NYFW Recap: Rodarte

Some fashion shows are no more than charming diversions; a fleeting event, enjoyable but as memorable as Paris Hilton's singing career. Others leave powerful imprints, forever haunting our lingering minds. Ten days ago, the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte exhibited their Fall/Winter 2016 collection at NYFW, and I can't stop thinking about it. 

Rodarte is no stranger to the fashion week conversation. In fact, over the past few seasons, their shows have led the colorful discussion (If you need a refresher see eyebrow-pierced-mermaid here). Last week's show set the bar higher than before. Uneven hems, voluminous ruffles, shaggy fur and floral appliqués served as reminders of the Mulleavy sisters' sheer prowess in the art of fashion.  Rodarte has an established style––a dark whimsicality curated through layered, mixed-media. Their hands are palpable within the essence of each piece. Everything they design is without equal.What amazes me is their ability to consistently shock the audience without changing this signature style. Their secret is in the subtlety. 

Each ensemble is slightly different than the one before: a sequined blouse changes from black to white, a leather belt becomes a choker. At first, the viewer watches comfortably. The opening pieces, while stunning, follow a familiar narrative. Then, the collection's metamorphosis gets into full-swing: gorilla-esque coats undergo color transformation, lace becomes fishnet, tule skirts evolve from pants to skirts to a gown, and orchids sprout from the models' hair.

At the shows end, I needed to immediately watch it again, to try and comprehend the artistry that unveiled before my computer screen.

And I couldn't. Because, that's the Rodarte magic. 

New On The Scene: The Crop Kick

The day is finally here. After a long-standing career on the top of the charts, the skinny jean has been demoted by a cooler breed of denim: the crop kick. And, we can rejoice.

Of course, skinny jeans are a classic staple for any occasion. Our celebration is not for the death of the skinny jean, per say. Instead, we shout from the rooftops in pure elation for the arrival of an option of equivalence. Those exhausting, early morning, skinny jean shimmies and aggressive, end-of-day, denim evacuations don't have to be as frequent.

The crop kick is essentially a shortened straight leg jean. I, for one, have never really been a fan of straight leg denim; its styling confuses me. Do you tuck them into boots? Can they be cuffed? Are flats or sneakers even an option? By the time I can even process these questions, I am about ten minutes late for class, struggling to pull on a standard pair of skinny jeans as my solution. The crop kick answers all of these age old questions because it goes with everything. Unleash your ankles from the confines of the skinny, and pair a crop kick with sneakers. A fringed hem or baby cuff adds an unexpected personality.  Or, for a night out, let them compliment your best pair of mid-calf booties. 

Is the crop kick here to stay? Time will tell. As of right now, embrace the freedom of a denim suitable for endless cartwheels and high kicks, and toss your skinnies in the back of the closet for a later date. 

NYFW Recap: Erin Fetherston SS RTW 2016

To the general public, runway shows are often characterized as over-the-top, "who would actually wear that" explosions of trend-vomit donning the hairstyles of Whoville. 
Those types of people haven't watched an Erin Fetherston show.

The runway at Fetherston's SS RTW 2016 gently guided the audience through a romantic dream. An array of blues, vermillion, olive, and cream presented in fluid fabrics felt familiar; reminiscent of that perfect summer day. Her pieces were predictable in the best way possible, with each look effortlessly flowing into the next. The show featured a variation of silhouettes—high collars, plunging necklines, maxi dresses, mini frocks—as well as equally oppositional fabrics—knits, denim and organza. Each model sported undone hair, fresh faces, and minimal sandals, reflecting Fetherston's simplicity.

Erin Fetherston's aesthetic reminds us of the timeless wearability of intelligent fashion. Smartly tailored silhouettes can speak volumes louder than trendy chaos.

Oh, did I mention that she graduated from UC Berkeley in 2002? Go Bears.

Watch the show in its entirety here. 

NYFW Review: 50 Shades of Grey at Wes Gordon

It's a sunny, crystal clear, 75° Friday in the Bay Area , and, naturally, I am spending my afternoon basking in the live-streaming glory of New York Fashion Week. The hectic, colorful atmosphere and brisk temperatures of NYFW seem much more intriguing than yet another perfect California day–especially with the ability to be in virtual proximity to such amazing talent. 

