Can you whoop it?

Faking Fashion; Paris Fashion Week

Because with fashion shows on live stream, nowfashion.com, twitter and instagram

It’s basically the same as being there. Do people really even watch fashion shows any more, or just take pictures of them and put them on the internet? Not that I mind!

nowfashion.com I salute you. 

on on with it…

Paris Fashion Week Day 1

#PFW Totally in Paris

After a long week of not actually being in Milan I’ve now got Paris to deal with, what a stress!

Here’s my breakdown on what I [virtually] saw on this first day of Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2013. 

Photos above are in chronological order - starting with Veronique Branquinho, onto Cedric Charlier, then Anthony Vaccarello. A nice little trio for a first day [not] in Paris.

Day one didn’t look too intimidating with a nice afternoon start at Veronique Branquinho, her first collection in three years. Comeback show for the designer, I love a good comeback, so was interested to see what she had for us to feast our fashion eyes on. Codie Young opened the show in a nude pillar of a dress, drawing even more attention to her perfect shade of not-quite Orange but definitely Red hair, which I am totally jealous of. A collection of mostly neutrals and then at the end some strong striped, modish cruise-y looks that were very Parisian and chic. That’s Paris for you! A smart gold jacket and bracelets worn high up on the arms, even under sheer blouses were highlights. And weird earring cuff-things that were kind of confusing but also kind of really cool. 

Notable tweets from the show;

@wparisopera helped out with people watching “Spotted: Antwerp menswear designer Walter Van Bierendonck at the Veronique Branquinho show. Innerestin! #MADEfw #PFW”

@womensweardaily broke it down with a bit of color theory “For her first collection in three years, Veronique Branquinho stuck to a neutral palette of nude, black and white: wwd.us/UQWPIr #PFW” 

& @MilkStudios gave us this useful quote and, if you like, hashtag #queenofpleatedskirts “Milk Made - Designer Veronique Branquinho, AKA “the queen of pleated skirts”, joins MILK & MADE for #MADEfw at #PFW “

in summation @videofashion called the look “cool and confident” definetley apropos. 

Unfortunately no tweets about the strange ear cuffs. Someone will have to explain those later.

Insta-vision from the show thanks to the following; [photos left to right]

@amagcuratedby gave us a view of some of the striped looks ‘Nautical silhouettes with a vintage cruise attitude at #veroniquebranquinho SS13 #pfw’

got a closer look at Codie Young taking backstage beauty shots thanks to @lucilliachenel #model#codieyoung#veroniquebranquinho#backstage#parisfw

and a make-up artist’s point of view courtesy of @xoreds ‘making polish’ #veroniquebrandquinho #paris

Then off to Cedric Charlier. First thought about this show, painted on legwarmers! Legwarmer-ish things painted onto each girl, very chic. While perhaps not practical when attempting to warm your legs, definitely a good look - at least for the show. Continuing with the whole painted on thing the makeup was all sorts of brush-stroked. Artisanal-tribal. The show started off with some strong white looks. Completely want the statement white jackets with all the zips and a kind of mesh laser-cut slash argyle white jumper type thing from the beginning. Brush-strokes re-manifested themselves in a neat print. Show really showed off Charlier’s design chops- expert tailoring in the more structured pieces and draping in the dresses. A wispy black knee length dress with some sheer going on was a favorite; perhaps the perfect chic Parisian cocktail dress. French-swedish model Sigrid Agren opened and closed the show, a seasoned veteran on the runway - ooh la la, it really is Paris!

Some notable tweets;

@ElisaNalin of Grazia Italia called the collection ‘New Ethnic’ and started a #paintedlegs hashtag. 

Chic online shop @lagarconne said of the collection “Cedric goes #tribal and we’re loving every minute of it #CedricCharlier #ParisFashionWeek #SS13”

I loved every minute of it too! Virtually!

& the instagram view [images left to right]

@stylesight gave us a shot of a model in this manic makeup off-duty ‘You know it’s Paris fashion week when you see models made up like this on the streets #pfw #cedriccharlier’

a look at the golden invite thanks to @ellebelgiquefw 

& @amagcuratedby curated a runway shot ‘Silk blouses and palazzo pants and viscose crepes are incredibly fluid at #cedriccharlier #pfw @RMOComms’

Next, on to Anthony Vaccarello. A relatively new designer, but for this collection he really pulled out all the stops, was looking forward to this show all day. Anja Rubik opened, [talk about a veteran!] and the rest of his cast of characters was populated by major names along the lines Arizona Muse, Cara Delevingne, and Karlie Kloss. The designer is know for his sexy silhouettes and definitely lived up to his name, however the closing look [on Anja] did not reveal as much hipbone as the gown by the designer she wore to the Met Ball. The collection still had enough va-va-voom to go around but standout pieces were the more reserved looks, button up shirts with metallic hardware, strong jackets and pants. Ok, there were also a bunch of really slinky wonderful dresses that were perfectly draped and meticulously tailored, the amazing structure was actually to die for but the pants and jackets were quite nice! Models had a certain swagger in their step and played with their perfectly unkempt hair on the runway. Cara Delevingne was giving some serious attitude as per usual. Instagram was a-buzz pre show with news that Estee Lauder face Arizona Muse was making her SS 13 runway debut, Style.com and Elle France were the first to insta-report, and agency Next Models showed her some insta-love as well. 

