NAUTICA SPRING 2014: NEW YORK FASHION WEEK- MENSWEAR

Nautica set sail in 1983 when founder, David Chu, created six styles of outerwear intended to seamlessly fuse fashion and function. Named for the Latin word “Nauticus” for ship, the Nautica logo became a spinnaker, a timeless symbol of adventure and exploration. Today, the world of Nautica represents both a rediscovery and a reinterpretation of what its customers have always wanted to wear.

Over the past three decades, Nautica has become one of the most important and most recognized brands throughout the world. Part of VF Corporation since 2003, a leader in branded quality apparel, Nautica is more relevant than ever to today’s consumer with refined casual classics that are inspired and energized by the water.

Black Sail, by Vice President Design & Creative Chris Cox, challenged the outdoorsy man to split his time between his rugged voyages on the sea and his polished social life, perhaps lounging or partying on a yacht.

 Cox, who took over the role of creative director in October 2008, struck the balance of the brand's iconic seafaring heritage but added in a functional, polished aesthetic in the 50-look collection.

The loose knit sweaters struck the perfect chord between comfort and style – printed swimwear, cropped pants, and simple slip on footwear gave the collection a feeling of being refreshing, adventurous, and free. Lightweight and functional jackets completed the look, hammering home the practical nature of the collection. Whether you’re planning on going boating or not, the collection offers up several viable options to mix in with the everyday man’s wardrobe.

I really like this look, I'm not too sure about the deep v-neck but I dig this look

Another look I really dig, again the neckline may put off some men but this look works.

This look reminds me of a friend of mine who is some miles away. This would be the type of look he would be into. I think its relaxed sexy! hihihi

Like the male model, a man would need to have a certain swag to pull off wearing white crop sweat pants. On this model the look get's a thumbs up

This reminds me of Scott Schuman!

The shorts could have been a tad longer but love the blue shirt.

I think enough guys would be able to pull off this look. It is not too casual. I wonder if my friend now turned farmer can still pull this look in the middle of those coffee farms.

Good use of colour.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SPRING 2014: TADASHI SHOJI

I have profound respect for designer who take a niche market and fully commit to it. Tadashi Shoji, Japan born and bred, is one of those designers. Troubled by the fact that women had few options for special occasion dresses in the contemporary market, Tadashi identified a niche and set out on his own.

In 1982, Tadashi launched his own collection, Tadashi Shoji, in Los Angeles, California. Tadashi Shoji has become widely recognized for its original designs and innovative collections. The company has seen steady growth since its inception and is carried in more than 4,000 major department and specialty store doors worldwide, including: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor. Internationally, the brand is available at high-end retailers such as: Vakko, Harvey Nichols Dubai, and Rustan’s.

In 2007, Tadashi launched the Tadashi Shoji Runway Collection for Fall 2007 during New York Fashion Week to rave reviews. By featuring the utmost in luxury and elegance, the much-anticipated collection continues to elevate and hone the brand’s image in the marketplace. His designs have won a loyal following with well-dressed women worldwide, including a wide range of celebrities such as: Octavia Spencer, Kate Beckinsale, Dita Von Teese, Florence Welch, Mo’Nique, Katy Perry, to name a few

In the Spring 2014 collection there are a few dresses that I loved more so the ones with almost an ethereal feel to them a theme that was evident in the Spring 2013 collection which had more pieces that I loved. 

Let's look at the Spring 2014 pieces:

This was my favourite piece, you can tell the designer understand's women's bodies.  There is both a dreamy feel and luxury.

I absolutely love the colour and fit of this dress. It's those dressy outfits which leave you feeling all dressed up while allowing you free movement

The fit of this dress is amazing! The colour balances out the texture created by the scale like pattern. I call these dresses grown sexy dresses.

This dress may be controversial due to how see through it is but I love the detail that has gone into it! I think it can be a bridal piece for a very BOLD bride

Let us now go back a year to look at the Spring 2013 pieces:

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013. This dress would look stunning on a curvy person.

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013. I want this dress!

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013. Love the dropped waist, bateau neckline and  deep blue tulle skirt

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SPRING 2014: Nicholas K

New York Fashion week is back and I purposed that I would get some reviews out of the way. I really like some designers like South African David Tlale but nothing in his spring collection stood out for me so sadly no reviews from me :-(

Nicholas K's  Spring 2014 collection caught my eye mostly due to the attitude of the clothes.  That may sound weird to some but clothes to convey a certain attitude and I totally liked a few of the pieces. I wouldn't wear them with the whole feathers angle but I get the red Indian/Bedouin mix they were going for on the runway. Their 2013 spring collection in my opinion was far much better, the luxurious fabrics used and the bright colours just made that collection so eye catching. I will include a few of those outfits here as we look at the current collection

2013 Spring collection

2013 Spring collection

2013 Spring collection

CURRENT: 2014 Spring Collection

I love how this outfit hangs on her body. I love how the colour is muted yet strong. The shoes just makes it all cool while the metal bracelet adds the glam factor. Spring 2014 collection

I'm a huge fan of prints like this one. It's what my friend Stella would call 'quietly majestic' hahaha I like the balance of the bulky top while the bottom allows her to show her legs with cool open toed booties

My kind of dress! Effortless yet oh still so pretty. This dress can be dressed up or down. Not a huge fan of the footwear or hairband but I would definitely go for this dress.

This whole ensemble screams ATTITUDE! The design, the colour, the styling, even the model! I totally heart it! One of my favourite from this collection

This dour faced model almost...ALMOST manages to kill this outfit but its too cool for that! I do think this is a really funky outfit!

DESIGNER;

Nicholas K is a New York based design company, founded in January of 2003 by siblings Nicholas and Christopher Kunz. Nicholas K was conceptualized with the intent of providing sophisticated customers with modern classics to become wardrobe staples.

For more information on the designers check them out here