Tagged: Summer
Banana Favorites: Paris FW Spring 2015 Ready To Wear
So sad when it ends. Waking up knowing that I have new runways to watch was such a mood lifter. Considering I’m NOT a morning person. Last week Paris Fashion Week concluded FW, as usual. This year Paris designers showed something different from the rest, which was refreshing to see at the end. These were my favorites:
BALENCIAGA
Milan FW was all about earthy tones, flowy pieces and fringe. This collection was a whole different thing. Alexander Wang spent the summer in Paris during the Tour de France and it was a big inspiration for this collection. Uses of mesh and athletic silhouettes dominated Balenciaga’s show. My favorite pieces are the white and peach ones. Somehow the contrast of these colors and sleek sporty looks makes them look so classy.
ROCHAS
It had me at tulle. The first look of this show grabbed my attention just because of that. The color way, mix of fabrics and sheer details positioned this collection in the list. I also liked the quirky shoes with the socks.
MANISH ARORA
I enjoyed this one so much! Yes, in some looks it’s too much but that’s what I love about it. If I was Grimes stylist, Arora would be my go to designer for her! Lots of embellishments, pastel colors, gold/silver ornaments and evil eye screens. So unique and cool.
BALMAIN
Olivier Rousteing redeemed himself with this SS collection. For a couple of seasons I was truly disappointed, just because I love Balmain SO much. Something unexpected for this bohemian season, Balmain’s sleek, sexy looks were fascinating to watch.
CHLOÉ
What’s not to love? Spring/Summer fashion at its finest. Lace, flowy dresses, gladiators, vibrant colors. Chloé is a brand that understand what being a girl is all about.
ELIE SAAB
Always makes the list. Always! What really impressed me this time is the addition of a sportswear detail to his lovely gowns. The runway looked like the bottom of the ocean since he used lots of blues. Saab’s collections are so well put and glamourous, there’s no way he can miss.
VALENTINO
Another one bites the dust. At this point, Valentino’s collections should be automatically inserted in this blog. Another collection inspired by the sea life, Valentino’s gowns had starfish, shells and sailing ships. These were my favorites along with the pastel lace ones and its classic tapestry looking masterpieces. I left my heart with Valentino. A long time ago.
Banana Favorites: Milan FW Spring 2015 Ready To Wear
Milan FW has not surprised me like it has this past week for quite a while. I gotta say I’m impressed. Let’s start with one of my favorite collections so far from ALL Fashion Week SS ’15 RTW.
ALBERTA FERRATI
If I had a feeling that the hippie bohemian look is going to be a very important trend next spring, Ferrati’s collection confirmed it. But hippie bohemian? What’s new about that? This is a whole new flower child. It’s this hippie glam look that was shown in this collection that I’m so excited about. She combined sheers, pastels, suede, fringe and even denim in such a very chic way. This is the very definition of free spirited fashion but upgraded. Seriously, I’m still not over it. ♡
EMILIO PUCCI
Peter Dunda also took the 70s trip pill. But the Pucci bohemian girl prefers to be sexy than to wear oversized clothes and that’s what I loved about it. The collection appeals to free spirited girls as well as to those ones who prefer to show skin and wear more fitted pieces. The prints, maxi dresses and the beadings were the things I liked the most.
DSQUARED2
I just got my first pair of glasses and seem to think that they make anything more stylish. The contrast between crops and bulky bottoms, or oversized tops with shorty shorts was what made me LOVE this collection so much. Also, the use of primary colors is refreshing to see on the runway. Throw in sequins, feathers and boyfriend jeans and you’ve got Dsquared2’s SS’15 cool and edgy collection. Oh and, let’s not forget about the glasses.
FENDI
Fendi’s collection was not on my top. I only liked SOME looks but the ones I liked, I LOVED, which are these ones shown. The sunglasses are the coolest I’ve seen in the runways this season and those two last feather dresses could be one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
ROBERTO CAVALLI
Also in the Woodstock mindset is Sir Cavalli. But if anyone masters the art of boho glam is him. He used light denim which went really well with the ivory and soft colors lace pieces. Also the last metallic looks were really cool.
DOLCE & GABBANA
While Milan FW designers were listening to psychedelic rock and doing peace signs, Domenico and Stefano took a plane to Madrid. It’s not that they surprised me with this show. They always have that Europe, body conscious, embellished feeling. Just this time instead of Italy, they felt more inspired by Spain I guess. But I did like that they did something different from everyone else. Nothing new, but stunning and classy as always. Olé!
