Safra Ducreay

Posts Tagged ‘fashion week’

Men’s Fashion Week: Paris II

In Fashion, Fashion Heat on June 25, 2010 at 6:18 pm

This spring 2011 collection is exactly what you would expect from a designer that thinks outside the box.  Congratulations to Korean designer Juun J for killin’ it with the avant-garde. Masculine yet feminine, sexy yet asexual, it’s Gothic, extremely moody yet one hell of a ride. You don’t need to confidence to wear Juun J. Matter-of-fact, it’s perfectly suited to the person who is quite the opposite. It’s for the understated fashion indulgent who makes huge statements through little things. He or she is intimidating at first glance, but you can’t turn away. All you want to know is “Where did you get that, and how do I get it?” You need to love Juun J, because you need something new and refreshing in your closet. The spider-web graphic print leggings and fiery red biker jackets are dangerously enticing, and the utility overcoats are giving a bit of ‘jazz’ with white and royal purple colourways.

Amsterdam design team Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren put a lot of passion into their womenswear wear. And while I consider Viktor & Rolf up there in ranks as fashion designers, I wasn’t that impressed with their spring 2011 collection. As much as they love to push the boundaries in fashion, this collection seems rather safe. Sure the rug trimming on the suits were interesting, as were the mint coloured shoes, but I know they could have raised the bar for their men’s wear just a bit higher. But what I will say, is that the collection is very plush: the tailoring is clean, and the fabrics are silky. They are in a league of their own with what they do, and I understand them not wanting to be too ambitious with menswear, but there’s always ways of playing with ideas while still keeping it within reason. Let us hope that the next collection brings about a bit more inspiration.

One to Watch: Peter Pilotto

In Fashion, One to Watch, RTW, Trend, designer on November 10, 2009 at 8:24 pm


Without me even realizing it, everyone is using the same format as me where blogging is concerned. But if I say that someone is one-to-watch, it’s because nothing really excites me. I’m a bland dresser – very bland, and I’m more fascinated with the depth behind fashion rather than the actual garment itself. So no, I don’t buy designer clothes very often, and I won’t rush to get the latest piece of whatever… but I know a look when I see it. I say that about fashion stars as well.

Peter Pilotto is a fashion star. When you’re a burgeoning star, you’re given free things, such as studio space so you can mould your craft. Low and behold, much like Mr. Pilotto in the Centre for Fashion Enterprise. According to Style.com, Pilotto is on the rise to the moon, people are going ga-ga over his designs which raises the bar, and bursts the Richter scale. And as much as we’d like to believe that new designers such as Pilotto would tank under pressure, I believe it’s only ignition. And it’s obvious because his Spring/Summer 2010 collection was a display of colours juxtaposed with texture, literally. The collection seemed to be a bit of an ode to the `60s with square-like A-line mini-skirts with ruched shoulders and waistlines.

I don’t know if I’d say Peter Pilotto’s collection is the ultimate sexy, but it is in the top running, it shows where fashion is going – in a positive direction.

I will be keeping an eye on this one..

RTW – Basso & Brooke s/s 2010

In Fashion, RTW, designer on November 3, 2009 at 3:06 am

UK design duo Basso & Brooke are as British as they come. They’re  known to draw surrealism influences that are incorporated into their concept, and the line seems to be way too cool to be ‘ready-to-wear’.

However, this season seems to be toned down significantly. While there’s still strong colour ways and imaginative conceptualization, the appeal is a lot less theatrical. There’s a clear indication of maturity, moving on from creating a circus around the clothing and just letting the pieces be wearable (which is a big thing for burgeoning fashion designers; they seem to want to cause controversy rather than sellable clothes). 

It looks like Basso & Brooke may finally be on their way to international success.

RTW – Toni Maticevski s/s 2010

In Fashion, RTW, designer on November 3, 2009 at 3:00 am

Toni Maticevski is known for his more formal approach to fashion, but this ss 2010 collection was not really something to rant about. Pieces within the collection were blotched as though to give this dirty effect (I suppose), and though there were some interesting ruffles and bows, Maticevski shines most when he keeps things elegant and flowy.

The most interesting ensemble was the Michelle Obama-inspired, floor-length  gown. A creamy lustre was added by the silk draping that embellished the dress, and its sinched waist added a 1920s appeal.

RTW – Mathew Williamson s/s 2010

In Fashion, RTW, designer on November 3, 2009 at 2:43 am

It goes without saying – Matthew Williamson is a spectacular couturier. The London-based fashion designer has the magical ability to produce women’s clothing from a conservative yet whimsical perspective. Playing with the ideas of futurism, `80s post-punk and an aboriginal infusion, his clothes are always refreshing and appealing. He knows how to capture a younger generation of fashionistas, and he’s true to British fashion culture: very new wave, very fashion forward.

While it’s quite obvious that there are layers of historical references in his designs, it doesn’t matter. The clothes are pretty, wearable and digestible – that’s all that matters.