New Year, New Blog!

Just a reminder, you can find the new blog at casualncouture.blogspot.ca. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Bit of News

Firstly, Merry Christmas everyone! This has been an exciting year for me with many new opportunities!

With these new opportunities, I'd also love to better the blog, especially the photography. I normally use a tripod and remote for my photography, and while it works, I'm not the best at it. In Korea, I have a couple of friends who are willing to take photos of me on the weekend, however I'm not sure how long we'll be able to continue that as contracts are anding and people are moving. I'll manage though. Worst that happens is I go back to the tripod (my usual location by the university is usually free of people and onlookers). 

Secondly, you'll notice a few design changes. This not only has to do with giving the blog a facelift and rebranding, but to refocus myself, and have the blog more to my current fashion style. When I first created this blog, my personal style was very girly. While I still love feminine pieces, I find myself being drawn to cleaner, more minimalistic and neutral designs and colours. I want the design of the blog to reflect that.

Lastly, a name change. You may have noticed my social media handles changing to reflect this earlier in the year. Again, this is to refocus myself, as well as refocus and refine my style. I've decided to call the blog "Casual 'n Couture." Why 'n? Originally, I couldn't decide if I wanted to rename the blog "casual and couture" or "casual in couture." And would have been the most accurate choice to reflect my style (mixing more high end and trendy pieces with regular, everyday stuff), but in had a better ring to it. So I decided to mix it up a bit and use an abbreviated form of and, that would sounds like in. The url will be changing to casualncouture.blogspot.ca New Years Eve, so make sure to watch for it!

Seoul Fashion Week Runway Review – J Koo

Sports, lace, water colour prints. That's what J Koo was all about this season. Lace, frills and pleating were strategically placed to give a feminine, almost lingerie feel to otherwise sporty looks. Paired with oversized anoraks, soft jersey dresses and jumpsuits, the bustier details created a perfect balance between separate pieces as well a coherence amongst the rest of the collection.

Seoul Fashion Week Runway Review – Ultimo SS16

Designer Kim Dong Soon of Ultimo proves fashion is all about the details.

The show started off with gorgeous feathered masks among sheer black tops with gorgeous beadwork, and ended with romantic sheer dresses and flowing chiffon skirts with soft floral prints (which could easily be layered over those gorgeous black tops from before). But not everything had such a romantic vibe. Ultimo quickly switched to summer themes reminiscent of a vacation to the white sand beaches of Cuba. Flowing ponchos, over-sized, western belts paired with pepper necklaces and bohemian tasseled blouses were all seen before Ultimo once again moved on to retro inspired work wear. Polka dots, swing coats and red leather detailing made this a memorable part of show, until once again, black and white romantic ensembles came out.

While every look was gorgeous on it's own, the collection felt more like two or three different collections stitched together. A few more transitional looks would have made the show amazing.

Favourites from Paris Fashion Week

Balenciaga - Photo from Style.com

Paris fashion week is definitely my favourite of all the fashion weeks. The designers create detailed, yet laid back outfits – most of which are totally wearable. This year, I'm all about sheer, flowing layers (aren't I always?), suede (my new obsession), and feminine, yet sporty looks. 

Personally, Alexander Wang at Balenciaga does this best, and I'll be sad to see him go (isn't the dress above gorgeous?!). Balenciaga quickly became a favourite of mine with Wang at the helm, but I can't wait to see who picks up the lead next! 

Chanel was also a hit with me this year. Lagerfield outdid himself with the airport theme – combining classic Chanel style with comfy flight wear. Patterned track pants or wide legged – everything was to die for. Definite must haves for those who travel a lot (ok, maybe just those who travel a lot and can afford Chanel).

Christian Dior - Photo from Style.com

Elie Saab - Photo from Style.com

Isabel Marant - Photo from Style.com

Isabel Marant - Photo from Style.com

Stella McCartney - Photo from Style.com

Stella McCartney - Photo from Style.com

Chanel - Photo from Vogue.com

Chanel - Photo from Vogue.com

Chanel - Photo from Vogue.com

Lemaire - Photo from Vogue.com

Balmain - Photo from Vogue.com

Balmain - Photo from Vogue.com

Balmain - Photo from Vogue.com

MacQueen - Photo from Vogue.com

MacQueen - Photo from Vogue.com

Karl Lagerfield Reincarnates Cara as the Empress of Austria

Photo courtesy of Allure Russia

So I finally watched the Chanel film, "Reincarnation," featuring Cara Delevingne and Pharrell Williams. I mean, they sing! Who wouldn't want to watch?

I loved the video – very cute – but guess what I loved more. Cara's dress and hair was obviously inspired by Sissi, the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary (I'm half Hungarian and biased and I think it's cool, okay?). The story is supposed to be about the history of the iconic Chanel jacket - from it's inspiration as a humble lift-boy's jacket, to it's reincarnation as the icon it's known as today. But hey, it also makes sense that Cara is a reincarnated queen.

