Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Post #87: Something to Note - Louis Vuitton's Mary Janes


It seems like designer's are going all out for the school-girl look when it comes to shoes this season. With Mary Janes from renowned designers such as Christian Louboutin making their presence known (in the online world at the very least). However, my favorite shoe of the season is these Mary Janes from Louis Vuitton. Made in their classic monogram and leather (you have to love how it carries all the way through the heel) with the daintiest of straps, these shoes might just be worth the $960 pricetag...well, maybe...but they sure are classic

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Post #86: Fashion on Film - Alice & Olivia Fall 2011


Maybe it's just my addiction to all things with a vintage vibe, but Alice + Olivia's Fall 2011 Tag-You're-It video is my favorite fashion film in quite a while. The mise-en-scène of the film perfectly ties into Stacey Bendet's quirky designs and how fashion choices reflect our individuality. The collection was presented at New York City's Plaza Hotel, which, to me, makes the use of lace and vintage accessories (like the first hat we see, gloves, pearl ropes, and cat-eye sunglasses) feel even more reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Set to the sounds of "Jerry Weintraub" by Waldeck, this film may just be sheer perfection. 

And if you just can't get enough Alice + Olivia, you can shop the collection on ShopBop. Playing with flapper style and manipulating silhouette, here are my three favorite looks from the collection:


Monday, September 26, 2011

Post #85: Spotted at Colgate - The Hair Bow


If you thought that hair bows were a thing of days past, a fashion element of your childhood that you'd never return to, then think again. While some people may consider bows to be juvenile, I'm going out on a limb and calling them the pick-me-up to your fall wardrobe. For the past couple of weeks I have been noticing more and more girls on campus tying ribbons into bows on their ponytails, but today I saw and fell in love with the bow in the picture above. 
As a fan of almost all head and hair wear (I may obsessively wear headbands and hats), the focus of this particular post is zooming in on the hair bow clip instead of the fabulous headband bows of Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. 



The bow clip reminds me of everything from Alice in Wonderland, to Betsy Johnson, to sisters frolicking in the woods with white bows in their hair in the 1926 silent film MĂ©nilmontant. Bows can be sweet, demure, quirky, or totally prep. You can find them in classic black, bright colors, or prints. 
If you're going to try out this trend, then I advise that you bow it up with a hairstyle that's half-up/half-down. If you're hesitant about it, start out small. 





If you're feeling bold, then definitely take a cue from the fabulous Zooey Deschanel and go big or go home. 



...but maybe don't go as big (or as on top of your head) as Katy Perry. 



If you're wondering wear to get your bow (and don't want to make your own), Forever 21 and Etsy are great places to start looking. Forever 21 offers them at very low costs in plain colors and simple patterns. Meanwhile, for a few extra bucks, Etsy make not only the bow but the center of the bow more intricately designed (and you're more apt to find bows in larger sizes here). A few of The Mannequin's personal favorites are listed below. So wear a bow...because who doesn't like presents?

The Adorable Black and Red Polka-Dot Bow (3" x 1.5") on Etsy


The Skull and Crossbones Pretty Peach Hair Bow Clip (3.5"x4.5") on Etsy



Forever 21 Black Satin Bow Hair Clip


Forever 21 Floral Bow Claw Clip


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Post #84: Designer Interview - Elsa Brodmann

            After coming across designer Elsa Brodmann because of G-Eazy's "Runaround Sue" video, I couldn't resist looking up the woman with such a gorgeous vintage eye for clothing. Creator and designer of the fashion line Ottilie Brodmann (http://www.ottiliebrodmann.com/), Elsa Brodmann is definitely someone to keep your eye on. The Mannequin asked her for an interview...and I am thrilled to tell you that she agreed to it. So here are ten questions for and answers from an intensely awesome young designer:



The Mannequin:  What made you first become interested in fashion?
Elsa Brodmann: I came from a family that was always interested in fashion. My grandmother was a dressmaker in Germany. My mother grew up in the 60s and 70s and when having disposable income, would spend it on her favorite designers, which were Charles Jourdan, Bruno Magli, Valentino, and Gucci. My aunt would make her own clothes that both my mother and sisters would wear...and then there came me. They gave me a lot of the clothing and accessories they wore and it started my love for classically designed garments that make a woman feel like lady. I got my first pair of high heel shoes when I was 13 and I was hooked.


