Spring 2012-Part Deux

I love color.  When I’m walking by a tree, I often imagine designing a beautiful dress inspired by the colors of the tree.   I notice colors of buildings, the eyes of people I interact with and the nail polish color of the person standing behind me at the post office.  I notice everything when it comes to color.  Pantone is a great resource for color and fashion trends.  

I did a simple flower image in Illustrator to demonstrate the Spring 2012 colors.  Are you wearing any of the spring colors?  My favorites are Cockatoo, Solar Power and Sweet Lilac. What are yours?  Can you spot them in the following collections?

Versace

This collection made me smile.  I think Donatella might have been channeling Amphitrite, the Greek Goddess of the Ocean because there is a definite underwater theme throughout this beautiful collection.  The glow lights coming from the runway added to the mystical feeling of the clothing.  Lots of gold and glitter, lucite platforms and pastels.  Versace old and new coming together to create today.

Jil Sander

Let me be upfront.  I have never been a Jil Sander fan.  Whenever I look at the ads in magazines I cringe a little because they make fashion look miserable.  Fashion is supposed to be fun, right?  But I’m trying to be inclusive-we all don’t have the same style.  One woman’s Jil Sander is another woman’s Anna Sui (me!).  The streets of Soho or the East Village would look pretty boring if everyone was wearing the same thing, don’t ya think?

I can appreciate the ads for artistic creativity blahblahblah but it doesn’t make me want to go out and spend 10k at a Jil Sanders boutique.  

With that said, I don’t really like anything in this collection.  But if you’re working at a *mental institute, you might find  something to your liking (see images immediately below).   In order to say something positive, however, I will admit to liking the paisley prints.  But I like paisley in general.  It’s that psychedelic-mod thing in me that I’ll probably always have.

The above reminds me of something Jackie O would wear on a casual day in the early 60s. But it also looks like something a grandmother would wear to the garden club.

Alberta Ferretti

Alberta is genius when it comes to geometric shapes–combine that with her superb color instinct and you end up with an amazing collection.

I would wear a bra with the above unless, of course, you’re just wearing it around your house or yacht.

I spot a shade of Cockatoo!

Emilio Pucci

I went wild with Pucci’s collection.  I love it.  It’s sexy gypsy meets Day of The Dead meets a little True Blood Season 2.  I’m not a religious person but I do love the look of crosses in jewelry.  It’s very powerful.  There are just not enough peasant tops in the world.  I want more!!!

Alice and Olivia

I thought these dresses were just adorable and would flatter a variety of figures.  This is also the first line of shoes by Stacey Bendet.  They reflect the personality of the whole collection-fun with a variety of options.  Now if they could just make the shoes in a wide size (who am I kidding-I would fall and break my neck if I tried to wear these shoes)!

*comment is not meant to disrespect people with mental illness or the people that work so hard to help them.

spring 2012-part uno

In my previous posts of collections, I would just talk about my favorite pieces from my favorite designers.  There really wasn’t much critique going on.  So in order to broaden my horizons, I’m also looking at designers that I’m not too familiar with.  I found some items that I very much liked and some that I…didn’t.  With that said, I’m very excited about the spring collections.  If I had a million dollars and I was a size 2, I definitely would add some of these pieces to my wardrobe (my new wardrobe that would be housed in my new closet in my new million dollar apartment!).  I’ve included images of the designer because it’s good to put a face to the creation.

narcisco Rodriquez

I have always appreciated Narcisco’s precise lines and his minimalist approach to fashion. I immediately felt an asian influence when I looked at his spring collection and interestingly enough, one of his inspirations for this season is Korean artist Kim Joon‘s art (warning: nudity and tattoo images).

anna Sui

One of my favorite gifts was a birthday present my sister gave me several years ago-a beautiful book of Anna Sui’s designs which I look at all the time.  She is one of my favorite designers.  I love her color, style and fabrics.  Yes, she can get outrageous and her creations are definitely an acquired taste (which I have acquired).  Many years ago, I saw an interview with Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) and he said his favorite designer was Anna Sui.  I had never heard of her (this was before my interest in fashion-the second time around-long story) but I remember being immediately drawn to her choice of textiles and color palette.

