look B

2) Look B. Patterns all over. The piece on the upper side of the outfit has a very classical cut: round neckline, no sleeves and pleats at the front aligned with the ribs produce automatically a thinner torso. Love the graphics; quite Byzantine. The blouse is a little baggy at the waist, which is perfect because the skirt is tighter and in fashion as in life, you have to look for equilibrium always. Remember! Proportions. The lower part of the outfit is a different story. I really don’t understand how come they look so good together being so different! The garment sort of reminds me of petals of peonies, so chic and elegant! See how the edge is black? It tricks our minds into believing the skirt is shorter, but wait! She’s not showing more skin! So it makes us think she’s taller as well. Pretty clever, huh? And see all the pointy ends? Movement that facilitates catching eyes. Designers, those geniuses!

3) Look C

3) Look C. Pretty pretty dress. Wearing it is like being dressed in a cascade or never ending rain. It’s similar to the one before, the same edges, and the same style of collar and sleeveless. The black line under the hips accentuates them (which is very important because the cut is too straight and can make our bodies look a little too square), plus, the optical illusion is here again: short dress? Not! Light color equals enlargement, right? That’s why there are so many black vertical curvy lines (movement, again due to the cut of the dress) and that’s why there’s a big black patch in the middle of the chest. See the shape of the patch? It gets smaller at the end, and that’s because little ribcage generally is a sign of little waist. Again, insinuations here are very important because of the shape of the whole thing.

So what do you think? We’re going to miss Ghesquière intelligent compositions? Of course we will! But hey! That’s how fashion works, right? Constant changes, pure impermanence. This isn’t the end of Balenciaga; it’s just the end of an era inside of it. You know what they say: “every ending is just a new beginning”. I’m dying to know who is going to be Ghesquière’s successor! And well, it’s obvious that I’m more than looking forward for next year’s Fall-Winter Fashion Week to see the evolution!

Follow Balenciaga’s example, crazy diamonds! Change constantly because innovation is the only possible way to development and improvement. Shine all over and dream on like I know you do. Lotta Love.

P.S. Photos taken from Vogue UK. Want to see the whole collection? Take a look!

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2013/ready-to-wear/balenciaga

Marchesa: The Prom Queen has arrived

“If Fashion Week is like high school,

Marchesa is the prom queen.”

-Voguepedia

Read us here! http://wp.me/p2X2CO-bc it's prettier! ;)

So you’re walking around Manhattan following your customary path to your favorite coffee shop at Central Park, right at Columbus Circle. All of a sudden, around the 36^th, you realize there’s more traffic than usual, so you wonder what may be going on. As you approach the Upper Manhattan, the air gets thicker, filled with the most marvelous scents: a mixture of peonies, jasmine, magnolia (Chanel nº5? Miss Dior?), lace, silk and ribbons. Could it be? You check your agenda. OMG! Checking twice just to be sure. Is it time already? You take out your smartphone and tap on the VOGUE app. Yes, your senses had it right: The Fashion Week is here.

Why is Fashion Week like Prom? Because both of them are the most important events in their inner circles, and just like almost every high school girl dreams of the perfect Prom night, every fashionista waits quite impatiently for the next Fashion Week (C’mon, lets face it, we have more Fashion Weeks than high school girls have their beloved Prom). What’s is it about these events that makes them so desired? Well, they make every girl feel like living a Fairytale.

1) LookA

Beauty is one of the strongest magic spells we can be victims of. Think about how you feel when you see your favorite flower, a sunset across the fields or the sea or the mountains, a genius photography or a perfect tableau, a gorgeous dress, the face of the man of your dreams… For some reason, during this two events everything beautifies to the point were we’re practically doped by the atmosphere; everyone’s happy and smiling and laughing so we’re happy and smiling and laughing as well.

Why is Marchesa like the Prom Queen? Because “she doesn’t even have to compete like everyone else—she just prettily reigns, laughing and waving naturally all the way down the runway in her custom Louboutins.” (Voguepedia) The proof is at its Spring –Summer 2013 Collection, as juvenile and cheering as ever.

What do you say? Shall we take a look? Welcome the Top Three:

2) Look B

1) Look A. White swan! Didn’t you think of “Swan Lake” when you first saw this? Or maybe, I don’t know, the first flower of spring! I mean, just look at that dress! So fresh, so clean, so innocent & so pure. The high-waist cut makes every single woman look fitter and taller with longer legs, not just the pretty mannequin. The lace at the top makes the dress a work of art, look at those details! I love how, even though it shows a lot of skin, it doesn’t look vulgar at all. The fabric is just perfect for the season; see how it is super weightless and how well it reflects light? Spring is about going out of our homes to enjoy fine weather and be free! This outfit certainly inspires freedom.

