collection

Collection Review: Valentino Fall 2017

The Fashion Folks 42 Comments

“We’ll always have Paris” might not only be a famous line from Casablanca, but a line that translates well to “We’ll always have Valentino”. Because as the seasons passes and designers reaches new highs and lows, Valentino remains consistent of quality in terms of design aesthetic. Fall 2017 might not have been the brand’s strongest collection, but surely one to embrace. If not for the sake of giving credit to a long lasting brand that always delivers. See full collection here.

Valentino Fall 2017 | The Fashion Folks

(Pic CC0 1.0)

Details: Valentino

Valentino is the Italian fashion brand by Valentino Garavani. Founded in 1960, the fashion house is considered to be in the top of Italian fashion designers (although it shows in Paris). The design aesthetic is centered to lace, tulle, femininity, romanticism and dresses. The creative director is Pierpaolo Piccioli (a position he for long shared with Maria Grazia Chiuri that’s now at Dior).

Valentino Fall 2017

As always, Piccioli kept the aesthetic of the brand close to the heart of the collection. With dresses more or less being the one style of clothing piece and lace, tulle, flowy fabrics and pleated details carrying the torch. One style in specific that Valentino has done a lot of in late years is a dress with a high neck and the rest of the fabric being loose, a bit oversized, sometimes a marked waist but definitely flowy nevertheless. This style is used often in this collection, with color, details and prints differing the main principle from one another.

The color scale went mainly in black and white, but also some blush colored pieces as well as pink, mint blue and red. Valentino has earlier favored the play of geometry and prints, something that was present in this collection (as in this look where flowers are framed by stripes and the structure of the dress). Some looks differs from Valentino’s normal design (even though the fashion brand has done a few of those elements before), with a play of postmodern art with a touch of surrealism, (kind of). The prints are many with distinct differences. From this romantic look of flowers to this one of geometry, and as mentioned, the looks of postmodern art. All the looks are quite covering in terms of the maxi length of the dresses as well as the high boots and for most part long arms. Perhaps a necessary move to balance the sheer fabrics, lace and see-through.

Thoughts On The Collection

If I talked about the Cheerleader effect in Mulberry, this collection is kind of the opposite. The collection is less coherent than earlier ones. Instead of having a story told from start to finish, it feels more like a display of different looks that are strong within their specific element. If one is to pull off postmodern art motives, they are done with justice in this collection. If one is to play with the romantic nature of flowers, it’s done here as well. Same goes for boho chic, it’s done with a touch of elegance and sophistication. With that said though, the collection looks quite divided when one sees the whole picture, but pairing the themes together shows quite the opposite. A somewhat struggling collection that is backed up with the individual looks. The opposite of the Cheerleader effect that is.

Valentino has a high grade of likeability as lace, flowers and a flattering silhouette often goes a long way. The last four looks are a great example of this and will surely be worn on the red carpet, if they haven’t already. There’s something delicate with the contrast of geometric patterns and tender fabrics as lace and tulle. The looks featuring motives of art are perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea but a refreshing perspective with all the “subtle” looks Valentino usually pulls off. The colors are distinct, the lines of the prints are clear and they are a welcoming contrast. One look in specific, this one, is genius as it finds a balance between wearability and fashion statement. The other ones are not too bad, but more cases of potential than success.

There are some subtle elements of the 1980s with color choices of mint blue, light purple, slight emphasis on the shoulders and the choice of a silky fabric. They are neither hits or miss but are landing somewhere between likeable and forgettable. The black looks with floral patterns are not bad at all, the style of the flowers feels like a forest in a fairy tale. For this look in specific, the placement and color levels of the flowers creates a V-shaped pattern - something that shows Piccioli’s fine eye for the mix of geometry and shapes of nature.

Lastly

So, was this collection a hit? No, the lack of coherency and clear vision is interfering with the overall impression. A miss then? Not that either, the individual looks are keeping the collection alive with excellency within the specific style for the theme. It will probably not be remembered in some years time, but this might also be a transition period for something new at Valentino. If Piccioli chooses to develop the looks of art, he might have found something new to make the most of. With that said though, there are still many looks in this collection I’d love to wear, like hello gorgeous.

