FASHIONselebritis: October 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

Fashion Design Graduate Show

The fashion highlight this week in Brisbane, was the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Fashion Design Graduate Show. I attended the second show of three, which was a packed house at QUT’s creative industries precinct in “The Block” at Kelvin Grove. The events started on November 22 and conclude on the 24th. If you wish to find out more information about attending the last event, get more information here. View the Fashion Photography photos I took here.

This event is a showcase of the work of students from the only Fashion degree in QLD. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fashion) program has had great success over the years where some students having gone on to win renowned competitions nationally and internationally.

There was a combination of Womenswear, Menswear and Swimwear on show. The highlight for me in terms of presentation was the Oliver Twist theme shown by one of the students, where the models/actors put on a bit of a show for the audience.

I got myself a cosy spot at the back left in front of the catwalk, where I was shooting from an elevated position to try and shoot over the heads of those in the front row. Once again I shot without a flash, using an 85mm on Canon 20D. This gave me an effective reach of about 136mm which was ideal. The down lights over the stage caused some shadow to occur in the model’s eye sockets. Not much I can do about this besides use a flash, which I rarely want to do. Feel free to check out the photos in my Fashion Photo Gallery.

There were a few models working that night I had done photoshoots with, they included Kristin Parkinson (whom also modelled at the Swimwear from Oz launch party), Diana Rodriquez and Carmen James, all of who are part of the Vivien’s Models agency.

Make sure you check out the photos and let me know what you think. If you say something nice, I’ll send you one of the yummy snakes I got in the goody bags from the night… only yellow ones left.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Milan Fashion Week Wrap Up III

So far, I think these Milan shows must have been my favourites. The general message seems to be loose and casual, but the thing you got to love about the Italians is that they always manage to make it look flattering and chic.

Gianni Versace
A departure from her previous season's form fitting trimmed style, her interpretation of this season's loose and casual style is inspired. Donatella updates the Versace woman while keeping them looking expensive and chic.

Tailored yet still loose and casual. Any one of these coats will do to keep us looking chic next season. Although I especially LOVE the black double breasted one on the left. You'd think we'd be bored of them by such a classic design by now, but Donatella just makes it look new again.

I also loved how she injected these vibrant colors into the collection. Also note the use of skinny belts here.I'm thinking I really need to get a long cardigan and belt!

Some more typically Versace cocktail dress designs.

And of course, we must not miss the gorgeous dresses. While structured on top, the skirts remain a flow of elegance.

Giorgio Armani

You know loose and casual are "in" when even Armani, the king of sleek and chic, embraces it.

Of course, he still manages to make it look very Armani.

I am especially loving these three outfits. But, WHAT is with the hat and make-up? They make the models look like they are 50, which is ridiculous when most of them are barely legal.

Although in some cases, I thought he took it a little overboard. Like these one, they just look frumpy. And no matter how much tailoring you put into it, that black/white stripe (esp at that thickness) will always look like a prisoner's outfit to me.

More pretty dresses with a bubble skirt twist. It was a different from the norm collection and it isn't too bad, but I thought the collection was too big and many of the pieces just looked really similar and boring.

Gucci

I am loving this collection. Although I was a bit sceptical about it at first since the first outfit looked so rigid and uncomfortable. But as I looked through the rest, I couldn't help but be impressed. The outfits are sexy and sophisticated without being too revealing, everything was very put together and just sooo gorgeous!

I especially love the first look here with the layered jackets, belt, 3/4 pants, boots and big bag. And the red and black coats accentuates the body and just looks so sexy.

Patterns, especially floral prints, seems slightly out of place in such a structured collection, but somehow Frida strikes the perfect balance and makes it work.

Fabulous, glamorous outfits for the evening.

Although I'm not too inspired by the evening gown portion of the show. Its not particularly interesting nor gorgeous.

Can't wait to see what Paris has in store for us!

Beach Party Wear

This weekend I went to a beach party that goes from day to night and onwards into the next morning. Personally, I've never been to a huge beach bash before (I can't even remember the last time I stepped foot on a beach), so I was actually really excited to go. I imagined it to be similar to the beach party scene in Princess Diaries, minus the public humiliation bit of course. As the date approached, I was increasingly thinking about one question- what does one wear to a beach party? Beach wear? But its a party.....supposedly like a nightclub moved to a beach.....how does one recouncil the two?

Some thoughts. As I didn't plan on getting myself wet or anything, the first thing that popped to mind was a pretty summer dress in bright colors like these two from Free People shown here. Just imagine what a pretty beach pic these dresses would make! And the thin material and relatively cheap price is perfect for the beach, as you wouldn't have to constantly think about ruining it.

