Fashion trends 2013: Smoking

<<So, I'm a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman>>. This is what Julie Andrews said in a scene of one of her best movies Victor/Victoria and this might be the perfect interpretation of one of the coolest trends for S/S season 2013: Smoking style.

Fashion trends 2013: Python style

Hi ladies, we're almost here! Summer is coming soon... well, that's what calendar says because, until now, of sun and warm we've seen really a little! But, don't worry: the moment to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun will come soon! And, with the good season, you know, the desire to undress and show off your tan is strong, maybe made more daring by the choice of outfits, colora and fabrics that enphasize the contrast.

Skin on skin... this could be a key to understanding of one of the coolest trend of S/S 2013: python style. Traditionally worn during the f/w season, this year it's one of the hottest trends for the hottest one. Natural or colored in warm and seductive shades, mixed with patchwork and other prints or maybe on accessories, the password is only one: change skin. Just like a snake. Crawling, python print is done through the glamourest catwalks of fashion scene. From Preen to Gucci, passing by Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli. The result? Ladylike and attractive, absolutely super cool!

Fashion trends 2013: Postcard

People doesn't nothing but talk about their plain for holidays? Maybe in some far and exotic places? Well, send them a postcard! Yes, you've got it. One of the coolest and most original trend proposed for S/S 2013 is, in fact, the postcard style. Clothes and accessories where stand out landscapes and suggestive views that, just like a postcard, tell everyone the beauties of many countries.

And that's how, from the coolest fashion shows of the whole world brands like Mary Katrantzou, Dolce & Gabbana and Jean Charles de Castelbajac brings on catwalk the magic of wonderful places to show off with elegance and ease.

Fashion trends 2013: Floral style

In one of the most hilarious scenes of the movie The devil wears Prada, the great Meryl Streep, in the role of the merciless editor of Runway Magazine Miranda Priestly, comments season trends in this way: <<Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking!>>. But, despite what Miranda says, floral style is everything but trivial and confirms itself, once again, as true evergreen of season, present in its every declination on clothes and accessories.

Enough with daisies and delicate little flowers, bon ton style. This season, flowers are revisited in a more modern way: grafic, stylized, abstract. In short, is back a trend that is still capable to amaze, although is not exactly a news... and, please, Miranda will forgive us! Seem light years away the times the s/s 2012 collections by Louis Vuitton, Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana and Blugirl where, like old paintings, elegant floral prints stand out gently on clothes.

H&M New Icons capsule collection

Make a note on your agendas girls! New season, new collection coming... Will be release next april 11th The New Icons, the newest S/S 2013 pre-collection signed by H&M. The top models Joan Smalls, Daphne Groenveld, Lindsay Wixson and Liu Wen are the muses who inspired this collection. True masters of style a little urban, a little edgy but always super glamour, they are the perfect testimonials of a collection all to mix, thanks to which different styles and trends match each other.

Fashion trends 2013: Stripes

 Horizontal, vertical, colored or black and white, there's no doubt that one of the hottest trends for S/S 2013 are Stripes. As a true evergreen it's inevitable during summer and this year it's under the spotlights for eye-catching total looks or pieces to mix with basic outfits or other prints, for  a super glamour effect!

Already present in the s/s 2012 collections of Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Burberry Prorsum and Mulberry (just to quote a few), this year stripes are proposed by brands like Acne, Temperly London, Marc Jacobs and Moschino in a contemporary way that winks to 60's twist, the years of Twiggy and mini skirt, for cooler effect.

Fashion trends 2013: Geometric

One of the most original trends proposed for S/S 2013 is, for sure, the Geometric style. Squares, rhombus, rectangles, strigh and sharp lines, right angles, games of volumes and patterns (rigorously geometric style) will invade clothes and accessories for the next season. 

That is 60's inspired or blatantly 80's style, this is one of the coolest must of this year, proposed last season by Preen, Christian Dior and Milly and celebrated now by brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Sportmax, Balmain and Aquilano Rimondi.

Christian Dior, Holly Fulton, Preen, Gucci s/s 2012

...

Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Roksanda Ilincic, Acne, Aquilano Rimondi s/s 2013

Louis Vuitton, Marni, Hérmes, Versus s/s 2013

Sportmax, Massimo Rebecchi, Balmain, Alexandre Herchcovitch s/s 2013

I really like geometric trend, especially black and white and 60's style even if, to be honest, it's not suitable to everyone in particular if it's in total look version. But you know what they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you love this style and you don't want to give up to be trendy, you can opt for a more soft version matching some geometric piece to a more basic outfit: the result is guaranteed and very cool.

Geometric - Fashion-mariquita-camy's polyvore

Check it out - Plasticklipstick's polyvore

There's no need to rush... - Summermoon's polyvore

Have you been conquered by this funny and little sui generis style? Weel, lucky for us low cost brands like Zara, Asos, Topshop and H&M help us with great proposes. Here a short slideshow.

What do you think about?

Fashion trends 2013: White

After the last exhausting rainy days it's time to take a break and travel with your mind for a few minutes, pretending to be lying under the bright and warm sun of some island in the heart of Caribbean sea... however you know what they say: dreaming doesn't cost a thing! But beyond dreams and imagination, it's time for us to be prepared for summer and refrsh our wardrobe...

If the griefs and the rigors of the economic crisis have demoralized you, cheer up: S/S 2013 promises  cheerful, light and relaxed. After a winter characterized by baroque, neo-victorian and gothic references, dominated by strong and dark colors like black and burgundy, this summer will be full of bright colors!

Pretty in white... this is the key word of s/s 2013. The non-color par excellence is confirmed as one of the hottest trends of season presented in a new and cooler way, characterized by transparences, overlaps, laces and embroidery that make it elegant, romantic, easy and sexy at the same time. Who tought that white was a banal choice for summer will have to change his mind...

After being protagonist of the s/s 2012 collections of Louis Vuitton, Byblos, Versace and Ralph Lauren, among the others, this year it's presented by brands like Christian Dior, Ermanno Scervino, Chanel, Gucci and Roberto Cavalli, just to quote a few, that have chosen it to celebrate a white summer.

Byblos, Fendi, Andrew Gn, Versace s/s 2012

Louis Vuitton, Alberta Ferretti, Ralph Lauren, .Normaluisa s/s 2012

 ...

Maison Martin Margiela, Jil Sander, Diane von Furstenbeg, Ann Demeulemeester s/s 2013

Chalayan, DKNY, Rick Owens, Fendi s/s 2013

Gucci, Valentino, Ermanno Scervino, Chanel s/s 2013

Stella McCartney, Chloé, Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood Gold Label s/s 2013

I don't think that exists another color that represents summer better than white: it's so fresh and bright and it's able, like other few colors, to give to the most basic outfits an allure of grace and elegance... a from of inconscious innocence, a statement of intent, presented like a canvas to be painted.

If you love something let it go... - Miu Miu's polyvore

Smile it's summer - Vihka's polyvore

Life is one big fancy dress party - Helleka's polyvore

That you like a total look or you prefer it matched with other colors or prints, if you, like me, are a lover of white here some low cost options proposed by brands like Zara, H&M, Promod, Mango and Forever 21. Check it out.

What do you think about?

Paris Haute Couture S/S 2013

It's just ended the Paris Haute Couture S/S 2013, the event dedicate to haute couture that had as its frame the city emblem of fashion: Paris, in the great and magic scenary of Carrousel du Louvre. 

Elegance, femininity and glamour, but also retro inspiration and a more aggressive mood, are the interpretations of these four days of fashion shows during which walked the catwalks the biggest names of fashion scene: from Chanel to Valentino, passing by Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Atelier Versace.  As always there were collections I liked most and other I liked less but, at the end of the day, I have to say I'm pretty satisfied. Here the best collections, in my opinion.

CHANEL

It seems to have been transported inside a fairy forest in which beautiful creatures penetrate wearing tweed clothes characterized by gothic inspiration touches, elegant and sensual at the same time as the  evening dresses, made with sequins, feathers and 3D floral embroidery that give to them a romantic and nostalgic allure. The collection is classic for the Maison: dresses and suits are alternated to a fresh twist given by accessories.

