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

Get on Board With Louis Vuitton RTW Fall 2012

Marc Jacobs took Paris’ fashion elite back in time to present Louis Vuitton's fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection. The line started off with bags and luggage that were perfect for high-end train travelers, to be exact. That was exactly what Jacobs recreated. 

A full-scale locomotive car was built, and its two massive steel doors opened to reveal the models, who were not alone. Each girl was accompanied by an assistant, dressed in an old-time porter uniform, who carried their bags for them.

The collection itself was all about layering. The models wore coats over skirts over cropped pants. Tall yet crumpled ponyskin hats with floral adornments sat on their heads, and square Mary Jane platforms were strapped to their feet. Many of the silhouettes were in an exaggerated bell shape, and the fabrics featured fanatical patterns. There were checkerboards, patchwork leathers, mosaic beading, and holographic tweeds and baubles.

Louis Vuitton's ready-to-wear collection was one that fought to walk the line between modern and old fashioned, yet certainly stood out from every other show we’ve seen so far.

Text Ashley Amidon
Source and Image WWD

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

Crystal Clear Bags

The future is crystal clear, and the forecast is calling for transparent totes, purses, and carryalls in tones ranging from white to neon.

Louis Vuitton could not help but dress models in sweet eyelet frocks paired with a variety of clear bags and clutches stamped with the brand's signature logo. Vuitton, however, is not the only design brand behind this trend. BCBG offers petit plastic totes, as well. Consider it a warning that plastic does not guarantee privacy, so accessorize at your own risk.

Text Katelyn Chef 
Source and Image Style.com

Louis Vuitton Sees Spots

Louis Vuitton's artistic director Marc Jacobs is no stranger to collaborations with the art world. Remember those graffiti-monogrammed bags every mother-daughter duo was carrying around in 2009, thanks to the pairing of Louis Vuitton and Stephen Sprouse?

Well, come July, every girl and her mother will be going dotty for their newest collaboration with 82-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who is known for her red-and-white polka dot installations — seen on everything from tree trunks to people.

Her spots will appear on Louis Vuitton products ranging from ready-to-wears pieces to shoes (!) and bags to jewelry, and the collection will tie in with a large retrospective of Kusama's work, which opens at London's Tate Modern on Feb. 9.

Special window installations based on Kusama's famous polka dots are also scheduled for the July release.

Text Olivia Fleming

Source WWD

Image AFP

First Louis Vuitton Fragrance to Be Released Since the 1930s

On January 4, Louis Vuitton announced that it will re-enter the fragrance world. Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud will guide the project as a third-generation perfumer from Grasse, located in the south of France.

This fragrance will only be released through Louis Vuitton's 461 stores and will not be available for purchase through well-known department stores like Macy's and Neiman Marcus. The company has not indicated when the scent will be released, but it did say that it will draw influences from famous scents around the world. The first Louis Vuitton fragrances were released and marketed to the public in the twenties and thirties, but they were discontinued.

Text Quinn McBee
Source WWD

STOLEN Part Deux: Louis Vuitton

Earlier this month, we reported the theft of Marc Jacobs’ spring 2012 collection, which took place during the transfer from Paris to London and caused the cancellation of the show. Now, we brief you on a second sketchy scenario, this time revolving around French fashion house Louis Vuitton. Unlike the robbery that plagued Marc Jacobs, this time the situation was more valuable — and more violent.

Last weekend, approximately $400,000 worth of Louis Vuitton goods were stolen from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. At the scene, masked thieves held employees hostage as they loaded nearly half a million dollars worth of goods into their truck. This is nearly six times more expensive than the Marc Jacobs merchandise, which was valued at about $60,000. Police officials are working hard to track down the criminals who fled with the Louis loot. In the meantime, LVMH had no comment on whether or not this caper is connected to the recent robbery of the Marc Jacobs collection.

In light of current events, it's hard to ignore the law enforcement look from the fall 2011 runway at Louis Vuitton. The police-inspired hats are indeed ironic considering the ongoing police investigations surrounding the high fashion heist.

Text Jennifer Bernard 
Image and Source Elle

Top Picks for Tough Tees

Leather isn't just for bikers anymore. The tough couture was all over the runways this past fall, from luxury collections like Hermès and Louis Vuitton to contemporary lines like Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg. Leather jackets have typically been the go-to option for the upper body, but the new must-haves — leather tops — bring a fresh appeal for a rough-and-tumble chic.

The leather shirt is quite versatile — it can be worn to work under a classic tailored blazer or for a night out on the town with skinny jeans and a sleek pair of stilettos. For a sophisticated approach to the trend, 3.1 Phillip Lim offers a sculptured top combination of royal blue silk-armure and caramel leather. An effortless way to make an impact is the Elizabeth and James Chantal blouse, crafted with leather cuffs and trimming.

