Fashion: Emporio Armani Menswear ss12

For Giorgio Armani's ss12 menswear collection under the Emporio Armani label was more April Showers than May Flowers a sea of grey. The theme was lightness; the fabric were light, the color palette was light, the easiness of the fits was light (it's all just sort of tossed on in an effortlessly chic way). As a whole, watching the models come out one after another, there was a sense that you were walking through a thick fog — the only color to be found were in subtle dip dyes, and the few pieces asserting a bold blue near the end. Once again, another solid, marketable menswear collection; every piece is accessible, and practical. Much as with Dolce&Gabbana's menswear collection, there is a lean towards dropped waistlines for belts — it seems to be a subtle nod at the slouchy belt trend seen in womenswear, only more refined. I certainly saw more than a few pieces I could see myself wearing (if I had the money). Check out more detailed shots after the jump.

Fashion: Alexander McQueen Resort 12

HOLD. THE. PHONE.

I kind of closed the book on Resort 2012 a bit prematurely — true it ended already, but there are still presentation images trickling in. Probably one of the best was the very last to arrive, and that was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The McQueen woman is very much represented here; the toughness, the sex appeal, the sleekness of it all. Burton continues to pay homage to the late Lee McQueen by incorporating elements seen in much of his work, but she reinterprets his aesthetic into a more toned-down, marketable version. What we have here is a collection that is very much Safari, as seen in the color palette, the animal prints, and the cuts. The collection is driven by a certain power which is even more punctuated by the details — the craftsmanship that has become the fame of the House of McQueen is ever present. I can't say this is without its flaws, but Burton has definitely made enough of a style statement here to set her apart from the other presentations we saw this season; the woman knows clothing, she learned from one of the best. For ss12, I just hope she will feel confident enough to take the label to the next level; she just needs to find her own point-of-view, and put it out there... you've proven that we can trust your instincts, so don't be afraid mademoiselle. Complete collection after the jump... and yes, this would have ranked high on my Top 10 List.

Fashion: Dolce&Gabbana Menswear ss12

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana know masculinity, they know sexuality, they know style. For their Spring 2012 menswear collection, the theme was "Netting" — in every sense of the word. From soccer nets, to finishing nets, to internet (paraphrasing Tim Blanks; I'm not that clever ha), it was all represented. There were knits and leathers which interpreted the sheer trend seen in womenswear as netting; the end result consisted of blazers, tops, shorts, pants, and bags all netted. While such a literal translation of an idea can often times come off as uninspired and/or bland, Dolce&Gabbana intermixed the theme with well tailored suits, oxfords, and sturdy leather bags. This collection is more so about beating the idea of nets into our heads, but closer examinations reveal very interesting details, most notably the lowered waist lines on the trousers. This collection has the buyer most definitely in mind... if only their D&G presentation wasn't such a load of garbage. More detailed images after the jump.

Fashion: Burberry Menswear ss12

There's a reason why Burberry remains to be such a successful brand, and no, it's not because Christopher Bailey is just so talented and makes such amazing clothing — it's because season after season, he finds ways to remain true to the brand, while still being innovative and relevant. Some of you may read that and go, "so yeah, it's because he makes amazing clothing"; that's not where I'm going with this. By finding ways to add subtle updates to designs that have already been made famous by the Burberry label, he is able to keep consumers craving what he makes. The expectation has been that Bailey would go for a more urban take on the London brand, but this season, he did a 180° and opted for more statesman chic. The busboy caps in what looks to be whicker, and then again repeated in the brogues (which if I may point out feature elements of cork and alligator). The tribal trend which was seen in many of the collections of Resort 2012 and some of the s/s 2011 collections is teased in the totes and then interpreted in an interesting way with the geometric shapes attached to the sweaters (they are like pieces, rather than a print... kudos to Burberry for that one). I am really loving this collection; it certainly makes up for a beyond boring Resort collection for the women. And before I forget, I SO want one of those alligator iPad sleeves — too bad they're $4200 (#BlackGirlProblems). Detailed images after the jump.

Fashion: Versace Menswear ss12

Donatella Versace, I have my issues when it comes to womenswear, but you struck a chord with me for your menswear this season. From the studs, to the straps and buckles, to the bags and sandals, to those eye-popping patterns, there is just so much going on here, and I'm loving every bit of it. While menswear is usually pretty bland or extremely oblivious to trends, Versace proves that by remaining true to its brand's legacy (notice Versace's notable use of baroque) and concentrating on the details (buckles, eyelets, studs, zippers) that one can create something that can be quite accessible and practical. I'm hoping against hope that elements of this collection like the buckles on those blazers and pants, as well as those gladiator sandals get translated to the label's diffusion line for H&M. Detailed shots appear after the jump.

