Street Style: Part 2

The New Baroque

The Baroque period, spanning from the late 16th and the early 18th century, is characterized by an artistic style that was full of overt emotion and dynamic movement. Many use the word "baroque" to describe opulence, elaborate ornamentation, dramatic patterns or bold forms because this was the typical art and design of the time.

This past fashion week, we saw the splash of such aesthetic in many of the collections on the runway. However, there seemed to be a modernized take on it - a "new" kind of baroque style. While the opulent, indulgent nature of true baroque style remained, many designers found new and exciting ways to interpret it and make it modern.

Marchesa F/W 2011

Alberta Ferretti F/W 2011

Versace F/W 11

Marc Jacobs F/W 2011

Jason Wu F/W 2011

The commercial success of the new baroque look lies in it's timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. The pieces shown on this season's runway are fresh and innovative, and yet the prints and silhouettes are classical. This baroque sensibility has proven to transcend time - the lavish detailing transports the wearer to another time (and maybe even another life) by making her feel lady-like, glamourous, and ritzy.

Moncler Store Window

Trippy.

Street Style: Soho

For my trendspotting class, I am scouring the streets on New York for new street trends. It's been fun to see people's different style point of view. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the shots I have collected. Stay tuned for more to come!

Inspiration: Music

Music and fashion are inextricably linked. Both are used as a means of expression and communication that transcends the barriers of language. Both are a reflection of our mood and personality, and have the power to influence our emotions. So, it's no wonder that when it comes to finding inspiration, music is my go-to source.

I love finding  new artists and listening to the evolution of particular genres - the blending of hip-hop with dance, for example, or rock with electronic. Music is an ever-changing entity that can transform something static into something dynamic. Music is therapeutic - whenever I'm feeling bored, sad, or lonely, I blast some Cut Copy and my spirits are lifted immediately.

But how is music related to fashion? There is an undeniable creative relationship between the two - take for example the music that a designer chooses to play at his/her runway show. The music has the power to enhance the overall ambience and theme that the designer is trying to portray. In this way, the viewers are able to really feel the emotion and mood that the designer has injected into their collection. 

The fusion of music and fashion is deep-rooted, and for me, it really comes to the forefront at music shows and festivals. The people who attend these events come dressed to impress: they want to emulate the music they are about to hear. I get so inspired by all the unique fashion and music when I go to these festivals that I am buzzing for weeks afterwards!

Coachella music festival: a melting pot of fashion + music

Ready to Rock! A look from Coachella music festival

Music serves as a great inspiration for me - I admire its ability to channel the creative force into something cohesive and meaningful. I could certainly never imagine my life without it.

Resolutions

I've spent the last few weeks in Hawaii among family and friends. Life here has been simple and sweet - quite the opposite of a busy hub like NYC! While here, I have tucked away the noise of city-life far back in my mind. But now, as my trip comes to a close, I must shift gears a little and start to look forward to a new year...2011, here we go!

To me, the great thing about starting a new year is that you are able to kind of "clean off" your slate and set new goals for yourself - force yourself to think about where you are now and where you want to be. I often forget about looking ahead because I get too caught up in the now. Change is inevitable, so why not take back some control and make stuff happen for yourself? Easier said than done, but you gotta start somewhere.

So, some basic resolutions that I have set for myself:

1) Cook - not only will this save me money, but it will also allow me to stay aware of what I am putting into my body.
2) Read - time will be a huge factor here, but I would like to find mental balance by opening up to new genres and mediums
3) Budget - this is going to mean majorly cutting back on my shopping addiction...yikes. But a very necessary step and a huge reality-check.

These will probably be revised as the year goes by, but for now, there it is.

Happy New Year!