Search Results for: ukrain

On Your Radar: Five Ukrainian Designers to Know and Support

March 29, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of euronews.com

Despite the tragedy and chaos that has ensued from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people have come together in solidarity, fighting for their right to live free from oppression. As the war rages, businesses in every sector have been dramatically affected, including fashion and retail. People worldwide have been finding inventive ways to help support the Ukrainian people. If you’d like to get involved, you can show your support by donating to a trusted organization, joining a peaceful protest, boycotting Russian goods and services, and sharing fact-based information with family, friends, and social media followers to raise awareness and spotlight the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine.

As part of our commitment to supporting fashion and the Ukrainian people, Fashion Reverie is taking this moment to highlight designers that should be on your radar and encourage you to support Ukrainian makers and creators who depend on your patronage.

Images courtesy of BEZVA

BEZVA
The brainchild of Svetlana Bezva, her namesake label comprises subtle details that define her style of architectural minimalism. Widely considered one of the most consequential designers to come out of Ukraine, BEZVA’s contemporary appeal is in the details intermixing clean silhouettes with versatility; combine that with a pinch of attitude, and you have a collection that radiates quiet confidence—no introduction required. And BEZVA shows consistently at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). www.bevza.com

Images courtesy of PASKAL

PASKAL
Since its founding in 2013, Paskal has enjoyed a meteoric rise to brand name recognition among the fashionably chic and Hollywood glitterati—Peyton List, Bailee Madison, and Monica Belluci. Famous for its delicate silhouettes and innovative laser cutting to achieve expertly constructed garments, designer Julie Paskal’s collections are feminine with a poetic quality that has a sensitivity to design as romantic as it is whimsical. www.paskalclothes.com

Images courtesy of DZHUS

DZHUS
Launched in 2010 by designer and stylist Irina Dzhus, her eponymous label is conceptually alive with meanings and ideas shaping fashion’s future code. Architectural in nature with a hyper-modern flair, DZHUS is one of a few brands crafting what’s next in the fashion narrative. In addition to its innovative cut and industrial aesthetic, all DZHUS garments come ethically produced using cruelty-free materials. www.irinadzhus.com

Images courtesy of Lake Studio

Lake Studio
Known for their exclusive prints created in collaboration with contemporary artists, designers Anastasia Riabokon and Olesya Kononova’s brand, Lake Studios expertly merges modern appeal and sophistication for the worldly woman. In addition to their womenswear brand, Lake Studio creates fanciful art-inspired jewels made from a broad palette of materials like coral, cat’s eye, porcelain, and freshwater pearls. www.lakestudio.org

Images courtesy of Kachorovska

Alina Kachorovska
Kachorovska has been creating sumptuously comfortable shoes made to order for women worldwide for over a half-century. High-end by design without the upmarket price, Kachorovska has managed to strike a balance in a crowded market where luxury shoes can soar into the stratosphere. Aside from shoes, Kachorovska produces a full line of bags and expertly created garments that have an easiness to them characterized by their loose, comfortable fit. www.kachorovska.com

—Kristopher Johnson-Hoyle

The State of Modeling: The Fall 2025 Season

February 6, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of usatoday.com

It’s that time again, New York Fashion Week (NYFW)! As our Instagram feed populated with videos of the January Paris Couture shows, Fashion Reverie has found some distinct trends taking place in modeling now.

Diversity continues to be on-trend but the difference this season is that we have at long last begun to arrive at a melting pot of what fashion regards as “beautiful.” Rather than the all or nothing trends that have dominated since the COVID-19 pandemic (plus size, transgender and models of color) a good deal of demographics are represented. What also continues is that many top tier jobs, the multi-media ad fashion and beauty campaigns, continue to be awarded to actors and actresses who have legions of fans and followers. That said, these campaigns also serve as predictors of what model trends we will see at the upcoming shows.

To discover more about what to expect at Fashion Week, Fashion Reverie reached out to New York City modeling agents to find out which of their models are most in demand this season and why.

Angelina Harron from Manhattan based EMG Models explained that there would continue to be a more varied assortment of faces to watch this season.  She confirmed, “The push for increased diversity and representation in fashion has been a significant trend for several years now, and it’s anticipated to grow stronger in the upcoming season. More brands are actively seeking models from Indigenous, Indian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds.”

Images courtesy of graziamagazine.com and hypebeast.com

Twins

Angelina noted another development. “Additionally, twins or mother-daughter duos are becoming very trendy! For instance, our twins (the Vogt sisters) are commanding a great deal of interest.” Twins as a vogue in high fashion can be traced to Alessandro Michele’s Milan Fashion Week spring 2023 show for Gucci—his last as creative director there. His decision to cast only twins for his finale show was inspired by having been raised by his mother and her twin sister. Twinsburg was reinforced by the ad campaign shot by Joanna Piotrowska for the summer 2023 collection.  

Images of Alex Long, courtesy of EMG Models

 Androgyny

A look that has seemingly gone mainstream is that of androgyny, which echoes the public’s desire for equality. Popular upper mid-range brands such as COS feature clothing and models that reinforce the trend. ENG’s Angelina Harron reports, “On another note, for fall 2025, designers are looking to cast models who represent an androgynous or surreal aesthetic, moving away from traditional gender binaries in both their appearance and expression. Alex Long exemplifies this perfectly.” At 5’11”, with tiny hips and fitting a size 0, she looks equally well in men’s or women’s fashions and can book more shows than the standard male or female model, as she looks equally well in a Spanish Matador suit as she does in a gown.

