Category Archive: Fashion

Fashion designer Collette Dinnigan is all about appealing to the femininity in women -- her two most recent collections, despite being for the fall and winter seasons, were entirely comprised of skirts and dresses, save for a single pair of shorts. The colors she utilizes speak to the same type of woman, with remarkably soft pallets and, at times, careful hints of lace. Her choice to dedicate her line to this type of client makes sense when considering that the South African-born and New Zealand-raised blonde beauty got her start in the world of lingerie. And despite expanding her fashion repertoire, Dinnigan has continuously devoted her time to this particular style.

Dinnigan, now based out of Australia, is capable of dressing her clients at any point in their lives. From the bedroom, their wedding day, to more simple street wear, her collections have them covered. Her once dry-clean only lingerie collection now boasts playful yet classy pieces, sporting both soft colors with lace trim to more bold animal prints. The intricacy of lingerie is one of her favorite aspects of the design process, as she tells New Zealand online fashion magazine Fashionz, "...what I love is that it’s all so tiny and small, it’s almost like you want to frame pieces! Whereas when you tend to get big gowns, with a lot of fabric, there isn’t the same ‘smallness’ of it, you know, the attention to detail? And I think you can use some really beautiful print, and not necessarily have to be so traditional. And it’s just the femininity of it all, really, and the trimmings, those are the bits that I love." Her bridal collection ranges in style as well, but ultimately goes for a classic look in cool whites. Some are decorated with a more delicate silk organza while others are fully embroidered in Swarovski crystals. Her ready-to-wear pieces also go for bright looks, flirtatious dresses, and occasionally sheer and bold trim. This ability to take on all types of design makes her a powerhouse in the fashion world.

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Kenzo Takada: Introducing Fashion to Japan

Everyone knows that Paris is the fashion capital of the world. The pinnacle of fashion success lies in the heart of France. With that being said, making it to the top is anything but a walk in a beautiful Parisian park. Kenzo Takada is a prime example of the hard work that it takes to make it in the Paris fashion world.

Kenzo, born in Himeji, Japan in 1939, is the first Japanese designer to be recognized by French fashion professionals, while also being considered one of the most influential ready-to-wear designers. Kenzo first became interested in fashion after looking at his sister's magazines. He knew that Japan was no place for a fashion designer, so it wasn't long before Kenzo was on a boat to Paris intending to only stay for six months. However, as soon as he landed in Marseilles he knew this would become his new home.  

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Jeremy Scott: Urban Edge

His pop culture references are often unexpected. Jeremy Scott’s inspiration can come from anything from McDonald’s to Shrek. His designs are just as edgy as they are unique. If you wear an outfit from one of his collections, I can guarantee you that you will not have to fear wearing the same thing as everyone else. His work combines urban and punk. His use of flashy and bright colors along with ironic references to pop culture blends the world of urban chic and bold punk.

Scott looks the part of a designer that would create unique clothing. He often has half of his head shaved and can be seen wearing cool shades of some sort. He fits the part of a designer that caters to a younger population that has the guts to pull off outrageous designs and go against the norm. Although his creations are absolutely captivating, it does take a certain amount of bravery to wear his outfits. His clothing is not for the faint of heart or for someone who is afraid to stand out in a crowd. They are designed for the fresh fashion innovators of the world and the people that want to start trends rather than simply follow them. According to Complex.com, a website that focuses on the latest art and fashion trends, celebrities such as Kanye West and Lil’ Wayne have been spotted wearing Scott’s designs. Furthermore, Scott finds the styles of Niki Manaj, Rihanna and Katy Perry to be some of the best examples of fashion today in Hollywood. When talking about Katy Perry Scott told Complex.com, “She really has created a new category of this sexy and humorous style which are two of the defining points of my own work.” Scott has even had the opportunity to see Rihanna and Katy Perry wear his quirky yet daring designs.

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Nike: Equality


"Here, within these lines, on this concrete court, this patch of turf, here, you are defined by your actions. Not your looks or beliefs. Equality should have no boundaries. The bonds we find here (the court/field) should run pass these lines. Opportunity should not discriminate. The ball should bounce the same for everyone. Worth should outshine color. If we can be equals here, we can be equals everywhere."

These are the words of actor Michael B. Jordan, as he narrated a commercial last February for Nike. A commercial that featured LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, former NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz, Olympic champion Gabby Douglas, soccer star and LGBT activist Megan Rapinoe, and Olympic hurdler Dalilah Muhammad. 

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Via Spiga: Putting Some Sass in Your Step

“Sophisticated design for the modern woman” is the way the Italian shoe designer label, Via Spiga,  is described on its official Facebook page, but what it should say is “put some sass in your step.” Because, the Via Spiga shoe designs are some of the most lively and colorful ones around today. Their shoes combine elegant classic shapes like the stiletto heel or the wedge with modern detailing like ropes, cutouts, and buckles that give their designs a unique twist. They are metallic when everything else is matte and they are bringing luxury back one step at a time.

The Via Spiga label was established back in 1985 and it got its name from the main street in one of the most famous shopping districts in Milan. The Via Spiga ”Heritage” page on the company’s website says, “Italian design, luxurious materials and beautiful detailing maintain Via Spiga’s rich heritage…” and I personally have to agree with them. Their designs are beautiful, wearable, and most importantly unique. I can’t tell you how many pairs of matte flats I’ve seen lately and I’m over it. By the looks of things, so is Via Spiga.

 

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Isabel Marant: Comfy Couture

Though you may not be familiar with her name, you've lived in her style whether her name was on the label or not. Fashion designers are well known for their head to toe impeccable appearances, in the case of Isabel Marant, you'll find a more lax style. Baggy sweaters, easy hair-dos and just a light touch of makeup encompass Marant's look.

However, this is not the same as the clothes she creates. Marant's designs are very subdued in color. Earthy, natural tones are occasionally splashed with a pop of blue or red. A billowy blouse is complemented by a sleek pair of crop pants. The best part about this is that Marant's clothes are great for everyday wear. Nothing is grandiose or flamboyant – the focus is on making clothes that people want to wear, not just a piece of art that could be worn, but that will be worn. “I want to make real clothes that you keep in your closet a long time, that you don’t tire of, and that you can juxtapose with the next collection,” Marant said with the arts and travel site Hobo Magazine.

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