We are in the midst of summer, and there is nothing I love more than a stunningly gorgeous maxi dress. I would fabulously wear them all year long, were it not for the brutally cold winters here in NYC!
Check out some great finds of mine though from some of my fave designers and brands!!
Kimichi Blue Stormy Deluxe Maxi Dress
Orchid Silk Jersey Wrap Maxi Dress
Nasty Gal x For Love & Lemons Tropicana Embroidered Maxi
Warrior Weave Contrast Maxi Dress
Once again, the inaugural NYFW: Men was last week. With all of the shows going on, I was quite impressed with the passionate inspirations of 2 designers — Loris Diran & Malan Breton.
So first up, Loris Diran, with Am I Blue?
The S/S 16 collection for Loris Diran reinterprets summer navy as a softer alternative to black, all while maintaining its strength & sensual mystique. The palette consists of deep navy, teal, turquoise, espresso, and chamois. The unlikely use of rustic texture works itself into the urban aesthetic, which underscores the entire season.
There is such a refinement with these pieces, truly showcasing that the designer knows high quality and knows how to dress a man for both upscale and more casual looks. I appreciate with this collection the attention to detail and versatility. There is a great ability here then to mix and match many of these pieces, and overall wear in various fashions.
Diran continues with this collection to march on with his “New Look”: uber soft, washed sulting sans padding and stiff interfacing, yet maintaining a slim, defined silhouette. With a nod to the 80s and a distinct juxtaposition of sportswear to sartorial traditionalism, the collection pairs pieces atypically to create a new masculine sensibility.
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And now, Malan Breton, showcasing his inspirational tale of his journey home to Taiwan thru the art of design.
Malan Breton HOMME presented a collection for S/S 16 of sportswear, swimwear, suiting, and underwear. The collection is modern, sleek, and made in comfort fibers like silk cotton and bamboo, all lending to the modern lifestyle of the man on the go, with exploration of the techniques of wetsuit design. Breton incorporates fusing elements and finds inspiration in the batik techniques and tradition of the Hakka Blue shirts of his homeland — Taiwan.
I was such a fan of Malans’ on during his time on Project Runway. I’ve been so eager to attend one of his shows and I was quite pleased and impressed for my first time in attendance. You could clearly see Malan’s inspiration here, relating back to his journey to his home homeland, Taiwan. The prints were vivid, the color palette was consistently logical, and the silhouettes/shapes were quite innovative. Great work Malan! I can’t wait to see more!
The brand will introduce its first collection of eyewear, cufflinks, and skateboards this season as well. All is made of the highest quality elements — brushed metals, Swarovski crystals, and enamels. These materials accentuate Malan’s philosophy of high style, but continue in the path of total comfort giving every man’s Summer 2016 wardrobe comfort & control.
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This past week marked the inaugural fashion week for menswear — NYFW: Mens. And 2 brands certainly caught my eye with a very high-fashion, modern and trendy take for menswear in S/S 2016 — Grungy Gentleman & Timo Weiland.
First up, Grungy Gentleman with “Defense Wins Championship”, Designer Jace Lipstein.
The show took place at The Super Market, featuring an art installation by visual artist Gazoo to the Moon, as well as a special musical performance from renowned piano player, ELEW. The runway show featured other highlights as well with the brand’s latest collaborations. There were Mitchell and Ness hats, UGG for Men partnership with shoewear, and eyewear from Maui Jim with sunglasses.
Grungy Gentleman is known for its thoughtful, subtle details, paired with masculine simplicity. But this season, the brand highlighted its sartorial side with this vast collection, sprinkling in some luxurious, athletic tailoring. The label introduced a new logo and subtle recreations of their signature six-stripe pattern. I enjoyed seeing a great mix of classic styles and colors with tan, black, and white pieces. But it was great seeing such bold and bright pops of color in that of teal and cobalt blue..
A little background on this NY-Based men’s lifestyle brand — it combines design, digital media, and commerce with the services of a creative agency. The company is driven to create an innovative culture where fashion, sports, and entertainment converge, promoting the expression of individuality to both high fashion and urban cultures thru the brand’s product lines, website, and e-store. So who is the Grungy Gentleman? He is a collector, a gentleman, a rebel spirit, and a man who stands apart. He is building a style collection with thoughtful details and masculine simplicity He is bold, brilliant, has fierce taste, pours life into his passion, and is one who takes risks.
Right before the show, the brand offered to its guests a little something different by showcasing their new website. The new Grungy Gentleman site features a clean, new aesthetic that seamlessly mixes content & commerce. The site was conceptualized and built by web developer Benjamins Dev.
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Moving on from the dynamic Grungy Gentleman showcase, let’s now check out Timo Weiland.
The lyric, “I love you more than being seventeen” by Julian Casablancas ,the lead vocalist of The Strokes, was translated in this Timo Weiland SS’16 presentation.
Timo Weiland’s take on menswear for S/S 2016 was certainly encapsulating of a modern, hip, super trendy vibe. The bold, vivaciously dynamic prints, mixed with a playfulness of cuts & styles, definitely made this presentation a stand-out.
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So for those who do not know, Bastille Day (July 14th), is a French national holiday, which celebrates the commencement of the French Revolution with the “Storming of the Bastille.” It should then come as no surprise that French native handbag designer Marie Odile has created a collection to help in celebrating this holiday! Marie Odile for Soltek handbags are always colorful, stylish, and timeless. And with this recent celebratory collection, the brand’s vision has not been lost!
Marie Odile for Soltek blends French glamour with a minimal NYC aesthetic. The founder, Marie Odile Sharkey-Berard, was born in France and received her education in fashion in Paris before emigrating to New York in 1970. Her first stints in NY included Charles Jourdan, Roger Vivier and Arche. In 2010, she began Soltek Inc. The first bags were made in Naples, Italy, but production was later moved to Manhattan, NY. The collections are made entirely by wonderful craftsmen in the heart of the Fashion District!
Marie Odile designs bags ranging from totes and clutches to crossbodys and satchels, also bucket bags, shoulder bags, and other leather goods. She uses an incredibly diverse portfolio of materials including cow leather (plain or printed/embossed); canvas; cork; hemp and vegan leather substitute. The versatility and variety are just 2 of the aspects from this designer, and her collection, that I enjoy. I also like the intricacy, the close attention to detail, and the eclectic, unique spirit each handbag has to offer.
I am positive we will continue to hear great things from this talented designer, on top of a good amount of press already out on her and her brand — Accessories Magazine, Pulse, Obscurae Magazine, Travel Host, Lucky, and more! I hope all of my Fashion Nexus readers have enjoyed the pieces once again for Marie Odile’s Bastille Day collection, but here are a few other pieces from her brand, a few of my personal faves!
There is still a great deal of time left for swimsuit season so let’s take a look at what I consider to be HOT for Swimwear in 2015!! I’m pulling some great finds from some all-time fave brands, but also, some new treasures I’ve uncovered! ENJOY!
Weave Basket Monokini
Seashell Madness
Roses & Diamonds
Miami Vice Collection
Get into the 4th of July mindset with Fashion Nexus’ top picks for all that is fashionable in red, white, and blue! HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL!!
FOR THE LADIES
New Yahzi Two Silk Jersey Maxi Wrap Dress
Sweetheart Dress — Navy Floral Impressions
MENSWEAR
ACCESSORIES
Cardan Necklace Red Chalcedony
Navy linen wide-brim fedora with white silk twill band
SO ONCE AGAIN, HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM FASHION NEXUS!!
