Nicopanda is breaking barriers

Blurring the line between genders, designer Nicola Formichetti has gotten into disassociating bars as seen in his summer spring collection shown at New York Fashion Week. The revolution for equality and genderless fashion isn’t new, but this supposed separation from the conventional draws more attention with the rise of more fearless designers like those of Formichetti.

Hearing his name may bring us back to the time when Lady Gaga wore this controversial meat dress at the 2010 MTV Music Awards. This out of the box, and bold step was the result of her collaboration with the said designer.

Probably one of the most talked about statements in the history of the Red Carpet, the said dress put careers on the map for both the model and the person behind the idea. Since then, the relationship between the two blossomed so much that Lady gaga even showed her support, teary eyed, at the designer’s collection.

Nicopanda’s Spring/Summer collection for 2016 is in line with the designer’s eccentric vision. Staying true to its core idea of thinning the borders that set genders apart from each other, the collection is dominated by baby pink and baby blue.

Now this seems like bringing us back to the time when we were still infants without any notion of the difference between man and woman. The designer admitted that his aesthetic is only for the brave at heart.

“This is a collection for a try-anything culture, ready to mix it up…you’re either brave enough to wear it or you’re not,” Formichetti said on one of his interviews. (Cited: https://the-dots.co.uk/lakeishagoedluck/portfolio/chasseur-magazine-nicopanda-2015-ss-collection/195393)

Seemingly weird for those who are conventional, every piece in his collection is considered a rarity. From men’s caps adorned by ruffles and pearls, down to thick-strapped shoes that speak ‘punk.’

Additionally, let us not forget the sheer and ballerina inspired garments with the ‘N’ signature; a trademark of Nicopanda.

These, along with other interesting details make up the 2016 collection that will surely capture the attention of those who have an eye for eccentric clothes.

http://laurenceourac.com/nicopanda-is-breaking-barriers/

Shimmer and Shine Through Metallics as a 2015 Year-Ender

Whenever the current year ends, the fashion world shifts into full throttle to surprise its followers with a trend that would kick-off the following year. Every year, fashion enthusiasts await what’s in to wear, what clothes to rebuke and who to follow when it comes to styling and dressing fabulously.

New York’s New Year’s Eve Countdown has been a yearly event that magnetized all of the fashion industry’s most colorful and bravest, to let the world see what it is that they must bear in mind the next year they would fill up their wardrobe.

As 2015 ends, it is imperative that the capital of fashion exudes a very shiny end to this year. Behold, the boom brought to you by “crispy, shiny metallics.”

Ladies would once again have a taste for wearing metallics by the end of the year, as forecasted by major names and brands in the industry, despite the fact that this material started to be huge this 2015.

The conventional metallic dresses that girls love to wear during special occasions like New Year will be given a new spunk on this very bold move, with high hopes that this would not look snazzy and would favorably reward everyone who chooses to wear it.

Wearing metallic is very keen on not looking like you’re wearing a zooming rocket, and this law would apply very well as 2015 comes to a close. Below are some of the things that ladies would need to remember before delving onto their pockets for a piece of this glittery garment.

For this year’s trend, metallics are suggested to go by the safest and most ravishing colors, such as blues, greens and golds. Additionally, these are considered ‘paradoxical’ colors, said to wrap up what happened in the general fashion scene for the last 11 months.

The strength given out by metallic blue would definitely shine through any skin color and without a doubt stun everyone who’s going to look at it. The verdant mixing in with the silvery hue of shiny metals is something of a hot item.

Metallic green might look a little bit Holiday-themed, but fashion experts gave out their approval for stretching this color up until New Year and everything encompassed in between.

Lastly, metallic gold is always a great choice if you want to turn heads, look sophisticated and be in the know all the time. This cool shade of gold and its innate capability to flip a boring outfit into something amazing is the key reason why it’s included with metallic blue and green among the choices.

Metallic gold might seem a little bit over the top and the key to kill this megalomania feel is to tone down on the type of dress you’d be picking. If you’re getting gold, be sure to choose dresses that are neither big in detail, nor too low-key that it can pass off as a sack with strings.

One major reminder, though, that fashion experts would want you to remember is that accessorizing wouldn’t be necessary if you go with the metallic trend. Make sure that you keep you ornaments minimal or none at all.

Fashion is all about balance, and with this specific year-ender trend, it’s truly best for you to lean on the magic that is the garment. The dress and the material it’s made with is already enough to pose a statement. Putting in effort beyond that would ruin the attempt in looking ravishing during the New Year office party.

http://laurenceourac.com/shimmer-and-shine-through-metallics-as-a-2015-year-ender/

Alber Elbaz leaves Lanvin

The oldest French fashion house is making its biggest change by far, as its creative director will step down after 14 years of handling the brand.

Alber Elbaz, who single-handedly worked for the improvement of the brand’s image raising it onto the pedestal of high-class fashion houses, has announced his stepping down after more than a decade of persevering for the betterment of Lanvin.

