Alexandre Herchcovitch is Brazilian born and has never compromised his vision, be it the freaky constructions of molded rubber and sequins from his early years or the floral frocks he’s been using.  Since launching his collection in 1994, Alexandre has branded his own signature quirky chic, and he branches out in equally interesting ways. Last year, he redesigned the uniform for McDonald’s employees in Brazil.

Herchcovitch’s collection are a bit on the loud side but always fun to watch—or wear, depending on how fashion-forward you are.

 picture gallery from:

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/

New York Fashion Week: Spring 2009 Collection

pictures gathered from:

http://herchcovitch.uol.com.br/index_en.html#/publicacoes

It wasn’t until I was browsing through New York Fashion week was when I discovered of Alexandre’s talents.  His design aspects are an interest to me.  I love his use of bold colors and mix of patterns.  

□        Sustainable

Bamboo is the most sustainable natural fiber on earth. It can grow as much as 3 feet overnight and reaches a mature height of 75 feet in less than 3 months. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable and the decomposition process does not cause any environmental pollution.

□        Hypoallergenic/Pesticide Free

□        Breathable and Absorbent

Cross sections of bamboo fiber are filled with micro-gaps and micro-holes that allow for better moisture absorption and ventilation than other fibers. Bamboo apparel can absorb and evaporate human sweat instantaneously so your clothes won’t stick to your skin.

□        Environmental Conservation

Conventional cotton requires over 100,000 cubic feet of water per acre to grow, whereas bamboo can bear drought extremely well and only requires minimal rainwater. In addition, bamboo fiber does not hold odor so you can wear your clothing over and over without frequent washing.

Bamboo is versatile; it can be used in fashion apparel, furniture even for building materials!

Christian Dior’s Spring 2006 has to be one of my favorite Haute Couture collections.  Maddam Butterfly was his source of inspiration.  You see a lot of Japanese influence; geisha makeup, kimono, obi.  I must say the origami folds on the apparel were amazing.  I loved the bright accents used too. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxWhwyAa6FM&feature=related

I’m always blown away with the Haure Couture collections.  The talents of designers is simply amazing, I would love to one day see the acutal garments or better yet attend a Christian Dior’s Haute Couture fashion show – how great would that be?!  I’m sure I’d be in absolute awe.   

Background information:

The Japanese kimono, which means “clothing”, is one of the world’s identifiable traditional garments. Because of the popularity of ukiyo (images of landscape) woodblock prints in the West at the beginning of the last century, the kimono became one of the ideal images of Japan. There are a variety of kimonos for different occasions and seasons, including those worn by men.

Kimonos are much less seen these days and are usually worn by older women or on special occasions.

You may not see people wear a authentic Kimono here on the streets of the West Coast but a lot of styles seen in stores are Kimono inspired …. take a look!

.Picture gallery gathered from www.bloomingdales.com.

You can see the similarity with the deep v-neck, the wrap around look and similar ¾ wide sleeves.

A brief background of the flag of the Philippines:

  White triangle with equal sides of the flag is symbolic of equality among men.

  Sun represents the steps that have been made by the sons of the land on the road to progress and civilization.

  Eight rays of the sun in the triangle represent the first eight united provinces that revolted independence: (Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac)

  Three stars in the triangle stand for the geographical divisions of the country – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

  Red symbolizes the willingness of the Filipino people to shed blood in defense of their country.

  Blue stands for common unity and the noble aspirations of the Filipino people.

  White stands for purity

Using the color combination of the flag and the symbols – I can see more sportswear being created, jackets, hats and graphics tees. I can also see the sun alone used in various aspect of the fashion world: a print on a tee, a pin, and hat.  The sun can even be overlapped to create some sort of geometric print for a skirt, dress or tee.

.Image from: www.brownnationculture.com.

. I came across this graphic tee that I’m eyeing. although the traditional colors aren’t used and the sun is modified with a design in the middle, the Phillippine flag is identifiable. 

Leggings became part of fashion in the 80′s when “gym style” street wear was the craze! Nowadays, because of the comfort and attractiveness, leggings found it’s way into the fashion scene and out of the gym. Leggings are typically ankle length but can also be capri or stirrup – they are found in almost every color, print and stepping outside of cotton/polyester/lycra blend and now leather.

They’re a great piece of clothing item – you can dress them up or down.  You can wear it under a skirt, or pair it up with a dress, tunic, oversize shirt etc. I like them because they’re comfortable – it’s east to move in. (: