FASHION BY THE RULES – China BLONDS

There is such a phenomenon as fashion as spectacle and if you need any proof of its existence then you need to attend a show by THE BLONDS. These 2 have singlehandedly, well two of them so I can’t say what the term would be, turned their shows into the highest of drama mixed with an adoring throng of friends, media, and admirers who not only arrive to see but to be seen. The thirty minutes or so before the show begins turns out to be this enormous photo op for the denizens of NYC nightlife who live for that moment of the photographers’ flash and maybe that elusive 15 minutes.

What amazes me is not the hoopla that surrounds these shows but that the design team is endlessly inventive, imaginative and unfettered by the constrictions of conventional fashion wisdom. Not only their limitless imagination, but they have the wherewithal and the knowledge to turn their visions into reality. This particular grouping focused on China and we were transported to the Far East via the glamor route which strutted down the runway in sky scraper heels leaving an indelible memory of each creation put before us. Let’s say these were all from Column A and no column B.

Beads, sequins, jewels, glitter, fringe, macramé, and shiny satins took us back in time to a China we know from Charlie Chan movies, opium dens, Fu Manchu, and maybe even those Chinese restaurants we knew as kids. The bottom line is that the clothes/costumes are marvels of construction, ingenuity, and creativity that reassure us that there is still some fun, humor and untapped talent in this business. The Blonds took us all on a vacation to their China and what a trip it was!

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PHILLIPE BLOND

FRINGE

SPECTACLE SPARKLE

THE BLUES

CHINESE RED

FASHION BY THE RULES – Hail the Conquerers!

Both of the young designers have already left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape in New York City and yes, the international community as well. They have forged names for themselves by finding their particular paths and following them individually. These two young mean have not produced me-too collections but instead have marched to the beat of their respective drummers. Each achieves and executes their vision with flawless technique and with unerring taste. It is too bad that American fashion does not have more trailblazing designers who are willing to the chance and deliver their particular assessment of what fashion is to them.

Jason Wu has shown the world that he is no fly by night, one hit wonder. This fall collection clearly puts him in world class position for a place in the 21st century fashion hall of fame. He deftly worked his theme with grace, with art, with craftsmanship and with a decidedly sure hand. He took lace and he dissected it in every way and when he trimmed a hoodie with it …and did it successfully, then we know he is at the top of his game.

One could say that there was a YSL undercurrent and that the collection was a bit prim, but I say bring it on. Many of the younger generation of designers are discovering what made great collection even greater by delving back to when clothes were not solely based on their youth factor or their trend factor. Good clothes should withstand the immediacy of a season and Mr. Wu has found that chic, slick, and urbane clothes are the remedy to too many collections that try to be uber hip and uber young.

I may have been slightly disappointed with this season’s Prabal Gurung collection but that does not mean that Fall 2011 was still not wonderful. I have a great love of hard edged, clean lines and refined collection and Mr. Gurung still delivered what would be considered to be a fabulous collection. He chose his hard edges with stark contrast of black and white, whether with lace print or with lace overlay, he flexed his tailoring muscle with a razor sharp grey trench and with a red one shoulder short dress. The degrade (ombre) jackets were superb not to mention that there was a fleeting nod to YSL with the bow at the neck looks and the red/hot pink combination. Take note of the evocative nature of the black long and the short version of what I called the Balenciaga tulip tunic dresses.

What suddenly struck me is that models of today are really no asset to the clothes; these girls clop down a runway devoid of any grace or class, they tend to all look the same. For years models like Dianne De Witt, Sarah Kapp, Billy Blair, Pat Cleveland and so many more lit up a runway as they glided its length, the “girls” of yore understood the clothes and acted accordingly which is totally absent in the circus like atmosphere of what we call fashion in today’s world.

FASHION BY THE RULES – Gretchen

Ann–Christin Hoffman grew up with the smell of fresh leather as this was the family business in Germany. This was not about design, this was about the ”skin business.” Ann-Christin had other plans for herself as she had been born with a talent – drawing. Following her God given talents, she pursued her education in England and as luck would have it, her final project was to design as pair of gloves. The award winning design was then taken and applied to the family business and was to be the precursor of the Gretchen business of today. (www.mygretchen.com)

The gloves were only the beginning of the burgeoning business, as with time, she expanded her product selection to include handbags and belts. Her products are a stunning testament to good taste and fine workmanship that is rarely found at these prices. The company, which was formed with Michael Georg Schmitt in 2004, has now become an international business spanning many of the international markets.

Ms. Hoffman has reached almost every age bracket with her diverse designs as well as with her diverse product categories. She makes sure that everyone can afford to own a wonderfully handcrafted piece of leather that will last many years and beyond just a trend.

Gretchen is literally an old German name meaning “little pearl.” The name clearly is demonstrative of the design philosophy of the company. In her own words, “To create precious and sensual accessories for ladies, each of them individual, unique and beautiful by nature, like a pearl.”

Don’t forget to look for me on Facebook, www.examiner.com ,or http://datingsymbol.com/category/beauty-and-fashion/.

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