3) Look C

2) Look B. WOW! Far too beautiful to be true! These fringes are magic!!! Not only they dissimulate the little stomach bump you may have, they also add a delicate enchanting movement to your average walking. Have I ever mentioned how I totally love the “Charleston Girl” look? Wow, it’s like “Swan Lake” (yes, again) meets “Singing In The Rain” with a tsarine mode on. The lace detail at the neck takes care of any accessories we may need; and see how it goes all the way just below the belly button? That makes our body look longer, slimmer and equilibrated (because it breaks the dress vertically into two). It’s short but not too short and MY! Look at those shoes! Love at first sight does exist; I just fell for this outfit.

3) Look C. Say what? You don’t want to be the center of attention? I’m sorry, because with this dress, you’ll turn EVERY HEAD. Again, high-waist cut and fringes, and yes, you’ll seem taller, slimmer and (if that is possible), classier. The golden edges reflect the light to your face, so you look happier. Look at the fabric fringes! See how they turn and fall? They will hide the waist you may not have and will give you the hips you’d love to. It’s sort of futuristic with a pinch of Art Nouveau, and of course, VERY elegant.

So, what is it I love about Marchesa? Unlike the usual Prom Queen, her dresses can be worn by ANYONE (who can afford them), meaning your body shape doesn’t matter because the clothes adapt to it. That’s genius to me; I strongly believe clothes have to adjust to us, not the other way around. Bravo, Marchesa!

Well, at the end of this post I can happily say I added a new label to my list of favorites, and you?

I hope you’re shining all over and dreaming on, crazy diamonds! Until next Thursday! Lotta love.

P.S. Follow me on twitter: @alanandall

P.S.2 Images taken from Vogue.fr, enjoy!

http://www.vogue.fr/defiles/printemps-ete-2013-new-york-marchesa/6720/diaporama/defile-1939/9716/pag

Not enough info? Take a look!

http://www.vogue.com/voguepedia/Marchesa

Jean Paul Gaultier- L’Enfant Terrible is here to steal the spotlight

Read us here!: http://wp.me/p2X2CO-6p It's prettier :) 

"Dressing is a pleasure; clothes are not a joke.”

- Jean Paul Gaultier

Why Jean Paul Gaultier? The real question is why did I wait until now for Jean Paul Gaultier?! This grand couturier has dressed personalities such as Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard and Lady Gaga, and I must admit the last celebrity is the actual reason I dedicated this week’s post to l’enfant terrible.

1) Look A

You see, last Sunday I was watching E! and some TV show comparing Gaga’s and Madonna’s styles popped up. Towards the ending, they showed Gaga in a beautiful JPG gown, all black with a gorgeous collar with golden details and huge feathers framing Gaga’s face. It was outstanding, you know why? Because it was classy yet risky and gothic at the same time. I really believe it has been the best outfit Gaga has come out with ever, and believe me, I’m a huge fan of hers and, of course, of clothing. Anyway, then I remembered when I was checking out the new prêt-à-porter fall-winter 2012-2013 at Vogue.fr, the first post was dedicated to him, which I totally should have interpreted as a sign to write about him ASAP!

But oh, well! No more “What ifs”! Let’s cut the blah blah blah and start with what we all care about: The Top Three.

2) Look B

1) Look A. Is that a dress? No! it’s a black velvet jumpsuit with a faux heart neckline that’s got covered the rest of the chest up to the neck and most of the arms with an extraordinarily vaporous fabric. Don’t you love the effect? It makes the femme fatale outfit actually pretty classy! It gives a sort of black wings to the model. Gaultier is an expert on making glam black angels. Jumpsuits are generally pretty good on making you look taller and slimmer, no mention the little black vest reduces the amount of clothing seen underneath and makes you look thinner still (if you have a little waist, if not, use a longer vest, one that finishes right at the hips). See the big necklace? Stay away of those unless you have a long neck, otherwise it will disappears and the neck is one of the most beautiful characteristics of human beings.

3) Look C

2) Look B. What a dress, ladies (& gentlemen, if any)! Transparencies, transparencies everywhere! I love the contrast of textures and the iridescence of the fabric! The color lies somewhere between a dark-greenish blue and a yellowish green, and though I’ve never seen it before, I think it’s a perfect fit for this season, don’t you? The imperial cut (tighter right in the middle of the ribs, under the breasts) makes the skirt fall beautifully, due, in part to the lightness of the material used on its making. This kind of dress favors almost any women. Do you see what he did with the sleeves? How they’re a little bit more open? Well, it serves the purpose of making the arms look thinner and longer. The geometry employed on the design is delightful and, in a way, adds symmetry to the body, which, believe it or not, potentiates our beauty (or so its said).

