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

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

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

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

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

Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan Fall 2013

To utilize a small number of fabrics so well and in so many different ways is a true gift. In her fall collection Fraser-Swan did so beautifully. This collection essentially had a light fun air to it. Keeping in tone with some harsh lines, juxtaposed with flowing pieces. At the same time the collection was powerful, and really was made for the modern strong woman. Simple low ponytails and harsh heavy cat eyes made the models look strong and the garments only elevated this. A favorite look was a skintight black gown, which had flicks of metallic that shimmered in the light. From daywear, to eveningwear this collection was extremely coherent and really just spoke for itself.  Oh…and when is the Emerson by JFS kids line coming out?

Written by Luke Hartman Photos by Matthieu Oliveira

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2013

Monique Lhuillier’s fall collection displayed an unparalleled, refined quality, which is standard for this long time well known brand. There really are just not enough words for this collection. Once again playing along with the hard lines, Monique included muddled geometrics as well as amazing fur detailing. The wide variety of colors from brilliant gold, bright sea green, and deep red, especially in the evening gowns brought this collection fully together. The styling was beautiful, and perfectly highlighting the intricacy of each look. A favorite gown would have to be a tie between the black gown fluidly translating into a beautiful earthy green and also the red gown with a jeweled neckline.  The necklines for this collection were also on trend, and for the most part were very high playing along with the idea so widely seen in many of the collections. The looks were breathtaking to say the least, and I’m sure some of these gowns will be making an appearance on quite a few red carpets worldwide.

Written by Luke Hartman Photos by Lauren Kristin