Gucci Pre-Fall 2016

Is it really a big surprise that I, Lindsey, lover of all things whimsical and over-the-top, am obsessed with Gucci now that Alessandro Michele has taken over and breathed new life into the storied brand? What was before very much about sex appeal and sultriness is now about a love of clothing and dressing for oneself, and I for one couldn't be happier. Michele's Gucci reads like the dream wardrobe for Luna Lovegood or Edie Bouvier Beale (two of my fashion icons, as you probably know). Cat-eye sunglasses, actual cat sweatshirts (are they ironic or so unironic that they are in fact ironic?), bird motifs, and so many clashing prints that it shouldn't work, but somehow it all does.

For Pre-Fall 2016, Michele showed a whopping 82 looks in a Pompeian Villa, connecting a plethora of historical references to the far past, and yet somehow making it all feel modern. There were Medieval and Art Deco decorative motifs, 50s glasses and beatnik styles, 60s go-go boots and mod influences, 70s denim, and 80s silk bomber jackets, all swirling and mixing together to make something that is so perfect for the 2016 girl.

Perhaps what I love most of all is that while it initially appears that Michele is catering to a very specific group of women, upon further reflection one can see how so many of these pieces could be worn by a number of "styles" of women. When mixed together in this rather particular styling, the collection speaks to a vintage-loving, Man Repeller follower with a brooch collection and a penchant for wearing berets, but individually these clothes can be utterly transformed by the wearer in order to suit her needs and particular style. Because when you get right down to it, the new Gucci is all about individuality, taking these pieces and reinventing them for oneself in order to express one's own sense of style and self.

I love what Michele is doing, and I don't think I'm the only one.

My Favorite Looks:

Do you like what Alessandro Michele has done to reinvent Gucci? Let me know in the comments!

Though resort and pre-fall are technically in-between, less-important seasons than the main two (spring and fall) it feels like more and more attention is being paid to the pre-collections. In return, resort and pre-fall shows have become exciting chances for designers to engage their customers and the fashion world once more rather than a few weeks of quiet presentations and posed lookbook collections.

With the top fashion brands, designers are going to great lengths to make sure their resort collections do not go quietly into that good night, putting on elaborate destination fashion shows that in many ways exceed their main season runway show counterparts in terms of extravagance and excess. And now, under the new creative reigns of Alessandro Michele, Gucci is following in the footsteps of other brands by placing a heightened importance on pre-collections.

Stars of Hollywood and the fashion world gathered in a New York art gallery to watch Michele's second collection for Gucci unfold. I personally was a huge fan of his designing debut back in February, but I think many people were shocked by the huge departure from the Gucci aesthetic that we had all grown to know and love during Frida Giannini's tenure and needed some time to warm up to Michele's own style. If the resort show is any indication, however, the same off-kilter, bohemian, retro vibes that permeated the Fall 2015 show are here to stay at Gucci.

Some of my favorite looks from the Gucci Resort 2016 collection via style.com

The main style inspirations? The 60s and 70s continue to be major motifs here, with rich colors, mod shapes, and retro accessories (cat-eye glasses, anyone?). I also saw some major Grey Gardens vibes, as well as both Americana and Far East influences. And as was the case with the fall show, Michele is very interested in androgyny and blurring the lines between masculine and feminine dressing. The Gucci girl is too cool to be confined to gender stereotypes and expectations surrounding her clothes.

The Gucci girl is shaping up to be a unique flower, the kind of girl who works in a used bookstore and one day discovers a magical tome that sends her on a daring adventure across seas and to secret places. She's eclectic and really into vintage stores, but she is also ready to stand out from the crowd.

There's no doubt that editors, buyers, and street style stars alike are going to flock to these clothes. They're interesting and unique enough to catch the eye of a reader or viewer, but they are also cool things to wear. I, for one, am excited to see how Alessandro Michele's version of Gucci impacts the future of fashion. I think we are finally getting over the muted-colored minimalism of late. Michele may bring us forward into a new era of maximalism and extravagance.

See the full collection here.

More favorites via style.com

What did you think of the Gucci Resort 2016 collection?

Gucci | Luisa Beccaria | Paul & Joe | Fay

On the final day of 2014 we bid adieu to 365 days full of ups and downs and memorable moments. We also celebrate the top It Girl of 2014, a coveted title only one starlet can possess. Last year saw Jennifer Lawrence reign supreme, but this year a brand new name has earned the top spot.

