LOVE-WORTHY: Proenza Schouler

I cannot begin enough with how excited I was when I perused all the pictures from Proenza Schouler's magnetic fall collection. McCollough and Hernandez have clearly set the bar high, attempting to create a new level of silhouette. Although boxy shirts and jackets have been all around the stage these days, where Proenza Schouler put their labels on are hardly ignored. I imagine some kinda of quirky, powerful, and sometimes laid back woman installs her closet with plenty of these.

The white pieces clearly opened the show immaculately, with straightforward jackets, shirts, and leather here and there, forming solid background for the rest of them. I do fancy the white shirt assemble, as the model too has shoulder-length bob and clutches massive tote. Absolute love.

What I think wows the audience the most is this mini skirt in somewhat intricate origami way, being worn that low that makes your upper body appears longer without losing the beautiful legs from the view. It is definitely hard to grasp, I suppose. Later on when I browse more closely, I realize that the skirt is THAT mini, you gotta wear it that way (if you manage to secure one) otherwise it is an exhibition going on (if you know what I mean :p). Nevertheless, the designer duo celebrates the micro mini in a whole different way and you just have to salute them for that. No kidding.

Moving on to the part where I admire the most, and want the most. The quilted jacket with textured leather. Of course. Talking aside from fashion thingy, I'd like to see it more from marketing perspectives. Those guys at Proenza clearly know how to make a girl/woman/lady covets something they have never known that it exists. So I am falling into the tricks and here they are, boxy quilted jacket that at some second I thought belongs to Chanel, will make its way to Fall 2012 must-have list. And the skirt? Yes, I need the red one for my pretentious war with life wanting something I can't have, yet.

Lastly, when they say "Asian" I cannot really comprehend. But these prints explain it all. I can totally portray mighty Mulan going to fight with these beautifully crafted collection. That embellished skirt, for instance, is not something entirely new, but it gives me sense of belonging. And the Asian infused prints cannot just be underestimated. In one elegant-dress-demanded condition, sometimes prints are just what you want to own.

images are from style.com

Something Rad: Virtual Valentino

After previously visited a contemporary fashion and art exhibition, I immediately remembered that one of my favourite brands, Valentino--with all the intricate details, haute couture aura, and appreciation to woman's aesthetic beauty, has just opened the door to its refreshing exhibition concept--a virtual museum. It is undeniably one breakthrough for fashion and art since it enables all audience, even those who reside in the most uninhabited part of the Earth, as long as they have internet connection, to be able to gain access to the intimate journey of the brand. This virtual museum is where I am willing to be lost in, since every part of it excites me, with detailed background stories and accompanying images of all the dresses.

What more important is, that the museum does not merely highlight the creation, but the focal point is actually the designer. Valentino Garavani is an Italian designer who has carved his way in fashion industry from a very young age. He studied fashion in Paris and worked for a couture atelier before opening his own atelier in 1959. He later cooperated with Giancarlo Giammeti to support him from business side, and one of the most successful cooperation in fashion industry has bred notable achievements and recognition for the luxury brand.

I took some print caps to show you how lovely the virtual museum is, with some rooms designed to showcase Valentino's couture dresses that have been categorized according to the themes such as White, Pastel and Pattern, Black, Red, Animal Print, and so on. When you click "more" for each dress, there will be a detailed narration about the dresses, along side with the runway videos, photos, and sketches. 

Beside the dresses, Valentino who is highly skilled in creating couture pieces also share his story when he had to prepare certain dresses, which I found really interesting and enticing since it really makes you feel like you experience the "behind-the-scene" process. Other rooms in the museum also expose the visitors more about the journey of Valentino, share stories and pictures on muses, friends, events, and biographies. You should really visit the museum yourself, simply by download here (it's only 8MB so don't worry :p) and be fascinated inside.

And here are some pictures of who made an appearance at the museum launch...

Sarah Jessica Parker and Valentino himself

Claire Danes

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig

Hanneli Mustaparta

images are from Harpers Bazaar.

Feminine, embroidered, simple cut dress is my weakness. Brb going to the museum (again). :D