Jessica Hsu

where little dreams were broken and seldom words were spoken

2012-01-28T19:11:00.008-05:00

I know Armani Privé was not a total hit with the critics, but I think it was actually quite interesting in terms of color combinations, textures, hair and all the little accessories and details. ie. the gloves, earrings.

I have a thing for fabrics used in instances where they typically shouldn't be used... in terms of weight, texture, etc. At Valentino, there were heavier and less malleable fabrics used on their gowns. I like that Maria and Pier Paolo were able to make these different-than-usual fabrics work for the very feminine label. However, I think it's important when playing with different fabrics to stay as non-fussy as possible, and with some looks that was not the case.

This look at Christian Dior was styled quite old-ladyish, but I do like the dress.

Elie Saab

To me, this season of couture overall felt a bit dated and lackluster.

SC: style

shocking but we're nothing, we're just moments

2012-01-21T02:08:00.004-05:00

Look at that care which goes into making the eyewear! Right on Rue Faubourg Saint Honore where I will one day visit!

Why I realized a part of the reason I adore Lanvin...The appeal of Lanvin is that everything is clearly just so beautiful and elegant, but underneath that beauty that initially draws me,and hopefully you, in, is the feeling that the piece was made just for whoever is wearing it- there must be something, a connection, which is more personal. It wasn't the video that caused this realization, but it definitely pulled it out of my unconscious.

I don't believe I would get that same feeling with a lot of other brands, no matter how much I love some labels. Even a small glimpse at the work behind the scenes really makes me appreciate the time it takes and the effort involved in thinking up a dress/shoe/bag/etc and then making it a reality.

I wonder how much these glasses will cost, specifically.

And, how amazing is Aymeline? She's such a Lanvin girl. Heck, she's an everything girl. She should be.

in a race that never ever ends, I'm waiting for a bus that never shows

2011-12-08T20:36:00.006-05:00

My newcomer picks for Spring 2011, girls I did not know about until fashion month and the weeks or so before it. Some I am not massive fans of yet, but if there's potential, there's a place to write about them.

Erjona Ala

NY Agency: Ford

Why: Apparently I first found out about her back in March, saved her on my to watch list, but I honestly did not remember her. But her runway presence has quickly grabbed my attention. Stunning look both in print and runway (such a runway presence!). Now, I can't forget.

First appeared as an exclusive for Balenciaga Fall 2011, but after that, there was almost no direction for her success to go but UP! I have no reservations about her potential.

Hedvig Palm

NY Agency: NEXT

Why: No other model looks like her, she's striking. Looks like she could have walked straight out of a Vermeer painting. Unsettling in the most beautiful of ways. Plus, who could forget that name?

(Ha, I almost posted a photo of her with apple in hand as well)

Kati Nescher

NY Agency: DNA

Why: 27 year old beautiful German model who has sprung up on major runways this season including Prada. Did I mention she's 27? Yep. She seems very natural and just "has it" as if she's already been seasoned.

Valerija Sestic

NY Agency: Women

Why: A little bit of Kat Hessen and Hailey Clauson. But maybe I like her because of her name ;) I think that with a little maturation, or a lot- as in when she is in her twenties- she could be ridiculous, in a good way. She has a soft sadness in her piercing stare that is intriguing, but her face is still too adolescent to me. And... very impressive, she speaks 5 languages. (haha, i just saw on her nymag profile "interests: speaking languages" Me too, Valerija, me too.)

Tian Yi

NY Agency: Fusion

Why: Does not look too standout in print, but from the runway/backstage pictures that I have seen of her, I see a hint of potential. I think her face is too soft and easily just lost, but she kind of makes up for with an air of confidence.

Julia Frauche

NY Agency: NEXT

Why: Again, a very distinct look. This French girl is such a beauty, but looks so relatable at the same time. Nice runway roster she built up this season, top cinq! (my fake high five, heh)

Katryn Kruger

NY Agency: IMG

Why: Looks simply pretty at first, but translated onto runway- so much more impressive. I prefer when her hair and her eyebrows are neat and polished.

Laura Kampman

NY Agency: New York Models

Why: A touch of masculinity, eyes are a tad alien. Reminds me of Iris Strubegger - makes sense in my mind. Lovely in editorial.