Anna Sui is definitely a rock-and-roll boho/hippie chick.  When I look at her collections, no matter what year or season, I just get happy.  So ‘come on get happy’ with me!

louis Vuitton

I’ve never been a fan of Marc Jacobs mainly because when I was in NYC his brand was everywhere (so it seemed)-in subways, bus stops, and department stores.  This is not a good reason to not like a  designer so I decided to look at Louis Vutton’s collection for spring.  Rumors were circulating last year that Jacobs was a top choice to replace John Galliano as head of Dior.  You might remember that Galliano was fired last year for yelling anti-semetic remarks at a couple in a paris cafe (how to Not win friends and influence people).  I just read today that Jacobs is still being considered for the position.

While I love the eyelet of daisies combined with the organza and the beautiful pastel colors, I found some of the suits to be awkward.  However, I do like the zipper detail in some of the jackets (I love zipper details).  This is definitely a girly girl collection but for grown-ups. Also, is it me or do the models look just a little bit out of it? And yes, I know models are supposed to have that zombiesque appearance.

viktor and Rolf

I once made this warm fuzzy fleece top for my mom.  It was one of those oversize shirts with big sleeves and long at the bottom.  There was an added detail of  knitting yarn thread woven in at the bottom and at the edges of the sleeves.  Needless to say, my mom only wore it indoors but it kept her warm at least.  So when I saw Viktor and Rolf’s line for spring, I laughed out loud literally (LOL).  The designers were inspired by doll clothes and you can see this by the oversized lacing that dominated the collection.  While I thought the first couple of items were charming in a spanish flair kind of way, I think Viktor and Rolf forgot to edit (or forgot how to edit) the rest of the collection.  The oversized lace seemed to become more oversized and more ridiculous.

At least they included a wedding dress!  Now would be the perfect time to insert a Michael Kors comment about drapes.  If this was Project Runway, I think the designer would be voted off but if this was Project Runway All-Stars, the designer would have won the challenge (ouch-if you’ve been watching all-stars you know what I’m talking about)!

j. Mendel

I adore these dresses from Giles Mendel’s spring line.  The color and vertical lines create a very appealing style.

Oscar Fashions 2012

My favorite looks from last night.  What were your favorites?

These images of Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen (Sarah Burton) doesn’t do the dress justice.  I have always thought of McQueens’ creations as more art forms than fashion and this is no exception.  The craftsmanship is esquisite.

Although not my favorite dress of the evening, I chose it because Tina Fey looks marvelous. I often see her on the red carpet in what can only be described as fashion “oops” moments but I think she pulls off a winner in this beautiful navy Carolina Herrera gown.

I’m so happy that Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for The Help.  She is wearing a very becoming dress by Tadashi Shoji.  I think it really compliments her figure.

Michelle Williams is wearing a Louis Vuitton gown.  The color is perfect with her skin tone.

This is one of my favorites of the night.  Penelope Cruz in a lovely lavender gown by Armani Privé.

Dior is one my favorite designers.   Natalie Portman is my choice for best Oscar fashion. Until next year…I will see you at the movies.

Happy Holidays from Urban Rhythm Designs!

Coats-Part 1!

One thing I miss about the East Coast is being able to wear my wonderful black coat.  Of course, I could wear it now but it’s just a little much for the weather in California.  For this Winter season, there are many fabulous outerwear items to be had for all.  I will be doing several Coats posts including one for those on a budget who don’t have that extra $1,000 to spend (like me).  The following items were chosen for their unique design detail, fabric or color.

