Still Here

Sorry for the lack in posting. If this doesn't cheer you up I don't know what will. 

"Creating product—wearable, salable clothes that girls want."-Proenza Schouler

Precisely that. 

Tweed,

Leather,

Neoprene

You're killing me.

*Cykic

Just a Little Something I Whipped Up

 Photo by Steve Eichner

A little beauty, a little social media, a lot of women + Aveda, Bobbi Brown & Estee Lauder.

My new article on WWD.com

Enjoy!

*Cykic

PS: I love feedback, so lay it on me.

An Invigorating Adaption

A couple of weeks ago, I expressed my sadness of Raf Simons leaving Jil Sander.  But last week, Christian Dior announced Simons will come on aboard as creative director. It only take a year for the decision to be made final, but a great one I must admit. The fashion media has of course written and re-reported articles on the new switcheroo.  Everyone has had a similar reaction. Exhibit A: But he's a minimalist, how will that fit in with the Dior Aesthetic? 

Stop you're worrying.  

Don't get frantic and have an anxiety attack.  

Eric Wilson from the New York Times wrote an unbiased article with some quotes from Ken Downing and Mark Holgate I very much appreciated.  

Both Ms. Fargo and Ken Downing, the fashion director of Neiman Marcus, championed Mr. Simons as the right designer for the role, citing, in Mr. Downing’s case, “the Dior-esque sensibility” of his last show. As Mr. Simons moved the house forward, Jil Sander was less and less about minimalism, Mr. Downing said.  

And Mark Holgate took the words out of my mouth. “The more original voices you have in fashion, the better,” he said. “I’m excited because I don’t know quite what to expect in July.” 

I'm cyked to see what the future holds.

*Cykic

Easy Does It

This editorial from Vogue Spain is perfection.

The styling, the hair, it's all so effortless.

Enjoy the New York weather!

Because it's incredibly unpredictable.

*Cykic

No Longer is "The World at Her Feet"

Okay, I admit, I'm jealous of Jane Aldridge's shoe collection, but after reading this re-report from NY Mag I'm mildly disgusted by the popular blogger. Texas Monthly journalist, Jason Sheeler wrote "The World at Her Feet", a mini exposé on the blogger's daily grind. Aldridge claims that the quotes Sheeler attribute were "blatantly made up".  BS. Riddle me this: Why would a publication that thoroughly fact checks their copy make up such ridiculous quotes?  Her snobbish approach was not at all relatable. Exhibit A: Jane smooths her half-tucked, sheer white blouse. I tell her I think it’s a cool shirt. “Really? I think it’s, like, Splen-did,” she says with a grimace, sounding out the mall brand with the horror of someone being forced to say “ointment.” She nicked the shirt from her sister’s closet; Carol, who is seventeen, is in her first year of boarding school in Wales. “I’m getting my hair dyed in a bit and, you know, what if it messes up my shirt?” Splendid may not be the most fashion forward brand, but the tops start at $60. Her blog is meant to be aspirational to her readers but, she comes off as an embarrassment to bloggers and the fashion world.  

Sheeler recalls a moment in Aldridge's home "Jane sprawls on the floor in pale jeans, underneath a framed black and white photograph of Grey Gardens’ Little Edie." 

The story of Grey Gardens seems like an accurate description of what Jane and her mother Judy could turn into. 

A word of advice:

Be careful that you don't turn into the Bouvier Beales...

They may have been quite remarkable...

but I'm sorry to say Jane Aldridge will never live up to that. 

*Cykic

Happy Easter with a Side of Pesach

Spring is in the air.

Matzah makes you constipated.

And I don't understand the point of eggs on Easter.

Happy Holidays from a Jew on Easter.

*Cykic

Forked

This is what hippies would wear if they were hip.

I know...

I'm SO clever.

*Cykic

Yup! I Work at WWD

As an editorial assistant for WWD Beauty Inc, I usually write for the monthly glossy, but every once in awhile I'll be on wwd.com.  So here it is my first article on the site.  

Sadly, you can only read the full article if you have a subscription,  

but nonetheless it's great to see my name in lights.

