Sunday, September 25, 2011

Monday #3

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/219451/20110925/oktoberfest-2011-facts.htm

The photo on the link above is of people initiating the celebration in Munich, Germany for the annual Oktober fest! The image presents a classic representation of the festival, one that is joyous and exciting for all!

The mood of the photograph is displayed in its coloring. The bright colors and heavy saturation make the photo seem more exciting and festive. Also, the people in the photograph all smile dramatically, happy to be celebrating in Germany, toasting their beers in celebration! They are all dressed in mock- traditional German clothing to represent the historical aspect of the well known festival, but the modern changes add a costume- like dynamic that make the photo seem almost goofy and child like. Another thing to note in the image is its background. Though the photograph leaves the background out of focus, the viewer can clearly make out a mass of people behind those cheersing in the foreground. This adds a sense of community to the image- that all are welcomed to this fun atmosphere to enjoy the beer, the history, and the culture of Germany's Oktoberfest!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Monday #1

 http://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Fashion-world-honors-Sept-11-as-shows-go-on-2165583.php

On the runway on September 11, designers released pieces from their spring 2012 collections. The show did not go on without paying respects to the tragic events of September 11th just a decade ago. The show stopped twice for moments of silence to commemorate both of the twin towers. The designers noted strong patriotic influenced in their collections also to honor the events. Donna Karan, one of the feature designers of the show chose a yellow taxi for the backdrop of her runway to symbolize New York City. She also featured garments that used red and navy striping to add to the American pride of the show. Other designers, such as Victoria Beckham, also featured navy as a primary color to the 2012 color palette. Beckham also moved away from the loose silhouettes she had featured last season to become more in touch with her original designs- geometric lines and flattering angles. Her new line featured tight bodices, asymmetrical design, and uniquely flattering hem and necklines. On the other hand, designer Carmen Marc Valvo, invoked a more free and loose feeling with his spring 2012 garments. He introduced his line with a poem, and continued the show with his models  featuring his eyeware. His line was noted for its sophistication, but also for its incredible long dresses. Taking another direction, Monique Lhuillier differentiated herself with a very sporty, but feminine line. Lhuillier maintained a similar color palette though, featuring vibrant yellows paired with navy.

Monday #2

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/17/fashion/calvin-klein-lwren-scott-marc-jacobs-ny-fashion-week.html?_r=1&ref=fashion

Cathy Horyn wrote about her experience at the end of New York's fashion week, reviewing a few of the notable designers in the show. As for the entirety of the show, Horyn commented that there were many repetitive styles such as the color blocking, primary colors, and short, edgy hair cuts.

Horyn then began to describe specific designers, noting Marc Jacobs heavy use of synthetic and glossy textures. Overall, Horyn believed his line was a disappointment in comparison to his previous textured collections, saying that it "wasn't all that interesting or humorous."

Next in line for review was L'wren Scott, whose collection was surprising and approved by Horyn. Scott is most well known for her long and edgy dresses that seem very dominating and powerful, Horyn describes them as her "siren and headmistress dresses." However, this collection showed more variety including pencil skirts and full sleeved chiffon blouses. The color palette Scott used was relatively neutral, and Horyn commented that it was a "welcomed break from the giddy colors on the runways."

Another designer that received Horyn's kudos was Francisco Costa who designed for Calvin Klein. Similar to L'Wren Scott, Costa's palette broke the gaudy primary color trend in the show, favoring neutrals. Horyn also acknowledges the shapes Costa uses in the garments as "simple" and "contemporary". His bra-like definition in the dresses Horyn says offers "a silhouette that looked different and fresh" and also "a legitimate solution to nakedness."