The fashion world was buzzing late last Thursday evening as the unofficial announcement came of Alexander Wang's new position as Balenciaga's creative director. Although the news came as no surprise, it was the confirmation that finally proved the rumors to be true. Wang's current lines are without a doubt unlike anything Nicolas Ghesquière ever did for Balenciaga. However, this might be the kind of change that the fashion house needs. After fifteen years, Balenciaga, along with the rest of the fashion world saw Nicolas Ghesquière's exit from the famed design house this November. A great majority of Balenciaga's success in recent years can be credited to Ghesquière's reign as creative director. However, the success he brought to the brand has indeed set high standards for Wang. Although, his critically praised label has had much success since its launch in 2007; it is unclear whether or not he is the right person for the position. One can only hope that Wang's collection for Balenciaga will be as critically acclaimed as that of his own, and that his cult following will carry over to Balenciaga. With singers like Azealia Banks and Santigold endorsing Wang's lines, it is clear that he does have the power to attract hip, young celebrities that have followings similar to his. Having that type of power could be something that Balenciaga had been seeking. Only time will tell how things at Balenciaga will work out for Wang and I only wish him the best of luck! 

Tags: Balenciaga, alexander wang, designer, industry news

In the midst of New York Fashion week and Paris Fashion week on the verge of its inception, we at FIMP wonder, which shows will you be particularly looking forward to? For us, hands down it’s definitely the Raf Simons for Dior show. Looking back on his haute couture collection for the fashion house this past July, we have a feeling we won’t be disappointed.

The dismissal of John Galliano as creative director at Christian Dior ended an era of extravagant couture dresses from the historical French fashion house. But as Galliano groupies mourn the loss of their idol, a new sun sets over the horizons at Dior. Although this one doesn’t resemble Captain Jack Sparrow, as Galliano eerily did, he does come with a trendy Caesar haircut and a thick Belgian accent.

Raf Simons, who recently surrendered (forcefully, I presume) his position as creative director at Jil Sanders to none other than Jil Sanders herself, has taken the reigns at Dior. Those familiar with Simons work from past collections at Jil Sanders and his own self-named label will know that compared to what Galliano has produced as creative director at Dior Raf Simons is a blank white t-shirt (a subversive one nonetheless). However, his minimalistic approach to design derived frequently from youth sub-cultures and street style has become the definition of contemporary fashion.

Simons’ first collection at Dior, which was the A/W Haute Couture 2012/13, blended the history of French couture with what is to become the future of fashion. He does this through use of classic couture detailing and embroidery and juxtaposes them with the architectural lines and structure, which emphasize the modernity of the design. This change in mindset from Galliano’s excessiveness to Raf’s restrictive elegance represents a radical evolution at the house of Dior. Even the combination of a mini doll-like dress embroidered to the level of couture with black cigarette pants symbolizes a change in attitude of the house. Couture dresses used to be like a piece of expensive art—tremendously beautiful to look at but never to be touched. But in this collection, the girl can wear the dress and still have her hands in her pockets.

“It’s all about re-adapting the attitude and re-shaping the psychology… more to how women live their lives these days…” -Raf Simons

Images from Style.com

Graphic by Amy Chima

Tags: dior, raf simons, jil sanders, fashion , designer

Charlotte Ronson showcased her Spring/Summer 2012 line this past Saturday. A popular designer with the young Hollywood types, celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne, Whitney Port and Nicky Hilton were a few of the famous faces with front row seats. The collection itself was mish mash of denim patchwork, crochet tops, sheer skirts, vertical stripes, bohemian and floral prints- and that’s my attempt to summarize it into a few words. Though a few individual pieces caught my eye, the line itself lacked consistency. Ronson also chose to stick with a neutral color palette, except for a few pops of orange. To be fair, her Fall 2011 collection gave us a much stronger showing.  It 's only been two years since her NY Fashion Week debut so there is still plenty of time for this young designer to strengthen her craft.
 
To watch the show, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CarSMmycu5U


 Images from Style.com

Tags: charlotte ronson, nyfw, designer, collection

This collection for L.A.M.B. really made me realize how much the line itself has grown. I no longer see it as something that another celebrity has simply put their name behind; but a well recognized fashion line. I am truly in love with every single piece from the Spring 2012 collection. The line is simple, casual, avant garde and colorful as we I have seen in the Nicole Miller S/S 2012 line amongst others. It is quite clear that bright reds and blues, olives, neon, and black and white (respectively) will be big this Spring 2012. As well as exotic prints. I'm almost certain that it was the hair that made me feel slightly reminiscent of the Jeremy Scott S/S 2010 show or the clothes; however, I was not a fan of the way the collection was shown. I prefer a regular runway show rather than a presentation. Below I have included some of my favorite looks from the show. Enjoy! 

1. I love this bright, blue, red, green, and black blouse. It's really casual and you can pair it with some wedges and leather shorts on a spring day and you're totally ready to go. 
2. This look is really great. I love how the exotic patterned blouse was paired with the olive colored shorts. The shorts are really timeless and you always want some shorts in your closet that will be in style season after seaon. 
3. I love the sheer sweater. It's perfect for a weekend at the Hamptons or even Coachella, when you don't really want to put on anything bulky but you still want that extra something to keep you warm. The shorts are great as well, still very versatile. 
4. You can never go wrong with a jumpsuit. Especially a black one! This piece is so beyond perfect and when you piece it with something as bright as the red clutch they used it really is the right amount of color. Not too much and not too boring. Perfect for a day out that turns into a night on the town! 

Images from Style.com

Tags: L.A.M.B, collection, designer

BCBGMAXAZRIA was one of the first shows to kick off the start of New York Fashion Week. Lead by the power couple of Max and Lubov Azria, BCBG is known for its sleek styles and its Spring 2012 RTW line is exactly that. Looking at the collection will no doubt leave you thinking about where you want to vacation next. Comprising of long, flowing dresses and tribal style patterns, the line is overwhelming geared towards the return of  hot summer days and nights. The collection is also color-friendly and showcases the popular color-blocking look into the spring season. 

Here are some of the looks I found most appealing:

Look #1:
This navy blue jumpsuit, with a v-neck and slit-style sleeves has a relaxed, easy fit so it should work for most body types. With any jumpsuit I would recommend sticking to darker tones, as a lighter color may make it look as if you are walking around in your pajamas…just sayin!

Look #2:
One of my favorite looks from the runway show, the mix of different colors is lovely and done so in a manner that still presents a polished look (not to mention, the front pocket is fab!). I also like the fact the waist band falls lower on the torso, allowing for an elongated, lean appearance which always helps. Once again using a v-neck cut, the light fabric (perhaps chiffon or silk) will keep any girl looking easy, breezy, beautiful this summer.

Look #3:
There is nothing better than taking a black dress and giving it a twist- with a few strategically placed pops of color (note the blue and yellow), this look lets the dress do the talking. The t-band neck design is unusual, yet captivating- when paired with accessories such as stud earrings or a chunky bracelet, I am loving this dress for a warm summer night out.

Look #4:
Many women have a love/hate relationship with the slip dress- usually sheer in nature, a slip dress is meant to be an easy garment to slip in and out of (think whatever you want here). This particular number from BCBG is generous with its fabric, and looks to be incredibly light if not weightless. I would suggest keeping this look for the beach or extremely hot, humid days. Even though the dress does not have a structured fit, the color blocking is well done with the orange mid-section purposefully placed to help conceal the hip/stomach area.

Look #5:
Is there any doubt what neckline to choose next spring/summer? It’s all about the v-neck baby (or at least according to BCBG). I love this dress, because it shows neon orange done right. The slit-style sleeves are also a nice change from halter tops or racer backs, providing a slightly more modest and demure appeal.

Look #6:
If you are planning on taking a Mexican vacation, this look can be your starting point for your holiday wardrobe.  The tribal prints are thankfully used in moderation and adds character to this one-shouldered dress. The teal color block on the hem again showcases how the right touch of color can take a look from basic to beautiful.


To watch a video of the BCBG Max Azria S/S 2012 show, see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0kt-Le8Yzg&feature=youtu.be

Images from style.com

Tags: BCBG, fashion week, designer, collection

There is an excitement in the air.  The air is so saturated with the thoughts of this particular event, that it is almost tangible.  Outfits are being perfected down to the last detail, all must be perfect. Why? The world is watching, as New York Fashion Week begins…
 
Schedule for September 8th:

1) Nicholas K …. 9am
11) Porter Grey …. 9:30-10:30am
111) BCBGMAXAZRIA ….10am
1V) Richard Chai …. 11am
V) Supima …. 1pm
V1) Tadashi Shoji …. 2pm
V11) Candela …. 2:30-3:30pm


Images from mbfashionweek.com

Tags: nyfw, runway, designer

Is your iPad Idrab? If so, it needs a little TLC! Every iPad wants to be Ifab after all right? Designers think so too, as they have steadily been releasing some to die for iPad cases.  There are so many options, if you want to go for sassy and glamourous, opt for a cheeky leopard print case like the Chloe and D&G cases above. Or if you're going for a look that is edgy, modern, and on trend, the snakeskin printed case from Michael Kors says it all.  Edgy and Glam not your style? Go classic - chic with a fur covered case (3.1 Phillip Lim) or a quilted bag with gold chains from Marc Jacobs.  Whatever style you choose, your iPad with catch everyone's I's when you pull it out.

Images from net-a-porter.com

Tags: iPad, designer, case, michael kors, dolce & gabbana, chloe, marc jacobs, 3.1 Philip Lim