Fashion Shows: A Love Story

I have been wanting to write a post about my love of fashion shows for quite some time now but I continued to self-debate about whether I would really be able to do write about it in such a way that would do it justice. I have decided that now is as good a time as ever to just go for it with gusto! After all, my dear friends, isn’t the purpose of a runway show to give the fashion media, retail buyers, fashionistas, celebrities and a long list of others an opportunity to form their own opinion about what I have always thought of as art work brought to life. It is so pleasurable to be able to spin a fantasy in my mind about each look that comes down the runway. Note: The above and below looks are from Vivienne Tam's Spring 2015 Ready to Wear collection.

 

Fashion shows are so vital, to me, because they are the period or exclamation point, depending on how one feels about a collection, at the end of a fashion designer’s dream come to life. It gives me great pleasure to witness the dream of a designer; particularly, because the manifestation of the dream is so brief. Note: The looks below are from Marissa Webb's Spring 2015 Ready to Wear collection.

 

 

 

 

 

A designer spends months designing a collection for which the presentation process is so fleeting. Throughout this post, I will share with you looks from some of my favorite Spring Ready to Wear 2015 collections because there is something quite admirable about an art that predicts what one will be wearing two seasons from now is there not? Note: The looks below are from Donna Karan's Spring 2015 Ready to Wear collection.

 

 

 

 

I often used to wonder what a designer was thinking of at the time they created a collection.  Now, not so much. The veil has really been lifted for many years now with the advent of so many fashion documentaries. If you had the opportunity to see any of the fashion documentaries released over the past several years such as Valentino: The Last Emperor or Gucci: The Director I am sure you understand to what I am referring. In addition, many fashion publications now let us in on what inspired a designer to create a collection. It has me wondering whether I preferred when the inspiration behind a collection was a mystery. Has so much transparency had an effect on my perception of a fashion show? I enjoy, after all, forming my own perception of what may have inspired a designer. Note: The beautiful looks below are from Joseph Altuzarra's Spring 2015 Ready to Wear collection.

 

 

 

 

I often compare it to listening to songs I love. I used to think the song Every Breath I Take by the retro rock band The Police on their Synchronicity album was a love song until music artist Sting revealed that the song was really about obsession. This revelation caused my love of the song to initially disintegrate, just a little. How could I feel the same about a song that was really about obsession which has more in common with the concept of stalking than romantic love? I learned to just get over it. How, you ask?

I get such a sense of pleasure from seeing the first model at each show strut the catwalk when I see a runway collection in person or via a live feed on my laptop. Why let the story behind the art interfere with my own interpretation of it? The answer for me is to just let it go and relish in the pleasure I receive from seeing art come to life. I have learned from reading publications that feature interviews with designers and from viewing fashion documentaries that one universal thread reigns true: designers just want their art to be seen. They want to know their creations are relevant. Note: The Spring 2015 Ready to Wear looks below are from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

 

 

 

 

We all play an important part in celebrating the art of designers by showing up during fashion weeks and by wearing the fashions that they have bequeathed as the latest and greatest in the apparel world. It does not matter if my perception of a collection is different than what drove the designer to create a collection as long as I continue to appreciate the sweat and tears and countless hours the designer put forth in making their collection come to life. Isn’t that really the end-game?  Note: The Spring 2015 Ready to Wear looks below are from Derek Lam's collection.

 

Why do you love fashion shows, my friends?

 

Thanks so much for reading my post, supporting me and for your comments.

I wish you a happy week but before I go I leave you with my favorite verse from Every Breath You Take:

 

Since you've gone I've been lost without a trace
I dream at night, I can only see your face
I look around but it's you I can't replace
I feel so cold and I long for your embrace
I keep crying, "Baby, baby, please"

 

So long, until next time, my friends.

*All images in this post are credited to Style.com.

