2013 Agenda Update

The Quinntessential Style Agenda has been updated with Parisian events and Fashion Weeks from all over the world. More to come...

xx, Q.

[image: Style.com]

New York in Paris: A Pop-up Dinner

Well readers it's time for another Fashion Week season, kicking off with Men's Fashion Week. Don't be mislead though, I'm not covering the men's shows in this post, but the events surrounding them in Paris this week.

After their first highly successful and fashionista studded pop-up dinner in September during Paris Fashion Week with New York City restaurant The Fat Radish, the lovely Tara Gilson and Jenny Capano of the incredibly creative agency The Sporting Project are at it again. Hosting their second dinner series this week from Wednesday, January 16th to Sunday the 20th, TSP have invited the ultra-cool NYC West Village hideaway restaurant Hudson Clearwater to join the fashion foodie event. Chef Wes Long will serve a four course tasting menu at either the 7:30 pm seating or the 10:00 pm, while bartenders Nick and Jonathan fill our glasses until 2:00 am with their signature cocktails specially created for the event held at vegetarian hipster haven Bob's Kitchen in the Marais. Also on the event's program is live music, shipped in from the Big Apple as well.

Photo via Sporting 101

Bringing the New York dining experience to Paris, The Sporting Project makes sure to add a little bit of Paname into the mix, welcoming Parisian collaborators Terroirs d'Avenir, providing fresh produce for Chef Long's dishes, and La Dernière Goutte, contributing a selection of wine pairings.

I unfortunately missed last season's dinner, but I am booked and ready for the second installment. If you're interested in making a reservation, you should do so as soon as possible as all the seatings are almost full.

Reserve a table: reservations@thesportingproject.com


Hudson Clearwater at Bob's Kitchen
74 rue des Gravilliers, 75003


Follow The Sporting Project on Facebook and Twitter.

See you there.
xx, Q.

John Galliano Spring/Summer 2013: Bold Romance, Timid Adventure

Designer Bill Gaytten, of John Galliano, presented a voluminous collection of “Edwardian elegance” during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013. Models appeared in oversized tent dresses with front folds and gathers that were paired with large brimmed hats by Stephen Jones, inspired by millefeuilles and birds’ nests. The designs, in cotton, technical taffeta, crepe and cotton poplin, featured a muted palette of stone, coral, navy, white, black and pale pink, as well as “demure yet urban” prints with a flying man and traffic jam jacquard.

Although the collection was pretty and poetic, the designer’s looks lacked the adventure of his fall collection and of Galliano, as WWD remarked, “Gaytten moved away from the founder’s theatrics in favor of a cleaner, more architectural sensibility…” Bill Gaytten seems to be coming into his own at John Galliano with this romantic, though at times lackluster collection. Next season, I'm looking forward to a collection with a greater balance between quiet romance and the adventurous spirit of the fashion house.

Jourdan Dunn

Beauty look: White Eyeliner

See more photos from the show on Vogue.fr.

Contributing photographer for Quinntessential Style: Phirak Kok

xx, Q.

[credit: Vogue.fr]

Liu Fang Spring/Summer 2013: Sculpted Cashmere (for Prête-moi Paris!)

Blogger and my Parisian big sister Melissa of Prête-moi Paris! asked me to attend Chinese designer, Liu Fang's Spring/Summer 2013 show for the China in Paris Initiative this past Paris Fashion Week. Below I've posted the article I wrote for her site.

Dubbed “the sculptor of soft gold” by Vogue China, Liu Fang was the chosen designer for the China in Paris Initiative this year, showing on the runways of Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 for the first time. Liu Fang presented a collection of three dimensional, geometric cashmere pieces that were sculpted by using a special knitting technique. On the cream-carpeted runway, taught cords stretched from ceiling to floor, suggesting the instrumental strings of the simple soundtrack and framing the ethereal beings who floated on sky-high platform shoes that tapered forward without heels. The designer meticulously played with shape, tailoring the cashmere and draping panels of different knits. The models were like otherworldly warriors with sculpted dresses that resembled futurist armor and hairstyles that elongated their heads. The dresses featured vertebrae-like, 3D-relief vines that snaked around the models’ torsos and sensual cutouts that added sex appeal. The sculpted knits were paired with gossamer knit tights. As the artistic director of PALUOPO, a cashmere company that provides fine knits to top European fashion houses, it was no surprise that Liu Fang’s cashmere sculptures were well received. Using cream knits, the immaculate collection suggests futuristic purity and a promise of rebirth.

See more photos from the show after the jump...

xx, Q.

