Did Prada Catch The Fever For Cali Kustom Kulture?
Dresses ablaze with red-hot flames, and high-waisted skirts featuring a set of Hot Wheels got our West Coast hearts a-pumpin' at the Prada spring '12 presentation this past weekend. The retro feel, and obvious love for fine automotives, also had the L.A. Times wondering just how close Milan fashion is to our own So-Cal vintage, Rockabilly stylings of Kustom Kulture and Hollywood hotrods. Besides the printed fabrics of metal and auto frames, Miuccia also framed the body in seriously sexy feminine pieces that could bring out the pin-up in any girl. So, what's the verdict? Is Prada spring '12 totally riding Route 66 into the sunset, or are we just California dreaming? (L.A. Times)
Band Of Outsiders' Seduces With Pleats, Picnics, And Patent Leather
It is never a small feat to dazzle and delight with the simplest of wearable pleasures, and that's exactly what designer Scott Sternberg is so skilled at doing. For spring '12, there was little in the way of out-there silhouettes or extreme statements, but the consistency and focus worked. Here, the attention was brought back to longstanding Band hallmarks: Expert tailoring, menswear inspiration, and a bit of whimsy. Inspired by the '70s classic Picnic at Hanging Rock, the looks for both collections swung from Parisian prep to Gatsby'esque glamour. Our hands-down favorites: The textured black patent jackets (a refreshing touch of tough for Sternberg) fashioned in a few different ways, a brilliant fade-out toile dress and jacket, and those God-almighty cool duster coats...which, if we're being honest, could make just about anything look incredible.
Band Of Outsiders Make Us All Want To Be Stoners
It was Scott Sternberg from Band of Outsiders' first time putting on a runway show, which made for a heightened tizzy beforehand. And between the drama surrounding Tavi's seat directly next to Anna Wintour, Kanye's presence across the aisle, and all those Momofuku cookies dotting the benches (delivered personally by David Chang, who sat across from La Wintour), it seemed like the post-show energy was already at a fever pitch. But then the models plummeted down from the ceiling, and we remembered just how much Scott Sternberg's showmanship trumps all. Inspired by the romantic, hippie communities in '70s-era California, his three distinct lines each touched on those stoned-sweetheart references without diving into patchouli territory. There were his signature plaids, trousers, shirt-dresses, and jackets, but also soft bucket hats and red-laced boots that every woman-in-the-know will want to wear next fall. Scott has an ability to make every girl and boy want to be a Californian at heart—something we look forward to feeling each and every Fashion Week.
For the rest of the Fall 2011 Band of Outsiders collection, please visit Style.com.
The New Menswear Label We're Obsessed With
Inspired by California vineyards and golf-course-style, the Riviera Club collection was created by three friends, now co-designers, Joe Sadler, Greg Ullery and Derek Buse through conversations on a golf course. The trio's casual luxe menswear meshes rugged workwear with streamlined tailoring, with embroidered polos and colored corduroys that have a decidedly Lower East Side meets St. Andrews aesthetic. They haven't only caught our eye, either—Riviera Club were recently named as finalists in GQ's Best New Menswear Designer in America awards. Although the crown ended up going to Alexander Wang, the talented trio definitely had some of the best looking models on the night (they were seriously H.O.T.) and are no doubt on their way to stardom. Check out Riviera's spring'11 lookbook to see just what we're talking about, and stay tuned for pics from their first show at New York Fashion Week tonight, where they're sure to be the buzz of the industry.
Click through to see some ruggedly handsome looks from the Riviera Club look book.
Click through to see some ruggedly handsome looks from the Riviera Club look book.
The 20 Prettiest Dresses From Fashion Month
Despite the inundation of new shoes, bags, jackets, and jewelry to look at, there's nothing like an inspirational, fantastical, gotta-have-it-now dress to get our credit cards hiding in fear. The spring 2011 runways were chockablock with frocks that rocked, and we've revisited our favorite designer shows to pick—in our opinion—the prettiest dresses of the season. The finalists, below.
Marchesa photo courtesy of Nitrolicious; all other photos courtesy of the designers.
Marchesa photo courtesy of Nitrolicious; all other photos courtesy of the designers.
10 Looks We Love From Paris Fashion Week
Perusing the shows and collections from Paris Fashion Week is always a good reminder of why we love this world so much. The attention to detail, the theater, the fabrics, the surprises. It's an amalgamation of craft and vision, and that's why it's always SO hard to choose favorite looks from the myriad of miracles. This time around, we chose 10 that seemed to personify not only the dexterity of this round of spring/summer shows but also the old and amazing ideas of fine ready-to-wear that were made new again. And by new, we mean completely amazing. Click through for the looks that made our cut of killer runway moments.