His 14 years of success was put to an end and was first announced at WWD.com. As what the official statement says, his exit was brought about by “the decision of the company’s majority shareholders.” Elbaz started to manage the fashion brand with his genius back in 2011 after Taiwanese publishing magnate Shaw-Lan Wang recruited him.

Since then, the successful story of the said fashion house has continued to flourish making it the favorite of A-listers including Natalie Portman and Meryl Streep.

With him as the driving force behind the scenes, Lanvin was able to cultivate a respectable image of the brand’s understanding and appreciation toward the female physique, and celebrates it through clothing pieces that truly bring out the beauty of anyone who wears it.

He is well known for his drape designs and generous use of fabric to create dramatic and opulent dresses that bring out femininity, flare and class.

The reason for his parting with the fashion house that has become his home for a long time is ultimately a vague notion, and even came as a surprise to Lanvin’s employees. The news was released together with the announcement that Elbaz will no longer be part of their upcoming 2016 collections.

Coincidentally, Elbaz’s split with Lanvin is the third news of the same category. It is remembered that Alexander Wang just left Balenciaga, and Raf Simmons did the same with Dior. Are we heading to a new direction as major fashion houses make these surprising decisions by far?

http://laurenceourac.com/alber-elbaz-leaves-lanvin/

Vera Wang ventures the edgy side for Fall 2016 collection

Slowly veering away from her neat classic aesthetic she was known ever since the brand in 1990, Vera Wang’ new Fall collection is a testimony of the house’s transition to an edgier, more adventurous kind of style.

Known to have dressed A-listers like Victoria Beckham, Mariah Carey and Alicia keys during their walk down the aisle, the brand’s established name is as if setting a new pace for current bridal collection.

It’s all about the frills and bows and body meshy silhouettes that defines and appreciates the body of the beaming bride. As defined mostly by the sheer details that blended perfectly with the rest of the designs comprising each ensemble, any bride who would wear Vera Wang’s latest collection will definitely spell out drama with the hint of feminine flirt as she takes her time walking on the aisle.

More than anyone else, a wedding is a bride’s day. This is something that the fashion house understands in an in depth perspective that translated well to each dress they create. The tradition of relatable fashion when it comes to bridal wear is something that has been enunciated to the minds of the viewing crowd that resulted to a beautiful reputation of being one of the most trusted houses when it comes to anything wedding and bridal.

The staple intricate embroidery and flawless bodices are definitely details to watch out for. The conventional white or muted color was made even interesting as the hint of black joined some of designs.

Aside from body hugging masterpieces, some works of arts were channeled thru flowing, flamboyant ballet skirts that speaks womanly and feminine. The bow details in noticeable sizes are also show stopper. The collection is a complete set which gives every bride an option, no matter what taste in style they may have.

http://laurenceourac.com/vera-wang-ventures-the-edgy-side-for-fall-2016-collection/

“The Dwarf Fashion Show” in Paris

Down with the dictates of the podium! Glamourous and confident, a dozen small American and French models, marched on Friday amid the cheers of the audience at the prestigious fashion week in Paris.

There was only one criterion for casting these atypical top models, wearing tailored outfits created by the Agency New York Creative Business House: do not exceed 1.30 meters. A far cry from the slender models who usually walk the catwalk.

The French Association said “Let’s give them a chance,” and the populace coined it as the “parade of small people” or “parade ppt.” The event is called “The Dwarf Fashion Show” on the other side of the Atlantic.

The event is now in its third edition, after a first in September 2014 in Paris, followed by another in New York this winter. The next march is planned for 2016 in Tokyo.

In the Ministry of Culture, Christine, Ophelia, Emma, Helen, Melissa and Ismahn, dressed and made-up by professionals, marched confidently and happily, posing while facing photographers and cameras.

The Londoner Lucy, 16, closed the parade wearing a wedding dress, no less.

“It is to change the way people look at us, and because I love fashion I wanted to parade,” says Emma (AFP). “And this might give the idea for designers to make clothes for us.”

For the organizers of this event, they did it to counter the “discriminatory dictates of beauty.”

It’s also the opportunity to promote equal opportunities in the highly stereotyped modeling industry, and meet the expectations of “ppt” fashionistas in clothes.

Fashion gradually blurs the difference.

Thus the New York Fashion Week in September hosted a young Australian with Down syndrome, Madeline, and an American, Rebekah Marine, born without a right forearm. It is good that the fashion industry also promotes diversity.

Madeline is already committed to Fashion Week in Tokyo, Milan and New York, all in 2016.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-dwarf-fashion-show-in-paris/

Versace’s Best Perfumes and the Inevitable Successes

Aside from dominating the clothing business and building a name that surely would not be erased from the fashion industry’s history, Versace has come a long way from being a modest store to an empire that’s impossible to shake.

It is with Versace that we were introduced to risqué designs and patterns, the bold use of different materials for every season, the sheer sleekness and air of affluence induced by its very models, and the simplistic concept that it has been venerated by the biggest names walking on this planet.

More than just a store for clothing, bags, shoes and accessories, Versace has come to realize its worth as a brand and branched out to a need that definitely seized the attention of millions: perfumes.

