My guest blogger this week is William Clark who will discuss some of his choices for this fall’s fashion lineup accompanied by a historical reference of fashion falls gone by. And this being a small business blog, the last designer is just that.
William is the founder of JETTSTYLE, his consulting business where he has worked with Reese Witherspoon, Pauletta Washington, Benny Medina, and Renee Zellwegger. He brings to JETTSTYLE a wealth of experience in every facet of fashion. No less impressive is the fact that he was selected to assist in the styling of a major shoot for a recent edition of Italian Vogue. His background includes working with Carrie Donovan at Vogue, Bill Cunningham at the New York Times, Jean Paul Gautier, Thierry Mugler, Comme des Garcons, Giorgio Armani while, at the same time, overseeing direction of the Emporio Line visually for the US, and Bottega Veneta. His red carpet clients in addition to those mentioned above, include Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Hilary Swank, Gwen Stefani, Mary J Blige and Salma Hayek.
It’s official: we’re diving into summer — let’s talk about my favorite ready to wear collections of the season.
We are first taken on a African safari with Sarah Burton of the house of Alexander McQueen who was obviously influenced by Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent’s African Queen collection from the 70’s . She used vibrant graphic prints and intricate textures in abundance. Her use of textiles was so beautifully executed by making feathers and beads to appear to be checkered tweed. The crocodile and gold harnesses worn over graphic printed kilts then gave it a medieval twist.
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Miuccia Prada over at the house of Miu Miu looked to the 60’s & 70’s through a naughty school girl’s rose’ colored glasses for inspiration. Her use of muted pastels such as pistachio, powder blue and neapolitan in beautiful childlike prints of parrots, foxes and angel fish could have easily been seen on supermodel Veruschka in the 70’s or today on the houses Oscar winning muse Lupita Nyong’o. Muiccia’s artisan approach to usage of textures like crochet, tortoiseshell, suede and python was perfection.
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While back home stateside Prabal Gurung presented a hyper colored and floral splashed collection out of the 50’s with a ultra modern twist. These vibrant colors lined dramatic evening coats in metallics giving them edge. Between binding the waists of dresses and pants with clear pvc belts and the ultra sexy shoes there was a slightly erotic vibe to his collection and I liked it 😉
Next on to design duo Badgley Mischka. We’ve been invited to a party thrown by the Great Gatsby on one of his opulent yachts. The color palette is muted pastels and the theme of coarse is nautical. There are chic touches of the 20’s & 30’s in pleated chiffon palazzo pants, fringed bugle beaded dresses, bucket hats and the girls wore marcel waves in they’re hair.
Our last destination (a small business fashion house) is Ancient Egypt where there is new Queen on the throne and she is The Serpent Queen from the House of Rubin Singer. For s/s 2014 this rising star couturier is giving elements of the ancient and regal culture with a ultra modern approach. He uses embellishments in his embroidery such as bugle beads, chains and swarovski crystals. He sculpts and drapes the female form in combinations like silk brocade, chiffon, python, and metallic leather embossed with hieroglyphics from the tomb of Queen Nefertiti. His Serpent Queen is a dangerous temptress that knows she can seduce with her dark beauty.
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Sandra Holtzman teaches CEO 035: Licensing.
She is the author of Lies Startups Tell Themselves to Avoid Marketing.