Karolina Waz

NY Agency: Ford

Why: Looks mature, particularly in print. I love a girl who can be both masculine and feminine, great combination. I'm really digging the structure of her face. She seems like a girl with a calm and collected personality.

Antonia Wesseloh

NY Agency: Ford

Why: Ok, so I saw her a while back, and though she was a pass. But my opinion turned 180, and now I'm kind of lingering in between as a personal opinion. But I will say that she is going places. Her two extremes: a death stare or young + naive; most of the time it's somewhere in between.

Sometimes, her eyes give off the impression that she's not so much in touch.

Sending my love out to these girls who aren't total newcomers, meaning I knew about them before this season or this was not their first season, but I never got a chance to feature them: Daga Ziober--> who just blew up this season after a quiet first Fall season, Gertrud Hegelund--> oh wait, I did feature her but this season she did much more work, Aymeline Valade--> she's perfect, what else can I say?, Rose Smith and Caterina Ravaglia--> Amazing, flawless and unique.

SC: models' tfs threads

I can't do the switch off, causing a headache

2011-11-29T17:50:00.004-05:00

Everyone, by now, has heard of the collaboration between Marni (!!!) and H&M that will be coming out March 8. From the little preview that we've seen so far, it looks so so good. It's very Marni. I think one of the reasons this collaboration works so well is because Marni is generally a more print-based label and the looks when translated into high street, are the same caliber of prints, but of H&M production quality. Therefore, the design aspect really does not get squandered. The prints! -- that's really what I think of when I hear Marni nowadays. Additionally, the accessories, from the peek we've gotten, look great (see video). Therefore, we really do get what we want from this collaboration. The concern with collaborations is that they are lower quality and still middle priced (then overpriced when sold on ebay) and of course... it's a huge deterrent to have to wait outside H&M the night before. That's just a no for the sane. I don't think I'll ever camp out for that.

Anyway, I am eager to see all the looks soon, and equally for both men and women... even if I don't get my hands on a piece come March.

And on another note: how insane does Aymeline look? but really, when does she not look good?Adore her.

the light bulb phosphorescent flash and then we're gone

2011-10-16T17:04:00.001-04:00

One of the reasons I write my blog: to capture those moments of excitement that come only from fashion. This is what I wrote back in March... when I didn't yet have the time to add the photos. I feel the need now to to publish this post for the sake of finishing all of the fall season. This post was actually meant to be my last one ever on the www.jessicahsu.com that you know now. After a lot of time letting my thoughts marinate in my mind, I decided I was no longer going to continue writing, but here I am, because my sister somehow made me second guess ending this. I have decided to continue writing here, at least until I really begin the next step of changing my website. While I have decided to keep writing here, I think that I will be doing a whole lot less of my reactions to collections posts.

---

Be still my heart. HOLY COW. Celine is more than perfect. I truly mean that. I'm dedicating my life to Celine. When I get older, I shall fill my life with Celine.

Honestly, nothing compares.

I don't know if I should consider it a good or bad thing that Celine shows toward the end of the show season. Because after seeing it, my standards are set way higher. Standards that only Phoebe can achieve.

Seeing the wood prints definitely reminded me of Rodarte, how could it not.

I then read this...

I was thinking about interiors of cars. What it feels like to be inside a beautiful, powerful car. It's that, reduced.

To me, that seems bizarre, I'm all for inspiration, but I don't like the source of that one? But I liked it before I saw that quote, and I still like it now.

Perfect hair, colors, prints, silhouettes, the details. YEA.

Lanvin is out of this world. It might be better than Celine...?.... Alber, I want you give you a big hug.

It's times like these when you begin to question....

Best moment of the season: THIS. This picture is of Natasha Poly opening Lanvin and it is beyond everything else from this season. It's like a perfect moment waiting to explode into a perfect collection!!!

With those hats and those florals, I just can't. and then those colors, textures, shoes...

It was.

Phoebe Philo + Celine + Alber Elbaz + Lanvin forever and ever and ever. So much love.

Edit: look at this picture I came across- how fitting!

SC: style.com, fashioninsiders.tumblr

you'd know how the time flies, only yesterday was the time of our lives

2011-06-16T02:14:00.003-04:00

This is what I wrote when I first saw everything... back when the shows were actually going on and not when the world moved onto resort.

with a few edits here and there over the months...