If you read my blog, you know that the 90s are kind of my jam. Thus, it should come at no surprise that my favorite show of the day originates from the brilliant mind of Mr. Wes Gordon. At the mere age of 28, Gordon has already established a trademark in his craft: timeless sophistication. If we were talking music, Gordon's designs would be a Paul McCartney in a room full of Iggy Azaleas and Aviciis. The guy just doesn't disappoint. 

Wes Gordon's Fall 2015 show lived up to the high standards of his young career, with looks evocative of the Calvin Klein minimalism that made Kate Moss famous. In an interview with the Washington Post, Gordon hailed the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as a major source of inspiration. The consistency of clean lines, exquisite tailoring, and even sensibly pulled-back hair played tribute to the fashion icon. 

boss moss and cbk

The most captivating aspect of Gordon's Fall 2015 RTW was the way he stayed true to the classic 90s aesthetic. He didn't add dramatic alterations or overwhelming silhouettes. In fact, within a black and gray palette of color, Gordon smartly balanced knits, furs, print, and translucent fabrics––quintessential 90s textiles–– with ease. Chunky turtlenecks, shirt dresses, spaghetti straps, pea coats, trench coats, even silk palazzo pants were all accounted for on that runway. Gordon didn't reinvent the wheel because he didn't need to. Good clothes are good clothes; it's that simple.  

Ahhh, Friends

The start of a new year popularizes gym memberships, gives people new hope, and allows us all to forget the missteps of the previous 12 months. This year, however, my priorities were a little skewed. As I embarked into 2015, I posed a life-altering question to myself: "Why make friends, when you can watch Friends?". 

For all of you (probably) very successful people–who refuse to pose victim to the procrastination powers of Netflix–here's the 411. As of January 1, 2015, the entirety of Friends can be found on Netflix in its original 90's glory. Thus, the question I posed to myself has quickly transformed into a motto, proving to be the most successful New Year's Resolution of my  life. 

As I spend hours fulfilling the challenge I set out for myself, I simultaneously receive a historical lesson in fashion. 

The fashion in Friends really drives the show, with the first season alone featuring iconic looks. What would Joey be without his turtlenecks? Chandler minus a sweater vest or an oversized tie would be a sin, and Rachel in anything but a crop top would feel treasonous. Each character had a distinctive identity enhanced by their respective outfits; wardrobes that evolved with every individual during the progression of seasons. And, in a strange twist of events, the fashion on Friends as a whole feels weirdly current. 

Here are the lessons I have learned from binge-watching Friends so far: 

1. Layering is great. Shirt under dress with a vest? Yes. A blazer over overalls? Sure. On that note...

2....overalls are always a good idea. 

3.. Rachel Green can literally rock anything. I mean anything. 

4. And, everyone should wear rings like Phoebe Buffay

Furthermore, watching Friends outside its original context makes me nostalgic of a time period in which I barely existed. The 90's in NYC seemed pretty rad: a time where rent for a few gigantic apartments could be paid through minimum-wage jobs, and a group of well-dressed best friends could spend their days gossiping at a coffee shop. Ahhhhhh, the 90s. 

my new screensaver

Mermaids Exist at Rodarte SS15

In preparation for New York Fashion Week, designers find inspiration from a wide array of sources. In recent years, popular collections have incorporated the revival of trends from decades past. The 70's seem to be a constant wealth of influence, as well as 80's neon and 90's grunge. I was beginning to worry that the fashions of my youth–the early 2000s–were next on the agenda. Nothing was worse than cropped polo tees, Juicy velour tracksuits, or Von Dutch trucker hats. Nothing. 

Luckily, the Mulleavy sisters saved us from yet another fashion resurrection. 

During the preparatory phases of their SS15 line, sisters (and Berkeley graduates) Kate and Laura Mulleavy of the renowned fashion house Rodarte, set their sights on a timeless, natural piece of inspiration: tide pools. As young girls growing up in Northern California, the Mulleavy sisters frequented the mesmerizing underwater tide pools of Monterey. Kate told Vogue.com, "We wanted to re-create the texture of those underwater tide pools... to explore this idea of underwater worlds, with all the movement and fluidity." By channeling a personal memory from their youth, Kate and Laura Mulleavy were able to achieve wizardry at NYFW. 

Tuesday's runway show was magical from the start. Spectators arrived to find the set a seaside reverie; the floor bejeweled with broken beach glass and Swarovski crystals. Once the show began, the venue finished it's transformation into an underwater realm. The models stunned in delicate dresses made of netting and tattered chiffon, like sirens on the shore. You could practically feel the ocean breeze as the ever-flowing ruffles on dresses, skirts, and scarfs danced down the catwalk. Opalescent sequins and scales added to the shipwreck vibe. 

