RECAP - ADELAIDE FASHION FESTIVAL

RECAP - ADELAIDE FASHION FESTIVAL

This year is flying by, it seemed like only yesterday I booked tickets to Adelaide Fashion Festival but the calendar has quickly ticked over, the warmer weather is in full swing across the country and Adelaide Fashion Festival 2017 arrived. 

I was not entirely sure what to expect of Adelaide Fashion Festival to be honest as Adelaide is known for being rather conservative. Upon turning the corner at the parade grounds my eyes were lit with excitement to see a giant marquee and pink everywhere. A colourful explosion set against an enchanting white building from decades past. The organisers should be proud of both the schedule and the venue at Torres Parade Grounds. It was an excellent choice of venue with its outdoor area and set up from White Marquee. So great to see the mix of old and new to come together to create something of beauty and provide purpose and new life to an old building.

You may notice from the photos within that Champagne was a constant theme over my stay in Adelaide. South Australia is wine country after all! So I did indulge. So what did I see besides the bottom of a champagne bottle and Myer pin up girl Jennifer Hawkins pushing the latest in spring racing carnival attire?

Image: Broadsheet Adelaide - Meaghan Coles

Image: Street Smith

Runway 1 - Contemporary vs Street 

Whilst the fashion left me semi underwhelmed (as did the horrendous goodie bag-a luggage tag really?), there were moments of brilliance and creative direction that should be applauded for their individuality and non mass marketing appeal. It is fashion, and as much as fashion is commercial, you should also be blown at a runway and have a desire and a reaction to the clothes. I had a bad reaction to the denim cut off shorts, polo shirts, nightie slips and sports bras that were on display. My personal opinion is that when I am at a catwalk, I want to be wowed and see the best of the best. There were moments of splashy wonderful coloured prints and bright accessories where I thought this show could be rescued, unfortunately for me, it was not to be.

Runway 2 - Couture Culture

Understated elegance was on display at this show with some scrumptious evening gowns on display. Simple and elegant, timeless designs with plenty of Angelina leg splits sashaying down the runway with flattering lines and chic details. Exquisite pattern drafting skills and the concept of the show including accessories and props was well executed. There were feathers, piping, sequins, lace, extravagance, it had it all. Bravo.

Image: Cocktail Revolution - Dimitra Koriozos

Runway 3 - BNKR

After visiting the store and seeing some of the amazing pieces they had I was excited to see how all this would be pieced together and was expecting a masterpiece. There is runway shows with dark undertones all the time with a strike of artistic genius that makes the experience of sitting on the sideline a mad visual experience for the eyes. However I would sum it up - Emo Chic with a lean towards a box of depression with occasional glimpses of hope. Perfect for Brunswick Street types in Melbourne.

Runway 5 - Next Gen TAFE SA

The student runway by TAFE SA was the highlight of the 3 days I was in attendance. The pure creativity of the students and their willingness to express themselves in such a way with quality unique stylised garments was outstanding. 

The whole show was put together by students and it was executed to perfection. The music, lighting, video graphics that introduced each section, the models, and don't get me started on that hair and make up! Delicious. A round of applause needs to be provided to this show, it was highly competitive against the more established brands that were showing throughout the festival and this showcase stood on its own merits. 

The Premier challenge/award is a fantastic initiative that displayed a high degree of creativity and all who entered should be proud of producing original designs that kept with the brief. I would love to see other festivals adopt such an initiative or competition.

I hope next year this festival provides the opportunity for them to have a night time show to present their work.  The 10.30am time slot they were allotted did not do this show justice. 

Image: Gfashcollective

East End Social Vogue Festival Wrap Party

It was the first time Vogue joined this festival which I think boosted attendance and shopping at in Rundall Mall and at the festival.

When I think of Vogue I think of opulence, style, charisma, desire and creativity. I mean it is Vogue. There was lovely food, a nice looking crowd and amazing tunes, The Vogue Festival Wrap Party at East End Social was in a dead end street left me with mixed feelings. Vibes somewhere between a 18th birthday bash in a country shed and a runway show at your local Westfield. I do have to say I was expecting something a little more "Vogue". Not sure what was exclusive about the event considering people were accessing the party via the lane ways and the pink "exclusive" band provided you with not much at all. Thankfully I was in good company and enjoyed myself anyhows like I was at a 21st. 

