The Great Gatsby Fashion

Everyone has heard of The Great Gatsby whether you have read the book, seen the original movie, or seen previews for the remake that premieres in May 2013. The Great Gatsby is written by F.Scott Fitzgerald and covers the Roaring Twenties in Long Island, New York. The 1920’s fashion has been a huge influence on current fashion trends. From shorter skirts to looser boyish silhouettes women and men have really grown to love the 1920’s style.

The 1920’s was a time of liberation and wealth with jazz dancing, fast cars, and sex.  The flapper fashion was all about being modern and stylish. The main identification of the 1920’s fashion for women was the short sleek hair like this one below:

 As you can tell, the hair was short and soft with curls rounding the face and with a deep part. Most women sported this hairdo as it was a declaration of women’s freedom.  Secondly, the hemline became much shorter on dresses and skirts. The hemline prior was closer to the ankles and in the wake of the Roaring Twenties, the hemline had risen to a little above the knee. Along with the shorter skirts came the masculine silhouettes. After the first world war, the woman had a bigger impact in family lifestyle as the woman had to step in as a father figure as the men were away at war. This stuck through the roaring twenties as female clothing became less fitted with the waist disappearing and the broadening of the shoulders.  This silhouette emphasized a flat chest with narrow hips. Below are a couple pictures of outfits women wore:

 One of the most famous designers made the 1920’s fashion such a big impact on future collections. This woman goes by the name of Coco Chanel. She promoted styles in neutral colors like beige, cream, and navy in fluid jersey fabrics with simple shapes that didn’t hug to the body. All women in the twenties praised her work for the clothes were comfortable, easy, and modern.

Men:

After the first world war, mean began to discard their suits with broad shoulders and go for a more athletic look with suits that were skinnier and had no padding. Men’s suit pants were given a complete 180 with creases in the front, cuffs at the bottom, and belts to accentuate the waist. Pastel colors were worn under the suits with silk ties. To top of the look bowler hats were usually worn on a day to day basis. Below are a couple pictures of men’s fashion in the 1920’s.

The Great Gatsby movie and remake:

The Great Gatsby was made into a movie in 1974 with Robert Redford as Gatsby, Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan, and Sam Waterston as Nick Carraway. According to Entertainment Weekly’s March 2000 issue the writers described the movies costumes as what “everyone was talking about…even before the movie released. Its old-money look was, from the white suits and impeccable tuxes worn by Robert Redford as Gatsby to the flapper dresses and beaded skullcaps worn by Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan. “"Women's Wear Daily adopted it as the look of the year,"” claims Bob Evans, a production executive at Paramount at the time. It became more fashion than film.” (Pener, Degen) The Great Gatsby really made the fashion industry go wild with bringing back the bowler hats, the front pleats for men, and the flapper dresses for woman. In May 2013, the remake of the Great Gatsby featuring Leonardo DIcaprio as Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway will screen. It is already being talked about in the fashion industry as some of those great styles being incorporated in designer’s collections. The costumes designed by Miuccia Prada who is the Italian designer behind Miu Miu and Prada and American designer Catherine Martin are already buzzing.  Here are a couple sneak peeks of the costumes below:

The Great Gatsby was a huge inspiration to designers for the past Spring/Summer 2012 Collections. Ralph Lauren recreated these looks with drop waists, floral dresses, and slip dresses. Marc Jacobs inspired his collection off the jazz age of the 1920’s with many cabaret looks. Gucci’s designs were also inspired by the jazz age with bold art deco motifs. And Marchesa’s collection consisted of many flapper fringe dresses. With bringing these great styles back to the 21^st century allowed the designers to put their own twist to the classic 1920’s look.(Sunny day in LA) Below are some pictures of the Spring/Summer 2012 collections inspired by The Great Gatsby:

I personally can’t wait to see the remake of The Great Gatsby just to watch the remarkable fashion. I already see many of the 1920’s in collections right now so men and women, better pull out your 1920’s inspired clothing! Until next time…

Xoxo,

Alexa

  

References:

"The Great Gatsby." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.

