Emilio Pucci Catwalk Fashion Show Milan Womenswear FW2016

 

Massimo Giorgetti (MSGM) has geared up to show his second main collection for the luxury Italian label on the runway. He’s following up Peter Dundas as creative director, who was at the helm of the brand for seven years and has left to take charge at Roberto Cavalli. His aim: to keep working on and developing the playful, childish and sometimes crazy looks that’s signature for the Italian Brand, but at the same time finding new routes to fit this. As an Pucci woman you’re not afraid of any eye-popping hues (Dundas has transformed the brand into a hyper-coloured gathering) or eccentricity, and that’s exactly what he showed for this season: lots of colour and print, but in a less sexy and poolside glamour way than we used to. So it was quite surprising he put his focus on outerwear and active wear, something the brand wasn’t particular familiair with. But hey, that’s what exploring new path ways is about and Giorgetti took a good shot at it.  Most visible in the skiwear staples like zip-up leggings, onesies, oversized ski-style sweaters and it was impossible to miss the alpine and mountain-range prints presented in almost every look. Sometimes really obvious, sometimes more arty translated in a scene of colours on easy-going sweaters, Pucci-logoed shirts, shearling coats, puffer jackets, silk-printed midi dresses, pyjama-style separates and knee-length skirts. What better way to ensure your safety by wearing such bold colours and prints, at least they will find you in a sec. Would that be most practical in the form of a yellow velvet floor-length coat, blue leather knee-high boots and a colour blocking skirt? Probably not. But you can never change the luxury hugging Saint-Tropez DNA of a Pucci woman. So who’s ready for a well deserved champagne break in the après-ski?

Max Mara Catwalk Fashion Show Milan Womenswear FW16

You can never have too much of a good thing. Especially when we’re talking about the most perfect, envious and comfy winter coats. What else could you expect from Max Mara? Well, nothing but their signature coats. And of course their famous camel palet. The Italian label has proven to not just design easy, trendy clothes, but items that actually work and are highly valued in any woman’s wardrobe. Although, any, you have to have some big money to spent. The label sent oversized outerwear (of course) in varying shades of camel, beige (of course) and even some soft pinks down the catwalk. Pretty descent and office-ready you could say. But never judge to early folks, because those dark lips and golden shiny sequins (even a nipple gate) were the most in-your-face-sign that there was more going on underneath that classic camel coat.
And soon enough it was spiced up by some heavy splashes of bold colours such as orange, blue, green and yellow. Sometimes all in one outfit. The striped prints, fluffy sweaters, furry floor-lenght coats and pentyhose made it more playful. Same goes for the oversized suits and the huge striped pockets on blazers and jackets. Although the previous fall collection, inspired by Marilyn Monroe and embodied by Gigi Hadid, felt more sensual, this collection felt more like a “I’m not trying to be really sexy, I just am (and please, don’t take me too seriously)” It may not be the most entertaining and talked about show on the Milanese fashion schedule, but they certainly know how to stay true to their signature aesthetic, which is still one of our favourites.

Alberta Ferretti Catwalk Fashion Show Milan Womenswear FW16

Although the day was about to end for us, slowly drifting into the night, the Ferretti show was just starting and took us back to dawn. Looking at the wintry woods backdrop, a new day is about to start. Nature is unfolding, slowly waking up. That quiet moment in the early hours, it breaths nothing but romance. And that’s exactly what she took in mind when designing her winter collection, bringing together the Italian Renaissance (yet again, just like in her previous fall collection) with a bohemian touch. The harshness of today’s society was completely forgotten by the the sophistication and softness of the materials, giving the whole collection a light and airy vibe. Like some sort of fashion meditation, cradling you into a peaceful (although aware) state of mind. You could almost smell the intense craftsmanship. We wanted to push our noses into the beautiful brocades, velvets, and jacquard patchworks, the embroideries on the feather light dresses, flowy lines that sculpted the womens bodies perfectly. The touch-me textures, lace details, see-through tops, PJ-like suits and the fur-collared capes. The whole collection was impregnated with her well-known and acclaimed signature of softness yet assertive femininity. And that’s why we all want to be, and can be, a Ferretti woman. Every woman is craving for this perfect balance between romance and feeling too fragile. The intrusive iPhones in the audience taking pictures, they almost felt so inappropriate and weird in this Italian Renaissance theatre. Or wasn’t it? Not, according to Ferretti, who built her collection on image building and how we communicate image building these days. The leap between images from the Renaissance and the modern day snapchats and Instagram posts, both having the exact same function but in a completely different way. There is a huge leap in time for sure, but only in time, not in fashion sense. Because we can definitely imagine lots of modern day women in these fashion pieces.

