Trompe L'Oeil

Your Fashion Word of the Week

Fashion Terminology

Trompe L' Oeil:

"Trick of the Eye". An Artist technique where realistic imagery is used to appear three dimensional. (Source)

Think Mary Katrantzou and Clover Canyon

Knife Pleats

Your Fashion Word of the Week 

Fashion Terminology

Knife Pleats:

A sharp narrow, fold. Also known as,  accordion pleats but that doesn't sound cool and chic like knife pleats does.

MTM, Bespoke, Haute Couture - What's the Difference?

I can only assume you are confused too, so I am here to clear up the confusion with some 

Fashion Terminology

Pret-a-Porter:

Ready-to-Wear or Off the Rack

Garment intended to be worn with out significant alterations. They are available in standard sizes and are formed from patterns. No customization here! Garments are produced for High volume rather than High Fashion. Although many High Fashion Houses do have a pret-a-porter line such as; Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dior. Basically what we all wear, whether that is from Michael Kors or from Topshop and Zara. 

Made-to-Measure (MTM): 

Tailored to your measurements

A tailor would take a regular size garment, for example a size 6 dress and alter the garment to more correctly fit your measurements. MTM uses existing patterns and make modifications to them. MTM is usually referenced in regards to men's tailored suits and suit-shirts.

Bespoke: 

Custom-Made with Limitless Choices Just for you

A new pattern is made entirely based on your measurements, fabric choices, styles, etc. More than just your typical measurements are needed. The word Bespoke  was traditionally reserved for high-end mens' tailoring on Savile Row, Central London. But as it looks like it is now used for designers like Michael Kors, TopShop, Stella McCartney, where they are not Haute Couture, but as close as you can get for custom designs. Bespoke does not refer to how the garment is sewn together, only that it is made for a specific person and their desired outcome. 

Haute Couture:

Custom-Made, Hand Sewn from start to finish

Haute Couture is "High-End Dressmaking". It is custom made clothing, high-end fabrics and fashion, and most importantly entirely hand sewn from start to finish. Haute Couture was established in Paris, is protected by Parisian law, and is regulated by Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. The Chambre Syndicale has been around since 1868. 

To be a member you must;

       (1) Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings,

       (2) Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen staff members full-time,

       (3)  Must have twenty, full-time technical people in at least one workshop (atelier), and 

       (4) Every season, present a collection of at least fifty original designs to the public, both day and     evening garments, in January and July of each year. (source)

Very few are able to legally and rightfully advertise themselves at Haute Couture, such as Christian Dior, Givenchy and Chanel. 

The #MetGala Theme Was What...?

So besides FIT & Parson's design students who knew exactly what the 2014 Met Ball theme... Charles James: Beyond Fashion really meant? 

OK I can admit, I had no idea! and from the looks at all the totally random (but beautiful) dresses, gown, and crop tops, I had no idea what the theme was supposed to translate too. So of course, I did a little search to find out more.

Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Charles James is known as on of American's greatest Haute Couture Designers. His gowns became popular with High Society Ladies in the late 1940's and mid 1950's.  "Personally draping and constructing the garments that bear his label, he is considered to be the only American to work in the true couture tradition." *

James's signature styles ....

"Swan"

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - "Swan"
Nancy James in Charles James "Swan" Gown, 1955
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby's


Swan songs  from last night.... 

Sarah Jessica Parker in Custom-Made Oscar de la Renta via Vogue.com

Tabitha Simmons in Dolce & Gabanna via Lucky.com

 Suki Waterhouse in Burberry via JustJared.com
 

 
Bee Shaffer in Alexander McQueen via Vogue.com

"Four-leaf Clover" 

           The Metropolitan Museum of Art - "Clover Leaf"  

Austine Hearst in Charles James "Four Leaf Clover" Gown, ca. 1953
Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photographer Unknown, © Bettmann/CORBIS


Dresses that embraced the look of the "Clover-Leaf" gowns from last night's red carpet

Haile Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung via vogue.com 

 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in Ferre and Chanel via Vogue.com

Dakota Johnson in Jason Wu via Vogue.com
I absolutely LOVE this Look!!

 Jordan Dunn and Toni Garrn in Bespoke TopShop via Vogue.com

 

"ButterFly"

 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - "Butterfly" 

Charles James "Butterfly" Gown, 1954

Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Cecil Beaton, The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby's

 Butterfly inspired gowns on the red carpet last night...

 

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta via Vogue.com

 

Blake Lively in Gucci Premier via Vogue.com

Stunning... but I do feel like she has worn this look before.. doesn't this look similar to her Savages movie premier look? 

 

Lily Aldridge in Michael Kors via Vogue.com

 

Taylor Swift in Oscar de la Renta custom-made via Vogue.com

 

"Evening Gown"

 

Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978)
Evening Dress, 1948
Black silk satin and black silk velvet
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Millicent Huttleston Rogers, 1949 (2009.300.734)

 Working this Charles Jame's look was...

 Zoe Saldana in Bespoke Michael Kors via Vogue.com

I am not sure I love this but it does work with the theme and she still looks gorgeous in it! Making a classic look and feel so modern is nice. 

"Diamond"

Shining bright like a diamond where...

