Best of Paris

Spring is here but my eyes are already wandering on the wonderful fall/winter 09/10 designs of the Paris fashion week. I've been told I wear too much black but what's a girl to do when her favorite designers send all black down the runway once again? Some would say open your horizons but I simply can't stop admiring the work of these amazing designers. Who can resist Gareth Pugh's gothic warrior, the androgyny vibes of Ann Demeulemeester's designs, the 80's glam aestethics of Balmain or the beautiful cuts of Margin Margiela's collection? Rick Owens seems to be the only one stepping out the black comfort zone, perhaps frosty white is the new black of the season? I could deal with that...

Gareth Pugh

Ann Demeulemeester



Balmain



Maison Martin Margiela

Rick Owens



Images edited from Style.com

Currently my wishlist for fall has extended with a pair of platform boots, spiked and studded clothing, thick knits, a heavily shoulder padded blazer and frosty white leather. Givenchy's collection should be up tomorrow and I'm keeping my figers crossed it's as good and inspiring as last year's.

We missed you hissed the lovecats

Today while I was reading the new Elle spring collections magazine I had a little assistant with me, my aunts cat. This is my favorite catwalk collections magazine due to it's decent price; I don't think I could ever afford buying those crazy 100 page fashion bibles that cost a fortune. The lack of Balmain's and Givenchy's presence was a surprise since the whole blogosphere, including myself, has been crazy about their spring collections. Anyway, the most interesting surprise was on page 71, where a familiar face popped up among the A-list street style queens.

Assistant: Fanni

Best of the Big Apple

I've stated before that I'm not a huge fan of the NY fashion week, somehow I've always thought that Europe has more variety to offer. However, there are now more players on the table and stakes are getting higher; some of these "newcomers" have even caught my critical eye. There is no denying that Alexander Wang, the wonder boy of fashion, has already achieved a major role in the world's fashion scene. At a young age, he has managed to create something that makes the hardcore fashionistas hearts beat faster every time a new collection hits the runway. In Alexander's footsteps, more and more formerly unknown designers are lifting their heads up and putting it all out there. They have even made me buzz about the NY fashion week, so something positive is happening in NY.

Even though the spring is not here yet (temperature this morning was -7 Celcius), I'm already drooling over the fall fashion, as usual. I decided to pick up the top looks that I liked on the NY fall/winter 09/10 runway; something I could accept in my wardrobe anytime of the year, may it rain or shine. All images are from style.com, edited by me.

1. Alexander Wang hit the jackpot again! The main thing I love about this collection is that it's so wearable and I can already see so myself doing some DIY action with a pair of old leggings. My closet withholds very similar pieces already, so these images are rather inspiring.

2. Ohne Titel is a new very good friend of mine: leather, layering, black color, odd cuts, broken knees, zips, whats not to love?

3. I don't think it's possible to ever get over the Rodarte knit tights that were introduced last spring. I must say though, that the new fall/winter collection looks really promising as well, although these were the only wearable pieces I could think of. Loving the OTK boots and knits mixed with leather. Makes me want to get some thread and start knitting my own pieces.

4. Temperley London is completely street ready with it's stud and zip detailing. Perhaps I'm going to have to get myself a pair of studded ankle cuffs. Ebay, here I come...

5. Is it just me or did Marc Jacobs just put us in a time machine and send us back to the 80's? Well, it's one of my favorite decades, so this trip was a pleasant one. Shoulder pads, sharp cuts, neon glow and Flock of Seagulls hair have all got a 21st century update when Marc's models strutted down the runway. I wish it was fall already...

What are your favourite picks?

The boys are back in town

We have not even made it to the spring, yet there are several interesting fashion weeks going on presenting the fall/winter 09/10 collections. As a fan of menswear and a believer in genderbending and androgyny when it comes to fashion, my eyes were instantly glued on the men's creations presented in Paris. It seems that fur, MC jackets, leather pants and combat boots are still something you might want to keep in your wardrobe, at least according to Ann Demeulemeester, Gareth Pugh and Rick Owens.

Ann Dem goes horseriding.

Edward Scissor Hands has always been one of my favorite movies too.

Return of the urban warrior.

Source: Men Style.com

That being said, my shopping list for next fall includes chunky sweaters, comfy men's pants and ripped jeans, as the rest can be found from my closet already. Too bad an androgyny body is not for sale.

Do you get inspired by menswear?

I <3 Paris Fashion Week

I had recently posted about my dissatisfaction about the N.Y. fashion week. Boy, am I glad that my favourite fashion week has started and we can finally see what's in store for spring/summer '09 in Paris. Here are some of my favorite picks.

Since Miu Miu's winter collection was just absolutely terrible, I am excited to see that the spring/summer collection it totally the opposite. I'm really feeling the dark color palette for spring, the pleating and the distressing on the dresses. The 90's inspired makeup is really my thing too. I want it all!