CHRISTIAN DIOR

A romantic and elegant collection proposed by Raf Simons at his second trial as director of brand Dior. A collection that referes to the historical classis of the Maison. Beyond the inevitable tailleurs and smoking Bar, the designer presented dresses inspired, in shapes, materials and combination of colors, by flowers. Along a fairy garden the models walk wrapped in splendid tulle, organza, lace and embroidery into an atmosphere of etereal grace.

ELIE SAAB

Grace and lightness are the exact interpretations of the haute couture collection proposed by Elie Saab for S/S 2013 that might non shine for originality compared to the other collections presented by the designer, but that doesn't betrayl the aspectations. The dresses are, in fact, a tribute to femininity, made in delicate colors like light blue, mauve, champagne and pale pink, and fabrics like chiffon, organza and tulle. Every single dress is enriched by sequins, jais and crystals inserts or embellished by silver threads. A tribute to romanticism and a sophisticated elegance that made the fortune of the brand.

VALENTINO

When it comes to fashion Valentino is alwyas an assurance. The brand, emblem of class and timeless charm, doesn't disappoint this time either and proposes an amazing collection for S/S 2013, played on the shades of white, black and red (main color of the maison) that shine in the finale of the show with a shower of sequins on the evening dresses. A triumph of elegance and delicacy and a tribute to the season are evident on the floral explosion that appears like a painting on clothes. The pastel colors,  the shine touches of gold and crystals, the flowers apllied on corsets and on lenghts are the characteristics of an opulent and magnificent collection that will make you dream.

ULYANA SERGEENKO

One of the most appreciated and photographed It-girls in the world (honorary member of what the insiders call The russian fashion pack), inevitable presence in the parterre of the fashion shows of the biggest brands and idolized trendsetter decided to play the role of fashion designer presenting  a great collection  for S/S 2013. Inspired by movies like Go with the wind and The wizard of Oz, Ulyana Sergeenko has been able to emphasize the sexy side of the protagonists of these movies bringing on catwalk corset dresses matched with micro culottes and straw hats, flared skirts with bucolic prints worn with oversized ruffle and fedora shirts and micro dresses with bustier belts. On her second trial, I'd say she passed it great!

ALEXIS MABILLE 

Ladylike, elegant, lively and light... Any adjective would be sweet enough to describe the S/S  2013 collection by Alexis Mabille. Delicate pastel colors paint dresses made with soft tulle and precious organza and embellished by splendid embroidery and floral applications... Like magic creatures the models brought on catwalk a little bit of that magic that only fashion can create.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

With this collection the brand proved how even in animalier inspiration can hide a sophisticated and classy mood that has nothing to envy to other collections. For S/S 2013, Valli is clearly inspired by animal world, dominated by tigers, zebras and crocodiles denaturating the most commun and aggressive, almost sensual, side giving to it an etereal and expected allure. The dresses present 3D floral inserts, applaied on tulle and organza, and colors that look like strokes on a canvas. This collection is a true artwork, the proof that haute couture is not a monopoly of rich old women, but also of beautiful and confident young women, like the It-girls friend of the designer.

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

The collection is inspired by a modern, sensual and confident woman who, during the day, wears smoking suits without shirt from which neckline is possible to see the navel, while at night she preferes wear clothes that emphasize her silhouette thanks the good use of asymmetries and dizzy gaps, enriched by sequins and organza inserts.

What do you think?

Odi et Amo: Hula Hoop bag

Hi guys! As I've annunced few months ago, this year I want to inaugurate a new column. Has it never happened walking in the street, taking a look to fashion shows or check out the magazines to see stuff you like and you fell in love with immediately and other ones that inspire in you diametrically opposed feelings. If this happened to you at least once, you were victims too of what I call Odi et Amo Syndrome. This new column is dedicated to it, to all those stuff that you can only love or hate.

After a little anticipation dedicated to the ugliest shoes in the world (in my opinion), the Beckett shoes by Isabel Marant (of which I talked about here), I couldn't wait to start officially and, finally, now it's time! Few months ago, it was october, I was focused on magazines and fashion channels in occasion of Paris Fashion Week S/S 2013. After seeing and appreciating the collections of Dior and Chloé, I was watching the Chanel fashion show. I started complimenting the clothes and accessories, reflecting about the great taste of the collection and thinking that Chanel is always Chanel and then it comes: white leather, round... huge! Is the Hula Hoop bag, Karl Lagerfeld's personal tribute to one the most famous toy in the world, appreciated by kids and adults, presented in two versions: maxi and mini.