Pener, Degen. "All That Jazz From Flapper Dresses to Swanky Suits, Mia Farrow and Robert Redford Turned '20s Fashions into '70s Chic with THE GREAT GATSBY." Academic Search Complete. EBSCO, Mar. 2000. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.

 Sowry, Bibby. "Miuccia Prada Designs Costumes for The Great Gatsby." - Telegraph. Telegraph UK, 22 Aug. 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.

"A Sunny Day in L.A." A Sunny Day in LA. N.p., 18 Oct. 2011. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.

#10 Alexander Wang to take over Balenciaga

For all the fashion readers who haven't heard, Alexander Wang has been set to be appointed creative director of Balenciaga this coming week. This is quite possibly one of the biggest stories in the fashion industry to hit in awhile. Alexander Wang is only 29 years old who presented his first collection in 2007. His predecessor Nicolas Ghesquiere who designed Balenciaga for 15 years was known for his experimental fashion-forward couture. However, Wang's aesthetic is a tough, strong urban sensibility with sportswear touches. Bringing in Wang will most definitely shake up the French house. Balenciaga was first founded by Spanish born Cristobol Balenciaga in his first Paris fashion show collection in 1937.  Due to failed international fame,  Balenciaga closed down his couture house in 1968. The only thing left of his business was the licensed fragrances. Four years later, Cristobol died leaving the Balenciaga French label vacant until Ghesquire came in to rebuild the company in 1997.  Many believe having Wang as the new face of Balenciaga will open the couture house to a more broad audience with his youthfulness and sportswear approach. However, Wang is walking into big shoes to fill with Ghesquire stint praised among many influential retailers with his cutting edge fashion. But will 29 year old Wang be able to handle the pressure of designing for two labels: his own and Balenciaga? Only time will tell for that.....welcome to the big leagues Alexander Wang and good luck. 

Until next time....

Xoxo,

Alexa

#9 The Evolvement of Fashion Shows!

Throughout the years, fashion shows have grown to not only present collections to buyers but now to celebrities, bloggers, and students. Each season, designers take a fashion show to the next level whether it is presenting the line on a airport runway or on a carousel like Chanel. With these evolutions also came the use of technology with fashion shows. Victoria's Secret used the television to their advantage as they were one of the first retailers to broadcast a fashion show to the world in 1995. This allowed lingerie to become mainstream entertainment for both men and woman. Victoria's Secret also was one of the first to stream a fashion show in 1999. By 2000, they had over 2 million viewers watching the annual Victoria's Secret Angels strut their stuff. Because of Victoria's Secret creativity with including technology, many retailers have adopted T.V. and Internet to allow as many people to view their recent collection. Victoria's Secret annual fashion show is a world wide event that every man watches to see the perfect long-legged "Angels" show of the lingerie while the woman stops eating her chips and writes out her future workout schedule. Below is the video of the first ever Victoria's Secret Fashion Show broadcasted online compared to last year's show! Remember that the first show had a budget of only $120,000 compared to last year's budget of $12 million!

Make sure to check out this year's show featuring performances by Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Bruno Mars, Dec 4th 10/9c on CBS! Until next time...

Xoxo,

Alexa

#8 Lookbooks

Most people have seen a lookbook without realizing that it was just that. In definition terms, a lookbook is a collection of photographs compiled to show off a model, photographer, clothing line, style, etc. From looking at a car model lookbook to a designer's collection, almost everyone has come across one. A lookbook is prominent in the fashion industry because this book is sent to buyers and merchants in hopes that these buyers/merchants will call the designer to either place an order, or visit the showroom if close by. Lookbooks are like mini magazines that are made structurally clean and to the point. So why are lookbooks so important in this industry? Well, when a buyer visits showrooms during market weeks they are able to see and feel the clothing but there are usually not models to show what the clothing looks on. This is where the lookbook comes in and the buyer validates whether he/she likes how the clothing hangs on a person. Working at a boutique in my hometown, the buyer would always bring back lookbooks from her market trips to show her employees what items would be coming in for the next season. Below I have some pictures of what a couple different lookbooks look like from the cover, inside pages, and back cover.

