Afshin's Favorite Finds

The Pant Suit

I am really feeling the pant suit right now, and it’s certainly on my top five  trending styles for Spring 2013 and beyond. Two of the most prolific designers, both at the helm of two powerhouse design houses, Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent, and Raf Simons at Dior, have chosen to open their Spring 2013 shows with a powerful pantsuit. After a long period of deconstruction and fluidity, it is time for us to yet again embrace the power of construction, tailoring, and structure. In an age where fast fashion retailers can manufacture a soft blouse in minutes, it’s assuring to know that the power of tailored clothing requires skill and great deal of  talent .

The Bra Top

A look that was inspired by the 1950’s beach culture has spun the hottest trend in high fashion.  The bikini top, first made popular by pin up girls in the late 50’s and actresses such as Bridgit Bardot and Sophia Loren, is now being seen on the runways of such designers as Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and Nanette Lepore.

This cropped silhouette is far away from the belly baring shapes of the late 90’s or the 80’s circa Madonna’s Like a Virgin Era.  Think more St. Tropez in France and not St. Marks in the East Village.

The Bra top is best matched with high waist pleated skirts, for a retro look, or wide leg pants that cover the belly button.  It also has the ability to be used as a layering piece, under a sheer top or worn with a cardigan.  For a timeless style that every woman should take a chance on this is the piece for Spring!

The Scarf Print

The Scarf Print has been a staple in fashion and trending for decades.  A print that was popular in the 80’s and early 90’s is now inspiring an entirely new generation of designers to embrace and find newness in a motif that is commonly associated with Gianni Versace.  In the 80’s, his prints represented decadence with a seductive mystical aura.  Fast forward to 2012, Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy has been dabbling with the “scarf print” in seasons past and continues to do so.  His designs resemble symmetry based artwork and can be seen most in fitted pieces in order to bring out sexuality while defining class and style.  Mary Katrantzou is at the fore front of this trend using digital and printing techniques in order to achieve a fluid medium of digitally manipulated prints inspired by the late Gianni Versace.  This trend is now being seen by designers such as Elizabeth and James, Hale Bob, and Alice and Trixie.  They are creating similar style prints with a new take on silhouettes and shapes that are not only a throwback to the late Gianni Versace but, have moved this motif to a a more accessible ready to wear market.

Theysken Theory

Oliver Theyskens, designer of Theysken’s Theory has taken innovative to a new level.  Just when we thought there were no new jean styles, he comes up with a pair of jeans that are not only original in design but flattering on nearly every body type.  The pants that appear to have a high waist, slouch off the hip giving a low rise effect at the same, thanks to the double waistband. It seems as if Theysken’s Theory has come up with the answer for the high – low rise pant.  For accessory effects go with a skinny belt to add definition. Match these pants with a high/low top or a tight fitted t-shirt.  For the downtown girl you can rock your combats and for a more upscale look pull out those patent pumps.  Theysken’s Theory Pants will be available at Gallery Couture January 25^th! 

The Peter Pan Collar

The Peter Pan Collar is as simple as it sounds! A look that derived in the early 1900’s, it provokes images of innocence and youthfulness just as it’s name suggests.  This fairy tale looking small round cornered collar is super stylish and feminine, and even though it is reminiscent of what the school uniform looks like grown woman are wearing it and making it work, and of course it is being seen all of the runway from designers such as Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton and Elie Tahari.  The best thing about the Peter Pan Collar is that you can wear it with a fancy dress or a boyish blazer and either way it will sweeten up your look.  This small non obtrusive pieces can be detachable which makes it just as much as an accessory as it is apparel.  From runway and ready to wear to celebrities and the streets the Peter Pan Collar is definitely something every woman should have.