Liselore Frowijn Catwalk Fashion Show Paris ss2016

For her SS16 collection Liselore Frowijn has been playing with the word power and the meaning of it. A powerful woman is the one who dares to stand at the frontline, to be bold and brave. Frowijn was touched by the boldness and pureness of the monumental colorband-works by artist Sol Lewitt. It were these paintings she used as an inspiration to develop screen-printed, knitted and embroidered graphics in the collection.

She worked with fresh primary colors together with whites and tones of brown, to create a laminated and edgy look, playing with voluminous and tight silhouettes. She wishes to create an optimistic and energetic image. A dynamic universe is created by using organic and geometric shapes; the collection is like a cubistic kaleidoscope.

Jan Taminiau Haute Couture Fashion Show FW2015 Amsterdam

While the fashion-circus moved from Milan to Paris last monday, Jan Taminiau decided to present his new haute couturecollection in Amsterdam in an intimate setting. Artist Trudy Derksen opened her atelier to guests and clients and it proved to be a great setting for Taminiau’s dresses and pantsuits. It was all elegant and feminine and made for those women of the world, who divide their time between work and social events. Especially the evening-dresses were impressive, esspecially the ones with embroideries and handpainted flowers.

Bottega Veneta Fashion Show Milan Womenswear SS2016

#animalistic and #sporty probably were often used hashtags at the Bottega Veneta show this morning. Inspired by the outdoors Thomas Maier opened his show with a hoodie and 7/8 pants done in nature inspired (camouflage meets mosaic) and leopard prints. A look that set the mood for one of the most laid back Veneta collections in a while, evolved around themes like hiking and sailing. Grommet, ropes and fishnet detailing referred to the latter (seen earlier at SportMax too). Models wearing their hair in post-gym knots looked look like they’d been outside, trekking, walking, living. “The more I can get out of an urban environment, the better it gets,” said the Miami-based German designer. A mix of fleece, calf and lots of craftsmanship detailing added dept to the looks. Leather lining and satin ribbons not only gave perfect shape, together with the large pockets and zippers they added to the sportive vibe of some looks too. The silhouette was athletic as well. Those 7/8 pants, hooded tops with tucked up sleeves, midi skirts with short stiff leather jackets and a variety of cocktail dresses (suitable for most diverse occasions) in the mix. A blunt bundle of eclecticism and freedom in a collection that went back and forth with it’s dress code. Therefore we’re not quite sure in what style category we’ll place it, but there’s time to evaluate. Needless to say the accompanying leather bags were impeccable.

Versace Fashion Show Milan Womenswear SS2016

Who run the world? Beyoncé knows. And Donatella knows too for sure. For this show it felt like those two leading ladies have been sharing the same thoughts: Who are we as women? And are we happy with who we are and the life we’re living? The Versace squat that walked down the runway seem to have the answers. The soundtrack of the show was ‘Transition’ by producer and DJ Violet and Friends, and was originally recorded to commemorate International Women’s Day. The perfect song for a show that was dedicated to all women regardless of age, color, religion, sexuality, or what sex they were born with. And that woman is matured, confident and sexy by nature, ready to bloom and explore in the urban jungle. She’s fierce and fragile at the same time. As a girlboss you don’t always have to be harsh, bitchy or have any other unhealthy attitude, sometimes you just have to let the clothes do the talking. And according to Donatella that means long time smashers such as animal prints, snake textures, sharp tailored suits, belted army blazers, platform shoes reaching sky high and lots of sexy dresses. No Versace show would be complete without some I-need-this-right-now dresses, right? We all need from time to time some off-shoulder, sheerness and cut-outs to reveal our best assets. Perhaps not at the office (try the military jacket!), but definitely at a party or any other sexy and fun occasion. It was a surprisingly mature and strong collection, without being too flashy or trashy. Sensuality and womanliness seem to be redefined. At least, for now. And so we end up with one more question: Would this be Versace’s new direction or just a fling?

Gucci Fashion Show Milan Womenswear SS2016

Gucci’s new designer Alessandro Michele has some big shoes to fill, following up on Tom Ford’s version and Frida Giannini’s fashion eye. The heavy bearded Italian, who was appointed the new creative director of the billion-dollar Italian luxury brand at the beginning of this year, showed his third collection and took his feminine, rose-tinted ideas forward. History always looks better second or third time around, especially when you leave it to the hands of Michele. The women he sent out yesterday seem to be coming straight out of the seventies. The flared trousers and suits, bold glitter glasses, botanical embroidery crawling over, bow ties everywhere (how fun was the pineapple tie), lots of colour, the long sweepy dresses, ruffles from head to toe and what about the rick-rack trims. There was also a huge focus on fabrics: 18th Century brocades, metallic leathers, iridescent organzas, macramé and floral chiffons. All mixed and matched together. Everything was rich in detail and well thought. No room for nonchalance, modesty or primness, but enough room for romance and femininity. Underlined with many bold accessories, from dazzling bags to flower earrings and rings, dangling on arms and fingers. Some looks almost seamed like drawings on the model’s body. The collection may be quite bold or ‘naked’ for some of us, but it was full of want-it-now items.