I'm almost hesitant to write anything about Prada because I don't think I could give words to what I saw. It's the way Miuccia makes us all love her collections that is inexplicable. It's not just the clothes that walks down the runway, but the whole feel and atmosphere. Every single cubic centimeter in that venue must have been perfection. She obviously has something to say, and says it well.

Prada hair is always something that I love as well. It's not always practical, but always suits the collection. I find myself wanting to try just for funsies and test out.

I think that to like this collection, you must look at in motion, see it backstage, just view it in any way you can, and you'll find the beauty. I think in the runway pics that gets lost just a bit.

This venue is perfect, yea?

Favorite looks are the ones with those magnificent paillettes. Wowz.

Jil Sander was wonderful as well. Amazing silhouettes, huh? Those "sleeping bag" pieces are so great- I can just imagine how soft and fluffy they'd be. They probably act as great insulators, bhaha. I'm so digging the long one.

Lookie at how many flawless beauty pics.

So in retrospect-I will say that when I saw these collections when they first came out, I completely loved them and were my favorites so far. Though I currently don't feel as strongly as the first instant, they are still excellent.

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it’s storming on the lake, little waves our bodies break

2011-05-17T01:32:00.019-04:00

Elie Saab

Giambattista Valli

Miu Miu

Mostly a picture post because I am running against time here, but I can't really post Louis Vuitton without saying a thing or two. I loved the elevator idea and watching it stream live really made me like the collection- I wonder what I would think if I hadn't seen that. Even if a look were to seem like total gooniness, I know where it came from and the intention behind it makes it work. Not really any looks that I would go and wear myself, but the idea overall was nice. Also, I liked the structured bags and the fact that Aymeline opened. And can't dislike a good sleek high ponytail. But still never going to be a big fan of the monogrammed stuff, such as those hats, but it was nice how they wrapped around the chin. Oh, I forgot to say... I said in my twitter already, I think...but this collection lends to a great ad campaign huh?

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in a few weeks I will get time to realize it's right before my eyes

2011-05-09T07:34:00.017-04:00

So Hannah MacGibbon is no longer at Chloe. I wish she had left with a bang- because the Fall collection was not so hot. Sad to see her leave, and it makes be scared that one of my favorite labels will lose the appeal. Anyway, the new creative director is Clare Waight Keller.

The sun is glaring onto my screen so I can't really see what I'm even posting, but oh well. I don't feel like closing the curtain. I'm at school, but I have a lot of free time and this Fall stuff is definitely something I need to finish before Resort begins (oh wait, Chanel already happened).

Dries van Noten. Pretty solid collection. Want those pants (such as the ones on Jac). Would also love to wear Kate King's black dress. Lots of great pieces. I would also like to wear my hair like that.

Such a fan of Dries, another one of my favorite designers.

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exile, it takes your mind again

2011-05-02T22:29:00.007-04:00

When I go to the Met "Savage Beauty" Exhibition, I better see all the McQueen ever made(yes, I know this is not going to be the case), minus 13, because I was surprised at the number of guests wearing not McQueen to the Met Gala. I also understand that it was probably very difficult to get a hold of a McQueen dress, but still. You'd think that if they gave up wearing a McQueen piece, they would instead choose something that has some meaning, symbolism or inspiration, or at least looks so amazing that they couldn't reject. I just think it unfortunate that Lee McQueen didn't completely get the respect he so deserves through the event, themed for honoring all that he contributed to the world- both as a human and a creator. That's how I feel about it.

Media, where are the pictures of the models? I.E.: the only reason I know that Jourdan went to the Met was because she was in the background of some picture, and only saw Sasha because she was in the Vogue vid. I'm sure if I saw a full slideshow of just the 49 models in attendance, it'd be more interesting. Literally had to look em up on my own. And the editors, designers? Can only spot them in backgrounds. I would like to see a better view of Battaglia's dress, and... can't find Miuccia at all.

From what I've seen from pictures inside the event, I'm more interested in that, because they had to think about McQueen and how to represent him through the interior setup.

This elm tree was in reference to the Fall 2008 collection "the girl who lived in the tree."