A Sheer Thing

What is with the nudity on the runway these days? I like sheer tops and all but seeing exposed bosoms on the runway is just not my thing. Kendall Jenner is the latest It girl to have the dubious honor of walking the runway breasts exposed. I just don’t understand the appeal. Do designers truly think this is an attractive runway look or are they just caught up in the shock value of it? Kendall Jenner’s modeling career has been the topic of many fashion publications and entertainment shows since she modeled during New York Fashion Week in Marc Jacobs show. Her fame has really started to rise based on that particular modeling gig. She recently stated that she has heard the buzz about it but she hasn’t really followed the reactions to the look. She may not be tracking the social buzz but the media has gone berserk over since she walked the runway in an outfit that included a transparent shirt. The above look from Anthony Vaccarello's Milan runway show is one that I can get down with because the look is styled to tantalize not to expose. The outfit is one of my favorite sheer runway looks because it proves that some designers are true masters of that fine line between sexy and trashy. Photo credit: Style.com

I am a supporter of including sheer pieces in an outfit when it is evident that the taste factor has been considered. I have included in this post additional sheer looks from the runways that I love because they prove that the line between seductive and vulgar can be straddled with finesse. I will confess, however, that some of the same designers responsible for the looks displayed throughout this post were also the owners of other looks that raised my brows. I have deliberately chosen not to display  those looks here because I do not feel that additional exposure is needed for those types of scantily clad looks. I have, instead, chosen to highlight how designers have used sheer pieces to create elegant looks. I can not deny the chic factor the look below has even though when the coat does not softly fold down as the model glides the model's breasts are exposed. It is completely unrealistic to wear a coat around all day to keep the breasts covered; hence, the need for a bra, preferably, in a nude shade.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 RTW; Source

Why are some designers averse to pairing their transparent creations with basic undergarments? Can’t they just do like a few of their peers and add a couple of pockets are layers over the breasts area? When I first saw the no-bra sheer top look a few seasons ago my initial thought was did the stylists forget to make sure the models were wearing bras? I realized the truth, a few seasons ago, which is that for some mysterious reason a few designers think it is acceptable to have models display their wares for the public. I was always taught the importance of wearing proper undergarments when out in public so I continue to cringe whenever I see models walk the runways without the proper underlayers. Miuccia Prada's Milan runway collection of sheer looks was a smashing success because she understands how to do sheer the right way.

 Source

Source

Not only are bras being left behind in the dressing area but the deliberate exposure of panties is just completely breaking acceptable attire protocols. Now that panties have also joined the fray it is getting to be unseemly. A few designers have decided to pair sheer dresses and skirts with panties that clearly are not in the same color family as the sheer garments. Mixing a black sheer skirt, for example, with white print underwear just reads tacky to me. I am not making this up. I actually saw this while browsing one of several runway show feeds lately. We all have pet peeves and this is one of mine.

The look below, from Burberry Prorsum, is the epitome of how undergarments can be incorporated into an outfit without becoming the center of attention. I can not resist adding, however, that due to my modesty if I had the pleasure of wearing such an outfit I would add a half slip beneath the skirt. This look, however, is so successful because the shade of the undergarments blends in so effectively with the color of the sheer pieces.

Spring 2014 RTW; Source

I tend to pair my sheer garments with black or nude lingerie depending upon the shade of the sheer garment. That is just one of the cardinal rules I learned along the way. Rules can be broken but I tend not to stray from that one. I can get quite adventurous with how I dress but revert to a more classic style when incorporating sheer garments in an outfit. It is for this reason that I consistently choose to pair my sheer pieces with camisoles, blazers and vests. How do you style your sheer garments? I would love to know. Perhaps, I can include some of your tips in my style repertoire.

Before I depart, I want to share a few sheer looks from one of my favorite runway shows, Cushnie et Ochs. Let me know what you think. Which designers, not featured in my post, do you think had the best sheer looks?

