The Amsterdam International Fashion Week is coming to it's end and what a week it was. Full of parties, long hours, from stress to relax rollercoaster, reunions with old fashion friends an making new ones. This fashion week had lots of highlights but for me it was definitely the FIA show. After working their butts off for the past few months two of my friends could finally present their new collections. Marloes Blaas knows what woman want: wearable clothes with a raw edge but oh so feminine. Ever since her first collection I love her clothes that are made with a keen eye for detail and a personality that strives for perfection. So please let the next step be production so we can start wearing!
Linda Valkeman has a some what chaotic personality and that inspired her to to create a collection that has structure to bring some order into the chaos. Her clothes show a strong beauty and feminity through color, structure, shape and materials. Besides an amazing designer Linda is the queen of textile design which makes her collections even more special. Linda had the honor of opening the show, unfortunately there where some logistical problems backstage which causes not all of her designs appear on the runway. But do not worry darling, it still looked fabulous and Paris Fashion Week is on the menu in March and waiting for you to shine!

(Images by Peter Stigter: Left Marloes Blaas. Right Linda Valkeman.)

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1 February 2009 ― By LP ― Runway Report, Designer Spotlight ― 1 Comment

Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, self-proclamed "dorks" and only in business since 2002, already have a reputation of quality and innovation. Hernandez and McCollough met in Parsons Design School in 1999 and partnered up for their thesis project calling it after their mothers' maiden names, Proenza Schouler. Their first collection was born and they developed a unique signature in this early stage, which is unusual for young designers. Hernandez originally wanted to be a doctor and McCollough was intent on blowing glass, fortunately for the world of fashion it turned out quite different. In 2003 they won the CFDA's Perry Ellis Award for new talent, from than on they showed every season with large success under the critical eye of the fashion industry. The clothes show their eye for detail and are beautiful executed. Hernandez and McCollough are especially attracted to natural vs. contrast which is visible in every collection in a different sphere and concept.
The last collection of Proenza Schouler, Fall 2008, was inspired by making paper planes en route in the car, which resulted in folded, origami like fabric and details. The collection shows powerful woman (capes) with a little touch of femininity (bows). They experimented with exposing the inside of the garment on the outside like lining popping out.
The colour pallet of the collection was in beautiful gold, purple, dark green and blue and was put together with care. The trousers were wide with a classic mens touch. The dresses, skirts and jackets had folded origami like details and the sequin tops and trousers reflected the light while the models walked down the runway. The make-up finished the look with a Brigitte Bardot meets Courtney Love, sexy meets raw concept, a clean blue smokey eyes and natural moving hair.

Another nice point of attention was model Alice Burdeu (picture on the left), winner of Australia's Next Topmodel (cycle 3). When I look at the various Topmodel searches on television most of the time I see models not topmodels, but when I saw Alice the first minute on the show I was blown away and immediately knew she was the winner. She has that rare je ne sais qua that makes a topmodel. During the show she was often criticized because of her low body mass index. She put a few pounds on and even became more beautiful. One of the prices Alice won as the winner of Australia's Next Topmodel was an eight-page fashion feature in Vogue Australia. The photos were so amazing that the editor in chief, Kirstie Clements, decided to put Alice on the cover of the September 2007 issue. Not bad for a first modeling job!

Click here for the complete collection of Proenza Schouler.

(Images by: Style.com)

7 February 2008 ― By LP ― Runway Report, Designer Spotlight ― 0 Comments

Yesterday, January 23 2008, legendary Italian designer Valentino (75) waved his last goodbye to fashion in Paris. Valentino took his final walk down the runway to a standing ovation without being over sentimental. Valentino started his career as couturier in 1962 when his show in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence was labeled as a revelation by the fashion industry. "I am especially grateful that I have been able to keep my own style over the decades, in spite of the many changes that have taken place in the world of fashion and in its business." Valentino said. His style was known as elegant and classic, with bright colors and the famous red dress. Valentino's last show was amazing, a goodbye with white satin, strapless dresses, bright flowers, the signature long dress and real craftsmanship. Alessandra Facchinetti, the ex-Gucci designer, will be Valentino's successor, charged with the task to keep Valentino the Brand on the top of chic.

Image on the left by: Marcio Madeira (style.com). Image on the right by: Chris Moore/Karl Prouse (International Herald Tribune).

24 January 2008 ― By LP ― Runway Report, Designer Spotlight ― 0 Comments

By combining eco with luxury Butcher Couture deliver a product that has style, quality and substance. Butcher Couture was established by Babou Olengha in October 2007. The collection is made by different designers who work for the label on a freelance basis. All materials used are certified organic, dyed naturally and are Eco Tex certified. This way Butcher Couture is able to combine High Fashion and High Standards.

(Images: butchercouture.com Left: from the Butcher Premium collection: The Imperial Cape. Right: Butcher Couture Private Collection: The Elizabeth wedding dress, hand knitted by Jemma Sykes.)

21 January 2008 ― By LP ― News, Designer Spotlight ― 0 Comments

EAH! is the accessories label of the Dutch designer Eva Anna Hekking. So yes, EAH are the initials of the designer and the exclamation mark stands for the statement of the Brand. EAH! 'is a sound against fake wannabe personalities and mass products' she explains. Indeed it is. The designs are beautiful and have an individual feel to them. They give you the feeling that you wear something truly special, like it is made especially for you. And that is exactly how we all like to feel. Take a look at all the amazing accessories and choose your very own EAH!

6 January 2008 ― By LP ― News, Designer Spotlight ― 0 Comments