Project Fundway

Not too long ago I posted a picture taken after the pre-judging for Project Fundway, a contest open for aspiring high school and college kids in the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland region who aspire to become fashion designers. I received an email containing the flyer from the producer with the names of the four finalists: Angela Robinson (West Potomac Academy), Kim Truong (VCU), Daniel Herbick (Bethesda Chevy Chase High School), and Agata Miczek (VCU). 

The show would be held at The Warner Theatre (13th and E Street NW, Washington D.C.) on November 4th, host by Kate Michael and Harry Thomas Jr. And red carpet coverage by Kenny Flanagan and Ryan Charchian (I hope I'll get interview *wink wink*). 

I have no idea what the kids are going to show next Thursday (though I been familiar with Kim Truong's work I can't augur what she's going to show for this occasion, but I'm sure it's going to be hot), but I hope to see a promising sparkle of light of a future industry leader. I sure would be there, and I hope to see you all there supporting the fashion youth (if you see me say hi, I don't bite). 

You can purchase your tickets here (http://projectfundway.eventbrite.com). All tickets purchase are tax-deductible and proceeds will benefit DC Fashion Foundation. 

Fashion, Beauty And Lifestyle

On Saturday 16th I headed down to the Convention Center in Washington D.C. for the annual Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle expo sponsored by CW DC50 and GWFCC. I woke up early, excited, and anxious to see what D.C. fashion business/boutiques and local designers have to offer once again. Since I'm part of GWFCC I had a commitment to be present and inform folks on this amazing organization. The expo was scheduled to start at noon, but I arrived a few hours earlier to get the downlow of things. The first scenes of the expo were a bevy of hispanic men in the process of installing a stage for a display of hair-styling by Beauty Spa Center and Alexandre de Paris. Around the premises, there were empty aisles of booths covered in red wine/burgundy colored curtains, displaying a rather small white sign with the name of each respective business, designer or boutique. After greeting fellow GWFFC member Brittany Wilson, I spotted my surrogate mother/The Boss Lady/producer of the show Maggy Francois clutching a clipboard, with a stare that suggested her mind was incessantly running everywhere. And that's understandable, orchestrating one of DC's most prominent events, including approximately 60 local business, one of the top photographers in the industry Nigel Barker and an array of ladies from America's Next Top Model such as Isis King, Bianca Golden and Jaslene Gonzales is not a paltry endeavor, but the expo was a success nonetheless. 

A few minutes from my arrival, I see Shannon and Clarita (See pictures above. I had to post both pictures because we look so good that it would be a waste not to, I mean I can't get enough of myself here). We were directed towards the GWFCC booth. We garnished the booth with a GWFF tripod, flyers, business cards, and there were even a few give-aways laying on the table. Throughout the event, all types of folks, with a very distinctive sense of style came to the table inquiring info, and I hope we successfully answered those questions. I'm glad most of them, or at least those inspiring designers and boutique owners, walked away with a sense of hope that D.C. one day will become a major fashion capital. 

Behind us there was a booth (see right above), which I can't remember their name, but I'm sure it was something kinky. Needless to say their table was covered in all type of erotic products, such as lotions, creams, feathered handcuffs and other things of that nature. I thought this was a family-oriented event, but I guess not (I received two other pictures that I would not post since I'm trying to remain PG for my younger readers). At one point I was envisioning a little boy walking pass this booth and he would start asking his parents all these questions. Daddy what is this for? Answer...priceless. 

One of the few designers (and a great supporter of De La Style) showcasing their collections at the expo was Kenny "KAS" Flannagan. I saw him earlier setting up his booth with the help of his assistants. There seemed to be a bit of a dilemma with the t-shirts brought to be sold at the expo but I was glad to hear the issue was resolved. He bestowed me a white tee (see above) that read "I'm a KAS Man" on the chest and a description of what a KAS man is on the back. I personally love the deconstructed pair of jeans on the front, festooned with actual pieces of denim covering most of the legs and miniature Swarovski Crystals on the edges. You can get your W.E.T tees here. 