Jitrois Spring/Summer 2013: Stained Glass, Ribbed Vaults and Leather

Jean Claude Jitrois welcomed guests to the private presentation of his Spring/Summer 2013 collection held in his own beautiful home overlooking the Louvre and the Tuileries during Paris Fashion Week SS13. Known for their signature perforation and fringe detailing, Jitrois is viewed as one of the preeminent high-end luxury goods houses specializing in leather and fur, which quickly became apparent in the radiant collection presented. This season, the arches and stained glass of the recently renovated Sainte-Chapelle church on Paris’ Ile-de-la-Cité inspired the designer’s collection that showed off his experimentation with leather and other materials such as broderie anglaise, crocheted knitwear and crystal embellishments, adding lightness and delicacy to the heavy material. In ultraviolet, padparadscha, indigo blue, beige and black, Jean Claude Jitrois achieved a “seamless transition between leather, exotic skins and silk” in form fitting dresses at various lengths and classic leather jackets that took new forms with zipper-detailed lapels and belted waists. In the intimate setting, statuesque models strode out in garments inspired by the Rayonnant Gothic church with design details reminiscent of its ribbed vault and intricate 13^th century stained glass windows. As one skirt made of silver leather fringe embodied the effects of sunrays fragmented by the stained glass covered walls, the last dress out was the chapel’s dominating rose window bursting with red and white crystals. Some looks acted as the support of the collection like the columns of the church in sleek silhouettes; while other looks in rich colors and elaborate crocheting paralleled the polychrome décor. Each look out resembled a part of the acclaimed royal chapel, and built layer upon layer an equally acclaimed collection, featuring the perfect “marriage of structural forms and artisanal expertise”.

See more images from the show:

xx, Q.

[images courtesy of Jitrois]

Avogaire Style Profile: 'Out of the sheerness of her skirt'

Fashion Blog Avogaire style profile on me from the Tranoï tradeshow during Paris Fashion Week.

There an interesting way to layer that one rarely considers: the prospect of a sheer skirt worn above a pair of dark colored shorts or a mini skirt. We love how the skirt barely lets the shoes worn underneath or the shorts be seen. The belt is twisted, the sleeves carefully rolled up and the jewelry and headpiece carefully chosen. It's a look that appears to belong to the simplest but what it really is, is a precise inspection of the garments' attributes and the possibilities that lie within. 

--

What I Wore: Gap sweater,  Zara teal sheer maxidress, vintage belt, necklace from Egypt, JADEtribe bracelet, Michael Kors watch, brown lace-up boots

Thanks guys.

xx, Q.

Les Filles de la Revolution: Moon Young Hee Fall 2012

Moon Young Hee - 28 February 2012 - Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Korean designer, Moon Young Hee, presented a slouchy collection of disheveled filles de la revolution February 28, 2012 at the lavish Shangri-La Hotel in Paris. First out were somber, black coats and full length dresses that later lightened up with more feminine fabrics in violet, champagne, olive, and pumpkin. As the French Revolution menswear-inspired collection morphed on the runway to include a more feminine feel, the designer kept the androgyny in her fall/winter looks with an unchanging march of black berets and combat boots. My favorite pieces appeared toward the end in the layered, oversized robe lapels of silky fabrics and muted colors paired with chiffon wrap blouses and loose-fit pants.

Fabrics: satin, silk, chiffon, cotton, jersey

Colors: monochromatic and muted; black, navy, white, violet, champagne, olive, pumpkin, slate

Inspiration/Themes: French Revolution; oversized menswear; long lengths; slouchy, draped fabric gathered in the center - knotted, belted, scrunched

Highlights: pointed shoulders, long coats and robes, layered array of fabrics, sheer loose-fit pants, berets, gloves, combat boots

View more photos from the show here or watch the final run here.

xx, Q.
[credit: Elle]

PFW Street Style Tendance - Trends N°2

Whether shown on the runways, or worn on the street by fashion's authorities, skirts paired with 'cozy/cool' sweaters were all over Paris Fashion Week. By next Fall, we'll find this frumpy-chic duo wherever style lurks. But as we know, Paris tends to be ahead of the fashion game, so this look is sure to pop up more and more until les parisiennes catch spring fever and switch to the flowy sheers we saw on the runways last PFW.

Stella McCartney RTW F/W 2012 - 2013

Monochromatic Cozy/Comfy

Fashion Consultant/Casting Director Natalie Joos outside Dries Van Noten

Chloé RTW F/W 2012 - 2013

Hedvig Opshaug in a Carven sweater, Karl skirt, and YSL belt

Elisa Nalin outside Balmain

Tsumori Chisato RTW F/W 2012 - 2013

xx, Q.

[source: WWD]

PFW Street Style Tendances - Trends N°1

Outside Hôtel de Ville, fashion editors, directors, and the like arrived at the Dries Van Noten Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012-2013 show, welcoming the Spring-like weather in tropical and floral prints in a bouquet of colors. Whether these prints take form in a dress, skirt, pants, or blouse, the PFW crowd proved that tropical and floral is a fashion must for this Spring and Summer.

Sarah Rutson in an embroidered Céline pencil skirt.

Elisa Nalin in a Dries Van Noten dress

A better way to wear Hawaiian print

xx, Q.

Bienvenue, #PFW

Wake up Paris... It's Fashion Week!

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Paris Fashion Week Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2012! Which means the whirlwind of show hopping, street styling, and looking your utmost fabulous has begun. Be sure to check back for posts on shows, what I wore, and other fashion fun. But if you just can't wait until then, you can always follow me on Twitter or Facebook for live updates while I'm at the shows!

