WOMENSWEAR SS2016: get your freakum dress on

‘Hold out your back. Time to impress. Pull out your freakum dress.‘ Beyoncé already knew what she was talking -we mean: singing- about back in 2009. And surely every woman knows what a dress can do for her. Especially in summer. And with the temperatures rising, it’s time to put that freakum dress on. But which one? The options this season are countless (and sooooo good!). Wether it’s for a summer wedding, holiday or weekend and date night. Let’s just say: dresses you want to live when it’s hot outside. What better than finding that dress you can just throw on, and you’re ready to go (sounds like a perfect solution if you’re always late, right?!) Choose for fluidity (Calvin Klein), longer lengths (Victoria Beckham), minimalism (Jil Sander), ruffles (Michael Kors), kaftan style (Missoni) and nothing beats a bold colour dress (Ralph Lauren) on a tanned skin. Or what about the bikini-ish dress from thakoon? It’s the best of both worlds. We foresee a great number of women wearing this stuff. So tell us, who’s that hot child in the city, running wild and looking pretty…

WOMENSWEAR SS2016: The metallic movement

You could think of this as something that belongs to glitzy granny’s in Advanced Style, Lady Gaga or ’10 outfits Only Samantha Jones Can Wear’. But as a matter of fact, shiny gold fabric and metallics are a huge trend (ever since 2014) and seem to make a lasting impression. Although it feels like a throwback to the 80’s, don’t be scared, cause the metallic trend is less space man and over the top than you might think. It’s actually more out of this world. That means: modern, classy and sophisticated. Even sexy.

It’s becoming more and more versatile and it can be as simple as teaming a metallic skirt or trousers with a simple white shirt for a less boring everyday look (looking at you Loewe). Or have a look at Chanel on how to add a metallic shoe, purse or hand glove (how Michael Jackon can it be) to your outfit. Bright metallic accessories is a proper and easy way to add a a little va-va-voom. And literally shine all night with all the girls wearing a sparkly metallic (slip)dress (check check, Saint Laurent). And if, if you dare to take it up another notch, show your wild side with Prada’s golden lips. How sassy! All else there’s left is just a bunch of confidence.

STREETSTYLE TREND SS2016: IN DA HOOD(IE)

They’ve never really been gone, but on a fashion level hoodies are making a huuuge comeback. Transforming from the ultimate sportswear item (or the best Netflix & chill sweater, if you will) to the chicest outerwear piece of the season. The fact that hoodies are all the rage this season might have something to do with Vetements’ popularity and their focus on this strong streetwear piece. Yet there’s no need to pay over 500 euros to look as cool as Rihanna and Kanye did in their Vetements hoodies. Even one of those oversized, worn out hoodies you still have in your closet might do the trick. Or think about old school sportswear hoodies by Champion, Fila or Adidas. You can even pick one by your favorite artist/band. It’s the attitude that matters most, you know! Besides that a stiff hood and extra long slevees help create the right vibe. Hide yourself a little, act like your camera shy. It’s even okay to put it over your head. It’s what the cool kids are doing. The hoodie combines very well with jackets, trenches and coats. And just like that a grey melange hoodie paired with a woollen camel coat can be the chicest thing. Looking savvy was never this comfy. Question is: are you in da mood?

STREETSTYLE TREND SS2016: RAINBOW HAIR

Didn’t we all dream of rainbow hair as little girls at one point? This summer fashion lovers around the world (and especially in the city of London) seem to be fulfilling that life long dream coloring their hair in the brightest of colors. Not just pink or mint green, but a whole range of shades for that jaw dropping, head turning effect. Anna dello Russo already proved that, styled in the right way (with a printed Gucci dress, that is), a rainbow do can compliment your outfit. Like a brand new it-bag it can create that instant on trend look. Lucky for us professional hair brands are coming up with the coolest inventions to color or chalk your hair for just a short period of time. Whether faded pink or poppy red; anyone can give this beauty trend a go without damaging their hair. Now let’s look for a rainbow dress to match our freshly colored locks, shall we? Rainbows and unicorns, color me blind.

