THE BSU FASHIONISTA DIARIES
Fashion Week

By Nikki Osei

Hello again, flawless fellows and fashionistas! I hope that all have recuperated from Homecoming Week and enjoyed the festivities. I was unable to attend, however, I wish that I had, solely to view homecoming fashions. While you were enthralled with Homecoming Week, I was consumed with Fashion Week(s). I am counting down the years until I am a staple at majors shows, sitting next to Andre' Leon Tally, Anna Wintour, Rachel Zoe, Sally Singer, Kirstie Clements, etc. I know I am completely obsessed!

The Spring 2009 collections have been unveiled! New York, London, Paris and Milan, all showcased mind-boggling collections. Which was your favorite? Did you even watch? I am aware we have all been into the debates, however politics can be balanced with fashion. Watch the debate first then click on http://www.style.com/ afterwards, for your daily dose of couture.

Of all the showings, Paris Fashion Week 2009 was my favorite. Paris Fashion Week included collections from Karl Lagerfeld, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Yves Saint Laurent, Chloe, Gievnchy, and Galliano. Of course Chanel was my favorite collection, closely followed by Louis Vuitton. Lagerfeld fine-tuned the iconic suit for Chanel making it youthful and more accessible, yet still classic Coco. The gun and light bulb shoes (gun/light bulb heels) were debuted. Such whimsical accessories!  For Lagerfeld's' own collection, he incorporated more color than most are used to, considering Chanel collections are typically black, grey, white. Marc Jacobs designed a wonderful, vividly colored collection for Louis Vuitton. This collection had an ethnic flair, with models donning chunky wood, bead, and shell jewelry. An abundance of animal prints scattered clothing, bags, and shoes, which contributed to the, "jungle chic" look of the collection. The shoes in this collection were scream worthy and sky high.  Galliano's collection was somber compared to previous collections and more wearable. This collection was full of dainty dresses, contrasted with British guard hats.

Alexander McQueen's collection was very couture instead of RTW (ready to wear). The models faces were covered in mesh masks and the models had 40's pinup hair. The concept was derived from insects that swarm in the springtime. This collection was colorful and boasted prints. The structure was streamlined and McQueen's signature uber pointy/puffy shoulders were dominant. This collection was one of the very futuristic. The Eiffel Tower inspired Stefano Pilati's collection for Yves Saint Laurent. This collection included the "skirt pant". A pant that gives the illusion of a skirt, yet the ankles are connected! Quite innovative! Givenchy maintained his Goth persona but this season he incorporated nude colors to his all black palate. There were super skinny pants and clean lines. One commentator described this collection as, "cowboy, bondage, couture", which I felt was an appropriate categorization after viewing the leather pants with denim chap overlay.

The most eccentric collection was Balenciaga. It was very,  "ET phone home". The models looked alien like and were "beamed" on stage. The shoes give the impression of tentacles and seemed to be attached to the body. This collection was stock full of flesh tones, metallics, pleats, and sequined dresses. Hate it or love it, Balenciaga is always fashion forward, uninhibited, and risqué.

So how does this pertain to the students of BSU? Fashion Week reiterates my devout belief of taking risks with your ensembles. Designers this season were out-of-the-box and outside of their personal comfort zones. Many editors stated, "This is unlike anything we have seen before from___(insert designer)". They did not let the potential backlash from their collections stifle their creativity. There is nothing wrong with classic pieces, but throw in something unexpected. Get inspired by these collections. Aspire to stand out, be different, and if people cannot grasp you or your fashion concepts, they should KICK ROCKS! This applies to unorthodox fashion statements, not fashion victims (i.e., too tight, too small, repetitiveness, etc). Individuality is essential and most designers' collections were not reinterpretations of one another and it was a refreshing change. Ah nothing like fashion week! Handry from Glam God said it best, "If I did not have fashion, I would die!"

ROCK STARS OF THE WEEK

Another week, another set of rock stars. First up we have Jewel Parker, a senior psychology major. She was spotted in the CLT wearing a chocolate brown ruffle shirt made into a dress, with a brown belt, gold sparkle cardigan from H&M, Gold Jessica Simpson inspired platforms from Barefeet, leopard straw tote, and her signature fluffy curls.

Next we have Kim Jeffers, sophomore business student. She was spotted in the MLK rocking an ivory flowy shirtdress with black and tan polka dots from H&M (I really love this store), mustard zippered skinny denim from Forever 21, tan pumps from Aldo, black and gold cinched waist belt with Lion medallion, Camel bag from Urban Outfitters, and juicy bracelets and gold accessories.

 Finally we have Deborah Thompson, a sophomore Performing Arts student. She was in the Wiseman rocking a black turtle neck under a lovely vintage black and grey ruffled top from the thrift store, black high waist pencil skirt from Forever 21, and black scrunchy boots from Barefeet. She completed the look with black, cream and silver jewelry and a jet-black sassy haircut.

While I heart designer duds, I am all for thrifty fashions. Though I constantly speak of high-end designers, inspired (not bootleg) clothing is accessible. Check www.style.com, Vogue, W, Harpers Bazaar, etc., select pieces you like and search for the fraternal/identical twin. It's not always about how much it costs, it's how you hook it up. Be flawlessly fabulous fashionistas and fellows and remember I am always on fashion patrol BSU. Next week my rock star could be you! And remember what Coco Chanel so eloquently stated, "A lady should always be classy and fabulous."