Preen Fall 2009 Ready To Wear

The London designers, Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, extended their Preen Spring 2009 Ready To Wear's cutout dresses into their Fall 2009 Ready To Wear collection. Preen is known for its rock and roll and hip outfits. Its sexy cutout and body-hugging minis are very popular with the celebrities and hence Preen dresses are hot commodities!

Net-A-Porter carries the Preen collection. The following pricing information comes from that website. (Photos from style.com - click on the picture for a larger image)

Top row

• 2nd black and white dress - demi-sheer chiffon base with patterned panels, 100% silk, $3625 (already sold out!!)
• 4th dress - black quilted crepe and purple lamé dress, sleeveless with asymmetric V-neck, 14% silk, 86% lurex, $1995. Click here to see Gwyneth Paltrow wearing this dress.

Bottom row

• Last dress - similar black dress, black technical crepe mini dress with draped flippy skirt, 65% acrylic, 29% polyamide, 6% elastane, $1160

(Photos from style.com - click on the picture for a larger image)

Top row

• Third dress in gray, quilted crepe with lilac Lurex and lace panels, asymmetric hem, 100% silk, $1485

Bottom row

• 2nd dress, sorbet silk dress, sleeveless dress with nude mesh panel inserts, demi-sheer in some places, 100% silk, $3250
• Last dress, black and white houndstooth-print cutout dress, two large cutout panels with mesh in the back, 100% silk, $1260

(Photos from style.com - click on the picture for a larger image)

Top row

• 3rd coat, gray herringbone alpaca and shearling coat with belt, two side pockets, 100% alpaca, $2830
• Some of the coats also have cutouts in the back. You may want to view the collection at preen.eu.

Preen Line is a more affordable collection from Preen. A separate post on this blog will cover that collection.

Oct 31, 2009

Rick Owens Fall 2009 Ready To Wear

On the runway of the Rick Owens Fall 2009 Ready To Wear show, pale models with Nordic features looked like futuristic arctic soldiers dressed, first, completely in black and then in grayish-white outfits. With the exception of some bare arms in five outfits, the models were entirely covered neck down in layers of clothing. Jackets with long tube-like sleeves and fitted bodice flowed out into tunic-like silhouettes. The fly-away flap details, the asymmetric cuts, and the geometric shapes gave the clothes that stylish surreal quality fit for the next millennium. The seaming in the leather jackets, the stitching of knit panels to leather (for example, on the underside of the sleeves), or the trimming of leather with taffeta (on the jackets) were beautiful luxurious details that also make the clothes more comfortable to wear.

Here are some outfits in the collection.

(Photos from style.com, click on the picture to see a larger image)

You can buy Rick Owen's Fall 2009 collection from luisaviaroma.com or Net-A-Porter. (Photos from luisaviaroma.com, click on the picture to see a larger image)

Here is the description for the above Rick Owens outfits from luisaviaroma.com.

1. Left - 3 views, cropped front leather jacket, funnel collar, leather sleeves with extra leather flap at the elbows, off-center diagonal zip closure, cropped front and longer in the back, slightly two-toned, vintage treatment, 100% lambskin, €1845.19 (approx. US$2491.01 including import fees and shipping)
2. Right - 3 views, cashmere cowl neck leather mini dress, draping cowl and halter cashmere neckline, pleated draping front, backless, leather insert on skirt, no closure pull-on, 80%lambskin, €1290.37 (approx. US$1742 including import fees and shipping)
3. Middle - 2 views, thigh-high flap wedge boots, 4.7" leather covered wedge heels, round toe, stretch shaft with wide leather looped flap attached, 100% lambskin, €1620 (approx. US$2187 including import fees and shipping.
   

If you are not into avant garde dressing, you might want to consider buying some of Rick Owens knits or jersey tops, which he is known for. You may also want to take a look at his collection at farfetch.com; there are some very nice drape-front cardigans that have a bit of grunge feel to them.

