Kanye NYFW Debut

With his approaching collaboration album "Watch The Throne" with Jay-Z, you would think Kanye would be busy with PR runs. NOPE. Today, Grazia Daily gives us the exclusive deets on the NYFW debut of Mr. West. When I tell you that I'm excited, that is an understatement. I'm EXTREMELY excited for this Womenswear line, that is just going to be amazing. With help from Fashion designer Louise Goldin, and Central St. Martins professor Louise Wilson, he is definitely consulting with some of the best. I'm sure his fashion friends from Celine, Marc Jacobs, etc will be giving him a lot of help as well.

Let's see if he can conquer the Fashion world as well?

Source

Justin Alvis

Lanvin Resort 2011

Alber Elbaz is an absolute genius. You know a Lanvin garment when you see it, because it has such elegance and power. With his Resort 2012 collection, it doesn't surprise me that the garments are so beautiful it would be hard to take them on vacation, and actually (yes I'm going to say it) wear them. It took all of me not to just post the full collection, because I was a kid in a candy store looking at all of them and saving them to my computer. Instead, I've narrowed down some of my favorites to show you.

The Look: Metallic dresses, Turbans, drapery, mixed patterns, feathers, Uni-Shoulder, CHILDREN clothing

That boy is a MONSTER

Since the guy I'm talking about (Kanye West) is a monster, and Lady Gaga will make an appearance in this post, I thought the title was very appropriate.

From the looks of the photos, it seems as though everyone had an amazing time at CFDA 2011. Everyone got glammed up and put on their finest clothing for the event, and everyone looked gorgeous. Out of the numerous twitpics, and different press pictures from the event, I've picked some of my favorite photo op's and looks. Don't worry, I've already made Lady Gaga my background picture.

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler

Menswear Designer of the Year
Michael Bastian

Accessory Designer of the Year
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Prabal Gurung

Swarovski Award for Menswear
Robert Geller

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Eddie Borgo

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
Marc Jacobs

International Award
Phoebe Philo for Celine

The Media Award, given in honor of Eugenia Sheppard
Hilary Alexander, The Telegraph

The Founder's Award, given in honor of CFDA Founder Eleanor Lambert
Hal Rubenstein, InStyle

Fashion Icon Award
Lady Gaga

Desert Hot Color

TAEJAHN TAYLOR FOR GQ ESPAÑA
PHOTOGRAPHER: SERGI PONS
STYLIST: MIGUEL ARNAU

It's pretty evident that I'm becoming more and more obsessed with Color Blocking. At first I wasn't really a fan; however, it's a trend that is growing on me very rapidly, and I've even tried it on my own.

Hat: H&M Shirt: H&M Shorts: J.Crew
I did a blue and yellow combination because I love the combination on anything. I put a brown braided belt and the straw hat to tone it down because I'm not ready for a bold color block yet. I have more work to do.

Color Blocking is fairly easy if you know what you're doing. My suggestion is to start out with colors that make you most comfortable, and for most that is blacks and whites. Try a black V-Neck with a white short with a black shoe. Once you get the gist of it, you can come into this summer with more daring pairs such as:

• Yellow and Red
• White and Blue 
• Navy and Black (LOVE)
• Pink and Purple

Of course these are just a few ideas, and ultimately it's what you're most comfortable in. If you decide to do this and follow me on Twitter (@JustinAlvis) or friends with me on FB (Justin Alvis) make sure you take pictures and show me! I'm excited to see what you come up with.


Justin Alvis

Swimsuit chic

CREDITS:
Contributing Editor
Photographed by Hans Neumann
Fashion Editor: Grace Koo
Model: Merethe Hopland at Marilyn Models
Hair: Andre Gunn at The Wall Group
Make-up: Stevie Huynh at The Wall Group
Set designer: Jessica Ennis
Manicurist: Shamina J. Di Mauro
Photo assistants: Alain Aguilar and Ruben Rodas
Fashion assistant: Rayna Basta
Hair stylist assistant: Gabby Langone
Set assistant: Veronika Ossi
Props provided by Pearl River

I really have no words. This is the exact type of style I'm into. Punk Rock Glam. I'm about to start my work on a swimsuit guide for the summer though.




