Life of Kika Collage

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Recap on Fashion Week Spring 2014 Collections Couture: Let's Not Forget This is a Fashion Blog Too!



Award Shows and Fashion Week are by far the most essential events for designers to display their collections with the high volume of press and media. Every one gets to see all the incredibly constructed garments that bring attention to the importance that Fashion will never die. Despite the fact that the media portrays mediocre brands to have a significance in fashion such a Victoria's Secret (Every year I shun myself from ever watching the shows), the real artists have to come back and prove that luxury can be appreciated as well. 

When I say real artists, it can vary from a wide range of designers in different hierarchies of the fashion world. From Haute Couture to Contemporary and Ready To Wear, the line of work has a place for every niche. 

So I'm going to do a quick recap from Spring 2014 Couture:

So because it's the Spring 2014 everything is about looking like a cupcake or dressing up for a Batmitzvah in juxtaposition to the dark heavy fashions for the Fall Trends. Its a all a celebration of beauty that we expect to happen after we finish the depressive hibernation in winter. 

Valentino: I swear I couldn't feel any moodier after seeing that show or maybe I wanted to have some Olive Taponade on my toast because the color story was sort of bland with uses of grey, light mustard, dust, oxblood and olive. I thought the whole collection was a funeral march to the sad state of getting older. The first look was by far my favorite (The one below with the music notes, but as you progressively view the whole thing, I felt like everything felt dirtier and more matronly.) I may have aged a few years...


Alexis Mabille definitely got the idea that Spring was coming so I give him brownie points for that. The whole set design was quite a mix between whimsy and royal chochki with a roman-greco feel. The clothes were fine. Not in particular my taste and I thought some of the dresses came out of a Russian Boutique in a busy part of Queens. Super lavish and some what tacky looking by the way the fabric picks up light. The one look that really stood out what this dynamically pleated shawl that made me gag and shed a few pretentious layers under my skin. 


I'm talking about this statement right HERE!


 Maison Martin Margiela once again decided to wave their freak flag for Fashion Week by mixing textiles and draping fabric while intentionally showing the unattractive and odd patchwork. Art Deco meets circus freaks. Who ever likes this, they can choose to be anyone they'd like to be, but the only interesting item of clothing was the Ed Hardy like patchwork tank top with the sequin circus freak pants (Seen below in the middle of the picture).  


And maybe this one, because the accessories are crafty.


Stephane Rolland's Spring 2014 Collection summed up in one word: Citrus. As usual, the collection was bright, effervescent and stunning. Yes some of the few pieces were more bland than the usual waves, but the final pieces are the piece de resistance of why Fashion Week exists. Im in love yet again with Stephane Rolland.




Viktor and Rolf decided to outdo their presentations by putting together a dance number performed by classically trained Ballet pieces while wearing tight fabric with ink like scriptures all over. I'm a sucker for anything artsy fartsy, but tastefully done. If you look closely at the garments, you'll see that the ink stains resemble flowing fabric and drapery.



I'm too lazy on doing the rest because I already chose my favorite ones!





Friday, January 24, 2014

Blogger Diary Entry 4,309,349,96,589...

For anyone who thinks that this is a first world problem, than they are probably right...but in all honesty I have a feeling that every 21 year old has a difficult time adjusting from being a child to becoming a responsible adult. I'm out of college and I have a job. I should be thankful, Yes, but I feel stuck knowing that I have so much more to learn and improve on. And being the know it all that I am I hold onto this arrogance that I have figured everything out. I'm stuck in this world where I am trying as a daughter, as a designer and as an employee.  
 
But because I live a comfortable life, I don't know how to push myself.
I'm currently working with a few clients, and I can focus on is self promotion (*Whatever that is*). For now on, I'm sewing and updating my Facebook Page as much as possible. I can only access the internet at my job whenever the hour seems kinda dead. From now on I really want to build up a real cliental and not be so lazy. I've been stretching my video game sessions for a few more hours rather than to be productive with my free time. I mean I have been releasing photos of my new Resort Designs on my Facebook Page (Facebook.com/Designsbykika) and I am preparing for going back to college. I'm just not as busy as maybe a 21 year old should be.
 I'm not saying this because of the new year and all.. This is just me being complacent.  
 
I have to admit that I am jealous of others who seem to have it together. And I often have my days where I compare myself to others and my self esteem turns to shit. This is not at all a healthy way of thinking.  My peers and loved ones keep telling me that everyone follows their own path and being envious of others doesn't get you anywhere in life. But once you feel the envy, you start to think that whatever you'll do for yourself will never live up to the standards of what others have done with themselves.
 
Maybe this seems like a pity party.
 
Is anyone else dealing with this kind of crap? There has to be?
 
 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Fashion Recap of 2014 Golden Globes

The only reason I pay attention to the award shows are for the gowns, the somewhat memorable speeches and for the people who deserve to win the award (*Cough cough, Jennifer Lawrence*). In my head, I consider myself to be a fashion critique, just like any other fashion wannabe in this country. And because of that we all review peoples wardrobe as a test of fate to some ones career, we go hard when it comes to being critical. This is my blog and I am entitled to my opinion of criticizing someones poor taste. In the end, we are all judging one another. So let the blood bath begin!


Maria Menunosss....Quite frankly, I like this color and this dress, but I don't get the whole "I'm not trying to look like a skank because I my hair is formal and I have a clutch in my hand." She should have gone total skank. Commit to the look!


For Lena Dunham, this is a step up from last year. Zac Posen did a nice job with tailoring the dress to her shape. And the color doesn't completely flush out her skin tone like a bad case of discoloration from liver disease. The hair looks like she just put in two barrets to start applying for her makeup and forgot to take them out.


Julie Delpy will  forever be the quirky french goddess in my eyes. I love that belt. Gold is never too much for an awards show. The hair just needed a little more volume. The neckline is interesting, more appealing than a typical strapless look (*Which had been over done way too many times for most award shows*).


The more I look at Taylor Swift, the more I realize that she's trying to be Karlie Kloss. I mean, she looks fine, but damn we need something to distract us from bony chest of hers. I could see her heart pump. Jewelry is necessary.


Upclose, Julia looks phenomenal as usual. Im happy that she didnt go for a big poofy ball gown or something typical. I like simple and chic. It does make me think that she is playing dress up as Carolina Herrera, but that's the style so who cares. 


For any skinny girl, this look will do. The accessories were a little bland, she could have changed her earrings. 


Who ever this lady is, she wanted to be Grace Kelly for a day. And she got a way with it for sure, sadly I don't know her line of work so I might remember her for this look only.


Emma Thompson is a pretty classy woman. And whether or not she was getting turnt up, I was too distracted by the bottom of her dress. See, if she would have worn the shoes maybe the look would have been complete. (Side note, I forget her name so I had to Google "Drunk lady at the Golden Globes" for reference.*)


I always had mixed feelings about Zoe Saldanna's fashion taste. For some reason I'm in love with the bodice, but going all the way down, its like the designer ran out of fabric and just filled in the missing space with extra material.


Emma Watson...The pants are actually cool, but it could be the length of the dress or the cut that makes everything look unbalanced. 


Reminiscent of Angelina Jolie's Emerald ensemble a few years ago. She looks better pregnant for sure.


The ladies of the night. Too American. But just enough to be in the same category of "This will do for Best Dressed"


Kalye Cuoco reminds me of a complicated slutty all American friend who thinks that Reem Acra is the epitome of Fashion. I mean, she looks fine and I guess she wants to feel pretty, so its whatever at this point. 


Let me put this out here, I'm not saying that everyone has to have their hair down for an award show, but for crying out loud WHAT IS WITH THE GREASY BUN?!


EVERYONE GO HOME! WE HAVE OUR WINNER! Diane Keaton can do no wrong with pant suits. 


I hate Amber Heard for the fact that she is bumping uglies with Johnny Depp so no comment for her.
But Old Hollywood Glam suits her more than this.


Tumblr Famous and the Baddest Bitch in Town. She doesnt need to outdo all these skanks because she has her own cult following. 


I am a fan of color. If there is no pink in my life, I feel empty. The lining for the dress really makes me squeal like a fan girl, but the bodice would use some work. 


Her stylist must have killed someone for that dress, because this is the best number featured at the awards. Now this is an introduction to the world of how Fabulous you are.


Like a bouquet of flowers, really charming and lovely...But this look dies so fast. 


For any big girl, proportions matter and god damn, I feel embarrassed for Gabourey Sidibe. COuld that sleeve be any shorter???

I really don't care much for these bias ceremonies. Its the same thing every year, but as a designer I seek to have my work worn on an actress who knows how to carry herself on the red carpet and knows how to pose for the cameras. Hollywood is dead in my eyes. It needs to be brought back for sure.

Once again, this year of the Golden Globes was missing ______________










Tuesday, January 7, 2014

This is probably the best thing to happen in 2014: Disney Villains Perfume

This was found from an unknown source on Tumblr. I have no clue when these products are going to be released, from which company and the pricing. Such a mystery. I must have them all!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

So I have an Official YouTube Channel Now:

Hey Kittens! So I have my YouTube page set up. And to be honest, I couldn't be any more excited to film weekly video diaries and other shannegans (however that is spelled) going on in my life. I film video diaries weekly about my progression from graduate student to free lance designer. I also film a few things going on in life just to be a little more relatable, but you gee what I'm saying. Check out My videos and Subscribe!

Go To:


It should look like this.


Or go to my blog and look at the column on the right to find recently uploaded videos!


Enjoy!


How Far Would You Go To Help Someone Out? The contrast of a Fantasy Life vs. The Struggle of Others

It's the end of the Holiday season where we continue to spend money on things that we don't need and for some reason, that thought of "Things Could Be Worse" never crosses our mind. At my job, I give service for those in need. I try to be honest and be resourceful. It's not about selling or getting the big check. Although money eases the pain of life being so hard, helping others is truly a magnificent feeling. As a designer, I involve myself in this shallow industry that glamorizes the rich luxurious lifestyle, but sometimes I have to pull back and hit myself in the head with reality. Not every one goes top bed peacefully in a warm home. The fact of the matter is, some of us know these people. The more I become materialistic and buy things that I don't need, the more I blur myself from whats people are struggling to have in life.

As a designer, I work on building my image as a young trendy well rounded individual full of personality and light. I try to keep myself updated with current events and world news, but nothing fazes me that people are suffering with real life issues. Today at work, a gentleman walked in asking for my help and I couldn't do anything else but listen to his scenario. Single Father, struggling to care for his daughter, Military Veteran and overall Good American Guy. In my line of work, you should never take anything personally, but it's so hard to push those away who are in need. Thankfully, there was someone there to help him, but I swear to you I have never felt my throat throb so heard from holding back tears. 

I swear I instantly felt like the bad guy and I couldn't help, but feel like shit the entire day. 

Fulling ones self is not by the measure of how much stuff you own, how many people envy you or the living the life you wanted. Giving back is for sure an over used term, but if there is a way where you can genuinely help others in need. Knowing that you can do so much for others is truly one of the necessary values of life. It's not always about you. Its not always about me. 

When I reach some sort of success and I have enough connections and resources, I want to support my local high school and provide beneficial trade skill courses for those who strive to become young designers. Maybe even take part in a trade school for the youth. I want to develop a paid internship for young teens and adults who feel like they are in a comfortable environment and to not work under the pressure of gathering networks and putting yourself out there. It's not pretentious because we all meet wonderful individuals in life who don't exactly have the resources or finances to make something they dream of happening. 

Those are my thoughts for today. 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Eaton House is quiet possibly the most beautiful home I have dreamed about my entire life.


As a a self proclaimed designer, a real estate junkie and overall magnet for rainbow hues I have had better dreams about my future home than my made up sex dreams. And I get way too excited when there is a another person who sees eye to eye on my vision. Quite frankly, I am seething with jealousy yet I am in awe and admiration over how Quiche and Tranquil this house is. I imagine myself living in that type of home when I'm in my 60s, in charge of my fashion house, living with my cats and my hot lover. A girl should dream...









If I ever turn color blind, please kill me because I live for this kind of tackiness in life.