The Proenza boys and Kate Bosworth in one of their dresses for Spring 2011. Absolutely perfect.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Take the plunge.
Throughout "fashion month," I noticed a lot of Deep V action. I'm not sure if it's apparent enough to be a trend, but the way it's been rendered—often within a dark-colored, simple garment—is absolutely beautiful. While daring, it doesn't appear vulgar against the muted palette and straight-forward design. I suppose it also helps when boobs aren't an issue. In any case, I'm loving it.
Prada
YSL
Céline
Lanvin
Photos via style.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
"Pablo Picasso never got called an asshole."
As I mentioned earlier, I made a trip to the Seattle Art Museum to see the Pablo Picasso exhibition, which was fantastic to say the least. His body of work is not only diverse, but utterly gravitating. Picking a favorite would be a painful soul search. I'm not sure I could. While I'd love to comment on various works, the exhibition was such a stimulation overload (crowd included) that I was left exhausted and most likely wrought with amnesia. I also would rather not try to put into words the experience because expectations can be relentlessly cruel. Instead, I will leave you with the video to the song that was stuck in my head all day.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
I love you solitude.
I woke up after far too few hours of sleep to say goodbye to Gillian, feeling suffocated by a cloud of blah. In addition to the headache and exhaustion, a cold has found its way into my body. Pho seemed like a perfect cure, so after some waiting around in anticipation of a lunch date appearing out of thin air, I decided to step out on my own with The Bell Jar—which I have yet to finish. After a quick walk in the lovely Seattle rain, I ducked into one of the several Pho restaurants on the Ave, finding the lack of business to be inviting rather than not. I sat to the side, facing the glass door, watching passersby walk through the mesmerizing rain. After an order and a short wait, a steaming bowl of veggie pho appeared in front of me, bringing a smile to my face. As I began to eat, I felt enveloped by the warm broth, as if a blanket had been wrapped around me. The meal was appropriately peaceful, a state of being I often avoid, but was more than willing to experience. Being alone leaves me to my thoughts alone and leads me to appreciate my life and all of the wonderful people in it. A large bowl of soup, a novel about a woman's insanity, and heavy rain sounds like a gloomy scene in a movie, but it could not have been more beautiful and fulfilling. Today brings a trip to the SAM, which means I'll be seeing the Picasso exhibition. What a lovely day it will be.
This song is a fitting complement. I'm not sure how I feel about the video, but that's not the important part anyway.
"So I'm savin' all my secrets for a deaf man..."
This song is a fitting complement. I'm not sure how I feel about the video, but that's not the important part anyway.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Miu Miu
Miuccia Prada's collections for both Prada and Miu Miu are always slightly unsettling at first, by Miuccia's choice, and the latest collection for the little sister brand was no exception. Miss Prada told style.com "I was thinking about everybody's obsession with being famous." Watching the show on video revealed various soundbites from the original Fame and also American Idol's intro, among others. The collection was a highly graphic, Pop Art-esque mix of color, shine, and print. In several looks, boxy reflective leather jackets anchored lighter dresses complete with pleats and star prints. It was certainly attention-grabbing. The shoes were a Day-Glo dream, taking the form of Mary Janes on acid. It's riveting to see how Miss Prada can take an idea and warp it past the point of recognition. This one still has to grow on me, but in keeping past seasons in mind, I know it will.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Yves San Laurent
Stefano Pilati is exceedingly talented at channeling Yves San Laurent's design aesthetic without losing himself or giving the impression that he is looking back. This season, he offered up a collection that was at times sharp, at times lively, and undeniably chic. The looks ranged from tailoring in neutral tones to flouncy dresses in brights and jewel tones. The collection had a pervading eroticism with high slits, plunging necklines, and little peek-a-boo cutouts here and there. The sense of control this eroticism was executed with provided a perfect contrast, so as to avoid vulgarity. I don't know what it is about the French, but they carry off subtly sexy better than anyone. Pilati himself is Italian, but he seems to understand French chic quite well. More than anything, the erotic nature of the collection ascribed more power to the already vigorous clothes. These women are not to be played with, though they might play with you. After seeing such a strong collection, I'm scared to see if the rumors about Pilati's departure from the house are true. He has done remarkable work at the house for almost ten years and I will be upset if he does go. C'est la vie.
Valentino
Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri have done an outstanding job at capturing the hearts of the younger fashion flock. By modernizing the brand, a new customer base has been acquired. Even so, they've maintained the feminine aesthetic of Valentino himself, but have applied a different context. This season, ruffles and lace made predictable appearances, but were often juxtaposed with naughtier elements, such as leather. As with the past Spring season, Piccoli and Chiuri have demonstrated an interest in experimentation, turning leathers and metal embroideries into laces. Daywear also made quite the appearance, with an emphasis on the clean and feminine. It was far from minimalist, but had a lovely feeling of simplicity to it. The collection was generally neutral in palette, but had a few shots of color, with the trademark red being often replaced with a more delicate salmon. Without a doubt, the collection can be deemed beautiful, not simply pretty. Not only do Piccoli and Chiuri have technical talent, but they have spurred a new interest and stability in a house that has known limbo all too well. I just hope they continue to do Mr. Garavani proud. I did wonder especially because of his remark in the Valentino: The Last Emperor that, "an evening dress that shows a woman’s ankles when she walks is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen!" The style.com video has evidence suggesting he wasn't completely disgusted, as he tells the camera he is "very proud." Left unscathed, Piccoli and Chiuri will continue to do amazing things.
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