Banana Favorites: London FW Spring 2015 Ready To Wear
Living in L.A. now, I’m pretty excited for fall fashion. I’ve never experienced a change of season (even though L.A. doesn’t get THAT cold) and can’t wait to do layering. However, watching all this beautiful spring collections, remind me that I’m definitely a Spring/Summer gal. London Fashion Week stepped up this season. These were the most I liked:
MARCHESA
Gypsy meets fairytale princess meets music festival queen. So feminine yet strong. Such a diverse collection, it’s suitable for any girl, any age. And that last sheer baby blue look, WOW!
TEMPERLEY LONDON
Sneakers are so important in the business right now. I’ve mentioned before that I’m so into this sporty minimalistic look. I liked how Alice Temperley took this trend to another level, mixing it with blazers, trousers and even tulle. I loved the color palette in this collection and the few prints that were shown were pretty cool. I liked the contrast of really pale looks or print on print on print ones. Temperley London always delivers, this time was no different.
MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
The MCQ collection took me down memory lane. This is so NSYNC/Britney Spears 1999 MTV Music Awards performance! So effortlessly cool. Metallics for Spring sound like a great idea styled up like these looks. Gotta admit, the grunge 90s trend is getting tiring now but this one took it to a whole new level. I’m such a millenial.
PETER PILOTTO
This was a very fun show to watch. It’s not the most forward collection or anything, but I love when clothes bring joy in me. Cool colors and appliqués. It’s all in the details.
TOPSHOP UNIQUE
Topshop is my favorite store ever. It’s no wonder their collection was going to grab my attention. Primary colors and shapes, kind of sailor looking. Flowery big jackets and ending it with embellished dresses. Very versatile and tasteful.
ERDEM
If Marchesa’s was a festival fairy queen, this would be a tropical dark one. It’s one of collections that I liked the most. Long dresses and crops. Feathers, whites, yellows and greens. Just spectacular.
So excited for the rest of Fashion Week! Milan collections coming up!
Banana Favorites: NYFW Spring 2015 Ready To Wear
The Bananas are experimenting life changes and have been crazy busy lately. In fact, a bicoastal blog is coming up. Stay tuned. Nonetheless, we always have time to watch Fashion Week’s shows and review them. It’s one of our favorite ways to see upcoming designers and anticipate trends.
Last week, New York opened fashion week and so far we’ve been impressed. These were our favorite collections:
MILLY
I honestly wasn’t aware of this brand. This collection made me quite aware of it by standing out from every other one. Mixing fabrics and trends was what made it so interesting. Sports bra looking crops paired with formal skirts and sheer beautiful tops with jogger pants for example. She didn’t use lots of color but the colorful pieces were right on point. The strappy basic heels were perfectly picked to style the collection.
MICHAEL KORS
I’ve said it a couple of times, but Michael Kors hasn’t disappointed me for the past seasons. This collection in particular is one of my favorites from all the ones I’ve seen of MK. Very fresh, very spring. His magazine ads featuring a couple, luggage and an airplane or cars are very true to his collections. They always remind me of some getaway. MK always uses lots of white and yellow, which are two of my favorite colors right now for apparel. What made me love this collection was the flower sheer fabric. BEAUTIFUL! So beautiful, that pairing it up with basic shirts was all that was needed. Keep it sunny MK!
BAND OF OUTSIDERS
Even though it was not presented in a runway, I really liked this collection and felt it would be a cool one to post. It’s very true to what a READY TO WEAR collection should be like. I personally would wear every single one of this looks for a Sunday Funday date. I kinda loved that the pictures were shown with construction materials and workers. It’s so effortless and yet so well thought, trendy and cool.
BCBG MAX AZRIA
Have I mentioned I’m very into white, blush and peach color enough? The color palette of BCBG Max Azria’s collection was what I liked the most of it. Simplicity and structure are part of BCBC Max Azria’s trademark, this time they were present in the runway along a bohemian touch as well as a sportswear one.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Oscar De La Renta always has stunning, mind blowing pieces and then, in my opinion, a couple of ugly ones. Sometimes, the bad ones outnumber the great ones. For SS ’15 season, definitely the stunning pieces won. Ultra feminine and classy as usual, but this time with a younger vibe to it. I specially loved the pastel gingham pieces with lace. The styling with the sporty sandals was a very trendy move and the metallic oxfords looked so cool as well. The fact that crop tops are still strong for next year makes me a happier person, I’m still such a fan.