Oct 28, 2009

Valentino Fall 2009 Handbags

There is a big selection of Valentino handbags from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus online shopping websites. Some of the bags are quite beautiful with the Valentino rosettes. (photos from bergdorfgoodman.com and neimanmarcus.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

Top row

• Petale satchel with rosette on the front, leather, top handles and a zip around closure, 13"Hx11"Wx5"D (sizes vary slightly), $2195 - $2495

Bottom row (left to right)

1. (First three bags) Valentino Rose Vertigo Hobo, nappa leather, top handles, 15"Hx14"Wx4.5"D, $2395
2. (Fourth bag) Emerald Framed Petal Bag, nappa leather, rosette detail on front, push-lock closure, $2495. This bag was on the Valentino Fall 2009 Ready To Wear runway.
3. (Right) Navy blue Petale Tote, nappa leather, top handles, petal detail on front center, 12"Hx15"Wx7.5"D, $2395

(photos from bergdorfgoodman.com and neimanmarcus.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

Top row (left to right)

1. Aqua Large Rosier Taffeta Tote, top handle, allover rosette embellishment, $1950
2. Red Large Rosier Taffeta Tote, top handles, snap tab closure, allover rosette detail, 12"Hx15"Wx6.5"D, $1950
3. Red Buisson Rose Tote, satin, top handle with removable shoulder strap, allover rosettes with burgundy centers and crystal-studded petals, 14"Hx16"Wx5"D, $3995
4. Purple/deep pink taffeta rosettes, top handles with rings, 10"Hx12.5"Wx5.5"D, $1795

Bottom row (left to right)

1. Black Grosgrain Shopper, satin, top handles with removable shoulder strap, pleated top detail, rosette detail, 14"Hx14"Wx4.5"D, $1795
2. Black Primevere Patent Tote, patent leather, top handles with removable shoulder strap, tonal flower detail, 14"Hx14"Wx4"D, $2495
3. Beige Draped Rose Shoulder Bag, nappa leather, shoulder strap, pleated rose detail, front flap closure, 8.5"Hx12.5"Wx3"D, $1595

(photos from bergdorfgoodman.com and neimanmarcus.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

Top row (left to right)

1. (First 2 bags) Red or Camello Loop Suede Bow Hobo, suede, top handles, bow detail, 16"Hx25"Wx10"D, $1695
2. (Middle) Camello Loop Nappa Bow Hobo, nappa leather, shoulder straps, bow detail, 15"Hx24"Wx7"D, $1395. This bag was on the Valentino Fall 2009 Ready To Wear runway.
3. (4th bag) Leopard Print Loop Bow, Hobo, goat hair, top handles, bow detail, $2695
4. (Right) Camello Premier Bow Shoulder Bag, nappa leather, top handles, knotted bow body detail, 12"Hx23"Wx4"D, $1895

Bottom row (left to right)

1. Gray Large Nuage Bow Tote, patent leather, top handles, side bow detail, 10.5"Hx16"Wx6"D, $1195
2. Red Medium Nuage Bow Tote, patent leather, top handles, side bow detail, 8.5"Hx11.5"Wx4.5"D, $995
3. (3rd and 4th bags) Cacao or Red Rouches Ruffled Hobo, leather, shoulder strap with rings, layered rufflesl, $1695
4. (Right) Red Idylle Ruffle Tote, patent leather, top handles, ruffle detail, side pockets with tassles, 10.5"Hx13"Wx7.5"D, $1245

(photos from valentino.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

• (Top row) Lilac, Black, or Red Valentino Garavani Clutch, satin, zip closure, bow detail,4.1"Hx10.9"Wx3.5"D, $795
• (Bottom row) Pink wallet, lambskin, zip closure, flower application,4.7"Hx9"Wx1.6"D, $695. Think the size makes it more a wristlet than a wallet.

Oct 24, 2009

Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Ready To Wear

Peel away the theatrical layers of the Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Ready To Wear runway show; ignore a couple of exaggerated pieces that are used to create interest (e.g. the feather coat) and you have a very attractive and wearable collection.

McQueen is best at creating cinched-waist silhouettes that are very flattering to the female form. You need to look beyond the bulky, blown up silhouettes and grotesque doll-like makeup on the runway models, to find the wonderfully cut dresses, suits, and coats that you'd love to have for this coming winter! Using the boring dogtooth-pattern wool fabric, McQueen created slim and demurely sexy outfits for the modern working woman. His red and black silk dresses with the funnel necklines are beautiful statement pieces. And, of course, his evening gowns are couture-like and grand!

You can buy pieces of this collection from Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter, and Alexander McQueen websites.

(photos from style.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the dogtooth wool suits, coats, and dresses.

1. (Top row - 2nd outfit from the left) A black version of this jacket is available from alexandermcqueen.com for $2565 (jacket).
2. (Bottom row - 2nd outfit from the left) The dogtooth wool jacket is $2565 and matching skirt is $985.
3. There are various styles of dogtooth wool dresses selling for $1300-1900 at alexandermcqueen.com.
4. Bottom 3rd outfit from the left) The dogtooth silk flower brooch is $500 at alexandermcqueen.com.
5. (Bottom right) The dogtooth mohair cardi-coat is $4365 at alexandermcqueen.com.

There is a matching dogtooth tote 18"Wx14"xHx8"D selling for $1995 at alexandermcqueen.com. You can add dogtooth booties or boots for $850-1050. (photos from style.com, click on the picture to see a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the graphic dresses.

1. (Top row left) The black and red silk jacquard trapeze dress with funnel neck sells for $5975 at alexandermcqueen.com.
2. There are various jersey dresses with graphical designs selling for $2000-3000 at alexandermcqueen.com.

(photos from style.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the dramatic outfits in black. (photos from style.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the elegant evening gowns.

Oct 21, 2009

Emilio Pucci Fall 2009 Shawls and Scarves

Emilio Pucci's colorful and bold prints are wonderful on shawls and scarves.

(Photos from emliopucci.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, and saksfifthavenue.com - click on picture to see a larger image)

1. (Left - large stole) Designer's motif cashmere silk stole, 67.9"Wx22.8"H, $850 at emiliopucci.com
2. Top row - from left to right
   
   
1. Multicolor brushstrokes on silk georgette Barock scarf,
   silk/viscose/polyester, 83"Wx24"H, $850 at Saks
2. Grey and metallic Barock print georgette fringe wrap, silk/viscose/polyester, 83"Wx23"H, $1300 at Saks
3. Fuchsia Mindanao colorblocked pattern wrap, wool/silk blend, fringed edge, 71"Wx28"H, $450 at Saks
4. Pink Tribeca silk crepe scarf, 70"Wx14"H, $190 at Saks
   
   
3. Middle row - left to right
   
1. Black/red/multicolor abstract print cashmere stole, 70.75"Wx27.5"H, $995 at Bergdorf Goodman
2. Black/gray/white Mindanao poncho, wrap front, cashmere/wool, 55"Hx68"L, $1500 at Bergdorf Goodman.
3. Red/gray/pink Mindanao fringe stole, cashmere/silk, 70.75"Wx23.5"H, $850 at Bergdorf Goodman



4. Bottom row - left to right
   
1. Black/brown/white abstract print Mindano double-sided scarf, wool/angora/silk, 70.75"Wx14"H, $395 at Bergdorf Goodman
2. Coral/brown/cream abstract print Mindano stole with fringe, wool/silk, 70.75"Wx27.5"H, $450 at Bergdorf Goodman

Oct 17,2009

Haider Ackermann Fall 2009 Ready To Wear

Haider Ackermann's Fall 2009 Ready To Wear collection is edgier and stronger than his collection last fall. This time, there was a noticeable absence of light colors in the collection. Except for a few red outfits, everything was in black, gray, purple, or brown. The mix of dark colors, leathers, zippers, and metal-like embroidery with folding, draping, knotting, and tucking created an avant garde look. Because the models had their hair pulled back with manly side-parts and their makeup was bare, they looked like a futuristic army. On the runway, the models radiated strength even when they wore the toga-like gowns or dresses (which were sometimes made of wool). Despite all this, the clothes in the collection were never harsh or severe; the pairing and layering of delicate satin or chiffon pieces with harsher form-fitting cropped jackets or zippered leather pants/skirts brought out a softer look which is more relaxed and luxurious. All in all, the collection was quite unique and very beautifully made with an elegant touch!

