Fall 2011 RTW: Shoes, Shoes, Shoes…

So many killer pumps with such a retro feel — the really thick heel is back in a big way and I love the way it was reinvented. So many killer styles but there were some amazing pieces. There was way more snakeskin than usual but the colors and use was definitely unusual and so killer. Lots of booties and wedges, lot of modernism. The Louis Vuitton pumps with the cute little white bow straps were my absolute favorites though in the entire season. They’re on point with the time and simple, classic, feminine… What are your top picks?

 

Credit: style.com

 

 

Fall 2011: Alexander McQueen

Burton has so completely taken over McQueen and encompassed his designs and vision that I really feel as if he were still alive. While many designers work from the original designers past collections — she is not basing things off it, she shares the same vision. She is like a reincarnation of the King himself. She used an old venue of McQueens — La Conciergerie, Marie Antonette’s prison and McQueen’s FW 2002 show where he lined the runway with wolves. Burton used what she called, “Heritage silhouettes,” essentially worked from McQueen’s past pieces. These were beautiful in such a scary and harsh way that is typical of McQueen. I also can identify his pieces because they remind me of birds — the way that the feathers and the structure feel so innate to the woman wearing it. There was a lot of roughness in this collection and bondage that did not do it for me but McQueen always had that rough edge to him. The end was a series of just such beautiful white dresses — really fueling the rumor that Burton is designing Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. They were so elegant and so beautiful. The detail shots of these pieces were amazing — each stitch was intentional and I can only imagine the hours it must have taken to nail everything down correctly. Burton and McQueen work perfectly together — the ideal collection. Oh, and of course — the shoes are ALWAYS to die for.

Credit: vogue.com

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2011: Best of the RUNWAYS

This Versace piece is just so fabulous. The fringe and beading in multiple colors creates literally an orgasmic visual piece. I love the short dress and short sleeves.

You know that hairstyle from middle school where you arbitrarily put hairties in your ponytail and create a puffed look between ties? This Giambattista Valli dress reminds me of that, except in a fashionable gorgeous way. I love the yellow floral print on the sheer material and the thick white banding that creates the bubble. The white bustier with the embellishing is cool, although I do think that in combination with everything else it is a bit much.

AH! Prada with some crazy prints. I love the combination here — the sea green and blue and the bold yellow. The pattern looks as if it’s symmetric over the waist with the yellow pattern that reminds me of ornate moldings on vintage chairs. The bustle at the bottom of the skirt just adds that little edge that pushes it into, so cool.

The Spring Rodarte collection was fabulous. I love this look especially because it reminds me of a fashionable cardboard box. The way that the sections of the skirt are stiff and cut and although embellished still look simple. It is a dress that is full of character, which is why I love it so much.

I’m in love with nude blazers. Anne Valérie Hash’s take on the nude blazer is less structured, a look that I really like. It’s simple with the v-neck and shorts, a very nice look for the upcoming season. As I said earlier, I just love seeing simpler looks mixed in with the elegance on the runway. It shows the versatility of a designer.

Mixing bold patterns is big for the Spring season. This is a really easy way to do it, one that wouldn’t attract looks from the less fashionable as other looks sometimes do. The shorts are wonderful. The khaki with little print is perfect with the navy silk patterned top.

Oscar de la Renta can do no wrong. This seasons collection was made for the redcarpets. Lea Michele already wore one look to the Golden Globes. The glamour is inherent in these gowns. The colors were intense and strong and the bustles on certain areas accentuated aspects of the dress and the swoop of the bust is so unusual and interesting. The seafoam green is just an example of why, when given simple glamorous dresses, one should always go couture. This gown could easily be made by a lesser brand but the look would not be as gorgeous and genuine.

Sarah Burton can do McQueen almost as well as McQueen himself. The avian quality to this dress makes it look it can literally soar off the runway through the crowd. Not only is the feathered bottom bustle gorgeous and intense but the structured, thick shoulders and turtle neck make it look as if this is all part of the same piece and body. This dress looks as if it is part of her. It’s beautiful and amazing and I love it.

The Matthew Williamson dress is not one of my favorites but I think that the print of it is so fabulous. The mixture of snakeskin colors with turquoises and yellows is creative and ingenious.

Nina Ricci gets acclaim for a lot of her looks, but rarely are they ones that are bursting with color. I love this dress with the way that it looks windblown and swoops. The feathered quality on the shoulder and straps and the depth to the dress despite the mono-tonality of it.

Pucci. This is one of the greatest Pucci looks I have ever seen. It looks like cowgirl chic, with the leather jacket and neutral color palette. The typical Pucci pattern that the fashion house is so famous for is in transformed into the neutral shades of brown which maintain the personality just take it to a whole new level. The braided belt under the bust in the same pattern gives the dress a shape. It’s a beautiful look.

Credit: style.com

Spring 2011: Alexander McQueen

Needless to say, the anticipation surrounding the unveiling of Sarah Burton’s first collection for the beloved line following McQueen’s untimely death was high. Clearly there was a Spanish influence in Burton’s still insane but toned down portrayal of McQueen. While critics will highly scrutinize the next few seasons, I think she’s off to a great start. Personally, I rarely find a design that I would wear in McQueen but every season I love to watch the shows and am amazed by the genius in the house.

Credit: style.com