Text Tiffany Frasier 
Image 3.1 Phillip Lim

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

4 of the Hottest Men’s Runway Shoes for Spring/Summer 2012

Men’s fashion week has shown numerous new collections from various renown designers. Take a closer look at the footwear for upcoming Spring/Summer 2012. 5 of some of the hottest and newest shoes that have strutted down the runway have wowed audiences.
Emporio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Burberry have all displayed their finest footwear on the runway. Emporio Armani’s black patent leather and gray laced shoes for men look sharp with a suit or slacks. These shoes are more appropriate for a dressy occasion. Jimmy Choo featured a laid back, casual shoe. The men’s sneakers had what looks like blue snake skin design.
Louis Vuitton featured a more summery look. The uniquely designed sandals are brown leather. A strap covers the top of the ankle and the toe portion of the shoe is covered. Burberry Prorsum geared their men’s collection toward the Spring season. The fully enclosed shoes are laced and have intricately patterned designs. The patterns are different shades of tan and brown.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Collection presented at Paris Fashion Week

Look out Fashion world there’s a new guy in town. Louis Vuitton’s new Men’s Style Director, Kim Jones debuted his menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week. Jones was inspired by his childhood adventures growing up in Botswana, Ethiopia England and America. With this culturally diverse upbringing, Jones was able to incorporate the fashion of each location into his designs.
The designs include a salute to the Boy Scouts with an outfit of khaki short suits, completed with red and blue checkered scarves. The collection also includes hike-ready sandals and a series of different shorts. In addition to these items, there are high-waisted trousers and razor-cut jackets in navy pinstripes. The jackets were paired with bright colored button-down shirts. The shirts represented African wax print. The collection as a whole was based on a world traveling theme with a different element from each cultural. Jones noted that because of the extensive financial wealth behind Louis Vuitton, there were endless possibilities, resources and freedom to be creative.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): WWD, New York Times

Louis Vuitton: Oh So Naughty!

The 2011 F/W collections came to a close today in Paris and the Louis Vuitton show was anything but a wind-down.

The collection is quite interesting in that it oozes an eccentric sort of sex appeal. The collection portrayed a quirky viewpoint of the relationship between doormen- in this case, doorwomen- and of prim, English ladies. The sex aspect featured thigh sheer socks, S&M patent corsets, and completely sheer blouses. However, the erotic factor of some of the pieces was offset with odd twists like jodhpour trousers, sculptured jackets, architectural skirts, and big bird-like sleeves. The show was a fabulous way to end the season and not mention a bit kinky!

Text Lauryn Stone

Karolina Kurkova: Versatile. Who Knew?

Karolina Kurkova is known for being a very sexy, Victoria's Secret model. She is a Czech, blonde bombshell with a 5'11" rockin' bod. She has walked the runway in the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as a knockout angel and after having a baby in 2009, she returned to the lingerie powerhouse shortly after to grace the pages of the catalogue. Now, with a completely different look, you can see her in the latest editions of any fashion magazine as a model for Max Mara.

Though I have rarely seen Kurkova in any other campaigns, she has been in Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Oscar De La Renta, Dior and Celine campaigns. Needless to say, this is the most artful look I have ever seen on her. She looks highly sophisticated and sharp. Her features appear precise.

Many models always look the same in every photo and with certain models, you don't notice because they are so stunning. Karolina Kurkova is that type of model. Her look for this campaign is unlike her typical sexy and gorgeous look, and it threw me off a little bit. I needed to take a second and take it in because I wasn't sure if it really was her. Then I noticed it was, and I was stunned. I thought, "Wow. This model really is versatile." That right there proves that she deserves her "Supermodel" status.

Text Alexandra Faye

Summer must haves...

Summer is right around the corner and it's about time you make your list for your must have items. Bikini, check. Caftan, check. Sandals, check. Hat, check. Sunglasses, check. Bag, check.

TOPSHOP offers a great selection of bikinis, so much to choose from; stripes, floral, colorful, tropical, and patchwork. Prices range from $50-90. For the same price range you can also choose your cover-up, perfect for strolling to the beach. Topshop seems to have it all this summer, not a bad selection of hats either.

LOUIS VUITTON has some great sandals in their summer 2010 line, they may be at a bit pricey but they are totally worth it. Check out the Monogram Sandal, these are priced at $790 and are a great choice for summer 2010.

Make your summer check list and hit the shops, or even the internet and grab yourself this summers must haves!

How Could They Be So Heartless?

I thought dropping major dough on trendy sneakers went out with 80s. I mean, come one, who spends more than a couple hundred for non-dressy shoes? Well, apparently, I was very, very wrong because Kanye West's high priced sneaker line for Louis Vuitton just sold out--and it's only been 4 days!

How high priced you ask? Try upwards of $800. Yes, that's right, almost a grand for high tops. Of course, we are talking a major luxury label but come on, they're tennis shoes.

Personally, I think this is a major downgrade for Louis Vuitton. Marc Jacobs has lost his mind--unless these overpriced sneaks are simply a fundraising ploy for his now discontinued Christmas party (he canceled it last year because of the economy).

So, if you feel bad for Marc's inability to lavish his friends with expensive booze and gifts around the holidays, or feel Kanye needs an ego boost, or if you just have a wad a of cash lying around and don't know what to do with it, then by all means sign up for the "wish list" that the company has now started for the second wave of luxury shoes to be released sometime next year.

But you probably have a better idea about how to spend your fashion budget.

I Heart the 90s?

With London Fashion Week 2009 behind us, one must wonder, "does history really repeat itself? It sure looks like it! I'm talking about whether or not the 90s are back ... and with quite a vengeance.

The 90s were a time of grunge rock, greasy hair, and chunky doc martens paired with a lab coat - I'm sure you all can attest to wearing some combination of the above mentioned ... thinking you were "all that" and a trend-setter. Perhaps you were.

The catwalk in London was chock-full of "Tank Girl" looks and little numbers that could pass off as something straight out of Courtney Love's closet! Even prominent designer Richard Nicholl - who teamed up with Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs in the past - hopped on the "runaway train." He framed cutesy tailored lab coats and undone lingerie ... how "Vogue" of him!

Now I want to hear from you, our adoring readers: Will you be running to your nearest department store, rummaging for a baby doll dress and butterfly clips?