AMWESTEN Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam SS16

In a world of fast fashion, designer Annemarie Westen wants to go back to craftsmanship, the point where the fashion process starts from scratch. “My work is never really based on a solid concept, it’s more about the feeling. It surpasses time or age and particular fashion seasons. I aim to give women a certain feeling, I want my clothes to strengthen who they are. Be equal to yourself. Sexyness and confidence is not depending on boobs or butts, but knowing yourself.” Something Annemarie herself has no trouble with, as this collection was full of her familiar signatures. Her designs are simplistic, sophisticated and wearable without losing elegance. She plays with subtle changes in the usual, using sharp graphic layers as a sign of strength, while the soft springy materials such as silk and wool emphasise a woman’s grace. But this time around she added more draping details in maxi-dresses and trousers. For a summer collection though, the colour palette was quite gloomy with only black, white and green. “Black is usually the basic pallet I’m working on, because it’s my favourite colour. And use of colour can cause distraction.” It perfectly fitted the dark, heavy music of Marilyn Manson and Pantera that reached our ears, and gave the show an even stronger heartbeat and a don’t-mess-with-me feeling. Exactly as she had hoped for.

Tailor&Elbaz Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam SS16

Two years ago designers slash models slash tv-personalities Maria Tailor and Tamara Elbaz took over Collection PRC, the label of former designer Percy Irausquin. But due to the lack of freedom and design possibilities, especially the lack of space for sporty and super trendy items, made them decide to start their own label. So they did, launching Tailor&Elbaz, a line based on their personal taste, mixing trendy with basic and casual with chic. The exact ingredients they showed today on the Amsterdam Runway. Except, they added a, let’s say, little show element to it. Because how not to go all the way when the theme is Alice in Wonderland. The catwalk was transformed into a dreamy fairytale setting, including a stretch of grass, enormous flowers, mushrooms and rose peddles. All is well, but the question was of course: what is Alice wearing today?

We can imagine Alice her wardrobe isn’t that surprising, but what would happen if you add some Tailor and Elbaz to it? The answer: she would definitely be more glamorous, rock ‘n roll and sporty. She would wear more polo dresses, blossoming skirts, pencil skirts, varsity jackets, ‘love’ and ‘queen’tops and denim shorts covered with hearts. Their color palette of choice existed of shades of black, white, blue and pink. After so much fairtytale sweetness and romance on the tennis court, the rock ‘n roll was mainly found in the many earrings, heavy cat eye make-up and severe ponytails.

This is not a collection that will make heads turn or still you fashion cravings, but if you’re in desperate need of some easy-going daywear glamour, stop searching.

Political Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam SS16

It wouldn’t be a strange assumption that the worlds of fashion and politics are so different that they will never collide. But this afternoon, there was serious proof of the growing connections between the two of them during the Political Catwalk. A small group of youngsters from Amsterdam designed fashion for politicians, that politicians showed themselves on the catwalk. An initiative from Stichting f6, who organizes sociocultural projects to raise awareness and to convey knowledge about politics and democracy.

It’s definitely not a first that fashion shows have been linked to political engagement. But it’s definitely a first for these pupils, who used fashion as a tool to air out their thoughts on politics and democracy. While the musical background was filled with sound clips from Dutch political debates, the politicians slash models came walking down the runway in designs such as a jumpsuit covered with Twitterbirds, a skirt made out of newspapers, a dress with vote pencil fringes, a Dutch flag kaftan or a Van Gogh printed shirt.

But there was more to the program, as there was the Encouragement Award to be handed out. Cécile Narinx, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, was one of the judges. “Uniting fashion and politics is just as hard as trying to merge the north and south pole. Most politicians generally play it safe when it comes to the clothes they’re wearing. Which is a pity, because the way you look can really underline your story and your political statement. You can use it in smart way. These kids made an brave attempt to bring those two separate worlds together throughout their designs. As a judge I will pay attention to movability, personality and, of course, if the political message is well translated.” According to the judges, it was Gaby Reiman’s bike tire skirt design who succeeded to do this best. Nonetheless the question still remains– will fashion and politics ever fully join forces? It’s up to you to mark your cross.

