MINMIL

I feel as if I've been running a marathon in a dry, hot desert and I can barely now see the finish line. I'm almost at the finish line of the last quarters of school. All of a sudden, I'm an ~~adult~~. And this adult life.... is fucking with my patience. However, even though I'm thirsty and wanting my degree with desperation, I feel like I've found my personal style, and that makes me so happy.

Coming to an understanding of what the true definition of brand equity is, is an extreme personal accomplishment. Like I've stated in previous articles about minimalism, I continue to expose minimalist trends through my personal style and social networks. Throughout the years of my oh-so-called "passion for fashion" life, I've never been the extreme girly type. I'm actually rarely seen out wearing heels and a short skirt. And not to mention, my two gay best friends Devon and Brandon, are comparing me to Cara Delevingne's tomboy style while they get to be Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton [oh, the entertainment of hanging around gay men]. However, this whole MINMIL profile, makes it so much easier for me to categorize myself in any type of category. Perhaps maybe that's what I'm trying to create, a basic comfortable minimalist lifestyle for my fashion needs. So an easy way to do that, is by wearing black. All Black Everything!!! Oh, and let's kick the person off the planet that believes that wearing all black is goth. IT IS NOT!

[My 1st designed shirt above, available for sale soon]

Due to this discovery of my own fashion style, I am even more motivated to further research and dedicate time to these subjects. I plan on focusing on MINMIL by allowing it to broaden it's networking skills and to eventually become a creative directing company. As for now, I'll stick to running to win my degrees' finish line along with a nice cold bottle of water [tequila hehe].

Anyway, first, I'd like to say that I gladly got to work again with my kick-ass friend Chelsea. Her face might seem familiar due to the fact that she's worked for me in previous photoshoots and fashion runways shows. I was lucky to style this shoot before she left back to Wilmington, and I love how it turned out. Also, I'd like to give a big thank you to Carsen Mackenzie Jewelry for allowing us to style her bad-ass rings [for sale here]. Well, to give you a bit of an introduction as to what you will be seeing more in this blog, The purpose for "black is the new black", is to embody minimalism through wearing different types of black outfits that represent a classic lifestyle in our everyday life. Being classic, by wearing black, is such an easy way of saying "Fuck it, I need to look good... and fast" lol. Next time you're doubting what to wear, don't even think twice and just wear that black semi-dressy item in your closet. I guarantee you'll be the best one dressed anyway. ;]

PS: Let's give a thumbs up to Chelsea for looking great in MINMILs first designed black shirt.

Yours Truly,

Shayla Torres.

Flipping through magazines to view all the campaign ads along with watching each season's most popular haute couture runway shows, has been one of the biggest influences and interest growing up. Before I fell in love with Ready-to-Wear collections, couture was my main focus as a designer. The avant-gard collections that these designers create are nothing short of stunning. Haute Couture clothing is made from high-quality, expensive fabrics, and are highly detailed finishes.

Like I've said, for the next month, I will continue to blog about how "Less is" minimal, and how minimalism impacts fashion and art through many aspects. Today, I present how minimalism impacts Haute Couture and give brief details about each designer's SS13 collection.

Chloe:

This collection has captured many fashion followers due to Chloe's 60 year anniversarry[click here to readpast article about it]. The upbeat and fun attitude that Chloe likes to embrace, brought oversized volumes and t-shirts, many ruffled edges, and even the applique flowers were cooled down by minimalist tanks. Peaches, reds, mustards and other wonderful cool palettes were used throughout the runway show. Overall, the minimalism was portrayed through the relaxed and effortless collection.

Dior:

The elegance that Raf Simon debuts to the house of Dior, is clean, refreshing, and very poetic. The set was adorned with white walls, garden like figures, that set a romantic original 1950s like environment. The collection was very similar to Dior's SS47 collection, which was contained with satin textures, asymmetric silhouettes, and minimal color palettes.

Emilio Pucci:

As Emilio Pucci's house is famous for its kaleidoscopic prints and archival patterns storylines, this season, he has started to inch away from them. Using Asian motifs, cargo jackets, and sheer veilings, the collection can be described as geometrically minimal yet vintage inspired.

Prada:

This season, Prada focused on making this collection seem like an impossible dream expressing sentiment and feelings. The collection's Japonisme, embraced traditional tropes of Geisha's femininity using minimal embroidered flowers and silhouettes. The collection moved from dark to light and ended using revoked kimono poetic dresses.

Valentino:

[Saving the best for last] In this final collection, Valentino is known for the concrete romantic identity that the brand has shown for years. One of my favorite couture house, used his typical beautiful and sweetness, feminine designs. This collection however, was captivating into a subtle sensual collection with many geometric lines and floor-length dresses.

These Haute Couture fashion houses, all had their own translation to the traditional classic minimal trends that have impacted the fashion industry for years. Nothing like adding modern minimlism to Haute Couture. I must keep dreaming to reach this point in my fashion career. "Le Dream Big Shayla [haha]"

-Shayla Torres.

The large amount of melancholic emotions showcased within Haider Ackermann’s Spring/Summer collection is intriguing by the fact of being able to bring together such a dark and heavy look with such bare garments.

This season, he brings us more of his sexy simple cuts in which asymmetric silhouettes are created by the layering of different accessories, textures, prints, and fabrics. His modern ready-to-wear input in women can be seen as a sophisticated urban development, in which I look up to and get motivation from.

Ackermann, one of my favorite designers, continues to succeed by showcasing a dynamic point of view within his collections. In this specific collection, he elevated the silhouettes, by embracing the waist using tall proportions of the body, adding origami-like pleats and including thick layering garments to give manipulating combinations of the given long and alluring touch.

As seen in these images, Ackermann used a striking variation of leather, polka dots, and sheer fabrics. The combination of this collection can be highly identified as androgynous, giving the feminine and masculine input of draping within the collection’s dresses and tailored suit combinations.

Ackermann, best known for his cultural differences by blending the casual and intricate tailored look, has been truly successful in the fashion industry and has been reviewed to be labeled as the “new- Yves Saint Laurent”. The collections colors were different shades of dark blue/navy, black and white, and a touch of purple in which is symbolism for a melancholic yet expressive androgynous woman.

Waiting to see what's next in his career, is more motivation for me to further my designing career. Many ideas and inspirations have developed in my current life in which I must contribute to, in order to start developing ideas for my own collection. I am aware of what my next step is, and I can't wait to share with you guys. I'd love to know what your motivation is and who your favorite designers are. Comment below for your favorite designer or feedback on this specific collection.

Xx,

-Shayla Torres.