The Blonde Journal

Scroll to Info & Navigation

‹ ›
  • Oscar de la Renta
  • New York Fashion Week Fall 2012

Oscar de la Renta is the king of femininity. Everything he does is for a woman, he makes her feel beautiful and strong. He has dedicated his life to this and has remained timeless in the process. The way he has managed to stay on top and relevant for all of these years is completely inspiring. He consistently creates garments that are not only classic and ladylike but fresh and new. His campaigns always feature the best of the up and coming models and has embraced the online world like no other designer of his stature. With the efforts of the OscarPRGirl “brand” he has emerged on all major social networking and media websites and gained an unprecedented following. By streaming his runway shows each season live via the internet he has managed to draw in an entirely new audience and made fashion something that anyone can access and appreciate.  A man for all seasons, ages and times - Oscar de la Renta is at the top of his gain and is showing no sign of slowing down. 

Now that I have completely gushed about the designer lets have a look at this seasons collection. Setting the base for the runway show the models had their hair swept up and combed back into faux bobs and kept neat with jewel encrusted ribbons. Dewey fresh skin and youthful pink cheeks offset the white and black fishnets that each and every model wore. The most adorably girlie shades of bubble gum pink, cotton candy blue and the best greens (because Oscar really does the best greens as noted time and time again) were featured on most garments while black pieces featured luxurious jewel toned printed on gems. Each piece felt distinctly fairytale like and was accessorized by either an exquisite cocktail ring, delicate yet bold necklace or statement earrings. Chunky beading featuring bits of lace and pearls were clustered on jackets and 60s inspired sophisticated dresses. One thing that should definitely be noted is that the smiles on most of the models faces showed just how much they were enjoying themselves, evidently another effect of working with Oscar.

‹ ›
  • Preen
  • New York Fashion Week Fall 2012

I was introduced to Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi’s designs for their label Preen last February when I attended their Fall 2011 show. It was pretty much love at first sight. Each garment was classy and featured a pattern and hue more lovely than the next. The same can be said for this seasons collection. Hair was lazily swept up with ease and somehow managed to look perfect while makeup was fresh and dewy. In what seemed more like a spring show plenty of white, fresh green and orange can be found towards the beginning of the collection. Soon enough shades of tan, camel and brown make an appearance as well as elegant hues of blue. Lastly, towards the end we see lots of black with fine details emerging in the form of lace, sheer and glittery embellishments. 

The duo was inspired by english author Beatrix Potter’s botanical illustrations which greatly explains the fresh grass green, carrot oranges, florals and butterfly prints that are colour blocked. The rest is all very reminiscent of the english countryside where they both call home. To me the fact that this does not seem much like a fall collection at all is a little odd but when the pieces are this lovely who cares what time of year they are for?

‹ ›
  • Derek Lam
  • New York Fashion Week Fall 2012

A lot of leather detailing could be found on the sleeves and trim of many of the pieces and in the form of vests and skirts which gave a rougher edge to the delicate winter white fabrics and proper ladylike collars. Shift dresses in youthful delicate floral patterns and pea coats gave a distinct nod to the 50s and 60s showing a retro yet modern woman. Having seen it featured in many collections deep red hues have become a clear color trend emerging for next fall and I must say as a blonde I am very happy about that. Another trend that has been seen thus far during this season’s shows were slouchy loose fitting trousers. The show was rounded out with some ultra chic, simple monochrome drop waisted dresses with floor dusting skirts made of light sheer fabrics. Overall the collection was a bit sporty yet feminine and very wearable.

One thing I was not a fan of? Many of the model’s hair fell flat giving more of a “greasy rolled out of bed” look which complimented the “I forgot to wash my face” makeup.

‹ ›
  • Christian Siriano
  • New York Fashion Week Fall 2012

Ever since first noticing his lovely dresses during the fall 2011 season I have fallen in love with the Project Runway designer. Siriano brings us his flirty, ultra feminine horror film inspired collection. Yes, that is right, horror films. In yet another collection this season we see deep red hues and a dark feeling to the garments. The makeup was simple and featured a dark lip while the hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. The designs themselves were romantic with cinched waists and elegant sheer sleeves. Juxtaposed there was plenty of leather in the form of tight black skirts and motorcycle jackets. Lastly we see Siriano’s take on the ever trendy cape; anything but vampire like they were either fluffy and sheer or silk.

So now let us take a moment to appreciate some lovely dresses. 

‹ ›
  • Alexander Wang
  • New York Fashion Week Fall 2012

Great concept, great cast of models, and so much black. Alexander Wang’s fall 2012 collection was one after my own heart. Gisele, Natasha, Abbey Lee, Karmen, Kasia and Karolina were among the familiar faces that strutted down the runway yesterday in what I think will end up being one of my favourite shows of the season. 

After a season full of life and prints Wang paired down and went back to the monochromatic, sporty aesthetic that he became known for. The only colours that emerged this season were black, white and deep red hues.  The bulk of the collection was comprised of structured, leather, military inspired garments that boasted very few embellishments. Knits, wools, tweeds and suedes were plasticized while chiffon draping and silk fringes added a feminine flapper touch. Looks were pulled together with netting covering the models lower faces, fish netted feet in delicate pumps and knee high boots.

One thing I do not think I can get on board with? Elbow gloves.