VALENTINO IS A BILLION-DOLLAR BRAND NOW

Valentino spring 2016 haute couture show. Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

As first reported by WWD, Valentino has reached its goal of bringing in annual sales of $1 billion, a milestone that the brand and its owner, the Qatar-based Mayhoola for Investments SPC, aimed to cross by the end of 2017. In 2015, the Italian fashion house hit €987 million (about $1.09 billion) in revenue, a 48 percent jump from the year prior. 

We've reached out to Valentino and Mayhoola and are waiting to hear back with comment. Valentino CEO Stefano Sassi told WWD that the brand's steady success owes to the work of creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, as well as customers' interest in its accessories and menswear. "The one-billion figure is symbolic," he said in an interview. "We have arrived at a dimension and critical mass that the brand did not have, with significant cash and profitability." And despite its recent missteps when it comes to cultural sensitivity, Valentino continues to occupy a warm place in the mainstream psyche, thanks to its consistent red carpet appearances and its surprising involvement with a certain public stunt in Zoolander 2's marketing attack.

Sassi also shut down rumors of Valentino nearing an IPO — at least before 2017 — because "market conditions are unfavorable." Instead, the brand will focus on its expansion for 2016, including adding 20 to 30 store locations and relocations in London, Miami, Honolulu, as well as Germany, Japan, Korea and the Middle East. Valentino again expects double-digit growth in 2016, and from the looks of it, we'd guess the fashion house will meet that goal, too.

SHOWGOERS PILED ON THE DENIM ON DAY 3 OF PARIS FASHION WEEK

On the street at Paris Fashion Week. Photos from left to right: Imaxtree (2), Emily Malan/Fashionista

With nearly a third of Paris Fashion Week complete, showgoers are starting to get a little comfier with their day-to-day looks. Perhaps it was yesterday's streetwear-leaning runway show by Vetements — already a favorite among the street style set — that inspired the casual ensembles. But it wasn't just hoodies and sneakers that were spotted throughout the city: trusty blue denim was layered, doubled and piled on as a way chicer version of the Canadian tuxedo. 

Margaret Zhang draped an oversized jean trench coat over cuffed boyfriend jeans, and juxtaposed the slouchy silhouette with more feminine pieces like a black neck scarf and pointed pumps. Other examples include a military-inspired jacket over everyone's favorite high-waisted, patchwork-butt jeans by — you guessed it — Vetements, as well as a distressed moto-style jacket paired with kick-flare jeans. 

Of course, there were a few street style stars on the opposite end of the casual spectrum. Yasmin Sewell walked out in head-to-toe Gucci, while Anna Dello Russo switched from a patterned full-length cape to a, well, patterned full-length fur coat as the day progressed. (Both outerwear options perfectly matched her pink streaked hair, naturally.)

See our favorite street style from the third day of Paris Fashion Week in the gallery below, and stay tuned for our daily roundups as the shows go on. 

Collaborations (Obviously)

Hardly a day goes by now without news of a new high-low pairing set to drop or a rapper gearing up for a social media onslaught to promote his signature shoe, but that (usually) somehow doesn’t make these partnerships any less exciting.

The cultural cachet of a collaboration is obvious – you take two cool things and make them make a baby, with the theory being that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It doesn’t always happen that way, obviously, and can result in a snot-nosed devil child of a shoe which everyone will try to love because they know that’s the right thing to do, but god is it difficult…

Sometimes, though, it just clicks – like Common Projects and MRPORTER’s recent hook-up. It’s hard to predict what’ll appear this year – collabs usually tend to drop from the heavens like those frogs in Magnolia – but if 2015 was anything to go by, we’re onto a winner once again.

One of our favourites was cult German store A Kind Of Guise’s partnership with adidas – a hard to find drop that’s definitely worth searching around for: a deft mix of waffle sections, webbed outsoles and cool ‘raw cotton’ styling.

Retailer Skate also hooked up with New Balance for a car-inspired camel and black suede block dubbed the M998 ‘PRMR’, and who can overlook last summer’s heady brew of Italian label Diadora, Packer Shoes and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon for the N9000 ‘Purple Tape’ to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rae’s legendary album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx? We’ve got fingers crossed for more of the same.