If you read my blog before, then I'm sure you're familiar with Kenny's clothes. His offerings have a sense of sex-appeal, and create a desire to put them on. I have had the privilege to witness his creations walk down the runway    multiple times, but every time, it's a unique experience. At the expo he showed his classic, sharp-taliored suits, and come-hither short dresses, but he managed to introduce a new piece without straying away from his aesthetic. The last look was a spagehtti-string nude vivacious evening dress with the most beautiful beading I seen in recent memory. They sort of looked like fish scales, but the model only looked like a goddess out of the sea. It was Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Beyonce all in one. Unfortunately, I don't have the shot that I wanted of the dress, but hopefully I would see it graced the runway on Friday at NOVA Fashion Week. 

Out of nowhere, something shined in my vicinity. I spotted a familiar looking sneaker, but calling this a pair of "sneakers" is a complete understatement. Though these are the second time I spotted them on a feet of an stylish man, I certantly knew the name of the designer behind it. The Christian Louboutin's spiked high top sneakers were seen on new acquaintance Jarrick Jerrel (since you love me so much, you already know what I want for Christmas, just saying). 

One of the missions I set for myself when I go to these type of events is to meet as many people as I can. One of the ladies I met was the owner of "The C.A.T. Walk" Boutique, which specializes in new and consignment brands for women. Shuffling trough her racks I found some great pieces, such a fur cheetah-print bolero and a Just Cavalli LBD. I'm so glad I met Carolyn, she's fun, uplifting, convivial (you don't see that very often in the industry) and most of all, she cares about her business. I'm so looking forward to working with her in the near future.  

As I was walking around the premises of the expo, I spotted a booth with a rack of clothes that caught my attention. There was a hip factor to the whole display of clothes, they certainly were assembled to lure a specific market of customers. The sign placed at the backdrop read "Hush Boutique" then I get approached by a young lady, the owner of Hush, Tamara Lee. Not even the minute we started talking about her boutique I immediately sensed her love for it. I inquired about the selection of her garments, she responded amicably that most of the apparel she carries in the store are from L.A. designers. I think by the looks shown on the runway, the clothes are not limited to L.A. girls only, but I could easily envision any cool, hip, young girl in D.C. rocking clothes from Hush. Below two looks from the boutique, tres chic!

Indian/British Photographer and ANTM's judge Nigel Barker served as one of the host. Once Nigel popped on stage along with a lengthy camarel-skinned lady, the crowd conglomerated around the runway. It sort of looked like a scene from a Jonas Brother concert, only this time, it was a single child, much older, and his fans did not look like they just reached puberty. Nigel came out sporting a classic suit and brown silk tie, keeping the same image from the infamous show that arguably catapulted his fame. I could hear women, from all ages, yelling and cheering frantically as if they just seen Marcus Patrick stripping. This is the first time I seen Mr. Barker live, he certainly looked charming, but I would have never heralded he would have such welcoming reception in the nation's capital. 

The schedule was packed with a list of designers that I seen and a few other that I haven't. I was anxious awaiting to get my fashion fix. The first designer we saw was Natalia Sanz, a young American designer with Spanish roots. Whenever I'm about to see a new designer, I get these giggles in my stomach, I get anxious, and impatient. My standards are neither place high or low, I go in without any expectations. After watching her fall/winter abbreviated collection, I got a glimpse into what she's all about. At the end of her show she mentioned she was imbued by origami, and that translated into demure evening dresses in simple silhouette and smart detailing. The color palette was rich, without looking gaudy. There were deep purples, indigos, and neutrals in different shades of grey. The folds, pleats and sharpness of her collection echoed the feeling of an origami piece. After her show, I walked to her booth to talk to her in a more intimate setting. She expounded on the source of inspiration, "furniture and art", she said. The standout piece was a cropped tuxedo jacket in midnight blue, that alone speaks volumes about her aesthetic and her vision for the modern woman. I can't wait to see her S/S 2011 collection on Saturday at NOVA Fashion week. 

