Fall Fashion Week’s Oddities

Style is all about self expression, and being bold. When you go to a fashion show, or look over runway shots in a magazine, you’re prepared for the out-there looks. But sometimes, designers take high-fashion just a step too far in the name of “art.”

Super dressy shoes can’t be made into active wear, as seen with this pair from Dior. Seriously- what were they thinking? For one thing, the blue and green look is tacky and strange. If they would have matched the sole to the color of the shoe, that would be bad enough. And the “heel” is also atrocious. Maybe they were trying to be ironic, and make a statement. But this piece of footwear is impractical and just plain unattractive.

Going out? Don’t forget your Tsumori Chisa banana hat!  Fruit accessories are so hot right now. But seriously, why? What’s going on with these designers? And also, I wonder how the model feels walking around with a felt banana pinned in her hair. I can only imagine what she is thinking.

There is a lot going on here in Yohji Yamamoto’s new line. Let’s start at the top and work our way down. A nice use of paper meche– or wait, is that a giant hair ball that a kitty left near Yohji’s design desk? Whatever that hat is, it looks odd and I just don’t get it. Then there’s the coat. Layered over a black turtle neck with a miscellaneous piece of red fabric going down the middle, the coat is confusing. First, you notice it is staring at you, with its good eye. Then you see the teddy bear, crosses and fire. And the look would not be complete without matching patterned pants tucked into a pair of warn-out looking Ugg-style boots.

Oh, you’re cold? Then put on a sweatshirt (or five). I know Rei Kawakubo is known for putting together mismatched looks with old fabric. But this look is neither practical nor decent looking. Anyone could tie a bunch of sweaters together and call it their masterpiece. This just makes no sense. Maybe there’s some deep symbolism here about corporate America, but I doubt it. That “jacket” really works well with the patterned tights too (at least there’s a little fashion in this look).

This menswear look from Bobby Abley’s London line is just plain scary. All of the models wore these animal hats and mouth guards. It looks kind of perverse and creepy, and the model looks in pain. No matter who you are, or what your style is, I don’t think any person– man or woman– should ever be seen wearing this look.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Maybe Moschino’s fall 2014 winter line. This looks like something Miley Cyrus might wear, but why do this to Spongebob? I don’t know which of the three looks is the worst– or weirdest. But I’m sure Nickelodeon made bank.

Welcome to Moschino, can I take your order? This McDonald’s inspired look is just plain strange– not cute or sexy, as I’m sure it was intended to be. I’ve worn the uniform and arch-adorned hat, and you just can’t make that look into high-fashion. And the people who can afford this look would never work at McDonald’s in real life, so why does this even exist? The entire Moschino line was filled with imitation like this.

Staying on the brand angle, Anya Hindmarch showed off her cereal-bag purse line at Fashion Week. While this is not as offensive as the other “strange looks” I’ve shared, it’s still a little weird. Another bag in the line was adorned with Tony the Tiger. Do people want to be walking billboards? This looks like something from the late Fred Flare. It’s not the worst, but that still does not make it any less odd.