Anyway, I can't wait to go to the Met in New York this summer with my dear fashion companion and be whisked away into a reinterpretation of a world that McQueen created. As for now, I can't help but think back to that February day and be overcome with sadness as well as a mix of emotions over life and the human capacity.

ph: vogue

trapped in transit, never where I want to be

2011-05-02T15:48:00.002-04:00

Vanessa Bruno

Givenchy

Rochas

I know other people would disagree, but the concept was not refreshing enough. It still lends beauty to the collection though.

I guess it's just an expectation of novel ideas and inspiration that is being missed.

So much respect that I have different standards of feeling that leaves me missing something. (Coincidence- that's joincidence with a c- that Met Gala is today, honoring the great McQueen and I choose to finally publish this) I still wonder what he himself would have done this season.

Valentino: some hits and misses- this collection actually got my attention- For some reason, I haven't looked at any of their past few collections. I don't remember what got me to do so this time, but often it's one super interesting picture that sparks my interest.

Oh, by the way, chill it with the studs.

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who's gonna get up after we're gone? who's gonna get up after we've fallen?

2011-03-22T23:44:00.017-04:00

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Collette Dinnigan

I just like that the girls look like they are running to somewhere at Moncler Gamme Rouge

Nina Ricci

How stunning is Anais Mali's whole look? I'm really into this collection, the boxy jacket (like on Nobis) that still maintains the super-feminity. Personally, I liked the beauty and also the tangerine-red nails. But yet again, the shoes are not exciting at all.

Chanel was pretty average. Some good looks here and there, but also some questionable ones as well. I really like the makeup because it's not an easy-go-to smokey eye to go with the volcanic theme. The eyeshadow was a bit green-ish which was a nice compliment. Favorite look would probably be Pivovarova, doesn't hurt that she looks darn precious in it.

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Wolf Gang: Lions in Cages

if you're the chosen one, how does it feel to be loved by no one

2011-03-18T22:53:00.005-04:00

Although it now seems that fashion week was aeons ago...

To me: I apologize for not being as updated as I would like to be.

Me responding to myself: Oh, that's okay. Not a big deal.

Paris takes extra long to look through because 1. a lot of the shows have details and beauty slideshows as well as regular looks. 2. it's the last city, and I am exhausted even though I'm not there. 3. they also have motion clips of the looks moving down the runway which I am sometimes looking at because they really do change your whole perception of a show. (Also, my oh my do some of these girls have bad walks.) 4. I tend to put off the good collections to look at and pick out looks from for later, because I just flip through a show in between homework and distraction, and I can't have myself take too long for one show. 5. A lot of good shows happen in one day and I need time to digest, all right?

Stella McCartney did not excite me as much as I had hoped. I only really liked the beginning portion of the collection that looked basic-- that's not really the right word, I can't find one at the moment. The fabric she used at the beginning with those curved arm sleeves were much too much like last season's plisséd Lanvin. My favorite looks would have to be: Iselin, Sasha, Anais. I'm into flowy wide pants... as well as non-flowy wide pants. Note that the hair parts on the right side of their faces ;) The girls looked so fresh and beautiful backstage, I wish I could post all the images, but it's just too much.

Yves Saint Laurent

Akris

Hannah MacGibbon, what happened =(

I will say that is I liked half of the shoesies, especially the bowed patent ones at then end (I think that they are kind of a misfit in the collection, but golly, if she went in that direction instead, I can just feel the excitement for what doesn't exist! Yea... those shoes were the highlight... in love!) and the close up pictures don't make the collection so bad. Also, all the models had freckles, the reasons for which I don't understand.

This post literally took me 10 times longer than a NY or London post. And a lot more to go!

The Strokes: Machu Picchu

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it's only a matter of time before all the springs in the mind will start to break

2011-03-09T22:33:00.011-05:00

I definitely did not like Rick Owens like I did last season. Only things that got my attention were Aymeline and the layers on Melissa.

Christian Dior

Isabel Marant was boring. Except for knees up on the following.

Oh Nicolas, what is going on at Balenciaga. This season and the last were not so great. But there were a couple looks that were good and a step in the right direction, if only he went that way.

Cacharel. It's quite obvious that I'm into the minimalistic(going to use this term loosely) side of what's been going on at fashion week. You'd understand if you saw the other half of this collection which was quite printsy. But I thoroughly enjoy this half instead.