Fashion: Top 10 Looks from Resort 12

I'll begin my saying, I'm not a fan of Resort — it seems unnecessary, and consumes time and creative energy from designers which could be focused into even better fw/ss collections. It can be said that it allows designers to have more fun, and test out trends, cuts, colors, fabrics in preparation for fall; as pre-fall is for spring. Nevertheless, this was a boring season in my opinion — labels I'd thought would wow me, left me with a question mark, specifically Balenciaga, Chloé, and Chanel. On the other hand, I was treated to quite impressive collections by the ones that didn't drop the ball (i.e. the good ones were DAMN good, unfortunately there was a bell curve). This is a wrap up of the looks, not collections, that truly impressed me. As this is my blog, my opinions, my words, my point-of-view, I chose based on what appeals to me as a consumer, my tastes, cuts, details, color and fabric choice, and its ability to remain wearable come September - November when these pieces actually become available. Follow the jump, check out my rankings, and feel free to argue for/against my choices in the comment section.

Style: The SatorialTwist... wait, what?

By now, everyone is familiar with Scott Schuman's blog "The Sartorialist" — if not get from under that rock you've been calling your main place of residence. I introduce you to, or rather, bring to your attention, a blog which finds intelligent comedy in the concept of street style. Entering stage right is The Sartorialtwist — yes, even the name is a humorous play on the whole idea. What we have is a randomly generated three-piece image of various photos taken by Mr Shuman; what results are hilarious mash-ups of heads, torsos, and legs which more times than none actually look like legitimate head-to-toe individuals. Have fun clicking around the site, I encourage you to comment with the random/wacky combinations you discover.

www.TheSartorialTwist.com

Fashion: Matthew Williamson Resort 12

If there was a designer to whom Resort season was made for, that would be Matthew Williamson. The man who knows his way around patterns and color doesn't disappoint — he presents a heavy play on the neon brights trends, as well as past trends of feathers and nudes. The styling is amazing, and though he isn't doing much to change up his formula, it works. I commend him for not relying just on a slew of sundress, but showing soft gowns, skirts, and pants. A true critique of this collection, is that the first half looks like a total stranger to the second half. The softness of the nude pieces are overshadowed by the boldness of color in the beginning. Williamson's inspiration, Japan, is visible in the prints, not to mention the overt use of kimonos silhouettes both at the top and bottom. The complete collection is after the jump.

Fashion: H&M x Versace

Can I just say, that I am not extremely excited about this collection. Donatella Versace has taken the shade saying that Versace is for expensive Italian prostitutes and mistresses of wealthy Italian men too seriously. Ever since her brother Gianni died, the brand has become something of an annoying younger sibling that you're forced to drag along with the rest of your friends; it's tolerated in my mind. Now, for fall 2011, they are bringing this to H&M — what we get is something which looks like knock-off Balmain in my opinion. Regardless, here is a helpful little video (plus press images after the jump) to get you all excited for this. But to be totally honest, I am excited for that black leather jacket with the gold studs all over it.

Fashion: Derek Lam Resort 12

Prints, check. Bright Neon Colors, check. Tribal Influences, check. Derek Lam presents a youthful, easy collection for resort. Unlike his fall collection which was weighted down with furs and silk, the sun is shining on this line-up. These pieces don't so much mix well together in terms of styling, but they do offer full-on looks that would certainly turn heads. He has certainly taken note of the women on the streets of New York, the sportswear is there, yet the laid-back, unrestrictive feel is still present. I'm slightly puzzled by the raw edge cut of the tops in looks #1 and #8, but they don't turn me off. The complete collection follows the jump.

Fashion: Gucci Resort 12

It would seem that marketability was the way for this season's resort collections, and Gucci followed suit. Showing a cohesive 43 piece collection, Frida Giannini incorporated such trends as neon brights, white as a statement, nautical themes, and prints that battle for your attention. The color moments within this collection are what truly breathes life into it — while the golds, beiges, and blacks are beautiful and luxurious, the color keeps it fresh. I applaud the designer for not showing swimsuits, but instead clothing that can translate into fall, and some even winter in more formal occasions. While this collection doesn't really leave lasting impressions on me, save for a few select looks (#4, #26, and #43), it serves as an intelligent presentation — I'm anxious to see how it's styled in editorials. Complete collection after the jump.

