Brian Maynor September 11, 2013
September 11, 2013
September 11, 2013
Many people view fashion shows the same way they view other arts:entertaining, poignant commentary at best and generally not applicableto their everyday lives. If you fall into that school of thought youare half right. Fashion shows are entertaining and some are drivenaround social commentary, but they definitely can have ‘real world’application. Here are two inspiration outfits that demonstrate ways totranslate seemingly outlandish runway looks into ‘real-life’ ones:
1. Broad Impressions. When looking at a runway show, just like aneditorial spread in a magazine, start by ascertaining a generalimpression of the outfit. Since they are often styled in anover-the-top way it may take a moment to process the outfit and seebeyond the theatrics.
The ladies inspiration look is from the Vivienne Westwood Fall 2013Ready-To-Wear collection and after looking past the makeup and stylingmy broad takeaway was the overall muted color palette of the outfit with a pop of contrast color.
For the men’s look, part of Thom Browne’s Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wearcollection my impression was layered textures in a neutral monochromatic palette.
2. Key Elements. Every outfit should have one element that standsout. With the women’s look it is the red boots. The color is saturated and bold and complements the other muted colors in the outfit but isgrounded to it with the red stripe on the cape. When reinterpretingthis into a lifestyle look you will want to keep this pop of colorelement, but you can move it around. Since I was always told only twotypes of people wear red shoes I shifted the pop of color to the bag.
With the men’s outfit because the palette is neutral the varyingtextures of each piece is highlighted, but the obvious standout elementis the skirt. Wool, flannel, cotton and silk are all represented in the real-life outfit but the skirt was switched out for a pair of pants. Standout element or not it just isn’t practical.
3. Personalized. Everyone will look at these runway outfits with adifferent eye and pull out elements that resonate with their on personal style. Those elements are what set outfits apart. When creating myoutfit working in yellow was necessary to keep it palette warm. Sinceit wasn’t represented in the blouse I brought it in with the jewelry.
With the men’s outfit proportions were prominent, but they were a little overwhelming. I opted to keep the layers by including a thin cardigan, but changed the proportions to traditional ones.
You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate fashion shows or enjoythem for the entertainment they provide. While they are intended to beinspirational, the key is to understand how to interpret thatinspiration in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle.
Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit.
Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit. 
I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coachesin the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