Alysia images courtesy of Fenton Model Management

Black Models

Other than a few notable exceptions, such as Yves Saint Laurent in the 1970s, fashion’s powers that be shied away from casting black models in any notable way until the past three years. In fact, many black models worked in Europe rather than New York, because the opportunities there were much better. That has changed and black models while “on trend” are solidly part of the norm today. Models who are garnering attention are very dark skinned, such as Ibrahim, from Fenton Model Management, who has appeared in Donna Karan advertisements.  Similarly, Awar Odhiang (more below) has achieved international success.  She may be the first model of deep color since Alec Wek to do so. Alec is a South Sudanese British model who was instrumental in helping to change fashion’s perception of beauty in the early 2000s.

Image of Ibrahim, Donna Karan Urban Zen ad, courtesy of Donna Karan

Other black models have experienced popularity in part due to their natural hair worn in an Afro, a natural hairstyle from the Seventies that is “new” again. Both Alysia and Taylor, also represented by Fenton wear their hair “natural” and have enjoyed print and runway success. Alysia has editorial work in Harper’s Bazaar in her portfolio, and Taylor most recently appeared at the Global Fashion Collective X NYFW spring 2025 shows.

Awar image courtesy of Glen Luchford

Last year, Awar walked a total of 34 shows during Milan, New York, and Paris fashion weeks combined, including: Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Versace, Chanel, Hermes, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Isabel Marant. She also made the www.topmodels.com top 50 list and is the face of YSL’s Rive Gauche fragrance and stars in Anthony Vaccarello’s pre-fall 2024 collection for Saint Laurent. Awar’s glamorous accomplishments have transported her worlds away from her birth at an Ethiopian refugee camp.

Images of Sarah Caballero and Mayva Golub courtesy of EMG Models and chanel.com, respectively

Indigenous and Middle Eastern Faces

Chilean model, Sarah Caballero, has been heating up the runways, most recently at the Paris spring 2025 Couture shows. Chileans can trace their origins to the indigenous Mapuche tribe. Sarah is also of Spanish descent which is in line with the rapidly growing Hispanic demographic in the US and their push for representation in the media.

While Mayya Golub has a classic face, she also has features reminiscent of the Kardashians and is representative of the growing Armenian, Slavic and Middle Eastern populations. At 5’11” and size 2, she is perfectly suited to best show off the clothes she models on the runway.

Images courtesy of models.com and Fenton Model Management

Male model, Kirill Kabachenko, represented by Fenton hails from Ukraine. His arresting green eyes and long, lean physique have already landed him commercial work with Converse and has made him a regular on the runways at The Blonds.

Images courtesy of EMG Models

Classic Models

EMG’s Angelina Harron brought up the return of the classic model.  “We mustn’t overlook classic looks, which will also be highly sought after this season, with models like Piper (Barrington) being in high demand.” Piper’s natural blonde girl next door good lucks are reminiscent of Cheryl Tiegs and the thousands of “All-American” blondes who dominated fashion in the 1970s and early ‘80s before the more “exotic” girls such as “the Brazilians” and the Russian models who took over the runways in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

Images courtesy of Dior Beauty

The standard bearer for this category is actor, Anya Taylor Joy, a White blonde Anglo-Argentinian, who like Kate Moss, was discovered by Storm Model Management founder, Sarah Dukas. Anya was only 17 years old and struck a deal with the agent that any acting work she got would come before modeling work. Fittingly, Anya received a Golden Globe nomination in 2020 for her work as “Emma” (Woodhouse), the principal character in Autumn Wilde’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel.

As for modeling, Anya has been a Dior Ambassador since 2021, and most recently starred in Dior Addict lipstick ads and the House’s holiday 2024 campaign, decked out in a gown from Dior’s spring 2021 Haute Couture collection.

Images or Gwen DeVoe courtesy of Seasoned Models

Mature Models

This may be the last category to finally gain significant representation in fashion. Other than a few appearances by actors on European runways such as Helmut Lang and Martin Margiela, mature models were notably scarce. Silver haired model, Carmen Dell’ Orifice, starred for years in Neiman Marcus ads but she was the exception to the rule.  Then, during the COVID-19 lockdown, many women over 40 decided to stop coloring their hair and to go gray. Recently, we have seen more mature models appearing in fashion and beauty campaigns as consumers voiced their irritation on social media at not being represented.

Vicki Sasso, is the Founder of Seasoned Models, a Manhattan-based modeling agency that features mature models.  “I’ve been in the modeling business for 25 years, but I  opened up my agency because I saw that this category was underserved and that this was the direction to go, after one of my models,  Gwen DeVoe, who is Black, silver haired and  a size 12-14 booked  Batsheva, and then appeared on ABC’s “Nightline” to talk about what it was like to be a mature model.”

Although Gwen is a plus-size model and enormously popular, Vicki is seeing a shift in sizes away from larger women to those who are between 5’9 to 5’11 and slim.  She concludes, “Mature models will always be in demand for clients who want to show beauty in aging.” Like the experienced agent she is, Vicki is also practical. “Mature models as more than just a passing trend are truly a big YES, but like all models, they have to look good to get work.”

—Vivian Kelly

Yuliia Lobachova Bridal Fall 2025

October 12, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Fashion Reverie enjoys introducing new bridal designers to our global audience. It is refreshing and encouraging to witness new bridal designers entering the New York bridal market. And Yuliia Lobachova is one such new bridal designer.

The Ukrainian born designer’s eveningwear brand Ricca Sposa has been around for some time, while her namesake bridal collection is relatively new with its debut at New York Bridal Week (NYBW) being a first.