The most remarkable facet of Rodarte's collection existed in it's ability to offset fluidity with rigid structure. Instead of allowing cascading fabrics overrun the runway, the Mulleavy sisters skillfully balanced things out with elements of sheer strength: thigh-high gladiator boots, skin-tight jeans, anorak jackets, and, of course, those incredible rows of sliver eyebrow piercings. 

Feast your eyes on the entire collection here. 

Amazing. All I can say is... Go Bears. 

Mastering the Boyfriend Jean

Boyfriend jeans continue to take the fashion world by storm, promising a comfy yet bad-ass look of sheer feared respect. But, the real question is, how do you wear them? 

Based on their basic silhouette and color, jeans are typically easy to style as an integral component to any outfit. For the past decade or so, skinny, cigarette, and straight-leg jeans have pretty much dominated the denim market, making the outfit balancing act rather simple: flowy tops matched with heels for nights out, and structured, Oxford button-downs paired with ballet flats for the office. 

Boyfriend jeans, on the other hand, are everything their skin-tight family members aren't; low-rise, baggy, and carpeted with tears and shaggy holes galore.  Furthermore, their strange, masculine proportions present a curve ball for every woman. 

After hours of pouring over my favorite street style blogs, I have attempted to understand the art of 

rocking boyfriend jeans. My tips are as follows:

• For everyday wear, crop tops function as an ideal match. Equal to the boyfriend jean in nonchalance, cropped tees easily create feminine silhouettes while showing just a peek of skin. 
• For a comfy outfit fit for colder weather, a pair of boyfriend jeans make a perfect base for a bundled look. Pick jackets or outerwear with a solid structure to offset the slouch of the jeans, and feel free to layer as necessary. 
• Spice up your Casual Friday look with something a bit more edgy. A blazer, tee, and flats keep the look sharp while fabulously taking the back seat behind your statement-makin' jeans. 

In other news, September is here! Aka Fashion Week Recaps on the horizon. 

xx

Style Icon: Emma Watson

Emma Watson is currently going through a style phase that may be as influential as Pablo Picasso's Blue Period and Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" stage–combined.

Over the past six months, the recent Brown graduate has been absolutely killing it in enchanting, dark ensembles that scream sophistication.
Watson has been the darling of fashion weeks world-wide for quite some time now, which has translated into a personal style that I want to accio into my own closet.
Recently, basic silhouettes with subtle and unique details, topped off with some trusty matte red lipstick seem to be her go-to. She wears black magically; whether it be lace appliqués, sumptuous satin, or embossed velvet.  Mismatched earrings and natural makeup are quickly becoming her signature style components.

Thirteen years of life in the spotlight usually calls for sufficient time off. Yet, Watson's exquisite fashion choices forces all of us to look beyond her adorable days as Hermione Granger. She is no longer a child star, but a star in a new, grown-up capacity: high fashion.

Olsenology

Growing up, the idea of having a twin captivated every twin-less child. Besides, the ability to switch identities with another person who resembled you in every way, was overly romanticized and dramatized as many times as Disney could get away with. From Zack and Cody to the eternal confusion that was Lindsay Lohan's faux twin in The Parent Trap, the "twin fantasy" ravaged the minds of those who arrived in this world s-o-l-o. 

No dynamic duo, however, ruled my childhood as much as the Olsen Twins. I spent countless hours vigilantly watching their movies: jam-packed with international jet-setting and–you guessed it–as much twin-identity swapping as possible. 

Nowadays, Mary Kate and Ashley are focusing on projects off screen, allowing for public attention in another capacity: fashion. 

If one thing is for sure, the Olsen Twins can dress. As a unit, their respective styles effortlessly play off each other; the same palpable synchronicity apparent in their joint acting roles. They dress with an unmistakable ease: always casual and always fluid.  Boyfriend jeans, large sumer trench coats, and cape dresses are not easy to pull off–especially on a 5'2" frame. Yet, they continue to sport oversized frocks exquisitely. They understand proportion and shape, tools learned from time spent as active members of the fashion community. Their style cannot be classified under one title: it is just as much boho as it is edgy, androgynous, and sophisticated.

Of course, as separate entities, the Olsens have their own individuality in fashion. Together, however, as street style icons and budding designers, they really don't miss a beat. 