Video: Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga

Speaking on behalf of the unpopular opinion... I really enjoyed this video by Lady Gaga. True she doesn't provide much by way of styling, dancing, or theatrics, but it is a beautiful video nonetheless. The song's meanings are very personal, so I can imagine out of respect for her grandparents' memory, she wouldn't want to detract attention with controversial imagery. It's certainly a very 80s looking video, and it's not her most mind-blowing, but it's unique in its own way. Enjoy... Paws Up!

Fashion: Chanel Resort 12

There's not much to say negatively about the resort collection for Chanel; it's classy, simple, and hits the right notes trend-wise. There weren't very many risks taken, everything seems pretty straight-forward — clothing that will sell, separates that can be mixed and matched, silhouettes that don't scream "for size 0 and 2 only, and fabric choices that read luxury I don't know how I feel about the shoes; initially I was intrigued by the knee high open toed boots, but now they just come off as tacky. One thing of note, Uncle Karl's mini movie (Tale of a Fairy) did an excellent job making this collection come alive, and not be overlooked as boring. Because Karl Lagerfeld has an army of people working under him is such an over-achiever and produced a 70+ piece resort collection, it would seem pretty cumbersome to post images. Instead, I'm opting to just share the runway video (which comes in two parts). Enjoy the collection after the jump.

Fashion: Proenza Schouler Resort 12

I am a big fan of the work Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have done, and continue to do, with Proenza Schouler. For the resort season, they drew inspirations from San Francisco during the late sixties — hippie to the max. The details of python translated from the garments to the lining of the PS1s, the paneling of prints and colors, and the leather details are all exquisite. This is by far, one of my favorite collections of this season. Complete collection after the jump.

Fashion: Helmut Lang Resort 12

I tip my hat to Michael and Nicole Colovos for choosing to ignore the "Resort" title of this season, and instead using good business sense. With this collection not reaching stores until November, they aren't bothering with swimsuits and short skirts. Instead, they present us with a collection very in-line with the Helmut Lang brand; unfortunately, it lacks uniqueness and feels more like a b-side to their fw11 collection. Though, I will admit, bringing in color with those burnt orange pieces is a slight change. Full collection after the jump.

Video: AA x Tony Kelly

dir: Tony Kelly
This is indeed a total 180° for the brand; a refreshing change from the misogynistic tone of 90% of its advertising. This Tony Kelly directed commercial features two world renowned break-dancing kids, Jalen Testerman and Lil Demon... They Betta WERQ!

Photo: So Three Men Walk Into a Bar...

Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Liam Neeson
I would like to introduce you to your new favorite Tumblr blog: Awesome People Hanging Out Together. It's a collection of candids capturing the interactions between pop-culture and historical icons — imagine the show Iconoclasts in photo form. Thanks to BYT for making me aware of this cool little blog.

[photo by Art Streiber]

Fashion: Mulberry fw12 (Preview) - Edited

The fall ad campaign for Mulberry, shot by Tim Walker, is all about the bags. In what appears to be some furnished bird's nest, Tati Cotilar and Julia Saner show off the label's new additions: the Polly Posh Lock, the Quilted Tillie, and the Taylor (not pictured). These shots remind me so much of The Fantastic Mr Fox; and not just because Julia is clutching a faux fox.

[Images via TFS]

Fashion: Burberry fw12 (Preview)

Shot by Mario Testino, the fw12 campaign for Burberry features a collection of models, musicians, and actors all hailing from the UK. The cast includes Amber Anderson, Jake Cooper, Johnny George, Thomas Penfound, actor Sam Clafin, Johnny Green, Cara Delevingne, Molly Smith, actress Felicity Jones, Matthew Whitehouse, and Jourdan Dunn (so glad to see her getting work). While this is a quite boring ad campaign, Christopher Bailey is a man about his clothing – the purpose is to sell, and these shots do just that. The clothes are well-presented without relying on any distracting themes or theatrics. More images after the jump...

Video: Daphne's Window

dir: Brennan Stasiewicz

For those unfamiliar to Daphne Guinness, her last name should be a hint — she's an heiress to the Guinness Brewing fortune, as well as an artist and fashion icon. The woman who bought up the entirety of Isabella Blow's collection of Alexander McQueen pieces upon her death, as to save it from being auctioned off to various parties, is one of my favorite individuals in fashion [crazy run-on sentence, I know]. Here, she is filmed by director Brennan Stasiewicz as she discusses her inspirations, her love of fashion, and her preparations for her recent installation in the windows of Barneys New York (remember, when she got ready for the Met Gala's Savage Beauty opening). What results is an intimate portrait of such an enigmatic individual in her natural habitat.