Giambattista Valli Couture 2014: Inspiration for Bridemaids outfits

I was catching up with project runway season 13 and the alternative bride challenge caught my attention. I applaud those who are able to stay true to themselves even if it means going against the grain in the eyes of society. Several of my friends have gotten married and if you do a search for bride-maids dresses the result is more often than not a very narrow range; a fact that irritates me to no end seeing as I have been a bridesmaid a few too many times. This brings me to this post which was inspired by project runway and my own personal experience. I am hoping this post will be resourceful for a bride or bridesmaid who would want something slightly different( not different to goth proportions) yet still within the traditional wedding umbrella.  Haute couture is fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable seamstresses, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques. While Couture is not made for the ready to wear market, I still feel it can provide a rich source of inspiration for your different design needs. The two design houses whose couture collection always has me in anticipation  in January and July during Paris Fashion week  are Ellie Saab and Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli is an Italian designer and three celebrities come to mind to reference his work; Amal Alamuddin, Lupita Nyong'o and Blake Lively. Below are dresses from his Spring and Fall 2014 Couture collections that perhaps may provide an alternative design idea for bridemaids.

My favorite from Spring 2014 Couture collection

Merlot red.

I love stripes and this would be such a cool bridesmaid outfit more so for a black and white wedding.

nuff said!

love love love!

This was the outfit Amal wore in Venice the day after her wedding with Clooney of course :-)

Another favourite. When Lupita wore this outfit it got folks talking as none were on the fence on it. Those who loved it, loved while those who hated it did so completely.

This would have to be for a very non traditional bridesmaid and an open minded bride.

Men's Fashion Trends 2013 early days

Unlike 2012 which had some of the most bizarre men's fashion trends, I'm loving this year’s trends with the exception of some of the bags which are frankly too feminine.

 Solid colored suits and shirts are all the buzz. Really, keeping things simple, clean, and boring with just a splash of exciting is what it is all about this year. 50 shades of GREY, grey, grey. Grey suits are in style.

The more pale the better. 

This season, although bright colours are again proving to be a popular choice, fashion designers and high street retailers alike have made pattern much more of a focal point within their collections. And one of the biggest pattern trends proving to be extremely popular for SS13 is the return of stripes. So far Dolce & Gabbana with Tommy Hilfiger have done the best interpretation in my opinion

A lot can be said for classic British menswear, but let’s face it – it’s not for everyone. Some guys don’t want to wear a three-piece suit unless they have to, and a large majority just feel much more comfortable and confident in casual gear.London is providing the greatest inspiration within this field, with many innovative young designers coming through and challenging the status quo. For several seasons the likes of Astrid Andersen and Shaun Samson have made casual wear their calling-card, with streetwear inspiration becoming a huge part of London’s collective fashion voice. Jordan Porteous  a menswear fashion expert gives his views on the trend as follows:

Nineties grunge and skateboarder style is set to make yet another comeback this spring/summer, but this time there are interesting twists that help bring the look firmly into 2013. Aertex fabrics, oversized silhouettes and creative layering are key components, and this look can take you from autumn/winter right into high summer with the correct wardrobe evolution. 

For the current winter months, the key is to pick your pieces carefully so as not to fall in the trap of looking sloppy or scruffy. Prints are imperative, with camouflage, acid wash and typical streetwear inspired graphics providing a sense of grittiness and authenticity. These can come in the form of chinos, denim, sweats, tees or outerwear, so pick pieces that will integrate well within your current wardrobe and don’t be afraid to clash smart with casual.