The stylish sixties were given a modern update by designer Han Chong of Self-Portrait. The man known on Instagram as Mr. Self-Portrait, created a collection that was inspired by the spirit of the 1960s, but was for the modern, confident woman. Where many designers look to the more hippie style/bohemian mood of the 1960s when being inspired by the 60s, Chong created a wardrobe for a woman who was the modern urbanite who is sun-kissed and liberated at work.
In contrast to the “borrowed from the boys” or standard secretary dress that would be so popular among women of that era, Hong created a collection that was both cosmopolitan, but also resort ready. Texture is one of the trademarks of Self-Portrait, as evidenced by the brand’s signature lace cocktail dresses, which never fail to disappoint. For spring 2019, the collection also featured pleated silk gowns, poplin blouses, and mixed-media coats.
This is a collection for women who want to make a statement and it is on trend with the maximalism we have been seeing for the past several years. No, it does not push the envelope of maximalism in the realm of brands like Gucci or Comme Des Garçons, but this was a collection for the woman who wants to be noticed for her fashion choices.
Chong did step outside of his comfort zone for this collection though by using a lot of prints. In the past, he never strayed beyond stripes or polka dots, but this time around Chong went for geometric florals, with patterns spliced and combined together, and paired with crochet and lace. This collection was a lesson in the importance of movement in clothing, especially as contemporary women have no desire to feel restricted in their clothes.
Images courtesy of pinterest.com
The Self-Portrait world is also expanding. This season, the brand introduced swimwear. As their fan base has grown, they are able to stay true to their old customers, while bringing in new ones. Those women who wanted Chong’s minimalist approach to color the brand’s appreciation for texture will help to continue consumer’s affectation for Self-Portrait. However, with the spring 2019 collection, Chong has pinpointed the consumer who wants to be in head-to-toe graphic prints and even pick up a swimsuit for resort season. It’s a newer, expanding portrait for Self-Portrait.— Kristopher Fraser
Marie Claudinette Jean is back!! Well, her fashion brand Fushá Designs is. After an absence of over ten years, Marie Claudinette Jean has reinvented Fushá from a brand that centered mostly on urban street wear to a brand that is all about glamorous luxury. In other word, bling without the bling; well, almost.
The Blonds runway show is one of the most sought-after and highly anticipated shows of New York Fashion Week: The Shows (NYFWS). Always entertaining, with just the right amount of theatrical dynamism and fashion next, The Blonds, for the most part delivers the goods. Unfortunately, their spring 2019 collection was another matter.
The Blonds spring 2019 collection, particularly as it was presented during NYFWS, seemed like a desperate attempt to maintain consumer and media interest in the brand. Inspired by Disney villains, Cruella de Vil, Ursula the Sea Witch, the Queen of Hearts, Maleficent, and others, The Blonds’ spring 2019 collection appeared to be more in the tradition of a Halloween fashion show—with a few celebs thrown in for good measure—than a legitimate fashion collection.
The late great Diana Vreeland once proclaimed that, “fashion is both now and next.” Almost fifty years later, Vreeland’s fashion prediction still applies.
Roland conjured up images of Bali’s exquisite bold colors and textures in a collection that was rich in vibrant colors and embroideries. These bold color tones and textures aptly represented the modern architecture and lush flora and fauna of Bali as could be seen the collection’s fabric manipulation, sleek angles and silhouettes.
If there was a bit of next in this spring 2010 outing, that future projection was made evident in Roland’s use of 3D floral jacquard. And though Roland’s use of 3D floral jacquard was admirable, the combination of 3D techniques paired with floral jacquard did not come across as next, this pairing landed more in the area of matronly charm.
That said; unlike Vreeland’s eternal fashion prediction, Roland’s spring 2019 fashion collection, though now, definitely was not infused with a lot of next. And here lies the rub!! Perhaps, due to a rather staid retail market that doesn’t take much risk, for spring 2019 Rolland has stayed true to her established design aesthetic without pushing that aesthetic in a youthful or innovative direction. Her diehard fans will be pleased, but with this collection Roland will probably not expand her base, especially that youthful consumer who is always looking for something a little more avant-garde or unexpected.
“There is no greater romance in life than an adventure with art,”, says Angelys Balek. There are many pathways to tranquility, and fashion designer Angelys Balek finds balance in glamour and confidence. Balek’s hybridization of nature, art and fashion helps women embrace individualism as they join the #ABWorld. And as Miami Swimweek 2018 has come to an end, Fashion Reverie felt an inclusion of Balek’s 2018 resort collection would be a delectable appetizer for our viewers.
Balek gives reference to the late 60s era with her design aesthetic and silhouettes in this resort 2018 collection. Though the bikini was first introduced in the 1946, Brigitte Bardot made the two-piece swimwear popular in the late 50s and early 60s. This two-piece innovation quickly became popular in 1960s youth culture, The Mod Movement. The bikini than became the number one trend by all popular Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editions. And for Balek, the bikini is a main focus of her 2018 resort collection.
