Dedicated Follower of Fashion

Concept Fashion Week - Spring 2012 - Thai Nguyen

Nearly there with my fashion week coverage, it feels like it was months and months ago, and reality only wrapped up about a week ago.

Thai Nguyen was one of my favourite shows by far. Every dress was simply exquisite, silk, charmeuse, lace, beading and stunning applique detail, the level of craftsmanship was just beyond.

The collection was seemingly inspired in part by the Vietnamese traditional dress Ao Dai - but in a more elegant and subdued palette. Reference to the intense colours was present in subtle neon trims which juxtaposed beautifully with the neutral tones and delicate fabrics. Other dresses took on a more Western silhoutte, one shoulder dresses, ruffles and tiers that were reminscent of the 30's.

There were so many dresses that I would simply die to wear, one flower print dress with a neon trim I would live in all summer long, the white dress pictured above is the dress I'd dream of wearing to this years Snowball, something for every ocassion. 

Breathtaking and a visual treat, Thai Nguyen is absolutely one to watch.

Kelsi Smith.

Concept Spring 2012: Jen Awad

Aw Jen Awad. The pint sized rock star ball of fury, created a collection, that, for the first time in my years of viewing her collections, made a collection that was her to the bone.

Neon colours, vinyl, dramatic cut outs and a decidedly 80's and 90's rave vibe. I'm particularly obsessed with the acidic peter pan collar blouses. I'll take one in every colour please...

More pictures (all pictures by Alex Hallajian)

By Kelsi Smith.

 

Concept Fashion Week - Spring 2012 - The Outtakes

Kittinhawk

NAMI

Jessica Huang

Debakalis

Kittinhawk

Jessica Huang

Bohemian Society.

Valerj Pobega

Valerj Pobega

Curly V.

Photography by Alex Hallajian (last picture via Curly V)

Concept Fashion Week: Bryan Hearns

The Saturday showing of Bryan Hearns collection was much hyped. I know, because I was responsible for the hyping, and Bryan did not disappoint.

Bryan, 21 (yes, he's 2flipping1 years old...!) had described the collection as 90's club kid meets couture. But the resulting aesthetic was so much more sophisticated than that. Phenomenal lines created an architectural almost "origami-esque" quality to them and silhouettes were modern, very fashion forward but completely wearable. The shoes - handcrafted - were phenomenal.

I actually want to wear all of these pieces and found the balance between preppy cool cottons, showgirl feathers and architectural lines fascinating and highly desireable.

Some more favourite looks from the show:

Photos: Alex Hallajian.

Kelsi Smith.

 

Concept Spring 2012: Alana Hale

I've been tracking the work of Alana Hale ever since I first discovered her work at the D&A tradeshow in Los Angeles about four seasons ago. It's been quite inspiring watching her get her footing in the fashion world and begin to make a name for herself, so it was only right that I witnessed her Los Angeles Fashion Week debut.

She stayed true to her extremely feminine and delicate aesthetic, silks, lace and feathers ruled, crafted into ethereal dresses, perfect for a Spring time red carpet appearance, or even a wedding. Some looks were made more robust with leather trims, skirts and detailing - but managed to find a balance between rocker and royalty that remained delicate.

My favourite looks were the looser silhouette babydoll dresses with pops or colour and lace detailing (as seen above) they took on an almost Thirties, Art Deco aesthetic. Perfectly breezy and elegant.

See below for more of my favourite looks from her Spring 2012 collection.

Photos: Alex Hallajian.

Kelsi Smith.