Color block

All we see in magazines is that this fall and winter's new IT trend is minimalism. I guess it's true, a lot of shows have had very very austere garnments but I think that we should precise it's not just any kind of minimalism. It's the 21st century's minimalism. Very simple yet totally refined. Curves, lines, forms, texture, volume, eveything's there just toned down by little accessories and an attitude. At YSL, black, blue and dark green were the dominant colors. What made the show were really the little spots of bold and vibrant colors here and there. The shoes for example! And the fur collar! But some other designers decided minimalism needed a shake : a big explosion of bright colored paint! At Versus for example : the dresses (which probably not everyone considers minimalistic, I have to agree!) were hot red, at Marni pants were aubergine and mustard yellow, at Dries Van Noten, the full-lenght skirts shined in vibrant purples boldly paired with kaki green oversized sweaters.
Maybe you can just say minimalism is one of the trends of this season and what I just talked about isn't; but in my opinion, everything coming up this fall is through a form of minimalism, wether austere or daring different. It's like a twist : black and white minimalism we know about, now it's time to move on to structured yet colorful clothes.
The article in WSJ's fashion edition demonstrates this : their spread "New Neutrals" showed very simplistic blue dresses from Calvin Klein with beige and brown shoes and bags worn by a black woman, the entire thing against a pop orange backgroung. All the colors matched perfectly because they were plain and vibrant. Just like the spread in ELLE France in which pink and red are mixed, green and beige match and red and black click! The perfect example of color blocking? Balenciaga's high heeled loafers. So many colors, literally one on top of the other!
Great way to keep up a smile while going through the rough upcoming winter!

Sweethearts

Shoes, as it has many times been told, are not anymore accessories: they're now completely part, and sometimes the biggest part, of women's wardrobe. They can add edge to a simple outfit, rock an elegant evening gown, boost a bland dress... in short, they're essential. And what I love about shoes I see these days, is that they don't have to follow trends to be beutiful or admired; they SET the trend. Shoe designers do what the feel and their work always finds a way to settle in te moment's vibe.
Shoes I fell in love with this season are detailed, gorgeous, unique and bold. Like the Balenciaga jewelled high heeled loafers. The heel details are great; the idea of color blocking the heel and not the shoe was brilliant.
In a totally different vibe, Giuseppe Zanotti's lace up embroided boots. One word : goergous. They're unique, sexy yet girly... They're AMAZING! And here too, the heel is more than ever part of the shoe composition and balance with the detailed flowers running down the leather point.


Chloe loafers top, Balenciaga high heels loafers bottom.


Giuseppe Zanotti


(Both images from Vogue British, Sept.2010 issue)