(Sauce Spring 2013)

(Sauce Spring 2013)

(Sauce Spring 2013)

(Sauce Spring 2013)

(Reese and Riley Spring 2013)

(Reese and Riley Spring 2013)

(Maloom Spring 2013)

(Maloom Spring 2013)

Over the past years online lookbooks have also become popular. Sites such as Lookbook.nu and Style.com give visitors the opportunity to make your own lookbook which I find creative and fun! Through these sites you can see lookbooks made from users all over the world varying from street style to runway looks. I visit lookbook.nu often as an inspiration of style and trends starting to develop worldwide. One of my favorite lookbooks is from Style.com called "A Season Of Love". This user chose his/her favorite looks from the Spring 2013 collections. So, let me know what are your favorite lookbooks?

Lookbook.nu 

http://www.style.com/community/lookbooks/ 

Until next time...

Xoxo,

Alexa

#7 Trunk Shows

Everyone loves being invited to a fashion show, from great music to models strutting the clothes, it is an all around fun experience. But, I find being invited to a trunk show to be more exclusive. Now for those who don't know what a trunk show is, in simple terms a designer will showcase his or her line at a specific retailer for a one night only "trunk show." Back in the day, a designer would pack all of their pieces in trunks and drive from retailer to retailer and showcase their new collection. Depending on the retailer, loyal customers and buyers will be invited to this glamourous event. Here the customer or buyer can view the line up close, feel the clothing, and even pre-order the clothes right there! Of course with champagne and hors d'oeuvres in your hand. I grew up always hearing that my mom would be hosting a trunk show at the stores she managed in Dallas,TX called The Gabezo and what later turned into Tootsies. Back in the day, major designers such as Michael Kors, Issac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs, Lela Rose, and Nicole Miller would go to every one of their trunk shows. My mom got the pleasure of meeting and working with all these designers! Unfortunately, most now don't go to their own trunk shows unless they are a start-up designer trying to get his/her name out there in the industry. I find trunk shows to be more intimate and personable to the customer and buyer which is a benefit compared to a fashion show. Below I have a couple pictures of what trunk show invites look like.

One day I'll hopefully be invited to a trunk show! Have you ever been to one? Until next time...

Xoxo,
Alexa

#6: Louis Vuitton Spring '13 Fashion Show

We all know that when the month of September is over, every designer has showcased their Spring 2013 line to the world. Thanks to technology, I don't have to be in Paris, Milan, or London to know what these lines look like. Most designers will live stream their collection to the web and everyone around the world has the opportunity to watch the runway show just like they are sitting front row. I have to say out of all the shows I watched online my favorite was Louis Vuitton. Every season Louis Vuitton and Chanel fight for my heart on which show I like better. Louis Vuitton was extremely creative in using escalators to transport the models in pairs usually to the runway. Not only was the set a great area to see all the models but also the line in general was just pure genius! The way the fabrics brought about a shimmery pictorial look was what really drew me in. With the small top handle bags and head bands with bouffant hair, Marc Jacobs really captured the 60's mod era. If you all haven't already seen Louis Vuitton's Spring Collection, here is the line below.

(Via Youtube)

So if this collection didn't capture your eye, then tell me which show did! Until next time...

Xoxo,
Alexa

#5 Favorite Window Displays

Everyday I am lucky enough to roam the streets of the beautiful New York City    And the fact that I attend school right in the middle of the fashion district puts the cherry on top. During breaks in between classes there is one thing I enjoy besides working out. And that is window shopping. Of cours once you go off to college you become at one point the poor college kid. So yes at that moment that is where I am but that doesn't mean I can't go window shopping. Because then I can secretly plan my birthday and even Christmas list to send to the parentals. As I pass boutiques to Macy's to H&M one store's window displays always stand out to me. And this is American Apparel. It's funny because I rarely shop there since the prices are so high due to their clothing being made in the USA. But I always stop and look at their window displays. I always pass the American Apparel off of 30th and 7th Ave (Fashion). When I passed it this past week it really caught my eye. The separated their window displays into 3 different ones. Half was the women's apparel while the other half was split with children's and men's. the backdrop for the women's looked like a Saharan desert with a dusky blue sky and tan sand. The mannequins were either lounging,sitting,or standing. The outfits seemed to stay with the theme colors of tan, faded blue, and creme/white. The outfits seemed to really entice me to want to walk in and see what I could buy! 

