Introducing: Paul & Joe

Today's featured designer is Paul & Joe. The head of the company is Sophie Albou and she does not limit her creativity to only clothing, but she creates shoes, and purses as well. Also, her clothes are very unique in their cuts and patterns. In an interview with Vogue Albou stated "the spirit and vision of Paul & Joe does not cease to evolve and to build on its already internationally renowned success." Her fashion line is very different each fashion season, but it is always extremely creative and fun.

Designer Spotlight: Cynthia Rowley

We don't think that Spring would be complete without some good, old-fashioned fun with bubbles. And if you are a bit too old to frolick on the grass with them, why not have some fun with your wardrobe? Designer Cynthia Rowley must agree that bubbles are essential to the season because she incorporated adorable, bubble-like cut outs into her Spring 2011 collection. Featuring eccentric twists on "ladylike" fashion, Rowley's collection is not for the faint of heart. Jaw-dropping bright colors mixed with retro silhouettes and the previously mentioned peekaboo cut outs make for a daring collection. We love it. What do you think?

Designer Spotlight: Isabel Marant

Now, we all know that springtime typically brings us pretty flowing dresses, pastels, espadrilles, and usu

ally some leftover chocolate bunnies. This Spring, French designer Isabel Marant chose to ignore what everyone else deemed "trendy" and went a sporty direction.

Her spring collection includes layers, lace up pants, and short-shorts. And one of her most unique colors is a sweet bubblegum pink! The best part is, her Spring 2011 collection includes tons of separates, allowing you to mix and match to create the kind of look you want. Some pieces are earthy and bohemian and others are preppy and fun. Such a mixed bag of an oh so chic collection!

Designer Spotlight: Felicity Brown

First of all, there is such a thing as too many ruffles. We have seen it in action, and it's not pretty. However, gazing upon newcomer Felicity Brown's Spring/Summer 2011 line is making us realize that an abundance of ruffles is totally acceptable (and even encouraged) when done tastefully. Brown, a native to the U.K., launched her own label in 2010 after designing for fashion powerhouses Alberta Ferretti, Mulberry, and Lanvin. Her first line was inspired by the paitings of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, in which women are depicted engaging in "questionable" behavior in outrageously ruffled dresses (pictured above is his painting 'Il Ballo al Moulin Rouge', 1890). Brown interpreted those ruffles and the confidence and power that these women projected and created a line of fabulously eccentric and stunning frocks. A collection that incorporates girl power and frills? Yes, please!

For more info and to see past collections visit www.FelicityBrown.com

Designer Spotlight

Prabal Gurung is a relatively new name to the fashion scene, but that does not mean he is lacking in experience. Raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Gurung began his fashion career in New Delhi, India and later moved to New York where he worked for such iconic figures as Donna Karan, Cynthia Rowly, and Bill Blass. After learning from the best, Gurung finally launched his own line at New York Fashion Week in 2009. Since then, he has dressed some of the most influential women of the day including Oprah Winfrey, Demi Moore, and even Michelle Obama. Gurung's designs are playful and whimsical, but still maintain a chic and elegant quality. He adds exciting textures and details to otherwise classic sillhouettes to create a style that works for any woman. His Spring 2011 collection features dresses, dresses, and more dresses! His look is a more modest one this season, with longer hemlines as opposed to the mini dresses that have been popular in seasons past. But the essence of the collection is undoubtedly spring. Flowing sheer fabrics, bright colors, and fringe are just a few trends to take away from his line. To get a look like the ones he features, try a strapless or sleeveless dress that hits mid-calf, either in a bright color like coral or aqua, or a neutral like beige. Add strappy heels, sweep your hair up, and you have a chic look that will impress.

You can learn more about Prabal Gurung and his designs at www.prabalgurung.com

The Bold House

At the New York Fashion Show, House of Holland proved to be one of the most memorable collections, marked by vibrant colors and truly unique patterns. Drawing from the '70s, Henry Holland successfully orchestrated a show that left spectators in awe. His inspiration and creativity was impeccably reflected in his eccentric designs and patterns. Holland made the banana leaf large and bold on both tailored pastel jacquards and vivid green printed jerseys. Another recurrent trend present in his show was the use of fringe. Overall, this show effectively excited and interested all viewers.

Relax, It's Only Dior

Thursday: Designer Spotlight
by: Meena, TREND writer
When hearing the name "Christian Dior" many of us imagine extravagant pieces to match the undeniably high prices... but in the Spring 2011 runway show in Paris, head designer John Galliano proved all of us wrong. This collection displayed an impeccable mix of sailor fun with 50s pin-ups, resulting in a bright and colorful show. By bringing a sense of island pleasure to the Paris Fashion Week, Christian Dior successfully demolished any stereotypes associated with the glamor and intricacy of high fashion. This fresh nautical look with splashes of bright colors allows us to feel relaxed while in style.

Oscar De La Renta: Hues of Romanticism

THURSDAY: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer

Oscar de La Renta Spring 2011

Leopard Leopard Leopard

THURSDAY: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Blumarine: Spring/Summer 2011

Breezy Doin' It Big

FRIDAY MUSE

Recommendation: Monica, TREND Staff Writer

Chris Brown by B. Rex featuring diamond earrings

Even with an indisputable mishap that ruined his image, Chris Brown is still recognized for his amazing talent in many aspects such as singing and dancing. Recently, he has shown a different side of himself in a more artistic sense. In the pictures above, Chris teamed up with Australian graffiti specialist Kid Zoom to collaborate on some art pieces.

Chris stated "Art was my only outlet. Aside from music, art is the thing that I like to escape. And I appreciate other artists who have that talent and that eye for detail and eye for their own imagination. Art is a part of my life and it influences me completely.”

While looking at the pieces he created, one can assume that his inspirations came from his every day experiences. Additionally, his art is also reflected in his fashion sense as both are independent and unique to himself. He says that when you think about style, it's what you basically bring to it and that's exactly what he did with the murals he created. His ideas for music, art, and fashion are all incorporated into one which makes Chris Brown the fashionable icon that he is today.

Chris always states that "The clothes don't wear you. You wear the clothes." Fans should try to replicate this mindset since fashion is all about how you present yourself. It's also about what you are trying to say by the way you piece your clothes together. It's all about making a statement and that's what Chris continually does whether it be through music, art, or fashion.

Suit Yourself

THURSDAY: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2011

Pish Posh

You may only recognize her as the wife of a world-renowned soccer star, but Victoria Beckham has certainly made herself a popular name in the fashion industry. Though her music career as Posh Spice was short-lived, Beckham has always been known for her subtly eccentric yet classy style.

Her Spring 2011 collection featured stylishly draped dresses in both nude and bright colors with a reference to the '60s with fabric, shape, and color. The make-up was inspired by Andy Warhol's bright portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. As pictured above, the eye make-up featured layering of purple shadows and a strong liquid line.

The big shocker was that only one out of twenty-six looks had a corset or waist cincher, both of which are well-known trademarks of Beckham's personal style. As Beckham said when narrating the collection, her style has loosened up quite a bit and her aim was for comfort. She also mentioned that she focused on shape and curve which stemmed from her primary inspiration drawn from the work of the Romanian sculptor Brancusi.

Overall the collection was well-edited, simple, heavy emphasis on beautiful spring colors including deep purple, blush pink, nude and juicy orange and focused on fit and draping.


This parachute silk dress in ultraviolet knotted at the waist exemplifies Beckham's more loose-fitting style.