Streetfashion MBFWA Day 3

What are you wearing during the fashion weeks? Your Gucci-shoes, that vintage Prada or your latest Givenchy-sweater? Maybe we’ll spot you in Paris, Milan, New York or Amsterdam. During the fashion weeks we refresh our streetwear posts regularly. We don’t judge, we’re not the fashion-police, we just enjoy fashion and your own personal style. Next stop: Mereceds Benz Fashion Week Amsterdam fall/winter 2015

MBFWA This was Day 4

It looks like Day 4 of MBFWA was all about hair. Looking at the shows of l’Oreal Professionel and Dennis Diem the haircrews did an amazing job. Other interesting shows were Mirte van Wijngaarden, Army of Me and Samaranda Almasan.

MBFWA, This was day 3

Day 3 of MBFWA is a fact. We look back to some great shows like Maison the Faux, SchuellerdeWaal and Sis by Spijkers & Spijkers.

MBFWA, This was day 2

Day 2 of MBFWA was a day to rememeber with some strong an interesting shows full of energy, emotion and creativity. We are thinking of  Bas Kosters, Aziz Bekkaoui and Said Mahrouf, but also Inkni.

Bas Kosters Catwalk Fashion Show MBFWA FW2015

If there’s anyone who knows how to throw a decent catwalk party, it’s Bas Kosters. Year after year he gets the fashion crowd going by just letting music, make-up, backdrop and models in his designs work together. Today was no exception. Bas himself sat on a large block which stood on the catwalk. In Lotus position, like a fashion Budhha he looked at the fashion crowd. As he started spinning, yep, spinning, we’re talking Bas Kosters here, Valentijn de Hingh, opened the show. Naturally dressed in a bright colored, larger than life creation. As the show went on all typical ingredients came along. Tulle, bright colors, structured shapes, glitters everywhere, make-up overdone. Oh and let’s not forget the customized strollers, supermarket carts, dolls and Bas’ face as a backdrop. The music was a little less party, a little more spiritual. Incense and flowers spreading the love during the finale added up to that relaxation factor. An awakening and enlightening start of the weekend. Thanks for a good time, Bas!

Aziz Bekkaoui Catwalk Fashion Show MBFWA FW2015

In times like these, it doesn’t always feel right to just show a collection of pretty clothes only the wealthiest people can afford. Sometimes, you need to be able to make a statement with fashion too. Yesterday Edwin Oudshoorn already presented us with his torn down world instead of his usual happy ever after. Today Aziz Bekkaoui had something to say too. He seemed to be making a political statement by using what looked like a Palestine flag print as the main print in his fall/winter collection. On socks, skirts, tops, blouses, dresses, beanies and backpacks; it popped up everywhere! Aziz’ message was all about love; a little reminder of what life should actually be all about. The show opened with the sound of a heartbeat, Aziz named the collection United Hearts Now and used heart shaped prints, embroideries and necklaces on most of his looks. Now his message might be political, the show had a cheerful feeling nevertheless. Old school hip hop songs by DJ Manga and the models’ funky styling made sure of that. As did the bright pops of color. Green, red, burgundy, pink and blue were all in the mix with the black & white graphic (pied de poule and jacquard) prints. Glass and wool, cashmere and silk. Urban danced with classic. Loose shorts, polo shirts, chunky knits, short sleeved vests and the models’ cool attitude brought everything together. Oh and not to mention those white sneakers. The fashion world wouldn’t be the same without those and Aziz knows all about it.

Fashion Week Amsterdam, this was day 4

Day 4 of Mercedes benz Fashion Week Amsterdam started with the launch of a new, promising label for kids – Jourmain and it ended with the latest collection of Tony Cohen, who introduced his menswear-line. In between we saw shows of Verena Michels, Zyanya Keizer, Dorhout Mees and Jonathan Christopher Homme.

« Previous Page — Next Page »