On the opposite window display the children's seemed very cute. A chandelier was made of a variety of color scrunchies. They kept the mannequins simple with key colors yellow, faded blue, and tan. 

Right beside the children's was the men. Their backdrop involved a simple rack of casual sleep shirts. To the right and left of the 2 male mannequins was rows of backpacks and duffles in variations of blue. The men's kept it basic with sticking to the blue tones in their long cardigans and khakis. 

I applaud the visual merchandising team of that American Apparel because it seemed to me I wasn't the only person to stop and look at the window displays and eventually walk in. Window displays are one of the main reasons to convert typical bypassers into customers. So now that I've said my favorite window displays what are some of y'all's? Until next time...

Xoxo,

Alexa

#4 "Channeling the Codes of Saint Laurent"

As New York Fashion Week passed then came London, Milan, and finally Paris. The #1 fashion capital in the world is finally holding fashion week. Beautiful designers such as Tom Ford, Chloe, and Stella McCartney have shown their lines for Spring 2013 but the one that caught my eye was Saint Laurent. Since Hedi Slimane has become creative director for YSL there have been a major change to the company. In June Hedi Slimane revealed that he would be rebranding the ready-to-wear line from the original Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent Paris. This brought much speculation to Slimane's authority because he had just moved into this position months prior. Many questions were raised as to what else he would change within the company and how his first line would look as creative director of YSL. And just hours after the premiere of his Saint Laurent Spring 2013 line, the verdict is in.

(Via NYTimes)

"Channeling the Codes of Saint Laurent"- NY Times Runway Eric Wilson

Before reading this article I happened to hop on my Style.com App on my Ipad and look at the runway looks of Saint Laurent. It was beautiful with flowing, sheer, lightweight fabrics. But the one thing to disappoint me, which I've seen a lot of for Spring 2013 was the amount of dark colors. He kept to the dark color palette of black, tan, gray, and a splash of red. Now Eric Wilson gave a great intake on what he thought Slimane was channeling for his Spring 2013 Saint Laurent Line. The show was held in a "secluded black gallery in the rafters of the Grand Palais." Once inside, the invitees were welcomed with a dark musky view with plywood like seats that made everyone scuffle to try and find their names placed on the seats. Once the show began, five large speakers descended over the runway giving the effect that the audience was attending some sort of concert. It really set the tone for the rest of the show.
"Mr. Slimane's collection included many looks that paid tribute to the late Mr. Saint Laurent, with floor sweeping caftans [full-length dress], fringed shawls, suede jackets and skirts, and peasant blouses." Slimane's final looks consisted of models wearing caftans with floppy hats that payed tribute to Talitha Getty who was a huge influence for Mr. Saint Laurent. What made Slimane such a success on his first run was that he pleased the co-founder Mr. Berge with the simple comment of, " He respected the codes of Saint Laurent." Stefano Pilati, the previous creative director of YSL was not renewed of his contract because of this reason. So although some might say that Slimane played it safe, he in fact pleased the most important people from the co-founder of YSL to Ms. Diane Von Furstenberg.

(Via NYTimes)

(Via NYTimes)

Congratulations on your first line as creative director of Saint Laurent Hedi Slimane! Until next time... 