Ann Demeulemeester is one of those designers who's collections can always be trusted. Her spring/summer 09 collection is not a let down either. I feel like the layered and knotted shirts would be something that I could totally execute myself. I am also loving the gothic inspired laceup sandal shoes.

Balenciaga is definately the odd one out of them all. The looks are very futuristic, similar to something they did in the 60's. I think the shoes which are actually tights with a shoe bottom, will be definately spring's most talked about phenomena.

Burberry Prorsum shows us that the ombre trend will continue in soft tones, the jewellery is chunky and socks are still in sandals. I really need to get my hands on more cardigans...

I absolutely adored Givenchy's fall/winter collection and it looks like the gothic theme continues in to the spring. Well, that suits me just right. I'm suddenly in a desperate need of leather, a long blazer and over the knee boots.

All Images from Style.com

As a summary spring's top trends seem to be:

- short dresses
- over the knee boots
- crop tops
- black & white, beige
- leather
- ombre
- open toe sandals and shoes
- distressed and wrinkled fabrics
- long blazers
- futuristic looks, 60's

What's your favourite look for spring? My vote goes for Givenchy, once again.

Wacky or just plain tacky?

N.Y. fashion week continues. Betsey Johnson is one of those designers who's pieces I absolutely adore or hate. Unfortunately the latter seems to be the best verb to describe how I feel about her S/S 09 pieces. The bowler hat is about the only lovable thing about her creations this time.

Source: Style.com

I also checked out what the much awaited Marc by Marc Jacobs had in store for us. Well, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. Everything was very sporty and sort of blah. We have seen this so many times on the runway, Marc! The dresses looked like they were fitted to make the models at least three sizes larger which I doubt to be the intention of any great fashion designer (or every woman's nightmare as Michael Kors on Project Runway might say).

Source: Style.com

I guess I have to give all props to Alexander Wang this year. He was the only one with a fresh angle and something new to offer (OK, the Rag & Bone was pretty good too but they are not a major name). I have to admit though, that spring looks have never been my favorite, so this might have a slightly negative effect on my views. But just slightly. ;)

What Europeans do first, Americans do next

I have never been a true fan of the N.Y. fashion weeks. I feel that majority of the time there is nothing new to offer, everything is very conventional and boring. When I was younger I remember the latest fashion always coming from U.S. People admired things like college shirts, Levi's jeans, Gap, Calvin Klein, Cindy Crawford and Beverly Hills 90201. U.S. had money and us Europeans were jealous of it. Even though the biggest fashion houses have always been located in Europe, the 90's streets were occupied with Nirvana obsessed grunge kids with ripped jeans, bleached hair and over sized flannel shirts. America was everywhere.

By the end of 90's the course of fashion had changed and Europe started being "cool" again. Small designers started to pop in places like Belgium, Sweden and Denmark, even in my home country, Finland. All of a sudden, underground was mainstream and determining the latest trends. By the 2000's Europeans had gained more purchasing power and many designer stores opened their doors outside of the Paris-London axis.

By viewing the fashion shows of the N.Y. Fashion Week for S/S 09 (Ready-to-wear) that started last Friday, once again there is nothing that we have not seen in Europe first. For example, Donna Karan showed us the paper bag waist pants with cropped legs - A look that has been introduced already in Paris last year and that has been very popular in Scandinavia this summer and fall. A look, that has already been brought down from runway into street style and being sold in the commercial stores with the fraction of the price of, say, Donna's work.

DKNY S/S 09 vs. Monki F/W 08

Source: Style.com

So far, the most positive surpriser of the N.Y. Fashion Week has been Alexander Wang. I still can't believe how young he is, only 24, and how at so young age he has managed to create such a strong brand under him. It truly amazes me. His collection has the rock aesthetics that really please my eye and the pieces have great detailing from head to toe. Very good work indeed, Alex!

Alexander Wang S/S 09

Source: Style.com

Tomorrow is Marc by Marc Jacobs' turn which for me personally is the one I'm awaiting the most. We'll see if Marc can pull it all together and what his vision for S/S 09 shall be.

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey

I have officially kissed the summer goodbye here in Finland. The leaves are changing colors from green to yellow and falling off the trees. Since when did autumn come in August?

Although I would have wanted summer to last just a wee bit longer, autumn does have its upside: The fashion. Fall/winter collections are always much more inspiring than its predecessor spring/summer season. One of my fall favorites is Burberry Prorsum's pre-fall collection. I love how they mixed knee length dresses with heavy layering, making the outfits look warm yet chic.

Source: style.com

Due to the sudden drop of temperature, yesterday's outfit was inspired by the Burberry look. When it gets colder, all it needs is a jacket on top, some mittens and thicker tights or stockings.

I went to look for a fedora style hat from H&M but ended up buying this horse riding inspired wool hat. When I came home, I realized I unconsciously had Burberry Prorsum in mind while shopping.

Skirt: Second hand
Shirt: H&M
Knit vest: Ellos
Belt: Second hand
Wool cap: H&M
Shoes: Global Essentials