MENSWEAR SS2016: Keep your hat up

Dear men, we finally have the perfect excuse for you to tell your girlfriend why you’re still wearing your hat (and no, you’re not a boy anymore and yes, you’re a very mature man). This trend may please and excite a lot of men who already wear hats as their daily signature (do we hear some cheering in the background?!). Hats and caps play a massive part for this spring/summer, being featured in the major shows like Ferragamo, Versace, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Balmain, Saint Laurent and Fendi. They’re the finishing touch to any outfit and nowadays can compliment almost every guy and every look, wether is smart, casual or sporty.

We checked off the funny trucker hat from Saint Laurent and the baret style at Gucci and Emporio Armani. But it’s the curved-brim baseball cap that takes the cake, coming in all coloures and more importantly in premium materials. The most on-point examples are made from leather and wool. And this is what makes it suitable for almost any look, not only when you the sporty slash streetwear kind of guy. We’re talking the new luxurious sport look here. The conventional distinction between ‘the streets’ and high fashion designers is crumbling, the two worlds are actually melting together, thanks to people like Kanye West, Pharrell and A$AP Rocky (who’s the new face of Dior Homme!). And wearing a good cap is for now definitely a home run for all you fellas out there.

An ode to Prince: stop and Stare

His signature looks became just as famous as his music. He worked those flared legs, cropped tops, wide cuffs and high collars like nobody else could. Adding some sheerness, some shimmer and some shine. From jumpsuits to disco suits, a hoodie here, a hat there. His outfits slightly dark yet full on glam and always unmistakable ‘Prince’. He inspired the fashion world and vice versa. Even for SS2016 we could feel Prince’s style throughout some of the collections. Outfits created even before the world was going to have to miss a legend, in terms of music ánd style. We picked some summer looks that Prince would be able to rock on stage. Touches of purple and brocade as seen at Dries van Noten. Some silky suits from Gucci’s collection. High collars and waistcoats as show by Louis Vuitton. And transparencies shown by the likes of Ann Demeulemeester, Givenchy and Costume National. To make sure everyone would stop and ‘Stare’…

 

WOMENSWEAR SS16: Unironed business

Don’t like ironing (who does by the way)? We have the best news for you: crumpled fabric is a key detail trend this season (yay!). Yep, it’s hot catwalk material. And that gives you way more time in the morning, sounds good right? A wrinkled dress seems like a huge fashion faux pas, but not if we ask the big boys in fashion. Take your cue from Victoria Beckham, Altuzarra, Thakoon, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto and Givenchy who all decided to lack a little on the ironing part. Even the most delicate, silk (slip)dresses were wrinkled. And we have to admit: it still has this easy breezy elegance you wish for in summer. Going for a casual daytime look? Watch for Victoria Beckham or Altuzarra. Heading out for dinner or a party tonight? Take note from Nina Ricci or Givenchy. Finish it off with some statement accessories and these awesome summer it-shoes, and prepare to dance the night away.

WOMENSWEAR SS2016: Whatever suits you

Forget the conservative skirt suit, secretary chic just got a fancy update for SS2016. Looking office proof was never this interesting and versatile. Plus, we’re finally getting offered more and more options to express our own personal style on the work floor. Suit jackets are worn as a dress (as seen at Emporio Armani and Dior). Sleeveless waist suits are having a moment (as seen at Lanvin and Stella McCartney). Showing your midriff is just fine (according to Dior and Céline). You can opt for a mix of bright colors (as presented by Dries van Noten and Gucci). Stripes and checks make things even more interesting (Miu Miu and Prada proved that). All black is forever (shown by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Vandevorst and Altuzarra). You can be a business babe and rock pinstripes at the same time (Versace and Givenchy show you how). Plus worn with a matching snapback that old school tweed (Chanel) skirt suit doesn’t appear that dull anymore. So many ways to stun your colleagues and make office fashion just a little more interesting without looking off. Just find out what suits you and make it work (work, work, work).

