Dorhout Mees SS2015 Amsterdam Fashion Week

Inspired by water (or more specific the ability of water crystals to transform in certain environments) and it’s many faces Esther Dorhout Mees presented yet another flawless womenswear collection, named “O”, today. After the backdrop video set the mood and waves were projected onto the catwalk long and lean models on high geometric, asymmetrical heels (which gave the illusion to be wet) with wet hair ‘walked on water’. They sported elegant creations visibly inspired by water. Light blue and white (true water tones) were the main colors, a touch of pink added at the end. Fabrics were both airy and shiny, reflecting the attributes of water. Breast and waist were the focus in the designs silhouettes, with a few strong shoulders here and there. Always delicate and sophisticated and therewith creating a collection full of the finest cocktail chic ensembles. Strapless, structured dresses, midriff baring, ruffled (resembling waves) tops, sheer (representing the transparency of water) pants worn with high waisted underpants and maxi dresses with T-shirt shaped sleeves had XL pleats. Fabrics were airy, floating (like water) in the air as the models slowly walked the runway. An extra beautiful effect, which especially a few creations with layers of the finest, thinnest fabrics on top of each other (like a book) were able to show off. Mirrored prints (representing the reflecting aspect of water) added to the elegance of the collection as a nice subtle scent (yes, Dorhout Mees want to trigger all senses) completed the Dorhout Mees water world.

Haider Ackermann Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2014

Long lean silhouettes in a palette of grays, taupes, greens and browns awaited us at Ackermann. Designs with which the designer tried to portray gracefulness through their masculinity. And so models sported gray suits with long sleeves and low V-necks. They wore skinny velvet and leather bias cut pants with short structured jackets. Floor sweeping woolen coats and dark, lean turtle neck dresses belted around the waist. If the designs and the models’ expressions didn’t breath enough carelessness, it were the hands in those pockets that added to the feeling the collection, and perhaps Ackermann himself, was at ease. Creations may have started from a menswear point of view; worn by those graceful models, looks were sophisticated and tough (especially those zip-front jackets) even sporty at times, yet never too masculine. A hounds tooth print used on the thickest kind of wool looked perfect for winter and particularly beautiful on a maxi dress paired with a black top. A sober collection with just enough fresh influences to get us excited. Simplicity at it’s finest.

Antonio Marras Catwalk Fashion Show Milan Womenswear SS2014

At Antonio Marras we arrived in a fairy tale like setting today. Beautiful girls with light make-up and strangely twisted hair appeared one by one wearing the most romantic creations. A variation of printed dresses in pastel shades with extras like ruffles and large ribbons. Prints were nature inspired, depicting peaceful settings with roses and butterflies. More dreamy designs followed in shiny silk, with lace detailing and swags. Horizontally layered skirts had all sorts of fabrics combined from lace to transparent and printed pieces. But it wasn’t all sweetness sent out on the runway. Some tough designs popped up as well. Like coats with cute leather collars, like cool knitted jumpers paired with over the knee skirts, like a few crop tops and a structured bomber jacket that stood out in particular. Leather pieces got a metallic treatment and toward the end prints turned from nature to fantasy. A dramatic finale of loud violin music, maxi dresses and models wearing head pieces decorated with green leaves and butterflies seemed an appropriate ending of this ss2014 presentation.

Streetwear Trend: (Take it) to the floor

Maxi dresses, maxi skirts; they’ve been around in fashion for a while now. But since fashion is always evolving even these maxi pieces are slowly changing. First it was all about the floral prints, then we only had eyes for the pleated skirts and now it’s all about showing some skin. Be fully on trend in a transparent maxi dress or a skirt with a high slit and don’t forget the hi-low trend, which is actually a mix of mini and maxi. Many of the streetstyle sensation in the gallery above master the art of revealing while keeping things classy. Other just look stylish, long and lean in their floor sweeping pieces. Unfortunately it’s not a very practical trend, but it sure makes a up for a beautiful image.

Moschino Cheap and Chic Catwalk Fashion Show Milan SS2012

For it’s Cheap & Chic collection fashion house Moschino chose vegetables and fruit as it’s inspiration. It was used throughout the whole collection, pretty literal. It started with the invitation, which had actual plating seeds in it. Then there were fruit ‘n veg stalls at the show as a backdrop. The soundtrack contained a song called Strawberry fields and of course there were the clothes…

The show opened with a – again pretty literal – strawberry dress, followed by some apple printed looks. We saw grapes and carrots too, as well as some amazing floral prints. It was a bit of everything related to fruit & vegetables actually.