Recap Paris Fashion Week FW2016

As the old saying goes, it ain’t over ’til Paris sings. And boy oh boy, did she sang. The fashion gods have spoken their final words, the trends are set, no blanc pages left in our notebooks and our iPhones filled with Insta-material for at least two decades. Alors, let’s take a look on what the City of Light had to offer us for next winter.

1. Velvet
A big trend in every fashion capital. It will get a touchy season for sure, thanks to Kenzo, Dries van Noten and Miu Miu. And we won’t go to sleep before we get our hands on those Haider Ackermann velvet suits.

2. Suit yourself
Once a lady, not always a lady. At least, not in the classic and girly sense. We can pull of a suit just as good as a man, maybe even better, thanks to Balenciaga, Haider Ackermann and Hermes. Let’s get in touch with your more masculine side. The options our countless and f-f-f-ancy.

3. Layer the dress
It’s fun to take the classic dress out of its comfort zone and put it in a whole new and different context. And see, it can still be sexy as hell if you wear it with a turtleneck, sweater or shirt underneath. Take note at Carven, Lanvin and Rochas.

4. Powerpuff girls
Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Chanel all told us it’s okay to exaggerate and make yourself a few times bigger. Don’t be shy gals.

5. Drop the shoulders
Shoulders play a major part this season. Although this is the right time to exaggerate, we also felt something something for the pushed-back necklines and sliding off shoulder look. Holla at Dior, Celine and Rick Owens.

6. Baller boots
By far the best shoes to tackle the nasty cold (and still look fabulous). Wether you’re in the city or out on the country. We would like to shop them at Givenchy, Sonia Rykiel and Chanel.

Miu Miu Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2016

It’s needless to say that velvet is a huge trend this season.The venue of the miu miu show was even designed with velvet seats in orange, yellow, blue and green. It already gave us clue of what was about to come (and something very comfy for our bum to sit on after so many shows, good thinking Miuccia).  So of course it didn’t surprise when the ribbed velvet outdoor jackets came along. It makes us wanna skip summer and go straight on to winter 2016 (okay, that’s a lie, but hello wish list material). Just like another big player in this show: denim. If you’re planning on taking your love for the blue allrounder up to a next level, Miuccia gave you plenty of inspiration too choose from. The blue garment was in almost every look, wether on top, bottom or head to toe denim, just make sure you wardrobe counts some denim jackets, blazers, maxi-skirts, blouses and trenches. Cause nothing more versatile, wether you combine it with white shirting, military tailoring, waxed outdoor jackets, tweeds and wallpaper jacquards.  The third big player were pearls, seen on purses, belts, the rims of several eyewear and pearl-encrusted sandals. And we couldn’t help but silently laugh when seeing the pearly baubles on top of those fluffy flip-flops. In the end, that’s what Miuccia wanted, she told everyone. She wanted it to be fun and get people excited. No wonder why the label also recently launched a new app called Miu Miusic (great name by the way), bringing together music, technology, graphic design, and the label’s runway shows. This woman knows how to play her business on every level and it’s great fun for sure.

Valentino Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2016

It’s hard to top the Zoolander surprise appearance during their last FW2015 show. Derek Zoolander and Hansel (aka Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson) showed up at the end of the Valentino show, each doing his world-known “Blue Steel.” It took the social media crowd and fashion world by storm. Would they pull this off again, without this huge crowd-pleasing element? The show may not have been as spectaculair and entertaining, its theme was about performance though, yet on another level. They dragged us into the magic world of ballet and modern dance, inspired by the movement of ballet dresses and dance films such ‘They shoot horses don’t they?’ With Vanessa Redgrave. Something that fits perfectly with the Valentino signature of romance, grace, sensuality and underlining your femininity. A world that asks for the ultimate perfection on every surface, a language that’s fluently spoken in Maison Valentino. But we can all remember the Black Swan movie, and perfection sometimes drives you to the most dark places, so it felt like this collection was exploring both sides. Delicate tulle skirts with golden stars referred to the punk ballet style of Karole Armitage, an embellished black tutu worn over a chunky knit, laminated and artistic fringes dancing around the body, tutus worn as meagre tops and the guitar cross body straps. But also crystal-embroidered nude-color tulle dresses, fragile transparencies, silk stockings, fluid draperies, pale pink silk dresses and a blush coloured sequin dress worn over knitwear. We counted so many knockouts it’s impossible to mention them all. Their goal was to let us be in the moment, and only this moment. Which wasn’t a hard job with such a mesmerising collection in front of you and that was supported by an actual pianist who is playing compositions by John Cage and Philip Glass.