*Cykic

Pink Hair Doesn't Make You Unique

I don't understand the hype over model Charlotte Free. The pink hair, the "I don't give a shit attitude" and she's only 5"7, what's the big deal? This editorial sparked my curiosity when her lack of skill in modeling made me a bit nauseous, even in that killer Balenciaga frock.

You can try and explain the significance of this badly dyed do, but I probably won't listen.

*Cykic

Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right

While I'd rather stray from the story that has everyone talking, I decided I couldn't go with leaving my mark on the situation.  This month's Vogue has driven controversy to a new high with Dara Lynn Weiss's first person piece on her 7-year-old's struggle with her weight and the lengths she went to, to help her shed the pounds. Weiss put her daughter, Bea, on a diet called Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right, which was specially designed for overweight kids by pediatrician and child obesity specialist Dr. Joanna Dolgoff. While most people are outraged over a little girl being put on a strict diet, I beg to differ. Weiss took an honest approach in confronting her child's obesity. A 7-year-old should by no means reach 93 pounds.

I've always heard it's harder for an adult to learn a new skill.

So why not start a healthy lifestyle in the preliminary years.

Better sooner than later.

*Cykic

In a Nutshell

I might as well claim this photo as me.

1. It sorta looks like me when I was a munchkin.

2. I have that outfit in gold leather from when I was 5 (no joke).

3. I move to the beat of my own drum.

Stubborn and still dressing to impress.

*Cykic

What's Goin' On in This Noggin

Well...

There is some sort of spaghetti gum cascading out of her mouth.

There's a blusher on finger.

And who ever is the photo editor made her dis-formed.

So what's goin' on?

I have no idea.

*Cykic

Photo Du Jour

How was your day?

*Cykic

Cash Money Millionaire

This trailer park motel photo shoot comes from a magazine called How to Spend It. 

If they're referencing how to spend it in terms of the ensembles going on in these shoots then yes, that would be correct on what I would spend It on. AKA: Miu Miu & Proenza Schouler.

But if you're giving me advice on how to spend it...

girl...

I can spend.

I just need the cash flow.

I'm on my way!

*Cykic

What's Going on in This Noggin'

Welcome to my new weekly feature: "What's Going on in This Noggin" where I let you know what the model in the photograph is thinking. 
Do not be alarmed, some people actually possess these thoughts, even if I made them on the spot.

"Thank god I don't look like that."
The Mike Tyson doppleganger on the left feels the same.
*Cykic

Photo Du Jour

I always exercise in a sharp pair of Eddie Borgo earrings and a Givenchy fishnet. 
Work it girl.
I really under estimated a model's arm strength...
But Kasia Struss has given me reason to believe with those bursting muscles.
Or are those bones?
Whoever photoshopped her arms made the right one lumpy with a limp anorexic vibe 
And the the left looks nicely toned.
Which one is real?
*Cykic 

The Collagist

point shoes and dirty tennis shoes.
Childhood in a nutshell.
EXcept maybe the Proenza print.
*Cykic

A Mini Hiatus

Sorry for the brief hiatus.
But I'm back.
Even though tomorrow I start my new job at WWD's Beauty Inc.
Excited, Anxious, Nervous, Excited.
It's a dream job.
*Cykic

A Cykic Review "Au Revoir Paris"

Paris Fashion Week may have wrapped up yesterday, but I'm not quite done reminiscing about my favored collections. By no means do only four looks cut it from the entire designer's assemblage, but I felt it important to see my most adored ensembles. I mean this is "Cykic Obsessions".

While nothing truly hatched on the runway, the embroidered Fabergé egg motifs incubated during Balmain's presentation. A couture approach took center stage with the use of thousands of pearls and crystals. This being designer Olivier Rousteing's second show for Balmain, proved that youth and effortless style are leading the way for this 26 year-old. 

