If you happen to notice Rihanna walking around with another feather in her cap, it’s because she added one for “fashion designer”, thanks to her much-anticipated collection for River Island, which debuted last week at London Fashion Week. Nineties influences prevailed, with throwback pieces like an overalls-inspired top, skirts with attached shirts tied around the waist, crop tops, and a crazy pair of “double-top jeans” that you have to see to believe. Take a peek at some of RiRi’s creations in her new campaign below!

(Images courtesy of Vogue)

I am through-and-through a creature of fall and winter. They are absolutely my favorite seasons – give me a jacket over a swimsuit any day.  So when it came to picking my 5 favorite collections from NYFW, well, I struggled. But I made it through to the other side! In no particular order, here are my favorite shows from NYFW fall 2013.

1. Phillip Lim 3.1: This was a natural pick for me, seeing as I would wear every single piece in this show. The neo-bohemian Harley Davidson inspired girl pulled at my heart strings. Lim named the collection “Sono Mama” which is a Japanese phrase for “as you are” which describes this show perfectly. All the outfits had the feeling of being haphazardly thrown on to create the perfect devil-may-care biker attitude.

2. Marc Jacobs: What can you even say about this show? There was so much to love. The glowing sun-like orb. The topless model. The glam. The hotpants. It brought me back to my 16 year-old self obsessed with glam rock and David Bowie (who am I kidding, I still am). Not only was the presentation out-of-this-world, but so were the clothes. Bravo, Marc, Bravo.

3. Prabal Gurung: I have to admit, sometimes the whole military theme in fashion really bores me. It has been a recurring theme in fashion for a long time, and recently, I had had my fill of it. Prabal Gurung has thoroughly changed my mind. I love the tailored feminine silhouettes combined with the masculine military colors and harnesses! Though Gurung’s collection moved me visually, it was the back story that sealed the deal for me. He created his army of “confident, self assured women” based off the Ukraine’s Asgarda, a group of women trained in martial arts to fight the culture of human trafficking in their country and empower their women peers. I’m not sure if the Asgarda is a real thing, but it’s totally badass, just like Gurung’s collection.

4. Proenza Schouler: This collection oozes of maturity, refinement, and sophistication, and I love it. This collection is such a 180 from last season, where their show was filled with vibrant, kaleidoscopic prints. They grew up a little bit with this collection, and it worked out beautifully for them. Their pieces were simple and vintage inspired, and reminded me of 50s couture, but with textures and shapes that made them more unconventional.

5. Kate Spade: It was a surprise for me, putting Kate in my top five, but it happened. I have always liked Kate Spade, but something about this seasons cheeky patterns and 80s bubblegum prints really got me. And really, who doesn’t love big hair? I’m normally and all black kind of girl but you may see me in fall prancing around in a doughnut sweater. Maybe.

Okay, so maybe it’s not quite a “trend“, seeing how this awesome color combo in charmingly classic stripes is a tale as old as time, but I will say that black and white stripes are EVERYWHERE at the moment, and I’m lovin’ it. Just take it from Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, and your bestie: LuLu*s!

(Images courtesy of Style.com)

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, played host to ARISE Magazine’s Fashion Week to highlight the work of many African or Africa-influenced designers. It was the event’s second year and a range of 77 designers offered outfits blending traditional fabrics with international flavor that really gave New York and Paris a run for its money! 

Madam Wokie created such beautiful, but very wearable looks with batik print minis with ruffled hemlines and pops of neon. Love the color!