China's Crackdown on Luxury Goods

China's men's market could be hit hard with President Xi Jin Ping taking office soon. His top priorities are to "reduce corruption" and "conspicuous consumption" Meaning he wants to lessen China's cultural traditions of "gift giving". An example WWD mentions has already taken effect with a new "frugal working style". This entails no lavish parties, giving expensive cars, or luxurious gifts for civil servants. This new approach parallels American ethics law which requires government officials to avoid conflicts of interest with lobbyists.

Accorcing to Flora Sapo, a professor of Chinese law "gift giving is only a minor offense". She believes that the real estate and the stock market is far more corrupt than China's civil servants. Professor Sapo thinks that the gift giving tradition represents the lifestyle of the political/economic elite. And she doesn't see it changing much, unless some drastic happens to Chinese economy.

One case that made big news was called "Brother watch". It happened when a low level bureaucrat was photographed wearing an expensive name brand watch. Apparently, expensive watches are the preferred gift of choice for the elite, according to WWD. However, Bain & CO. studies reveal that the sale of luxury watches has decreased by 5% in 2012, in comparison with a 40% increase in 2011. One explanation for the slow down in sales could be attributed to China's slowing economy. But, another major factor points directly to a crackdown on corruption!

McConaughey Debuts new Men's Wear Collection

Matthew McConaughey is busy this year launching his new men's wear collection. WWD reports it will be called JKL, after his charity. He founded this charity after his father past away. JKL full name is Just Keep Living. This organization wants kids to live active lives, play sports, and also be able to make important decisions that will better shape their lives. His brand started simply with t shirts, hats and flip flops, that said, Just Keep Living. Friends and fans alike couldn't get enough of his designs. So McConaughtey decides to expand his brand in a more "mature way", that would include giving back to his charity. For every dollar spent on an item, a dime is added to the charity. The clothes are designed to be "all purpose gear". Meaning they need to include "performance type features", like quick dry t shirts, moisture wicking tops, UV protection, and rash guards. His concept is let the outfit do it all. He is quoted in the WWD article that he does not want to push reset. My favorite quote is he wants, "to be able to go from the jungle to the opera". Obviously that's a little over dramatized but you get my point.

JKL "sportswear and "swim wear will launch in over 150 Dillard's stores this month. The collection is being produced by Grand National Apparel Inc. The company is a Toronto based private label manufacturer. They worked with Perry Ellis and Savane in the past. McConaughey's  price point is between $29.50 and $99.00. WWD reports, he wants his collection to represent California casual lifestyle combined with active wear. His active wear line will include anything from a tee-shirt, to brushed cotton/nylon utility pants, to slim jeans, etc. One item that he thinks will be a huge hit is the "killer tee". It is a performance-tee shirt that is 100% cotton and has a "slimmer fit". The killer tee has two purposes: to look great and be able to be active in it. After the spring's launch, an even bigger launch will be expected in the fall.

Many celebrities have tried and failed to have successful brands. Only time will tell
 if JKL will be the next success  But with its efforts to give back to society, lets hope it succeeds.  Here is some of his collection.

Topshop Unique

The review are in and Topshop Unique displayed some inspired pieces for the Fall 2013 collection. Women's wear daily points out the variety of textures in each look. Topshop Unique plays with proportion in interesting ways. The noted pieces in the collection were the full circle skirts, the midriff bearing tops mixed in with excellent outerwear, and trousers. The trousers in the collection are described by Women's Wear Daily as "tapered " and slightly masculine. The workmanship in the pants is quite remarkable and seems to float down the runway. There is no doubt that she is comfortable. The outerwear is fantastic and I love how unique each piece is and more importantly, their appeal to a variety of consumers.

There is a lot of skin shown in these pieces, but part of the brilliance of this collection is the interplay of exposing skin and then covering it up. My only concern is will most of America be able to pull these looks off?!? For example, the middriff bearing tops, are not appropriate for work unless you are self employed. On the other hand, the bare midriff is definitely something you could wear for night. But that is part of the magic of fashion, which is the inspiration, the fantasy. The hair is slightly unkempt which give the models a more realistic, lived in appearance. These are some of the standout pieces in the collection.

