Recently in Viktor & Rolf Category

Fashion editorials don't always translate in 'real life'. Take the model, make-up and styling out of the picture and you are left with a mediocre perhaps over-priced piece of garment. A perfect example is this Viktor & Rolf coat. It's stylish and modern in the photograph but when stripped off of all the fluff it looks like an oversize coat or worst a superhero costume. The one thing that really irritates me is the price of this coat! Come on now, seriously?!

Paris Fashion Week, Dutch design-duo Viktor & Rolf's previous conceptual collections (Spring '09 and Fall '08) landed them two 'Crimes of Fashion' citations respectively. This time around, its all praise! Their Ready-To-Wear Spring 2009 Collection is hot haute couture. The collection is innovative, romantic, opulent, edgy and chic. The tulle cocktail dresses even designed over-the-top are very wearable.

My favorite pieces are the tulle ball gowns that came down the runway on the latter part of the show. I don't know how Viktor & Rolf made these gowns. Perhaps, with a chainsaw. However they did it, the gowns turned out fabulous and amazing. I'm happy to see that Viktor & Rolf decided to do eveningwear which what they are known for. Kudos! And I'm looking forward to their next collection.

False eyelashes were popularized in the 60's. Through the years they remained as staples in beauty pageants and in fashion. Lately, faux eyelashes are seen worn by everyday women. I think this is fabulous. I'm not ashamed to admit that I myself have worn false eyelashes in the past. Let me tell you, it can be tricky applying them on. But the end result is well-worth it. Just keep in mind these tips if you are about to start wearing false eyelashes or a seasoned one:

• Volume and length - for everyday use, light and medium length eyelashes are best. There are a variety of false eyelashes, corner, individual and full which means the different looks you can achieve. Thick and lengthy eyelashes are heavy. Trust me I know. Besides, you don't want your beautiful eyes covered.
  
• Color - stick with your eyelashes' natural color as much as possible. Remember that false eyelashes are primarily used to enhance your eyes. You don't want people looking at you wondering how and what's up with the bi-color eyelashes.
• Style and design - save the orange and purple false eyelashes for Halloween. I know some eyelashes are so fierce and tempting. Those are o.k. to wear for evening, out clubbing with friends, etc. As I always say, moderation is key.

Samsonite, one of the trusted brand in luggage and suitcases, ups the ante by commissioning  designer duo Viktor & Rolf to create luxurious pieces for Samsonite Black Label. These spinner leather suitcases are perfect for jetsetters and for your exotic summer getaway. I think this are also safe to travel with. You don't have to worry on your luggage getting stolen. Because they don't have LV or Gucci all over them. And if they do go MIA, you know whomever took them know their designers!

Women's Ready-to-Wear Spring 2009 Collections definitely had fabulous designs and a few interesting ones. And now that all the runway shows are wrapped up, it's time to roll out The Smart Stylist's top 3 worst collections for Spring 2009. And hoping these designers will show better and wearable fashions in the upcoming seasons.

First on my list is designer duo, Victor & Rolf. When I saw Victor & Rolf's Fall 2008 collection, I thought they were just going through a fashion rebellion phase and they will be back to their usual fabulousness come spring. Well, I spoke to soon. Fabulous supermodel Shalom Harlow was the muse for their Spring 2009 collection. Shalom was a pinata, a parasol and whole lot of ridiculous wearing Victor & Rolf's Spring 2009 collection.

Supermodel Shalom Harlow wearing Victor & Rolf Spring 2009 Collection

Next on the list is Armand Basi One. The MC Hammer inspired parachute pants and revealing sheer tops are tasteless and tacky. This collection was like a time machine bringing me back to the early nineties when such look was the rage.

Armand Basi One Spring 2009 Collection (Photos Courtesy of Style.com)

Completing my worst collection for Spring 2009 is Francesco Scognamiglio. Why the exposed breasts? And the huge ruffle on the skirt resembling a flower strategically placed on the model's privates? All I can say is there are other ways to be provocative that doesn't require exposing model's body parts. It' unfortunate the creativity and hard labor becomes unimportant and seem non-existent when replace with unnecessary vulgarity.

So I decided to look back on some of this years Fall Collections over breakfast. Of course, Galliano, McQueen and Gaultier, one word FIERCE! Then  comes Viktor & Rolf whom I adored through the years with their elegant evening wear. I so choked on my fruit loops. And how did I miss this? The collection is ok. Put the gothic and dark pallette  aside, the craftmanship and detailing is impeccable. But when designers use fashion as a way of relaying their personal vendetta, now that's selfish!

The words 'NO' and 'Dream On' were not even subtly fused to some of the models in response to what they ( Viktor & Rolf ) are feeling right now and that is feeling the pressure of shows after shows, precollection this and that.. Blah Blah Blah.

You know what guys take a vacation. I know it's business but you didn't sell your souls did you?

Here are some photos from the show. Let me know what you think.

 

   

 

      

 (Photo Credits: WWD)