Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2017 Ready-to-Wear Review

     In uncertain times within the fashion world, Marc Jacobs has concocted a business strategy that combines his old diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, into his main brand to make the vision available to more customers. The brand has been going through with this plan for two years now, and can be seen on the runway with the mix of $200 denim jackets paired over $2,000 embroidered dresses and nearly everything in between. For example, in the Fall 2016 collection, there was layering of cheaper denim jackets over sequined bell-shaped skirts that were more than triple the price of the jacket. This time around for Spring, Marc Jacobs built up a massive rave filled with thousands of soft lights. When it comes to raves, an individual goes to forget something, escape reality, and enjoy the surreal, by usual use of hallucinogenic drugs. It makes sense then, to have vibrant colors smeared into Marie Antoinette-esque fabricated gowns that were slashed short to reveal sky-high platform boots. There was also 1990s inspired shimmery prints on tailored pants and jackets in powder blue, lilac, and soft pinks. A celebration of youth sub-cultures of today as well as yesterday. Blitz Kids, Lolita, grunge, and glam rock all danced around as inspirations for the anti-subtle looks that stopped through the wide and ethereal set. Once dissected into individual garments, the clothes themselves carry on the theme of showy Americana that Marc Jacobs has been playing with in these past few years. In fact, some of the pieces are actual repeats of pieces that came a season or even a year before it, just in different fabric or color to match with the current collection. This is something new in fashion. Rather than chucking out everything that was done before in a previous collection and completely restarting, some staple pieces are constantly available but made new again with the new runway collection, making them appear fresh and have a longer shelf life at the same time. Psychedelic and fun twists and turns finished off a New York Fashion Week that is otherwise tragically boring and commercial without Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2016 Ready-to-Wear Review

     This was the most interesting thing of New York Fashion Week. With all the hype of celebrity designers, all the talk of the fashion calendar changing forever because of Burberry's announcement for how they are going to present their clothes from now on, and the overall monotonousness of other New York collections, out comes Marc Jacobs' gothic and enticing collection on the last day. Set up in a stark white circular setting, the elongated models came out, shadows first. The clothes were gothic, reflecting on the dark alternative subculture. There were massive amounts of clothes, with layering techniques of oversized lacy collars, thick Victorian skirts, punkish bricolage slogan sweatshirts, distressed denim adorned with safety pins and chains, Tim Burton-esque striped stockings, and massive platform high heeled boots. Punk is usually associated with loud and fast music, but the score for the show was quite the opposite. Instead, a single bell chime over and over was the only chosen soundtrack. The soundtrack and venue gave the atmosphere a very ghostly vibe. Besides the gothic subtext, there was elements of vintage nostalgia, and new ideas. Though the model's eyes and lips were black, the clothes were not totally noir. Beautiful jades, purples, and browns covered jackets and furs stockpiled together with flashes of pink bags. A massive collection, full of so much interesting combinations and pairings, manages to really show a focus on individual pieces. For example, massively embellished coats for the harsh winters were a major highlight. Also, red-carpet worthy sheer gowns of elongated 1920's shapes flowed and swung around in a dazzling display. It is hard to list everything in this collection, in fact, because there are so many offers of different styles. It is no doubt full of references, that mix in fondue pot of luxury and beauty. What fashion needs, I believe, is a sheer presentation of ideas that is maximalist and in your face. This is because when you push creativity and an emotion, you allow an audience to respond with an emotion.

NYFW Spring/Summer 2015 Favorite Looks

     If you haven't noticed (which is nearly impossible considering the media attention), it's New York Fashion Week. Every September, multiple American designers all present their Spring/Summer 2015 collections. Here is a composition of my favorite looks throughout the week. Not surprisingly, I either prefer dark, rich colors, or stark whites. Or a combination of both.

Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2015

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2015

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2015

Public School Spring/Summer 2015

Opening Ceremony Spring/Summer 2015

Photo Credits: Style.com

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2014 Menswear Review

     Marc Jacobs' Spring/Summer collection makes me think of a 1960's dandy. A kind of historical hipster. The clothes were pastel, the hair gelled or waxed back, and the ties and other assorted accessories flourished with flower prints. The pastel colors evolved, much like the 60's, only reversed, to a more professional twist with dark and rich power suits in various grays and maroons. I personally adored the statement-making neckerchiefs around the neck and the modern and retro sunglasses.