We aren’t going to point fingers, but a lot of the runway shows this spring fell a little flat. Each seemed to be missing something, or maybe we were missing something, but it just didn’t work. Not so with Emilio Pucci. Peter Dundas’ debut both honored the glamorous, 1960s jet set style on which Pucci is based and added strong tailoring and powerful details.

The collection walked the line between couture beachwear and city night looks in white, black, canary yellow and a range of rich blues. The beach looks included strappy, bondage style swimsuits and decadent, flowing cover-ups. Brightly colored classic Pucci prints were worked into sheer dresses, swimsuits, and scuba-inspired cocktail attire. These pieces were balanced by solid pieces such as Lily Donaldson in a diaphanous white evening dress.

While the collection errs feminine, Dundas throws a few powerful, menswear pieces such as the black blazer and studded trouser combination, or the cut-out sequined jacket with harem pants look. Long silhouettes, sequined pieces, and bright colors that seemed monotonous on other spring runways, only looked perfectly Pucci here.

Photos:
Style.com

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For their Spring 2010 runway show, designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler “wanted something young, something that felt fresh” which explains why they looked to the skate and surf culture of their youth for inspiration. Stomping down the catwalk in skintight neon tops resembling 80’s rash guards, the models oozed the nonchalant attitude attained only by true beach bums.

The collection featured sky high hemlines in shocking hues, fringe, tie dye, sequins, and animal print. The draping (not to mention, neon shades) of some dresses was inspired by windbreakers we all remember from the 1980’s. Though not for wallflowers, the collection managed to refrain from feeling costume-y, thanks to beautiful craftsmanship and a fun-loving attitude.

With front row guests ranging from Leighton Meester and Terry Richardson to Carine Roitfeld and Anna Wintour, the collection is sure to have a huge impact on Spring 2010 fashion. Surf’s up!

Photos:
Style.com

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London Fashion Week is celebrating it’s 25th year; 25 years of undefinable, creative, and rebellious fashion. London is overspilling with young, bold talent and Christopher Kane is one young London designer who is truly thrusting this fashion capital forward.

His genius lies in the fact that he is fearless. He embraces the avant garde and makes the conceptual accessible, using neon, bleached denim, and leopard print to create fashion-forward garments with a raw sexiness and a commercial edge. Each of his collections is remarkably fresh and creative with fluorescent bandage, scalloped hems, oscillating geometric structures, and conceptual prints.

Kane has been incredibly creative not only in terms of designs but also in a commercial sense. Even during the economic turbulence, this young designer has been able to establish an identity and cement his position firmly in both the underground and established fashion worlds. His third collection for Topshop showcases both this commercial and creative genius.

This capsule collection for Topshop offers what one would expect from a Christopher Kane collection at the fraction of the cost. Embellished bodycon dresses, crocodile prints, and statement leggings are key features of this collection, which has flashes of Kane’s trademark neon, mesh and eyelets. With bags, shoes and dresses starting at just £30 this is the time to invest in a piece by London’s golden boy.

Where to Shop:
Topshop.com

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Organic by John Patrick has been on our radar for quite some time, if only for the fact that his line is eco-friendly and, well, organic. His garments have a simple style, and classic shape which got the attention of environmentally conscious fashionistas everywhere.

His Spring 2010 collection takes things up a notch with gently beautiful colours and prints, classically shaped blazers and softly cut trousers and shorts, in addition to some fabulous floral dresses. John Patrick is definitely bringing a solid sophistication to eco-chic, and some light, refined style to Spring 2010.

Photos:
Style.com

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The latest collection from Erin Fetherston for Spring 2010 oozes femininity and lady-like style with a touch of inspiration from Japan in the cherry blossom print that found its way into many of the garments on Fetherston’s runway. Soft colours and light sheer fabrics ruled with chiffon mini dresses, organza boleros, and evening dresses with translucent leg-baring detail. Fetherston also threw in a touch of sparkle for spring with some delightful garments including a pair of sequined shorts and a sparkling dress in the same pattern. Last, but definitely not least, were the whimsically pretty lace gloves and sheer headpieces and hats which gave a sweetly polished ladies-who-lunch look to the collection.