What exactly is an It Girl, though? What do I look for when compiling my annual year-end list? She's got to have name-recognition, of course, and a number of successes and achievements throughout the year; 2014's list consists of the top actresses, models, singers, and even an international lawyer and human rights activist. As this is a fashion blog, she's got to be a fashion girl and a trendsetter. And she can't just wear whatever is the most popular—no, she must have a unique style that reflects her individual personality.

In other words, an It Girl has to have influence. Over her respective industry, over fashion, over the world. Celebrities have an incredibly unique power in order to enact change because they are so well-known and in the public sphere, and I think there's something to be said for a celebrity who takes advantage of those opportunities to make a difference.

It's been a turbulent year to say the least. I don't speak politics on this blog very but you'd have to be living under a rock if you disagree with that statement. I'm no celebrity but I try to make a difference where I can, in whatever small way I can impact the world, and I am envious of celebrities who truly have the star power to make a true difference.

There's the notion that an It Girl has to be cool and effortless, but I have begun to find a lack of effort incredibly overrated. Why can't we value hard work and strong ambition and the desire to want something? And why must an It Girl only be someone who wears floppy hats and looks impeccably stylish wherever she goes? Why can't she be fashionable and influential in that regard, but also something more than that?

It is for all these reasons that there is no better choice for 2014's Top It Girl than Lupita Nyong'o, the breakout star of last year's 12 Years a Slave and one of the most influential young actresses that I have ever seen.

Photo Source: Marie Claire UK October 2014

When I first watched 12 Years a Slave I was instantly drawn to Nyong'o's character of Patsey. By the time I had watched the film Lupita was already garnering plenty of Oscar buzz (she later took home the little golden statue and a number of other awards for her supporting role) and I was eager to see her  performance. The character of Patsey is probably only on screen for about 15 minutes, but Nyong'o's portrayal was so beautiful and sad that afterwards I immediately went to research the fate of the real-life Patsey. The most frustrating part: her life after Solomon passes through remains a mystery. But that Nyongo's portrayal of the character had me researching Patsey and Solomon and their stories in the wee hours of the night was truly an accomplishment. It is not often that I am so deeply moved by a film.

During awards season, Nyong'o proved that she was just as moving off the screen as she was on it. She deservedly won countless awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave and dazzled the world with her bright red carpet looks and her dazzling personality. I was moved to tears during some of her acceptance speeches, where she both acknowledged the hard work and drive that got her to this point and encouraged others to follow their dreams. And I know that many actors and Hollywood types have encouraged younger generations to do the same, but it felt distinctly genuine when coming from Nyong'o.

Here is a woman who has proven to be a role model in every sense of the word. And really, that seems to be the theme of the Girls of 2014 list. Nyong'o has taken her newfound celebrity status as an opportunity to make a change and serve as a role model for women and for people of color. She's given powerful speeches on women's rights (check out her keynote speech at the Massachusetts Conference for Women) and she's taking a public stand on cases of police brutality and discrimination. In all those instances she speaks of the topics she is addressing with intelligence and poise.

Givenchy | Calvin Klein Collection | Christian Dior Couture | Prada | Ralph Lauren | Gucci

Of course, Lupita Nyong'o has had a stellar year in terms of becoming a major fashion player as well. Like I said, she could do no wrong during awards season. Her Cinderella-like Prada gown at the Academy Awards was one of the best looks of any celebrity this year, and her dainty headband sparked a revival of the hair accessory once reserved for reigning Queen Bs on the steps of the Met.

Gucci Premiere | Michael Kors | Kaufmanfranco | Michael Kors | Valentino | Gucci

After taking a little bit of time out of the spotlight, Blake Lively exploded into 2014 with outfit perfection after outfit perfection. Lively has had one of the most successful years in every way possible—career-wise, personally, and of course, fashion-wise.

What are some of Lively's 2014 highlights? She continued to dazzle as Gucci's spokesmodel in flawless custom creations from the atelier (and she's also a muse for Michael Kors), she launched her boho lifestyle website Preserve, and she's pregnant! She also was the hands-down Queen of Cannes, became besties with Martha Stewart, and is prepping for the release of her latest film, The Age of Adaline, about a woman who never ages (because of course not. Plus, it's an excuse to see Lively in period costumes). So she's had an amazing 2014 and I know 2015 is going to be even better! And she's going to be a mother, which is so exciting, and also that child is going to be beautiful. Ryan Reynolds as your dad and Serena Van Der Woodsen as your mom? That's just unfair!

