The high-top sneaker: a comfortable canvas for high fashion

‘Tis the season to stand out whether it be spaced out, studded, or wild. 

sneakers, from left to right, top to bottom: Karl, Isabel Marant, Miu Miu & Pierre Hardy

You've most likely noticed the recent invasion of luxury designer branded trainers in the fashion scene, and of course trickling down to the streets of style. Brands such as Isabel Marant, Miu Miu, Pierre Hardy and of course our dear beloved Karl for Net-a-Porter, have used some of their fashion forward tricks to stir some unexpected and unique kicks in a new-found popular canvas: the high-top sneaker. And so the time came to rebuke all assumptions characterizing fashion as a purely whimsical art form: fusing forward fashion footwear with the active market definitely bridges the gap between  function and fashion.

sneakers: Karl for Net-a-Porter

Of course I could not resist Karl's edition of the high-tops. Like how they shine in the above snapshot? Let me tell you something: I love their comfiness even more. Got it? Fashion & comfort--now is that enough to convince you? Come on, you know you'd just loooove a pair!

The LBD revisited with a twist of pop culture

dress: Geren Ford (find an inspirational one here), pumps: Christian Louboutin  

Today's dissection inspects pop culture's influence towards fashion. Already examined in a previous post, the LBD well deserves a second view. This style necessity is way more than just an icon. Indeed, the Cocos of the world turned it into a fashion rule since the 1920s, but it has well developed into the mainstream to appear and reappear in different forms, and within different mediums. 

A closer look at this particular LBD style might refresh your memory and bring back those days of cinematic glory, when Hollywood movies were created under the preconceived notion that anything is possible in love. That is precisely how Pretty Woman came about, and of course, that unforgettable black cocktail dress, which not only caused all heads to turn but survived Vivian's (Julia Roberts) attempts at savoring a 6 course dinner. Of course in this case, we had our beloved Damla to model and add an extra modern touch with some pink Louboutins. A perfect youthful boost of color to her outfit, these lovely feet jewels give off a mischievous flirty feel to her elegant demeanor.

The LBD according to Pretty Woman

Aren't the design similarities particularly striking? Regardless, this is not a contest of who wore it best. They both inspire timeless elegance and youthful mischief. So go ahead and admire them and their wearers, and just an fyi, I'm sure they'd love a little comment, or two...

The Career Clutch Comeback

 from left to right, all from SS 12: Celine, Lanvin & Prada

The career clutch is returning this season. Judging by the above shots, Phoebe Philo, Alber Elbaz & Miuccia Prada have definitely put an effortlessly cool and modern spin to multicolor leather paneled envelope clutches and portfolio clutches. 

Once known only as an evening go-to in the 70s, the envelope clutch has grown to become an everyday staple. The Spring's palette of lighter hues and textured leathers add a modern touch to this piece. While the latter is purely designed to beautify its wearer's ladylike demeanor, the portfolio clutch serves a dual purpose: an accessory that once held paper files in the 60s and 70s now rides the wave of iPad-friendly accessories and carries the newest technological devices. Wait until you see this fine innovation, as ever-slimmer silhouettes have emerged, with envelope flap closures for Lanvin or sleek zippers for Prada. 

Often tinted in sandy beige or soft pink for Spring, these contemporary must-haves have yet to raid the streets. I'd be curious to see how well they become adopted as every fashion insider's arm candy. What do you say? Do you want a piece of that candy too?