LECITYKITTY

FRANKIE MORELLO FALL/WINTER 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:49:28 -0500

Design duo, Maurizio Modica and Pierfrancesco Gigliotti, have embarked on a meditative and mystical journey to rediscover lightness and purity through their Fall/Winter 2012 collection for Frankie Morello. Divided into three parts, the stages through which the Frankie Morello man must pass in order to achieve liberty. The collection began with the attachment to material goods, sharply tailored suits emblazoned with spikes, hooded jackets and pants were encrusted with embellishments, even collars on shirts were studded as well. The material then starts to change, along with the stitching and colors of each garment. The Morello man deconstructs, finally reaching lightness. Bohemian style enters as knitwear, heavy textures, and embroidered t-shirts play their role. Until almost completely striped from clothing emerges the final product of purification for the Frankie Morello man. Brava!

GIVENCHY MEN'S PRE-FALL 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:39:23 -0500

Riccardo Tisci designs his very first men’s Pre-Fall collection for Givenchy and it is everything! Taking a cue from his Fall 2011 collection, incorporating more graphic tees including the famed Rottweiler print. Givenchy’s Pre-Fall is the epitome of what men’s street-wear should look like. Which reminds me of when I went to see Watch The Throne and Kanye West was drenched in Givenchy, layered in a leather skirt and pants. Does this mean I can look forward to seeing more men this season in such stylish duds? Hopefully so. Tisci has really developed and expanded his menswear silhouette into a complete wardrobe. Taking inspiration from sharks (shark-tooth necklaces and jaws-like printed tees), marines and surfers in the night, he brings together strong utilitarian outerwear, American sportswear and impeccable tailoring. Skirts and opaque meggings paired with boots or Tisci’s rad sneakers are just doing me in.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA PRE-FALL 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:46:53 -0500

Finally, a collection inspired by duvets? Maison Martin Margiela’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection is the kind that makes you want to stay in bed all day and cuddle under your covers, only you can do so draped in his blanketed sheaths and not look like you’re wearing a Snuggie in the city. Not all the pieces in Margiela’s collection were made for bed, other fabulous coats were lined with fur, and trimmed in satin, even flight jackets make an appearance (favorably with to-the-floor hemlines). An oversized sleeveless fur vest, with a perfect asymmetrical shape lends to the notion that Pre-Fall can actually have a playful approach to fashion, or that just might be the creativity of Margiela and his design team. Toss aside the parkas and bedcovers and take a look at Margiela’s menswear shapes and coveted oxblood red suit pieces. Have we noticed the leather draped dress, elegantly accompanied by a plastic grocery bag à la Jeremy Scott? Is this bag really for purchase?

THEYSKENS' THEORY PRE-FALL 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:38:33 -0500

Belgian-born Prince of Darkness, Olivier Theyskens, decided to go even darker than usual for his latest Pre-Fall collection. The New York-based designer delivered on his mystical dark path with pieces like his sheer black leggings encrusted with beads and sequins, leather blazers, jackets, trousers, and an amazing to-the-floor dress with split panels at the center to reveal a shorter skirt underneath. Another great piece was Theyskens’ super wide-leg palazzo pants that almost wants to be a full skirt, billowing dresses with sheer cut-outs at the back, all pulled together with edgy knee-high, and mid-length combat boots. Theyskens’ t-shirts with those intricate prints, sheer button-up blouses, blazers that are elongated from front to back, and my absolute favorite, silver leather pants! The collection was dark and just my taste but far from goth, and easily transformable from grunge girl to downtown chic.

THE ROW PRE-FALL 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:54:05 -0500

I wish picture day in high school was this chic! The Row introduces Equestrian-meets-aristocrat this season with their Pre-Fall collection. Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley know just exactly what they’re doing creating a collection as marvelous as this. Fur always makes an appearance in The Row’s collection and quite frankly, it’s expected. This season’s decadent fourrure was made from different types of fox in a kind of patchwork style, super chic. And in an attempt to stay current, the girls have me reconsidering pieces I never thought I would wear again. First, being any form of turtleneck or culottes. And second, anything having to do with kitten heels. But thank the fashion gods I can do so famously. The Row would of course design their turtlenecks in leather and pair them with velvet pants. How very. But the show stopping pieces for me this season were The Row’s oversized tweed jacket and skinny pants suit. I‘m totally head over kitten heels for them.

