‘New Romance’ can still blossom in winter and it’s a budding example of how tradition and luster can embody a sense of ease. In a growing market catering to polished looks that offer comfort within a specific price bracket, it’s no surprise as to which the strongest contenders are. Both Oliver Theyskens and Vera Wang possess esteemed careers in luxury, his past experience in Haute Couture and her ongoing success in Bridal Wear. The king of
Vera Wang’s approach to her ready to wear line is soft and enchanting, yet she manages to sneak urban elements into the mix. Sheer nude chiffon and lace contrast against structured wool pieces and the most valiant example is a black embroidered jacket molded to the body and paired with a printed flowing skirt, reminiscent of a watercolour painting. Sally Lapointe, a young up and comer, boasts an undeniable strength in this category. She understands proportions and executes to elongate the wearer. Her rise in popularity lends thanks to a special celebrity client, Lady Gaga – ambassador of love, originality and romance. A most fitting match as Lapointe’s looks are feminine yet play with devilish geometry and a dash of grit.
Leather conquered the runways this season and the sheer abundance urged for diversity. As a result, designers explored new territory by rendering leather in unique ways. The designer of Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa has an immaculate image to uphold. Abiding to the houses’ sensibilities, each season he
An exquisitely tailored leather peplum jacket brought structure to the hemline through the use of darts. With the lack of a horizontal seam to create the volume, we’re reminded of Costas’ inherent ability to manipulate patterns and edit out the unnecessary, making us all believers in a less is more mantra. His leather paneled skirts and dresses were appreciated by all and left Costa standing in a category all to himself. There’s truly no match for the caliber of his easy to wear garments.
Respect to the fashion innovators who’s forward thinking and unapologetic visions of the future enthrall us all. Nicolas Ghesquière, a simple Frenchman with a not so simple fashion policy is a daring trailblazer. As the creative director of Balenciaga, he doesn’t rely on the house’s extensive archives. Instead he invites us to a world highly immersed in the avant-garde with a fortress of unseen before looks. With colour alone
THE MUST HAVE COAT is oversized with a drop shoulder and slightly larger bicep that drops evenly to the sleeve hem. Made in dense wool to with hold the desired silhouette. Pair with fitted garments to help balance the full structure of this piece.
Prepare for a season full of expression, pieces adorned, embroidered and devoted to every detail. For some these looks may run along a fine line of excess but there’s an underlying sophistication here. Without a doubt the most powerful message came from Balmain, designer Olivier Roustieng used embroidery, appliqué and embossing techniques on nearly every piece in his
By Janelle Gauthier – NICHE Magazine Winter 2013