Trend Report

Trend Report | A Sea of Camouflage

by Barrio Dimitri on Feb 22, 2012 • No Comments

Being an incredibly organized blogger, who takes all article columns seriously, I never thought that it would have been possible for me to forget my post column “Editor’s Pick.” I only remembered about it, while I was questioning a friend and member of my creative team about what I should post this week. Nonetheless, another one is on its way, and I’m sure you will love it!. Being the first Trend Report for the year 2012, it was pretty hard to decide what I’d talk about, especially since my current list of “Obsessions & Loves” is pretty long.

After browsing a few of my favorite online stores, magazines and street style blogs; along with my very own closet, I decided that camouflage was definitely something I’ve been swooning over for quite some time and since it has been appearing on the streets from Milan and Paris to New York splattered on almost anything, it definitely deserves the title as the Print of the Moment. Now even though living in the Caribbean where’s it’s been banned and is deemed as illegal and offensive to wear, I’ve seen a few fashion rebels being bold enough to try it, incorporating it in outfits either worn at night or for a style shoot.

In all honesty, it feels as though a wave of camo completely took over Pitti Uomo this season, just in time for the industry’s major patterns and prints crave for Spring/Summer 2012 and surprisingly for Fall/Winter 2012. A plethora of camo has been spilling down runways from Tommy Hilfiger and on the collections of the likes of Comme Des Garçons.

images | lookbook.nu, streetfsn.com, proprpostur.com, gq.com, monsieurjerome.com

Trend Report

Trend Report | Velvet Slippers

by Barrio Dimitri on Dec 21, 2011 • No Comments

Although this wasn’t initially supposed to be a Trend Report, my lack of post being published allowed me to decide that it was time to let out the bulk of articles in my drafts box. The velvet slipper has grown to become a classic staple within the high fashion arena of menswear, catching the eye of many designers, celebrities, fashion editors and fashion enthusiasts around the world. No longer are they used for moments curled up by the fire, but are hitting the streets of New York, Paris, London and Milan showing the versatility of such an iconic piece. In addition, the recent hype behind masculine inspiration for women, has allowed women to become apart of the “Velvet Slipper wearing posse” with their choices ranging from Asos, to Wanted Shoes and even Dolce & Gabbana.

For men, our options our undoubtedly broader, with popular brands like Michael Bastian, Del Toro, Stubbs & Wooton, Ralph Lauren and Brook’s Brothers, providing us with a variety of designs from studded, to patterned and even custom work, which all give the relatively old shoe, a breath of youthfulness. In my opinion,Velvet Slippers are a must have for the stylish man, who thrives on class and enjoys a timeless buy.

The ever-growing style icon Kanye West, has been spotted pairing velvet slippers with a number of outfits, and appearing at occasions such as the CFDA awards ceremony in New York, which was held earlier this year.

Trend Report

Trend Report | Fall/Winter 2011 Essentials

by Barrio Dimitri on Sep 27, 2011 • No Comments

It’s certainly no secret that the Fall/Winter season is upon us, and as fast as the summer season came and is now gone, I expect no different during the months of November through February. Apart from the falling temperatures and the quickly approaching nights, New York Fashion Week which is another sign of F/W 2011, has quickly passed and Paris is now upon us. As expected, loads of patterns and prints were visible on the runway, in preparing for the Spring/Summer 2012 season. Rewinding a bit, February 2011 proved to be another successful fashion season, as some of my favorite designers and fashion houses presented a great deal of wearable yet stylish pieces with highlight fabrics being leather, fur and tweed, along with earthy tones, the usual black, grey and navy blue, as well as rich pops of color here and there. Although my trend reports and essential guides have become a norm, I felt it was necessary that I do a Fall/Winter 2011 guide mostly because of my uber-excitement about this season.

Trend Report

Trend Report | Long Live The Chucks

by Barrio Dimitri on Aug 20, 2011 • 1 Comment

Red Chuck Taylor All Star basketball shoe.

Image via Wikipedia

One shoe that you can always count on anyone to own, are definitely a pair of Converse. Alike me, I believe that everyone in this world has at some point in their lives has seen the all-star Converse as being an incredibly longstanding shoe brand, which has gone through decades shaping a culture of its own. Although they never seem to die, the shoes were not particularly popular until basketball player Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe. He was impressed with the design, and so he became the shoe’s leading salesman. After proposing a few changes to the shoe, the shoe got its current name and Chuck Taylor’s signature on its ankle All Stars patch. One change was the switch to non-slip soles. Although classic black is the most popular, Chuck Taylor was himself known to prefer unbleached white high-tops (known in his day as simply “white”). Consumers demanded more variety from the shoe – particularly with respect to colors in order to match basketball teams – so colored and patterned shoelaces became popular to complement the two colors, blacks and whites, available before 1966. Afterwards, more colors and styles became available. Low-top or “Oxford”, high-top, and later knee-high, versions were produced. More materials were offered for the construction, including leather,suede, vinyl, denim, and hemp. Some versions of the shoe were offered without laces, held up instead by elastic. These new versions of the shoe were also co-designed by Chuck Taylor, just before his death in 1969.