Disagree all you want, although I know I'm right, Isabel Marant nails it season every season. For fall, Marant kept her consistent Parisian vibe, but paired it with savvy cowgirl flair.  Being originally from Texas and despising cowboy boots, this one collection will have me coming back for more. Western wear is usually exceptionally tacky, but a lá Marant there was a southern ease I'm willing to sink my teeth into.

While Alber Elbaz always gives me reason to want one look after the next, his tenth year at Lanvin had me roaring more! more! more! The beautiful body enhancing contours, elements of glitz, and doses of darkness gave me the chills of the best kind. Not the anxiety ridden ones, but chills that leave you energized and evoke euphoria. Lets just say Lanvin gets me high.

Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton elates a certain beauty that no other designer can emulate. By no means was this one of the more wearable collections that could easily be seen at an awards show or charity gala, but it was craftsmanship at a superior level. Burton simply summed up her collection to fashion journalist Tim Blanks in three measures, "A beautiful future, positivity, and optimism". Burton also acknowledged that she pushed herself more this season. Truth be told, she picked the perfect words and created a breathtaking show.

I think it's fair to say that while Rochas is no question a Parisian brand, it brings a certain New York City sensation. Designer Marco Zanini told Style.com's Nicole Phelps that the collection has, "a certain disregard for quiet good taste." While it may seem as-if Zanini is claiming disdain upon his own work, I read it as the woman who wear his clothing don't care about the latest goods, she'll model whatever she pleases, whether tasteful or not.

"The Stella woman is about balance," Stella McCartney told Style.com. Merging day and night, night and day, you can easily tell that any woman would want to mirror the "Stella" persona. The vivid pigments and graphic tailoring shot my anxiety to a high knowing that I would have to wait a whole six months until I can plaster these ensembles to my body. I guess the waiting will be worth my while, given this is a definite Cykic Obsession.

Au Revoir Paris in addition to Fashion Week.  Can't wait for fall campaigns, superb outerwear, elevating booties and carefree knits. But don't expect any subdued criticism, just because the collections have ended for the season doesn't mean I don't have anything to say.

"Style is never safe and neither are my opinions."

*Cykic

A Cykic Review "Print On, Print On, Print"

As Paris fashion week comes to an end, it closed in the tradition of showing the final knockouts that industry insiders get revved up for. The finale consisted of Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab and Miu Miu. While LV and Saab have definite appeal,  I always look forward to Miu Miu's collection. And once again I was satisfied by the eclectic array of ensembles. One by one the Miu Miu rainbow took center stage with printed pantsuits, shift dresses with mirrored embroideries, clashing patterns that took over blouses, scarves and wide ties, and python platform loafers and boots. While I would wear about 75% of the looks,  it felt like an extension of Prada fall 2012. By by no means is this a bad thing, but I would have liked some differentiation.  Miuccia Prada manages to separate her brands every season so what was different about this one?

A very loyal fan I am to Miu Miu

But...

I question the corresponding collection.

*Cykic

Cykic Words of Wisdom "Go Back to Your Day Job, Kanye"

Look 1, I thought someone punched Anja Rubik in the eye. Look 2, I couldn't get past the trashy whip. And Look 3 had me wondering why Karlie Kloss agreed to walk in his show. Kanye West once again showed in Paris and once again created an unoriginal, terribly styled, and appalling collection. A fur Peplum, an overabundance of distasteful leather, and a random pop of bone and camel pigments made for an inconsistent compilation. The boots resembled a straightjacket based on the multiple leather bandages that constructed the shoe. And a camel dress showed the ill fit of his ensembles and his amateur eye for presentation.

Beyond the lack of skill he posses, it makes nauseous that Style.com, The New York Times and other prestigious publications are willing to give his collection a critique and will attend his show, when other talented designers are yet to be seen. 

I hope this showcase opened the eyes of those I look up to in the biz  

And closed Kanye's for the rest of eternity.

*Cykic

Spotlight "Valentino"

Valentino is always a bit of a hit or miss for me, but this collection was TOP NOTCH. 

Leather, Valentino Red, and alluring motifs.

Like I said, TOP NOTCH.

It felt sophisticated and modern and absolutely mystical in a Valentino sensibility. 

*Cykic