Features — Page 20

Fashion Reverie’s Fall 2021 Ladies’ Coat Round-up

October 6, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of oprahdaily.com

With temperatures dropping and leaves falling, now is the time to assess you closet and see what coats are missing in your wardrobe. Coats bring a whole outfit together, which is why it’s so important that you are properly suited up for the months ahead. Fashion Reverie has some great options that are sure to fill the gaps in your closet.

Crew Blazer-Jacket in Italian Fall Blanket Wool $298

With Blazers being everywhere this season, J. Crew takes the classic silhouette and makes it more versatile. The sleek lapels and belt elevate this look to create an even more polished look than the blazer already is. Crafted in Italian Wool from Mario Belucci Mill this jacket is sure to keep you warm as the temperatures start to decline.

Eloquii Plaid Shacket Coat $169.95

Shackets made their debut last fall and are back again in varying silhouettes and fabrics. Eloquii’s take on the shacket is midi length in a gorgeous green plaid with a belt that is removable. With Eloquii being at the forefront of stylish accessible styles for plus size women this coat comes in sizes 14-28.

Veronica Beard Inigo Quilted Coat $695

Quilted Coats whether they are solid colored or in a quilted pattern can be found all over. Veronica Beard translates this trend into a mid-length coat in an army green color that is easy to pair with many other fall items that may already exist in your closet.

Deadwood Kara Recycled Leather Coat $400

Deadwood is a brand from Sweden that takes rescued deadstock skins, repurposed vintage clothing and upcycled post-production waste and creates incredible leather pieces. This Leather coat is a nod to the 90’s style making a comeback. Pair this with trousers, a simple tee and loafers and you have a chic yet simple fall look.

Burberry Coleshill Camel Coat $3550

Everyone needs a classic camel coat, and no one pulls off classic silhouettes like Burberry, which is a British Fashion Institution in of itself. The single-breasted coat is updated with color blocking on the sleeves in a darker beige color. A camel coat like this is sure to last seasons and goes with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a dress and boots.

Loro Piana Loreen Reversible Cashmere Coat $5840

Recently seen on Meghan Markle while visiting a school in Harlem in New York City, this Loro Piana coat in cashmere is reversible and sure to carry you through the season. The detachable collar and reversible feature make this coat an easy item to throw on top of any fall outfit.

Zara Oversized Wool Coat $219

A black coat is a necessity in every woman’s closet, and this oversized wool coat from Zara is effortlessly cool. The lapel collar and double-breasted button closure make it a silhouette that is easy to pair with existing items in your wardrobe.

Junya Watanabe White Sequin Organdy Double-Breasted Trench Coat $4060

Junya Watanabe who is known for studying under Commes des Garcons, Rei Kawakubo puts a spin on the classic Trench Coat silhouette by adorning it in sequins which makes it even more glamorous. Because of the sequins this trench can be worn in so many ways and instantly makes an outfit standout.

Vivienne Westwood Bat Coat $1835

Known for bringing modern punk and new wave into the fashion mainstream, Vivienne Westwood shows off her punk roots by choosing a quite simple silhouette in a bold check pattern. The coat is made from a blend of mulesing-free wool and recycled nylon that is sure to keep you warm. The combination of the check pattern and metal press studs make this a bold coat that is sure to wow others walking by.

Rick Owens Gethsemane Jumbo Tatlin Coat in Wool Crepe $5545

This groundbreaking silhouette featuring modulator jumbo shoulders and long contrasting knit sleeves, is in typical fashion when in regard to Rick Owens who is an American-born, Paris-based designer. The colors eggplant and carnelian are beautifully paired and highlight the design details which include a slim lapel, two button front closure, and thin cotton webbing disco strap.

All images courtesy of their respective brands

MaxMara Teddy Bear Icon Coat $3790

No one can ever go wrong with a Teddy Coat and MaxMara creates the best coats, so look no further. In a gorgeous Tobacco color this coat is ready to be worn all through the colder months and is guaranteed to keep you stylish and warm. If Tobacco isn’t your color of choice it comes in an assortment of colors including Beige, White, Red and Black.

—Phoebe Howard

New York International Bridal Week Fall 2022 Season Pre-coverage

October 2, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of arabiaweddings.com

Are we nearing the end of the COVID-19 pandemic? Though infection rates and deaths in the US are starting to show a decline and over half of the US population is completely vaccinated (56%), no one can quite say that we are nearing the end. That said, all the weddings that were cancelled or put on hold because of the health pandemic are now being rescheduled. And with that rescheduling of nuptial ceremonies comes the quest for that perfect bridal garment.

In just a few days, New York International Bridal Week will take place in New York City. After two seasons of digital presentations, there will be some in-person viewings of bridal garments for the fall 2022 bridal season for fashion editors, stylists, bridal boutique owners, and industry professionals.

Image courtesy of BERTA

For the past two seasons, industry professionals experienced rather lackluster bridal collections and bridal designers/brands struggled to keep their business afloat and revenue flowing as the COVID-19 pandemic made any get-togethers or wedding parties almost impossible. This clampdown caused some bridal designers/brands to abandon any risk-taking and adopt the tried and true as they waited out the pandemic. Hopefully, bridal collections for the fall 2022 season will contain a bit more innovative design aesthetics as we seem to be slowly coming out of the quarantine.

This season we can expect to see some interesting bridal collections from Reem Acra, Ines di Santo, Rita Visneris, THEIA, Pat BO, and emerging bridal designer Charles Dieujuste and his bridal brand, Scorcesa. Fashion Reverie will be front and center, bringing its viewers all the great bridal fashion from the New York International Bridal Week’s fall 2022 season.

—William S. Gooch

Pre-NYFW Spring 2022 Brand Roundup

September 7, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of dontdiewondering.com

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is scheduled for September 8th-12th, with several shows being held in person this upcoming season. With COVID-19 safeguards in place (proof of vaccination status), New York City is set to be bustling with fashionable street looks as city-goers head through the flashing lights of street photographers’ cameras to select runway shows, invites and Telfar bags in hand. IMG’s creation of the Fashion Alliance has solidified NYFW’s in-person presence this year with guaranteed collections by Joseph Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, LaQuan Smith, Alexandra O’Neil of Markarian, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia of Monse, Prabal Gurung, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, Sergio Hudson, and Telfar. While these collections are ensured to make NYFW feel magical again, there are a multitude of collections set to show across the city that Fashion Reverie readers need to know about, so here are the brands to look out for this season!