Recap New York Fashion Week Womenswear FW2016/2017

New York, New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. Especially fashion dreams that is, for the last few days at least. What a week! While London is already strutting and twirling down the catwalk, we quickly look back on some of the biggest trends and most spoken and surprising moments (Lady Gaga! Marc Jacobs! Oh my god!) of the sartorial event. Study up and get ready.

1. Yeezy madness
Instagram. Facebook. Snapchat. Twitter. Medison Square Garden that was exploding with excitement. Kanye took over the whole universe. What can we say? We completely ran out of conversation topics except for this. His beautiful dark twisted fantasy got him in one straight line to No.1 on every surface (the clothes, the album) and beyond.

2. Lady Gaga on the go
Okay, so we couldn’t stop talking about the fully packed A-list front row at Marc Jacobs show and the crazy shoe platforms (especially how to gracefully walk on these), but the actual talk of the town was -of course- Lady Gaga making her New York Fashion Week runway debut. ‘Lady Gaga on the go’ as some of them stated.

3. See now, buy now
The world of fashion is changing more than ever and we notice and increasing number of brands going for a ‘see now, buy now’ approach. Focus is shifting towards consumers instead of the fashion professionals, which is why collections are shown in current season, aligning with its retail schedule, rather than six months from now. Which makes it possible for us hungry fashion buyers to order the collections and our favourite runway pieces as soon as they hit the runway. Like Proenza Schoulers ‘The Early Edition’ and Michael Kors ‘Ready to wear, ready to go’ collection, and many other commanding officers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Ford and Rebecca Minkoff.

4. Riri’s Runway
Yep, the American superstar couldn’t make it to the Grammy’s, perhaps it had something to do with her catwalk debut. It’s hard -okay, impossible- to top the Kanye Yeezy madness, but still she got the whole fashion crowd buzzing over her Fenty x Puma collection. All the important ingredients were there: Anna Wintour in the front row, Naomi Campbell on her side and Gigi Hadid as her muze. The collection was not very surprising (black and white sporty-sexy looks with a huge street wear factor mixed with gothic elements) yet it was in some looks (giant grey furry bumbags and rucksacks and sweatpants worn with suspenders and fluffy hoodies).

5. Let me entertain you
Of course, the clothes itself make your succes. But the importance of entertainment must not be underestimated. It’s 2016 for god’s sake and everyone has an Instagram that needs to be updated. So bring in the show elements and theatrical settings. Like Thom Browne’s walk in the park, the choreography at Moncler and, sorry we have to name him again, Kanye’s incredible show/album release.

THE TRENDS
1. That socks!
It’s not that often that socks play such a prominent role in our outfits. Let alone on the catwalk.
But you better change your mind and score some sporty, chic or doll-like pairs that perfectly match with your shoe collection.

2. Shine on
Sequins and shimmers for winter? Oh, yes! Take a look at Joseph Altuzarra, Michael Kors, Derek Lam and Rodarte to check out some new and unexpecting ways to integrate them into your winter wardrobe. And what about the metallic suits and dresses at Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs, the almost floor-length gold swirling skirts at Ralph Lauren and J.Mendel’s glimmering dresses? It definitely lights up the long and dark days.

3. The statement coat
Preparing for winter means finding you the perfect coat. And once you’ve found it, you most likely will cherish it forever (we do!). No wonder the main piece of almost every winter collection is a good -corrrection: outstanding- coat that needs to have a head turning elegance. What else helps you bare against the frigid temperatures and makes you feel sexy and confident at the same time.

4. Protect your neck
While Busta Rhymes was more into breaking things, Wu-Tang Clan made a track that perfectly rimes with one of the biggest trends for upcoming winter season: protect your neck with fashionable garments like polo necks, scarves, chokers (no joke) and especially turtle necks under sweaters, jackets and dresses (huuuuge trend!).

