Crocs, the Foam Clog That is Here to Stay…

A champion of meme-culture, middle-school-era Facebook photo memories, and Balenciaga runway shows, the footwear company Crocs seems to have massively capitalized on the popularity of both irony and nostalgia as it racks up millions selling its iconic foam clogs. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Colorado, Crocs went public in 2006 and remains a leading footwear brand today. What started out as a breathable boat shoe quickly took its place as both a household name and a staple comfort shoe. 

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If we are giving credit where credit is due, Crocs has the middle schoolers of the 2000’s to thank for its rapid success. While the chunkiness and meme-ability of the Croc may account for their current trend-topping status, pre-teens were instantly attracted to the customizability and durability of their unique design long before the fashion industry recognized the ingeniousness of the Crocs design.

I, of course, am a loyal consumer, having hopped on the Crocs trend not once, but twice, in my lifetime thus far. I remember my first pair, a classic colorfully marbled set of holey foam slip-ons with a few too many Jibbitz. I was a strap in front kind of gal. Fast forward ten years, and I was buying my second pair with a similar vigor. There’s something about choosing your color amongst dozens of options, carefully selecting Jibbitz to match your personal style, and knowing no one else will have the same pair as you. This time around, I went for the Classic Bae Clog in black, with one Jibbet: a varsity letter “G” for my first initial. 

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No doubt, my purchase was influenced by the viral collaboration between Crocs and Balenciaga, which first debuted in 2018, as Balenciaga painted their spring ready-to-wear show with the now-iconic platform Crocs in a variety of classic Crocs colors. The platform foam clogs from this collaboration still boast resale values upwards of $700. Taking advantage of the success of this collaboration, and likely in anticipation of their next collaboration, Crocs released their own designs of the platform sandals. Although they retail for about a tenth of the price of the original platform Croc, I wouldn't describe paying $70 for a pair of Crocs as a ‘deal.’ Regardless, as Crocs continues to vamps up designs to mimic the trends set by its luxury fashion collaborations, the brand may be sneakily changing its image from comfortable and functional to trendy and chic

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As is most likely common knowledge following an inundation of Instagram ads, the Crocs x Balenciaga duo joined forces again this past summer in June 2021 for Balenciaga’s spring ‘22 ready-to-wear show. This time, the team presented two new takes on the classic Croc clog, both a heeled version and a rain boot version, which are now available to purchase worldwide. What was once a footwear brand enigma, Crocs is entering the realm of mainstream fashion. 

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Of course, Crocs is just as popular off the runway. Keep a sharp eye out, and you’ll see them everywhere. They tend to blend in, at this point. So, why the dramatic second Crocs x Balenciaga collaboration push? I’m interpreting this move by Crocs as a pointed overstatement: a quarantine go-to slipper for many, Crocs aren’t going anywhere as folks are back in action. The glamour of the heeled format contrasted by the durability of the industrial boots serves as a testament to the versatility of the iconic foam clogs, colloquially referred to as Crocs.  


Afterall, Balenciaga is known for their dramatic statements. Crocs just had to phone an old friend. 




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Baby Phat Is Back, so Let's Finally Give Kimora the Credit She Deserves

 

At a UN Women and Gender Innovation Coalition for Change on International Women’s Day, model/mogul Kimora Lee (formerly Simmons) Leissner announced the triumphant return of her fashion label Baby Phat, twenty-one years after its initial release in 1998.

Leissner launched the brand under then-husband Russell’s Phat Farm Fashions. Baby Phat brought in upwards of $1 billion during Leissner’s tenure as creative director from 2000-2010. Before Baby Phat, hip hop’s style—reflective of the medium itself—was overwhelmingly determined by male designers, such as Rocawear and FUBU. Leissner encapsulated an entire cultural expression and made it accessible to women, particularly women of color.