“Our couture collection is an ode to the timeless elegance and individuality of every bride. I was inspired by the beauty of old-world European luxury, where every gown feels like a masterpiece crafted with purpose. Each dress tells a story of sophistication and romance, blending intricate hand-embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and modern silhouettes. I wanted to create something that transports brides into a world where they can truly feel like royalty, while still embracing their own unique essence. This collection represents not just fashion, but the art of bridal couture at its finest,” explains Yuliia Lobachova.

Similar to her eveningwear collections, Ricca Sposa, Lobachova’s bridal collection focuses on a woman’s sensuality. That said, in addition to the sexiness of her fall 2025 bridal collection there is also elegance, sophistication, and fashion-forward elements.

Images courtesy of MVC Communications

Standout looks in this fall 2025 bridal collection, include, but are not limited to the brand’s charming short dress crafted from delicate 3Dfloral chiffon appliqués enhanced by a removable tulle skirt, princess gown crafted from delicate 3D organza flowers that cascade down in voluminous layers, and the beaded lace gown with removable satin corset adorned with shimmering crystals complemented by a lace basque.

William S. Gooch

A Fashion Lookback at 2023

January 8, 2024 by Leave a Comment

2023 was an interesting year with great challenges. In the greater global community, this was a year of Russia assault on Ukraine, continued Israel and Palestinian conflicts, and a year emerging out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the fashion community there were similar shifts, conflicts, and transitions. Some fashion industry professionals transitioned to fashionable Elysian Fields of another dimension, while others exited iconic fashion brands and the transmutational nature of fashion continued in true form.

Fashion Reverie looks back all the comings and goings of 2023:

Goodbye and so long!

Image courtesy of yahoo.com

Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne was a fashion visionary who helped transform fashion in the 1960s. His chainmail creations and futuristic A-line minidresses became the go-to fashion for those young consumers that wanted to express their freedom from the restrictive clothes of the 1950s. Think Jane Fonda’s film vehicle, “Barbarella,” which Rabanne designed many of the clothes. Rabanne also made strides in the fragrance industry with his successful 1 Million and Lady Million fragrances. Rabanne was 88 years of age.

Images courtesy of thegrio.com

Gail O’Neill

If you are fascinated by those leggy black models of the 1980s and 1990s, you are very aware of African American model Gail O’Neill. The black glamazon graced the runways of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Perry Ellis, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors. Additionally, O’Neill secured ad campaigns for Coca Cola, Avon, and Revlon. O’Neill was known for her stance against smoking and would not appear in ad campaigns that promoted cigarettes or for companies that would not divest investments from South Africa. Gail O’Neill passed away from a terminal illness at the age of 61.

Image courtesy of thescotsman.com

Mary Quant

When you think about sixties mode style, Mary Quant comes immediately to mind. Referred to as the ‘Mother of the Miniskirt,’ Quant is synonymous with Twiggy’s 60’s style and that ‘Georgy Girl’ style of the sixties. Think of those Peter Pan minidresses in bold prints. Quant was ninety-three when she transitioned.

Image courtesy of vanityfair.com

Jane Birkin

We’ve all heard of Hermes‘ Birkin bag. Well, who do you think the Birkin bag was inspired by? Jane Birkin was a French film star and style icon of the 1960s. Complaining that she could not find a bag that met her needs, while seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas on a plane, Dumas sketched a design of bag that met Jane Birkin’s needs, and voila the Birkin bag was borne.

Image courtesy julio donoso/Sygma via Getty Images

Marc Bohan

Though some consumers may not be familiar with Bohan, he helmed Dior for over 30 years, replacing Yves Saint Laurent after Laurent departed from Dior. Paying close attention to pop culture influences of the 1960s and 70s, Bohan helped usher the House of Dior into a luxury brand the young consumers could embrace.

Fashion trends of 2023

Image courtesy of instyle.com

Plus-size no more, or almost

One of the biggest fashion trends of the 2023 fashion season is the lack of plus-size models on the runway or in fashion campaigns. For over a decade there has been a concerted effort to have fashion brands include a diversity of sizes in their runway collections and campaigns. And it appears that change is afoot. In fact, some top plus-size models in the last decade became supermodels, namely Precious Lee and Ashley Graham.

In 2023, the change that we all supported and hoped for seems to have evaporated. According to an article in The Cut, “an analysis of 9,137 looks across 219 shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris during the recent fashion weeks, only 17 brands included at least one plus-size (U.S. size 14-plus) look. That means that 95.6 percent of looks were worn by models in U.S. sizes zero to four. And just 3.8 percent were worn by midsize models (sizes six to 12).”

What has replaced sized models are very tall models, from 5`11 and up, with curvy bodies—models from a size six to a size 12. There was also a drastic reduction in trans models in campaigns and runways for 2023.

Images courtesy of jameslanepost.com, worldbridalmagazine.com, and newsbreakoriginal,com, respectively

African designers proliferate in the US

Another big fashion trend of note is the inclusion and expansion of African designers onto the US ready-to-wear and bridal platforms. Fashion designers from the Motherland for several decades have been a part of the fashion pantheon. However, there was not the plethora of African designers that we are now seeing, particularly in the bridal market.

Nardos Imam , Ese Azenabor, Daniel Mofor, and Rami Al Ali, are a few African fashion designers that have made inroads into the New York Fashion market in 2023. Nardos, Mofor, and Azenabor have even opened boutiques in New York City. And when presenting their collections they choose the most elite venues for their collections, namely the Grand Ballroom at the New York Plaza Hotel, and The Regency Hotel.

