Berlin Fashion Week, F/W'13 RTW

Sprechen sie Deutch? Well, little did we know but the Germans sure speak the sartorial language of fine craftsmanship. Berlin, the land of the culturally forgotten, has reemerged as a serious player amongst the other European fashion capitals. Sponsored by Mercedes Benz, the Berlin tents have been showcasing fashion worth noticing over this past week. It’s difficult to tell what it is that sets German apparel apart from others, but there is undeniably a unique vibe in the nation.

            Sharp lines and a minimalistic palate prevailed at North American-loved Hugo by Hugo Boss. Favourites were stark white sheath dresses with colour-blocked panels, architecturally designed coats to keep out the cool Eastern wind, and long, A-line black vests with bandeaus concealing the bust.

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Hugo by Hugo Boss

Augustin Teboul

Augustin Teboul

            A sharp contrast to the simplistic charm found at Boss, Augustin Teboul sent out a host of gothic vixens in black-on-black-on-black ensembles. Webbed laces and black netting served as textiles and the menswear inspired garments were seductive enough to make Liza Minnelli’s Cabaret character blush. Large brimmed hats sat atop long horsehair wigs, eyebrows were bleached, features were sharply defined, and long fringe fell across layered looks.

Augustin Teboul

Liza Minnelli in Cabaret

The Lena Hoschek show first evoked admiration, then dislike, and ultimately confusion in me. The show began with a slew of models with elegant braided updos and cat-eye liner wearing feminine gowns in beautiful laces and brocades. The dainty heels paired with these dresses were eventually replaced with chucky combat boots and ripped stockings. This quirky juxtaposition was appreciated, but as the show progressed models began to appear donning Southwestern inspired embroidery and detailing, and at this point Hoschek had lost me, and the collection seemed incohesive as well as disorienting. Nevertheless, the evening gowns were made with impeccable precision, and the draping of the soft fabrics evoked the mood of a romantic fairytale.

Lena Hoschek

Lena Hoschek

Lena Hoschek

            Dietrich Emter enchanted me with sharp tailoring and soft feminine hues. Ladylike skirt-suits and fur-collared-coats in dust pinks, blacks, and beiges were flattering and current. While maintaining classic silhouettes, Emter produced garments that are sure to be retail favourites.

Dietrich Emter

Dietrich Emter

Dietrich Emter

            Dorothea Schumacher of Schumacher Designs was truly the Berlin belle-of-the-ball. Beautiful monochromatic work-appropriate apparel graced the runways in whites, mustards, wines, and blacks. Blazers were sharply cut and cropped trousers were flattering with delicate heels. The peplum resurfaced once again, and capes and coats were rampant. Schumaher’s aesthetic had a certain Russian appeal, and models donned fur hats that would make Anna Karenina envious.

Schumacher

Schumacher

Schumacher

Schumacher

Schumacher

-Sienna Vittoria

@SiennaVittoria

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Best Dressed at the 2013 Golden Globes

It's  that time of year again Fave readers!

That's right: it's Golden Globe time!

Celebrities came out looking fabulous to kick off the 2013 award season and there were definitely some incredible gowns worth mentioning. Check out last year's Fave post if you haven't yet: http://favemagazine.blogspot.ca/2012/01/best-dressed-at-golden-globes.html

Without further ado, here were my favorites this year:

Isla Fisher

The Confessions of a Shopaholic star looked flawless and was definitely the first one that caught my eye!

Amy Adams

I am completely in love with this cream-colored number. This seemed to be the most popular style of dress (the "mermaid" style) on the red carpet but I think this one has got to be my favorite. Simple and sweet yet so glamorous. 

Anne Hathaway

Chanel Haute Couture...need I say more? Such a beautiful structured dress that really complimented the fair-skinned beauty and her short pixie cut. 

Julianne Hough

One of my recent favorite actresses; I thought she dazzled in her Monique Lhuillier number! 

Kate Hudson

This Alexander Mcqueen gown was just breathtaking on her. So fierce looking for such a natural beauty! 

Nicole Kidman

Wow! She looked AMAZING. This gown is so beautiful.

Pamella Rolland

I love this fun emerald dress! The sequins made her sparkle and shine and the color is simply beautiful against her skin. I love how bold she was compared to all the boring white and cream dresses we saw on the red carpet that all seemed to look the same! 

Jessica Alba

This beautiful peachy Oscar De La Renta dress looked great on her and was fun while still keeping it safe. It looked so pretty with her tanned skin and definitely suited her well.