With this Junya Watanabe look, all I can think about is snuggling.

I think with theatrical or dramatic collections, it's often much better to see the close ups which seem to capture a moment.

Random fact: the models at John Galliano did the show for free.

Lemaire's first season at Hermès...

Haider Ackermann. I didn't initially like it, but after a second look in what seems like a week later, it's better. Is it just me or does Haider look like such a wisdom-filled person?

Costume National

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oh I beg you, cannot follow

2011-03-05T23:48:00.008-05:00

Honestly, there's only one collection on my mind right now as I try to finish up this post. Teheheehehe. And I have 5 Fall fashion week drafts right now. Gonna merge one.

This moving around of designers and all people fashion-related is quite the whirlwind. When I read all those Barneys changes, I thought that was a lot of change. But now we have a whole other scramble going on.

Here are my wishes, knowing that most, if not all will be not become reality. And half of them are rumor outings.

Christian Lacroix at Dior. This would be absolutely perfect, they should really consider it. Initial pick from the start and I will stick with it.

And if that happened, then they would have to fill in for Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy, who I think should stay there at least for now.

Carine Roitfeld should start a Harper's Bazaar France, not go to Dior with Tisci.

And also, Haider Ackermann- stay put! though I wouldn't mind if he took the helms of something else, but nothing is open really.

Hannah MacGibbon should get her contract renewed at Chloe.

No opinion on Balmain.

Stefano and Domenico ending D&G. okay, whatever.

And when the days comes when Karl is no longer at Chanel, I would pick perhaps Alber. Not sure though because he is a great match with Lanvin, but could definitely add an amazing touch to Chanel.

Anne Valérie Hash

Limi Feu

Hakaan (happily accompanied by the first season appearance of Freja, who skipped out all other cities- not pictured below)

At Rue du Mail, I am really liking the knit pieces (I can't really see from afar what it truly is) and I am a lover of unruly hair; I also really like the side sweep and clip look that started with Spring Rodarte. Anyway, the interesting details was the paper cutout lookalikes and the shaping and/or silhouettes of the knits. I seriously can't see, I'm blind as a bat.

Undercover. I'm into the subtle granny look (see look on Emily Senko), don't hate. Also into a slight touch of regalness, but reserved and without excess. Nice colors, I've been noticing a bunch of nice color palettes this season in tons of shows, though unfortunately, sometimes the actual clothes lacked excitement.

Just because I want to say something about Decarnin I'm going to accompany my words with some Balmain images. Rumor is that he is or was dealing with depression. Even if I'm not a "Balmainiac," (pas du tout) it really strikes a chord in me to hear of someone else suffering with any distress, especially depression. Whatever the case may be, we know he has been at least afflicted by stress as the others at Balmain are claiming (Melanie Ward, who replaced Alt as stylist/consultant said he wasn't involved 100%), and I hope he recovers soon.

Oh, Pivovarova's first appearance this season was here, by the way. Lovely to see her.

Appreciate that this collection was not as skin tight glitziness, seems like the silhouettes are a bit boxier which is a nice change. And the patterns are more interesting to inspect...for a moment only, then you get bored.

Sacai

I'm really impressed by Carven. A lot of great looks. Well done.

SC: style.com

bound by the surprise of our glory days

2011-03-02T03:26:00.001-05:00

I wrote and added most of this post over the weekend. Currently I'm just thinking: What am I doing...because I feel a bit displaced. I can't pinpoint why. Anyway, I just added the final bits of the post and shall publish soon regardless of this craziness.

Peter Dundas gave something different than the usual Emilio Pucci, and I can say that it interested me a bit more, but I'm never wild about Pucci. It does seem to have a bit more wearability.

I'm not really a fan for the Roberto Cavalli asesthetic either, but this was actually interesting. The print designs are intriguing but I would not say it's something I'd wear. I like the light-colored layered looks more though I'm anti subtle animal print. I read that he's newly with stylist Panos Yiapanis, most likely the cause of said change.

Marni can be counted on for something with a bit of fun. I liked it, thought it was a good collection (possibly 3rd favorite of Milan though I really like a bunch of looks from MaxMara and Gianfranco, which I didn't explicitly express in my last post). And the hair and makeup was lovely.