If anything seemed amiss in the collection it was the printed pieces. For me, they just don't fit with the rest of the collection. The prints are a bit bizarre for my taste and remind me of pajamas. Not something I would ever go out in. Besides those two mishaps, the collection overall is very strong, sexy and imaginative! 

Ode to Hitchcock

According to Women's Wear Daily Badgley Mischka drew inspiration for their fall 2013 collection from Hitchcock's "icy blondes", favorites include: Grace Kelly, Tippi Hedren and Kim Novak. The article remarks that Badgley Mischka intertwine day and evening together. They do this by featuring "cashmere twinsets". The first look described in the article was black with a knee length red-and- black damask skirt.  Another popular look in the collection was a taupe shirt with a smokey metallic tweed pencil skirt. The above the elbow gloves add an extra touch of glamour that I personally adore. All the models portray some version of an elegant bun pulled up high for extra sophistication. And nothing adds more glamour then red lips. The first and second look scream Hitchcock to me, a smoldering understated type of elegance. I know those terms contradict each other, but with Hitchock's heroine's we find controversy and contradiction, that's part of his charm.

  

WWD preferred "controlled glamour that was not overly embellished". The only critical comments involved accessorizing; it seems that the scarves at the neck, did not ring true. They even referenced Raf Simons for making the same mistake at his spring Dior collection. These were some of Badgley Mischka's errrors according to Women's Wear Daily. For the most part I agree with the criticism of the show. The men's wear inspired pant suit is nothing I could see a Hitchcock heroine wearing ever, along with the scarf which just seems silly. The next look is just frumpy, not very flattering, on the model or probably anyone for that matter. Additionally, there are some elements of the collection that don't seem cohesive to me. Overall, not the best collection.

         

Contrast

Pale Nails are a delightful trend that has captured the heart of designers this season. Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone, and Chanel are embracing this trend. Pure white, neutrals, and cream colors are EVERYWHERE for spring. This trend has gained momentum for a while, but this spring it has definitely exploded. Pale Nails are a fitting alternative to the usual colors associated with spring and summer. It evokes the same soft and delicate feel you associate with femininity. There is an angelic quality that intrigues the viewer. These minimalist looks are here to stay.

 

                                                    

          On the opposite side of the spectrum we also have very dark nails. It's all about contrast this year, and this trend could go either way. Although I usually love dark nails, be careful it doesn't look too costumey or goth. In other words I would skip black. Unless it's Halloween and your playing a vampire, keep the look simple, or avoid it all together. The first look shows black nails done well. The second look has too much going on and is almost a caricature.  

Another fun trend for spring are a two toned manicure. For me, it seems like a bit of work...and nothing I could do myself. However, I can certainly appreciate the finished product. This trend is a new twist on the french manicure. Just grab a small brush to paint your graphics on your nails. I also suggest you select contrasting colors that match your skin tone. Some fun things to try are a half moon, a vertical split, a V shape, or a diagonal strip. Whether it is pale, dark, or two tones contrast is the way to go for spring.

     

Strong Eyebrow

Strong thick eyebrows are everywhere this spring. Forget about lighting your eyebrows to match your hair shade. This season the darker the better. This trend favors a more natural shape of the eyebrow. That means that waxing and threading are out this season. So you should be able to save a few bucks as well as avoid discomfort, at least till next season... If you want extra pizzazz you can fill in your eyebrow with eye shadows to make it look darker. I recommend practicing this technique a few times before you wear it out in public. Some people can look quite silly if it's overdone. This model wears the trend well. Her eyebrows are the predominate feature on her face.

Over at Marc Jacobs there is also an emphasis on a strong eyebrow. His muse is Edie Sedwick and  when most people think of her, they associate a Strong brow. This model exemplifies the direction Marc Jacob wanted to go this season.

One example of an eyebrow that looks horrendous is at Thakoon. I don't know what this makeup artist was thinking. He or she risks her model looking ridiculous. This is not sexy or a natural look. Her audience can tell that the eyebrows are drawn on. She looks more like an alien than a fashion model. Please do not adopt this trend. 

