Ever Style - Kai-aakmann SS14 Review

Kai-aakmann takes the strengths of casual wear into the new season with its cool and fresh looks. Showcased in September, the collection boasts some notable pieces in patterns and contrasting panels. The earthy palette is contrasted with brighter tones like purple and blue. Visually, these make the collection refreshing and innovative. Into the mix, asymmetrical panels and the peek of neon green add so much more flavour to the looks. The looks are very well put together with print clashing and I really liked the thick belts which visually separated the sections. It really helped in creating a well-put together showing.

I'm very excited for the new season because I do have a navy colour block jumper and a quilted top from Kai-aakmann. The structure and fitting are very relaxed, great for SS and the kaleidoscopic print is on trend and fresh for 2014. Cuffed trousers and jeans work well with the relaxed fit of the light outerwear. It's great because the jackets and blazers are both laid-back and structured. This collection is very appealing to the always stylish.
Check out some of the high res photos below.

The Cologne Diaries - DARK OBSESSION (Calvin Klein) Review

22 October 2013

Super late entry because uni just got really hectic suddenly (I don't know why, there aren't many assignments due, maybe just the stress of exams). Also, work is quite demanding, I have to go in 4 days a week and the other 3 are at uni. Anyway, I wanted to post this review a while ago.

I really wanted Calvin Klein's DARK OBSESSION when it was released earlier this year because it came with a bag. I think the bag really sold it to me at the time because I needed a holdall and I collect fragrances anyway - but then I missed out. This is my second Calvin Klein fragrance after IN2U for him which was very summery and young. I was interested in SHOCK and I loved the ad for it but I never got it.

For this one, the top note of the scent is quite recognisable and strong. The scent is very masculine. I do enjoy this one but my favourite is probably the mid note. The scent is a bit clearer.

I would have to say that the down side of the fragrance is that the top note is much stronger than the mid. This makes the fragrance feel that it's too strong when you first spray it on but it doesn't last long enough because once the top note is vaporised, the rest is hardly noticeable. To me, it's important for a fragrance to remind me that I'm wearing it. Like having subtle waffles of it throughout the day or at least an hour or two. The lack of longevity of it made it hard for me to write this actually. I wanted to write about it on the days I wear it but I often forget that I wore it or that I couldn't find anything too noticeable about it except its top note. Overall though, it scent is nice - quite fresh and it becomes woody dry.

The packaging is really nice because I love the feel of the matte finish. But DO TAKE CARE OF IT. The bottle got really scratched up by the stuff in my bag (keys and coins etc.) and now I've ruined it :(
It looked really nice with the matte finish before it got scratches all over it. I also like that it's quite flat, so it fits well in my iPad case (yes I often carry fragrances out).

MFW | 5 Trends at Milan Fashion Week - Wrap Up for SS14

The overtly sexualised Milan Fashion Week toned down quite a bit this year with more emphasis on art than previous seasons. MFW always showcase some of the most well recognised and provocative brands like DSquared2, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. Although many labels still had sexy pieces and cutting which complimented the feminine silhouette, what I found most interesting were the very bold accessories. These statement pieces were definitely the highlight of the shows and got me checking out the photos over and over again. The great thing about having great accessories at a show is that the whole look is for sale and so well put together. Check out my other posts for London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.

Photos will be uploaded here.

My favourite show was probably Roberto Cavalli, followed by Versace and Giorgio Armani.

NYFW | Romantic Parade - Zac Posen SS14 Review

Okay, the last designer post I will do for New York Fashion Week. Of course I save the best for last. Zac Posen creates stunning gowns for A-List celebrities and this season, the fashion was very frenchy, soft and romantic. Flowy dresses, sheer fabric, soft colours, flower embroidery and at times bright, rich pieces really make the collection luxurious.

The show was naive and innocent - models with flowers in their messy hair, big, beautiful pleats, and sheer garments. The show was also very simple - the dresses did all the talking. Have a look at the runway looks here.

NYFW | The Forest In Those Stories - Honor SS14 Review

Honor's show at New York Fashion Week was very enjoyable. The collection was cute, girly and fairytale-like. The atmosphere of the show in the woods with little LED lights like fireflies was mysterious and beautiful. Every piece was 'pretty' with flowers, lace and contrasting collars. Short skirts, long skirts, summer dresses, flared out layered cocktail dresses were all very girly and pretty. I loved the length of the dresses where the models' hands hanged lower than the hem. Some of the most fashionable pieces were the flower/lace cut-out sheer blouse, cut-out floral dress, lace cut-out short shorts and floral cropped pants. The floral winged sunglasses matched the looks very well. Everyone was probably on the lookout for the Big Bad Wolf. Check out the collection here!

Although I did want to stick strictly to menswear for NYFW (except some of my favourite designers), when I saw this show I was pleasantly surprised because all the pieces were very likeable but more importantly, marketable and sellable.