Photos:
Style.com

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Under the Bryant Park tents, repping the flag and its aesthetic roots couldn’t be more in vogue—until florals and patterns swamped the catwalk (Derek Lam), followed by the return of the banded dress (Hervé Leger), not to mention exotic safari print swimsuits (DVF). Divergence and contradiction in look and sensibility provide a colourful window into spring fashions. Standouts so far are those that convey a certain time period or place, however incongruous in the context of each other. Though there are no coherent seas of furs or neons or nudes as in the fall, the Mediterranean, the Nile, and both local coasts are flamboyantly represented.

Drawing upon a history of exploration and militia, Alexander Wang’s 2010 collection is red, white, and blue in hue and in feeling. Classic lines are revisited as flowing A-line skirts and recurring forms of beige maintain references to the American west, and a smattering of striped red and whites atop blue bottoms and brown penny loafers reinforce flag fever of days of yore. Pieces are elegant, if casual; and trendy, if simple. Wang’s designs are more romantic in spirit than was his F/W ’09 assemblage of studs and boots. They are exceedingly wearable without reaching minimalism, as in past seasons. Rather, a dynamism exists in the structures of fluid skirt drapery in combination with coarser textures and peek-a-boo cut-outs. And of course, rock-tinged biker chic wasn’t quite out of his system from fall ’09, so we can once again relish a decidedly fewer set of minis and leather (black, natch).

On the bolder, brighter, and more patterned side of the tracks is Derek Lam’s collection of vintage silhouettes and wild prints. Blues, greens, and reds burst from the belted get-ups evoking ‘40s sophistication. The collection features waist-hugging frocks with busy floral ornamentation (and many a trim thigh). A mid-century working woman dons the rainbow, vivid as Mediterranean yellows and teals. Casual glamour? Yes, please. Floral blouses, star-studded belts, and laced oxford booties lent the collection a modern elegance that visibly referenced an earlier epoch— one that has the oomph to reinstate itself today.

Photos:
Style.com

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Lana & Meghan, tjejsajten.blogspot.com
1. Big Boxy Blazers
Don’t leave home without ‘em!
UrbanOutfitters.com

2. Shredded sweaters
This summer, we were all about shredded tees, and we’re even more excited about warmer fall versions. There’s a cute version from Topshop, or more likely, we’ll do DIY’s!
AlexanderWang.com

3. Flat lace-up boots
You can never go wrong. They look cute with bare legs and a feminine dress, or with tights when it gets cold.
Topshop.com

4. Trousers
These look great with high-waists and pleats. Some of our favourite pairs are from thrift stores. We still love drop-crotch styles, too.
Urbanoutfitters.com

5. Anything leopard
We especially love the large graphic leopard prints at Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony.

Isabel, HipsterMusings.blogspot.com
In my mind, autumn is unquestionably the best time of the year; that is, weather and fashion-wise. The crisp air is always a refreshing change from the suffocating heat of summer, and I welcome the opportunity to layer more clothing with open arms. Yes, fall is definitely the best time of year and here are some things that I’ll be wearing constantly throughout the season.

1. Sequins
There’s nothing better to brighten up the prospect of a long and dreary winter than a little glitz in your wardrobe.
LaCouturierNYC.com

2. Thermal socks
These are more for winter than fall, I suppose, but I love to layer thermal socks over tights so I can continue to wear skirts long after the weather gets chilly.

3. Batwing sweaters
I dislike super-tight clothing, but these are simple and have an interesting silhouette.
AmericanApparel.net

4. LD Tuttle boots
I adore the shape of the heel and Susie Bubble says they’re a dream to walk in, which is nice for girl like me who refuses to tolerate painful footwear.
AllThingsOrdinary.net

5. Boyfriend jeans
Who else needs a break from the uncomfortable skinny jeans that have been ubiquitous for quite some time? I’m guessing there’s quite a few of us in that boat. I’d pair these with a huge old band tee, for a “baggy teenager from the 90s” sort of look.
Shopbop.com

Marta, WithLoveGabrielle.blogspot.com
For the past few seasons, for me it has been all about value, quality and timeless appeal. Items that are temporary no longer interest me; items that are valuable and are going to withstand the test of time are what I am looking to “invest” in. What I want are modern classics, items that will become staples in my wardrobe. For this season my top five essentials are:

1. Long Sleeve Metallic Mini Dress
Although seen all over the fall/winter 09 runway, it is an item that will make you feel fabulous and the center of attention for seasons to come.