Kimora Lee Leissner and her two daughters, Aoki and Ming Lee Simmons. Image via

Kimora Lee Leissner and her two daughters, Aoki and Ming Lee Simmons. Image via

Most everything now hailed as classically 2000’s, from furs to huge logos to embroidered denim, was flooded into pop culture consciousness by Baby Phat. The daughter of black and Japanese parents, Leissner catered especially to women of color and channeled the “urban” (read: Black) aesthetic and labeled it chic. Her runways showed that “urban” brands were just as artistically valid as any other, and could be just as high end. She brought fashion to those consistently excluded from the conversation in a multitude of ways, including being the first label to stream a runway on a Times Square jumbotron.

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“I feel l like they never would authentically credit ‘urban’ streetwear or certainly never credit black culture or minority culture for these trends. Now, they’re doing the baggy silhouettes, the layering of pieces, all of the Afrocentric hairstyles like a real afro. Now you’re seeing it on the runway. You’ll see dreads, big braids, and on and on with the make-up trends. You’ll see braids on some celebrity and it’s like, ‘Oh, they started that trend.’ No, they really didn’t.”

—Kimora Lee Leissner, via

FUBU, another early 00’s “urban” label by entrepreneur and Shark Tank judge Daymond John is also coming back for a limited collection release. Streetwear has become one of the most popular styles of our time, but there is still a disconnect in the fashion world between respecting not just streetwear but also the cultures that propagated it.

Racial iconography is still prevalent in an absurd amount of high end labels, à la Gucci, Prada, and Burberry. The bombastic return of black streetwear brands is clearly necessary (besides the obvious fact that black creatives are severely underrepresented in fashion). Kimora Lee Simmons and Baby Phat/Phat Farm defined ‘cool’ for an entire generation, so let’s stop pretending streetwear belongs to white guys like James Jebbia.

I, for one, can’t wait till its cool to whip out my 2008 hot pink Baby Phat purse again. Maybe I’ll pair it with a velour tracksuit, cropped puffer jacket, and a brand new Motorola Razr? Rhinestoned, of course. 2000’s forever.


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Pierpaolo Piccioli Elevates Outerwear for Moncler

Popular outerwear brand Moncler took Milan Fashion Week by storm last month with their “Moncler Genius” collection. The Genius label is Moncler’s way of revamping hypebeast culture, implementing a monthly collection “drop” structure in order to stay fresh in a culture dominated by social media and short attention spans.

Featuring a multitude of collaborations with designers such as Richard Quinn and Fragment’s Hiroshi Fujiwara, winter wear concepts were given creative and high concept twists. The clear crown jewels of this collection were the evening gowns by Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. Liya Kebede, Ethiopian model and designer of the brand Lemlem, collaborated with Piccioli, contributing patterns from her brand. Fusing culture and couture for the nylon gowns, Piccioli lives up to the “Genius” designation. The silhouettes, capes and hoods evoke a diverse range of imagery, a perfect display of Piccioli’s sweeping elegance, Kebede’s cultural heritage and Moncler’s signature nylon.

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Piccioli has recently been praised for his pledge to bring more diversity to fashion, publicly stating his desire to showcase and elevate Black beauty in particular. This collection further proves his commitment to inclusivity, as he not only tells but shows his love of culture, made especially significant by the fact that Milan is the fashion capital that lags behind its peers in diversity.

Kebede and Piccioli. Image via

Kebede and Piccioli. Image via

I don't think that you can really do anything new today. But you can create new harmonies—new points of view and perspectives. Actually, I did this little collection while I was doing couture, while I was doing other things. And of course what I wanted to do is, through my own identity, interpret the worlds of Moncler. I felt I wanted to add the feeling of another perspective—specifically the Liya perspective. I think that inclusivity is not a just word; I really believe in the idea of working together in a way that gives you new points of view . . . and I was thinking that when couture was born it was not meant to be for black women. It was just for white women. Magazines like Jet were not even allowed to borrow clothes! So this collection is to show that the dream of couture should be allowed for everybody, and that’s why the idea of Liya worked so well.

- Pierpaolo Piccioli (quote via)

See the entire collection here:


Feature and gallery images all via.

Something Ugg-ly

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New school year, same fugly fashion releases. At this point, I’m mostly amused and less offended by the ridiculous releases and social media faux pas of big name brands like Balenciaga, Vetements, or other notable runway establishments. I’m starting to understand the reasons (beyond the shock value) why these pieces are created. But when a forever middle school associated, eternally low-brow brand like UGG pulls this slick one“ on me, I’m going to react more negatively than needed.