DIADORA X PACKER SHOES X RAEKWON N9000

PREMIER X NEW BALANCE 998 PRMR

The Biggest Men’s Trainers Trends For 2016

2015 was the year that trainers truly went mainstream, and we’re all the more comfortable for it. Any self-respecting club won’t turn its nose up at a pair anymore and they’re – in some cases – even office-safe, saving us a packet on single-purpose hard-sole shoes and taking pounds off our poor peds.

At a healthy estimated value of $55bn per year, the international sneaker market doesn’t show any signs of dipping just yet. And this year, there’s plenty of newness to whet your appetite. Here’s our rundown of what’s trending in trainers.

Woven

If there was a Trainer Construction League Table – and trust us, someone is beavering away on one somewhere – then leather (and other, leathery-but-not-leather synthetics) woven strips bolted onto responsive soles are very much in the medal positions.

2016 is taking the woven trend and really running with it. Converse has already dipped a moulded rubber toe box in the waters with luxurious woven suede takes on its iconic Chuck Taylor 70 and Deck Star 67 slip-on styles, and Nike is set to drop at least nine different colourways of its low-key suede Mayfly Woven in spring. Meanwhile the Portland pioneer’s Free Inneva Woven model is getting two new fresh licks of paint come April.

CONVERSE WOVEN LEATHER PACK

NIKE MAYFLY WOVEN

NIKE FREE INNEVA

Current Styles

Animal Print Fashion Trend 2015

Flirtatious and always flash, animal prints are modern pattern stalwarts. Just like the African savannah, this look is hot. With the right amount of cheeky, leopard prints are flirty and excellent with black and a pop of colour. Perfect for the modern-day siren and paired with a ‘come-hither’ look, leopard prints are irresistible. With different colour combinations and intensities on offer, leopard print bodes well for this seasons clothing and accruement. Dusky tones and Italian silks are your passport to taking this pattern from day to night.

If you cannot sink your teeth into the poor leopard print because you feel has been done-to-death, try its herbivore compatriot – the zebra. Understandably in style alongside the bold black and white stripe, zebra print offers the wearer a more organic composition. More subtle and subdued than powerful large stripes, the zebra print turns heads in its own way. Fabulously engaging, concentrated and grouped zebra stripes will give you that touch of daring you have been after.

Menswear Colour Trends Spring 2016

As the Menswear Spring 2016 shows get underway, we take a closer look at the men’s colour forecasts straight off the runways. The colour charts show some interesting trend and styling descriptions, shades, and ideas throughout the runway, we are now left eagerly awaiting the Milan shows (22th June- 25th June) and Paris shows (26th June- 30th June).

White on White Trend

Sarah Burton’s line for Alexander McQueen was dramatic, with clear Edwardian and aristocratic influences. Burton showcased outfits that were purposely created with frayed hems, combining the masculinity of the cut with white lace, finished with decorative silver detailing. Loose fitting cropped trousers were a popular cut, and despite the Edwardian theme, a boxy cut denim jacket was included in the collection ensuring that nothing about this collection was ordinary.

Nicole Farhi’s collection comprised of beautifully tailored, quality garments, adorned with white quartz crystals. Designed in shades of whites, greys, light blues and greens; creating a timeless yet muted sophistication to the looks. Garments included suits and coats produced in fine tweed fabrics, and edgier separates, which included cropped trousers, blue knits and suede biker jackets.

We see white emerging in multiple designer collections, including the runways of Richard James and Agi & Sam, there is no questioning that white will be used as a strong base colour for the SS14 collections and white on white styling will be a runway highlight.

White on White Trend

Pastels Trend

Designers like Christopher Kane, Agi & Sam, Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Shannon, Richard James and Nicole Farhi lit up the runways with a delicious scoop of sorbet pastel colours.

Christopher Shannon showcased his nineties inspired collection which used materials such as PVC, nylon and vinyl to make brilliant bomber jackets, baggy shorts and oversized shirts, in a mixture of pastel shades, ranging from yellow, orange and green. The collection was filled with collaborations starting from footwear brand Kickers, to Liberty, who saw the creation of loose shirts and baggy shorts in floral prints.