 

Dita Von Tesse in Zac Posen via Vogue.com

 

Kendal Jenner in Bespoke TopShop via Vogue.com

 

Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta via Vogue.com

 

Reese Witherspoon in Stella McCartney via Vogue.com

Others dressed with the theme in mind but it appears they forgot everything and anything else...

WHY? and WTF?

Katie Holmes in Marchesa via Vogue.com

.... or as we have previously known this look, Disney's Bell

 

I am not sure why this looks so incredibly horrible and like a Disney character. I think even Suri would have said something about it, but maybe Suri is pissed at her mom and got a good laugh out of it. 

On the runway it looks rich and Spanish influenced, like something Frida would wear. Katie clearly screwed it up, lol!@

Hayden Panettiere in Dennis Basso via Vogue.com

I mean why did she even attend. Clearly she could care less,  and was also going for a Disney princess look. 

What do you think about last nights theme and what people were wearing??

*The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Three Floor Fashion

Three Floor Fashion is a British line that may have the most AMAZING and BADASS dresses I have seen in a while! Their pieces have a  high-end fashion feel but not high-end prices. Can't wait to get my hands on one or all of these pieces!

Three Floor Fashion by styledbyroz featuring rompers

Price Range $200 -$300 

Sold Online at ASOS /////  REVOLVE /////  SHOPBOP 

 My Favorite Pieces....

Effortlessly Foxy

I saw this image of Aaron Paul, of Breaking Bad, wife in this amazing dress at the new season's premiere. It's so effortlessly amazing and I had to find out who was the designer and how I could get one.

Photo Source via DListed 

 

 

The dress is by STONE COLD FOX, designed by two gorgeous california gals named Cydney Morris and Dallas Wand.  I read on their "About" page that one of their inspirations is Jane Birkin, so obviously I am in love with the designs.

I scoped out the online shop on their website and here are the items I am totally coveting and think you should be too!

Stone Cold Fox - Onyx Gown $321 via Revolve Clothing

Look at the STUNNING back on this dress! I want this dress so bad.... I love the versatility of the dress. If anyone feels like buying me a gift, please get me this! lol!



Cryptic Skirt Available in Ivory & black/brown $200 via Stone Cold Fox 

This skirt is also fabulous! Love the long look with the sexy slits.



Sophia Gown Bloom/Petal Print Silk $385 via Stone Cold Fox

Im not usually much of a flower print kind of girl but absolutely loving this print and again look at the back of the dress! So effortlessly beautiful!

Designer 411: AUDEN Jewelry

On my recent trip to New York, I spent one day shopping up and down 5th avenue. I started the shopping day at Henri Bendel (my friend text me that they were having a sale, thanks Lauren!). The store was insanely packed and a bit overwhelming, even for me. I hurriedly got up to the second floor which was almost impossible to get to because I had to go through the cosmetic section and those sales people are seriously pushy. One woman told me she could help me with my skin. I am not sure if that tactic works for people but for me it just made me want to punch her out!

I did a quick spin around the second floor and immediately locked eyes on a jewelry collection, AUDEN Jewelry. I loved every piece that was on display and was even more thrilled to meet one of the designer, Steven Gordon, who helped me decide on the these gorgeous earrings (shown below). Such a fun way to shop, when you get to purchase the item from the designer and hear the story first hand of how the line came together.

AUDEN Jewelry

Designer Bryce Casteneda and CEO Steven Gordon started AUDEN in 2010 ***. All the jewelry is handmade in New York by self-taught Bryce Casteneda**. They got their big break when L.A.'s Fred Segal picked up the line and Rihanna came in and bought just about everything, since then the line quickly gained attention and is now sold in New York's Henry Bendel store. The jewelry has been featured in many magazines, tv shows like Gossip Girl **.  The gather inspiration for their line from tribeswomen, space and architecture*. The jewelry is a beautiful blend of masculine and feminine, art deco and glamour.  Prices range from $100- $1,300

My favorites

Marseilles Necklace | Shopbop.com

Sierra Cuff | Shopbop.com

Olivier Necklace | Shopbop.com

Hayden Drop Earrings | AUDEN Jewelry (clipped to polyvore.com)

Solaris Cuff | AUDEN Jewelry (clipped to polyvore.com)

Devon Earrings | AUDEN Jewelry (clipped to polyvore.com)




Celebrity Clients:

Rihanna, Blake Lively, Kim Cattrall, Paula Abdul, The Kardashians, Shakira, Kelly Clarkson and more....

Where to buy:

Shopbop.com, Henri Bedel in NYC, Fred Segal and Elyse Walker in LA, AUDEN Jewelry online store

Information for this blog entry was gathered from...

* Hudson, Kate Davidson. (March 30, 2012). "Accessories News: Auden Jewelry". ELLE 2012 Hearst Communication, Inc. Retrieved November 24, 2012. http://www.elle.com/news/fashion-accessories/accessories-news-auden-jewelry-864

** Moore, Booth. (November 29, 2911). "Hollywood's favorite new jewelry line, Auden". Los Angeles Times 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2012. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2011/11/auden-the-new-jewelry-line-that-has-hollywood-going-crazy.html

*** About Page. Auden Design. Retrieved November 24, 2012. www.audendesign.com/about/