Mango Summer 2013 Collection

Summer is in full swing and now is the time to find items in store that may be on sale.  Check out the full show from Mango's spring/summer show.  Hurry before these items are all gone.  Fall 2013 stock is arriving soon if not already in stores.

Liam Fahy Spring 2013

African-inspired prints have been quite popular in women's footwear the last few seasons.  Spring 2013 is no different with designers like Liam Fahy creating a collection using the patterns on classic styles.  The luxury footwear label says this season's collection is actually inspired by Katherine Hepburn's The African Queen; safari-inspired with a European feel.  The colours are rich with mustard, reds and other hues of nature.  

Liam Fahy is from Zimbabwe and has been creating luxury hand made limited edition footwear.

http://www.liamfahy.com

Wedge Sneakers

Wedge Sneaker by KAS, Ash Alex ($248) (www,kickassshoes.ca)

If you haven't already noticed, this season's hottest new shoe is the sneaker wedge.  So many women have been spotted sporting these shoes that give the look of a long lean leg while providing the comfort of a running shoe.  

A great alternative in the summer for those casual days when you're just doing some running around but still want to look stylish.  Check out the video below to see how some women have been rockin' these kicks. 

Spring's Black and White Trend

Spring 2013 has plenty of fashion trends to choose from.  One of the most notable is the black and white trend we are seeing everywhere.  It looks amazing on everyone and it's so easy to style because the two colours look great together. Watch this video by PopSugarTV for a few looks of the season in black and white.

White Obesessed

Christian Louboutin.

Go white.  It's a new season and what better way to freshen up your shoe wardrobe than with white.  Some are afraid of wearing a white shoe because they think it can be limiting.  But it's actually one of the most versatile you could wear this season.  

White captoe by Chinese Laundry.

Pick a white pump to wear with a classic suit for work.  They also look great with a pair of cropped pants or a slim pencil skirt.  Up the ante at night by wearing a steel captoe pump like the ones pictured above.  You'll find it in a range of brands from Kate Spade to Aldo and Chinese Laundry.

This season don't be afraid to put white on your feet.  If you do, be sure to get the right cleaners to keep them crisp and clean.     

Zuhair Murad Spring 2013

Paris Fashion Week spring 2013.

Zuhair Murad's couture collection for spring 2013 was a series of gold, ivory and salmon coloured masterpieces.  Each ensemble was crafted to accentuate a woman's body with embroidered details and patterns that made each it's own artful creation.  Murad is known for creating dresses that make a woman look like a star.  Often spotted on the red carpet his dresses have been worn by the likes of Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry.   

Spring 2013 collection.

Pamella Roland Spring 2013

Pamella Roland's spring 2013 collection was another example of the black and white trend in fashion this season.  Her collection was inspired by the artwork of American artist Ellsworth Kelly.  The clothing was filled with simple, clean lines and geometric shapes.

Prabal Gurung for Target

Target has had many successful collaborations with designers over the last few years.  It's most recent addition this season is Prabal Gurung.  His spring 2013 collection for Target will be in stores February 10, 2013.  Check out this sneak peek at some items from the collection.

www.target.com

Monique Lhuillier Finds Inspiration in Water

Monique Lhuillier's spring 2013 collection was inspired by water  The influence of sea water was quite apparent in the runway show.  She said, "I was in Turkey and I was on a boat and I was like that's it.  I'm going to run with this water idea and then that turned into very fluid silhouettes, almost mermaid-like girls for evening."  Watch the video above for highlights of the show.

Anna Sui Spring 2013

Known for her vintage inspired clothes, Anna Sui presented a youthful collection that mixed punk with traditional French details like toile, lace and pearl embellishment.  Lace capes, flirty skirts and shorts had sheer leggings layered underneath.  Models sported pink and blue hair which perfectly brought together the bohemian artist with her punk rocker side.  Although the collection could be said to be a mishmash of many things, Sui managed to bring these different ideas together cohesively.

What do you think?

Jason Wu - Spring 2013

Jason Wu (image Wmagazine.com)

Jason Wu's spring 2013 collection opened with what first appears to be a simple black shift dress.  The details of sheer lace and leather look bra over the bodice were both classy yet sexy at the same time.  It was followed by various combinations with a black and white pallet.  A simple combination that can be worn day or night.  Wu has a way of making a woman look amazing without too much fuss.  A pop of colour was added with pink and the classic choice of navy.

