Couture Heads

In full Bloom

Couture was in a full bloom this season, to say the least. The opulence of textures, shapes and colors has flooded Parisian catwalks and just as every year, masters of bespoke have demonstrated the virtuosity of skill and knowledge of fashion craft. It was a very special and long awaited season, with few changes and revelations. First of all, we had a chance to witness John Galliano’s debut as a Masion Margiela’s creative director, and there came also the slight change in the company’s name. Victor and Rolf duo has announced the solitude diversion towards couture in the same time giving up their ready to wear line. My favorite addition to this year’s shows were short video clips released by Houses of Dior and Chanel. They have allowed us the glimpse into the secretive world of the couture’s production process. From the preparation of ribbons which were hand sewn onto the 50’s style skirts to the swirls created on to the acrylic like fabric and later used as a hand crafted petals in the intricate embroidery. I truly love this PR move not only because of its stunning visual quality, but also because of its educational value about this (sadly) dying out trade.  

Backstage Couture

Couture fashion shows for the year 2015 are in the full swing. This is by far my favorite backstage snapshot of this season. Very real, very ‘working girl’ and somehow very glam in its own humorous way.

Guy Bourdin

Fresh Faced

What is the next step in 'no make-up' make-up look? Well, I guess it would be no make-up at all; at least this is what the creative team responsible for the latest Resort campaign at Celine thinks. The close up at Daria Werbowy's face reveals the all naturelle look without a gram of make-up and very little (if any) interference of Photoshop. The french fashion house is known for its simplistic approach, however this photo feels more like a nod towards embracing once's natural beauty and comment on the obsession with the body image.     

Top catwalk stories of SS15

IN THE LAND OF FRINGE AND TESLE

Fringing was more then welcomed on the S/S 15 catwalks. Designers seemed to embrace it in full and presented it in various lengths and density. Usually placed where the trimming should initially be; it adorned the hems and cuffs of various garments, however in some cases (Thakoon for example) fringing was scattered along the surface of the frocks creating a playful effect.

PATCHWORK STORY

Although it appeared to only by incorporated by the maverick fashion houses (Prada or Martin Maison Margiela), the 'patchwork story' is my favorite emerging trend. Wildly eclectic and slightly of balance; those could be the words to describe it. Each garment seemed to have a tale of its own, and brought into mind the make and mend effect. Taking into the account the growing popularity of recycle and do it yourself trend, I like to think that it has a strong chances during upcoming high street S/S 15 season.

IN THE NET

Fully embraced by House of Balenciaga, net like textures seemed to be the next step in a S/S favorite sheer effect. Moving away from sensual into more high-tech feel, models paraded the variety of crochet, laser cut or even chain mail like fabrics and finishes. Sometimes they came embroidered (Valentino), sometimes they were used to link other fabrics together (Chloe). On occasion they were featured on its own but often were paired up with figure hugging under layers.

WATER COLORED

The key print during most recent Chanel show, watercolor is destined to stardom. It creates a great mood for a romantic summer and hopefully it will find its way into the high street stores. Washed down and stained effect was not the only, but definitely one of the key prints during the latest fashion week season. Large and bold it was used in a variety of pieces from jackets and accessories to flowy chiffon dresses.

In the mood for 60's

The 60's vibe has manifested itself strongly during the 2014 catwalk season. Many designers have showcased the nostalgia towards this bold era, where Beatles were the music that everybody was listening to and hems of the skirts were rising higher and higher. It was a time of a so called youth revolution and radical changes in beauty trends and fashion. New trend has emerged for an easy to wear and easy to obtain clothing, which has sparkled the rise of the high street fashion. It is not surprising then, that most of the modern retailers have decided to capture this mood in their current collections.

MICRO HEM

Mary Quant would be proud! We should be very glad that the weather holds pretty well in here, because the micro hem is present everywhere. This seasons skirts and dresses tend to come checked, printed or made out of synthetic leather, they are finished with zips, fur trimmings or are simply quilted.

PRINT STORY

60's were times were word 'synthetic' came out of its hiding and took a fashion world by storm. Vibrant, man made colors and big bold print were symbolizing the playful attitude. This approach is also present on the high street today. 'Geometric print meets the flower power', could be a topic of the current print story. All over and over the top print adorns dresses, tops , shorts and trousers.

FURY FURY

What is a coat without its' fur? A/W 14 outerwear comes in different lengths and forms; cropped jackets, short coats or sleeves blazers seem to be dominating store rails at the moment. It seems however that the fur effect or at least a fur finish is a must this season. Trimmings appear on the cuffs or around the neck lines and can imitate the sheep skin or lama. The fur should be preferably in natural hues or sporting an animal print.

HIGH NECK SOCIETY 

Warm and snug; turtle neck is a perfect finish for every mods' outfit. It is a great match for a mini skirt or an ankle length trousers. At the current moment most of the high street retailers have a vast selection of high neck jumpers. They are rather simple and come in basic colors (look great combined with psychedelic prints). The styles vary; from chunky and over-sized to ribbed and tight fitting, turtle necks can be as long as the tunic or be a belly button short.