Image courtesy of Carlos Valles

SYREN LABS

Carlos Valles, avante garde shoe designer, is debuting SYREN LABS’ collection at NYFW on September 11th and 12th. Valles started his brand over a decade ago in 2010. His electric, blue-colored dream defied gender norms and seemed as fanciful as his Lady Gaga inspired designs that he called “completely insane” with towering heels, sharp pointed toes and rhinestone, wooden construction. Valles tells us, “I first started posting videos on YouTube showing what I could do with unconventional materials and my ideas. That sparked some controversy on YouTube with men wearing heels.” Now, 10 years later, his dreams are surfacing from a sea of liquid metal and are far from fanciful as Valles tells us. “Using the technology and the resources we have nowadays, it is a completely realistic dream.” We are ready to be entranced by SYREN LABS’ siren song as we follow the pointed heels down the reflective runway.

Image courtesy of Carlos Valles

Valles shared a statement with Fashion Reverie about SYREN LABS’ upcoming collection:

“The brand will be heading to New York Fashion Week on September 11th & 12th to showcase some unique heels and a very limited collection for the brand. While we won’t focus too much on the clothing, it is necessary to complete the look. One thing that will set us apart from the rest is not only the creativity that we put behind each shoe but the storytelling through photography, custom pieces, and marketing. It’s going to be an experience along with some insane designs. SYREN LABS will feature a 9-piece collection that will complement the 2 styles of shoes that will be released with the brand. While only one of them is ‘runway ready,’ the other one will only be sold online because of its height and complexity. It will feature a timeless black and white color palette with a metallic blue that will capture viewer’s attention, along with some other fun things to entertain the crowd!”

SYREN LABS Showcase

LOCATION #1

SHOW DATE: Saturday, September 11th, 2021

Bryant Park Hotel

The Loft (25th Floor) and the Terrace Loft (24th Floor)

40 West 40th Street

New York, NY 10018

PRIVATE INVITED SHOW GUEST LIST ONLY SEATS FOR THE DESIGNER SHOWCASE.

LOCATION #2

SHOW DATE: Sunday, September 12th, 2021

Caelum Gallery

526 West 26th Street – #315

New York, NY 10001

Gallery District in New York

PRIVATE INVITED SHOW GUEST LIST AND LIMITED ADVANCE BAR-CODE PUBLIC SHOW SEATS AVAILABLE AND CAN ONLY BE ACQUIRED ONLINE FOR EACH DESIGNER SHOWCASE.

Image courtesy of Junny.nyc

JUNNY

Junny Ann Hibbert, Harlem-based designer, is set to show her newest collection at Spring Studios on September 11th. Design practically struts through Hibbert’s veins as her mother was a seamstress and created clothing for Hibbert and her siblings from newspapers. On her website, she writes that she thinks “in color, fabric, and texture” and “each piece is a tribute to the sight, sounds, style and vibrancy of my hood, Harlem, NYC.” Her upcoming collection is likely to follow suit in a vibrant caftan-wrapped celebration of New York City and her Jamaican heritage.

She describes her most recent FW19 collection as “a more refreshed museum installation, than catwalk” featuring warm tones, mixed patterns and textures, and signature caftans. In an interview with the CFDA, she speaks of her inspirations that flowed across the streets of Harlem to the mind of Hibbert; “I became inspired by the colors, the sounds of the neighborhood, the beautiful flowing robes of Africans going to prayer… and on 125^th Street, sitting there, the idea that I needed to create a beautiful caftan literally came to me. I love the kimono! And through my process of reinvention, I came up with an idea. I wanted a piece I could just wear over a tee and jeans that could take me from basic to glam effortlessly. I started with one caftan.” All JUNNY creations are also available to be custom-made while many feature upcycled natural fabrics!

JUNNY SS22 NYFW Showcase

SHOW DATE: September 11, 2021, 10am-6pm

Showroom at Spring Studios

6 St. John’s Lane, Floor 5

New York, NY 10013

Image courtesy of @perfectpopulationbyklallen on Instagram

Perfect Population By: KL Allen

KL Allen, Atlanta-based designer is set to show his upcoming collection at NYFW on September 11th at R&A Cycles in Brooklyn, NY at 1PM. Perfect Population By: KL Allen is a Black Owned Fashion Label, with design’s being infused in celebrity and TV culture. Looks by KL Allen have been worn by Fantasia Barrino, Cynthia Bailey, Kenya Moore, Mya Harrison, Mary Mary, and Kari Wells among many others. The brand’s most recent collection was shown at Milan Fashion Week and featured an artfully constructed black and white vignette of leather and belt buckle detailing followed by a jewel toned metallic vignette of sparkling fringe and metallic texture.

Perfect Population was created in 2011 and is modern at its core but infuses 1950s-style elements, present trends, and a futuristic aesthetic. These elements interlace to write the brand’s slogan in thread; “The key to a lifestyle of perfect fashion. Where fashion is perfection.” KL Allen tells Fashion Reverie that the upcoming collection will focus on this idyllic destination where fashion meets perfection. He says, “The Collection titled ‘Perfect Universe’ is inspired by the future and explores a world where fashion is perfection. Perfect Population By KL Allen Ready 2 Wear Collection is inspired by futuristic prints and unique silhouettes that embodies the labels unique aesthetic.” Fashion Reverie is looking forward to seeing the world’s creation!

Perfect Population By: KL Allen Spring/Summer RTW 2022 Showcase

SHOW DATE: September 11, 2021 @1PM

R&A Cycles

105 5th Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11217

Press, media, influencers, and buyers may request an invitation at info@perfectpopulation.com

Image courtesy of @melkenyc on Instagram

Melke

Emma Gage, NYC based designer of Melke, is set to show her upcoming collection at NYFW on September 11th at 7:30pm. The brand has a gorgeous aesthetic that is green, fresh, and natural. The brand revolves around aspirations for a clean Earth, focusing on all aspects of sustainability. Gage is passionate about combatting human trafficking and educating children and is persistent in her work as she co-chairs an advisory board focused on rescuing women and girls from human trafficking and forced prostitution. Her aim is to sew fashion and activist causes together to form pieces that are made kindly and ethically.

Image courtesy of @melkenyc on Instagram

An inspiration board for Melke’s upcoming collection features an earth-toned color palette of cool blue, earthy green, fiery red, amber, amethyst purple, and black. First sketches tease asymmetrical hems, flowering ruffles, picturesque prints, swaying fringe, oversized jackets, and airy palazzo pants. The upcoming collection is set to use sustainable materials, and designers will be gender fluid. Fashion Reverie expects Melke to be a swiftly rising brand, so we cannot wait to see the NYFW showcase!

