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".  

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!