Surrounded by the ornate walls of a historical library, I was suddenly transported to turn-of-the-century China. The collection, aptly named "Gnartricate," felt like a love letter to that bygone era when the East was just beginning to captivate Western imaginations.
Read MoreThe collection was a beautiful contradiction – gentlemanly ensembles with unexpected pops of pink and lavender that seemed to whisper secrets of hidden emotions. As each model walked past, I felt like I was witnessing a day in the life of countless workers, their stories etched into every fabric and silhouette.
Read MoreWhen a woman is adopted by three gay men during Paris Men’s Fashion Week we get to do fun things like stop by Loewe, navigating through the paparazzi that are waiting for K-pop stars to arrive and enjoying bottles of Evian and champagne, refueling for the next show. I could have stayed forever but I knew I would have been late for the next show if I didn't step out into the heatwave and brave the sticky walk.
Read MoreKaraoke Runway must be a thing every season from now on. When the show first began and my favorite song, "Lovely Day" came on I realized this was not the Bill Withers version. It sound a little off, so I just thought maybe it was a live band. I looked around for the musical act and it was just some guy standing up in the middle of a seated audience, singing karaoke.
Read MoreThe "Summer of Love" theme was unmistakable, evoking dreamy California vibes that transported us far from the Parisian heat. As a long-time follower of System, I've always admired their ability to create cohesive collections that seamlessly blend menswear and womenswear.
Read MoreThis season, Ouest took us behind the dodgy looking curtain at the very back of the video rental store and unveiled the world of the Ouest man. Kitschy, sexy, tongue in cheek and around lollipops at this presentation.
Read MoreParis in June can be unforgiving, and the Hotel Normandy was no exception on June 18th, 2024. As I arrived at Valette Studio's menswear show, I was greeted by Hugo, a charming gentleman who seemed impervious to the heat in his shiny Courreges vegan leather jacket, the "it" item of the season as seen on various Parisian throughout the city in various occasions.
Read MoreUjoh's luxurious AW24 collection channels 80s nomadic elegance and was a stunning display of sartorial sophistication. AW24 drew inspiration from Bruce Weber's iconic "Men & Women" photography series from the 1980s. Designer Mitsuru Nishizaki masterfully translated the essence of that bygone era into a modern, luxurious wardrobe for the contemporary urban nomad.
Read MoreWhat this designer does so well is textiles. Nie actually teaches you how to appreciate textiles in this trilogy. Anybody can design a long sleeve maxi dress with a scoop neckline. The fabric that is used is the foundation of the design.
Read MoreI have been trying to get into the Marques show for years now. Technically, I still haven't gotten in but that's okay, there are other ways to see a collection. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Paris showroom for Marques 'Almeida. I desperately wanted to see their AW24 collection. When I finally went through the collection, I was so glad that I did not see it on the runway first.
Read MoreFast and furious they came down the runway, one after another moving at a pace that I had difficulty keeping up with because there was so much to appreciate in each look.
Read MoreArguably the sexiest collection I've seen this season, Atlein brought a lot confidence forward. AW24 is full of sporty pieces that translated so well into some workwear and lots of dramatic evening wear. The draping of the slinky looks were so masterfully done that it will probably look good on just about anybody.
Read MoreWhat sets Tenot's collection apart is the meticulous attention to detail and the profound thought that goes into each piece. Every garment is a labor of love, a testament to the designer's dedication to her craft.
Read MoreTo the average person this fashion show would have seemed more like an art exhibition. Which it was, truly. But to a fashion designer you can sense the massive undertaking of these creations. In order for them fit and move with the body, they have to be masterfully executed.
Read MoreIt is apparent that Ariane Theunissen now knows exactly who she is as a young designer. My companion noted that this collection felt "very LA". Perhaps it's just a matter of time before the entertainers and celebs get their hands on it.
Read MoreThe show starts off with a string quartet and experimental sounds were being played on violins. Initially it sounded like insects, but then it started to get a little creepy feeling. By the time the vocals came in I was properly a little freaked out. It sounded like a soundtrack to a horror movie. It was extremely eerie and intense. The vocals were more intense as a show went on and it really begged the question, what am I missing here? The clothing itself doesn't seem spooky or horror themed ...what will I see upon a closer look?
Read MoreAW24 is the first season that a faint little heartbeat has started to be heard from London Fashion Week. Although it is true that many of the marquee designers are still missing from the calendar, I can confidently say that there are so many small independent gems left to be discovered. One such label is Noon by Noor.
Read MoreWhile waiting in line, we met an interesting pair of Dutch fashion curators. It's at shows like these that you truly get to meet like-minded individuals who appreciate the artistry of fashion. Once inside, Coco quietly pointed out that two of the stars of "Emily in Paris" were in the audience. As photographers were frantically taking their photos the room came too a halt, signaling the beginning of the show. Suddenly we were all at a hush and the show began...
Read MoreWalking around the grounds of the Louvre is always a surreal experience for me. It is where the ghosts of royalty past live and the remnants of the splendor they left behind is extraordinary. My head was far away in Fantasyland when I remembered that I was there to see a show. Kidill AW24 is starting in a few minutes and I best get Google mapping.
Read MoreMame Kurogouchi travels down to Arita town in Saga Prefecture, a historical town for early Imari pottery from the dawn of Japan's famed porcelain industry in the first half of the 17th century. Maiko Kurogouchi was fascinated by Japanese porcelain's rich and fine craftmanship.
Read More