Natalia and I at her booth festooned with her beautiful creations

After Natalia's collection we saw an equally talented maestro. Tristan Blake was not a name that resonated with me, but after that day, I was enamored with his clothes. He opened up with a crisp terra cotta-colored trousers paired with a simple navy blue top with a keyhole on the back, this look heralded what was to come from Blake. The source of inspiration, which Blake told me later were, "different places in the Caribbean, especially St. Trope". He presented a hooded jumper, a tube skirt, a skimpy swimsuit, and a long-sleeve evening dress in a wavy, irregular print that was reminiscent of ocean waves, or even traces of wet sand at shore. There was a soft pink hooded jacket dress with gold chains delicately dropping from the pockets, and a beautiful deep v-neck navy blue summer dress. At the end of the show, the models came out with their hands up, swaying as the music played, there the festive, tropical and joyous attitude of the models reflected those of the clothes. I hope this would not be the last time I'll see from Tristan, there is definitely precious, raw talent to polish. 

Me, Nailah Seabron, and Tristan Blake backstage

After his show, I rushed backstage along with my photographer Matt to get a few words from the man himself. What I saw was something I was not expecting. This petite lady in a denim jacket was sobbing over Blake's shoulders, repeatedly saying, "it was just beautiful" (I would later found out it was Nailah Seabron, Tristan's marketing director). It was a riveting scene of a deep-felt human expression after seeing something profoundly touching. When a designer manages to touch people in an emotional or phycological level, that is suggestive of the talent this man possess. I hope to see more bonafide reactions like this after a collection is shown, only a few can pull that off. 

Sadly, I had a prior commitment so I had to abandon the scene. There were, of course, more fashion to be shown, but I wasn't able to see it live. Luckily, I've seen work from the remaining designers. One of them was Tashia Senn, trained at F.I.T and based in Washington D.C. presented her Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I adore Tashia's vision for the woman of today. Her designs seem to evoke a damsel with refine taste, but is not shy to walk on the edge. To me she's dangerous, seductive, and coquettish. This collection was the added touch of glamour needed for the day. I mean, the bow-neck pumpkin orange silk blouse worn with a black and grey striped lame (or sequin) skirt was the perfect option for a night-out, anywhere in the world. Another standout look, was a pale orange one-shoulder ruche frock with feathered hem, can you say fashion orgasm!?!

To close out the event, former Project Runway finalist, Korto Momolu made her presence felt at the expo. Unlike previous occasions, she showed a few looks that looked less afro-centric, and more mainstream without straying away from her aesthetic. The motif lame leaves-life prints evoked nature, as well as the draped sleeves on the summer dresses. For night she proposed a sexy black lame draped top and skinny black pants with two zippers on hip. My favorite look was an angelic white draped cocktail dress with an asymmetrical hem. 

This is one of those events where the burgeoning fashion community in the nation's capital gets a chance to connect and celebrate as one. It was a chaotic, yet rewarding event where at least if you didn't buy anything, you got to see the talent, passion and level of professionalism that exists here in D.C. 

See you next year!

Model, Jasmine Agnew walks backstage wearing a creation by Hush Boutique

Photos by Matt Statler, Vithaya Phongsavan and Vadim Zee

Epic

I must come clean and admit I'm not a big Ebony reader. However, I must give recognition to an illustrious trajectory of Ebony for celebrating and informing the African American community. In case you were not aware, this November the magazine is celebrating its 65th Anniversary, and to commemorate the milestone a selected group of artists are recreating yesteryears actors as they were feature in past iconic covers. Some of the celebs shot were Taraji P. Henson as Diahann Carroll (I was vaguely getting a Marilyn Monroe vibe), John Legend as Duke Ellington (super classic, I'm not too crazy about the invisible tie though), Blair Underwood as Sidney Poitier and Lamman Rucker as Richard Roundtree. 

On their website, there is a short video of Ebony Magazine Chairman, Linda Johnson Rice on national television (I'm still not sure what show it is), talking about this great accomplishment. She points out the evolution of the magazine, from their first issue in 1945, a black and white photo as a cover of kids huddle together, Rice mentions the message behind it, "saving our children, our youth". The 2010 November issue features R&B singer Mary J. Blige, Usher, actor Samuel L. Jackson and actress Taraji P. Henson. The fact that everybody is wearing a subdue color such as grey in this case, makes for a cohesive cover, and resulting in the tittle in red to jump off the photo. Kudos to the Ebony art and design team. 

Furthermore, she briefly speaks of the history of the magazine, "They really worked together as a team, my mother named the magazine Ebony, my father borrowed $500 from his mother so he could start the magazine. My mother spent her time in the basement of their apartment building stuffing subscription envelops. They both had a dream and they both were discipline. And they believe that there needed to be a magazine that really show African Americans in a very positive light, because there wasn't such a thing at that time".  

These are the type of stories that imbue me. A low-income couple living in discriminatory times, face the issues at front, come up with a publication that represents their own community in a positive way, fast forward 65 years of dedication and hard work, now look what they have accomplish. How inspiring is that?

Below check out the behind the scenes of the shoot done at a hot residence in L.A (check out that pool). Editor-in-chief, Amy Dubois Barnett with photographers Keith Major and Marc Baptiste choreographing the shoot along with stylist Mario Wilson. There are cameos by gospel singer Yolanda Adams and Nia Long (shooting with balloons). In another note, Blair Underwood and Omar Epps look so good to me. I want some chocolate. 

Maya

I had to post the album artwork because it's such a visually arresting photograph that arguably can't be fairly compared to anything, any artist has put out in recent memory (Kanye can be in the discussion, but it's totally two different genres). It would be troubling trying to dissect the references she used for her third self tittle album "Maya", but evidently there is a marriage between technology, art and pop culture. I love all these strips of a video player, perhaps taken out of Youtube. Then the gold bars stacked upon each other forming her name was a sweet idea. The fact that you can only see her eyes on the background, instead of blasting her photo on the front, just gives you an idea on how much she cares for the craft. 

The first video below is for her second single titled "XXXO". At first I thought it was some typo, but then iTunes confirmed my doubt. Ironically, the song has little to do with sex, much less porno. However, I sensed a message of love and a search for identity. One of the lines goes, "you want me to be somebody that I'm really not", I just think that surreptitiously depicts the overall tone of the song and her persona. Though I commend M.I.A in attempting a fresh approach in projecting a story, I'm not too crazy about this video. It unmistakably reminds of those gaudy images people would post as comments on Myspace (back then when it was the hot thing). Most of the time they were spam from people I never met. But one thing always stood out, these images were always shinning, or displayed rosettes at one corner, or even worse, read a disturbing message. I never payed attention, I just clicked delete. At the end of the video, there is a phrase that reads "thanks for adding me" implying the video has some type of correlation with the social network dominated world we live in today. In the adjacent video you see the woman herself performing one of my favs songs from the album titled "Teqkilla". I love it how iTunes puts it, "[Teqkilla] is a party anthem where one raises a glass in the spirit of revolution as the music assembles into a militaristic pummel where sounds drop from the skies".

The Elements

If your temperature just rose a few degrees, calm down, you're not about to have a heart attack (I hope) you're just looking at physically blessed men. I don't know about you, but I don't get to see semi-naked, ridiculously good looking men in super sexy underwear everyday. In top of that, they're famous. I don't know if you recall, but I talked about these clutch of men here. Right when the brand new "X Marks The Spot" Calvin Klein Underwear campaign dropped, and I'm sure those images left an indelible impression on a few of you. This time the CK (Calvin Klein for short) anoints the same men for this campaign titled "The Elements". The campaign pays tribute to Earth's four elements: Air (Hidetoshi Nakata); Fire (Mechad Brooks); Water (Fernando Verdasco) and Earth (Kellan Lutz). 

I personally like the "fire" ones. Not necessarily because a sexy chocolate brother is wearing them, but I love how the color looks against a dark pigmentation. It just pops. It's the perfect option for a kinky night. Also, the light blue pair worn by former soccer player, Hidetoshi Nakata is a nice catch. I would do with either one. I'm a strong believer that color changes people's attitude, and they certainly symbolize different things in different cultures. On one of my down days, I would like to reach into my drawer, pull out my "fire" Calvins and immediately feel invigorated. And I'm sure most men would like to have that experience. Let it not go unnoticed the impressive physicality these men proudly display. I mean one of the reasons they got the call was for their ability to sell a pair of undies. And sure they're selling the hell out of them *cough* bulge *cough*. Now let me go dash to Macy's to get my pair. 

Prada Goodies

Since I'm on my Prada swag, I want to expound my musings on the collection. When these accessories came down the runway last September, they unintentionally ensued a fashion orgasm within me. It was a vision of the exaggerated, grandiose and obvious. The eyewear, with huge oval shaped lenses with baroque curlicues arms, looked like something Willy Wonka from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory would wear. The other set looked more commercial, in shades of baby blue and shocking orange. At one point I thought they look something out of a sci-fi movie, then I thought something a scientist with interest in fashion would buy in case he works with highly chemical tools, or something like that. 

Now let's ponder about these shoes. But calling these mere shoes are unjust, more like "work of art", but that still sounds cliche (if you have a better proposal, drop it in the comments section). The first glimpse of the footwear for next season came in the form of an orthopedic-sneaker-spadrill-platfrom-bottie with baroque and Victorian references. Just the words alone don't make sense in my head, but having a visual representation of such brings a smile to my face and creates a feeling of anguish, excitement and uncertainty. I wonder how this style, especially, transforms into retail, and how all these different women across the globe would wear them. Then something out of Alice in Wonderland (reminds me of the fat, black & fuchsia, gender-bending, mischievous cat that mysteriously appears and disappears out of thin air) manifests on the runway: striped fuchsia/black and green/black combinations on heavy, yet sexy pumps. Finally, we see the artisanal craftsmanship of Prada, those meticulous and painstakingly handmade weaving shown on platforms and heels, just otherworldly. Photos edited by Nick Fulcher

Realness

HERCULES F/W 2010 

Photographed by Paola Kudacki and styled by Francesco Sourigues

The cover line reads "Real People, Real Style, Real Fashion" and I'm sold. It's not a secret that the fashion industry have been chided by outsiders for not having a sense of tolerance for people of different ethnicities, weight, or condition. It's ironic how an industry known for its creative minds and supposedly keeping an open mind for the new surreptitiously rejects what's not up to standards. Those standards of beauty, physicality and style set by supermodels and influential industry insiders. For the past few seasons, those standards are seemingly widening, becoming more flexible, forcing people to adapt and include, say, models with a darker pigmentation, or someone who is not a size 2 (more recently, Jean Paul Gaultier opened up his show with The Gossip's lead singer Beth Ditto, and if you seen her before, you know the girl doesn't look like a toothpick).

I love fashion magazines who push boundaries or even break rules. The ones who challenges us, society, to reanalyze what's beautiful? What's sex? What's photography? What's fashion? And as a result we visually absorb and open our minds to new ideas, then we accept another perspective. I believe one of the responsibilities a magazine should do besides informing, is to inspire its readers, to let their minds run free, and most importantly to dream. 

Hercules, to me, strives to do so. I have the previous issue (my first), which I wrote here and I felt in love with it. Not only there is thought-porvoking writing, but the marriage of photography and fashion are top notch. Their 2010 fall/winter issue is shot by Paola Kudacki and styled by Francesco Sourigues featuring my fav italian model Mariacarla Boscono and ballet star turned model Roberto Bolle. I love the hot pink background with the subjects clad in black (or should I say Roberto? Mariacarla seems to be butt naked). I don't know if you see it the way I see it, but the way the knee high boot is place between Roberto's legs and the way he's holding the bottom of the boot suggest of something very sexual, maybe foreplay. But I can't complain, I'm intrigued yet I love the sexual tension of the photo. 

