New Age Feminist Bliss

March 11, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

If Katherine Hepburn, Jackie O, and Marie Antoinette had a baby, it would be this collection. Marc Jacob’s spring 2019 collection of ruffles, pink satin, and all things avant garde is just what women need after such a tumultuous 2018. This collection, even down to the music selection, is lighthearted, cohesive, modern yet classic, and sums up what every woman should aspire to be. Powerfully her.

Though the looks aired more on the side of red carpet show stoppers than ready-to-wear, average Jane can still relate; if for no other reason than the fantasy of it all. Jane can stick her head back in the clouds if only for a short time to enjoy womanhood. Ten minutes of bliss is what Jacobs delivers. When a woman can walk confidently down an aisle full of unknowns, in a dark empty space, and know she owns the room, I call that success.

Oversized blazers and two-piece suiting bring up the “women can do it all” theme, as well as the masculinity turned feminine currently trending. Softer touches with coral and pink satin pants, dresses, and skirts give typical feminine vibes, but in a futuristic way. Opaque stockings in shiny grey and lime keep the collection classically Marc Jacobs, and kitten heel bow pumps keep the ladies looking elegant and light. Jacobs is totally tuned into what is happening right now in our culture, but also has us looking forward into a more optimistic future.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts may only be used with written consent given by Shoe Obsessed/AKCstyle, and provided that full and clear credit is given to “Shoe Obsessed/AKCstyle”, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

March 11, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

Amity High Graduating Class of 2019

By: Ashleigh K. Copeland

September 12, 2018 at the Calvin Klein 205W39NYC spring 2019 show, seems a mixture of misdirected creativity and an uncertainty of just what classic Americana means. A blazing, bright, cherry red carpet should have been a foreshadowing of things to come. The imitation bloodied runway, contrasted a cobalt blue backdrop, which later, turned out to be an ocean graphic from the famous horror film Jaws. The scenery laid the groundwork for what turns out to be, at the very least, a confusing collection. Creative Director Raf Simons drew inspiration from two classic American films, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws and The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman.

I’ll let that image hang for a bit, as you imagine how the two films are related. Well, they aren’t. They both just happen to be two films the French-born designer describes as, “very important movies in my memory.”

The 62 piece collection features inspired looks from both films, including chain strap handbags, rubber Chelsea boots, and tasseled graduation caps. First, the vintage-style Jaws t-shirts and tanks, with the noticeable “cK” logos slapped on them. Then, there are deflated raft-like dresses, smooshed and molded in a variety of colors and hem lengths. As if all that is not enough, we move onto tailored, black graduation gowns for both men and women, and shark bite hem skirts. Finally, tailored wet suits obviously inspired by the infamous Jaws character, Hooper, as he takes his plunge into the Amity Ocean. Before Simons’ latest show, I though nautical themes consisted of little white sailboats, boat shoes, and Bermuda shorts. Turns out, nautical themes can be more on the nose than I ever thought possible.

Almost Dying or Dead? The MK Review

March 11, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

By: Ashleigh K. Copeland

The eclectic fashions Michael Kors shows for his spring 2019 collection, gives the brand in his namesake new life. Though, we are not 100% sure if this new life is living up to the luxurious quality we are accustom to from Kors. The jet-set lifestyle the brand is known for still rings true, but done with a more youthful approach. The tailoring and skin-tight, white skinny jeans, we usually see on a MK runway, are replaced by sleekly cut mini dresses and flowy maxi skirts. The bright turquoise, lime, and watermelon printed fabrics bring a light-hearted approach to the collection. However, the new colors and prints give the collection a look of lesser quality than the classic camel, saddle, and navy fabrications usually seen from Michael Kors.

For spring 2019, bold tropical prints in stretch fabrics dominate. Slingback wedge sandals, platforms, espadrilles and thick, strappy sandals in white, pink, blue, and black are stand-outs. Bored of the single gender runway shows, Kors added male models wearing various oversized pants, pullover sweaters, and crossband slides.

Paradise printed, drawstring beach bags are paired with graphic sweaters with “Michael Kors Beach Club” printed on them, and chicly wrapped head scarves adorn the heads of black and white models alike.

There is no mistaking the inspiration for this collection, although in your face, not over the top or too repetitive, the same cannot be said for the music choice. The same phrasing over and over again, during the ten minute show, is so monotonous the clothes are the least of your worries.

While trying to grab the attention of millennials, Kors seems to have missed the mark a bit on the actual execution of the collection. Loyal followers of MK adore the feeling the brand evokes, more than the actual pieces. Which is why the company has been struggling financially for quite some time. In 2017, MK announced the closure of 125 stores due to, “a difficult retail environment with elevated promotional levels,” as well as stale product and in-store experience, according to Fortune.com. One can understand the need for a total 180 degree change, but veering too far right, or too far left can have just as much of a negative impact on business as remaining stagnate.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts may only be used with written consent given by Shoe Obsessed/AKCstyle, and provided that full and clear credit is given to “Shoe Obsessed/AKCstyle”, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

March 3, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

The Cool Kid Flourish

Stage is set, lights, camera, action! Heavy metal instrumentals crack through the blank silence on the white rooftop. Flashes of white hot lights zig and zag reflecting on chalk-like surfaces. While the music pulses through the audience, strobing lights dance brilliantly in sync to the bass and drum beats. If first impressions mean anything, we know we are in for a show tonight.

Set on a rooftop, above the South Street Seaport, New York City in June, Alexander Wang strives to show himself as the contemporary, forward-thinking designer who should never need gimmicks or celebrities to push his designs onto the world.

After an unsettling previous year of shows, Alexander Wang is eager to impress his fashionable audience once more. We anticipate the excitement and overwhelming energy he brings to all his shows, but the last few collections have been more chaotic than chic. This spring 2019 show, dubbed “Collection 1”, as he strives to move away from traditional seasonal names, is much anticipated.

Collection 1 lives up to everyone’s desires. From the Axl Rose (Gun’s & Roses) style bandanas, oversized moto jackets, new Adidas x Wang collaboration sneakers, and new age combat boots, this collection brings the loyal Alexander Wang fans out of hiding. Wang boldly blends his Chinese heritage with the American culture he is accustomed to. Though over styled at times, the collection shows a considerable amount of detail and thought to every look. It seems Wang is finding his footing again, and leaving audiences craving for his next collection to be shown in December.