Curacao Fashion Week

Curacao is making its mark in the fashion world with its 1st International Fashion Week held on the island. With opening their runway to global talent, rather than limiting it to locals only, Curacao Fashion Week has created a global platform for designers around the world to showcase their talent. Charles Albert® was the featured designer during the Aqua di Lara show and received an award for Best Jewelry Designer.

Curacao Fashion Week's goal is to be the leading event in the Caribbean for fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience and promote new fashion designers through runway shows and exhibitions. “A rich culture rooted in history, hospitality, exquisite beaches and spectacular diving, stunning architecture, activities, and adventures for every interest -- plus multicultural diversity, intriguing music, art, and much more. Additional designers included in Curacao Fashion Week include: Washington Roberts (USA), Aqua di Lara (Canada), House of Byfield (Jamaica), Castro Rojas (Puerto Rico), Romero Bryan (London) and several others.

Trend: Fitted Jumpsuits

Rompers and jumpsuits that where strictly made for toddlers are now a thing of the past. When they started making appearances on Red Carpets and parties, you must have guessed that this trend would be sticking around for some time.

Baggy and loose fitting versions of rompers where something I stayed away from, since they can look unflattering and "sack-like".

But after seeing this trend on designer runways, I think it's fair enough to not only describe them as chic, but elegant too.

Roberto Cavalli

Givency

Iceberg

Lanvin

Twenty8Twelve

Stella McCartney

Versace For Men Autumn/Winter 2011-2012

This season’s Versace collection for men presents an optical game of shapes, proportions,colors and graphics, conducted with a knowing and contemporary nod.

This is not, however, a look that sparkles and shines. Instead the luxurious aspect of the collection – such a hallmark of the Versace brand – comes from the fine fabrics used and the expert tailoring employed.

The foundation of the collection comprises highly sartorial elements, with garments that have a new volume and are less rigid and softer than previously. Notably, the shoulder line of jackets and coats is markedly relaxed, and detailing has been simplified without betraying the Maison’s DNA.

Proportions are playfully reworked with sophistication and wit – short and long combine. Lengths of jackets are extended and waistlines are dropped.

The result is a cool, contemporary take on Versace codes. The knitwear is essential to the spirit of the collection, and the combination of textures and colours in the knits creates a modern 3D effect. This is also the result of the special processes applied to the threads. Embroidered leather coats and astrakhan necks of the coats also posses a three-dimensional aspect.

Colors include electric blue, camel, red, purple and flashes of hot pink. Suits explore a full range of grey shades.

Fabrics and textures are extremely luxurious: wool and cashmere are key.

Accessories complete the look: the shoes have a modern and pointed shape, with contemporary details, such as rubber soles, that emphasize their lines.

Beshka Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook

Bershka already featured Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook on their website involving a summer inspired photo shoot.

As usual Bershka’s S/S 2011 Collection designed for students and with inspiration coming from different sources, namely the 50′s (think pretty polka dots, oversized sunglasses, high-waisted shorts and two-piece bathing suits) and Paris (incorporating stripes and dots in typical French colors - red and blue). The result is a French-navy look that you'll love.

For the boys, plaid shirts are the timeless piece that is trendy this spring/summer. Worn with jeans and football jackets, it gives a casual, laid-back look. The same goes for girls, as jeans are very present in this collection.

The wide-leg trouser is having a comeback, so don’t hesitate to buy a pair. Lace is still in, and so are nude colors, giving the perfect feminine combination.

Check out the Bershka S/S 2011 Lookbook:

Spring/Summer 2010 Trend: Hot Pants

So... For the most part, I've been able to grasp most fashion trends that resurface every few decades. Acid wash jeans, bell bottoms, big shoulder pads, grunge... all would seem like blasphemous ideas, till the masses accepted them and decided they could be made to look good.

Could the same be said for Summer 2010's trend in shorts: hot pants??

Supposed to depict a female version of me doing lunges, ha ha...-->

They've been all over runways this year, from Prada to Marc Jacobs, magazine covers and go way back to the pin up girls era, including all the sexiness it exuded.

Though I'm still on the fence about jumping on the fashion wagon with this trend, some people seem to effortlessly pull it off. Personally, I'd feel a bit too self conscious, and I can only imagine my dad's face upon seeing me walk out the door. On the plus side at least you'll save a whole lot of space if you pack these for vacation?

