Spring 2011 Couture Week Part Deux!

Amongst the soft colours and feminine floaty dresses at Spring 2011 Couture Week, there was also an array of edgy black looks, hot reds and with tough girl chicness.

Look on and be inspired:

Monsieur Gaultier had anarchism and rebellion in mind for his couture show with models strutting his designs with sky high mohawks. Black was the shade of choice for the collection with pops of red, blue, white, ruffles and sparkle. This tough look to the left, emphasizes the waist with the A-line skirt and thick embroidered belt creating a silhouette that takes a nod to the 1940's. Combined with an embellished choker, this is a futuristic yet classic look reminiscent of 1982's Blade Runner. The look to the right, is a lightweight black sequin suit. If you want relaxed and glamorous, this look is all that you need. Adding to the rebellious, punk theme of the collection, is the low v-neck and sheer fabric of the inside blouse. Oh la la!

The 1940's and 1950's were known for its ladylike looks and haute couture designs, which is exactly what John Galliano had in mind when designing the latest Christian Dior couture collection that was dedicated to Christian Dior's iconic illustrator, Rene Gruau. This line was full of the very sophisticated and never out of style defined waistline silhouette with A-line and pencil skirts galore. The lovely look to the left offers a slightly relaxed look with the draped sleeves and bubble hem and the loosely tied waist adds a casualness to the stylish look. The look to the right, has the classic silhouette of Dior's New Look. The long gloves and ruffled neckline are the cherry on top of this look, and let's not forget the poised red lips.

I loooove Elie Saab and this collection was to die for. Gowns adorned with rosettes, flowing chiffon, ruffles and pleating in blush, green, silver, black and red, glided along the runway. If you are looking for a gorgeous show-stopping gown that will have everyone in awe, look no further than this collection. With Valentine's Day just two weeks away, who could resist a gorgeous gown in luscious red? The look to the left, softly drapes over the shoulder revealing a sheer lace panel with a thin belt that leads into an open flowing skirt full of movement. The look to the right, has a skirt decorated with romantic lace panels and a bodice with a delicately pleated neckline. Romantic, feminine and beautiful at its best. Love it!

What were your favourite Spring 2011 couture looks? Let me know in the comments, Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy! 

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Trick or Chic?: How to Infuse Fashion Into Your Hallowe'en Costume

It is my favourite time of year as I am inundated with a zillion fashion events to keep up with, the holidays are fast approaching and most importantly the one night of the year, when it is perfectly acceptable to wear a shockingly scary outfit, Hallowe'en!

But who says that your costume has to be ghoulish, freaky or scary? Why not try to something a little chic and dress up as your most cherished fashionista or fashionmista? What better way to see what it is really like to be like one of your fashion favourites for a day and show your love for all things fashion and style?

There are so many fabulous people to choose from but the ones that truly stood out that evoke a true signature style are none other than, Anna Wintour, Rachel Zoe, Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano. Each have stood out for not only their career accomplishments but trademark style. Check it out below for costume ideas on how to dress as your fashion favourites!

All About the Boys

Karl Lagerfeld-When you see this man not only do you think quilted bags and double interlocking C's but you also think of a man who is in charge and knows a thing or two about how to put together a tailored and edgy ensemble. The best way to achieve this serious look come Hallowe'en is easy as pie:

For the hair, visit your local costume shop and pick up a white wig with a ponytail or if you have long, hair smooth it back and apply baby powder or temporary coloured hair spray.

For the clothes, get a velvet or satin black tailored blazer with matching pants. If you don't have one, check your local vintage store. Add a white ruffled button down and black bow tie or long tie underneath the jacket.

For the accessories, pick up silver cross chain necklaces and medallions as well as motorcycle gloves to add the edge. Don't forget the signature black sunglasses as they are the cherry on the sundae of this look.

John Galliano-Known for his magical and threatrical designs, Monsieur Galliano does not forget to add a whole 'lotta flair to his daily ensembles. With his signature tops hats and thin mustache, he always stands out. To achieve this fashion forward look follow these steps:

For the hair, purchase a long super straight bronde wig. Also, if you don't already have facial hair, purchase a thin fake mustache and soul patch or you can get some fun fur and facial glue to improvise.

For the clothes, invest in a low cut button vest and tight pants. You can have fun with it and invest in a pattern suit set with lotsa sequins!

