The time machine is back in effect for the Spring 2017 collections. The 80’s redux, from metallics to mini lengths and strong shoulders at Erdem, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Monse, Rodarte, and Saint Laurent. Taking us back to the “I want my MTV’ and Reagan era. Yes the 80’s are back!
“Flower power” also took a major role. Big, bold, graphic and colorful floral prints were apparent at Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and more. Motorcross Mondrian-esque prints were also in effect. Speed racer inspired looks from Fendi, Proenza Schouler, to Sonia Rykiel and Versace alike. Fatigues are here to stay. Utilitarian is going on strong. Khakis and army greens at Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Loewe, in ruffled greens, sheers and mini camo. Wanderlust looks in patch work, printed sweeping lengths, ruched and layered dresses took a play at Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Etro, Lanvin, Oscar De La Renta, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino.
Beyond the shadow of doubt, rose was the prominent color of Spring 2017. Rosy hues appeared on various runways. Strong feminine tones and silhouettes at Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Celine, Givenchy, Hermes, Jil Sander, Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren, Valentino and Vetements. As the majestic Diana Vreeland so gracefully once said: “Pink is the navy blue of India.”
IGK Hair was formed by four major stylists: Chase Kusero, Franck Izquierdo, Leo Izquierdo and Aaron Grenia. The brand is know to “work wherever you are,” with a major presence in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, beyond pop-up salons in culture capitals throughout the world. IGK calls itself “hairstyling for the modern generation,” and its stylists have notably styled for celebrities (e.g. Jared Leto, Robbie Williams, Paris Hilton) and major fashion houses (e.g. Givenchy, Lanvin, Oscar De La Renta).
Inspired by Korean skincare splash masks, the latest product from the acclaimed company is the IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask. It works in the shower in under a minute, giving hair a soft, smooth and shiny look from roots to end. The Hair Mask contains a multi-tasking mix of moisturizers and even comes with a 360 applicator. It also manages to be free of sulfates, phthalates and parabens, altogether vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.
For more info on IGK and its products, visit www.igkhair.com.
Spring is to fashion what New Year’s is to resolutions. If Jan. 1 is a time to rethink our choices and swear to shed bad habits and adopt new, better ones; spring is the time when closet spring cleaning takes place – we leave our foolish fashion choices behind and adopt new ones. As soon as the first heel clicks on Fashion Week runways, we know what will be in and what will be cast aside in the upcoming season.
So, let’s see what the near future holds for all the fashionistas, makeup junkies and hairdo lovers.
Alive and in Color!
If you have secretly been longing for the colors of the ‘80s, great news bright-hue lovers – pink is back and better than ever. Powerhouses like Balenciaga, Celine, Valentino and many others were proud to present a range of dresses ranging from frilly and feminine to straight and edgy geometric lines in all possible variations of pink. The best part – all of these looks are completely wearable and worthy of a million street-style hashtag likes.
Another unmissable presence were the evergreen stripes. Diagonal, horizontal, vertical, wide, narrow, monochromatic or colorful – take your pick. And they will make their mark on every single item of clothing, from dresses and pants to blouses and shorts. They will even make it as far as beachwear.
It is safe to say that it is time to get stripy.
Faux and real fur lovers – rejoice because the eternal style staple, the fur coat has been seen strutting down the runway with ready-to-wear looks.
Of course, we must not forget to mention the powerful feminist messages with shirts with “we should all be feminists” dominating the catwalk.
It is a great year to be a woman.
As for those who look for fashion inspiration for the upcoming season in the runways of New York, the Fashion Week of the Big Apple has shown us that simple and feminine lines will dominate the streets of Manhattan, in minimalistic cuts and colors, namely black and white.
According to one of the US’s influential designers, Marc Jacobs cheeky sweaters and insanely high platforms will rule the streets styles this spring, so if you were missing the ‘90s vibe, now you have an excuse to bring it back to life, while Ralph Lauren predicts the revival of the western cowboy theme.
Oh, My, Makeup!
We are in utter and complete awe of the variety of beauty looks slaying the runways of Paris, London and Milan fashion week. And while some of them were very artistic and almost conceptual, there were also those that are bound to dominate the urban landscape once makeup lovers head to the streets.
The Milan shows have showed that it is ok to be eclectic and electric, as the eyelids of models were beaming with day-glo fuchsia, neon-lavender, pastel blue across the entire lid (pretty bold),and also bright blue, and yellow hues done in a cutting-edge geometric style.