Style-wise, Lively has perfected her personal blend of Hollywood glamour and modern bohemian. She'll show up in glam Veronica Lake curls and vintage-style dress one day and in a loose-fitting floral frock with wavy tresses the next. She's also totally won with her maternity style. Seriously, a baby bump has never looked this chic!

Blake aka the Queen of Cannes 2014

Gucci Premiere | Chanel Couture | Gucci Premiere

Chanel Couture | Gucci | Burberry Prorsum | Burberry | Burberry

The jury is still out on whether or not the Supermodel still exists, but if they do then Cara Delevingne is certainly one. In the past few years Cara has become a household name, and no matter how you discovered her—as a high fashion model, as a Victoria's Secret Angel, as an eyebrow icon, or even a subject of pronunciation confusion for Reese Witherspoon—you know who she is.

Cara's a bit polarizing; you either love her or love to hate her, but one thing is clear: you cannot escape Cara. Recently named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards, Cara has had an outstanding year. She's Karl Lagerfeld's muse, she's landed countless magazine covers and editorials, and she's just been cast in two highly-anticipated new movies (yes, Delevingne is trying the model-actor route): as Margo in the film adaptation of John Green's Paper Towns and June Moone aka Enchantress in DC's Suicide Squad.

Style-wise, Cara is most known for her tomboy off-duty style, but I think it's in her red carpet appearances that she truly shines. She's a true queen of glam and isn't afraid of a dazzling sparkle or daring slit or sheer skirt. Even her menswear-inspired blue tuxedo is sexy and edgy, and the sneakers add a fun touch. She's got serious style but doesn't take herself too seriously. In essence, Cara has the "cool" factor.

And really, isn't that what being an It Girl is all about?

Antonio Berardi | Cushnie et Ochs | Proenza Schouler | Miu Miu | Mary Katrantzou

J. Mendel | Prada | Ralph Lauren | Calvin Klein | Gucci

Balenciaga; Gucci; Dries Van Noten

In an homage to the fluttering butterflies and blossoming flowers of spring, designers have turned slender model arms into blooming bells. The fit-and-flare sleeves are perfect for an easy fashion statement.

Combine with easy-fitting trousers or pencil skirt for a fabulous outfit.

Hot off freaking about Stone's latest silver-screen persona, I have turned to the woman behind Gwen Stacy and her exquisite red carpet style. The Amazing Spiderman tour has been long (they've been promoting this thing since April, it feels like!) but that has given dear Emma plenty of opportunities to knock our Wolford socks off with her red carpet choices! From sweet Chanel frocks to vampy Gucci goddess gowns, Emma Stone has proven that she is as sartorially inspirational as she is personality-wise. Honestly, the girl has got it all! Who knows, maybe she may win the title of It Girl for the second year in a row!

What I hate about Resort collections is that the clothing for once actually fits the weather outside -warm, sunny, tropical prints and fabulous swimsuits- so it is tres difficult to realize that the clothes won't hit the shelves for another six months. Regardless, I found myself in love with several collections. What I enjoy is that many designers are going away from a strictly vacation-centered resort presentation and focusing on the overall time of resort wear -November/December is a busy time, and many women are bouncing between end-of-the-year business meetings, family gatherings, and festive parties.

Designers like Derek Lam and Reed Krakoff, known for their downtown-easy looks, stayed within their niches for resort by focusing on urban staples. 10 Crosby Derek Lam, a diffusion line, featured patchwork plaid and cool, Brooklyn-ready Saturday night ensembles, while Lam's signature line dealt with a sort of "urban explorer" style. Krakoff adorned his boxy dresses with neon oranges and blues and glitzy embellishments, making each look worthy of a gallery opening. 

10 Crosby Derek Lam

Derek Lam

Reed Krakoff

Others, like Thankoon and Gucci, took softer approaches to their resort presentations this year, opting for pastel hues and feminine touches. Both used pinks and baby blues, but Thankoon's bold silhouettes and Gucci's straight lines all help to give these looks some teeth.

Thankoon

Gucci

Another favorite was House of Holland, whose quirky prints and fun takes on fashion I have grown to admire. Pinks and blues reigned supreme here too, but Holland went for a more playful look. Even a simple white shirt dress is livened up with bright pom-pom trim.

House of Holland

Elsewhere, The Row made editors swoon once again with now-signature straight-leg pants, boxy coats and jackets, and elegant drapery. The modest footwear and fabulous, streamlined bags will sure to be knockouts. A few personal favorites: the embroidered black evening jacket, the fuchsia velvet-covered box bag, and the plastic navy and black skirt. The Olsen Twins sure do know their clothing.  

The Row