Certainly not the best Missoni, but I was most captured by Daria's sweater (!!!) and CBN's sweater top (not the color).

Iceberg

Just Cavalli: In my mind, I am picturing this look in an editorial

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no dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight

2011-02-27T03:39:00.016-05:00

I'm kinda into this printsy-textural look from Etro. I think it's all because of that super snuggles looking sweater.

No. 21

Alberta Ferretti

You are about to go HUHWHAT because this is Blumarine, which cut down on the tack for the beginning part of the collection.

Max Mara. The pouf is so bothersome...And I would like to have closeups because I swear that the bottom hemlines were frayed, which tickles my fancy.

Gianfranco Ferre

Bottega Veneta

Sportmax

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got to leave what's left, sometimes for better things now

2011-02-25T21:36:00.016-05:00

Okay. Yea, I fell behind; it was inevitable. Better luck next time.

I wish my life were simpler where I could give my full attention to fashion week.

I actually wish I would allow myself some time to digest. However, I also only post when I want to...and later on I don't want to anymore or can't get around to doing so, thus I might as well do it now. Sometimes, I regret some things that I post after my mind changes, but that's the nature of it. Maybe I could use a little patience and restraint when it comes to seeing the new collections.

Oh well, full speed ahead this weekend so I can catch up.

Christopher Kane was such a letdown. The plastic-encased goos just seemed so gimmicky. I miss C Kane from 2010 shows and before.

Erdem was quite a bore.

Julien Macdonald reminded me of what Sarah Burton did this Spring.

Paul Smith was full-on geek aesthetic.

Burberry Prorsum was an improvement of what we last saw but still nowhere close to the Burberry that my heart melts for...and those hats have got to go. My favorite look is Jourdan's plaid- surprising because I usually don't like plaid so much. Bailey, make me jump out of my skin next time.

Mary Katrantzou went too asian-inspired with some, I prefer the more-subtle. I just wonder if fashion will eventually get bored with her graphics.

I love the way the straps of the shoes stuck out at Thomas Tait. This collection looks like it was obviously inspired by Celine and Jil Sander. But give me minimalism, I'll take it over the misfortune of most of what else we've seen. I think I shall follow up with this guy's career; this collection is only his second.

And voila, that's London from me to you. At least I can move on to the city that is currently showing right now... Let's see if I can maintain momentum.

And a song that is completely unrelated to this post: Off We Go by Trent Dabbs

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sometimes life, it takes you by the hand

2011-02-21T21:36:00.015-05:00

At Sass & Bide, I liked the 2 looks that were like big blankets wrapped up. The cylindrical hats were just too much, reminded me of Queen Nefertiti. They also tried to pull too much out of the concept of tribal influence.

Jonathan Saunders is maybe the best I've seen of London so far, though I can't say I liked the hawaiian-like prints in the latter half of the collection.

At Mulberry, the last look was just made to be worn with dark hair.

At Antonio Berardi, I liked the idea of the flaps and layering of fabric, but they weren't done to perfection.

Jaeger London

Osman. I am strangely starting to like the idea of dress over pants, but I believe it must be done in a very minimalistic way.

Peter Pilotto almost looked like something the Mulleavys could have done...

And a note to Topshop Unique: please stop turning the runway girls into animals...

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I am so homesick for someplace I will never be

2011-02-18T02:18:00.023-05:00

The thing I love about Rodarte collections is their ability to force me to see in a new way.

I think that this one was a little different from the Rodarte I'm used to. It seems more like other regular designers because some pieces were constructed in what look like very basic ways. But maybe that also adds to the whole prairie idea? who knows. It still maintains the Mulleavys' creativity but it's not quite as good as it could be. Also, the red looks are unnecessary to me- it seems like they were thrown in there to punch Wizard of Oz in our faces. I had such high expectations because last season was a collection I will forever remember, but it's still nice compared to the rest of what we saw this fashion week. I'd say the pants looks are the best.

I'm telling you... the hair in NY this season was horrendous. However, my favorite thing of all from Rodarte was the hair. Brilliant work by Odile Gilbert. Look at this perfection and level of thought. I didn't show the dresses with the wheat print, but the idea of wheat was much better applied to the hair. Such a smart idea to have a tiny braid that resembles as I read, the head of a wheat stem. And the front (see runway pics) is just beautifully swept.