Melke SS22 Showcase

SHOW DATE: September 11, 2021 @7:30PM

For collection details, contact Melke@melkenyc.com

—Tessa Swantek

Models to Watch for the Spring 2022 Season: New Faces, the Men and the Women

September 7, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of CM Model Agency

For this second edition of “models to watch,” we enlisted the help of two of the fashion industry’s top casting agents, Chad Thompson from Communa-k (communa-k.com), and Maurilio T. Carnino of MTC Casting (mtccasting.com). Chad has been an ace model casting director for over 15 years as has Maurilio. Both generously shared some of the new faces they have their eyes on with Fashion Reverie.

Chad and Maurilio pointed out that agents are having to scout aggressively in the USA, which they support. They see this as one of the silver linings that has emerged from the “new normal” fashion is grappling with. Fashion, they say, is becoming more regional due to travel restrictions. The result is that agents are considering models coming out of local US markets and smaller feeder agencies including some in Mexico. Prior to COVID, these models were eclipsed by international models who made the circuit from New York to London, Paris, and Milan. Says Chad, “More Americans are finding opportunities to model but the look that everyone is favoring is still very multicultural and diverse, like the US population trends in the most recent census findings.”

Images courtesy of nydailynews.com

Although most castings are still virtual due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, things are heating up again now that we have some live shows to look forward to. Maurilio estimates that he looks at 150-180 models a day prior to shows, for the three most intense days of casting before the meeting with the designer. At that point, he and the designer look at 50-60 models. Although Maurilio is not casting for the upcoming NYFW, he has been busy all summer working on ads and photoshoots. At the time we spoke, he was working from Turin, Italy.

Both agents confirmed that a vast majority of their castings have been virtual. Instagram serves as many models’ portfolios, which also fits nicely into the new “no touch” restrictions. What’s new from last season is the increased use of the TikTok platform, which serves as an additional way for models to express themselves and their unique personalities. Agents find the platform valuable as it also highlights how the models move. One thing that has not changed; however, is preferences for certain heights. For female models, 5’11” is still what’s desirable. For men, the target height is 6’2”. There are of course exceptions, such as James Baek, who we feature below. Size wise, they state that the trend for designers including a girl of alternate size in their shows continues. Overall, Chad and Maurilio believe that this NYFW will prove to be a very diverse runway, and base this on the European men’s shows, which are known for being fashion forward and directional.

Meet our freshman class for fall 2021!

The Men

Image courtesy of Instagram

Adonai

Agency: NEXT Model Management

Instagram: @adxonai, 808 followers

So far, Adonai has done the JW Anderson Persol campaign and has a great character face. This, coupled with his darker skin and fashion’s ongoing interest in diversity, is one of the trends the agents think we will continue to see. Adonai has an abundant mop of hair that can be styled like a Seventies’ afro or a futuristic sculpture, as was done for JW Anderson.

Images courtesy of Instagram

James Baek

Agency: DNA Model Management New York/ Select Los Angeles.

Instagram: @jamesbaekk, 4,063 followers

James is based on the West Coast where Chad saw him at a casting in LA. James has a Greg Lauren look book for spring/summer 2022 and fall/winter 2021 under his belt and has also done Hugo Boss with Russell Athletics. This would be his first fashion week for this slight model who, at an even 6 feet, falls slightly short of the desirable 6’2” mark. His strength is that he can morph from a tough guy in a tank and leather jacket to a modern day prepster with only an outfit change and by altering his facial expressions.

Images courtesy of Instagram

Jequiel Sykes

Mother Agency: Wilson Model Management/New York, The Society Management/Milan

Instagram: none

Jequiel is mega model Jecardi Sykes’ little brother. While Jecardi (@cardaveli) has a refined studious look, his little brother presents as tougher, and more brooding, not unlike a young James Dean. Jequiel has his work cut out for him; Jecardi has already walked for Off-White, Fendi, Iceberg, Prada, and Ermenegildo Zegna, to name just a few of his clients.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Niccolò Geuna

Mother Agency: Elite Paris

Instagram: @011.nico, 1,351 followers

One of Maurilio’s new favorites is this handsome Italian seventeen-year-old he calls “one of the hottest new faces in Europe.” Nicolo’s gorgeous bone structure and mop of wavy hair firmly place him in the “pretty boy” category. Despite the diversity on runways and ads, Maurilio believes there will always be work for handsome men on the skinny side such as Niccolò, particularly at brands such as Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, and Prada. Although he’s a newcomer, he’s already getting traction in Europe and is already a favorite at Etro and Fendi and has shot the DSquared fall/winter 2021 men’s look book.

Image courtesy of INYIM Media

Tyler “Ty” Hogan

Mother Agency: Marilyn New York

Instagram: @official_ty_hogan, 822 followers

This young model hails from Georgia. He has appeared in T Style magazine and the JW Anderson Persol Campaign. He has long strawberry blonde hair which is unique now and shows fashion’s ongoing interest in androgyny.

The Women

Images courtesy of Instagram

Adesola Adeyemi

Mother Agency: One Management, New York

Instagram: none

Although this Nigerian beauty has only been in the modeling game for slightly under two years, and most of it in the pandemic, she has already shot the Saks Fifth Avenue spring/summer 2021 look book with Brendan Wixted and walked two Bibhu Mohapatra shows. Her symmetrical features and arresting almond shaped eyes have already landed her work with MAC Cosmetics for their Mac Pro spring 2019 ads. We look forward to seeing more of Adesola in the coming months on the runways and in fashion editorials.

Images courtesy of Instagram

Hallie Hummer

Mother Agency: New York Models

Instagram: @halliehummer, 1,263 followers

Like Ty Hogan, this Saint Louis beauty has red hair, which makes her stand apart from other models. She can appear as regal as a young Queen Elizabeth I in full-face makeup or as accessible as someone’s cute little sister in a torn pair of jeans, with her naturally wavy hair and little to no makeup. Hallie has already appeared in the Prada fall/winter 2021 show and video that took place in Milan last season. As Chad says, “Anyone who does Prada their first time at the rodeo, well, that’s a good indication of a career that will be successful.”

Image courtesy of Instagram

Jolie Chang

Mother Agency: The Identity Models Inc., New York

Instagram: @jolie_chang

This Asian beauty shows a sense of humor on her Instagram page and describes herself as “Comedian” in her bio. Jokester or not, she takes her career seriously and has appeared on the cover of Marie Claire Taipei, and walked for Dolce & Gabbana. Furthermore, she possesses the elegance to work as a fine jewelry model for the likes of Bulgari and Cartier.

