MARTIN LIM

French text by Zola Lim
English text by Janelle Okwodu
Photos by Peter Jensen

Dans leur collection Automne-Hiver 2013, le duo de designers MARTIN LIM explore le concept du temps pour le ralentir et mieux l’apprécier, d’où l’évolution vers les rondeurs et l’organique, sans toutefois laisser de côté les influences sportives propres à la griffe.

De ce fait, on remarque l’utilisation du cercle et des franges exprimant respectivement la continuité et le rythme du temps calculé par l’être humain. Dans leur mouvement arrondi, les franges en bleu cobalt forment un contraste frappant avec le noir, surtout sur une rouquine dont la couleur des cheveux coiffés par Vidal Sassoon harmonise le tout. L’ambiance générale semble tantôt très légère, tantôt plus obscure comme quoi derrière chaque femme forte se cache un côté plus sombre et mystérieux. La fraîcheur et le chic décontracté enveloppent les capes à franges courtes de soie ou de plastique alors que la prestance des tressages couronne les encolures de certaines robes. Les réels morceaux clés qui ont été accueillis d’exclamations et d’émerveillement dans la salle demeurent toutefois les trois bulles en organza qui closent avec force le défilé de façon vaporeuse.

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For Fall / Winter Danielle Martin and Pao Lim, the husband and wife team behind MARTIN LIM had an especially esoteric inspiration point. Focusing on the passage of time and our understanding of its changes. The world moves fast these days, but something can be said for slowing down and learning to appreciate each moment. The do brought this concept to life via garments that stand the test of time, while remaining exciting and current.

Transparency, movement and color were the hallmarks of the Martin Lim collection for fall. Working in multi-colored and textured fringe into pieces that hinted at futurism whilst being firmly entrenched in the sportswear realities of now the duo created an elegant look that feels relevant. We could happily watch those vibrant organza numbers all day long.

The beautiful beaches and vibrant scenery of Santo Domingo took a back seat to charity as the DR’s most fashionable fundraiser drew a crowd. The Models 4 Funds Fashion Show, which donates proceeds to struggling Dominican children, was the event of the night. Founded by Arlenis Sosa and her mother agent Luis Menieur, the charity is dedicated to making sure those growing up in Dominican Republic have proper outlets to become successful. Members of the Dominican Navy flanked the runway as Luis’ designs (the multi-talented Luis is also debuting his Luis Menieur resort line) sailed down the runway with the likes of Yuri Pleskun, Clara Alonso, Arthur Kulkov, David Agbodji and of course, Arlenis. See images from the Models 4 Funds Fashion Show below. Text and images, Kristen Bolt for Models.com

Maria Borges walks the Maiyet catwalk | Images Courtesy Maiyet

MAIYET

Gabriella Zanzani (Creative Director / Designer)

Lori Goldstein (Fashion Editor/Stylist)

Lee Schwartz & Tom Palmer (Producer)

Zan Ludlum (Casting Director)

Good fashion can be a transportive experience and with each collection, Maiyet manages to take viewers on a journey that is both chic and socially conscious. Fall finds the brand looking to the Himalayas, where the textures and striations of the mountain range are remained as an urbane collection of hand-felted wools, chunky furs and glittering chiffons. It takes a little imagination to trace some of the pieces back to their mountain-top origins, but that only adds to their charm; in a season filled with literal interpretations, one has to appreciate subtlety. The baggy jumpsuits and silk jackets might not be suited for rappelling, but they’re perfect for city dwellers on the go.

While you can’t look at Maiyet founder, Kristy Caylor and designer Gabriella Zanzani‘s pieces without appreciating their luxurious nature, line’s commitment to fair trade and global artisans adds another side to the story. Each cropped parka, or studded loafer is handcrafted by Maiyet’s international network of talented local craftsmen, a practice that helps to invigorate communities and create truly unique designs – something to keep in mind while admiring those shimmering finale gowns.