The colour pallet at the Tom Ford’s menswear show was pastel hues, with white serving as the base of the colour palette, to compliment the streamlined masculine silhouette. Lacquered nylon day-jackets worn with slim trousers, jeans in four different cuts and floral swim suits gave variation to the collection and were accessorised with neatly folded pocket squares, large-zipped suede backpacks and soft dyed espadrilles, for multifunctional purposes.

Another refined and classic look was the collections from Savile Row, the models resembled prestigious gentleman, wearing fine tailored suits from the LC:M schedule that included: Gieves & Hawkes, Kent & Curwen, Hardy Aimes and Richard James.

Preppy woollen blazers, flannels and male models with whiskey in hand, conveyed an image of social grandeur.

Richard James deserves a mention of his own, for his collection of gleaming embroidered espadrilles, paired with tailored suiting. He chose a colour palette of classic white, soft pastel blues and dusty pinks, the image of a spring sunset.

Pastels Trend

Bright Colour Blocking Trend

An energetic and vibrant runway show was that of Agi & Sam. Exciting prints, bold colours and exploding with texture, the focus of this collection however, remained on the cut and structure, which included inventive, boxy shapes. The collection contained square shaped tees, with richly textured panels and the strong use of block colours, made Agi & Sam stand out from the pack.

E.Tautz’s aquamarine palette combined a black undertone with warm and cool tones of yellows, reddish oranges, blues and greens, which created a strong oceanographic theme. The strength of the collection was a blend of rich textures, colours and unique designs, to make sure the spring/summer designs broke free from their previously conservative brand image. Patrick Grants double-faced t-shirts expressed duality; tri-coloured pants and kimono influenced raincoats added further edge and detail to the runway.

A similar collection was that of Burberry Prorsum’s SS14 menswear collection, which was bright, quirky and different, as it combined shades of aqua, blue, red and yellow.

James Long’s collection was filled with Lycra bodycon cycling jeserys, chunky knits, textured shorts with added side pleats, jackets with leather panels and drawstring hoodies—showing his influence by archetypal cycling outfits. Long described his collection by stating that “It’s taking pieces that we’re known for and pushing them in a new direction”.

Katie Eary’s SS14 entitled “Flamingo Massacres” was a collection that was loud, shocking and fluorescent pink! With an influence of early nineties, that was seen by the skateboards tucked under the male models arms and Nike Air Maxes footwear. In addition to inspiration from Irvine Welsh’s influential novel, Marabou Stork Nightmares, based on man’s fascination with the Flamingo, a popular print in the collection.

With a palette of bright pink, orange and crimson combined with animal prints that included the flamingo, crocodile and leopard, guaranteed the collection is one only wearable for the brave. The male models looked eccentric in simplistic styled trousers; board shorts and polo shirts, which placed further emphasis on the colour palette.

Look out for Paris Fashion Week, showcasing designers such as Issey Miyake Men, Louis Vuitton,Dries Van Noten, Junya Watanabe and Givenchy, to name but a few.

Milan Fashion Week is showcasing designers such as Jil Sander, Versace, Les Hommes, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, Etro and Giorgio Armani, to name but a few.

Bright Colour Blocking Trend

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BELLEROSE FALL 2015 GIRLS LOOKBOOK

It's been a while since my last post. Today I want to draw your attention to this beautiful Autumn 2015 girls premium clothing collection made by Belgium fashion label Bellerose. The brand comes with an individual approach to children's wear, offering its clientèle stunning separates with a kind of retro reference. Personally, I do like that “casual touch” that is felt in almost every piece, not mentioning nonchalant silhouettes and impeccable fabrics.

Bellerose is focused on sportswear, retro school uniform and 1970's fashion offering us punk rock touches, as well as vintage casual essentials. Every single piece is completed with beautiful details. I wish the same clothes were made for grown ups. You can find so many interesting combos, color and fabrics pairings. Love it. Anyway, I think we should proceed and see the best offering from Bellerose. Would love to hear your own thoughts about these stunning outfits.

This is a cute leopard camouflage printed coat styled with heavy knit sweater and striped white shirt.

