Paris Fashion Week Recap

With all of the different shows during Fashion Week, it is hard to keep the top trends in order. So, here is a breakdown of Paris Fashion Week, as well as the trends that we will see in the fall as a result of the shows.

One of the top trends was the use of feathers. Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Zuhair Murad all incorporated feathers into their pieces and featured them in multiple ways. McQueen used them as the main material for some looks, while Murad used the feathers to add decoration to his cocktail dresses.

The color green also made a large appearance throughout the week. In the Kenzo, Hermes, and Chanel shows, green was the main color.  Kenzo mainly used moss green to compliment the animal print pieces, while Chanel used lime green in several looks. No matter the shade, green was all over the runway.

The last major trend that we saw was jewels. From broaches, to jeweled train cases, to bejeweled eyebrows, jewels were everywhere. Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and Balmain were the main designers who set the trend.

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Fashionlatest.net

Feather and Fur Reigned Supreme at Alexander McQueen

If there was one takeaway from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" exhibit, aside from a rough estimate of exactly how many people can pack themselves onto the Met’s steps, it’s that McQueen’s right-hand woman-cum-creative director Sarah Burton has her work cut out for her to keep the label on the must-see list. While it is not that hard to stay on the scene after you’ve designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, it is apparent from Alexander McQueen’s fall 2012 ready-to-wear show that Burton also shares her late mentor’s sense of dark, dramatic flair.

According to the McQueen show, “ready-to-wear” and “couture” aren’t mutually exclusive. Voluminous ruffled furs and feathers capped with exaggerated bell sleeves can now easily transition from the runway to retail. Models walked the fine line between très chic and Koosh ball in ultra-layered looks, which were adorably tapered at the waist with metallic silver bets shaped into flowers and bows. Each look varied only subtly from the one before it, allowing those in the audience to pay extra attention to detail — a peplum skirt here, an off-the-shoulder sleeve there. With every model remaining anonymous in blonde wigs and futuristic, visor-like shades, all eyes were on the clothes, as if you could look away from those gorgeously textured designs. The Royal Wedding may be over, but Alexander McQueen is definitely keeping the fairy tale alive.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Style.com

A Look Ahead: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week will take place from February 28 to March 7. The event is known for showing plenty of couture and vintage looks. Throughout the week, some of the biggest names in fashion will be showing off their new collections, so here is a rundown of the schedule.

On March 1, Nina Ricci will be on the runway along with Balenciaga. On March 2 and March 3, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood will all show their collections. The last four days in Paris are loaded with well-known and respected designers, including Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton.

What collections are you most excited to see?

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Fashionlatest.net

Lovely Print Loafers

Mens-inspired looks are still all the rave for spring 2012, and that mean loafers are back! Our favorites include snakeskin-print loafers from Alexander Queen and a lower-priced yet equally fabulous tribal-print version from GoJane for $20. Both shoes are trending right now, from the style to the print and color.

Loafers can be worn with blazers, straight-leg pants, leggings, and the list goes on! They can be dressed up for a night on the town or dressed down for a casual event. Either way, one will be sure to draw attention to their look by adding these fun and flirty shoes to their ensemble.

Text Kalyn Huff
Image GoJane

Sarah Burton Keeps McQueen's Collection Alive

From the late legacy of Alexander McQueen came Sarah Burton to help his ultimate brand live on forever, and she has done exactly that. In Sarah’s new pre-fall line for Alexander McQueen, she took hues of black, red, green, purple, and classic white and black to drawn inspiration for this wearable line.

Flipping through the lookbook of this year's stunning pieces, it was hard to find a favorite; they are all exquisite in their own way. Burton has come up with high-necked, full-sleeved Victorian confections in black mousseline that she says has brought in the spirit of Charles Frederick Worth (fashion’s first couturier).