 

WOMENSWEAR TREND SS2016: White on white

I’m sure you’ve seen this trend around. Cause one of the most obvious colours for summer is white and it was out there on the catwalk big time. Every year it’s the same story, but in a different way. Do we bother? Absolutely not. White is clean, fresh, pure, airy and perfect for summer. There’s nothing more refreshing than slipping on a white ensemble when the temperatures rise. As Dior’s creative director Raf Simons explained his collection with the words ‘femininity, fragility and sensitivity without sacrificing strength’, white is your your best compagnon. And doesn’t it feel great embracing summer in a white slip dress or white off shoulder top? It’s like putting together the two most important ingredients for your perfect summer pie. So let’s start baking, gal’!

Let’s rest our fashionable kitchen with the most fine pieces we spotted so far. On our wish list is almost every designer’s white ensemble, from Victoria Beckhams slip dress version, Veronique Branquinho’s see through ruffled dress, Balmain’s body hugging dresses, Dior’s romantic transparant cropped tops, Ferragamo’s midi-length sundress in lofty cotton and Chanel even makes us wanna wear a coat in summer (crazy right, but gotta give it a go!). The main thing is: it doesn’t really matter what kind of white you’re wearing, but how you wear it.

What are your thoughts on white for summer?

WOMENSWEAR SS2016: Tie the knot

Around you head, in your hair, tied around your ponytail, attached to the shoulder straps of your hand bag, around your wrist, in front of your mouth (Burning Man style) as a belt through your Levi’s 501 jeans and of course around your neck (which offers you a ton of extra variations); no accessory as versatile as the scarf. And this season you’re able to rock all of the styles above and look right on trend. Pick a silky scarf, preferably a brightly colored one, like Dolce & Gabbana presented in their show, and just look for your favorite way to wear it. Instant summer feeling guaranteed! Plus, it’s the easiest way to effortlessly turn your SS2016 outfit up a notch or accessorize your messy beach hair. We simply love the choker chic style we saw at Dior. But Bottega Veneta too made it’s models look super cool with their double tied scarves. At Emporio Armani we were presented with a more classic style and both Gucci and Lanvin went for the scarf turned bow kind of glam. Have your pick and tie the knot.

BEAUTY TREND SS2016: Easy breezy summer (h)air

Oh yes! Summer is finally happening. Time to enjoy the sun rays, ocean breeze and mojito’s (like we need an excuse for that anyway). Summer excites us, and that’s for lots of reasons. And one of them is that this change of weather makes us want to try new things that fit the season. Not only the clothes, but also hair do’s that match our wardrobes and do well when it’s hot and steamy outside. We selected one of the coolest do’s to rock this summer. And let us tell you one thing: If you’re craving a dramatic hair change, now is the perfect time.

1. Straight Up
Bring in the straitening iron. The straighter the hair, the better. If you want to go all the way, do it like Mary Katrantzou’s girls and go for a wet-look with a side part. Plus, a little bit of cooling down never hurts anyone.

2. Buzzcut
Well, this will definitely create a buzz. That’s for sure. This one’s for the bold gals, not afraid to be less ‘lady-like’. Take for example British catwalk dominator Ruth Bell, the coolest model on the block right now. With her blonde buzz cut but delicate facial features, you will remember her from the very first moment. Now, the 19-year-old has been walking for the biggest brands, like Max Mara, Gucci, Versace and Etro and is the face of Saint Laurents Cruise 2016 campaign. Wether you like it or not, at least this cut is highly summer proof.

3. Boyish crop
Next to the buzz cut, we have the boyish cut. Same category, but slightly different. And the best way to present this to you is through model and Alex Wang favourite, Isabella Emmack. She chopped off her long brunette tresses to change it for a punky, black, pixie cut. It has a manly appearance but in a soft and cool way, don’t you think?