Image: Clique Magazine - Dylan Starczak

Image: Cocktail Revolution - Dimitra Koriozos

Clique X AFF Party Presented by Spring Carnival

Whilst it was great to say goodbye to the new friends I met over the past few days, I have to admit I left the party early. Billed as "A fashion party to end all parties" I was underwhelmed when there seemed to be no atmosphere or energy at the party to end all parties. When Absolutely Fabulous impersonators arrived and not much else, I grabbed my Gucci and walked back to the hotel. Maybe it was because all the people were inside the charming building for an exclusive dinner and not under the marquee providing energy and life, or maybe I didn't have enough champagne.

The People

I'm always delighted to meet new people at fashion events. Meeting people at these type of events provides me with so much life, from hearing peoples stories, background, what they do for a living, I find it intriguing how fashion brings people together. I spoke with so many wonderful creative people that are amazing for the future of creativity in this country and in general. The Adelaide style elite were very kind to this Melbournian, friendly, happy and helpful to point things out and it was great to meet so many of them.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with many talented photographers, hair and make up artists, designers as well as a few creative types over the course of the 3 days. Each one had such a story to tell and its great to see these people living the dream and doing what they love. I'd like to take the opportunity to praise all of these people for sharing your great stories, introducing yourself, or taking the time to speak to me when I approached you. You know who you are. 

There is some amazing coverage of the street style from the festival, covered by the awesome crew at Cocktail Revolution. They have a great eye for details and captured the stylish buzzing around the streets. 

Image: Matthew Kroker Photography

In summary

AFF sits somewhere between the big budget VAMFF and MFW. It has the best intentions at heart to showcase what Adelaide has to offer although I feel like it is under some restrictions of large sponsorships. Adelaide Fashion Festival has the potential to push its boundaries further which I think would really put it on the map. With a bit of tweaking it has potential to seriously rival VAMFF. The impression from many was that the festival was relying heavily on the Paolo Sebastian's shows (which looked amazing and I unfortunately did not attend, luckily I saw the exhibition)to bring the crowds and wow factor to the festival. Overall the festival was well planned and executed professionally. Content on the runway was hit and miss, the people were friendly and stylish, the champagne was flowing freely. Overall a lovely experience. 

After attending numerous fashion festivals this year, FASHFEST has stood out as the festival that I will compare others against. The festival had so many creative types come together for a common goal, the love of what they do and what they believe in. That passion resonated both on and off the runway. The larger festivals with seriously large sponsors and financial backing could learn a thing or two from Canberra about how to put on a showcase to wow the fashionistas and showcase the best of homegrown talent.  

Next fashion stop.... Milan and Paris fashion weeks 2018

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

Melbourne Fashion Week took over the footpath of Swanston Street for its annual week long offering that launches the beginning of Spring and Summer and the social season in which Melbourne comes alive. 

Suit: Jack London

Shirt: Department 5

Socks: Gucci

Shoes: Ben Sherman

Bag: No Name

Sunglasses: Arockonalens

The fashion obsessed flowed into the Melbourne Town Hall to view the latest offerings from both designers and retailers with their glasses of champers in hand. It is always a great environment to catch up with your fellow stylish friends, see familiar faces behind a camera and meet new and exciting people that your normally only communicate with through your instagram feed. The MFW Bar meant serious business inside with its set up and exhibition space, which unfortunately did not flow outside to the claustrophobic outdoor area on the footpath either side of the entrance. 

Courtesy: Mamamia

For dedicated fashion addicts there were a handful of people on the street that peaked my interest. Hoards of bloggers, influencers and wannabes presented their best offerings for the camera's as they circled the block. As you know the louder and more individual you are in your clothes, the more likely you are to peak the interest of the papz and be snapped. In this case I felt like I was stuck inside a photo shoot for a menswear suit catalog. After a week of viewing the street styles I was left with the impression that Australian menswear fashion is still relatively conservative, with not much evolution between seasons or even years. Thankfully there were standouts from the ladies who bought their A game to the footpath injecting understated chicness and colourful combinations whilst braving the chilly nights.

Shirt & Blazer: James Harper

Pants: Department 5

Shoes: Lacoste

Bag: Doucals

Sunglasses: Gucci

Trends that dominated the footpath outside the shows:

Street Luxe - The number one dominating trend was the mixing of streetwear with high fashion. Of course all black ensembles were everywhere, and the opposite. All white was also present like a flock of seagulls searching for a potato chip. 

Florals - As Miranda Priestly so eloquently put it, florals for Spring. Groundbreaking. Let's move on.