One thing that most critics and fans alike are buzzing about is that this line is a great example of the museum-worthy pieces that contain the legend of the late McQueen.The strapless, flared cocktail dress in pleated smocked velvet is in shades of green so dark they seem to drain the light straight from the runway. Another favorite is the caped black emerald dress veiled in lace that had different angles of beauty.

Burton kept some pieces on the simpler side, like cropped pants with white poplin shirts, peasants blouses, and jackets inspirited by menswear. Sarah Burton has explained that she will always want to keep the McQueen drama, but with a new fresh outlook on the pieces. This line was remarkably genius, keeping everyone at the runway show on their toes.

Text Jordan Bossman 
Sources Alexander McQueen, WWD

Clutch War: Bottega Veneta vs. McQueen

Last month, we highlighted Bottega Veneta’s iconic Knot clutch, as it was reinvented for the brand’s fall 2011 collection. The handbag, with its boxy silhouette and simple closure, is unique to the brand. However, Bottega Veneta is not the only fashion powerhouse who celebrates this shape as the perfect purse. Alexander McQueen also shares the same formula for simple luxury with the brand’s line of box clutches for next season.

Under the creative direction of Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen’s spring 2012 collection includes an exciting selection of miniature handbags, which channel the look of Bottega Veneta’s Knot clutch. However, the clutches from Alexander McQueen clearly emphasize the brand’s famed peculiarity, as the clutches are adorned with the notorious skull.

While accessories in the fashion world — like clutches — are often imitated, they are never duplicated. Both brands experiment with the same square structure, yet result in two totally different visions of clutches: One that is classic Bottega Veneta, and one that screams McQueen.

The final question: Which clutch do you prefer? Refresh your memory of Bottega Veneta’s Knot clutches here, and check out Alexander McQueen’s spring 2012 clutches after the jump…

Fashion Exhibitions On the Rise

Designers showcasing their impressive collections in museums is a growing trend. Alexander McQueen was an indicator of how popular fashion exhibitions have the potential to be, attracting 661,559 visitors and placing it in the top ten of the most visited exhibitions.

According to Pamela Goblin, chief curator of fashions and textiles at the Louvre, "There's a loyal following - besides the fact that fashion is fashionable ... there's something very intimate about clothes." 

Other fashion houses that have participated in showing their work in museums include Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chanel. 

Jean Paul Gaultier showed his work in Texas, where the exhibition featured pieces from his collections over a 20-year time period. The exhibition was digitally innovative and included talking mannequins. 

When showing work in a museum, you can utilize space differently and include items such as sketches, inspirations, videos, and actual pieces from the collections, to give viewers a cohesive image. 

Text Quinn McBee

Source WWD

Fashion Gets Furry Despite PETA's Roar

Despite PETA's ruthless attempt to ban furry friends from becoming coats, hats, and the like, it seems they've lost yet another fight — fur is making a comeback this season.

The November 2011 issue of Vogue Russia featured all things fur, starring top model Maryna Linchuk. With frozen scenes of the beauty wearing every designer, from the extraordinary Alexander McQueen to Gucci and Michael Kors, the inescapable value of this ever-returning trend has been proven.

With the combination of stylist Olga Dunina and fashion photographer Mariano Vivanco, Maryna looks tastefully chic in the shoot. PETA may not agree, but we have a feeling that, with pictures like these, we'll be seeing a lot more fur in the near future — thanks to Vogue Russia and Maryna's captivating appeal.

Will you be siding with Vogue this time around, or sticking to PETA's efforts in saying no (unless the fur is faux, of course)?

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Mariano Vivanco

Sea Creatures Surface on Paris Fashion Week

One major recurring theme of Paris Fashion Week is the sea — more specifically, the creatures that live in it. For Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton, everything from shark tooth jewelry to sea horse wedges were spotted on the runway.

Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld launched his spring/summer collection amidst a deep sea fantasy world. To set the mood, models wore pale green, white, and pink attire and graced a runway covered in seashells, fish, and enormous coral reefs.

