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

Sister Tribes: Valentine Gauthier

Valentine Gauthier’s eco friendly Fall and Spring collections was inspired by “raw nature.” Represented by Sister Tribes, this brand is one that uses innovative textiles and ideas to portray modern concepts. The pieces in this line were all made from organic fabrics and naturally treated leather from India and Europe. This everyday collection consists of fitted, structural leather jackets and brilliantly colored dresses, pants, and shirts. Conceptualized with the trend of pattern mixing in mind, Gauthier took this to the new level, such as indo Aztec shapes, animal prints, and boho tribal. These simple designs are not only unique but portray the overarching natural theme. From the flowing garment shapes, earth tones incorporated in the pieces, to the subtle nuances in each piece that spike intrigue. The garments in these collections are easily paired with each other, and a wide variety of garments due to their simplicity and overall versatility. Gauthier is a fairly new designer and her line is carried by Santine in Los Angeles and by Anthropology. 

Written by Taylor Tuzzalo and Luke Hartman

Hair and Makeup by Erin Collins

Photos by Gregg Gall

Styling by Luke Hartman

Model: Taylor Tuzzalo

Ian Velardi F/W 2013

The Ian Velardi look exemplifies menswear now; it’s one part streetwear and another part heritage. Mixing looks is always risky business, but pulling it off just right can result in some serious style. Take some notes from the master: keep the colors and patterns toned down as not to draw attention to the juxtaposition of clashing looks, accessorize with distinctive headgear, and let the details (like satin collars and cropped cuts) do the talking. While the collection is very “now” and a good representation of what is being worn on the streets of Manhattan, it will be interesting to see how Velardi’s look evolves and matches changing trends for upcoming seasons.

Written by Dominik Halas / Pictures by WWD

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

Marchesa Fall 2013

In the eyes of fashion, Marchesa can really do no wrong.  While this was one of their less showstopping collections, it nonetheless was absolutely stunning. Utilizing simpler shapes and colors, this collection exemplified the beauty in simplicity. Of course there were the looks that had all the detailing one would expect from a Marchesa. A favorite aspect was the tulle puffed sleeves seen on a few looks that was actually quite elegant especially paired with a black and gold leafed gown. It was the perfect balance of simplicity, wearablility, and intricacy.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos courtesy of Style.com

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

Ralph Lauren Fall 2013

Is it really unexpected that his fall collection would be anything but amazing? The one thing that is unique about Ralph Lauren, is no matter what trends are being incorporated or what message is being conveyed, there is that essence that is still adheres to the lines core. The equestrian, polo, preppyness that will never go out of style.  Something that was especially surprising was the vibrant use of velvet throughout the collection and it not looking tacky. Is this the comeback of velvet? It was done so in a way that was extremely smart, such as the violet gown with a crystal collar. The glistening qualities of both elements worked extremely well together. As always the finale gowns were equally as stunning. Amazing fall collection, and truly proved the reason why he is one of the most influential and successful American designers worldwide.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos by Style.com

Rachel Zoe Fall 2013

The best part of RZ’s fall collection was that it was an amazing conclusion to her pre fall collection, which is usually not the case for designers. It was a completely fluid transition. It was almost common knowledge that from her designing conception, Rachel Zoe would be fantastic and extremely successful. The reason her lines are so perfect is because one, this woman knows what looks good, and two, she knows how to put things well together to make them look absolutely MAH-JOR…to put it in her terms.  The styling of the low loose pony and simple makeup is so Rachel it isn’t even funny. That is the other thing, especially about this collection. You can clearly see RZ herself in every look she sends down the runway, and even in her final wave, she was in one of the coats. She designs for the modern working woman, and every single one of her pieces is modern, fashion forward and so wearable. Hands down one of the strongest collections of the week. There is a reason why she dubbed it RZFW.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos by Style.com

Badgley Mishka Fall 2013

It is extremely rare where a collection can encompass so many ideas and still make it to the finale look as a cohesive unite. BM’s fall collection was definitely part of this minority. Metallic modernism, elegant lace, and into Aztec gowns all brought together by an element that is hard to initially catch. While initially it could be seen that the general silhouette is the same, yes that is true, but the one feature that brings this whole collection together is the vibrant red lips on all the models. While the garments in this collection were works of textile art, this shows how vital styling is, because it this case it was the cohesion that brought this collection together. Hands down my favorite look was the finale gown. Gold and white, how could it go wrong.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos by Style.com