TM:  I read that you initially started out as a freelance costume designer, what made you decide to switch to designing your own line?
EB: Film. I grew up watching films from the 50s and 60s and a lot of my inspiration comes from that. Sometimes even further back. I watched Sunset Boulevard and then became intrigued by Gloria Swanson and started watching her old silent films. I then started designing a collection from that.


TM: The name of your line, Ottilie Brodmann, is different than your actual name, what was the inspiration behind it?
EB: The name came from my grandmother Ottilie. I wanted to use her name as an homage to the initial origin of my desire to design.


TM:  Do you design for the art of the clothes or the woman wearing them?
EB: The woman wearing them. I appreciate clothing that is more conceptual, but for myself, I enjoy designing clothes that I like to wear. There is a brown ruffle dress from my fall 2011 collection that I love wearing and is appropriate for several types of occasions. Both my clients and the models that have worn my clothes say the same thing. It makes them feel sophisticated and ladylike and that is what I strive for.


TM: What has been your favorite project to work on as a designer (costume, fashion, or otherwise)?
EB: I really love commissions. I am working on a potential commission with an Arts Center in New Orleans and it really inspires me to challenge myself in my design capabilities and to make something different and awe-inspiring.


TM: Where do you look to for inspiration in your designs?
EB: Film. I grew up watching films from the 50s and 60s and a lot of my inspiration comes from that. Sometimes even further back. I watched Sunset Boulevard and then became intrigued by Gloria Swanson and started watching her old silent films. I then started designing a collection from that.


TM: Out of everything that you've ever designed, do you have a favorite piece?
EB: I made a midnight blue dress inspired by a design worn by Elizabeth Taylor, The dress was worn by a woman that greatly inspires me: burlesque performer Trixie Minx. She wore it to my first solo runway show, which I had at Louisiana Artworks. It looked great on her!


TM: Growing up, did you have a favorite designer?
EB: Yes, but so many! I love Elsa Schiaparelli, Mary Quant, Andre Courreges, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, Jil Sander, and many more! 


TM: Your current collection (as well as the costumes in G-Eazy's "Runaround Sue" video) has a very vintage vibe to it. Do you see yourself continuing on with this vintage trend in the future or do you see one of your next collections being more modern?
EB: I live and breathe vintage. I will always have a more classic look to my clothes, but will play with a more contemporary look here and there. For me the classic ladylike look will never go out of style.


TM: If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to wear your clothing, who would it be and why?
EB: I would say Vivien Leigh. All of the characters she played in both stage and film had such great depth to them, whether it be Ophelia in Hamlet, Scarlet in Gone with the Wind, or Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. She had difficulty being taken seriously with her acting talent because of how beautiful she was. I think that is something that a lot of talented women have to prove...how capable they are despite appearances. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Post #83: Spotted at Colgate - Tri-Delta Bid Day T-Shirts


Spotted in the backyard of 84 Broad Street, Tri-Delta love in the form of incredible girls wearing awesome sorority t-shirts. 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Post #82: Something to Note - Standout Fashion of the Week

While I'm always enchanted by the ethereal yet edgy presence of Keira Knightley, this weekend I'm obsessed with her wardrobe. At the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, Ms. Knightley donned a nude Elie Saab Couture dress that embraced all of her signature qualities. 



From the front, Knightley's dress looks demure and almost cutesy. The airy quality of the fabric and the exquisite quality of the embroidery were matched in edge by both the longer sleeves and the draping of the back of the dress. From Elie Saab's Fall 2011 Couture collection, this dress is certainly something to note. 



And just in case you just can't get enough, you can see the entire collection, starting with Knightley's dress, here (it's really worth a look):

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Post #81: Fashion on Film - Runaround Sue


From the tenth second of G-Eazy's "Runaround Sue" music video, I was captivated. The vintage costume of the lead girl reminded me of all of the reasons why I not only love fashion, but its history as well. The vintage-inspired dresses worn by all of the characters not only look good within the context of the video, but have the ability to transcend time (I can definitely see them showing up at sororities at the very least). At a point in history where fashion is taking inspiration from shows like Mad Men, the fashion in this film is certainly something to take note of. The costumes were designed by Elsa Brodmann, a New Orleans native with a penchant for freelance costume design and distinctive style. Creater/Designer of the clothing line Ottilie Brodmann, she is definitely a designer to watch. 

Post #80: Spotted at Colgate - Juliana Reider


Spotted in Frank Dining Hall, sophomore Juliana Reider embracing fall trends. Layering a lace shirt over a black tank top looks fashionably lady-like (and French!)...and to cap it all off, she even wore a beret.