Neon Dreams

With the decline of dip dye hair in popular culture I had all been ready to accept a bleak and boring outlook on hair and make up in fashion runway presentation. However, it seems that greater forces are at work and neon colours of the 1980s and 1990s have again inspired designers and been readily incorporated into collections- much to my amusement. Within the next week I hope to buy my first pair of creepers or some more 'jelly shoe' in clear and pink. Purple lipstick may not be on my agenda but black has certainly been playing on my mind and I also spotted a wonderful German camouflage jacket online the other night. It's not going to be an overnight transformation but I can predict punk elements squeezing themselves into the everyday fashion realms as well.

Model Charlotte Free still manages to shoot a smouldering stare down the catwalk dresses as a 1950s pin-up girl for the Jeremy Scott 2012  collection. Some people may argue that with pink hair costs a model their versatility across different looks but I quite like the contrast of black and white shoes and dress and the curling plumes of pink piggy tails. The daring display of skin across the stomach would only be shown on a stick-thin model but it's daring and imaginative- a trademark of Jeremy Scott's design. It's not a look I'm eager to adopt myself (...as much as I do love pink hair) but it feeds the soul with creativity.

Once again, images have been sourced from Oyster Magazine, repackaged by me, and sent out to you my lovely community of readers. While the sullen expression of the models in contrast to the sticky and graffiti like purple hair would mainly be viewed as disconcerting I think there's a cute, painterly appeal about it. It's surreal but it doesn't aim to imitate real life and also breathes new life into the old classic: a denim shirt. While I know my own mother would be appalled by such a notion I must express kudos to the styling team for this collection and avoiding any signs of hair dye on the foreheads of a model. Believe me, it's no mean feat to spread out hair dye from a spray can is such an even and measured way.

The following backstage photographs were taken at the Meadham Kirchoff runway show in London and I have to say, I do admire the fast and modern new direction of the brand. I had been trying to score some second hand jeans and blouses from the collection when they went through a long fad of lace inserts and patterns but the neon hair in chameleon tones and fluorescent tones really is visually powerful. There was a great variety of coloured hair combinations including splits down the middle of the hairline and shaft to bring out the best and boldest styles of the clothes. This Egyptian motif jacket with split-holographic attempted triangles is something that could be easily DIYed, providing you have a neon yellow jacket hanging about. I love the intensity and the hype about the presentation of this collection and I don't think it's the last we'll see of 1990s grunge aesthetic as far as high brand fashion labels are concerned.

No detail was spared in the presentations backstage and I love the jeweled crowns as well as floral crowns adorned by the stick-thin models. Even the unseen forces working behind the scenes have glorious tattoos of filled in stars and wild and wonderful piercings- it all seems to fitting and atmospherically correct in a punk sense. The models themselves though are quite sweet and dainty so the combination of these two binary elements is somewhat satisfying- it makes you wonder why no one had ever thought to put on such a bombastic runway show before.

One of the more wild trends of the late 1980s and 1990s involved chunky heeled shoes and platform boots in all manner of sparkly jeweled combinations. While Etsy does deliver on some great styles and designs within this specific genre of footwear, for truly outrageous neon colours and shamelessly clashing patterns I think Meadham Kirchoff easily takes the cake. Now if only I could find their wares cheap and online, then I would be well and truly set.

Just as a wacky side project, I can't help but think that recreating the neon looks and colours of this collection would look good on a generic and plain Barbie doll. It must be the cocked head of the girl on the left in the picture above as well as their dainty frames- were it not for the fact I am eagerly saving for fluorescent accessories sized for actual people I might be keen to try it all for myself.

I love the different tones and colour displayed in this photograph, but I'm not sure how highly I commend the use of collar. I myself like to have my long hair out and over my shoulders a little and was a little affronted by the bob like silhouettes of the model's hair from the back. The shot shown below works well with the estranged doll motif and it doesn't interrupt the flow and design of the clothes- perhaps I want to see the hair have it's own editorial shoot in a hairdresser's magazine. It was certainly a highlight from this collection for me and made me recognise the wonderful brand once again. I have a good feeling about the standard of 2012 fashion seasons.

