Falling into Love

I guess it's about time we do a F/W 08 recap of our favorite shows. This season was quite interesting, and very sombre in my opinion. What was almost more exciting then the clothes was the plethora of new faces on the runway, clearly the next-gen models that started last season with the CK4 (Calvin Klein 4: Ali Stephens, Karlie Kloss, Toni Garnn, and Taryn Davidson). Not only were these girls spotted but a few other exclusive like Jil Sander's Flo Gennaro, and this season's hyped up Prada opener, Natalia Chabaneko. But onto the clothes:

First we have Alexander Wang. While this seasons offerings may not have been as good as his last, it's clear that he's coming into an image of his own. We saw the signature faded denim cutoffs again, but in dark wash, and transcended the cooler climate by pairing them with tights that were deliberated ripped and run-ed.

6 Looks from Alexander Wang F/W 08 *Style.com

Ann Demuelemeester, the queen of the grunge age of fashion is still running very strong. It seems shes developed a niche of that "Belgian" style of clothing (she's part of the famed 'Antwerp Six' that also includes Dries Van Noten and Dirk Bikkembergs) that has developed into a sort of avant garde feel. Her offering this year was truly stunning, incorporating lavender and white furs with her signature mostly-black silhouette.

6 Looks From Ann Demuelemeester F/W08 *Style.com

I'm always a fan of Fendi. I think Karl is overrated for his design efforts at Chanel, but truly underrated for those at Fendi. Plus they have one of the hottest accessory designers around, and their signature over sized clutches are simply to die for. Their furs, as usual, were the star of this forest-nymphish show, including some that were dipped in gold!

6 Looks from Fendi F/W08 *Style.com

Marni delivered awesome, artistically minimal clothes as usual. They were quite bright in a season full of dark overtones. Their fur accents were wonderful, and their footwear was, as always, to die for. My highlight is the open-toed knee high leather boots and the fox(?) fur backpack.

6 Looks from Marni F/W08 *Style.com

Finally we have Yves Saint Laurent. They offered a super tough image this season, full of black bobs a la Alice from Crystal Castles, piercing black shades, treaded heels and patent Mary Jane Tributes, and even MC Hammer-ish tapered pants. It all worked so well with the set and the music (LCD Soundsystem's "Someone Great", if you're wondering), and was truly the knockout show of the season.

6 Looks from Yves Saint Laurent F/W08 *Style.com

Flo Gennaro

Flo is stunning! Shes my favorite right now, and she has potential to be in my top 5... I think she already pushed Freja out! She's Argentinian, has boyish features and is SUPER TALL at 6 feet. Obviously she's a Supreme girl, but shes also signed with Select in London, Women in Paris, and Why Not in Milan. Shes slowly building an editorial and her runway count has been rising VERY steady, from walking just around 10 or so shows in S/S 08 (including a Jil Sander exclusive in Milan!) to 52 in F/W 08.09 (including an opening slot for Adam Lippes and Issey Miyake (!!!) and a closing slot for AF Vandevorst(!!!)). Only good things can be in this girls future and I'm super excited for her.

Flo Gennaro's Polaroids

Flo's S/S08 and F/W08.09 Showcards for Supreme Model Management

Flo on the F/W 08.09 Runways: Clockwise from top left: Posing at John Galliano, Walking the Orange Carpet at Hermes, Flirting with the Camera at Lanvin, Stomping at Wunderkind, So Sophisticated at Dior, and Smiling with her Eyes at Marni

What i hope to see in Flo's future is a possible campaign this season (Jil Sander anyone?! Wunderkind?!), lots more editorial work to build up her portfolio (like her most recent in VogueGirl Korea) and a SMASHING runway season next spring! At least we know she'll get Marni again, I mean, could Consuella ask for a better face to represent her brand? I have high hopes for this girl and hopefully she'll achieve the same sort of success that Daiane, Carolina, Suvi and Allana have at Surpreme.

"Style comes naturally"

I was reevaluating the latest couture collections the other day, and made the decision that couture is definitely my favourite of all seasons. Just because in all collections the clothes are more untouchable, more expensive, less wearable, theatrical and ultimately the most beautiful clothes ever made.

