Dior Haute Couture Fall 2016 in Pictures
Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
Tag: fashionblogger
July 7, 2016
Sleepyhead
Choosing to venture outdoors in sleepwear could once cause a few raised eyebrows or upturned noses, but now, the classic pyjama shirt has been reinvented as an alternative daywear option by designers such as Dolce and Gabanna.
Not only does this versatile item offer an opulent update of the cotton shirt, it also puts any former slobbish stereotypes to bed
Try casually layering one over a vest or pair with heeled loafers and boyfriend jeans for a polished Parisian effect. Dress it up with bold gold accessories, or dress it down with denim. The soft silk is sure to keep you warm during the breezy summer evenings and what’s more, it doubles as bedroom attire for those long nights where changing is just a contemplation too far.
July 5, 2016
If a minimalistic approach is something you favour when it comes to fashion, be warned, this season the 80s are back with a vengeance. Among the red PVC boots, fishnet tights and other questionable items, a statement belt is one accessory you simply can’t avoid. Recycled season after season, they are perfect for accentuating waistlines whilst demanding attention.
Try a gold Chanel chain to establish an element of vintage luxe, or for a tribal feel, look no further than Vanessa Seward’s geometric staple. If a wide belt is too brash, BCBG’s leopard print design certainly counts as a neutral item, creating subtle safari vibes when matched with khaki or camel. Pair with some antique earrings and Baywatch-worthy waves for a night out or to cinch a white shirt in the daytime for added elegance.
Balmain leather belt
£630 – yoox.com
£630 – yoox.com
Gold belt
£325 – 1stdibs.com
£325 – 1stdibs.com
Vanessa Seward braided belt
£28 – net-a-porter.com
£28 – net-a-porter.com
Chanel belt
£2,895 – 1stdibs.com
£2,895 – 1stdibs.com
BCBGMAXAZRIA waist belt
£36 – bcbg.com
£36 – bcbg.com
Leather belt
£48 – wolfandbadger.com
£48 – wolfandbadger.com
November 2, 2015
Best of MFW
Fashion Week only starts getting interesting for me when the shows start in Milan. Italians just seem to get fashion and they do femininity and charm so well without it being garishly girly.
They also seem to understand the influence that the past decades have on fashion and are great at updating vintage styles whilst making them appeal to a younger crowd. There were lots of shows I loved for the S/S 16 collections but I have shared my favourites below.
Francesco Scognamiglio
This collection was similar to Givenchy in the way that there was an abundance of delicate details, fine fabrics and strong romantic notes. I rarely stray from wearing black or white and a monochromatic colour palette is something that I believe looks both classic and polished.
Ruffles can look overstated but Scognamiglio managed to get the balance just right, pairing sheer slip tops with tailored trousers and babydoll dresses with sock boots, giving looks a mod doll element.
By mixing Victoriana details with 60s shoes and modern styles, Scognamiglio successfully created an array of looks ideal for the cool girl, unafraid to channel her softer side.
Fay
Fay is a brand I had heard of but never followed too closely. That was until I saw the designs showcased for S/S 16. Reminiscent of Isabel Marant‘s understated French girl image, the looks were layered, tiered and belted in shades of navy, stone and dusty pink with prints that looked as though they had been influenced by North Africa.
The masculine military coats looked great with patterned skirts and I particularly liked the silver trimming on the deep blue jackets. After seeing this collection, I am really looking forward to seeing what else the brand has to offer.
Philosophy
Philosophy is a brand that always seems to hit an equilibrium when combining masculinity with femininity. Soft ruffles and Victorian details were still present from the previous collection, but there was not one fussy frill in sight. The nude slip dresses were breezy and beautiful while pointed ankle boots offered an edgy element making the looks perfect for city strolls in the summer.
I love the neutral shades that the creative director, Lorenzo Serafini, uses throughout his collections for Philosophy. The looks he creates are much more wearable than many other brands while there is always a strong hint of Italian Romanticism in the silhouettes and details – a clear homage to the brand’s heritage.