Belts - Belts were everywhere. Some good, some bad and some that I will be happy to never see again. If I see one more GG gold belt I think I will scream as it has replaced the tiresome YSL tassel bag that every woman has been renting for the last year.

Men in Suts - When it comes to men's suits there were some stylish accessories to set off the slim tailored fits that were on display. Plenty of pocket squares and lapel pins which showed individuality of the wearer. There were minimal pleated trousers which have been huge in Europe for the last two years and plenty of loafers with no socks. Special shout out to the gents who took the stuffiness out of menswear and wore something a little different and didn't play it safe. Bravo.

Pretty Ugly Shoes - Delighted to see so many wonderful shoes with different hardware and embellishments in a variety of styles both on men and women. Thigh high leather tan boots on women with chunky heels were a regular staple. The elaborate shoes would not normally be considered pretty but the vulgarity and opulence was beautiful and refreshing to see in Melbourne. ADORE!

Fur - Fur accessories adorned everything from earrings to bags and shoes. Poor little critters will live on for seasons to come after being dyed in fabulous colours providing a lux

vibe to ensembles.

Blazer & Coat: Oxford

Shirt, Tie, Pocket Squares & Shorts: James Harper

Sweater: Ted Baker

Socks:  Gucci

Most of the shows were exactly as I feared, producing safe visions of well groomed and pruned ensembles ready for the horse racing season in a few months. The flare for dramatics or igniting a point of difference was eliminated by many big designers that played it safe and delivering much of what they have for the previous seasons. However there were a few examples of inspiration and creativity that will be burned in my mind for a while. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for updates

Garage Runway - As much as I enjoy a good summer dress, there was a lot of black and muted tones or uninspiring patterns that were constantly reused. I understand ethical fashion and the need to be wise with materials, but without variety comes boredom. I have seen so many dresses inspired by Queen B's baseball bat twirling dress to last me a lifetime. 

Menswear Garage - Alike the aforementioned it was held in the basement of the Melbourne Town Hall, the likes of Amxander, Jack London, Autonomy, Chris Ran Lin and Dom Bagnato sent styles down the runway that unfortunately did not peak my interest. Following European trends with oversized bumbags across the chest and numerous patterned materials that were reused for different pieces, there were a few nice pieces but nothing that made me gasp. The overall vibe of the show was trying to be edgy with the model selection, music, skateboards and styling, that it all felt the same. I left a little deflated after this showing.

David Jones - The creative styling team behind the show should be commended for creating safe ensembles that would peak the interest of suburban housewives and gents who require a suit for the races. A huge retailer like David Jones do know their target audience very well and this showcased their knowledge of their consumer, right down to the YSL heels or The Kingsman inspired gentlemen that will soon appear on movie screens.

Premium Runway Four - Finally an injection of what fashion means to me. There were opulent embellishments, tassels, fabric choices, voluminous sleeves and dramatics in the styling including a little homage to good old Formation film clip. The line up of deisgners meshed well together although once again there was a little too much black on the catwalk for my liking, but it is Melbourne after all and black sells. 

Premium Runway - Closing - The saying "Leave the best to last" was true of closing night of the festival with some inspirational displays sent down the ice melting runway. In a week that started off rather underwhelming it was good to wrap the festival up on a positive note with some of Australia’s most popular labels such as Romance Was Born, solid stand out for me.

After a few seasons not attending what was Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and rebranded MFW, it was pleasant to see new ideas influence the program and inject some much needed innovation into the festival. Melbourne has serious pride in it's events and the team behind Melbourne Fashion Week should be commended for staying current and on trend whilst producing a solid program. A huge shout out to the volunteers who spent 12 hour days holding the festival together. Round of applause.

I believe that some of the designers need to lift their game if they wish to retain current supporters of their brands, or attract new customers. By the end of the week photographers were not on the streets, media pit at the end of the runway appeared a little thin and there were many empty seats in the town hall creating an underwhelming atmosphere. With Melbourne Fashion Festival receiving an injection of funding from the State Government recently it will be interesting to see if the fashion capital is big enough for both Fashion Week and Fashion Festival. Let the catwalk battles begin.

Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 2 "Candy Couture"

Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 2 "Candy Couture"

Sweet...or Not So Sweet, Fashion:

Cotton Candy Delicious: Guess What the Project Runway designers are working with this week?

Project Runway is BACK and we are now onto Season 10. It premiered two weeks ago and last week was "Episode 2", it was the iconic UNCONVENTIONAL CHALLENGE that all the fans LOVE. I, often wonder if these are the types of challenges that help discover "Next Great American Fashion Designer". But as we all know...it's all about what makes for fun and great TV.