Seriously, the last time I saw a pair of UGGs was in the heyday of the starter pack memes that seemed to specifically target basic white girls or people from Kansas… either way, too much of what I had been surrounded by and escaped.

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Image Via

My opinion of thigh high boots, of course, is much higher. Serving as one of my few saviors of not passing as a 12 year old, I opt for these shoes to go with playsuits or rompers on a night out, highlighting my non-existent leg length. But the scam effect works well enough. Especially when paired with something more casual like knitwear and an oversized hoodie, thigh high boots can really add an edge to complete the ensemble. Just ask Ariana Grande. Most of her outfits since the Dangerous Woman era have been paired with a simple, monochrome pair of these boots that make her look pretty great.

But let’s go back to those UGGs. I’m not exactly sure what the company or creative director was going for. Oversized cloth waders or an under-the-waist bear costume for Halloween?

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The fashion failure is the fault of Y/Project’s creative director Glenn Martens. Besides the single item I disapprove of in their current season (the cowboy diaper resembling “pant” to the right) I’d say for the most part that Y/Project’s work and collaborations aren’t bad at all, with their focus on the playful arrangement of layered patterns and motifs. But Martens really threw me off here.

When rightfully asked to explain himself and the choice for UGGs, he said the shoes are like “putting your feet in butter. What’s better than that? Putting your thighs in butter.”

Umm… that’s one way to advertise it?

Martens went on to say:

“By reworking the Classic boot with a typical Y/Project twist such as the triple overlaps and the extra-long legs we want to celebrate the UGG brand's unique history.”

I’m not exactly sure what sort of unique history besides its cultural coupling with pumpkin spice lattes and middle school that UGG has, but if this is what it is, count me out.

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Spring/Summer 2019 Fashion Month Trend Report

From cowgirls to clowns, or Drag Queens to the Queen of England, from stoop labor to a real post-show birth and labor, the past four weeks of Fashion month have been completely saturated with a wide array of wonder in anticipation of Spring. It truly seems like designers across the board are celebrating and honoring the craft of fashion and focusing their creativity towards garments that are not only fabulous, but wearable, refined and comfortable as well.

With the growing presence of global activist organizations carrying conversations about social issues around the world, it seems like fashion has placed itself at an interesting crossroads. It’s impossible for fashion to separate itself from what is going on around it, yet the way these issues are tackled appear to fall under two main categories.

On the one hand, we see designers focusing on addressing reality head-on through powerful imagery and straightforward statements, such as with Kirby Jean-Raymond of the brand Pyer Moss; conversely, we see designers focusing on escapism and a rejection of urban life, perhaps as a means of subversively discussing messages about society while still hanging onto the brand aesthetic, as with Stella McCartney’s 90’s revival show.

It seemed every show paid incredible attention to the handmade elements that make fashion special. From hand-knitted crocheted sweaters at Sonia Rykiel, to an evening gown made completely out of paper at Dolce & Gabbana, we’ve been given an insight into fashion and creativity at their finest.

The tangible elements of the garments felt secondary to the needs of the person who would be wearing them, and it’s so uplifting to see designers truly honoring their customers rather than just the clothes they wear. For the woman who values comfort, there’s Jeremy Scott’s flannel kimono or Chloé’s cozy knits; for the woman who wants to stand out, there’s Marc Jacob’s infinite ruffled gown or Gucci’s sexy snakeskin slip; and for the woman who lives in her workout gear, there’s Off-White’s chic Nike collaboration with matching ball-gown skirt and custom Nike sneakers.

In the end, it seems that the greatest take-away from this season is to just be present in who and where you are. Designers appear to be projecting a message of finding strength in individuality when difficulties arise. It truly feels like fashion is taking a stance, declaring: “this is who I am, take it or leave it” and it’s wonderfully refreshing to see.

And with that, here are our top trends straight from the runways of Fashion Month Spring/Summer 2019.

