D.I.Y. Meadham Kirchoff's Opulence

photo via masha-mel.blogspot.com

rhinestone overlays via expointl @flickr.com

The spectacular display of ornamental excess presented at the Meadham Kirchoff S/S 13 show left a resounding impression upon us. It was the kind of show that you can revisit time again and discover new facets of detail: the glitter-encrusted manicures, the never-ending layers of bow, pearl, and stone; all crafted in the richest jewel tones.   

What we took away from this show was a new found compulsion to embellish -particularly in the fashion of Kirchoff's rhinestone necklaces and head bands.  

We created our own vision of Kirchoff using an old head band stripped bare, and a plain gold collar necklace, that we drenched in rhinestones purchased from a local craft store. We used a regular glue gun to apply, which has held the stones very well; but for a more permanent hold: jewel glue, or E6000 glue works best. 

Fresh Faces: Rising Male Models

    The latest menswear Paris & Milan fashion week saw the arrival of dozens of new faces. Of those up and coming models there were some amazing stand outs. Here are our  favorites. I'm sure we will see more work from these guys in the future! 

 

Arthur Gosse stands out as one of the most exciting new faces, having opened the anticipated Prada menswear collection. Arthur also opened Kris van Assche, Dior Homme, Miharayasuhiro and closed Lanvin. He also walked for Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and John Galliano among many other shows.  Arthur is with Major Paris and VNY in NY.

Simon Sabbah started his first season opening Qasimi, 3.1 Phillip Lim and as well as opening and closing Pringle of Scotland. Simon also walked for Louis Vuitton, John Galliano, Lanvin, Raf Simons and more. Simone is with New Madison Paris.

Takeshi Uematsu is one of the best newcomers this season. Takeshi, with his handsome facial structure, is bringing him to the forefront of the new models. Takeshi walked for John Galliano, Lanvin, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton and Paul Smith. Hopefully Takeshi will continue to break into the the international scene. 

Max Rendell has had a modest start in London. This latest season Max walked for Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent, Kris Van Assche, Raf Simons, Miharayasuhiro, Dior Homme, Lanvin, and Acne. Max is signed with Ford Paris and Elite London. 

Alexander Ferrario being his ascent as a Jil Sander exclusive. Alexander walked for Raf Simons, John Galliano. 31. Phillip Lim and Ami. He is signed to New Madison Paris. 

Photo credit: Models.com, thefashionspot

Paris Menswear F/W 12.13

Our favorite looks from Paris Mens Fashion Week. 

Yves Saint Laurent 

    Stefano Pilati's latest collection conveys a powerful yet youthful man. Pilati's precise craftsmanship is shown in the perfectly tailored coats and blazers and his limited color palette evokes a sense of power and darkness. The collection also displays a subtle hard edge with the leather, buckles, straps and depictions of razor blades, however this is offset by the touches of fur. Pilati has created one of the best collections of this season, his use of leather is just enough to provide an edge but not too much to overwhelm the collection. 


Louis Vuitton

     Inspired by the two cities Paris and Tokyo, Kim Jones sophomore collection for Louis Vuitton is exquisite and luxuriant. Jones mixes a variety of fabrics and colors to create a collection with international appeal. Jones attention to detail is superb. The collection also has amazing outerwear and accessories. 

Hermes

In latest Hermes collection creative director Veronique Nichanian presents a modern collection in a dark color palette. The collection continues the trends of luxe suits and trenches, with touches of leather, fur and velvet among the sleek fabrics. As the collection progresses Nichanian introduces a coveted smokey print. 

Dior Homme

Kris Van Assche's collection for Dior Homme is a relaxed militaristic take on sportswear. The collection starts with tailored, structured suits and develops into relaxed trousers and silhouettes. The collection features strong lines and coats cut to maximize movement. The color palette is a subdued combination of dark military greens, beige, blacks and whites. 

Ann Demeulemeester

Ann Demeulemeester's stand out this season is her color palette, using electric blue and bright red to color the black and white palette. The colors were shown in a cool printed gradient. The collection featured edgy pieces mixed with long, tunics, paired with beautiful boots, some featuring the color gradient. Tailored coats and semi fitted trousers completed the looks. 

Image credit: nowfashion.com, style.com, catwalking.com

Milan F/W 12.13 Menswear

              It's that time of year again where hundreds of male models descend on Milan and Paris for the menswear fashion week.  For the Milan Fall/Winter 2012/13 Menswear we picked our favorite collections. This season featured many suits and over sized coats in a variety of fabrics such as velvet and leather. Gloves and overnight bags dominated the accessories. 

  Prada

                 The F/W 12.13 Prada runway show was staged in a grad theatrical venue where actors walked among models. Miuccia's  clothes were a simple, sophisticated take on the powerful military man and diplomats of the early century. Double breasted suits, tailored topcoats and pocket ornaments recalled an English formality.