It was bohemian rhapsody at Anna Sui, with a playful mish-mash of prints, colors and textures.
Think eccentric art student who eschews the rules in favor of her own kooky style; she’ll throw a leopard fur capelet over her ethnic multiprinted dress, slide on some bejeweled mukluks and don a jaunty crocheted beret. Yes, all at once!
This boho-luxe look is typified by its lavish embellishments, clashing patterns and textures, and quirky accessories- loving the fur gilets.
In a couple of months spring will no longer feel like a light year away and you’ll finally be able to ditch that winter coat you feel like you’ve been wearing for an eternity. Spring is always an exciting time of the year for a million different reasons, and my favorite one happens to be the opportunity it brings to revamp your closet and update your look. The ability of a new wardrobe to lift your spirits and boost your confidence is severely underrated.
It is the perfect time of year to take a long and hard look at what’s in your closet as well as your everyday
getting ready routine in order to figure out what changes need to be made so you can fulfill your greatest potential and look your absolute best. There are so many little changes that can go a long way in allowing you to become a better updated version of your past self. Too many people are afraid to try something new, to think outside of the box or to switch things up and they miss the chance to feel that sense of accomplishment and excitement that comes from doing something good for yourself and changing things for the better. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results!
Spring 2005
Alexander McQueen was found hanged at his home near Hyde Park in London on Thursday morning, February 11. He was only 40 years old. There is speculation that the suicide was in large part connected to the tremendous grief he experienced over the death of his mother Joyce, who he lost only a week earlier after a long bout of illness. McQueen had also been devastated by the 2007 suicide of renowned fashion journalist and stylist Isabella Blow. Blow, a close friend, had been his primary champion and had brought his designs into the public eye.
McQueen is best known for his at once dark and playfully spectacular, theatrical esthetic. A self-proclaimed anarchist, he had a great spirit of rebellion paired with impeccable craftsmanship. From a working class family, he left school at only 16 to apprentice on Seville Row. McQueen became not only a master tailor but also an artist’s artist. He brought and artist’s touch to an increasingly humdrum fashion design world. McQueen always imbued his collections with deep meaning and symbolism and he was especially interested in the plight of living in the female form and often experimented with semi-masochistic dress.
Spring 2007
Spring 2010
The death of Alexander McQueen is a tremendous loss for the fashion community. There has never been a designer quite like him and he is positively irreplaceable. It is speculated that the McQueen label might now be shut down completely as the Gucci Group, the label’s owners, are not sure there is anyone quite capable of picking up where he left off. It is said that the designer’s overflowing creativity came at a price and that along with his talents was the burden of extreme fragility. He reportedly battled drug and body image issues throughout adulthood. In any case, it seems that there have been a tremendous amount of celebrity deaths over the last two years and it makes one take pause and wonder why. Why are these people, with seemly everything, so very unhappy? What makes them feel beyond the scope of help? I’m not sure there is an immediate answer but perhaps this is an indicator of a greater societal problem for which we should all take some responsibility and work together to answer.
This year’s Fashion Night Out was like no other. Madison Avenue resembled something of a block party for Fashionistas all over the city. We chose to celebrate this night at one of our favorites- Barney’s.
There we witnessed the launch of little lisa perry. We love everything she has done for adults and now you can dress your little one just like you in one of these fabulously hip mod styles. http://www.lisaperrystyle.com/main.htm
We met the very talented home designer, Jonathan Adler, and watched him create one-of-a-kind pieces of pottery. His collection of home accents will cheer up any space.
Chanel debuted their newest nails colours for the season- Jade and Jade Rose while giving free manicures.
This season, it’s all about pairing bold Moroccan-inspired prints with more plain wardrobe staples to create a fabulous look. Vintage gold jewelry complements this look well. Alice & Olivia’s arabic print scarf, shown below, paired with a black tank and white pants or skirt is a great outfit for everyday wear this summer. Paired with white pants as well, Nanette Lepore’s embellished black top can be worn for casual cocktails or dinner. When wearing such bold pieces, it is smart to stay simple with your choices of jewelry. However, simple does not mean boring! The pieces by Kenneth Jay Lane, Tuleste Market, and Lee Angel Jewelry shown below stick with the Moroccan-inspired theme but are not overpowering. A classic shoe found in every summer collection is a wedge, yet Diane von Furstenberg has given the wedge an updated and fun look by adding fresh colors and prints.
This picture epitomizes summer casual-chic. Flowy sundresses can be the key to simultaneously looking put-together and staying cool during the humid summer months. A pair of sandals and classic Ray Ban Wayfarers complete this look, as well as statement earrings and simple bracelets. Try this look out for yourself this summer…here are some ideas for your perfect summer ensemble!
As part of Target’s new Designer Collaborations program, in which the mass retailer collaborates with established designers, versus its Go International program with up-and-coming designers, WWD breaks the news that Anna Sui will be its second designer, hitting 250 stores as well as online from September 13 until October 17.
