Friday, December 23, 2011

Ladies.Fall.2011.Fashion.Trend: Fringe

As the 20's, 60's and 70's are important influences in today's fashion trends, elements of design from those eras are used by designers to create full on collections. Fringes are one of those fashion design elements that were back in full force on the catwalks internationally.

From the flapper days of the 20's to the fringe profusion of the peaceful 60's and disco 70's, designers have fringed bags, shoes, shirts, dresses and anything else possible so it seems. Besides the traditional suede and leather, other fabrics like knits, thick jerseys, furs, feathers as well as wool have been also making their way down the runways.

Lets take a look at some of my favorite fringe looks and pieces for Fall.2011.

-Subtle.Romance

(Valentino/Jason.Wu/Temperley.London)

-Edgy.Streets

(Barbara.Bui/Roberto.Cavalli/Gareth.Pugh)

-Trendsetting.Fashionista

(Isabel.Marant/Balmain/Alice.&.Olivia)

-Gorgeous.20's

(John.Galliano/Jason.Wu/Temperley.London)

-Knits.&.Wools

(Dsquared2/Anna.Sui/Iceberg)


-Feathers

(Iceberg/Jason.Wu/John.Galliano)

Stay tuned for my next few posts as I will explore fringes in the Footwear and Handbag categories in fashion.

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: style.com)











Thursday, December 8, 2011

My.Collaborations: YourKloset.Com.#12

My newest article for YourKloset.com is out. It talks about Sex as a tool for fashion brands in marketing; all strategies by marketing mavens in order to keep their names out there. Debating if Sex Sells is somewhat unrealistic as we know that sexual connotations always stir some kind of reaction, therefore keeping a brands name out there. However, in today's society, do we still need so much sexual images or references to be relevant?


You can read my article called "Sex Sells...?" by clicking here.


I would love to know your take on this as well as what are in your minds the most controversial Fashion Ad you have ever seen.


Here are pictures of some other controversial fashion Ad campaigns by leading brands and designers.


American.Apparel

Diesel

Emanuel.Ungaro

Sisley

Tom.Ford


-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: www.fashionist.ca)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Fall.2011.Handbags.Fashion.Trend: Textured.Metallics

Metallics have been constantly showing up on runways for the past few seasons now, but for the Fall.2011 season, they have been used in every segment of one's wardrobe. In the handbag category, metallics were often used as trims on big bags or, when used all over, on smaller bags likes clutches. But this season, they are used on almost every shape out there, and most importantly, as the main fabric. Therefore, textured fabrics are used by designers in order to tame down the shininess and give the style a new dimension. Textured fabrics such as cracked, chopped, distressed &/or grainy leathers, as well as animal skins (snakes, crocos and ostrich to name a few) in full on metallic colors such as gold, silver, rose gold, pewters and bronze.

Mulberry is leading the way with this trend by interpreting it on their iconic "Alexa" and "Bayswater" styles as seen below:

Mulberry's.'Alexa'
Mulberry's.'Bayswater'

In the below video, many more options in the Textured Metallics trend in Handbags for Fall.2011 are featured.


Are you ladies digging the trend?

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: net-a-porter.com/nordstrom.com)


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Please.Excuse.My.M.I.A.

To All,

please excuse my lack of posts as of late. I have been Missing In Action for the past few weeks, being busy traveling and working extra hard on my day job; my design career. Plenty of new posts coming up very soon, promise. Please stay tuned!

I leave you with these Ladies.&.Mens.Shoes.Of.The.Day images for all to gush over...

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Giuseppe.Zanotti.Fall.2011)
(Giuseppe.Zanotti.Fall.2011)
(Lanvin.Fall.2011)


-Mens.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Alexander.McQueen.Fall.2011)
(Opening.Ceremony.Fall.2011)
(Zara.Fall.2011)

Enjoy!

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: giuseppezanottidesign.com/mrporter.com/luisaviaroma.com/zara.com)


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Shoes.Of.The.Day: Buckles

This installment of my Shoes.Of.The.Day segment is based on the countless hours of research I do every season in the name of fashion. While looking through all the pictures of shoes I had saved on my laptop, I realized most of them had buckles adorned to them, either multiple ones or just the simple lonely one on a pair of boot. No matter what, this realization made me push further into the research stage. And this led me to conclude that buckles were in fact a big 'detail' trend for Fall.2011, especially in the footwear industry.

Buckles can be viewed as trivial and overlooked by consumers but in fact, they are detail-oriented pieces that add significant purpose and value to a design. This being said, there are many different varieties of buckles, in different shapes and forms, with different qualities. Of course, this adds, determines and justifies price tags of an item. Designers use them wisely as variables in their creations. 

Below are my Shoes.Of.The.Day with buckles as a prominent detail. They are both from Alexander McQueen, which I have to admit, is my designer of the moment.

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Alexander.McQueen.Fall.2011)

Who: Alexander McQueen 
What: Buckled suede boot
Why: How gorgeous are these boots ladies? The color, a rich Cobalt Blue, which is a strong Fall.2011 color by the way, is beautiful. The detailing, so McQueen, is interesting with the turned-over flap and appealing forms of the panels. The blocked heel is perfectly proportioned to the rest of the design elements. And finally, the fastening tabs with the gold buckles add the final touch. Swoon Ladies, Swoon!
How Much: $1,225 Us (@net-a-porter.com)

-Mens.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Alexander.McQueen.Fall.2011)

Who: Alexander McQueen 
What: Leather triple buckle boot
Why: Everything about this boot is amazing. Love the triple buckled flap. Love the gold metal tips at the round cap toe and heel. Love the thick stitching. Love the leather sole. Love the right height of the ankle boot. All these fine design and detail elements that are subtle yet oh so cool and modern. I love love love and want them so bad!!!
How Much: $955 Us (@barneys.com)

And finally, since there was way too many options out there, I have assembled some of my favorites in the below video. Enjoy!


Which ones are your favorites?

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: barneys.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, saksfifthavenue.com, nordstrom.com, luisaviaroma.com, mrporter.com, net-a-porter.com)

 






Monday, November 7, 2011

Looks.Of.The.Day

Looks.Of.The.Day is a new segment I have started on my Facebook page exclusively which showcases one head-to-toe look each for both sexes. The criteria is pretty simple and is similar to my regular Shoes.Of.The.Day and Bags.Of.The.Day segments; total looks that I like and would wear (when it comes to men clothing of course). Total looks meaning the end result and the way the look is styled and put together; from hair to make-up, accessories to shoes and obviously, the clothes. Sometimes both the men and ladies look will be coordinated and defined by colors, trends, or details and sometimes they will be completely differentiated.

Below are examples of Looks.Of.The.Day as seen on The.Shoe.Freak's FB page:

(3.1.Phillip.Lim.Fall.2011/Louis.Vuitton.Fall.2011)
If you haven't visited my Facebook page (and "liked" it, just saying), click here.

What are your favorite Looks.Of.The.Day?

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: style.com)

Friday, November 4, 2011

Mens.Footwear.Designer: H.by.Hudson.Fall.2011

My previous post, about footwear, was for the ladies. Now comes the turn for you gentlemen. Hudson, a London footwear company primarily focused on menswear produces gorgeous footwear for us fashion lovers. Focused on high quality & designed footwear with an affordable price tag. The company, after establishing their Hudson label, created H by Hudson, the rebellious little brother brand which enabled the company to reach a broader scope of customer while keeping the successful DNA of the company intact. The design elements & creative concept as well as the first-rate workmanship & overall quality offered by H by Hudson are simply amazing. 

I just love the brand so much as I've featured a few pairs already on The.Shoe.Freak, and below are reasons why (from their Fall.2011 collection):





Montreal is slowly (but surely) catching up to the H by Hudson commotion. You can find them at great Montreal-based online retailer SSENSE.

And finally ladies, the company has created a smaller range of the H by Hudson collection due to high demand and requests from customers.Check it out here.

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: hudsonshoes.com)



Thursday, November 3, 2011

My.Collaborations: YourKloset.Com.#11

My collaboration with the blogazine YourKloset.com, as mentioned in previous posts, is a monthly one. Therefore, I am already at my 11th article for the blogazine. Time passes by so fast, it is somewhat surreal. I am mentioning my 11th article on my blog as I thought it was very pertinent for my readers to know about it. You have all been witness of my constant babble of everything that is animal skins recently. My newest article for YourKloset called "To Fur or Not to Fur, that is the question..." hypes the trends but also confronts and discusses the debates which these trends create.

Intrigued? You can click here to read the article in its entirety.

I would love to get your feedback and comments on the subject.

For all my other articles for YourKloset.com, you can click here.

