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.

Celebrity Style – Gwen Stefani Bold Stripes

Stripes have been Gwen Stefani’s favorite recently, actually, its a pattern she’s turned to quite a bit during her rise to the top. But with her bright red lips and signature platinum blonde hair, stripes look even more strikingly bold on her. She puts the bold black & white stripes into a casual day look that is ready to get whatever is on your agenda done! Paired with her ever-cool driver hat, she makes this menswear accessorized look feminine with her vivacious colored lipstick.

The easy thing about this power-look is that all items are basic and can be re-used and re-mixed in your wardrobe throughout the year. The blazer can be paired with shorts during spring, the striped tee can be lightened up with floral accessories, and the driver hat can carry-on the menswear look into fall.

Piecing together this celeb’s style, is a bold but smart choice!

FASHION BY THE RULES: Tee Time

Well it is going to be Tee time before we know it, at least once all this winter weather disappears. The one good thing is that it is always Tee time almost everywhere. The tee shirt has become an all year item whether it is layered or worn on its own. This week is about two companies which offer tees and some complimentary items which might be of interest.

Rizumu ( www.rizumuplanet.com ) is the brain child of a former movie marketing executive who started this lifestyle brand of tees and accessories after being drawn back to his first love, fashion. The company focuses on the DJ culture with special attention paid to comic book art complete with featured graphic artists. There are even pieces of jewelry which are included and now Pauly D from The Jersey Shore (MTV) has been caught wearing it. It’s a must have for yourself or the totally connected music lover in your life. My favorite piece is the multi zip sweat jacket, and the best part is that it is totally unisex so everyone can have it.

Manaomakani ( www.manaomakani.com ) is the brainchild of an industry veteran who has spent his life creating clothes for the Gap, Express, and Esprit to name a few. Now he wants to give back to the environment and has created this collection of TOTALLY ecologically and environmentally friendly tees and hoodies. It is amazing that the entire manufacture is “green” as well as all the part and materials, which is really rare as most companies boast eco-friendly materials and then are made in the hell hole factories of China, but these products are 100% green and made in San Francisco. The company even gives back financially after each purchase. The bottom line is, you get to do your part for the environment as well as own a truly spiritual article of clothing. Read the history on their site and be motivated to help beautify the world in the literal and figurative sense. ALOHA for this week.

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

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