CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN FOR HALPERN F/W 2018

A dazzling interpretation of an inappropriate glamour...

This season saw Christian Louboutin's second collaboration with Michael Halpern’s eponymous brand; the designer’s usual high glamour world taking a bigger, more daring approach for the season, turning traditional eveningwear on its head.

The rock and roll edge of last season was given an even grittier dress code for AW18.

Inspired by seasoned socialite and sartorial rule breaker Nan Kemper, the collection showcased a burst of color wrapped around dazzling super flares, glittering miniskirts paired with embellished t-shirts and a highly crafted shoulder of a jacket irreverently morphed into a luxurious mini dress.

Drawing from the ever-changing landscape of the world’s most famous concrete jungle, exploding peonies and animal prints appeared as recurring themes, elevated to a three-dimensional quality through embellishment and metallic fabric treatments.

The dazzling interpretation of an inappropriate glamour - wearing an evening look at noon, dressing against the dress codes, and the irresistible pleasure of being out of place - was furthered by the addition of customized Christian Louboutin styles inspired by Miss Daisy from the Spring Summer 2018 collection.

Matching the fabrics of the most exceptional outfits, thigh high boots come in a vibrant palette of colors and patterns. The playful mules were a highlight with contrasting color block fragments and multi-colored firework sequins. Self assured ankle boots adorned in Halpern's AW18 zebra flip motif further embodies the freedom from fashion etiquette. All three styles are showcased in a psychedelic fil coupé that comes in both pink and yellow. All sit atop Christian LouboutIn's sculptural SS18 Gueridon heel, reflecting Michael Halpern's creative vision of a silhouette freeze-framing the fleeting moments of ease embodied in the movement of eveningwear.

See entire Halpern F/W 2018 collection HERE.

fashionado

BIBHU MOHAPATRA SPRING/SUMMER 2018 NYFW

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Bibhu Mohaptra (on the right) with his team: (l) David Valencia - Designer,  Cher Du -Production Manager, and Jameela Lake - Public Relations Director.

The BIBHU MOHAPATRA Spring Summer 2018 collection draws inspiration from art and life in traditional Eastern Asia. Reflecting on the mysterious female samurai, the collection strikes a balance between seduction and strength – a power dynamic interpreted in geometric silhouettes and artful, embellished fabrics. Mohapatra showcased his Spring Summer 2018 collection at New York Fashion Week at Skylight Clarkson Square to a packed house.

“The role of the female samurai has, historically, been a battle of its own. She is always the exception and never the rule. Each piece has been designed to echo her extraordinary uniqueness through masterpieces of Japanese lace, sunburst pleated tulle, and silk mikado. There is war in art and there is art in war – this collection captures the vibrancy of it all,” explains Mohapatra.

Rooted in conflict, the SS18 collection’s resolution is a synergistic mix of couture ready-to-wear and evening gowns. Highlights include necklines and drapework reminiscent of formal kimonos, geometrically inclined beadwork, and knotting inspired by Japanese Shibari – the artistic practice of bondage.

Mohapatra also collaborated with Christian Louboutin to customize two styles of shoes from the French luxury brand’s SS18 collection. Nosy, a pointy-toe pump, and Nosy Flat, a pointy-toe flat style combine two contrasting colors of leather with transparent PVC and floral lace accents. These sleek, ultra-feminine styles both reveal and conceal the foot, echoing the duality inherent to Mohapatra’s collection.

For embellishments, Mohapatra collaborated with PreciosaGroup on fine crystals. “Preciosa is the perfect collaborator for us as we built this collection. Their product stands for incredible quality, refinement and modernity which enables me to take my collection from concept to realization,” said Mohapatra.

Explicitly designed from head to toe, the BIBHU MOHAPATRA SS18 collection introduced the image of a self-actualized warrior.

fashionado

Bathed in Louboutin @ Bergdorf Goodman

The brightly lit storefront windows cast a designer glow that bathed pedestrians in red while walking past 

Bergdorf Goodman

. From a distance, the light enticed me, drawing me in. From up close, Bergdorf delivered a 20 year commemorative of

Christian Louboutin

. The window displays were visually compelling, layered thick with content, neon lights, glitter, sex and innuendo. And of course, shoes! [photo gallery]

*All photos by Tomas Espinoza / tespinozaphoto.com

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