Calvin Klein Catwalk Fashion Show NYC SS2019

Could a Jaws T-shirt with a CK logo printed onto it be a potential hot seller? Designer Raf Simons likes to think so. Inspired by seventies movies such as Jaws, Hooper, Ben and The Graduate he came up with a playful collection of deconstructed, asymmetric, unfinished (fringed ends everywhere) looks and a whole lot of Jaws merch. There is not much left of the straightforward, minimalistic, clean catwalk looks Calvin Klein used to have over the past few years. Raf Simons seems to like to experiment for the brand.

The printed (prints were animal inspired and tie dye) tea dresses looked a bit difficult though. Strong shouldered tweed jackets seemed appealing. Leather bodysuits felt fit for a dive into the ocean as heavy knits and graceful pleated  skirts (as worn by Stella Tennant) felt like the best idea. And that loose fitting red beanie Doutzen Kroes sported might just finish off the whole look. Food for thought.

Tom Ford Catwalk Fashion Show New York SS2019

Tom Ford’s show notes spoke of the essence of him being a designer, the reason why. “I became a designer, because I wanted to make men and women feel more beautiful and to empower them with a feeling of confidence. A feeling of knowing that they looked their best and could then present their best selves to the world. I wanted to make clothes that were flattering. That make one look taller and slimmer and more beautiful or more handsome.” And ever since the designer really put himself on the map in the mid-1990s he did just that.

SS2019 was no exception. To the sounds of Netflix series Babylon Berlin’s theme song he sent out an army of fierce looking women and some men. Cardi B, who created a lipstick with Tom ford that this week sold out in a day, was present among some other celebs.

The guys wore suits with shirts and sweaters with a pair of statement glasses.They main womenswear outfit was a mismatched powder shaded skirt suit in a mix of lace, satin and silk materials. Another big theme in the collection was croc leather popping up in the shape of jackets, belts, bags, bracelets and wallets in shades of black, green and lilac.

There were some impeccable trench coats, a leopard printed pony skin coat and a selection of the sexiest party pieces. Like a deconstructed tux or a sheer and body tight little black dress. Every look was styled off by a pair of pointy shoes with ankle straps and the female models sported silk scarves on their heads. Like Tom Ford promised in his show notes he made his models look their best; glamorous, confident, seductive and sexy af.

Le Café Noir & Jenneskens Amsterdam Fashion Week SS2019

On Sunday night Amsterdam Fashion Week went out with a bang. Not one but two fashion shows formed the closing event of the week. Up first was styliste, influencer and – since about a year – designer Lizzy van der Ligt. Together with eyewear chain Eye Wish she presented fourteen looks of her label Le Cafe Noir. All models wore one of the new glasses from the Eye Wish fall collection (divided into four trends ‘Earthy Neutrals’, ‘Turtoise Shell’, ‘Nordic Design’ and ‘Fearless Cateye’) and the colorful, playful, cheerful and sporty pieces from Lizzy’s label. Three full on yellow tartan printed looks opened the show. They were followed by a printed dress and a faux fur bomber jacket. Joggers and a hoodie in bright green, purple and just a touch of red from the sleeves popping underneath it, looked like an outfit we might have seen Lizzy wearing on her Instagram. In facts all looks could have come straight out of her wardrobe (and into ours, yes please!). The denim overall, the yellow and blue tracksuit, the camo jacket, the leopard skirt. All very poppy, fun and extremely likable. This is a collection all the cool kids want to wear. Proof that stylists can turn out to be strong, commercially successful designers.

Second show in line was Jenneskens by the talented Kimberley Jenneskens. She presented a strong young, urban collection of sustainable, gender neutral (both very trending themes these days). Her line up of overalls, body warmers and tracksuits in shades or orange, lilac and light grey just blew the audience away. Straps, belts and sporty bags gave the looks added a nice extra touch of coolness. “This is the new underground”, Kimberley stated and it surely felt like a fresh new chapter in Dutch fashion. What a way to end fashion week. Let next season be even more about labels like these two tonight.

Zoe Karssen Amsterdam Fashion Week

About eight years ago design Duo Zoe and Quince Karssen won us over with their T-shirts and sweatshirts. Since then their Amsterdam based label Zoe Karssen gradually evolved into a full ready to wear collection with T-shirts, sweatshirts, knits, bottoms, jackets and a high-end denim line. None other than Beyoncé and Kate Moss were the labels first fans, Zoe Karssen’s fan base has grown explosively ever since and the brand is sold in 38 countries.

Their graphics, slogans and all over printed pieces (with lemons, kisses, bats & more) turn their luxury basics into brand’s bestsellers. The new collection titled Lost Angeles shown tonight was no exception. To a backdrop movie of palmtrees in a storm and burning cars the label sent out tough looking girls (“toyboys” as the soundtrack let us know).

