Fashion - January

Mind for Fashion - January 2011

--- Christy Lin

     Picture this: lights in the floor, in the ceiling, colored, moving, flashing, all centered on a single walkway. Then there’s sound; music so loud that you feel more than hear it, people everywhere, mingling, making introductions and finding old acquaintances. You find your seat, a less than comfortable folding chair set up somewhere on either side of the catwalk, and it hits you. Anticipation. What are you about to see? Models? Clothing? Some middle aged “queen” with ok looks and all the ideas? Well, essentially yes. That’s not what you came here for though, it’s not what you long to experience, and it’s certainly not why so many others have flocked to this one room, or this one stage. What you are about to witness is fashion in its truest form. Not just the clothes that people wear or the trends that people will eventually buy, but the art and the lifestyle which fashion has grown into over the course of history. This is how I’d like to think of it, at least. 

     Have I ever been to a real fashion show? No, nor have I ever personally been to a fashionable event outside or involving more than the people of a small Nevada town. I basically have no real, firsthand experience in the high fashion world. But ever since I first viewed the Fall 2006 Couture show by John Galliano for Christian Dior, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So what I do have is passion, and an opportunity to learn, create, and break into this growing industry. For me, fashion is more than fabric and shoes, it’s another form of artistic expression. Where sculptors have their clay and writers have their pens, designers have silk, cotton, and any other material that catches their fancy. Where a painter or photographer would have a gallery to display their work, couturiers have a runway. 

Dior Fashion Show 2006-2007 Autumn/Winter

     Now don’t get me wrong, I love to shop as much as any other girl (check out the Mall Crawl section), but what I find in malls and what I see in fashion shows, well it’s like two different worlds. In one, it’s clothing; that element of survival which presents to the world your likes, dislikes, mood, or work. The other is less practical. Here, models are like canvases, and looks can exhibit anything from the designer’s memories, dreams, or fantasies. Innovators like Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, and the late Alexander McQueen have molded fashion into much more than models on a catwalk, they have made it into a fine art. To them, fashion is not just what to wear, it’s a way of life. It is this side of fashion that I hope to explore and share with you, the side that most people seem to overlook and the world that I hope to pave my way into one day. The question now is where do I start?

Alexander McQueen Couture

Mall Crawl - January 2011

--- Christy Lin

       

     This is where I get to be a girl, the materialistic one that goes to the mall to shop, socialize, and find those pieces which define the “it” crowd from, well, everyone else. So with that said, I give you my monthly “Mall Crawl” where I will spell out fashion trends as I see them: what to wear, how to wear it, and where to find it. Not to worry, you are in very good hands.

     Alright, for the ladies, the things to look out for in 2011 (besides that one person you may have kissed at midnight on New Year’s) are sequins and shiny things. I’m not sure if it’s a byproduct of Twilight or Mariah Carey finally taking over the world, but this year just seems to be about glitter. Most of the popular chain stores, from Charlotte Russe to Nordstroms, now carry some sort of sequined dress or top in every color possible, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find at least one item that fits right, looks good, and is affordable. Rhinestone and crystal jewelry or embellishments (when used correctly) are also a great way to add a little sparkle to virtually any outfit, casual or formal, day or night. Just keep in mind that it is easy to go overboard with these trends, so please use in moderation; you’re trying to catch someone’s eye, not burn it out. 

     As far as accessories go, HATS! Slouchy hats, beanie hats, bucket hats; needless to say that they are no longer just for winter or those bad hair days after a night you’d much rather forget, so don’t be afraid to sport that sombrero! Unless it really is a sombrero…. Moving onto shoes. The biggest shoe trends this season are definitely combat boots, ankle boots, and platform heels. I’m honestly not sure if there is a set way to wear any of these, so just play around until you find something you like. Remember that as long as YOU love the way you look, then everyone else will follow.

     Ok, now it’s the guys’ turn. The biggest thing I’ve seen for any guy who wants to class his wardrobe up this season is the color purple (not the book…or the Oprah movie). Shirts, ties (skinny ones!), even sweaters, purple is everywhere, and I just have to say, it looks fucking hot when worn correctly. Look for either a purple that is really deep or really light, and you can wear it casual, or for business. It adds that unexpected element that works despite all past prejudices for this often overlooked hue.

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     A good investment to make this season would be in v-neck sweaters and fitted button-down shirts. Wear them with jeans and boots and pow! you get the currently trending (and very attractive) “City Cowboy” look which keeps popping up on runways and in magazines. The v-neck sweaters can also double as long sleeve shirts and they look great under jackets or just by themselves. 

     One last thing that everyone should be aware of: Leather. Ladies, forget pretty and proper, the slightly dangerous and adventurous feel of a nice, slightly worn leather jacket will definitely give you an edge, not to mention they are immensely comfortable, and well, what guy doesn’t like that smell ?*wink*

Guys, if you’re a fan of Mick Jagger, then you’ll love this. Leather pants are coming back! Just please, if you’re going to go out and buy a pair, make sure they fit. Man tights are only acceptable for dancers and Renaissance faires, leather is no exception.

Alright everyone, that’s it for this month! Now let’s get this year off to a good start!