-The.Shoe.Freak


Monday, October 31, 2011

Ladies.Footwear.Designer: Jeffrey.Campbell.Fall.2011

If you guys don't know the footwear label Jeffrey Cambpell yet, it might mean you have been living under a rock for the past few years and/or haven't been reading my blog as the brand is arguably the hottest and one of the most "need-to-know" shoe brand out there. The fashion forward Los Angeles label is a mix of edgy modernity with vintage inspiration. Their design and concepts are distinct and clearly focused on details. The use of funky fabrics and wild color combinations provides a hip yet unconventional element to their designs.

Below are some of my favorites from their Fall.2011 collection:


Montreal has definitely embraced the label as its shoes seem to be everywhere; Fashionistas are sporting their designs and a variety of boutiques and retailers are carrying the line. Jeffrey Campbell is truly a label that needs to be discovered, if it hasn't already! 

Check them out at www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com or at stores like Little Burgundy and Browns in the Montreal area.

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: jeffreycampbellshoes.com/littleburgundyshoes.com/brownsshoes.com)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Fall.2011.Fashion.Trend: Ostrich

As you can probably attest from the past few posts on The.Shoe.Freak, animal skins are all I seem to talk about these past few weeks. But with reason, Animal skins, especially in the handbag and footwear industry, are huge and sought after trends for the Fall.2011 season, especially in Womenswear. I have covered Leopard, Python and now comes Ostrich

(Miu.Miu's.Ostrich.Skin.for.Fall.2011)
Ostrich skins and imprimés are always a classic in one's wardrobe as they never go out of style and are truly timeless, especially since browns, blacks and navies are usually "the" colors you will see the skin, or its pattern, in. However, for Fall.2011, designers have gone all colorful on us by using shades like emerald greens, deep purples, cobalt blues, mustard, hot pinks, cognacs and tans as well as all metallics; an array of delightful colors which compliment a wardrobe.

Lets us look at the best footwear and handbag items using Ostrich for Fall.2011 focused primarily on womenswear for this video post.


Other animal skins and imprimés such as zebra, snakes, furs, feathers and so on are also very present this Fall.2011...I will cover Furs in a future blog entry as it is as big and/or bigger than for Fall.2010, trend wise. 

Stay tuned!

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: bloomingdales.com/neimanmarcus.com/net-a-porter.com/shopbop.com/barneys.com/nordstrom.com/farftech.com/bergdorfgoodman.com/luisaviaroma.com/saksfifthavenue.com)


Monday, October 24, 2011

Fall.2011.Zara.Looks: Menswear

Everyone knows my love for Zara. The fast-fashion chain knows how to pick up on off-the-moment trends and produce looks that seem straight out of a runway. But what makes them even better are the looks they put together. The styling is always great and make you want to buy the clothes. I must admit, they influence my way of putting my looks together. 

This post is targeted to the fellows (sorry ladies! But actually, this post will give you ladies ideas on how to dress your man!). Guys, its very easy to look good and put together. And at Zara, you can look stylish and groomed for a fraction of the price compared to high-end retailers.

Here are my top 10 looks for Fall.2011 in Menswear from Zara.

Look.1: Love the color combination...Mustard and Grey with the checkered shirt and sweet bow-tie, great.
Look.2: The checkered blazer is awesome as well as the deep rounded sweater in a beautiful navy.
Look.3: Love the satin lapel of the fitted blazer worn with the waxed/glazed jeans. Trendy but casual.
Look.4: Another way of doing semi-formal. Those great waxed jeans again with the scooped sweater and great grey blazer. Chic and timeless.
Look.5: Love the chill vibe I get from this look. Love the contrast-trimmed lapel on the blazer. Great look for drinks.
Look.6: Awesome color combination. Color-blocking at its best. Great weekend look.
Look.7: Great velvet blazer, Great bow-tie. Very Chuck Bass. (the only thing I'm not digging is the cuff of the shirt sticking out - so 1990's in all its negativeness)
Look.8: Another great color-blocking option. Love the mustard deep V-neck. The coat is stunning. Just a complete great look finished off with awesome boots.
Look.9: Trendy dandy. Love everything about this. From the boots to the blazer and the gloves.
Look.10: And finally my favorite Look. This is how I would wear it. Love the boots, rolled up pants, checkered shirt, great coat and to finish off, stunning bag. Love the way the tie is tucked in, great styling detail. I want everything from this look.

Its easy & simple to look put together and it really does not take a lot of money nor effort. Zara is truly a great one-stop shop. Check it out if you guys haven't yet. Putting pieces together & mix and matching items is what creates a good look. Don't be afraid to try things out. 

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: zara.com)




Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Blog.News

Some exciting news for The.Shoe.Freak coming up soon. My first ever radio interview as The.Shoe.Freak just occured tonight! Im pretty excited to say it went pretty well for a first time. More details coming up very soon.

Stay tuned!

-The.Shoe.Freak

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Shoes.Of.The.Day: Leopard

As per mentioned in my previous Shoes.Of.The.Day segment, animal skins are all the rage on the catwalks these past few seasons. Another great example of an animal skin that is huge is the Leopard imprimé, which has made many appearances on different catwalks worldwide for the past few seasons now. As per mentioned previously here, Leopard was a strong Spring.2011 trend, and is as strong for Fall.2011.

Designers are using different textured combination (pony hair mixed with leather for instance) and mixing different colors to the traditional leopard imprimé (white black and brown for instance) in order to modernize the looks. The use of ornaments and wild colors are also newer design elements which give the leopard imprimé a newer dimension.

Lets see my favorites for Fall.2011:

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day

 (Giuseppe.Zanotti/Christian.Louboutin/Fendi/Sam.Edelman)

(Giuseppe.Zanotti/Charlotte.Olympia/Irregular.Choice/Irregular.Choice)

Designers are pulling all the stops for you ladies using studs, tassels, fringing, sky-high heels and other design components to make you stand out. My personal favorite: the gorgeous Sam Edelman studded pumps. They are classic in shape but oh so wild in look. Swoon Ladies!

-Mens.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Pierre.Hardy/Rachel.Comey/Jimmy.Choo/Jeffrey.West)

Guys are not to be forgotten when it comes to leopard so it seems as designers have integrated the pattern onto classic shapes (loafers and laced-up) as well as the for sportier types with high-top sneakers. My personal favorite: the Pierre Hardy high-top sneakers in that wild leopard imprimé with black trims. Sneakers that are unconventional and oh so delightful. I want them so bad!

Are you feeling the wild vibe?

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: bergdorfgoodman.com/net-a-porter.com/mrporter.com/irregularchoice.com/asos.com)





Monday, October 3, 2011

Fall.2011.Fashion.Trend: Python

Fall 2011 is proving to be a season of many trends, hot items and specific detailing which are all influenced by the many different era's, movement and cultures in history. In other words, never have I seen so much leeway and so many different and unspecific trends in fashion. Everything seems to be ''IN'' right now and influenced by anything.

A constant trend, however, is the Animal print which has always been present no matter what the mood of each passing fashion season has been. Every new season has a newer & fresher take on the animal print. And this Fall 2011 season is no different. The snake print was a big trend of Fall & Spring 2010/2011. However, this season, the Python print, either the pattern itself and/or the actual skin, is the new must snake skin to have in your wardrobe. The python print has a very specific pattern and its texture is also different from the other kind of snakes which make it that much more expansive if your fashion item is made in full-on python skin.

(Lanvin's.Python.Print.for Fall.2011)

For this blog entry, I decided to really focus on the footwear and handbag aspect of anyone's closet as usually python skin will be used mostly in those 2 department.

In the below video, you will find my top Python items for Fall 2011, shoes and bags alike.



With prices ranging from $95 up to $5000 Cdn, you guys will definitively be able to find something for yourselves in there. The question is will you be sporting the Python trend this season?

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: farfetch.com/neimanmarcus.com/ssense.com/bloomingdales.com/nordstrom.com/net-a-porter.com/zagliani.it)

Friday, September 30, 2011

Shoes.Of.The.Day: Cognac

Rich cognac colors are everywhere these past few seasons in the footwear industry and are even replacing browns and blacks for many occasions, at least in my wardrobe options. The same can be said in the handbag and accessories department. And it's easy to understand why; Cognacs are easy to match with other colors. They mix very well with dark browns, grays, pinks, neutrals as well as most of the blue hues out there (especially Navy). The richer the color, the better. And of course, the better quality leather, the better the color will be.

As you will probably notice when shopping for your Fall.2011 wardrobe, the choice for rich Cognac colored shoes is pretty wide. Here are therefore my cognac favorites out there.

