Givenchy / Pre-Fall 2013

I've been behind on my Runway! Well, not actually, just behind on my writing. The Blogosphere lives with or without me, and the last few months of prep and planning of some very exciting freelance work (the likes of which you have yet to hear about!) has most definitely kept me more than occupied. So I apologize! Regardless, Fashion is having an incredible start to the Fall Season for 2013. And what better way to break the cycle than a feature of one of the most celebrated Pre-Fall Collections of the Season? We love it, all of it.

Riccardo Tisci is perhaps one of the most brilliant creative designers to emerge out of Europe within the last decade. As head of Givenchy, Tisci's aesthetic is almost always a unique and characteristic mixture of romanticism and neo-modernity. There is almost a simultaneous softness and sharpness to his clothing that exist together in perfect balance; creating a new elegance even in the presence of bold, geometric forms or obtusely graphic prints - Givenchy for Pre-Fall 2013 is no exception to that rule.

We are nuts over these fantastic geometric forms. But it's not just the boldness and hardness of the lines; it's all in the finesse of the placement, the detailing of the composition. The way Givenchy pulls your eye from one corner to the other; a balanced movement accented by a field of bright, contrasting neutrals and triangular forms - on an immaculately tailored piece. The theme of the triangle is something that has caught me eye lately, and something that I've adopted myself for a while (check the logo!). There's a reason for the beauty of this shape, and it's emergence in Fashion again is something I can't help but celebrate. It's an incredibly powerful form - the three pointed shaped - balanced on all sides but always peaked on one at the same time, depending on how you view it. It's perhaps the most beautifully composed geometric form, and I've been seeing it take a strong lead on many designs this season; a prominent element, from the cuts of intersecting triangles on a pair of trousers to the heel of a great boot (above image).

Tisci's palette this Season was simple and quite neutral, which isn't any large departure from the rest of the Fashion world. I am happy about the Tan though; I feel Givenchy used Tan in a very powerful way this Season, balancing the Collection almost entirely and using the power of monochromatic Black and White as harmonious, balancing elements. The hardness of the forms again take centre stage - thick rectangular cut-outs, over-sized triangles, and even chevrons. I absolutely love the idea of taking these prominent elements from the 80's but re-creating them into a modern elegance, not necessarily something purposefully loud. Givenchy has done here with geometric forms what few other design houses could - creating hardness with softness. There is nothing quite as elegant, in my eyes, as a slick coat or a fantastic pair of trousers that hug just right.

Without getting too obsessed with the textural, geometric palette of the Collection; I should also talk about it's obvious and adorned play on androgyny. I've been saying it for a while, androgyny is Fashion, and Givenchy Pre-Fall is a perfect example. Feminine elegance and tailored, masculine forms. From the way the trousers cut off at the base of the heel, to the choice of footwear, to the duffle, to the Winter Jacket - this Collection is incredibly androgynous. But as I said before, it's masculine with a unique finesse; an elegant detailing and an unlikely balance. It's both at the same time, and it's insanely perfect.

Catch it! Those fantastic, white trousers under the gown! Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. We love everything about. Givenchy Pre-Fall is ridiculously modern, with a finished edge that evokes a softness only Tisci could ever produce. Our favourite so far; if the rest of the Season is anything like what we've seen, then we have quite a lot to look forward to. Finally, my favourite Season for Fashion is back again! I'll be covering Toronto and even, just maybe, a little bit of New York this year (wait till you hear about it!) for Fashion Week. So keep it locked for the best, the bold, and the talented.

▲D

Winter Fashion! How Do You Wear It? / Trend Rundown!

Eek! The heat is off in my apartment! The best solution? Snuggling up in layers of knits, over-sized scarves, and reminiscing about Winter Fashion. Well, a Salted-Caramel Latte from Starbucks would surely add to the majesty - but, regardless, it's almost an excuse to try on every winter outfit at my disposal, is it not?

We are in the dead of the cold zone my friends; post-Holiday Season and pre-Spring renewal. A lot of people like to wallow around at this time of year; but I think that's ridiculous! Winter itself is a cleansing Season - the snow falls and washes away yesteryear; it's always been a time of catharsis. So what's the best way to celebrate the new you for the new year? Why not fantastic new outfits? You are what you wear! Here is a run down of some of our favourite Winter trends this Season.

WE LOVE...

1 / The Big Layers

There's nothing that says warmth like layers upon layers in Winter - but it isn't anything terribly new. Winter typically means layers in Fashion; but this year? I love seeing big layers! Bigger, bolder, more obtuse shapes; layering both over-sized and texturally bold pieces together brings a new creativity and eclecticism to Winter this Season - without losing any of the comfort. I love piling on knits after knits and wrapping it all under a fabulous scarf, or perhaps a great hat, or maybe just a fantastic weekend bag! Experimenting with bigger pieces this season will allow you to create new silhouettes for yourself you might never thought possible!