The Mexicans: Tindi Mar, Sara Esparza, Marsella Rea

Tindi, Sara, and Marsella (below) are among the group of Mexican models that has benefitted from the pandemic. As stated earlier, Mexico was not widely looked at as a place to find new talent, prior to COVID-19. Ford Models discovered Sara and Marsella, who work well together and have appeared in an editorial for the February 2021 issue of Vogue.

Image courtesy MX Models Forum

Tindi Mar

Mother Agency: The Industry New York

Instagram: @tindi.mar, 12k followers

TIndi’s career is off to a promising start, and she has one of the highest Instagram followings in our freshman class. Her pretty looks make her a shoo-in for beauty work as well as walking the runways. She had already had a runway exclusive for fall/winter Louis Vuitton and has shot with Ethan James Green for Dazed.

Image courtesy of facebook.com

Sara Esparza

Mother Agency: Ford Models

Instagram: @saraesparz, 15.2K followers

Sara has the classical face of a sixteenth century Spanish princess combined with the strong Aztec cheekbones and generous lips also make her a contender for beauty and eyewear work. This coupled with her boyishly slim physique makes everything from a black bikini top to a couture dress look elegant and elevated. She’s already a favorite at Mexican Vogue and we look forward to seeing her appear in other issues in the franchise soon.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Marsella Rea

Mother Agency: Ford Models

Instagram: @maresellarea, 6,226 followers.

Marsella rounds-out the group and is perhaps the most compelling of the three women. Her look is strongly androgynous, yet she can morph into a pretty socialite as she did at London Fashion Week 2020 in a ruffled red dress and hat. Her lanky physique makes her the perfect clothes hanger for anything from the classic camel coat she wore at the Theory fall 2020 presentation to the all-black ensemble she wore to walk for The Row.

*A big thank you to event producer, Christina Neault, for the introductions she provided which made this piece possible.

—Vivian Kelly

Influencer Culture’s Changes Affect How Brands Should Market During NYFW

September 3, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Influencers Emma Chamberlain and Charli D’Amelio for Louis Vuitton; Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton on Instagram

Over the pandemic, there has been a general rise in disdain regarding celebrity and influencer culture. Sub-par celebrity efforts to sympathize come off as out of touch. Gal Gadot’s “Imagine” project is such example of insensitivity, with influencer’s product pushes during such a sensitive time are deemed disingenuous. Much of the general public have lost trust in celebrities and influencers alike as many have also been caught throwing massive parties while simultaneously pushing social distancing and mask wearing on their social media channels. This leaves many to wonder, is celebrity and influencer culture officially dead?

Image courtesy of Unsplash

As we near New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and the MET Gala, this question is increasingly more important as the guest lists of both events are often just as important as the events themselves. Traditionally, the front row of NYFW had been taken over by the press, stylists, celebrities, and retail buyers; however, in recent years, fashion influencers and bloggers have filled up the coveted front seats as other industry personnel are pushed to the back. Rumors of this year’s MET Gala guest list floated around social media recently, and there was significant backlash. A viral tweet with over 60,000 likes and comments on the rumored influencer guest list by writing, “You could’ve told me this was the Kid’s Choice Awards guest list, and I wouldn’t have questioned you.” With an event as prestigious as the MET Gala, this comparison makes it clear that influencers may be diluting its reputational value, which may have implications for NYFW brands as well.

Image courtesy of Statista

According to a 2017 Statista graph about worldwide Instagram influencer marketing, the United States accounted for 49% of worldwide influencer sponsored posts. This was during the peak of influencer marketing in the US. A recent 2021 Statista global consumer survey focused on “the influence of influencers” to spur consumer purchase decisions by country, marks the United States at a meager 13% transactional influence. This is comparative to 41% influence in Brazil, 35% in China, and 31% in India—all significant emerging market economies. These statistics signify that influencer marketing, in a traditional transactional sense, may have reached saturation in the United States as traditional influencer marketing is rising in emerging economies.

Image courtesy of Statista

Despite clear reputational damage and a decline in traditional influencer marketing/product pushes, influencer marketing has certainly not evaporated in the US. According to a 2021 survey conducted by Influencer Marketing Hub, “59% of companies have a budget specifically allocated to content marketing, and 75% of that group plans to dedicate funds to influencer marketing.” This, however, does not mean that influencer culture has not evolved drastically. The same report notes the increased engagement with micro-influencers (less than 15,000 followers) over mega-influencers (1M+ followers); “On Instagram, there is a clear preference (57.78%) for micro-influencers, followed by 23.57% for regular influencers.” An extensive annual report by Launchmetrics entitled, “The State of Influencer Marketing 2020” helps to rationalize this shift towards micro-influencers on social media, specifically Instagram. In their predictions for future influencer trends, the report states, “Now, more than ever, consumers are looking to brands and influencers who they can connect with and relate to. The content that is being produced as a result of this will become less product-focused and will start to tell more of a story that sheds light on how brands fit into creators’ lives. Those that recognize and empathize with the situation that many of their followers are in, whilst remaining honest with their audiences will win out.” Micro-influencers tend to have more of a niche and intimate following which allows for better storytelling and authenticity.

Leonie Hanne wearing Dior; Image courtesy of Leonie Hanne on Instagram

Leonie Hanne, a fashion influencer with a longstanding partnership with Dior, asserts this same notion as she states in an interview with Launchmetrics, “Currently, a lot of high-end brands work with the people they think are cool—they always just show how amazing influencer relationships are with brands, but they don’t actually communicate with people. I think this is now the massive difference—I can still post fashion, but I need to incorporate storytelling, it’s all about communicating.” This means that there is a major shift in influencer’s taking the lead in brand partnerships for an outcome that is mutually beneficial and aligns with the influencer’s personal values.

Naomi Elizee, Vogue Market Editor, wearing Christopher John Rogers; Image courtesy of Naomi Elizee on Instagram

The definition of an influencer has also broadened as the line between traditional media editors and influencers has blurred. This means that during NYFW, the traditional seating delineations are not so straightforward. Many fashion editors like Julia Sarr-Jamois, Naomi Elizee, Kat Collings, and Nikki Ogunnaike have become influencers in their own right. Fashion editors can get in on the immediacy of social media by posting NYFW behind the scenes stories while also sharing lengthy story-telling pieces in their respective publications. This allows for a more complete look at a brand’s collection which is a unique advantage that brands should be cognizant of.