Calla Fall 2012

Calla, the fashion label created by designer Calla Haynes was full of mesmerising prints and colour when it made its splash on to the New York fashion scene, showcasing the Fall 2012 collection on February 10th. The whole collection was a feast for the eyes which featured digital prints of magnified and blown-up images marble in pink and purple strewn across classically designed pieces with body-conscious silhouettes. It's hard to believe that the Fall 2012 collection is the second of Calla considering there is maturity about the way the collection was presented and also a strong presence for fashion identity and referring back to the inspiration of the collection. The Fall 2012 collection from Calla takes inspiration from an imaginary woman who works as an interior designer which led to the key prints of the collection originating from wood grain and granite digitally altered and magnified which results in fantastically imaginative prints. As of late I have been utterly obsessed with digital prints and wonderful eccentric colours so I was immediately drawn to the towards the Calla collection like a bookworm to an ancient library.

Calla seems to have refined her tailoring techniques and for the Fall collection created a dense tweed with French house Malhia Kent which has given rise to some stunning patterned coats and matching bottoms. It's the ability to create warm and comfortable clothing in preparation for chillier weather without having compromised the core principles and aesthetic designs of the collection that has me most impressed. Some Autumn/ Winter collections focus on the design of their pieces and fail to deliver something that is pleasing to look at, but the Calla collection is absolutely brimming with eye-popping prints that will warm up even the most critical hearts of fashion bloggers.

Always the sucker for amazing and eccentric printed pants and matching jackets, it's ensembles like this that make me passionate to write about and shamelessly promote up and coming fashion labels. The flecks of black on a white background remind me so much of a finely sprinkled coat of a harlequin Great Dane and it's this process of digitally printing patterns on to clothes that makes me so thankful to be young in the twenty-first century. It gives me great pleasure and joy in watching all these developments with the printing and materials in the fashion world. The striking black and white printed coats and their matching pants and shorts are cleverly contrasted with different shades of blue from the collar and cuffs of the blouse underneath as well as the sweet rounded toe ballet shoes of the Calla collection. I suppose it's that sweetness that earned this young brand the title of "the Lindsey Wixson of up-and-coming designer brands: Cute as a button and sweet as pie, but check out that body."

Geometric patterns and clever chic designs have never been combined with as much artistic flair as they have for this Calla collection. This coat is something special when worn with the coloured and marble patterned dress in purple and the look of thick black lines is only heightened by the bangs of the model- something I hope was a conscious decision in order to bring out the best of this coat. The print is something more rare and eccentric than houndstooth but still uses the classic contrast of white and black, this clever coat in dense tweed is just another wardrobe staple you'll be clamouring to own in Winter and something that may even become your new best friend to make a fashionable statement.

Boldly structured pieces are largely reserved for Haute Couture fashion shows, so it's only natural that Ready-to-Wear combines the best of relaxed and casual design but with spectacular patterns and colours. Take this relaxed button shirt dress with gathered waist as a classic example of the playful nature of contemporary designers taking advantage of photographic prints. The dress shown above is a predominant peach colour, originally taken from digitally altered granite with flecks of blue strewn across it but the theatrical nature of the dress is really brought out with a good pair of matching tights. Such a small aspect of the presentation for this entire collection is the hosiery worn with each dress and the different moods they create from changing the overall look of the dress. I have a feeling that eclectic fashion bloggers that love to layer up in an eccentric fashion will adore the Calla 2012 Fall collection.

Classic silhouette design as well as a imaginative print all of its own making; it's dresses like this that warm my heart and make me glad the fashion industry is as competitive as it is diverse. I'm most comfortable in dresses of this structure with a relaxed sleeves and a cinched waist; they can be easily accommodate an evening coat and look amazing when dressed up with suitable evening accessories. I haven't yet tried to track down any prices for the dresses but I already know I won't be in the market for an evening dress for a while, not while there's a travel opportunity on the horizon. It's a shame really, there's many promising designs and wild dresses I would love to metaphorically sink my teeth into.

