Since Kimora Lee Simmons’s last KLS collection release back in June for Resort, both Jessica Alba and Julia Stiles have been spotted in her designs. And there’s a whole roster of names who have worn the brand over the past year—not too bad for a line that debuted with Pre-Fall 2015. For the Spring 2017 season, the mogul was inspired by her Midwestern, St. Louis roots. Absolutely not the thing you’d expect from a former Chanel supermodel, but it all came together swimmingly.
Prints were a big focus in the collection, from plaid to railroad stripes. An asymmetric, ruffle-hem dress would work for a number of shapes and sizes, while a short-sleeve blazer felt accessible for both work and play.
Colorblocking felt modern and fresh—in the form of a ruffle-accented sheath in blue and white, a navy and black silky top, a tiered frock in the aforementioned classic combination, and a black and white dress that hugged every curve.
Dresses were the name of the game here, though a couple of trouser options were shown. But let’s get back to the former. Knot detailing, raised floral embroidery, a strapless LBD with an embellished, bustier-inspired bodice, and a peekaboo cutout were all on the menu.
Kimora’s entire vibe for the season was sexiness without overdoing it. She achieved that in pieces that boasted sheer stripes, figure-clinging pencil skirts, and low-cut necklines.
The collection was presented in an intimate format with timed runway-style presentations, so there weren’t any front row spottings of KLS’s slew of celebrity fans. But we’re certain that the diverse range of women who have already worn the brand—Kylie Jenner and Mary J. Blige alike—will gravitate toward the expertly-tailored suit, an obi belt-accented dress, colorblock midi dresses, and a simple, yet chic shirt dress with contrast trim and cutout shoulders.
Traveling to New York Fashion Week, three years ago, as a budding fashion stylist was inspiring but very disappointing. I had a grandiose vision of attending several fashion shows that catered to plus size fashion and I was sure that I would leave New York City with new contacts in the growing industry, new vendors, and style inspiration that would make my new career choice a breeze. I quickly learned that, much to my demise, the deficit of plus fashion that I felt when I was shopping online or in my local shopping malls was a hard-hitting issue everywhere.
Besides the infamous 34th Street Macy’s entire floor of plus-sized shopping, there wasn’t a single NYFW event that catered to extended or plus sizes. How was this possible? For someone who wasn’t from New York, I always thought that The big Apple was the answer to anything fashion-related and that surely the concrete jungle catered to every woman, at ANY size.
Fast-forward three years later and, as a plus woman, I am beyond proud of what we’ve seen with the current New York Fashion Week. Over the past seven days, we’ve seen inclusive fashion on different body types on the runway that for the first time actually resemble real women. From curvy bombshells sitting front row to plus supermodels rocking the runway, this fall has undeniably opened doors for infinite possibilities in future fashion productions.
Let’s do a recap of some of the designers that decided to take a leap of faith while including women and men of all sizes in their Spring/Summer 2017 presentations:
We just don’t give African-American designer Tracy Reese enough credit for her accomplishments. While Reese has consistently managed to contribute to fashion since 1998, this fall she made headlines during her September 11th garden presentation (held at a Manhattan East Village cemetery!) by splitting her looks among sample sized models and by casting non-models who were not only working professionals but women of all sizes. Reese also announced that several pieces of her newest collection would cater to sizes 18 and 2XL.
Shown here to the far left is one of Reese’s non- models, comedienne & Saturday Night Live actress Sasheer Zamata.
Non-model Kristi Henderson is a director of special projects with Planned Parenthood. Henderson, a size 12/14, said that she considers Reese a trailblazer in fashion.
Another brand that decided to step outside the box with their Spring/Summer 2017 presentation was American retailer J. Crew. Known for their classic lines and for dressing the American family, J. Crew stepped outside the lines by casting friends, family, and employees of a diverse range of sizes and ethnicities.
Resolutely geared towards the consumer, J.Crew showcased how their crisp pieces, flirty skirts, striped dresses, and graphic tees would look on a regular day at the office.
We can’t talk about inclusion without giving props to the designer who took the biggest chance, Christian Siriano. Casting five plus models without hesitation makes him my personal favorite this season. Since Siriano’s show last Saturday, he’s given countless interviews on his personal plight to dress real women and real bodies. In addition, Siriano released his newest collection with Lane Bryant.
Without a doubt, these Fabulous Five will go down in fashion history!
4. Byron Lars BSM
Byron Lars flaunted his intricately patterned, patched dresses on women of a range of sizes.
At the beginning of the show, a voice over the loudspeaker declared, “This is all about body-positive inclusion…this is not a plus conversation, this is a woman’s conversation.” Let the church say Amen.
5. Chromat
Swimwear brand Chromat featured a diverse cast of models for their Spring 2017, flaunting models both straight and plus sized, and of various ethnicities.