Candy Colored Hair

So the juries out for spring and it seems Candy Colored Hair is-- unfortunately here to stay. Think of pastels in shades of blue and pink as well as candy colored aqua. Usually to me, pink hair screams out Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna to me. Trend setters, most definitely, but my problem is will the majority of the public be able to pull this off? Or will they look like their playing dress up for Halloween?!? When I see an entirely blue head is, my first thought is you've got to be kidding me. Please dye it back. Call me boring but this trend seems a bit juvenile to me.

However, Oscar De la Renta features this trend in a more flattering way. Think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's with a bit of edge. This look is elegant. She looks modern and quirky with pink highlights in a chic updo. The key for me is  embracing the trend subtly with highlights, not blue hair all over! Just saying... Unless your a ROCKSTAR or a MODEL, you look silly.

Anna Sui in her spring 2013 collection also embraced candy colors-- this time in the form of short wigs. The short hair, even though it's a wig, seems more put together and more fashion forward. I like some of these looks, albeit begrudgingly. They are interesting and have a point of view. Anna Sui mixes punk masterfully with just the right amount of girly style. And the wigs cap off the look in an eclectic way. This is not my style, but I see the appeal to a more edgy type of customer.

Tailored Shorts

Nothing says spring/summer to me more than shorts. This year gowns and mini's might just have to take a back seat to tailored shorts...This trend can be dressed up or down. There is a ton of short suits on the runway. When you think suits... you might think stuffy. But these definitely are not! It's the perfect mix of professionalism for the office, mixed with a touch of fun if your going out on the town with the girls after work. Who says suits can't be fun! These suits are a little out of the box with a touch of edge. Probably not appropriate if your working in a law office though. Here are some of my favorites.

 

This spring we are seeing a variety of prints and textures, which I love. Obviously with the tailored short, the length is a little longer which show's taste and refinement. My personal favorite type of tailored shorts is stripes and polka dots featured by Paul and Joe. I think it flatters most body types. Another standout was a high-waisted striped pair of shorts by Dolce and Gabbana paired with an eastern type print, which really blew me away... Whatever trend you trend you try, it is certain you will be looking fashion forward.

   

Sporty Dresses

There are not two words in the English language that I like more than sports and dress. They describe both sides of my personality. Sporty describes my competitive, adventurous, boyish side, that likes the outdoors and is up for anything. Whereas dress describes my favorite apparel outfit. I was once asked by my mother when I was eight or nine if I ever got tired of wearing dresses to school day after day. And my answer was a resounding NO! I love being girly and showing off my feminine side. The Sporty Dress trend allows me to incorporate both facets of my personality.

These dresses are seen everywhere from DKNY, Rag and Bone to Victoria Beckham this year. They scream spring with their flirty A-line designs that ooze comfort and style. I would feel as comfortable engaging in an activities outdoors, as I would, an afternoon lunch with the girls. There's an ease of movement with these dresses that also allows you to accessorize with wedges or sneakers. This look is very young and fresh, and even the harshest critique would smile to himself and say "simply lovely".

Prison Break

Stripes sauntered down the runway at New York City Fashion Week for spring 2013. Personally, I am pleased. Stripes are an item that never goes out of style, they are practically a girl's best friend. I can't even count how many stripes are in my closet at the moment. Who can stop buying them. This season we are seeing stripes in black and white, black and green, black and red, and blue and white,etc. The sky is the limit with the different color variation. There seemed to be a concerted effort by designers to have a coherent theme throughout their collections that matched other designers. Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Joseph Altuzarra are featuring stripes as their trend of the moment. It seemed incredibly modern with a nod to the past. There is a distinct mod feel where Edie Sedwick is the muse for all the designers.  The stripes are displayed in new and exciting ways. One of my favorite pieces is black and white shorts with a matching blazer by Michael Kors.  It had a prison break feel that is vibrant, young, and a little dangerous. Something exciting, that I would definitely wear. The designers also displayed unique pantsuits, unexpected dresses, and even swimwear featuring stripes in innovative ways. For me, though there is nothing more sophisticated then black and white. The look is untouchable as most designers agree. There is a move away from elaborate designs toward a more clean collection for spring/summer. Here are some of my favorite looks for spring 2013.