As more and more designers crop up on the New York fashion scene it's no wonder some of the frock designs are evolving and becoming more edgy. I have high praise for the sharp lines of this dress as well as the two speckled patterns used; the bodice and unusual tulip skirt have a sweeter and more light-hearted pink and blue tinge amongst the effect of tie-dye black bursts but the grey sleeves and high neck firmly emphasise this dress is a part of an Autumn/ Winter collection. The dress above has the vague structure of a ballerina's dress but also elements of a dark and chequered past as well as mystery evoked by the dishevelled look of the model. Perhaps it's a little too daring for someone as meek as myself to wear but I must admit that I do like the theatrics of the parted tulip skirt, the black insert in between as well as the two different lengths of hemline for this darling dress.

As of late I have been trawling through the department store racks for good duffel coats and coats for the Winter season but there hasn't been anything as wonderfully stylish as this Calla coat in dark blue. The different shades created by the speckled effect is something that I automatically respond to since that's partly why I want to colour a part of my hair a wild colour- the shadow and light bouncing off it makes it interesting. Fortunately this lovely coat already includes many different shades in the blue spectrum for someone to admire and when worn with simple grey tights I think the overall effect is quite powerful. Maybe since I'm in the market to add a little more blue to my wardrobe I should be scanning Net-a-Porter for any interesting developments...

Balmain Pre-Fall 2012

My appetite and lust for printed patterns has been insatiable, but the Fall 2012 collections appear to be my salvation and have answered every prayer about patterned pants and chic blouses in imaginative and dream-like patterns. Although a poor student like me would never be able to afford an entire outfit from Balmain, I could aspire towards one of their cheaper pants and mix and match it with basic department store quality tops and blazers. I imagine the story behind this ensemble would be a successful and fashion forward business woman swanking into a bar and ordering the most gorgeous looking martini imaginable. Now I may not dream of that success but I could certainly try to fill the shoes of the fashion blogger at a runway festival event of collections and wearing clumsy thick glasses and amazing new collection pieces.

The entire 2012 Fall collection seems to regal and classy, the backdrop of a woman's boudoir in white really was a great choice since it shows off the colour of each ensemble so well.The vivid and intricate patterns of this particular outfit of the dress reminds me a lot of baroque period paintings and matches the band of the ornamental belt in gold. The whole ensemble is then finished nicely with a clean cut and over sized boyfriend jacket draped over the shoulders. While the material of the dress looks snug and form-fitting, the hemline which ends at mid-calf creates a unique structure that I quite like as well as modest charm. The dress isn't something I would be keen to incorporate into my own wardrobe but I do appreciate the artistic aesthetic of the dress and it's strong sculptural lines.

The most beautiful outfit of the collection in my humble opinion is this gorgeous blouse which features gold scrolling motifs and even more baroque/ artistic design. There's even a sweet rose framed at the centre of the piece just over the bust of the model to really enhance the romanticism of this statement blouse. I would usually have some sort of moral issue with a top worn as a dress, but would you just look at those gorgeous legs! They seem to go on and on for miles until they finally end at the most gorgeous pair of black ankle boots with generous gold thread. Something this wonderful and imaginative is sure to be a big hit amongst fashion editorialists and will probably make its way to a spread of about two pages at least among powered wigs and false moles.

I'm a sucker for statement pants, plain and simple. Where one person is content to have a good pair of denim jeans I'm looking for something that is playful as well as classy and eye-catching. I;m normally not a fan of wide-legged pants but I must admit they are growing on me and with the lattice print in black and white for these chic pants and their elegant scrolling it seems almost necessary to include extra fabric. What seems most important is having a strong stance to really show them off and also a minimalist jumper or top not to detract from the lovely silk bottoms. They're gorgeous and elegant and something I would maybe wear to a red carpet event (not that I readily get invited to many) but I still am searching for cheap vintage bargains on a few online stores and should really wean myself off these fashion house names for the time being until I save enough money for my holiday next year.

