kaleidoscope of fashion

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Favourite Looks | Paris Fall 2012

1. Anthony Vaccarello

If there is one name that we should remember from this season, it is Anthony Vaccarello - an up and coming designer who favours asymmetric cut-outs, black and navy colour palettes and dresses that cling to the body. With sexy silhouettes and strategically placed lingerie shapes, I have a feeling that his designs will influence next season's clubbing dresses in stores =)

2. Lanvin

Celebrating his 10th year at the helm of Lanvin, Alber Elbaz brought us colour, volume, fur, ruffles and some signature draping for this season. I guess this is his way of saying "pick your own favourite Lanvin look"? While we're here drooling about Lanvin, here's a link to THAT campaign that had fashionistas all around the world laughing their 5-inch heels off!

3. Balenciaga

There's seems to be a lot of buzz about Balenciaga's new collection and how it represents the future of office dressing for women. Sheer A-line skirts, baggy jumpers with sci-fi prints and shiny high-waisted trousers seem to be Nicholas Ghesquiere's vision of future office ladies (termed "OL" in Japan). I think the sheer skirts would be interesting but the sci-fi printed jumpers and shiny trousers? Hmmm...

4. Balmain

As much as I loved Christophe Decarnin's edgy, rock chic designs for Balmain, I much prefer Olivier Rousteing's version. Rousteing, who was appointed as Decarnin's successor in April 2011, has so far shown that edgy can also be feminine. Since Rousteing took over, pastel colours and colourful prints have appeared alongside biker jackets and leather leggings. What's more, Rousteing elevates the couture elements of each garment, enhancing the unique and unmistakable image of the Balmain brand.

5. Haider Ackermann

Dubbed as the designer with "the most sophisticated colour sense of anyone in Paris", Haider Ackermann presented yet another collection that wooed the fashion world. This time, the focus was on belting the waist and accentuating the hips with peplumed jackets. The colours? Luscious tones in pumpkin orange, marigold yellow, cobalt blue, amethyst purple and a touch of olive. Wow.

Images sourced from Style.com

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Style Inspiration | the Cape

Photos of red carpet arrivals at the Academy Awards yesterday had me thinking that this year's Oscars gowns were a little on the boring side - except for actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who looked chic and stunning in her Tom Ford dress and matching cape.

Image sourced from Style.com

Who would have thought that a floor-length cape could complete a red carpet look for the Oscars?!

Alternatively, you could throw a tuxedo jacket over an evening gown or even a cocktail dress to achieve a similar sophisticated look. Pairing it with minimal jewellery and a simple clutch will help retain the focus on your upper body.