On Radar: Banana Republic's New Look

With the help of its newly appointed creative director, Simon Kneen, Banana Republic has thrown out its buttoned up style for a cool, modern look. “The structure [of the clothes] was looking a bit dated,” Kneen said. “We’re trying to get things loosened up.” His debut Spring collection for the retailer is filled with sustainable fabrics and fashion-forward silhouettes — we love it all.

The collection boasts Keen's view on Banana's classic staples. Trench coats have been updated in silky fabrics while dresses stay loose and fluid. The color palette has been revamped with light hues of khaki, slate gray, ivory, and white. What a refreshing way to look at Spring. What say you?

Rei Kawakubo takes on the masses at H&M

What: Comme des Garcons for H&M is set to be released worldwide on November 13th and with less than one month to go we can barely contain our excitement.

Why: One of the most influential and conceptual labels of our time, Comme des Garcons was established in 1969 and is often referenced in the designs of other great names. Marc Jacobs admitted: “I have never insisted on my own creativity, as Chanel would say…everyone is influenced by Comme des Garcons…”

Memorable for her extravagant, visionary efforts, it is perhaps a concern for regular H&M shoppers as to what sort of pieces could be imagined by Kawakubo for this collaboration. Kawakubo afterall, challenges the concept of fashion as the mainstream recognises, ultimately creating some fascinating, yet unflattering designs. It is worth acknowledging in this time of doubt then, the successful efforts of previous H& M collaborators Viktor and Rolf, who are also known for their artistic, referential presentations and have even pointed to their unhappiness with mainstream fashion in their creations.
What Viktor and Rolf do, I believe Comme des Garcons has only done better. The 30-piece collection is a wearable range which exposes some typical Comme de Garcon attributes: dark shades, uneven lines and polka dots.

Fab Find - Moccasin Flats

Seriously, how cute are these?
Xhilaration® Sherlyn Moccasins $19.99 (PURPLE)
Xhilaration® Sherlyn Moccasins $19.99 (PINK)

Autumn in Dubai

Delicate Damsel
Floral Chiffon Dress W/ Sash $24.80
Tri-Color Rhinestone Earrings $4.80

Dashing Diva
Jasmine Floral Strapless Dress $27.80
Grace Chandelier Earrings $4.80

Friday Fashion Quickie

Something cool and casual to kick off the weekend...

AE Eagle Hoodie T $29.50
PacSun Hermosa Super Skinny Vintage Indigo $39.50
AE Crinkle Lurex Scarf 14.95
Forever21 Faceted Hoop Earrings $2.80
Cutesygirl Wild Diva Sweety Flats $12.99
Target Merona 4-Poster Hobo Bag $22.99

TOTAL: $122.73

Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009: Lanvin

Alber Elbaz has done it again — he delivered inventive pieces but didn't alienate Lanvin's signature bold colors and voluminous silhouettes. This Spring collection leaves you wanting more. It offers everything from black to nude, to colors like chartreuse, teal, purple, and orange. Yum. Some of the dramatic wide-shouldered silhouettes are hard to work with; still, on the runway they work like magic.

Return of the Mac!

If you want to invest in a mac that will stand the test of time, your best bet may be a Burberry trench. Whether you go for the traditional Burberry tartan lined raincoat (as seen top on Holly Golightly fan Blair Waldorf), or for one of their many modern Prorsum reincarnations (see the tiered trench above) - you can’t go wrong. If a new Burberry is a little (or in my case, a lot) out of your price range, you’ll find second-hand at many of the larger vintage stores in London

Balenciaga Lights Up the Catwalk at Paris Fashion Week

The show I look forward to the most during Paris Fashion week? Without a shadow of a doubt it’s got to be Balenciaga. Nicholas Ghesquière single-handedly breathed new life into the blazer and brought florals back into the forefront of fashion. For Spring/Summer 09 Natalie Vodianova opened his indescribable collection, which in Ghesquière’s own words “played with textures to see how they reflect or absorb light”.