Dots[Connection]: Black and Yellow

It's time for your weekly Draw A Dot. recap!

The Givenchy Elements series is coming to and end, and for this last piece, Will Blower picked one of the looks from the F/W 2014 collection. In my opinion, this is a very nice piece to end the project! [Read Here]

Courtesy of Will Blower

Last week, I gave Tanya Kancheva a task by asking her to illustrate a few looks from the Jonathan Saunders F/W 2014 collection. The result was beyond amazing and below is one of the illustrations! [Read Here]

Courtesy of Tanya Kancheva

Walk the Walk: Balmain F/W 2014 Collection

It looks like Olivier Rousteing is brining us to his version of Safari for the F/W 2014 season! In my opinion, this is his best collection to date.

The signature boxy silhouette continues to show up in this collection, but with a more military twist. The weaving technique in this collection is breathtaking, especially the top made of ropes. Pleats and draping ropes add a nice feminine vibe to this bold collection. Overall, I strongly believe this collection is inspired by Rihanna (why not? She is the face of the S/S 2014 campaign), and will probably see a few pieces in her up coming tour.

Pros:
- Love the entire safari theme with Olivier's own twist.
- The weaving technique is amazing!
- Even though the collection is very bold and edgy, because of the pleats, and the layered skirts, there is still a very strong feminine vibe.
- Those Obi-Wan belts will be a hit!
- Most of the pieces in this collection are very wearable (as long as you have the money for them).

Eye Candies:
- All of them

Please visit Style.com to view the complete collection.

Trendology: Gareth Pugh F/W 2014 Collection

Gareth Pugh presented his F/W 2014 collection yesterday in Paris, and judging by the photos, this was more a cool experimental project.

The entire collection was in white, ivory and silver, so the audience could focus on the silhouettes and the use of materials (and the key at the back!). There were a lot of interesting shapes, and many of the pieces were more exaggerated than a normal RTW show. The plastic pieces were very cool, but would not be a good outfit for a dinner date (unless you are some over the top fashionistas). The only clothes that were totally wearable were the fur pieces and maybe the ivory sleeveless dress. Overall, this was a very good experiment, and I expect some of these pieces will show up on the up coming editorials soon.

Ray of Inspirology: Louis Vuitton - Spirit of Travel 2014

Louis Vuitton's Spirit of Travel series is one of the most interesting campaigns in the fashion world, and the latest installment is no exception.

For this season, Karen Elson and Edie Campell traveled to South Africa to spend some time with the wild animals. Shot by Peter Lindbergh and styled by Carine Roitfeld, both models looked super stylish in the field carrying the signature Louis Vuitton monogram bags.

This campaign proves the label continues wanting you to be adventurous, and to me, hanging out with the giraffes in an open field could be a very good idea in the future.

Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Ray of Inspirology: Prada Iconoclasts: "Harlem Renaissance" by Edward Ennifnul

If these images was the official S/S 2014 campaign, I would be in cloud 9.

These images are used for the Prada Iconoclasts project in Monte Napoleone stores. The brand has invited Edward Ennifnul to curate the store setting to reflect the aesthetic of both parties. The entire theme is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance culture movement, and the images remind you of the art-deco bars. I personally love the shots done by Emma Summerton, and with the help of Edward's flawless styling skill, they truly reflect the classy and edgy vibe of Prada.

What do you think?

Courtesy of Prada 

Walk the Walk: Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2014 Collection

Just when I thought Dolce & Gabbana was going to present a runway show inspired by the queens in the medieval period (the menswear was inspired by kings and knights), the designers surprised me with their own version of fairy tale.

This collection consisted of many elements - from keys to animal patchworks, crystallized accessories to fur pieces, every look truly defined each character in the story (fairies, warriors, mages). The warrior looks were an extension of the menswear collection, which the girls looked super sexy and fearless in those armours. Out of all the pieces, the red fur coat was the most outstanding one because it reminded people of Red Riding Hood!  

Overall, this collection is whimsical and I guarantee many of the pieces (especially the accessories) will show up in editorials in the next season!