Not stopping there, they were bold enough to include models with handicaps. Activist Lauren Wasser, who lost her leg due to toxic shock syndrome, offset a bold blue rash guard swim ensemble with a golden prosthetic leg.
So, as we bid farewell to New York Fashion Week, what are your personal thoughts about the various changes we’ve seen in fashion representation?
For Spring 2017, Bibhu Mohapatra played on the healing power of fashion, seeking to drive away the angst, trepidation, and hostility that has a strong grip on so much of the world today. Thus, he channeled one of the globe’s most harmonious, booming, and creative times: La Belle Époque. “This season I celebrate the optimistic and opulent times of the beautiful era,” said Bibhu of the assortment.
The designer also created a luxury jewelry collection called Forevermark Artemis™: his first collaboration with Forevermark. 20 of the looks in the show boasted dazzling, diamond accoutrements from the wares.
“Diamonds make fashion timeless! They make style evolve and live forever,” said Bibhu. “The Artemis™ collection is that perfect balance of aesthetics and attitude. It represents tradition, it empowers, and it aligns perfectly with the muse of the season.”
A strapless pink dress with shimmering embellished panels created the perfect palette for the collection’s drop pendant necklace, while an off-the-shoulder tulle neckline was given red carpet-perfect flair with a dazzling choker.
The rest of the assortment was playfully refined—boasting bold prints, midriff-baring crop tops, and spirited dresses for both day and night.
Striped trousers and colorblock frocks felt decidedly modern, while enchanting pearl embellishment transported the collection into the era that inspired it.
My favorite pieces in the collection were the separates. A long, printed cap-sleeve vest, a wrap crop top with a partially studded bodice, a simple, but effective high-waist slit pencil skirt, and a crisp patterned blazer were all standouts.
I fully expect to see Freida Pinto, Patina Miller, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracee Ellis Ross in these designs over the next few months—all style stars who have already been spotted in Bibhu’s looks. Perhaps he’s even working on something with a celebrity for Sunday’s Emmys…
A few days ago, Fashion Bomb Daily finally got to sit down with rapper and reality darling Cardi B to talk about the evolution of her style, common misconceptions about her, and her future projects.
Cardi B (née Belcalis Almanzar) went from the strip club to front row at fashion shows, using a fantastic platform to create an even greater name for herself. While many of her co-stars have come on and off after one season, soon to be forgotten, Cardi has used the added exposure to make boss moves in the music industry, on social media, and beyond.
I always love to highlight strong, smart, and resourceful women who use what they have available to them to push themselves to a higher level.
Stay tuned for the video!
Images: Marta McAdams and Karl Pierre
*Cardi B wore Anna Suit. I wore Sergio Hudson.
Hello beautiful people, today’s Fashion Bombshell comes to us from the windy city. Say hello to Jessica from Chicago!
“I describe my style as classic, sophisticated and bold.”
“I don’t necessarily follow trends, however, I do follow what fits my personality, style and disposition. I often pair vintage pieces with modern pieces, and that’s the beauty of fashion!”
“You have complete control of your style and how you want to be portrayed. If I could give one fashion tip it would be to compliment every outfit with at least 1 statement piece.“
“Whether it’s a hat, necklace, scarf or the actual piece of clothing, have something that can and will spark a conversation.“
“You can follow my journey to fashion on Instagram at Jessdollface.”
What do you guys think of this beauty, leave your feedback below!
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 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.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.
Another day, another gala during NYFW! The UNITAS 2nd Annual Gala Against Human Trafficking had a slew of supermodels, TV personalities, musicians, and more in attendance.
Let’s get into their looks!
Julissa Bermudez gave a flash of abs in a Sherri Hill silver embellished, long-sleeve crop top and high-waist blue flare skirt. Hot!
Maxwell was suited up in a classic tux. He’s so handsome.
Ebonee Davis uplifted a simple, all-black ensemble with a sequin jacket. Gorgeous!
Cindy Bruna practically blew a kiss at the cameras in a lip print dress. So cute!
An on-trend corset gave added flair to Aluna Francis’s pleated white shirt dress, black leather moto jacket, and gray long ponytail.
Daphne Groeneveld looked every bit the model in a black and white, showstopping Jonathan Simkhai look and a M2MALLETIER bag. Great ensemble.
Let’s take a moment to discuss Brandon Maxwell’s meteoric rise in this cutthroat world of fashion. This being his third collection makes him relatively new to the New York Fashion Week scene, but he’s always managed to leave a lasting impression on those who view his creations and those who wear them. So it’s no surprise that longtime friend, Lady Gaga and muses Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn shimmied to music as they observed his latest offerings from the front row.