White-Out

While spring is normally saturated with vibrant colors and bold prints, another way to make a statement this season is by donning full-monochrome white. Notably, Virgil Abloh at his Track and Field show for Off-White demonstrated the strength in monochrome mobility. From Sarah Burton’s white knights in leather at McQueen to Jeremy Scott’s six-man wedding gown at Moschino, the message is clear: you don’t need vibrant pigments to show your true colors.

Ruff and Tumble

Ruffle up! Prepare for spring’s most dramatic trend! Marc Jacobs sent down a battalion of models in huge, dramatic, clownish ruffles that still managed to maintain an eccentric chicness in their grandeur. Whether they’re multicolored, stacked and spotted (Dolce and Gabbana) or more minimal (Prabal Gurung), ruffles are a fun way to add some playfulness to any look for Spring.

Lunatic Fringe

Whether you’re a disco queen or looking to take a walk on the wild side, embrace fringe for spring! Longchamp’s 70th anniversary show showed that fashion and movement go hand-in-hand and what better way to embrace the dynamism of style than by venturing into fringe. Long strands (like at Jacquemus) or short (at Oscar de la Renta); made of suede (Coach) or sewing needles (Moschino), keep the party going and allow you to shimmy into spring with a little bit of music and a whole lot of attitude.

Loose-Knit

Leave it to Angela Missoni to show us how to rock a sweater for summer. Keep it loose, keep it casual and above all, keep it comfy. Young houses like Eckhaus Latta and Gypsy Sport are embracing the craft of knitting and crochet, yet done in a way to keep us cool for the summer. You can layer loose knits over a swimsuit à la Chloé for a beachy, St Tropez vibe, or throw them over a dress like Louis Vuitton for a more sophisticated look; but it certainly seems like sweater weather is no longer limited to fall and winter.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Come as you are: out in bloom or confined in a heart-shaped box. All apologies, but grunge is back for spring! Flannels, distressed denim, band tees and sneakers: we can assure you that spring is going to be a laidback season. From the runways of New York to Paris, designers seemed to really have comfort and attitude on their minds. Jeremy Scott showed us all how to update check for the contemporary era, while Junya Watanabe took denim to places where it has never been before. The most grunge-tastic interpretation of the trend had to be from VFiles, who somehow managed to combine all the angst of 90’s grunge with the contradictory chicness and exuberance of Cher Horowitz, from flannel jumpsuits to a denim wedding gown: for this gift, we feel blessed!

Scale-Up

Animal prints seem to be perpetually circulating in fashion and it appears as if something scalier will be slithering its way into our wardrobes this spring. Tom Ford showed us sensual crocodile-skin coats and corsets while Saint Laurent plastered snakeskin patterns on shorts and boots, perfect for festival season. Outstanding looks also included Virgil Abloh’s neon green snakeskin patterned puffer jacket and Armani’s chartreuse snake-skin blazer, adding a wild touch to sportswear for spring.

Beach, Please!

Summer isn’t summer without a trip to the beach and it seems like designers from all over were adopting that ethos. Simon Porte Jacquemus took fashion week to the French Riviera, while Karl Lagerfeld brought Paris to the C-Side at Chanel. Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent revealed a bold new line of swimwear and Thom Browne set sail for a beach with some very peculiar inhabitants. There were wonderful straw hats, headscarves, beach ball bags and sandals perfect for a day trip to the shore, and even a gown or two with nautical and aquatic motifs for a sunset stroll by the sea. And if we’re taking a note from the Etro show, which featured professional surfers Victoria Vergara and Maribel Koucke, it seems like the general consensus for spring is to grab your board and bikini and hang ten!

Beyond the Veil

Perhaps one of the more romantic (and random) trends for spring, veils and masks have been popping up all over the runways this month. From Rodarte’s ghostly beauties at the New York City Marble Cemetery to Gareth Pugh’s voguing creatures at the Two Skin Club in London, it seems like facial obscurity is running rampant for spring. Who can blame these designers? At a time like this, sometimes the best remedy for dismay is to keep oneself protected beneath a mask. Or perhaps anonymity is simply a gateway into exploring and revealing a completely new and unfamiliar persona!


