Wishing I were at PFW

Wishing I were at PFW by lea281

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Fashion vocab: Peacocking

 

Image credit: Wear and Why

When fashion week(s) rolls around, the stylish elite come out to play.  Haute couture and the game of pushing limits in art have always brought about clothes that are questionable to the general public.  But especially since the area of streetstyle and blogging has boomed, many of those that attend fashion shows will don the craziest outfits for which photographers will swarm around to get shots.  Termed "peacocking," this way of dressing becomes a competition of who can get the biggest exposure with images circulating throughout the internet realm.  And in reality, it can really become a stepping stone - or even a means for a career - in the industry.  For example, bloggers such as Susie Bubble and Man Repeller were first known for their wacky looks.  But exhibit A is definitely Anna Dello Russo, editor-at-large for Vogue Japan.

Image credit: Marquis of Fashion

(The first picture with the orange coat and big hat is also a look of hers)

ADR as she's referred to is known for her over the top, elaborated outfits (or costumes??) that often involve fascinators, huge sunglasses, and provocative cuts.  And every single day of fashion week/month she will appear in a new ensemble.  Although some of her looks are definitely cool while still being wacky (such as this bird suit below,) a lot of the time I'm just like "No, please... no."  While she's not alone in the game, she definitely takes the cake.

And you know what peacocking reminds me of?  When I first saw Hunger Games and the citizens from the Capital, my mind immediately clicked back to these elaborate outfits.  Words such as excess, frivolity, hierarchy, all come to mind.  Not the best association.  I would not at all be surprised to see any of these looks on the streets at fashion week.

Image credit: Sweet World of Fashion

Now, I understand that half of fashion is all about having fun, taking risks, appreciating it as an art form and all that... but I think peacocking takes it past that point to a sheer show of how much money you can spend to have a one-time-only ensemble.  It takes away the humanity and turns people into mannequins.  I think there's at least a 2-3 inch wide line between dressing up and ostentation.  Instead of looking into the styling as a reflection of who you are, it's just about being bigger and weirder, getting attention, the spectacle without refinement.  Or perhaps I just have untrained eyes.

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Love Rain (Ep. 19-20) Fashion Summary (caution: image heavy!)

Previous episode summaries: 5-9, 10-14, and 15-18.

Episode 19:

Ever since their parents called off their engagement, Joon and Hana still have to fight against the disapproval of Joon's mother (seriously, she is one of the worst characters I've watched in awhile.)

This was a lovely detail shot of the textures and patterns of their clothing.  Joon's window pane blazer was fresh against different tones of grey, and Hana's soft chiffons and nubby knit work for her because she's young.

Love the flutter sleeves, lace and dainty jewelry.

A bit of a departure for Hana.  The high, Victorian-like neck is sophisticated, and her floral skirt is more streamlined and structured.

Mi Ho's tiny braids and charm necklace here are very cute.  Her oversized blazer is still flattering because the lapels join further down to create a slim triangle shape, and the sharp shoulders balance out the volume on the bottom.  Love the pattern underneath as well.  I just can't criticize Mi Ho, ever.

Sun Ho is looking a lot sharper too!  We've seen this double-wool, raised collar blazer on Joon before, but I think Sun Ho pulls it off just as well.

Episode 20:

The finale, where pretty much every outfit was spot on.

The outfit that Hana is wearing here is actually a dress with a pretty scallop skirt tromp l'oeil effect.  The skinny leather belt ties it together, and coordinates with Joon's belted and pastel look. 

Their styles are becoming more and more similar (though Hana's is the most changed, in my opinion.)  She stays away from those busy textures from before, and chooses voluminous but more figure flattering, womanly looks.  I like how the button placket of this striped top cuts vertically and offsets the horizontal line.  She pairs it with a polka dot skirt, a subtle mixing of prints.  Joon's looks have become a little more masculine, perhaps a reflection of his growing responsibilities and commitments in their relationship.

Hana went to America for two months to take care of her mother, who had to have eye surgery (a side effect of the TB treatment she underwent in the 70's at the very beginning of the story.)  That short stint in America sure changed her.  Personality wise, she's a little more outwardly sassy and confident, and challenges Joon in his place (though gently.)  And style wise, she's a TON more fashionable I don't even know what happened.  It's all still very "her" with the florals and collars and whatnot, but updated and mature and classier.

I loved the layers of scalloped edges of her black-collared shell, and the slim floral blazer.  Black skinny jeans, on-trend bags and arm candy equal cool girl.

Even her overalls are slimmer and flattering, and her sweater is fitted and graphic.  I admit her voluptuous hair adds a lot to how she pulls off the look, but that is a reality with anyone.

Sun Ho is back to his khakis and a little happier, even though he still has some lingering feelings left for Hana. T__T

Our last glimpse of Mi Ho, because she is leaving to model in Paris on her own volition, showing that she's grown up a lot too.  The handkerchief dress here is lovely but still cut very well to emphasize the lines in the print.  A+ style award for Mi Ho.