Interested in what shows I'll be attending? Checkout my new 'Agenda' tab at the top for my calendar of Quinntessential events.

Today, my fashion week begins with Moon Young Hee 14h, Corrado de Biase 16h, Aganovich 19h, and Steffie Christiaens 21h.

I'm ready for a full, but fantastic week! See you on the other side...
xx, Q.

Follow @Quinntessences



[credit: picship]

Set Fire To The Runway: On Aura Tout Vu S/S 2012

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week was set aflame as the phoenix of On Aura Tout Vu rose from the ashes and descended upon us at Garage Turenne. On January 25, 2012, the Bulgarian designer duo Livia S. Stoianova and Yassen Samouilov presented their Spring-Summer Couture 2012 collection, 'High Light Fire'. The collection transcended its theme and heated the audience with incredible energy. Models were the quinntessential femmes fatales in garments blazing with blue, orange, and red flames, gleaming with thousands of Swarovski Elements crystals, and sizzling with high-drama silhouettes. We were lit up, watching a model gracefully walk the runway in a dress reminiscent of a billow of smoke, but we were dazzled when the next dress emerged from backstage literally billowing smoke. At this moment, the magnificence and genius of this collection was unmistakable. The model, also fully aware, broke character, and gave a gracious nod and humble smile knowing she was wearing an epic garment. Applause joined the epic soundtrack and then became cheers, giving me chills and highlighting the chaleureux mood of the show. 

Me and Camille at the after party
Credit: Ko Kok

When asked about the theme, 'High Light Fire', Samouilov explained the collection "is a reaction to the idea of the crisis... when all values go up in smoke. The crisis will end up coming... we need to set a fire then, so that things move... and that everyone does so at their own level." The duo told Le Monde, "the old world is a blaze, but we can rise from the ashes".

See pictures from the show and after party after the jump.

Fashion, Future, Fournié: Paris Couture Spring 2012

Fashion is ever changing, and Haute Couture is “the best laboratory [to experiment in] for fashion design”. Parisian designer, Julien Fournié, chose to enter the world of custom fitted garments not only because of the tradition of couture lying in Paris’ history, but also because of its role in the changes of fashion and his strong belief in its future. On January 24, 2012, Fournié presented his Spring-Summer 2012 couture collection, Première Extase, at the Showcase as a membre invité by the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. 

Melissa of Prête-Moi Paris! and me at the show.
© Julien Fournié

This young designer is fashion-forward, maybe even ahead of our time. While working on his collection, he collaborated with Fashion Lab, created by Dassault Systèmes, a technology incubator which enables the collection design process to transform its 2D aspects into 3D, allowing the exploration of line within the designs. “Thanks to an original online digital library, [designers can] investigate materials to visualize, study, improve a virtual prototype before they make the real-life… piece, accelerating and enhancing thus [the] creative process before they get to work on the real-life mannequin”. With such advances in the design process, “codes of Haute Couture are being redefined for generations to come”. Considering the ‘trickle down theory’ of fashion, eventually standardized sizing may not be necessary, made-to-measure garments could be more readily available at lower costs.

His collaboration with Fashion Lab is a reflection of his belief in the future of fashion and how “this field of excellence will develop” especially if it continues to include future technological improvements. Fournié and Fashion Lab worked on reproducing fabrics’ would-be reactions, using digital tools. A few kinks need to be worked out though in regards to the custom fit of the garments, which became apparent with the tugging of several hemlines.

All in all, the end result of this technological partnership birthed a line of youthful, vibrant, tropical looks from the ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’ 2.0. To the soundtrack of a thunderstorm, Fournié’s ethereal beings guided us through a rainforest. Some dresses resembled hibiscus flowers with pleated, undulating yellow and pink floral structures blooming from the shoulder and wrapping around the body. Others sprouted plastic fringe that reinforced the rainstorm soundtrack with every swish of the hip.

See photos from the show after the jump.

Guest Post: Claudine Ivari S/S 2012 Paris

September 29, 2011 Claudine Ivari presented her Spring/Summer 2012 collection during Paris Fashion Week. Melissa Ladd of Prête-Moi-Paris attended the show in my place to report on this young French designer's debut in Paris.

Claudine Ivari SS2012

by Melissa Ladd

Set in the sumptuous and historic hôtel particulier on 79 bis avenue Marceau, Claudine Ivari's fashion show venue looks like something even a princess would daydream about! It is also the setting for her Paris Fashion Week debut. And what a place to show the world her talent...

The theme of her Spring 2012 collection, "L'Or des Moissons" (Harvest Gold), is the golden color of wheat and the weave of its form, as well as the graphic silhouette of the Hallgrimur Church in Reykjavik, Iceland. The entire collection is rampant with elegance and femininity, enough to make you swoon. The marrying of such a natural element (the golden wheat) to such a human made structure (the church) brought out a contrast that doesn't even look like one it blends together so well. Miss Ivari has an artist's eye for shape, design, and texture, and the ability to put them all together to create something that accents the feminine form to perfection. These pieces can be worn for decades to come. They are stunning, timeless, and sophisticated. In addition to her talent, she also has values. Her work is 100% Made in France.