Street Style: Frida Gustavsson

A model's job description, since the inception of the profession some time ago, has always been someone employed to wear and display new clothes - a human coat hanger, if you will. It never mattered if they dressed as bland (or as unnervingly bizarre) prior to their induction to their occupation as the designers the walked and worked for rewarded them with complementary offerings of their work. Impossible for a model to be seen dressed atrociously when they were being styled by the crème de la crème, no?

As a result of this "auto-styling", models have fallen victims of unable-to-style-themselves-osis (awfully contagious, so I hear) and have been confined to the oh so dull off-duty uniform of standard bootleg jeans, a basic tank top and utterly unadventurous heeled footwear, à la America's Next Top Model hopefuls.
However, with the emergence of individualist models (like Charlotte Free, the new face of Forever 21 - notorious for her neo-grunge style), models the fashion world over are beginning to take the plunge and break out of this shell, rapidly becoming regulars on street-style blogs and magazine columns alongside their celebrity counterparts. Step forward, Frida Gustavsson, now a regular on the catwalk despite her 19 year old youth.
For over a year I have admired Gustavsson from the safe fortification of my laptop screen, for her unmistakable beauty and seamless assimilation to le monde du mode. But it is only after coming across this image of an off duty Gustavsson that I realise that I need to sit up and pay this girl's style as much attention as I do her aesthetic physicality.

Effortlessly killing two birds with one stone, Frida incorporates two major trends du jour in her ensemble - pastels (which, unless you have migrated to under a rock, you will know dominated the entirety of the s/s catwalks) and a punchy red lip (beauty staples at Julien MacDonald, Erdem and Dior). Frida adds signature flair by injecting a tough, boyish statement to her prim and pretty, Valentino sorbet sweater, with the inclusion of a T-Bird-esque leather jacket and a pair of jeans that scream "older brother's hand-me-downs".
Accessories are as minimal as Frida's makeup, with a burst of bright colour, namely a studded oversized fuchsia clutch the model totes everywhere with her.
The potential of a burgeoning Pink Lady spiced up with an essence of Danny Zuko.

Here's to a new addition to my interior bookmarks of style crushes.

Spring/Summer 2011 Trends

Think "spring" and your mind will instantly conjure up images of fresh, blooming flowers and new life. The days are getting longer and brighter - much like the ankle skirts at Jil Sander at Milan Fashion Week.

These almost almost ~clichéd~ thoughts can be reflected from the catwalks of many designers this season. 

The two main trends you'll see, will inevitably be brights and botanicals. After the cold, dark, dreary winter months, bright colours and suitable fresh floral patterns emerge from their hibernation, to once again take their place in our wardrobes as season staples.

At Milan Fashion Week, Jil Sander showcased the neon brights trend. Raf Simmons presented a feast for the eyes - while not going overboard. On display, were an array of playfully clashing colours in vibrant hues but keeping that trademark minimalistic touch of former designer, Jil Sander, herself. 

My favourite look (and the easiest to replocate for theose who want to stand out but are perhaps, a little too retiring) is the simple, yet effective, combination of the plain white tshirt and an ankle length, acid-coloured skirt - which are everywhere right now. All the girls were given powerful, pink pouts. The clothes and lips were so very attention-grabbing that neutral makeup was the way to go. 

Neons are simply to wear, considering you don't go overboard and keep things relatively low key. As the saying goes "a little goes a long way". You don't want to end up looking like a crossbred between a clown and a glowstick.

Jil Sander

 On the completely other end of the scale, we have the pretty, feminine florals that return time and time again at this time of the year, which I, personally, never tire of. Whether you want romantic florals with an edge, like Erdem at London Fashion Week -who is fast becoming a favourite of mine- or the kookier leafy prints, as seen from House of Holland, florals are easy to work into any wardrobe but there is a downside. Florals can be as dull as watching paint dry - going with more unique patterns, prints and shades can save you from looking like your mother's withering bouquet, neglected in the corner.

Erdem

 

House of Holland