PRABAL GURUNG PRE-FALL 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:13:02 -0500

Remember when you were a child and all you wanted to do was look into a kaleidoscope and stare at all the magnificent shapes and colors? I’m sure that is exactly what Prabal Gurung was thinking of when he chose the tubed toy as the inspiration behind his Pre-Fall 2012 interpretation. India also played a role in Gurung’s collection. He explains it wasn’t the “obvious India” but more so “the muddy ruins of India” that captured him. “It can be harsh, really, but it’s still beautiful.” You can see with all the prismatic prints, leather, and jewel toned fabrics, the opulence that Gurung was trying to encourage. Gurung’s decision to marry Spring’s signature patterns with earth tones typically seen in Fall, create a delightful scheme for his kaleidoscope vision. The collection is quite beautiful and a perfect selection for Pre-Fall. I do favor his sunglasses, leather shorts, and bomber jacket above all. Check out his music video below with song “Body Mod” by Pictureplane. It’s so good!

CHANEL PRE-FALL 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:59:56 -0500

Karl Lagerfeld created an entire collection inspired by India but has never been. He states, "It's much more inspiring not to go to places than to go." I am not sure that I agree with his statement, but I surely am enamored by what he’s done for Chanel this Pre-Fall 2012. As an homage to the craftspeople at Chanel, this collection was a salute to them and their work. Extravagance and decadence exudes from Lagerfeld’s masterpiece. Luxurious embroidery, and lustrous silks, all made by Chanel’s ateliers in Paris, themed appropriately “Paris-Bombay”. Exquisite fabrics, and shapes, intricate detail to Indian tradition, and Chanel’s signature tweeds, covered in pearls no less. Lagerfeld dreamt up wonderful fantasy and delivered a collection fit for an heiress.

GIVENCHY WOMEN'S PRE-FALL 2012

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:14:35 -0500

Riccardo Tisci delivers a phenomenal collection for Givenchy’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection, revisiting his roots and original ideas he had been developing over the seven years at the couture house. Tisci, inspired by 1950’s Bettie Page, and 1970’s French horseback riding, made it clear he wanted the Givenchy woman to have a strong look for Pre-Fall. Coming on strong with his knee-high sheath covered leather boots, pronouncing edge with every elegantly tailored look. Bold prints were brought about from recycled fabrics Tisci had been collecting for over seven years at Givenchy. Producing garments that are a fusion of masculine and feminine sportswear, and couture. A luxurious reconstruction of refined pieces, clean lines, and flawless tailoring. Honestly, this is by far one of the best, most refreshing Pre-Fall collections I’ve seen this year. Not to mention the lookbook was photographed on the streets as only a street bloggers. Aces Riccardo, aces!

PROUDRACE SS12 LOOKBOOK

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:39:12 -0500

Proudrace’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection gives new meaning to the phrase “All black everything!” The Manila based label made up of an industrial designer and a t-shirt designer, with two different backgrounds, really do lend an eclectic feel to the brand. Inspired by the 90’s as a constant reference, Proudrace pulled from a different theme this time around. Their latest lookbook was inspired by a gang of nomadic skaters and their trophy girlfriends. Adding it to be a bit more complicated than that. It seems the design duo was inspired by a few things, that of which reflects the uniform style of various religious groups. Among other inspirations were, House of Style, and supermodels and their love for teenage youth. An odd collection of stimulus I’d have to say, nonetheless creative enough to start their own cult. Proudrace’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection was made into a cult to represent everything they believed in and loved from their youth. Let it be known, this is Proudrace Gang Wear!

ALEXANDER WANG RTW PRE-FALL 2012

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:20:02 -0500

Deceiving the eye was the idea behind Alexander Wang’s Pre-Fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection. Transparent fabrics from masculine pattens like houndstooth, and plaid, were layered with structured jackets, vests, and blazers. Intarsia knits, lapels, and collars were used to weave models hair through and under. Mesh booties resembling mens trouser socks or seamed pantyhose, were exceptionally chic. Pleats found on blazers where pockets should be, and on hemlines of skirts that simulate mens suit jackets. Oversized wool blazers were implemented under windbreaker vests, pieced together with leather for a dress and reinvented for a sleeveless coat. Removable leather harnesses attached on cropped vests, biker jackets, and trench coats were the highlight for me. More exciting, a sunglasses case, exaggerated in size, was dubbed as a clutch and worn throughout this collection. Every piece so very chic, so very perfect. I’m enthralled by it all.