Kat Collings, Who What Wear Editor in Chief, wearing Givenchy; Image courtesy of Kat Collings on Instagram

NYFW has transitioned towards a more global focus prompted by Tom Ford’s open letter from the CFDA to rename the NYFW calendar the “American Collections Calendar” to include American designers showing in other countries. As previously noted, traditional marketing is at its peak in emerging markets like Brazil, China, and India, so brands promoting their collections in these countries may benefit from traditional product placement influencer posts. Brands showing in New York City; however, must be aware of the changing influencer landscape and should look to fashion editors who double as influencers as well as micro-influencers who can tell a unique story with the brand. While trust of influencers and celebrities has declined in the US, brands also need to carefully curate who they choose to work with to promote authenticity and a storytelling approach or else they may suffer serious reputational damage evidenced by the uproar following the MET Gala guest list.

—Tessa Swantek

New York Fashion Week Pre-Coverage Spring 2022 Season

September 2, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of AP Images

With all that is going on in the country and the world at large, the crisis with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the COVID-19 Delta variant wrecking global havoc, and global climate crisis, and retractive abortion laws in Texas, it is sometimes a challenge to put a focus of fashion.

Still, when has there ever been a time or era without crises and upheaval. We soldier on, and so does the fashion industry. And as fashion is inspired by current events, it would not be surprising to see some spring 2022 fashion collections that use these trying times as a reference point.

It should be noted that this is the first time in two seasons that some fashion designers have produced live shows due to the COVID-19 health pandemic. And with live shows coming back to New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the CFDA and IMG have put some precautions in place. For all approved CFDA/IMG venues, staff, models, and attendees will have to produce verification of COVID-19 vaccination. And while industry professionals are scoffing and critical of this development, the authorities understand that safety is crucial.

This return of live shows presents a new set of challenges for the producers of NYFW. First, there is a new venue on Fifth Avenue where several shows will be housed. Spring Studios will continue to be a location for several shows; however, Pier 59 is no longer an approved venue for NYFW.

Backstage at Jason Wu RTW Fall 2021. Image courtesy of viralnigeria.com

Because of the current health pandemic, runway and presentations cannot hold more than 400 people. This reduction in attendance vastly decreases media coverage, which had already experienced a sharp decline over the past five years. Social media influencers who had become an important factor and source of coverage for NYFW are no longer being given the huge financial compensations they once received prior to the current health pandemic. So, expect their presence to be greatly diminished.

Some top brands have decided to continue using the digital format for the spring 2022 season, eschewing live runway shows. Still, there are a plethora of brands that will showing at NYFW for the first, as well as brands returning after an absence.

You can expect the NYFW stalwarts—Anna Sui, Bibhu Mohapatra, Michael Kors, Gabriela Hearst, Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu, Naeem Khan, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Sergio Hudson, Coach, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Brandon Maxwell, Veronica Beard, Zero Maria Cornejo, LaQuan Smith, Khiry, Telfar, Rebecca Minkoff, and many others. There are some newcomers to the NYFW roster—Connor McKnight, Oak & Acorn, Tombogo, Dur Doux, Fried Rice, Callas Milano, Marrisa Wilson, Carter Young, The Stolen Garment, and several others.

—Staff

NYFW and The MET Gala Meet to Change the American Fashion Cultural Narrative

August 18, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of Prabal Gurung

Fashion industry experts have called for the “revitalization of NYFW” this upcoming season in September. Following a year of virtual showings, the absence of prominent designers from New York Fashion Week (NYFW), and a massive decrease in retail footprints due to COVID-19, it feels like 2009 all over again. In 2009, Anna Wintour along with the CFDA debuted Fashion’s Night Out following the 2008 recession. Fashion’s Night Out began in New York as a celebrity-filled event that kept more than 800 stores in the five boroughs open until 11 p.m, in a bid to revitalize the retail industry. Instead of looking to retail stores and celebrities to keep New York alive, the CFDA is debuting a much more tailored revitalization plan this September, with a global mentality that seeks to retain a unique American fashion identity. With the MET Gala scheduled the day after NYFW, there is a unique composition this season that allows for both events to underpin each other and create a new pattern to follow.

Image courtesy of the MET Museum

In an open letter to the CFDA, chairman Tom Ford stated that “New York Fashion Week is always a celebration of American fashion, but this will take on a whole new meaning in September. After two challenging seasons with no in-person gatherings, we anticipate a significant return to live shows. This season’s shows are an opportunity to reaffirm the resilience and independence of American fashion and New York City as a global fashion force.” IMG has taken the first heeled step onto the revitalization runway through their “fashion alliance” sewn together with 11 diverse American designers that form the billowing fabric of NYFW’s future. Designers include Telfar, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler, Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, Prabal Gurung, Sergio Hudson, Monse, Jason Wu, LaQuan Smith, and Markarian. All have signed onto a commitment to show collections at this upcoming NYFW as well as the next three seasons. The designers will be backed financially by IMG which makes it possible to produce shows that have more of an impact. Notably, not all designers are born in America, which not only redefines what it means to be American but underscores the designer’s individual stories that brought them here.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Prabal Gurung, for example, was born in Singapore but has been outspoken about his American identity. For his spring 2020 ready-to-wear collection, he sought to identify the meaning of “Americanness.” In an interview with Asia Society, he states, “an investor asked me to express what I felt my brand stood for. I began explaining that American style had always been seen through a white lens. As a first-generation Asian immigrant, a minority, and a queer person of color, I wanted to redefine the country’s style, because our experiences have been underrepresented … after telling me I don’t look American, it was clear to me that he meant that because I wasn’t white, I had no authority to shape the American ideal.” The narrative of Americanism through a white lens is one many have subscribed to; however. the aim of the fashion alliance is to dismantle this narrative and form a new one that redefines and rewrites a story of American fashion culture.

Image courtesy of Prabal Gurung.

Americanism through a global lens is also displayed through the CFDA’s official renaming of the fashion calendar. In an official statement, the CFDA wrote, “it is our job as the CFDA to honor our original mission statement and to help promote and support American fashion. Therefore, we will publish on the schedule not only the schedule of designers showing in New York during New York Fashion Week but also those of American designers showing off-calendar and abroad. To that end, the show schedule that is released by the CFDA each season will be renamed the ‘American Collections Calendar.’” This means that American fashion can still retain its identity outside of country bounds which is an important part of reframing American fashion culture.

Image courtesy of Laquan Smith

This cultural reframing is precisely the intention of IMG, NYFW, and the MET Gala this upcoming season. New York City has often been characterized as the melting pot of America due to the diversity of people and cultures that call it home. The term, however, has really been a form of cultural tokenism as a melting pot implies assimilation, homogeneity, and anonymity. New York City, like IMG’s alliance, is more of a potpourri. Various people and cultures express their individuality and the unique aspects of their identities, enhancing the whole rather than melting into it, resulting in a colorful, bright beautiful fragrance that carries on a breeze, inspiring celebration. The MET Gala strives to capture the celebration this year with its two-part exhibit entitled “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” and “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.”