Ultimately though I ended up wearing cropped jeans as the practical side of me pops up, with the fear that skirts may be blown by the wind and it could get messy. You always want to wear pants when things get messy. Of course, shorts work too, but I was also scared of mosquitos too since it was night- I know I think too much! (Both from Forever 21)

Topwise, I suggest a pretty floral top that would also make a pretty picture (left: UO, right: Forver 21).

And if you're worried about a tan line (as I'd be if I'd went in the afternoon), tubes are a great option like these two from Forever 21 (left) and UO(right). I especially love the white tube, because its so simple but elegant and fun.

Then came shoes. These are the times when sandals/flip flops become your best friend, as heels will sink in and are impractical and sneakers are too hot. Remember to get super cheap ones, as you wouldn't want to ruin your fancy pair on the rough sandy shores of a beach (above from UO). I bought a pair of flip flops for less than $3 especially for the occasion!

Then came a bag to put all your stuff in. At that moment, I wished I had my white Le Sportsac huge tote with me. But alas it is in Chicago. But really, just stuff everything (mat, sunscreen, food, water, shades, umbrella etc) into a big beach bag like the one above from UO. And just in case you want to head over to the bar for a while and don't want to bring everything with you, consider bringining a small clutch like this one also from UO to put your valuables in. Leaving valuables anywhere is not a good idea. Plus, it'll look more chic then holding your wallet around.

And lastly, don't forget to bring a cardigan. It CAN get cold at night on a beach- think OC beach parties with everyone putting on college sweat shirts and cardis. And that is my whole thought process prepping for this beach party. I know, I think too much. LOL. Hope everyone has a fun weekend as well!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Trend: Blue Eye Shadows

The ballots are in. All the make-up houses agree. Blue is the shade this season.

As one of their new fall looks, Mac came out with this Blue Storm look.

Created with their new Matte² highly pigmented eye shadow, you can tell from the look above that the effect is very intense. This would be perfect for a dramatic look for a night out. Personally though this is a bit too much for my taste.

Laura Mercier also came out with a Stormy collection (I guess rain and wind is trendy this season). The ad is much more dramatic than the Mac, but the blues are still quite intense.

Their blue sky quad was actually what inspired this whole post. If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you will know that eye shadow quads are my weakness. Isn't this quad sooo pretty? After much admiration on the internet, I finally got around to trying it out the other day at the counter. Unfortunately it seems that blue really isn't my color. I tried, I really did. Usually when something looks nice, I can tell straight away. But this time when the sales lady tried it on me and I took a double take and had to cover my other eye in an attempt to find the beauty in it. The sales lady tried to help by adding eye liner and more of the darker shades for the more "full effect" saying that the blue takes some time to get used to, but no matter what she did/say and how much I tried, I still looked like I'd been punched. It is really too bad, I was fully prepared to buy it! The shades are just too blue! But the thing is, the sales lady looked perfectly fine with the blue shades on and she has a very similar skin tone as me. I don't know what went wrong there.

And then of course there is my darling Bobbi Brown with their limited edition metallics collection that comes in Midnight Metallics.

Isn't this palette so pretty too? I was torn between this and the Laura Mercier. But ultimately, I think this is the better blue palette around, because the two grey/silver blue colors are the perfect compliment to the dark blue, easily creating a whole smokey eye effect with a blue tinge.

Incidentally, I also love their Forest Metallics. The greens are just sooo rich and lustrous that it has blown away all my previous reservations about green eye shadows ever since my friend told me they looked slutty and I saw a middle aged lady wearing lime green eye shadow over her heavy powdered face and very red lipsticks, which really scared me. Those are lime green. But this is much richer and the effect is much classier and more elegant. I absolutely LOVE this palette. Hmm... so I guess at the end of the day, I just can't get away from Bobbi Brown.

Chanel also has an eye shadow quad with blue shades as well, though it is not new. HG has it and the effect looks great, all smokey blue eye with a very pretty sparkly undertone.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

3 Terrible Spring 2009 Fashion Trends

The flowers are blooming and the temperatures are rising. Spring is in full session and that can only mean one thing . . . Spring 2009 Fashion Trends. The good people of Style.com have released their fashion trend report for spring 2009. Instead of breaking down what you should be wearing I’ll keep my trend of what you shouldn’t be wearing. Here are my 3 terrible spring 2009 fashion trends.

Geometry Lessons

I’m a food lover, but I’m not a fan of women looking like food. Comme des Garçons has given women an outlet to look like an Oreo cookie. I can’t tell if it’s double stuffed or not though? Either way, this dress is anything but a refreshing dunk with milk.

