This has been Elsien Gringhuis' first show at Amsterdam Fashion Week that she presented individually. Gringhuis studied at Artez in Arnhem and works for G-Star Raw denim at the moment. The collection she showed at AIFW 2010 looks rather strict, with straight lines and a minimal, clean cut silhouette, in addition to lots of shiny fabrics with very well made details. "Focus" is the theme of her collection, a collection about all the stress and chaos we go through all day and the need to focus on what really matters and what makes a difference in our day-to-day lives. Although it's not certain if she will produce her collection (she is still looking for ateliers) you can buy a real Gringhuis soon at Hema (www.hema.nl). She won the Hema design contest with a raincoat she made from biological cotton and rubber coating. Click the slideshow to see her show at Amsterdam International Fashion Week!
In our fast-paced society of instant gratification and non-stop networking (we can't even keep in touch with friends guilt-free on Facebook without calling it "networking"), it is easy to become stressed and harried. Even weekends, the lone couple of days we had to rest and recuperate, are now filled with playing catch-up for the office or partaking in fun, but taxing activities that don't let our bodies just sit back, take a deep breath, and truly relax. The next time you get a some vacation time, treat yourself to somewhere that is fun, interesting and will also give you some time to really breathe a sigh of relief. Try Berlin, Germany and stay at the beautifully streamlined Lux Eleven hotel. Imagine Calvin Klein had designed the interiors and you have the modern minimalism of steel and hardwood in a clean and spacious area.
Narciso Rodriguez strayed away from the structured look that he's presented in seasons past and opted for a more fluid look that comfortably hugged the female form for Spring 2010 at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. His signature structure was still apparent through interesting details, including mesh cut-outs as well as pleats and gathers and contrasting colors. A seriously sophisticated color palette of blacks, whites and nude neutrals were complimented with iridescent eggplant purples, dusty reds and grey tones. The collection overall felt like a minimalist revival punched up by daring billows of fabric, transparent details and modern trends such as a bubble mini, asymmetry, and innovative prints and tailoring. Simple, looser fit dresses showed nonchalant luxury while slightly exaggerated silhouettes and lots of legs gave his collection a more edgy vibe. Take a look at the slideshow for more from Narciso Rodriguez!
For the Ports 1961 collection, designer Tia Cibani found inspiration in the beauty of nature and as such, she presented an absolutely breathtaking collection. The color palette was mostly muted and comprised of soft airy shades, with the occasional pop of color thrown in, like the standout cherry organza layered sheath. To keep things on the clean and minimal side, embellishments were kept discreet, instead focusing heavily on construction and silhouette over anything else. Some of the pieces were very voluminous but in a way that was still wearable and not too overwhelming, while others were cinched at the waist for a sexier, more defined silhouette. The draping, tucking, and folding were so incredible, even someone with no knowledge of fashion whatsoever would be awed.
These summer months can take a toll on your style by leaving you to the bare essentials so you can handle this heat! As I was looking through Style Diary I came across