October 5, 2015
Game, Set, Match
Jacket: Mango Shirt: Next (Mens) Scarf: Zara Jeans: Zara Boots: Topshop Photographer: Rob Langman
October 1, 2015
Day to Night: Orange Eyeshadow
Orange eyeshadow is a makeup look I’m really loving at the moment and one that is set to be huge over the next year. I find it especially compliments blue eyes and is a pleasant change from brown. It can be worn in the daytime for a natural, earthy look, or at night paired with contrasting eyeshadow shades to create a lovely reverse smokey eye.
Although I have actually used bronzing powder as a substitute in these images, I find it works just as well as eyeshadow and it really inspired me to try applying more of my makeup products in places I wouldn’t have normally thought of!
Day:
Face: MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC15
Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream Blush in Healthy Glow
Topshop Glow Pot in Polish (browbone, cupid's bow and cheekbone)
Eyes: Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder (lid crease)
Lancome Grandiose Mascara (top lashes)
Lips: Burts Bees Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit
I like to keep things pretty natural in the day and have ditched foundation as I feel it is way too heavy for my skin. I am, however, really liking peachy/apricot tones for lips,eyes and cheeks.
Applying cream blush to the apples of your cheeks with your fingers gives a freshly flushed look that doesn’t look too try-hard. Bourjois cream blush is an amazing budget find and I’m really impressed – the colour lasts ages and the warm, peach tone really brings out my freckles.
Burt’s Bees lip balm is another recent purchase that I can’t get enough of – I had really dry lips a few weeks ago and they were instantly moisturised within seconds of using this stuff! The smell is divine and also a huge plus.
If you don’t want to use bronzer for eyeshadow, I would recommend using MAC’s eyeshadow pot in ‘Orange‘.
Night:
Face: Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Eyes: Lancome Le Crayon Khol (waterline)
MAC Smoke Luxe Palette Deep Grey Shade (below waterline)
Eyebrows: Revlon Metropolitan Photoready Palette - (brown shade)
As you can see, there is really not much to add to update the look for night-time. It literally took 10 minutes which is great if you’re like me and hate spending too long getting ready! I simply added bronzing powder in a ‘3’ shape (temples, cheekbones, jawline) to add definition to my face, filled in my eyebrows and added black eyeliner along with grey eyeshadow under the eye to create a reverse smokey eye.
I would have added a nude lipstick for a matte finish on the lips but couldn’t find mine, although I feel MAC‘s Myth would work perfectly for this look. A reverse smokey eye is supposed to be a little messy and a grey/black combination not only compliments the orange on the lid, but also doesn’t look as harsh as black on it’s own.
I’m really looking forward to sharing more day to night makeup looks with you all and would love to know what you think of this orange eyeshadow look in the comments box!
Iona
xxx
September 28, 2015
Park Life
Coat - H&M
Necklace - Tiffany
Bag - Steve Madden
Photographer - Rob Langman
September 27, 2015
Best of LFW
I’ll be honest, when it comes to London Fashion Week, I never expect too much. There has not been a large shift in variety from the sheer boxy fit crop tops, 3D flowers and laser cut fabrics that I remember from 2009. I see them every single September during the Spring/Summer shows and it’s starting to get extremely tiresome. Isn’t London supposed to be the fashion capital of the world with some of the best design schools around? The answer is most certainly yes, so why is there such a lack of originality from our current British designers?
I really had to think hard about which shows I would include in this post and although Erdem was outstanding (usually a given), there were only a couple of other shows that really stood out for me. While it may seem like fun and games designing sheer shapeless silhouettes in pastel tones, not all of us want to look like we have just rolled around in an ice-cream shop. I am really hoping to see more diversity next season but at the same time, I know better than to get my hopes up.
Versus
Belgian designer, Anthony Vaccerelo showcased a collection that stayed true to the Versace ethos of supermodels and 80’s rock and roll – a look which verged on the brink of being trashy but somehow worked. There were plenty of cut out details on asymmetrical dresses that can be seen on current Versace designs. Strappy bralets were crafted out of leather to add edge, while brass buttons were emblazoned on waistcoats which were worn as dresses. Silver appeared in the form of piercings, lion crested hardware and zips which was a pleasant change from Versace’s signature gold. I find silver is more understated and less brash than gold which is why I tend to favour it on clothing details.