2 / Burst Pigments

Winter on the Runway lately has been an expression and an embrace of the chic monochromatic! You can never go wrong with a palette as bold as black, white, and every neutral in between - however! I absolutely love seeing people bring that burst of colour from Spring into their fabulous Winter wardrobe! And why not? With the stark contrast of snow on the ground and the blue haze of the city that the Season brings, it's almost perfect conditions to shine brightly under a bold power pigment. Experiment with some of your favourite Spring colours this Season and bring a little POP to Winter!

3 / Fur Textures

The textural majesty of something like fur is unmatched in the Fashion world! Fur has been a powerful and staple accent for the last few Seasons in Winter Fashion! Adding glamour, colour, and luxurious texture to almost any outfit you could come up with; fur, regardless of natural or faux, is a fantastic way to add just that little extra something to turn your great Winter in the city outfit into a showstopper look.

4 / That Pop of Red

Red, red, red! Red is my go-to colour this season for that extra pop of pigment! If you're that chic monochromatic girl or guy we've been talking about (and you'd rather embrace the black as opposed to the bright) try adding a little red somewhere in your outfit and see how quickly your look changes! Red is a multi-seasonal colour that evokes dramaticism and confidence! Adding just that bit somewhere in your look shows people you are not only chic, but also a little fearless!

5 / Metal

Are you a Metal Head? Because I certainly am! Metal, in the from of studs, blocked shapes, and hardware has been perhaps the biggest trend this Season for both Summer and Winter! Stud yourself out in metallic reflections of silver, gold, and gunmetal to add that edged look to any outfit this Season. It has been so huge it is almost a classic add-on - meaning you can partner it with the most elegant outfit you have and still make it work! Metal is no longer punk, it's chic! Work!

6 / Over-Sized Knitwear

An expansion of my obsession with big layers; over-sized knits are one of my favourite staples this Season for Winter! You can't go wrong with a huge, comfy sweater! Patterned in a great colour, or perhaps just loosely knitted with a great texture - a bold knit is the easiest way to throw something on and still remain interesting and chic in the coldest of the cold. Try layer knits over knits as opposed to drowning yourself in big, heavy Winter coats that can sometimes be unflattering if you haven't quite found the right one!

7 / Big, Big, Big Scarves and Wraps!

Is this too much of a theme for me?! I love big, wintery pieces! And this includes scarves. Why not layer that great knit with an even better over-sized scarf, stole, shawl, or wrap? Scarves are the trendiest way to add a bold hit of pattern and a unique silhouette to your ensemble this Season. It also adds to that bundled-up look that'll not only keep you on-point Seasonally, but warm and snuggled at the same time. Use them as a way to add a new visual colour impact or to neutralize or balance the many colours in your outfit altogether. Regardless of the way you wear it, a great scarf is perhaps your most versatile Fashion option during Winter and worth the investment!

8 / Holiday Sweater

Holiday Sweaters have a history of tack behind them; but what I found most interesting this Season are the amount of ways you can use them to add a tasteful, yuletide touch to your Winter Street Style! There's nothing wrong with embracing the colours, textures, and images of the holiday season into your outfit! It not only shows people you're in the spirit of things, but it also shows them that you can be put-together and still be charming and whimsical at the same time. It's cute, adorable, and can sometimes make a great little add-on to an already well thought-out Winter outfit.

9 / Black & Gold

Black & Gold are the staple monochromatics of the Season! Never out-of-style, these two tones partner up in a myriad of ways; black leather + gold embellishments, black knitwear + gold jewelry, gold coats + black leg wear - the options are literally endless. The most trendy pairing on both the Runway and the streets for Winter this Season, Black & Gold continue to be a fantastic and easy way to create chic dramaticism with just a few pieces here and there. Everything from luxurious richness to casual Street Style can be tuned-up to the moment and tastefully on-point with the addition of Black & Gold somewhere on the outfit! Experiment this Season with awesome ways you can wear them too!

10 / Leather, Baby!

Leather! Where do I begin? Honestly, it's almost too difficult to. Leather is the staple texture of Winter this Season. If you're not brave enough for fur, to chic for knit, you're bound to find something in leather. Warm, supple, shiny, and sharp; leather is the ultimate Winter add-on. Whether on your hands, over your body, on your legs, or on your feet; leather adds richness, warmth, a chic and sharp edge, and the perfect amount of neutral depth to any colour palette you could come up with. Leather can both tune-up or turn-down your outfit without compromising the balance of what you've already created - and it's so classic it'll last you Season after Season. A brilliant leather coat for example, cut to your shape and hitting you where it should, can give you a lifetime of ultimate style!

Phew! That was an afternoon-full of information! I hope you too can use this trend guideline as the perfect way to take your regular Winter wardrobe into something Seasonal and fabulous. It's always important to remember that clothes are just clothes; but investing in pieces for yourself that reflect who you are also investments into your character to the world around you. You are what you wear, at least to those around you! Make it count, and happy Winter!

Best,
▲D

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