Maximum Pretty

About 3 years ago when the Maxi-Dress came "into fashion," I spent at least an entire summer hating on them and anyone who wore one. The Maxi-Dresses I witnessed were trashy color-blocked or hawaiian printed tents made out of heavy polyester/jersey fabrics. Not to mention, the Maxi-Dress of 2008 was more of an expression of spoiled white celebrities tromping around the Bahamas and (quite inappropriately) the streets of L.A.  Do we remember this horror?

Well now in 2011, I take back my numerous rants about Maxi-Dresses. Don't get me wrong, I definitely will never support the terrors of 2008, but I have been shown an alternative. The Maxi-Dress has grown out of its junior stages and evolved into the garb of worldly, sophisticated, and free spirited women. Instead of thick jersey, we have lace and silk to grace our spring gait. The new Maxi-Dress can be very simple with basic necklines and a streamlined silhouette to slim the body and to slink with its curves. In addition to this simple style, we have seen a lot of fringe, tiers and lots of fine details on Maxi-Dresses. Ruffled hems, lace necklines, elegant sleeves, and delicate pleats make the Maxi-Dress a playful thing, reminiscent of the girly dress up days. Somehow, all of these additions take away from the bulk of the dress, giving the length of fabric more flow and texture for the eye to enjoy. The trend applies to Maxi-skirts too by the way!! In fact....I might like the skirts even more, they bring a very 70's vibe to the style.

Some of my favorites:
1: Anna Sui (I know, I'm obsessed)
2: Free People (This dress reminds me a lot of an old Chinese gown my grandmother wore when she was a wealthy woman newly immigrated from China. It is good to see more cultural influences and ancient values in modern fashion!)
3: Michael Kors (this is actually made of polyester, guess I'm biting my tongue again!)

 

Fashion Week SS 2011

Hello again my readers!! It's been a long time, I know. I just can't seem to get all the ideas in my head formed into simple subjects to write about! That, and I have been spending inordinate amounts of time in my new Design classes....learning such useful skills like patternmaking, crocheting, basket weaving, and much more! The Fashion industry gets more and more interesting every day I learn something new about it...which is why I was hunting through the new Spring collections when I stumbled upon Anna Sui.

Now, there are a number of absolutely fantastic collections which showed at the recent fashion weeks (London, Paris, New York, Milan), and as usual every designer has pulled out all the stops for what is really the best season of the year; Spring. If you would like some suggestions, check out Missoni with his colorful prints, Marc Jacobs' wonderful colors and draped gowns, and Holly Fulton with her cool graphic prints and sleek simple lines. Also, check back here when we get closer to spring!! I have begun to collect some of the up and coming trends of Spring/Summer 2011, and let me tell you, they are getting good! I think it's going to be a great warm season for fashion!!

With all of the pressure and glamour on the events of fashion week, every show is bound to go above and beyond in their extravagant displays. However, despite how big or how strange the show, few designers actually hit a great theme in their garments. Anna Sui is this year's greatest exception; her collection is cohesive and clearly thought out. She brings the attitude of the 70's and the glam of the 21st Century together into a harmonious collection that I personally would LOVE to own.

Anna Sui's collection features a lot of floral prints, floral lace, patterned knits, soft silhouettes, and a lot of embellishing. I think maybe she made this collection just for me. The knits are interesting with vivid colors and new shapes (the vest/cardigans with long trailing ends are adorable) and are glammed up with the presence of crocheted lace. This particular aspect of Sui's collection is key, it adds an element of homeliness yet the peek-a-boo lace flowers give a girlish aspect of pretty to the garments. Sui uses knits and leather to give a Western feel to the collection, yet she adds these girly features such as lace, beading, and flowing silky fabric, combining the two elements in a way that is refreshing and extremely intriguing. I could stare at one of the fashion show outfits for at least an hour! The detailing is impeccable, especially on her beaded dresses and her ruffled hems. Sui's new collection has attitude and a sense of nature, allowing the down to earth girl to dress for a sunny day or a sizzling night. Oh and how could I forget the accessories!?? The beaded and feathered necklaces add texture and play to Sui's garments. And the shoes......the boots, sandals and clogs are to die for!

Please check out Anna Sui's Spring 2011 Collection and enjoy! Oh, and please buy me something?