General Idea F/W 2012: "After Games"

Bumsuk Choi takes a leap into the past for inspiration for General Idea's F/W 2012 collection. Using archived images of hockey players specifically during the 1968 Winter Olympic games, Bumsuk references the lean mid-century silhouette and infused it with General Idea's modern take on utilitarian and athletic menswear. The end product resulted in a transformation of sportswear uniforms translated into everyday ready-to-wear.
The 'After-Games' concept brought on trousers with knee pad details, parkas with quilted fabric accents, and varsity jackets with toggle buttons; all in earthy color pallettes such as olive green, beige, burgundy,, and punched with dark oranges and dark blue hues. Key details that is repeated throughout the show is the outdoor sportsman, and how he can find protection from the elements- this along with athletic details completes the entire Fall/Winter 2012 collection.
Each season I'm always left wanting every jacket out of the General Idea collection, fur hooded fleece lined parkas, and quilted fabric jackets all capture my attention, and this season was no exception! From the vests, sweaters, and to every trouser that came down the runway, I wanted to add every piece to my wardrobe. I love that Bumsuk continued the drop crotch trend along with ankle cropped slim fit trousers.
Sporty+Utilitarian+Modern Classics combined sums up another great season filled with outstanding clothes for General Idea's runway show, and again I look forward to another season!

Contact:
www.generalidea.eu

Sales: Richard Chun at richard@idielshowroom.com

Public Relations: Megan Maguire Steele at megan@maguiresteele.com

It's Party Time! Post Oscars 2012, Vanity Fair party.

Jennifer Lopez in a copper shimmer Zuhair Murad dress

Elizabeth Banks in a feather detailed Chadwick Bell gown (my favorite look during his runway show)

Salma Hayek in crimson Yves Saint Laurent

Emma Stone in Chanel

Sofia Vergara in heavenly Roberto Cavalli

After the Oscars, one of the biggest party in town is the Vanity Fair Party, everyone who's anyone in tinsel town goes to the this party to rub elbows with peers and industry leaders- Im hoping to talk about the next great project!
With all the debate about her Red Carpet gown, I know Jennifer Lopez must be thinking "Kiss my Ass Bitches!" because she looks absolutely stunning in this copper shimmer Zuhair Murad dress. I still loved her red carpet gown, and this is just the icing on the cake.
Actually the after party pictures were dominated by lovely latin beauties. Sofia Vergara is amazing in her Roberto Cavalli dress, and Salma Hayek drop dead gorgeous in her crimson red Yves Saint Laurent gown.
Elizabeth Banks was another favorite in her feather detailed dress by Chadwick Bell, I knew this was a red carpet worthy dress when I saw it come down the runway during NYFW, and she pulled it off well!
Now, where's my damn invite to the party? Most importantly what would I wear???

Oscars 2012: Stars Shinning

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

White was definitely the color stunning on the red carpet in this year's Oscars. From Gwenyth Paltrow's cape divine by Tom Ford, to Jennifer Lopez's super sultry Zuhair Murad gown, and to Octavia Spencer's sparkling curve flattering Tadashi Shoji number- white with a touch of sparkle conquered the infamous RED CARPET!

I have to admit that I expected colors to take main stage for the red carpet simply because the past few award ceremonies colors exploded worn by the biggest names in the industry. Yet, I was not disappointed at all! Octavia was absolutely beautiful in her Tadashi Shoji gown with sparlking details from head to toe. Octavia's dress hugged her in all the right curves and accentuated the best parts while slimming her all throughout. And of course Jennifer Lopez's low cut bustline and peek-a-boo shoulder detailed Zuhair Murad floor sweeping gown just catapults her into another level of fashion stardom. On a side note, it bothers me to no end when a panel of so-called fashionistas make off the chart comments (specially when it touches a bit of bigotry) and they themselves have no style! So E! Red Carpet please choose your panel better next time!!

Simple yet attention commanding Gwenyth Paltrow's Tom Ford cape structured dress was so elegant and just gave Gwenyth such a statuesque figure.

Who can forget a long standing member of the 'best-dressed' club Angelina Jolie. Her thigh high slit Atelier Versace velvet black gown was another 'frills-free' ensemble I found sultry but understated, and solidifies Angelina's 'best-dressed' crown.

