Fashion Week: Viva La Paris!

Paris, the city of romance and love. One of the world’s leading tourist attractions, with 45 million tourists every year. There is no surprise that Paris, in terms of fashion, is one of the big four. The other prominent cities include, Milan, New York City, London.

During fashion week, it is a showcase of people with different styles, yet with the similar interest-Fashion. It is almost like a masquerade party whereby fashionistas parade around in almost flawless style.




(images source from www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

In major fashion capitals, Fashion week are semiannual events, which January through March designers showcase their autumn/winter collections and September through November the Spring/Summer collections are showcased.

This is where and when the future of fashion is depicted and the highlight for every fashion lover.

Here is my list of the best of the best from Paris Fashion Week 2009.
First up, Alexander McQueen.




McQueen’s audience was left in awe as he delivers yet another spectacular show. Harsh makeup was used and the runway was staged in a very theatrical style. Almost like watching art in clothes form. The models were all absolutely well rehearsed. They kind of have an understanding of McQueen's ideas leading to every move having translated McQueen’s designs into life. McQueen is implying digs at past fashion masters and also incorporated recycling into his designs. (below)

Next was Balenciaga.

He introduced jackets and tops with embroideries so fine and detailed they are able to pass off as prints on the runway. He worked drapery into skirts and pants, using silk-ribbon like fabrics, creating hot and feminine looks for this season.

Balmain once again proved his worth.



Christophe Decarnin is arguably the master of the shoulder pads. He establishes his jackets yet again, reaffirming on the shoulder pad trend. Swaroski crystals spattered T-shirts and ultra mini dresses and skirts were showcased alongside with new shapes for the harem pants.

Paris fashion week is the essential guide to fashion.

Fall 2009 collection: Can't get enough of Balmain!

Christophe Decarnin has once again never failed to impress.

The master of the shoulder padded jacket and all things crystals and studs; Decarnin is probably one of the most copied designers in the world today.
Familiar replicates like his Acid wash jeans and jackets from Spring/Summer 2009 can be easily found at Far East.
Asked on his views on his influence and about being widely copied, Decarnin responded:” That’s what they tell me; everybody’s been doing me. But you know what, its fun, really.”

Now for Balmain Fall 2009 collection, we are seeing short and tight body fitting dresses, embellished with Swarovski crystal, the familiar signature shape for the Balmain jacket, the peaked shoulders.



Some looks from Balmain's Fall 2009 Collection

Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2009 proved to be a huge hit on the runway. Decarnin kept pretty much the same design because Fall 2009 collection had an uncanny resemblance to the earlier collection. However, Decarnin redefined the harem pants, experimented with different fabrics and created them in a glistening silver material.


A typical harem pants




Balmain harem pants with a different shape



Balmain's Spring/Summer 2009 collection

vs



Balmain's Fall 2009 collection

Something Familiar?

This season looks somewhat like a part two to his Spring/Summer collection, with a change of colour palette of gunmetal, black and white and electric blue. The jacket this time, unlike how studded elaborated last season, it is downplayed in the form of a tuxedo jacket. The short body hugging dresses, short dresses with trains and skirts take center stage, body-flattering silhouettes with the play of black lines, creating an optical illusion.




Despite not so pleasant reviews from the crowd, saying Balmain Fall 2009 was simply a copy from the earlier collection, the collection is still very desirable and well executed. Personally I have always been a big fan of Balmain’s designs. He is a genius in creating an unique and wearable style. A huge trendsetter and definitely a master at what he does.

Store opening: Bershka at ION Singapore!

Bershka Fall 2009 advertisement campaign

Bershka is brought to us by the Spanish Inditex group, the very same people (god bless them!) who brought fashion brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull and Bear.

A relatively new fashion brand, Bershka was created in April 1998 and it is targeted at mid-teens girls and young adult women. The Bershka chain has more than 600 stores in 42 countries like Spain, France, Greece, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium and Poland, with sales exceeding 1.1 billion Euros (S $2.2 billion). It is not hard to understand why Lifestyle group RSH limited snagged the rights to sell Bershka in Singapore. This will be Bershka’s first South East Asia outlet.

Bershka held an opening party in their own flagship store. A lively show admist the racks of clothes. Djs like Analog Girl and Miso Flamingo were on the decks with guest appearances by Dj Koflow and Danni.





I was actually on my way home when I walked past the store. I have never heard of Bershka (was guessing then it was maybe from Russia?) but was attracted to the store’s black and pink outlook. My first impression of the store was a “Topshop mixed with Zara meets River Island”. This season features a lot of sequins, and leather and accessories like studded bags. I personally share the same fashion taste as what Bershka has to offer. There were many items that I added to my “to buy” list. Wardrobe essentials like leather biker jacket could be found there. The prices are affordable, slightly cheaper than Topshop and Zara. Bershka also features its men’s collection. Now boyfriends can shop simultaneously with their girlfriends! Do check this store out!

Bershka is located at 2 Orchard Turn, #B2-09/10/11 ION Orchard S238801.
Operating hours 10 am to 10 pm on Mondays to Sundays.

trend sporting 2009: SHRUG YOUR SHOULDERS!

Exaggerated shoulders are the epitome of power dressing this Fall/Winter 2009!
Once a 1980s cliche, shoulder pads are back on the runways!



Not this!
Thank goodness we aren’t seeing this around anymore. Designers have revamped the shoulders and made it chic and sleek!

A reoccurring trend for many seasons, there must be a good explanation why bold shoulders dominate the runways for such a long time.There are four takes on the shoulders. Peaked, pointed, subtly rounded and puffy around the shoulders and fitted at the upper arms.

pointed shoulders
Gianfranco Ferre

Givenchy


Balmain

peaked shoulders

Nina Ricci

subtly rounded shoulders


Balmain


Antonio Berardi

Puffy around the shoulders and fitted at the forearms

Dolce and Gabbana


H&M


Zara

x

This season we are seeing a much more dramatic and exaggerated shoulder silhouette. In contrast to the 80s shoulder pads, today’s shoulder pads are nowhere near dowdy. It has a more sculptural and architectural feel to it. It seems like bigger the better for these shoulders. Designers like Dolce and Gabbana added more volume to the shoulders, creating the “leg of mutton” which is puffy around the shoulders and fitted at the upper arms. This distinctive silhouette is different from the other takes on the shoulder.

A no-no for people who already have relatively broad shoulders, it is a totally wearable trend. For peaked and pointed and even subtly rounded shoulder padded jackets, It is wise to pair them up with acid wash jeans (hot this season too!) and a simple tank top for a casual yet chic look. However, we have to slightly cautious for puffy shoulders and fitted at the upper arms, because of its whole “over the top” look, what u pair up with the jacket might make or break the outfit.
Try something fitted, like a pencil skirt or a body hugging dress. This will flatter the silhouette, having it big on the shoulders and tight at the waist.

Heels are a must to pair up with these fashion statement-making jackets. This helps to elongate the whole silhouette. So we can avoid looking like the short fashionable dwarf.

See how celebrities like fashion icon Victoria Beckham and singer, Beyonce (respectively) rocked this trend.



They look so effortlessly chic. This is living proof a good fitted jacket can jazz up one’s outfit. Even though it is a little steep on the price, take it as an investment if you’re planning to own one of these jackets.

Help is here for those who are tight on their budget. Embrace the DIY style!
Here's how,

you'll need shoulder pads, either ribbons or fringe. Experiment with other fabrics even!




Ta-da! Simple steps to achieving the look with accessible materials!

Shoulder pads are showing no signs of stopping, love it or hate it, They are here to stay.