Changes and Migrations

Image courtesy of fashionreverie.com

John Varvatos

Every year there are job migrations and changes in the fashion industry. As Heidi Klum would always so on “Project Runway,” “One day you are end, and the next day, you are out.”

Noted American menswear designer John Varvatos has been appointed as the new creative director of Under Armour. Varvatos has an incredible resume of accomplishments in the fashion industry. He has manned his eponymous brand for almost three decades, as well as having worked for Calvin Klein, Converse, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Under Armour is betting that Varvatos can bring a fresh approach to the brand with retail sales waning in the past few years. In the past recent quarter. Revenue fell 2.4% to $1.32 billion.

Image courtesy of people.com

Jenna Lyons

Who would have believed the Jenna Lyons, once the creative director of J. Crew, would join the cast of Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY). Lyons admitted in a Page Six interview that after leaving J. Crew, her phone was not ringing with fashion offers. “And then all of the sudden I didn’t have anything on my agenda, and no one was calling, and no one was getting me lunch, and no one was inviting me anywhere, and I was like, ‘Whoa,’” she told Page Six. “Now I can look back and say… I was really struggling. I was just exhausted.”

Lyons admitted on the “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” about being cast on “RHONY,” “[It’s] not the most, like, natural career change, I know.”

Image courtesy of nytimes.com

Edward Enninful

Lots of folks were excited when Edward Enninful took over the helm of British Vogue, especially people of color. As the first black to serve as editor-in-chief at a British fashion magazine, Enninful had many accomplishments since taking over British Vogue in 2017.

As a high-profile advocate of diversity and inclusion, Enniful put first mixed-race model on the cover of British Vogue. He also allowed the first man, Timothée Chalamet, to grace the cover of British Vogue in 2022, and he also placed the first climate activist, Greta Thunberg, on the cover.

Enninful will stay within the Conde Nast family, assuming the position of Vogue‘s global creative and cultural advisor. He will continue as association with British Vogue as an editorial advisor.

Image courtesy of culted.com

Peter Do

In 2023 the elusive Peter Do was named creative director of Helmut Lang. Peter Do will remain at his eponymous brand while assuming his post at Helmut Lang.

“Last year, when I was thinking about the next move in my career, one thing remained consistent even when everything else felt uncertain. I needed to continue doing my part in helping the city I love most regain its stature as the center of gravity for everyone who cares about radical thinking in fashion,” he wrote, as reported in dailyfrontrow.com.

Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Tom Ford

After Tom Ford’s eponymous fashion brand was acquired by Estee Lauder for 2.3 billion dollars, it was questioned if Ford would stay on as creative director. Well, Ford did step down with his post assumed over by Tom Ford senior vice president Peter Hawkings.

“Since the creation of Tom Ford menswear, Peter has been instrumental in the success of the brand. He is an incredibly talented leader with tremendous industry experience, and his appointment gives me confidence that my commitment to creating fashion products with the highest level of design and quality will continue,” explained Tom Ford.

Image courtesy of Sports Illustrated

Martha Stewart

Speak, about 2023 as a year of change? Who would believe an octogenarian would grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimwear edition? Martha Stewart to the rescue.

“When I heard that I was going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated [Swimwear], I thought, ‘Oh, that’s pretty good, I’m going to be the oldest person I think ever on a cover of Sports Illustrated,’” said the 81-year- old Stewart, adding, “And I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic.”

Martha posed for the 2023 swimsuit issue in the Dominican Republic. The issue showcases Stewart in a total of ten looks.

—William S. Gooch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editors’ Picks: Consider These Dresses for Your 2023 Summer of Love

July 18, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Think past the endless summer heat, Donald Trump drama, and news headlines about the endless war in Ukraine. Think back to those sunny, golden days when all that mattered was your friends, good food, and a great outfit.

This season we’re desperate to catch up with this summer vision. As we’ve grown older it might be harder to make your time revolve around friends and we should probably still check the news … but having on a great outfit and going out for a good meal sounds like a dream within reach. To make it just a bit easier, Fashion Reverie has curated great summer dresses that epitomize the summer of love we all desire.

Zimmerman High Tide Lace Mini Dress – $2205

A part of Zimmermann’s 2023 summer resort wear collection, this sheer lemon-yellow dress gives the immediate impression of a divine desert. Almost a bodycon silhouette with the exception of layers of floral detailing at the sleeves and base of the dress, there’s an element of uniqueness in this garment that makes it a must. The bright yellow might not be the best color for some, but those that are able to pull it off will dazzle like the sun at any event that they attend.

In Earnest by Byron Lars Sculpt Bodice Shirtdress – $885

A simple shirt dress is a summer staple. Simplistic, and elegant with a hidden sex appeal this Bryon Lars’ shirt dress stands above all others. A beautiful combination of men’s tailoring and women’s styling, this dress makes you look like you just donned your lover’s shirt on the way to the kitchen.

Kevan Hall Black and White Georgette Dress – $1600

Perhaps a bit of a splurge, this dress is a timeless and stunning garment. Something that can be worn time and again, the loose chiffon fabric and contemporary pattern on this dress gives a modern feeling to an otherwise simple design. Easy to be dressed up with a nice bag and beautiful shoes or dressed down for a summer picnic with a denim jacket, this dress might have a better return on investment than the stock market!

Ulla Johnson Isolda Dress – $1390

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again; if there is one thing that you need to get to be on trend this summer it’s something crochet. Giving into the look of homespun glamor, Ulla Johnson proves she knows how to work a crochet piece. The Isolda dress looks like a stunning work of art. Layered with different colors all the way down to the ankles and showing tasteful hints of skin through the crochet fabric, this dress was made for both a party in Ibiza and a stroll to your mailbox.

