HOT 5 - 2/1/21
Schiaparelli, Elber Albaz, Iris Van Herpen
Hello HOT Friends,
Here we go with this week's HOT 5:
1. Couture Is Definitely Not Dead
2. Cool Collabs
3. Made For You Fashion
4. Home Decor Trends For 2021
5. And Just In Case You Missed It
Area, Dior, Chanel
1. Couture Is Definitely Not Dead
The pundits have said for years that couture is dead. That it's a ridiculously expensive, antiquated, elitist endeavor that only a handful of people in the world can even afford. Well, Couture has managed to make it through a few recessions, a streetwear revolution, and now a pandemic! I've always felt that couture shows were pure magic, an art form to look at, enjoy and dream about. Of course, I'll never own it and I certainly wouldn't have anywhere to wear it even if I could snag a piece (these days no one has anywhere to wear it). If you love clothes, you've got to love Couture! Spring 2021 shows just ended and as usual were marked by exquisite handmade marvels and stunning showmanship.
But this year couture gave us many surprises; Daniel Roseberry presented a completely edgy and surreal collection for Schiaparelli, the long-awaited collection from fashion darling Alber Elbaz was based on an inclusive system of dressing, Area gave us plus-size couture for the 1st time, and the always astounding Iris Van Herpen translated the look of mushrooms into her extraordinary dresses! For more insights read these articles from the New York Times and Vogue And if you'd like even more check out these amazing videos from Schiaparelli and Giambattista Valli.
Urs Fischer for Louis Vuitton, Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton, Simone Rocha for H&M
2. Cool Collabs
Can you believe that collaborations between brands, retailers, and designers have been going strong for 20 years now? I remember the first, Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton way back in 2001. I didn't manage to score one of those fantastic bags but they're still available on resale sites and highly collectible. I've stood on line for many other exciting collaborations in the years since and ended up acquiring items that I still love like favorites from Martin Margiela for H&M in 2012 and Missoni for Target in 2011. This Spring is notable for its quirky and surprising collaborations between brands that wouldn't necessarily come to mind as partners but that's what makes for exciting retail experiences, don't you think?
Patrick-Earl Barnes pillow, Pauline de Roissy de Sales phone case, Mark Fina T-shirt
House of Terrance got in on the collaboration game several years ago by partnering with inventive artists Patrick Earl Barnes, Pauline de Roissy de Sales, and Mark Fina on T-shirts, accessories, and even home decor like pillows and mugs. It's a good time to take another look as their designs continue to look fresh. Here are 2 lists of cool collabs on the horizon from New York Mag's the Strategist and Elle Magazine.
Marlon Brando, Lauren Hutton, Diana Ross
3. Made For You Fashion
I bet even through all of the madness of the past year many of us continue to be on the hunt for that elusive perfect white T-Shirt. You know the one... it's the perfect length, the perfect weight, and fits you the way you prefer it to whether that's fitted and sleek or comfy and oversized. Is there a more important wardrobe basic? I like a fitted, quite lightweight t-shirt with a little bit of stretch because I'm usually using it as a layering piece worn under a cardigan or jacket. I was intrigued when I came across this new offering from Amazon called the Made for You T-Shirt. 3 D technology uses your precise measurements via an app for your phone to craft the perfect T-Shirt for you! T-Shirts are just the beginning with plans for more custom items in the near future. Check it out here.
4. Home Decor Trends For 2021
Does the style of your home decor line up perfectly with your clothing style? I'm willing to bet that your answer is yes it does! Our homes are just extensions of our personal style and another opportunity for us to express who we are to the world. These days we're all spending so much time at home that we're probably looking for some ideas to freshen up our overused spaces. This article from Vogue on interior design trends can help with that. Top Interior designers were asked what they're seeing as the biggest trends in interior design for this upcoming year. Not surprisingly, comfort was at the top of everyone's list. Now that we're really living in our spaces almost 24/7 we want every surface to be warm, inviting, and like a welcome hug from a good friend. Take note of the recommendations of designer Tim Corrigan, a personal friend from our time living in Paris. Back then he hadn't yet switched careers that would see him become one of Architectural Digest's top 100 designers but he sure knew how to put a room together! I remember my jaw dropping the first time I visited his incredible home.
5. And Just In Case You Missed It
Did you see the performance of UCLA gymnast Nia Dennis last month? She cemented the win for her team the Bruins in the All Pac 12 Competition. She wowed viewers with her floor exercise celebrating black excellence featuring music by Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Kendrick Lamar, and Tupac. I've watched the video countless times since it was posted because I can never get enough of her joyful, confident, skillful performance plus she's from my hometown, Columbus Ohio. I especially love how her teammates and coaches can't help but dance along with her. She began her routine with a homage to Colin Kaepernick by taking a knee while raising her fist in the air. She also incorporated viral dances like the woah and the snap, as well as stepping, a tradition often performed by Black fraternities and sororities. Even Michelle Obama took note and tweeted her approval!
Just a reminder HOT friends, Valentine's Day is just a couple of weeks away and as HOT loves the heart motif we have some perfectly pretty Valentine's day earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even some new Maskeraides!
Terry xoxo
