Let’s be real: sometimes the pomp and circumstance of a seasonal fashion show can take precedence over the actual clothing on display. When everything falls away and it’s time for buyers to do their work, that’s when the importance of the looks and technical elements rise to the top. Actual design is what Juan Carlos Obando leaned into for Spring, with construction becoming the main focus. This meant that the brand hired more people skilled in the craft to make the ensembles, as well as having the support of Italian mills who now exclusively work for the designer.
The effort clearly paid off, with not an imperfect detail in the bunch. The contrast stitching of a black silky, high-neck top stood out without overpowering the piece, while the ruffles, cutouts, and thigh-high slit of a red blouse and skirt combination were simultaneously bold and delicate.
In a world where there are more fashion designers and brands than ever before and with so many gearing their looks towards being Instagram-ready, Obando is a bit old-school in his approach. He wants to create designs that not only look good in photos, but also feel amazing to their wearers. This isn’t a brand built on fads or “fast” fashion: these looks exude luxury and are truly worth the money you put into them.
Obando continues to be a red carpet and celebrity fave, but he made a conscious decision to present more separates this time around. Designs like a tie-neck and waist halter and low-slung trousers could double for both the office and after hours, while a floor-grazing top with slits up to the torso would be a great pairing with everything from boyfriend jeans to a leather pencil skirt.
Functionality and comfort aren’t always things you see during Fashion Week, thus it’s important to point them out when designers do in fact opt for either. Both were on display here with a long-sleeve tie-neck dress in a mocha hue that was not only easy, but chic in its approach and a white silk cami-inspired gown with thigh-high slits that is surely already high atop the season’s must-have list of many a Hollywood starlet.
I’ve always loved the quiet romance of Obando’s designs and he didn’t skimp on that one bit in this assortment. Undulating ruffles, leg-baring slits, and even a flash of midriff all contributed to his signature flirtation and intrigue. He wants women to not only adore themselves, but his designs as well. With the wares on view for Spring, he will certainly please his legion of fans and a slew of prospective ones.
What do you think of Juan Carlos Obando’s Spring assortment?
Kattia aka Bella Donna Queen wrote, “I was wondering if it was possible to know the designer of the black dress that Angela Simmons was wearing on her page on Tuesday October 6th.”
” It is beautiful. Hope You Will be able to find it for me. Btw your blog is flawless.”
Thanks, love! I hit up Angie’s stylist, Kanayo, who disclosed that her dress is from affordable fashion bastion H&M! Get her black chiffon maxi for only $70:
Purchase here.
I wouldn’t have plucked this off the hanger, but Angela makes it werk!
Zendaya appeared yesterday at the Nordstrom Del Amo Fashion Center Store Opening Gala in a form skimming dress and the same $190 Schutz Juliana sandals beloved by Karrueche Tran:
The delicate Schutz sandals are crafted from rich nubuck and have a slim, buckled ankle strap.
Two cute young ladies, one cute shoe? I’d say they’re all winners here.
What do you think?
**Can’t decide? Get the shoe in multiple colors here:
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
You guys responded so positively, that we decided to collaborate with the brand to give one lucky Bombshell a $100 Fashion Nova gift card to shop it up!
From dresses to cute matching sets, Fashion Nova has a lot to offer.
Nicki looked hot for a performance in a green Fashion Nova Set
Aside from the wardrobe staples, they’re best known for their curve hugging denim, which is beloved by celebs Nicki Minaj, Amber Rose, Christina Milian, Blac Chyna and many more. In addition to Fashion Nova jeans fitting like a glove, they’re super affordable and on-trend, ranging in price from $14.99 to $44.99.
With a $100 gift card, you can get a least a few pairs!
For a chance to win, leave a comment here on this post! Visit FashionNova.com and tell us what you’d buy with your gift card.
You guys have fallen off in the commenting department, so extra extra points if you comment on another post on the site.
The winner will be chosen at random. Good luck and happy shopping!
Melody from Zimbabwe @chimedzam loves her flares! It figures, she submitted several photos:
She typed, ” I’m so obsessed with flares, I couldn’t choose which one to send to you.”
They look so great on you–if I were you, I’d wear them all the time, too!
Christina from @JustMissedtheRunway said, “I’ve paired the pants with a turtleneck and menswear Brooks Brothers blazer I scored at a thrift store!” I love it! And yes, new hair!
@Lavidoz looked super svelte in a striped shirt and curve hugging jeans. Yes!
Taylor aka @ ___Taylorh___ struck a pose in a pair of pale pink pants I must have.
@Sonyeprincess was submitted by Ryan, who wrote, “Sonye loves flare bottoms paired with boho chic pieces. She gives a 70’s vibe like no other! Her flares are by Frame denim.” I’m gonna need that jumpsuit in 4, 3, 2…
@Charmsie submitted her favorite flared faux leather pants, and offered a 70’s feel.
@s0clothesminded_ gave this look a dressy spin with a striped blazer and black pants.
Young at Style www.YoungatStyle.com always represents! She wrote, “Flared Pants! With a pop of color & fringe!” Werk!
Latte @LattteSamuels from NYC submitted two lovely looks: a floral ensemble and dark denim. She wrote, “Flared pants are a necessary/favorite part of my wardrobe and I just had to submit.”
Lastly, Selene aka @Diary_of_a_housewife showed off her form in fitted flares. Hot!
That does it! See even more flix in our gallery (click the main image above).
Our next trend? Carwash pleats. This will be a tough one, so I look forward to seeing what you send in!
Direct your photos to thebomblife@gmail.com.
Until then, whose look speaks to your style?
Discussing and attempting to replicate how French women dress seem to be recurring themes in fashion, don’t they? One or two pages in your favorite glossy this month probably take a stab at the formula. Luckily for us, we won’t have to try to hard as Vanessa Seward has dedicated her latest collection to the undeniable and unforgettable chicness of les femmes françaises.
The brand just opened its first boutique in the City of Lights and they’re already getting quite a bit of traffic. It’s no surprise as Seward’s are looks that build a year-round wardrobe. You could literally take the assortment’s opening white suit and wear it right now: for your wedding, to work, or by separating the blazer and pants. Take notes designers: this is what versatility looks like.
Many of us yearn for the Yves Saint Laurent of yesterday (sorry Hedi) and though those memories will live on in style history for decades to come, Seward harnessed the power of the icon with pieces that riffed on some of his 70’s signatures. A blue brocade skirt felt glamorous yet undemanding with flat sandals for anchors, the French fashion house’s trademark heart motif crept in on a scarf, and a flirty pleated swing dress radiated confidence and sexiness.
Seward’s designs weren’t incredibly inventive or unusual, but neither of those adjectives need describe a wardrobe built on functionality and quality. After all, one thing we’ve learned is that the key to looking even remotely as stylish as French women is by not trying too hard: or at least not looking as if you did. The ease and tailoring of a navy double-breasted jacket or a pair of high-waist army green khaki trousers are just the kinds of pieces you’ll see the designer wear herself—exuding effortlessness and sophistication with every step.