Pamela Love Fall 2012

The New York native Pamela Love has blown away any critiques of her jewellery range once again, with a noticeably different appeal about her collection. Presented on models with smudged eyeshadow across their face and tough, thick brown overalls the lovely ladies were presented as metal smiths themselves which helped to create a really strong and rooted background story about the collection. It's missing all the skulls and gore, as well as crystals that I've come to know and love about jewellery from Pamela Love, but I still admire it for its strong ethnic appeal and folk art interpretation. 

The stand out pieces that are new and exciting in terms of the Pamela Love jewellery family are the large statement collar necklaces featuring large geometric shapes and inlaid turquoise pieces. What's wonderful about this large statement collar necklace shown above is that as the design narrows, two chains are used to secure the piece making it more of a bib necklace than a true metal collar. I've always been drawn to the suggestive and sexual nature of a collar necklace but had my doubts about the comfort of wearing one as well as putting it on for the evening bu with the simple use of chains and a necklace clasp, it appears Pamela Love has come to my salvation.

 

Although industrialism was at the heart of the runway show with an ominous boiler room pipe centre piece at the back of the stage, I can't help but notice that hammered pieces of copper jewellery with semi-precious stones is missing a grittiness in their own design. Instead I am reminded of the Mayan and Aztec influence and pyramids as well as the sound of pan flutes playing in the air- the gorgeous and intricate design of this necklace in its tiered design of multiple panels would certainly be something to be proud of it were a part of your wardrobe. I'm sure it would earn quite a lot of attention when worn in attendance at a fashion runway event with fashion bloggers abound and maybe a vintage shirt just to mix things up a bit.

 

I must admit that the minimalist and strong sense of creation about the collection really does create a lot of open space to present the earrings, necklaces and bracelets of the collection of the model. I can imagine the large collar necklaces being draped over a black shirt during the daytime with cut off denim shorts and at night worn with a dress featuring a sexy dart down the side to show off the legs. As much as I admire the new direction Pamela Love has taken and the understanding of her collector like habits for trinkets and pieces of silver I do wish there was a more religious and dark grunge aesthetic style about the pieces. Give me skulls and bird talons brushed in oxidised silver anyday.

Another Mayan/ Aztec/ tribal favourite when it comes to an approach with jewellery is the combination of turquoise and red stones in warrior like designs and shapes such as the daring and dangling conical earrings. I love the dedication and small puzzle like pieces of all of the necklaces, especially the dual tiered effect of these two necklaces to match the earrings. I would never be daring enough to try these pieces on for myself, I haven't been inspired by a lot of these necklaces in an artifact-like fashion but more vintage clothing and second hand recycling. I'm sure they could feature well in an editorial piece for models travelling around on sure footed donkeys and lead by Sherpas for Fall/ Winter collections in Peru.

Small hints of the Pamela Love I came to know, love and adore are apparent in the use of darkening around the turquoise stones of the collar necklace as well as the stunning ear cuffs shown right featuring dangling chains. I've been toying with the idea of getting an ear cuff myself since I don't want any more piercings but I don't think the Pamela Love range is quite what I'm after, you have to really love the tribal and Aztec pattern to commit to it so thoroughly. The silver and oxidised patterns on the long dangling panel earrings is really something though and for someone who has small lobes I could easily swing for a pair of those and a good pair of thick vintage glasses.

As if it wasn't enough to include impressive pieces of turquoise in the design of their statement necklaces for the Pamela Love Fall 2012 collection, there's even geometric designs of triangular and angular lines in the turquoise pieces themselves. These types of necklaces are the toast of the collection for me, but it would require someone with a long neck as well as beautiful stature to really wear the piece and have a fierce and determined look about them. The focus of the models to deliver a look and stare of cold and steely determination is really something that has evolved the Pamela Love collection and

I was surprised to see a runway show from the brand. I suppose when you work in a studio in New York there are big things expected of you and you need to deliver things in big and bold, exciting and ingenuitive ways. While this collection may not have been my favourite of all her collections so far, I have great faith in Pamela Love and her ability to deliver stunning jewellery in a creative manner as well as improving her designs to impress the masses of fashion hungry girls, such as myself.