Category Archives: Fashion

Top Couture Trends From Paris Runways

The couture fashion shows in Paris revealed some very interesting trends for fashion this Spring.   Valentino in particular, had some very interesting offerings.

 

One of the most evident was the imitation of wrought-iron grills that was done with the threading and embroidery in some of the fabrics.  This was a Valentino look done on floor-length couture gowns but we will likely see it translated to sheer dressed with embroidery on the front.  Also in evidence from Valentino was the high-shirred waist that comes up to just below the bosom.  High round necks and long sleeves were aloes very popular.  Some of the lace in his dresses was floral and reminiscent of drapery patterns.  The effect is very sixties; these dresses looked like something Anita Bryant might wear to the White House in 1978.

 

Valentino also showed a dress that was tight at the waist, had a high color and sprawling full A-line skirt. This was worn with high heel shoes in thin black theater that boasted a lot of toe cleavage.  Many of the dresses he showed in this style boasted large seventies styles graphics of flowers in the pink and brown color schemes.

 

Valentino also showed a lot of peplum looks on the run way including sheer peplum that was underlaid with layers of chiffon and a great deal of embroidery.  These looks were very formal and suitable for a wedding.  These sheer layered long skirts and high-necked frocks also came in ruched and tufted black versions. One super-sexy version was made in a hot tomato red sheer fabric that showed a sexy negligee and garters beneath a birdcage skirt made of peek-a-boo red netting.

 

Valentino also showed a few unstructured looks including a voluminous tie-dyed dress with enormous balloon like sleeves and a full flowing skirt.  This is a fairy tale look that is burnished with yellows and purple on a cream background giving the effect of a slightly mottled or vintage look.

 

Very little jewelry was shown with these looks possibly because all of the lace was so elaborate it.  Wearing these dresses is like wearing gigantic jewels.

 

Not all of the looks that Valentino showcased in Paris for Spring were frilly or decadent. One signature white dress was very plain and faired. It looked like the kind of seamless coatdress that glamor girls would wear on Star Trek. It also looked like something that Marlo Thomas would wear in “That Girl!”

 

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South Beach Artist Chic Style

Miami is the home of the Miami Art Basel each year and South Beach Miami is a real artist’s haven. The streets of South Beach show off some real imagination in dressing that also has a touch of class.

 

In evidence on the street are flat canvas shoes with a longer “ballet toe.”  These shoes are usually pale pink but structured a bit for walking. They are worn with seventies style ankle bracelets that look like miniature silver belts.

 

Polka dot shorts are in fashion for Spring in this Florida haven. Think of seventies kitsch styles in pink or baby blue with large white polka dots.  Wear this with a maroon or burgundy braided belt.

 

Another big trend is the long sleeved boat necked crocheted top that bares one shoulder. The coolest types look like a scarf that exposed the navel.

 

Black is a big color here in South Beach, Florida just as it is in all art communities. The basic artist uniform is a short-sleeved cotton mini-dress that is paired over cotton footless tights and worn with a pair of woven leather and canvas wedge heeled sandals. The coolest girls wear sandals in a light or flesh colored sandal.  The entire look is pared with an extra long skinny scarf in a light woven silk.  The scarf is usually worn a bit like a cowl over the neck.

 

Baggy shorts with a wild print are also back in style. Prints are very eighties or Tikki in flair and are paired with low cut black tops and leather gladiator sandals.  Large oversized bags in pure white with a large hat with a wide brim and oversized mother of pearl and shell jewelry complete this retro beach baby look.

 

Some Miami women are wearing very slouchy camel jackets with narrow collars with denim cut offs, slouch T-shirts and leather Beatle Boots. This is usually paired with very large sunglasses and and oversized beaded and leather-sewn bag.  These punkier looks often also include the wearing of an oversized metallic men’s watch.

 

Skirts and tops in light wool blends are also very popular. The tops are usually striped with a high upper armhole and a round neck. The skirts are usually edged with wide ribbing at the hem and waist.  These are paired with bowling bags and flat canvas ballerina slippers.  This outfit is versatile and perfect for work especially on slightly colder days with a lot of clammy humidity.