The collection is available from the shopping website, LUISAVIAROMA.COM (€ prices shown below). Here are some highlights from the collection. (Photos from style.com - click the picture to see a larger image)

The background pillars in the picture are blown up sections of the embroidery on the clothes.

Top row - middle red outfit

1. Red suede double-zip jacket, € 2434.07 (approx. US$3288.99 including shipping and duties)
2. Red leather zip skirt, € 1494.07 (approx. US$2016.99 including shipping and duties)
3. Red satin scarf with tassels and metal rings, € 2094.07 (approx. US$2826.99 including shipping and duties)

Bottom row - middle outfit

• Flared floor length satin skirt, € 497.78 (approx. US$672 including shipping and duties)

(Photos from style.com - click the picture to see a larger image)

Top row - right

• Oversized wool wrap sweater, € 1805.93 (approx. US$2438.01 including shipping and duties)

Bottom row - middle

• Stretch one-sleeve wool jersey dress, € 1205.93 (approx. US$1628.01 including shipping and duties)

Oct 14, 2009

Fall 2009 Booties

Here are some booties from Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys New York.

(Photos from bergdorfgoodman.com and barneys.com - click on the pictures to see larger images.)

Oct 4, 2009

Akris Fall 2009 Ready To Wear

The Akris Fall 2009 Ready To Wear collection is elegantly tailored with complex motifs in its designs. There is a dominant theme in the use of trapezoidal embroidered motifs and linked trapezoids to create interest and a touch of sexiness in its quality outfits. (photos from style.com - click on the picture for a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the coats in the collection.

1. (Top left) The wool tweed coat with the mandarin collar is $3990 at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. The black and ivory trapezoid embroidered skirt is $2300 at Bergdorf Goodman.
2. (Bottom right) The purple belted cashmere coat is $3990 at Saks.

(photos from style.com - click on the picture for a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the jackets, pants, and gown in the collection.

(Bottom left) The black leather jacket with the trapezoid embroidered tulle sleeves is $4990 at Neiman Marcus. The black wool/polyamide narrow-legged pants are $895. (photos from style.com - click on the picture for a larger image)

The above picture shows some of the dresses in the collection.

1. (Top 2nd from the left) The black trapezoid embroidery on tulle (sleeveless) wool dress is $4990 at Neiman Marcus. This dress has a sexy cutout back.
2. (Top 3rd from the left) The black (trapezoid embroidery on tulle long-sleeves)wool dress is $3990 at Saks.
3. (Top right) The black turtle-neck one-sleeve silk dress is $2990 at Neiman Marcus.
4. (Bottom left) The zip-up front wool long sleeves dress (in green) is $2990 at Neiman Marcus.

Oct 4, 2009

Alexander Wang Fall 2009 Ready To Wear

Hollywood celebrities love Alexander Wang's clothes. He's been doing very well with his collections and recently opened a new boutique in LA. With its asymmetrical snug dresses and open-back jackets, Alexander Wang's Fall 2009 Ready To Wear collection is edgy and covertly sexy.

Some of the pieces from the collection are available at Saks and Net-A Porter.

(photos from style.com, click on the picture for a larger image)

Here is some pricing information:

1. (Top left) The white caged overlay is $645 at Saks.
2. (Bottom middle) Metal Studs jacket in wool (instead of leather) is $795 at Saks.
3. (Top right) The matte jersey white top is $295 at Saks.

Alexander Wang sells a lot of basic T-shirts for under $100. He also has some bags (selling for less than $1000) and shoes (a lot of boots) that go well with his clothes. For his T's, shoes, and handbags, you can also get them at the Alexander Wang online shopping website. There is going to be a Alexander Wang Men's collection soon.

Oct 3, 2009