A few tips on How To Wear Hot Pants (with "Negative Hemlines")- without having them look like you stole your grandma's underwear:

• Apple shaped ladies, stay far far away from the high waisted variations of this trend. High waists tend to emphasize any problem areas around the stomach ("tummy pooch").
• Ladies: get your wax/shave/lasering on! No one wants to see hair peeking out of the bikini region or stubble.
• This goes without saying, but your legs are going to be getting most of the attention. Keep legs looking lean and sexy by exfoliating, applying a fake tanner and moisturizing.
• Look for a negative hemline curves up your outer thigh. Around the back, it should follow the contour of your tush.
• Wear them with a skinny waist belt to add some flare. This will also make for less of the "I forgot my pants at home" look.
• Wearing high (preferably) strappy heels give a slimming effect to the silhouette and make for a more sophisticated look.
• Pair with tights to reduce the impact of baring so much flesh, and also keeping warm if you live in cooler countries.
• Watch out for the camel toe! This is a good reason to go for looser shorts.
• Balance out the silhouette by covering up on top. A billowy blouse, a slouchy top or a sloppy boyfriend blazer will add some sophistication.

I kind of like these runway looks

NICOLE MILLER S/S 2010

Thank god there are alternatives for those of us who prefer not to flaunt it all: boy shorts and tap pants.

Boy shorts or short shorts are somewhat like the negative hemline shorts, but bare none of your tush.

Tap pants are a loose, almost skirt like version of them, with a slightly longer hemline (no longer then 2 inches though).

BALMAIN S/S 2010

Marchesa S/S 2010

OUTFIT IDEAS:

Tap Pants:

What are your thoughts on these hot trends this season? What will and won't you be trying out?

Burberry Model Tom Nicon Found Dead

The 22-year-old French model – who has also fronted campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Versace – reportedly jumped 40ft to his death from his apartment window in Milan, Italy –  and was found dead just hours before the start of Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week. The model had recently broken up with his girlfriend and had been depressed, according to an insider.


Designer Donatella Versace expressed her sadness at the model’s death: “Tom was with us on Friday morning for a final show fitting. He seemed fine and calm. He had already done three or four shows with us and he was a sweet boy. “We just can’t understand why he did what he did. We would never have thought he would do something like this. “When we heard the news we were all so upset and we still are all so very sad.”
Organisers say Milan Fashion Week will continue to go ahead but it is thought a tribute will be paid to the young Frenchman.

Police in the Italian city have revealed they are treating Tom’s death as suicide.
May he rest in peace.

Trends: Spring 2009 part 1

Alot of daring trends have surfaced lately (e.g. tie die/bleached leggings, ripped and shredded wear) there are lots of other sophisticated trends which made their mark on the runways of New York fashion week as well. Here are some of the best:

1. Military jackets:
The cropped military coat returns for spring. Usually with a structured fit and embellishment on the front. If you loved blazers in 2008, this is a great alternative.

Lucky for us Andy from Style Scrapbook has a TON of alternatives with her crafty DIY projects for much much less. (Below)

2. Zippers:

My favorite has to be the first dress below by Phillip Lim (Err... as well as all of his other creations which are ruled by zippers and ruffles... Genius!) All are obviously over most people's budget but nothing a bit of DIY can't help with. Get creative and spice up any dress or skirt by stitching one on.

3. Relaxed pants:
This spring it's all about the airy, loose pants. Hands down the comfiest trend.

The key is to get the correct fit: fitted around the waist and butt, looser and more relaxed over your thighs, and tapered and cropped above the ankles.

Cropped pants can make your legs seem shorter, here's a helpful tip: wear heels to balance everything out if you're on the somewhat short. If you're taller, pair them with heels or wedges for a dressier look, or flat gladiator sandals for a more casual vibe. Please, no ballet flats!

Because you're going loose on your bottom half, you'll want to wear a more fitted top. A tucked in blouse works for a more professional setting. When you're not at work, wear a slim-fitting t-shirt and belt around the pants.

Stay tuned for part 2..

Photo credit: http://www.collegecandy.net/

Models Slip On Runway At Prada Spring/Summer 09

This reminds me of the Carrie Bradshaw scene where she is modeling and does a face plant, maybe less embarrassing. The uber high heels at the Prada Spring/Summer show in Milan caused at least 2 models to lose their balance and most of the other ones seem to be wobbeling:

The designer admits "maybe" the height wasn't well thought out, but promises that once the shoes hit store they won't be as high. I can't help but wonder how high those heels actually where?