Bomber jackets, studded leather pants, denim on denim, biker boots, caps and statement jewelry painted the style picture. Several clothing items had the Zoe Karssen logo printed all over them (logomania!) and the bat print made a big comeback on sweaters, Tees, scarves and what not. “Paradise” and “Love” formed big show themes too. A dark type of paradise that is, where only the toughest tomboys would know how survive. Are you up for it?

Lidl Amsterdam Fashion Week

 

Supermarket Lidl made it’s way onto the Amsterdam Fashion Week schedule this week. A supermarket showing during fashion week? You might be surprised. But for anyone who missed Lidl’s expansion into trendy fashion; Lidl has been working with topmodel Heidi Klum for over a year now. Her designs for the supermarket chain sell like hot cakes and so it is time for a new collection. On Sunday she presented her brand new line up of looks named #LETSSHAKEITUP.

And boy did they shake things up. Or at least they gave the idea of a runway show a typical new twist. In small groups of about six models arrived onto the runway all wearing similar looks. Some of them carried the supermarket’s products in their hands, signature items, like washing gel. At the same time Lidl’s bestsellers, pretzels, coffee, fruit, tea and what not were projected onto the backdrop.

Five young Dutch designers from different fashion academies in the Netherlands participated in the show. Those students were Mirte Luijmes – HKU Hogeschool voor de kunsten Utrecht, Heidi Dai – WDKA Willem de Kooning Rotterdam, Lieselot Elzinga -Gerrit Rietveld Academie Amsterdam, Amber Willemztijn – Artez University of Artz Arnhem and Laura Snijders – KABK Koninklijke Academie voor beeldende kunsten Den Haag. Each student presented one of her designs in between the Lidl looks.

Fashion wise the Lidl collection consisted of classics, basics, all greeners, no brainers, wardrobe essentials, must haves; you get the idea. “I love classic pieces like trenchcoats, turtle necks and cosy pants. In my new collection these are all made in fresh red shades which turns these basics into special eyecatchers”, Heidi stated. And so she sent out colorful vests, trench coats, trousers, handbags, carves and loafers with a price range from €2,99 to €29,99. Simple, classic, qualitative and affordable. A collection that might just sell out faster than Lidl’s home baked hot cakes..

Backstage 10Days Amsyterdam Fashion Week SS2019

Take a look backstage at the 10Days show.

10Days Amsterdam Fashion Week FW2018

Our Sunday morning started off with 10DAYS x Emily Marant. The lifestyle brand which is all about style and comfort always has a special focus on Amsterdam. Yet today the Californian dream awaited us with surf boards and palm trees as a backdrop. And so we imagined ourselves on a beach, even though the collection was more sporty than beach-y.

Key words for the collection are contemporary, comfortable an cool. A strong line up filled with wearable, simple yet interesting looks. Like the soft joggers and comfy sweaters given a sporty touch in the form of a cross body fanny pack or a pair of crispy white sneakers. We spotted tie-dye details and bright colors. Models looked stunning in the brand’s ton sur ton looks (a menswear in mint green and some womenswear looks in red, blue and grey went straight onto our wishlist). Proof that simplicity – less is more – often does the trick.

Ohhh and ahhs when the kids came onto the runway sporting looks that formed a perfect mini version of the mens and womenswear items. Sporty stripes and leopard prints, comfy leggings and cosy vests. The 10DAYS message (and motto) was clear; fashion should be comfy and fun, for us as well as for the little ones.

At the end of the show Creative Director Barbara Hilbrink entered the runway together with Emily Marant; their way to announce their collaboration for a limited edtion 10DAYS x EMILY MARANT capsule collection available as of end 2018. A limited edition ‘Fashion Week Trainer’ was on sale in the AFW shop right after the show. Everything else was on sale right away as 10DAYS put their See now buy now formula into practice.

 

Backstage Hudson Bay Amsterdam Fashion Week SS2019

So, what was going on backstage at the Hudson Bay show? Take a look yourself.

Backstage Goldbergh Amsterdam Fashion Week SS2019

Take a look backstage at the Goldbergh fashion-show.

GOLDBERGH Amsterdam Fashion Week

Anyone who isn’t familiair with the brand Goldbergh might assume we were attending a fashion show from an international label. The introduction video, the music (mostly with Italian singing voices) and the backdrop clips all had a very international feeling to it. Truth is Dutch women Sandra Peet and Lieke van den Berg launched the label in 2010. In the past few years they’ve managed to turn Goldbergh into a large luxury sportswear label. Tonight’s collection proved it’s professional level. The outdoor collection was strong, cohesive and very appealing. Even the ones who aren’t into winter sports (me) might get excited after watching these outfits. Colorful, original and – even with all those layers and puffy materials – feminine. A few trends in the mix too; leopard prints, fanny packs, fur, neon and logos to hit the slopes! And if you’re not that sporty after all you can just look pretty damn cool while watching the others.

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