YSL-How I love thee

Vivienne Westwood. Love the color and herribone on this. Also, the make-up on the model deserves a mention

I've never been a fan of Jil Sander but I actually like the print on this coat

Lanvin. The added zipper detail and shift shape gives this a coat a mod/retro feel. Also, I'm a huge fan of brown nowadays

I find the cuts of Helmut's designs, created now by Nicole and Michael Colovos, interesting

Alberta Ferretti is just divine in every way!

Ferretti-We should all make it a goal to wear more pink in 2012!

Derek Lam. The sky blue color of this coat is just gorgeous

Bottega Veneta. The orange and pink is wonderful together. I'm making a note to myself to make a jewelry piece with those colors

muSical Monday-Do They Know it’s Christmas?

I was a teenager in the 1980s and I often wonder how I survived a decade of florescent colors and people comparing Duran Duran to the Beatles.  Don’t get me wrong, I like Duran Duran but they’re not the Beatles.  One awesome thing that was big during the 80s were concerts to raise money for famine relief.  To go along with that, there were also several songs recorded and released by communities of artists for different causes.  Who can forget “We are the World” for African Famine or “Sun City” to protest apartheid in South Africa?  But my favorite song in this genre was “Do you know it’s Christmas-Feed the World” by Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats.  From this project, Geldof organized Live Aid, a dual concert in London and Philadelphia on July 13, 1985 to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.  The event was huge and was broadcast live on MTV over two consecutive days.  I remember watching it and being amazed by all the musicians that took the stage.   I specifically remember Madonna singing “Holiday” and Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend and others singing “Let it Be”.  Also, Bob Geldof looked like he was about to fall over from exhaustion.  What do you remember about Live Aid?

As I was driving home from the gym today and getting my weekly treat from Starbucks (Grande Iced Salted Carmel Mocha with soy.  No whip!), “Feed the World” came on the radio. It’s one of the few Christmas songs I can tolerate after 30 days of jingles, chestnuts and santa.  See if you can spot Boy George, Sting, Bono, George Michael and Simon Le Bon.  Enjoy!

muSical Monday-Fleetwood Mac

I don’t know exactly how I became interested in Fleetwood Mac.  All I remember is wanting to be just like Stevie Nicks.  I came of age during the 80s so Rumors was already about 7 years old.  I was fascinated with the torrid stories that surrounded the making of the album. Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks were breaking up as was Christine and John McVie. And I think Mick and Stevie started seeing each other at this time or maybe that came later. The cover of Rumors was just as odd and fantastic as the music within.  Against a cream colored background, Stevie is in one of her wispy black dresses and Mick, well, Mick has a crystal ball in one hand and wooden balls dangling from his lower half (see above pic).

Every song speaks of broken love and missed opportunities.  It’s really a gorgeous album.   I have always been interested in hocus pocus and things that go bump in the night and the music of Stevie Nicks represented to me a world full of magic, wonderment, witches, fairies, and enchantment.  When I was young, I would twirl around to Rhiannon pretending I was a lost witch. I blame it on my mom who got me Readers’ Digest Into the Unknown when I was little.  I haven’t been the same since!

One of my favorite songs is ”Dreams”.  The lyrics are both lovely and heartbreaking.

Now here you go again
You say you want your freedom
Well, who am I to keep you down?
It’s only right that you should
Play the way you feel it

But listen carefully to the sound
Of your loneliness
Like a heartbeat drives you mad
In the stillness of remembering 
What you had

Happy Birthday Betty!

One of my biggest fans turns 90 today.  She proudly wears my handbags on her arms and flaunts my jewelry for all to see.  When I am 90, I hope to be as active as her.  I know I will still be sewing!

Project Runway, Episode 12-The Final Five

Last week was the final challenge before the Fashion Week episodes  The final five are Viktor, Joshua, Laura, Kimberly and Anya.  We all know that Anya will make it to fashion week (technically Fashion Week already happened but we’ll pretend it hasn’t).  We love her and her outside the box creativity.  And remember, she learned how to sew in four months (I still hate people like that!).

The designers go on a field trip to Governors Island.  Some of my favorite episodes are when they actually go someplace like a museum or around Manhattan for a particular challenge.

Each of the designers pick different objects, sculptures and landmarks for their inspiration. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any pics of said inspiration so you will have to use your imagination based on my descriptions.

The designers have to create three outfits in two days.  How will they do it?  But of course, they will receive help in the form of the last 5 contestants voted off.  Not much drama or fighting this time around so let’s get right to the clothes.

Although I’m not crazy about Laura, I do like that her inspiration came from circular shapes in fences, objects and other architectural builds at Governors Island.  I love my geometric shapes!  However….not these geometric shapes.  The judges actually liked the long dress but I thought it was just too much.  Maybe if the circles were smaller and all the same shape, it would be more appealing.  What do you think?  I like  the idea behind this garment just not the garment itself.

Viktor has done some amazing jackets in the past and his tailoring is impeccable but his three creations seemed kind of…well, like clothes.  The inspiration for his collection were the shapes of the sculptures and the images of Manhattan in the background (from Governors Island).  Michael Kors thought they were very sellable and I agree, just nothing exciting or high fashion.  Really, gawd forbid a designer makes something for normal people or for those of us that don’t have a $20,000 monthly budget for clothes, oops, I mean Fashion. For this collection, I like the design details of the skirt and the top is cute.

Kimberly picked a sculpture called New Beginning for her inspiration.  Hey, I’m all for that.  I need a New Beginning every day (seriously).  I’m continually surprised at the fabric the designers choose when they are at Mood.  Kimberly was looking for a cantaloupe color wool but couldn’t find one so she settles on Halloween orange.  Of course, every time I shopped at Mood, I stayed within the $8-$12 range section (now $12-$16 probably) and remember, they only have 30 minutes to shop.  I need hours for fabric shopping.

Of all the contestants that started at the beginning, Kimberly was one of the few that I wanted to make it to the end.  But (there’s always a “But” or a “however” in my PR posts), I wasn’t feeling her collection.  Were you?  I didn’t much care for her jacket but I do like how she comes up with these “orgami” like design details.  But she has done this look before.  I’m hoping that if she does make it to fashion week that it isn’t a bunch of these types of skirts and dresses on the runway.  (Did you notice how I didn’t say either way if Kimberly makes it to fashion week?!).

Joshua chooses artillery and a chapel for his inspiration.  In Joshua’s words, he wanted to look at where “fragility meets strength and power”.  Typical.  Look, I’m really trying to give Josh a chance but I think he’s over dramatic and mean.  But I’m supposed to critique the design not the designer so I will–Josh’s creations are over dramatic and mean.  How is that?

Since I’m not a real bitch (I wish I could be though!), I will admit that I kind of liked the above dress.  What do you think of Josh?  Do you think he grew during the show-as a designer and as a person?  Or is he just the same ‘ole Josh?

Anya loves sculpture.  She chose sculptures based on the lines, and positive and negative spaces.  I loved her collection.  She won this challenge hands down.  She’s extremely talented and will go far with our without a Project Runway win.

The above was my favorite piece overall.  I thought it was gorgeous, elegant and I want it!  I also thought Anya had the best model styling of all five designers.

Have you figured out who will go to Fashion Week?  The designers that are IN are Anya, Viktor, Josh and Kimberly…but only three will actually make it to fashion week.

muSical Monday-John Lennon

Since I’m running short on time today, I’m just going to present a video.  John Lennon would have turned 71 yesterday.  Amazing.  I will forever see him at age 25.  He was so gorgeous then-they all were ; )  We all wonder what would have been if he was still alive today.  But for now, all we can do is appreciate what he gave us in the 40 years he was here.

Jealous Guy is my favorite John solo song.  The lyrics are honest, vulnerable, and real.

• I was feeling insecure.
• You might not love me anymore.
• I was shivering inside.