IMAGINATED GRADATION PRINT ST NETTING SPAGHETTI STRAP DRESS – Vivienne Tam Store – $580

A strappy sundress for summer? It might seem cliché, but this style of dress is a go-to for a reason. The loose shape, crisscrossed straps, and braided detailing along the front creates a bohemian feel. Consider the netted material and the mix of colors in the graduated print of the dress and you’ll find yet another reason to fall in love with this summer sundress.

Reformation Pernille Silk Dress – $398

 This timeless, elegant, perfect dress for not only a gala or a date night, proves that Reformation has again stunned. This pernille silk dress comes in multiple different patterns, each of them a delicate satin, this dress will be a standout in your summer wardrobe by reminding you all of just how much you are worth. 

Bronx and Banco Eva Midi Dress – $391

If you’re on the hunt for a summer dress that shows your love for the recent “Barbie” movie, then look no further than this stunning option. The definition of the mermaid-core to Barbie-core pipeline, this dress has a form-fitted bodice and a flowing lace skirt in a brilliant hue that will make any pink-lover do a double take. That fitted bodice also makes it an excellent summer option …. with that structure and amount of lace will a bra really end up being that necessary when it gets hotter.

Farm Rio Macaws Graphic Mini Dress – $170

If by any chance you have a romantic get-a-way planned this summer, this might be a good dress to invest in. Not overly expensive and still high quality, this Farm Rio mini dress is a dream for an exotic vacation. Complete with two delicate cut-outs on the strapless bodice and a bit of a flirtatious flair on the skirt, this dress was made for summer romance.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Katie May Chasing Dawn Gown – $335

2023 dresses seem to be all about having a tail. No, not a train, but a tail. Those long-draped pieces of fabric that are being placed along the side of a garment seem to be getting all the coverage a trend could want. Social media … celebrities and now you! This Katie May gown has a more mature take on the style. With a beautiful tail of draped floral fabric on one side, this dress gives a hint of romance. Add in the simple strapless neckline and you have a dress made for summer nights.

–Sydney Yeager

 

Fashion Reverie’s End of the Year Fashion Quiz

December 18, 2022 by Leave a Comment

If nothing else, 2022 has been a year of great change. In 2022 we experienced the dissolution of a woman’s right to make choices about her productive health, the invasion of the Russian invasion into Ukraine, continued climate disasters, and two black celebrities coming to blows on national television.

That said, there were some positive things in 2022. The recent Marriage Equality Act passed, the Democrats won back the Senate, and Donald Trump may no longer be the prevailing voice in the Republican Party.

With all this political change there was also a lot of change in the fashion industry. Fashion Reverie has curated some very important shifts and movements within the fashion industry highlighted in our End of Year Fashion Quiz.

This quiz reflects the changes and transitions in the fashion industry from September 2022 through December 2022. Take the quiz and see how many questions you can answer without going back to Fashion Reverie’s “Fashion News Alerts” for the answers.

  1. Which brand will acquire Tom Ford for over 3 billion dollars? a) Kering b) LVMH c) Estee Lauder
  2. Kanye West has cut ties with which retail clothing giant? a) Walmart b) The Gap c) JC Penny
  3. Which pop/rock n’ roll artist recently won the Icon of the Year Award? a) Lenny Kravitz b) The Weekend c) Cher
  4. Who has been named the new Chairman of the CFDA? a) Donna Karan b) Ralph Rucci c) Thom Browne
  5. What is the name of Elon Musk’s new fragrance? a) E Musk b) Burnt Hair c) Distraction
  6. Which famous fashion photographer died in September of this year? a) Roxanne Lowit b) Cecil Beaton c) David Bailey
  7. Which iconic supermodel just got her first British Vogue cover? a) Pat Cleveland b) Kristen McMenamy c) Iman
  8. Which fashion designer is shutting down their eponymous label after 27 years? a) Raf Simons b) Demna Gvaslia c) Vivienne Tam
  9. Which iconic fashion house is involved in a scandal over presenting children in a bondage motif? a) Chanel b) Schiaparelli c) Balenciaga
  10. Which iconic fashion house recently offered their first initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange? a) Lanvin b) Valentino c) Burberry
  11. Cher recently walked for an iconic fashion house during Paris Fashion Week. Which fashion house did Cher model for? a) Prada b) Balmain c) Dior
  12. Who is set to replace Riccardo Tisci at Burberry? a) Zac Posen b) Thakoon c) Daniel Lee

 

Answer Key: 1) Estee Lauder, 2) The Gap, 3) Lenny Kravitz, 4) Thom Browne, 5) Burnt Hair, 6) Roxanne Lowit, 7) Iman, 8) Raf Simons, 9) Balenciaga, 10) Lanvin, 11) Balmain, 12) Daniel Lee

Staff

Feral Girls’ Summer 2022 Style

June 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Temperatures have warmed up and if you are feeling like you want to let it all hang out and just cut loose, you are not alone. This summer let your passion be your guide, leave no stone unturned and party like there is no tomorrow. In other words, summer 2022 will be a “Feral Girls’ Summer.”

Surprised? You may ask, “What is a feral girls’ summer?” This is a summer with very few COVID-19 restrictions. And with high cost of inflation, a raging war in Ukraine, and women’s reproductive rights under attack, why not use this summer to cut loose and paint the town red, green, magenta, or any color you want. In other words, Carpe Diem, seize the day because tomorrow is not promised.  That’s right, create a new wild girls’ summer, a feral girls’ summer.