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Kurt.Geiger.Fall.2011)

Who
: Kurt Geiger

What:
'Frida' Leather ankle booties
Why:
These ankle booties are just stunning. The leather is soft and ultra luxurious. The rich deep cognac color is fantastic. The detailing is also superb; the metal stiletto is right on in the right antique brass color, the thick stitching, and platform complete a well designed shoe. To be worn on any occasion, ladies, you can swoon!
How Much:
$470 Cdn (@kurtgeiger.com)

-Men.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Kurt.Geiger.Fall.2011)

Who
: Kurt Geiger

What:
'Golden Child' leather fringed loafers
Why:
Loafers are types of shoes I wear a lot, so keeping my interest is something extremely important and these Geiger shoes do that and more! I love the brogue detailing, the fringing, which isn't over-the-top, the wooded sole and most importantly, the rich Cognac color. And as a last detail, the contrast dark brown tassel to complete the look. What can I say, I want them.
How Much:
$375 Cdn (@kurtgeiger.com)

Are Cognac colors part of your wardrobe? If not, will they be from now on?


-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: kurtgeiger.com)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Bags.Of.The.Day: Frame

Ladylike framed bags were seen across the FW11 runway. All shapes were covered, from clutches to oversize satchels. Designers used the current 40's mood in fashion to create full ranged handbag collections using the frame as a main detail. Frames using either a bar or a circular/rectangular metal framing contouring the bag.

Surprisingly enough, this detail, which usually is mainly associated with womenswear, hence the ladylike reference, has been incorporated by designers in their menswear handbag collections as well. Will men buy this type of detailing remains to be seen, however, I, with my new found obsession for manbags, would definitely try it out.

Lets see my top Bags.Of.The.Day for framed handbags this Fall.2011 season.

-Ladies.Bags.Of.The.Day:

(Dolce.&.Gabbana.'Miss.Sicily'.Fall.2011)

Who: Dolce & Gabbana
What: 'Miss Sicily' Prince of Wales checkered tote
Why: The Miss Sicily handbag by Dolce Gabbana is certainly the "it" bag of the moment with many stars including trendsetters like Kate Moss and Dita Von Teese sporting the bag in question. It is easy to understand why, this bag has the perfect shape, and the detailing is classic yet modern. It is therefore easy to understand why Dolce Gabbana have milked it by doing this bag in every version possible-fur, sequins, leather, etc. Hot bag indeed!
How Much: $1625 Us (@net-a-porter.com)

-Mens.Bag.Of.The.Day

(Burberry.Prorsum.Fall.2011)

Who: Burberry Prorsum
What: Canvas & leather canvas bag
Why: Burberry Prorsum's carryall has a wooden bar at the top, a leather contrast top handle and a lockable clasp. Details that are usually components of womenswear but seem to work here. Even the triangular shape of the flap is uncommon but everything seems to mix and gel together to create a very classic and elegant man bag. Perfect for a work's day around town, and meeting clients. I love it!
How Much: $1885 Us (@mrporter.com)

What do you guys think of the whole frame and bar detailing in the handbag industry?

-The.Shoe.Freak
(source: net-a-porter.com/mrporter.com)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Montreal.Fashion.Week.Spring.Summer.2012: Review

Montreal Fashion Week's Spring.2012 edition is over and it is time for an overall review and appreciation of what I witnessed throughout the week.



(MFW21.Atmosphere)

One thing is obvious; Montreal designers are loaded with talent, creativity and design skills. The newcomers to the week were all exciting to watch & the established designers continue to polish their brands, and/or explore new territories within their creative signature.



(catwalk.shots.MFW21)

However, it is essential for our Montreal designers to understand the importance of editing a show by not showcasing every design they have created for a specific season. It dilutes the message. If Prada or Lanvin do not need 50+ looks to convey a message, especially for an always shorter spring/summer season, Montreal designers don't require that much either. We do not need to see the same dress, pants or jacket in every color and every fabric of the season, even if it is the hottest piece of the collection! So please edit, edit and edit some more where ever necessary!


Special thanks to Sensation Mode for a great week, my fellow fashion bloggers for a fun-filled week of catching up and
constantly talking fashion, and the #RBBMM (Regroupement des Blogueurs et Blogueuses Mode de Montréal) for setting up debates, discussions and dialogues for the advancement of our fashion blogging community as well as the fashion industry in general.

This completes my coverage of Montreal Fashion Week edition 21 Spring.2012. A whole new cycle starts for Fall.2012 which will be the next edition of Montreal Fashion Week.


-The.Shoe.Freak


(photos courtesy of Rouge-Photo)