The Russian Tea Room served as the backdrop for Maxwell’s collection as a stunningly diverse cast of models sauntered in ankle strap sandals. Despite the aristocratic and ostentatious surroundings, the garments were completely devoid of embellishments and jarring patterns. Simplicity worked in Maxwell’s favor, as it always does. But this time, he lay the velvet to the side and utilized lighter fabrics like silk and crepe. With lighter fabrics come lighter colors, and petal pink was on the menu. A sexy bandeau top paired with wide leg trousers and a gown with a plunging neckline swished down the catwalk, among the company of other looks sporting this delicate hue.
Sex appeal was aplenty without compromising elegance. A black, strapless column gown with a thigh high slit and origami pleated neckline proved this point flawlessly. An olive cocktail dress featured cut-outs at the sides and a slit grazing the thigh shared the same sentiment as well.
Separates also made a statement this season. Coats were draped across the shoulders and bounced with each step. Exceptionally tailored jackets in black and the purest of white served as exclamation marks when paired with trousers and silky tops. Crop tops were also exhaled down the runway, but these ones flowed loosely from the body in lieu of form fitting ones worn by many a street-style star these days.
With athleisure and sporty, slouchy silhouettes seeming to dominate the runways as of late, Maxwell is proudly defying the notion that all things oversized that evoke a grungy aesthetic aren’t the only things currently trending. Refined construction and alluring silhouettes still have a place on the catwalk and on the frames of our favorite fashionistas. Oftentimes, less is more, and it seems Maxwell just championed that adage.
If nothing else, Spring 2017 looks like it’s shaping up to be a season of either subtly or unabashedly addressing the need for the world to be submerged in merriment and social awareness. From Altuzarra’s fruit laden, colorful collection to Prabal Gurung’s proud stance for feminism, this trend is permeating the fashion world like never before. Rosie Assoulin’s offering for next spring followed suit as she brought the beach to fashion week.
Assoulin set the scene having models stand among spurts of potted plants and beach chairs set on packing peanuts, bringing to mind the summers she spent frolicking on the Jersey Shore as a young girl. Prints ran amuck to elevate the jubilant surroundings. Wide-leg jumpsuits, structured peplum tops and strapless gowns were emblazoned with beautiful florals, reminiscent of freshly picked bouquets from an ambrosial garden.
Stripes, vertical and horizontal, dominated as well, giving reason for the eyes to dance in wonder. Multi-colored or in nudes and browns, trousers, tops and floor length dresses boasted eye-catching linear patterns.
For those who desire looks not as bold but still attention grabbing, Assoulin presented easy-going options that don’t seem to bind the body tightly and allow for free-flowing movement. A beige, belted dress with precisely frayed seams was one of the standouts along with a periwinkle belted jumpsuit cuffed at the hem. A pair of embellished mules or leather sandals are sure to uplift any of these options.
Assoulin didn’t stop there. Continuing to draw inspiration from her childhood strolls along sandy shores, a few pieces resembled kaleidoscopic beach umbrellas. Vivid bands of color streamed down dresses and skirts, and would hypnotize any onlooker should one of the models do a twirl.
All-in-all, Assoulin’s delivery was spot on. The backdrop served as inspiration to want to soak up the sun and enjoy life. She’s also an advocate for celebrating diversity in fashion given the amount of black and Asian models used to showcase her creations. However, while life’s moments interspersed with escapism from the world’s dilemmas through fashion can bring about some sort of balance, we have to be mindful to not use fashion as a bandaid to conceal global issues, but as a vehicle to inspire change for the better.
The Michael Kors show is always star-studded! This season was no exception, with our favorite models, Broadway actresses, style stars, and bloggers taking to the front row.
Let’s see what they wore!
Chrissy Teigen gave a flash of abs in a black and white dot print balmacaan, crop top, and skirt, from the brand’s Resort 2017 Michael Kors Collection. She also accessorized with MK’s recently-released silver-tone Michael Kors Access Bradshaw Smartwatch. Hot!
Cynthia Erivo was suited up in a dogtooth wool broadcloth jacket, matching pleated skirt, a Tattersall stretch poplin shirt, and floral georgette neck tie from Michael Kors’s Fall assortment. She completed the ensemble with a black small Kylie top handle bag. Cute, no?
A maritime denim wool jacquard jacket, matching pants, and maritime and white polka dot silk georgette blouse from Resort 2017 were on the agenda for Emily Blunt. She accented the getup with red lips and a green snakeskin envelope clutch.
Sienna Miller chose a black and white polka dot silk georgette dress, scarf, a black and white French calf double O-ring belt, and black Phyllis smooth calf sport sandals from Resort. Not too keen on the shoe choice here, but the rest of the look was adorable.
Leandra Medine flaunted her lithe stems in a black and silver sequin feather Fall 2016 shirt with a denim Scout camera bag from the MICHAEL Michael Kors Holiday 2017 collection. I’d wear this!
