LFW: Topshop Unique A/W12-13

I think there was not a soul on Twitter who was not singing praises of the Topshop Unique Fall collection shown today. With a front row packed with the likes of Poppy Delevigne, Nicola Roberts and the great Anna Wintour, the stakes were high and the label did not disappoint. Head designer Emma Farrow went for a mixture of degagé utilitarian, classic military and a play on textures. There were a wide array of choices served up, including variations on the newly vamped-up salopette, leather-trimmed wool skirts, puffy-sleeved chunky knit jumpers and jackets that looked like an aviator/worker hybrid. The accessories were also as well received as the clothes; the new It-bag will be and oversized clutch, and the killer military stiletto boots were made fanciful with its Mercurian wing feature (finally, my Classical education put to use!). Overall, the showcase offered wearable clothes that are neither boring nor too whimsical. It was straight to the point. Personally, I love that I got some Irene Cara circa Flashdance vibes. Anything that reminds me of the 80s is a given winner. 

NYFW: Prabal Gurung A/W12-13

Twitter was sent into a frenzy almost immediately after Prabal Gurung's latest effort showcased in the Bag Apple this week, and so much so that I had to see it for myself toute suite. When I finally got ahold of the images, I got it. The A/W collection was stunning beyond words, in addition to the welcome shift in tone that the designer has taken. Instead of the usual light and delicate aesthetic, the pieces were dark- a complete 180, but a good turn at that. The palette had a slick, sci-fi touch to it with glossy blacks to stark, unblemished whites, bright cobalt blues, metallic, burnished golds and psychedelic mirror prints, while the silhouette was also kept in within the futuristic vibe. There were billowing capelets, sharply flared trousers and sheer, illusion beaded dresses that are to die for and coats piled high with fur. The overall tone spelled modern Glamazon-meets-Sci-Fi-Queen. Soft feminine touches weren't completely forgotten, as sheer panels, lace and feathers softened even the sharpest pieces. Overall, the collection was one of the highlights of New York Fashion Week, and the massive out pouring of appreciation online made for a fitting, global standing ovation. 

Joel Escobar

Here's another Filipino designer who has taken my breath away! I really don't have any access to Philippines fashion circuit save for Style Bible online, who thankfully, does showcase some of the rising stars of the nation's design sphere. Joel Escobar's Holiday 2011 collection showcase some of the most ornate dresses I have seen since the reign of Georgina Chapman and Marchesa. From glamourous ruching, to maribou fringing and gorgeous textures applied on the simplest of silhouettes, Mr. Escobar is definitely not one to be conservative. Just by the look of his colour palette, my god it screams with vibrancy and a richness, enough to up the ante for whoever chooses to wear his pieces. I am astounded by the talent that I have seen from my home country, really. Not that there was any doubt. Not at all. I just can't believe that this is what I have been missing out on. Fortunately, I now have Style Bible as my access to the collections of very artistic and talented of Filipino designers. So much easier no?  Here are some of my faves;

Luxe and uber glam! Love it.
xoxo

[images: stylebible digital]