Mini McQueen

Even though I know these have probably been around for a long time, I only just recently stumbled upon the mini Alexander McQueen Armadillo shoes The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York seemed to have given away at one point:

Absolutely adorable.  I yearn for one of these almost as much as I would a chance to see a pair of McQueen Armadillos in real life!  If you'll notice, there's a tiny hoop at the top, perfect for looping as a necklace.  Wearing a McQueen Armadillo necklace...what a great way to give edge to any outfit.  What a great conversation starter too!

Remember when McQueen skull print silk scarves were in huge demand after McQueen's passing?  I imagine this would be a more fitting tribute to the late genius.  I would love to have one sitting demurely on my windowsill, a discreet little expression of my love for high fashion.

 

In other news, I've been awarded the Liebster Award by aki!  Thank you so much!  What follows are a couple of questions she had me answer.

1) What is your favourite Nicholas Cage movie?  I haven't seen any.

2) What is your favourite Nickelback song?  I don't listen to them.

3) Do you find yourself using internet memes in daily speech?  No, I don't really find a lot of memes funny.

4) About how many make up products do you find yourself wearing daily?  None.

5) Earrings, bracelets or necklaces?  I would say all, but in reality, I only wear earrings most of the time.

6) Do you bruise easily?  Yes, especially considering all the tight spaces in my residence room this year.

7) Do you burp in front of your significant other?  No significant other, so nope!

8) Do you still lick envelopes?  No.

9) What sound do you hate?  High-pitched Barbie doll voices...

10) Where do you want to be a year from now?  Right where I am now, at school, building up my future.

11) When do you think is the best age/stage in life to move in with your significant other? When you're mature and clear headed enough to see that they really are worth moving in with.

Image Source: McQueen1, 2

Spring/Summer 2013 RTW

I have a confession to make: I don't have enough time to do a single comprehensive review of a Spring/Summer 2013 RTW collection.  Ok, so that's not really much of a surprising confession, considering how consistent my blog has become lately, but I thought I should let you know.  Ironically enough, I have managed to keep fairly updated with the collections this season, seeing as it's all part of my job as VP Communications at the Fashion & Lifestyle Society (a club at my school) to be in the loop.  So although I won't be doing full reviews, I refuse to let all the opinions I have about the Spring collections go unvoiced.  I never imagined my reviews would get to be so abbreviated, but on the plus side, they might become a bit of an easier (and potentially more interesting) read for you:

Alexander Wang

Verdict: After Fall/Winter 2011, when I finally understood his coolness, I've continued to love what Wang comes up with.  Wang does not produce clothing that you would immediately label as beautiful, and that's exactly what keeps him going.  His clothes require time to soak in, but once they do, there's only one word for what he does: cool.  Threads holding shredded garments together produces a wonderful excerise on deconstruction, and those shoes, oh those shoes.  Full show here.

Burberry Prorsum

Verdict: Hands down one of my favourite collections this season.  The colours were bombastic, with metallics ruched and wrapped, and one standout blue ombre, fantasically cut coccon coat.  Severely cropped jackets gave the collection a youthful edge, as if the colours themselves weren't enough.  I adored the men's metallic cardigans, which literally left me with my mouth hanging.  But I truly loved the mix of textures: lace, embellishment and a peacock trenchcoat for goodness sake.  Bravo to Christopher Bailey for a beautiful collection presented in an equally beautiful fashion.  Full show here.

Dries van Noten

Verdict: Another one of my favourite collections.  I have never seen casual chic done so perfectly.  It's a very literal interpretation of casual chic - plaid tops done in silk and paired with embellished skirts - but that's why it's so amazingly uncanny.  Dressing casual all of a sudden looked so classy.  Van Noten made elastic waistband pajama pants look good, and I think that alone is enough to make this collection a hit.  Full show here.

Prada

Verdict: WHAT just happened.  I'm not even sure I want to know what happened, seeing as it was a mess.  Maybe the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations hype gave me high expectations, but I've always liked what Prada has done these past few years, no matter how strange.  This season, I just don't get it.  If there's anyone who can appreciate the most outré shoes, I'm the one.  Yet I could not bring myself to appreciate Prada's foil wrapped, ridiculously stacked feet.  And the clothes were great in construction, but completely lacking in imagination.  It was a procession of the same, strictly cut piece of fabric glued onto the body, with a couple of quickly tiring repetitive prints.  As for the soundtrack...I'll just let you figure that one out.  Good thing Prada redeemed herself during Miu Miu.  Full show here.

Balenciaga

Verdict: I've always appreciated Balenciaga - it's one of the most technologically innovative brands out there - but it always required several analyses before I could see its ingenuity.  However, this season, I got it straight away.  The stiff yet undulating frills, revealing its coloured underside with each step, and the flippant barbed wire skirts made a wonderful statement on structure and movement.  I finally understand, Nicolas Ghesquière, I finally understand!  Full show here.

Dolce & Gabbana

Verdict: That's it.  Enough.  I have been seeing the same thing for the past 2 years.  It's sexy and pretty, but it's just been a reworking of the same Italian inspiration.  The raffia basket corsets and skirts were definitely highlights, and Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana took the idea of "still looking good in a potato sack" quite literally.  But other than those two unique bits, the pair were still so obviously stuck in Sicily.  Time to get out.  Full show here.

