NY Fashion week: Christian Siriano

While his critics claim that his fame is based solely on his success on Bravo’s hit TV series Project Runway, Christian Siriano’s Spring 2011 collection proved that he is so much more than a fan favorite. Siriano’s show kicked off NY fashion week with a collection filled with exotic prints, dramatic shapes, and compelling eveningwear. His collection is best described as a “glam safari”, inspired by the exotic cultures of Africa, India, and China. In typical Siriano fashion, many of his best pieces incorporate ruffles, embellishment, and asymmetrical hems. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Siriano made sure that he included more than just show-stopping gowns, which is another major criticism of the designer. Short cocktail dresses, tailored suits, and bold trousers were all created using attention-catching fabrics such as snakeskin and tweed. While these pieces certainly did the job of proving that this designer is more than a one hit wonder, they failed to introduce any new or innovative ideas to the fashion world. The audience was craving something revolutionary, but the silhouettes were things that we’ve all seen before. However, these looks should not take away from the captivating collection of evening gowns that truly stole the show. Siriano’s eveningwear has always been nothing short of magical, and this collection was no exception. His gowns, while different in color (ranging from sparkly buff to shocking red), all boasted a sea of tulle ruffles, whether they created a full skirt emerging from a fitted bodice or a concentrated layer spanning from one shoulder to the ground. Aside from the clothing, Siriano also proved that he has staying power in the fashion world with his shoes. He created four major styles (Shanghai, Mumbai, Nairobi, and Zanzi) that tied every individual look back to the collection’s ethnic and exotic inspiration. The shoes were all platform heels (sky high, of course), with wooden bases and intricately carved heels in different shapes. All in all, Siriano’s show was inspiring, glamorous, and high-drama.


By Ali Antonucci

White as the Driven Snow

Growing up, it was drilled into my head early on that I should not, under any circumstances, wear white after Labor Day. This included white stockings, and to my complete chagrin white patent leather Mary Janes; though to be fair, the ban on white patent leather Mary Janes could have also been due to their uncanny ability to go from cute to tacky at the drop of a hat. As a result, for much of my adult life I have avoided winter whites like the plague. Okay, maybe not quite like the plague but definitely like a bad cold. Up until this season I have been sartorially crippled by the imagined consequences of violating this all important rule, i.e. that I would be cruelly shunned by my peers and forced to live in the New York City subway system like a mole person. However, since we have just crept past Labor Day and white has been seen on countless Fall 2010 RTW runways including Chanel’s, I am poised to face my fear by incorporating white into my fall/winter wardrobe. In the interest of creating some balance though, I will probably only wear one milky piece at a time.

Text Jessica Best

To Fur or Not To Fur?

When it comes to fashion, and I mean what else would I be talking about here? We can all probably agree that fur is a particularly hot button issue. There are those who are staunchly anti-fur, there are those who are staunchly pro-fur, and there are still others who fall somewhere along the rest of the spectrum. Though I can’t remember if wearing fur is currently a do or a don’t, I will cautiously admit that I personally don’t have a problem with it. [Here’s hoping I don’t get red paint thrown at me for this.] While I will not bore you with the specifics of why I feel this way, I will say that no matter where you stand on the issue, you will have to acknowledge the impending fall 2010 fur trend. Fur of both the real and faux persuasion was seen on countless runways this season and will, no doubt, be spotted on many a fashion fiend once the weather turns crisp. My current fur fave is this Adrienne Landau Mink Loop Scarf which will add polish to any laid back fall look. What do you think?

Text Jessica Best

We have released The Young & Reckless Issue featuring British Male Model Rory Torrens

We just released the Young & Reckless issue, end of summer 2010. The cover features British male model stunner Rory Torrens. The cover was shot in London by Fashion Photographer Piczo. This issue features some amazing editorials, trust me when I say you don't want to miss this issue. The digital download of the complete issue is only $3 bucks on our website! So download this baby and enjoy over 300 pages of thought provoking articles and beautiful fashion editorials with a bit of rebellion, edge, sex appeal and the recklessness of youth delivered right to your desktop.

Buy it here: CHAOS Magazine, The Young & Reckless Issue, end of summer 2010. 

Also, view this amazing fashion video shot by Videographer Alexander Alexandrov on the CHAOS website by clicking below: CHAOS MAGAZINE WEBSITE

Tracey Emin

Tracey Emin 'Walking with Tears' is a collection of mono print drawings and prints from the past sixteen years, they are undoubtedly a series of works with varying subject matter from birds and squirrels, to explicit nudity. However, whilst the range is broad they remain still easily identifiable as Emins works through the quality of the broken line. Emin is one of the herons of contemporary British Art and whilst controversial to say the least, contemporary art would be nothing, if not a boundary pusher. As a autobiographical artist, Emins is renowned, respected and also hugely scrutinized from the often brutal honesty she uses in documenting the affairs of her life. Whilst the likes of Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995 and My Bed are probably the works most commonly associated with Emin, this particular exhibition is a fantastic reminder of the skill of Emins. The exhibition gains acknowledgement for her practical craftsmanship, not only her ability to deal with a contemporary subject. Truth is that the skill is always present, it can however sometimes be lost in the phase of controversy. Be it through needlework and sculpture, video and installation or in this case print and drawing, Emins is very good at what she does. Presented in the rather random setting of the Sir Hugh Casson Room, daily from 4pm until 6pm at the Royal Academy of Arts, 'Waling with Tears'.

Text Katriona Flynn