Anne Valerie Hash showcased her first ever collection as an official couturier. It was lovely. Here are my three top looks:

3 Looks from Anne Valerie Hash's Spring 2008 Couture Collection

My all time favourite was Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy collection. Even though it was not really what you think of when couture is mentioned (no big and elaborate gowns) I stilled loved it for its simplicity and mature attitude. Also for incorporating the Shakespearean ruffles.

5 Looks from the Givenchy Spring 2008 Couture Collection

So I have a friend that was also looking at towards couture creations as inspiration for a project. He was discussing with this other friend how he looked on style.com, then randomly a boy decked out in head-to-toe American Eagle turns around and criticizes him for looking at the website for ideas. This boy insisted that those who look towards fashion blogs or websites for ideas do not have style, and that it should come naturally, like for instance himself. Yes boy style does come naturally, especially with you since you wear American Eagle hoodies and jeans everyday. Oh sorry you mix it up with a waist coat, my bad, that's style! I could go on but that wouldn't be very productive or nice of me. He just needs to learn not to be so freakin' cocky about his "style." So there's a story about my life lol.

...Fendi and Madonna!!

Dress - Fendi, Leather Jacket - Rick Owens, Booties - Balenciaga, Indy Bag - Gucci, Gold Chains - Muse, Shades - Tom Ford

What can I say, I'm a sucker for the cookie-cutter Mary Kate style. Those sisters truly are a style inspiration, and that Fendi was too good to pass up. I love the combo of a long dress with a leather jacket, but I think it's time to grow out of the boho trapeze dress phase, unless you use those stunning D&G ones. Try something more geometric like these Fendi cyclical printed gowns, and pair it with a super edgy jacket like this Rick Owens or a Python Gucci. And those boots, I mean, can you say these boots were made for walking ONE MORE TIME?!

Lets Make a Fierce Outfit....at work

Basically we decided to challenge ourselves by creating a fabulous outfit from our place of work: Forever 21. Rather than actually working our wimpy 5 hour shift Saturday morning, we ran around the store looking through each ridiculously named section (sweet pea and map quest anyone?). Anyways, after a tiring morning filled with countless clothes to put back and demanding customers, we finally clocked out and made a bee line towards the change rooms. Since we spend so much time there (ha!), I thought having a blocked off change room can be the least thing the store can do. Perfect, a whole mirror to myself, rolling rack holder walls to show people they cannot come near us and two wonderful critics/stylists to make jokes with. Let the fashion show being!

Look 1: Roberto Cavalli

A long ethnic print polyester gown. Bad. I don't even want to talk about it.

Look2: Chole

Wide legs jeans with a sheer grey blouse, tucked in of course. To our surprise this one actually looked pretty nice.

Look3: Alexander Wang

Mens grey wash jeans (cuffed), black velvet blazar, knock off miu miu multicoloured oxford-like pumps and my own ralph lauren men's white oxford (thanks dad). This by far was the favourite. I guess I just suit mens wear. I'm far from a runway model, but it was pretty fierce.

Look4: DVF/MiuMiu/Balenciaga

Knock off DVF black ruffle wrap dress, those miu miu copy pumps, that black velvet blazar and my oxford. I was hoping the dress could be a long cape but it looked back the the oxford, so we tied it in the front to make a dress. It made me look skinny, which is always good. This was another favourite outfit.

A Look Inspired by Alexander Wang
A Look Inspired by Chloe Circa-Phoebe-Philo

I've learned some things from this little adventure, well not really learned just reminders of things to buy. First some good black pumps, mens' jeans and maybe another blazaer. I think I may invest in a classic Ralph Lauren one with the gold buttons, white lining and patch on the side.

So next time you step into Forever 21, challenge yourself. Make a super fierce outfit, or try on the one we made.