AMAZING CAPES AND PONCHOS TO TRY THIS 2016

I decided to make a post about stunning capes and ponchos to try this 2016. I think these two outerwear garments are going it stay on trend for many years to come. They are available in loads of shapes, cuts, patterns and colors. No matter how much you want to spend, there will always be the one for your budget. Believe me, cape and poncho will make you look fabulous anytime you leave the house. They are often made of thick material, making you feel warm when you throw them on. Believe it or not, but solid color poncho or cape can ideally fit any kind of outfit, no matter if it's casual or formal. If it's hard to move in a thick coat, then you better buy cape or poncho. The great benefit of ponchos and coats is the comfortable driving that allows you to steer and move the wheel without sweating or feeling uncomfortable.

This black cape completed with fringes looks stunning. As you can see it's paired with white top tucked in vertical striped pants.

As I mentioned before, capes and ponchos are very easy to pair with a multitude of clothing sets. You can try to throw it on with jeans, skirts and dresses in a cool spring day, or pair it with leggings and boots when it's frosty outside. I do like this garment for its functionality, as you can wear it at the mall and brunch, or keep things dressy and fancy with jewelry and evening gowns. In other words saying, cape and poncho can be worn with pretty much anything and anywhere. Once you try them, you are never going to go back. All in all, you can't have enough ways to wear them.

There is kind of military touch in this look. We see a cargo cape-coat in khaki color:

Graphic print poncho coat looks awesome. Try it on with matching print bottoms:

6 MUST HAVE HIGH BOOTS TO MAKE YOUR LEGS LOOK GORGEOUS

When it’s below zero, nothing is better than high boots to keep you warm and stylish. Boots give us the possibilities to wear skirts and dresses in cold weather. They can polish the skinny jeans and brought out the best style of winter chic. Boots increase the versatility of your wardrobe and become one of the most favorite basics.
Throughout recent years, shoe designers have tried all kind of design tricks on the high boots to make them more attractive to the consumers with the sole purpose of elongate your legs and make them look gorgeous. Here are 6 must have high boots proven to be most effective if you want to show off your less than perfect calves and get the best look out of your winter wardrobe.

1. 50/50 high boots:
Stuart Weitzman made 50/50 boots worldwide famous. They are called 50/50 because the front and back shaft are made of different materials. Usually the front part is made of suede or leather and the back part made with elastic fabric. The shade of different materials visually lengthen the legs and the elastic on the back ensured a tight fit no matter your calf is chubby or slim.

 2. Knee high boots with straight tailored shaft:
The extra space provided with straight tailored shaft can make your legs look super slim. They are perfect choice if you want to wear boots with jeans or leggings, or styled with super size coat and short skirt like Blake Lively. The straight silhouette adds a fashion flavor of chic, laid back cool whilst still packing a lot of attitude. Choose the classic style with minimal detailing and you will love them for years to come.

 3. High boots with stretchy elastic shaft:
The tight stretchy boots are the epitome of opulence and simplicity. The clean, streamlined upper makes the tight stretchy boots an ideal option to transition through the day. The sexy silhouette with short skirt will give you an added boost of confidence, or style with jeans like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to look more conservative and pulled together.

 4. Slouchy boots with level difference:
Channeling an ultramodern edge, the slouchy boots with tall front over the knee and low back can be very cute with rock’n’roll vibe. Pick a pair that’s fitted around your leg but not so tight that your skin bulges out from the back. Allow little space between your leg and your boot. These boots look the best with chunky heels or block heels. Can be styled with short like Christine Teigen for a casual sexy silhouette, or go for a casual but sill refined look with tucked in skinny jeans or leggings.

HOW TO STYLE 2015 FASHION COLOR LIKE CELEBRITIES

Fashion color 2015 is natural and refreshing Pantone 18-1438, Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red.  “Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.” said Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone Color Institute.

The subtly seductive shade of Marsala makes it a strong accent to many other colors,  perfect accessory color choice for handbags, hats and shoes. The elegant grounded statement of this color is also flattering when used on its own by wearing as a dress or pants.
Click through the gallery to see how celebrities style this color for daily wear or red carpet.