ALEXANDER BERARDI SPRING COLLECTION

Born in the Upper East Side of New York, 24 year old Alexander Berardi is an up and coming designer who debuted his first collection during New York Fashion Week in 2009.  His latest Spring 2011 collection caught my eye with a mix of pretty silk chiffon, tiered dresses, draped scarf blouses, polka dots, and fluttery floral prints. Berardi may be a newbie, but I am definitely gonna be on the lookout for his next collection-check out a few of my favorites!   

                                                               All Image Source: google.com

WEDDING CRASHERS

All the single ladies, put a ring on it!

Many wedding announcements are made this year in Hollywood, and in the Royal family. Celebrities are getting married in a beautiful bridal gown this year, and, off course, the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Kate's Alexander McQueen gown was breath-taking.

There are more and more different silhouettes, styles, colors, and length in many Bridal Collections. For example, Anthropologie launched their bridal collection called BHLDN on this Valentine's Day. The price is friendly and they also sell bridal shoes, bouquet, decors, accessories, and more to come. 

For a higher taste in quality, Vera Wang has been doubtlessly successful in her Bridal Collection. 

Dreams are coming true and happily ever afters are being witnessed through the stunning gown on the bride.  

http://www.toast-events.com/blog/?currentPage=3

Anthropologie launches their bridal collection BHLDN

 

 http://www.hinydesign.com/blog/?p=806

BHLDN

 

 http://i-weddingdresses.com/allure-bridals-wedding-dresses-iii/

 

 http://sewmanstore.com/wordpress/?p=2180

Italian Designer, Alberta Ferretti's Bridal S/S 2011

 

http://pennylifeinpics.blogspot.com/2010/08/campaigns-vera-wang-fw-20102011-anna-de.html

Vera Wang Bridal Collection

 

 http://maggielovecreations.blogspot.com/

Vera Wang Bridal Collection

 

 http://gossip-girl-glamour.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

Leighton Meester for Vera Wang's new fragrance, Lovestruck.

UP AND COMING DESIGNER: MARY CATHERINE MOODY

Designers like Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, and Marc Jacobs are debuting their collections for Fall 2011 right now at New York Fashion Week. Some of these designers are seasoned pros and have been doing it successfully for years. Others are just starting out in the professional design world. Mary Catherine Moody, one half of the creative genius behind the brand new fashion label, Aman Stovall, recently showcased the collection that she and design partner, Brent Johnson, spent 6 months designing. Mary, a 2010 graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in Apparel Design, has already earned a name for herself in the industry for her impeccable embellishment techniques, good photography, and computer graphic skills . During college, she created a collection that won her first place for fashion achievement at her university, and interned in New York for the prestigious designer Lela Rose. It's no surprise that upon graduating, she went straight to work creating her own luxury label, taking inspiration from her role models: Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta. Here is a peek at the new collection as well as some behind-the-scenes images from the process behind the label's creation.

And here is the lovely duo. Follow them here as they document their journey to becoming successful women's wear designers. Also, for up-to-date news on fashion week, click here.

Image Sources: AmanStovall, MaryCatherineMoody

SPRING TRENDS

With Paris Fashion Week taking place right now, it's no doubt that fashion is in the air... at least it is for us here in the Textiles and Clothing Department. And with the sunny weather, it's hard to think about midterms when my mind is on spring trends, warm weather clothes, and a way for my skin to come out of hibernation and into the sunshine! Here I've rounded up some of my favorite weather-friendly fashion trends, as seen on the street and on the runway.

Mid-calf pleated skirts: Play around with textures, colors, and length.

Sheer, wispy layers: Take a cue from the sheer mix master herself, Fashiontoast's Rumi Neely, and keep things light- neutral colors and simple patterns.

Denim and leather: I love the juxtaposition of casual and edgy; it's an unexpected combination.


Mint green: this color was seen on nails all throughout summer and fall last year, and now the color is back, this time showing up on simple knits, as seen in Alexander Wang's Spring 2011 line, and some recent blogger outfit posts shown below.

Neutral colors: Simple neutral tones are back! Beige, gray, and white minimalist separates show up in Helmet Lang's Spring 2011 line.

Image Sources: LateAfternoon, SongofStyle, FashionToast, Lookbook, Vanessa Jackman, Trini, Fiction Living

HELLO, MIDRIFF! GOODBYE, BELLY BUTTON!

Remember the belly button? That thing on your stomach that sits there and is visible when your midriff is shown? According to the new styles that some designers are designing, the midriff is going into a bit of a hibernation. The Spring collections found everyone from the Mulleavy sisters at Rodarte to the Donatella Versace at Versace showing suggestive slices of toned midriffs. Unlike the bandeau and lingerie-inspired looks that have been done in the past, designers were very careful to expose just the right proportion of skin.

For Vena Cava's Sophia Buhai and Lisa Mayock, the key is keeping the belly button hidden. Apparently, they think that "showing the lower portion of your midriff is tacky, but the upper portion feels very chic, something Bette Davis would've done with high-waisted shorts and a printed bandeau." Goodbye, belly button!

Image Source: http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/11/the-exposed-midriff-innie-or-outie/

THE 70'S ARE BACK

I know the spring runway shows have just passed, but I thought I would mention a trend I love this fall. The 70's are back and I am loving it! I am excited to see trousers in neutral colors that are a throw back to the 70's era hitting around the true waist. Blouses and skirts flow around the body and provide a flattering silhouette. A silk blouse paired with a soft sweater and wide legged trousers is brought together great with a skinny belt at the waist. Chloe, Salvatore Ferragamo and Ralph Lauren all showcased modern spins on traditional 70's styles on their Fall 2010 runways. Affordable styles can also be found at retailers, such as, the Gap.

Ruffle Lip printed top

Courtesy of Gap.com

Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2010 RTW
Courtesy of Elle.com

Ralph Lauren Fall 2010 RTW
Courtesy of Elle.com

Chloe Fall 2010 RTW
Courtesy Elle.com