Crafty Crafters. Proenza Schouler SS13

It is very difficult to describe this collection in a way that does the intense workmanship and creative genius behind it justice. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez don't brag their brilliance, they ease you into it slowly in a way that makes you (almost) take it for granted. Not that those last dresses (a creative fashion achievement) could ever be taken for granted.

The idea was to bring together craft and technology. The show started with patchwork leathers in dresses and separates, leading into dresses that swirled around the body in a successful attempt to create a sort of static movement.

Then came the images.

The latter pieces in the show featured images that McCollough and Hernandez had randomly selected on Tumblr and given a special treatment inspired by artist Gerhard Righter. The resulting prints were interlinked at first with pannels of satin, and in the final moments of the show punctured with grommets and embellished with satin polka dots.

This show demonstrated the height of what fashion designers can achieve creatively. I look forward to seeing if anyone can surpass or even just meet this level of brilliance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images americanvogue.com

 

Blue Jeans, White Shirt, Proenza Schouler Cruise 13

The Proenza Schouler Cruise 13 collection serves as a palate cleanser from their spectacular fall collection. The guys wanted to focus on wearable retail-friendly items that would fit into a busy woman's everyday lifestyle. Here are the five looks that I believe will make you life a little more fun to live - isn't that what's fashion is all about?

The Del Rey

It's been a while since blue jeans have looked this good with a white shirt. That classic PS coat is what gives it its it factor.

A Cèline Moment

Am I the only one catching the Cèline SS12 reference here? The boys give it a punch of colour with that clutch - and the pants are a reminder that leather is very important right now.

The Smart Dress

A minimal take on those wonders they sent down the runway in February. Maybe this one is more you. It's certainly more timeless.

A Workable Alternative

This is definitely something you can wear to the office. And yet it subtly breaks all those traditional workwear rules. (like a fashion boss)

The Party Girl

Depending on how you style, this dress could go to the club or for club sandwiches with the in-laws. The choice is yours.

Images vogue.it

A Shoe In On AW12

This season there aren't any shoes with leather flames on the back, but lightning doesn't strike the same please twice either. AW12 has produced some seriously loud statement heels, many of which are so meticulously crafted you could simply display on your mantlepiece... But what would be the fun in that?

My relationship with womenswear shoes is doomed because I can never wear them. Of course, it never hurts to look. These are the shoes worth looking at.

These boots are made for matching. (your skirt).

Versus

There is sand in these heels - no beach walk required.

Rodarte

Growl.

Fendi

You know, the mad hatter makes shoes too...

Marc Jacobs

Dynamic elegance. Sadly, there's no more where that came from.

Jil Sander

A modern day armour against bad taste. Courtesey of...

Proenza Schouler

Your ballet shoes are ready for the ball.

Dior

There's something charming about a professor on platforms.

Miu Miu

Just in case you weren't a burning shoe kind of girl.

Prada

No, this one doesn't come in a cake

Dolce & Gabbana

Look Mom, no heels!

Alexander McQueen

Images: vogue.it

 

 

Focus On Proenza Schouler AW12

The first post I did on Proenza Schouler's AW12 collection was very brief. Now, looking back, it's become one of my favourite collections of the new season. Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez are known for their incredible craftsmanship, but this collection takes it to the next level. Check this ooooout!

This collection was all about defence. The show started off in neutral colours with a strong 'biker' vibe. Then came the interwoven fabric and leather, and finally the most beautiful brockade and embroidery. Here's a closer look at it all...

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York Collections AW12

The fall collections from New York were all extremely strong in their own right. Each one has something to get excited about. So here they are: the ten most exciting things from New York. And let's not forget the creatives responsible...

Is that a skirt? Is that a shirt? It's Proenza Schouler! (and it's a dress)

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

In her next chapter, the most famous Girl in literature wears Calvin Klein.

Francisco Costa

Rodarte brought souvenirs from the Australian outback. We'll keep the shoes, thanks.

Kate and Laura Mulleavy

(*mumbles something cute in French*) Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Donna Karan should suit you just fine.

Donna Karan

Style runs in Victoria Beckham's family.

Victoria Beckham

Ralph Lauren is for Downtn Abby fans - and regular people.

Ralph Lauren

Techno shine at Prabal Gurung... Hypnotising.

Prabal Gurung

Frockerella fun with Victoria, Victoria Beckham.

Victoria Beckham

They're having a sample sale down the rabbit hole! Take the plunge for Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs

 

 

 

 

 

Dress Yourself In Proenza Schouler AW12

What a lovely and well crafted collection from Proenza Schouler! As I understand, the show received more than a few standing ovations...

In case you haven’t picked this up yet, the dress seems to be one of AW12’s biggest trends. All the designers seem to be giving us their take on the wardrobe staple, and so far the Proenza Schouler creations are among the best. Certainly the best when it comes to creative crafting. 

Two of the dresses were made in such a way that they more resembled a boxy shirt and mini skirt, but don’t let the fabric clash fool you... 

The rest of the lot showed off a variety of interesting (and beautiful) fabrics, angles, embroidery and fabric/leather weave situations. 

If the rest of fashion month is going to be a competition to see who can make the best dress, this collection has raised the stakes pretty high. Of course, many of the biggest players are yet to show their cards, but Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough aren’t scared. They’re saying: bring it!

View the full collection at style.com

Images: style.com