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Opique-Attitude

A great blend of pieces for a number of looks and styles

The Attitude by Jay Manuel show began in a cloud of smoke as the first model entered the runway. A blend of retro, boho and safari, the collection is comprised of simple, versatile and well-styled looks. Commercial by nature, the brand once again proved that fashion lovers don’t need exorbitant budgets or outlandish tastes to look chic when the summer months come back around. The supremely stylish accessories definitely strengthened the collection and forecasted some upcoming trends. Woven hats, headwraps, chunky arm candy and feathered jewelry garnished jumpsuits and separates made with bold colors and rich textural prints. This was definitely a collection with vast market appeal.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: Attitude by Jay Manuel

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Opique-Joeffer

Pops of color, with edge style and sophistication.

Total was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the S/S 2012 collection from Joeffer Caoc. His line was clean, yet bold with pops of color. From the bright oranges to the hot pinks, you saw his take on color blocking going into 2012. He then successfully mixed styles from dark to metallics, to sheer to sky blues. The two key aspects that made the show was his ability to mix separates, from dress to shorts and pair them with great shoes. Each look was complete and strong. The Joeffer Caoc woman is young, confident, and wants a strong, clean look that can be worn at any time and anywhere. For every occasion, Joeffer Caoc has a complete look from head to toe.

Written by Paul Ross

For more looks and where to purchase: joeffercaoc.com

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Opique-Lovas

Well tailored Caribbean and Indian inspired pieces

Wesley Badanjak’s Caribbean inspirations are apparent in his SS’12 contribution to LG fashion week. A cast of ethnic models strutted in well-tailored garments that were infused with a breezy, tropical flavoring. Rambunctious ruffles, pretty pleats and sophisticated shirring highlighted the cool and carefree femininity of the show. Beaded necklaces, wooden bangles, and open-toed sandals were the perfect accoutrements for the stylish Island girls who sported messy braids (sometimes accompanied by feathers). Whether she’s sipping coconut milk on the beach or heading to a carnival party, the Lovas girl of SS’12 is always effortlessly well-dressed.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: lovasfashion.com

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Michi

Fun futuristic fashions for the female workout warrior

Channelling George Orwell’s famous novel 1984, the Michi SS’12 show began with grainy black and white footage of industrial machinery trudging away in some ambiguous warehouse. Through this environment came the first sights and sounds of the showcase. One model in second skin body-con became flanked by two more on each side creating a dynamic girl band outfitted in the sexiest Jazzercising ensembles one could ever imagine. Bondage straps, cut outs, mesh and panelling were the staples of the collection whose palette was cranberry, mustard and amethyst balanced by black and white. While there was an abundance of garments that were both body-hugging and body-baring, a balance was achieved with a few light and loose pieces that swung in the air as the vivacious models danced down the runway to up-tempo music. Not for the shy or self-conscious, the Michi show was a breath of fresh air against stale, safe or predictable fashion.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: michiny.com

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Leyla Piedayesh's fun, sheer and futuristic compositions for Lala Berlin. - Photos by Opique

Tints and pastels created a soft and airy opening to the LALA Berlin show. Cream, lavender and seafoam green blended together in a marbling effect featured on dresses, tops and trousers. There is a universal feeling of whimsical weightlessness echoed in the super light and loose-fitting garments that seemed to flow and undulate as the models walked. The garments can best be described as “open concept” with many being somewhat translucent and others featuring cut-outs. Despite all this exposure, there is no feeling of overt sexualization. Sequins and big, soft knits hung from the models that resembled glitter-faced pixies far more than Hollywood sexpots. Midway through the show shades and tones overtook the airy pastels. The marbling was replaced by another large scale print, this time a crystal kaleidoscope of natural earth tones and turquoise. These deeper hues add weight to the collection. While still girlishly demure, they were the gravity that grounded this very dreamlike runway show.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: lalaberlin.com

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Floral, structured and whimsical looks from AM Spring 2012 show - Photos by Opique

The Arthur Mendonça woman of Spring/Summer 2012 definitely has a taste for vibrant and rich colors. In this collection splashes of fuchsia and electric yellow accented more subdued colors such as burnt orange, cocoa and cream. Texture and pattern also play a role in enriching the collection. Models came down the runway in mature florals, animal print stripes and muted geometrics as well as garments that were gathered and draped. While the collection featured many suits and workplace separates, there were also plenty of flowing dresses for the Mendonça woman to wear on her day off from work. Gold arm bands, snakeskin belts and large necklaces reminiscent of breastplates finished the looks, adding a warrior-like dimension to the cosmopolitan collection.

Written by Mirian Njoh

For more looks and where to purchase: arthurmedonca.com

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