T BY ALEXANDER WANG PRE-FALL 2012

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:48:51 -0500

Button-down tops and shirt dresses are my favorite part of Alexander Wang’s T collection. I always look forward to Wang’s minimalistic style and signature tailoring. Wang’s Pre-Fall collection this season had some pops of color, mirroring Resort RTW 2011. Encapsulating his effortless ever-so relaxed look, he tossed in a few leather pieces this season, i.e., his oxblood red leather dress, and leather paneling on everything else. Denim makes an appearance, something that was seen in his men’s T line for Fall 2011. I love that he incorporated key men’s pieces into his T collection for women this Pre-Fall 2012. Mesh tops that were seen in Alex’s Resort collection showed through onto this line-up but for a more affordable price. Loving an amazing designer like Alexander Wang may cost you, but you don’t have to break the bank with his reasonably priced T line.

BLOODMILK - THE CONJURER

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:53:11 -0500

“I collect my grief. Tears sharp like fangs, piling onto one another in the glass I press against my face. I collect my tears as I collect bones, teeth, moth wings, words: absentia, epiphany, crux.“ Magically magnificent, utterly enamoring. Bloodmilk’s The Conjurer collection speaks to the depths of me. Every supernatural piece hand crafted by JL Schnabel for the surrealist, blood thirsty darling. I received my very first Bloodmilk piece a few days ago and having fell in love months prior, I adorn my charm as if I will be buried with it. Schnabel’s talent and creativity drew me in with her dark nature. I imagine each jewel having its very own story, each heartbreak, each love lost, every feeling, living and breathing in a memory of what once was. “At night I conjure your name into the absence of sound. I breathe into the musk of our darkness. Shadows collect in the corners, become whole. I'm cornered.”

BJØRG JEWELRY ODYSSEY 2012 COLLECTION

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:01:46 -0500

Norway native, Bjørg Nordli-Mathisen, has upheld a nomadic lifestyle, always drifting towards new corners of the world in search of inspiration. With a background in the arts, she maintains a conceptual approach to all of her designs. Bjørg releases two collections per year, The Classic and Odyssey. The Classic has its foundation in silver, diamonds and precious stones. While the Odyssey collection represents new directions through its foundation in bronze. Bjørg’s 2012 Odyssey collection is a venture through dreamlike landscapes. The inspiration is drawn from mythology, playing with escapist and fantasies. The collection makes up an odyssey of imagination, mystique and poetry, switching between dreams and reality, thus welcoming Dark Knights, Pale Moons, Magic Hours and Misty Mountains. All Bjørg’s pieces are handmade, combining fragile and organic structures with an aesthetic influenced by futurism and geometry. The 2012 collection is absolutely wonderful. Bjørg’s After Arden spine cuff and Howling at the Moon piercing claw earstuds are phenomenal. I’d really love to own the Holy Smoke ring. A fantastically chic way to hold my cigarettes.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SS12

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:52:07 -0500

I really don’t even know where to begin. It seems as if Sarah Burton crawled into my metaphysical mind and sifted through the magnificent creatures that reside in my head. Oceania Goddesses with masks of sea urchins, Bordello Madams in black leather appliqué dresses and lace covered faces, Floral Princesses in the most delicate silk chiffon, even Unicorn Fairies covered in ivory and gold. The divine details of this collection are exquisitely breathtaking. Burton excels on completion of Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection with an airy and light breeze through what can be described as a fairytale, enchantments included. "I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme.” Sarah Burton

WILLIAM RICHARD GREEN 'I HOPE I DIE SOON'

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:40:57 -0500

Inspired by the paradox of suicide, amused by purgatory, William Richard Green’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection presents an unapologetic, tongue-in-cheek representation of pop culture’s most glamorized way to go. Sketches illustrated by Martin Wollerstam portraying post-suicide characters in the eternal ‘waiting room’ surroundings, which indeed I found very comical. Green’s collection was said to be his darkest to date, but with plenty of white, polkadots, and even a crying girl printed on a white t-shirt, it all seemed very light and bubbly to me. I guess Green played on the cliche aspects of a somewhat melodramatic way to go. What I did love was the translucent rubber striped t-shirt, and Green’s black rubber coat with contrasting rubber sleeves. English footwear label Underground collaborated with Green for a second season. Fancy brogues make an appearance, the white bottoms are my favorite.

