Time To Review Milan, Yes?

With Milan Fashion Week comes that bittersweet sensation that Fashion Month is about to come to an end. It is the third of the four fashion capitals and thus, it is with slight sadness that we part ways and enter our final city. Before we do so, I'd like to reflect on the magic that took place in Milan this past week. Let me begin by saying that I may be tearing up as I write this report, but Milan brought joy and happiness to my heart with every runway show. This season, it was all about loud retro prints, some romantic cuts, and a heck of a lot of colour. We saw an array of mixed prints at Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo to make us feel like we were on drugs. The rock n' roll glamour at N21 and Roberto Cavalli also happened to have this affect. And how about those retro cuts and geometric shapes at Prada and Gucci for the quirky girl in all of us? There was something for everyone at Milan Fashion Week and though each collection showcased something different, they all shared one common feeling: vivacity. If there's anything one can learn from Milan, it's how to embrace life, and in this case, fashion is what breathed life into all of us. Now, let's take a look at some of the collections that brought me to life this week.

ETRO

There may be a reason the word "Etro" is in "Retro". Just saying. This collection featured an array of 90s inspired looks featuring edgy leather biker jackets topped over slinky black lace dresses. Another 90s trend that made an appearance? The sheer floral dress at the floor-length or cut right at the ankle. There were prints galore aside from the traditional floral, including an oversized plaid coat, some heavy striped sweaters, and brocade. Essentially, if you aren't into prints, this collection probably isn't for you. Veronica Etro's ability to combine the heavy with the light when it comes to her fabrics is a skill on its own that requires a rule breaker attitude mixed with some artistic inclinations (or maybe they're one in the same). A few notable accessories? Some knitted berets and long scarves that dragged onto the ground like an afterthought that worked out way too well.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 34

via vogue.com

VERSACE

Something felt different this year at Versace. Usually it feels a little too sexy for me with slits to the upper thigh and deep Vs that scream wardrobe malfunction. While the overall sex appeal of the Versace brand was still present, something about this collection it felt more real. Allow me to explain. From the moment Gigi Hadid walked down the runway in an oversized navy coat and NOT a bodycon dress, I knew something was up at Versace (despite her endless legs). The first few looks remained in the navy and black tones with cinched waists and highly conservative cuts. The collection then took a strange turn with a much more athleisure approach. Models strutted down the catwalk in striped crop tops, gloves that looked like knee-high soccer socks, and fitted dresses with very obvious sportswear influences in baby blues and corals. Donatella then took us into a world filled with bright colours such as yellow and red while keeping a conservative approach with her shapes and hemlines. At the very end, the designer brought back a few microminis to keep us on our toes and remind us that she is the queen of sexy. It was just enough for it to still feel like Versace, but with a slightly fresher view.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 17

via vogue.com

GIAMBA

It wouldn't be a review of Milan without a look at Giambattista Valli's Giamba collection (a recurring one on my blog). My obsession with this collection raises concerns and tugs at my heart strings simultaneously. It is filled with youthful touches like frills and flared hems, but with rebellious/Lolita undertones. It's about the good girl gone bad who consciously wears black underwear underneath her frilly white lace and black platform boots with a polka-dotted dress. Let's not get things twisted here. This was definitely NOT a collection made for little girls, though some might be drawn to it. It's for women who yearn for the 80s, when sensuality and punk rock were one in the same and romance was infused with darkness. I can imagine this girl hopping on a motorcycle with her rockstar boyfriend in a frilly dress of course. The designer combined high hemlines with higher necklines and longer skirts with deep Vs to keep every look feeling sexy, but slightly angelic. This girl is giving everyone a wink as she unties her bow to reveal a black choker and a heart-shaped tattoo.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 9

via vogue.com

EMPORIO ARMANI

Speaking of the 80s, we must address Armani's Emporio Armani collection filled with pops of colour and geometric shapes. While Armani may be known for more sophisticated cuts suitable for your average business woman, this year he had a little fun playing with colours, cuts, and prints. Some of the colours spotted at the show included candy cane pink and kelly green, with splashes of yellow and blue on a variety of printed dresses and flirty mini skirts. It felt like a modern art gallery, while still paying tribute to the 80s nostalgia that dominated the runways with high-waisted wide-leg pants (RIP skinny jean) and classic blazers in a variety of lengths. It was fun, with a hint of sophistication, a combination only Armani could pull off. 