5. It’s shearling my darling
If your statement coat isn’t supposed to be long, lean and classy, than perhaps you have to think more towards the classic but always cool aviator-style jacket seen at Lacoste and Altuzarra. But we definitely dig the bomber style version of Rag&Bone too.

6. Blackout
Black lips, black eyes, black clothes. Get ready to get in touch with your darker side, wether in a gothic, chic, romantic or street wear cool ambiance. Check out Marc Jacobs, Rihanna for Puma, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte and Philip Lim to choose your exact direction.

7. Jolly Jewelry
Bring in the statement pieces to adorn yourself with, like Rodarte’s cuff of calla lilies, silver beaded nineties chokers and swinging look-at-me bell earrings.

8. They plaid us
But for once, in a good way. Take a look at Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, Rachel Zoe and Rag&Bone on how to wear the plaid in a much simpler and cleaner way than you might used to. Check check check.

9. Brush off your shoulder
Get ready for some sexy silhouettes. Shoulders are still the erogenous zone if you ask the fashion forecasters. If you’re not the type of person to show too much bare skin, this way of dressing might be your call.

10. Follow the furs
Wether it be real or fake, make sure you cover yourself up in some fluffy garments that make you the perfect victim to cuddle (how fun!). Opt for a full-on furry coat or a classy collar. You thought this was already pretty striking? Hold on, you’re not there yet. Because make sure it’s very colourful too. We put all our money on Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Rodarte and J.Crew.

Want to dive a little deeper into every collection? Check out all our show reviews.

5x hot hairstyles to counteract the December cold

Nothing so fickle as the mood of women. Even when something’s decided we can still change our mind (sorry for that). And when it comes to our hair, the examples are endless (also sorry for that). Especially with the end of the year in front of us, that tickles our craving for new visions, new styles and new hair. Thinking of some hair changement? With these looks you’ll never miss the boat. Instead, you rock the boat.

1.Catch the waves
It’s hard to miss this one, as this is a constant factor in almost every women’s hair wardrobe. Need an 2016 update? Take note from Chloe, Gucci, Anna Sui or Tom Ford and you know exactly what we’re talking about it. Naturally textured wavy hair that do perfect with this seventies suede inspired era. Go ride that surfboard honey.

2. Goth aesthetic
You see those feminine, healthy and shiny locks above? That’s exactly what you’re not suppose to create. Keep these words in mind: grunge, 90’s, Marilyn Manson, untreated, messy, rough, wet ‘n wild and play it cool at any time. Just like the Wang Gang would do.

3. Bun in the oven (just kidding)
Before we’re getting into more serious things (or perhaps you already have some kids at home), we rather experiment with these buns (French twist) on our head. Call it ballerina, call it Audrey Hepburn-style or call it just the perfect hair recipe for these Christmas holidays. Don’t be too perfect though in the execution, Fashion Gods prescribe we would like to recommend you to leave some hair out in the back of your neck.

4. Wet ‘n wild
Haven’t we seen this one before? Many times? Yes, we have indeed. In 2011 to be exact, when the whole wet-party got out of control. And it never really left the stage. And it won’t be much of a difference now. Comb it in a slick side part (Kenzo) or all the way to the back into a ponytail (Stella McCartney). Psssst! Small hint: Team up with your spouse, because this trend is on his agenda too -and can look incredibly hot and gentleman-ish on him.

5. (West) side story
Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, Jason Wu, Jil Sander, Max Mara, Thierry Mugler. The list of designers goes on and on. Perhaps because this is one of the most easy-going but classy looks. You don’t really need skills to pull this look off, only the hair. You can couple it with the textured wavy hair or pin straight hair.

Trend Report FW2016: not just a skirt

You can wear a skirt. Ór you can wear a Skirt. According to that last part, it’s best to watch the trick at fashion masterminds like Lanvin, Rodarte, Fendi, Prabal Gurung and Acne Studios. All that counts for this winter is complex shapes, perfect silhouettes, asymmetrical lines and multilayering (even better: 3D-layering). Mixing different textures and fabrics; (metallic)leather, feathers or suede. Even skirt over pants is making its comeback in the fashion arena (the ‘skant’- how 90’s!), as seen at big boys such as Dries van Noten and Givenchy. Skirts ain’t the holy property for the good girls in school any more. Nor the bad girls exploring the night life. We can all play this game, even at the office or when attending Christmas dinner at the in-laws (perhaps not the mini-skirt though). Choose your style and it’s gonna be a hell of a lot of fun this season.

