Paris Fashion Week: A Muddy Palette

March 8, 2017 Laura Solin-Valdina

Designers took earth-tones to the runway as Paris Fashion Week is showing a color palette of muddy browns, tans, greys and greens. Balmain, Vivienne Westwood, Céline and Stella McCartney are a noticeable few painting the runway with neutral hues.

Inspired by grunge band Nirvana, the Balmain collection varied in shades of brown, tan, gold and orange, featuring embellished alligator vests, zebra-printed dresses, and thigh-high snakeskin boots. Designer Oliver Rousteing explained, "They’ve embarked on the perfect road trip, picking up influence while traveling across the globe’s most awe-inspiring landscapes – the Serengeti, the Far West, Amazonia."

Husband and creative director of Vivienne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler announced his 75-year-old wife would walk the Paris runway. The Fall 2017 collection, a mix of signature Vivienne Westwood and Viennese Modernism, featured bold paint-spattered prints, marionette inspired makeup and hair styled with plastic bags and colored extensions.

Céline guests watched the show from rotating bleachers as models walked laps on the runway. Embodying an "as-the-world-turns" message, models accessorized with suitcases, carried travel blankets and wore map-printed overcoats.

Animal-rights activist, Stella McCartney debuted her cruelty-free Fall collection featuring indistinguishable "skin-free skin" fabrics with equestrian-inspired suede mini dresses, leather trousers and quilted jackets. The show payed tribute to singer George Michael as models lip-synced "Faith" in the show finale.

Milan Fashion Week: Patterns Turn Political

March 1, 2017 Laura Solin-Valdina

Milan Fashion Week turned political as designers used the runway to spread a message of equality and inclusion. Prada, Missoni, Versace and Stella Jean were a noticeable few sharing their voice through empowering collections.

Designer, Miuccia Prada explains, “I don’t want to be political. Not officially political." She laughs, “I have to sneak it in". The ready-to-wear Prada collection expressed inspiration from the powerful styles of women in past eras with hints of 50's sweaters, 60's flared skirts and 70s patchwork.

Designer, Angela Missoni provided guests with a cat-earred beanie in support of the Women's March. Among the Missoni brand's signature graphic patterns were sweaters showing messages of inclusion for organizations and campaigns such as ACT UP, AIDS Coalition, and free-the-nipple associated with women's rights.

Donatella Versace made her stance on women's rights unignorable. Under the strong pantsuits and pencil skirts, models wore sheer black slips with the words equality, love and loyalty embroidered in. Versace left no confusion in her message with the addition of beanie hats and scarves that read in bold lettering UNIFIED, COURAGE, and POWER.

The Stella Jean collection channeled the unambiguous relationship between the United States and Russia during the Cold War. Stella Jean's attitude towards the current political state is expressed through the combination of signature styles of both Russian and American cultures. The collection plays on babushkas, victorian-style laced boots and the clashing of mixed prints.

NYFW Day 7: Feathers and Fringes

February 20, 2017 Laura Solin-Valdina

Designers took texture to the New York runway for Day 7. Thom Browne, Bibhu Mohapatra, Michael Kors and Marchesa added definition to their designs through plumes, tassels, embellishments and fringe.

The Thom Browne collection featured touch-sensitive ensembles designed with a variety of fabrics, furs, ribbons and fringes. Browne designed the collection to replicate a frozen pond, styling models with platform heels inspired by the look of an ice-skate.

The Fall/Winter Bibhu Mohapatra collection highlighted Mohapatra's love for the traditional feminine silhouette and dramatic evening gowns. His nude chiffon gown covered with intricate beading and ostrich feathers emphasized the romantic aesthetic of the collection.

Aside from the outstanding number of well-known models, Michael Kors invited individuals of varied shapes and sizes to walk in his show. The collection itself was diverse featuring leopard dresses, traditional pant suits, fur overcoats and fringe-covered evening wear.

The Fall/Winter Marchesa collection featured color and texture this season. Inspired by Old Shanghai glamour, designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman constructed bold evening gowns with layered chiffon, draping bows, bright tassels and colored plumes.

Carmen Marc Valvo: Spring 2016

September 18, 2015 Laura Solin-Valdina

With a staple color palette and admirable craftsmanship Carmen Marc Valvo’s Spring 2016 collection redefines the classic cocktail dress and timeless sports jacket, while playing on the enduring elegance of the evening gown. The men's pieces provide for a swanky tidbit aside the women's designs. Ebony, ivory, and poppy, dragonfly print, and swans make for one breath-taking collection.