The twitter-verse showed support for the strong show;

@stylehaus called the collection “Sexy-cool”

@EricWilsonNYT Spoke on the subject of Anja Rubik’s sexiness “Anja Rubik in the opening look of Anthony Vaccarello. Now I know why the French call a tux “le smoking.” She is.”

Theophilus London also squeezed a word in edgewise r.e. Anja with a tweet and instagram “@TheophilusL: Anja Rubik at the Anthony Vaccarello Paris show. #wifey”

this ‘#wifey’ hash-tag is kind of important #LOVE

Instagram peanut gallery [photos left to right]– major #thanks to all who were actually in Paris for sharing your photos.

@montaignemarket provided a finale shot ‘Anthony Vaccarello Fashion Show amazing #montaignemarket #montaignemarketstore #anthonyvaccarello #fashionshow’

@mimirabbat took a backstage snap of french model Constance Jablonski ‘The look - Constance J #anthonyvaccarello #PFW’

& @nogravityleft snapped Cara mid-swagger ‘The absolutely gorgeous @caradelevingne strutting down the catwalk @Anthony_vaccarello earlier. #PFW #Fashion #AnthonyVaccarello’

As that show ended and the fashion-flock saw their schedules were empty for the evening, they likely retreated to their rented Parisian apartments or hotels to relax before the busy day ahead tomorrow. Or they were invited to some party that I wasn’t invited to and have no clue about. Anyway, that was all I could handle on this first day of #PFW, intimidating schedule ahead for tomorrow. Highlights including Dries, Rochas and Mugler. Aka I’ll be swamped with insta-stalking Day 2. All in all, today was a solid start for Paris – love a day of comebacks and emerging designers.

But tomorrow, seriously… cannot wait. #dries

[Shameless-promotion time] follow me on twit @canyouwhoopit for updates tomorrow from the non-actual #PFW trenches. tweet tweet. #paintedlegs #wifey #dries

Faking Fashion - Paris Fashion Week: DRIES VAN NOTEN

A virtual view of what’s going on in the world of Paris Fashion Week. Thanks to nowfashion.com, style.com’s incredibly diligent dedication to posting photos online asap, twitter, and instagram it’s basically the same as being there. Today #PFW attendees were treated to a ’90s Nirvana Dream’ from @Driesvannoten cc: @wmag & @prconsutling. 

Dries Van Noten’s popularity is not a secret, a masterful oriental-inspired fall frenzy left anticipation for the designers Spring Summer 2013 collection at an all time high.

The belgian designer is know for his cerebral knack for crafting clothes, and

what was presented for Spring 2013 did not disappoint. 1990s nostalgists gripped

onto the grunge feeling brought about by Van Noten’s gloomy madras and

cafard florals on sheer fabrics. Grown out roots and rouge-ish lips hinted to

90s grunge icon Courtney Love’s style as white Kurt Cobain frames, oversized knits and layering glamoured

the eyes of fashion fans. However, this wasn’t an overtly obvious grunge collection,

the plaids could be prep, the florals could be romantic, overall each piece

seemed incredibly wearable and changeable, and after all, isn’t that what fashion is

about? The looks would be perfectly at home in either a Corinne Day circa 1994 shoot for The Face or on a chic woman out and about in the streets of Paris.

Van Noten counted the languid dusty paintings of artist Lucian Freud as inspiration

employing matching washed-out colors in his palette, transitioning from dark deep navy and red to muddled yellows, and blue greys. Freud’s surreal dreamlike style and the influence of post-punk genres were visible and played into the melancholy masculine feminine tone. 

Again this was a stellar collection from the Belgian designer - the sentimental

motif tugged at fashion heartstrings while still looking as if it could be worn

directly off the runway, Dries Van Noten devotees and new converts will likely be more than pleased.

What the style set said on twitter…

@womensweardaily: Dries Van Noten took concepts of punk/grunge to a grown-up, elegant place: wwd.us/S81KQw #PFW

@latimesimage: Paris Fashion Week 2013: Dries Van Noten goes grunge flpbd.it/z6KSd

@iheart_DC Sheer plaid shirt and shoes from #Dries Van Noten S/S 13 show is already on my must-haves list for next year!

@fashionisticL Congrats, @DriesVanNoten, you did it again! nowfashion.com/26-09-2012-dri… @NOWFASHION #proudtobeabelgian #ParisFashionWeek

@vensette Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love grunge-inspired beauty at Dries Van Noten… 

@meenalmistry Dries Van Noten had best soundtrack so far: Amy Winehouse ‘Back to Black’ cover by The Cribs, Breeders + Sonic Youth ‘Superstar’ cover #pfw

@joyannking Die for Dries, especially this plain on plaid

@wmag: Direct from #PFW, Dries Van Noten S/S 2013. This is the 90s Nirvana collection of our dreams

& what the designer is saying….