Chanel

Verdict: It's very difficult to say that a Chanel collection is not successful, because Karl Lagerfeld has this ability to make everything seem so right, even though it may not appeal to you personally.  And that's the kind of relationship I've had with Lagerfeld's work.  Throughout the years, there have only been three collections I can say I loved.  While this collection still didn't resonate that deeply with me, it's among the ones I would consider to be more obviously well-done.  The massive pearls, cropped jackets (a trend, anyone?), and the florals at the end felt like a refreshing step for Chanel.  Not to mention the crazy innovative hula hoop bags and vinyl sun hats.  Full show here.

Christian Dior

Verdict: No, I'm still not entirely sold on Raf Simons at Dior, but I am beginning to accept that Dior is in a new era and perhaps this minimalism is what it needs.  I loved what Simons did with the set, but the clothes were yet again lacking for me.  Although the metallics, floals and intricate constructions were mesmerizing, I didn't feel the excitement that I used to indulge in so selfishly.  Some looks were still too bland (and the models...no theatricality whatsoever) and I almost fell out of my seat at seeing black short shorts at Dior.  With Simons, I feel like either the top or bottom half of a look is always missing; it's empty.  Nonetheless, as I said, I'm willing to accept this new vision.  I only mourn the loss of being transported to another land, and most importantly, I mourn the loss of fun.  Full show here.

Alexander McQueen

Verdict: Props to Sarah Burton for exploring a different aspect of McQueen this season.  This season was significantly grittier and more natural.  Burton has always referenced nature, but usually in a fantastical, surreal way.  This season, it was pure nature in all its beauty and flaws.  Her inspiration was quite obviously bees and everything to do with them.  The head pieces that hid each model's face gave a monotony to the show that well reflects the life of a bee, but also looked like something McQueen himself would have done.  This collection isn't one of those instant successes, but it'll get more people keeping an eye on her.  Full show here.

Saint Laurent

Verdict: Ok, so I'm entirely torn on this collection by *ahem* Saint Laurent (will I ever get used to not saying Yves?).  On one hand, I loved it for its no nonense wearability.  These clothes were gorgeous and I would wear each look exactly as it is.  The sleek bow blouses with blazers and slim pants were nicely contrasted with the fluid, billowing capes of the second half, all done up glamorously with sequins and mousselines.  But on the other hand, I know deep down YSL would never be this obvious.  He would never make glamour look so outright glamorous.  As much as I like what Hedi Slimane has done, perhaps he isn't doing it right for the brand.  I can't say I love this, and I can't say I dislike it, so let me just leave it up to you.  Full show here.

Louis Vuitton

Verdict: Spring/Summer 2012 made me realize how much I like the drop waisted Roaring Twenties, and this season, Marc Jacobs makes me realize how much I like the mini skirted Swinging Sixties.  There's something so adorable yet so womanly about the sixties minidress.  This was probably the shortest LV show we've ever seen, with models paired up and decked out in huge, graphic checks, but it was no less impactful.  I felt like I was on a drug high (not that I would actually know what that feels like) and drifting through a loopy, rainbow world.  Bold and in your face, LV makes a great statement this season.  Full show here.

That's all I have for now in terms of the big names.  I might comment further on other collections as I go through them, but as always, I love posting about any collections you have to suggest!

Image Source: Style.com

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012 RTW

This is going to be my last review for Fall/Winter 2012 RTW, but if you want to see a review of any of the shows, just let me know!  When I have time, I might revisit some of the other collections worth mentioning.  Until then, let's end my mini Fashion Week Marathon with a look at Alexander McQueen.

So far, Sarah Burton has been fairly consistent with the general look she puts forth each season, but she experimented with something different this time, and it's going to give her divided results.  Her loving followers will continue to sing praise, while her more skeptical critics will only have one word for this collection: poodles.

If you're like me, you'll see that Burton wasn't in fact going for poodle, but for the beauty of aquatic life and her self-described explosion of optimism.  She started off with pure A-line dresses accessorized with puffs of fur at the shoulders, neck and wrists.  It was a wonderfully tactile way of representing the purity of birth and the beginning of life.  Silver belts that I couldn't stop seeing as coral wound themselves around the models' waists.  The boots were admittedly poodle-like, but I found them strangely appealing.

The breakaway began with laser-cut ponyskin on leather, which then emerged as black pompoms.

And then the pompoms exploded into puffballs of ostrich feathers, quivering like a sea anemone making its way through the sparkling water.  Although the full feather party dress has been done many times before, you can tell Burton does it with a lot more structure and architectural design.  The following dresses were lightly dusted with "dandelions", with sleeves so exaggerated they blended right in with the skirt.

In the only bit of colour during the show, vibrant red dresses not unlike new fascinating deep water organisms proceeded, before, completely unexpected, they further exploded into masses of fluff that were just beyond words.