Ladies, if you did not dab in bright eye colors and pigments before, it is time to get bold, and get a serious upgrade in the makeup and cosmetics department. Since the focus on the Milan runways was mostly on bold eye looks, the lips were left almost untouched or simply with a healthy-looking balm pout.
If you look at the beauty dominating one of the most important fashion weeks – Paris, you will notice that the focus was also on the eyes, but in a somewhat different fashion. Precision was not the focal point and the smudged and vamp looks accompanied with dark eye shadows, liners and eye pencils were the rule.
There were however more natural looks as well, like the one on Gigi Hadid with her healthy, almost ethereally dewy look for the Isabel Marant show, so if you are a believer in the no-makeup makeup look, Gigi shows you how to rock it, supermodel style.
When it comes to the beauty looks, there is a lot of inspiration to draw from this season’s runways of New York. From natural no-makeup makeup looks of Ralph Lauren to bold lips and fierce dark blue smokey eyes seen on models walking for Mischka and vivid brights of Oscar De La Renta, there is a whole variety of looks to snag for yourself, so if there is anything you would like to try, now is the time to rethink your makeup and cosmetics choices and add new items to your shopping cart.
After seeing the crème de la crème of this year’s runway looks, the only question that needs answering is – Which one of these things did you miss, and will be stocking up on this spring?
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Traveling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on a lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips. Check her out on Twitter and Facebook.
“The Women & Science Syposium is critical because women have been under represented in science everywhere,” says Sarah Schlesinger, M.D. , Associate Professor of Clinical Investigation at Rockefeller University.
Hundreds of women attend the Symposium each year to interact with eminent women scientists at this esteemed showcase of some of the finest minds from around the world.
The University established the Symposium in 1998 to highlight the crucial role of basic research in addressing scientific challenges related to women’s health; to showcase the contribution of women scientists; create a program of support for them, and to encourage more women to embrace scientific research as a focus of their philanthropy.
“The program has become a blueprint for other institutions nationwide and even globally,” says Robin Chemers Neustein, a trustee of the University.
“It’s an event that really brings women together – women working with women to do great things for all mankind,” says Lulu Wang, another Rockefeller trustee.
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and New York Developer Elie Hirschfeldat the Rockefeller University Women & Science Symposium.
American businesswoman and philanthropist Marie-Josée Kravis, who serves on the advisory board of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced a $100 million gift to the University.
Patrick E. and Beatrice M. Haggerty Professor Mary Jeanne Kreek, M.D. was the primary spearker and was interviewed by Laura Landro, assistant managing editor of The Wall Street Journal.
“An event such as this puts a spotlight on the many accomplishments of women in science and specifically those at this fine institution,” said Hirschfeld.
There is no doubt that red is one of the greatest colors of fall. But this year’s red is the shade we have been waiting for to help brighten up the cold weather. The shade is warm and vibrant, proving that fashion’s heart is strong and beats even in the cold.
Blood red shades hold a lethal fascination this season which can be seen in many head-to-toe scarlet trench coats, knits and leathers. By starting with staples as simple as your iPhone case, the Burberry embossed check card, or the Valentino scarf with lace, you can easily add a little shine to your day. If you want to go for a bolder look, we suggest the patterned Balmain silk-georgette blouse to go from work to a great dinner at Locanda Verde at Greenwich Village, or even drinks in Catch. And don’t forget the bag! The traditional Givenchy Antigona is what we have been longing for in our closets.
Check out DOWNTOWN’s choices of blood red to help brighten your fall!
One of the most impressive designers that America has ever seen passed away on Tuesday, October 20th in his home in Connecticut.
Oscar de la Renta had been bravely fighting cancer since 2006. The disease, however, did not prevent the fashion designer from creating the some of the most desired dresses in the world. For example, he recently created Amal Alamuddin’s wedding dress for her marriage to George Clooney.
Born in the Dominican Republic on July 22nd, 1932, Oscar de la Renta moved to Madrid in the 50’s to study painting. It was there that he discovered his love for fashion during an internship with Cristobal Balenciaga as his mentor.
In 1965 he was invited to dress Jaqueline Kennedy and after that he decided to launch his own brand. After launching his brand, he went on to dress other first ladies including Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.
After winning over the first ladies of America, he began dressing Hollywood stars including Audrey Hepburn, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Last year he commented on his disease saying: “Yes, I had cancer. Right now, I am totally clean. The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life.”
The world won’t be the same without his stunning creations and he will be sorely missed. DOWNTOWN’s thoughts and prayers are with his family in this sad time.