Kenzo Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2016

“Our  KENZO  woman  for  Fall-Winter  2016/17  approaches  life  with  nonchalant conviction.  She tackles every adventure with an open mind and with respect for where she has previously tread”, reads the message of designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon. Their collection was inspired by the manga character Sailor Moon, a group of Japanese schoolgirls in Tokyo who combat evil forces and stop them from taking over the universe. Each ‘soldier’ has a transformation sequence which grants her a uniform in her own theme-colors and her own powers. Sound quite spectacular right? So it was. It was one big line-up of ultra cool and feminine school girls walking down the runway, battling the world in some of the coolest outfits such as flowy dresses, velvet pants and skirts, cigarette pants and pumps with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, a blue parka with hoodie detail and shirts and dresses with XXL ruffles. But they also wanted to create a collection which observes some of the house’s most notable codes. Thus we noticed some reworked archive prints and details: the Kenzo tiger was roaring again, with prints in gold and pink (even lavender tiger prints on nails, so cool!) and the famous Kenzo flowers (iris and dandelions), layered with psychedelic checks. The strong yet soft colour palette and use of fabric was stunning: navy, rust, lavender and ‘uniform’ gray swathe fabrics of flannel, satin, velvet, faux astrakhan, corduroy and vinyl. You better be careful, cause the Kenzo woman can take on anything and anyone (did we just hear someone roarrrr?!).

Saint Laurent Paris Catwalk Fashion Show Womenswear FW2016

Let a lady walk down the stairs, and you already gained half of the points on the sexy part. No wonder, many fashion designers choose a staircase as a runway. Just like Hedi Slimane did for his Fall 2016 collection. Although rumour has it the designer will soon be leaving Saint Laurent and this would be his last RTW-collection for the giant fashion house, the answer wasn’t present in his show. Not even a clue. After two pitch-black rocker chick’s wardrobe collections, this show was a sharp turn from everything but grungy. Slimane took us back to the late Eighties this time, unveiling top of the bill glam-luxe looks that scream anything but modesty. Plunged necklines, XXL belted waists with flourishing side-bows or vulgar gold, poufed skirts, one shoulder mini-dresses, sequin smokings, leather motorcycle jackets, metallics and all sorts of shimmer, animal prints, flounced tiers on dresses, sheer black tights, stiletto pumps and get ready for the exagerrated shoulder treatment on any level. All looks were accompanied by slicked-back hair, red lipstick, dark eyes and big triangular earrings. It almost felt like an actual show by Yves Saint Laurent himself, back in the days. Once outside the venue it took a while to get back into 2016 reality.

Louis Vuitton Catwalk Fashion Show Womenswear FW2016

On the final day of fashion month it was, yet again, raining cats and dogs. As we made our way to the Louis Vuitton show it turned out it wasn’t just a lot of water outside, the show venue was also set up to be an underwater world, an arc of Noah almost, situated near the Bois de Boulogne. A number of 57 large columns decorated by broken mirrors placed all over the runway in odd angles created a mesmerizing backdrop to a sporty and streetwise collection. By intermixing ladylike silky design with thick leather pieces (a slip dresses, a silky white one worn with a black harness stood out) Nicolas Ghesquière brought together the feminine and masculine, the soft and the tough. 7/8 skinny leather pants in shiny red and black really were a ‘thing’ in this fall collection. As were the heritage scarf prints and the mohair swearers with racing stripes on the sleeves. There were cropped coats, bare bellies, remarkable zip details, knitted tube dresses, animal print bags, extra long gloves and enormous fur hat pieces. All looks were topped off by the toughest of boots as well as some statement burgundy lips (again, the contrast). Now picture that reflected in those hundreds of mirror pieces and you’ve got yourself an optimistic, young, colourful and worthy closing of Paris Fashion Week. Selena Gomez, Jaden Smith (brand new face of the brand) and Kris Jenner, who stuck around in the city of lights, really witnessed some spectacle. Like they sa; out with a bang.

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