So many people focus on the wearabilty of collections nowadays that they're forgetting the beauty and innovation of the clothes themselves.  If you're complaining about the practicality of these looks, then I suggest you go and look at the hundreds of other labels out there that do great wearable ready-to-wear, and let Sarah Burton do her thing.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012

With my lack of Fashion Week posts in the past couple of months, when I do end up posting about Fashion Week, I unfortunately have to filter it down to my favourite standouts.  I would love to talk about labels other than the typical big designer labels (I talk a lot about Dior, Chanel and McQueen, don't I?), or about collections that I don't necessarily have a positive review for, but bear with me as I take a look at Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012.

Pre-Fall was never too exciting for me; it wasn't quite Fall, and it wasn't quite Spring.  It just never produced looks that were so astounding they couldn't have been saved for Fall collections.  And really, it's just another reason for designers to be overworked.  But Alexander McQueen gave a Pre-Fall collection worth singling out.  It was a sharp, gothic, Victorian collection with a focus on menswear and three-dimensional floral embroidery.  Sarah Burton began with exquisite black embroidery atop cherry red, all belted with black leather corset-like belts, and accessorized with mercilessly pointed boots.  The boots were what first drew me to the collection.  They sharpen the line of the leg, and you no doubt feel powerful wearing them.

As the collection morphed towards plum purple, there were a couple of leanly tailored pant suits thrown in.  It's certainly one way to take charge in the boardroom.

Then came black lace-like embroidery, wrapped around the richest, most luxurious shades of green.

The embroidery then transferred onto sheer dresses with sleeves so light they may as well have been invisible, reminding me very much of Givenchy couture (although, as you'll see in my review of Givenchy couture later on, this is no longer the case).

Burton played around with the typical McQueen silhouette of prominent shoulders, cinched waist, and a pencil skirt, by replacing the pencil skirt with an A-line.  In doing so, I saw a subtle '50s reference that softened the strong looks, and made them more feminine.  Yet another legendary collection by Sarah Burton.

See the entire collection here.

Image Source: Style.com

McQueen for a Queen

Due to my final exams, I was unable to make a post about the wedding of the century, which was of course, also the fashion event of the century.  I have no doubt that all of you have already laid eyes on the much anticipated dress, and I'm sure some of you are tired of hearing anything more about it, but it wouldn't be my blog if I didn't give my two cents.

First of all, the designer!  When I heard it was Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton, I was overjoyed!  After being presented with the list of speculated designers, I was praying that the job would go to Burton.  Not only would a dress from Alexander McQueen be a fantastic tribute to the late designer, it would also acknowledge Burton's already well-received talent, and cement the idea that Kate is a modern royal.  To me, Burton seemed the only answer, and it seems Kate thought the same.

The first thing I noticed about the dress was the neckline.  It was a beautiful curved, deep V-neck that added a hint of sexiness to a traditional dress.  The lace was not overwhelming, but rather it was barely there (much like her stunning wisp of a veil), and exquisitely decorated in flowers so delicate it didn't seem like she was covering her arms at all.  The corset that flared out slightly at the waist into the ballroom skirt emphasized her slim figure, and if anything, it was the silhouette that was so distinctly McQueen.

But what I love most about this dress is its simplicity.  As I listened to numerous designers talking about how, if they were to design Kate's dress, they would decorate it in lavish embellishments, I realized how much I actually disliked an extravagant dress.  I was hoping Kate would not show up in a heavily embellished dress, and luckily, she didn't (which makes sense, considering her penchant for simple, classic pieces).  What she did do, however, was show up in a dress with beautiful lace-like print on the hem, which was only noticeable when she walked, as it shone against the light.

With such a fantastic choice of dress, this isn't only the wedding and fashion moment of the century, it's also the wedding dress of the century.

Image Source: Fashionologie, Fashion Beauty Trend

The Unconventional Bride

After taking a look at the most recent bridal collections from Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa and Vera Wang, E... suggested that I take a look at Alexander McQueen and Lanvin for a more interesting take on bridal fashion.  From McQueen, one can always expect outlandish designs, while Lanvin Blanche approaches bridal from a non-conformist, humorous perspective.

Net-a-Porter offers three McQueen bridal dresses, and all three are well-constructed, reveal a significant bit of leg, and range from the more traditional, to the highly daring.  While the first dress doesn't appeal to me whatsoever, I am drawn to the peeking out of the floral embroidered underskirt in the second dress.  The third one is absolutely exquisite, and even though I would never wear it myself, I would love to see someone getting married in it.

Lanvin Blanche, on the other hand, doesn't go as dramatic as McQueen, but instead offers up bridal dresses that could easily be worn as cocktail dresses or simply as eveningwear.  Another thing that is unique about Lanvin Blanche is that it suggests elegant t-shirt and skirt separates as alternatives to a dress, and it also provides angelic trenches and shrugs as coverups.

As much as I do want something unique as my wedding dress, I find Lanvin Blanche to be too playful and casual for somewhat of a traditionalist like me.  However, I do appreciate McQueen and Lanvin Blanche's modern take on bridalwear, and no one will ever forget the bride who wears any of these dresses.

See the entire Lanvin Blanche collection here and here.

Image Source: McQueen, Lanvin Blanche