#NYFW : REEM ACRA SS 2017 RTW (The Secret Garden)

"If you look the right way you can see the whole world is a garden."

-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Reem Acra, ready to wear SS2017, is inspired by the The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. As one of my favorite books from when I was a little girl, it is filled with poetic symbolism, useful life lessons, and love. 

When we think of secrets, we often imagine a heavy, negative, flow of darkness. However the secrets of the garden, are filled with blooms of hope, miracles, and light. 

Enjoy the collection of Reem Acra side by side with the words of Frances Hodgson Burnett!

"When you tend a rose my lad, a thistle cannot grow."

-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

"Thoughts- just mere thoughts - are as powerful as electric batteries - as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad as for one as poison. "

-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

"And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles."

-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

"Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark blue at night with the millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look inside someone's eyes."

-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

xo,

Maya

#NYFW : DELPOZO SS2017 (FT Joaquín Sorolla and Soo Sunny Park)

DELPOZO SS2017 is a collection that envelops you into a bubble of light, shapes and movement. 

There is a nostalgic feeling of tradition that runs through the blood of Delpozo, and yet there is also an undeniable pull towards the contemporary. The mind remains fresh, stable, and invigorated. 

  Creative Director, Joseph Font displays inspiration by the works of Contemporary Artist, Soo Sunny Park, and Spanish Impressionist,  Joaquin Sorolla, in his SS 2017 Collection.

SOO SUNNY PARK

Boundary Conditions, 2014

 Soo Sunny Park 

stainless steel, plexi, paint, daylight

Britain Museum of American Art

The creations of contemporary art that is then inspired into the fashions of Delpozo, leave the viewers breathless and awe struck. 

Boundary Conditions, 2014 is displayed at the New Britain Museum of American Art. It is a geometric wonder that displays the capricious characters of light itself. Contrasting the painting of pigment verses the painting of light, the artwork changes constantly throughout the day. 

Unwoven Light, 2013 

Soo Sunny Park

plexi glass, daylight, wire, 

Delpoza accessories strongly resemble the Soo Young Park's 2013 creation of Unwoven Light. 

Iridescent bags, earrings and shoes evoke the power of refraction. 

Viewing such changeable factors in a light exhibition, one contemplates the relationship of ephemeral fashion verses the nature of light itself.

Unwoven Light, is featured at Rice Gallery and experiments with the character of man made light verses natural light. Manipulating light that remains constant and adding the element of natural light, creates an art piece that reveals who it really is on multiple levels.

JOAQUIN SORRELA

Clothilde at the Beach, 1904, Joaquin Sorrel

Inspired by Spanish impressionist, Joaquin Sorolla, Joseph Font beautifully structured white dresses embody the essence of Sorolla's infamous seaside paintings filled with light. 

 Depolzo's white dresses capture the beauty of sun-bleached sundresses and  gravity defying silhouettes. 

One can almost feel, smell, and hear the seaside. 

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: ALICE + OLIVIA SS2017

Alice and Olivia SS2017 RTW, is inspired by the mystical world of Tarot cards, rainbows, and magical gardens. 

Designer, Stacey Bendet was greatly inspired by her recent trip to Italy, and in particular, the Gardens of Bomarzo. 

Influences and inspirations run wildly throughout her collection and also in the scenic background of her #NYFW Presentation. 

GARDENS OF BOMARZO

Located in northern Italy, Gardens of Bomarzo, were created in the 16th century. Also known as, Park dei Monstri, the sculptures are created not to please but astonish. 

Sculptures in the garden include: Pegasus, Two Sirens, Proserpina, Orcus, a whale, 2 bears, a dragon, Proteus, Hannibal's elephant, Cerberus, a turtle, small theater, giant, triton, ceres, nymph, Aphrodite, and giant fruit. 

The garden was created by Pier Francesco Orsini after the death of his beloved wife. 

The garden has even inspired surrealist painter Salvador Dali to make a short movie and painting. 

Look carefully and you can spot various spots from the Garden of Bomarzo in this Alice + Olivia dress. 

TAROT CARDS

"I kept thinking about how tarot cards are really about the power of interpretation, and so is clothing."

-Stacey Bendet

On her trip to Italy with artist, Lola Schnabel, she became intrigued and inspired by the Tarot cards Schnabel painted. 

Tarot cards can be found throughout the collection as symbols, prints, and accessories. 