Tim Gunn and Dylan Lauren, Project Runway Season 10

The contestants/designers meet Tim Gunn and Dylan Lauren (yes, Ralph's lovely daughter), CEO and owner of Dylan's Candy Bar. Soon, it is revealed they must create a look out of candy.

Project Runway has done this before in Season 4, where it was held at the Times Square Hershey's Store and Rami Kashou won , in case you're keeping tabs (Photo of Kashou's winning look above).

After some krazeee candy shopping at Dylan's Candy Bar NYC, some candy Parsons workroom draping, molding and more importantly, GLUEING...it was time for the Runway Show with Judges:

(Right to left) Heidi Klum (in a off-the-shoulder snakeskin printed ensemble), Michael Kors (in his black "uniform"), Nina Garcia (in a FAB black and gold jacket and skinny pants and FIERCE heels!), and Dylan Lauren in purple. Now, the whole point of this challenge was to somehow make a garment from candy BUT...make it look as if it wasn't made out of CANDY. Some succeed beautifully and well, some not so mucheey...



Le Good:

Beaded Candy Ball Superb: LOVED Belarus-born fashion wunderkid Dmitry Sholokhov's twisted halter dress with fitted midriff. He used black, red, and yellow candy balls and WOW!!! This should have been in the Top Three FOR SURE, some would even argue that it should have won. The candy looked like oversized beads. One could NEVER EVER tell that it was candy. Simply Superb. With all that, he just "made it through" to the next round--and somehow only landed "in the middle".

Mini Mermaid Cocktail: The first of the Top Two positions was Sonjia Williams (who is quickly looking like a contender to be in the Finals, if only from these two first challenges). She created a peplum-shaped mini dress using ivory and aqua candy balls, white chocolate covered almonds and shark gummies.

I LOVED how she created the princess seams with the candy, injected the color-blocking trend seamlessly and then finished it off with a "neck-piece" of shark gummies. She was part Sexy Mermaid, part cocktail dress, part "Mini Shark". The hat was a miss, as some of the judges said, but other than that, it was an excellent and very creative creation.

The Winner, however, was Ven Budhu. Just from the "hints" shown by the cameras in the Parsons workroom, I could just see that his design was going to be a STUNNER. And it was. The way he created this vision of serious Haute Couture using crushed colored candy, it was magical.

The perfectly geometric inlaid pieces, the stained glass effect he created with candy--it all added to a beautiful strapless cocktail dress that was reminiscent of something from an Atelier Versace Collection:

Atelier Versace Spring/Summer 2012

Now, Le Bad:

Oh Buffi Jashanmal: Her Project Runway fifteen minutes are a ticking. This is so tasteless that Miss Nina is looking as if she's going to get ILL every time one of Buffi's designs come down the runway. She looks like Paris Hilton's REALLY REALLY tacky--and that's a feat!--daughter (OUCH!). I know it's only the second challenge but I am beginning to wonder how the heck she even made it onto the show.

Noodle Twizzler Dress: Also in the bottom was Elena Slivnyak's "Warrior Princess" structured dress made from a muslin base with piña colada twizzlers. The twizzlers began falling off the dress the minute the model came sauntering down the runway.

And then from not-so-far, the twizzlers began looking like a pasta noodle arts and crafts project from a 12 year old. I totally get what Irena was going for and it could have been great but...alas, it just didn't work. Poor thang.



But the Worst Was:

Oh Huney You Didn't Even Try: Just take a look at the model. She was like "Oh Dear! First, I cannot believe I have to wear this tacky creation and, second of all, I just KNOW my designer is going home". Fashion designer Lantie Foster's design was a MESS. She really did not even try. Umbrella fabric and little candy. And she tried to use the excuses of a first year fashion school student. Hashtag FAIL.



Wanna know what I really thought of this past week's Episode 2? Then read on kids....

"Sweet Tooth Couture"

Last
week, Season 10 of "Project Runway" premiered with the "Biggest Fashion
Show" in "Runway" history. This week, our little ol’ show loses not an
ounce of couture steam and keeps the strong momentum going with one of
the most iconic — and beloved by fans — "Project Runway" challenges, the
"Make a dress out of crap you would NEVER use to make a garment
challenge" … in other words, yes kids, it’s the Unconventional
Challenge. I’ve always said that this is a fun challenge to watch by the
fans and TV viewers alike, but in terms of it being a guide rule in
finding the "Next Best American Fashion Designer"… not so much.