Lacoste Catwalk Fashion Show New York Womenswear SS2016

Although best known for it’s croc embroidery Lacoste is approaching it’s branding differently for SS2016. For instance with ‘Lacoste’ printed on a navy two piece worn by Lineisy Montero or on a hooded dress worn by Harleth Kuusik and ‘Rene’ (referring to founder and tennis champion René Lacoste) printed on a menswear polo. But also by turning it’s sportswear up a notch. Leaving the classic polo shirt aside and focusing on new shapes and silhouettes. Like an elegant blue number sported by Maartje Verhoef that seemed a mix of both a bathing suit and a legging. Or a vibrant red zipped dress and matching cap Bhumika Arora pulled off perfectly. But the fresh touch was also in those roomy jumpsuits, short bomber jackets and belted blouses. Sportswear pieces given a little twist by designer Felipe Oliveira Baptista. Not to mention the way the creative used the flags of so many countries as eye catching prints. Cuts dictated by the geometry of banners – lines, triangles, lozenges, the horizontal Y of South Africa. Primary colors – the blue, white and red shared by the flags of France, USA, England and Russia – but also the yellow and sky blue of Sweden, resonate in the collection’s color palette. A nod to the Olympics in Rio next summer, for which Lacoste may again dress the French team. An honor you don’t just go by in your ready to wear collection and an ultimate opportunity to send out a message of diversity.

Givenchy Catwalk Fashion Show New York Womenswear SS2016

This year year is Riccardo Tisci’s tenth at the Givenchy-house, and there was a sense of celebration and coming of age amongst the clothes. It was a collection which spelled out and repeated almost calligraphic black and white variations of the same sentences: Ivory slip dresses and rouleau-strapped camisoles with lace edges, worn over excellently tailored black pants cut to taper gently over pointed shoes. Supple crepe tuxedo jackets with tails, soft kimono coats, and transparent organdy trenches glimmering with jet embroidery. Many, many body-skimming sparkly silver shifts.

Aficionados of Tisci maybe recognized the most spectacular of his couture dresses, one with a degrade feather effect, and another with leather patches applied on tulle in the shape of alligator skin. And then there was the face decoration, taken to another level of beautiful elaboration, in studded golden jewelry, tulle frills, and lace.

Hot List: 24 black list upgrades

There’s no woman that doesn’t rely on head-to-toe black (except for Anna Wintour, who hates it). When you’re in hurry, have an important meeting or going on a date, black means you’re never out of style.  It’s the colour of mystery and mortality and for many designers, this inky hue is their mainstay. It may not be the most original or daring choice for summer, but it’s definitely elegant. Like Christian Dior said in 1954: “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion.” So even when the temperatures rise it’s nice to play it safe and not stress about wether your bold summer colours and indie prints match. But sometimes our daily black uniform can use a creative and unexpected upgrade to make an chic and offbeat combo. Which means you can experiment with different fabrics (mesh!), silhouettes and lengths – there’s more than just a black dress- to see what works for you. Have a little fun and experiment, cause the runways are offering you many choices. You may not have an actual runway in front of you, but remember: the street is your runway. So for everyone who’s not sure how to give your black uniform a twist, here’s a hot list of 24 options that will do perfect in summer time (from the beaches to rooftop cocktail parties). Because it’s not always a bad thing to be on the black list.

Menswear Trend Report SS15: stick you neck(lace) out

The first ever New York Men’s Fashion Week came to a close last week. But it proves there’s lots going on in the world of menswear fashion. And while NYC was all about the SS16 trends, the present moment still requires some good SS15 ensembles. And one of the most remarkable trends for men to wear this summer is the necklace. Most men will ask themselves which shirt or bermuda to wear when the temperature is rising, but what necklace? Not really. But after you picked your favourite shades to match your favourite shirt, perhaps it’s time to add a little something something to it. As a unexpected or fun detail. Jewellery offers an easy way to upgrade your warm-weather attire and won’t make you sweat in any way.

However, necklaces are obviously more dangerous territory (or female territory) than bracelets and cuffs. It can totally make or break your look and it’s totally a matter of balance. We saw many variations and combinations of neck decoration; rock ‘n roll like Saint Laurent, keep it cool like Cavalli, smiley faces that double up as functional watches at Moschino or religious christian necklaces at Dolce&Gabbana. The key here is to keep things as low-key as possible ór go bold and bright. It’s time, dear gentlemen, to stick your neck out.

Model Focus: Aya Jones

Making your model debut exclusively at Prada (#holygrail)? Say hello to the 21 year old stunner Aya Jones, of Ivory Coast/French and British descent, discovered on the Rue du Rivoli in Paris. And how can you be mistaken with such endless legs, wide eyes, pillowy lips (buh-bye Kylie Jenner)and a heart-shaped face? She looks a bit like a younger version of Naomi Campbell, who happens to be her role model.

You may think this beautiful youngster has been there, done that, but it’s all yet to come. She’s the breakout star to rule fashion week. It was only for spring summer 2015 that she first set foot on the catwalk as a Prada exclusive and now she’s the face of their latest campaign. So you could’ve guessed after that first show, there was a huge line on her front door. For the last seven months she has been walking runway after runway; Viktor&Rolf, Giambattista Valli, Valentino, Dior, Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Valentino, Miu Miu, Valentino Sala Bianca 945 Haute Couture. And once you got the catwalks, you got the media. She already starred on the cover of Teen Vogue and Numéro and appeared in Japanese Vogue and CR Fashion Book.

At such a young age she has already conquered a huge part of the fashion landscape, but there are still many mountains to climb. ‘It would be a dream to have a cosmetics campaign and to work with Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton’, she tells Interview Magazine. We would definitely make a bet on this one. Who’s in?

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