Pros:
- I like the fairy-tale theme a lot, especially it has a very dark vibe.
- I love the accessories, from the crystallized gloves to the armour boots, everything looks so perfect on the runway.
- The animal patchworks add a whimsical vibe to the pieces. On the other hand, the keys print created a magical vibe.
- The finale walk is once again breathtaking! The girls are fearless warriors with the most stunning armours in the Dolce & Gabbana fairy tale world.

Cons:
- I would like to see a queen figure in this collection.

Eye Candies:
- Red fur coat
- Dress with keys embroidery
- Chainmail hood
- Armour boots
- The keys print dresses
- Blue dress with owl patchworks

Please visit Style.com to view the complete collection.

Dots[Connection]: Marc's World

Here's your weekly Draw A Dot. recap!

The 2nd piece of Marc Jacobs’ LV Fantasy series is finally here! This time, Shamekh has combined the Spring 2013 collection with the Fall 2013 collection. In my opinion, this is a perfect match! [Read Here]

Courtesy of Shamekh

I am in love Marc Jacob's F/W 2014 runway show and my friend JSK has decided to create 2 illustrations based on it. The illustrations are so fairy-tale like and I would love to know where the Susu Girls are heading to!   [Read Here]

Courtesy of JSK 

Walk the Walk: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2014 Collection

All eyes were on Christopher Bailey yesterday, as this was the first collection after he became the CEO of the brand. This season, the designer used Bloomsbury as the inspiration for the collection. From trench coat to shoes, many of the pieces were hand painted to create that unique factor. There were also some nice silk dresses, which to me was an unexpected move from the designer, because they looked very light and summery. Aside from the print scarves, the hand painted Bloomsbury bags should be a big hit next season as it had so many different versions.

I may not be totally blown away by this collection, but one thing is certain: Christopher Bailey is unstoppable and you just never know what tricks he will play for his next collection.

Pros:
- Because most of the pieces are all hand painted, that means every customer should be getting a unique piece (aka the drawings may not be at the exact spot, or the strokes will be different).
- The Bloomsbury bag is impressive and I like the different variations of it.
- I like the hand painted belts and shoes.
- The silk dresses are nice, and they are something unexpected for the F/W season.
- The print scarves should be a hit next season.

Cons:
- Some pieces are too DIY for my taste.

Eye Candies:
- The Bloomsbury bag in hand-painted leathers and suedes
- The woven blankets
- The hand painted boots
- Green wool coat
- Lace dresses
- Geometric patchwork shearling coat

Please visit Style.com to view the complete collection.

Walk the Walk: Mary Katrantzou F/W 2014 Collection

If you are a fan of Mary Katrantzou, you must know that she is famous for her digital prints. However, in this coming season, she has decided to leave this element behind and move on to a new direction: patches.

Even though digital prints are no longer the main force in this collection, the clothes still contain the aesthetic of the brand. Mary uses the patches to create playful figures and patterns, and they create an interesting contract again the elegant silhouettes. There are also a few metal pieces I think will become major focus points for the upcoming magazine editorials. Overall, the entire collection is refreshing, youthful, and innovative.

If this is the new beginning of the brand, I can promise Mary's career as a fashion designer will continue to last for many years. We are just waiting for her to create another milestone for the London fashion scene.

Pros:
- Mary Katrantzou has left her digital prints kingdom behind and now she is exploring the use of patches. It's a risky move, but the collection shows the designer can do no wrong.
- The designer mixes heraldic emblems and modern symbols to create a very interesting contrast.
- If you miss Mary's digital prints, you still get to see the leopard print garments in this collection.
- I like the fact that the collection is more focused on the techniques of creating those pieces.

Cons:
- It would be interesting to see these patches on accessories, such as clutches, pins and bags.

Eye Candies:
- The "transformer" collaged dress
- Gown with men's symbols
- The metal dress

Please visit Style.com to view the complete collection.

Art[s]ense: Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2014 Illustration Project Part 3

The 3rd part of the Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2014 Illustration Project is finally here! For this series, I invited Ben Liu, Gabriello De Surr, and Elza Akhmetova to each create an illustration based on the gold coins and temples elements. The results are beyond my expectation!

Please visit Swide for the article and Draw A Dot. for my personal remarks.

Dots[Connection]: The Winning Piece!

Here is your weekly Draw A Dot. recap!

The AmongMen S/S 2014 Menswear Trend Illustration Contest is finally over and I received 18 amazing submissions in the past month. Congrats to Mahyar Kalantari for winning the contest and I cannot wait to see the editorial in April! [Read Here]

Courtesy of Mahyar Kalantari

For this New York Fashion Week season, I teamed up with Ewelina Dymek for a small project. Within the week, she has created some amazing illustrations based on 3 US brands. The one below is from Prabal Gurung! How amazing is that? [Read Here]

Courtesy of Ewelina Dymek

Trendology: Lace Up This Valentine's Day

Two days ago, I released the Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him and I hope you enjoyed it. Stephen-Thomas Maciejowski, one of my friends actually took a few items from the list and created something unique and special. I have to admit, I want one of this as well.

Here is what he has done.

"With only hours until the big day, this last minute gift idea is surely going to please the stylish man in your life. Pick up some statement shoelaces, such as these from Stolen Riches, and combine them with three decant truffles from GODIVA. Then toss in some classic cuff links to spoil him thoroughly. Not sure what to do with the fourth truffle? Devour it while you lace up that box and scribble I LOVE YOU in that drug store greeting card you bought, which he surely will toss aside when he sees this playful treat."

I hope this will inspire you, and thanks to Stephen-Thomas for the creative idea. I am sure it will be a hit!

Again, where can I get one?

Trendology: Thom Browne F/W 2014 Collection

Thom Browne's fashion show is always an entertainment, and this one is no exception. According to the designer, we are going to church this time.

For this F/W 2014 runway collection, the designer is inspired by the catholic church and the 40s silhouettes. Each girl plays a specific role such as a nun, a priest or a golden angel. As always, Browne's designs are very dramatic and always consist of a lot of layerings. I personally like the gold lame series a lot because each piece carries a very bright and cheerful vibe, which creates a nice contrast against the rest of the collection.

There is no way consumers are going to purchase these pieces and wear them at your average normal dinner events. However, if you look at them as beautiful art pieces, you may want to purchase them and put them in a nice glass box for your house display.

Please visit Style.com  to view the complete collection. 

Trendology: Valentine's Day 2014 Gift Ideas for Him

Valentine's Day is only a few days away and if you have not purchased the gift for your man yet, may I suggest the following items for your consideration? Quite honestly, I want them all as well.

Nike + Fuelband
If your boyfriend/ husband likes to exercise a lot, then this gadget will definitely make him happy. It keeps track of how much, often and intensely you move every day. It's something cool for a modern active man.

Harry & Irving Bresciani Brown Argyle Socks
A lot of men are stepping up with their sock game right now, so a pair of cool socks will for sure make him happy. This pair of argyle socks is a collaboration result of Harry & Irving and Bresciani. Great colour combo and good for all occasions.

Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men
One of the best colognes in the past year is The One by Dolce & Gabbana. It is a very refreshing scent because of the spicy note. If he is a fashionable man, then I believe this scent will suit him perfectly.

Burberry Prorsum Engineered Print Silk Skinny Tie
I am a tie collector, so there is no way I am not including this gem in this Valentine's Day gift guide. This Burberry Prorsum silk tie is from the S/S 2014 collection and I just love the colour contrast at the tip to make this design special.

Swarovski Jet Hematite Cuff Links
A lot of men do own at least one French cuff shirt, so a pair of nice cuff links is needed to go with this kind of garment. This pair of Swarovski cuff links is simple in design, but elegant at the same time with the Jet Hematite crystal.

Alexander McQueen Black Grain Leather Briefcase
Carrying a nice briefcase will always give a better impression to a client, so if you give your partner a nice modern design leather briefcase, I am sure he will be very happy to receive it.

Tiffany 1837 Narrow Cuff
If your man likes to wear accessories, then this cool Tiffany 1837 cuff will excite him! It is made of titanium and has a very sleek design. A very classy piece.