Seeing this brought back a lot of memories of my trip to Vienna a few years ago. In other words, I've seen the original dress and hair ornaments (okay,  the original was stolen so technically I only saw a well made duplicate), and I was giddy to recognize that Karl Lagerfield took inspiration from them.

Is Cara the reincarnation of the Empress of Austria?

I loved that rather than taking the original jewels and dress exactly, Lagerfield created a modern and unique take on the Empress's famous outfit. I loved that Cara's stars were flowers while her dress stayed relatively true to history. She also had a pair of earrings that I feel were inspired by the original Hapsburg jewels.

The star on the right is the original Hapsburg jewel know as the Koechert Diamond Pearl, or the Sissi Star.

You can take a look at the video here! Geraldine Chaplin is adorable as Chanel. Seriously, watch it to the end, she's amazing!

Into the Deep

All images are from Fashion Gone Rogue

As I'm still doing my little mia/I have no time to take photos as all I do is sleep, I thought I'd share with you an old editorial I fell in love with.

How beautiful is this shoot from Flare's June issue. Chris Nicholls shot model Meagan Callen as an ocean siren, complete with sea worthy hair, heavy embellishments, and gorgeous dresses. Just another reason for my love of blue....

Yves Saint Laurent Movie

Is anyone else excited for the Yves Saint Laurent biopic?! It was just released in France on the 8th, and will hopefully be making its way to North America soon.

The movie features Pierre Niney as Saint Laurent, and oh my is he good looking. Did I mention the movie includes the iconic photos of Saint Laurent nude? Yea, I'm looking forward to it, anyone else?

 

Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2014

Photo Courtesy of style.com

I recently stumbled upon a few photos of the Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2014 show via the Sartorialist as I don't normally follow Owens during Paris Fashion Week. The photos I looked at didn't look like a regular fashion show, but illustrated a lot of movement, contemporary models, and some fierce (and I don't mean Tyra Bank fierce) expressions. 

Turns out, the amount of movement and the savage facial expressions was due to some intense choreography.

I absolutely adored the show! It was a breath of fresh air compared to the regular catwalk shows. While fashion shows have become increasingly creative, even including dancers, I've never seen one where the show is entirely the dance. Even when the models walked the line, they were always moving and dancing, stopping only for a few brief seconds to pose. 

Kudos to Rick Owens for bringing something new to the table (also I'm in love with the leather jacket (or is it a vest) in the top picture. 

Capitol Couture - Hunger Games Inspired Fashion for Net-A-Porter

The fashion of the Hunger Game's Capitol is about to make its way here in reality. Net-A-Porter paired up with Trish Summerville to design a new clothing line reminiscent of the eccentric and extravagant fashion the Capitol citizens are known for.

Move over Cinna, we have Trish Summerville!

Photo Courtesy of  capitolcouture.pn

While the citizens of the Capitol are known to dress in outlandish costumes complete with candy coloured hair and bright makeup, I expect the line to be more subdued, reminiscent of Cinna's designs for District 12. Net-A-Porter says the capsule collection will launch in November, featuring "laser-cut leather, streamlined silhouettes and dramatic evening-wear."

Personally, I'm hoping for a recreation of Katniss' mockingjay dress and some amazing boots.

The collaboration between Summerville, Net-A-Porter and Lionsgate is not the only part of the Hunger Games fashion. As a part of the it's viral marketing campaign, the marketing team for the new movie, Catching Fire, launched the Capitol Couture website. The site features different designers, their opinions on how they would dress the different characters and what their interviews would be like, as well as collections that could have been inspired by the 12 districts.

Photo Courtesy of disneydreaming.com

Photo Courtesy of fanpop.com

Photo Courtesy of  capitolcouture.pn

While this collection delights us fashion-lovers and fans of the book, others are not so sure about the message, debating whether or not designing such a line is causing us to "become" the Capitol.

I understand the message of the books, having read them soon after the first movie came out - the Capitol thrives on violence between the districts as a course of pleasure and entertainment - which is seen by the way they dress, in luxury and extravagance. The gross perversion of the Capitol is meant to be an extreme mirror of the life of the 1%, or even the first world compared to developing nations. We lay back in our ignorance akin to the majority of the Capitol's citizens, while our governments condone wars and violence against each other in countries such as Syria or Iraq. While I wouldn't say we consider these wars to be entertainment compared to the Hunger Games, it's a form of control, used by both the Capitol government and the governments of our world.