DELPOZO
Oh, Delpozo. The Madrid based designer has become one my favorites and doesn’t seize to amaze me every season. Always very forward and couture-like, the pieces from this collection each one was a piece of art. Structured jackets and tops, ultra wide legged trousers, sheers and embellishments dominated this runway. The last tulle pieces were so dreamy. I look at this collection again and again, still can’t get over it.
The New York runways already set a high standard. Can’t wait for the next of Fashion Week to come!
Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking!
Gotta love the spring season and with that, florals are in bloom.
Though it’s unusual to see florals in the menswear scene, this year, it has flooded stores, street style and editorials. I personally love it and hope it continues on. Thought it’s mostly used for shirts, it looks even better when it’s completely unexpected like in a suit jacket or a pair of sneakers. The floral patterns are a great contrast to the ultra masculine camouflage that has been on trend for a while and when combine give awesome results.
Dare to rock the flowers!
Alfon’s Banana Xmas Wishlist!
I don’t want to sound like The Grinch but since I finished school Christmas time is not the same as it used to be. Am I the only one that feels that way? Maybe it’s because my birthday is 4 days after Christmas and I’m in some sort of Peter Pan syndrome trip but Holidays are now full of nostalgia to me. “I’m getting old” “It’s the end of another year” type of thoughts go through my head whenever people start setting Christmas trees. Or maybe it’s because I’ve been working in the fashion industry for 4 years and I haven’t had Christmas vacations in a long time!
Nonetheless, it is a beautiful time and I love giving and receiving gifts!!!
Banana Arni posted his list a few days ago and now it’s my turn to ask Santa for things. I haven’t had much time to go shopping (just came back from a work trip in LA plus the high season I was telling you about) but I saw some cool stuff in Los Angeles and of course I’ve been online shopping as well.
Here are a few things I’m asking Santa for this year:
I’ve been obsessed with eyes for a while and this bag from Nasty Gal is SO cute!
Also from Nasty Gal this Minnie Mouse crop top. Could match perfectly with Banana Arni’s Mickey Shirt custom made by our friend Pipe.
You know I was a mexican in my past life, right? I saw these iphone cases at the Free People store in Santa Monica last week and fell in love.
The fall collection of Vintage by Jeffrey Campbell is INSANE. I saw it at Nordstrom in LA. WOW! It’s so cool I have two of my wish list items from it.
The Black Stinson bootie for the day…
And the black Brianza heel for the night!!
I know how random but I’ve been wanting this donut float since summer!
Always wanted one. Lomography Glitter Ruby Fisheye Camera from Urban Outfitters. How fun will those NYE pictures would come out?
IN LOVE WITH THIS OUTFIT. I’d wear it for a NYE party. Nasty Gal. Again.
I may sound like a grandma but all the extra hours and those airplane trips are giving me such a back pain! A relaxing spa day with massage and a mani/pedi included is definitely in the top of my list.
Santa, I’ve asking for 26 years for a unicorn. This year, please!!!!!
Happy Holidays everyone!!!!
PRHFW: Jaer Caban
Caban‘s collection was indeed one of the shows we enjoyed the most. When we saw his pieces moving at the rehearsal (yes, actually moving) we couldn’t wait to see the actual show.
As Moby music played the first model came out and shocked everyone as the “hoodie” from her top lifted and covered her head. We posted the video on Instagram, you should check it out!
My favorites from the collection were the pieces with the Rorschach technique (the Rorschach test is a method of psychological evaluation). Specially the top with the studded pants and the long sheer dress. LOVED!
We also liked the last metallic pieces a lot. Very original and refreshing to see. That last dress was SO cool and the best past is that it was actually supposed to move as well (we saw it at the rehearsal) but unfortunately it didn’t at the show. Still, it was a beautiful dress.
ALL IMAGES BY ARNALDO JAVIER J. PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM, LET ME KNOW!
PRHFW: The New Generation II
We’ve finally at the last day of PRHFW. A second group of designers presented their collections at The New Generation II. They say that sequels are never as good the original and this was no different. I was so impressed by the first group that this one kind of disappointed me.
Reynaldo José
Reynaldo José kicked off the show this time. I appreciated that he used a vivid color palette but the shape of the pieces and specially that hair piece, reminded me of a kindergarten class. I didn’t like the fabrics that he used and there’s something about this collection that also reminds of The Jetsons, but not in a cool way.
