Anything under the Sun: The Power of Inspiration - part 3.B

Anything under the Sun: The Power of Inspiration - part 3.B

The Power of Inspiration - part 3.B

Another group of super talented designers rose in the 80's are from the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan. These designers created a look that haven't seen or done before the very eye of the fashion kibitzers - The Avant-Garde. 

Issey Miyake

I want to name and share my favorite Japanese designers with you. The very first designer I admire is Issey Miyake. He designed and formed dresses with his own version of electric pleating. His was partly contoured on the body and some loose with asymmetric collars, sleeves, hemlines with no openings or closures can be seen on the garment. That made me wonder how one can  get into those clothes.

Yohji Yamamoto

The second on my list is Yohji Yamamoto, very eccentric looking genius and I love his personal style. He is very consistent both for himself and his designs. His clothes for both men and women it seems can be worn by both gender. 
And the third but not the least, is Rei Kawakubo of Commes des Garcons. Like the two, she has also her fair share in putting Japan on the fashion map. She is one of the female designers who showed and proved to the world that gender issues doesn't matter to be a leader in fashion.

Rei Kawakubo

I was so amazed on how they made the construction of their design, the detailing, the flaw-less cutting and the fabrics they used applied with modern technology of which they are best known.  Like me who has witnessed their work in the 80's, if you were already "in" that year, you would want to be part of their team who pioneered a fashion that is so inventive and fresh. From then on these designers had embedded their distinct contribution in the history of fashion and still making a difference up to this present generation.

Men's Fashion by Yohji Yamamoto

Their ingenuity has touched me so much and pushed me more to learn about the construction of a garment by studying the unconventional - edgy techniques introduced by them.    

The Power of Inspiration - part 3.A

Hanae Mori

Hanae Mori once said "Fashion is an international language." And I definitely agree with her. Because through this unique communication people around the globe with different cultures and backgrounds merged of having the same heart and mind. 

In Milan, another fashion capital has its own sets of Alta Moda Maestros. Still in the 80's, Giorgio Armani transformed the Men's Fashion into very Elegant and Sexy looks while his Women's wear were created like men's clothes done with impeccably polished finishing but very soft and sexy. 

Giorgio Armani

While the two other Italian giants, the late Gianni Versace and Gian Franco Ferre paraded their tailored looks with different approach and inspiration before Milan fashionistas. Versace, with his own version of tailoring, wowed the crowd with a touch of Theatrical yet Sexy Couture-ish dresses and suits. Ferre launched his Architectural silhouettes that then became his no.1 trademark in fashion and still very obvious until his last collection in mid 2000. Mr. Ferre once asked, how he would like to be remembered. He replied "I would like to be remembered as a designer who knows fashion."

Gianni Versace

Gian Franco Ferre

At the other fashion key city of Italy, in Rome - Red! Red! And more of Red! This is the primary color shouting at Valentino's superb collection. An array of frills, flowers and bows adorned his very elegant and chic master pieces.

Valentino

The Power of Inspiration - part 3.A

Ever  since I entered the world of fashion I always love Haute Couture. There is something very special with it, a mystery that I will keep and treasure.

I started as a ready to wear designer as my stepping stone but I was always dreaming of the time that someday I will design a couture dress. My dream came true when I was hired to be the in-house designer for a boutique specialized in high fashion clothinng and accessories for women. During my stay there I was able to meet and designed  clothes for several madames and other personalities belongs from the upper class of the society. I got my training there in bespoke, and my dream to make couture creations. I must admit it was not an easy task, I faced a lot of challenges, disappointments and stress. But in the end I realized all the purpose and worth of all I have gone through. I learned so much from this company not only in constructing dresses but on how to run the business as well. Madame, as I address my former employer, who was supportive and believed in my skills and talent was the one who opened the door for me to show my creations and designed clothes  for the well heeled crowd. I presented my very first collection by a fashion show under this company and it was followed by another two successful shows.

Karl Lagerfeld

As I was watching my creations on the models strutting down the catwalk, I had this so much euphoria inside of me  hoping that the audiences would like it and will received fair, if not good, reviews from the press. Just like most of the designers who unveiled their very first collection under their labels or for a big brand, I was also expectant that my vision will be accepted and adored by the fashionistas and the likes. For instance Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld when he was commissioned to be the Creative Director for the house of Chanel in the mid 80's, he presented a youthful spirit and modern - classic look  yet the Mademoiselle Coco's style still very  evident in the clothes with Ines dela Fresange as Muse to showcase the whole new look. Lagerfeld was applauded and gained a well deserved high remarks.

   

Christian Lacroix

Another fabulous premier collection was from Christian Lacroix's Spanish inspired, with pouf skirt which became popular then and his unexpected color combinations on ball gowns and dresses which also became his trademark received a phenomenal success.

Emmanuel Ungaro

Jean Louis Scherrer

Aside from Lagerfeld and Lacroix there were Emmanuel Ungaro, Jean Louis Scherrer, Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, Hanae Mori, Azzedine Alaia and the legendaries like Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, just to name a few, in Paris haute couture shared their aesthetics and visions at that remarkable era.