Source

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A Letter to Marc Jacobs

I decided to write an imaginary letter to Marc Jacobs because after seeing his Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall collection I had so many questions going through my mind that only a letter seemed like it would capture how I feel about his Ready To Wear Show. His show, like Vera Wang’s show, had a surprising impact on me. Here, without further ado, is my letter to Marc Jacobs. All images are courtesy of Style.com

Dear Mr. Jacobs:

I want to express my thanks to your design team, Luella Bartlet and Katie Killier, for a very thought-provoking runway show during New York Fashion Week. The looks in the show made such a strong impression on me that after a week I can not get your collection out of my mind. I would like to first explain that I initially did not know how I felt about the looks in your show. I really had to let my thoughts simmer after what I had experienced. My first impression can be compared to how I typically feel after watching a great movie with a bad ending. Should a terrible ending ruin the whole movie experience? That describes how I felt about your show only in reverse. Let me further explain.

Several of the looks at the beginning of the show were so severe that I wondered what or who inspired your design team as they worked on this collection. You are generally the designer whom can be relied upon to present feminine garments with a quirky touch. The cut of the shirts and the drape of the pants in your collection screamed tomboy ninja to me not quirky chic.

I was also completely distracted by the huge belt associated with each look. The belt has seat belt-like qualities; however, upon consideration I realized I was happy that you decided to define the waist. This decision at least injected some femininity into the militant-type looks that came across the runway. I came to the conclusion that after seeing these militant-like looks that I did not like this collection. This decision turned out to be erroneous. 

An awakening occurred when I spotted the silver metallic dress on the runway. The Bunny Hop lingo on the dress gave the frock a certain vintage quality that was completely contrary to the modern texture of the dress. It is rather odd that I would like this look. Only a woman who had to toss on the first garments she came across in her closet to escape a burning building would wear this outfit. I believe what sold me was the realization that it is the separate pieces that made up these looks that are so appealing. Your design duo was going for a completely commercial look with this collection weren’t they Mr. Jacobs?

I felt that both Luella Bartlet and Katie Killier were both winking at the audience. Did they predict the amount of buzz that would be generated by this collection? The sporty touches in this collection were superb. I am sure you had a line of buyers ready to purchase the print sports-like jerseys and the grey color-blocked sweater in the collection. The BMX footwear the models wore throughout the show was also completely hip and quite unexpected. Mr. Jacobs, I think you may have expanded your customer-base with this collection. Are you trying to appeal to young affluent hipsters?

You also, like so many other designers, included plaid pieces in your collection that are so attractive to the hip set right now. Plaid is rad after all and the 90s is where it’s at right now. I really love the looks in which the plaid tops were paired with shiny pencil skirts. Did you and your team include pencil skirts in the collection to balance out those severe militant-type looks at the beginning of the show? Whatever your reasons, I really would like to own one of those pencil skirts.

I also have an attachment to the bowed capes in the collection. They are so charming. It is almost like Luella Bartlet and Katie Killier believe that they had to overcompensate for the heavy doses of testosterone-like looks that were on display earlier during the runway show. I want to tie all of my capes into a bow now but I suppose if I did that I might look like a fish out of water.

I also like the tulle skirts in your collection. I have read several reviews and the consensus is that the tulle skirts in your collection look Halloween-worthy. I don’t care. They suit me. I believe I have been in a gothic mood since I saw Vera Wang’s collection. Both of you are my picks for the most unexpected looks. I really appreciate that both of you took chances with your collections. I love the experimentation aspects of your collection.

Before I conclude, I want to compliment you on the beautiful handbags in the collection. I am positive that they will fly off of the store shelves as is typical of your handbag collections. I especially love how, in a few of your looks, you matched the bags to the print tops. They really complemented each other.

Mr. Jacobs you have created a commercial collection that I suspect will be wildly successful for you. You must have browsed street-style blogs prior to creating your collection because you have your fingers on the pulse of what is hot.

I loved your show and look forward to your next endeavors.

Sincerely,

 

Sharon Pate

 

Thanks for reading my post. For those of you that follow my blog many, many thanks.