3) Look C. Talking about geometry, look at that! Transparencies and black and velvet and leather: Gaultier (if you have any questions, look at the pattern right where the legs begin, you’ll see his name written pretty clearly). What can I say about this work of art? Maybe just, if you’re planning on wearing it outside a gala or a red carpet, you should probably put something underneath; I mean, it’s a little bit too much skin. Oh! Just not something black, please! Wear something salmon or peach or nude or yellow, it’ll look way better. Even white or gray are acceptable, just stay away from black because you’ll totally mess up the details. The triangles upside down help the upper part of the body look longer, and the velvet at the end of the skirt is a faux end, so it actually looks shorter than it is. The section of the chest is perfect, because it sobers up the whole thing.

So, now you know! Whenever you want to steal the spotlight and look like Marilyn Monroe in her rock star mode, go for Gaultier! I’m crazy about his designs and his outrageous style, what about you?

Oh, I know! You’re shining all over and dreaming on, crazy diamonds aren’t you? Well, go on lighting up the world and ‘til next post! Lotta Love.

P.S. All the photos were taken from Vogue.fr, do you want to see rest of these pieces of art?

http://www.vogue.fr/defiles/automne-hiver-2012-2013-paris-jean-paul-gaultier-2/6483/diaporama/defile-1807/9327/pag

Isabel Marant: Westerns are back… in Paris

Read us here!: http://wp.me/p2X2CO-9k It's prettier! ;)


September is already here, do you know what that means? You'd better get ready for fall!!! The first entry of this month is going to be dedicated to westerns, why? Keep reading!

Honestly speaking, I’ve never been a fan of westerns, probably because to me they’re foreign and I take them as part of the folklore of another country. Say for example, when someone says the word “Western” what comes to my mind are cowboys, so that’s pretty much why I chose this title for today’s post. Isabel Marant’s Fall-Winter 2012-2013 takes us back to those characteristic landscapes where duels took place and checked chemises and boots ruled the place.

1) Look A

Isabel Marant is relatively new in the business, and it’s a little bit more relaxed than the rest of the designers, mainly because she doesn’t work with haute couture; even though this is prêt-à-porter, it can be considered as way too relaxed compared to other maisons.

Anyway, we don’t always have to be all fancied, we could also wear more comfortable clothes and still look super fashionable. Wait! Comfortable and fashionable? Well, yes, it is possible. Don’t believe me? Take a look to Isabel Maran’ts top three!

2) Look B

1) Look A. Didn’t I tell you? Totally western. This look, composed by a white blouse, a white skirt and a blue & gold patterned belt is super simple and super comfy. Advantages? You can wear this almost anywhere in daytime! At school, at Starbucks, at SoHo… The embroidering on the blouse is beautiful (don’t you love the heart in the middle of it), and of course, the star of this season’s prêt-à-porter: transparencies. The skirt is actually very casual and the design isn’t complicated, the special thing about THIS skirt is that it is made of silk, which makes it compliment our movement, making us look more graceful.

2) Look B. More western! I’m in love with the white silk chemise. The pattern made out of applications is elegant and stylizes the figure, how? Well, see how it sort of outlines the upper part of the chest? There’s a sort of cleavage included, and remember what I always say, division lines on your outfit make you look taller and thinner. Also, the line that divides the torso helps us to look fitter. The black leather skinny pants help your legs look longer and much more defined. This, as well the skirt on the previous look and the golden belt on this one, is easy to find at any mall if you know where to look for it.

3) Look C

3) Look C. The Western Queen. So far we had observed only daytime outfits, but what do you think about this alternative version of “the little black dress”? I say, “Yes, please”. It’s got some golden embroidery and applications that make a faux cleavage that elongates our torso. The high of the skirt makes the model’s legs look longer and makes her look even taller. Just remember! When wearing something this short, please don’t wear heels! It might look distasteful and that’s a big “No! No!”

I think what I really like about Isabel Marant is that her looks aren’t complicated at all, and for all the fashionistas on training, it is an easy style to follow, since she uses pretty simple clothes. What do you think? Will you bring the Western back to your closet? I’m already on it!

I hope you enjoyed the post and I’m sorry I didn’t write to you last Thursday! You know how college is, but it won’t ever happen again! I promise! As my friend Eliza said, there are no excuses for leaving the blog unattended, fashion deserves better! So, you know what? I’m going to blog 3 times a week, because it’s totally worth it.

Well, with that being said, shine all over and dream on, crazy diamonds! Have a wonderful day! (I will). 

P.S. All the photos were taken from Vogue.es; here’s the whole collection!

http://www.vogue.es/desfiles/otono-invierno-2012-2013-paris-isabel-marant/7341