The theme has garnered large amounts of criticism partially due to decades of American fashion being told through a white lens along with faux diversity efforts bubbling over from America’s melting pot narrative. To see American Fashion; however, as red, blue, and whitewashed denim, is to see only a chapter of a story that, if told in a way that redefines Americanism, can be rich and compelling.

Image courtesy of the Met Museum

Luke Meagher, or HauteLeMode, well-known social media fashion critic, commented on the MET’s theme via Instagram. He writes, “Painting ‘American Fashion’ with a broad brush of just jean shorts and red, white, and blue regalia makes us forget about some of the true revolutionaries that have come out of it. Ann Lowe’s story of talent and design expertise that led her from Alabama to making Jackie Kennedy’s first wedding dress is a story that needs to be known. Her courage to stand up for herself as a black woman prior to segregation’s end shows that white-washed fashion history needs to not be the narrative of this exhibit.”

While exhibit details will not be revealed in depth until its opening, Andrew Bolton, MET exhibit curator told Vogue, “I think that in the past a lot of descriptions about American fashion focused on the fact that it’s non-narrative and it’s not about stories, and that’s diminishing the emotional side of American fashion. So, part of the idea of the exhibition is to give American fashion its due, to give back its storytelling abilities.” NYFW and the MET Gala aim to join forces to write new chapters of this ever-evolving story, introducing new main characters that represent more of the truth of what American fashion is or strives to be, and to share this freedom globally.

—Tessa Swantek

Fashion Reverie’s Tokyo Olympic Fashion Roundup

August 9, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Many 2020 Tokyo Olympic athletes have packed their dazzling medals of bronze, silver, and gold in suitcases and are back at home after achieving their athletic dreams. With the meeting of athletes globally in the bright lights of Tokyo, cultures mesh forming a vibrant technicolor of styles and symbols.

The Olympics, other than being the highest level of athletic competition, are also the pinnacle of where function and fashion meet. Functionality in fashion, especially when it relates to athletics, is not often perceived as traditionally fashionable; however, this year’s opening ceremony immediately proved otherwise. Notably, Misia’s “Kakigori” ceremony dress by Tomo Koizumi was one of the biggest fashion moments of the night, closely rivaled by Telfar’s designing of Team Liberia’s ceremony outfits.

This year, athletes and designers carefully curated uniforms that carried stories of inspiration and symbolism for the eyes of viewers globally. Fashion Reverie has selected the top Olympic outfits that prove functional fashion can have a backstory that is much more than simple utilitarianism.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Kiran Badloe, Netherlands Windsurfing

This Olympics, fashion proved the sprawling nature of media pop culture influencing young athletes on a global scale. Kiran Badloe from the Netherlands’ windsurfing team won gold in a viral fashion moment inspired by “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Badloe writes on his Instagram, “This haircut is a tribute to the one and only true wind master. The avatar, the last air bender known to be alive. I hope the spirit of this great warrior gives me the power to sail well this week and use the wind in my favor. One day I dream of becoming a master of the wind myself, a true air bender.” He paired his stand-out hairdo with a Fila color-blocked navy and orange tee, Netherland’s country colors, and a color the Last Airbender also wears in the popular show.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Nuria Diosdado and Joana Jiménez García, Mexico Synchronized Swimming

Another team that embraced the beloved resurging anime is Nuria Diosdado and Joana Jiménez representing Mexico in synchronized swimming. The two wore one piece swimsuits intricately bejeweled with Tui and La, the moon and ocean spirits that represent Yin and Yang in the show. Designed by Mexican Brand Gilling Activewear, it was a symbol of the harmony and “push and pull” of their performance.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Svetlana Kolesnichenko and Svetlana Romashina, Russia Synchronized Swimming

While team Mexico did not medal, the Russian duet won gold. Also wearing swimsuits that aided their performance, the pair dressed in spider-embellished, cream-colored one pieces as they contorted their arms and legs to look like an eight-legged creature. Without their outfits, the team may not have been able to evoke the creepy atmosphere that they created. If the Olympics were a fashion contest, they would each have two gold medals around their necks.

Image courtesy of Instagram

Tom Daley, Great Britain Diving

Daley, an extremely well-known diver, won gold alongside Matty Lee in men’s synchronized 10m diving. In another viral Olympic moment, Tom Daley was found in the poolside stands knitting a fashion masterpiece. He owns an Instagram page dedicated to his knit and crochet pieces, and recently posted his final product. He writes, “When I got to Tokyo, I wanted to make something that would remind me of the Olympics to look back on in the future. I designed a pattern for the [color] work that would signify everything about these games! On the back I went for a classic @teamgb logo, the shoulders have a flag and GBR on them. For the front I wanted to keep it simple and I tried my best to embroider TOKYO in Japanese!” He also made himself an adorable Tokyo and Great Britain themed medal case!

Image courtesy of Instagram

Naomi Osaka, Japan Tennis

Another Olympian paying tribute to her country through fashion is Naomi Osaka. Osaka, representing this year’s Olympic home country, wears a monochromatic red Nike tennis outfit paired with red and white hair scrunchies and dyed red braids. Her dyed braids were also one of the most prominent moments of the Opening Ceremony as she was the torchbearer. With all of her statements advocating for mental health lately, there is no better torch bearer.

Image courtesy of nbcolympics.com

Athing Mu, USA Track

Athing Mu, American runner, won gold in the 800m dash (no American had won gold in the 800m for over 53 years!) while wearing a Nike blue and white striped bodysuit. This piece is notable for its contrast against the outfits of competitors who all wore pieces that exposed their midriffs. The sleek bodysuit added to her powerful look as she raced past the finish line.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com

Fashion Reverie’s Gold Medal in Team Fashion: Germany’s Gymnastic Team

Fashion Reverie’s gold medal winning team for fashion is Germany’s gymnastic team. Their choice of attire was a powerful statement embellished by fashion. They opted for full-length leotards to combat unethical sexualization of female athletes, notably in gymnastics. Fashion being used for the purpose of equity and justice is extremely important and something to be immensely appreciated. The team took a leap forward in the battle not just for gold, but more importantly, for equity.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com

Fashion Reverie’s Gold Medal in Fashionable Sport: Skateboarding

Skateboarding is the most interesting summer sport for fashion as it allows for the most freedom fashion-wise. The sport allows for street fashion to meet with cutting edge designs that represent the sport’s aesthetic. According to Teen Vogue, Nike teamed up with Piet Parra, Dutch artist and former skater, to create prints for team USA, France, Brazil and Japan. Some outfits included oversized monochromatic white button downs and trousers, vibrant geometric landscape prints on tees, and white canvas sneakers.

