fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

, , ,

Material Girl

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on July 14, 2010 at 5:47 am

I remember as a little girl, cutting the finger tips off of my gloves, taking my mothers mini cross-body handbag and tying a knot at the end because it was way too long for me. Also, I recall dressing in layers and looking as if I threw everything in my closet on -this was during the 80’s. However, as history repeats itself, so does fashion history.  The 80’s style is back and being transmitted through a true 80’s stylista herself, Madonna.

Her new fashion line, Material Girl portrays some of the singers most memorable looks such as lace tops, tulle skirts, like a virgin-bustier tops that trickle back from the “Express Yourself” video.  Looking for a “Papa Don’t Preach” look? There’s a leather jacket, denim jeans and striped top.  However, the collection is not just a trip down memory lane for Madonna’s greatest fashion hits, it’s actually a reflection of a modern-day ‘Material Girl’, Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter which is working closely together with her mother on the development of the junior line.

The line will be sold in 200 Macy’s throughout the United States. Material Girl will launch August 3rd and then will reveal the face for the collection in which Madonna hand-picked herself to resemble a true modern-day ‘Material Girl’. Although they are keeping lips sealed on who the celebrity teen face for the collection will be, you can visit www.materialgirlcollection.com to get a preview of the collection. The photos only reveal from the neck down but it’s clear that the ‘Material Girl’ has blonde hair…umm maybe Taylor Swift or Ashley Tisdale?

The Material Girl collection includes apparel such as, denim motorcycle jackets, tulle miniskirts, boyfriend blazers, lots of lace and crop tops. Footwear, handbags, hair accessories and jewelry. Oh, and there is a bodysuit within the collection-now that’s an opinion-maker.

“A material girl is a girl that is interested in fashion and interested in music and interested in fun. She has a sense of humor and is an adventurous human being.” Madonna, WWD.

, , ,

The Perfect Shoe

In Designers, Fashion on July 14, 2010 at 5:25 am

Marilyn once made it quite clear that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”  With that said, I think it is safe to say that a perfect heel is not far behind.  If your average stiletto is a friend, consider a Louboutin heel your guardian angel.  Often seen on the perfectly pedicured feet of popular starlets, Christian Louboutin heels are often seen in sky-high versions of satin and in the fanciest form, embellished with dazzling crystals.

From the most recent collection, a stiletto bootie features a sheer upper with flame-like crystal detail.  Unlike many shoe designers, Louboutin does not stop dazzling when the heel is reached.  Fabulously colored crystals envelope the heel, which also reveals the famous red color on the inside.  Such intense sparkle may be meant for evening, but I would suggest showing this incredible piece off for any daily activity.

From the same collection, a stiletto sandal features shocking pink and metallic gold with similar crystals decorating the heel.  Perfect for that hot new night spot, this shoe will certainly be the center of attention.

If sexy heights and exquisite details strike your fancy, there is absolutely no better choice than Christian Louboutin.  Never ignore your diamonds, but make sure your other friend gets an invite, as well.

, , , , ,

Galliano Churns Out Pure Magic

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on July 9, 2010 at 3:17 pm

There are almost no words to describe the sheer joy that comes from hearing the phrase, “couture collection.”  That being said, John Galliano has yet again exceeded expectations with his couture collection for Fall 2010.

In Paris this past week, Galliano’s collection for the House of Christian Dior blossomed quite literally onto the runway.  With a vivid floral theme, models emerged in tulip-shaped silhouettes and breathtaking colors.

One look in particular featured a beautifully soft textured blazer in robin’s egg blue which displayed an exaggerated shawl collar.  The waist was tied with a very unique gold belt and led down to a full black skirt with bubble hem.  As if this ensemble were not enough to tempt the eye, the skirt also features a side embellishment of wonderfully realistic flowers in lilac and yellow.  Another dress appeared in shiny black with a vintage, off-the-shoulder design and sheer overlay at the skirt which seemed to transcend into one large, pink petal.  Worn with shocking pink gloves, this look was simply divine.

While many fall collections tend to feature warm, yet sometimes dull earth tones, this was certainly not the case in the House of Dior.  A gown more vibrant than any exotic flower arrangement presented with a full length skirt shaped in tiny tiers of exquisite teal silk.  The strapless bodice revealed a purple floral print and transitioned quite nicely with a large, artistic bow in neon yellow.

John Galliano is a true innovator with a mind that continually churns out pure magic.  If not one piece in this collection of literal silhouettes and mind-blowing color tickles your senses, I would suggest an immediate medical consultation.

,

Haute Couture 2010: Givenchy

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on July 9, 2010 at 2:14 am

Death, religion, and sensuality. Provocative topics for cocktail conservation with close friends, and for fashion as well. Starting points for Givenchy’s creative director, Riccardo Tisci, these themes transform beautifully into the haute couture 2010 collection.

