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: Carmen Marc Valvo

TIME Magazine stood up and took notice of Carmen after his Fall 2005 collection in a feature story saying “While other designers seek to shock, Valvo’s creations shine in the marketplace.” Valvo grew up in a traditional Spanish/Italian family in Westchester County, New York

Carmen has proven to be a dedicated scholar of his craft, carefully honing his skills to master the fine art of cutting and draping fabric to enhance the female physique so that every customer feels like a star on the red carpet when they walk into a room wearing one of his creations. Along the way, his designs have ended up on some of the World’s most sophisticated, talented, and glamorous women. From HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Katie Couric, Leona Lewis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vanessa Williams, Kate Winslet, Eva Longoria, and Mary J. Blige just to name a few, to fashionable films such as  Confessions of a Shopaholic.

I found his Spring 2014 collection to be young, fresh and very precisely executed. I loved the cutouts that were in several pieces. you all know I love short dresses, more so shift dresses so this was a collection i enjoyed. The hair styles were an interesting addition.

CARMEN MARC VALVO SPRING 2014:

This was a favourite the hair, the dress, the styling. All of it

I find this dress fascinating.

My second favourite dress in this collection.

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: BCBGMAXAZRIA

BCBGMAXAZRIA was founded in 1989 by Designer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Max Azria. In 1991, Azria’s wife and muse, Lubov, joined BCBGMAXAZRIA as Creative Director. Named for the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, a Parisian slang meaning “good style, good attitude,” the brand embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit.

Azria broke new ground when he launched BCBGMAXAZRIA, redefining the designer category by offering innovative, high-quality clothing at contemporary price points. With the overwhelming success of his women’s ready-to-wear line, Azria ultimately evolved BCBGMAXAZRIA into a complete lifestyle brand for women, with evening dresses, swimwear, footwear, handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, watches and more.

This is another collection that invariably makes me yearn for the previous year's spring collection. The Spring 2014 collection  has an equal number of hits as it has misses. The 2013 spring collection made me want to grab almost every piece of outfit that was showcased and I do admit that is a very high standard to measure consequent collections

We will look at a few of the pieces in the 2014 spring collection that were hits in my opinion then look at the awesome 2013 spring collection pieces which make BCBG a favourite of so many Hollywood stars.

CURRENT: Spring 2014

This dress is the epitome of expensive simplicity. It is not fussy and a woman would be comfortable and sexy in it. This was my favourite piece in the collection. Spring 2014. BCBG

The design of this outfit is what i call intelligent. It makes me want to figure it out like a puzzle and not end up saying ;what a mess! I like the asymmetrical dropped waist and the peekaboo sheer detail on the thigh  with the flower print being on the minimum. BCBG Spring 2014

I picked this dress selfishly for two reasons: my friend and former housemate Viv would like it or so I assume :) and the other reason is how that colour looks fab on dark skin like mine. BCBG Spring 2014

This was my second favourite piece in the whole collection. It reminds me of DVF designs.  I keep staring at it and wanting to touch it and of course wear it. This is another uncomplicated outfit which will make a woman look and feel sexy. BCBG Spring 2014

I find this outfit interesting. I am sure some will hate it but i like contrast and this is an equivalent to a an art piece at the dinner table which is a conversation starter. Some will only like the blazer while others the dress/skirt? BCBG Spring 2014

SPRING 2013:

This dress remind me of Donna in 'suits'! I really want this dress. Perhaps because in a few weeks i turn 29 but I'm now drawn to such dresses. Grown up sexy. BCBG Spring 2013

This was another piece that stole my heart. It would be perfect for my slender body! I love the colour, the mix of different textures and the cut! More that that the model has been styled so well. I love this look. BCBG Spring 2013

This is a jumpsuit I would definitely wear! It is classy, elegant and so cool. It is doing good things to her body unlike most jumpsuits. The top has some body armour feel to it yet she still looks feminine. BCBG OUTDID themselves Spring 2013

I think offices should allow women to wear such outfits to work and more people would be less miserable at work. I love it. The harness brings  just a hint of naughtiness but it is not crossing the line. The white shoes work really well with the print of the dress. BCBG  Spring 2013

No one is messing with you when you wear this outfit! I love it!

This dress is exquisite! The cut, the colour, how it flows! BCBG Spring 2013

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