1. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Pantone selects Marsala as its 2015 Color of the Year – Carl Ayers
It’s that time of the year. The crisp is in the air, the holiday windows are up, and Pantone has
announced their color of the year. Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman and her team at the
Pantone Color Institute have selected Marsala to be the highlight of 2015. Most commonly
associated with fortified Sicilian wine, this color is just as full bodied and versatile as its
namesake.
Marsala is interpreted as a robust, nurturing life force that feeds our mind, body, and soul.
Eiseman explains “this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal,
while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. Marsala is
a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.”
2. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Eiseman continues “this hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates
easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.” Marsala was
seen in a number of runway shows for spring/summer 2015, including Haspel and Perry
Ellis for men and Desigual and Son Jung Wan for women. With the popularity of stripes and
florals prints, Marsala will easily translate into next year’s fashions. The color marries
exceptionally well with metallics- bronzes, coppers, umbers, but is also compatible with teal,
blue-greens, and oranges. Women can further relate to is as a color for their eyelids, as a
lipstick, or as a blush.
This color easily incorporates itself to almost every aspect of our lives, including our homes.
The red wine hue has undertones of brown which makes itself warm and inviting. It plays
tricks on the eye, and wonderfully lends itself to textures, whether matte or plush. Marsala
adds elegance to a room, either as a wall color or as an accent piece and is an ideal shade for
rugs and upholstery.
3. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
The Color of the Year selection requires careful consideration and, to arrive at the selection,
Pantone combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the fashion and
entertainment industries – including films that are in production, the world of art, popular
travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from
technology, the availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even
upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention. Marsala was chosen for its
versatility in responding to people’s need of nurturing, and even though it has a grounded
influence with its earthy undertone, it also has an air of sophistication.
-Carl Ayers
4. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Menswear – Continuing to Branch Out Into Florals – Carl Ayers
In seasons past, floral prints were generally reserved for womenswear. Luckily, designers have begun to
broaden their sartorial minds and expand the print to menswear. For some men, wearing flowers is a
fearful leap. Not to worry; we are here to guide you through fashion field of flowers and ferns.
First, know your comfort level. Do you like colors that are loud and bright or subdued and muted? When
it comes to scale, do you like floral prints big and bold or small and subtle? Intensity and proportion are
key elements to be aware of when wearing florals. Do you want to standout and grab obvious attention?
Or do you prefer you be laid back and let only those close by see how stylish and trendy you truly are?
5. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Secondly, what kind of visual effect do you prefer? Literal or abstract? All-over print or strategically
placed? The visual effect of your garments may affect how people perceive you. Wearing lifelike prints
may offer the image of sophistication and seriousness, while more cartoonish versions may suggest
you’re more playful and aloof.
Thirdly, dress for the occasion. Are you lounging at the beach, going about your daily routine, or hitting
the town for the evening? Florals are being used on almost every type of material and garment. From
mesh tank tops to jacquard blazers, you’re sure to find a way to incorporate floral prints into wardrobe,
day or night.
6. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Fourth, don’t forget about your accessories. Some men may still shy away from fully embracing floral
patterns on their clothing. If that’s you, try something small. Skip the shirts, pants, and jackets and try
hats, socks, belts, bags, and shoes.
-Carl Ayers
7. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Desigual SS15 – Carl Ayers
For spring/summer 2015 Desigual has once again united with iconic couturier Christian
Lacroix. In this, Desigual and Lacroix’s third year of collaborating, the two powerhouses
have come together to create a collection inspired by and, at times as fragile as, Mother
Nature herself.
Nature’s flora and fauna influence are abundantly apparent in the prints and patterns, as
this collection is a cornucopia of color. Jade, white, and onyx serve as backdrops to the
vibrant hues of daisies, desert roses, tropical hibiscus and Mexican dahlias while ocean
blues remind us of the waterways that connect us all.
Not energized by just one locale, Lacroix’s collection is a multicultural cross-section of
dream destinations. Light and airy tank dresses and maxi skirts evoke a Mediterranean
spirit as they are coupled with South American motifs. The Ibiza influence is featured in
floral frieze and breezy mini shorts, while kimono-style tops represent Japan.
8. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
The colors and prints aren’t the only eye-catching features of this collection; the range of
styles is also to be applauded. The Desigual consumer can choose from fun and sporty to
young and sophisticated all in one shop. The varsity-style jackets can take you from early
tailgate to summer music festival. The sailor-style trousers and mini dresses prepare you for
a night on the town … any town.
The real standouts of this collection are the blue and white floral coat, the jacquard mini
dresses, and the printed tank dress. These looks offer a hint of sophisticated fun that can
enhance any woman’s wardrobe. As the designer says, “a blossoming kaleidoscope, the
collection is a gift meant to inspire happiness, one bloom at a time.”
—Carl Ayers
9. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
L.A.M.B. SS15 – Carl Ayers
After a three-year absence, celebrity music star Gwen Stefani brought her L.A.M.B. line back
to New York Fashion Week. For spring/summer 2015, the international rocker seemingly
sourced her global jaunts as inspiration for her collection entitled “The New Nomad.”
This line stays true to form of past L.A.M.B. collections, grounded by their customary
trousers and jumpsuits. However, this time around, Gwen and Co. played with more cuts
and colors. The look is African, bohemian, and indigenous. The base color palette is orange,
fuchsia, and ice blue, blended together in ikat prints, tribal patterns, and indigenous designs
reminiscent of the untouched landscapes of exotic locales. There is a full range of skirts and
10. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
dresses, offered in midi, knee, and floor lengths. The crop tops, sweatshirts, and jackets are
bold separates that effortlessly evoke a luxe aesthetic. The bags easily transition with you as
you go from city dweller to global jet setter. There is even a touch of menswear influence,
highlighted by an ice blue suit paired with a printed top. The entire line comes together for a
woman who wants to look as though she marches to the beat of her own drum, off the
beaten path, but her style is still impeccably put together.
Backstage, Gwen stated, “we are all so inspired by each other’s cultures, and how we
influence each other.” Outside of the L.A.M.B. presentation, Fashion Reverie’s own Kayla
Nicole caught up guests, including actress Daniele Brooks of Orange Is The New Black, and
asked them about their own sense of style. Check out the video below.
—Carl Ayers
11. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Marlon Gobel SS15 – Carl Ayers
Transhumanism: a cultural and intellectual movement seeking to transform the human
condition by developing and making widely available technologies to greatly enhance
human intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities. Transhumanist thinkers
speculate that humans may eventually be able to transform themselves into beings with
such greatly expanded abilities as to merit the label “posthuman.”
This philosophy of “transhumanism” serves as the inspiration of the Marlon Gobel
spring/summer 2015 collection. The collection is based around three main points: (1)
human augmentation through technology resulting in us becoming stronger, faster, and
better; (2) technology is fashion from the fabrics to the electronics we use; and (3) a
“wearable device” can be anything from a water repellent fabric coat, to eyewear that
captures what your eyes may miss, to a handheld super computer you use to communicate
and share your life.
12. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
For spring 2015, designer Marlon Gobel has taken contemporary menswear and advanced it
with a futuristic feel. He has refrained from designing a “one size fits all uniform of the
future” and instead offers selections that vary upon lifestyle. For the more fit and athletic
male, there are form-fitting tees and polo shirts paired with 5-pocket shorts that fall
perfectly at the knee, seeming to give a nod to his tutelage under designer Thom Browne.
For the more universal casual wear customer, there are wonderful wardrobe staples offered
in cotton dress shirts and full-fit trousers that fall right at the ankle. Asserting that you can
be fashion-forward even in a post-modern world, Gobel provides a double-breasted blazer
and a formal jacket for those who want a classic look, no matter the century.
However, what particularly stands out in this collection is his outerwear. His crocodile
motorcycle jackets in silver and gold give a Tron-like speed demon effect, while his navy
neoprene trench prepares you to battle the elements in any environment. One interesting
highlight is his nylon-stretch and cashmere-knit shoulder shrugs. Variably, they work well
with his athletic and casual wear while subtly flirting with modern-day androgyny.
Thankfully, Gobel did not over-design this collection. He stayed away from the idea of unisex
bodysuits or shapeless robes that are often depicted as futuristic clothes. Rather than being
costumy, Gobel kept some of the current trends in menswear and modernized his garments
with accessories by Knox Armor gloves, Dominic Elvin augmentation headpieces, and shoes
from the post-modern design company United Nude. Fortunately, for the Marlon Gobel
consumer, this collection is very customer-friendly and will fit into your wardrobe for now
and many seasons to come.