The Proenza Boys' ideas never cease to amaze me. Enough said.

Cool stuff: 1. Because you may not notice this- you can see where the tights start under the striped-zigzag velvet dresses because of the sheer bits. AHHH, brilliant! 2. And shoes were great. 3. Love the cutout bits allover the dresses such as Jourdan's. 4. The pixelation. 5. Jourdan and Hanne's looks are my favorites. 6. Wonderful to see Stegner close the show!

At Thakoon, Valerija's look was my favorite.

I read that Marc's show cost at least $1 million. Wowzers.

It had a lot of the things that I don't particularly like: ie. paillettes + polka dots (usually hate), shiny fabrics, headwear. Hmmm, I can't put my finger on why, but it worked. Good thing they kept the hair and makeup nice and simple: sleek ponytails, blush and liner on an otherwise natural looking face.

Calvin Klein Collection

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I don't know what's wrong with us, they just made us this way

2011-02-15T19:30:00.023-05:00

Part of the reason NY was very lousy this season was that everything just seemed disheveled and not thought about all the way through. It looks as if the designers just lost inspiration and threw bizarre ideas together, which, in turn, left me uninspired as well. I like a disheveled look, but not the way it was done this time around. And also, a big part of me is all about the minimalism and a clean look.

I liked Yigal Azrouel, especially the look with the yellow pants. It's actually gotta be (at least one of) my top looks from NY.

Another "cleaner" collection was Reed Krakoff.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Hanne looks like she is so snuggled up in Oscar de la Renta

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Ports 1961. Very simple, I like that. Good hair.

The faces on the runway in NY are bor-ing. I wish Kat Hessen could do more shows because I think her face looks amazing on the runway photos. And Gertrud Hegelund wasn't in NY. She better be in Europe. Myf and Tanya(already said this) will be in Milan and Paris but they have to get booked to do the shows... so we'll see how many they do. I miss Freja as well. I could go on and on. I just don't want to see the faces that really bother me, but I, although tempted, shall not mention.

Expect to see a post about Rodarte, Marc Jacobs, Thakoon, Calvin Klein and Proenza Schouler tomorrow/next time, as I wrap up New York with my behind-on-fashion-week self.

SC: style.com

and only a few ever worried

2011-02-13T23:38:00.014-05:00

Fashion week is throwing me into a depressed state with the lack of excitement it has produced thus far. I am eagerly awaiting Rodarte and Proenza Schouler, both for which I have high expectations. I'm still a bit scared though because I don't want to be disappointed by my favorite NY shows.

The hair and makeup has been an overall failure with barely any exceptions- it's not even worth it to talk about what was good. All sorts of disasters going on in that domain.

The colors of the collections are nice...as colors, but it just seems that the designers don't really know what to do with them and most collections end up as color vomit.

Anyway, here goes with what has happened so far that was mildly exciting.

Derek Lam- The first look here is a bit like Spring Rodarte, no? The dress on Jourdan reminds me a lot, in design, of that Spring Chloe dress which I loved, and the others remind me of Spring Lanvin. Mirte's dress is so beautiful in both flowiness and color scheme.

DKNY was semi-decent. I thought this look on Fei Fei was really adorable, but it wouldn't have worked as much on another girl so good job for choosing her for that look. The dress isn't even that special but she wears it well.

Doo.Ri

Preen

Rachel Comey

United Bamboo

Rag & Bone (Marcus & David) is one of my NY favorites. I really appreciate their work and although last Spring was just not good, this one is an improvement. This collection is growing on me- it has a lot in 3 days! That's a very good thing though I doubt this can compare to some of the past collections.

SC: style.com

set fire to the rain

2011-01-29T17:48:00.012-05:00

Gertrud Hegelund is such a unique beauty. You may be able to tell that she is related to Agnete-- may be obvious because as sisters, they share a last name. She's done a decent amount of editorials and has been around since 05/06 but hasn't really appeared on the big runways. Hopefully this can be her season. I love her editorial work and she must be put on the runway. She actually was at Chanel PF and closed Elie Saab HC ... maybe she's preparing for a big season =D She has quickly become one of my favorites and I see great things in store for this Danish gem. Take some time to look at her tfs thread. IMG, make this girl big!

