Spring 2014 RTW: Thom Browne vs. Narciso Rodriguez

Clearly, these two collections could not be any more different. While Thom Browne offers an over-the-top collection that subconsciously makes you look forward to Halloween, Narciso Rodriguez also goes over the top - but in a completely different, more minimalistic direction.

The color schemes are surprisingly similar, in fact, black and white are still the dominant colors in most collections for next Spring. The cuts, the details and the styling, however, make for a specific designer's handwriting and distinguish collections from each other. Even though both collections don't offer innovative cuts, textures or materials - it has all been done before - both design houses still manage to engage the viewer with either an utter abundance or complete lack of styling. While Narciso Rodriguez has a futuristic outlook and not much styling to distract from clear shapes and sharp edginess, Thom Browne goes back in time and adds a lot of drama with details over accessories over crazy hair and smeared make up.

Being able to see two collections this different in style, outlook and personality in one season in the same city (New York Fashion Week), is really a luxury of our time. Nowadays, there isn't one mainstream trend that is seen in all collections. No, designers give us the choice: Women can choose who they want to be and what they want to dress like - no matter if like a crazy, over-the-top or minimalistic and sharp.

Inspiration: Fashion Week Street Styles

It's that special time of year again: spring is approaching and just like the first flowers, the white fashion week tents blossom in the fashion capitals of the world. And even if you can't be there in person to attend the shows, you can be inspired by amazing streetstyles! Overwhelmed by the mass of styles out there it might seem hard to spot the actual high street trends, but looking at the bigger picture I detected the fashion crowd's 3 most important strategies to fight these last days of winter. And looking fabulous!

Oh yes, these girls are owning it: Fashion all-time must-haves (cashmere, camel coats, BLACK) teamed with their "i didn't even care when I put together that look, because this is what my whole closet looks like"- attitude makes stylish and functional looks. Most likely to be seen on: models of duty.

                                                    

Where the wild things are? At fashion week, of course! Putting on a (fake)-fur is obviously the best strategy to fight cold wind and snow. Teamed with either informal apparel (like a beanie, skinny jeans) or completing the classic look (red lips, old school hairdo) the fur is a key-piece. Most likely to be seen on: bloggers/fashion editors.

 

 Just like the flowers everyone is missing so much, these ladies make us smile! Beautiful colors, patterns and sequins set these looks apart from the others- and make the grey fashion capitals a little brighter. Most likely to be seen on: everyone who wants to attract attention and is having loads of fun with fasion!

pictures via stockholmstreetstyle, geecloset.tumblr, french-voguettes.tumblr, ribbonlips.tumblr

Report: Kaelen FW13 at MBFW New York

In all honesty: Kaelen was the presentation we were looking forward to the most. The previous collections were beautiful: structured, sophisticated and very powerful. So, were our expectations met at today's presentation at Pier 59? Absolutely.

Not only did the location -and its fashionable visitors - at a studio in the Chelsea Piers create an amazing atmosphere, the clothes were simply breathtaking. The color palette was kept rather neutral with blacks, greys and whites as a base to the accent colors deep purple and burgundy. The New York-based designer Kaelen Haworth incorporated a lot of different textures: laser-cut lace, knits, leathers and beautiful shiny jacquard. The highlight of the collection was definitely the flower print on satin and chiffon that gave a little bit of a whimsy to the strong collection. One of our favorite pieces (and trust me, it was hard to pick just one!) was the blush leather vest with fur details - very sophisticated and feminine!

Hands down, Kaelen has been our favorite FW13 collection so far and so worth skipping class for (oops!). Kaelen Haworth is definitely a designer to watch!

P.S. Just discovered: If you want to get to know the designer and have a tour around her apartment, click here! It is beautiful and definitely worth a watch!

Report: Lela Rose FW13 at MBFW New York

Let's all be honest: We all knew Lela Rose's FW13 collection would be amazing - long before our invitations were even sent out.

I feel bad for everyone who missed out on the presentation of her romantic collection that featured lots of fluffy feathers, delicate lace and luscious satin. Intriguing prints, fun colors and beautiful embellishments did furthermore put a spell on all the attendants. Rather precise silhouettes were romanticized and relaxed by the undone hair and cute polka dot socks.

The best part of the collection? Not only does it embody all a woman strives to be (feminine, romantic, cute - as well as strong, powerful and intriguing) but Lela Rose also knows how to accentuate the beauty of the female body. The delicate silhouettes and the emphasis of the waist will make all women look and feel beautiful. Gorgeous collection, Lela Rose!

Photos - Courtesy of Vogue Italia

Report: Dimitri A/W 2013 at MBFW Berlin

By far our favorite show of fashion week - Dimitri nailed it once again!

Intriguing prints, luscious fur, crisp leather and soft chiffon - Dimitri offered everything a woman could want in his A/W 2013 collection and won his way into every attendant's heart. His designs looked so effortlessly elegant and yet young and fresh at the same time. His tailored jackets and edgy prints added just the right amount of coolness, whereas the rather cold color scheme of greys and blues is perfect for winter.

Photos - Courtesy of MBFW Berlin