—Carl Ayers
13. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Perry Ellis SS15 - Carl Ayers
The active guy in the city and his adaptation to that urban landscape inspired Perry Ellis’
spring/summer 2015 “Changes and Horizontals” collection. The visual design aspect
incorporates the linear elements of grids and architecture and the intersections that a
person passes every day on the street.
The fabrication of this collection is a bit more technical. As described by brand creative
director Michael Maccari, the design team focused on the garments inside and out, making
things lighter, more functional, and more seasonally appropriate. They began with a pure
base and built upon that, using color, grids, lines, shapes within shapes, and reflective
fabrics that are commonly found within the cityscape.
14. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
The silhouettes stand firmly where some menswear trends are projecting to: less skinny,
more full-bodied, shorts to the knee, pants to the ankle, less Euro, more American
sportswear. The selected color scheme seems to effortlessly camouflage itself in the urban
palette. The colors are trans-seasonal, done in spring fabrications; deep reds and blues, a
variance of shades of khaki and a strong black and white presence. The geometric and
natural prints marry especially well into the city theme, reminding us that intricate design,
whether made my man or Mother Nature, is always around us.
The heritage and future of the brand are also important elements in this collection. Says
Maccari, “[we’re] always looking back to what Perry would have done; keeping one foot in
the past keeps the brands DNA alive and then moving that forward. So the idea that having
dress fabrics in casual silhouettes or more active silhouettes, there’s always that one foot in,
one foot out kind of idea; one foot here, one foot in the future. It’s just playing with shapes
and fabrics and finding that balance; that’s what keeps it moving forward and keeps it a
little bit practical as well. There’s a very strong history in it, but there’s also the approach
that it doesn’t have to be taken too seriously. There’s a fun element to it, and there’s a
realness to it.”
—Carl Ayers
I am interviewed after the runway show: http://youtu.be/fcwRG04ibWo?t=1m19s
15. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
From Dusk To Dark (Styling: Carl Ayers)
16. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Scenes D’Atelier (Styling: Carl Ayers)
With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week less than a week away, there are those seasoned
industry professionals that yearn for the golden days of fashion when collections were seen
by a few select editors, buyers and rich patrons. Lithe creatures would swirl and saunter in
rich fabrications, evoking moods of glamour, sophistication and elegance.
That golden era is gone, but the fantasy and delicious reverie continues. Though fashion is
more global in its scope, and not the domain of a chosen few, creativity and innovation still
reign supreme. And though the private spectacle of gilded ateliers may be just a memory,
generations have reaped the benefit of the magic!! Viva Scenes D’Atelier!!
19. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Ode to a Jersey Boy Band (Art Direction: Carl Ayers)
The Temptations and The Beatles of the 1960s, Earth, Wind, and Fire in the 70s, Devo of the
Punk Rock 80s, New Kids on the Block in the 90s, and more recently, The Jonas Brothers
and One Direction; all these boy bands/groups had their own particular sound and fashion
perspective. From Earth, Wind, and Fire’s theatrical hieroglyphic-inspired, on-stage
costumes to Devo’s art rock conceptual attire to New Kids on the Block’s mainstreamed hip
hop gear, fashion and music have always been compatible bedfellows.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons represented that time in pop music culture when musical
acts dressed sharply, and a catchy beat, and four-part harmony reigned supreme. In this
fashion editorial, Fashion Reverie references the elegance and sophistication of 60s boy
bands while staying in step with what is fresh and trending.
21. Ed. Carl. Clark-Ayers: Writing, Styling, Art Direction
Bridal Beauty Trends for the Modern Bride (Art Direction: Carl Ayers)
On that very special day, the modern bride wants to make sure that every detail is in place.
From the perfect wedding location, to the perfect gown, to the perfect wedding cake,
everything has to be just right, even the makeup. Remember, for some brides this perfect
day will only come once in a lifetime, and this day has to be the day of all days!!
Fashion Reverie’s Beauty Editor Janine Silver has curated the current bridal beauty trends to
make that special day absolutely memorable. And with the special assistance of Miss USA
Erin Brady, Fashion Reverie is confident that this bridal beauty editorial will not only turn
you into a ravishing bride, but also make that special day unforgettable!!