Of course some things don't change, and Hana tires out from shopping faster than Joon.  Her bag here is gorgeous.  We don't see a lot of black with her.

I realize that shoes haven't really taken the center stage with most of the characters' outfits until this scene.  These strappy, stacked heels are gorgeous and Earth toned, so they still fit Hana's aesthetic.

Joon proposes!  The candles, projection with pictures of their journey, and string lights at the very end were simply but thoughtfully done.  Plus he held it in Hana's beloved garden, which shows that he knows her well.

These are some of the simplest looks to date, but this reflects that they love each other even as their very basic, unadorned selves.

A lovely sheer long top that she half-tucks into her shorts.  The stripes deliberately stand out.

Very similar formulas here - jacket color matches the accent color of the white layer underneath.  At this point, things are pretty much settled for them as one unit.

Then finally... the wedding!  I love the flower appliques on the bodice and her flower crown.  But she keeps it from being too ethereal by choosing deep ruffles and a high-low hemline.  A dress that few people could pull off, I'd say.  Her chunky braid is lovely and balances the strapless bodice.

And Joon's look is kind of retro, but of course we would expect him to take a risk on the biggest day of his life.  I think if he had chosen a normal black tux, it would have clashed too much with Hana's goddess look anyway.

 

A happy ending to a short but sweet drama, with lots of fashion looks to inspire.

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Love Rain (Ep. 15-18) Fashion Summary (caution: image heavy!)

Previous fashion summaries of : episodes 5-9 and 10-14!  As the series went on, I was more and more pleased with the fashion choices, so this post only contains 3 episodes because there was so much to capture.

Episode 15:

At the news of Joon and Hana's parents' engagement, things get more painful for the two leads.  Hana wants to "act like family" for their parents' sake, while Joon can't bear the charade.

Here, Mi Ho's jacquard skirt is gorgeous.  There's a slight metallic shimmer to it.  I like Joon's cleaner look and his big glasses.  Instead of 50/50 black and white (which can look too basic and uniform-like) he goes for 50% black, 40% beige and 10% white.

At a gathering for his father's birthday with "the family," Joon picks a bold red trench.  He certainly doesn't hold back with his fiery words at the meal.

And underneath, he wears this shirt, a hybrid between tie dye and cosmic print.  It works though - the color choice was not messy.  It's a wonder what a difference rolled up sleeves can make.

Episode 16:

It's a continual struggle trying to stay apart.  Eventually Joon and Hana text each other, saying that they miss each other.

Even though Joon's layers here are very simple (no texture or print), he chooses instead to add an interesting cut of ruffles.  Questionable to some, but it's wearable in army green.

Below is one of my favorite looks for Joon in the entire series, hands down.  His paint-splattered trench coat speaks for itself.  The colors are rich and opal-inspired (not simply primary colors.)  I could throw paint at a coat and give it a splotchy effect, but this is designed to create clean vertical lines.  There are small details that I love - a hidden hood, as seen by the zipper on the collar, and epaulets.  Lastly, the jacket is an homage to his father's life as a painter and artist.  Joon himself says that when he met Hana, he understood how his father's love could have been that unforgettable.

The eyelet of Hana's little jacket is lovely as well, and the mandarin neck denim dress counterbalance the preciousness.  Love this back shot.

Episode 17:

Not sure why there are so many modeling scenes with Mi Ho, but I don't mind because they always show gorgeous clothes.  I LOVED this high-low, structured top/tunic.  I wouldn't have thought she could pull it off, but she does amazingly.  The pairing with leather leggings and edgy heeled booties are a nice touch too.

Her hair and makeup - a slicked back ponytail and smokey eyes - were a nice change from her norm.  The grey diamond necklace was an elegant sci-fi inspired addition.

Mi Ho is crying after hearing that Joon and Hana are back together.  Jeon Seol tries to talk some sense into her (and unsuccessfully convince her to set her sights on him instead.)

Like Joon, Mi Ho always pulls off unexpected color combinations - in this case, pale yellow and deep purple.  The floral details in her top and skirt are a nice take on the mixed prints trend.  Jeon Seol goes punk as expected in plaid pants and a distressed denim vest.

Thought the animal print of Joon's sweater was kind of cute, but in an urban pop way.  Reminds me of a certain Clazziquai Project album cover.

As they become more confident in their relationship, their outfits lighten up as well.  Hana is the second to get a hairstyle change.  It's now straightened and more mature.

This is a more obvious shot of Mi Ho's hair change.  It used to be tinted red with blunt bangs.  I think this style is much more elegant.  The sheer pattern of her top and her layered necklace are gorgeous, as always, but still casual.

Sun Ho is the third to change his hair into a sleek asymmetrical cut.  I think it looks good, although he's always rather depressed now...  I laughed out loud at this line:

Joon goes for another take on black and white with this ombre shirt.  Quite cool; it looks like a smoke effect.  Hana is a big fan of Peter Pan collars and is doing a better job at coordinating.

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Love Rain (Ep. 10-14) Fashion Summary (caution: image heavy!)