I've got it in the Bag

Handbags. The true eye grabber of the fashion industry. If you have only $2000 to spend on something from Holt Renfrew you better be buying that "It" bag that will get you noticed and make people Jealous. This is how the Fashion Industry works. Fragrances open you up to the world of luxury fashion then you buy for first every entry-level item. A HANDBAG! So without further ado, to end this 3 month long hiatus that has ravaged this blog (EVEN THROUGH FASHION WEEK!) I'm going to talk about the bags that are ALWAYS on my mind.

First I have the love of my life. It's pretty much a classic now, worn by every celebrity you've ever seen or admired because of its simple, sophisticated design and slight touch of masculinity. It's by one of the edgiest labels in the world headed by one of the edgiest designers... Of course I'm talking about the Givenchy Nightingale! I've been lusting over this bag for quite some time now and when i get my first credit card you can be damn sure where I'll be celebrating. I'd personally get a black but the creme is tantalizingly sexy.

The Givenchy Nightingale

The next bag on my list is from my all time favorite label in the world! Its super minimalist but in an artfully inspired way. Whenever I see these runway images I just think, "Wow, I'm gonna marry a girl who wears all Marni." The balloon bag is their most desirable and popular handbag as of late, and is being embraced by celebrities and socialites around the world.

The Marni Balloon Bag

Now we have the super artful bag of choice, as-of-late. They're simple, but have a sort of vintage appeal and co-ordinate smashingly with the seasons collection, but could also go with anything in your wardrobe because of its quirky eccentricity. I'm talking about Prada's striped hobos. The feature a cute little pouch with wavy stripes of alternating Nappa leather, and a super long shoulder strap which is infinitely chic when it comes to tiny bags and pouches.

The Prada Striped Nappa Hobo

This next bag is so amazing, i just can't get over it. It would be a perfect art bag or casual bag for anyone, and it has a super dash of masculinity as anything from Yohji Yamamoto always does. It's the Yohji x Hermes messenger bag and I've fallen in love with the black croc version. But of course that's going to skyrocket the price well past 20k... so maybe I will have to settle for the leather version, a mere $7,100.00....

The Hermes x Yohji Yamamoto Messenger Bag

The final bag is surely going to be the bag of the decade and decades to come. YSL has pulled out all the stops once again and created the MUSE 2.0. It's featured in the ad campaign in Blue faded mock croc and white leather but I'm honestly lusting over the red version. So nice and undeniably chic.

The Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two

With so many bags in so many styles to choose from this season, no one has any excuse to be unstylish. Size is now an afterthought and the design itself reigns supreme.

Images found on google, and barneys.com

Perfect Pre-fall Polish Continued

Well for this first collection, it was not so perfect. Oh Paulo Melim Andersson, what have you been smoking, old articles of clothing from Marc by Marc Jacobs? Well based on your latest collection for Chloe, it seems like it. We here at PRADAPEOPLE were very disappointed after viewing the 10-look pre fall collection for Chloe. The style in which the clothes were executed resembled much to Marc-by-Marc Jacobs circa 2004. Perhaps Andersson was trying to appeal to a younger age group with the use of bright purple nylons, thick coloured knits and vivid hued boots. It was not too successful.

3 Looks from Chloe' Pre Fall 2008

One of the more recents shows that was a pleasure to look at was Louis Vuitton. This season Marc Jacobs re-adapted his Fall/Winter 2007 collection by taking away the bright colours from the tailored skirts and prim sweaters, and replacing them with some neutrals. Though colour was still used in this collection, it was more subtle and less striking. The long elegant gloves mixed with slick suits or feminine dresses added the sense of glamour, and is also a fundamental part of your wardrobe at this time of year. Well all know how hard it is to stay chic and warm at the same time. It was simple and elegant. Futhermore, I could not get enough of this collection, it was absolutely stunning.

6 Looks from Louis Vuitton Pre Fall 2008

Perfect Pre-Fall Polish

Its almsot fall fashion week, (How short has it been?) so that means pre-fall collections. It seems as though designers are trying to make the same splash with pre-fall they did with resort last year. Resort and pre-fall collections are quickly becoming a very important part of a labels line for the year, however pre-fall continues to be at the bottom on the line. It seems as though it will not reach the caliber that resort did so quickly, but maybe in a few seasons things will change. For now, I'm going to show you my favorite offerings from the crop of pre-fall fruits.