(Watch full runway show below)

Striped Sarees

Stripes have been a trend in fashion the last few seasons.  It's always interesting to see how contemporary fashion and cultural tradition mix to create beautiful styles.  Satya Paul and Neeru Kumar have some beautiful garments available for spring 2013.  These Indian sarees are traditional wear for woman and with the bold stripes it gives them a fresh, modern appeal for the 21st century woman.

H&M Spring 2013

It may be the middle of the Christmas shopping season but retailers are getting geared up for spring.  byt the time it's the end of January expect to see stores almost completely flipped into spring.  Here is a sneak peak at what fashion retailer H&M will be bringing you for the next season.

Cruising into Spring in the Winter

Fashion lovers know that designers and retailers are always ahead of the game when it comes to style.  It's the middle of winter but designers have already shown us what's coming for spring 2013.  And if you visit retailers you'll see a sneak peek of spring in the form of what the industry often refers to as 'Cruise' wear.

In the past these were clothes targeted at people travelling to warmer, sunny destinations on vacation or cruises.  The elite would update their wardrobes with new fashions just for their travels.  But these days, it's also an opportunity for you to be one step ahead in fashion by mixing a little spring into your winter wardrobe.

Fashion insiders know that it's fun to be ahead of the game my adding a dash of the upcoming season into your wardrobe.  Adding a little spring is easy because it can be in the form of layering or just a dash of color.  Your winter coat will keep the cold at bay and you can show off your diggs when you arrive at your destination.

Chanel's cruise collection was upbeat, youth-inspired with hints of classic Chanel tailoring.

Bustle at World Mastercard Fashion Week Toronto

Bustle's spring 2013 collection was very unconventional.  Not your typical suits for the office it was filled with fun, youthful looks that seemed to come from a tropical hot-spot.  With bright colored prints, floral patterns and hues of coral, lime-green, and yellows.

It was quite whimsical and cheeky at the same time.  Definitely a collection that stayed on point with what the label is known for; bringing flavor to the runway.

Photo by Edward James.

Tom Ford Spring 2013

Tom Ford's collection for spring 2013 had a theme of chastity vs. perversion.  He originally showed the collection to a select group of buyers in London and after photos started popping up online he decided to show the collection in its entirety.  What are your thoughts on the collection?  

Givenchy, Paris Fashion Week

The Givenchy spring 2013 collection was ruffled.  Around the neck, shoulders,   Minimalist silhouettes with a modern feel.  Light fabrics flowed.  Skirts were straight, with a flap over the front held with straps on the hip-bone reminding me of a skirt worn by men during the Roman empire, just draped over slim cut trousers.

White, powder blue, nude and black were the color scheme here.  I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I did.

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013

Tadashi Shoji's spring 2013 collection was feminine with sheer lace, and translucent layers.  Known for his creations worn by many celebrities, his work has been seen on the likes of Tyra Banks, Kate Beckinsale and Katy Perry. 

Gucci Spring 2013

Frida Giannini brought a soft flirtatiousness to Gucci for its spring 2013 collection.  Taking cues from the 1970s, tunic suits, loose trousers and caftans were the core ingredients in this collection.  Silhouettes were Japanese-inspired with billowing ruffles and bell sleeves.

(Photo: vogue.com)

Giannini said she was inspired by the portraits shot by photographers Richard Avedon and Gian Paolo Barbieri.  The color story included salmon, cobalt blue, crisp white and yellow.  Styling throughout the show was minimal however, necklines were decorated with brightly colored, chunky necklaces.  

The few printed items were vivid, over-sized patterns on simple styles.  This was a collection about living in vivid color and comfort with an air of easy elegance.  A certain gracefulness to each piece as the models strutted down the runway with ruffles floating.

Overall Gucci's spring had a consistent theme.  It didn't have a wide variety of design elements but rather, a strong sense of  a few ideas.  A sense of ease, it was all about the sleeve, ruffle and clean lines.  Trousers were fluid yet lean, dresses feminine and simple while the suits were classy with a leisure inspired feel.  It was an illustration of a bright and breezy lifestyle. 

(Photo: vogue.com)

London Fashion Week Wrap Up