Tag Archives: designer

RAD by Rad Hourani Pre-Spring 2010

July 29, 2009 Glossy 2 Comments

Rad Hourani deems himself as an anti-conformist, a designer that doesn’t follow trends, yet the pieces he creates are at once current and sophisticated. In studying his past collections (he launched his label in 2007), Hourani indeed emphasizes a no-background, no-formatting approach – there is a consistent look across each successive season. Male and female models continue to blur boundaries with his androgynous attitude. Last evening, he presented at the Soho Grand Hotel.

Hourani layers colors and textures in an easy manner, yet the thoughtful details say otherwise. Rips on denim are actually neat slits that can be zippered up. Loosely draped blazers have fitted sleeves that can be pushed up to reveal a tattoo, or drawn down to cover bitten fingernails. Finished hems on loose shorts and skirts offer clean cuts to fluid silhouettes. Leather bags and clutches are the final touch, soft shapes that complement rigid limbs and stiff poses.

The collection can stand out for its structural appeal yet easily blend in to the crowd. It is relevant with a lot of substance, but at the same time the graphic prints and deconstructed tees also convey a youthful recklessness. Colors are mostly muted, save for a dazzling red jacket. All looks were accompanied with the usual sleek hair and polished ankle boots.

– Tiffany Chang

fashion

Christian Siriano Fall 2009

February 20, 2009 Glossy

Christian Siriano aimed to give “the modern working girl a bit of Cleopatra’s drama” with his Egyptian-inspired Fall 2009 collection. Expect gold, chocolate brown, and dark turquoise in bold shapes and cuts. Intriguing styles include a satin high collar, puff sleeve blouse with sculpted front petals, a sleek vest slipped over a cashmere cowlneck sweater, and a number of hard metallic pieces suggestive of the sacred scarab beetle.

One can never have too many coats in the fall, and Siriano provides a wide range of flattering silhouettes, from the classic peacoat with gold zippers, to outerwear with cinched waists, bell sleeves, and tuxedo pintuck details. There were also several one-shoulder ruched dresses, but Siriano does especially well with his grandiose gowns, complete with a daring headdress, gathered train, and hammered satin layers. The gold lips and those fetching, fringed bangs brought a nice costume effect.

Siriano also debuted his shoe collection for Payless. The gold pyramid heels, stacked chains, and subtle hieroglyphic print complemented the Egyptian theme, but would make the transition marvelously onto city streets.

– Tiffany Chang

See more photos from the Christian Siriano show below

fashion

Zac Posen Fall 2009

February 19, 2009 Glossy

Five Steinways and draped lamé dresses decorated Zac Posen’s catwalk on Thursday night of Fashion week. His 40’s goddess glamour inspired collection held several Hollywood red carpet potentials, much like his collections as of late. Posen’s ability to create a show so A-list packed, both with models and celebrities, is uncanny. Due to the star studded event, tent security would not let anyone without a physical invitation pass, and the sign-in table mandated picture I.D. The amped up security proved to be worthy of the attendees, who got both a classical concert and a fashion show in one.

Uber-trendy young Hollywood starlets such as Rachel Bilson and Joy Bryant flocked together with fashion giants, stylist Patricia Field and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. The models glided down the runway in beautifully draped and structured ensembles, some more architectural than others, but kept lines all looking fluid. Most of the collection was shown in neutral tones with flashes of bright, shiny color and lots of cocktail jewelry. The proportions of a gray portrait collared dress were fun and reminiscent of soap opera extravagance, all shoulders and body hugging. Another number made in the gray rippled sheer had a sweet hint of bright purple underneath, visible slightly through the body and peeked out at the bubble hem.

There was one sparkly number than caught the attention of this writer in particular. When a gorgeous hybrid of gold-silver lamé with a built up collar and plunging neckline came down the catwalk, you could almost hear the stylist’s pens circling this piece on their programs. One could almost place bets on this piece ending up on one of Rachel Zoe’s celeb clientele. Mr. Zac Posen, with the looks of this production, if you design, we will come regardless of the ridiculously tight security measures.

R. Em

Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
See more photos from the Zac Posen show below

fashion

Tracy Reese Fall 2009

February 17, 2009 Glossy

In a preview of the Fall 2009 season, Tracy Reese used a brilliant term to describe her post-Impressionist inspired collection. “Rustic chic” packs a wonderful imagery of romance and a modern take on the countryside. With reference to Vuillard and Van Gogh, we look forward to distinctive “paint stokes” of patterns, distorted silhouettes, and vivid colours.

Reese’s layered prints create a visual feast from head to toe. Pink floral secretary blouses were tucked into high-waisted tapered pinstripe pants. Unbuttoned herringbone blazers flapped with carefree ease over a cornucopia of dark blossoms. Oversized sweater tunics and jackets both cropped and long offer a touch of glamour. Rich tones include lime, “basil green” and raspberry.

Sweet ruffles and knee-length black stockings bring an artistic mood, something you expect from congregating painters and poets at the corner café. Velvet and fur trimmed outerwear make for a perfect day at the Musée du Louvre. Striking accessories include feathered amulets, detachable fur collars, swinging black pearls and leather elbow-length gloves. And you can’t go wrong with dark-rimmed eyewear either, which adorned every look from the elegant – a glossy teal cocktail dress and a black lace-embellished persimmon tank dress – to the academia – boxy blazers and high collar cardigan twinsets.

– Tiffany Chang

fashion

Erin Fetherston Fall 2009

February 16, 2009 Glossy

Erin Fetherston staged a wildly imaginative presentation named “Tinderbox” for Fall 2009. Her creative cast of “polished” figurines embodied “refined whimsy” and hinted of Corpse Bride meets Waldorf ladies at cotillion. There was definitely a large dose of style and humor that had guests positively beaming in anticipation.

Toy soldiers came to life in a circus showing of the marvelous “teacup skirt” – a tutu concoction of silk-fil jacquard – as well as a sleek jersey catsuit, a pair of black & white striped tights, and silk/tweed separates bedecked with black dots and ruby gingham. A velvet fez stood atop heavily crimped tresses, adding a charming touch to the layers of lace and royal marching jackets and riding coats. Nutcracker-esque elements of giant crystal bows, doll bubble dresses, and trim leather belts had me almost seeing dancing en pointe.

The second half of Fetherston’s presentation was a collage of sweet lavender hues and magnolia blossom prints. Appealing details include smooth, elbow-length gloves and ornamental masks (pinned to the hair). One cannot help but dwell upon painted features on perfect porcelain. Don’t expect to see any chips or cracks here. “Tinderbox” ends on a high note and a sigh of pleasure with an extravagant, flouncy silk tulle and chiffon Queen Doll gown.

– Tiffany Chang