Focus on Designers: Alexander Vauthier Fall/Winter 2012-2013

Alexander Vauthier is a french couturier. He was accepted into the prestigious Graduate school of Arts and techniques in fashion also known as ESMOD ( a school I wish I could attend) in 1991 and graduated in 1994. By 1993, he joined the fashion house Thiery Mugler for an internship that will evolve to a post of assistant to the designer for 4 years. 

In 2008, he decided to open a fashion house that bears his name and in 2009 his first show revealed his identity and his own universe. It was a huge success.

Today, Alexander Vauthier has every season's collection during Haute Couture week and has dressed numerous celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna and jennifer lopez. His Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection was definitely a work of art; "V" shape style creations in white, beige and gold, gloriously shimmering, bejewelled and star-like embellishments, strong shoulder pads, high waist pants, plunging V necks and belted jumpsuits were definitely very inspiring.

Alexander mixes new techniques and traditional skills supporting craftsmanship only used in couture. The mixture of golden lace material, and embroidery by Lesage using swarovski crystals, saga furs and Christian Louboutin pumps was "sheer" Genius. He is definitely one of my Icons.

ALEXANDER VAUTHIER

Designer For a Day (would prefer forever)

I recently entered a fashion / style contest titled "Designer for a day". I was feeling very creative and instantly drawn to it because that's my dream. I have been sketching a lot and I have a lot of amazing ideas, I hope God gives me the chance to materialise them. I'm deeply into Elie Saab's creations right now, obsessed being a more accurate description. I love the simplicity, impeccable tailoring, attention to detail and minimalist approach. Its everything I aspire to be and I know I will achieve. Practice makes perfect........ will take it a day at a time.

Here are the sets I created for the competition, I hope I win ........... fingers crossed.

Sweet Dream (Elie Saab Wannabe)

Sweet Dream - (Elie Saab wannabe) by tope-1990 featuring a NARS Cosmetics eyeshadow

A Style Story

A Style story by tope-1990 featuring ankle strap shoes

Style Icon

Designer for a day by tope-1990 featuring a sheer lace Elie Saab dress

What do you think? Click here to see more style sets I created and those created on the mini editor by visitors on my blog.

Thank you for visiting, God bless

Solange Knowles: Style Icon

"Style is the canvas of our individuality. An outlet for expression."

-Solange Knowles

We all know Solange as the young sister of superstar Beyoncé, but over the past few years the other Knowles has been making a name of her own. In fashion she is part of that small circle of black women who know how to take dressing up to the next level.

Solange who is currently working on a new album, is that girl who can rock bold print like nobody else. She describes her Personal Style as evolving, bold, unrefined and expressive. She loves vibrant colours and print fabrics, high waisted silhouettes, statement shoes, easy dresses and Doc Martens for rainy days. Her Favourite designers are Marni, DVF, Acne, Opening Ceremony, J.Crew, Boxing Kitten. She believes that the One item every girl should own is a pair of chic and comfortable flats.

"My fashion icons are Diana Ross, Erykah Badu, the Fela Kuti Queens, my uber glam mother, Chaka Khan, Bjork and the girls on the street in my hood." she says. "My most valuable possession is my sanity."

She finds inspiration in traveling, diving into other cultures face first. "The colours everywhere, the colour palette of shotgun houses in New Orleans, spices in Marrakesh, nail polishes on shelf at my favourite nail shop in Brooklyn. I just left Rwanda and have never seen colours used in such natural and spectacular way in my life. I see colour before I see any other element in design" she says.

I LOVE SOLANGE AND SHE IS MY CURRENT STYLE INSPIRATION

Elie Saab: Minimalist Fashion

Elie Saab, born July 4, 1964, is a Lebanese fashion designer. In 1982, Saab launched his fashion label when he was 18 years old. His main workshop is in Lebanon. He also has workshops in Milan and Paris. He was an overnight success after he became the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner, Hally Berry, in 2002 for the Academy Awards when she won for Best Actress. Berry later wore another dress by Saab, this time a gold dress, to the 2003 Oscars.

Elie Saab's reputation as a red-carpet designer is well earned. He also has been emphasizing day wear in his pre-collections of late. He took a strict, almost minimalist approach, cutting most of his suits and dresses in monotone shades of nude, blue, or black and keeping decorative details like a fox collar, a peplum waist, or contrast piping to a minimum.

I love Elie Saab, he is the designer of my dreams. Clean cuts, impeccable tailoring, attention to details, simple designs; its a minimalist's dream. Saab's biggest evening statement this season was sequins, which came set into plissé pleats. When he went unembellished, the drama came from languid and floaty seventies-ish silhouettes with tie necks or sexy asymmetrical necklines and up-to-there slits. There was also lace, which was actually most interesting when it was barely detectable, set into seams of neat wool daywear dresses. It's basically impossible not to be inspired by his creations. HERE THEY ARE.........

                                      MY INSPIRATION......ELIE SAAB