Post Hiatus Post

 

31. Phillip Lim and Viktor & Rolf RTW S/S 2011


Okay, one last post before disappearing for awhile because blogging is one of the few things in life that makes me smile for no reason in particular and those are the best sorts of smiles now aren't they?

Some of the looks that came down the Spring/Summer runways had me questioning just exactly what sort of garment they would be classified as. For example, Phillip Lim's Apron-meets-collar-meets-dress ensemble or Viktor & Rolf's dress/off shoulder shirt/tunic. And this reminded me a lot about Plato's realm of ideal forms.


Is this a shoe?

Plato questioned what made say a shoe, a shoe? What would it mean to claim that something is a shoe? At first you might say well it is something that you wear to walk in that covers and protects the foot, but what if a shoe does not provide protection? What if a shoe is made that is never worn or walked in? What if a shoe does not cover the entire foot, but only bits or pieces? Exactly what is the essence of a shoe?

How about this?

Plato argued that there exists a perfect form of shoe and every other entity imaginable called their ideal form. They are unchangeable, ideal, and consistent forms of everything in this ever-changing and temporary world of ours merely emulates with imperfect copies. We can never come to know these ideal, true forms directly, but we come to understand them. Thus, shoes in our everyday lives are considered shoes because they partake of these ideal forms. Abstract concepts such as justice and beauty also have their ideal forms according to Plato.

Or this?

So while say a toeless shoe may not be considered exactly a shoe, we know that if it is any entity it is a shoe because it shares some commonalities with a shoe's ideal form. But what exactly can we say when it comes to the melting pot fashions of Viktor & Rolf or Phillip Lim? It's an interesting thought to ponder...

Trend Spotting: Pajama Pants

Michael Kors S/S RTW 2010

Runway designers are often inspired by celebrities and some have been known to design entire collections around a particularly innovative and fashionable celeb. The Olsen twins have been one of these influencers before and I believe that they have done it again, only this time it's just one particular garment and just one Olsen twin.

Ashley Olsen rockin' the PJ Pants.

Typically it's Mary-kate who selects kooky looks to traipse around NY in, but every now and then Ashley wears some outlandish fur coat or in this instance, PJs. I never thought I would be an advocate for this look, but dammit I am. It's sort of grandma chic and when you're in your twenties, grandma chic is cool in an ironic no-other-age-group-including-grandmas-could-pull-this-look-off kind of way (yay hyphens).

I think I will try this look out, but just to make sure everyone is clear on the fact that I am at the forefront of a very avante guard trend I will wear heels. I wouldn't want people thinking I am one of those lazy high school students that can't be bothered to change in the morning, now would I?

(Photos credited to TFS and style.com)

Cruella Deville featured on Spring/Summer 2010 Runways?

Oscar De La Renta                                                               Victor & Rolf

Chanel                                                                             Zac Posen

Perhaps my imagination is just running over time tonight, but seriously. What is going on here??

(Credited to Style.com)

Jason Wu Spring Ready to Wear 2011

Jason Wu Spring Read to Wear 2011

I love young, asian, male designers. They take off at the speed of lighting when they finally emerge from the sea of aspiring fashion designers. They're also pretty damn adorable in the fact that they get inspired by pasta like Jason Wu was for this collection. Lucky for me Jason wasn't a flop for spring like Alex below (it still hurts to say things like that). Jason and Alex are perfect character foils on the runway and in person. Jason is shy, romantic, whimsical, and obsessed with things like bows and flowers. Alex is charismatic, edgy, avante-guade, and obsessed with breaking the rules.  Between the two of them they fill my needs quite perfectly.

Jason Wu Spring Ready to Wear 2011

 Jason actually warned everyone before showing his collection that it was going to be "more dangerous". I'm sure Alex would giggle at such a proclamation for as you can see it is nothing short of being incandescently charming. Perhaps he was referring to the turbans? I really want to get my hands on a turban. I've been craving one since Prada did them in Spring 2007. It's also interesting how Jason Wu and other designers are really focusing on revolutionizing women's work wardrobes. Fashion is always influenced by the world and in return influencing it back. People claim that fashion has no depth, but there is no denying its societal impact. Fashion is and can be very political.


Jason Wu Spring Ready to Wear 2011

My favorite look from this collection is the tuxedo coat-dress above. I hope to see more designers trying this look out. I would love for it to become a trend. I'll cross my fingers about the turbans too. 

(pics credited to style.com)

Alexander Wang Spring Ready to Wear 2011

Alexander Wang Spring Ready to Wear 2011

Things were starting to get really good, and I mean really really good, between Alex and I, but then like a typical man he had to go and screw things up. In an attempt to mix things up and have us all questioning if we really know the man, Alexander sent us some sort of Jedi-Tribe curve ball this past fashion week.

Designers...always trying to reinvent the wheel. I'll have you know Alex that I liked the damn wheel. The wheel was perfect the way it was.


Alexander Wang Spring Ready to Wear 2011

How do I even begin reviewing this collection? It breaks my heart just to look at it...doodle prints, metallic duck tape, CAMEL TOE -these are not a few of my favorite things. I guess for starters I can quote fashion reporter Tim Blanks who had this to say: "First thing you notice: no black". The second thing you notice of course is that it's a f-ing disaster. The wool plunging and cropped sweater above looks like something you might find at your local Salvation Army. I can't believe I'm mocking Alex's work. It seems cruel and unusual....like telling your own child they're ugly.


Alexander Wang Spring Ready to Wear 2011

This first look to the left looks like something you get put in for a pap smear at the doctor's office. There is just nothing wearable about this collection. It's about as appealing as the model's painted dreadlocked hair. I am being a Negative Nancy though, which I hate so I'll stop now. On the bright side Alex is becoming more confident. He's trying to find himself. At least it's not as painful to watch as Taylor Momsen. I really hope Alex returns to the darkside next season. He was so deliciously sexy and office goth last collection below.

It's okay Alex. I won't give up on your geometric genius just yet.

Alexander Wang Fall Ready to Wear 2010



(pics credited to style.com)