There is a saying that goes “perfume is one of the best accessories,” and this mantra has been taken seriously by fashionistas in their everyday lives. It is quite a major feat in fashion when perfumes are considered a necessity rather than a luxury, especially with all the glory it can provide to the one wearing it.

Perfumes, derived from the olden times’ pomades, are things that should be worn with class and pizzazz, and this is where Versace comes in. Over the years, the people of Versace have concocted different types of perfumes with distinct scents made for women, which became a success for this eponymous brand.

Versace went beyond expectations to ensure that when a woman wears their clothes, she should be blanketed with an appropriate scent to match.

With over a dozen perfume types released by Versace, some of them just rose above the occasion and have been standouts since their inception. A box with the Medusa insignia is what we’re after, and it is sheer pleasure when you get to own one of these well-venerated scents that captured the hearts (and noses) of millions who have patronized it. One of the most memorable scents of all time would have to be the Versace Yellow Diamond.

Manufactured and mass-released in 2011, the Yellow Diamond is one of the few chosen additions to Versace’s ‘Crystals’ league. This scent was named as such because the color yellow represented what it feels like when donning this perfume—light, hyped and energized.

The first few sprays from this very classy bottle would give you the hints of mimosa, pear and lemon which is just reminiscent of a refreshing summer day. After a long while, the scent will shift to florals and woody notes that shout of elegance and surreal beauty.

Akin to the Yellow Diamond comes Versace’s sleek-looking Crystal Noir, all clad in a smoky black perfume bottle and the iconic gem cap that’s a trademark for crystal lines. Women of power and dominance have adored this specific perfume.

T Thanks to the blatant musk amber notes, it comes off as strong, empowered and high profile. Many people have remarked that this specific perfume induces mystery, appeal and sensuality that only a woman of grace and class can exemplify.

The rich gardenia side notes are said to be perfect for special occasions such as first dates, grand meetings, presentations, or company events that require you to stand out.

If it’s energy and movement that you’re pegged on, then the Versace Versus is your best bet. Since its inception in 1992, Versus have been one of the torchbearers of Versace’s perfume line and is currently being patronized by millions of people worldwide.

One thing that sets Versus apart from its predecessors would be the unforgiving mix of lemon, kumquat, star apple, orange flower, patchouli and musk, that brought about a dash of energy and motion to its supposedly tamed association. Women who loved confidence and are head turners would find Versus a keepsake for practical use in daytime and even evening wear.

http://laurenceourac.com/versaces-best-perfumes-and-the-inevitable-successes/

Keeping It Light and Handy with Microbags

Women today are attracted to the idea and comfort of carrying bulky bags because we are naturally obsessive-compulsive and always have the need to bring all items imaginable.

The trend of owning tote bags for daily use is very beneficial to women and is still quite fashionable up to this very day. The palpable joy of having a woman’s complete set of makeup at arms reach culminates in carrying a bag that fits it all.

Fashionable designs of various types have been available in the market for women to feast on, and bags with innumerable compartments is one staple that has not been forgotten in current trends.

But as the industry evolves, the insatiable need to devise a new fad never gets old. So, fashion experts and trendsetters have come up with the idea of revamping the stereotype of clutching something similar to a huge armament. Hence, the birth of microbags.

The emergence of microbags has been a strong influence to Hollywood celebrities and fashion moguls since the second quarter of 2015.

Based on the name itself, microbags are small bags that are spacious enough to fit certain items such as your cellular phone, basic make-up essentials, a thin wallet and some other trinkets you deem extremely important.

The difference between microbags from clutch bags is that some pieces are actually minimized versions of a normal designer bag, which means that the price won’t leave a gaping hole in your pocket.

The microbag actually retains the same style, materials and logo positioning of a clutch bag. The only major tweak is the size. The challenge that microbags give to women who own them is the distinct ability to pick important items, as space is congested and somewhat compromised.

The decision on what hue of lipstick to stash, or if tampons would be needed within the day is a dilemma that you will encounter if you really plan to get a microbag.

Aside from their function, microbags can also work as an accessory to the original couture bag. You can simply hang the microbag on the handle of your Birkin bag and use this style as part of your ensemble. Your microbag can add charm to your overall look without giving up the core purpose of being an extra compartment for some of your essentials.

The lightness and convenience provided by microbags are supported by some huge names in the fashion industry. Microbags definitely help women to alleviate the pain of carrying a heavy bag all the time, secure personal belongings in a more fashionable and organized manner, and go well with your look no matter how busy the day would be.

Some of the most famous microbags circulating the populace include releases from Christian Louboutin (Sweet Charity Spikes Bag), Chloe (Mini Suede Shoulder Bag), Diane von Furstenberg (440 Micromini Bag), Dolce and Gabbana (Jeans Dauphine Shoulder Bag), Fendi (Micro Monster Baguette, Micro Peekaboo Bag), Furla (Candy Bon Bon Mini Bag), Moschino (Mini Quilted Backpack), Mulberry (Mini Lily Bag), Yves Saint Laurent (Mini Cassandre Crossbody Bag) and many others.

http://laurenceourac.com/keeping-it-light-and-handy-with-microbags/