Sporting Goods

This has to be one of the worst outfits I have ever seen in my life. If someone could please explain to me what the hell Louise Goldin was thinking when she designed this please let me know. Something about the camel toe effect combined with knee braces just screams somebody help me!

Trash and Vaudeville

When I read about this trend I thought it was a shoe-in for a terrible trend. I wasn’t disappointed. Their is something about jean jackets and a cloth diaper that just says trashy. Apparently Alexander Wang has managed to make this clothing combination a high fashion trend.

Have any fashion trends of your own or ones you’ve spotted this fall that should be banned too? Send me a link or post a comment to add yours.

Timberlake's William Rast to launch at Target

The retailer announced Thursday that a William Rast collection, including denim, outerwear and sportswear for men and women, would launch in December and be available for a month.

Target has had a steady stream of limited-edition partnerships with top-level designers, including Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rodarte and Proenza Schouler, giving the retailer a certain prestige among the fashion crowd and bringing designer labels down to a more affordable price point.

The typical William Rast look is casual, with an emphasis on jeans and leather jackets. The fall runway collection, presented earlier this year at New York Fashion Week, was dubbed "New America" and inspired by road trips between the Mississippi River and the West Coast, Timberlake said.

NY fashion forecasts easy, breezy spring '11

NEW YORK — The collective message to come out of eight days — and more than 100 runway shows — at New York Fashion Week is that there'll be a longer, looser look to spring 2011. The buzz was about easy glamour inspired by the 1970s.

But is easy glamour easy to wear if you're not a Lauren Hutton type?

Fashion insiders seem to think so. They say it'll be a welcome break from the aggressive, tough-shoulder, skinny-pant style that has dominated fashion the past few seasons.

"What designers are trying to show is that people want to reach beyond where fashion has been in its hard, military protective gear," said Joanna Coles, Marie Claire editor in chief. "Fashion is craving a more optimistic place. Fall seemed a little jaded, even if the clothes were magnificent. But we're looking now for something lighter, fresher and younger."

The silhouette has already started to be more fluid and languid, especially with trousers, says Colleen Sherin, women's fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue, but it's confirmed moving forward into next year. Shoppers should find that the high waist and fit-and-flare legs are flattering, she said.

However, as a retailer — and a woman — the best news is the new longer, below-the-knee hemline, Sherin said. "One of the trends we're most excited about is the 'midi.' It was in almost every collection."

That mid-calf length complements the fluid and flowy dresses from the disco era. You don't need to wear a floppy hat or oversized flower in your hair to see the shift in femininity.

A flat shoulder bag, however, might be a good place to start with accessories, Sherin notes.

The flat sandal caught the eye of InStyle editor Ariel Foxman. "There's an idea that you can wear flats for evening, and that you can wear them with confidence," he said. He's hesitant to call anything from the New York catwalks a bona fide trend yet, however, because there is still so much to see in London, Paris and Milan, Italy, over the coming weeks.

Personally, though, he's been "seduced" by all the neutral and sand colors — and the flecks of gold. "They might not be the most exciting clothes on the runway, but it really allows one to see the details, and we've seen a lot of really gorgeous pieces."

The lack of flashy embellishment likely meant extra work for designers. Mastering simplicity is quite a challenge.

"It's all about the way you cut it, the texture. ... You can't hide behind ruching and ruffles. But I love simplicity when it's right," designer Michael Kors said backstage just before his "Sunshine State of Mind" collection debuted on the runway.

Saks' Sherin noted that so many fashion shows opened with a white look, "a palette cleanser" to the new, more optimistic season. There were some joyful colors — hot pink, orange, purple and green, among them, added Coles.

Coles said she'll be excited to put the color-blocking in editorial shoots. For real women, however, they'll need to become comfortable with the new palette. "People like color but people don't always know what to do with it," she said.

For those who like to be ahead of the trends, here's a jump-start on the spring shopping list:

— Featherweight, gauzy dress that's delicately draped and hits mid-calf.

— Trenchcoat — dressy, practical, made of linen or sheer tulle. Maybe you need multiples.

— High-waist trouser fitted through the thigh and flared out at the hem.

— Sexy silk blouse, perhaps an off-the-shoulder peasant style.

— Crafty embellishment, think macrame or something crocheted.

Monday, October 11, 2010

China Int´l Fashion Week kicks off

Models present fashions during the China International Fashion Week.

Models present fashions during the China International Fashion Week (2009/2010 autumn/winter series) opened in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009.