Mary-Kate and Ashley's Resort 2015 collection for The Row is chock-full of all things minimalist, tailored, and oversized. Check it out aquí. 

Style Icon: Carrie Bradshaw

There are very few things in the world I love more than Sex and the City. Carrie and Big's passionate, roller coaster ride of a relationship, Samantha's quotable one-liners, Charlotte's naiveté, the evolution of Miranda's hair, and, on top of it all, their undying love for each other, never fails to keep me entertained. I feel as though I am a part of their world, a dream that I surely do not share alone.

I am sure all Sex and the City die-hards have their favorite character, but I think we can all learn a lot from Carrie. Sure she cheated on Aidan and repeatedly returned to Big when her friends (and viewers) warned her otherwise. She was real, she made mistakes, obsessed over petty details, and always tried to do what was best for her. Her vulnerability is something anyone can relate to; despite the fact that she  is (sadly) a fictional character.

 Carrie's rapid emotions are reflected in her equally dynamic style. Her acute fashion sense was undeniable. Who else could rock a cropped button-down shirt, printed midi skirt, flower adorned top knot, and a completely inoperative belt? Carrie could. She was the ultimate fashionista, with an unparalleled and charismatic sense of style. Her clothes never failed to exude the inner confidence that her character sometimes lacked. Although some of her fashion choices may now be outdated, her conviction and one-of-a-kind creativity are timeless components of any successful style.

The fact that Sex and the City can maintain relevancy a decade after going off the air is quite a feat. Some may attribute its long-standing popularity to the endless re-runs, or even the engrossing character development. Personally, I am drawn to its portrayal of confident, passionate women. Through the ups and downs, all four characters–Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte–worked hard to chase their dreams, and continue to inspire new generations of young women to do the same.

Hardcore Normcore

You think baseball hats, oversized hoodies, and sandals with socks are simply just standard components of your father's wardrobe? Think again. Fashion's biggest (anti-)trend has hit the streets, decking hip, young people out in "dad jeans" and white New Balance sneakers. Normcore has infiltrated the elite hipster world, while simultaneously perplexing the rest of humanity. 

According to the ultra reliable resource of Urban Dictionary, normcore is defined as "an exercise in irony. It's being cool through not being cool". It's an anti-trend by nature; the act of standing out in a crowd by dressing absurdly normal. This ultra-conformist fashion movement follows an equally routine progression of trends. In fact, many decade-defining trends are nothing more than counter-culture's active rejection of the ordinary. All trends follow the same fate: a reaction, later commodified, followed by imminent rejection and replacement. The 70's are characterized by the hippie movement, whose fashion and lifestyle functioned as a direct response to 50's and 60's consumer culture. In more recent years, grunge ironically emerged among the youth of the 90's during one of the most profitable eras in American history. Teens rejected the "greed is good" mantra that drove the decade, and dressed accordingly. 

Personally, I secretly love normcore. It's easy, comfortable, and refreshing among trends that were beginning to feel stale. Will normcore come to define our current decade? Only time will tell  However, if one thing's for sure, the perpetual battle against normalcy will never cease in driving future trend-setters.  

Candice Swanepoel for Vogue Russia

I sincerely apologize for neglecting my blogging duties these past few days. Now, with finals and classes completed, I will try and get back on my game. Hopefully. 

I recently came across this stunning editorial from Vogue Russia featuring Candice Swanepoel. We all know Candice as a beloved Victoria's Secret Angel. From runway shows, to television advertisements and in-store features, the girl's face is everywhere. In spite of her risqué ensembles, the South African beauty has exuded a pretty cookie-cutter, "girl next door" persona in both interviews and past commercial photo shoots. However, this shoot in particular–shot by David Mushegain–sheds a new light on Candice. She inhibits a new found edginess within her fierce gaze. She recognizes that her killer bod is fully covered in exquisite garments, and acts accordingly.  Her poses are strong and powerful as she transitions from the flirtatious world of Victoria's Secret. 
I really love this side of Candice, and am eager to see her step outside the "Angels" bubble in the future. 

Coachella 2014 Recap: Best Looks

 As the Easter sun sets on the vast, desert landscape of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, so to does the exuberant Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival come to a close. Although I caught a few performances on the Coachella live stream, I found myself more captivated by the always incredible festival ensembles. Coachella is inherently a place to see and be seen; even mediocre lineups would attract gigantic crowds. Despite the big names and surprise performances, the spectacle of Coachella lies in the fashion scene. Here are some of my favorite looks. 

