The great thing about Forever21 is that they allow for access to trends at reasonable prices. I stopped by the fall 2011 preview this evening to scope out what they're serving up. Each trend was vignetted by it's own environment. Some of the top trends to note included romance, 70's boho, rocker, southwestern charm and sexy lace.The lace trends troubles me a little since Forever21 attracts teens, but I guess that means they'll just have to learn the value of fabulous underpinnings. Of the few looks for the guys there was an overall theme of easy cool and layers. Boys really have it so easy, right?!
Accessories were also on display with a range from sweet, romantic pearls to badass chain-accented hoop earrings, my personal favorite. Trends among jewelry included nature, geometric shapes, layers, exaggerated shapes and vintage inspiration.
Anything catch your fancy? I personally have my eye on the rose gold sequined jacket.
There is no doubt in the world that The Blonds don't put on a spectacular show at fashion week every season. There is no detail overlooked especially when it comes to the nails. Last season they CND created nailgasms in the form of intricately bedazzled/glittered nails. Each model got a completely different nail deisgn. (see picture at the very bottom) This season CND kicked nail ass again and created beautiful glittery nails again. Kristina Estabrooks handmade 22 sets of theatrical designs inspired by eastern culture meets ultra glam. From glittery red chinesse characters that translated to "Blonds Love Diamonds" and fortune cookies that read "You don't have to be blonde to be a Blond" and even googly-eyed nails that matched one of the clothing looks perfectly. We must not overlook the amazing "tranny-cures" created with all sorts of materials including Swarovski crystals, crushed glass and combres. There was even some extra special nails that featured dragons that curled from thumb to pinkie.
Image via CND
Image via CND
Image via CND
Image via CND
Image via CND
Image via CND
Some of last season's nails I shot backstage:
Check out one of fashion week's most theatrical runways: The Blonds, Fall 2011. With an east meets glam theme, The Blonds dazzle with their usual flare and attention to detail. Oh, to squeeze into one of those jewel-encrusted corsets... a girl can dream, right?
CND always kicks butt with fashion week nail designs. Kristina Estabrooks created an awesome watery nail design for Jen Kao. She started with a long, almond shaped nail with a background color of Gold Chome and Midnight Sapphire. She then accented it with drops of Gold Pearl, Iced Blue Shimmer and Midnight Sapphire. The end result resembled a psycadelic stained glass effect. This design is definetly someone I am interested in trying to recreate myself. And check out the amazing brozed brows.
Image via CND
Would you try this out? How about the brows?
CND always kicks ass on nails for fashion week. One of my favorites that I've seen so far this season has got to be the round, smiley tip for Jason Wu. The base color is CND, Dark Ruby topped with CND, Bloodline. The smiley tips were added using CND, Gold Chrome. The really great detail of this manicure is the shape of the gold tip. It's a very modern take on tip accenting. The gold matched the swipe of gold use in the hair. I will surely be trying this look as my nails get a little longer.
Image courtesy of CND
Nobody can deny that Rebecca Minkoff is fast rising star in the fashion world. Last season she presented at the box at Lincon Centre and this season she packed the largest venue at Lincoln Center to the brim. The show was made even more special by the live music performed by Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger (Sean Lennon & Charlotte Kemp Kuhl.)
The collection mixed the spirit of a bohemian princess with the chic styling of a downtown girl. Print and textures really played a key roll in this collection. The painterly prints slightly resembled animal prints, which is one of Rebecca Minkoff's signatures. Edgy styling and trimming took the knit pieces from comfy to badass. The dresses oozed sexiness with the use of sheer material and body conscious silhouettes. Pieces with modern tailoring really created a polished and cool collection.
Key styling and trend notes include: three-quart length sleeves, lush fur time, minimal jewelry, over-sized pieces mixed with body-con pieces and flashes of bold red accents.
If Dapper Dan had a younger, more relaxed brother, he would wear Perry Ellis. The looks from the fall/winter 2011 runway erred on the side of casual but still very stylish. The main trends included big knits, masculine prints, tone on tone combinations, vests, statement collars and slouchy knit hats. The appearance of ties was minimal which added a rugged touch.
Some key styling notes I observed were: jeans tucked into thick wool socks and boots. Rich textures including herringbone, quilted leather, lambskin, and suedes washed twill, and shearling added elements of luxury. Knits and tailored pieces were combined to create a very well put together man who could easily go from work to weekend. Scarves played a roll in a few of the looks. They were wrapped twice and tied closely to the neck, right under the chin.
Altogether this collection had a strong, classic feel with modern styling.The Perry Ellis man is not for the drama, but will still turn heads. Key colors from the collection have been noted below.
