Sunday, 27 March 2011

Nina Ricci RTW S/S 11 collection by Peter Copping - Paris Fashion Week, 6th March 2011 at 20:00.

Peter Copping has captured the true essence of the Nina Ricci style; keeping the attitude of a feminine & sexy French woman. “The label, which was founded upon an Italian woman's perspective of French women, has always focused heavily on soft feminine silhouettes that are both beautiful and wearable.” - Joynt (2010), http://www.textileglobal.com/2011/01/nina-ricci-ss11-paris-fashion-week-the-fashion-spot.html.
The look of this season has a very feminine feel to it which is definitely in keeping with the S/S season’s style, with a simple, toned down colour palette of black, white and deep cappuccino set the grounds to make way for something far more brighter; chartreuse, fuchsia, watermelon and purple made an eye-catching appearance in the designers latest collection.
This season has also taken a dramatic ‘U’ turn when it comes to hemlines – not only is there flouncy short skirts but also a variation of, knee-length and maxi lengths so we can take our pick.
This collection also involves a wide range of silhouettes ruffled blouses and frilled dresses & a finale of short one-shouldered cocktail dresses.

What I especially liked about this collection was the huge contrast of fabrics; Chantilly lace, silk chiffon and organza presented alongside washed silks, crinkle silk, satin and summer tweeds with wafting feather trims as well as light-weight leather.
                                Accessories include pastel leather belts to synch in the waist, simple shoes – High Mary Janes with an ‘X’-strap detail also including floral corsage trims which matched each particular garment. Alongside the garments, a selection of bags were created, including; long-strap shoulder bags & little clutch bags including appliquéd flower trims to match with the shoe range. I think these accessories really finish off the look of this collection!
                The whole collection arguably gives the feel of French frivolity although others feel “Peter Copping’s work at Nina Ricci is festinating, he’s managed to pin down the fact that underneath French frivolity beats a very dark art.” – Blanks (2011), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzubizUr7VQ. This dark side that is referred to in the latter quote is in fact “The woman’s in control but not in an obvious way.” – Copping (2011), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzubizUr7VQ.
                I think the venue was very fitting with a candlelit pathway entrance which gave a nice romantic French feel to the venue. Background was silky light pink fabric draped against the walls only leaving the pillars bar stone showing. The lighting wasn’t so much harsh light but almost dimmed slightly to follow on from the romantic entrance.
                I think the soft, feminine collection, as well as including the entrance; the lighting & the set up definitely set the mood for a very romantic feel to the atmosphere.
The catwalk was floor-level based which was in a squared ‘8’-like shape. Ford models - Hanne Gaby Odiele, Kate Kosushkina, and Karmen Pedaru were the most prominent models on the catwalk. Who caught people’s eyes with their very slim, very tall & conventionally pretty figures; it was only their figures that caught people’s eye but also their runway walk, with minimal strutting.
                                The chosen look was hair was simple, tied back in a low bun styled by Guido for Redken. Make-up was, pink eye-shadow to go with the setting of the background with light amounts of mascara & eye liner. The blusher & lipstick matched the pink eye-shadow however it wasn’t too much to be overly dramatic, make-up styled by Pat McGrath.
                I don’t believe that the fashion show was much of a theatrical performance, however the fashion didn’t particularly need the theatrics as the clothing alone was breath-taking enough.
                Music done by Steve Mackey its fast tempo and upbeat tune made way models walked at an even pace to the music however I’m not so sure
                The audience were floor-level based alongside the run way which can be quite a pain for the people on the back row not being able to see as clearly.






 Referencing*:
  
Phelps, N (2010) “Nina Ricci – Paris Fashion Week 2011” at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2011RTW-NRICCI/ (Accessed 26th March 2011)

 Weil, H (2010) “2011 Fall Paris Fashion Week: Nina Ricci” at http://www.fabsugar.com/Fall-2011-Paris-Fashion-Week-Nina-Ricci-14656920 (Accessed 26th March 2011)

 Fabsugar Australia (2010) “2011 A/W Paris Fashion Week: Nina Ricci” at http://www.fabsugar.com.au/Autumn-Winter-2011-Paris-Fashion-Week-Nina-Ricci-Show-Pictures-14667742 (Accessed 26th March 2011)

(2010) “Nina Ricci: Paris Spring 2011 RTW” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzubizUr7VQ (Accessed 26th March 2011)

(2010) “Nina Ricci Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ9ms7JD7CA (Accessed 26th March 2011)

Joynt, S (2010) “Nina Ricci S/S11: Paris Fashion Week – The Fashion Spot” at http://www.textileglobal.com/2011/01/nina-ricci-ss11-paris-fashion-week-the-fashion-spot.html(Accessed 26th March 2011)

*Main References

The Original White Wedding Dress

Many parts of the western culture imply that the traditional white wedding dress is the only dress to be worn on your big day - even in Disney Fairytales give the impression that you should wear white i.e. Cinderella’s wedding.
There wasn’t particularly a set garment to be worn however women did wear rich & vibrant colours to express their happy feelings to the community & their families on their wedding day.
The first documented royal in history to wear a white wedding gown was in fact Philippa of England but due to the wedding being such an unpublicized event, the trend didn’t take off.
In the 1840’s, The royal family was considered to be very influential to the country so when Queen Victoria’s widely publicized royal wedding set the trend of wearing white it was adopted by other brides from all over Europe and America began following in the Queen’s style. To say that; “Victoria had worn a white gown for the event so as to incorporate some lace she owned.” it doesn’t seem as if the Queen truly grasped the impact she’d have on the future of wedding gowns.
Wealthy brides wore very elegant fabrics, such as; furs, velvet and silk. The wedding dress it’s self was a representation of the families social standing as well as the family’s wealth.  
In the 1800’s the colour white had nothing to do with virtue at all, his merely came to be without any intention – the colour was to do with wealth to do with wealth. Originally the colour blue was the symbol for purity & virginity.
Fashion has always had a slant on wedding dresses, in terms of silhouettes, necklines, hemlines, etc. As time went on, a variety of shades, such as; cream, off white or ivory became acceptable as wedding dress colours. However, wedding dresses lately have become more daring with colour, silhouette & even location.


Referencing*:


(2008) “Royal Weddings 1840 – 1947: From Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II” at http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=405





Stewart, J “The Bride Wore Chartreuse: Why (Most) Wedding Dresses are White” at http://imprint.printmag.com/color/the-bride-wore-chartreuse-why-most-wedding-dresses-are-white/


Schwimmer, H (2009) “The Wedding Gown That Made History” at http://www.jewishjournal.com/weddings/article/the_wedding_gown_that_made_history_20090414/

“Victorian Wedding – Queen Victoria Wedding” at http://www.victorianamagazine.com/royalty/queenvictoria.htm

McIntyre, K “The History Of The White Wedding Dress” at http://www.fromtimespast.com/wedding.htm

*Main References