FIENDMONDAY: JUMPSUITS

JUMPSUITS MAKE A COMEBACK

It’s been at least a couple seasons since fashion magazines were waxing ecstatic about jumpsuits, but for Spring 2011 they’re back again, and it seems almost every other designer has sent out at least one. The ubiquity of jumpsuits for the season can be seen everywhere from the runways of Louis Vuitton, L’wren Scott, Gucci, Paul & Joe, Celine, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Halston.

What’s interesting about the jumpsuit is that although it has utilitarian roots, (women wore them in World War I factories, they are a staple for mechanics and pilots), they haven’t really caught on as an everyday essential, despite the fashion industry’s best efforts. Perhaps it is lack of perceived versatility, or it seems too futuristic to be worn with any seriousness, but the jumpsuit can be a hot item if worn with the right accessories and proper heaps of confidence.

Halston and L’Wren Scott sent out jumpsuits in black that could lend themselves to casual or slightly dressy occasions, while at Gucci Frida Giannini sent out stunning bronze metallic looks that are perfect for evening.

Phoebe Philo went sleek and casual with a denim jumpsuit while Paul & Joe went bright with an orange sherbet flared-legged number that evokes the 70s romper heydays. Marc Jacobs also played up color and print with a colored blocked jumpsuit in a smoky palette of purple, yellow, and red.

A helpful trick for taking a one piece from day to evening is to switch the shoe from a sandal to a pair heels or ankle boot. Dress it down with a cardigan or up with a blazer. Jumpsuits also pair nicely with wedges, another trend that reared its head this past Spring.

To those who think donning a romper may be too risky, I say: embrace the fear.

PHOTO CREDITS: Celine, Gucci, and Paul & Joe from style.com.

FIENDTUESDAY: BACK TO BASICS

KHAKI IS KOOL AGAIN

Are the 90s back? Or is it the 70s? It's a moot point. What is clear is that opulence is dated, consumers are yearning for timeless pieces they can live in, and designers are delivering in turn.

Among the many trends that will be shaping fashion in the next six months are denim, menswear, and neutrals. Forget the signature colour of the season. At the end of the day, it always seems to be the same one, just one or two hues deeper or lighter. It's neutrals and accents that will serve as our palette.

Rich creams, browns, greys, and camels are the new rage, which we'll talk about in future posts.

For now, feast your eyes on the designers' updates to khaki. Khaki gets a face lift via Christoper Bailey, Phoebe Philo, and Elie Saab.




PHOTO CREDITS: Burberry Prorsum [top], Celine [left], and Elie Saab [right] from style.com.

FIENDTHURSDAY: THE MODERN DIVIDE

CLASSIC NEUTRALS

In response to the opulence and flashy 80s-inspired looks that have been so prominent the past couple seasons, a movement of simplicity and refinement has begun to rise and will be poking its head high above the ground come Spring 2010.

Even Marc Jacobs, who cemented the 80s trend's permeation with his Fall 2009 collection, is moving in a different direction come Spring. The tension between the two aesthetic camps is symbolic of our current cultural dilemma: in the face of economic strife, do we move into a more somber, subtle place in minimalist looks or come out swinging in studded boots and (updated) shoulder pads?

Houses like Chloe, Celine, and Tod's are reliable for easy breezy minimal style with fine details. When in doubt, s0me designers have decided to straddle the middle by working within a nuetral palette of black and white, a classic combination that seems to recur season to season as a safe option with innovative potential if technique and styling are used to full effect.
PHOTO CREDITS: Marchesa (top), Marc Jacobs (bottom left), Karl Lagerfeld (bottom right), and Givenchy (center left) from style.com.

FIENDWEDNESDAY: THE WAIT IS OVER

BELLE DU CELINE

Philomaniacs (or Pheobe Philo fans) were rewarded today with the first runway showing of Celine by Phoebe Philo. She did not disappoint. Philo sent out smart pieces with a slight military bent to them in a palette of functional neutrals. Here are some of the best looks. Click on thumbnails to view larger images.

PHOTO CREDITS: CELINE BY PHOEBE PHILO from style.com.

FIENDFRIDAY: PHILO-MANIA

WELCOME TO CELINE

The fashion industry is abuzz with excitement over the return of Phoebe Philo, former designer for Chloe. Since Philo returned to the fold as Creative Director of Celine, her name has been on the tongues of fashionistas and in the pages of every fashion publication one can think of. Her debut 2010 Resort collection for her new boss is a triumph and a true expression of her covetable collection that stays true to her design principles of chic ease and wearability. Pictured are some highlights to celebrate. Click on the thumbnails to view larger images.













PHOTO CREDITS: Celine by Phoebe Philo from style.com.

FIENDTHURSDAY: HEAD CONSCIOUS

TURBANS

The Spring collections saw designers paying a lot of attention to the head. The dominant trends in headdress were boater hats, as aforementioned, and turbans. Originated by Paul Poiret and cemented as a chic staple by Yves Saint Laurent, tonight we take a look at the some of the season's best turbans from Celine, Dries Van Noten, and Ralph Lauren.

Photo Credits: Celine, Dries Van Noten, Ralph Lauren from style.com