Paris Takes Back Fashion
Givenchy, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel have always been on our lips, but not a fashion force for a long time, until now. Not long ago our favourite labels and names came from Milan. Starlets wore shape-cut Gucci, Fashion sophisticates wore Prada, and party-goers wore Cavalli. How the fashion world has changed.
Lost: A Moment in Fashion History
It’s May, and spring is in the air. The flowers are blooming, fashionistas are waiting for fall collections to be released, and April’s Vogue Cover of Kim and Kanye is being used for mulch. Now that April showers have subsided and we’re all in a better mood, lets discuss what was lost in fashion’s most recent controversial moment.
The Man, Wang
The ladies already know, but Wang is the man. Alexander Wang is the downtown New York Designer who always hits a home run with the “it” set.
I resisted the Wang fan club for a long time, chalking his “it” status to hype, but I was wrong. This past summer, in Los Angeles, Wang came into my life when I bought the most amazing tank-top at the most amazing shop. T by Alexander Wang is a basic line, which has developed season by season. The men’s collection has been a slow start, but worth the wait.
Guys, you must enter a Wang T-shirt into your wardrobe. The American classic T-shirt has been given a contemporary spin by Wang. Wang T-shirts have a relaxed fit that fall away from the body without making you look sloppy. I wear mine on the plane to look “cool” and put together. Each Wang T is made from the softest cotton and makes your body look amazing. I’ve started giving them to my male friends as gifts. This Spring, dump that crew and get a Wang.
FYI: Rumour has it, Wang may take over at Dior!?
WoolRich
It’s always fun to watch theatrical fashion in magazine editorials and Gaga videos, however the rest of us live in the real world. One of the most wearable collections I saw during New York Fashion week was WoolRich Fall/Winter 2011. Designer, Paula Gerbase, who was born in Brazil and graduated from esteemed fashion school, Central Saint Martin, has blended her topical roots with British functionality. Fall/Winter 2011 WoolRich Black Label collection borrowed from men’s tailoring techniques to produce feminine shapes with soft fabrication.
Why I am discussing Fall/Winter 2011 fashion when spring is around the corner, simple fact: “sale time people!” Now is the time to grab fall pieces that will carryover to spring, while still picking up some cute warm pieces before New Year’s countdown. Winter can drag itself out, so you still want to look your best.
Spring/Summer 2012 Collections are full of masculine tailoring with feminine shapes, so you will be on point with your fall/winter carryover. My favorite would be WoolRich Fall/Winter 2011 navy faded print silk Georgette oversized t-shirt dress. This dress is a smart carryover as its timeless and elegant. For spring a great colored belt to cinch the waist for shape is perfect.
For Christmas dressing, take inspiration from WoolRich’s navy silk twill draped dress, I love the faux fur scarf for style detail. I did this look myself for a red carpet this fall—minus the dress.
Here are some other great looks from WoolRich fall/winter 2011 collection you will want to check for inspiration.
Here is a behind the scene studio interview with Designer Paula Gerbase.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSpwSD6DNG4&w=640&h=480
Test Shoot: Behind The Scene
Every so often I like to challenge myself with a styling project that is fresh. This past summer I had that chance while shooting my own personal photos. My photographer asked me to create a wedding dress of shopping bags for a magazine shoot. After a short pause, I accepted the challenge, and of course I only had seven days to complete the task. In the show, Mad Fashion, Chris March and his team also have a week to complete tasks, but they live in New York with everything at their doorstep, I need to have everything shipped to Vancouver.
My first line of defense was convincing Vera Wang to participate. I could only make a wedding dress of shopping bags from the number one wedding dress creator. Second mission, construct a team of craftsmen, Costume designer,Paul, and accessory designer, Kit, and myself as creative director—everyone needs a title. Last, create magic!
Now UPS, OMG… I hate them! Delayed service, l literary received my bags, which were my garment, a day before shooting—no pressure! With no time to fit the model, my male assistant doubled as fit model–saviour. Working through the entire night we finally finished our garment. The costume designer, Paul, amazing, he salvaged each bag to look like fabric, while accessory designer, Kit, created blooming rosettes out of Vera Wang tissue paper. The final result was breathtaking.
The two-day wedding shoot was fun because wedding magazines are always inspiring, as you’re creating a day of wonderment. Here are my photos from behind the scene.