All images courtesy of Vogue.com

Film References and the Fantastic Featured at Gucci

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I didn't think it was possible for Alessandro Michele to push more boundaries within the realm of fashion, satire and fantasy, but then he went ahead and used prosthetic creatures, severed heads and oddly placed eyeballs as accessories in his latest Fall RTW collection. 

As creepy and ridiculous as it sounds, these finishing touches worked very well within the broader scope of the world Michele has crafted for Gucci. Third eyes, the odd lizard here and there, and horns that sprouted from the heads of models emerged seamlessly alongside the frilly frocks, oversize coats, platform boots and patterned pantsuits we have come to associate with the brand.

While they may seem out of place in a fashion show, these special effects actually play quite well into Gucci's reference book of imagery and inspiration. From the life-like recreation of Gucci motifs like the red, black and white striped Kingsnake or the "Ace eye," to the inclusion of severed heads that embody (no pun intended) Michele's obsession with the supernatural and themes of dualism, the use of these eccentric props further sharpened the aesthetic scope of the Gucci universe.

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Perhaps Gucci's unprecedented appeal across all manners of fashion lovers and consumers–from the casual Vogue reader, to the street style fanatic, and the high fashion magazine editor–is the brand's incredible adeptness at not taking itself too seriously. Apart from Michele's boundless imagination, Gucci has greatly benefitted from its ability to inject irony and tongue-in-cheek humor into the realm of runway fashion and haute couture, making the fashion world more accessible to all in the process.

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Where and Wear: Galería de MODA

Galería de MODA, our annual winter fashion show, is rapidly approaching and all over campus stylish intellectuals are asking themselves that insidious question again: whatever shall I wear? Never fear — consult this special edition of Where and Wear for some new inspiration, or just to jolt yourself out of any mid-quarter fashion rut. 

All the pieces suggested here are in the $100 and under range, with the exception of a few pieces of outerwear, and were selected with the balance of price and quality in mind. Keep in mind also that many of the looks here are fairly easily replicated with finds from your favorite thrift store.

Aspiring editors, treat Moda Galleria as a dry run for your NYFW debut. Take a cue from Teen Vogue's Elaine Welteroth and vary the lengths of your layers. While the color black is of course a fashion editor's best friend, a hit of unexpected color never hurt anyone either.

Image of Teen Vogue EIC Elaine Welteroth via Pinterest

Image of Teen Vogue EIC Elaine Welteroth via Pinterest

Try this coat, then pair with a regular black pencil skirt and your favorite turtleneck (this one is mine) to replicate this look. 

For the sportier types who also like to maintain a stylish streak, topping track pants with some undone suiting blends two worlds with just the right amount of insouciance.

Image via Harper's Bazaar Singapore.

Image via Harper's Bazaar Singapore.

Try this button down, this blazer, and grab your sporty roommate's plain black track pants (Adidas also makes many of these — just grab the style that makes you feel most comfortable).

Wide striped pants are just on-trend, comfortable, and unusual enough to tell the world you march to the beat of your own drum, but not at the expense of practicality. 

Image via the Sartorialist.

Image via the Sartorialist.

Try these pants, this sweater, and this beanie for a more experimental and eclecitc look.

Black on black and a great pair of shades have never failed a die-hard sophisticate. 

Image via WhoWhatWear.

Image via WhoWhatWear.

Try this coat, this romper, and check out Brooklyn's Catbird for gorgeous, delicate gold jewelry (you'll want to save up a bit, but the style and quality are pretty much unparalleled).

For an edgier look with just a touch of cheekiness, plaid and leather can help you nail punk rock vibes and demonstrate your fashion chops at the most stylish event of the year.

Image via the Sartorialist.

Image via the Sartorialist.

Try these pants and thrift a leather jacket (I got mine at Wicker Park's Ragstock for $20). If thrifting isn't your thing, or if reasonably priced leather just isn't coming your way, Madewell's leather skirt is another fun way to add some bite to a look.

