MaxMara – An Instant Style Update

Latest MaxMara campaign

The House of MaxMara’s latest advertisment found in the UK edition of Elle. Matthias Vriens capture of Colette Pechekhonova is gorgeous, profound and simple. The use of greys, subtle pinks and browns make a very complete and individual picture. The focus of my attention immediately was drawn to the new MaxMara “trainer ankle boot”. A bold and innovative design fusing the high-heel with that classic Converse sneaker style we all love.

To many, the shoes may seem impractical or ugly, but to those who want to step away from the masses, they are a god send. Worn with a pair of straight legged slim-fitted Levis and a plain white t-shirt, these shoes will most certainly walk the walk. Also, note the use of sunglasses adding sophistication to a look fit for most occasions. I deem the new trainer ankle boot from MaxMara as a serious must have for this year, local Topshop and H&M stores will definitely be hot on the trails of the design, so keep your eyes peeled for cheaper alternatives.

- George Harman

Viktor and Rolf Au-Wi 10/11

Paris' Fashion Week

V&R were very busy at the beginning of the year for Paris’ Fashion week, the same line will most probably be on show at tonight’s Men’s catwalks for LFW. I thought I’d pick a couple of my favourites to share. Through Viktor and Rolf Autumn/Winter range, it is evident an amount of comfort along with style is kicking in. The line offered a range of monotones accompanied by straight cuts. The blazer featured prominently, as did the matching brogues all in all creating an inviting appearance neither too formal nor too casual. A great fuse of old and new, colour and monotones and basic cool.

V&R are a haute-couture brand with serious reputation and artistic integrity. Both attributes are highly sought after in the world of fashion, however, this is unfortunately marked with humongous price tags…so, keep checking your local Massimo Dutti and Zara highstreet stores if you wish to attain this suave, winter look for an affordable price. No doubt the store’s buyers will take a little while to catch up with V&R etc, but keep your eyes pealed for bargains.

What bloke doesn’t want to look this good?

- George Harman

Must write!

Autumn-Winter 10/11

I was going to just conclude the whole of the LFW on Wednesday but I could not hold it in, sorry but wow! Delicious dresses from Mary Katrantzou. Lovely flowing design accompanied by wildly varied style and colour make the Greek designer’s new collection a gorgeous treat. Above are six of my favourite but please feel free to use the link provided below to investigate further. Katrantzou’s previous work had used an excess of kaleidoscope colours to offer a different pattern and look, here, she connotes a vibrant take on majestic military whilst capturing the spirit of true Rococo design. It is clear the designer has developed her use of colour and shape into a very individual outcome, stretching across lace, brocades and ribbon in order to gain this effect.

Well done Mary Katrantzou, stella stuff.

- George Harman

Link:

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_catwalk.aspx?designerid=939&seasonid=19

Survive the Fashion Battlefield

Vogue US March '10

Fashion is an ever-changing material cosmos of colour, shape, trend and style. At the forefront of fashion’s constant changes are the prestigious fashion weeks held across the globe annually and this week, its London’s time to shine. However, prior to my coverage of the fabulous London Fashion Week, I wanted to present a little shorter update on a stunning and different editorial from Vogue US’ March edition.

The shoot is heavily inspired by James Cameron’s 3D epic “Avatar” and first impressions would suggest the inspiration an odd choice, however, the dresses used are truly magnificent in design and define this years’ new wardrobe. Set in a murky, mythic jungle, the set designers have coordinated the use of neutral colours to really emphasize the vibrant garments. McQueen, Balenciaga, Gucci and more all depict a surreal beauty applicable to everyday wear. Unlike Lancome’s Daria Werbowy (above), most of you ladies will not have the chance to strut around an Amazonian catwalk, so take notes from this fantastic edit, dig out your gladiator heels and hit the stores in search of a dress built for comfort and colour, it’s the perfect sunny, summer get-up!

As I flicked past each of David Sims’ photographs, I realised his ability to make normal monochrome combinations look energetic. In no way are the colours used overtly vibrant but the subtlety of their use is perfection, when worn in this manner, the garments reach their full potential. Beautiful short dresses, flowing with loose panels marked with bright greens, pinks, whites and most importantly the faint use of black. Belts have recently made a massive resurgence as “thee” finishing accessory. Mostly always used to break top from bottom, yet in these pictures, notice how the use of darker colours have been used for the same purpose, a bold action which should be used more often by the public. Ignore constant bombardments from your favourite high-street fashion outlets, and use colour to your advantage.

Think classy and fun, bright but restrained, with these trends in mind, you want to big statements with little effort. The streets are a battle for beauty and remember sometimes less is much more.

- George Harman