Below check out the video of the issue directed by one of my favs photographers Mario Vivanco and art directed by the super talented Nicola Formichetti. Doesn't it look like a big circus of freaks? Well, the fashion industry is largely composed of freaks, and that's one of the reasons I find it appealing. I love the party theme, a lot of boobs, naked strippers, and of course lots of fashion. I'm most excited to see ladyfag, Arlenis Sosa and Doug Porter. All pictures from models.com

New Home

The past couple of weeks have been a bit radical. Finding a place in Washington D.C. moving (which was a pain in the ass) then trying to settle in (which I'm still dealing with). It has been about a week since I moved and things are moving slightly more smoothly. I'm working for two mags, I can't reveal too much, but I will when the time is right. I also been attending some events and whatnot, networking, partying and just living life with no regrets. The picture above was taken at the House of KAS located at the National Harbor for the pre-judging of Project Fundway, a contest for aspiring fashion designers in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. conceived by the lovely Maggy Francois, my surrogate fashion mother. The kids submitted a garment and the judges visually dissected, critiqued and examined them (It was sort of like a water-down version of Project Runway. For a moment I felt as if I was the black son of Nina Garcia and Michael Kors). The 3 finalist would be selected and proceed to create 4 looks for the actual event. The winner would get a big juicy fat check. I will fill you in more as the event approaches. Also, one of my good friends and the dopest graphic designer in the area Nick Fulcher came with me for pictures. The small, yet intimate event was fun, met some cool folks, and hopefully I will see them in the future. 

Repeat Retreat

We're quickly approaching fall, then winter is right around the corner. For a large group of folks that means drinking hot chocolate and endlessly shoving snow out of their cars. For others lucky few means exploring the tranquil, stress-releasing realms of a resort. I think people with the means to afford a vacation are still vacationing regardless of the gloomy economy downturn, burdening the demand for designers across the board to deliver a full blown Resort collection (Chanel and Dior I'm looking at you). In addition, Gucci has released their Resort 2011 ad campaign shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and features male model Nikola Jovanovic and supermodel Raquel Zimmermann. Ironically enough, the same photogs and models produced the Fall 2010 campaign which is feature as a billboard in this Resort ad. 

Frida Giannini has always delivered cool, casual and modern look for Gucci Resort, and this type is not an exception. The brown leather jacket on Raquel to the loose fitting army green safari blouse are just a glimpse of what's to come. I personally love the denim shirt Nikola is wearing on the first shot and I'm feeling the color scheme on the second look. Below, check out the accompanying video of the campaing. As you watch it doesn't it entice you to acquire everything? 

Define Yourself

i-D Magazine message for the Fall 2010 issue is as follows, "A time to think differently. Rock the boat and break the rules. Put two fingers up at convention, wear your laughter lines like battle scars, and remember grey hair rocks! Because life's not worth a damn, until you can truly say "I am what I am". This is one of the reasons i-D is one of the most prominent publications in the industry. I love how each issue is honed after an idea, or a message, such as this one. And the whole issue, from the art direction, to the fashion and articles are shaped to meet the criteria. This is one example of what I call Fashion With Substance. 

The 6 released covers were shot by Emma Summerton and duo Danielle Duella and Iango Henzi. And styled by the nerdiest gayest fashion stylist, Edward Enninful. The two covers above caught my attention, they speak volumes to me. The one on the left features Ethiopian model and philanthropist Liya Kebede donning an electrified do, slightly biting one of her finger, giving you that look of "man-eater" but less Playboy more high fashion. On the right cover there is girl of the moment Joan Smalls (I will talk about her in a future post) grabbing her head and exposing her breast. Though they both are topless, you don't get a sense of vulgarity, instead it makes you deepen your reasoning behind the photo. That's probably because the coverlines read, "make a stand" and "break the rules" on each cover respectively. Food For The Brain.

