Baby backpacks at the hip? Given the shift towards smaller and smaller accessories these days, the tiny nylon backpacks slung on the hips of models at Alexis Mabille’s Spring 2016 RTW presentation were right on trend. For lack of a better word, quirky was at the spirit of this season’s presentation. The baby backpacks were just the start! The entire collection referenced watermelon, as it is grown, sliced, pitted, whole, and halved. The palette reflected the multitude of bright reds and deep pinks. The accessories were fruit-based at every turn and even the makeup took its inspiration in green rind shadowed lids.
Quite a few of the pieces were statements in and of themselves: a long-sleeved knit with a sequined sliced watermelon, an uber high-waisted red pant suit, a two-piece printed ensemble, and a lace capelet-inspired dress shirt. In contrast to his Fall 2015 Haute Couture collection, which was utterly divine and elegant, this ready-to-wear presentation was indeed fun and lively, but didn’t feel like signature Alexis Mabille.
Most distinctly, the collection lacked drama, which Mabille is certainly known for. Pretty did this presentation make, but not power-packed enough to command celebrity obsession. The A-line silhouettes were utilitarian in nature: there was room for pockets and a belt loop to hook our handy tiny backpacks, but not much else. Now that said, I still enjoyed elements of it all; in particular, his ability to effortlessly blend varied fabrics into one. There was fluidity and movement, which fueled the fun in the clothes.
Some of my favorite looks were the most simple, such as a beautiful all-white lace blouse and full layered skirt or a light blue blazer draped over a tied dress shirt. Mabille’s interpretations of the white button down were delightful and most of them would make for key wardrobe staples for the modern woman.
For all the fun of the watermelon inspiration, the collection itself could have taken its audience on a wilder adventure. Here’s to hoping for a spin outside the watermelon patch next season!
Her olive and black dress features a stand collar, button placket, dropped shoulder seams, pin buckle belt, large contrast flap pockets, a curved split hem, and a relaxed fit.
Grace Jones’s Memoir, titled, “I’ll Never Write My Memoir,“ hit bookshelves yesterday, and it certainly seems like a juicy read (pun intended)!
About pop stars like Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, and Amber Rose being inspired by her style, she told the New York Times, “They make it so obvious. But they don’t quite have the conviction. It’s always someone styling them, for example. It’s not coming from them. People say, ‘Well, you should be flattered.’ And I’m like, ‘No, I’m not.’ Because my whole view is being unique and finding yourself, from your own suffering or your own upbringing or your own happiness. For me, it’s all piggybacking.”
She continued, “I have been so copied by those people who have made fortunes that people assume I am that rich. But I did things for the excitement, the dare, the fact that it was new, not for the money. And too many times I was the first, not the beneficiary. There’s a lot of that around at the moment. Be like Sasha Fierce. Be like Miley Cyrus. Be like Rihanna. Be like Lady Gaga. Be like Rita Ora and Sia. Be like Madonna. I cannot be like them, except to the extent that they are already being like me.”
Inside the memoir, she reveals her feelings about Kim Kardashian’s Break the Internet Paper Cover, which was inspired by a photograph by Jean Paul Goude (Jones’s frequent collaborator and father to her child).
Jones said “When he took a photograph of Kim Kardashian with a champagne glass perched on her ass in an impossible pose like the ones he did with me over thirty-five years ago, I asked him why he was giving her – a basic commercial product – his ideas? This seemed to contradict his spirit of integrity, which he has protected for so long. Why was he repeating himself, just to give her a little flare of publicity, quickly absorbed by the next puff of self-promotion?”
She continues, “Well, he replied, ‘I got the feeling that if I didn’t do that photograph, she would have simply copied the idea anyway. I might as well copy myself.’ His ideas are are so powerful that repeating them decades later still causes a hell of a fuss, however temporary…He might have done it to wind me up a little as well. Which he did.”
Aside from taking shots at pop stars, it seems she has some great stories (Spin provided a great list of a few).
I’m also interested in learning more about her upbringing in Jamaica, her time as a model, and her storied music career.
Purchase at Target or Amazon.com.
Will you be buying?
Images: Getty/New York Times/Associated Press
Her red combo dress feature sequins embellishment, a jewel neckline, sleeveless A-line silhouette, wide straps, darts at the bust, a pleated waist, geometric guipure lace skirt, and a scalloped hem.
Is it just me, or does Self Portrait make the best dresses?
Today’s feature is one of my absolute favorites! Krystin Hargrove of Be Loud Be Youis eccentricity at its finest. With her knack for styling tonal looks and her fearless approach to fashion, this DC blogger is the total package.
I first started following Krystin’s style journey back in 2012. And, as I glance back over some of her archived outfits, it’s evident that this fashionista’s style has definitely evolved over time. Although she’s been previously featured as a Fashion Bombshell of the Day, it’s always intriguing to witness bloggers transition into their own.
So, as you can already tell, this girl is fierce! Her style objective consists of thigh-high slits, delicate florals, statement-making adornments and some impressive vintage finds. I also adore ever-changing ‘dos (did you check the purple tips tho?!) All in all, this Bomb Blogger knows how to keep it fresh and funky while injecting her own dose of individuality – and I liiiivvveee for that!
Slay on, hun!
Want to know more about Krystin of Be Loud Be You? Well, check out her blog here or start following her via Instagram at @krystinhargrove.
There are tons of affordable e-stores sprouting up every day!
One such shop is The Snobbery Boutique! While perusing their offerings, I couldn’t help but love their $175 Baby Boss Romper:
The one piece features a tuxedo collar, slit pockets, and a double breasted front.
Where it with pumps and a clutch for a night out.
It will be available for purchase on October 13th. Will you indulge?
