A Vagabond Tribe

I awoke this morning after a horrible night of sleep filled with nightmares, only to jump on the computer and find this breathtaking collection from Missoni which made me erase all the bad thoughts in my head.  This is my absolute favorite Missoni collection to date.  Going back to the Missoni family roots, the collection was filled with a stunning array of textured knits in the most beautiful color palette I have yet to see for Fall ‘09.  Salmon, heather grey, ecru, shocking bright blues mixed with smoky blues, creamy peach – all of these mixed together to give a warm autumn feeling to the nomad look carried throughout.  It was all about the layering with lightweight leggings ruched at the knees, billowy coats worn over floral print dresses, extra long scarves (LOVE), bushy fur collars, cowl necks wrapped around the head and left to drape, and chunky knit arm warmers.  Hausfrau Chic meets Global Nomad meets the Princess of Planet Earth – this collection matters.

All images from Style.com

Damn Everything But The Circus

Last night my friend Chelito and I went to see a short film about Sister Corita Kent that was curated by Aaron Rose (who also curated Beautiful Losers) titled Become a Microscope.  Sister Corita Kent was a Catholic nun who taught art at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles beginning in the late ’40s and spread her message of hope and peace to her students and community.  She was a serigraph artist and also created collages with epic, poignant messages that were unheard of from a nun during those days (and these, too).  The film was centered around 90 statements of Sister Corita Kent that were all given by former students and those who spent enough time with her to know what kind of an inspiration she truly was.  Almost all of the women interviewed said that they carried her values and messages throughout their lives and live by them every day.  I thought that was so beautiful and touching.  One of the interviewees said that Sister Corita Kent found it important to really be grateful for what you have in your life and that once you could see all that you do have, you could truly start to be happy for everything that your friends have and appreciate all of the wonderful things that come their way without envy.  I thought that was a valuable message, because so much energy is wasted in this world on envy and jealousy.  Sister Corita Kent is one of my heroes. Read more about her here and check out this video of Aaron Rose in Berlin talking about her work.  Also, an exhibit of her work is currently up at Cal State Northridge.

Opposites Attract

Two of my favorite shows so far: Christopher Kane and Jeremy Laing.  The complete opposite of one another, but both devastatingly cool and totally wearable.  What I love about Christopher Kane is his ability to completely transform each collection he brings forth, each with an entirely different aesthetic but still keeping with that unique and artful spin he puts on nearly every garment – most specifically his dresses.  His fall collection was the epitome of relaxed dressing, but with a touch of menswear and some geometry-inspired frills.  I love the idea of wearing a luxurious, delicate dress that is ultra-feminine and pairing it with lace-up oxfords.  Kane mastered this brilliantly.  Baggy sweaters worn loosely over fitted skirts were breathtaking, and I especially loved the combination of textures in the clothes and the shoes (velvet!) – this collection is for all the girls who appreciate “cool” without giving a damn of how put together they look. 

Jeremy Laing’s collection didn’t get rave reviews, but in my opinion it was totally next level Laing.  Buttoned-to-the-neck shirts looked androgynous but were offset by high-waisted pants that fit like a glove.  It was futuristic yet completely modern and the funnel-neck cape layered over an asymmetrical print dress and sheer leggings was one of my favorite looks.  This collection was designed for the foward-thinking woman who isn’t afraid to take risks.

All images from Style.com

Does It Get Any Better Than This?

The shoes at Proenza Schouler were SCANDALOUS.  I want to get my hands on all of these. These are serious biz.  And btw, I loved that they showed lots of cuffed shorts with tights – shorts are becoming a year-round closet staple and I like it.

I mean….come on.  These are out of control amazing.  They look like an old velvet ’70s purse, and like something to get your groove on in.  I love that the leather is sandwiched between wood.

These kind of remind me of that western shoe  that Givenchy did last season, but ten times better.  I am all about that mustard yellow!

Definitely one of the sickest heels I have ever seen.  The way it protrudes out in the back is so bitchin’, and that grainy wood reminds me of Danish modern furniture.  This is a sexy shoe.

The yellow throws off the entire shoe, which I like.  It’s a nice complement to the chocolate brown and velvet, which actually looks like snakeskin.

All images from Style.com

Current Obsession

This new Chairlift video is the jam.  The director, Ray Tinori, used pixel morphing technology which makes everything look like a big collage that falls apart and gets pieced back together.  Pure magic.  I especially love the part where everyone is swimming in the pool.  The name of the song is “Evident Utensil” and it makes me wish I could sing.  I cannot wait to see them play at SXSW.

Laced to Perfection

Fashion Week is far from being over, but already I’ve noticed a continuing trend for Fall ‘09: Lace-up boots.  I mostly love a boot that looks complicated and difficult to wear.  Anything to stomp around in and take control is usually the kind of shoe that I’m attracted to.  But there’s something about laces on a boot that gets me even more excited.  They help to elongate my limbs and make an outfit look pulled together.  Here are a few of my top picks so far, and my own personal favorite by Emma Cook for Topshop.

At Alexander Wang, satin lace-ups.  I am liking the curved pointy toe.

The lace-up’s at Rag & Bone.  They aren’t too fussy, but I am all over that toe.

These Rachel Comey two-toned boots are to die for.  Definitely on my wish list for fall.

At United Bamboo, some grey suede lace-ups with a baggy fit at the ankle.

My Emma Cook for Topshop boots.  I love the tassel laces and the chain at the back.  Believe it or not, I danced in these for 3 hours straight last weekend and wasn’t in pain.  Solid investment for sure.

Runway photos from Style.com