smells like teen spirit

Under the Influence- June 2013

stella mccartney spring 2011

I gave up pork at age 6 because my favorite book was Charlotte's Web. I was so moved that even now, at 23, I still will not go near it. I think Stella McCartney would understand. After all, she's famous for supporting animal rights and not using leather or fur in any of her collections. Following in her mother Linda's footsteps, Stella lives a vegan lifestyle and is one of the most "green" designers currently working.

Because of our animal-loving common ground (and her amazing designs, duh!), I am always looking forward to what Stella does next. Last season, her collection was dubbed one of the most wearable with entire outfits ready to be worn right off the runway. This season was no different. It began with her usual minimal, crisp designs with a peppering of denim shirts, dresses, and skirts thrown in. Just when I had her figured out, then came the fruit!

I was definitely thrown off when Sasha Pivovarova marched out in a tropical tunic reminiscent of Prada's Carmen Miranda tribute. This collection proved that Stella is capable of creating wearable every day pieces as well as garments for the quirky and kitsch. 

photos: style.com

alexander wang spring 2011

An Alexander Wang collection with no black? Say it ain't so. But the reigning king of cool made his collection just that with lots of white, metallics, and a flash of camel. A nod to the heroin chic days of Calvin Klein, the models appeared to have vaseline on their faces and hair slicked back with white paint. No exuberant hair and makeup (well, as far as fashion shows are concerned) or any bold accessories to speak of, Alexander made it all about the clothes and less about the entire aesthetic. 

He's been called the champion of reinventing sportswear and making it more modern. He incorporates an industrial look, almost utilitarian with the clothes donning straps and boots made for serious walking (behold the treaded hiking boots...love, love). His mint green and nude pieces show that Alexander indeed possess knowledge of the rainbow. He just chooses to not always show it, critics be damned. 

If Alexander wanted ethereal downtown Manhattan, he got it. I tend to prefer darkness in my wardrobe, but he proved with this collection that he's capable of going soft while remaining tough. 

photos: style.com