Trend Forecasting at NYFW F/W 2018

While millennial pink and power-suits reimagined for the modern day working woman continue to dominate catwalks and all the latest collections, a handful of emerging trends are really starting to take hold as NYFW draws to a close. As we look to Paris, London and Milan Fashion Weeks to either affirm the creative messages of their American counterparts or introduce an entirely new palette of colors, patterns and silhouettes to consider for the fall/winter season, take a moment to soak in the surprisingly cohesive aesthetic vision of this season's NYFW. 

Whether it emerged in the form of a silken blouse or a head-to-toe wool business suit, mustard yellow dominated this season's color palette and vision for the fall/winter 2018 season. Many designers chose to downplay the color's shock value, often presenting the hue in the form of sophisticated silhouettes fit for the office place, cocktail hour or even a more formal event.

Bottega Veneta; image via

Bottega Veneta; image via

Derek Lam; image via

Derek Lam; image via

Prabal Gurung; image via

Prabal Gurung; image via

Matching sets appeared everywhere this season, from brands as disparate in vibe and vision as Sies Marjan (laid-back, ethereal, color packed) to Victoria Beckham (sophisticated, mature, impeccably tailored). From DVF's 70s, pajama inspired looks, to knit sets perfect for the office and even a handful of skirt based looks fit for a night out, designers seemed intent on sending out complete, cohesive looks. 

Sies Marjan; image via

Sies Marjan; image via

Diane von Furstenberg; image via

Diane von Furstenberg; image via

Victoria Beckham; image via

Victoria Beckham; image via

Our obsession with the 90s continues with the endless array of slip dresses spotted on the runway this season. From more experimental takes on the classic silhouette that grappled with deconstructed fabrics and pattern-mixing, to sleek and timeless takes, as seen at Brandon Maxwell and Jason Wu, it appears as if slip dresses have fully integrated themselves into our wardrobes for everyday wear.

Jason Wu; image via

Jason Wu; image via

Brandon Maxwell; image via

Brandon Maxwell; image via

Prabal Gurung; image via

Prabal Gurung; image via

A quick cheat that makes you automatically look more fashionable? Dress all in one color. Monochrome ensembles were spotted in almost every collection this season, regardless of the designer's color of choice or inspiration source–a testament to the sheer versatility (and ease) of this approach to dress.

Sies Marjan; image via

Sies Marjan; image via

Tibi; image via

Tibi; image via

Jason Wu; image via

Jason Wu; image via

Everyone was seeing red this season, perhaps in response to the overwhelming amount of playful pastel pinks we've been forced to look at in recent months. When you think of it, it comes as little surprise that designers would look within the same color range for something new, yet not entirely unfamiliar to base their latest collections around. Bright, boisterous reds played out as more mature, sensual and confident statements on the runway alongside their millennial pink counterparts.

Prabal Gurung; image via

Prabal Gurung; image via

Brandon Maxwell; image via

Brandon Maxwell; image via

Tibi; image via

Tibi; image via

Colder weather doesn't necessarily call for covering up according to some designers. From the classical elegance of Cushnie et Ochs to Alexander Wang's bossy bad asses, mini skirts seem no longer the sole domain of Hedi Slimane. Whether you pair it with sheer tights or sky-high pumps, expect to see shorter hemlines come fall.

Cushnie et Ochs; image via

Cushnie et Ochs; image via

Dion Lee; image via

Dion Lee; image via

Alexander Wang; image via

Alexander Wang; image via

Ever since Brock Collection won the CFDA Fashion Fund two years ago and received Anna Wintour's stamp of approval, the brand has been successfully spreading its vision of bucolic beauty–and it seems like many brands are taking note. Everyone from the experimental Gypsy Sport to mainstays like Ralph Lauren took cues from Brock Collection's affinity for all things off-the-shoulder, ruffled, ruched, breezy and maidenly.

Gypsy Sport; image via

Gypsy Sport; image via

Ralph Lauren; image via

Ralph Lauren; image via

Jonathan Simkhai; image via

Jonathan Simkhai; image via

Feature Image via Vogue Runway

White Roses Symbolize Resistance on the Grammys Red Carpet

Ah, the Grammys. A place where all of our favorite recording artists and performers come together and celebrate their art, show off their unique senses of style, and of course, watch as Blue Ivy indulges in some emergency snacks, courtesy of Beyoncé. The best part about Grammy's fashion is how much more adventuresome the red carpet styles tend to be. Stars shirk convention in favor of peacocking in the latest patterned suit or floor grazing gown–it's like the Met Gala of the music world! 