Xoxo,

Alexa

#3 Street Style Finds in NYC

Living in the biggest fashion capital of the nation has its perks. From being able to watch Jason Wu's Spring 2013 collection to seeing Nick Jonas perform on the broadway stage, I'd say I have it pretty good. Growing up in a suburb near Dallas, TX I would say the fashion was not up to par as New York City. It took awhile for the trends seen in New York Fashion Week to trickle-down to Dallas, TX. My realization was that there were not as many people in Dallas willing to take the risk of wearing something completely different than everyone else and being the "trendsetter." I was one of those people that took risks because if you feel confident in that look then everyone else is going to see you working it down that street like it's your own runway. Now currently going to one of the top fashion schools in the world (FIT), I'd say I fit right right in. No one judges you for what you are wearing and I can just feel the creative juices flowing when I walk the hallways of my school. During NYFW, I spotted some great street trends but I'd like to only point out one. This surprisingly not apparel but in accessories! 

60's Inspired Round Sunglasses

(Via Harper's Bazaar)

(Via Fab Sugar)

(Via Harper's Bazaar)

These 60's inspired sunglasses are such a cute and feminine trend for women. I see so many woman and college students wearing these during NYFW and I find it to be a huge trend right now and especially next Spring. So ladies, whatever city you might live in, become a trendsetter and go out and buy these new trendy sunglasses! Because by Spring every woman will have a pair of these adorable sunglasses! Until next time...

Xoxo,

Alexa

NYFW Recap

So as all of ya'll know, New York Fashion Week just wrapped up yesterday! And what a hectic week it has been! With trying to manage working shows, seeing shows, school, and a job, it can be a lot to take on for one 19 year old girl! It seemed like NYFW went be so quickly and we are already off to London/Paris/Milan Fashion Weeks! With plenty of bloggers from different countries to watch what will be big for Spring 2013, I'd say New York did pretty well. From being in the city, I'd like to recap what happened here in New York with the biggest beauty trends and Women's Wear 2013 trends. 

BEAUTY

(Via The Glitter Guide)

As you can tell below golden eyes was a hit. I LOVE that this is a huge trend for Spring because for brown eyed girls like moi it really brings out the chocolate in my eyes! Secondly, metallic nails were huge! This past year, nails had become a huge statement within the fashion world with different designs on each finger to one nail being a different color than the rest. So this metallic look fits right into the next big thing for your mani's and pedi's! Thirdly, long hair seemed to be big on the runway with loose ponies and messy buns! Most woman attending the shows had high sock buns but it's time to let that bun loose and make it more casual and relaxed with these two hair trends! And lastly, the models were really rockin the fresh face look. This is such an easy trend to follow because who wouldn't want to only take 5 mins in the morning to get ready?! I wouldn't mind that's for sure! With just the easiness of laying on some new BB cream and a little mascara you're good to go! 

WOMEN'S WEAR

(Via The Fashion Spot)

(Via The Fashion Spot)

(Via ibtimes) 

(Via The Fashion Spot)

(Via ibtimes)

(Via ibtimes)

Starting on the top left I have a design by Jason Wu. He has flourished into such a beautiful designer and he has brought one of the biggest trends to Spring. That being crop tops. Now, crop tops have started to come around the retailers this past summer, but for Spring 2013 it will be a full force statement piece. So ladies, make sure you get one of these for spring. 

In the top right we have the drop waist dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs. No longer is the waist where are belly button is, but now a little below the hips! This is a huge change for dresses but I find it a cool concept and I can't wait to grab myself one of these little numbers! 

In the middle left we have a leather dress by Proenza Schouler. What a beautiful designer Proenza is, and the idea of keeping leather around through Spring is most surely a change! Playing with leather, mesh, and lace are all major factors for Spring. So ladies and gentlemen, do not be putting away your favorite leather jackets after the winter has died down! 

In the middle right we have a floral jumpsuit by Charlotte Ronson. Charlotte Ronson has become a huge hit on the New York Runway and this would be another one! Along with the idea that jumpsuits are coming back, so are florals! Florals is always a huge statement every spring but this more subtle "floral fantasy" has a nice take on it. 

In the bottom left I have a slouchy chic look by DVF. I have always been obsessed with Diane Von Furstenburg with the start of her wrap around dresses in her bold prints! But this look is more tamed for her. Starting a couple years ago with the boyfriend jean, many of the designers have brought their looks to be more slouchy and comfortable but yet still sophisticated and fashionable. So women, start looking out for those bellowing blouses! 

