My favourite of recent publications has been the April 2010 issue of Style magazine (Singapore).  Not only does the issue raise a lot of eyebrows with their fashion related questions, I also had a series of “aha” moments as I read on.  I was blown away.  Now that’s what I call a good read!

In one article, “Curiouser & Curiouser,” writer May Yip questions whether some over the top designer looks are meant strictly for the runway.  If it works on a magazine cover, does it really work for an ordinary day? The piece is centered around an experiment where Yip took a Louis Vuitton ensemble straight off the runway (from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection) and wore it on the streets of Singapore.  The reactions? Well, what else can you expect when you pair metallic shorts with bicycle tights underneath and a smart blazer.

The truth is, most designers send some looks down the runway strictly for editorial purposes.  They are simply not meant for mere mortals, unless they want to be mistaken for an OTT fashion faux-pas! Is that wrong? Producing garments that are essentially not meant to be sold or worn? Absolutely not! Designers use this to create a name for themselves, to build a reputation for their design house, to lure viewers to buy their goods, to get their featured in magazines (and perhaps their covers), the list goes on.  Like Betty Suarez declared in an epiphany she once had, it is art.  It goes beyond the concept and design…the workmanship that is put into some of these garments is extremely detailed and intricate.  Through these show pieces and their collections in general, designers convey their views on society or even the world, which we decode to form trends.  It is with these trends that we ultimately get a taste of what was once upon a time, showcased on the runway.

So…would I wear that Louis Vuitton ensemble? Maybe as separates (if it works) but definitely not as an entire look.  I’d rather stare at the art than wear the art.

Image Source: Scanned from Style magazine (April 2010)

]]> http://fishinforfashion.com/2010/05/12/would-you-wear-it/feed/ 0 http://fishinforfashion.com/2010/03/25/o-say-can-you-see/ http://fishinforfashion.com/2010/03/25/o-say-can-you-see/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:38:23 +0000 Fishin' for Fashion http://fishinforfashion.com/?p=902 Are we all dying for the sun to come out and stay??? I know I am! How about a dose of Spring’s trends?

Ralph Lauren; DKNY; Derek Lam (All Spring/Summer 2010)

Designers paid tribute to good ol’ US of A as looks were filled visions of the American flag.  Stars and stripes made up graphics and prints while looks were comprised of beautiful shades of red, white and blue in cotton, denim, linen and poppy voile.  It’s truly the season to get patriotic and hail the American dream!

Top Row (L-R): Boat Neck Striped Dress with Bow, Thread Social; Ghillie Woven Leather Gladiator Sandals, Sigerson Morrison; Striped High Waist Skirt with Belt, Alice + Olivia

Middle Row (L-R): Andrea Bustier Dress, Alice + Olivia; Starry Knit Leggings, Forever 21; Pave Star Studs, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Bottom Row (L-R): Denim and Stripe Bandeau Bikini, Rosa Cha; Long Sleeve Dress, Derek Lam; Striped Zip Up Hoodie, Forever 21

Image Source: Forever21.com, Net-a-Porter.com, ShopBop.com, Style.com

As I was walking in the subway today, I noticed this (please excuse the poor photoraphy as it was taken with my iPhone).

And this.

Of course I saw the Diesel logo but I just didn’t get it.  A quick search on Google explained that Diesel launched a campaign earlier this Spring to encourage consumers to “be stupid,” arguing that it makes people take more risks and go beyond smart people.

Consumers were encouraged to send videos of stupid things they did to be a part of Diesel’s online video catalog so that they could eventually share their stupidity to the world.  You can learn more about it here.  Is this what marketing has come to???

In our day and age, where we witness Gossip Girl-like drama unfold in front of us in every realm of our society (hello Tiger Woods and Eliot Spitzer!), where it’s considered “cool” for young Hollywood role models to be jailed and commit crimes, a time when 15 minutes of fame couldn’t be sought after more and where our TVs are filled with reality programs and shows that center around…well, nothing; how could such a global, powerful fashion brand that targets the younger generation be encouraging more of this?

Yes, the ad grabbed my attention right away and even encouraged me to approach its website.  However, after learning of the idea behind the campaign, I was not only turned off but convinced that the thought of stupidity would be stuck in my head every time I see the brand from here on.  And to think that I fit right smack in the middle of their target market! Pick and choose your battles Diesel, pick and choose.