Now, this feral (wild) girls’ summer is not going to work for you if you don’t have the right wardrobe. Remember feral girls’ summer is for the wild child that parties from Wednesday evening to late Sunday. She also doesn’t care about what folks say about her. And she also in not concerned if her clothing matches.

With all this information in mind, Fashion Reverie has a few tips about some garment choices that match the Feral Girl aesthetic.

Images courtesy of elle.com

Tees and Tanks

Wearing garments that can go with almost anything and that require very little maintenance is right on point with ‘Feral Girls’ Summer.’ Tanks and tee shirts really fit that bill. Nothing says summer freedom better than a summer tank top and/or tee shirt. And this summer you can bring a fashionable element to these very basic summer necessities.

Skims ($34) and WSLY Rivington ($68) has some great fitted tanks that are not only stylish and sophisticated but also produce a great fit. Add to that, Abercrombie & Fitch knotted tee shirt ($29), Beach Boys vintage-inspired tee ($175) and the affordable Reformation Alex Slim Tee ($24), and you are ready to party hardy at all the summer music festivals.

Images courtesy of cynthiarowley.com and cosmopolitan.com

Crop tops and bandeaus

What would a wild girls’ summer be without crop tops? Fashion Reverie has selected some great choices. From H&M’s sleeveless turtleneck crop top ($18) to Lulu’s green square-necked crop ($28) to Victor Glemaud’s Bustier crop ($195) ending with Cynthia Rowley’s black crystal-mesh bandeau top ($175), you cannot go wrong with these choices.

Images courtesy of popsugar.com

We love short shorts

With these incredible tops, some great shorts are a must have. Zara’s high-waisted shorts ($46) should definitely be in your wardrobe, as well as Farm Rio’s paper bag statement shorts ($120). Add to this mix, cut off vintage jean shorts from AGOLDE Parker and you all set for summer music festival season.

Images courtesy of cosmopolitan

Flirty Frocks

You not really consider a flirty dress as a must-have for feral girls of summer, but some those wild girls do like getting their summer bacchanal going in a flirty frock. Fashion Reverie’s choices for that feral girl that looks to be flirty and feminine is Berska’s reprint detail dress ($36), a surefire hit for summer music festivals. Another standout dress is Staud’s Edesia knit dress ($325). Bringing up the rear for those wild girls that want to add a bit of sophistication is Jonathan Simkai’s Christobel macrame dress ($795). Fringe rules the day in this summer wonder.

Images courtesy of nypost.com

The mini bag

Since you are traveling very light this summer, you may not need a big bag. That said, small doesn’t mean insignificant or inexpensive. You can still demonstrate your style with a small bag.

Consider Betsey Johnson’s bejeweled pizza slice crossbody handbag ($118) if you are not girl who wants to be noticed. Or if you want great summer style without the steep price, consider the Uerraum crossbody mini-stripped eco bag ($23). Lastly, Fashion Reverie chose the Ace limited edition mini handbag ($555) with a charming heart appliqué, pink and red color blocking and a cupid’s arrow.

William S. Gooch

Fashion News Alert: Condé Nast Unionizes, H&M Closes Stores, and Au Revoir Patrick DeMarchelier

April 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of thetodayshow.com

H&M has announced that it will close 240 stores globally. This is a bit of a surprise because first quarter financials for the megastore, though below pre-COVID-19 levels, were substantial.

The store closures come on the heels of H&M opening 95 new stores. The new stores will be opened in what H&M calls “growth markets,” while the closures will be in established markets.

H&M has had to shutter 185 stores because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia was H&M’s sixth largest market, accounting for 4% of its sales.

Image courtesy of newyorkcenterallaroundcouncil.org

Workers unite!!

It has finally happened. Condé Nast’s employees have formed a union with NewsGuild. Nearly 500 employees from editorial, production, and video have asked that management recognize the union. That includes staff from Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Bon Appétit, Glamour, Architectural Digest, and other Condé Nast brands.

The Condé Nast employees’ bargaining representative is from NewsGuild which also represents The New Yorker, Wired, Ars Technica, and Pitchfork. This would the biggest infusion of employees ever with the biggest new unit.

“The current workplace culture at Condé Nast allows many people of color and women to be consistently silenced by management. It’s no longer enough to play-act a commitment to diversity or apply [band-aid] solutions to issues of discrimination,” said Epicurious social media staffer Kaylee Hammonds in a statement, as reported in the Hollywood Reporter. “[We are] unionizing today across the company so that this hypocrisy that currently thrives at Condé Nast can be remedied.”

“Workers at Condé Nast have organized hundreds of their colleagues with one shared goal: to raise standards and fight for better working terms and conditions,” says Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “This is an opportunity for Condé Nast management to work more collaboratively with employees and be held accountable in addressing long-standing concerns about equity, inclusion, fairness, and diversity. I’m excited to welcome these workers into the Guild and proud to join them in their fight to improve their workplace.”

Image courtesy of yahoonews.com

Au revoir Patrick

If you have ever watched the film “The Devil Wears Prada,” you will probably remember that fictional editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly always asking for famed fashion photographer Patrick DeMarchelier. They had a fantastic congenial relationship in the film and in real life. Of course, in real time, Miranda Priestly was modeled after Anna Wintour.

That said, all good things must come to end. And the closure of those good times makes us very sad. The entire fashion industry mourns the death of famed fashion photographer Patrick DeMarchelier.

DeMarchelier moved to Paris from Le Havre at the age of 20 and worked as a photographer’s assistant before getting his big break at American Vogue, before moving to New York City. Demarchelier formed a long-time relationship with Vogue creative director Grace Coddington at both American and British Vogue. One of his most memorable photographs is the one taken of Linda Evangelista for the September 1992 issue Harper’s Bazaar.

