nice trench.

Saw this on Net A Porter. What a great trenchcoat. Totally classic and clean, but the pleating adds a nice romantic, feminine touch.

don't call my name / don't call my name

Lady Gaga is on track to start shooting the music video for Alejandro pretty soon. I've been listening to the record a lot lately, wondering what kind of fashion and images are going to be incorporated into the video. I forsee a lot of rich textures. For some reason I keep having a vision of her wearing this cloud-like puff of black organza? I can't see what kind of garment it is but it definitely is like an Edwardian ruff collar, lots of volume, and totally see-through. My vision was inspired by the artwork for the record:

I know there's no organza here, but something about the record's sound- the throbbing beat with the screechy violin and ace-of-base-esque electronic tones- feels like a more muted color palette, the total opposite of the technicolor Telephone video.

Just a few thoughts. More to come later. I'm really excited to see what Gaga does with the Alejandro video. Aside from "Eh, Eh" it's really her first slow-ER record that is a lot more serious and sentimental then the beat-banging club smashes like Bad Romance or Poker Face. The record has a really different sound, it's definitely going to be a great video.

it comes it comes it comes it comes it comes it comes and goes

I know it's been talked about, but I just want to revisit my love for Proenza Schouler's SpringSummer2010 TieDye. It's fresh, it's updated, I love the electric feel, the effortless bad-ass chic.

frrrrosted TiPz

So I was in Subway, just waiting for a sandwich, minding my own business, and in walks one of the biggest trainwrecks I have ever seen. Tight, neon yellow Ed Hardy Shirt. Baggy baggy jeans slung so low that this gentleman's belt was cinching his buttocks. Visible, neon pink underwear. Shield sunglasses. And to top it all off, FROSTED TIPS. Oh, I didn't know people were still doing that....? I really resented his ensemble, and the most tragic part of all of this was that  he probably thought he looked so damn good. 

Don't strut into Subway during the lunch hour thinking you look amazing. Because you don't. Ok, so you dress like The Situation's gay little brother. Doesn't mean crap to me.

THAT'S ALL.

gone overboard.

Because the nautical trend is so hot right now. And so much fun.

So obviously you need an oversized Prada printed Saffiano leather tote to carry around snacks and things for the family when you're out on your America's Cup sailboat. And you also need these Derek Lam pumps because they are just like boating loafers but cooler. Chloe lambskin shorts. Cut-off, dropped shoulder, flowy silk top from Oasis. Tory Burch braided bracelet. Anchor pendant from Monsoon Accessories. Rounded RayBan wayfarers. Because Wayfarers are over. And round sunglasses can be obnoxious. So what better than to get a blend of the two???

easy breezy

Now if only the band on this hat were black instead of navy. Imagine yourself going to a summer luncheon. or something involving sitting outside in the sun.

Dress by Tory Burch. Hat by Anthony Peto Accessories. Forzieri pearl and diamond earrings. Kenneth Jay Lane stone bracelet. Chanel sunglasses. Michael Kors shoes.

brace yourselves, they're coming: MALE LEGGINGS and MALE SKIRTS

I am all about exploring the possibilities of fashion. This means crossing lines that have yet to be crossed. Now that we have women wearing menswear, why not have men wearing womenswear? Yes, there are certain garments that simply will never work on men- namely, the New Look style evening gown- just because of the simply truth that men and women are anatomically different.

For me, a handful of designers come to mind when thinking about exploring new modes of male dress, modes that had previously been considered 'female': Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, Rick Owens, and Gareth Pugh.

Let's take a look at Givenchy. For the upcoming FallWinter2010 collection, Monsieur Tisci sent out an array of masculine skirts. All were to the knee, some were in heavier wools, others in velvet. All were flattering and refreshing. Givenchy has also been into leggings lately. Male leggings were all of the Spring 2010 collection and have carried into the Fall 2010 collection. I think what makes his entire male-shirt-and-leggings discourse so interesting was the use of Christian iconography and costume. The models were styled with Crown of Thorn necklace, one even sporting a TShirt which read "JESUS IS LORD." What does it mean to invoke Christian ideals of the Christ figure when experimenting with male skirts, male leggings? Are we supposed to remember that the Lord himself, by far the most influential person in history, wore glorified dresses?

ANYWAYS I digress. My point is here, ladies and gents, that male leggings and male skirts are coming in and there is nothing you can do about it! With the likes of fashion icons (?)(figureheads?) such as Andrew Mukamal being brought to forefront of pop culture- for those of you living under a rock, I am referring to Bravo's 'Kell on Earth'- and couture-tier houses producing ready-to-wear gender benders, it's only a matter of time until male skirts and leggings go mainstream. Here's a great street style pic of leggings done RIGHT. Although I am still not sure about 3/4 length versus full-length leggings. I think it depends on the shape of your leg. But whatever.

And this kind man had the decency to wear the leggings under shorts, so you prudes have no reason to pull out your "but we are so afraid of the visible bulge!" crap.

I think you get the idea. Here's some more men in skirts and leggings for your consideration.

But as of now, it seems that the trend is going to remain that leggings will be worn under a constructed bottom instead of hiding under a long drapey top. Even the fashion forward are too afraid to completely let loose the penis.

mcqueen's final collection

I was revisiting the final McQueen collection today. I hate talking all cliche and such, but this is really everything a final collection should be: a view at both the past and at the future, crafted according to the designer's vision. The drapey dresses are reminiscent of his previous collection (Plato's Atlantis) and the styling of the hair with mowhawk thingies looks feels very McQueen/punkish. The collection is filled with rich brocades and jacquards, harking back to the middle ages and the beginnings of couture techniques. But the use of iconography as digitally printed on some of the fabrics makes it incredibly freshfeeling and new. Once again, rest in peace Mr McQueen.

postmodernism. on your feet.

Balenciaga Fall 2010.

NEW HEADER

My new blog header comes from the Prada SS09 ad campaign, probably my favorite Prada collection in recent memory. The placement of the blog title was kind of happenstance, I never intended to put it there but after seeing how the letters kind of framed the models' faces, how it looks like it is indiscrimnately plastered across them... I kind of fell in love and decided to leave it that way.