Spending the time to gaze and appreciate the wonderment of fashion is really important to me. I’m all about the little details and inspiration that lie deep within a designers work. It’s one of the many reasons why couture fashion has my heart! The collection contains ten fantastic looks themed around Frida Kahlo’s art, which explains the corsets, religious symbolism and the idea of human bones that come out of her artwork. To the naked eye, the collection seems pretty and romantic but it’s far from that. The collection is certainly beautiful artwork of its own but beauty doesn’t have to be pretty… “There’s no beauty without strangeness.” – Karl Lagerfeld.

Although the color palate is pale, this intensely worked collection is threaded with dark representation. To the left, this Givenchy haute couture dress resembles a crystal embroidery skeleton over a nude net dress with a metal belt symbolizing a spine. The other looks contain long languid dresses that flow to the floor, matched with a long sleeve jacket (either a blazer or a fur jacket). Riccardo Tisci really focused on intensifying the craftsmanship in this year’s haute couture collection. His workmanship and close attention to detail makes the collection more impressive and impactful to the fashion industry. This Givenchy woman is a showgirl who loves to show off her glamorous side and embodies wearable art. She is very confident and fashionable!

Like Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier also gave the illusion of human bones coming out of their collection. However, the Givenchy haute couture 2010 collection surpassed them all this season. Riccardo Tisci’s amazing craftsmanship with the crystal embroidery and unique pattern shapes really caught my eye. The beautiful inspiration behind their high fashion haute couture collection made it even better. I fell in love with haute couture fashion all over again!

, , , ,

The Ivanka Ska Online Store

In Designers, Fashion, Trends, Updates on June 28, 2010 at 10:34 am

Honestly, who doesn’t love the convenience of online shopping? Shop while lying on the couch in the most comfortable pair of slippers, with a latte in one hand and cookies in the other…. Ah, sounds like paradise to me! If slippers simply won’t do for you, then I totally give you permission to rock your fiercest four inch heels. It’s not like you’ll be walking much anyway, so pain isn’t an issue! I’m very proud to share that designer, Ivanka Ska ( featured in Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2008 and 2009) is making “the shopping experience” our way! Tampa Bay’s first fashion house -The House of Ska expands to the World Wide Web and it’s just a click away!

Ivanka Ska’s online store provides fashionistas shopping convenience and most importantly, stylish trendy clothes, accessories and art. Ivanka Ska is a well-known Tampa Bay fashion designer whose collections have showcased on many runways including Fashion Week Tampa Bay. In addition to being known for her fashion house in St. Petersburg, FL – The House of Ska, Ivanka creates jaw-dropping fashion and unforgettable fashion and art shows. There’s no need to school you on what fashion is (especially what fashion means for us fashionistas or stylistas – like me) but like Coco Chanel brilliantly said “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Ivanka Ska lives and breathes fashion, art and all creativity. She provides the Tampa Bay area with eye-catching “wearable art” because fashion is art!

I love the Ivanka Ska online store especially her breath-taking dresses! The only problem is the inconvenience of having to choose what to purchase… Some of my favorite dresses are below. Which dress takes your breath away? Oh and lastly, the Ivanka Ska virtual shopping experience is just a click away: http://www.ivankaska.info/ Enjoy and feel free to write your own review below.


Tory Burch Falls into Denim

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on June 25, 2010 at 6:59 pm

As in the past, the Tory Bruch brand offered feminine tunic dresses and bold flats with the best weekend bags any socialite would fancy.  Come this fall, Burch has revamped and expanded her collection into denim.The line will still carry everything that has made her brand what it is today, like the Reva flat and printed tunics, but they’re adding a staple piece that every ‘Burch’ customer wants…denim. Tory Burch has transmitted her prints right onto denim. Printed jeans? Hmm…interesting. The line offers boot-cut, skinny, slim and the newest trend, jeggings –  jeans leggings. The jeans range from $165-$250.

All the jeans will have her infamous leather T logo on every denim product. Be on the look out for Tory Burch denim at some of her retail providers like Neiman Marcus…they are already starting to get fur coats in!

, , ,

Do You Have World Cup Fever?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on June 22, 2010 at 4:29 pm

Since our economy took a wrong turn somewhere and is currently trying to find its way back, fashion is still staying alive. However, the industry is looking for all possible routes. Fashion has been taking the road of sports by collaborating with well-known athletic icons such as Derek Jeter and Nike and Armani having the oh so good-looking David Beckham model in underwear…(sigh). Recently, fashion world has caught World Cup fever on the way. Fashion designers and sports have united to kick off products for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The tournament is considered to be the world’s largest sporting event. So, it comes as no surprise that some of the world’s largest fashion designers would be apart of something like this. Louis Vuitton created a special case for the 24-karat gold trophy with malachite detailing that will be given to the winning team. If I was on the winning team I don’t know if I would be more excited about winning or that the case was a Vuitton…hmm. Giorgio Armani has not only dressed the Italian national team in the past, but created a World Cup collection of men’s accessories for Emporio Armani. The collection includes a weekend bag, belts, sneakers, t-shirts, and boxer briefs with a detachable flag logo. Dolce & Gabbana, also supporting the Italian national team, offers a more sophisticated collection. A navy blue two-buttoned suit with spear-headed lapels over a white shirt, a Jacquard tie, a four-button waistcoat and sunglasses all with the Italian flag somewhere within.

