March 4, 2012

Amanda Nørgaard

At the request of  Fashion Cappuccino, Amanda Nørgaard is up next on this blog's model feature!
Amanda is a model from Denmark known for her eyes, which stare at you with that lazy, eyes-half-open, tired chic look.  She tends to keep her lips straight or slightly turned down, making her the perfect girl for designers in need of a rebellious, edgy demeanour.  Besides designers, Amanda has also tugged on the heartstrings of The Vaccines, who wrote a song about her called Nørgaard.
 
Her personal style has been described as a modern twist on the 70s, with an apparent love for black shoes.  She likes to wear one thing that catches your eye; one thing that doesn't quite belong (yet always somehow does).  Amanda has also said herself that she enjoys denim on denim.
Her latest appearance was at Diane von Furstenberg Resort 2012:
If there are any other models you would like to see featured, just give me a shout if you haven't done so already!

Image Source: Models.com, Spread 1, 2, 3, 45, Street 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Style.com

March 1, 2012

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012 RTW

After my previous scathing review of Blumarine, I give you Dolce & Gabbana's beautiful baroque creations for Fall/Winter 2012 RTW.  Dolce & Gabbana have been giving consistent collections, but nothing yet has surpassed, or even matched, their virginal Spring/Summer 2011 show.  Finally, this season has done it.  Some people seem to be getting tired of Dolce & Gabbana recycling their looks, but I think this season has just enough regality and opulence to break through.  Or maybe it's just because I'm a huge fan of gold brocade.  It all started with look after look of stunning gold brocade, with intricate lace and smooth velvet.  This was definitely a show that benefited from the right accessories; the earrings and crown-like headpieces were just dripping glamour so majestic it made you want to sit straighter.
The brocade subsided for a while as lace and sheer fabric took the spotlight.  You'll also notice this season's silhouette is looser than previous seasons, keeping with the baroque theme.  There was one unattractive look consisting of a silk tee with "D&G" embroidered on it and ruffled bloomers shorts - completely out of place.
In a burst of colour, bright floral print was introduced, taking the place of the gold brocade earlier on.  I can just imagine myself walking through French gardens everytime I see these looks.
The show then entered a more demure point, but it wasn't without gold embellishment.
This prepped the eyes for a visual overload of floral prints and plump cherubs, but if that isn't enough, Dolce & Gabbana ended by overwhelming you in rich gold brocade once more.
Bow down.  The masters have arrived.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com

February 28, 2012

Blumarine Fall/Winter 2012 RTW

In all my years of following fashion, never have I seen a show as horrible as this.  Lindsay Lohan's quick stint at Ungaro is comparable, but this, my fashion friends, makes Lohan's designs seem somewhat decent.  I hate to be mean because I have nothing against Blumarine and have never hated anything Anna Molinari has done.  Blumarine is bright, upbeat and fun, but Molinari always did it with class.  For Fall/Winter 2012, however, I'm just completely gobsmacked at the sucker punch she threw at us.  It knocked me out and now I can't see straight (although that could easily be caused by the blinding metallics and iridescent fabric).  One thing I do know for sure: let's hope nothing like this ever happens again.

The first couple looks were actually quite promising, with neon bright fur paired against stark white.  Strong looks which laid out the groundwork for a potentially good show.
What, exactly then, is making me wail in pain?  Precisely that Molinari thought it would be a good idea to introduce UGG-like boots which completely ruined the models' walks.  But I chalked it up to a minor mishap as she brought out metallic après-ski wear and some muted coats.
By now, even though I had forgiven Molinari for the slip, chances of me being impressed by this collection were slim.  And they became fully dashed when out came full silver metallic resembling bunches of tinfoil walking down the runway, and head-to-toe cheetah print (she's done full cheetah print before, but to much better results).
To my surprise, then progressed a couple of simple black gowns, but all hopes were again destroyed by the metallic snakeskin which followed.  And I would really love to know what is going on with those short shorts overtop leggings and those naval baring tops.  If I want to see Snooki-style, I'll watch Jersey Shore.  But that's exactly why I don't.
And here we are now at hip-hop/rocker girl gone wild.  Tacky, obnoxious and accessorized with pretentious hoop earrings.  I don't even think I need to explain what's wrong with this.
Finally, Molinari gave it one last kick with the evening gowns.  I felt like I was watching a high school prom, not the work of a respectable designer.
If you haven't got a headache by now, I applaud you, because I am not applauding this collection.  Surprisingly, this collection has been generally well-received by the online community for its upbeat optimism and cheeky message.  And don't get me wrong, I agree there is nothing wrong with a fun collection, but even fun collections can be done with a bit of structure and attention to good fashion (see: The Blondes).  Molinari had several fabulous pieces within her collection that she could have styled differently, but I stand firm on my opinion of this collection.  As a whole, I cringed more than I smiled.

Watch the entire show here.  It was the first time I ever considered not finishing a runway video.

Image Source: Style.com