Image courtesy of businesswire.com

Fashion Reverie’s Silver Medal in Fashionable Sport: Gymnastics

Gymnastic uniforms are almost always the most talked about fashion at every summer Olympics. GK Elite custom made all of Team USA’s uniforms with the theme “Modern Warrior,” according to Bustle. Each uniform was embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals and color palettes were in the traditional red, white, and blue colors as well as more modern lavender and black combinations. A particularly striking gymnastic look; however, was not from team USA, but was worn by Rebeca Andrade of Brazil as she won silver and gold. The look is a dreamy flower embellished pink and yellow sunset gradient piece.

—Tessa Swantek

Ex-Olympians Who Have Found a Fashion Next Life

July 21, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The 2020—technically 2021—Olympics are almost here! After COVID-19 delayed the quadrennial celebration of sports, the Olympics is coming back, bold, and beautiful. Throughout history, the Olympics has produced some of the most celebrated athletes in the world from Jesse Owens to Jim Thorpe to Michael Phelps to Simone Biles. Of course, the life of an active athlete can be short. People can’t expect to be approaching retirement age and still running sprints and doing somersaults when they in prime Olympic condition.

So, what happens in life after the Olympics? Many go on to become coaches of their former respective fields. Some will go on to become sports commentators, providing insights and analyses to their once-beloved events. Then there are those who take a more fashionable route, literally. Many ex-Olympians find their post-competition life in the fashion and entertainment fields, whether it be through collaborations with brands, launching fashion lines of their own, or becoming the face of brand campaigns, the fashion industry can be their oyster. Fashion Reverie has dug through the history archives to find ex-Olympians who have managed to make a mark, however small or large, in the fashion industry.

Image courtesy of popsugar.com

Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner made history at the Olympics with her six-year decathlon career, setting a third successive world record at the 1976 Summer Olympics. She would later go on to work on various film and television projects, now very famously known for her time on “Keeping Up with The Kardashians,” during her marriage to Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner. In recent years, Jenner has made a name for herself in fashion and beauty starring in a MAC Cosmetics campaign and appearing in ads for H&M.

She’s done a drastic 180 turn from fashion, though, and has recently stepped into the realm of politics. While many are confused as to why a transgender woman would associate themselves with conservative politics, Jenner is running as a Republican in the recall election to unseat California’s incumbent Democratic governor Gavin Newsom. She was also a vocal supporter of Donald J. Trump, much to the chagrin of LGBT advocates and progressives. If the California governor’s mansion doesn’t work out for her, she can always start a beauty line.

Image courtesy of thecut.com

Johnny Weir

Figure skating champion Johnny Weir was known for being a master on the ice and a lover of fashion, wearing everything from Tiffany jewelry to Louis Vuitton scarves when he wasn’t on the rink. One of Weir’s post-Olympics ventures was launching an entire collection of dresses for men on eDress.me. He also co-designed a silver mink coat for fall/winter 2011 fashion season with fashion designer Adrienne Landau. There’s no denying Weir knows how to make a fashion statement.

Images courtesy of bet.com

Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie’s height didn’t come in handy only when she was racking up Olympic medals as a world champion basketball player. The WNBA player also has racked up a few modeling credits having been featured in Vogue and Newsweek. Early in her career, Leslie was signed with Wilhelmina Models, one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world. In addition to her fashion endeavors, Leslie has also garnered film and television credits making cameos as herself on “Sister, Sister,” “Think Like a Man,” and “What Men Want.” In June 2019, she was named the coach of Ice Cube’s BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league team Triplets.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

Kristi Yamaguchi

In 1992, Kristi Yamaguchi dominated at the Winter Olympics winning a gold medal in figure skating. An entire generation would learn of her choreographed greatness outside of the ice rink when she won season 6 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Yamaguchi had a fashion moment in 2012 when she launched Tsu.ya, a limited-edition, 18-piece activewear line that included yoga pants, leggings, jackets, tee shirts, and tops. Proceeds of the products went toward Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, which supports educational and recreational activities for children. She may no longer be selling activewear, but her charity is still alive and well.

Image courtesy of the guardian.co.uk

Casey Legler

Former Olympic swimmer Casey Legler competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics, and while she didn’t take home any medals, and quit swimming competitively two years later, eventually she would find a home in the fashion industry after she met photographer Cass Bird who connected her with Ford Models. Legler became the first woman signed with Ford to exclusively model men’s clothes. As a model, Legler has been featured in Vogue, Le Monde, and Time.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is known for being hyper focused, like a laser when it comes to the tennis court and her training. Consequently, it’s not easy to lure her attention with fashion partnerships. That being said, some brands were lucky enough to put their fashion stamp on the highly acclaimed tennis player. Off the court, Sharapova has been an advertising campaign star for Tag Heuer, Tiffany & Co., Fred Perry, and Lacoste. In 2010, she collaborated with Nike for the Nike Maria Sharapova Collection.

When Sharapova announced she would be stepping back from being a professional tennis player, she was interviewed by vogue.com hinting at what her next endeavors. With so many fashion eyes on Vogue, the red carpet of fashion could be rolling out for her next. Do we sense a Maria Sharapova line on the horizon?

Image courtesy of nastialukin.com

Nastia Liukin

Nastia Liukin brought home five Olympics medals for Team USA, and outside of doing flips and tricks as a gymnast, she’s been an ad campaign star for brands including Adidas and Longines. She also starred in a beauty campaign for CoverGirl. In terms of fashion collaborations, she released a Supergirl twins line with JCPenney, creating an affordable line for all of her fans across the US. In addition, she designed a leotard for GK Elite and modeled for Max Azria. After winning a gold medal at the age of 20, Liukin said she had to find a new challenge, and fashion was it.

In addition to her time as a model and a series of ad campaigns, Liukin also runs her own website where she features street style photos of herself decked out in glam fashion. Her Instagram page is also an homage to her fashion choices ranging from Zimmermann to LoveShackFancy.

—Kristopher Fraser

Fashion Reverie’s Summer 2021 Olympic Opening Ceremonies’ Uniform Roundup

July 17, 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of sportskeeda.com

It’s time for the Summer 2021 Olympics in Tokyo , and it’s been a long time coming! Due to COVID-19, it had to be postponed from 2020. This has changed many things about how the games will be run, not the least of which spectators will be few and far between. Electric fans are banned for fears of air circulation increasing COVID transmission. Sha’Carri Richardson won’t be competing after testing positive for marijuana use with Olympics officials calling it a ‘performance-enhancing drug’. (Is shot gunning Doritos an Olympic sport now?) And we haven’t even arrived at the uniforms.