First we have Valentino. This is Alessandra Facchinetti's first collection for Valentino, and personally i think its a gorgeous fresh face for the label. No one can ever do what Valentino did, so rather then try to find the perfect fit, they chose someone that can cover his design techniques but bring their own flavor at the same time. I see an incredibly pure collection.

6 Looks from Alessandra Facchinetti for Valentino Pre-Fall 2008

Next we have Dolce and Gabbana. Pre-fall gave way to their fresher, more colorful, and more artfully inspired way of designing lately, a welcome change from their heavy dominatrix looks that have lately ruled the runways. We saw lots of color, cute dresses and trenches, more acid-colored patchwork bags, and an absolutely stellar pantsuit.

6 Looks from Dolce & Gabbana Pre-Fall 2008

We also saw a refreshing pre-fall collection from Missoni. Sharp shapes and color blocking found their way into the collection, resulting in probably the most colorful offering this year. All of these outfits would look perfect on a blonde girl like Masha N. in Central Park in the fall.

6 Looks from Missoni Pre-Fall 2008

Finally we have Luca Luca, my personal favorite offering. The collection was full of rich tones and materials... deep blues and reds, technicolor tweeds, and what looks like fox fur. It was a very well rounded collection, and most importantly, it looked perfect for fall.

6 Looks from Luca Luca Pre-Fall 2008

Whatever you need, there's surely something in these pre-fall collections to tide you over till fashion week, when isnt even that far away! Haute Couture is in a few weeks and we're super excited for shows like Dior, Valentino, and Margiela Artisnal.

Karlie Kloss is... Alive and Well...

It seems a certain, very suspicious blog has made a post about Elite Model Management's Karlie Kloss going into rehab for a reported 8 weeks. When i woke up this morning and saw this I gasped! She is my absolute favorite new face, has the facial structure of an angel and is heading up the campaign for my favorite collection of the season, Nina Ricci!Karlie Kloss backstage at Chloe' S/S 2008

I immediately started searching for more info and found the original blog post! Needless to say the source was less then reputable... Do they even know what Karlie Kloss looks like? I wonder if they realize they have a picture of Coco Rocha up there, rather then our cat-eyed beautiful new face. Needless to say i dont beleive it, and many industry insiders have ensured us that the rumors are NOT true, over at ontd_fashinfags (1 & 2), as well as at ohnotheydidnt (1 & 2). Even if it is untrue, its a shame it happened at such a bad time. Karlie's Teen Vogue cover just hit the stands and now this. Its as if all the positivity surrounding the first model cover (three models no less) Teen Vogue since supermodel Gemma Ward, was offset by such bad publicity as this.

Karlie Kloss on the Cover of February's Teen Vogue with Chanel Iman and Ali Michael

The blog was reported to Elite by several people, and i will be sure to make a screencap just in case this post gets deleted. Toodooloo for now!

Bonne Annee

So right now it is just past 1 am, and I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and perhaps talk about a little thing called new years resolutions.
One of mine is to post more blogs writing about fashion and be nicer.

So fashionistas this bitch is getting tired and is ready for bed

Christmas is a time for... buying!

I'm currently in London staying with my family and my Aunt and Uncle for Christmas and experiencing the British way of life! Today i went to the Victoria and Albert museum and checked out the much-hyped, much-talked-about Golden Age of Couture exhibit. I bought my 5£ ticket and walked towards the doors only to find a "No Photography" sign so I couldn't take any pictures. I did however conclude two things:

1. Hubert De'Givenchy and Pierre Balmain are my favorite couturiers.
2. Historical Fashion is not for me...

Explaining number one... I waltzed around the exhibit and found myself most interested by a pearl encrusted evening gown by Balmain, and some gorgeous gowns by Givenchy. Other highlights were the ONLY Chanel suit in the whole exhibit, an incredible red gown by the mast of couture, Cristobal Balenciaga, Dior's New Look suits and the final room with three of John Galliano's Haute Couture creations.