For the accessories, wear an ornate cross, edgy, spiky rings and the signature top hat! Have fun with it and add some sequined ties, bows or faux flowers.

Where my ladies at?

Anna Wintour-as editor-in-chief of the fashion bible, VOGUE Miss Wintour's look screams authority with the dark square sunglasses with a slightly rounded edge and fabulous fur coat. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be the queen bee of fashion for a day, here's your chance!

For the hair, you must purchase a light brown bob wig for it is just too perfect and too cute. Try buying a wig made for flappers as most of them are bobs.

For the clothes, Anna Wintour is often seen in an oh-so-chic fur coat and printed shift dress. Perfect for a lady and perfect for a fashionista. Try black tights with your dress due to the chilly weather.

For the accessories, black plastic sunglasses and statement necklace, preferably one with baubles galore. Also, try a slim gold or leather strap watch to add a touch of sophistication.

Rachel Zoe-The Zoeinator is everyone's favourite stylist. With her hilarious and fashionable reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project in which she seems to have a catch phrase for literally everything (literally) she shows that working in fashion is no piece of cake. Re-creating her famous boho-chic look is like one, two, three.

For the hair, if you don't naturally have blonde wavy hair invest in a wig. You can also purchase some blonde hair mascara to create her California sun kissed hair. For her signature waves, whip out the old curling iron.

For the clothes, there could not be a true Rachel Zoe look without her staple fur vest and wide leg jean. Make sure to invest in a flow-y blouse underneath. If you are in the mood to wear a dress, check out a vintage store for a colourful and printed lightweight butterfly sleeved maxi dress.

For the accessories, oversized sunglasses, oversized clutch and wedges. Need we say more?


There you have it! Your guide to being fashionable and fabulous this Hallowe'en. Email or tweet me your Hallowe'en looks!

Enjoy!

Amanda
amandasfashionspot@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/AFSpot

Photo of the Day

This is one of my favourite red carpet looks. Taken from the 2007 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, Cameron Diaz glows in Dior by John Galliano. Styled by Rachel Zoe, this look is still remembered as one of the most memorable red carpet looks.

Amanda

Rant of the Day: America's Next Top Model

As we all know America's Next Top Model has been around for 12 seasons and despite the lack of public and professional success of the majority of the winners and contestants, the show is still going strong. No one can really deny what the popular television show has done for many young girls and aspiring models. Hell! There was even a riot at the auditions among the model hopefuls of the upcoming season.

Tyra and Co. have done more than just mould your everyday girl into a potential supermodel, they also focus on each contestants personal struggles and adversities that many of them have faced in their daily life and even more so on the television show. One season had contestant, Heather who had a rare form of autism, cycle 3 had Amanda who was legally blind and most recently, Tahlia who had third degree burns on the majority of her body.

By casting these girls, Tyra has shown that no matter what differences may set each of us apart to never let anything get in the way of your dream and this brings me to the premise of the upcoming season of America's Next Top Model, which will only cast potential models who are 5 ft. 7 inches or shorter. All I can say is, What The Fluff?

As an individual who is 5ft. 5 inches myself, I find this idea ridiculous! Within the fashion industry of the western world, please tell me where there is a market for models under 5ft. 7 inches? When people think of shorter models, they often bring up supermodel and fashion icon Kate Moss but like every rule there are exceptions and she is IT! The cycle 3 winner of America's Next Top Model, Eva Pigford was 5ft. 7 inches and don't get me wrong I was rooting for her all the way, but honestly how far has she exactly gone in the modeling world?

I guess I find this new premise to the popular modelling show puzzling because if Tyra would like her show to be unique, why not have a season devoted to only plus size models? How many cycles have had beautiful plus sized models? Diana Zalewski, Tocara Jones, Whitney Cunningham and cycle 9 winner Whitney Thompson for example. There is a HUGE market for plus sized models, why not capitalize on that and inspire all the big and beautiful ladies aspiring to have a realistic, modelling career?

In year the 2009, being plus-sized is no longer a taboo. Playdead Cult/Damzels in this Dress featured a plus-size model in their SS09 fashion show. John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier have done the same, featuring famous plus-size model, Velvet d'Amour in their respective fashion shows. So I beg the question, why NOT have a season featuring plus-size models? Where my ladies at?
Amanda