Kayley Chabot

Fia Ljungstrom

Tian Yi

Patrycja Zurawlew

Marcele Dal Cortivo

Giedre Kiaulenaite

Isabella Melo

Georgia Hilmer

Clarice Vitkauskas

Marta Dyks

Eloisa Fontes

Cassi Van Den Dungen

Yulia Kharlapanova

Grace Mahary

Patrycja Gardygajlo

Pauline Hoarau

Drake Burnette

Nikola Romanova

Daniela Braga

Sung Hee Kim

Jasmine Tookes

Marcele Dal Cortivo

Giedre Kiaulenaite

Soo Joo

Zlata Mangafic

Ella Kandyba

Tian Yi

Patricia Z

Kayley Chabot

Get ready for Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2013 with a look at this gorgeous, male model filled teaser video directed by Andrew Weir – only in MDX. 

Image courtesy of The Society

Grace, elegance and a compellingly modern take on beauty, Manuela Frey embodied all the tenets of the season and became one of f/w’s most talked about girls in the process. From her win at the Switzerland’s Elite Model Look competition last year, to her opening slot on the Calvin Klein runway, Manuela has continuously impressed all the right people. Her selective season was a testament to quality, with turns at Fendi, Armani, Dries van Noten, Dior, Chanel and McQueen earning her a well deserved place amongst fall’s finest new girls.

Elise Smidt on the runway | Photos by Chris Moore, Images Courtesy of Chloé

CHLOE

Clare Waight Keller (Designer)
Anthony Turner (Hair Stylist)
Michelle Lee (Casting Director)

As Chloé heads into its 60th year on the fashion scene, the brand remains a relevant force within fashion due mainly to its purity of vision. Times change, designers change and styles reshape themselves, but the Chloé girl is an eternal fixture. The line has managed to keep its feminine sensibilities in line with the times and this season’s sophisticated take on schoolgirl chic was right in line with the Chloé ethos. Creative director, Clare Waight Keller adds a touch of grown up via structured coats and leather skirts that quietly add sex appeal. The line may be known for its dainty ease, but Waight Keller makes the case for a more mature version of glamour, even as she provides the frothy dresses and playful lace-up oxfords that her devotees expect. With transparent polka-dot detailed frocks, chunky furs and oversized handbags rounding out the season’s offerings we’re certain to see plenty of chic girls and women in Waight Keller’s wares very soon.

Sara Blomqvist

Diana Moldovan

Julia Frauche

Rhianna Porter

Jeanne Cadieu

Zlata Mangafic

Kati Nescher

Julia Nobis

Sigrid Agren

Ji Hye Park

Marte Mei van Haaster

Tilda Lindstam

Karlina Caune

Janice Alida

Vanessa Axente

Sasha Luss

Tian Yi

Ruby Aldridge

Caroline Brasch Nielsen

Julia Frauche

Bette Franke

Jeanne Cadieu

Zlata Mangafic

Sam Rollinson

Marike Le Roux

Elise Smidt

Image courtesy of Next NY

From Model of the Week to queen of the catwalk, Agne Konciute has risen to the top in just a few short years. With her doll-like features and innate elegance, Agne caught the eye of numerous casting directors and designers this season and quickly became one of F/W 13′s runway regulars. Memorable trips down the catwalks for brands like Chanel, Valentino, Celine, Lanvin, Jason Wu, Theyskens Theory, Rodarte and Armani proved her versatility and her dominance this season is sure to translate those coveted editorial & campaign placements.

Kasia Struss

During PFW the streets rival the runways, as models go style rogue. Each look is part comfort, part sophistication as they make their way from one show to the next. These ensembles are no invite necessary.

Photos by Melodie Jeng for Models.com

Julia Frauche / Manon Leloup

Coco Rocha

Bonnie Chen

Fei Fei Sun

Grace Mahary

Jamie Bochert

Karlina Caune

Aline Weber

Magda Laguinge

Marique Schimmel

Sung Hee Kim

Muriel Beal

Nadja Bender

Tian Yi

Image courtesy of Supreme

Confidence, elegance and poise all in a stunning package, Maria Borges harks back to the days of the supermodel with her powerful runway strut and flawless features. Maria’s star turns on the catwalk for Tom Ford, Givenchy, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs and Mugler, have made her one of the season’s most talked about girls. Expect to see the divine Ms. Borges to show up in all the right places very soon.