The famous Avant Garde designer,
Haider Ackerman, has stunned me season after season with his tasteful use of
fabrics and textures to create silhouettes that challenge us to think outside
the box. Although his spring ’13 line lacked color, I don’t mind, it made up for
it in the use of polka dots and my favorite super high waistline trousers. The
big leather belts were not just for the waist but also for your bust, which was
only the beginning to beautiful flowy dresses. Another favorite was the barely
hanging dress that is sure to appear in a red carpet or two. I ultimately chose
this designer because although he is considered Avant Garde, I find that his
designs can be easily interpreted for the day to day. There is something very
wearable about his clothes; I would wear the whole collection if I could.
Rodarte
I am a
warrior woman, and that is why I like and want the spring 2013 Rodarte
Collection. There aren’t two words than those to describe these designs. The chest was the center of attention, and
some dresses looked like shields with metal chains and belts. The designers
definitely had fun with this collection through their extensive use of vibrant
prints, fringe, leather, and who can forget the sporty shoes. The full ear
pieces completed the ancient soldier look of hard edge meets sexy. This show
really gave me a little bit of everything. It started with the long slit
dresses with the hard belts, to the fringey rock and roll leather jackets. The
reason why I love this collection is because it is hard core without losing its
femininity. I think it is important for a woman’s wear designer to never lose
sight of the way a woman wants to feel.
Balmain
Tapping
into my Latina side, Balmain definitely caught my attention with his Cuban
dance floor inspiration for his checkered print. For this collection he was
inspired by the lavish style of Miami and the Latin influence on that city. He
even had basket-woven raffia into his dresses! I thought it was flashy, it
screamed party city. I think most items belong in Vegas, Miami, or LA. Some
items could’ve been toned down just a bit like the yellow and black power suits
that literally strained my eyes because there was so much going on. As
previously mentioned, I am a fan of really high wasted pants, and in leather,
yes please. I chose Balmain as part of my elite list because hes a rock star.
He always has a show full of show-stoppers, and keeps that outgoing adventurous
woman in mind. He’s not afraid to be a little outrageous and that’s always a
good time.
Gucci
The colors in the spring 2013 collection were nothing but perfect, they are the colors that every woman wants to have in their closet every spring and summer, unless you’re an all black all year type of gal. Being that I am not that type of gal, I love the monochromatic outfits head to toe in fuchsia pink and lemon margarita green. As I saw in another Italian designer, Roberto Cavalli, tunics with trouser pants is making a statement this coming year. I love the play of silhouette with the over-sized ruffles down the sleeves, high necklines, but super short hemlines. It says, “I am just the right amount of sexy.” My favorite part of the whole collection was the conservative dresses with the perfect slit just down the bust. This woman is a traveler, and I am buying a ticket to wherever she’s going. I chose Gucci, for an obvious reason, its timeless. I think the designs are always classic and chic but with just a touch of modern. I think it could fit many age ranges, and into many different wardrobes.
Alexander Wang
Last but never least, the new designer for Balenciaga and San Fran native, Alexander Wang makes my elite list. Recently spotted on Rihanna, the fish line cut out dresses that literally held by a thread was a highlight of this collection. The cutouts were set to resemble zebra print, some were snake skin, and all seemed to float on the body. It was like a magic trick. The shoes were another one of my favorite parts, towering all the way up to the knee and cut up into perfect squares; a new take on the gladiator shoe. Mr. Wang must have been inspired by some super chic robot that we did not see in the Transformers movies. I chose him because he is one of my favorite designers and he has his own voice. Every season there is something so new and fresh about his designs that you don’t see just anywhere. He has a very edgy appeal, but somehow manages to make it so clean and crisp. He’s just amazing, and I am hoping he is just as amazing at the opposite end and mature brand, Balanciaga.
All images were provided by Style.com