I look forward to comments and always respond to them so I hope you share your thoughts with me. 

Please contact me by e-mail at sharon_pate@att.net for questions and inquiries.

Don't Knock the Socks

Saint Laurent

The cyclical nature of fashion is so transparent. The evolving way in which socks have been paired with clothing is one such example of this. Just a few years ago, I would never have believed that the value of socks would skyrocket to another level in the fashion realm; yet, somehow, they have. Note: All Chanel and Saint Laurent 2014 Pre-Spring Ready to Wear collection photos are courtesy of Style.com

Chanel

Saint Laurent

Chanel

I never considered socks a fashion must-have until fairly recently. They were just what I wore to keep my feet warm. I still hate to wear them because they make my feet hot and, at times, itchy. I am usually amongst the first to go without them as soon as spring arrives and amongst the last individuals to begin wearing them  as mid-autumn arrives in the northern hemisphere. I think of them so differently now as a result of how prominently they are featured on the feet of street-style stars and runway models. Dial it back with me if you would for just a few moments so that you may understand my prior feelings about socks.

 

I paired, just like many other girls during the early stages of my school years, socks with skirts and shirts that were within school uniform regulations; however, as I entered public high school it was not hip to pair them with skirts mainly because this look was associated with nerds and geeks in public high school. Wearing non-trendy attire during my school days would have placed me firmly into weirdo category. Avoiding a fashion faux-pas was hard enough in high school without intentionally going out of my way to look different.

Around the same time, my friends and I compared notes about why so many men of the senior citizen persuasion wore socks with sandals or dress oxfords when they wore shorts in the spring and summer. We shared quite a bit of laughter upon the sighting of this type of outfit on our own grandpas. The strange thing is that this foible seemed to be solely attributable to men around the age of 60 or above. Women in the same age demographic, for some reason, seemed to be immune to the socks and sandals pairing. It never occurred to me that a couple of decades later men in the senior years of their life would deserve props for being on the forefront of fashion for pairing socks with their summer casual attire. Men in the senior citizen demographic sort of had it right back then. Sort of, only because it is still considered taboo for men to wear socks with sandals. I must say though that there is definite gender discrimination associated with this today. Why is it acceptable for women to wear socks with sandals but not men? In general, it is still considered a fashion faux-pas for men.

No, no, a resounding no to this look men!

This is a fashion don't men. Please don't do this.

Bobby Soxers, celebrity fans and fashion-mad young women, were at the forefront of this current trend, as well. These young women really set the bar high when they paired their socks with saddle shoes or loafers and poodle skirts. Does it get anymore preppy glam than that? Bobby Soxers really knew how to party down as they danced away in their ankle socks and saddle shoes. Talk about putting some pep in your sock-covered steps.

I also became more aware of the fashion star quality of socks when I noticed how darling knee-high socks look when paired with tall boots. Many of you have created some superb looks by featuring socks so prominently with your tall boots. In fact the pairing is like peanut butter and jelly this season. They just naturally go together.

Socks, dare I say, have become quite a glamorous accoutrement to skirts and dresses. I only wonder how long socks will ride the popularity wave. What do you think? Are we destined to see them perpetually paired with skirts and dresses throughout 2014 or beyond?

 

My latest Keaton Row lookbooks are available to browse, if you wish, at http://www.keatonrow.com/stylist/sharonpate. The price of the merchandise is the same as if purchased directly from the retailer and shipping is free.

Related Stories:

Who What Wear, 10 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Wear Socks with Shoes

Elle, How to Wear Socks with Heels

Diary of a Fashion Apps Junkie

Photo Courtesy of Refinery 29

Do you have a constant need to know which boutique has that sweater or bag on your wish list at the lowest price? There are apps for that. Are you interested in viewing as many runway-show preparations, as possible, during Fashion Weeks? There are apps for that too. If this describes you then it is possible you are a fashion app junkie. You are not alone. I recognize the signs because I was a fashion apps’ junkie too. Be grateful if this does not describe you. Keeping track of the daily activities on the fashion apps installed on my mobile devices was exhausting. I came to the realization that as much as I love fashion it was best to limit the number of apps I referenced on a daily basis.