Folks! What are your thoughts on Valentino Fall 2017? Leave a comment below!

Did you like this post?

Collection Review: Alberta Ferretti Fall 2017

The Fashion Folks 42 Comments

When the fashion heart skips a beat, it’s often in terms of haute couture - when fashion meets requirements of innovation, wearability, dream and perfected execution. It might not have been creations of couture from Alberta Ferretti that gave me a metaphorical arrhythmia. But looks that are fierce, relevant, contemporary, classic and upbeat. Pretty much a reflection of all things that makes fashion peak (according to me). Here is Alberta Ferretti Fall 2017! See full collection here.

Source: Alberta Ferretti

Details: Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti is an Italian fashion designer with her own label (that shares her name). She designed her first collection in 1973 and has been active ever since. Her style is modern, feminine, sophisticated - often landing somewhere between wearability and dream. She’s a popular choice for red carpet and a favorite amongst celebrities. Probably due to her refined feeling for sophisticated, likeable, evening dresses.

Alberta Ferretti Fall 2017 RTW

If you’ve ever wondered what Venice would look like in the expression of clothes, Alberta Ferretti’s fall 2017 collection is pretty much where you’d land. At least with a touch of minimalism, but still with the core of Italian architecture, mystique and perhaps pride as well. The collection stretches from contemporary daywear to masquerade-ish evening dresses. All with a touch of gold, classicism and Italian refinement. The color scale is centered to black, white, navy, yellow but also earthly shades of blue, green and beige. It goes from classic as in black and white stripes, but also classic as in motifs of paintings with an Italian touch.

The collection mainly consist of dresses, but works pants, blazers, coats and capes as well. A lot of sheer fabric, often accompanied with feathers, fringe and embellishment. Even though the details used sounds rather breezy, the collection has a rather dark and passionate tone to it (Venice by night perhaps). There’s inevitably associations with Paris as well, with looks featuring stripes, capes, tailored jackets and hats. Details that are pretty Parisian!

 

Thoughts on the collection

I’m just gonna go straight to it. Did you see the looks with stripes, and the following looks of black and that pop of yellow? Like, did you SEE them? Oh my, oh gorgeous, oh yes! Seriously though, my heart skipped a beat. The looks might be more wearable than complete fashion nonsense, but the mix of vision and daily wear is perfected. It isn’t only looks of Paris (Venice), modernity and classic - it’s also the idea of strolling the city on a Sunday, going to art galleries and look as fashionable as one only can. And yes, I’m fully aware of the fact that Ferretti is Italian and shows in Milan, but c’mon folks, we all can touch that Parisian vibe too!

The size of the stripes is a great balance of statement yet wearable. The high neck sweater with stripes growing in size can be nothing but a success! I don’t even need to talk about the top and pants of stripes making a set. Or this yellow look, as well as the black/stripes look with the round hat (below). Just see the details of velvet by the arms and the pockets? Genius! (And I obviously need all of it).

As for the rest of collection it’s pretty good as well. The looks of all black (which usually makes me sigh) are pretty good with the touch of gold. Especially this one. And the black evening dresses with gold details in the end of the show are fierce, gorgeous, likeable and definitely red carpet material. A bit of a masquerade feeling with the masks and the floor-length capes, but still done rather wearable for the fancy people. I’m not too keen on the prints/motifs, but that’s more of a personal preference than anything being specifically wrong with them (perhaps a bit unmodern?). There are some doubtable looks, as in this one and this one, but let’s ignore them for the sake of the looks I like - lol!

Conclusion

Overall the collection is cohesive, has a clear theme (hello Venice/Paris) and keeps an overall good standard with only a few lows. The lows passes though, as the play of stripes, yellow, gold details and hats are outleveling the other looks by miles. They’re wearable, contemporary, likeable but yet with a fashion edge. Not to forget the stunning evening dresses that are dramatic, embodies passion as well as highlighting the history of Venice. A collection balancing between reality and dream? That’s pretty much all I’m asking for. *brb recovering from my fictional arrhythmia*.

