Citing the Holly Hobbie doll’s layered patchwork clothing as a reference point for resort, Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy’s creative director, realized his inspiration by adding a ruffled peplum effect to a variety of silhouettes. This included a gabardine trenchcoat, a chocolate brown leather top that was paired with a printed tapered skirt, and a denim dress — all executed to perfection. His photo prints stunned and were seen in two floral options, as well as in a spectacular floral confetti burst. “It was so full of print, which is becoming a sign of Givenchy,” Tisci said to WWD. “I wanted to develop that, and deliver a collection that was part Gypsy and dolly.” The outcome was both.

Opening looks included various white lace ensembles (a particular standout was the corset dress worn over pants), which led up to a neutral trench with a floral lined collar and lapel — offering a hint of the colorful prints that followed. We then saw a green and pink floral printed strapless dress shown over slim pants, the same print in a jacket and pant combination, a floral print dress covered with a leather bomber jacket, followed by numerous peplum looks, and ending with a black jacket and a black, oversized, flared out pant for evening.

Collars and cuffs were completed in combinations of sparkling crystals, mother of pearl, obsidian (volcanic glass formed as an igneous rock), and onyx. Just stunning! His color palette consisted of white, taupe, navy, black and gold and he played with a variety of fabrics, including cotton poplin, leather and textured lace, presenting a brilliant, wearable collection. Strappy white, black and printed pumps with concaved heels and peep toe ankle boots in white lace, black leather and various prints (the same used in the apparel) finished the looks.

Born in Paris in 1963, this high-heel designer slipped into the shoe business after seeing a sign that prevented women from wearing stilettos in the African and Oceanic Museum of Art. The image of the dramatic pair of heels on the sign influenced him, and he later used that image as inspiration for his own sketches.

Louboutin often skipped school to peruse flea markets or attend cabaret shows, and when he was kicked out of school at 16, he started to work with the prominent Parisian cabaret, Folies Bergère, where he had the opportunity to make shoes for the dancers. He landed a job in 1980 with famed shoe designer, Charles Jourdan. Over the next three years, he freelanced for fashion houses Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel. He also spent time working with Roger Vivier. His experiences with Jourdan and Vivier helped equip him with the necessary tools to launch a successful brand under his own name. He opened his premier store in Paris in 1991 and he quickly became a favorite of celebrities and illustrious public figures.

His first admirers and customers included Princess Caroline of Monaco and Madonna. He has revamped the stiletto with a flair for sexiness and poise. Known for his exoticism and design details that feature feathers, bows, jeweled straps and whimsical prints, his most recognizable emblem, is the “Sammy red” sole of every heel.

Louboutin deciding to add the red sole — at the last second using red nail polish — as a statement for one of his seasonal collections, and kept the color as his customers continued to request it. Louboutin became a household name thanks to references in popular culture and continued to expand his brand, opened his first U.S. store in 1993 in New York City’s Upper East Side. 10 years later, he ventured into designing handbags to complement his legendary shoes.

Men were able to purchase red-soled shoes in 2011, when he launched his first men’s collection. The same year, the shoe designer was caught up in a red clash with Yves Saint Laurent (Saint Laurent Paris). Trademarking his signature red-soled shoes back in 2008, he filed a lawsuit against YSL for trademark infringement after a red-soled shoe appeared in its cruise collection.

In 2012, the judge ruled in Louboutin’s favor as exclusive owner to the rights of the red-soled shoe, and YSL could continue to sell shoes with red soles as long as the rest of the shoe was made in the same color. The Louboutin brand is nowhere close to losing its stomping speed, as of now the luxury brand has more than 42 boutiques worldwide and sells 600,000 shoes annually. Taking a stab at the beauty world, he has teamed up with Batallure Beauty LLC to launch Christian Louboutin Beauté set to be released sometime in 2013.

A tropical theme set the mood for the Spring 2014 Prada men’s ready-to-wear collection. Heavily print driven looks took to the runway, whether peeking out from underneath a jacket or shown as the main piece. Refined Hawaiian, rainforest foliage, flora and fauna, beach sunset, 1950s graphic, and 1940s pinup girl prints were seen in darker tones on long-sleeve, button-down tops, sweaters, and silky, slouch jackets, as well as on briefcases, suitcases, and weekender bags. They were paired with various trousers, both pinstriped and solid. Silky boxing shorts were shown in a bright turquoise and also in black.  Silhouettes were relaxed, pants were full, blousons were plump, short sleeves were layered over long sleeves, and double-breasted jackets were left unbuttoned. 

An unexpected feature of the show was the infusion of  twelve womenswear looks that mimicked the menswear prints shown mostly in dresses, some embellished with crystals, and available as part of the resort collection.

The set played just as important of a part of the collection itself and was artfully decorated with palm trees, a sunset, water, and helicopters, suggesting a tropical resort meets war zone feeling and was given the title, “Menacing Paradise” by creative head Miuccia Prada. The audience sat in a blue pit that imitated water, as models paraded around them.

The color palette featured neutral shades of grey, mahogany, burgundy, brown, and teal. Sneakers and loafers were worn with socks that slouched down toward the ankle, and were shown in solid or two-tones, both with and without laces. Sunglasses were straight out of the 1970s and were tinted in retro yellow and red shades. Belts were striped in various colorways and hung down loosely over the pants. For women, accessories included clutch and weekender bags in various prints and chunky jewelry.

ALEXANDER WANG – Fall/Winter 2013-14 Collection – New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Photo Credit: Versace/Mert and Marcus

Photographer team Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot shot fashion supermodels Kate Moss, Joan Small and Daria Werbowy as they gracefully portray modern day goddesses in the Versace Spring/Summer 2013 campaign.

Inspired by the annual music festival, Coachella, (which takes place in an expansive California desert) Mert & Marcus recreated their sandy version in London.

Each model is accompanied by a male counterpart, or counterparts in Moss’ case. One of the toughest feats as a model is to stand out when photographed alongside multiple subjects. Moss pulls this off like a triumphantly.

Hugo Boss’ Spring/Summer 2013 campaign translates a breath of fresh air into sophistication and leisure. The stills feature models Liu Wen, Toni Garn, Edita Vilkeviciute and Gabriel Aubrey. Photographed by renowned photographer Mikael Jansson, this advertisement will surely leave you pining for warmer climates.

By Malaika Woods

November 14 – November 15 Thursday Friday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm 11:00 am – 7:00 pm fall / winter merchandise for women now up to 90% off retail prices we have been restocking daily    HELMUT LANG   now 30% off everything t-shirts now $28 sweaters now $56 blouses now $63 bottoms now $35 – $91 dresses now $84 – $126 blazers now $70 – $140 outerwear now $210 leather jackets now $280 above prices reflect the 30% off markdown prices are rounded up to the nearest dollar