FAVOURITE LOOK: 36

via vogue.com

 PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI

Sarafini's latest collection was a cross between the 80s and the early 1800s with frilly necklines and many high-waisted pants. Nothing catches my eye quite like a high-waisted pant and some very pretty bows to tie it all together. If I could, I'd take you through every look in this collection because each one made my heart skip a few beats (in the romantic and cliche way as it should). While this collection featured many youthful ensembles (much like Giamba), it possessed even more feminine qualities like black lace overlays and layers of dramatic frills fit for a judge from the early 20th century, but also, a lady. The designer entered the realm of colour by choosing unlikely combos like baby blue and red in a mix of black and white boudoir-inspired outfits. It was edgy, romantic, and youthful without slipping into kinky territory. For the girl who's constantly being called cute and dreams of looking sexy, this collection is calling your name.

FAVOURITE LOOK: 36

via vogue.com

Which collection did you love at Milan this year?

Ponder it,

Bella

#IconCity: Mira Duma From Russian I Love

If I had to pick a fashion editor whose wardrobe I HAD to raid, it would be, without a doubt, Miroslava Duma. I've admired her street style picks since day 1 of my "fashion career" and undeniably, I'm obsessed. Not only is she a petite women standing amongst super models most of the time (and looking amazing in comparison), but her sense of colour blocking, layering, and proportion is impeccable. She wears a high-waisted pant like no other and it is no surprise that she is one of fashion photographer, Tommy Ton's favourite subjects. This Vogue Russia fashion editor owns the streets at Fashion Week and pulls off the matchy-match look like no other. On my dinner guest list with Victoria Beckham, she reaches a close second with her envy-worthy outfit choices and adorable hats.

Here are some of her best looks!

LOOK 1

Let's just get one thing straight: everything this woman wears is fabulous. However, this is one her best looks EVER. This fuchsia coat is magical and I've been fantasizing about it ever since I lay eyes on it. Bonus: the belt and necklace. Layering your accessories over your outerwear just says "I look just as good underneath as I do on the outside". That's the sign of a woman with style.

via shopfrankies.tumblr.com

LOOK 2

At Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014, she wore this gorgeous burgundy leather ensemble and it was so classy we all died for it. First of all, capes are so on trend and she wears it perfectly (obviously). She's also the queen of the matchy-match chic look that can be overkill when done wrong (an concept she is unfamiliar with). Did you notice: even the handbag matches!

via fabsugar.com

LOOK 3

This season, at #NYFW, she wore this layered outfit with an adorable white beret. Just wait until you see the array of hats this woman can sport. You'll want to raid her hat closet and her regular closet (because we all know she MUST have one).

via stylesis.com

LOOK 4

Head-to-toe Marni? CHECK. I seriously NEED this outfit. STAT. Orange is my new favourite colour because of it. Oh, and head count: hat numero dos.

via Glamour

LOOK 5

And the final look to obsess over today: this purple mini dress and colour-blocked jacket. Did I mention she's a master at colour-blocking? HAT NUMBER 3!

via Glamour

And if you really loved these looks, you should check out her other ones on Style.com http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/streetstyle/!

Bella

Arrivederci Milano

And another Fashion Week comes to close leaving us all at the edge of our seats as we await the much anticipated Paris. As we exit Milan (in our imaginations), the opulence at Dolce and Gabbana, the flamboyant furs at Fendi, and the vivacious sex appeal at Versace linger in our minds as we begin to mentally reconstruct our Fall wardrobes. While some designers opted for a more edgy rocker chic look (Versace, Just Cavalli, and Fausto Puglisi), others redefined class on their own terms (Gucci, Emporio Armani, Ports 1961) and some offered conspicuous consumption as a treat (Moschino). A Karl doll also made an appearance as well as Spongebob (Yes, you read that correctly). So before perusing the fantasies of Chanel, Lanvin, and Balmain, let's reflect upon the extravagancies of Milan that had us all wishing we were glamorous enough to indulge in them.

GUCCI

Milan Fashion Week started with a bang as Gucci hit the runway. And then it ended. Just kidding. But it might as well have. All other designers go home and make room for Frida Giannini, queen of chic. This collection was sexy librarian meets Austin Powers with luxe furs in sophisticated pastels, knee high flat boots, 60s dresses and wide rimmed glasses, as we were all taken back to a time where glamour reigned supreme. The coats were the main attraction, particularly the leopard print only worthy of a true diva (A.K.A Queen Bey). Brown and pastel leather gave it just the right amount of edge to go from classy fashionista to va-va-voom.