Michelle Dockery

This is an incredible gown by Alexandre Vauthier and I absolutely adore all the intricate detailing at the top of it. 

Emily Blunt

This curve-hugging Michael Kors number made Emily Blunt shine on the red carpet. So much beautiful detailing and I love the fit of this dress.

And the best beauty looks were...

I loved Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Laurence's hair and makeup. All three ladies looked fabulous with natural yet striking makeup and beautiful hair. I love the natural waves on Amanda as well as the cascading ones on one shoulder on Jennifer Lopez. Jennifer Laurence had a gorgeous up-do that I would love to recreate sometime.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post!

Let me know what other award shows you are looking forward to this season and if there's any of them you'd like me to do a post about at: @geninthecity on Twitter! 

xox Gen

A New Age: Post-Apocalyptic Fashion

~ Sienna Vittoria

             As we are supposedly entering a new age of zombie warfare and social decay that is known as the Post-Apocalyptic Era, I would like to take a second and look at some doomsday worthy fashion. Designers have been intrigued by the darkness our future has been said to hold for several seasons, and this weekend was a very important mark in the calendars of those who follow this notion. Horrific destruction and perilous battles are said to be immanent, and apparel must ensure practicality and safety.

Mad Max

Leather armor, in the form of body sculpting pants and bustiers, will protect skin from falling debris, and may even catch the eye of Mad Max or that cute zombie next door. Gas masks and helmets may also come in handy to stay clear of explosive chemicals. Large totes or backpacks will transport the scarce belongings that are left, as we live our nomadic life in the civilization that was once known to be safe. Migration will be necessary, and spiked defensive footwear will assist in the long tread.

Jeffrey Campbells

Jeffrey Campbells

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

Y!D.N.A., Ottawa Fashion Week F/W'12

As modern and incomplete interpretations of Mayan, Christian and others’ ancient traditional scriptures swirl around our culture, we must take into consideration that it may not be all doom and gloom after all. As some have explained, the Mayan calendar states that there have been 25,920 years in this era, and it is not the world that is ending but merely this Age. We are now entering into the next phase of human existence and evolution, where lightness and peace will prevail. Futuristic technology has been illustrated amongst this notion, but most importantly a new lightness will be experienced. Clothing that is loose fitting, soft, and airy will enchant designers, and lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and silk will grace the runways.

Marchesa, F/W'12

Alexander McQueen, F/W'11

Probal Gurung, F/W'12

Sienna Vittoria

@SiennaVittoria Twitter

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Holiday Gift Guide For Her

                                                                             

Hi wonderful Fave readers!
 Today I am doing my holiday gift guide for you; I'll show you all kinds of neat gifts to get the woman in your life! Whether it be your mom, your girlfriend or your best friend...here is what almost any lady in your life would love to receive. I have something for every budget; just make sure to keep their unique interests in mind! 

Shopper's Drug Mart Fragrance Sampler for her - 75$ 

Available at select Shopper's Drug Mart beauty boutiques throughout Canada. This is a GREAT gift for any woman in your life! It comes with 10 deluxe fragrance samples and a certificate that she can use, once she picks her favorite, to get a full size perfume of her choice!  Every girl likes to smell nice so this would really work for anyone since they can try out different perfumes and see which one they personally like best. 

La Senza PJ Sets - vary in price but very affordable! most between 20$ - 50$ 

I love the PJ sets from La Senza! They're all so cute and very well priced. Not to mention comfortable! Get a warm and cozy one in a fun color or print that she'll enjoy. If it's your mother, you may want to opt for something a little more mature. If it's for your girlfriend, they might want something a little more cute! Every girl loves comfy PJ's so I definitely recommend this gift to anyone. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - $60 - Available at Sephora

This is a great makeup palette for any woman since it has all neutral  /natural colors. It has highly pigmented eye shadows that are great quality and this palette (and the first Naked palette as well!) is raved about by editors and bloggers everywhere. Any woman can use this to create any kind of neutral makeup look. It is one of the best makeup palettes on the market and she will use it everyday! Another favorite of mine is the Too Faced Natural Eye palette so if you want check that one out as well if you want a cheaper alternative or can't find the Naked palette! 

Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch - 200$-300$

This is for someone you are looking to spend more money on. Trust me, this is such a beautiful gift! The rose gold watches by Micheal Kors are my favorite and I have been eyeing the Baguette-Bezel Watch in Rose Gold (pictured above) for a long time! This is something a woman might not spend the money to purchase for herself but would be a really nice gift from a loved one. They are beautiful watches and such great quality. A watch is nice for anyone; even if they don't wear alot of jewelry a nice watch is always great! 