Image Source.  Diesel.com

I was ecstatic when I saw that the inspiration behind OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection was Hong Kong.  Coming from Hong Kong myself, it’s always exciting to see someone showcasing the beauty and excitement of this city.

The company that famously preaches that “it’s no longer about wearing a nail polish; it’s about wearing an accessory,” uses this season’s collection to capture the brilliant sharpness of Hong Kong’s cityscape.  The inspiration behind it comes from the intriguing complexity and multi-cultural personalities of the Pearl of the Orient – Hong Kong, a city where we all yearn for the simplicity of the old but are not quite ready to leave the excitement of the new.

The 12 vibrant shades are cleverly named after gems of Hong Kong and aspects of Chinese culture.  This palette truly brings Hong Kong alive! I’m definitely feeling some “Meet Me on the Star Ferry”…

To see close-ups of OPI’s Spring/Summer 2010 Hong Kong Collection, click here and here.

Image Source: OPI.com

I remember being six years old and wishing I was older simply so I could use a purse.  Instead, I would just steal from my mum’s closet and run around my home with a purse so long that it almost reached my ankle! Naturally, you can imagine my excitement about this trend.  We saw long strap shoulder bags make an appearance on the Spring/Summer 2010 runways…

Derek Lam, Spring 2010; Marc Jacobs, Spring 2010; DKNY, Spring 2010

This new shoulder bag is perfect for everyday use, night or day.  Pair it with a fun dress or with tightly fitted jeans…

Lauren Conrad; Zoe Salana; Alexa Chung

There are so many options out there at a wide range of prices, colours, styles and material…and these are only my picks!

Studded Shoulder Purse, Forever 21, $14.80

Totally Turnlock Sasha Messenger Bag; Marc by Marc Jacobs, $458

Material Girl Crossbody Bag; RACHEL Rachel Roy, $79.00

Rocker Bag; Rebecca Minkoff, $330

Goa Saddle Bag; Banana Republic, $150.00

Leather Woven Cross Body Bag; Topshop, $55

Image Source: Asos.com, BananaRepublic.com, FashionUnder100.net, Forever21.com, Macys.com, Shopbop.com, Style.com, TinyPic.com, TopShop.com

Anyone who knows me well recognizes my dislike for anything nature-like.  Give me a plant and I’ll toss it; invite me to go hiking and I’ll run the other way.  I’m more of an urban girl…but show me a garden with an H&M stamp on it and I’m all eyes and ears!

Due to come out this Spring (towards the end of March I hear), H&M has created a sustainable and organic collection made with recycled materials such as PET-bottles and textile waste that is full of ’70s inspired coolness, ruffles and flowers.  Dubbed the “Garden Collection”, the pieces are bright, feminine, romantic, playful yet sophisticated…perfect for Spring! The best part – the prices match our current economically down days…with the highest price at $60!

Here are some pieces from the collection.  Pretty clothes at a good price and it’s good for the world! What more can a girl ask for?

$17.95

$29.95

$17.95

$19.95

$24.95

$39.95

$49.95

$4.95

Image Source: HMTheGardenCollection.com

Ah, I think I’ve found my solution.

To view the entire collection, click here.

Image Source: JoAnnHuth.com

Celebrating Nars’ 15th anniversary, make up guru Francois Nars launched 15 x 15, a book that is fit for the coffee table featuring 15 artsy portraits of his fashion buddies.  Tanya Ballou, Naomi Campbell, Daphne Guinness, Carla Gugino, Dayle Haddon, Shalom Harlow, Marc Jacobs, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Amanda Lepore, Natasha Poly, Isabella Rossellini, Lisa Marie Smith, Olivier Theyskens, Amber Valletta and François Vincentelli are all featured using star products from the brand.  All proceeds from the project are donated to 15 of the icons’ desired charities.

The looks, created by Nars himself, truly show how you can play with make up!

Marc Jacobs as China Machado wearing Dovima Nail Polish

Natasha Poly in Punk Rock wearing Rated R Duo Eyeshadow

Daphne Guinness in Modern Edwardian wearing Night Breed Single Eyeshadow

To view all portraits or to purchase the book, click here.

Image Sources: 15×15Project.com, NarsCosmetics.com

Image Source: Joyce Holiday 2009 Catalogue

If you’re looking for a way into a girl’s heart, look literally.  The modern and classic pendants from Tiffany’s Keys collection do exactly that.  The keys are paired with chains and cords of varying lengths and materials.   A great item to add to your holiday gift list!

To shop the collection, click here.

Image Source: Tiffany.com