Folks, what are your thoughts on Alberta Ferretti Fall 2017? Leave a comment! Xx

Did you like this post? Hit the share buttons below!

 

Collection Review: Jason Wu Fall 2017 RTW

The Fashion Folks 54 Comments

Remember the collection reviews I did once a fashion week last time around? Well, you all seemed to love them so let’s bring them back! First out is a review from New York Fashion Week (that’s still going on btw). I already have a lot of opinions about the start of this fashion month, but I’m saving them to Friday. First things first though, here’s the collection review of Jason Wu Fall 2017 ready-to-wear! Catch the full collection here.

(Picture CC0 1.0)

Details: Jason Wu

Jason Wu is a 34-year old Canadian that’s already hit home run in his fashion career, being famous for dressing Michelle Obama often (including inaugurations). He has had his own label since 2007 and has New York has his fashion base. His design aesthetic is a mix of minimalism, classic elegance and functionalism. He often mixes sporty vibes with old Hollywood glam.

Jason Wu Fall 2017 RTW

Wu stayed true to his prefered taste for this year’s fall collection. The collection has a clear core in the 1940s style of clothes meeting the sporty vibe with fishnet, cold shoulders and asymmetrical cuts. The colors are reminiscent of the 40s with camel, grey, moss-green, bright red and of course black! There’s a lot of pantsuits, dresses and jumpsuits - all with a more or less defined waist. The collection emphasize on curves with precise drapes. Overall, the collection feels day going night, with white floral dresses going over to luxurious and glam velvet. The collection’s storyline is also translatable to morning at the office and night at the party, with classic style features for respective side! For example, an early look is a grey pantsuit and one of the last looks is a golden velvet dress. Day to night, work to party, early to late!

Thoughts on the collection

Perhaps these are the wrong words of expression, as the collection is finalized, but the collection has potential! If I were able to give notes before the final draft, I would have (lol, you can dream). The storyline of day to night is an old but gold one and worthy of exploring. The early looks of defined pantsuits and asymmetrical dresses, in shades of camel and grey, are not the best. But the idea of going 1940s office style in a glam and functional touch is a fun one, and the exact shades of grey and camel they’ve chosen are so good!

The white asymmetric day/summer dresses are also okey, but might be too close to the early awkward years of 00s where asymmetric dresses were do or die (almost). There’s a lovely look of a sweater with a nice neck detail and midnight blue pants that is both modern, casual and something for the everyday woman (see the slideshow). The velvet dresses are all genius and model Alicia Burke in the golden velvet dress literally gave me shivers, it’s pure beauty! (Don’t know about the styling though, who thought those shoes were the best option, and the shade of red lipstick is too bright and glossy to the velvet. If I am to be specific about it. Which I am).

The black velvet pantsuit with the asymmetric sleeve is genius and I can see a lot of celebs and fashionistas working it. Same goes for the green leo velvet dress and the top as well. They’re stylish, they’re glam, they feel contemporary and they’re flattering too. However, two of the best looks of this show feels more Dior than Wu. I’m talking about the red blazer dress and the black tulle dress (see below). Without seeing them in the context of Wu, I’d guess that they are a feature in a Dior show. Well well, Dior or not. I’d take that black tulle dress any day of the week!

Conclusion

As stated, this collection has potential. All the looks had more or less a good intention, but there was always some details that could’ve been changed to make the looks more appealing/wearable. But as always, this is just my opinion. Wu and his team did a nice job with the balance of modern and classic and created some attractive pieces that are probably already sold out. (For real though, can someone send me the golden velvet dress?). Well, simply put, the collection is good going for great (but lacks some qualities).

Folks, what are your thoughts on Jason Wu Fall 2017? Leave a comment below! Xx

Did you like this post? Hit the share buttons below!

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013

The Fashion Folks 66 Comments

I often talk about dreamy fashion whenever I rant about a designer collection. As Christmas is here, I thought it would be a perfect time for some more dreaming, this time in terms of Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall 2013 collection (and yes, it’s a festive one)! Before starting, do note that this collection is somewhat a celebration of the Catholic Church from Dolce & Gabbana. The Fashion Folks is and remains neutral in terms of religion and this collection is discussed upon the aesthetic value and that value only. See the full collection here.