A magazine subscription - vary in prices but could be anywhere from 15$ - 50$ for a year subscription (check individual magazine's website for specific subscription pricing)

I love receiving a magazine subscription as a gift! Half of my subscriptions I have gotten as gifts and it is really the gift that keeps on giving. They will have a little surprise in their mailbox every month! You can get subscriptions for one year, two years, etc. Some of my favorites include Flare, Elle Canada, Fashion Canada, Marie Claire, and InStyle (so for a younger woman). For an older woman, I suggest something a little more mature like Chatelaine or Vogue. There are also magazines for kids, teens, and much more so really something for EVERY girl/woman! 

A nice coat/jacket - varies in prices

Why not get her a nice and stylish coat to keep her warm and cozy? I love the one pictured above by Buffalo David Bitton (it retails for $158) but you can really get any style you think she might like! I would go to a store that she normally shops at and see if they offer outerwear. 

Kobo E-Reader - $79.99-$199.99 (various types available)

If they like to read, get them a kobo! I love my kobo and I actually got it as a gift over a little over a year ago. They can get all the books they love on it so that they will all be in one spot. It is easy to read from and doesn't take up a ton of space in your house like tons of books would!  

And there you have it!

Have fun shopping and HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at Fave Magazine!

xox - Gen
@geninthecity

Make sure to check out my personal blog at www.geninthecity.com for my Holiday Gift Guide For HIM - coming up soon! 

Angels and Diamonds: Victoria Secret's Couture Show

by Sienna Vittoria

Million dollar diamonds, lace, skilled craftsmanship and live acrobats. Contrary to the belief of many, the Victoria's Secret annual couture show is not merely a succession of scantily clad ladies prancing down the runway for the pleasure of preadolescent boys watching from their couches at home. The amount of work that is spent creating the intricately jeweled and laced couture lingerie is enormous, and is admirable to anyone who is familiar with the patience required to even thread a needle.

Veering towards more of a theatrical production than simply a runway show, this year viewers were audience to a spectacle of Carnival-themed lights, with background trapeze artists suspended in the air. Proceeding this, models walked in sweet blushtones and baby blues, donning bows and butterfly wings. Viewers were then taken on a trip through time, as each model that emerged on the runway was fashioned to embody a designated month of the year. Sparkles and tinsel sprinkled out as we were then transported to the time of classic Hollywood glamour, with models in diamonds, satins and velvets. Concluding the show was “Angels in Bloom”, featuring flower blossomed wings, and bright greens and pinks, reminiscent of Tinker Bell. This years honoured Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio, confidently sauntered down the runway in the legendary 2.5 million dollar "fantasy bra", sparkling from the stage with a 20-carot diamond as the centrepiece.

Alessandra Abrosio, "Fantasy Bra"

“As soon as the glitter settles on the runway [at the end], we’re thinking of next years show,” sighed Monica Mitro, Victoria's Secret’s agent. “It’s a year long process.”

The procedure begins with conceptual brainstorming, and according to Sophie Neophitou, the infamous Creative Director of Victoria Secret, “the inspiration comes from films, music, and a lot of the time from the [retail] V.S. collections.” May is when the sketches begin to emerge, illustrating that years' mood and aesthetic. The lingerie then begins to materialize, slowly and meticulously. “We work with some of the best artisans in the world…the jewelers, the drapers, the patternmakers,” Collection Designer Todd Thomas stated proudly. “Each piece might have to pass through ten different hands.” Upon the arrival of September, fittings begin, and the team “really works out the nitty gritty.”

Candace Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret Angel

Candice Swanepoel, Victoria's Secret’s current “it girl” has come a long way from where she began. Raised in a large rural farm in South Africa, she “was shy, and in [her] own world.” One day, while shopping with her mother at the local flea market, she was scouted and flown off to New York City where her modeling career began. “I was in awe,”commented Swanepoel, “it was like another planet.” First featured in Victoria's Secret runway shows, she caught the intrigue of fashions toughest critics. “I don’t think I would be anywhere without Victoria's Secret,” she stated truthfully. Her portfolio has since developed to catalogue collaborations with the industry's best, including Testino, Lagerfeld and Prada. She has graced the covers of leading publications such as Vogue Italia and Elle Magazine, becoming known as “the most glamorous model of the decade,” expressed Neophitou.

 ~ Sienna Vittoria 

sienna.vittoria@hotmail.com

@SiennaVittoria