VERSACE FOR H&M 2011 LOOKBOOK

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:26:10 -0500

Today is the day and I’m sure there will be some cussing and fighting on lines wrapped for miles around H&M. Obviously I’m not there, I’m not one for chaotic lines and cluster-fuck crowds. The collection is gorgeous though, fantastic detailing that is classically signature Versace. I’m all for the leather dresses and the insanely loud prints Versace for H&M has to offer. I’m especially head over heels for the mens fuchsia suit and dress shoes that River Viiperi is affectionately wearing. I’ll take a man in pink any day of the week, swoon! I’m not so much into the tasseled dress with hearts that’s on Daphne Groeneveld, or River’s palm tree printed mens shirt. But I am totally gagging for the entire look he’s swagged in. That sexy leather biker jacket and neck-to-knee black ensemble. One last thing, I really just want that pillow! Click here to shop these looks.

RAUN LAROSE SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 15:52:26 -0400

New York based menswear designer Raun Larose, born and raised in Brooklyn, has been turning heads recently. Acclaimed by Vogue Italia as fashion’s future in the category of menswear back in September, with Larose stating, “Fashion has been a major part of my life since childhood.” Larose’s latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Forever Young, was mused after his childhood. Retracing steps of his youth in search of things that were most memorable, inspired by backpacks, comic books, and sport attire. Larose explains, “As a menswear designer I strive to expand the concept of contemporary mens fashion through innovation. To challenge myself and explore new techniques, giving fruition to one of my key looks.” Larose explores through color, texture and unconventional structure, delivering a collection that truly speaks for itself.

ASGER JUEL LARSEN SS12

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 12:49:43 -0400

Asger Juel Larsen’s ‘We Live’ Spring/Summer 2012 collection is everything I’d want my boyfriend to wear. Larsen’s got the sickest creepers, even his sparkly creepers are so rad. His collaboration with Dico Copenhagen was genius! Gothic hoodies, jumpers and shirts resembling faded shadows, skinny leather long shorts, layered with cotton shorts, and oversized tanks, are definitely certified swag. Larsen talks about how he merged working man machinery into the collection stating, “Work doesn’t come to a complete standstill when the sun comes up.” Larsen’s entire Spring/Summer 2012 collection was created to ignite the alluring unexpected darkness that can come from Summer, where electric night skies and intense shadows from the sun play their part in the intoxicating twist. Larsen has created a toughness throughout this collection, even the skinny fit suits could be interpreted as straight jackets. It takes the party monster out from the dark basement clubs into the sun.

SORCHA O'RAGHALLAIGH FW12

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 15:54:14 -0400

Sorcha O’Raghallaigh is the young Irish designer known for creating a number of phenomenal dresses for Mother Monster, Lady Gaga. Sorcha, a graduate of Central St. Martin in London, fashioned a glorious gown that the show stopping star wore on The Graham Norton Show. Gaga also donned another Sorcha O’Raghallaigh original for her video, Born This Way. Sorcha, always wanting to stand out from the pack, never really wanted to be in the real world. Sorcha says, “I always wanted to be in dresses.” Inspired by her mom’s motto, “If you are feeling down, get dressed up,” surely borrowing her mothers magic to create her collections. Sorcha’s latest FW12 collection, styled by Anna Trevelyan, and photographed by Saga Sig, was utterly impressive. Sorcha’s love for religious memorabilia are what makes her collection that much more astonishing.

BURBERRY PRORSUM SPRING 2012

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 15:04:01 -0400

Christopher Bailey’s homage to crochet, beading, braiding, and weaving this season happened to be one of the most delightful collections I’ve seen thus far. The artisan feel behind Burberry Prorsum’s Spring 2012 collection made for some crafty accessories, handbags, and woven details. Lean pencil skirts with a hint of shimmer, ruched dresses with fantastic patterns, and a color pallet fit for a warm welcome into Spring. The saturated pigments of mustard, plum, blue, and teal are a sort that would usually be expected for Fall, oddly enough the darker selection is exactly what I love about this collection. Adored pieces were that of Burberry Prorsum’s cropped trench coat, those fantastic ruched skirts, and my very favorite were the platform open-toe boots.