On the colors and inspiration -

“The colors are extremely faded. It started from seeing an exhibition by Lucien Freud in London where there was one painting of a whole family sitting there in flowered dresses but completely in his colors.”

On the look - 

“Because there is quite a lot of masculine and slouchy elements, I wanted the shoes precise and very feminine: pumps, little mules or shoes with a gilded golden ball at the heel. Strong but sweet.”

NY Times via The International Herald Tribune

Instagram photos courtesy of @lucienneleung, @fideldaniel @allure_magazine @thelncc @ellefr & @resob

Lucien Freud paintings courtesy of Acquavella Gallery NYC

Faking Fashion - Insta-view of Balmain Spring / Summer 2013 - Paris Fashion Week

photos by by @montagniemarket, @leacolombo, @bizbuzzanelli, @karlitabizchoco, @ttjohnson, @sammcknight1 on #instagram. 

PARIS FASHION WEEK

INSTA-VISION Nina Ricci Spring 2013 - a selection of instagram pics from the show today in Paris. 

Photos, from Left, clockwise by @fashionologie, @halehnia, @lovingit_elle_laurasomoza, @modaoperandi, @sophiaguellaty, @fashionologie. 

FAKING FASHION - Lanvin Spring 2013 - Paris - Insta-vision and twitter-feed.

Paris is amazing. 

Also I am not there. However I have been getting the gist of it via social media sites.

Here’s a brief recap of Lanvin S/S 2013, just based off of what is on twitter and instagram. Haven’t seen the photos yet, but here’s what I’ve managed to compile

through these lovely instantaneous-sharing platforms. It’s just like being there, only being in a bunch of different people’s heads!

A quote, to get everyone in the mood for what’s to come.

‘In Alber Elbaz we trust’ - @beymentr on #instagram

Shoulders. Cowboy-boots. Tuxedo Jumpsuits. Bows. Fierce. Key terms

coming up on tracked tag for #lanvin and #pfw

@THELOVEMAGAZINE ’Suiting, stilettos and shoulder pads at a strong Lanvin’

@THELOVEMAGAZINE ’Lanvin Arpège bottles as minaudières at the Lanvin finale’

I like what Love is saying. Everyone was re-tweeting them so saw these like a million times. But I like how they put it, with everything very concise and Lanvin sounding. Minaudieres are kind of amazing as well. So — looking forward to that.

@ELLEUK ’Lanvin finale, fierce disco looks pfw’

Elle UK saw a chic parisian Studio 54 woman. Ok, I could get into that.

@glo__b ‘Gorgeous sleeveless tuxedo jumpsuit #lanvin’

Sleeveless tuxedo jumpsuit, well… don’t mind if I do!

Nina Garcia @ninagarcia spotted ‘Asian influences’ a la every single show this season and Dries last season but whatevs, glad to see Lanvin staying on trend!. She also saw ‘Boxy’ jackets. Love that term. This jacket, it’s so ‘boxy’. 

Starworks Group @starworksgroup was jazzed by the entire #PFW lineup today ‘Epic #PFW day. We really can’t decide which is our favorite- Balenciaga or Balmain or Ann D or Lanvin. #SWGNY’

@meenalmistry — who’s fashion week tweets I have been loving btw - mused ‘Variations on le smoking for days at Lanvin. Interesting timing for a YSL-centric statement. #pfw’

@juliachesky aka tumblr’s own blackberryvision ‘Macaroons and bubbly at Lanvin. Love a show that serves snacks to their guest. #pfw’

Because shows with champagne are the best shows. Oh, now I want champagne!

Well, without looking at the show photos I feel like it’s probably really quite good and an amazing show - if you’re there. Very fierce head-bitch-in-charge look. Shoulders are happening, a bit of sparkle, bit of color. Snaps for Alber! He really knows a thing or two about evening wear. Not quite positive how all of these random elements fit in - silky and sexy, stilettos, cowboy boots, bows, swimsuits, ‘asian influences’ etc. but as Alber always does I’m sure he stuck true to the Lanvin chic-Parisian look. Cocktail dresses to kill etc. Tuxedo bit hints at masculine / feminine mix. Like the sound of that, and those minaudières.

Instagram photos from left to right from the following users -

@alexandragolovanoff, @beymentr, @elleuk, @fashionologie, @graziafashioned,

@joannahardyment, @mimirabbat, @theofficialselfridges

Faking fashion - Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013

Rick Owens Insta-Vision

A look at some instagrams of the lovely foam set @ the Rick owens SS ‘13 show

Photos by -@camcrc, @carmeliwalsh_stylist, @ilaria_grazia_it, @nataporter, @sjonesy57, @smaino, @thelncc, @theofficialselfridges, @vunny

Faking fashion; PFW - Chloe Archives @ Palais de Tokyo - Chloe Attitudes Exhibition

Crashing cocktail parties in Paris, virtually. Looking at runway photos and livestreams can be so strenuous. Really in need of a nice cocktail. Not technically at this Chloe Exhibit / Cocktail party, but here’s a look inside from some people who were and who shared their photos on instagram. Social media bringing the world together!

Photos by ; @sphiemiller, @ericyoung32, @kcdworldwide, @susiebubble, @sphiemiller, @kcdworldwide