Trend Report

Trend Report | Denim on Denim

by Barrio Dimitri on Jul 28, 2011 • 3 Comments

I’m sure we all remember our parents saying to us never pair different patterns with each other or sometimes even the same ones. But upon entering the fashion industry, I soon realized that there are absolutely no rules as it relates to pairing fabrics, however, you’ve got to make it look good. Denim jackets are an insanely huge hit this season, and with my Denim jacket trend report still topping the charts I know people are still longing to get a glimpse of the amazing denim looks pulled off by many. In moving on from that place, it’s time to talk about how you can take that very Denim Jacket, or even a denim shirt and pair it with your favorite jeans or shorts. Denim on denim is one of those combinations which usually turn off the “look good” appeal when people think about it because its something which people generally don’t do. However, regardless of this, it’s becoming a huge trend around the world this very moment, after making it’s debut on the runway seasons past. The fundamental secret in pulling off this amazing look, is to pair two different denim washes together in order to have variety and balance. Although a few people have paired the same wash together and pulled it off (that being a combination of dark washes) it’s much safer and smarter to pair a dark and slightly lighter wash together. For example, you could pair a light-wash denim shirt, with a medium wash pair of skinny jeans, and poof, you’ve got a great look. Now be careful, denim on denim is probably one of the hardest most tricky trends there are right now, but if it’s done properly, it’s without a doubt uber-cool.

Trend Report

Trend Report | The Lace Obsession

by Barrio Dimitri on Jul 9, 2011 • 2 Comments

To this day no other Trend Report has surpassed the great Denim Jacket post, but I decided to take to the computer and spill the beans on something I’ve seen before, but it has once again returned. I’ve never done a female specific Trend Report, and this article may somehow fall into that category easily. Like most fashion bloggers and writers, I’m quite up-to-date on fashion’s current movements and changes. Whether it’s been on the Haute Couture runways of Paris or on the street, anyone in fashion can admit that lace, with its strong femininity is trending. If there’s any fabric which can totally define the delicate yet striking nature of women it would have to be lace. Now honestly, I’m not trying to promote what people may see as “nakedness” but I see nothing fashionably wrong with throwing on some chic lace over an incredible under-layer to handle the summer heat. As said before, this isn’t the first time it’s been popping up; however, balance is incredibly important to retain the vintage or antique feel and poise to the incredible fabric. It’s ideal to not go overboard or become suggestive, but to remain romantic and classy. Famous lace wearers include my dear beloved Anna Dello Russo, and it’s been on the runway of Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Valentino, Elie Saab and that of tons more designers. Now let’s show you girls how to rock lace with elegance and style.

Trend Report

Trend Report | Retro Urban Style!

by Barrio Dimitri on May 25, 2011 • No Comments

I'm wearing Tommy Hilfiger Denim Jacket, Civil Society Jeans, Polo by Ralph Lauren Ranger Boots

At this time, we can’t really ignore the fact that styles from the 60′s and 80′s are on a hype in our era, and are returning with modern reinventions to them. We also can’t stay behind and become fashionably isolated just because these vintage styles are not apart of our customs. In being versatile and confident, which are two of the biggest factors in being stylish, we can’t become immobile. Instead, we must continual thrive and grow,changing up things here and there. One thing I’ve noticed about my country Barbados, is the fact that most of its people are in a state of closed-mindedness towards true fashion and style. Nevertheless, with the newer generation on the rise, the revolution of stylish open-mindedness is on the return. Events such as Suburban House Party, not only exist to entertain, but in my opinion they are also here to propel the younger generation into rocking tank tops, snapback hats, bold patterns and timeless denim jackets. Hopefully on Saturday I’ll be seeing the guys and girls not only stepping out in mere clothing, but also making an entrance in true style. While sitting at my desk about an hour ago, the idea hit me that being a huge gateway for fashion in Barbados and the world at large, I should do somewhat of a style update in order to put some of these styles out there, and who knows, maybe I’ll help someone in finding an outfit for Saturday’s event. Key items being bold bohemian or African prints, bright intriguing colors, grunge tons and fabrics; as well as cool accessories like beads, hats, necklaces and of course shoes. The below images are my compilation of true retro style with a touch of urban roots, all captioned to focus in on key items and essentials.