The daisy appliques are subtly adorable. 

Lizzy Plapinger of Ms Mr

Evil eyes are a popular print on the festival scene. 

Simple and chic. Love the Blair Waldorf-esque lipstick. 

White shoes at Coachella? Daring. 

Hopefully, Kendall Jenner's nose ring chain  doesn't make a reappearance next year––or ever. 

Julien Macdonald Fall 2014 RTW is Absolutely Stunning

These pictures from Welsh designer Julien Macdonald's Fall 2014 Ready To Wear collection left me utterly speechless. I think my dreams of being a champion figure skater and flapper girl became a reality on the runway. 

The beading and embellishments are spectacular yet not overwhelming when paired with light fabric. As a result, both model and garment work as a collective unit. While very skin-barring, Macdonald's pieces transcend risqué notions based on their very nature; the heavy embellishments and striking designs verge on art pieces rather than garments. 

For a man who originally gained notoriety for his knit-wear in the early 2000s, his talent is multifaceted and unwavering. It is no wonder he is known as the "Welsh Donatella Versace".  

Oscars 2014 Recap

Hysterical Ellen antics, Brad Pitt adorably eating pizza, the world's most powerful selfie, and yet another Jennifer Lawrence trip made this year's Oscars one for the books. An award show of this status showcased equally unforgettable fashion.

Lupita Nyong'o undeniably stole the show with both her inspiring acceptance speech and breathtaking blue Prada princess dress. The dress was really a dream, and Lupita wore it with tremendous grace. It's been proven that the thirty-one year old actress can easily wear every color under the rainbow, and I am eager to see her progress as a true fashion icon. Hopefully, next time she will nix the sparkly headband.

My other favorite was the always stunning Sandra Bullock, who sported a midnight blue gown designed personally by Sarah Burton, creative director for Alexander McQueen. Every aspect of this dress, from the sumptuous satin to the beautiful Grecian-inspired draping and sweet-heart neckline, was absolute perfection. What really made this gown a knockout, however, was how well it fit Bullock; she wore it with elegance. I found it even reminiscent of Hilary Swank's navy Guy Laroche dress from the 2005 Oscars, where she took home the award for Million Dollar Baby. Although Bullock lost the Oscar to Cate Blanchett, her red carpet moment will surely be a memorable one.

In terms of menswear, I was originally unsure about the white jackets donned by Jared Leto (Saint Laurent), Matthew McConaughey (Dolce & Gabbana), and Ryan Seacrest (Burberry). At first they looked like the classy waiters hired to serve the other stars fine wines and hors d'oeuvres. However, for whatever reason as the night went on, the white jackets grew on me. Leto looked especially sensational with the charming red bow tie and black trimmed tuxedo pants. As host Ellen DeGeneres said "I'm not going to say who looks the most beautiful. But it's clear. It's Jared Leto". I have to agree.

Believe the Hype: Tom Ford F14

The pressure to live up to expectations after abundant success must be difficult. The pressure to live up to expectations after Jay Z writes an entire chart-topping track praising your work, has to seem virtually impossible. Nobody wants to be a one-trick pony––especially in an industry like fashion. Yet, Texas-born designer, Tom Ford beat the odds at London Fashion Week, with the buzz around him louder than ever. 

The collection as a whole is, fittingly, so London. Absence of color, severe lines, and a visible homage to the rapid street-style culture were executed flawlessly. Minimalistic looks were seen all over the runways at NYFW, a trend Ford echoes by focusing primarily on silhouettes and shapes. His time at Gucci and YSL seems to have shaped his personal aesthetic, with a heavy reliance on luxury furs and menswear-inspired pieces, respectively. 

I am personally captivated by Ford's use of color and texture. The order of his collection was meticulously pulled off, as each look evolved into each other. While his pieces were basic, the very hint of a special textile––such as leather, fur, sequins, or velvet––maintained the audience's attention. 

Ford received a good amount of criticism for "knocking-off" Jay Z with the sequined jersey dress, almost identical to the tunic Hova sports in concert. While some, like me, thought it to be a cool gesture to the dynamic relationship between music and fashion, others found it to be  poor imitation. When confronted with this criticism, Tom Ford chuckled and replied with: "That sells for $65. My knockoff will sell for $6,500." (Style.com) His confidence says it all. 

See the full collection here!