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!!!!

 



 

Joanna Mastroianni S/S 2013: Color Me Paradise!

 

 

 

Colors, Cage, and Capes highlighted Joanna Mastroianni’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Inspired by her own garden and personal sanctuary, the designer created a collection bursting in colors of paradise, from hues of yellow green, violets, reds, magenta, and natural vines all woven into her design; taking fashion into a surreal “secret garden” fantasy.

I am always taken back season after season watching Joanna Mastroianni’s runway shows, I love the use of bold unexpected colors and the variety of figure flattering silhouettes that range from cocktail, to floor sweeping, to an exquisite tailored pant suit, and all the while still incorporating her signature ‘cage’ design that juxtapose feminine with strong masculinity very well. A colorful daytime wear look can easily transition into a subdued but elegant nighttime ensemble just with the addition of a cage cape.

Every season I expect this level of regal elegance from Joanna Mastroianni, and I am NEVER disappointed! Classic+Trendy+Chic for women of all ages and stages in life, and that’s what makes a designer into an ICON, and I do look forward to another season of beautiful designs.

 



 

 

 

 

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.

 



Fotini S/S 2013: Perfect Pastels

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.



 

 

Mara Hoffman S/S 2013: ALOHA Paradise!

 

 

Mara Hoffman’s Spring/Summer 2013 runway was a sea of vibrant colors, prints, and Island culture. Inspired by the Hawaiian expression “Aloha”, meaning PEACE, Mara Hoffman debut a collection as beautiful as the Hawaiian Islands themselves; stating, “Each season, my goal is to take the audience on a journey and express the transcendent feeling of love and positivity. This is what we wish to be known for and want to capture in our shows; always celebrating beauty and having a little fun with it.”

With a celebrity studded front row, hosting Bryan Boy, Rumi Neely, Jessica White, Irina Pantaeva, Lil Kim, Julie Henderson, Kenza Fourati, Charlotte Ross, and India De Beaufort to name a few the venue was buzzing in anticipation.

Key looks from the collection featured prints including Aloha (abstract geometrics), Medicine Wheel (herbs and flowers), and Desert (Mara’s interpretation of quilting print); all this balanced out by more subdued pieces of earthy color palettes. Also injected into the collection are the more novelty pieces that amusingly allude to the tourist life of the Hawaiian Islands. My definite favorites are the dresses featuring the peak-a-boo cut-outs and the blazers bursting with prints and color.

One note- worthy thing that invoked such a strong feeling of home for me was that throughout front row they placed jasmine blooms in each seat. I grew up in the Philippines with a front yard covered in jasmine (locally called sampaguita), and the venue was filled with the aroma so it automatically triggered a sense of peace as I recalled childhood memories. Another beautiful collection by Mara Hoffman only made better as one recalls fond memories; this was truly one memorable runway show.