This show was only Vacerello’s second season for Versus but he seems to be taking a different angle than his predecessor, Christopher Kane, something that Donatella seems thrilled by. She has been quoted saying that Vacerello really gets the brand and even named him ‘The One’. It was, however, nice to see Christopher sat front row for the show, suggesting that there is no hard feelings between him and Donatella since he left as creative director.
Erdem
Erdem Moralioglu is known for his beautiful floral creations that one could only describe as ‘delightful’ and ‘charming’, however he definitely took a different approach to Spring with a collection full of darker flowered patterns and melancholy vibes. The Victorian era was ever present in floaty Dickens-esque creations complete with dramatic sleeves and high ruffled necklines.
A personal favourite was a baby blue organza dress with a black ribbon, partially tied at the neck and left askew. I love when looks are not too ‘done’ and there are slight imperfections; it looks less pristine and more effortless. Another interesting element to these dresses was that some possessed cut-out arm details making them an innovative modern take on the 80s trends arising.
Marques Almeida
I remember seeing a recent collection Marques Almeida did for Topshop, it was all one-tone frayed denim and Barbie pink crop tops – clothing that displayed all the things I hate about 90s fashion and would also be very out of place in my wardrobe. It was such a refreshing surprise to see their SS16 collection was miles away from this with the two designers, Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida (both Portuguese), describing the collection as their true identity. There was still lots of their signature rips and frays but the colour palette was largely neutral giving a softer approach to the designs that were crafted from sheer fabrics and adorned with ruffles giving a glamorous grunge vibe.
Although their designs may not be so wearable on account of being very shapeless, I can really appreciate their talent as designers. They strike me as similar to J.W. Anderson, who started with very unwearable garments, but is someone I feel is really starting to find his feet in the industry with his Spring collection. Marques Almeida are still finding their way but I am extremely interested to see what next season brings for them.
What did you think of LFW? Let me know in the comments box below!
September 20, 2015
Best of NYFW
It may sound crazy, but fashion week is one of my favourite times of the year – thankfully it also happens twice! In the next few weeks I will be sharing my favourite shows from New York, London, Milan and Paris and what better way to start than a taste of the Big Apple?
Givenchy
A bride and groom were the inspiration behind the SS16 collection, which showcased in New York this season. “It is a very romantic collection, I am at a very romantic moment in my life.” said Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy’s creative director, a comment which undoubtedly intrigued journalists as Tisci likes to keep his private life away from the media.
This collection was a far cry from Fall 2015, which is far too frilly and feminine for my liking. I loved the boudoir element and monochrome palette. The clothes looked wearable yet alluring as they had been crafted from the finest of fabrics such as silk and embellished with pearls. It was also great to see that the bleached brow look from Givenchy’s recent collections was still going strong and really added an otherworldly element to the show.
Delicate details were offset with a gothic edge as seen on lacy slip dresses and loose silk tuxedo jackets, while the colour palette was simply black with white. It was a brilliant convergence of masculinity and femininity with menswear also making an appearance in the form of white suits and double-breasted suit jackets. The silhouettes were loose and fitted in all the right places as the models glided down the catwalk to music from a variety of different religions.
Zimmermann
If there’s one show that really stood out for me from NYFW, Zimmermann is it. As mentioned, frilly dresses aren’t my thing, but there was something so right about the floaty ensembles shown that I think few women could deny the beauty in the designs displayed.
Wide waist belts cinched Victoriana dresses in delicate floral prints, while tailoring was also apparent on fitted silhouettes in cricket stripes giving the garments a vintage English edge. These outfits are designed for the high society girl with a penchant for adventure. They are perfect for a day at the races spent sipping Pimms or even an afternoon session of croquet!
A personal favourite was a blue high-waisted romper suit with gorgeous lace and frill details. The blouse was a complete throwback to the 80s, an era I try to stay clear of in fashion, however this collection really appealed to me by putting a graceful spin on a trashy decade.
Thakoon
I remember the first time I heard of Thakoon. I was watching ‘The September Issue’ and he popped up in Anna Wintour’s office after just winning the chance to design a fashion range for Gap. He seemed lovely, albeit a little nervous, but who wouldn’t be in the presence of Ms. Wintour?
