Reem Acra S/S 2013: Defining Sexy+Elegance

 

 

 

 

The fashion world has come to expect the exquisite and meticulous details from every Reem Acra piece, and those familiar with her bridal line know all too well how amazing and stunning each masterpiece she creates, but for several seasons after her return to center stage at New York Fashion Week and into the limelight of the “tents” Reem Acra has consistently re-defined sexy, sultry, elegant ready to wear pieces.

From one stunning piece to the next the audience is left in awe as curve extenuating dresses debut on the runway, some looking as if they were painted on the models. I am always left breathless when I see the metallic pieces, almost as if gold was melted and just poured on a model and left to cover all her curves beautifully- this is a testament of perfect design meeting skillful execution.

This season Reem Acra added a sexy twist into an already alluring dress. I’m loving this sheer peak-a-boo full length cut on the side of the dress that gives the audience a side-view treat, but leaving the rest to each one’s imagination.  There is a fine line between sexy and trashy, but Reem Acra is first and foremost defined by ELEGANCE, sexy silhouettes are just the icing on an already delicious cake!

Each season I often pray to the fashion gods that my invite from Reem Acra’s PR people come into my inbox because a runway show such as hers is not to be missed!!!!

 



 

Noon by Noor S/S 2013: Minimalist Luxe

 

A long awaited anticipation was met and exceeded by a stunningly executed show. Noon by Noor was a combination of sultry, sexy, and refinement all skillfully blended into one collection. From gold, to tangerines, to salmon, and iridescence, each piece had a sense of personality that was a breath of fresh fashion air!

Designers Shaikha Noor Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Mohammed Al Khalifa created an amazing collection that meticulously balanced evening wear with a strong daytime tailoring that exudes modern silhouettes while maintaining that ever crucial femininity that often tailored pieces lose in translation. The designers executed luxuriously a balance of structure and fluidity!

I for one enjoyed such pieces as the brocade biker jackets, the bronze metallic shorts, and metallic jacquard suits that shimmer in different shades as light hits it from different angles- a twist on a classic tailored suit that keeps it surprisingly feminine but powerful.

Minimalism seem to be the theme for several designers this season, but I appreciate that Noon by Noor  used unexpected colors, textiles, and tailoring that set the collection far apart from the rest, and that’s what keeps a design memorable and marketable.

 



Rafael Cennamo S/S 2013: Beauty in Fantasy

Incredible attention to detail as Rafael Cennamo uses an icy inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Rafael Cennamo’s creation seemed to have come out of a winter fantasy of ice blues and crystals; with pleating and draping details enhanced with gorgeous beadings and trims to captivate one’s attention.

One’s personal favorite would have to be the floor length dress with stunning beading and one shoulder detail in a light brown and crème color. A wonderful combination of glamour, sultry, and body flattering silhouettes in sheers, satin, and silk create this gown flawlessly.



 

 

Zang Toi S/S 2013: French Romanticism

Zang Toi’s romantic aesthetics was beautifully carried through his runway collection with soft pastel colors and delicate fabrics as his Spring/Summer 2013 collection was inspired by the romantic French Riviera.  One can close his eyes and be transported to an epic novel set within the blooming gardens of a chateau; sweet pink roses and lilacs enveloping you- this is the feeling invoked.

Without a question Zang Toi has some of the most loyal followings, from celebrities to the career New York woman; all clamor to take a seat at Zang’s runway show to see first-hand what new and exciting creations he has to unveil. Each season notable names like Kristie Alley, New York’s Real Housewives Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, and Alex Van Kempen; NBA star Matt Barnes along with his wife Gloria Govan and her sister Laura Govan both from the hit show Basketball Wives LA on VH1, are among the many taking front row seats next to some of fashion’s most powerful editors and elites. Even famed photographer Bill Cunningham swoops in at the last minute with his trademark camera to sit in Zang Toi’s show.

Each season I look for several components that truly make a Zang Toi collection special. First, I have come to expect his romantic aesthetic with impeccably constructed ready to wear ensembles and dresses that extenuate any woman’s body while giving her a regal stature. The next thing I look for is the bold accessories usually a neckwear piece to die for that’s made with oversized gems, stones, or crystals; quintessential Zang Toi. Lastly, I look forward to a well-choreographed show that leaves the audience and me looking for more and restless in anticipation for the next look to debut on the runway. It may be unrealistic to expect perfection, but Zang Toi always delivers, and I am never disappointed. I look forward to another spectacular season and what surprise Zang Toi will deliver.

Suzanne Rae F/W 2012: Edwardian Era Modernized

References to the Edwardian Era of fashion is clear and apparent during Suzanne Rae’s F/W 2012 collection, and the designer’s aesthetic for modernizing a classic time period in fashion and still maintain that vintage quality is wonderfully intriguing.

Quintessential Edwardian inspired fashion with a body flattering silhouette and cinched waistline yet still remaining demure, Suzanne Rae translates this impeccably in her designs with a modern twist. For example, in one ensemble Rae combines a classic Edwardian inspired skirt (though transformed into a fish tail skirt with the higher hemline in the front) with a modern menswear inspired button down shirt. Another modern take on a classic that Suzanne Rae’s collection beautifully showcased were the cropped velvet capes, a must-have trend for Fall/Winter 2012!