Editorial: Esquire September Issue

Image source: fashiongonerogue.com

I wasn’t actually aware that Kate Moss had not covered a guy’s magazine in 17 years; I guess it’s because I’m used to seeing the supermodel grace the covers of a number of high end women’s glossys over the years. But the September issue of UK Esquire magazine is in fact her return to men’s publications. The photo leaves little to the imagination with only jewels covering her modesty, along with a masculine cream tuxedo jacket. I do love this shoot, but that’s not really surprising because in my eyes, Moss can do no wrong.  

Editorial: LOVE #10

For the 5^th Anniversary of LOVE magazine, renowned photographers Met Alas and Marcus Piggott photographed British models Cara Delevinge, Georgia May Jagger, Edie Campbell and Rosie Huntington-Whitely, as well as Japense model Chiharu Okunugi for a set of covers featuring the iconic Minnie Mouse ears.

Runway: Elie Saab Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Like Elie Saab’s couture collections, eveningwear was the sole focus for this season. Inspiration for the colour palette was taken from jewels, as ruby, emerald and sapphire gowns were encrusted with the label’s trademark elaborate beading. Silhouettes were mostly soft, creating elegance and sophistication, while intricate lace upheld the feminine aspect true to Saab’s signature style.

Runway: Maison Martin Margiela Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Maison Martin Margiela took a very artistic approach for his latest couture collection. Mixing old with new, vintage fabrics were restored and reworked giving a new lease of life to the clothes. One of the standout pieces consisted of an embroidered Art Nouveau curtain which was placed over a pink satin gown. My favourite look of the collection was a voluminous jacket which was recreated from a powder blue fifties prom dress with vintage fabric flowers stitched to the hem. The brand’s signature face masks continued the decorative approach and were adorned with sequins and beads.

Runway: Chanel Haute Couture A/W 13/14

For Chanel’s latest Haute Couture show, the infamous Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into a derelict theatre with crumbling walls and disintegrated curtains which when pulled back, revealed a futuristic backdrop of somewhere in the Middle East. The idea behind the set was to blend the old with the new, using fashion to do so.Shapes and styles were seen in the form of dropped waists, layered flared skirts, and slim jackets. While traditional periodic silhouettes that evoked Victorian and Edwardian times, were seen alongside ultra futuristic fabrics.Other features included micro chequerboard detailing, an abundance of sequins and wide waist-clinching belts, not to mention the thigh-high boot/legging with accessorised every outfit. Above are just some of my favourite looks this season.

Runway: Dior Haute Couture A/W 13/14

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

Dior’s Haute Couture show for A/W 13/14 had a whole lot going on, with Raf Simons drawing inspiration for the collection from “woman from different continents and cultures who wear couture.” These continents consist of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Before the show, Simons explained how the basis for the collection was centred around the idea of freedom, and most importantly freeing couture. This notion of couture being restrictive and only for special occasions is something Simons does not agree with; believing that “it can be approached the same way as ready-to-wear: out there for women to enjoy and to wear.” He went on to say “it’s a psychology of how clothes can look in relation to a modern woman and the way she is living her life and experiencing the culture.” (WWD.com)

With a strong focus on Parisian Chic, American sportiness, Asian architecture, and African decoration & Masai inspirations, the collection was eclectic and dynamic, if not slightly disjointed. A key aspect of the show was that sibori binding and drying technique that was applied to various garments, creating a spikey texture. Other standout pieces included architectural satin kimono coats, a shiny strapless dress featuring bands of tribal colours, a sleeveless floor length gown, embellished with all over Masai beading, and an ombre fringed dress with waist clinching belt.