Although Thakoon has been around for a few seasons now, I haven’t always followed his work. That was, however, until I saw his SS16 collection. It was beyond beautiful and the opening look was a tie-dye denim set complimented by strappy peep-toe sandals. There was one design that I particularly liked that made the model look as if she had just rolled out of bed in a night-shirt and had thrown on a jacket to pick up milk at her local corner store. There were also a lot of breezy swimwear inspired dresses that were low-cut and in forget-me-not blue tones reminiscent of an Australian beach babe although these dresses showed more sophistication than the 70’s boho breed of girls frolicking on the beach and are perhaps suited to a more mature customer.
The show finished with some ethereal embellishment with mauve undertones which was poles apart from the dusty blue denim numbers. Although the clothes had deep v-necks, cut out panels and sheer fabrics, they were designed with delicate innovation and did not look vulgar at all.
Vera Wang
As soon as I saw the first look for Vera Wang, I knew I was going to love every look – something that is extremely rare. Now, having just researched the inspiration for this collection, I have discovered that it may have been inspired by high-class prostitution and films such as Belle du Jour. Considering that I thought each look was ‘very me’, this is a little disconcerting!
There was an abundance of black shown on long tailored waistcoats which were thrown over high-waisted hot pants and bandeau bralets accessorised with sky high ankle boots. My general opinion is that a crop top with shorts is a bit much, but it did looks great on the catwalk – whether I would actually wear a similar full look is another matter. I can see this look appealing to a lot of models or young women based in a busy city who do not have time or enthusiasm to experiment with colour or trends yet still want to look effortlessly stylish.
Diesel Black Gold
Diesel BG is a brand that never fails to disappoint and the SS show made no exceptions. There is always a lot of black and leather, which are clear favourites of mine and there is always such an essence of rebellion and androgyny.
The leather dungarees were a sure winner for me along with a harness dress worn over a boxy white shirt. Strappy net dresses were sheer and displayed simple underwear underneath giving off rock and roll vibes while white designs showed asymmetric shoulders with belt and eyelet features. As white is such a clean colour, it’s always interesting to see how it can be transformed into edgy apparel and Diesel really hit the nail on the head.
What were your favourite collections? Let me know in the comment box!
Images via http://nowfashion.com
September 9, 2015
By the Sea
With the windy weather that Autumn brings, there comes a point where we will reluctantly relent to the decreasing temperature and throw a jacket on, whilst waving a begrudging farewell to the summer days of naked shoulders. Although it is not yet cold enough for thick woollen numbers or draping ourselves in ‘dead sheep’ (my mother’s reference to my fur coats), the bracing breeze certainly calls for some form of outerwear. While khaki military jackets may have ruled the runway last year, navy is a colour we are going to be seeing a lot of this winter in the form of cropped naval jackets and Breton striped knitwear.
Navy is a colour that has always suited me and I love that it is classic, nautical and slightly masculine. For someone who doesn’t like to wear a lot of colour, I think it is a midway point between strong shades and neutrals while feeling like I’m making somewhat of a comprise when wearing it. Both of these jackets above are beautiful, with the Armani one offering a crisp tailored cut, while the Mango jacket is more feminine and could even be worn thrown over the shoulders.
Trouser waistlines and hemlines are getting higher, so be prepared to say goodbye to bellbottoms and hello to cropped creations such as these Mom and Girlfriend fit jeans. Mom jeans are best suited to a pear shape with a high rise cut that sculpts the waist and hips, whereas Girlfriend jeans look great if you have longer legs and smaller hips.
Stan Smith sneakers still seem to be going strong and I have to say, after having them for a year, I am still a huge fan of mine. They really seem to add a sporty, casual tone to anything I’m wearing. Striped tees and gold framed aviators are another two things I adore and are timeless, versatile and gender neutral.
To accessories this look and compliment the sunglass frames, add an array of delicate gold rings or one single signet ring to really emphasise the nautical vibes. Just remember, less is more with this casual ensemble and it is best suited for a day by the sea or spent strolling along the pier in the cool Autumn sunshine.
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