NYFW | The Latest Martian Fashion - Jeremy Scott SS14 Review

Jeremy Scott always holds the most memorable shows because he creates the most memorable and signature fashion. This collection in collaboration with Kenny Scharf at New York Fashion Week drew on influences from the 50s and Space Age culture. The youthful rebellion tied in with retro motifs created super hip dolls. It was awesome how there were corresponding designs between the guys and girls to make the collection very cohesive. Loud vintage is so much better and refreshing.

Print clash, retro TV test cards, lava lamps and even squeeze bottle ketchup showed off the vintage American culture. The cutting and structure of the pieces were also very retro, sticking closely to the theme. Hey, I want to go to Mars too. I love the way Jeremy Scott creates signature pieces season after season. His themes are always fresh, loud and memorable, but above all recognisable and marketable. This is branding like a pro.

Check out the runway photos here.

NYFW | The Park Or The Beach? - J.Crew SS14 Review

J.Crew always has very on trend clothing. This season at New York Fashion Week, the label created very outdoorsy pieces. The palette and prints used were about adventure. The menswear were more toned down compared to womens which were more lively and vibrant. Check out the collection here.

Guys:
Darker and earthier tones dominated the colours for the menswear. The collection was adventurous and explored the themes of nature. These pieces were well crafted for everyday wear but also had a few interesting key items. Outerwear is always strong from J.Crew and the suede bomber jacket is definitely one to look out for. Dustier and muted colours work well to complement the theme and materials used. The deeper, dustier blues were really good and I also liked the light parka. Everything was very trees and national park. See, three buttoned suit jackets don't always have to be so serious.

Girls:
Aloha! The large hibiscus print was definitely the stand out. It turns up the 'floral pants' thing into something much more stylish and Spring Summer. The heels were notable. Big floral print skirts were also good with denim, something J.Crew does well. The beachy theme was goof with thick stripes and lighter colours. The pieces screamed summer which is great to see and there were options for dressy or casual.

Photos from Fashionising

Carrera Eyewear Teams Up With The Highly Anticipated Film RUSH

I'm sure you all know about the upcoming movie RUSH directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard. I know I'm excited for it - mixing up fashion and style with racing - what's not to like? Based on the true story of racing rivals James Hunt (played by Australia's own Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), the film takes on a stylish spin with Carrera Eyewear. Arguably, sunglasses are always the most instantly stylish of all accessories, it's exciting to see the Carrera brand still working closely with what got it started. Keep reading to see some OFFICIAL movie stills before it hits the screens here in October!

Carrera teams up with RUSH, on two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard's spectacular big-screen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda

Daniel Brühl wears the re-edition of the Carrera 80 sunglasses stays true to its racing roots - metal frames, sculpted design and interchangeable polarised lenses are all about the racing attitude. The “Victory C® Logo” is signature to Carrera's timeless style.
This was the original campaign for Carrera from 1986 featuring Niki Lauda himeself!

Check out some more official movie images below.

NYFW | Earth and Wind - Nicholas K SS14 Review

Loose and unstructured. Nicholas K's collection at New York Fashion Week drew inspiration from the original Americans. The runway looks were very interesting as they all centred only on one colour at a time. The palette used was simple and natural which adds to the loosely fitting garments in the breeze. The looks were very urban and casual. Some of Nicholas K's best selling pieces are in outerwear and in this season, there were some great parkas and jackets - but that's not all for this season.

Check out all the photos here!

NYFW | Boardwalk to Runway - Tommy Hilfiger SS14 Review

Tommy Hilfiger's collection was all about surf culture and SoCal at New York Fashion Week. The cool air of models walking down a boardwalk runway from "Melrose to Malibu" (said the designer) showcased love for optimism - definitely a strong theme for Spring Summer. The collection was interesting and quite innovative, where the shorts and skirts looked like peeled down wetsuits. The use of neoprene was also quite interesting, taking the whole idea of surfing quite literally. Even the designs running along the body of the pieces represented those on wetsuits and waves. It's a fun and sexy idea and the show also had florals.

There were so many good runway looks so check them out here.

NYFW | Blue and Plum Coast - Todd Snyder SS14 Review

Probably one of the most structured and traditional approaches to menswear. Todd Snyder's SS14 also brings about a Mediterranean breeze to American fashion. Nautical stripes, deep sea blues, ankles, and shorts with leather shoes are the style trend for menswear at New York Fashion Week. Light outerwear is great for Spring Summer. They look good in the wind and are practical too :D
Have a look at the collection here.

Plaid pants, skinny belts, short sleeve button downs are cool and classy. Unbuttoned blazers are also good looks for SS and it's even better when they are textured. The collection was less 'fun' than some of the others but more structured and traditional. One of the most eye catching pieces is the patterned plum suit jacket.

Photos from Fashionising

NYFW | This Time Like A Storm - Marc Jacobs SS14 Review

Closing off New York Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs was the most highly anticipated show. During the 5 days, I was waiting to see Cara Delavigne at the shows as one of the most popular models in recent years. She appeared only in one show. For the one and only Marc Jacobs. The theme for this show was dark to say the least. Most of the pieces were serious gowns and jackets full of detail, tassels and texture. Except one... the sweatshirt that resembled the Coca-Cola Logo. What?

You can check out the photos of the show here.