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This year’s trends geared towards the “nearly naked” sheer look, complete with plunging necklines, carefully placed beading and slits. Everyone from Sza to Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum and Maren Morris, to name a few, donned this look.

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Other stars went for more traditional looks, but added their own flair to it. Camila Cabello made her solo debut at the Grammys wearing a long, red (supposedly flamenco emoji inspired) Vivienne Westwood Couture dress with a plunging neckline. Hailee Steinfeld chose a sleek, white strapless Alexander Vauthier gown with a thigh high slit with purple metallic, pointy toe over-the-knee boots. Lorde's ephemeral red tulle dress was fit for a princess, and came with an empowering message as well.

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Another trend that seemed to take over the red carpet on Grammys night were women in pant suits. Alessia Cara, Anna Kendrick, Kesha, and Janelle Monae were among the many women who decided to go for the bold pantsuit this year and it seems to have worked out well for them as they all looked stunning.

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Now of course, you can't forget about the men. They actually shocked me with their outfits because it wasn’t just the standard black suit ordeal. Lots of guys branched out of the ordinary and added a little color and a little flair to their ensembles, rivaling the women in the most daring looks of the night. Sam Smith stepped out in a forest green suit by Cerruti 1881 and worked the bold look with a maroon and navy t-shirt underneath. Khalid donned a lilac Salvatore Ferragamo suit with a lime green turtleneck and the ever-trendy dad sneakers. DJ Khaled and Common went more formal with red velvet suits and others tried for the traditional look and added their own je n’ai sais quoi like John Legend in a satin, navy blue Burberry suit and Camryn Howard in a sequined tuxedo. Migos took the cake with their brocade, bedazzled military style blazers, layered over turtlenecks and chains, no less.

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One accessory on the red carpet that is of particular note are the white roses donned in support of the Time’s Up movement, worn by many in attendance. Similar to the all-black dress code at this year's Golden Globes, white roses in the form of corsages, pins or bouquets signaled support for Time’s Up and its efforts to fight against sexual misconduct and gender inequality in the entertainment industry and beyond.

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Trending: Colored-Lens Sunnies

Move aside mirrored-lenses, make room for clear, colorful sunnies! If you've been scrolling through your Instagram explore feed, you've probably seen a lot of girls sporting colored-lens sunglasses. Perfect for summer, these sunglasses add a colorful pop to any outfit as well as an old-school vibe. The colored tints are most popular in yellow and pink, but try purple and blue to stand out from the crowd.

Scroll through to shop this trend!

 

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5 Ways To Style Spring's Biggest Trend

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking, we know. Gingham on the other hand...

Sleeker and more unexpected than florals, more amped up than plain stripes and more sophisticated than polka dots, gingham is shaping up to be the next big print for the upcoming warmer months. It brings to mind picnics, long walks in the park and warm summer sunsets on the beach. Plus it plays off of two other big design inspirations in both fast fashion and higher end brands–shirting and ruffles. You could play it safe with a pair of white skinny jeans and wedge sandals or you could take the plunge and experiment with mixing prints and shapes. 

Florals

Top // Pants // Sneakers

Florals for spring may be practically required dressing but update them for 2017 with a Bardot inspired off-the-shoulder gingham top. White lace sneakers are equal parts sweet and comfortable, carrying you from an afternoon at the botanical gardens to drinks at a rooftop bar.   

Chic

Romper // Lace up shoes // Purse

Just because it shares a pattern with the humble picnic table doesn't mean checks can't be chic. A smartly tailored romper with micro checks pairs well with strappy heels and a ladylike straw bag for look that is as polished as an LBD but infinitely more stylish. 

Preppy

Pants // Espadrilles // Tee

Give navy gingham trousers - the ultimate retro summer WASP piece–cheekily update with whimsical espadrilles and a slouchy tie front tee. Never scramble for a summer barbecue outfit again.  