As an empowering movement of interpretation and expression, Bendet allows one to use fashion to control one's personal reality. 

"Your outfit each day is your personal art---it's the way you express yourself to the world each morning....So be a rainbow!"

-Alice and Olivia

RAINBOWS

"Ever day should have a rainbow!" 

-Alice and Olivia

STACEY BENDET

Alice + Olivia designer, Stacey Bendet, can be spotted in caricature form through out the SS 2017 Collection. 

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: ALTUZARRA SS2017 IS WILD AT HEART

ALTUZARRA SS2017, is inspired by David Lynch's 1990 comedy/thriller, Wild at Heart. 

The sexy, free style of the movie's two main characters (Sailor, and Lula), is spotted throughout his collection. 

One outfit could be spotted as a fusion of the python jacket from Sailor, and hot pink, hip hugging skirt, with knotted belt from Lula. 

PYTHON

The iconic python jacket worn by "Sailor", could be found in several pieces thourghout Altuzarra's collection.

He adds cheeky elements such as dancing fruits, and fun colors to counterbalance the strength and masculinity of the skins. 

FRUITY SURPRISE

"I wanted something that felt happy, joyous, flirty, and fun."

-Joseph Altuzarra

Random fruits are spotted throughout his collection creating a feeling of happiness, lightness, fun, and whimsy. 

Rather a strong contradiction to our current times, Altuzurra 2017 is a refreshing escape from reality. 

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: WATER AND LIGHT (MARCHESA SS 2017 REVIEW)

MARCHESA SS2017 is a celebration of the beautiful marriage between water and light. The water represents purity and the collections shifts its moods and colors, variated by the time of day. 

The show begins in  complete darkness and the gentle beauty of a string quartet. Simple notes vibrate through an uncomfortable silence, and repeated 3 times. 

A gentle light is projected onto the runway with soft ripples representing water. 

As if transported 30 ft  under water, a gentle moonlit glow, transports the collection into another world.

MOONLIGHT

Moonlight represents mystery, beauty, and darkness. The contradiction between light and dark is magnetic, as it absorbs darkness and reflects light.

ROUGH WAVES

One may look at the carefully embroidered flower dresses and immediately think Spring gardens, however, for me, I see crashing waves before a storm. 

The temperament of water is extremely varied and unique, based on water content and projection of sunlight, water adopts a whole new character.

SUNSETS

Sunsets represent love, warmth, and peace. The movement is gentle and relaxed. The gliding of the slow waters is soothing to eye and mind, and the beauty is undeniable.

A SPLASH OF WATER

Water movements, shapes, and textures are based on rhythms and waves, that pulse through it.

Like a wild splash of the clearest water, this MARCHESA gown is a refreshing delight for the eyes.

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: DISTORTED REALITY IN THOM BROWNE SS2017

THOM BROWNE SS2017 is a wonderland of contradictions, and surprises.

Inspired by the fun, poolside parties of the 60's and 70's, the color palette and pattern choices are bright,  psychedelic, and wild. 

However, the models themselves,  are rather reserved, unemotional, and robotic, completely contradicting the "fun" pool party vibe. 

THE ROBES

The show starts by the models coming out in brightly colored robes, hair caps and handbags. 

They then quickly reveal an entirely different collection beneath their robes.

 SUITS MUTATION

Thom Browne who is famous for his tailored suits, has mutated the concept into a modern wet suit. Playing around with dimensions he has mimicked the impression of a 2 dimensional outfit while confusing the eye as it is worn by a 3 dimensional model. 

The models then unzip their dresses to reveal the final surprise.

PATRIOTIC SWIMWEAR

The finale consists of models undressing and then sitting "poolside" in rather patriotic swimwear. 

Could this entire collection of "fun" pool party vibes be masking some political thoughts? 

LADY LIBERTY?

Throughout the show, there was one model who was elegantly dressed in a subdued silver gown, resembling the Statue of Liberty and reminding me of a costume Elton John once wore.

Could she be the reference to the Statue of Liberty?

As an icon of freedom and  the welcoming site to past immigrants, the Statue of Liberty signifies many important American symbols. Such references would mean a hidden deeper meaning to this entire collection.

Just my thoughts,

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: POLITICS and PRABAL GURUNG SS2017

PRABAL GURUNG's SS2017 Collection, sings a powerful tune of politics, and the importance of your vote. 