2. Simple Sweater Dress
They are versatile and quite unexpected, and when paired with warm cashmere tights they are incredibly cozy and warm. Cashmere and wool sweater dresses are a must.

3. Fabulous Booties
Simply because they are fabulous! They bring an entire outfit together, giving it a simple and effortless look.

4. Leather Jacket
This baby is a classic in its own right.

5. Cashmere Scarf
A perfect addition to any outfit. Luxurious, functional, and timeless.

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With quintessentially British trends such as liberty prints, tweed, and equestrian styles hitting the runways this year, it is inevitable that houndstooth would arise as well. This sharp, classic print was shown blown-up out of proportion and in subtle tiny prints on everything from sweaters to boots.

The houndstooth print can look preppy on a crisp skirt; classic on a fall jacket; or rocker on a t-shirt with a pair of Converse. Alexander McQueen managed to make a classic houndstooth print shirt dress edgy for Fall 2009 while Moschino created the same style with a twist on a 1940s look, showing how versatile this pattern is. DKNY muted the pattern in order to mix it with stripes and textures. You can also do this by picking a small houndstooth pattern and mixing it up with another pattern in black and white, such as the new printed tights we’ve been seeing everywhere.

Photos:
Style.com

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Lucrecia, FashionIsPoison.com

1. Chunky sweater
Who says granny’s sweater isn’t cool? The popcorn details on this one adds a little spice to a boring outfit.
VictoriasSecret.com

2. Baggy cropped pants, preferably in a lighter color.
These are by Alexander Wang, although there would be many great vintage options out there.
Shopbop.com

3. Platform Sandal
I adore the detail on these Prada shoes. Clearly, they’re a summer shoe, but who says you can’t put on a pair of socks and let the transition into winter to take its course?
Barneys.com

Rebecca, TheClothesHorse.blogspot.com

1. Leopard print
UrbanOutfitters.com

2. Lace tights
ModCloth.com

3. Ankle boots
ShopRuche.com

4. Fingerless gloves
IntermixOnline.com

5. Layered necklaces
asos.com

Mary, HailMary-FullOfGrace.blogspot.com

1. Flats
My go-to shoes.
BergdorfGoodman.com

2. The Perfect Trench
Perfect for throwing on over messy outfits to run and grab breakfast in the morning. This is honestly a deciding factor for me. Breakfast is serious business.
ShopRuche.com

3. Green bag
I’d really like a big, lightweight green bag for fall; something big enough to fit some books, a laptop, and a pair of running shoes in it while breaking out of my neutral obsession. And what better a cure for all black than green?
Coach.com

4. Extra long cardigans
These are going to be a staple of fall for short people like me who can wear them as dresses.
BananaRepublic.com

5. Wrap dresses
Diane von Furstenberg does not disappoint with the lace detailing and pretty bow.
Shopbop.com

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There is something special about Tokyo—a sort of magnetic pull that captivates the heart and imprints a landscape onto the canvas of your memory. Maybe it’s the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble at Shibuya; the kind of phenomenon that marginalizes your sense of being. Or maybe it’s the neon lights that blaze across the night sky at a brightness that your visual senses have difficulty registering. Perhaps it’s the ultra urban aesthetic accented by the towering skyscrapers, providing an unparalleled skyline in any direction.

For me, the spectacle is, and always has been, the street fashion at ground level centered on the streets of Tokyo; in particular, Harajuku and Shibuya, two of Japan’s most vibrant youth districts. Two days were spent in search of notable icons who carry a distinctly Tokyo vibe: the desire to be noticed. To break down Tokyo street fashion, two styles on opposite sides of the spectrum appear to dominate, for lack of better words: explosive and classic. Explosive tends to boast a dizzying sense of colorfulness, channeling some sense of rebellion as the outfits seem to have no rhyme or reason. The less the colors coordinate, the better it seems. The overindulgent sense of creativity extends from head to toe, characterized by colorful skirts, knee-high socks, whacky nerd glasses – you name it.

Classic, on the other hand, is more familiar to our style senses as it hinges on refinement, clean lines, and naturally a more reserved look. Sterling silver watches, modest highlights, scarves to throw in touches of color; to the heels and leather boots, every piece plays a deliberate role in the overall look of an outfit.

Influences from Tokyo’s character are apparent in both styles. Explosive is a quiet defiance of all things Tokyo: punctuality, conformity, and organization; while classic is the adherence to all these things.

All photos taken by the author

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