Rio de Janeiro fashion week 2012 was opened by one of Brazilian most famous couturier Alexandre Herchcovitch. In the collection 2012 he showed industrial-strength of raw denim and utilitarian comfort of the hipsters’ era. Shirtdresses, catsuits, leather jackets and cropped vests as well as transparent plastic heels of the wedges and 80-s stylized sunglasses – all these reflected the designer’s sober mood. Unfortunately, model’s nest hair style didn’t bring Herchcovitch anything but considerable critical acclaim.

It was an unexpected turn, as we all got used to the bright macaw-like colors of the Rio de Janeiro fashion weeks. May be it was a commercial decision which Alexandre Herchcovitch had taken to bring some cash to the national budget from Milan and New York. Who knows? However, gorgeous Patachou kimono collection 2012 and Acquastudio’s sparkles and silk streamy flower-printed pieces presented in more usual for Rio de Janeiro fashion week colors.

Sao Paulo-based brand Acquastudio showed 50s-inspired dresses collection, each piece of which was hugely decorated with Swarovski crystals and resembles a flower field with the dew. Girls wore cute laced booties with sparkles-covered socks peeked over them.

Alessa Migani also turned to the East for the inspiration as the low-slung harem trousers and little silky dresses have the same oriental print with the Turkish kilims her models walked on.

Sad to reckon but Rio de Janeiro fashion week is getting more and more cold. Cantao presented a chunky yarn knit shorts and maxi sweaters collection. Swimsuits, I miss you!

But the real high spot of the Rio de Janeiro fashion week 2012 was Erika Frade’s kimono. Glittering all around the Japanese-inspired gown of the gold poplin lame and others form red leather just screamed the glam.

After holding shows abroad the 19th Islamic Fashion Festival named ‘Oriental Charm’ was opened on the 14 November 2011 in Kuala Lumpur. It is the first festival after a long period since 2006. The Islamic Fashion Festival 2011 will run for 5 days until 18^th of November. According to the festive program fourteen fashion shows will be hold, 10 of which – in aid of charity. About sixty foreign and local designers will present their collection to the audience.

The main motive of the Islamic Fashion Festival 2012 is Islamic fashion and religion. The fashion shows are accompanied by the local singers Datuk Khatijah Ibrahim, Ning Baizura, Hazami, Liza and Azlina Aziz, violinist Dennis Lau, Indonesian singer Rossa. As well as several local reunited bands: Res2, Elite, Kool, Ruffedge, A to Z, Shades and X-Factor.

The local designers who presented their collections are: Datuks Radzuan Radziwill and Tom Abang Saufi, Farah Khan and Albert King, Melinda Looi and Jovian Mandagie. Foreigners are Kanchan Couture from Hong Kong, Jenny Lim from Taipei and designer from Australia Amalina Aman, Indonesians Ghea Panggabean, Paul Ropp, Deden Siswanto, Ian Adrian and Itang Yunasz, Araisara and Kenzo from Tokyo, Mantra from Singapore.

The Islamic Fashion Festival 2012 chairman and founder Datuk Raja Rezza Shah says that charity is a key element of the festival mission which reflects the Islamic values, such as: caring for helpless. Thus more than 40 charity organizations will benefit from the Islamic Fashion Festival 2012 fund-raising efforts.

Beneath I want to present some of the models.

“The Forbidden City” collection by Malaysian brand Zizi Design.

“Shades of Qipao” collection by Malaysian designer Hajaba.

“Contemporient Ale” collection by Indonesian designer Itang Yunasz.

Kenzo oriental collection

Jewellery collection by Jaipore Jewels

Anna Sui 2012 Collection was like reinvention of one remarkable and transformative stage in fashion history: the early 70s when illustrator Antonio Lopez moved from Paris to NYC with a number of gorgeous young things, among them a 16-year-old Jerry Hall, Donna Jordan, baby Grace Jones, Jane Forth and others. Their suitcases were full of vintage clothes along with irresistible taste in dance and club music. They openly attracted attention of many Parisians, among them Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. It was the time when impressionable Anna Sui saw the new arrivals, and during her Spring  ready-to-wear 2012 Collection she tried to evoke this club atmosphere.

From the very second when Karen Elson appeared on the catwalk with the torrent of curls, richly lacquered lips, and in a great forties-style dress wrapped in chubby marabou, the audience was transported into atmosphere of playful, flippant era when the search of pleasure could become a career opportunity for youngsters like Hall.

Anna Sui also offered a playsuit with a toothbrush print of Art Deco style and a cap-sleeve, flared-pant outfit in a Liberty-like print. Then, the attention was on Sui’s black tulle kimono floating over silken shorts, which was appropriate for 40 years ago Paris glamorous kids. And those retro looks together with modern woman’s search for fantasy in style brought Anna Sui her success.

As she said, she wasn’t trying to fit in what was going on, she’d just done, what she wanted.

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Marc Jacobs Spring Ready-to-Wear 2012 Collection is easily distinguished, so are all his previous collections. His signature and secondary line are always well-thought and felt. They became the reflection of his fashion style and life habits. Nevertheless, his tastes mostly depend on the calendar which brings him fresh inspiration. And Marc Jacobs 2012 Collection for New York Fashion Week is a good proof of that.

MxM’s spirit was mostly about college off-springs in vintage, but this stream was overshadowed by a more powerful neon salvo: girls dressed in orange tints, and boys in hazmat orange suits. The chosen shade resulted into great effect throughout the show, otherwise all the outfits would have been solely conventional. And that is the special talent of Marc Jacob, to give the familiar new and seductive lines. His secret is also in a feeling of play, for example a strapped navy jumpsuit for her and a hot pink suit for him.

Compared with his previous off-shoots, there was more brightness and construction here, along with show notes regarded for architectural-art way stations like Donald Judd’s Marfa, Bauhaus and Charles Eames. The designer could have offered a scattergun only to put more attention, but this time it was the sensational footwear.

And here is the photos from Marc Jacobs Spring RTW 2012 Collection:

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Victoria Beckham Spring/Summer 2012 collection is said to be inspired by her husbands’ tips, which is why it’s mainly in a sportswear style. The presentation of her collection was one of the best during New York Fashion Week, and those who attended the show were the lucky ones.

Victoria Beckham Spring Summer Ready-to-wear 2012 Collection took place in the New York Public Library and was opened by supermodel Arizona Muse. Unlike her usual well-fitting dresses, the collection contained something from a sporty theme. The inspiration came naturally from her husband’s world of football. There were drop-waist tennis dresses and racer necklines, looking both sporty and glamorous.

In this collection gros point shoulder straps gave it a fresh functionality. Next on the list there were some large jackets with zips and hoods, along with leather caps of baseball style. Colours used in many items promise to become the favourite shades among fashion-lovers. They are orange, black and navy in addition with grey and creme hues. The foot wear was also of interesting style, somehow departing from the usual platforms and boots. The sharp pointed toes together with leather ankle cuffs from Christian Louboutin hit the point.

Another difference noticed during this show was the 9/11 ten-year anniversary honored silence before it started.

Mrs Beckham herself wore a pink-black bubble edged dress from her own line of clothes and remarkably she has arrived with her eight-week-old daughter. It seems that the mother-of-four has already recovered from a slipped disc, which made her to wear only flat shoes, because this time she wore a pair of towering black ankle boots.

And here are Victoria Beckham Spring/Summer 2012 Collection photos:

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Paris Fashion week 2011 shows, as always, rich and varied performance of silhouettes, trends, lines, fashion directions and moods of this new spring and future resort season. This year collections of many designers have filled spring Paris with sexual spirit of the middle of 20th century’s outfits.

Incredible collection of Thierry Mugler was impressive with the dominance of black and bright flashes of blue, red and yellow. High shoulders, tight silhouette, accent on the chest were clearly; a lot of black latex, fur and plastic components and … Lady Gaga in the heart of collection. And the final point – contrast defile in white silk and nylon dresses. Hakaan showed a smooth silhouette, V-shape, light colors and several deluxe red models, such as pants, dresses and incredible coat.

Review of Paris Fashion week 2011 can’t be full without Louis Vuitton; this time Marc Jacobs made his parade almost military. Hats from sheepskin, corsets, handcuffs, boots and jackets are sexy and provoking. And then black color again, this time in conjunction with dusty and pewter rose, brown and plum. A lot of attention paid to accessories, especially bags.

Very dark and gothic collection was performed by Ann Demeulemeester. Long length furs, high boots, feathers, big belts, jags and spices – all it showed how black can be not boring.

Fur was also in the spotlight of Alexander McQueen`s collection, but in his case it was white. White accessories, white brocade dresses with teeny waist, and gorgeous wedding dresses, one of that Kate Middleton will put on her wedding. In the show were both dark items, leather most of all.

Of course, Paris Fashion week 2011 review can’t ignore the charming collection of Chanel, as always feminine and elegant. Comfortable tweed, soft forms, interesting details like quilted belt, little stars on collars; may be, somebody could be disappointed with absence of color, but fans of quiet classic will like it.

This year designers offer a wide variety of footwear – from flats of Chanel to tall heels of Mugler. Size of the bags also varies from huge teddy bear’s fur of Louis Vuitton’s to tiny pea-sized handbag of Chanel. Diverse textures impress by their variety – leather, furs, silk and other.

And of course hats, an essential attribute of the above middle of 20th century’s outfits. The shining example of this Paris Fashion week 2011 is great hats of Stephen Jones, Louis Vuitton’s designer. In summary, sharply fashionable clothes can be chosen to any taste from the offered by designers diversity.

New York Fashion week attracts fashion admires since 2003. The event, as usual, will take place in luxury Waldorf Astoria, Manhattan, starting from February, 18. The shows will last for 3 days, tickets price starts from general $40 per one up to $4,000 for VIP’s. The best distinction of Couture New York Fashion week 2011 from even more famous in the world Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is the availability of the tickets for public. So if you are not the one of chosen to attend MB shows, you can easily get a ticket to join marvelous Couture New York fashion week events.

Please, pay attention that there a dress-code for the entrance is required, so get ready with your best elegant dress. Each day you will see 3 the newest collections of the designers from different parts of the world and you will enjoy the performances by singers Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Cristina Fontanelli, Christine Rebes, Angeles Dominguez and Era Chorna.

You will enjoy chic and charming collection of Jamil Khansa, famous Lebanese-American designer, during the second day of fashion week 2011. Designs of Sushma Patel Couture, Kristin Zimmermann, Simone Rodrigues, “Alaric Flower Design” – beautiful floral concept dresses, Janerations from Lithuania and other shows will give you a fresh breath of the best actual models in coming seasons.

Step by step Amsterdam takes its special place in the world of fashion. Smaller than Milan and Paris, it attracts the creativity from all over the world for Amsterdam fashion Week 2011. The impressive collections, presented by new and famous designers proved that the Dutch know fashion in its real sense.

The first collection of Roya Hesam, who graduated last year from Amsterdam Fashion Institute, amazed the public at the beginning of the fashion week. Her talented expression of Polynesian nature in each model, using soft green and blue colors, the light fabrics, almost all made from silk, brought her first real recognition of the audience. Her collection was really adorable. Amsterdam gives a great chance for young talents to present their works and to promote themselves. That brings fresh ideas into glamorous world of fashion.

«A women’s merit» – the collection designed by Marloes Blaas, was the expression of emancipated women of the early fifties. Army green clothes, big boots and skirts with high waist were combined successfully with women’s tenderness.

The shows of the fashion week 2011 provided the photography also. The exhibition of Steven Klein, a noble photographer, who works with the most famous companies in fashion industry, was shown in a small movie.

The gloss of fame of the best designers was shining the whole week and the audience received a lot of emotions from the shows in Amsterdam.

Milan Fashion Week 2011 was held in Milan from 15 to 18 January 2011.  And here I want to present a review on Men’s Fashion Week Autumn / Winter 2011-2012.

The top legislators of men’s fashion from the fashion houses Dolce & Gabbana, Jil Sander, Roberto Cavalli, Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dsquared2 and many others came in the Italian fashion capital.

Dolce & Gabbana

For example, male by eyes of the brand Dolce & Gabbana is still the same smooth, metrosexual, a dandy and a little bit of Italian in his soul.  In the menswear collection of this brand dissonance between the upper and lower part of the attire dominates. Baggy pants at a low planting contrast with tight shirts and slim-jackets. In some models, strap gives way to narrow belt suspenders. Particular attention is paid to Chinese prints and blazer.

Bottega Veneta

The work of Bottega Veneta Modest made a note of brightness in the demonstration of the first day of the week. There were sharp orange and dull blue, diluting with their presence basic black and asphaltic on the podium. The place of the classical three was taken by non-classical quartet, consisting of trousers, shirts, elongated jackets and shortened jackets, business suit jacket with narrow lapels.

Vivienne Westwood

British designer Vivienne Westwood has added a touch of fun to the show of her menswear collection Fall / Winter 2011-2012. Boy models appeared on the podium with retracted back hair and with bright red lipstick on their lips. Modernized Collection had the proven styles of the 1950′s, knitwear and expertly made colors.

Marni and Emporio Armani have also demonstrated their collections. Emporio Armani also gave preference to rough skin tanning by creating more aggressive male image.

Missoni

You can recognize Missoni clothes at first sight – these geometric prints cannot be confused with any other. Another nice feature of this fashionable clothes of this home – they are very comfortable, it’s easy to understand, even just by looking at photos from the Milan Fashion Week 2011.

Missoni focused on bright colors and flashy prints. He presented the men coats that have become a central element of the collection.

Burberry took male model to the catwalk in shirts and sweaters in the mesh, biker jackets and high leather trousers with accessories in a military style.

Versace

By idea of Donatella Versace, model of Versace instead of rocker romance demonstrated revival of glam and rockabilly. They defiled in the narrow leather pants with fringe, especially shortened or tucked to emphasize the shoes.

Designers of Versace shod their male model in high boots, decorated with silver buckles, zippers and rivets.

Etro

Founder of the fashion house Jimmy Etro was a connoisseur of vintage fabrics and art collector. The spectacular abundance of prints and drawings in the curious combination of collections of Etro comes from here. Generally,a fashion show of the brand is a kind of master class. And the most difficult topics are raised here. For example, how to combine the cell with peas, or what to wear with a velvet jacket, but not to look too solemn, or simply ridiculous.

Gucci

A new collection of menswear by Gucci – seasoned, if not boring. However, the costumes, although of the same type, but sitting are excellent and suitable for different occasions.

Neil Barret

In the collection of Neil Barrett are a lot of bright things – a jumper with gradient color transitions, elongated cardigans, and leather pants with a bold finish. When you look at them, there is inevitably a feeling that all this we have already seen, but the overall impression of this does not spoil.

Z Zegna

Z Zegna is a democratic line of Ermenegildo Zegna. The collection features clothing in the casual style, but not fresh. Clear silhouettes, nice colors and interesting combinations of textile designs will not get bored.

So, Milan Fashion week 2011 completed its work, outlining the prospects of development of design in menswear. There are many offrers, they are diverse, and most importantly, they do not restrict consumer choice in their own inimitable way. Be of good cheer, my friends!

The designer used wild animal prints, mostly natural materials and golden embroidery. Stiffened silhouettes had weightless look, though they were constructed perfectly.
The corsette belts made from the leather leaves, that cinched bohemian style dresses, the monarch butterflies, that laced the neck and chest of a short dress, white military frock coats – all of those were remarkable highlights of the show.

In general the entire combination of fabric, textures, shapes and colors was perfectly underlining woman’s natural beauty.

Here is the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011 Collection:

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The make up was not as aggressive, as McQueen’s. There were no whited-out faces and dark lips, Sarah Burton made models look fresh and young.

The show was absolutely magnificent and remarkable, Sarah Burton brought the fresh look to the Alexander McQueen’s house, at the same time keeping the McQueen’s spirit alive.