Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Runway and Real-way

Do you ever come across a picture in a magazine and go "oh god...why would a designer EVER send a model down the runway dressed like THAT?!!? I would NEVER wear THAT"? Well, my dear reader, this is because fashion does not always revolve around your wants as a customer. I mean mostly it does, but sometimes it doesn't. A runway show is not a walking catalogue for a shopper, but a way for the fashion designer to express him/herself. Think of runway as art, because it is. Would you ever walk out of the house with a Monet painting hanging around your neck? Um...no! But a printed dress with a watercolor-esque pattern? Sure. Translating looks from runway to real-way will help you incorporate up-and-coming trends into your wardrobe without looking like Lady Gaga.

Figure out  the mood that the designer is trying to convey through the outfit and styling. Chic and vintage like at Louis Vuitton? Structured and tailored like at YSL? Classic and Parisian-inspired at Oscar de la Renta? If the model is dressed in a dotted skirt and a dotted jacket and a dotted hat, obviously the trend that the designer is trying to get across is the classic look of polka-dots. Instead of going for the full-blown runway outfit, try adding an extra that references the trend or having one trendy piece paired with something more understated or unexpected.

As far as styling goes, try using the same principal. Extract from runway looks colors, and not as much textures or application. Dark, rich plum lips were a big fixture on the runways this season. Instead  of the opaque matte look, try something sheer like Sugar Plum lip tint. This way you're getting the color and the trend but in a much more wearable form.

Next time you read a magazine, try to understand the editorial and artistic side of runway. By understanding the trends, it is easier to translate from Runway to Real-way.

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