Créaturs / Designers
Givenchy
There is something about Givenchy and we're not just talking about its reputation. There is a sense of organized chaos in every design. Through extravagant or simple patterns they manage to create outfits that remain to that true powerful Givenchy feeling. Broad shoulders and bold textures create a powerful individual and sensation. The feeling of that in control woman. That woman with a purpose. Yet at the same time, it hasn't forgotten its delicate French roots as they come back to a feminine figure. the way the patterns cross each other and overlap, they both accentuate that delicate womanly body and elongate it. An elegant and powerful stance. What a combination!
Balenciaga
What always keeps Balenciaga at its tip top is the fact that they always stay a step above the rest. This time it's no different as they bring a future reality come to life. The use of bold highlighted colors and bold cuts create for a somewhat tribal figure of the future. Yet even if the loud colors are more than vivacious, Nicolas Ghesquiere stays basic with basic coloring such as black, gray, white and brown. What we love the most about this collection is not only the creativity or the loudness of the designs but its unique use of leather which indeed make for that tribal feeling. By placing it into diverse locations on an outfit it breaks the mold of conformity and creates a new edge and at the same time tying every outfit together on a play of color, shine and texture.
Alexander Wang
There is no denying the amount of talent this young designer has and this season it is no different. The genius of Alexander Wang designs is the combination of items along the same item or outfit. It's that unexpected delight that makes us notice each and every outfit. What we love about him is that true NY feeling we get out of the collection. A sport chic collection indeed. Some may see it as a bit English influenced as the brown leathered items throughout the collection could be seen as a reference to english rugby but we like to see beyond that and look at the entirety. The sweatshirt use, the basic colors. The mix of simple with unexpected cuts is what makes for that extravagance. And to us that is a NY feeling.
Valentino
People may complain about the essence of Valentino in this collection but in our eyes, it's nothing but delightful. Why? Because of the power of reinvention. If you could manage to capture a dreamy cloud on a dress, you got Valentino. It truly is finesse in design. Through the use of bows, sheer and embroidered flowers, a reinvention of that feminine woman is made. What is there not to love. From one to the next, the designs are a true representation of that chic elegant woman. An accentuation of detail is what puts the Valentino designs out there. Each outfit looks like it could have been handmade and not necessarily ready to wear and it gives it such an expensive and elegant feeling. Truly a one in a million design on that lucky owner of such design.
Viktor & Rolf
We can't say that we have followed this duo's work for a long time but this collection is nothing but impressive. On a period of economic recession and cuts many designers have decided to maybe cut back and be a bit more conservative and Viktor & Rolf followed the cutting trend. The only difference is they did it with a chainsaw. A bit funny indeed but the use of netting throughout their collection made for a commanding presence through each design. Playing with symmetry and colors, they managed to come up with a fun collection that beats the safe out of many other designers. Although some of the outfits may have been a bit extravagant and maybe not as wearable, the truly amazing part out of this is the fact of how wearable this whole collection is. Each and every cocktail dress decorated with nettings in both pastel and a bit bolder colors while playing on a black "red thread". Sophisticated? Yes. Innovative? Yes. True one of a kind design.
Top Modéle / Top Models
Just like last season, there truly is not much to say about these five girls. Not because they aren't praiseworthy but rather because the pictures speak more themselves than words ever could. From one of a kind stares to runway bodies, these are the legends that are the ones ruling the runways.
Iselin Steiro
Celine, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte. Close-up: Backstage Stella McCartney.
Magdalena Frackowiak
Christian Dior, Hermès, Alexander McQueen. Close-up: Lanvin.
Natasha Poly
Balmain, Michael Kors, Versace. Close-up: Gucci.
Siri Tollerød
Emanuel Ungaro, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs. Close-up: Backstage Christian Dior.
Tao Okamoto
Fendi, Jonathan Saunders, Yves Saint-Laurent. Close-up: Burberry.
Ètoiles / Rising Stars
It is so difficult to forget those faces who still haven't achieved that top status but are on their incline there. Those models who aren't newcomers but are still lingering on our minds and building up a future and perfecting their walks. These are the rising stars.
Addison Gill
After making her debut last season, Addison is quietly building herself up. Obviously we would have loved to see a lot more of Addison in Paris and Milan but we are not worried after the wonderful NY season she had. There is indeed something about that baby faced with an edge. She carries such elegance that manages to book her Jill Stuart and Jason Wu yet she still has enough edge to get shows like Byblos. That is true star versatility.
Alla Kostromicheva
A top newcomer last season on various´eyes last season, Alla is a legend in the making. That stare and face structure is not only commanding but even intimidating. Making such strong stances and commanding each step she takes on every runway managed to make her one of this season's most booked. Booking shows like Bottega Veneta, Emilio Pucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Alla is not only bookable but versatile. And we are not surprised that she did as well as she did as that unique "death stare" keeps us wanting for more and more.
Lyndsey Scott
This one was a surprise and a pleasant one at that. After getting the coveted Calvin Klein exclusive last season she went on to prove that she's not a one hit wonder but rather a soon to be in demand model. Getting again coveted spots in Gucci, Prada and Fendi she is making quite a buzz for herself and leaves us wondering what editorials or even campaigns this could produce. What we love is how much she shines through and what great use for her skin on every show she walked for here in Kenzo, Prada and Blumarine.
Ranya Mordanova
This girl has got me on the edge of my toes. Talk about Givenchy wonders and what that has done for her career but it truly is no wonder. From show to show this season, she truly has shown why she is in it for the long run. She may have this haircut now but here is a girl that could easily rival faces like Natasha Poly. With an exquisite face structure, a long and lean body and a walk that seems to be a favorite of Burberry, Julien Macdonald and Lanvin to name a few, Ranya is not going anywhere else but up anytime soon.
Rose Cordero
La "Rosa Negra" as she calls herself has made quite a name for herself. Not only because of the huge buzz she has had since last season but slowly building her own portfolio including shoots for V Magazine and Vogue Italia. Well, this season it's no different as we get to see her true versatility from show to show. The sweet Dominican girl can turn from sweet and innocent on shows like 3.1 Phillip Lim but turn the edgy side on shows like Rick Owens and Emilio Pucci. Many may dow her a new Grace Jones but in our eyes she is her own. Rose is a name we won't forget any time soon.
Nouveau Modèle / Newcomers
Jenny Sinkaberg
Jenny is one of those IMG faces you won't forget soon. While only making Paris appearances (besides from Les Copains in Milan), Jenny has managed to give her agency a name they can be proud of. Walking key shows like Balenciaga, Valentino and Miu Miu among others, Jenny made her presence known with her icy stare and her long and lean runway body. It is no doubt to us that this is not only a good first season but the start of a long career to come. With an elegance that could be compared to that of Kristen McMenamy and an edge of Kristen Owen, she creates and brings her own look and is a true name to watch in the future.
Juana Burga
One of those one of a kind surprises, Juana snuck herself into the radar. We were absolutely sure that Juana would get her own showcard but even without that Juana made her first appearance and a great one at that. Having walked for Doo.Ri and Tory Burch, it is Rodarte that has made her a one to watch on our radar. We are always glad to see new girls of other ethnicities to make it but when you have a face like Juana's and a runway body to go along, it is truly impressive. This may just be a small debut but her career is just taking off. Now we want to see Juana in Paris as well as all over.
Kelly Moreira
She may not have won Elite Model Look France but Kelly has made her first mark and what a huge mark that is. Walking blue chip shown like Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent and closing Kenzo is quite huge for a new model. We don't blame casting directors either, she truly is a new face to watch, not only because of her powerful stance on the runway but because of that commanding yet vulnerable look. It certainly is a face that intrigues us and makes us wait for the next step.
Kristy Kaurova
Every once in a while a new face pops up that takes you back to those childhood years. Not because she looks like a baby but rather because of that doll-like beauty. Kristy is that example. With a face that could rival Siri Tollerød, Lily Cole and Vlada Roslyakova, Kristy took the cities by storm, not only by earning herself an exclusive for Calvin Klein but by Gianfranco Ferré, Jill Sander and Miu Miu, among others. Her presence is sure not one to fade away quickly and we are more than excited how this porcelain beauty will transform into editorials.
Patricia Van Der Vliet
Sometimes big things happen to pretty people. Lol. Totally kidding but not about Patricia. This one of a kind beauty is not only just that but a presence on the runways as well as she made a huge stirr with her exclusive spot for Prada, her opening for Louis Vuitton and closing for Balenciaga. Such blue-chip shows ensure that this girl will not only mark herself on catwalks around the world but hopefully on campaigns and editorials to come. And with such versatility she shows from BCBG by Max Azria to Giles, we can assure no other truth than just that.
And that's all!
Source: TFS, Style.com
