I suppose I fell out with loving and obsessing over fashion week for many reasons. The main ones are probably because I lost a bit of my curiosity, appreciation for glamour and art, and naïveté. I got caught up with college and work and "real" life happened. And probably because "fashion week" as a concept became too much of a good thing. Dare I say it became too mainstream. Regular people know about Saint Laurent or Alexander Wang. Things and people who were once kept my little secret for after school.
So, because I was so impressed with a lot of the shows this season (not sure what it is - also, I mainly enjoyed presentations?), I've decided to do a nostalgic little round up for old times sake. I also liked doing these for personal wardrobe reasons so that I'd know what to look at for inspiration for the upcoming season. So there's that.
Katie Ermillo
I love simplicity and I love glamour. Those two things generally aren't put together and if they are put together, they're normally not done very well. Here is an excellent depiction of simple, classic, elegant glamour done the right way.
Cinq á Sept
Cinq á Sept
It's so cliche to be into the 70s trend right now but I've always loved it. But I loved the more Lauren Hutton, luxe-camel-colored-big-knit-wide-leg-trousers-chunky-boots kind of way. This makes me love all sorts of 70s silhouettes, big or small. And it also makes me want to go red. Like now.
Creatures of the Wind
The 1970s are one of my favorite eras for fashion but I also have a strong love for the 1940s - naturally, as the 70s had echoes of the 40s. I loved Creatures of the Wind this season because it was full of classic shapes but the colors and the styling set it up for the modern era.
Hellessy
Not sure how I feel about the grandpa glasses. I'm not sure what kind of added contrast they're supposed to be doing. Thank God they don't distract from the elegance that the clothes exude. I think fur trims and fur collars and vests and anything that's not a full on fur coat is going to be a thing this fall. And I hope a royal blue chunky knit sweaters paired with a sexy side slit maxi skirt will be a thing too.
Protagonist
Protagonist
Slightly older woman, slightly cool young minimal 20-something power chick. I love Protagonist because it's smart clothing. That white blouse for example, nipping it at the waist just ever so slightly is massively clever. I'd wear it in a heartbeat.
Co
If I could dress like a chic 1930s 20-something all the time, I would. And I'm telling you, fur is IN for A/W 16. Pussy bow blouses used to be a thing for me back in high school and I sort of fell out of them (much like doing this little reviews), but I'm really feeling them again (just like these reviews as well!). I like the contrast of the awkwardness and elegance and the classicism and kitsch of this collection as well.
Ryan Roche
For anyone who is still following the fashion "rules" don't wear white after Labor Day or stick to cool colors for the winter months should take a look at Ryan Roche. I'm wearing whites, pinks, and warm camels all winter long this season. And I'm going to try to master layering. I'm going to take note from that last look.
Beaufille
These shapes! I can't express my love for wacky silhouettes and exaggerated shapes. I try to pull this off in my everyday life by wearing flares with an A-line, bell-sleeve top but nothing in comparison to that first look. And it doesn't have to be as wild and crazy as the first one or even the second one. Wear a textured, slightly A-line skirt with a cropped, one-sleeve top and you're good to go. Just make sure to pair chunky, mid-ankle length boots in a contrasting color.
Naheem Khan
I'm a big history buff. Especially fashion history. Naheem Khan produced such a wonderful journey throughout fashion history that it was really hard picking three looks. There were a few looks that were quite Elizabethan or reminiscent of the Renaissance even (high necks, high waist lines, circular patterns, luxurious and opulent colors and shine). And a lot of the looks were very influenced by the 1920s and the 1930s with drop waists, elegant evening gowns showing backs, and gold lamé and flapping fringe.
The Row
While this isn't my favorite collection from the Olsens, I can still find the beauty in the simplicity. It seems they've really stripped back some of the looks: a slip dress with an oversized oatmeal coat, a simple turtle neck and high waisted trousers, a chunky black sweater with matching pants. It's all about the shape and the fit, though. The length of the pants is important and so is the amount of slouch. It's all in the details.