 

Candy Re-Run


As "Plaid Heidi" saunters onto the runway congratulating last week’s
winner — cutie Christopher — she tells the designers that this is "no
time for child’s play." Instantly I think, "Oh Dear, they’re making
clothes for bratty Upper East Side kids!" But oh no, I was wrong. Soon,
the designers meet with Monsieur Gunn in front of Dylan’s Candy Store
where he is flanked by it’s owner and CEO, Dylan Lauren (Yes, of Ralph
Lauren fashion blue blood), announcing that their second challenge will
be to create a look out of candy using materials bought from Dylan’s
Candy Store naturally. Now, I remember back in Season 4, the challenge
was done at the Hershey’s Times Square store (Rami won it), so it seemed
like a slight re-run challenge idea to me, but one figures that it’s
difficult to come up with new "Unconventional Challenges" year after
year.




 

Gunnar and Christopher: Please Get a Room


After a mad "Candy Dash," the designers get their sugar tooth couture
fix, buy out half the store and then head to Parsons to #makeitwork!
The workroom quickly begins to resemble a 5-year-old’s birthday party
after a piñata has exploded. Several designers are spending their early
hours doing muslin dresses to build the foundation for their candy
creations. Others are crushing candy, gluing candy … or just eating it!
And then there’s Gunnar Siriano 2.0 and cutie Christopher who spend a
lot of their time being Bitchy Queens (more so Gunnar than Christopher)
talking smack and "throwing shade." It’s only the second week (In real
time, it’s only been like TWO DAYS since they’ve met each other!), but
there’s already this weird tension between them. I have a feeling that
either A) Gunnar feels threatened because he thought he was going to be
the only "twinky gay" or B) They just need to GET A ROOM! But I digress,
let’s move on…






Click HERE to read the rest of my Recap...

FASHFEST - 3 FABULOUS DAYS OF FASHION FUN

FASHFEST - 3 FABULOUS DAYS OF FASHION FUN

Image: Anthony Caffery

Look out Canberra here I come! With great honour I have been invited to attend FASHFEST in Canberra this year and it thrills me that fashion, design and creativity in many forms will be on display in our nation’s capital.

I have been reading many an article online about FASHFEST and have been impressed by the effort, hours and commitment that has been poured into the program. From watching the models being selected, updates on Instagram or reading articles from Ink & Leathers (who I have come to rely on to be my Canberra survival guide) I am really impressed by what I have seen from our “Bush Capital” that is only an hour from Melbourne on plane.

In the lead up to FASHFEST, I have asked many people if they have been to Canberra and what they know about our country’s capital. Basically the answers are the same; War Memorial, Parliament House and a lake. On further prompting I ask if they knew about the 3-day fashion event that showcases the work of more than 40 designers. Insert blank faces here. They then want to know more about Canberra’s annual red-carpet event and what I am looking forward to as a Canberra virgin.

Besides the above mentioned, I am looking forward to visiting the National Gallery of Australia which has over 160,000 pieces of art as well as wondering around the old parliament buildings. I have a thing for architecture and exploring a city on foot. But let’s get serious, Parliament House is similar to a day care centre, so let’s move on to what is really important…………..fashion!

Image: Jack Mohr

I feel so inspired at a fashion show, from seeing someone’s creativity come to life, if it be hair and make-up, styling, modelling and or of course the clothes. The runway is electric with energy, the synergy of all the creative teams coming together in such a dynamic way, and I binge feed on it as it ignites desires and lust for what I see on the runway. 

The 3 fabulous days of fashion, music and entertainment that are planned will be hosted at National Convention Centre Canberra. I have googled this venue and it looks amazing! What a stage for a runway! Glamorous parties will be will be hosted at QT Canberra where the style elite can be found mingling and partying after the runway lights dim for the evening.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for live updates on instagram and future articles covering the 3-day festivities but for now onto the highlights from the released program http://fashfest.com.au/:

I do adore a good Haute Couture design after styling many a bride over the years. Like myself, this is the first time De Challie Haute Couture has been involved in FASHFEST and by looking at their website and social media, De Challie Haute Couture promises some spectacular visuals with their voluminous and detailed designs.

Image: De Challie Haute Couture

BT (Braddon Tailors) is an Australian design house that uses some of the best fabrics from around the world for their made to measure garments. The silhouettes on their website look very classic and will be a welcomed feast for my eyes leading into summer.  