As an avid supporter of Hilary Clinton, Gurung's collection is bursting with feminist energy, and the empowerment of women.

Subtle messages of hope, change and controversy, are carefully accented and intertwined throughout his entire collection.

"Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops at all."

-Emily Dickinson

ISAIAH 58:1 KJV 

"Cry aloud; Do not hold back; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 

"They threw things at me then but they were not roses."

-Susan B. Anthony

Undeniably, a serious undertone can be felt within his entire collection. 

Largely focusing around a rather "Democratic" color palette, he showcases the ability for a woman to embrace their softness and femininity while working in harmony with a more powerful side. 

Carefully choosing to end his collection with 3 pant suits, he opted out of an elaborate gown finale. Like a powerful walk into the future of Spring 2017, women are empowered and history will be made.

VOTE!

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: MARC JACOBS SS 2017

Marc Jacobs SS 2017 rave themed collection, was a whimsical display of youth and dreams. Taking place in Midtown's Hammerstein Ballroom, the colorful collection resembled the vibe of  CareBears with a twist of high fashion. 

From rainbow thigh high socks, patch work jackets, and youthful minnie skirts, the clothes were nostalgically reminiscent of the child within all of us.

Setting the scene with floating lights, and midnight blue backdrops, one can almost imagine being transported to a dream-land, full of innocence and dreams. 

It is hard to believe such a youthful, sweet collection would be plagued with so much controversy, but nevertheless it was. The colorful dreadlocks worn by all the models, caused a media uproar and hard accusations of cultural appropriation. 

Marc Jacob's Creative Director responded to the accusation with the following statement:

"All who claim "cultural appropriation" or whatever nonsense about any race of skin color wearing their hair in a particular style or manner - funny how you don't criticize women of color for straightening their hair. I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don't see color or race- I see people. 

I'm sorry to read so many people are so narrow minded... Love is the answer.

Appreciation of all and inspiration from anywhere is a beautiful thing. Think about it."

xo,

Maya

BEST COLLECTION OF #NYFW: LOUIS VERDAD SS2017

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK REVIEW

MOST IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION: LOUIS VERDAD 2017

Louis Verdad is a Mexican-American designer who was discovered by Madonna's stylist Arianne Phillips, back in 2000. 

At the 2003 MTV music awards, Madonna wore a black cashmere suit set designed by VERDAD, and shared a controversial kiss with Britney Spears. The moment was photographed and shared all over the world, catapulting his career into instant celebrity success. 

However, the immediate success was plagued with controversy and conflict, and the business ballooned at an uncontrollable rate. Claiming bankruptcy in 2007,  and later losing temporary custody of his own brand name, his precious designs have been quietly resting in the closets of his own private clients. 

Now returning to the limelight, for his first presentation at NYFW, his debut collection is targeting a younger, "urban, sophisticated" woman. Following the cues of European luxury houses, he has strongly pushed the return of classic denim. 

The Spring 2017 Collections is filled with denim chic, patch-work embellishments, whimsical patterns, and obi belts. The look is innovated, easy, cool, chic, and charming. 

His style, cut, and form is uniquely VERDAD, and a designer everyone should know. A true gem of NYFW and a delight to view. 

By far, TALKFASHION's top pick for NYFW.

xo,

Maya

#NYFW: KATIE GALLAGHER SS 2017

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK REVIEW:

KATIE GALLAGHER is a New York based designer who has been featured in Vogue, The Cut, Nylon, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Refinery 29 and the Fashion Times. Her designs are mysterious, whimsical, powerful, feminine and refined.

ECLIPSE

ECLIPSE is the 15th collection of Katie Gallagher, and the third installment of her all-black series. It is inspired by the sensual side of darkness grabbing inspiration from the black out of a total eclipse. 

HARRY CLARKE ILLUSTRATIONS

Subtle references of intricate textures, and fragile geometric details, play homage to her obsession

with the illustrations of Harry Clarke. 

GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

The ECLIPSE collection is filled with sheer elements that showcase the lines of the female form and the patterns of delicately sewn lace elements. Mimicking the mysterious elements of beauty and power, her collection is highly reminiscent of gothic churches. 

 SS2017 collection features subtle elements of dots, hearts, crosses, silver zippers, ribbons, and twisted seams.  

Even with all the absence of colors, her collection cleverly plays with the subtle bounce of light and varying shades of black.

   Can you spot me?

xo,

Maya