A Pierre Balmain pearl and Ostrich feather gown from the Golden Age of Couture Exhibit.

I bought The Fashion Book, a mini encyclopedia of all things fashion. Every designer, milliner, textile designer, model, and fashion icon since the 2000's. I also got a book for Christmas, called Deluxe, How Luxury Lost its Lustre, and i must say it's one of the most interesting books I've ever read. Rarely do I read 100 pages at a time and i did on the plane to England. It's riveting even though it's mostly about the business side of the industry and how much it has changed... from the once family run industry to one overrun with money-grubbing CEO's like Bernard Arnault.

Of course, the old saying goes... "When in Rome...", and i certainly did when I was in London. I flexed my shopping-bag-holding arms in many districts, but mostly West Croydon and Oxford Street. My favorite store of the world, Uniqlo was a big name in London, and i picked up a lot of stuff! Two Japanese manga print sweatshirts by artist Shotaro Ishinomori, a geometric print by Casette Playa, an abstract print by Nick Waplington, 3 pairs of skinny jeans, a red and grey striped merino wool cardigan that's as soft as chinchilla fur, a grey wool/cashmere double breasted pea coat, a lambswool beanie and a leather belt all made it into my shopping bag.

A Uniqlo x Casette Playa t-shirt.

At Urban Outfitters I found a Flippa K t-shirt for 20£ (40$) and I had to have it... I know its outrageous for a t-shirt but its quite nice. I also got an old vintage flannel shirt from their renewal section and a Kissy Sell Out EP. At Topshop, my last endeavour, I got two burqa-ish scarves, some underwear, a cardigan by Peoples Market and some fingerless gloves.

I also went to Harrods and obsessed over a Balenciaga ikat/tye-dye print dress, a Balmain seriously beaded and boned evening gown, some Mulberry leather bags i tried to get my mom to purchase (to no avail..), a Fendi chinchilla fur coat whats was the softest moment of my life, a Prada flower print skirt from their resort collection, a Celine ostrich-leg (yes you heard me right) purse, and some gorgeous Emilio Pucci prints. I was in heaven... Needless to say we didn't buy anything but i do wish i could have spent some more time (a measly 30 minutes) and checked out the stellar-ly designed Marni ministore.

After it was all done, i had spent 350£ (roughly 700$), sat on my suitcase to zip it all in, and STILL had to buy another duffel-bag to fit my old coat in. It was wonderful staying with my Aunt and Uncle in their quaint and stylish tiny home, but i was happy to be in my own bed after i got home, had the best sleep of my life, then found a January issue of W Mag in my mailbox and learned that my other aunt bought me a years subscription.

All in all it was an absolutely fabulous Christmas. I hope yours was great too!

Happy Christmas

Joyeux Noel mes cherries!
Enjoy this festive holiday with presents and good clothes, we sure will.

Tis the Season...for a knock off

It was Winter/Semi formal in many different High Schools this weekend. Of course new pictures of dresses, dates, dancing and stupidly enough food were posted all over facebook. Obviously I had to look (being the creepy bitch I am) and share some of my comments.

I'm pretty sure more than 70% of the girls who attended Semi Formal this year were wearing a Forever 21 dress. Some were fairly decent and looked nice on the wearer, but others were just outrageous!

Nice knock-off Proenza Scholer dress from Forever 21 homegirl!

Sorry, but every time I go into work and see this polyester mess I have a giggle fit. Winter Formal isn't all tragedies and ugly dresses, there were some nice ones stuck in a sea of hideous.

Tips For next Year:

1) There are more colours than black you know. Everyone wears black, steer away from it.

2) Houndstooth doesn't flatter anyone, not even you Gwen Stefani. This includes accessories.

3) Matching bag and shoes are a no-go. Don't be afraid to wear more than two colours (this applies for everyday)

4) Don't wear Grade 8's graduation dress! If you have to then atleast change up your shoes, accessories and hair please.