Gabriel Ocasio
I’m obsessed with graphic tees so that was a plus for me. I didn’t LOVE this collection but I didn’t hated it either. To me the yellow and black color combination is always risky because it can look like a bumble bee, but it worked in this collection. I’d wear some of the shirts and the dresses didn’t bother me either. I didn’t like the men’s outfits though.
Orlando Emanuel
This was our favorite from The New Generation II. This collection was very feminine and sweet. The gold dress with the teal belt and the mod looking one that came next were really pretty. Actually that second one was my favorite. I also liked the stripe skirt with the flower detail. This collection was very refreshing to watch and it’s very wearable.
Joseph Da’ponte
This was just weird and awkward to watch. A dark mix song of “Padre Nuestro” played as the models came out with weird masks and incense smell filled the room. I kind of liked the all white dress at the end. But that was it. I just didn’t get it.
ALL IMAGES BY ARNALDO JAVIER J. PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM, LET ME KNOW!
PRHFW: Eddie Guerrero
Saturday was my favorite day of PRHFW. First, The New Generation I really impressed me and Eddie Guerrero closed the day with a great show. Even though Day of the Dead (the mexican holiday which celebrates friends and family members who have died) has been IN for a couple of years now I still like the theme very much and thought painting the models’ faces was very cool and original.
A “ranchera singing catrina” started the show, followed by the swimsuit collection. Polkadots & skulls? I want them all! Then the collection filled with colors, skull prints, lace and embellishments followed. As I said before, I thought it was amazing and I’d wear most of its pieces myself. We all know loud prints and colors can be tricky for menswear and the men’s outfits looked great.
I truly believe I was a mexican in my past life, so a collection filled with flower headbands, braids, colors & honoring a mexican holiday was obviously going to be in my top.
ALL IMAGES BY ARNALDO JAVIER J. PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM, LET ME KNOW!
PRHFW: The New Generation I
First of all, I have to say this show deserved a bigger audience. Some of them, two to be exact were in my top. The New Generation is a group of upcoming designers and I was impressed! It’s necessary to see new blood and in my opinion they came out with the most original shows. Wait till you see Jaer Cabán’s!
Héctor Omar
This was one of my favorite from all Fashion Week! Lots of mesh, neons, bold prints and details made this collection a very fun one to watch. All of these things together could’ve looked very tacky but Héctor Omar did a very good job combining them. Plus, he had me at that Little Mermaid print! How awesome is his shirt? The hologram details were very on trend also. I also liked the fact that most of the looks had two pieces, since not everybody dares to wear all over prints, selling separates is a great idea.
Dee Serret
Hologram was everywhere! But this time, I didn’t liked it at all. The pharaoh looking collection didn’t work for me. The head pieces either. The shorts styled differently could look nice and the crossed bandeau top with the hologram maxi skirt were the only things I liked from this collection. This should’ve been the last look instead of that last one, which in my opinion was the worst! That skirt looked like it belonged to the taínos! Way too sexy, and not in a good way.
Pedro Ángel Chaluisant
Arni and I agreed on this one. We liked the metallic dresses, specially the last one which I can see in a red carpet any day. What I personally didn’t like about this collection was the fire looking orange print. It reminded me of pants NSYNC would’ve worn in a concert back in 2001. The last dress was cool and I liked the shape but again, that print was hideous.
Lorena Arvelo
I have mixed feelings on this one even though Arni loved it. I hated the pants, the fit looked too missy for me but the metallic long sleeve top and skirt in the fifth picture was probably one of my favorite looks of all. Very Florence Welch. I’d love to wear it for a red carpet! The gold off shoulder dress was lovely too.
Diana Vázquez
Ok, as soon as the first model came out I instantly became Diana’s fan! It’s no coincidence that whenever I like the show’s music I like the show as well. “Grow up and Blow away” by Metric played along while her beautiful pieces came out. The first dress alone blew me away! I’d wear everything in this collection, I’d even get married in the bride dress. SO PRETTY!!! I even went to talk to her (Banana Interview coming soon!) to congratulate her for such a spectacular collection. She’s also a very sweet girl.
Who did you liked best? Next: José Raul & Edie Guerrero‘s shows!
ALL IMAGES BY ARNALDO JAVIER J. PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM, LET ME KNOW!