Many more designers have caught a case of the World Cup fever such as, Puma, Nike, and Adidas. The companies hope to generate more to the industry. I believe they are going down the right route. Although sports merchandise like football jerseys and team logo coozies have been produced for years, designers have brought something new and innovated to the table. This is a market that has so many opportunities and I look forward to see what the future holds for fashion and sports!

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Dad!

In Designers, Fashion, Trends, Updates on June 15, 2010 at 4:46 pm

Although men are considered ‘simple-shoppers’, it can become challenging when trying to find the perfect gift for them. So buying for dad this Father’s Day may be a bit difficult. Have no fear! I have the answer to the riddle: What to buy dad?

If your dad is anything like mine, when he wants something he goes out and gets it himself leaving very few options of gift choices for him when the holidays come around. Very frustrating! I’ve tried giving dad gift cards to typical “macho” stores  like Home Depot and Auto Zone. He ends up giving them away to one of my brothers or sisters or buys something for one of us with it. So I am giving up on gift cards for dad and moving towards something I know best…clothes!

After years of working in the retail world I have noticed that men will purchase tools and electronics before they would buy a t-shirt. So, lets help dad out this Father’s Day and get him in some new gear! Clothing can become tricky at times when buying for someone else so keep in mind a few things when shopping for your daddy.

First, jeans are difficult to buy for someone without having them actually try them on. The sizing fluctuates from different brands and different cuts. I wouldn’t put jeans at the top of your list. You can’t go wrong with a casual t-shirt from Ralph Lauren or Old Navy. If you want to get pops a more dressier look, the Burberry Golf Collection has fabulous collared shirts. Keep in mind they run small in size. Also, hard-working dads may want to relax on the weekends and watch some sports. So getting dad his favorite sports jersey will make him feel a part of the team.

When shopping for dad this holiday, consider getting him some new clothes. A nice t-shirt or a team jersey would be a perfect gift. Let’s face it, dad doesn’t want another coffee mug with your mug on it. Happy Shopping!

, ,

Smart Fabric

In Designers, Trends on June 1, 2010 at 2:47 pm

5, 4, 3, 2, 1……Blast Off! No, we are not going to space but we can certainly dress like we are taking a trip beyond. Jockey International is launching a new line this spring 2011 called Smart Fabric. It is probably the smartest fabric one could ever wear, even a rocket-scientist would agree! The Smart Fabric technology was originally made for NASA astronauts to help them stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate in space. The application creates sweat reduction and stores your body heat. So your undershirt can help keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The line includes a reversible T-shirt, tanks, a bikini and a hipster brief for the women. All available in colors like black, ivory, coral, pale blue and much more. The men’s line offers the jockey traditional crewneck T-shirt, along with a v-neck shirt with a boxer brief and midway. All available in gray, marine blue, black and white.

Anytime there’s technology involved in something it could get a little up there in price, however, the price point of this line is very reasonable compared to the quality. Men’s underwear come 3 in a package for $27 and women’s tops come 2 for $21. Now that’s a bargain! I have to say, I see a calling for the Jockey Smart Fabric incorporated into a U.S. Military uniform. Whoever said that G.I. Joe couldn’t wear designer labels?

When it comes to fashion, it really is everywhere. A wise woman once said that, “fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

, ,

Get Carrie’d Away!

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on May 26, 2010 at 2:55 pm

It’s so easy to get carried away… when you’re falling madly in love with your “must have item” while turning the page of your favorite fashion magazine, imagining yourself switching spots with the model. Soon to realize you are mistaken and day dreaming with Vogue right below your chin. Fashion advertisements for designers like Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana always have that effect on me!

You would have to live under a rock to be unaware of how Sex and the City is the perfect show for fashionistas! Sex and the City 2 will be as fabulous as the first movie and the TV series! Can’t wait!!! One of my many favorite things about Sex and the City is getting carried away in Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion.

This fearless fashionista lives and breathes fashion in the city! The girl would easily choose Vogue magazine over dinner… now that’s passion for fashion! She’s known for her great style and skill of mixing high and low. Meaning high-end designer fashions mixed with flea market finds! She mixes the two in a much unexpected way that helps to create her unique and memorable look. Fashion icon would be an understatement for Ms. Carrie Bradshaw!

Sex and the City has made a huge impact on fashion! Stilettos, great coats, must-have designer bags, the bob, flower pins and much, much more! Let’s get carried away in what makes Carrie’s fashion so iconic! Below are some of my all time favorite Carrie outfits. Which one is your favorite Carrie look?

City Chic Carrie

Vintage Inspired Carrie

French Carrie

The Very Carrie Suit

Carrie in the Westwood wedding dress