5) Stay away from that polyester chiffon fabric with the glitter glue designs. It looks cheap.

6) Shirt and Skirt combos are good. It gives you the chance to mix and match later on for another event.

7) Floor length dresses are hideous if you are 5"3 (apprently some girls are unaware is this common fact)

8) Large curly updo-s make your head look big.

9) Wear a dress that fits you, please. This is a rule of thumb not only for a special event but for everyday! Don't you hate to see a girl wear a pair of jeans 3 sizes to small and her side fat just sticks out like no tomorrow? If they just put on a bigger pair the fat with disappear and they wouldn't look like such a mess.

10) Do not to be afraid of trying new styles. The black halter dress with glitter glue designs and ruffles is ugly and over done. Try a different colour, like purple or green. Different lengths, mini dresses are always fun and put the Semi in Semi Formal (ew did I just say that?). And if its cold, wear nylons instead of footless leggings. It's about time the leggings+babydoll dress was retired.

I didn't attend Semi Formal this year. I wish I did, just to witness all the fashion crimes in person, luckily I have facebook. However I have to give props to all the girls that wore Forever 21 and contributed to PRADAPEOPLE'S paycheque.

Let's hope next year looks better

Rediculous... but beautiful....

Spring 2008 was a season of crazy accessories. We know a lot of them aren't pretty or even remotely desirable, but some of the craziest stilettos and brightest patchwork bags are actually quite stunning. And whether you like it or not, you know these things will add a pop to your wardrobe, leave your critic wanting more AND make you absolutely unforgettable.

Of course we will have to start with our namesake Prada and her baby sister line Miu Miu. While the clothes may have been somewhat of a let down after both labels absolutely stunning fall seasons, the accessories were hard to beat!

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Prada

Butterfly Wings at Miu Miu

Anna Sui delivered in crazy style as usual, and for her, accessories not only included bags, jewelery, and shoes, but also hair!

Neon Lights at Anna Sui

A Richard Prince collaboration produced some very cool bags at Louis Vuitton, and makeup was used a prime accessory.

Grandma Gone Crazy at Louis Vuitton

Last, but certainly not least, Balenciaga's woven leather knee-highs need to have a mention, and
the detailing in the clothes seems to act as an accessory itself.

A Stitch in Time at Balenciaga

Honorable mentions go to Marc Jacob's backwards kitten heels, Undercover's cyclops shades, Emilio Pucci's star themed jewelery, and Dolce & Gabbana's Acid colored python patchwork bags. Pump up your wardrobe with beautiful accessories and take inspiration from this season's leaders!

Work it Betch.

As we mentioned earlier, Rodarte and Prada may be great to look at but we unfortunately cannot purchase such works of art at this moment in time. Even with the help of our ‘fabulous’ part time job at an infamous store known as Forever 21 :P

We work at knock-off central and it’s quite a laugh to see how much the empire gets sued by being so good at counterfeiting designer duds. Apparently “all the celebrities shop at Forever 21” according to a young customer waiting in line for a fitting room. Who needs a silk Proenza Scholuer bustier when you can just get a polyester one from Forever 21!
Oh god, obviously I’m being sarcastic.
I have to hand it to Knock Off Central, they make millions of dollars a year to pay off the lawsuits and no one ever hears about it except nosy employees such as yours truly. Felicitations Mr Chang!
However if it were not for this work place my partner and I would have never met, started this blog and become fabulous put back divas. We also wouldn’t have anything to rant about all day.

Benvenuto

Welcome! This is pradapeople, a blog for the luxury obsessed and the financially deprived. We only wish we could afford the things we blog about, but does that get us down? HELL NO! We live for the day we might one day be able to walk into Holt Renfrew and buy a little Etro monkey broach or a pair of Hermes cufflinks (the most inexpensive of course!). But until then we can spend our lives flipping through our American Vogues (how I wish I could read french!) and clicking through endless amounts of collections on style.com.

So, enough of an introduction! We're gonna post as much as possible to bring you the best in fashion dreams and fashion realities! So stay tuned and keep your stilettos on!