Ummm hi. Long time no see, right? Well I spent last fall in a bit of an existential funk, and unfortunately this blog was one of the first things I stopped caring about- in addition to my health, making friends, etc. But there's no need to fret my pretties, because with the new year I decided to get my shit together and start writing again. Sticking with that awfully cliched "new year, new you" mantra, I've revamped the page and my life to serve as a more accurate depiction of who I am and what I want for myself. Blah blah blah, enough about me, let's get down to fashion! The amazing weather here in Los Angeles has me eagerly awaiting the Spring 2012 trends and collections, and the first that caught my eye was the Roaring Twenties revival all over the runways.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2012
Alberta Ferretti Spring 2012
Marchesa Spring 2012
I am having a pretty serious moment with the art deco glamour oozing from these looks. Gucci's interpretation of the trend had my jaw on the floor and my credit card whimpering in fear. The architectural feel of the garments and the graphic color choices make this the wardrobe of a modern day flapper. Cute coincidence- Gucci was actually founded in 1921, making this collection seem even more timely (to me at least). And while Alberta Ferretti didn't have the most cohesive collection in my opinion, the use of color is just breathtaking. In this dress the sheer panels add the perfect amount of sex appeal and gave it more visual interest. Marchesa, sweet Marchesa, oh how I adore the combination of ethereal and slinky gowns you sent down the runway. Seriously though, you should check out the whole show because I had trouble choosing just one look. Ralph Lauren is an obvious choice for the best of this trend being that he deigned the costumes for The Great Gatsby in the 70s. Lauren's 2012 spin on Jazz Era finery is romantic and luxurious, all pastels and rich fabrics, but it's not really the most wearable collection in my opinion. Christian Dior, Emporio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and The Row all earn serious props for their contributions to the trend and I highly recommend you go check them out in Deco Echoes on style.com.
Lea Michelle in Marchesa
Vanessa Hudgens in Jenny Packham
Emma Stone in Gucci
This trend is not limited to the runway either; if the People's Choice Awards are any indication of red carpets to come I'm predicting that we will be seeing plenty of Daisy Buchanan look-alikes. Which brings me to what I believe served as inspiration for designers- the new Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. The original film adaptation with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow is one of my fave fashion inspiration films, and I just die over the costumes and set design every time I watch it. I'm a bit wary of remakes, but I'm clearly obliged to see this one if for no other reason than to compare the costume design to the original. Apparently Tiffany & Co is designing the jewelry, so at least that is guaranteed to be awesome.
Carey Mulligan as Daisy
1974's Gatsby sets the bar pretty high...
And some fabulous 1920s fashion
You thought I forgot about the shopping section didn't you? I did initially, but yeah, we both know I've got nothing better to do. Stylelist has a whole slideshow on the Twenties-ish t-strap shoe, but these are definitely my personal fave. Cloche hats are a cute way to inject this trend into your existing wardrobe, and since hats look totally heinous on me, I'm loving this turban as a more daring alternative. Drop-waist dresses are definitely an easy way to recreate the trend, as is anything with fringe or beading. Personally, I'm obsessed with this dress by Sue Wong (it's even on sale!). As for jewelry, any pearls you've got should do, but for a more art deco vibe I suggest this cuff, or something like it. This is yet another trend that you have to be careful with or you'll wind up looking like you're headed to a costume party.
I think it's amazing how much dancing has changed in 90 years. For more fantabulous 1920s dancing/fashion/awesomeness, go rent Chicago or Some Like It Hot. Have fun and thanks for reading!
