NY Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham Advances in Fall 2011

Mrs. Beckham's Simple Elegance

Whether you know her as a world-famous Spice Girl, footballer's wife, or soon-to-be mother of four, Victoria Beckham's autumn/winter 2011 collection continued the style icon's wonderful maturity into the world of fashion design. Only six collections in, the fairly small and quaint show began with a deep magenta ruched neck nomad dress which solidified the designer's determination to reveal creations exhibiting an aesthetic of simple elegance. The show progressed with several body-slimming silhouettes, figure-hugging dresses, and pencil skirts featured in bright colors, such as orange and yellow, to similar designs offered in essential black and gray neutrals. Mrs. Beckham's lovely autumn presentation even displayed a limited number of asymmetrical designs cleverly updating classic styles such as a ribbed drape-fitted dress and a traditional cashmere wrap. Still maturing indeed, Victoria Beckham's foray into the world of fashion design has been a rather sublime journey to witness and is one that is far from completion. Well done, Victoria.

February 12, 1947 - Dior's New Look is Born

"In 1947, my first collection was successful beyond my wildest dreams." - Christian Dior

On February 12, 1947, precisely sixty-four years ago today, a humble man by the name of Christian Dior catapulted to international stardom with the launch of his debut haute couture collection. Immediately upon its reveal at Dior's studio, originally titled "Corolle", fashion critic and Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow exclaimed, "It's quite a revelation, dear Christian. Your dresses have such a new look!". Unbeknownst to her that moment, from merely uttering a sentence of gracious praise, Ms. Snow was to coin perhaps the most iconic debut collection of all time.

The Tailleur Bar ensemble & its respective sketch by Dior

In a firm response to the imposed fabric restrictions during World War II, Dior would zealously craft his revolutionary designs utilizing countless yards of extravagant materials. Inspired by his nostalgic emotions towards the Belle Époque fashions of the late 1800's to the first World War, Christian Dior's designs restored ultra femininity to both the fashion industry and women worldwide. Featuring a cinched waist, accentuated bust, and full-length pleated skirt, Dior's opulent New Look introduced his legendary "Tailleur Bar" ensemble (or simply the "Bar Suit"). With a dominance of boxy shapes popularized by houses such as Chanel and Lanvin in the 20's and 30's, Christian Dior's New Look would soon take the world by storm and begin the history of contemporary fashion.

On this day in 1947, Monsieur Christian Dior introduced an ultra-feminine silhouette which would ignite a global fashion revolution, restore Paris as the pinnacle of haute couture, and launch the legendary empire of Dior.

Joyeux Anniversaire, New Look :)

Gabrielle Chanel Film Interviews

This incredible woman has inspired me for years.

Rather than understanding the timeless legacy that has survived for nearly one hundred years, the average person finds it acceptable to think of a remarkable icon like Mademoiselle Chanel as "just a perfume". Equally shocking is when one hears talk of Chanel as though she's still alive producing renowned fragrances and beautiful clothing. With such instances occurring far too often in my life, and also in hopes of educating and inspiring, I've found it quite necessary to post about the very person responsible for launching her iconic fashion empire.

Please enjoy the following interviews featuring Mademoiselle Chanel filmed in 1969 and 1970.

Pre-Fall 2011: The Duchess of Dior

"Meet me at Balmoral Castle, darling. I'll need to stop at Dior first."

Known for her inimitable style in British royalty, as well as being a loyal client of Monsieur Christian Dior, John Galliano has crafted a pre-fall collection based on Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor. Featuring nods from her keen hunting lifestyle to her insatiable love of bold costume jewelry, it would seem the late duchess has been resurrected in the form of Dior's affectionate pre-fall presentation. With designs ranging from colorful argyle and cable-knit sweaters to variations in plaid topped with fox-fur collars, Galliano's pre-fall set is sure to spark any loving memories of the lively Duchess of Windsor.

NYC Couture Council Set to Honor Valentino

Valentino Garavani

On September 7, the Couture Council of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology plans to honor legendary couture designer Valentino Garavani with a coveted award celebrating his artistic vision in fashion design. The accolade, for Artistry of Fashion, has previously been awarded to the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Alber Elbaz, Dries Van Noten, Isabel Toledo, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Rucci.

For nearly five decades, Valentino has designed some of the world's most coveted haute couture gowns and subsequently dressed icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, and Daphne Guinness. Renowned for his romantic aesthetic in design, with a prominent affection for passionate reds and lovely roses, Valentino's house is one of the four foreign members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.

Valentino has since retired from design in 2008.

Designer Profile: Viktor & Rolf

"For us, fashion is an antidote to reality." - Viktor & Rolf

Names: Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren

Born: Both in 1969.

Birthplace: Viktor: Geldrop, Netherlands / Rolf: Dongen, Netherlands

Nationality: Dutch

House Inception: 1993, Milan, Italy

Debut Haute Couture Collection: January 1998

Title: Couturiers

Labels: Viktor & Rolf (Prêt-à-Porter, Haute Couture 1998-2000), Viktor & Rolf Monsieur (menswear division), Viktor & Rolf Parfums, Viktor & Rolf Eyewear.

Education: Both met while studying at the Arnhem Academy of Art & Design in The Netherlands

Inspirations: The duo have stated inspirations are drawn from dreams which are brought to fruition through the art of fabric and design. Renowned for their concept-driven shows, Viktor & Rolf's runway presentations deliver incredibly intricate designs through the deconstruction of fragile fabrics such as tulle and chiffon. The duo is also quite keen advocates of a-symmetrical designs.

Classifications: Haute couture (For the few years of 1998-2000, Viktor & Rolf were invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to be corresponding guest members), prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), menswear, accessories, beauty & fragrance, eyewear.

Clients: Cheryl Cole, Tilda Swinton, Roisin Murphy

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Is this considered "Chanel"?

One may think Karl Lagerfeld has lost any sort of remote inspiration when viewing his latest couture collection for the legendary house of Chanel. With ridiculous takes on classic tweed pieces horribly disfigured with ghastly metallic detailing, and even what appeared to be shower-curtain inspired dresses, the collection begs the question: can one genuinely blame any naysayers? Employing tired and boring models under a soundtrack of rather uninspiring proportions, Monsieur Lagerfeld has presented an utter disappointment and disaster in the name of couture and of Chanel.