YIGAL AZROUËL MEN’S SPRING 2012

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 18:49:49 -0400

Yigal Azrouël’s Men’s Spring 2012 collection sold me with his purple workwear boots. I imagine a man wearing this sort of modern street wear would invest in a pair of amazingly bold boots as such. The New York-based designer’s collection goes on to deliver textured knits, leather accents on denim jackets, slim shorts, matchels (man satchels) and a fantastic washed grey leather jacket. Pops of color peaked out from hues of black, navy, and then there was red. Azrouël’s knitwear was consistent with Alexander Wang in my opinion. I mean, right? Those sweatpants are a total Wang banger. I loved them nonetheless. I was also really into the suit seperates of tailored blazers and shorts combo. Azrouël’s chinos and one piece completed the collection of his traditionally clean aesthetic.

LECITYKITTY FOR GUESS & REFINERY29

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 10:08:35 -0400

One fine afternoon in the city of New York I went for a stroll in Washington Square Park with my friends from Refinery29. Clad in Guess, rocker-glam gear from head to-toe, we shot a stop motion video all around Greenwich Village. The stop motion film with me as The Quick Change Artist, where I robed and disrobed in the park, stripping and tossing my clothes on the ground. Fun stuff right? What was more exciting was the Occupy Wall Street rally that created a stir of NYU students and made it challenging to shoot our film. Layers upon layers of awesome Guess clothes, included a tank that read Don’t Mess With Me, a Burnout Tee with a sequin front pocket, and a super comfy Classic Pullover with cut-outs. All in all, the video turned out rad and was a blast to shoot. Check out what Refinery29 had to say about the video.

ALEXANDER WANG SS12

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 15:32:50 -0400

Alexander Wang delivers yet again, bringing the race track to the runway. Wang presented a chic collection devoted to New York street-elegant sportswear with accessories like motorcycle helmets, head scarves, and backpacks. Wang’s muse for his Spring/Summer 2011 collection? Nascar racing and motocross gear. Racing suits, perforated jerseys, and mesh everything, were the better half of his androgynous collection. As the shape remained the same, the patterns took a turn. Enter ombré floral prints, exit BMX sportswear. Adding tropical flowers to the mix, softening it up some, met with leather and printed helmets kept the speed going. One last thing, let’s take a moment for Alexander Wang’s exotic pointy pumps... Ugh I’m in love!

RAD BY RAD HOURANI SS12

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:38:33 -0400

What have ye, wizard of dark sheath bring upon us this season? “Water and sky. The relaxing feeling of blue in nature.” Rad by Rad Hourani’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection this season was mused by a color which reflects his current “happy place.” The collection in fact was a bit more chipper in theory but lacked the warm of his prior collections. Hourani, with his gender bending silhouettes, played with layers and textures, offering up more than just boxy androgynous pieces this season. Zippers on neoprene vests, skirts, and dresses. Men in skirts, bits of leather. Layers upon layers of angular shapes, and of course the shoes. Hourani’s heeled open-toe boots on both the male and female models, toting small leather pouches, clutches and attachés. Si fantastique!

DOMINIC LOUIS SPRING 2012

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:28:29 -0400

Dominic Louis always manages to deliver a seemingly perfect depiction of half naked Jesus-like men, in glorious sheaths layered upon their wonderfully toned bodies. This season Dominic Louis gave us more than just godly men clothes (or lack thereof) but a presentation choreographed by Jermaine Browne. I was impressed when I laid my eyes on Louis’ Spring/Summer 2012 collection, but was completely floored when the dancers came out. Starring in awe, and with a few drinks streaming through me, I thought it the highlight of fashion week. The room stopped, and even drew the ladies and some gentlemen from starring at the models only donning briefs to the other side of the Eyebeam Gallery. The collection was clad with a very muted color palate, shredded tops, plaid pieces, and even chained feet. Animal skin was minimal to say the least, but linen reined supreme. All together I’d say it was quite fetching for the Dominic Louis man this season.