Image: Samantha Taylor

Ethical and sustainability is definitely covered in the program with a line-up of designers including Melanie Child who has a focus on upcycling and sustainable fabric choices. This is her third year which indicates to me that she is clearly a force that can create superb garments out of waste or unwanted materials.

The Salvos Stores will also be on display offering their take on upcycling and recycling. I used to work for the Salvos Stores many years ago and will be interested to see how far they have come.

Image: Michael Greves

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and Magpie Goose will display Indigenous textiles and design, Magpie Goose prints are designed and printed in four remote Aboriginal communities across the Top End.

Obviously some big names in Australian fashion are also involved including Alex Perry, Camilla and Misha Collection to name a few, presented by Momento Dezigns, a stunning shop with amazing labels that has been operating in Canberra for decades. It will be exciting to see what they present so soon after Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

It goes without saying that one of my highlights is always seeing the next generation of designers. The students from the Canberra Institute of Technology will be showcasing two collections this year. I am always excited to see the talent on display with students, their wild creativity with a side of edginess is so refreshing and I cannot wait to see what the students have been creating in Canberra.

Out of the 3 days on offer it is hard to say which night I am looking forward to the most. Honestly, I think all 3 nights and 6 shows offer the crowd so much variety and diversity. Tickets start from $49 which is quite reasonable and there are VIP and Platinum ‘experiences’ which include guided backstage tours. 

First impressions are always an opportunity to shine bright and I think this will be Canberra’s way of blinding me! It maybe best to pack some new sunnies!

Tickets are on sale now at:  http://fashfest.com.au/:

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Caped Beauties, Architectural Columns, a Fan Bingbing Wedding Gown, and Mrs. Kanye West...

Bingbing Wedding Cape: Chinese actress (and Fashion Diva) Fan Bingbing models Le Mariage final dress, Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

French fashion designer Stephane Rolland showed his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 collection a couple of days ago in Paris. Rolland has recently become a Red Carpet darling with a lot of actresses--primarily the non-American ones who feel comfortable "stepping it up" and not playing it safe when it comes to what they want to wear at high profile events. There is one big US fan though: Lady Gaga. Naturally she would LOVE his clothes! Someone else who just jumped on the Rolland bandwagon, is reality show and Us Weekly Cover Girl Hall-of-Famer Kim Kardashian.

Couture Couple: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian at the Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 fashion show, Paris

 Kim's Gown: Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012

She's been in Paris with her current beau Kanye West, and made an appearance at Rolland's show. Kim wore a black dress with white organza shoulder detail from the designer's Spring/Summer 2012 Haute Couture collection--it was modified for la Kim in that it was made "high-low" as opposed to how it was originally shown as in the photo above. Their showing almost completely overshadowed the fashions on the runway since naturally the photographers went crazy-mad! When I was looking for images of the Stephane Rolland Haute Couture show online, after googling it, the runway photos didn't come up...but Kim Kardashian and Kanye West sure did!  Is this good or bad? Talk amongst yourselves...

 Camel Hot: Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Now, onto the fashions: It was like a continuation of what Rolland has been doing for a couple of the last Couture seasons; metallic belts, details, CAPES galore, geometric cut-outs, architectural shapes. It seemed like this was the "extended remix" of  last season's Stephane Rolland Haute Couture collection. Is this good or bad? (again, talk amongst yourselves). At least he's consistent. I, for one, am a fan of Stephane Rolland and as a fellow fashion designer respect his scissor-sharp cuts and severe Spartan Goddess looks. His woman is a Fashion Dominatrix--without the whips and chains!

 Curved Slits: Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Feathered Asymmetry: Feathered  shoulder ivory gown with metallic accents (left) and bronze gathered gown with Asymmetrical coat-jacket--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Cannes 2013 Red Carpet: Asymmetry, Geometry and unexpected details are key words in a Stephane Rolland collection--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Caped Queens: Designer Stephane Rolland LOVES those gowns with lots and lots of fabric flowing in the "runway wind" as the models walk...or stomp! Here are two prime examples--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Merlot Sexy: a see-through silk chiffon and crepe-back satin gown with fringed/featherd side detail (left) and Amercian model Sessilee Lopez in a one-shouldered gathered chiffon gown with back cape/fall--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 A Funeral Entrance: two all black looks --a gown with attached side cape (left) and plunging neckline cape-jacket with fitted trousers (right) on Spanish Supermodel Nieves Alvarez--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Finale Gown: Actress Fan Bingbing in a fringed cape gown--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 runway video: