February | 2024 | morethanabowtie

A Sonnet to the New York Madison Woman…

Posted on February 19 by morethanabowtie

Hello Followers, If you have been following my journey since the beginning, if not then now you will know, that I have ALWAYS LOVED the Carolina Herrera brand and the Fashion ICON herself. I remember being fascinated by her collections when viewing the TV show Behind The Velvet Rope, many many moons again on a cable channel called Style Network, and then once again viewing Style.com’s video reviews by the one and only Tim Blanks, I miss those videos dearly.

A week ago, Wes Gordon revealed Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2024 collection, 41 floors up that overlooked the Financial District of NYC as the show’s backdrop. I was never a fan of Wes Gordon but upon his appointment, I knew the Queen made a wise choice. He did intern with the brand and shadowed her for the last few years as she produced collections. Wes has surprised me each season, and if the Summer 2024 collection was any indication, paying homage to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, I had great hopes for Fall 2024. And it did not disappoint.

The narrative was empowerment, this collection had verve and confidence. It was evident in every piece. especially in the color-blocking pieces of the collection. The collection was very CHIC with hints of the 1930s meets 1980s in the sense that it was fit to the body, with straight lines, flowy gowns, boxy shoulders, and ruffles. The tailoring was very meticulous, the craftsmanship was very impressive, and the way that the silhouettes flowed on the runway was jaw-dropping. A couple of dresses shaped out of crinoline style with no tulle or petticoats underneath to hold their shape were built into the silhouette. A beautiful black plunging décotellage that was sexy yet CHIC. The purple gown that cinched at the waist with a train is ready for the red carpet, as well as the day dresses ready for those socialite luncheons.

The Herrera brand is not a house that produces trends, and why should they? They know their clientele and they know what they can do each season. This latest collection is for that woman who does things her own way and doesn’t follow trends.

Quote of the Day, Uncategorized

Quote of the Day: February 19, 2024

Quote | Posted on February 19 by morethanabowtie

For today’s quote I have chosen George Washinton in honor of his birthday celebrated on President’s Day.

“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”
– George Washington

Left, an oil painting of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart; right, George Aquilla Hardy’s modern-day rendering.
VCG Wilson/Corbis/Getty Images/George Aquilla Hardy/Twitter

Maximalist Over?

Posted on February 7 by morethanabowtie

Men’s Fashion Week came and went for Fall/Winter 2024. We all had the chance to look over the many collections that were presented at Putti Uomo in Florence, Woolworth Black Label by Jack Snyder and Jack Synder himself. We went to Milan which gave us some amazing fashions from Gucci, Fendi, and Zegna, in no particular order but they were the top shows for me.

Gucci’s collection is still buzzing even after a month. Helming this Italian house is Sabato De Sarno, for those who cover menswear, were waiting for this collection. The collection’s name, Ancora, which translates to “Again” was a mirror image of his debut women’s collection. Some outfits are literally the same but fit for men. Some are lightly reinterpreted, and others share colors or fabrics. Standout pieces were the coats!! oversized but not overly done, long and double-breasted, spacious leather shoulder bags that matched vibrant gloves, and leather lead-like ties, which were finished with collar-like fastening, nodding to the themes of lust and desire, rooted in sensual escape, paired with leather gloves, and worn shirtless. It reminded me of the glory days of Tom Ford for Gucci. When fashion designers were creative, were serious about the job of designing, and knew the history of the houses they helmed. I know I am a “nobody” and a “want to be fashion critic” but De Sarno has the vision to make people fall in love with Gucci again, he is doing this with archived references and being experimental for the present. He has won me over already.

We’ve all seen the collection. Here are some detailed shots from Armando Grillo/GoRumway.com