Inspired by surfers and mermaids, Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci presented a refreshingly wearable collection for spring 2012. Wetsuit-inspired skintight pants and a stream of neutral colors were the highlights of his sea-driven show.

That being said, it seems that sea creatures are the new owls of fashion. Keep an eye out (or maybe a fin?) ... we'll do the same and be sure to let you know if this trend will be taken beyond the runway.

By Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

"Little People" at the Christian Dior house prevail

As we are all told when we are younger, actions speak louder than words, sticks and stones may break our bones but words can never hurt us; in John Galliano’s respect these phrases will not save him here. Back in March, the CEO of Christian Dior announced the firing of Galliano for his untimely spewing of racist slurs. Although this happened months ago, recently it has been reported that the Christian Dior house is still on the hunt for a new house leader. It seems as though this will not be a simple to-do task that the Dior franchise has to face, much like was seen in replacing the late Alexander McQueen.
Critics had mixed reviews on Dior’s cartoon couture collection that walked the runway on July 4th in Paris. Again, there was much stipulation about not having a head designer. As it was clearly stated and seen, there was a tremendous difference in the couture lines without Galliano as the head of the house. Critics also have suggested speeding up the drawn out process of replacing Galliano. Dior’s CEO complied and said that they would only choose a designer of an advanced label when the time is right, or perhaps, when the right one comes along.

McQueen Makes Its Royal Appearance Yet Again

So far, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge has made the design house her go-to look for public affairs. Most importantly her wedding dress, seen by billions, was straight from the house. And for her first huge event in the United States, she again looked towards the house to dress her for the BAFTA dinner.

This is the third time that the newest royal has worn the house. First her wedding, then a casual sailor attire in Canada, and now the pale dress that rocked the red carpet at the BAFTAs. The irony of the entire thing is blinding. Alexander McQueen while still alive was essentially anti-royal and against anything that the royals stood for. And now it seems to be a royal that is making the brand accessible to a wider base of consumers.

While McQueen designs are usually over-the-top, Catherine is showing that they can be worn for quite literally anything. She is bringing the worlds attention to a brand that is identified British, almost to make it rival the quintessential icon of Burberry. It has been said that when it comes to a royal look, the first time a designer is worn it becomes a memorable moment, second time is a coincidence, and third makes it a trend. So far, Kate is proving this ruling right. Anything she wears almost immediately sells out where ever it can be found, and soon McQueen will be no exception.

Text Dalton Brasington

Julien David's Fall 2011 Collection: Gaga-esque

Lady Gaga has truly impacted the fashion world, hasn't she? The new designs in the last year appear almost as if designers are competing to see who Gaga will choose next for her wackiest look. Obviously Gaga, cannot step outside without an out-of-the-ordinary outfit, which means, every day she is wearing something new that no other person has every seen before. She has completely inspired a new realm of thinking. Before her, Alexander McQueen was one of few creating looks unlike anything else. He must have been her inspiration and she decided to expand on it and make the wacky her staple; her image.

When we gaze at this image of a model sporting Julien David's Fall 2011 Collection, we are all wondering: Did Gaga inspire him or does he desire for her to be his top client? Or both? Because, most of us know there aren't too many people in this world, not even the most passionate fashion lovers, who would wear something like a mosquito net over our faces on a normal day.

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): Style.com

Sarah Burton: A Dream For Alexander McQueen

Though Alexander McQueen may no longer be with us physically, the designer's line still lives on, and quite gracefully I might add, through the work of Sara Burton. This has been endlessly written about due to how quickly she designed Kate Middleton's dress for the Royal Wedding, and yes she did a spectacular job. However, that dress is not her only masterpiece. If you view her latest collection through runway shows or through the site www.alexandermcqueen.com, you'll realize her other pieces are just as amazing.