Trend Report FW2016: Sorry guys, the razor returns

‘This is a man’s world. But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.’ We know this, they know this. But let’s not take all the credits, because there’s something else that makes the man for sure. In a sexy way. In a rough way. In a badass way. In a Insta-masculine way. And mainly in a hipster way. Something that has been big bigger biggest for the past few years. We don’t even have to start guessing right, as we all know we’re talking about beards here. It’s been so big, that we almost can’t image our men without. But times change, and so does fashion (of course). Turns out, the bushy beard is deader than the Backstreet Boys, and the clean-cut man-boy is hotter than Justin Bieber’s Sorry. Yeps, we’re going towards a clean, minimal and crisp look. The ultimate symbol of cool and manliness is changing.

Take a good look at these elegant gentleman (yes, even without beards) and absorb some inspiration on how to rock this babyface. Will all men adapt to this new trend? We’re kind of doubtful. I mean, why fix something that’s not broken and looks incredibly hot on you? On the other hand, even for men, being less trend-orientated human beings, it’s good to try something new every once in a while. If necessary, start with a three-day beard or stubbles before making the big jump. And keep in mind, until 2012 it never was any problem for super manly men like James Dean, George Clooney and James Bond.

5x fun and unexpected ways to use your eyeliner

Last time we had some red lipstick fun for the lip girls. But if you’re more of an eye kinda gal, this is the season to go bold (or go home) and make the ultimate look-at-me-now statement. The powerful graphic eye ruled the catwalk for this winter and goes far beyond the usual suspects. Inky black smudged onto the inner corners of the eyes, ‘brushstrokes’ of black liner on the upper lid or comma-shaped lines emphesizing your almond shaped eyes. Don’t be afraid to colour outside the lines. It may feel a little overdone for during the daytime or at the office, but it’s definitely worth trying if you want to step up your eyeliner game. Make sure to keep the rest of your face quiet and natural, so your eyes can do the talking.

12 items that make you office ready in just a minute

The office is most times a place where we have to show the best version of ourselves (after Instagram of course). So a fashion (first) impression can make you or break you in a minute. Besides, office-ready garments are on top of the list when we talk about real investment pieces. Here you have 12 trends we all can pull off, no matter where or whom you work with. Either you’re corporate, business associate or a creative entrepreneur. And without any loss of your femininity. You go girlboss!

1. Cinched waist 

2. The shoe 

3. The perfect office bag

4. The turtle neck

5. The pantsuit

6. The chique sweater

7. The modern day shirt

8.The tuxedo dress

9. Casual suit

10. The duster coat

11. Minimal dress

12. The skirt suit

Trend Report FW2016: Velvet revival

Oh yes, we do like ourselves a good piece of red velvet cake from time to time. And Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope is still one of our favourite albums of all time. But except for the word ‘velvet’ that’s where the similarity ends. Cause we’re talking a different kind of velvet this time. In fashion terms, that is. Head-to-toe-velvet looks made a huge comeback into our sartorial lives and are totally coveted right now. Because when you see three, call it a trend. So we did, here it is. One of the most touchy and soft fabrics in our wardrobe got upgraded big time, getting the 2015/16 treatment. Emilio Pucci’s wide-legged trousers, Dries van Noten capes and blue booties, wrap skirts and all-black ensembles at Lanvin, the bags from Antonio Marras and black velvet jumpsuits at Sonia Rykiel. And who wasn’t surprised by the rich coloured velvet from Christopher Kane and Armani?

The big question is not so much íf we love it, because we do, but hów we love it. As in: without looking as a Christmas-groupie. Velvet looks its most amazing in deep colours: red, orange, blue, green or black.
And probably one of the most sexy options for NYE woud be a) the velvet pantsuit (another major hit this season) or b) the velvet tuxedo jacket-dress. If all this makes you quiver, take it down a notch and start with the shoes or bag. I mean, don’t we all want to wear Wang’s velvet hiking boots? What better way to add some urban luxury to your winter (party)wardrobe.

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