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.

Trend Report SS15: Flat forward

Let’s talk flats for a minute. We mean, except for the fact that they’re a huge trend right now(we’re not only seeking a flat stomach, that’s for sure), it’s summer for god’s sake and that invites you all the more to take off those high heels, take fashion a little less serious as you would normally do and give your feet a much needed holiday. Most of the time flats are our secret best friend (changing shoes right before you walk into the office or shoe-changements in the cab before making your entrance during fashion week; guilty as charged!), but this season it’s time to get your most comfy buddies out of the closet and give them some time in the limelight. And you may go flat, but that doesn’t mean you’re neglecting points on grace and elegance. Make sure the shoe has a slim and demure silhouette and choose by forehand what pair of shoes fits best with what outfit, whether you choose easy-going sandals (Dries van Noten), ankle-strap loafers (Chanel), cut-out flats (Carven) or Balenciaga’s pointy-toe flats.
It has never been this tempting to stay flat on the floor for a whole season. Sometimes the most fun part about getting dressed is about what’s going on down under, so make sure it’s worth while.

Model focus: Alexandra Elizabeth Ljadov

We felt quite obliged to shine our light on Alexandra Elizabeth Ljadov, as she’s well on her way to becoming a real star in the fashion theatre. Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Prada, Saint Laurent Paris, Jil Sander, Chanel, Proenza Schouler; the biggest fashion labels are fighting over this 17 year old Estonian beauty who was discovered while eating at a grill festival (how charming). And this is not even half of the list. Alexandra is front runner in the list of models who walked the most runways for spring summer 2015 (a little under 70) and fall winter 2015 (74). There’s power in numbers, so it should come as no surprise that this long-legged blonde with prominent cheekbones made it to the top 10 most in-demand cat walkers of spring summer 2015, has been named as the Top Newcomers ánd transformed herself in a true Instagram queen, where she’s more than pleased to keep you updated with the most fascinating and enviable behind-the-scenes pics from her life on and off the runway. Ones she’s not walking the runway, she’s probably working on yet another major fashion shoot. Saint Laurent Paris? Check. Gucci? Check. Jil Sander? For sure. Vogue? Can’t get enough of her. Zara? Yes, that was her! And as Women’s Fashion Week SS16 is about to go down soon, for this mysterious vixen there’s only time left to clear the decks before the catwalk madness starts once more and we can start counting again.

Hot List: 21 shades of…

Summer officially starts within a week. You can see and feel it in everything; nature’s buzzing, festivals are popping up, Nike running sessions all over and the gym and yoga classes are overbooked (of course we do our exercises too. Promise!). But if you haven’t yet started with building your ultimate summer wardrobe, why not start now? Beach ready or not, the streets are craving for some new season fashion highlights too. Your shades may not be the starting point, but consider them to be the cherry on the cake. Picking the right pair is as significant a style marker as finding you the right pair of shoes for your first date. And maybe even more important: no summertime Instagram photo feels complete without a striking pair of sunglasses to get that double-tap from your followers. So choose wisely when it comes to size, colour and fit. Oh, and before we forget: leave your modestness at home, it’s gonna be a bold and quirky SS15.

1. Keeping it fresh on hot summer days – Classic white frames

2. Saturdays’ hangover – Oversized, yes please!

3. Feeling your Dutch roots – Orange fever

4. Cultural weekend break – Powerful frames

5. Late summer nights – Ombre-effect

6. Aviator attitude – Hot child in the city

7.  Bold red – Why only a red lip when you also have red sunglasses?

Trend Report SS15: Not over(all) it

Overall, “pair of overalls”, bib-and-brace overalls, dungas or dungarees. So many names, so many functions. Who would have ever thought this casual attire would ever make it to the center stage of the fashion scene? Well, start believing it now because this golden oldie has been revamped and ready for action this SS15.

With denim being one of the biggest trends for this season, it’s likely you already have one overall in your closet. The two of them have been intertwined since forever and seem to dominate our wardrobe every few years as they go way back. The first pair of jeans were created in 1873 by Levi Strauss. He created an affordable denim version of the overalls silhouette once used by the British Army in the mid 18th Century. In the 19th century, the overalls became the uniform of the day laborer, worn by miners, mechanics, railroad workers, and farmers.