DeMarchelier shot campaigns for ​Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani, and personal photos of Princess Diana. DeMarchelier also photographed the Pirelli calendar in 2005, 2008 and 2014.

Patrick DeMarchelier is survived by his wife and three sons. DeMarchelier was 78 years old.

William S. Gooch

Spring’s Fair “Cher” of Attention

March 22, 2022 by 1 Comment

Image courtesy of Getty Images

As flowers begin to bloom like the ruffled fabric of a tulle skirt and a warm breeze pulls at free-flowing hemlines, women transform their closets to mimic spring’s freshness and blossoming vitality. This spring, Fashion Reverie predicts that free-spirited, dopamine dressing will rise if trends around the globe during respective fashion weeks are any indication. Anna Laplaca and Yusra Siddiqui of WHO WHAT WEAR recently wrote an article titled “New York Has Spoken—These 8 Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2022.” In it, they write, “We’re talking about full-on fringe, sheer fabrics galore, and cutouts continuing on. It’s safe to say you should start getting excited about 2022 fashion.” Fashion brands have been siphoning rhinestones, fringe, geometric cutouts, body-hugging fits, and highly saturated patterns from 1970s Cher and funneling them through a modern lens.

Many of Cher’s iconic looks were designed by Bob Mackie, who was often referred to as the “sultan of sequins” or the “rajah of rhinestones.” Known for his stage gowns and costumes, Mackie designed for women who were not afraid to be seen, and his work shimmered in the eyes of those who watched the entertainer (Cher) he dressed. Fashion Reverie has curated a list of spring Cher-inspired pieces for the woman who, like Cher, isn’t afraid to be noticed!

Highly Saturated Prints and Statuesque Long Lines

In the 1970s, Cher was well-known for her statuesque figure defined by stage outfits with long lines and a body-contouring fit. In 2022, many fashion designers are creating gowns and dresses that use a woman’s body as a canvas and resemble soft oil pastel prints that hang in ornate golden frames on museum walls. Several brands’ collections are in this style, from Swiss brand Ottolinger to Casablanca based in Paris and New York-based brand Collina Strada.

Image courtesy of ssense.com

Ottolinger Multicolor Cheyenne Julien Mesh Dress $275

Designed by Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient, who together won the 2022 LVMH Prize, the Swiss brand Ottolinger is well known for its deconstructive style that is avant-garde and fearless. For this particular piece, the designers collaborated with Cheyenne Julien, a New York City-based artist who paints colorful portraits of women with exaggerated expressions to depict disturbing emotions. This dress, featuring long ties, green trim, and colorful artwork, encapsulates this trend perfectly.

Image courtesy of Casa Blanca

Casablanca Paris La Course Ideale Halterneck Jumpsuit $940

Casablanca Paris’ pieces are designed by Charaf Tajer, whose French-Moroccan background informs many of his designs. His printed silk pieces are vivid and luxurious as they wrap the body lightly. Many of his designs are inspired by sports, especially racing and tennis. This jumpsuit was inspired by Formula 1 racing, “with cars racing away from a sun adorned with diamonds.” Flared legs evoke a modern 1970s style while the open back is reminiscent of many of Cher’s figure revealing looks. Fashion Reverie recommends brands STINE GOYA and House of Sunny for less expensive options!

Image courtesy of Collin Strada

Collina Strada Meadowland Princess Bodysuit Gown $2000

Collina Strada by Hillary Taymour is the definition of outlandish modern fashion. The brand’s website states, “the brand DNA is now firmly cemented in the ability to look inward even when we’re loud and expressive on the outside.” Collina Strada is known for fashion presentations that defy the status quo, much like Cher’s looks. Also known for sustainability, this look is made from rose sylk created from the natural waste of rose bushes and stems (perfect for spring!) With its slim fit, open keyhole back, watery oil pastel-esque print, and a long-lined skirt extending past the feet, this look is what we would imagine 1970s Cher to wear in today’s sustainable fashion context.

Cutouts and Rhinestones in Full Bloom

A design element that has been synonymous with Cher throughout several decades is geometric cutouts around her waist. For example, her 1986 Oscars dress designed by Bob Mackie featured triangular cutouts in sparkling black fabric with dangling rhinestones. In 2022, many brands are swapping geometric cutouts for romantic iconography in the shape of hearts, flowers, and butterflies. Maimounstore, AREA NYC, and ASOS are a few brands featuring high fashion cutouts.

Image courtesy of Kim for Maimoun

J.Kim for Maimounstore Gradient Petal Dress $473

J.Kim is a brand designed by Jenia Kim, who comes from a family of Korean emigrants from Uzbekistan. Her website states that her pieces “evolve the core elements of traditional Asian costume. Her recent obsession is Korean dress. Jenia is inspired by it and tries to represent it in a modern way.” This floral cutout dress comes from a collection that is “a story about a Korean woman from Uzbekistan forming her own visual language.” The floral cutouts are created from tie-dyed ties, a style known as Pop Fashion in the 1970s.

Image courtesy of AREA

AREA Embroidered Crystal Daisy Top $1580

AREA NYC is a brand named after the iconic 80s Manhattan nightclub, “known for its fusion of art and performance in conceptually-themed nights attracting an eclectic mix of uptown and downtown scenes along with international celebrities,” according to AREA’s website. This theme of performance and theatrics represents Cher’s style well since Bob Mackie designed for an audience.