Now to finish off this post, by pure casualty, I found these pictures of one of the most demanded faces in the industry, male model Rob Evans. You might have seen his picture here when he walked for Givenchy back in June. A star was born. I mean, just his face alone is flawless, and don't even get me started on that physique. Well, here he is in the 2010 Fall issue of i-D shot by Bruno Staub wearing Dolce & Gabbana for this season, Major!. The issue is on newsstands now, go get yourself copy, or I'm calling Joan Rivers. 

Monkeys And Cherubs

One of the sublime qualities of fashion is that it challenges established notions on life, and one of the greatest practitioners of such conduct is Miuccia Prada. There is that "something" about her adept process of formulating ideas and the brand she carries on her shoulders that leaves me (and most of the world, or at least fashion folks) almost on the edge to observe what she's going to send down the runway. Nobody knows what it is 'til show time, I guess that's her mischievous way of making us suffer months, expecting the unexpected (now I'm making "Miuccia Prada" sound like medicine). The woman has a cult-following bigger than the population in India and stronger than the United Nations and that should not come as a surprise. She has been one of the most prolific and influential designers in the last decade, and counting. 

The collection she presented for next spring/summer was one of those that makes you think (as any other Prada collection), rethink, analyze, ponder for minutes or maybe days, and create your own conclusion regardless of her personal own. There is usually a slightly inconspicuous underlaying message and a variety of references, emotions and ideas in the air by the time the last model exists the runway.

Prada Spring/Summer 2011
(The selection of runway shots I used synthesized the whole collection in my opinion)

In the past some of the references she pulled from where from the mundane: cave-man fishing, blissful imagery on the beach, fairytales, and whatnot. This time there was 20's actress, dancer and singer Josephine Baker in spirit, chirpy monkeys, cartoonish-looking bananas, scrubs, 17th century cherubs and Mexico. A melange of ideas that most designers would stay away from, she fronted them head on. Though these references has little to do with each other, she managed to make sense of it all. 

I love the idea of taking something so unfashionably horrible such as pair of scrubs, injecting them with shots of vivid colors such as an electric blue, pare it with the most odd-looking shoes, grab a acid-dyed fur stole, put some silver eye shadow, and get to walking. The "Prada look" is known to hold some type of a ugly/beautiful aesthetic, there is always something off, little bizarre, or at times a thought of wtf might cross your mind. But underneath of it all there is something so strangely beautiful, naive, tender, or even magical. Unfortunately, some of us can't see that.  

Stripes are going to be major for next spring, and Miuccia delivered a few options. She presented them in high waisted skirts, loose-fitting summery dresses (vaguely reminded me of what women would wear to the beach in the 20s or 30s), cropped tops with angular shoulders, and a spaghetti-straps dress with ruffled hem. As expected, there is always the "Prada twist". Some of the cropped tops featured stripes of different girths and colors, a few combinations included: green, white blue; white and blue, or orange, black and fuchsia. The color combinations alone, remind me of a fruit salad (hence the bananas), but then she managed to work those colors so seamlessly, resulting in a visual-appealing display of stripes.  

In Addition, I would like to touch on the bananas and monkeys. Miuccia told Tim Blanks from style.com the collection was "bold, bright, obvious" and that can be interpreted in different manners. The word "bold" to me means confidence, to some signifies abrasiveness and I would go to such heights and equate it to ostentatiousness. Regardless, she found something bold on a bunch of primates and a fruit shaped like a phallus. There is evidently an animal-food correlation here but what's the message trying to be told? Be bold as monkeys? Adopt a monkey and eat bananas because they're a good source of potassium? It's an open field, but that would be too stupid to be presented in such formal fashion, but Miuccia was certainly attempting to make a point. I perceived, "be bold, defy life".