Stripes

Dress // Mules // Clutch 

Sometimes more really is more. Play up the geometric check pattern with accessories in contrasting stripes for an outfit that is dizzyingly dazzling. 

Sophisticated

Skirt // Sandals // Shirt

Let the ruffled pencil skirt take center stage by pairing it with clean, minimalist pieces. There's no going wrong with a sharp white button down (the ultimate Carolina Herrera vibes) and simple stacked sandals are comfortable(ish) and endlessly versatile. 

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Trending: Embroidery and Brocade

Blame it on Instagram and everyone's obsession with clean minimalist feeds peppered with marble countertops and sleek monochromatic outfits. But maximalism is creeping back into the fashion scene (hello fur heart coats) and on the high street that has meant a new trend in footwear: embroidered or brocade booties. A step more exciting than a plain black pair but still wearable enough to be incorporated into your daily wardrobe, this fresh take on Victorian sensibilities makes the thought of winter dressing almost exciting. Deep muted tones and sensible heel heights make them perfect for stomping around campus, because after all, these boots were made for walking. 

Check out some of our top picks for the trend below: 

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Look for Less: Resort-Wear 2017

From Cuba to Rio, this year's Resort-Wear fashions cleverly reimagined previous seasons' tried and true trends, from the ever popular off-the-shoulder look to matching top-bottom sets. Keep scrolling for MODA's comprehensive round up of all the best Resort-Wear 2017 styles–and how you can incorporate these looks into your summer wardrobe for under $50

Off-the-shoulder looks have been a staple in spring and summer closets for the past couple seasons now. Newer takes on the look, however, transition this popular silhouette from crop tops and mini dresses to more mature styles that benefit from longer hemlines and button-shirt inspired detailing. 

Fendi; image via

Fendi; image via

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress; $49; image via

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress; $49; image via

Diesel Black Gold; image via

Diesel Black Gold; image via

Pixie Market Sam Striped Off the Shoulder Top; $40; image via

Pixie Market Sam Striped Off the Shoulder Top; $40; image via

At first glance, knit tops may appear more fitting in a spring or autumn wardrobe, but when paired with an airy skirt, culottes or tailored shorts, this timeless classic becomes the perfect evening wear staple for summer nights when the temperature starts to dip.

Jil Sander; image via

Jil Sander; image via

NastyGal School of Mock Striped Sweater; $34.80; image via

NastyGal School of Mock Striped Sweater; $34.80; image via

Escada; image via

Escada; image via

Forever 21 Contemporary Classic Ribbed Sweater; $19.90; image via

Forever 21 Contemporary Classic Ribbed Sweater; $19.90; image via

Coordinating top-bottom sets are an incredibly versatile look for any jet-setter. Wear the set as intended for a more dressed-up look, or mix and match with other items to maximize your outfit options (and suitcase space). 

Rochas; image via

Rochas; image via

ASOS Glamorous Tall Co-Ord Stripe Crop Top and Shorts; top and bottom: $33 each; image via

ASOS Glamorous Tall Co-Ord Stripe Crop Top and Shorts; top and bottom: $33 each; image via

M Missoni; image via

M Missoni; image via

ASOS Boohoo Ruffle Co-Ord Set; $42; image via

ASOS Boohoo Ruffle Co-Ord Set; $42; image via

This season, designers reintroduced tiered summer dresses onto their runways, updating the playful look with unexpected cutouts and a revolving palette of colorful reds and shimmery silvers. The cropped, mini hemline may be a welcome change after seasons of floor grazing skirts, and pairs nicely with lace-up espadrilles and gladiator sandals.

Chanel; image via

Chanel; image via

ASOS Sleeveless Tiered Swing Dress; $33; image via

ASOS Sleeveless Tiered Swing Dress; $33; image via

Louis Vuitton; image via

Louis Vuitton; image via

ASOS Deby Debo Blanche Tiered Ruffle Dress; $46; image via

ASOS Deby Debo Blanche Tiered Ruffle Dress; $46; image via

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