Gucci Dark Ruthenium Aviator Sunglasses with Bamboo
Let's be honest, who does not want to own a pair of nice aviator sunglasses? The edge of this particular pair of Gucci aviator is the bamboo detail. If your man likes something with a subtle twist, this will be the perfect gift for him!

Stolen Riches Poona Pink Laces
Want your man to step up the shoe game a bit? What about this pair of neon pink laces? Match this with a pair of black dress shoes will instantly add a nice modern vibe to the entire outfit.

Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Last but not least, if he is a tech person, then I highly recommend you to get him a Microsoft Surface 2. It's computer in tablet form. I have tried the first version last year and it actually blew my mind. An expensive "toy", but well worth every penny of it.

Walk the Walk: Thakoon F/W 2014 Collection

Thakoon is back!

For this coming season, floral print is dominating the entire collection. It is used in many ways such as as the outer shell of the the coats, the pleats of a cropped knit top, and a patchwork of a dress. The colour palette is very summery, and this creates an interesting contrast against other collections showing in this season. If you are a big fan of knitwear, then you are going to fall in love with this collection immediately, as there are so many wearable pieces. Overall, I personally think this is a strong collection, and have a good feeling many of the pieces will sell very well.

Pros:
- The floral print is refreshing in this collection. It's quite interesting to have this summery print applied on winter clothing
- The fuschia colour adds a youthful vibe to the collection
- The tweed and knit pieces are very beautiful and wearable.
- The floral print details give a nice finishing on many of the pieces.

Cons:
- It's interesting that there is no accessory showing in this runway show.

Eye Candies: 
- Cropped cardigan with floral print pleats
- Floral print coat
- Nude deconstructed coat
- Abstract print fur dress

Please visit Style.com to view the complete collection.

Wish[Granted]: eBay x Michael Bastian Wearable Tech Bracelet (Winner)

The contest is over and the winner is Leah L! Congratulations!

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If you have twitter, you might have read the news that starting from today, I am officially an eBay Style Insider! This means I will have access to exclusive news on many of the upcoming collaborative collections / projects and I can't wait to share them with you. As for right now, I have an exclusive giveaway for you!

Back in December 2013, eBay collaborated with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) by inviting Mara Hoffman, Michael Bastian, Milly, Rachel Zoe, and Shipley & Halmos to create some cool wearable tech bracelets. This product can be used to charge an iPhone 4/$s and transfer data from the device to others. There is also an adapter if you are using Android phones and Blackberry phones.

The collection is now sold out, BUT lucky for you, I have the Michael Bastian version to give away. Here are the rules for entering this contest (and make sure you use the following form to enter the contest):

1) You must follow @eBayCanada on twtter.
2) For bonus entry, head over to Facebook and like the à la mode Facebook Page.
3) For one more bonus entry, follow @fusionofeffects on twitter.
4) For one more bonus entry, tweet out this contest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The contest will be up till Sunday February 9th at 11:59pm EST and the winner will be announced on February 10th!

Please note that this contest is open for Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Walk the Walk: Prabal Gurung F/W 2014 Collection

Prabal Gurung presented his F/W 2014 collection yesterday during New York Fashion Week and it was once again a great show. For this season, he took inspirations from the kingdom of Mustang and that explained a lot why there were a lot of red colour garments. Unlike the previous season, this collection was injected with a sportswear vibe. There were a lot of twists and turns on many of the pieces to create a cool asymmetrical effect. As usual, the final evening gowns were beautiful, which would be some potential options for upcoming red for the celebrities.

Pros:
- The vibe of this collection is very different than the previous season, however, Prabal can still maintain the cool and edgy vibe of her women.
- There are a lot of draping pieces in this collection, but surprisingly, they do not look clumsy at all.
- There is a very nice sportswear touch in this collection, but somehow, you still find her girls to be very elegant.
- I am loving the asymmetrical design on many of the tops and dresses.

Cons:
- The shoes do not really wow me this time.

Eye Candies:
- Red high slit gown with crystal embellishments
- Tribal print shirt dress
- Digital print asymmetrical dress

Please visit Style.com to view the complete collection.