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013

D&G FW13 is a typical collection from the Italian designer duo in terms of the aesthetic. It’s a lot of embellishment, luxurious colors and the modern Italian woman is in center. The silhouette goes from defined to A-line. There’s a touch of the 1960s in the collection (especially the clothes in plaid), this part has a Mad Men vibe to it. The collection stretches from black, grey, gold and red. The red is cardinal red, which is a deep hue that is enhanced by the matching with gold. As for the gold, the golden clothes consist of a mosaic pattern, showing different icons of the Catholic Church.

The collection has a rather dramatic tone with the all black looks paired with gold and dark lipstick. Furthermore, the embellishment of the collection is worthy of Dolce & Gabbana with crowns, earrings and heavy necklaces. There is a pair of wedges that looks like a bird cage, if that doesn’t says it all I don’t know what will, lol!

Thoughts on the collection

The collection is coherent regarding looks and theme. It has a clear story-telling perspective (if one wants to take it symbolical, one can interpret the collection as a demonstration of women in different stages of life, all with a religious connection). The collection’s strongest part lies within the wearable red and black dresses, which all would be the center of attention of the festive parties this season. It’s a simple and uncomplicated geniusness in black and lace as well as in red and gold. The dresses of mosaic and icons are innovative and a nice contrast to D&G’s regular design (even though you can easily identify these pieces with their design aesthetic too), but pulling of religious motifs might not be something for the everyday fashionista.

Now if you excuse me, I have some real life dress hunting to do on red dresses that are similar to D&G’s, but dresses that wouldn’t put me in debt for the rest of my life (almost). Folks, have a lovely weekend and remember that next week is Christmas week here at The Fashion Folks! Xx

Elie Saab Spring 2016 Couture

The Fashion Folks 56 Comments

You know what the world needs after a week like this? To dream and get lost in all things beauty. I wouldn’t run this site and you wouldn’t visit it, if we didn’t share a mutual love for fashion. Folks? Here’s a #fbf to Elie Saab Spring 2016 Couture!

Elie Saab Spring 2016 Couture

So Elie Saab is famous for his glamorous, dramatic and empowering couture looks. They are somewhat an intense version of his RTW creations, but all taking inspiration in the urban modern woman (whatever that means). What they have in common is that they’re classic, feminine and sharp. Elie Saab Spring 2016 Couture is no exception to this, it is sophisticated yet glam. Some looks are perhaps more bohemian than his regular aesthetic, but compromised with heavy embellishment and delicate elements such as lace and tulle.

The collection’s colors are rich and kind of royal, going from silver to gold beige and some touches of blue. Solely floor-length dresses, many with a slightly defined waist. Elie Saab stated that one of the inspirations for the collection was India, which is clear in the choice of embroidery, but also the styling of the fabrics. Except shiny pearls as embellishment, the dresses also featured fringe and 3D floral decorations.

Thoughts on the collection

I wouldn’t highlight this collection if I didn’t think it was a beautiful reflection of how refined fashion can be. Haute couture is and remains a gorgeous art form to be inspired and encouraged by. The collection is really dreamy and somewhere between the glamorous boho looks and the inspiration from India, it’s capturing. Especially the lace looks in a silver/white tone feels both wearable and luxurious. In fact, I think we all want that lace playsuit (see below). And the beige/purple-ish (great way to define a color), with a Renaissance resemblance is a darling of course. Anything with lace, high neck and puffy sleeves and I’m down for it (see slideshow below).

There are some looks that fails to live up to the class of the collection, but they’re not too bothersome as Saab plays it rather safe. He only uses elements that people generally love (lace, embellishment, dove colors) and some looks are more or less different versions of each other. Overall, this is a charming collection that’s definitely droolworthy. And frankly speaking, droolworthy fashion is the light we need at the moment.

Folks? Hope you enjoyed the collection and my not so nuanced highlighting of it. Have a lovely weekend! Xx