Sui is following in the footsteps of Alexander McQueen, and similar to McQueen’s inspiration by muse Liela Moss, Sui has also found her inspiration in a rocking chick. Or, make that four rocking chicks. Sui’s choices were the four female leads on the CW’s hit TV show Gossip Girl. Sui told WWD, “It is an exciting challenge to try and interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product with a specific inspirational source as the focus.” Sounds like someone’s quite the Gossip Girl fan…
By Liz Black
Whether it’s a lack of dollars padding that once full wallet, loss of a paid job, or tightening purse-strings for those “just-in-cases” looming on the horizon, every fashionista is feeling the recession sting. So, in times like these, every woman can use a mantra to get herself through the frustration that is our economy.
But throw out that old chestnut of “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…” We at the New York Image Consultant have better quotes for you to recite when you once again are forced to shop your closet.
“Fashion fades but style is eternal”- Yves Saint Laurent, is a fabulous quote to remind yourself of when you pull on that oldie-but-goodie little black dress. The LBD is also eternally stylish, and while cuts and lengths may change, the simple LBD is classic and can be glammed up or played down, depending on the occasion.
Or, strut your stuff in a fantastic fitted t-shirt, dark wash jeans and platform heels. “Attitude is everything.”-Diane von Furstenberg, is right on the money. While you might not have the newest design or most expensive shoes, don something you know you look hot in and head out for the night. Your attitude will transform your look from simple to stunning, as long as you pull your shoulders back, hold your head high, and walk with confidence.
Remember: “There are no ugly women just lazy women”-Coco Chanel. Don’t get sloppy and head out in a sweats wearing funk. No woman, (even models), look good when they’re shlubby and look like they just rolled out of bed after a bout with the swine flu! So take time for yourself- give yourself a decadent pedicure, learn to blow out your hair, or style a tried-and-true outfit in a different way. Now is the time to take risks! Believe us, the fashion world would rather see you try something crazy than not try at all.
And if all else fails, “When in doubt, wear red.”-Bill Blass. Red, whether a dress, shoes, top or skirt, will make you pop in a crowd. It can look fresh and new, and every season there is a red outfit stomping down the runway, so you will never be out of style.
Regardless of what quote you use, keep one in your head and you will no doubt look fabulous, regardless of the recession!
By Liz Black
Despite these tough times, women do not have to sacrifice style, for now is the time to use all available resources. Modern pieces can be combined with vintage store finds or items from your grandmother’s closet, affording you the luxury to take more risks with your image and style. Just tap into your creative energy and evaluate your look. You can also creating an original outfit by mixing different designers from various eras or combining real materials with faux fabric. Mixing high end pieces with low end items will also shake up your style.
Given the current economic situation, fashionistas everywhere are looking to the past for sartorial inspiration. The ladies of 1929 serve as the ultimate fashion role models for dressing for success in hard times. Thus, it’s natural that they be the designers’ muses this season with the addition of dramatic necklines to the flapper style outfits in their collections. Flapper-inspired fringe has been added to tops, bottoms and dresses, allowing it to stay true to the color of material that it embellishes. The different fringe lengths and colors create looks that range from flirty to edgy and sometimes leaves little to the imagination.
Alberta Ferretti masterfully mixes sex appeal with flapper style in her black dress that is covered in fringe, baring serious skin. The deep V-neckline draws your attention to the chest, while the big black bangles accentuate the exposed thighs. Loose-fitting satin worn with fringe creates style with movement as calming colors like gold, silver, and nude make this look ultra-feminine and fun.
Burberry showcases a slight military influence with its structured waist, resulting in high-waisted skirts that are worn with tucked in blouses. The earthy color palate and simple materials are transformed with many audacious accessory additions. Big bangles, big bags, big necklaces and hats give this laid back look what it needs to become one-of-a-kind.
In turn, you can take cues from both the street and the runway on how to dress within the economic downturn without losing your flair. After all, this is a great chance to challenge your imagination while looking fashionably prepared. So what are you waiting for? Get styling right now!
A big fashion trend to emerge this season is the extravagant necklace. In addition to mixing and matching different pieces in your closet, you can add a necklace to create a bold style statement. It’s a great way to freshen up your look this season while adding flair to your personal appearance. Whether your bold necklace is designed in a floral, geometric, multi-colored or beaded motif, it can be worn as a choker or in long layers.
To make a bold and beautiful necklace work, your hair should be pulled back in a sleek ‘do. Should you insist on wearing earrings, we highly suggest that you wear a subtle pair of studs. Your necklace will take center stage, adding a fresh and fashionable elegance to your look. Don’t be afraid to create your own bold necklace with different sparkling strands that you already own. Check out how today’s hottest designers incorporated the trend on the runway:
Charming Chanel
Charming Chanel
Cool Christian Lacroix
Gorgeous Giambattista Valli
Luxe Lanvin
Luxe Lanvin
Lavish Louis Vuitton
Lavish Louis Vuitton
Cool Karl Lagerfeld
Dazzling Dries Van Noten