The Couture world is one of great complexity and detail. If anyone is chuckling from that statement, I am being serious. Switching from one season to the next can cause even the smallest trend to become obsolete. Coming from someone who loves fashion and looks at a complete silhouette as a work of art, staying up to date from season to season takes a large amount of effort. Worry not ladies, this article can bring you up to speed in about 3 minutes tops, I promise.
This year, fashion waves were made when all the luxury designers’ collections hit the runway in Paris. Simple and understated was the exact opposite of what everyone saw. Instead, quoted from Phoebe Philo said her Celine show was about “power and women” and similarly Miuccia Prada said her show was about “women being strong and visible.” These two revolutionary designers were agreeing that 2014 Women’s Couture fashion is encompassing the concept that “Powerful is better than pretty.” This being said, as one looks threw the collections a couple of main themes stick out. For all of you out there who are ballin’ on a budget but want to continue to be fashion foreword. Follow these trends to get the “powerful Paris look” for not such a powerful price. Hear that ladies? We get to be powerful, so here’s how you do it…
1) Blooming with Floral Prints
We know this is not the first time we have ever saw floral prints. However, this is the first time luxury designers are going the extra mile to create a floral frieze on the runway. The old notion that floral can make you look too young or too old is out the window. Floral is back, and it’s loud, so let’s take a look.
Balenciaga (above)
Thakoon (above)
Alberta Feretti (above)
This first look to the left is a Balenciaga original and offers the perfect hint of floral for a more understated look. The black and white floral print shorts paired with a leather stripped cropped blouse, can line your silhouette to elongate your legs and accentuate your waist. Pairing the look with a strappy open toed heel will continue to offer fluidity throughout the outfit and not cut off your bottom half.
The center poopy floral number was designed to be part of the Thakoon Spring collection. This piece creates dimension to your silhouette with the different hem lines. The bright pop of color and pattern gives you a powerful “wow” statement and even causes the eye to look to the elongated leg. An open toed booty is the perfect shoe for this look due to it leaving the attention on the top half of the silhouette.
The sophisticated floral dress on the right is part of the Alberta Ferretti collection. This dress is parried with a red belt which is the perfect accessory to accentuate your waist and break up your silhouette. A fun pair earrings and a strappy sandal gives the final touches to this powerful day time look.
2) Shine Bright with some Metallic
I know what you may be thinking, “On no, 80’s flashback.” Worry not ladies because metallic is back but in a whole different sense. Metallic fabrics can be used to give one an edgy and powerful look that creates the vibe of true sophistication, if done right of course. These looks give the strong lady that is wearing them true attention and poise. Adding some metallic and dazzle to your wardrobe would insure any audience that you are up with Paris fashion trends, so let’s look at some radiant examples…
Rochas (above)
Tom Ford (above)
Diane von Furstenberg (above)
The metallic dress, part of the Rochas collection, is rocking the T length hemline that was originally popular in the late 50s and early 60s. This length has grown increasingly popular this season and from the looks of this model we can see why. The loudness of the fabric and length of the dress creates a feminine and long silhouette for the woman that accentuates her body. Paired with a cardigan with subtle color and a sandal can dress down the look as well.
Tom Ford offers no hint of subtleness with his metallic number. This mini, long sleeve dress makes any women look powerful and lively. Paired with a lace up stiletto heal forces all the attention on your legs and truly elongates the entire silhouette. A dress in this style would be perfect for that upcoming party of century or if any girl is just looking to get some stares.
Diane con Furstenberg’s gold metallic tunic style dress is perfect for the more casual occasion. Even though the fabric is still loud, the loose nature of the dress allows for a more relaxed look to the eyes. Paired with a strappy open toed heal will again allow the legs to be the main focal point of the silhouette. Ladies, no one ever said dripping in gold is a bad thing.
3) Let’s see it in 3D
Christian Dior (above)
Burberry Prorsum (above)
Dolce & Gabbana (above)
The last theme that was big this year on the runway was multi-layered sequins and crystals making the pieces look almost sculptural. These designs worn head to toe allow for the look to become alive, making you a walking three dimensional work of art! So ladies, lets add some loud dimension to your wardrobe and really make your presence pop.
The halter top from this Christian Dior look on the left creates a more subtle 3D effect. Stitched with sequins and the high cut grabs your attention to the top half of the silhouette and allows for a more understated evening look. Paired with a leather bomber like jacket and a multi layered skit allows for a greater sense of sophistication. This look allows you to show a minimal amount of skin but still encompass the look of power and true poise.
Burberry Prorsum’s skirt and high cut shirt ensemble creates a circular three dimensional look that continues to elongate the silhouette. The skirt reaching below the knee accompanied with jewels stitched and molded in a circular pattern draws ones attention to the bottom half. Paired with a subtle baby blue high cut top and strappy stilettos allows for the focal point to be left on the skirt. This look embodies sophistication and a feminine hint to any women’s silhouette.
Dolce & Gabbana does the powerful look right with this sweater like dress. Stitched with jewels throughout the dress and high mini hem line, creates the focal point to shift between the busy pattern as well as the women’s’ elongated legs. This dress is sure to create a look of power!
Alright ladies, so that’s Spring 2014 Paris Weeks summed up in a nutshell. Its loud, it’s busy, but it’s oh so powerful. Hey, these clothes might be the next step to the first women president so keep your eyes peeled. So my advice is to take these 3 tips and buy some new pieces for your wardrobe. These tips are a sure way to update your style in a true Persian fashion and push your confidence to the next level. Confidence paired with any of these tips can make any night go from drag to fab. Have fun but remember “a big statement is better than no statement.”
Be sure to follow HCSMC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!