Okay, let's talk about it. We all agree that to succeed in fashion scene you have to be always original and never ordinary, we all agree that from a poliedric and sometimes eccentric personality like Karl Lagerfeld one we can expect everything, but this?! Watching the models wearing this impractical wheel with an unlikely nonchalance, the first question that crossed my mind was: why? And the second: seriously? Two rigid circles, equal to the circles that hover around the waist of little girls, are the handles of bag placed between the two. The result? All shock and no chic!

Oh, come on! On what occasion could you wear a bag like that? Ah, of course, on the beach! Karl said it too... I can't stop laughing thinking about the face he did when, a bit annoyed, after the show, he had to explain to an arm of stunned journalists the use of this bizarre creation: <<It's for the beach. You need space for the beach towel, huh? and then you can put it into the sand and hang things on it>>. 

Seriously Karl? But thinking about it has a point... I mean, if you are not comfortable to look like Wilma Flinstone and walking a wheel, you can always work of immagination and experiment new uses. Are you running out of ideas? There are some that might interest you...

• Did you exceed with food during the holidays and you put on a few extra pounds? No problem! Goodbye losers and smelly gyms, I do exercise with hola hoop in the rythm of Chanel!
• Is hot outside and you are scared to get sunstroke? You can always use it as hat... but hurry up. Thats's just a question of time before Anna Dello Russo steals to you the idea!
• Your boyfriend or your friends dragged you in camping and you don't want to give up to glamour? Don't worry: open it and do a tent;
• Did you say to your boss that you're sick but you're actually doing shopping and you're scared to be caught? Well, if you're fast you can hide inside it and no one will ever find you... for sure!

What can I say? A bag of thousand faces for thousand different personalities! Now, beyond irony, I'm sorry if my words will hurt the tenderhearted feelings of the most addicted fashionistas, who elected it (in its smallest version) as best accessory of 2013, but I really don't like: I think it's ugly, uncomfortable and unusable excepted for some photoshoots realized by some glossy fashion magazines, even if matched with... no, neither in that case! Whatever my opinion is, the harsh laws of fashion have made of hula hoop the new trend for the next spring/summer season. Will it be a success? Posterity will judge! 

What do you think about it? It's odi or amo?

P.S. This is what happened in my head to the sight of Hula Hoop bag... enjoy it!

Tokyo Fashion Week 2012

It's ended last October 20 one of the most interesting fashion events of the year. I'm talking about Mercedes Benz Tokyo Fashion Week 2012 during which some of the best and original talents of japanese fashion scene who presented their s/s 2013 collections. 

Many styles presented so different from each other and, even if there weren't remarkable innovative peaks, I have to say that many of collection presented caught my attention. Here, the ones that I liked the most.

G.V. G.V.

Nice collection presented for s/s 2013 by G.V.G.V. An easy chic style and a retro taste for clothes realized with linear cuts e simple shapes, enlivened by floral prints, pastel colors and sweet ruffles. Perfect for daywear, it's suitable for the young fashionistas.

MATOHU

Lovely, elegant and so ladylike this collection is one of cutest ones seen during the TFW 2012. With a delicious retro taste, it proposes nice lace dresses, flared skirts matched with short bolero jackets and maxi cardigans. Everything is completed by oxford shoes and maxi accessories.

SOMATRA 

This absolutely the collection that I liked the most. Light as a breath, it presents delicate dresses realized with fabrics like silk, organza, soft laces and precious jaquard matched with lovely embroyered collants and ottoman printed pants matched with soft blouses and cute jackets. The entire collection is so spring, with its floral prints and pastel colors. Chic and bon ton is perfect the modern Jacie O'.

TAE ASHIDA

Urban inspiration for the collection labeled Tae Ashida. This collection follows a progressive evolution: more aggressive with a rock allure, made by leather pants matched with classic blazers and patent pumps at the beginning, becomes more and more classy and bon ton with flared skirts and ladylike dresses. Thought for the women who love fashion, like new Carrie Bradshaws ready to face the urban jungle!