The ’90s were a big moment for overalls as it became the personal style of hip-hop artists like Tupac, TLC, LL Cool J and DMX. Wearing them without a shirt on underneath or better yet, one strap unbuckled and tucked in their Timberland boots. And the garment’s popularity extended to an even bigger stage when it started to appear in popular tv series like Beverly Hills 90210, Friends and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And can’t we all remember TV style icon Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) wearing her fitted overalls on a trip to the country on Sex and the City? She was a hot child in the city, for sure.

No wonder the fashion pact began to sell one-piece overalls -taking it from practical to posh. Dungerees have proven their fashion charm beyond toddler domain and have evolved from functional clothing and runway favourite into our favourite summer gear and the ultimate festival compagnon (especially with shorts). The easy, wear-it-with-anything is playful and casual, but can also be dressed up very chic (in leather). No time for considering; let your imagination flow as these classics are the new chic.

Hot List: 21 Midi Skirts

We probably don’t have to tell you why skirts work so well on women. And we surely not have to explain you why it works so well in summertime. Perhaps so that the warm wind can easily blow across your bare legs and the sun is giving you plenty of vitamine D for free. Here in Holland there’s even a special day, mostly in april, tributed to skirts, as it marks the beginning of summer. But here’s a another reason why we’re talking you into a skirt: it’s one of the season’s biggest trends.

In general there’s a very strong 70s influence, while keeping a modern twist on them (of course, it’s 2015). By far the most fascinating thing to happen is the tea-length skirt, better known as the midi. The reincarnated classic is making it’s comeback on the runway and in the highstreet. For weeks the fashion pact was buzzing over the Marks&Spencer suede midi-skirt and it-girls Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo had been wearing it on their tiny hips already weeks before sale. What was all the fuzz about? It was the ultimate epitome of what spring 2015 is about: midi length(score), slit at the front (even better) and made out of suede (ding ding ding, jackpot!). The best example we can give you for this season. It feels chic, bon ton, hippy and cool at the same time and the slit makes it even easy to walk (or cycle). Plus, if you’re not ready yet for mini skirts, this one’s a good warm-up for the real hot summer days.

On the downside, the midi is a difficult one to style. Key is finding the right balance between different volumes. Don’t get to excited and keep your upper body clean and minimal, wearing a top in the same colour or fabric (denim on denim) or a simple white shirt. Scroll down and take a look at these dazzling women for some tea-length inspiration, and set the date for your own day of skirts. Let’s get cracking ladies, before summer ends.

Trend Report SS15 menswear: Summer suits

Dear men. If you’re only breaking out your suit for office adventures or special occasions, you’re doing it wrong. This season we’re begging you to get out of those comfy jeans and lift your bum and well trained torso in some fine tailored suit. Because it’s no question whether it looks good on you, but which one suits you best. No one told you it has to be old-fashioned and dull. Forget about black and grey suits, spring is serving you new minimalism elevated with unexpected materials, colors and details. Make the blue suit your best compagnon, a dominant theme on the Dior Home runway and seen at Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Or take Miuccia Prada as an example who showed stiff denim trousers paired with denim jackets. And how refreshing was the playful layering, wearing a blazer over a denim jacket as seen at J.Crew and Fendi. This season, we’ve seen it all from khaki, to electric pink, to stripes, to cool turquoise, to geometric patterns and dots to shiny fabrics. Dress to impress seems to be the main message. How far are you willing to go?

DKNY Catwalk Fashion Show Womenswear New York SS2015

‘New York Nation’ was the theme of DKNY’s bold spring collection, which aimed to celebrate the city’s color, culture and creativity. Donna Karan translated the idea via bright hues, several graphically rendered like a kaleidoscope on oversize silhouettes. Those included the striking red-and-blue V-neck tunic over a full skirt with a soft flounce. The subtler colors achieved more effect, such as the crisp mint-green parka shown with a striped T-shirt and a miniskirt. It still captured the energy of Gotham, but with just the right control.