Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2011 Natives

How often do Belgians go Native?  As in Native American?  While the Fall 2011 shows in New York showed collection after collection of Americana with tribal influences.  Avant-garde designer Ann Demeulemeester put a dark twist on what was going on overseas.  The jet black feathered hairpieces were a shadow version of the ones seen at the Byron Lars show.  The corset styling gave a Gothic fetish edge. Leather and tinted fur gave some wild luxury.  A few dresses had ruffled details for a softer feminine edge.  As usual, black was the dominant color of the collection.  

Photos courtesy of Imaxtree

Ann Demeulemeester Spring 2011 Bondage

 

The Belgian designer created a chic collection appropriate for the craziest among us.  The black, white and print presentation had many pieces with straitjacket-like straps and a sculpted bondage feeling.  There were many one-legged looks that may be too avant-garde for most wearers.  However, many of the leather, jersey and crepe jackets and  pants were accessible to most.
The hair was severe and slicked back with harshly marked eyebrows.  An intimidating mesh veil was used as a mask or accessory in some looks as well.

Macabre Fashion: Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2010

Belgium produces so many things that I love...Waffles, chocolate and avant-garde fashion. Ann Demeulemeester's runway presentation in Paris was a showcase of dramatic suits and dresses. Collars curled or looked wind-blown. Coils of black whip-like ropes wrapped around the neck and body. Flamboyant feathers looked like they were stained with blood. Blood red leathers also popped the black upon black outfits. Diva? Dominatrix? Whatever works for you.

Brothers Grim Fashion Editorial by Matthew Brooks

Hello Darlings! I apologize for the sporadic posts of late. The Courtesan here has been busy at NY Fashion Week to peruse the lovely styles of the glitterati. Of course, most of the clothing on the runways are directed at the ladies.

Dapper gentleman are often unfairly overlooked. That is such a shame... Fall 2009 offers a stylish man plenty of dark, delicious wardrobe options. In this week's NY Times Men's fashion supplement, photographer Matthew Brooks produced a gorgeous editorial called "The Brothers Grim".

Look for a moody photo spread saturated in dramatic black and white. Salivate over luxurious capes by Givenchy, fur jackets by Ann Demeulemeester, a crocodile jacket by Louis Vuitton and plenty of goodies by Alexander McQueen. Click here to browse the entire magazine online.