4. Pastel
It’s impossible to miss that pastels are a huge thing this season. Same goes for our runway models. We’ve counted many pinkish slash coral slash Rose Quartz coloured hair do’s. Look at those baby pink locks at Louis Vuitton (pow pow!) or the coral-toned appearances at Carven. And how about Westwood’s take on pastel wigs?

5. Cool and c-c-curly
Or you take it as big, bold and beautiful as one of our favourite Dutchies Imaan Hammam. Or the other option is to play it less obvious and glam, but still rock your summer with cropped curls.

6. Hair accessories
From flower clips, tiaras and ribbon ties. For the perfect examples take a look at DVF, Rodarte, Saint Laurent, Chanel and Lanvin.

ArtEZ Graduation Show 2016

It’s time for Graduation-shows again. The fashion department of Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem (ArtEZ) kicked off with a big show, followed later this month by others. This year 24 students graduated at the Academy in Arnhem, and they presented their collection in the Elektrum in Arnhem. Among them are two graduates which are nominated for the Frans Molenaarprijs 2016: Johannes Offerhaus and Liesbeth Sterkenburg. Two other students will represent ArtEZ during Lichting 2016 which show will take place july 7th, Ailene of Elmpt and Johanna Bas Backer.
Other designers are participating in international contests. Laudy Verschuren, Boaz van Doornik and Maartje Janse (alumna from 2015) were nominated for the Mittelmoda Fashion Award 23rd Edition in Italy. Alissa Nicolai and Max Beets are selected for the Apolda European Design Award in 2017, a fashion contest that takes place in Germany once every 3 years

All graduates will show their collections in an exhibition about ArtEZ Finals 2016 in Arnhem from june 29th till july 3rd during the ArtEZ Finals exhibition in the Rietveld building at Onderlangs 9 in Arnhem.
Here are the highlights of the show and groupshots of all the collections.

BEAUTY TREND SS2016: You Got it Twisted

Forget those French braids, fishtail braids and waterfall braids tutorials you can never get right. This season’s hair trend offers yo one of the easiest braid styles of all time: the rope braid. First, put your hair into a ponytail and create two sections. Then twist each one in the same direction, cross the two sections over each other and secure it at the ends with an elastic band. Was a DIY-explanation ever this short? Seems like a hair styling gig anyone can try out. And even though it’s half the effort you would otherwise put into those other braids, the result is just as chic. Just look at how the hair artists at Altuzarra, J. W. Anderson, Alberta Ferretti, Gucci and Sportmax interpreted the hottest hairstyle trend of this summer.We say: it’s the ideal holiday hairdo; straight out of the pool, keep it cool. You got it twisted!

BEAUTY TREND SS2016: (L)ashes to (l)ashes

Audrey Hepburn once said: ‘For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others.’ We can’t disagree on that one for sure, but this summer a good pair of eyes also stands her ground by some fake ol’ lashes. This season we were introduced to the spidery long false lashes (did they ever actually leave the fashion scene anyway?!). Make it big, exaggerated and doll-like seems to be the message from several designers. Make those eyes pop out like never before.

Marni showed clusters of lashes both applied to the lower and upper lash lines for a doll-like effect. Although XXL, it was still sophisticated in some way. And of course there was makeup wonderwoman Pat McGrath to take on the Louis Vuitton models with a pair of heavy futuristic false lashes. Like Japanese cartoon style but in a modern way. And Giorgio Armani took the gentle way, for a little bit more romance. I hear you thinking: yeah right, like I got time for that in the morning? You hear the clock ticking and your mascara is most times a 1-minute fix (or an actual catastrophe). You have clumps and lumps in your lashes and it’s all over your face even before you enter the office. Great! Well, actually it is great, because that’s exactly where you’re heading towards. Make sure you first use lengthening mascara and afterwards a volume mascara. And make it thick, black and playful. And use fake lashes like you never did before. What else can we say: wave those lashes, baby.

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