Get Alexa Chung's Fashion Week Look For Less
We never not love what Alexa Chung is wearing, but we have to give her extra bonus points for the get-up she rocked at Mulberry's Soho House rager during New York Fashion Week. She matched her prim-but-pretty Dolce & Gabbana polka-dot dress with one of our fave Mulberry offerings—the Lily Bag, which will set you back a cool $650. And if you can't afford that bag bling (start saving now), we've got a suggestion that will tide you over until you score the real thing. Enter Tokyo Bay's Natali bag, with a studded, cross-body strap, faux-suede finishing, cute floral print lining, and an antiqued, metal twist lock closure. The best part is the price—this versatile baby rings up at $51. And, if camel or brown aren't your speed, the bag also comes in red and blue too. We're tempted to scoop up all four, aren't you?
Tokyo Boy Natali Bag, $51, available at tokyobay.com .
Images courtesy of Tokyo Bay Inc.
Guyville! The Best NYFW Menswear Collections
Yes, the girls were glam this New York Fashion Week (oh, thank you, Marc and Jason). But the guys weren't too shabby either. Representing the market's largest growth sector, menswear labels cribbed from the womenswear side this season, adding plenty of volume, texture, and drama. Is it us, or are designers incorporating the way ladies rock menswear into their men's collections? Perhaps the "boyfriend" look for boys is actually catching on.
For all runway images, please visit GQ.com.
Gabriel Bell is the Editor of Afingo.com
For all runway images, please visit GQ.com.
Gabriel Bell is the Editor of Afingo.com
Proenza Re-Imagines Ladylike Looks For Spring 2011
It seems like we weren't the only ones with Mad Men fever this spring. The ever-punky, short-hemlined designs of Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandes found a new home this spring 2011 season in the more ladylike realm of '50s primness. But before you get your panties in a twist, we'd like to assure you that in usual Proenza fashion, traditional shapes and concepts were re-imagined with a dose of creativity. For example, a car coat came in a zingy salmon hue and the slinky knee-grazing dresses came in ink-splots that would make housewives of yore a whole lot more modern. Slip dresses in citrusey colors like acid lime and orange peaked out from billowing black chiffon layers, while sheer sheaths had a show-girl vibe. Gritty lace numbers in fruit punch red, deep purple, and black rounded out the show. Paired with simple flat leather sandals and artful necklaces, the last bout of outfits were eclectic and still totally chic. It seems Proenza isn't relinquishing its coolest-of-the-bunch territory any time soon.
For the rest of the runway images, please visit Style.com.
Rodarte Pares Down For A Sophisticated Spring 2011 Collection
Manhattan is undoubtedly the place to be during Fashion Week, but that doesn't mean New Yorkers never get a bout of nostalgia for the open outdoors. Perhaps that's what hit sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the powerhouse pair behind Rodarte, when designing for spring 2011. The collection conjures images of the countryside with its array of rich browns, golds, and pastoral white and blue patterns, not to mention models rocking wood-paneling better than the walls of a '70s ranch-style loft. The Mulleavys manage to modernize the look with artful touches, such as cut-out shoulders, structured silhouettes, and a beautiful golden gladiator get-up. And gone are the ultra-superfluous tacked-on fabrics—we love this new, nearly minimal direction that Rodarte is heading in.
To see the other runway images, please visit Style.com.
Jenni Kayne's Spring Collection Nails Southern Cali Easy Elegance
While the show notes described the collection as what to wear on road trip to Joshua Tree, we think Jenni Kayne's latest line was more sophisticated sportswear than what to wear when you pile in the backseat of a Prius. The patterned trousers and button ups will surely be a hit come spring, and her foray into casual eveningwear such as a leather shift, and paillette-adorned dress are a shoe in for cocktail parties at the Chateau Marmont. We love the pop of pink, red, and mustard yellow pants, which all proved what we already knew: Jenni Kayne is a master of discreet, luxurious, and understated clothing that every L.A. lass wants to live in.
60 Seconds With Jeremy Piven
Last night, Tommy Hilfiger celebrated 25 years, and we're betting many party-goers are feeling like they imbibed 25 drinks, too. The crowd at Lincoln Center's Metropolitan Opera House was as beautiful as the jaw-dropping venue, and Jeremy Piven was no exception. The dapper star took a minute (make it ten) to take some of our questions—much to the chagrin of hundreds of fans who surrounded the Entourage actor. The conversation took some very interesting turns, to say the least. And no, we didn't ask him about sushi. 
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