Alexander McQueen was known for his out of-the-box designs, unique craftsmanship and shapes most have never seen before. Burton is slightly more simple. Her shapes are not quite as unique, though she adds that special touch that is unlike anyone else. Whether that be through the pattern of the fabric or the texture or accessory. McQueen's designs were the type a fashion connoisseur could wear as soon as the piece was created, but never again in their lifetime. Burton's designs are more timeless and elegant. I am definitely not putting down McQueen in any way. He was an absolute genius and there will never be any other designer quite like him to walk this earth. Lady Gaga was his ideal muse. As a person with a more simplistic style, Burton is also a genius. She understands a woman's curves and knows just how to accentuate prominent features on the body such as the shoulders, the collar bone, the waste line, and more.

Text Alexandra Faye

A Night at the Museum

There is nothing more stylish than a killer outfit and a killer night out and we've got the perfect solution for you, whether you're in sunny L.A. or blustery NYC: the opening of two amazing exhibits.

The first is one that should come as no surprise with the success of the Mulleavy sisters this year: the two are featured in their first solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The show entitled "States of Matter" is currently on display now through June 5. The relatively large scale exhibit features a mixture of black and white pieces from previous shows, along with pieces from their outstanding displaying from designing for Black Swan. The clothes are featured with varying changes and props tells a story of inspiration from the sisters you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

On the other coast, starting May 4th is an exhibition set up to showcase the life's work of none other than Alexander McQueen: this is an exhibit to hold your breath for. The showcase has already been highly buzzed and will surely be difficult to navigate due to its popularity, but definitely a can't miss show. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website (where the show will be featured) we are promised, "Approximately one hundred examples will be on view, including signature designs such as the bumster trouser, the kimono jacket, and the Origami frock coat, as well as pieces reflecting the exaggerated silhouettes of the 1860s, 1880s, 1890s, and 1950s that he crafted into contemporary silhouettes transmitting romantic narratives" Along with a newly released book featuring his work, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to peak inside the mind of a genius.

Text Corinna Fabre

Sarah Burton Does McQueen Proud

If you were impressed with Sarah Burton's work for the SS '11 Alexander McQueen collection, then prepare to have your breath taken away because the FW collection is absolutely brilliant!

Many people were unsure that Sarah Burton would be able to fill the very large shoes of the late Mr.McQueen. However, she won over the critics hearts with her debut collection for the brand with her SS '11 collection. Now, it is time for F/W and Burton has created a line so exceptionally beautiful that I think Alexander MQueen is looking down on her with a huge smile.

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

As much as I stay up night in anticipation of runway shows, practically salivating on my keyboard while flipping through pictures from the days shows, to me, there is always one that trumps them all; the one that you sit in pure anxiousness at your computer, hitting the refresh button again and again until the pictures and video are uploaded…Alexander McQueen, did I even really need to say it?

The day the genius McQueen died was a dark day in my life, I mourned (I think everyone still is), so when they announced his successor I was a bit surprised anyone would even attempt to fill the colossal shoes they would need to fill. This season was the first that Sarah Burton’s first to step out on her own and show what she could do with the McQueen name.

The line featured a lot of heavy colors (reds, blacks, navy), as well as pretty heavy fabric choices, gold accents, and a leather half corset noticeably used throughout the show. The styling was very old-school sailor inspired with a heavy handed opulence that has been so prominent throughout the McQueen history.

The pieces were beautifully crafted and well put together, but to be honest…I was a little underwhelmed. To me it was missing a lot of the story and fairytale nature we have come so accustomed to seeing and I felt like a lot of the prints (especially the ink-blot like one) were so similar to past collections, with nearly the same silhouette, that it lacked an awe factor to me. All in all, still beautiful? Yes. McQueen? To me, not so much.

Text Corinna Fabre

Art. Fahion, Identity

The Royal Academy presents Aware: Art Fashion Identity as part of its third season of contemporary Art at 6 Burlington Garden, and what a season this is proving to be. From the 2nd of December 30, leading international practitioners including Alexander McQueen, Yoko Ono, Grayson Perry, Dai Rees, Cindy Sherman, Helen Storey, Hussein Chalayan have presented pieces which examine how artists and designers use clothing as a mechanism to communicate and reveal elements of our identity.

