Monique Lhuillier S/S 2013: Life of the Sea

 

 

Phenomenal best describes Monique Lhuillier’s Spring /Summer 2013 collection. Inspired by the beauty of water and the “life of the sea” the collection was a burst of life in an array of colors just as magnificent and intricate as the world’s oceans. Monique created a collection so surreal that it almost transports the audience into an underwater world, as if one was living in the lost city of Atlantis.

“Evening is all about fluidity and movement, almost mermaid-like. Shimmering gold, sea glass beading in silhouettes close to the body showing lots of skin to create a very sensual woman for spring.”

Sensuality definitely prevails as an endless parade of body flattering evening wear debut into the runway in peplum and mermaid silhouettes in a plethora of colors such as aqua, coral, sea-foam, blues, purple, and lace embroidered in black. Spring/Summer 2013 is ushered in by cool colors alluding to the sea. Also notable in this collection are the amazing prints used, such as ‘bold-crane, fish, and abstract koi’ bringing to life the garment with picturesque life of the seas.

What I truly appreciate about a Monique Lhuillier show is that it always presents an amazing variety, from chic pant ensembles, shorts, jackets, and into her signature glamour stamped evening dresses from cocktail to floor sweeping lengths everything is beautifully cohesive and visually stunning!

On a side note, this season I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Amparito Lhuillier (Monique’s mom), and was instantly enamored by her vibrant personality and beauty. Having grown up in Cebu, Philippines where the Lhuillier family has risen to prominence, it was such an honor to meet someone who has uplifted our community. Mrs. Amparito Lhuillier was a true delight and such a wonderful supporter to her daughter and her beautiful work.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Venexiana S/S 2013: Evening Gown Glamour!

“No other show can pack a fashion crowd into Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center at 9pm like Venexiana can!” This sentiment was shared by many fashion enthusiasts, from magazine editors, bloggers, videographers, and aspiring student designers waiting for Kati Stern to send out another magnificent collection of jaw-dropping evening wear.

For many who haven’t had the pleasure of seeing a Venexiana show live on the runway, one will walk you through. Definitely expect glamour, and a sea of colors that catches your eyes from one ensemble to the next. Expect a collection that injects amazing details in the construction, trims, and overall look- pieces that will leave you speechless, but just long enough for you to catch your breath to take in the next look coming down the runway. After 4 seasons of experiencing Venexiana on the runway, I have set my expectations high, and Kati Stern seems to raise it as she did for Spring/Summer 2013.

71 fresh new looks with a myriad of colors from Blush, Champagne, Salmon, Light Peach, Orange, Dusty Rose, and Cherry Red make their way down the Studio runway towards a crowd of gasping people and never ending camera clicks and flashes. As each piece come down, one can see the smiles and adoration of each person in front-row.

S/S 2013 for Venexiana meant evening gowns with embellished laces; crystal trims, floral appliques, floral prints, feather trains, and metallic all come together as ingredients to an amazing fashion mosaic.

 

 

Venexiana F/W 2012: Evening Wear Perfected!

Kati Stern’s brand, Venexiana, has been a coveted show for many fashionistas during Mercedes Benz Fashion week. For the past 3 seasons of press covering Venexiana’s runway show I have always been left breathless by the stunning evening wears that grace the runway. Each season Venexiana always has a more lengthy presentation than any other designer; boasting 70 looks for Fall/Winter 2012, but well worth every second- no other show can ever fill Lincoln Center at 9pm like Venexiana has done and  so well.

Asking one which gown, dress, or ensemble is one’s favorite is like asking which arm one can’t live without.  Exuding luxury and un-rivaled glamour, each piece from Venexiana’s F/W 2012 collection were stunning and absolutely gorgeous, but certain pieces stood out amongst the rest. For example, the laser cut black velvet gown with sheer details left the room flooded with camera flashes and that unanimous  ‘oooh’ from the crowd, a stunning statement to close the show. Another notable piece was the turquoise draped over one shoulder floor length gown with black print details, and the gold metallic one shoulder detail dress- constructed perfectly to give the illusion that liquid gold was poured on the model’s body.

I often look forward to New York Fashion Week, but in particular another chance to see a Venexiana show.