AREA NYC is best known for rhinestones and intricate embellishments, a design element also synonymous with Cher’s looks. The Crystal Daisy Top, with its floral shape, open back, and crystal details, are perfect for a dramatic spring look!

Image courtesy of ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Butterfly Embellished Cami Scarf Top with Cut Outs $50

One of Cher’s most iconic looks was her 1974 Grammys “butterfly” look, featuring a white bandeau top with a blue and pink rhinestone butterfly fixed in the center, a matching butterfly hairpin and skirt, and a sheer white shawl. Even today, this look has inspired many entertainers, notably Dua Lipa, for the 2021 Grammys red carpet. Dua Lipa wore a blue and pink rhinestone sheer dress with a butterfly cutout on the bodice. For a less expensive alternative, ASOS DESIGN’s top mimics both Cher and Dua Lipa’s looks; but can be styled down with jeans for a spring 2022 look!

3D Textured Designs

As a performer, Cher wore looks that moved fluidly along with her, and many of her dresses were almost 3D, embellished with textured pieces like feathers, fringe, and fur. Feathers and sparkles danced in the air trailing behind Cher at every award show, performance, or TV taping. This highly textured trend has dominated runways worldwide, especially in the form of multi-color feathers flying on bright ensembles. Fancì Club and ANDREEVA are two luxury brands representative of this trend.

Image courtesy of Fanci Club

Fancì Club Glow Dress $360

FANCI CLUB is a Vietnamese brand designed by 22-year-old Duy Tran. In an interview with Vogue by Eni Subair, Tran says, “I’m trying to create a revolution with Fancì Club. I’d like to normalize showing taboo parts of the body, including—and not limited to—the buttocks. I hope my designs encourage people to love themselves.”

 Many of his pieces are what he calls “naked dresses,” which are almost entirely sheer. Cher wore “naked dresses” very often, with her body only being covered by a few crystals and feathers. Similarly, several dresses from Tran’s “His Ring and Her Edge” collection feature sheer dresses with fur embellished keyhole openings on the back.

Image courtesy of Andreeva

ANDREEVA Green Multicolor Dress with Handmade Knit Details $420

ANDREEVA is a family fashion business run by mother and daughter Olga & Marina Andreeva from Ukraine. Fashion Reverie highly recommends monetarily supporting Ukrainian businesses right now, and ANDREEVA is our top choice!

ANDREEVA’s pieces feature hand-made knitwear embellished with feathers and fringe. The brand even has Anna Wintour’s stamp of approval as she visited the showroom and called ANDREEVA the most innovative emerging brand. If Cher’s fashion is anything, it’s innovative, so ANDREEVA is also Fashion Reverie’s choice for inimitable spring 2022 fashion!

Cher-Esque Accessories

Cher often let an outfit speak for itself—she rarely carried a purse and never let her footwear outshine her outfit. Fashion Reverie, however, has curated a list of a few Cher-esque accessories in case our readers would rather wear these trends in a more reserved way. Combining all elements of Cher’s style through a modern lens, Fashion Reverie has picked a sheer bag embellished with floral rhinestones, crystal cutout gloves, and 3D architectural heels.

Image courtesy of Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia Bloom Rhinestone Bag $598

If 1970s Cher were a bag, it would be a Cult Gai bag. Cult Gaia’s founder, Jasmin Larian, writes, “The cornerstone of Cult Gaia’s DNA has been forged with the ideal of creating Objets d’Art that make you look twice.” If anything, Cher’s presence certainly made people look twice. The bag’s dazzling rhinestone cording creates a floral weave attached to sheer vinyl, a design that is made to be admired. If you are not as willing to wear sheer rhinestone outfits, a sheer bag is a perfect buy!

Image courtesy of Poster Girl

POSTER GIRL Gracie Gloves $171

At the moment, POSTER GIRL is the IT brand, as seen on Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Doja Cat, Rita Ora, and Winnie Harlow, to name a few. POSTER GIRL is most relevant in the pop culture space with its pieces made to be seen. Several pieces feature crystal heart embellishments, sheer fabrics, heart cutouts, and rhinestone-covered draped fabric. The brand’s Gracie Gloves offer these bold elements on a smaller scale, perfect for those who want to make a statement this spring through their accessories.

Image courtesy of Y/Project

Y/PROJECT Melissa Floral Point Mule Key Lime $222

Y/PROJECT’s recent footwear collaboration is sculptural and is described on their website as “profusely adorned and embellished.” Wearing this lime-hued crystal shoe is the perfect way to step into spring led by a floral pointed toe. The heel is 100% vegan, representing sustainability goals prevalent in the fashion industry for 2022 and beyond. The shoes can easily be dressed up or pared down, depending on how Cher-like our readers want to be!

—Tessa Swantek

“Fashion Reverie Talks”: Season 2, Episode 11

March 16, 2022 by Leave a Comment

In episode 11 of “Fashion Reverie Talks,” cohosts Cicily Daniels and Tijana Ibrahimovic have a lively chat about Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing’s new job with Jean-Paul Gaultier haute couture, and Heaven by Marc Jacob’s spring 2022 campaign. There is also conversation about US fashion and beauty brands that are closing stores in Russia or decreasing inventory due to the invasion in Ukraine. Cicily talks with Tijana about her article “Celebrities that Embrace Spring 2022 Fashion Trends.” Fashion Reverie editor-in-chief William S. Gooch has a very intriguing conversation with Tijana about the Fashion Metaverse.

Every week “Fashion Reverie Talks” brings its viewers all the current fashion news that everyone should be excited about. Additionally, each episode has wonderful guests that introduces our audience to new and exciting things currently happening in the fashion industry.

—Staff

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