NAOSHI SAWAYANAGI

Wraped and soft shapes that caress gently the body, mini and misi lenghts, light  and dark colors  (like white, grey, green and black)  and some  printed inserts mixed together in a very classy and glamorous collection. A great work by Naoshi Sawayanagi who is confirmed as one of the best talent of japanese fashion scene.

MOTONARI ONO

This is perhaps the show that impressed me more. I like the idea of bring on catwalk clothes worn by mannequins. Talking about the collection, I really liked it. It has a very elegant and ladylike taste, delicate and sophisticated. Neutral colors, lace, nice ruffles and seductive tranparency are the hallmarks.

ALICE AUAA

This collection is the confirm of the brand's style: fantasy gothic. It's like a fashion gothic tale of dark tones. Among oversize volumes and shapes that wrap the body, it brings to life an atmosphere between dream and nightmare.

WE <3 C

Of course one of the cutest collection of this fashion week. So nice and colorful iit looks so kawaii and I think it's perfect for spring/summer season with its flared shapes and its 50's references, its pastel colors and its cute prints. I particularly like the ruffle inserts that give to it a funny and girly mood. So fresh and lively it's dedicated to the most romantic fashionistas. 

YUKI TORII INTERNATIONAL

Elegant, sophisticated and feminine but also comfortable and easy chic: everything you want from a clothing collection. And that is what this collection is. I really liked it and I think this is one of the best works of Yuki Torii ever. Amazing suits, adorable tulle skirts matched with ruffle tops, capri pants and cute jackets chanel style. Fresh, delicate and colorful suitable for the youngeras well as the more mature girls, more classy and bon ton.

YUMA KOSHINO

There's something nice in this collection that makes me like it so much. It's so colorful and funny and feminine... I don't know why it seems to me the perfect mix among the styles of Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs and Jean Charles de Catelbajac. I like the mix of pastel colors and prints. I also like the combo of mini dresses and oversize jacket and that  je ne sais quoi of classy, evident in the use of fabrics and the cuts of the dresses.

What do you think?

Aurora Fashion Week 2012

It has just ended, last October 20, the Aurora Fashion Week Russia 2012 (October 15 - 20), one of the most interesting events in the busy schedule of international fashion weeks. Come in its sixth edition, the event hosted, from the beginning, the biggest names of fashion scene like Custo Barcelona, Thom Browne, Costume National, David Koma and, just during this fashion week, Alessandro Dell'Acqua who presented here his menswear collection. But the main goal of this event is to promote and support the young and talented emerging russian designers.

Interspresed by other interesting musical and artistic events, this year the AFWR has seen on catwalk some of the biggest name of russian fashion scene like Igor Gulyaev, Leonid Alexeev and other ones, who presented their collections for the S/S 2013. Among the several collections presented, these are, in my opinion, the best ones.

ADDY VAN KROMMENACKER

This is one of my favourite shows of AFWR. This collection is so delicate and soft, elegant and classy. The clothes, realized in soft chiffon and organza, based on pallet of neutral colors like beige and pink, caress the gently the body, giving a grace and sophisticated look.

ATELIER GALETSKY

Inspired by urban style, this collection is easy and pretty. Blazers, shirts and shorts are the highlights. Comfortable and practical, is perfect for the young women who face the urban jungle with style and confidence.

COMMES DES GARCON (JAPAN)

The collection reflects perfectly the style of the brand. Oversized shapes, the asymmetrical lenghts  and the floral print, give to it a girlish allure making it so nice to watch.

IGOR GULYAEV

This is my favourite show of the AFWR. The collection is so lovely: ladylike, delicate and sophisticated. It also is very close to my personal style. I adore the use of chiffon and silk, they wrap the body as a soft caress.

LEONID ALEXEEV

The s/s collection by Leonid Alexeev is very nice. Cocoon and little oversize shapes signed the body giving a lively touch to the complex.

PIKA

A funny and colorful collection presented for s/s 2013. Inspired by circus, it also shows off a lovely retro touch. Polka dot, striped and rhomboidal prints that give almost a "clochard" look.

PORTFOLIO FINLAND

Refined, sophisticated and classy. These three words can perfectly describe the s/s collection by Portfolio Finland. Flared skirt, bolero jackets and lovely blouses are the main pieces. Dedicated for the modern and elegant young women.

What do you think?