Justin Alvis

Theirry EATS. (Theirry Mugler Fall 2011 Collection)

I was a fan of Theirry Mugler pre-Formichetti and one thing I have noticed is that once he took over the brand remained consistent with their innovative, Avant-Garde collections. All of Mugler's work is something that you know you will be ridiculed for wearing, but it's so gorgeous you do not care at all. Their Fall 2011 collection, gave everything it had to offer. Nicola Formichetti (Lady Gaga's stylist) took over and made the show production amazing, and even had Gaga, the monter queen herself make an appearance. Below is a video with a few of my favorite looks from the collection.

The Look: Black everything! Black leather paired with black sheer. Black leopard sheer with black tights. Something you wouldn't wear going to the grocery store (or maybe)? Exxagerated shoulders and GORGEOUS stilts shoes. Sheer tops with plunging necklines paired with long hemlines on skirts. Beautiful with an edgy touch on the dresses. Overall, fabulous and much appreciated in the Fashion World.

Rihanna slaying the Vogue cover

America's favorite bad ass, Rihanna, slays the cover of Vogue for the April issue. I'm not really a intense vogue reader, but this one will definitely be in my magazine stock. I'm absoultely in love with whoever was in charge of hair, because her hair is changed numerous times and all times look amazing. I'm not sure which red look I like of her yet.

Justin Alvis

Lanvin Spring 2011.

While doing my regular monthly reading of American Elle, I came across the Lanvin editorial for their Spring 2011 Collection. This spread is absolutely amazing. Albert gave us a fierce cat fight, in amazing clothes, in a well furnished house, with beautiful women. It's eye catching yet sexy, which is absolutely nescary to catch us Fashion people attention.

Does this or does this not remind you of a Dynasty catfight.




Justin Alvis

Jordan Dunn does Burberry

I'm not one to do crushes- I'm too old. But I have this silent obsession with Jordan Dunn. Dunn is actually, from Britain, and she is the first black model to do Burberry since Naomi Campbell 10 years ago (whom I love as well). Burberry-being my favorite designer and all- has outdone themselves with this beautiful spread for their S/S 11 collection.

Justin Alvis

Matthew Anderson

We all have dreams right? "I want to be a lawyer" "I want to be a doctor" "I want to be a marine biologist". Well, what about saying "When I grow up, I want to be a fashion stylist!". How does that sound? Meet Matthew Anderson, the fashion stylist. Growing up in St. Louis MO, he figured out that Fashion was his calling and started working towards it. After going to college, he moved to Atlanta and stormed the fashion scene, making valuable connections and doing jobs that he dreamed of. Now, he is in NYC and every day he is working on Matthew Anderson-the stylist and brand.

Of course I had to talk to talk to him because he's very creative and his resume is growing by the day. Click on to view the interview and some of his work. (Also VERY good tip for those wanting to break into this part of the vast fashion world. 

J'adore Dior

Cliche- an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect, rendering it a stereotype, especially when at some earlier time it was considered meaningful or novel.

J'adore Dior is a term that has been used for a long time now. If you do not know what or who Dior is, you need not want to be in the fashion industry. Christian Dior is a French fashion label founded by Christian Dior in 1946. His signature is using an abundance of beautiful fabrics to make designs that-dare I say- cover the legs. He is one of the few Fashion houses that produces a Haute Couture line. Here's his latest S/S 11 Haute Couture collection:








I have coined the phrase "J'adore Dior" and as much as I despise cliches-especially "Passion For Fashion"-this one I hold true to me because it is true.Majority of the people who use the term "J'adore Dior" know nothing about the history of the fashion house itself, but such is life. Jonh Galliano-now the designer for Dior after replacing Gianfrannco Ferre in 1996- has this way of creating whimsical designs and even racy ones. His shows are always a delight to watch and one day I even hope of attending one.
Justin Alvis

Stephane Rolland

Put your coffee down. I have a designer to show you guys. You all know Stephane Rolland, right? If not, he's the man behind gorgeous Haute Couture dresses and his own prêt-à-porter (Ready To Wear) line. He was previously the creative director for Balenciaga. He left them and after his first year of existence, his clothes were in 80 boutiques. Yes, he's a hustler and designing was obviously his calling. Respect.  Here is a few looks from his recent SS/11 Haute Couture line.