In the past, outfits worn during the opening ceremony have ranged from boring to bizarre. While this year’s uniforms are somewhat tamer, with many countries simply choosing to forgo traditional unveiling ceremonies to the press, we’ll see some stand-out fashion and uniforms that will make you slap your head and say, “what were they thinking?”

Image courtesy of slate.com

Team USA

This year’s opening ceremony uniforms were designed by Ralph Lauren—who has been designing Olympics uniforms since 2008—with classic Polo shirts with a traditional red, white and blue palette (strong emphasis on the white). The blinding snow-white shirts, jeans, and windbreakers are available for sale online. Perhaps Team USA is looking for a product tie-in with Tide Pens? Ralph Lauren did take advantage of the time extension to add some high-tech to the opening ceremony garments. Jackets will contain RL COOLING technology—a battery-powered device inserted into the back of the jacket giving the wearer a shot of cold to the base of the neck.

Image courtesy of National Post

Team Canada

If Team USA Uniforms were bland but functional, Team Canada’s uniforms would have achieved a unique feat. Pretty everyone hates them. Sabrina Maddeaux designed the garments featuring jean jackets with faux graffiti in red and white. Sold by iconic Canadian company Hudson Bay who bizarrely decided to pair with Levi—does it get more American? —for manufacturing. Furious Canadians are posting op-ed’s about how much they hate the uniforms. How horrible does something have to be to enrage the most polite country on the globe?

Image courtesy of Times of Israel

Team Israel

Created for the Team by Israeli fashion company Castro, the athletes will don transparent jackets, classic white chinos, and printed tee shirts. While Castro claims the tee shirt design, a sharp white V with different shades of blue on the sleeves, was inspired by the Star of David, looking at the tee it’s hard to see how. The colors were clearly inspired by the Israel flag. At least with those transparent windbreakers, they are covered in case of a sudden rainstorm.

Image courtesy of China Daily

Team Australia

Australia’s iconic fashion and lifestyle brand, Sportscraft, was selected as the official uniform supplier of the 2020 Australian Olympic Team yet again, and the result are … inoffensive. The hunter green shorts and skirts combined with white shirts with bright yellow accents reflect the country’s flag. Men oddly wear pale grey blazers with dark green ties because … why? Are the men going to their office jobs after the ceremony? While the women’s bright-colored neck scarves seem a bit like overkill, it’s preferable to those ill-fitting blazers.

Image courtesy of insidethegames.com

Team Italy
Seriously, Armani you were SO close. The legendary design house was once again tapped to create Italy’s uniforms. The black tracksuits feature soft jersey jackets and pants that sport the word ‘Italia’ written on them. Armani, who has designed Italy’s uniforms since London 2012, was quoted by Inside the Games saying, “I always find it stimulating to look for new solutions for athletes’ uniforms, which must be stylishly elegant, yet also practical to use.” Too bad the circle shape with Italian flag colors on the torso gave the athletes, with their fit, sculpted bodies, thick waists. Oh well.

Image courtesy of CNN

Team Great Britain
Well, that’s more like it! Great Britain has had a tumultuous few years with the election of Boris Johnson, Brexit, and Prince Harry’s fleeing to California. These Olympic duds, created by famed design house Ben Sherman after Stella McCartney passed the torch, will no doubt bring a lot of British pride. Inspired by the psychedelic youth movement of 1960s, the deeply stylish yet extremely practical garments feature the red white and blue of the Union Jack, with comfortable, yet sleek-looking pants, shorts, and polo shirts. The standout is the soft jacket that features pinstripe detailing in national colors and a back embellished with a roaring lion—Britain’s national emblem that dates back to the 11th century.

The words that inspired the collection, “Strength Through Unity,” are printed inside the animal’s mane in a retro “Summer of Love” font. With the games originally scheduled for 2020, the fact that both the uniforms and the fashion in the recent film “Cruella” were both inspired by 1960 trends is surely a coincidence, but what a fabulous one!

Image courtesy of Reuters

Team Japan

Japan’s uniforms are fine. Japan debuted their uniforms last year and there is no word that they are expected to change them. The uniforms are distinctly subtle, inverting the “sunrise red” jacket and white trousers of Tokyo’s 1964 opening ceremony uniform to white on the top, red on the bottom, as a reference to the Japanese flag. They also appeared alongside the Para Olympic team in the same uniforms, a first according to Olympic officials, although other countries quickly followed suit. Japan can be forgiven for reworking old uniforms. Getting ready for the games, especially in light of COVID, must be a terrible time suck!

Image courtesy of Prague Morning

Team Czech

Designer Zuzana Osako is proud of her design for Team Czech Republic; however, others are not so happy. The design uses a print made from hand-dyed indigo and block printing technique known in the Czech Republic as “blueprint.” Osako incorporated the Czech team’s symbol of gymnast Vera Caslavska, who won three gold medals and a silver at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, in the print. The real kicker is the handheld fan—ironically due to COVID concerns electric fans are banned due to concerns about air circulation. Because they are in … Japan, is that a reference to Geishas? Team Czech may quickly learn the razor-thin edge between “homage’ and ‘deeply problematic cultural appropriation’ in a rather unpleasant way.

Image courtesy of Taiwan News

Team Russia

Now we’re talking! Team Russia turned lemons into lemonade. With their flag banned from the next two Olympics—it’s very confusing, apparently Moscow didn’t turn over proper reports on their drug testing facilities, but the IOC isn’t banning athletes? If you can figure it out, let Fashion Reverie know—Russia took advantage of a loophole and put their flag’s red, white, and blue colors on their uniforms and mimicked their flag with geometric designs. The zippered tracksuits are vibrant and flattering, yet, oh so practical.

Image courtesy of vogue.com

Team Liberia

If there is any name that could kick the 2021 Olympic Opening Ceremony into the world of high fashion, it’s Telfar Clemens! Clemens’ name will be familiar to anyone waiting for the next “it” bag. He’s emerged as one of America’s most exciting designers thanks to his signature vegan leather tote bag with his logo on the front.

Clemens has already given us a preview of the Opening Ceremony uniforms and the pieces look AMAZING. The Brooklyn native of Liberian descent has created 70 pieces for the team, including sweats, unitards, duffel bags, and track spikes. The Liberian flag colors and symbols are featured throughout, along with Telfar’s logo. Fashion Reverie has never been so excited for the 2021 Olympic Opening Ceremony!

—Cameron Grey Rose