In New York, we are quite accustomed to menswear and womenswear looks being presented in the same runway show. Practically speaking, this is because New York, unlike its international fashion counterparts, does not have specific menswear weeks each season (yet. There is talk of this changing as soon as this summer.). Thus, brands, such as Lacoste, Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Duckie Brown and Public School (which both introduced womenswear for this first time this season), and others send male and female models alike down the runway. In London, Milan, and Paris, this is a bit less commonplace, and so, when a design house does so, especially when that house is Prada (known for its groundbreaking choices in casting, among other things), we take notice. Also showing menswear and womenswear together this season: Ann Demeulemeester, a bit of a change for the design house, which normally shows the collections separately, but as of last Fall changes have been abreast at Ann D. Hence, the reason Sébastien Meunier showed the latest lineup for men during the women’s week? A few other brands (think: Daks, Moncler and and Yang Li) showed meanswear looks this month, as well.

We have all read the reviews by now. What we haven’t seen is a look at the handful of boys (and actually, a man or two) who hit the runway for both Prada and Ann D. So, here are some, and you can see the rest over at Fucking Young!

Dima Dionesov, Ivo, Karl, and Laurie Harding

Sam Lammar, Scott, Thibaud Charon, and Tommaso I

In case you were wondering just how many pieces and complete looks in Zara’s Spring/Summer 2014 lookbook are imitations of or inspirations based on (it varies) on pieces/looks from Céline’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection, wonder no more. Based on a relatively quick glance at the two lookbooks, my conclusion: There are a lot. As usual. A large part of the appeal of Paris-based design house Céline’s wares and accessories is their understated luxury. The quality is impeccable; the cuts are nearly perfect; and the garments are minimal. According to a recent piece by the New York Times, which highlighted creative director Phoebe Philo’s impact on the fashion industry, “The clothes are quiet and not meant to make a statement.” That same article also stated: “The main criticism against Céline is that the clothes are too expensive. For that, we now have Zara.”

Céline’s strong point is simultaneously its biggest weakness. Its straightforward, “minimalist” clothing (think: large, slouchy trousers; a collarless shirt; flats; a tuxedo jacket — preferably in navy, black or cream) lacks legally protectable elements, for the most part, in the United States, and thus, Zara can legally have a field day copying everything from the furry Birkenstocks (one of the more protectable pieces from the recent collections, along with the handbags and jewelry) to the paint-stroked tees and dresses accented at the bust with a D-ring belt. Sure, the difference in quality between these pieces is insurmountable, but you have to admit, some look pretty familiar …

Continue reading »