Favourite Look: If you haven't guessed it already: the leopard coat. Duh. (Look 24)

via blog.stylesight.com

JOHN RICHMOND

John Richmond was comprised of just a few of my favourite things: bulky sweaters, fuzzy coats, and masculine blazers. I can safely say that I had a crush on this collection and wanted ALL OF IT. From the mini dresses in asymmetrical cuts to the floor grazers in abstract floral prints to the wide variety of hooded getups, this was all very effortless and model-off-duty (everything I strive for). Obviously, it increased my desire to wear baggy leather pants too. I also want bangs now. HOW AM I SO EASILY INFLUENCEABLE?

Favourite Look: Look 27. Baggy leather pants, please be mine?

via blog.stylesight.com

FAUSTO PUGLISI

In a stream of colours, Fausto Puglisi made all my colour blocking dreams come true. Any collection with leather in it is always a favourite of mine. The rule is: the more leather there is, the more obsessed I become. Take note. Another dominant theme: the statue of liberty. Yes, we were in Milan, but the American Dream still permeated the scene, as Lady Liberty appeared on a wide variety of sweaters amongst the colourful rainbow skittles dresses. Ending with embellished skirts, this collection was definitely eye candy.

Favourite Look: Look 8 had my name written all over it. That jacket was insane.

via blog.stylesight.com

DSQUARED2

I've always adored Dan and Dean Caten because they have thy ey always dress their ladies extravagantly, while avoiding a descent into tackyhood. They're also Canadian (Represent!) and every collection looks like a big party that I'd really like to join. The contrast between vibrant purples and blues with clean white looks was divine and the gowns captured that 1960s beauty of the rich sophisticate. It was a little Audrey Hepburn meets Brigitte Bardot (the greatest combination one can possibly imagine) with shift dresses and large Jackie O sunglasses. The hats reminded us all that fashion week is ALL about the hats (as I've always suspected) and if it were a contest, these bros would win. Also, snakeskin is coming back in a big way, fellas, so get ready.

Favourite Look: Undebatably, look 23. Those glasses are simply amazing with a capital AZING.

via blog.stylesight.com

FENDI

Obviously. As if you could've ever doubted that Karl wouldn't make this list. Also, I hinted at it yesterday here. It all started with Cara, because who doesn't love Cara? Oh, and the Karl doll dangling from her fingers that nobody will ever forget. Don't you love his sense of humour? If you hadn't figured it out, Karl loves to play with fur. Hence, the fur doll. Incorporating fur in every possible way on wool coats and classic parkas, Karl proves himself to be the master of the trend. From jackets to bags to neckwear, fur dominated the runway, complimenting silky skirts, black mesh, and le fameux leather. Playing with fabrics is clearly his forte as he provides an expert display of layering. Let's all learn from Karl and look this good doing it. If only.

Favourite Look: Look 22. So. Freaking. Chic.

via blog.stylesight.com

And now, we can all say Arrivederci Milano and Bonjour Paris. Time to shed the layers of extravagance for some traditional parisian non-chalance. I can't wait.

Be sure to check out these Fashion Week looks on Style.com!

Bella

Can I Get A Karl Doll At Toys R' Us?

Something very strange happened on the Fendi runway this season at Milan Fashion Week (which sadly ends tomorrow). As Cara Delevingne strutted her stuff down the runway in a classic black coat with a fur trimmed hood, there was something dangling from her white-gloved fingers. As she approached the crowd, a furry mini Karl Lagerfeld materialized. At the end of the show, she did a little whirl and appeared with the real Karl AND his doll self in hand. What this means is yet to be discovered.


As we all know, Karl loves to make a statement, whether at Chanel or Fendi (or both). We also know that this man happens to be an avid fan of la fourrure. But the question eating at our souls is: what was the purpose of this doll?

Was it to expose his genius in miniature form? Was it a proclamation of his vanity? Does he just love Cara so much that he wants her to have a mini version of himself on her mantle? Is a Cara doll in the making? OR maybe it's just Karl's peculiar sense of humour surfacing. Affirmative.

Though I was always the girl who loved to play with her dolls, this was more like a dog's chew toy. Or a cat's. Perhaps Choupette's. But, I also have a sick fascination with it (hence this post). It makes me wonder what is going on in that creative mind of his (as per usual). MAYBE IT'S A GIANT METAPHOR. Or maybe I'm looking too far into this.

Either way, I secretly want one. Don't tell anyone though.

What did you think of this Karl puppet doll ball of fluff? Super cute? Fashion's new fave accessory? Will we soon be holding fluffy key-chains of all our favourite designers to attach on our Fendi baguettes? Is Marc next? Or maybe Donatella? Or maybe it's just plain weird.

Let's just clear the air and say that the Fendi show was fabulous, all dolls aside. Also, who's excited for Chanel? Maybe furry Karl will make an appearance there as well. Who's placing bets?

Have a lovely evening,

Bella