Chadwick Bell F/W 2012: Midnight Rose

Elizabeth Banks wearing the feather gown during the Oscars after-party at Vanity Fair, only weeks after New York Fashion Week!

Mystery and Romance intwined with blossoming flowers and baroque embellishments all come together as inspiration for Chadwick Bell's F/W 2012 collection. From Arlene Gottfried's 'Midnight', to Pablo Picasso's 'Boy with Pipe', Chadwick Bell draws from the contrasting works skillfully blending together masculine and feminine, strength and vulnerability, to create a woman of danger and romance in pursuit of 'Euphoria'- this is the embodiment of the collection.
A mixture of furs, feathers, leather, gold jaquards, velvets, and python all come together seamlessly through a vintage 1960's aesthetics and yet modern silhouettes. One can't help but be transported back to the bygone era of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis when feminine tailored suits were the main staple of fashion. Chadwick Bell's F/W 2012 collection captures the beauty of 'Jacky O's' time with vintage aesthetics but modernized with trims like leather and fur, along with an understated sexiness silhouette.
After press covering Chadwick Bell's pre-fall collection I understood his aesthetics and the story he was trying to convey. His play on masculine v. feminine with structured and fluid looks was skillfully done, and with such impeccable tailoring.
Obviously, my favorite piece throughout the collection was the 'Midnight Dotted Silk Fil Coupe Feathered Gown' I felt this gown symbolized the entire collection. Elizabeth Banks recently wore the gown during the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, and she looked radiant and stunning. The gown hugged Banks in all the right curves and the color was perfect for her skin tone; I swoon at how gorgeous she looked.
Though there are stunning pieces in the collection, what I found most interesting was the clean lines, outstanding tailoring, and eye-catching color blocking. One can clearly see the quality in every piece, and I admire greatly works that not only show luxury, but unrivalled quality!

 

Emerson F/W 2012: from War to Progress

"Powerful and Free-Spirited," defines the EMERSON woman; her essence is a reflection of sophistication and classic luxury- a woman who is fearless and shameless in indulging her eccentric side.

This season EMERSON's designer Jackie Fraser-Swan worked on several inspirations that ultimately progressed and developed her Fall/Winter 2012 collection for EMERSON. In the early stages Fraser-Swan used the black and white images of post-bombing Europe specifically of Dresden, Germany, a war torn city heavily damaged during WWII. The city initally inspired the designer by its porcelain doll art the 'Dresden Dolls', but as her research of the 1940's expanded, Jackie began exploring the roles of women during the war, and how they took on a masculine role. In the end EMERSON's F/W 2012 collection drew inspiration on the juxstaposition of masculine and feminine aspects in women's style; how their roles in society progressed and their independence of style and beauty grew.

A mix of couture and contemporary, rock and romance, key pieces throughout the collection includes silk capes, abstract ombre wool ponchos, neoprene pants and asymmetrical tops; in shades of purple, plum, and pops of lime green. One must also take notice in the lace details on the dresses, tops, and leggings in throughout the entire collection.

Personally, what I find interesting about EMERSON's aesthetics, and what ultimately sets the designs apart from the meriad of design houses is that EMERSON exudes such a feminine 'baby-doll' look, but also has attributes of being a 'bad-ass' rock-n-roll side; all together working perfectly to tell a complete story. I love that from one ensemble a 'rocker-chick' comes down the runway, but the next one is a refined woman of high social status; coincidently a feminine lady then one who takes charge and conquers life.

Cropped ponchos and the quilted knee length dress were amongst my favorite of the collection. For F/W 2012 season ponchos and capes are hot trends even for menswear, and I'm delighted to see EMERSON incorporated each into the collection well. The ombre wool poncho was a hit as the finale piece; it added such a great ingredient of mystery and mystique.

 I look forward to another season of EMERSON, and am intrigued as to what's next for the brand- What inspiration will Jackie Fraser-Swan draw from for her next creation?

(Interview with EMERSON's designer Jackie Fraser-Swan by Rocco Leo Gaglioti for Fashion News Live)

Contact:
 www.emerson-collection.com

People's Revolution for all press contact.

Farah Angsana F/W 2012: Global Glamour!

Covering every spectrum on the color wheel, Farah Angsana's 'Global Woman' inspired Fall/Winter 2012 collection was a burst of life and a visual sensation for those who attended her runway show. From ivory and black, to blue, scarlet red, tangerine, emerald green, divine violet; embellished with crystals and sequins, and all skillfully detailed with ruching, lace, and delicate silks- the venue was overcomed with "ooh's and aah's;" sometimes in complete silence as attendees admired each ensemble coming down the runway.
 In this collection Farah wanted to convey a woman of high glamour and culture; a woman familiar with luxury and a fixture of high society, and YES! Farah Angsana achieves this flawlessly. In addition to glamourous, global traveller, elegant, and classy, one may describe this collection as sexy and sultry with sheers, peak-a-boo cut outs, and thigh high slit details. Chantilly lace, silk chiffon, silk wool, wool crepe, and tweed lurex luxuriously came together through modern silhouettes- a marriage of perfection.
Though it was a challenge to pick a favorite look through a sea of beautiful gowns and dresses, it was undeniably clear that the finale dress was the definite crowd favorite. The moment this 'Shanghai Blue Dragon Scale Embellished Tulle Gown" with the sheer illusion came down the runway, flashes of lights from cameras became blinding as everyone clamoured to take a picture of the stunning gown! As I described the moment, "It was that special moment during fashion week when one's senses are awakened, and one is overcomed with anticipation of what will inspire, and what will the designer create next season?"
The level of creativity, the attention to detail, the embodiment of luxury, and just her love for her craft, made 3 seasons of trying to press cover Farah Angsana's show worthwhile. When I finally got the invite to attend Farah Angsana's runway show I couldn't contain my excitement, sitting front row was 'icing on the cake,' and in the end I was in disbelief; left with a feeling of EUPHORIA!

Finale Dress: Shanghai Blue Dragon Scale Embellished Tulle Gown

Candela F/W 2012: Western Gold

Each season I always expect Candela to transport me to another world through a story told beautifully through period inspired ensembles. Drawing inspiration from the bygone days of the 'gold-rush' and the communities that formed almost overnight with people in search of a dream, Candela's Fall/Winter 2012 collection was a wonderful mix of conservative vintage Victorian Era and modern silhouettes.
What I love most about every Candela collection and this one is no exception, is the sense of adventure it takes one, almost being part of story it's trying to convey. One such ensemble that instantly caught my eye was the hunter green cable knit cardigan with the southwest patterns paired with the gold and silver skirt. One can see how it ties into the concept of that 'gold-rush' migration through the sweater, but definitely modern through the skirt and crocodile loafers. Other note worthy pieces were the faux fur vest with toggle button closure over a cropped leather jacket,and the baby doll navy sequin dress.
Candela's F/W 2012 collection was a great blend of past and present but modern in every cut and silhouette. One can definitely appreciate the simplicity and youthful glow of Candela.

Contact:

Candela: Amber@candelanyc.com