Summary of episodes 5-9 here.

Episode 10:

Mi Ho, Sun Ho's younger sister, frequently models for Joon and his mother's company.  Although she's a bit annoying because she clings to Joon, she's my favorite female style-wise.  She chooses a lot of office-appropriate pieces (blazers, slacks, structured bags, heels) and makes them look creative and wearable on a daily basis.

In this outfit below, I think it is subtly ingenious how she breaks up the long tuxedo blazer with an A-line floral skirt.  But because the skirt's base color is still cream, (even the peek of black tulle matches the lapels in the blazer,) it's cohesive and logical.  As for Sun Ho, this is a decent look of his.  The stripes on the sleeves add interest and he breaks away from his usual with worn red corduroys.

Here, Mi Ho is modeling a Burberry inspired trench coat.  Sorry for the navigation bar - these scenes flashed by really quickly, so it was hard to get a good capture.

Her flirting with Joon is never in a vulgar way but more in a determined puppy kind of way, which I kind of appreciate.  It's different from the usual seductive girl who creates misunderstandings sort of character.  I loved this sweater's pop of cerulean and the blocks of contrasting knits.  The long gold necklace (I have a similar one!) adds her usual touch of glamour.

This outfit of Joon's is one of the rare ones that I wholeheartedly disagreed with.  The soft scarf, the mid-ride heeled boots, the messenger bag, PLUS his already long hair all make him look WAY too feminine.

On the deadline for giving Joon her answer (for whether or not she wants to be in a relationship,) she wears this beautiful lavender cardi/jacket.  It's a step in the right direction.  Unexpectedly, the purple and reddish-pink combination works well together because of the neutrals in between.

Episode 11:

When Joon learns that their parents (his father and Hana's mother) are old lovers who recently found each other again, he goes through a huge bought of anger and guilt.  Choose Hana, or the happiness of their parents?


In terms of style he doesn't seem to change according to his moods all that much.  I like the silk material of his blazer over the casual denim jacket.  You can see that he's still wearing his couple ring, and is debating whether to give it up.

Hana and Sun Ho make a lot more sense as a couple.  They get along extremely well and always go to each other for advice, but alas... she can only think of Joon.  Her tunic outfit here is surprisingly fashion forward.  The outer layer reminds me of a Bottega Veneta look.

And similarly, Joon and Mi Ho more make sense together, as they're both edgy and flirtatious.  We see Mi Ho in the same blazer and skirt formula, but in a risky color blocking combination.

Joon takes Hana out on the town before telling her they should break up...  I think these outfits show a bit how they're influencing each other - Joon has toned down a bit with the excess, and Hana edges it up slightly and wears a moto jacket.

Episode 12:

Mi Ho and her brother are actually the children of Dong Wook (Joon and Hana's parents' college friend), and she gets suspicious when she sees an old picture of a young Yoon Hee, who strikingly resembles Hana.

I loved this outfit so much I had to get two screenshots.  The baroque print is very European, Dolce & Gabbana-esque.  The 3/4 sleeves and cropped length keep it young.  Instead of a pure white neutral she goes for a textured button-up.  The small studded blue bag keeps it from getting too matchy-matchy.

 Tae Sung (Hana's former classmate and crush) comes back to admit his feelings.  His clothing very much tells how he is - reliable, mature, and safe, but safe clothing gets boring.  Hana's marmalade coordination is lovely.

Despite breaking up, they can't seem to forget their feelings.  I like Joon's styling here - it's nautical, but in the athletic scuba direction instead of the typical preppy, yachting sort of shade.

Episode 13:

Still trying to figure their relationship out.  At this point, Hana has just learned that Joon's father is her mother's first love, the one she had been trying to bring back into her mother's life at the beginning of the drama.


I like the knit of her short-sleeved sweater, and that she pairs it with a much more fluid, muted blue maxi skirt compared to her others.  Joon is daring in this vertical stripe that might look like a mix between Waldo and a pirate on some people.

Wannabee rockstar Jeon Seol (on the left) pops into the picture as a sort of off-tangent (but still amusing) character.  He was a friend of Joon and Sun Ho's when they were children, but no one remembers.  His looks are pretty extreme, but his accessories are really interesting.  Everything seems to be doubled up - triangle pendants, chain chokers, and cuffs.  Despite all the hard-edges, he doesn't come off as intimidating in the least because of his goofiness.

 Mi Ho does it again with an interesting power blazer.  Instead of padding, the curved shoulders and winged lapels add appeal.  On-trend oversized clutch, check.  Her bun is almost like tied a bow, too.

Episode 14:

Joon's mother's company held a fashion show at the resort where Hana works at.  I like the variation of pattern with red, white and blue.  If you look closely, there's an interesting romper on the left, and a hip-hop styled graphic pant on the second girl from the right.  Mi Ho's cloud print sweater is adorable.

Of course, Sun Ho comes to support his sister and wears a nice suit.  He can step it up too!  Someone give him some love :(

Episodes 15-18 here!

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