Divided into four sub themes Belonging and Confronting, Storytelling, Building, and Performance Aware: Art Fashion Identity and the practitioners showcasing explores a huge array of topics. Explorations from Mella Jaarsma interest in the process of adapting to the lifestyle and traditions of a new environment. Her experiment of this through her architectural garment construction Shelter Me 1. To, Chalayan use of Bunraku theatre, to examine the manipulative element of the fashion industry. Until the end of January 2010 Art, Fashion, Identity.  

Text Katriona Flynn

McQueen Lives On

Once a legendary designer passes away, speculators always question whether the aesthetic will ever live up to its namesake. As a result, one can only assume the pressures felt by Alexander McQueen's creative director, Sarah Burton, as she displayed the Spring 2011 collection this week in Paris. After the late Alexander McQueen committed suicide in February, whispers surfaced on how the design house was going to survive. No one has McQueen's style, thought process, or how to make the world stop and wonder at his well-known designs. As hard as it is to live up to a legend, Burton put those doubters to rest as the collection left myself (and everyone in the fashion world) speechless. Burton kept the avant-garde beauty while softening the outfits with a whimsical element of her own. The collection featured long feathered gowns, hand-painted leather butterfly dresses, intricate gold detail on the accessories, and basket woven hair. My favorite outfit was the white halter dress with the golden leaf belt and gray faded print on the hem. The dress was almost hypnotic - it moved with the model while having great detail, style and wearable quality. Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph, Hilary Alexander tweeted: "Sensational collection...Raffia , leather, feathers tailcoats, poppy prints. Awesome. Legacy lives on." It's peaceful to know that McQueen's design house lives on through Burton. Now, the future of the fashion world will continue to be stunned, fascinated, and taken back by any collection the design house of Alexander McQueen creates.

Text Jessica Moy

How Long Can You Wait For These??

These fabulous ALEXANDER MCQUEEN boots are coming soon, so the question is are you prepared to wait?
This is the stunning lace up pump with leather laces and 'scrimshaw' carved platform heel. The heel height is 135mm, so be prepared to stand tall and feel great in these shoes.

The Scrimshaw Gilly boots will be available for $1,435, a price well worth paying, especially when they were designed by one of the all time greatest fashion designers, Alexander McQueen. Keep checking the website to see when these are available, it's about time to pay your tribute.


by Laura Woodbury-Smith

The Revival of a Legend

After the tragic and unexpected loss of Alexander McQueen, one of the most creative and esteemed designers in the fashion industry, many believed that his essence was lost as well. However, after a glimpse of Sarah Burton’s creations for the Alexander McQueen pre-spring 2011 collection, I think that there should be a lot more hope left in all of us. Burton has done a fantastic job of taking McQueen’s signature style (dark glamour with a focus on structure) and giving it her own, more whimsical twist. Inspired by Hans Bellmer’s dolls and samurai warriors, this collection, as explained by Burton, attempts to “juxtapose the pale and the delicate with the bold and armorial. It’s about a highly structured torso that gives way to a more fluid silhouette or drop waists that lead to a finned trouser to skirt.” This vision comes across strikingly well through both the structure and the fabric of each piece. Burton perfectly captures McQueen’s classic tension between the structure and flow of clothing, while attempting to incorporate lightness and femininity. The contrast between pieces such as the armored bodysuit and the nude lace dress works magically, as it showcases an effortless mixture of each designer’s point of view. The pieces in this collection can be worn to events all across the spectrum (the blood-red gown to a Hollywood event, the structured jacket to the office), which makes it so much more marketable than previous collections have been. I am personally very impressed with the collection, and am especially impressed with Sarah Burton’s execution of her vision. She has done an amazing job of subtly weaving her own signature style into a brand that fashion icon Alexander McQueen had so strongly established before his sudden departure. I can’t wait to see what she does next! To view the entire collection, click here.



By Ali Antonucci