And lastly on the bottom right I have a white striped Marc Jacobs number. Obviously, this look is quite striking and no one would wear this out to buy some groceries, but it brings the point across. This being that white strips is a huge trend for Spring! So everyone be looking out for those stripes in your local boutiques and retailers! 

Now although New York Fashion Week is over, it is just the beginning for London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks. So buckle up, because we still have many more fashion trends to see with our European designers! Until next time...

Xoxo,

Alexa 

#2 One Key Item for Fall 2013

Tonight kicks off New York Fashion Week with FNO (Fashion's Night out). A night filled with star-studded events, drinks, and fashion...what more can a girl ask for? This fashion week is showing the world the trends for Spring 2013 but I don't want to talk about Spring because quite honestly, I love Fall more! Fall has that perfect temperature that isn't too hot or too cold, the different color leaves that vary from red to orange to green, and the ability to pull out all those boots you've had in the closet for way too long! So who is crazy enough to talk about trends a year from now? THIS GIRL! Even retailers are already looking for what to design for Fall/Winter 2013 because they work 6-8 months in advance. However, the public doesn't realize that.
Forecasters are a great way to better understand where fashion is going towards and lets be honest, fashion repeats its self. The only difference is the color palette, trimming, or detailing of the garment. There is 1 key item that I recommend every woman have in their closet by next fall. This is the Bell Skirt. I am already starting to slowly see woman wearing it in the city but I forecast it to be a huge trend by Fall 2013. Back in the 1960's the major trends were flower power, peace signs, and bell bottom jeans and skirts! What is different this time around is that the designers are making it more structured. Therefore, you are going to see more over-skirt like ruffles on the waist, or a high wasted leather belt to exaggerate the hourglass-type silhouette. So ladies start working out those legs so by next Fall you can work that Bell Skirt like no other woman can! Until next time...

Xoxo,
Alexa

#1: Inspiration through Fashion

My childhood was typical like any other with the usual soccer games on Saturdays and watching my favorite Disney movie e.v.e.r.d.a.y. But one thing stood out that most kids didn't get. I played my barbies on weekends in a specialty store called Tootsies. As my mom ran the store I sat and played with my toys and naturally walked around and touched all the "pretty clothes." Growing up in this environment, people would think i would want to run in the opposite direction with my career choices but I beg to differ. Because of the life I grew up in I felt inclined to follow in my mother's footsteps but only this time going to the capital of fashion: New York City. Being up here has opened my eyes to such great opportunities and I am just another lucky girl living my dreams.
Going into my second year in the city that never sleeps, I would say I learned a lot my first year here. From ignoring the boys hollering at you on the street, to never going out alone, and to always taking a cab late at night, New York City can be one hell of a place. But one of the most important things I learned was everyone here also has a dream. To make it big and famous whether that's through fashion, singing, dancing, etc. And one of the best ways to get yourself noticed? Blogging. Being up here has made me realize that blogging is a great way to see all the new fashion trends or that good cookie recipe you've been looking for.
Now as much as I would like to tell you my whole life story, I'd rather just stick to fashion here! Therefore, let me tell you about some of my favorite blogs I just recently started following. As almost everyone knows, The Sartorialist is the creme of the crop! Scott Schuman was a genius to come up with the idea of taking pictures of everyday people to show off the world's fashion. It is so fascinating  to see other people's styles and how I can incorporate it into my own. If you haven't already started following his blog, I highly recommend it!
Secondly, Fashionista.com is definitely one of my go-to blogs. It covers the ins and outs of everything fashion. From who is best dressed at the Oscars to fashion career offerings, this fashion blog knows about everything and anyone!
Lastly, I LOVE Tory Burch's blog. Now although I'm obsessed with anything Tory Burch, I feel like I can really connect with her through her writing. From style to culture to music, Tory Burch lives a pretty fascinating life!
All three of these blogs are great inspiration to fashion and anything in general! So if I were you I'd get off my blog now and look up my favorite blogs! ;) Until next time..
Xoxo,
Alexa