The first 3 images were in Cover Magazine February 2011, photographed by Andreas Ohlund

In other news. Tanya Dziahileva said she will be at Milan and Paris which I'm happy about. I was wondering where she had gone to. I also glad that Myf Shepherd is also back to modeling after taking a break for school. To be honest, although it's great and interesting to have a few new faces each season, there are just too many newcomers. We need those who seem to have disappeared to have major comebacks. Such as Anna Jagodzinska. Also, I read this article and it seems like Gemma Ward will eventually get back to modeling, now the question is when or if it's really true.

SC: picsandmodels, scanelite.dk via olgakorbut@tfs

you were changing colors like the leaves in fall

2011-01-23T02:25:00.019-05:00

Oh Phoebe... (Philo--> Celine)

In some of these, she manages to make what would look so wrong look so right. She really has this magical touch, I don't get it.

Hannah MacGibbon has churned out some more beautiful pieces for Chloe. Though some were questionable, when she gets it right, it's very good. I'm slightly scared by Melissa Tammerijn's legs and feet whose coloring looks very splotchy. I like Melissa, but that's concerning to me.

Stella McCartney didn't really produce anything completely fresh, but it was still nice and wearable.

(style.com)

As you may notice, I like to post about these 3 together because to me, they are the powerhouse women of minimalistic fashion (especially Philo) and I see a common thread through their aesthetics. For some reason, I always look at their collections at the same time come Paris fashion week. 1-2-3-Bam.

stand where you are, we let all these moments pass us by

2011-01-23T01:29:00.004-05:00

A special post for a very special image ;) because you know I usually post more than just 1 image.

I have been so bored with Vogue US, I basically ignore it. But this...this...is really something. I am so enamored. Credit goes to Mulleavy sisters for creating the most amazing collection and also Grace Coddington and Mario Testino. I gotta say, though, that if Chanel Iman and her stupid pose were removed from this and replaced with someone more worthy, then I would be even happier. To nitpick, I could also do without Joan Smalls who is pretty boring. But I don't want any negativity associated with this beauty!

(aclosetfashionista)

By the way, this is the February 2011 issue. I want it just for a physical version of this picture to keep forever. Yea, obsessed.

The rest of this editorial is kinda nice as well, but nothing compares to this.

so fuel up your mind and fire up your heart

2011-01-10T18:27:00.011-05:00

Proenza Schouler Pre-Fall 2011, where do I begin?

First, heck yea for choosing Julia Stegner instead of some newcomer.

I love that hair- what brilliant mind did that?

The first moment that I opened the slideshow... a rush of endorphins. That's what Proenza Schouler does to me.

My God, please excuse me for a day... I'm writing this tomorrow so that I can settle down first.

And...

Somehow, that one day I needed ended up being more than just one.

So... where was I? Aha, Proenza Schouler (saving Celine !!! for later though it applies in this sentence) made me a very happy girl indeedio.

See that asymmetrical hemline on the fifth look. Yea, I thought I hated asymmetrical hemlines(not this one though!) because I was fixed on those atrocities called handkerchief dresses. Well that just might be my favorite look from this collection and I'm still obsessing over Stegner's hair.

(style.com)

Oh..... I am so glad I procrastinated this post because now I get to add the Spring 2011 campaign images of Melissa Tammerijn and Julia Nobis photographed by Willy Vanderperre. Best campaign this season.

Imagine if they had started making ad campaigns for a long time (this is only their second)... there would be so much beauty in the world. (Though a life goal is to find the beauty in everything.)

Alhough all 3 images are amazing, the first keeps jumping into my head. I love the way the colors compliment one another, the way the light hits, the way Melissa and Julia are interacting. Notice that only Melissa has darker lips in the first image (then Julia in the other 2)- why do such details get me? I love that this really looks as if every detail was thought out, down to the orange colored nails. Then there is that gaze just subtly acknowledging you. This campaign is the perfect example of showing the models off, but only just enough as to not take focus off the clothes. Because whooooooahhh there, hi Proenza Schouler!

(Proenza Schouler facebook page)

Oh, you know what? Just when you thought this post might be over, I have even more Proenza Schouler to show you.

Check this out. I want this beautiful gown.

If you do too, it costs $1150.

(lagarconne)

I wish I hadn't already used up the post name "beauty in the world."