Sister Tribes: Litke

LITKE, designed and created by Catherine Litke, had a unique inspiration for her Fall/Winter 2013 Collection. Having been raised in both Poland and New York City, and while interning at Vogue she has she has been introduced and inspired by many different aesthetics. Learning and working with many of the best stylists and traveling the world, she was inspired to create her own brand. Litke’s inspiration for her collection came from the subtle, dark colored clothing the Amish wear. Talk about different! This collection contains a variety of both light and dark colored gowns, blouses and pants. These colonial prints are made from 100% Swiss and Japanese cotton, and are composed of knitted patterns sewn together, which create a beautiful quaint quilted look. Some of the dresses have long puffy sleeves and an open low cut back, giving the garments a slightly modern feel. Her floral printed skirts have a slit along the side making them more suitable for the younger generation. Although this collection plays right along with the conservative trend it has an element that keeps viewers and buyers constantly intrigued.   

Written by Taylor Tuzzalo and Luke Hartman

Gucci Fall 2013

Gucci’s fall collection brought in a really interesting concept of minimal color, in the format of accents against a black or solid background. Models adorned in strong pieces sauntered down the runway, emitting a prowess specific to Gucci. The most beautiful element of this collection was the seemingly hand painted florals on black structured pantsuits that were strikingly beautiful, and were presented in a variety of colors. Going along with the high neck trend seen so prevalently on the runways, Gucci presented high neck leather tops which were so amazing and also, all of the evening wear had some sort of high neck element, whether in mesh or a fully bodied textile. The showing of the same silhouette in slight variations with different colors incorporated. An overall brilliant collection, whose new elemental incorporations heightened fall to the next level.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos courtesy of Style.com

Versace Fall 2013

It is hard to even categorize Versace as a fashion show, because it is more of a mesmerizing artful showcase. Donatella does not only put out amazing garments, but also creates an air of drama that is suspenseful and heightens the idea of the collection. Metal spikes, nails, and hard lines to the max lighted the mirror clear runway for Versace’s fall collection, taking punk to a whole new high end level. Leather, a brand staple was definitely a prominent feature of this collection, including in the finale gowns, which actually was quite spectacular.  One piece that really rocked the runway was a red gown complete with a spiked collar worn by a prowessing Cara Delevingne. Also it was extremely interesting to see the show being started of and ended with a dual black and white looks. To say the least, Kasia Struss defines the Versace look. This show in http://www.tumblr.com/followinggeneral was beautiful, but also extremely well thought out and had so many unique elements that made it truly Versace.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos Courtesy of Style.com

The Academy Awards 2013: Best Dressed

The Oscars is the most acclaimed award show in the entertainment industry and dressing for it is no easy task. It is a hit-or-miss situation and poor taste can follow you forever. Take a look at some of the best dressed stars on this years’ red carpet (in no particular order):

1. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta
2. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
3. Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton
4. Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen
5. Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan
6. Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive
7. Channing Tatum in Gucci
8. Eddie Redmayne in Alexander McQueen
9. Samantha Barks in Valentino
10. Jennifer Aniston in Salvatore Ferragamo

Written By Sydney Weinshel

Reem Acra Fall 2013

Vampiric, dark, mysterious and sensual are all words that come to mind when scrolling through images of this fall collections. I was waiting for one of the models to open her mouth and two fangs to be protruding out. The amazing hues of obscure blacks, flecked with deep crimson and scarlet really made this collection cohesive and that much more elegant. What really stood out however were the two voluminous gowns at the end. While they were larger than life, there was a delicacy to them that really made them extremely unique. Also the red tinged fur coat on one look was extremely memorable and stood out as a hit piece. This collection was deathly good, and I found myself wanting another bite.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos courtesy of Style.com

