The Color Orange: from brand association to fashion statement

One of the most fascinating colors in fashion is the Hermès orange pantone. Now one of the most instantly recognizable colors in the world of corporate brands, one may wonder how the luxury house ended up making this unconventional color choice in the first place. Interestingly, as Dana Thomas proclaims, "orange was the only color widely available during World War II to the money-saving benefits of raw-edge cutting, which had been marketed to the public as a cutting-edge, avant-garde innovation". Conveniently enough, this signature orange went even further as to position Hermès as a brand that caters both to a male and female clientèle. 

How perfect is the brown embossing on orange? Exquisite me thinks. The marriage between the two colors should not be underestimated. If you want to make a bold statement, this may be one of the best recommendations you will ever receive in the name of style. And no, it doesn't get reduced to Halloween season only. 

Hermès Orange

It seems like designers of Autumn/Winter 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 fashion collections have endorsed orange for its versatility, as it is a unisex color definitely adaptable to both ultra feminine and androgynous styles. For Miu Miu, an orange blouse paired to a 1940's inspired bow belted black pencil skirt beautifully revives a directional look, while for Diesel it is an orange sweater dress that will playfully add youth to a strict and slender female silhouette in black leather pants and motorcycle heeled boots. Or maybe our designers are simply paying tribute to one of the big masters of all luxuries...who knows. I will leave it up to your interpretation. 

Miu Miu AW 2011 RTW via Fashion Style List

Diesel SS 2012

As for me, the above reflection inspired me to dress accordingly. Lately, I've been strolling around the city hitting up random phone booths for kicks and called out to be a walking Hermès box. If you've seen me recently, you know what I mean.

blazer: et vous, sweater: Max Mara, shorts: H&M, boots: Marc Jacobs, bag: Lanvin

To that attribute, I'll say: word. I'll take it as a compliment. You should try it too! 

H&M vs. Michael Kors

Although this blog's mission is to analyze current trends, where they come from and how they came about, it also never fails to cover interesting overlaps between pieces belonging to higher fashion and those created by the most popular mass retailers we have today. Take H&M for example. While the Swedish retailer has been engaging in guest-designer collaborations each year since it's first exclusive collection with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, it often surreptitiously adapts the creations of world known designers for the everyday mainstream and let's not kid ourselves, even the most glamorous fashionistas very frequently opt for the mainstream. After all, the Kaiser said it himself: "Go either very cheap or very expensive. It's the middle ground that is fashion nowhere." So tell me, when will it be expensive and when will it be cheap? 

passport holder: Michael Kors vs. mobile phone case: H&M

Don't fret over the question, the above accessories should help you make your decision. And whether you like one or the other, expensive or cheap, so long as you carry yourself well, your look will always be chic!

Olives and greys inspire softness this Fall

A fresh view on the Y-3 FW 2011 collection made me concentrate on Yamamoto's smart play on olive and grey tones. Blending elements of functionality with elegance and subtle finishing are a trademark of Yamamoto's designs. I will not reiterate how his take on fashion challenged all traditional codes, however for those who are burning to find out more about Yamamoto's technique, I have covered it when lusting over his mastery of black and blue clothing here. 

The use of protective shapes around grey and olive tones in this collection is particularly striking. From long jackets cocooning around the body, to ballooned pants and giant skirts under long flannels, the Y-3 label's voluminous shapes certainly allude to a slightly pioneer-maiden look. The choice of olive and grey tones in some instances however added the touch of softness necessary for the performance-based label to appeal to the team-spirited and sport savvy customer. 

Y-3 FW 2011 Ready-to-Wear, via Style.com

Inspired by these trending colors and hanging onto the last weeks of Fall, I decided to mix and match them in my own way and create a slightly dressier type of street style. I will leave it up to you to dissect my style...

jacket: H&M, shirt: Zara, jeggings: Joseph, shoes: House of Harlow 1960, bag: Lanvin

Until then, enjoy the weekend!