Photo Courtesy of  capitolcouture.pn

I can't say I disagree with Suzanne Collin's message, however, I do disagree with those saying that by designing a line inspired by the Districts and the Hunger Games, we are suddenly becoming the Capitol. I get that yes, by slapping the Hunger Games name on it, it becomes a part of the viral marketing for the new movie, Catching Fire, and yes, it will be making money due to the viral campaign as well as the name. Summerville is an award-winning costume designer, where the fashions she designed for the Capitol received attention from fashion- and beauty-lovers around the world. Who couldn't love the sleek lines of Katniss' and Peeta's opening ceremonies costumes, or the whimsy of Effie's promotional photos featuring Paperself false lashes. Is it really a surprise that when she finally designed a collection for Net-A-Porter, available to all, that she wouldn't use her well loved designs for the Hunger Games movies and adjust them to suit our own needs? While it may be considered easy success, it also means she knows her audience and is catering to them and current trends, in this case, the new movie. Can we really consider using one's own designs to inspire a new collection as giving in to the same values as the Hunger Game's Capitol? Is it truly any different than the new collections appearing every fashion week?

Photo Courtesy of  capitolcouture.pn

Tomorrow

I'm so excited for tomorrow. I have my last final tomorrow, but right before I'll be heading to the Calgary Sample Sale. Some f my favourite brands will be there, including J Brand, Joe Jeans, and Free People. I'm really hoping to score a pair of black skinny jeans from J Brand and a jacket from Free People.

The sample sale will be held in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Kitchener. To see when, visit their website http://thesamplesaleguys.com/events/

TOPSHOP Opening Up in Chinook Centre!

TOPSHOP will be opening in Chinook Centre here in Calgary! Needless to say, I cannot wait! I really hope they offer as good a selection as their British stores though, unlike when Scotch and Soda opened here. I also hope the markup in price won't be as bad as it is at The Bay. TOPSHOP is just so much cheaper to by in England... perhaps I'll go soon. The store will be opening in the fall.

2012's Fashion Headlines in a Nutshell

Photo Credit: decoist.com

Happy New Years everyone (and a late Merry Christmas)! While I should be making resolutions and goals to keep, namely stop procrastinating and start preparing for classes, I am looking at the biggest headlines in fashion this year, and combining everyone into a brief post for you to read. This is what journalism has taught me: aggregating information is a great way (and easy) to procrastinate, and can still be considered as a journalistic endeavor. So, if you wanted to see what I thought were the biggest news stories this year, take a look.



Raf Simons Replaces Galliano

Photo Credit: ftape.com

Raf Simons left Jil Sander to join big-name fashion house Dior, replacing John Galliano as creative director. He debuted during the couture shows in June, with his ready-to-wear line appearing during Paris Fashion Week this fall. Simons did not disappoint, and I'd advise you take a look at the Dior Spring/Summer 2013 show. Prepare to be amazed. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next year.

Alexander Wang for Balenciaga



While Simons went to Dior, Balenciaga chose Alexander Wang to be their new creative director, taking the place of Nicolas Ghesquière. I'm curious to see what he does in his new role, as his own line is minimalistic and relaxed compared to Balenciaga under Ghesquière.

Dolce and Gabbana Stir Up Controversy

Photo Credit: colorlines.com

Dolce and Gabbana were ridiculed for their "Mammy" earrings during Milan fashion week. The earrings were shaped into the head of a black woman, with models also wearing dresses, tops, and skirts with prints featuring similar images.

Critics thought the images resembled Blackamoor art, which has been criticized for romanticizing the slave trade. The fashion house begged to differ though, saying their inspiration came from "opera dei pupi," a form of Sicilian puppet theatre.

Victoria's Secret Is Also Accused of Racism

Photo Credit: naplenews.com

Karlie Kloss was edited out of the Victoria's Secret fashion show during their Calendar Girls collection in one of the biggest fashion controversies of the year. Looking at the Victoria's Secret outfits as art, I didn't think her costume was anything to be concerned about, however many in the Native American community would disagree.



Micheal Kors Leaves "Project Runway"

Photo Credit: Getty Images

While Micheal Kors said goodbye to "Project Runway" after it's tenth season due to a scheduling conflict, Zac Posen tweeted, "So excited to be the new judge on @ProjectRunway Season 11!! Joining @heidiklum @ninagarcia and @TimGunn." While Posen will be the new judge for season 11, Kors is expected to return in the future.

Yves Saint Laurent Makes Bold Changes

Photo Credit: liveitgorgeous.com

Creative director of YSL, Hedi Slimane, decided to change to change the brand name Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent Paris. The change will only affect the house's ready-to-wear line, and debuted with the Spring 2013 collection.

A Final Farewell to Anna Piaggi

Photo Credit: dexigner.com

Anna Piaggi, Italian fashion journalist, stylist, and icon, died this year at the age of 81. Known for eccentricity, she was master of the mood- or pin-board, now a standard magazine feature. She was also known for her ability to tell a story with her outfits and collages of garments.