The Runway vs. The Real Way
The realm of luxe fashion is all about extremes. The realm of post-secondary education? Not so much. The typical couture designer can take spectators on virtual trunk shows (Net-a-Porter and Roland Mouret), walks through strawberry patches (YSL) and tours of Hollywood heroines (Jean Paul Gaultier). Your typical college weekday can’t take you much further than crowded classrooms, Jimmy John’s and the monochromatic corners of Club Raynor.
It doesn’t take a genius (or even a fashionista) to realize the daily grind doesn’t mesh well with six-inch stilettos. Yet the dramatic pieces put forth by Miuccia Prada and Phillip Lim have a trickle-down effect on what each of us picks up at the mall. And so, you may ask: At what point does runway become reality?
For the typical college student, making the right statement means taking extremes from the runway and reconfiguring them to suit the sidewalks. Take a look at these recent spectacles and note how fashion experts translate them into practical suggestions:
The Little Mermaid: Alexander McQueen
The Runway: This past week in Paris, Alexander McQueen put on a Spring 2010 show full of fierce shimmering corsets, aquatic color pallettes and and claw-like shoes that defy the laws of physics. Reminiscent of Plato’s Atlantis, the slew of stern models, rigid machinery and underwater images was anything but a walk in the park.
The Real Way: McQueen’s fierce designs may be overwhelming, but the metallic shine radiating from this runway is perfect for fall. New York trends analyst Tom Julian advises onlookers to “think hues of copper, gold, platinum and gunmetal. Designers have placed an emphasis on luxe fabrics that can sparkle and shine without all the bells and whistles of embroidery, embellishment and excessiveness.” I’ve found the best way to realistically wear these colors is through sheen metallic tanks, shimmering accessories and charcoal or gold ballet flats that replace traditional black.
The Industrial Revolution: Ralph Lauren
The Runway: For Fall 2009, this All-American designer emphasized looks that knew no season and, in some cases, no sex. Fusing memories of rustic America with stereotypical housewife charm, the styles ranged from overrsized shirtdresses, floral farmer’s wife attire and gowns that all-too-closely resembled coveralls.
The Real Way: While this show took a speiclaized route, it resonates with the «menswear for ladies» look that has blanketed retailers this fall. David Hacker, vice president of trend and color at Kohl’s department stores, lists the menswear look as a top trend along with animal print and plaid. In my opinion, menswear is an irresistible trend that can be adopted without effort. Opt for oversized cardigans and roomy straight leg jeans on casual days, or take a powerful approach with broad shouldered blazers and spectator shoes.
The Hoedown: Karl Lagerfeld
The Runway: Not many take Karl Lagerfeld to be the farming type. But for the Chanel Spring 2010 show, the designer channeled his rural heritage and showcased his collection in a fabricated barnyard complete with haystacks and Little House on the Prairie ensembles. The subtle tweeds and plaids shown were not over the top, but several outfits were accompanied by, dare I say it: clogs.
The Real Way: While Lagerfeld played up the barnyard setting, the designs shown didn’t stray far from classic Chanel suiting and timeless silhouettes. Mainstream fashion takes the Western trend more seriously with lumberjack plaids, leggings and even cowboy boots. The trick to mastering this look is balance. According to fashion writer Emily Mikhail, “It’s generally safe to stick with one plaid piece per outfit. Neutral colors work best with plaids because they add warmth and simplicity to the busy fabric.” Combining a plaid knit with skinny jeans and a cropped lather jacket can create a perfect casual look for class.
I hope these shows bring some spice to your average day, and that the real-life trends they inspire bring some variety to your wardrobe.
You’re Beautiful,
Alise
“No, I’m not a French designer either. I’m from nowhere. I’m a European, old European is all I am.”
-Karl Lagerfeld
Do you have fashion or style questions? Is there a certain topic you would like to see covered in A’s List? Please comment or send an email to alise.buehrer@mu.edu. This is your fashion community, and I’d love to make it better.
Tags: A's List, Alexander McQueen, Alise Buehrer, designers, fashion, Karl Lagerfeld, menswear, Ralph Lauren, reality, runway, style, Stylephile, trends
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