I love that fashion apps keep me abreast of the latest fashion news, the best sample sales and that they give me instant access to astounding runway footage but there is just so much information I can absorb in a day. My solution was to determine which fashion apps are the best fit for me based on my fashion priorities. I concluded, after much consideration that I only needed instant access to a couple of fashion publication apps, a few shopping apps and one or two fashion community apps.

I read consumer reviews for a variety of fashion apps that met my guidelines and finally whittled the list down to quality apps that met my priorities. My resolve resulted in a more manageable compilation of apps than I previously possessed and the retention of my sanity.

I initially missed the rush I previously felt as a result of checking a larger number of fashion apps throughout the day; however, after a few weeks I had adjusted to my new routine. Ironically, I peruse my roster of fashion publication apps to keep myself apprised of the latest and greatest sample sale apps. I am also a fan of multiple blogs that include features on fashion technology. I, periodically, revise my rotation of fashion apps based on blogger reviews of the newest apps.

Below, and in no particular order, are several favorite fashion sites with apps that I composed a few days ago. I have now compiled the list in its entirety. I invite you to please add your own favorites to my Listly list by clicking on the fashion apps link. I am always looking to explore new sites and others, including myself, could benefit from your personal experience with additional sites.

1. Rue La La
2. My Habit
3. Haute Look
4. Gilt Groupe

Related Stories:

Fashionista, Victoria Beckham Gets Sewing, L'Wren Scott Launches App

The Guardian, How Fashion Apps Are Looking Forward on iPhone, iPad and Android

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Favorite Fashion Apps

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Pink Reign

Pastel pink has the type of aura that makes it the equal of stronger shades. Pale pink garments pack quite a wallop when paired in an outfit with clothing in bolder shades; yet, light pink garments, despite being combined in an outfit with garments in bolder shades, never shrinks in their presence. Pink is often associated with innocence and tranquility, which certainly don’t conjure to mind strength and boldness, but it somehow rises above the notion that it is strictly the paler version of red. Now, more than ever, I am an ardent admirer of this pale hue. Named after flowers, dubbed in the 17th century as pinks, this color is no shrinking violet.

Why do I, like so many other women, love this color so much? The color is very commonly matched with both jewel-toned as well as other pastel hues to great effect. It creates a wondrous love connection with colors such as green, purple, blue and orange. It is a wild card when matched with red, has a wicked appeal when paired with black and creates a lush vibe when paired with grey. It quietly commands attention.

Fashion designers love saturating it on their garments and fashion luminaries admire it so much that they have knighted it as the new neutral. If a color could be called the pretty shade, pink is it. Have you ever noticed how much attention you receive when carrying a pastel pink IT bag on your arm? Or when you wear a pastel pink jacket? Let the compliments commence!

Pastel pink has also encroached upon cold weather season which is gloriously unexpected. There were so many pink coats at the 2013 Fall Fashion Week runway shows that it almost seemed as if the fashion designers had a secret meeting to launch an all out pink attack. Their efforts have created a veritable pink sensation. It was an unspoken rule that pastel garments were to be away for fall and winter until such time as a hint of spring returned to the horizon. This fashion etiquette is not quite passé. The key to keeping pink alive during cool weather months is layering and texture. Why not pair a pink tank or shell with a black leather-trimmed blazer this fall? Try matching a pink blazer with black denim leggings and booties. You won’t be sorry.

A fraction of the male species continues to shy away from pink but gentlemen don’t be shy. Pink has become more commonplace in menswear as I am sure you are aware from browsing the shirts section in department stores or online. In addition, pastel accessories, like ties and pocket squares make blue and grey suits shine.

I am thrilled that pink clothing is IN year round rather than OUT, aren’t you?

Let your voice be hear by providing feedback.

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