After a year filled with greatness (Alexander McQueen’s exhibition at the MET), disappointment (John Galliano’s scandal) and fairy tales (Will & Kate’s wedding), what should we look forward to, fashionably speaking, in 2012? I made a list of the 10 events/shows/trends that I can’t wait to attend/watch/wear this year…
1. Marni for H&M
Expect Marni’s upcoming collection for H&M to be bold, colourful and multi-textured. I’ve always loved Marni’s colour combinations, ethnic prints and statement jewelry… and that’s exactly what Consuelo Castiglioni is going to give us. « I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints, » explains the designer ». The collection will include womenswear, menswear, jewelry, shoes, bags and scarves and will be available on March 8th in 260 stores all over the world. In Montreal, the line will be sold in downtown’s flagship store. You can count on major lineups…
Consuelo Castiglioni, Creative Director for Marni, and Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Director for H&M, styling a look of Marni’s upcoming collection for H&M.
2. The return of the peplum
My favourite trend for Spring-Summer 2012 has to be the peplum…
What is a peplum? It’s a short skirt attached to a bodice, a jacket or even another skirt.
Why should we love it? Because it’s feminine, elegant and flatters all silhouettes.
Where did we see it? Jason Wu, Givenchy, Rodarte, Giorgio Armani and Cushnie et Ochs.
3. The release of Lana Del Rey’s debut album
This might seem like an easy one, but I have to admit that Lana Del Rey has intrigued me enough (and 16,013,652 others if we trust the number of views for Video Games, her YouTube sensation) to want to hear more. What’s the link with fashion? Well, judging by her looks in the two videos she released, and especially the Antonio Berardi dress worn in the Born To Die video, I think that a new it-girl is born! Plus, she just signed a modelling contract with Next Model Management! Album out on January 30th.
Here’s Video Games & Born to Die so you can see what I’m talking about…
4. Who will replace John Galliano @ Christian Dior?
The search for Christian Dior‘s new Creative Director has been (almost) as fascinating as the actual events that led to John Galliano’s departure. Marc Jacobs, Ricardo Tisci, Haider Ackermann, Hedi Slimane, Alber Elbaz -to name a few- have all been cited as potential candidates for the coveted title. According to the last important rumours, the house of Christian Dior was closing in on an agreement with Belgian designer, and current Jil Sander Creative Director, Raf Simons. But since then, nothing has been officially announced, so I guess we’ll have to wait a little longer to get our answer…
In the meantime here are some looks from Jil Sander‘s Spring-Summer 2012 collection. Do you think it’s a good fit for Dior?
5. The return of Mad Men
I think we can all agree that Mad Men is the most stylish series to have hit our screen in the last years… on top one of being of the best dramatic series ever! So when I learned that season 5 was being put on hold, I was surprised and disappointed. But now it’s official, Mad Men is returning in 2012! Can’t wait to see Joan in her sexy Marilyn-like outfits, Don with his crisp white shirts and stylish hats, Betty in her beautiful vintage dresses and how Megan’s (Draper’s new wife, played by Jessica Paré) style is going to evolve.
6. Giambattista Valli’s first Couture collection
Last member to join the select Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, Giambattista Valli will present his much awaited first Couture collection on January 23rd at 7:30 pm. To me, this is a natural step when we look back at Valli’s silhouettes, beautiful textures and amazing craftsmanship. You be the judge…
Haute couture Spring-Summer 2012 will also mark the return of Versace, after 8 years of absence. Another show not to miss!
7. The release of the new Batman flick: The Dark Knight Rises
Like everybody, I loved The Dark Knight, and not only because of Heath Ledger’s astonishing performance as The Joker… I also really enjoyed the costume design that managed to be darkly colourful (remember The Joker’s costume) as well as modern with a vintage touch. To me, the only thing it lacked was a bit of feminine glamour. It’s not that I didn’t like Maggie Gyllenhaal, but I don’t think she stands out as much as, let’s say, Anne Hathaway or Marion Cotillard, who are both in the sequel. This will surely make for some interesting costumes and some even more interesting red carpet premieres!
Here’s the trailer to whet your appetite
8. The second Marie Saint Pierre for Reitmans collection
After a very successful first collection, it was unthinkable for Reitmans not to pursue its collaboration with one of Quebec’s darling designer. As much as I loved the first dresses Marie Saint Pierre created (I bought one & wore it right out the store), I have to admit that I would’ve liked a little more colour! Which is exactly what we are going to get for Spring 2012. Unfortunately, I can’t show you any pictures, but what I CAN tell you is that red and fuchsia will be big stars! Get ready, the collection comes out April 26th.
The dress I fell in love with…
9. Nary Manivong’s next collection for Nahm (and the documentary about his life: Dressed)
Before making it in New York’s tough fashion industry, Laotian-American designer Nary Manivong was homeless. One day, he found a copy of Vogue and decided that’s what he wanted to do with his life. Crazy life story aside, Manivong is really quite talented, and even more worthy of your attention when you know he is entirely self-taught. He’s just been named one of the finalists (with his partner Alexandria Hilfiger) for this year’s Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in the womenswear category. Oh yes… and he is so cute!
With design partner (and Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter) Ally Hilfiger
Some looks from Nahm‘s Spring-Summer 2012 collection
As for the documentary Dressed, I’m planning to host a Montreal special screening in the next few months. Of course I’ll keep you posted, but in the meantime, here’s a little foretaste…
10. What Kanye West is going to do next
With all the crazy rumours and fake Twitter account stories, it’s hard to know if Kanye West is going to pursue a career in fashion, but if he does, I can’t wait to see how he’s going to respond after his initial fiasco. I’m not going to lie, I hated Kanye West’s first collection. It was vulgar, unfinished and sooo unflattering! But the wannabe designer actually answered his critics, asking them to give him a second chance. So I guess I’m willing to give him another shot… as long as he stays away from the cut-out bondage dresses (see pictures below)!
Credits: AMC, Magnus Magnusson (Courtesy of H&M), style.com
