Bridal Fashion Week Recap

coutorture — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:41:11 -0700

Bridal Fashion Week is the Valentine's Day of fashion. It's the market exception; the only time a woman who typically shops at Banana Republic will splurge on a designer garment. That said, it's a booming industry and one that is, season after season, receiving increasing attention from the industry. Bridal Fashion Week is a sort of informal menagerie of those that have the atelier manpower to turn out Couture for the masses (an oxymoron, another reason we cringe at this spectacle). That said, here's our obligatory recap of notable collections being turned out for blushing brides-to-be. No matter our instinct to shun the charade, the designers themselves, are those we respect.

Oscar de la Renta: For his bridal collection Oscar de la Renta turned out, as typical of the designer, a dress for every type of wedding. There was the prairie inspired (complete with straw hat), the Japanese inspired, the CEO turned, er, wife inspired. There was a dress, and one pantsuit, for every type of gal. Each were stunning, if some were more palpable than others. Click to see the collection.

Carolina Herrera: Remember that equestrian overdose from Fall 08? Yes, those hats made a surprise reappearance. Looks like the interns went nuts with a can of spray paint while Herrera was busy designing the classic (not trendy nor avant garde--thank you anyway for the hats) gowns she is known for. We appreciate Herrera's wherewithal in designing for garments for cold weather brides. The white fur trimmed coat was something that you might actually wear beyond the 'big day'. Click to see the collection.

Badgley Mischka: Dear, Badgley Mischka. That was a really bad idea. First of all, please do not let the hair stylists tell you that long, waves, 'very L.A. Confidential' will turn out all right. The models look like cheerleaders. They look like they're from, gasp, L.A. Also, please do not do that 'princess dress' thing we remember from our high school prom. It makes us look fat and stupid. Lastly, we are willing to forgive you if you promise not to use that ugly backdrop again. Love, Women of The World. Click to see the collection.

Monique Lhuillier: Baaaam! You know when your teacher tells you that you're going to be learning about the judicial system and you get all psyched 'cause your mom is a court stenographer? Yeah, that's how Monique Lhuillier must feel during Bridal Week. The woman knows how to make a super glamorous frock. She knows the 'I want to look like a movie star' song and dance and damn if she didn't drive the point home this week. It's all in the details and, finally, the big white frocks that still make your derriere look good. Click to see the collection.

Toronto Fashion Week Recap

coutorture — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:45:54 -0700

Last week Toronto held its seventh fashion week and in case you missed it, we've got a recap of the best from the five days. With all the Fashion Week's happening all over the world it can be difficult to keep up, but in fashion, it's all about keeping one finger on the little guys, if only for a break from the know-it-alls. With 69 designers who showed during this Toronto Fashion Week, we've sorted through them and pulled out Denis Gagnon, Talenti Moda Milano, Joeffer Caoc, Pink Tartan, and Gsus.

Denis Gagnon: This wild and crazy Quebecer's designs are sold all over the world. His aesthetic pivots on leather and tailoring, two things that every fashionista pays homage to on a regular basis. This Fall 08 season Gagnon showed a collection where blacks were draped and woven to a rebellious finish. One black nylon dress with cape-like tailoring finished the show nicely. Finally, an outfit that works with the wind tunnels of Lower Manhattan.

Talenti Moda Milano: Somehow this collection, whether it was the palate or drapery, reminded us of the cottons obsessed brand Clu. For Fall 08 Talenti Moda Milano showed experiments in draping, where tucks and pleats made us raise our eyebrows for different reasons. The best piece, we thought, was a black jacket with tails and a silk acid green collar. Oh, if we could get our hands on that!

Joeffer Caoc: Joeffer Caoc launched his line in 1995 and, over the years, has been named a designer 'to watch' by every fashion council and Canadian publication out there. His aesthetic pleases a lot of audiences and is known for it's classic cuts and fluid lines. This Fall 08 remained in tune with this personality, where rich gem colors were made into flattering, basic evening dresses and coats.

GSUS:Whoa there you crazy Canadians! We saw this collection while listening to "One Pure Thought" by Hot Chip and the combination seemed perfect. Someone did a flip on the runway, is all we'll say about the GSUS show. Oh, also that the brand, run by two dutch designers, showed some bright nylon that we think makes for some fun street wear.

Pink Tartan: Pink Tartan is pretty well known round these parts, though perhaps only just recently, when downtown boutiques started carrying the brand. This Fall 08 season we were happy to see randomly placed zippers and slim navy trousers as part of the collection. Also right on target were short motorcycle gloves that offset the more feminine looks.

In case it wasn't obvious, photos courtesy of L'Oreal Fashion Week

Coutorture

Bridal Fashion Week Recap

Toronto Fashion Week Recap