Several note worthy stars and dresses were that of Glen Close in her forest green Zac Posen gown with a corset top, I felt she could have done without the jacket, but otherwise a great look. Another is Cameron Diaz in Gucci and Tina Fey in her Carolina Herrera peplum dress. Penelope Cruz also looked divine in her Armani Prive gown in soft powder blue, but I would of liked for it to be cleaner and done without the wrap detail in the bustline going around, if it were more of a corsetted top I think it would of made a world of difference.

Overall, the expected 'best-dressed' came and reigned for another Oscars night, and happily we can add a full figured talent like Octavia Spencer into the mix to give the other ladies a run for their 'crown'.

Carlos Luna F/W 2012: Argot Collection

Carlos Luna models backstage.pre-show

backstage.pre-show

pre-show. with my favorite piece!!

 
Carlos Luna Fashion Show from GT Modern Creations on Vimeo.

Drawing inspiration from the 'secret language' of the Argentinian Tango, reflecting its sensuality, romance, and sophistication; infused with a Parisian lifestyle- Carlos Luna's F/W 2012 collection reflected the seduction of the Tango; becoming the 'Argot Collection'. From delicate fabrics of silk and chiffon, to structured leather, and rich alpaca wool, to eco friendly and alternative faux fur, each ensemble came together like a seasoned dancer performing her magic. The collection was a marriage of perfect opposites, for example the 'Gotan Dress' consisted of elements like gentle silk paired with a more masculine leather trim, and yet both come together through the designer's vision beautifully.

Having the opportunity to press cover the crazy madness of the backstage prepping area, and pass the hectic hustle and bustle of models changing in and out of outfits, volunteer dressers frantically preparing each model, and designers doing last minute fine tuning and making last minute changes, I was able to see the clothes up close and can appreciate the time and work designers like Carlos Luna painstakingly put into his creations.

One such ensemble which I found just breath taking (pictured above) was the oversized hooded faux fur vest with the complementing arm warmers, one can't help be drawn by the representation of luxury that the piece exuded, and although it's meant for a woman, I find that with a bit of 'tweeking' I myself would wear the piece! Another striking piece was the cranberry color mohair trench coat with the leather trims and belt. In fact, as it hung on the rack, myself and Isaiah Garza of (www.fashionmunster.com), discussed how amazing the jacket was and what outfit would he wear with it for next season's New York Fashion Week (MBFashionweek / Nolcha Fashion Week). 

I can certainly go on for pages describing how I swoon over Carlos Luna's F/W 2012 collection, but as they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words," but before I wrap this up I must make mention to Carlos Luna how appreciative I am to be able to press cover his runway collection, and I am looking forward to collaborating with such a great talent in the future.

Contact Info: www.carlosluna.co or www.fashionmunster.com for all inquiries.

Tadashi Shoji F/W 2012: Opulence

Tadashi Shoji's Fall/Winter 2012 collection revisits a time of opulence and decadence during Shanghai's Golden Age. Rich fabrics of lace, chiffon, silk, and velevet lend to a vibrant era of 'rich' fashion. Drop waist dresses, draped backless velvet gowns, and precision cut chantilly lace all grace Tadashi's runway reminiscing to a time when Shanghai was celebrated as the "Paris of the Orient."

Chantilly lace was the main star on the runway for the collection, modernized and well crafted, it was a show stopper in colors of crimson red, and midnight blue. Cut in a tiered overlay, each dress moved so seductively on the runway, like a woman silently flirting across the way- one swoons!

Tadashi's runway show is always a delight to press cover beacuse each season is such a departure from the previous that it's always unpredictable, and in fashion predictability most always equates boredom.

The juxstaposition between Tadashi Shoji's spring 2012 collection and his fall 2012 is uncanny. For spring his clothes exuded innocence and blossoming flora, and for his fall collection one was transported to a time of opulence and extravagance, when women walked with a overtly sexual confidence- I love that each season I am left wondering what the next collection will bring!!

For Fall/Winter 2012 I am certainly left thinking about the gorgeous floor sweeping crimson red velvet dress with the low cut back punctuated with a lace beaded design (first picture above). The dress came down the runway beautifully, but as it left one was breathless!

I do look forward to another season and another breathtaking collection from Tadashi Shoji, and one thing I can be certain about is that it will be a total surprise!!!!!