Altuzarra Fall 2013

Regardless of the collections that were presented before, Altuzarra redefined the trend of hard lines. Beautiful blazers and waistcoats paired with black leather and amazing furs defined the looks that domineered down the runway. An interesting concept that Altuzarra introduced was tan tailored coats and jackets with all the same ferocity of their black leather counterparts.  The cocktail dresses at the end, which played on textile mixing, were so innovative. Our favorite would have to be a black leather wing tipped gown atop a white long sleeved underlay. A favorite look would be an amazing fur overcoat over a simple black sheath dress, modeled by Kasia Struss. Really superb collection that displayed the timeless concept that simplicity in itself is complexity.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos courtesy of Style.com

Scandinavian Fashion Presentation Fall 2013

OLAV designed by Jussi Salminen

SIPILÄ designed by Linda Sipilä

VIONA BLU designed by Sirpa Kalliola

It has been seen throughout the breakout of regional designers and the recognition of Stockholm fashion week on style.com, Scandinavian fashion is emerging on the world’s fashion stage. This event, which showcased three designers, was a perfect example. From extremely modern ready to wear by Jussi Slaminen, to an exposition of extremely beautiful draped gowns by Linda Sipilä, these previews were great tastes of the full collection. Something else featured was a series of really great clutches from the Viona Blu line, that were available in a variety of hues. It really was almost a wake up call to the fashion of the future and the direction the entire industry will soon be heading. Get ready NYFW, the Nords are coming.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos Courtesy of Meaghan Cohen

Carmen Marc Valvo Fall 2013

CMV’s fall collection was the definition of classy. Integrating a wide variety of cuts, and textiles in both casual and formal wear, this collection really elevated the trends for fall previously seen to a whole new dimension. A favorite concept not only seen in this collection but in all fall lines is the high necked conservative look, along with full sleeved gowns and garments. It is almost a relief from the typical plunging neckline, and is almost redefining what is sexy. This concept not only forcers consumers to look at the garment as a whole but draws more attention to the shape of the individual. The hints of red and magenta in this collection against a sea of black was amazing, and created memorable moments such as a beautiful fur coat and a few amazing scarlet gowns. This collection was amazing, as expected, because really, who ever doubts Carmen Marv Valvo.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos courtesy of mbfashionweek.com

CZAR by Cesar Galindo Fall 2013

If CZAR’s fall collection could be encompassed in one word it would have to be DRAMA.  The models were powerful and strong, wearing the amazing looks with an air of confidence that just made the garments that much more spectacular. The trend of light layers was clearly present with the utilization of moveable fabrics, and glittering metalics. The clear favorite looks were a copper jumpsuit topped by a faux sable coat and a violet paisley dress. Cesar said that this collection was all about taking it slow and embracing life in the moment, which came across in the movement of the clothes and of the models themselves.  This show brought in some interesting concepts for fall such maxi dresses which are usually seen for the spring/summer. Cesar utilized a heavier jersey not only for a fluid movement but also to provide some insulation if this is to be worn in the colder months. This inventive and playful sense paired with the high end quality of the looks made this collection absolutely stunning.

Written and Photos by Luke Hartman

Erin Barr Fall 2013

Erin’s fall collection was a perfect depiction of who she is as a designer. Rocker girl with a slight feminine edge. When we got to interview her about her inspiration she said that it was just like her, sort of tom boyish, but also a slight girly edge.

While the show initially seemed that it was going to be very monochromatic, with hard edged pieces, the collection slowly evolved into light colored pieces, such as a chartreuse, ice and violet. While this collection could definitely fit into the grunge family, Barr switched it up and utilized these pastels that are hardly ever seen in this styling group.

This utilization of unique concepts and just the fantastic garments themselves made this collection fantastic. When talking to Erin, she said this collection was all about a return to nature, which was clearly evident in the very clean pallet the models exhibited. Extremely minimal in terms of hair and makeup, which only enunciated the garments themselves.

Completely on trend with the major use of leather, small cut outs and sharper angular lines, this collection was extremely strong in all aspects, and explains why Erin Barr is well on her way to fashion prowess.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos by Matthieu Oliveira