Of course the accessories matched the subject. Models wore John Lennon glasses, straw hats and bows made of straw were attached to some of the looks. Even a carrot hat piece appeared at some point.

The puffy dresses were girly and fun, yet it were the maxi dresses which made the most impact. The looks were fun and bubbly, but not jaw-dropping. Perhaps Moschino should have focused a little less on the fruit prints, although we kinda loved the healthy vibe we got from this show.

Sage & Ivy Catwalk Fashion Show AIFWSS2012

After days of rain the sun came out today. What a relief for designer Alexia van Engelen and her team. She was the only designer this week showing her collection outside. And not just on a regular catwalk. No, they built a runway under water in the pond at the Westergasterrein in Amsterdam.

This created the illusion that the models were walking on water. The water, the sun, the catwalk and the models created the perfect picture together. A picture that fit the new Sage & Ivy collection perfectly, especially since it was inspired by water.

The clothes showed many different sides of water. The way in which water reflects things, the look of a sunset, the transparency of water and all kind of colors that appear as the sun shines on water.

The designs looked feminine and sweet, exactly the kind of thing you expect from Alexia if you know her. The delicate dresses, pants, suit jackets, sheer blouses, capes and accessories all were beautifully made and all had lot of details (braiding and draping) to them.

Especially the maxi dresses and skirts in the water gave the show an extra dramatic effect. Everything fell right in to place. It was a show to remember and, if you ask us, one of the highlights of the Amsterdam Fashion Week.

 

Trend Report SS2011: Seventies Style

Marc Jacobs has been one of the greatest trends setters of the past seasons. So when he introduced a whole seventies-inspired collection there was no doubt it would become a huge trend. It started on the runway but in the streets the seventies seem even more alive.

It’s all about platform heels, flared jeans (bye bye skinny jeans!), jumpsuits and maxi dresses & skirts. And preferably in a color palette ranging from nude to brown, mustard, red and purple.

Accessories like floppy hats, larger than life sunglasses, small belts and bags with fringes are the finishing touch to this hippie chic look.

Some inspiration..

 

Trend Report SS2011: Floral Fixation

Since spring is in the air we’re starting a new round of trend reports. From now on you’ll find new trend reports on our blog every week. And we can’t wait to show you all the hottest new designs. We kick of with one of the big summer trends, floral prints….

Whether bright & bold (D&G, Etro) or subtle and pastel colored (Blugirl, Alberta Ferretti) you’ll never feel dull wearing some floral prints. The flower power print makes up for a romantic and feminine look and comes in tons of variations from roses, to poppies and from sunflowers to violets.

Dolce & Gabbana already proved there’s no limit to how you can use the floral print. The designers showed bright florals on playsuits, head scarves, summer tops and maxi dresses. They even decorated the whole show area with real flowers!

Of course the flower power trend is a big hit every spring, yet we’re starting to see more and more variations of the print, which, if you dare, can be worn together all at once!

C’N’C Costume National Catwalk Fashion Show Milan SS2011.

Since the C’N’C fashion show was held outside, at the Piazza Duomo thousands of people could have the joy of watching a live fashion show. But before the models came on there was music and there were dancers as part of the Milano Loves Fashion concept.

For spring 2011 Ennio Capasa presented womenswear and a few menswear looks. He chose white and gray as his main colors, but towards the end he added nudes and brights like yellow, blue and red.

His maxi dresses, tunics and bandeau tops looked easy going and elegant, but didn’t make our fashion hearts beat faster. Yet it was a good collection and it’s just great that so many people could enjoy it in the centre of Milan.

Diane von Furstenberg Catwalk Fashion Show SS10

Diane von Furstenberg sent out a spring-collection of real-world clothes, which referred to nomads, Egypt, deserts and had a hint of Pre-Raphaelites.  Tiger-print safari suits and leopard-spot shirtdresses mingled with floral-appliqué chiffon and a daisy-chain maxi dress. Brightly colored macramé hippie dresses were mixed with more urbane jersey numbers.
It lookes all very eccentric, but there were also a few tailored looks: printed-silk and belted jackets and cropped, high-waisted carrot pants. For evening, von Furstenberg heated things up with a draped gold mesh dress and a gold coin-beaded leather gladiator shift.

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