Justin Alvis

Shoe-icide

Jeffrey Campbell Ferme Brown Suede Architectural Ankle Boots

"When does art become wearable and when do shoes become sculpture? The answer is the Jeffrey Campbell Ferme Brown Suede Architectural Ankle Boots. Put yourself and your feet on a wooden pedestal with a dark chocolate suede, round toe ankle boot. A 5" back zipper will get you in and out of the 9" around shaft. Suede heel is 3.25" resting majestically on the triple stacked wooden 1.5" platform with rubber out-sole. Cushioned insole with handmade Havana last. Available in whole sizes only. Leather Upper. Balance quality man made materials."

Can I get a window seat?

Since I have this odd obsession with Chanel, I feel obligated to post this. Here is Karl's new short movie titled "Window World". The mannequins are actually real (just saying). Let's take a second to admire not only the GORGEOUS clothing, but the amazing facial structure of those gorgeous models. They're so disciplined (another thing aspiring models have to acquire). Karl, I don't really understand it, but you are a mystery yourself so I Love IT. All I want to know is, can I get a window seat?



P.S: So are these male models modeling MENS clothing from Chanel? Stay tuned.

Phillip Lim CNN Talk Asia from 3.1PhillipLim on Vimeo.

"It was so difficult to actualize the fact that you can take pen to paper and sketch something"

Get into this inspiration. Making 60 million and under [40]. This is reiterating once again what I said in previous posts, "You have to start young". RUN DON'T WALK. LOVE me some Phillip LIM.

If you can't wear the jeans, get the bag.

What: Computer Bag MacBook 15" Indigo
How much: $69
Details: Lap top case made in a dry Italian denim. It features an orange jeans pocket embroider and a Nudie Jeans Co tab on the flap. The inside is lined with a very orange fabric. 100% cotton. Made in Italy.

Buy here

Perfect [belated] christmas present.

Know what you wear: The North Face

Around Cleveland, there has been a sudden BOOM in the purchase of North Face jackets. Although North Face is an EXCELLENT winter jacket, majority is buying these jackets for the hype, and completely ignorant to the history behind these jackets.

The North Face, Inc. is an outdoor product company specializing in outerwear, fleece, footwear, and equipment such as backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. The clothing and equipment lines are catered towards wilderness chic, climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and endurance athletes. The company sponsors professional athletes from the worlds of running, climbing, skiing and snowboarding including David Carrier Porcheron and Johan Olofsson. - Via Wikipedia 

Click for History and some of my choices!

Designers you should know: Tom Ford

Who in here loves structured suits? *Raises hand* What about American traditions with a twist? *waving hand* Well then I introduce to you Tom Ford.

 "And he’d rather people didn’t “Tom” him anymore. At 49, he lets it be known he prefers “Mr. Ford.” -Sarah Mower (Article w/ Vogue)

Tom Ford is an American designer that knows what us "commercial" (so we've been told) Americans love! His speciality is structured mens suits. He also is a movie director, owning a film production company called "FADE TO BLACK". 

Click for early life and some of his work.

Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2011: Vogue to Finance Daily.

In the state of the economy today. Men and Women are looking for clothing that are functional yet stylish. I understand that designers are supposed to make their own twist on all of their items, but they have to make sure they will make a profit of it. Phillip Lim is the perfect example of a guy who knows how to make one piece practical for a Vogue intern and a Banker on Wall St. His Pre-Fall collection exudes practical wear yet it has that Phillip Lim edge on it that you can only tell if you've seen about three of his collections. Take a look at the Pre-Fall collection.

 The Look: Simple pieces renovated by Lim to make still practical but very much worth your money. Belted grey furs with pants more structured than the human body itself. The booties are amazing and I'm sure those are going to sell out really fast. The dresses are simple and body conscious  but simple things like the tassels, trademark the Lim design. Overall, this look can be worn by all types of women which is something Fashion today is lacking.

Simple[BOLD]

This red dress is from Caroline Herrera's Pre-Fall 2011 collection and is my favorite piece from the collection. I know, the first thing that comes to your mind is "Why would he pick such a boring dress out of her amazing pieces". Well, as you know I'm a minimalist. Less is sometimes more. This dress is so plain but when you see someone walk into the room with it it exudes this certain aura of esteem and wealth. A woman could be a guest at the party, yet walk in and look as if she's the host. These are the type of dresses where the best accessory is YOU. Pull your hair back and very little make-up and you will still be the most beautiful woman there. I'll conclude with a quote from Coco Chanel

"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress."