Category Archives: Seasonal Trends

I Heart Plaid

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I love plaid…I always have. I had one of those lovely Scottish red tartan skirts with the big pin and pleats when I was a little girl. It was my favorite. In college, I chose a plaid fabric in Tailoring One to create a jacket with matching shorts;I wore it out with the girls one night…geeky you say?…I met one of my serious boyfriends that night. I’m just saying, plaid can make you feel…sexy?

 

“A plaid is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth. “[Dictionary.com] As far as fabrics go, there is a load of history behind plaid. The first evidence of its existence? 100 BC. Its iconic popularity began in the 17th century with what we all know as the Scottish plaid/tartan. Standing for rebellion, it was banned by the English only to become a popular pattern for school uniforms by that same country. The mods made it cool and the teenage girls screaming for the Beatles made it sexy.   Grunge made it stand for rebellion again, only to have fashion take it over and put it on the runways for triple the price. This past summer, over a million visitors  at the Alexander McQueen exhibit viewed the designer’s homage to fabric of his home country.

Wearing plaid is problematic, but I have found be keeping it clean and simple can make the obvious fear adding of pattern to your body. If you don’t want commit to the whole plaid on your body thing, use it in small doses. As an accessory; belt, bag, socks…this work for both guys and gals.

Last month in Seattle, Lushy, a band created by one of my dear old friends from the scooter/mod years, had their monthly Friday night fab gig at Vitos and asked their fan following to wear plaid…this crew always, always dresses and any theme is not daunting. Seattle Art scenesters Jo David and Marlow Harris were my favorite pictured here. My point, its just fun to wear plaid…

What’s even better about plaid is that it is a pattern that can be worn year round. But wait, before you go for it, a reminder that there are summer plaids and colors and winter plaids/colors. Be mindful…wearing a red wool tartan skirt in the heat light of summer is strange…so, don’t do it.

The thing to remember is that plaid is never going away, it is a fabric pattern that has stood the test of time. Embrace it. Here are some current plaid looks that I am loving this season both for guys and gals. Photo Credits From Top: Me with Patrick Napper and Greg Lundgren at Vitos, Alexander McQueen Plaid at The Met, JoDavid at Lushy/Vitos, Carven Twill Tartan Dress, Thakoon, Band of Outsiders, Couture Plaid Gown, Men’s Fall 2011 70′s inspired plaid, Stay Classic Blog, Isaia Fall 2011

A quick Dial in on Fur Purse Charms

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As I entered my flat after a lovely dinner in the city with my film gals at Peels, I saw to my roommates bag. I said to myself “Oh No. She didn’t!”

Attached to her bag was a bag fur tail bag charm. A faux fox one fashioned like the Luis Vuitton one Victoria Beckham sported last year.

The trend of the fur tail bag charm has been an interesting one for me to follow. I don’t know… I like it in photos…but there is no way I can get around my history of costume roots on this one. As my friends and clients know, I love sharing those interesting facts behind clothing and design. This is good you guys…

The fur attachment reminds me of the periods both in England and France when the gowns and garments were heavy and layered, especially in the courts. Wigs were added and bathing was not an every day thing. Lice and mice were common in and amongst the garments. Yikes. So, the idea was to attach fur charms on the garments or carry a small fur pelt in their hand so that these little critters would go away from the person and onto the fur charm away from the body. Double Yikes. This practice in fashion history was during the Tudor Period (the first half of the 16th C. under Henry VII)

My roommate’s response to this story? “Mine is to keep dirty hipsters away”. Ha. RL

P.S. Special Thanks to my history of costume professor, Dr. Stella Warnick, for her help in confirming the details and finding a great example.

The “I want it Now” Phenomena and Chanel Spring 2011

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Is everything too immediate these days? I for one, am sucked into the social networking phenomena and love that I can connect with friends and family all over the world, see photos and posts of what they just did…a minute ago. However, that being said, is it too much to soon?

As member of the fashion media, I enjoy being able to see images from London, Paris, Milan, Mumbai, etc. right away.  It’s my job, but It’s a perk. Just like having permission to share this video of Chanel’s Spring 2011 show in Paris last week.

By the way, as far as Chanel’s Spring 2011 Collection goes, I recommend the dresses. If you are ready to splurge. This may be where you do it. Th lace like over lay over the white is fab. The stand out dress for me? The baby blue with feather-like embellishing. And, this spring, one approach is being ultra feminine. The thigh high footless leggings are also quite fab. I want to say perfect for the Northwest, but let’s face it, FAB anywhere.

This is one reason I like to share what is coming for the next season with my clients. It allows us to plan and if need be, budget. But, on the other hand, I get the the issue with immediacy. Especially because so many of my friends are designers…

How do you feel about the immediacy of our world today? Tom Ford recently showed his Spring 2011 collection to a limited audience in a salon setting and will not release photos until close to when the pieces will be available in the store. His thoughts: “This fashion immediacy thing…if you can see them and press a button and they can be shipped to your house, I get fashion immediacy.…I don’t get the need for this immediacy. In fact, I think it’s bad.

The way the system works now, you see the clothes, within an hour or so they’re online, the world sees them. They don’t get to a store for six months. The next week, young celebrity girls are wearing them on red carpets. They’re in every magazine. The customer is bored with those clothes by the time they get to the store.

They’re overexposed, you’re tired of them, they’ve lost their freshness, you see somebody wearing it and you say, “Oh, that’s that jacket that was in blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.” Or [a] customer doesn’t want to wear that jacket that was in blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. In addition, all of the fast-fashion companies that do a great job, by the way, knock everything off. So it’s everywhere all over the streets in three months and by the time you get it to the store, what’s the point? ” (WWD Sept 14, 2010)

Chime in. RL

photo credit | Steve Lambert

video credit | courtesy of Vidicom

Installations – A fresh way to view collections at MBFW

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Fashion Installations at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and throughout the city seem to be vogue this season. I love it. As a garmento, I love the opportunity to get up close, check out the garments on live models. You see the construction and the drape. It’s hot.

I saw two installations yesterday.  Tadashi was beautiful. Inspired by Renaissance Frescos of the Italian greats Piero Della Francesca and Botticelli, the icy cool and nude palate felt especially fresh. Romantic dresses embellished with ruching and pleats offered a texture requiring no further accessorizing. Gorge.

The Buckler Installation was hot. The clothes were fab and I what I love about Buckler is that Brit style sensibility for men. Not surprising, since designer, Andrew Buckler is from the UK, a graduate of the Royal College of Art and a member of the CFDA. I thought it would be fun to share a short video clip, shaky, out of focus and all. By the way, my standout pieces by far were the black leather drop crotch shorts and the sporty leather, what Buckler calls, “Droopy Longs”. RL

Photo Credits: Tadashi Spring 2011 Rights Reserved by Rebecca Luke Style and les Egoistes and shot by Webb Davis

Target Kaleidoscope Fashion Spectacular Spectacular

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Target Kaleidoscope Fashion Show. It was BEYOND.

The Standard Hotel is known for it’s floor to ceiling windows that face south
towards the lower part of Manhattan with a full view from the Highline Park
where the “I like to watch” cheating, clubbing, working kinds like to drink, puke and wake up to find themselves after late night hours. Or, for those who like to start with an early lunch to allow plenty of time to catch the New Jersey train home to the wife and kids. You think I’m kidding. I’m not. What goes on in the meatpacking district, stays in the meatpacking district. So what is Target doing here? I like. I’m interested.

Lined along the streets are DVF, Alexander McQueen, Scoop and high-end boutiques that I’ve never even heard of. Tonight Target rivals for attention on a cobble stone street that is known for a Christian Louboutin and a Gucci wearing crowd, who are amongst the VIP guests all jockeying for a seat on the aluminum bleachers with carefully placed hot pink and turquoise pillows that are taped down for our precious derrieres.

We sit in prime exhibitionist view of the windows and off to the right is the not so in full view runway. Lights dim and the show begins, the main characters are not models but dancers who appear one per window. Fourteen across and 13 floors of windows in perfect red colored equalizer light bar, color, width, and height.

The performers move as burlesque dancers, naughty peep show actors and hip hop divas that is reminiscent of Ginger Rodgers and Fred
Astaire’s timing and grace. The sound mix is flawless and loud enough to make me want to dance and drink. The timing and sequence too beyond words…one of those you had to be there moments. Thong wearing dancers push their tender tooshies outward in a sexy fashion as other windows provoke threesome thoughts. I was highly impressed at how Target embraced the passionate lifestyle of the city and strike a pose. They must have employed what it look like to be half the dancers in NYC, for that reason I won’t mention the anti-gay protest much for that very reason. On this night Target was an equal opportunity employer.

The fashion was pushed off to the side like a few slices of bacon left over in a frying pan. The stage was a three-story scaffolding unit (similar to what les Egoistes used to use in the old days). Models looped around each level like cut out paper dolls wearing the obvious fashion that you want to see for fall. Printed Plaid tops, a woman’s empire waist black woolish peacoat with four over-sized buttons, short flirty skirts and dresses paired with black tights and heavy Doc Marten inspired boots. Off stage, vertical black and white stripes tops/dresses stood out, a look I see carrying itself over to fall. It took me back to grunge and I missed home.

It wasn’t until I opened up the New York Post on that following Sunday to find their tab sandwiched in with JCPenny’s that I got to view those looks close up. I took the time to shop the studio shot circular. Typical, hitting the nail on the head when it comes to having it’s pulse on commercial fashion. A major difference, brands. Target has the brands that I would want to be wearing if I was in this market. I’m not going to shop for back to school but I will be skimming the racks…”when in Rome”…

What did I learn in Summer School this year? In an easy 30 second read Target is hip, cool and carries Mossimo, and aligns themselves with The Standard and the beautiful people who buy fashion, dance fashion, and live New York City. A brilliant marketing strategy.

And in the end what is the subway train I would take out to the nearest Target? Target.com. Easy Peasy. Shop Target, and yes I’m drinking the kool-aid from my juice box. Elle S.

side note: Up Nod to Mother New York – “dirrty” goes mainstream.

story notes: Rebecca Luke Style was invited to view the TKFS…even with flight mess ups and crazy last minute coordination, we were there. Stay tuned for more this month from NYC.

photo credits: rebecca luke style correspondent elle s’s Iphone.

Lo-Fi & Loose

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Who wouldn’t want to wear the loose and easy pieces that are showing up for spring? If you are a client of mine you know that a few seasons ago, just when I made you consider how to ensure you garments fit you on the tighter side, the styles loosened up and they are even more so this coming season.

The biggest concern for most women is that these styles can make them look “bigger” or “pregnant”. While that can be true, if you select the correct pieces that have a fab fit and correct proportions, they will be nothing but super stylish on you.

The key is to juxtapose. There are three simple ways to wear this look and not feel like a bag lady:

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The abbreviated, or shrunken, jacket over layers, long or short. (also see above photo)dallinchasefall17

The legging with an oversized top

valentinosp201055497_5_468The short, short, I mean short loose dress exposing your fab legs for the world to see. I love the loose short short as well which is essentially the same idea.

If you want to do a loose harem bottom (I can’t stop) paired with a loose vest or jacket, just make sure your underpinning is fits correctly on the shoulders and across the bust. It works well if it drapes on the hips. The key, don’t be afraid. If you love it, wear it.

A killer shoe is required for all lo-fi/loose looks and you can go between a platform heel and a bootie. If its comfort you want, then go with a flat open toe embellished sandal with these looks. A ballet flat will work in a pinch, however, as always, it is had to be the right one.

Almost every key designer has a “lo-fi” look, but Dallin Chase, Ports 1961 and Kaylee Tankus are standouts for me.

If you are in Seattle, Merge has had this look for several seasons and they know how to make it work for you.

The key to fashion these days is to dial it down a notch on the makeup and accessories and let the fabrics of your garment speak. RL

For help selecting key pieces for your spring & summer wardrobe, contact les Egoistes.

Photo Credits | From the Top

Dallin Chase Fall 2010, Dallin Chase & Refinery 29

Kenzo Sp 2010, Style.com, photographer, Marcio Madeira

Dallin Chase Fall 2010, Dallin Chase

Valentino Sp 2010, Trendhunter

Kaylee Tankus Sp 2010, Kaylee Tankus

Ports 1961 Fall 2010

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It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Ports 1961. I am always impressed with every aspect from the design, to fabric choices and color ways.
This season is no exception. My first of the last shows in Bryant Park, I felt nostalgic and was happy that the Ports show was kicking off my season.

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With the theme word of Craeft (Craft) meaning a work or product of art, science, machine, the Fall 2010 collection accomplished what designer Tia Cibani wanted; a representation of a world where technological co-exists with the natural.
Through the use of vintage Victorian techniques of sewing and pattern making, Tia was able to showcase the classic expertise of this genre with gorgeous current silhouettes.

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I fell in love with the whole collection that appealed to my personal aesthetic with neutrals upon neutral (Freesia, Chicory, Clover & Pepper) with hints of rich pop colors (Mulberry, Tobacco, Iris and Rosemary). Yummy.

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The silhouettes for Fall, including Ports, are still loose with structure in strategic places such as shoulders and hips. I personally am loving this. Highlight pieces for me in the collection included the jumpsuits. I have and will always love the jumpsuit.

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The shoulder necklace and leather skullcaps also intrigued me as a fresh new perspective on accessories.

I loved the hair for this show. Big, curly, 70′s and a perfect juxtapose to the function of the pieces. More coming from two weeks of New York Fashion Events. RL

For more on how RLS can help you with your style, go to lesegoistes.com.

Bluff NY | Accessories for your feet

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I love designers. I love designers of all kinds and what I have always loved about my industry is the creativity it takes to come up with something cool that people will wear. Bluff NY is that team. The two designers that met at Parsons, along with a business partner came up with an idea to create shoe accessories. Inspired by the biz partner who was formally on Wall Street and had to wear boring pumps, the girls ,Jessica and Cara, started working on ways to make your  feet, shoes and boots look fabulous by simply changing the accessory.

This is not a new concept. Shoe clips were commonly used throughout history, but most recently in the 50′s and 60′s to take a simple pump from day into evening.  Brilliant, practical and dare I say “sustainable”?

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I absolutely love the chains for fall over boots. I recommend wearing the pair on the same foot. This is the easy way to update your shoes ladies. And guys, I would recommend the chains for your boots too…although I haven’t mentioned that to the gals at Bluff NY yet. All the pieces are hand crafted, right in Brooklyn; and the chains are especially time consuming, but worth it.

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The feathers, as well as the straps, are fab for a completely different look and I think it looks amazing over a pump, especially the super high ones. Guess what? We will have these available on the les Egoistes EGO shop as well in October. If you are interested before they go up on the site, email us at info@lesegoistes.com. I have a feeling they are going to go fast. RL

P.S. The designers Jess and Cara are super wonderful gals and we used their pieces in a shoot that should be out this winter. Stand by for those images later this season.

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What Seattle Fashion Week has going for it, is enthusiasm. I was able to check out the opening night featuring emerging independent designers from Seattle. I really really want to see this succeed in Seattle, mostly because, there are amazing designers coming out of here. I also know from retailers that they would like to buy from local designers if the quality, production value and creative aspects all match the level of what can be found in NYC & LA.

The second thing Seattle Fashion Week has going for it is potential. While the designers showcased were not necessarily the top of what I have seen here, they all have a great foundation to move forward and were appropriately placed in the “emerging” category.

The entertainment at the event was definitely geared to a specific audience and didn’t feel as fashion forward as I am used to…so, I definitely think there is an opportunity for all the world renowned acts we have based here in Seattle.

My fashion picks for the evening were jackets from student designer, Becky Sullivan, men’s looks from Lavsh and springy black & white jersey pieces from a sustainable line called Salvationwear.

I didn’t get a chance to check out the rest of the shows, but I will do some sleuthing and follow up. Overall, I am ready to see these events rise to the level of what used to happen here in Seattle with “Pre-line” and shows like Arena and Stop & Go in the 90′s…RL

photo credit | Lavsh at Seattle Fashion Week 09