In April I got a call from a friend I met while interning at Gilt Groupe, Missy Turla. She is a hair stylist that does some amazing editorial and commercial work in and out of New York. She asked me if I wanted to assist in styling some images for a look book for the company BuiltNY, of course I obliged. Although I didn't really know what the comany was, I immediately searched for some info via the Net. I found Built to be a super cool company that manufacturers neoprene casing for electronics, food, and baby necessities. I was thrilled to be apart of the project not only because free gifts were offered for my time but also because It was a great way to beef up my CV.
Here are a couple pictures I got to work with on set of the shoot. The models drank wine and got in character as I steamed and prepped everything we would be using throughout the day. It turned out to be a pretty cool advertisement. Check out their web site Builtny.com, they have amazing laptop covers and IPOD cases that are very durable.
When you think about it Neoprene is a great fabric to work with in the industries of electronics and any thing that water could possibly ruin. Built has definitely set up a great niche in the market and I;m sure their developing a lot more uses for the the fabric.This past fashion month took to the fabric to new levels.
On the fashion level its beginning to become more and more acceptable as a form of modern fabrication. It's on the street, on TV, and just hit the spring 2010 RTW collections.
My early run in with neoprene was at Parson's this past year. A really edgy girl (whom name I don't know) would always wear the most interesting outfits with this heavy dark make-up. One day the girl came with a homemade black neoprene something...I don't remember if it was two pieces or a dress, nonetheless I thought it was pretty cool.
I know their are a bunch of other neoprene creations out their but my next encounter with it was with Ramon the black guy from Project Runway that got kicked off earlier then I think he should have. He whipped up that neoprene wonder that saved his ass from elimination in that partner challenge. This one as well happened to be a pretty cool neoprene look for someone who can pull it off. Ramon (Project Runway) Now, for Spring 2010, both Prada and Gucci showcased an ongoing addition to the new ways sportswear are being created. Both houses took the idea of scuba and surf then translated it into ultra cool sportswear that looks very refined and urban.
Mickey Mouse & his entourage have always been icons in the fashion and youth culture. Every generation knows him and and his evolution through-out the years (remember Steamboat Willie?) It’s no surprise that the Mouse would be revived yet again. Uniqlo, who is owned by the Fasting Retailing Co. Ltd., has announced that a licensing agreement with the products division of the Walt Disney Company is in effect, according to WWD. The line is to roll into stores by next months end.
I would hope the advertising of this line will not be a bunch of silly girls frolicking around in t-shirts, sweaters, and scarfs. I’m sure with Jil Sander at the creative helm consulting for the brand, we can expect something a little more interesting than screen printed clothing.
Jean-Charles De Castelbajac (JCDC) has announced his diffusion line also, namely JCDC. The line will include pieces such as T-shirts, skirts and jackets with the designer’s signature kitsch designs, one t-shirt features Donald Duck, while a skirt is made from a fabric in a newspaper print.
What led to this reincarnation of childhood luminary? Leave it to the fashion visionaries that have been playing with our childhood friends for the past few season now. In a 2008 article at Mademoiselle Le K: Blog-trotter Jean Charles said
“Thanks to Mickey Mouse, I’ve met Kayne West, Jay Z, LL Cool J and many other famous Rap stars found of my clothes with Mickey’s prints. They were the first to name me JCDC too”
JCDC Spring 2009 collection line payed homage to the Mouse set by creating sequin dresses with Mickey and Pluto across the front. He created graphic jersey dresses with the mouse but, adding clear plastic capes to keep it fresh.
Jeremy Scott’s Fall 2009 Collection addressed Mickey in a more blatant way; putting him on leather high tops and also using his famous white gloves to fabricate a very hip version of the shawl. Scott took the biker jacket with the asymmetrical zipper to another level, laser cutting it with polka dots.
It’s been recently though that the Muppets have taken the shine in fashion. Back at the house of JCDC; his Fall 2009 Collection represented Jim Henson in a big way. Not to mention Lady Gaga's huge endorsement on a interview in Germany
Marc Jacobs has styled Miss Piggy for a event held in Chicago’s State St. Macy’s. Miss Piggy wore her own customized Marc Jacobs black dress with silver polkadots, only to notice a runway model in the same ensemble. After a momentary stare down, Miss Piggy, who accessorized her LBD with silver, long gloves, declared it no contest. “It looks better on moi,” she dismissed. Typical Miss Piggy right?.
So dig out your character plastered memorabilia with all your childhood dreams and prepubescent worries attached to them, they’ll soon be accepted by the masses again.
I have a true fetish of horror movies and a great love for zombies flicks. Resident Evil is one of my favorite video games ever. Michael Jackson’s Thriller has been a huge influence of my life and also George Romero’s original Night of The Living Dead was my first introduction into zombie flicks. The beginning scene is always replayed in my head. When Barbara and her brother Johnny go out to the cemetery to visit their father. Johnny jokingly chastises Barbara about her childhood fear of the old cemetery. Then suddenly a figure emerges from a far and that’s when it all started “Their coming to get you Barbara, look there comes one of them now”. Here is a clip from the infamous scene
Stylist - Jamar Graham MUA - Sarah Sanderson Photographer - Nicole Hinde Model - Amanda Adams
Facebook employees just moved into their artistic haven of creativity, located at the Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto. Studio O+A, a interior design firm based in San Francisco transformed the former laboratory into something that visually stimulates the mind and keeps energy flowing in the offices. Members of an advisory board from every department helped bring together the process and finishes to the final development
The design of the offices takes inspiration from the users and employee’s of Facebook, contrasting many elements to form a uniform look using color and spacing to create neighborhoods in an open space. The company bigwigs sit in the center where they are available to all employees. Massive lounges and open spaces entice the employees to come together. A kitchen and cafe are also included where gourmet meals are available at all hours. Drinks and snacks are available at mirco-kitchens throughout the headquarters.
The company wanted to produce something that was sustainable and could send a message that living green is now. Under Palo Alto’s 2008 Green Buildings ordinance, use was made of existing architectural features, recycling millwork form the original lab, and repurposing industrial components for post industrial use. Other green features include recycled carpet and energy efficient lighting. The design goal of the new space was to keep the spirt of the old lab alive but creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere. Some walls were left unfinished, employees are encourages to write on walls, add artwork, and move furniture, thus the building evolving with the zeitgeist organically. If only I could right on my jobs wall when i felt like it, then it would be something to stick with.
Check out this link for more info from the source PSFK - Facebook Here are some shots of the newly renovated offices
Designer Rachel Roy will open a pop-up shop in SoHo for her Rachel Rachel Roy line. The shop coincides with New York Fashion Week and the Fashion’s Night Out shopping event that evening. The 1,800-square-foot space will feature the collection of Rachel Rachel Roy including modern sportswear and dresses, footwear, jewelry and handbags. The shop will only remain open for about 10 days. The designer was recently backed by Jones Apparel Group in selling 50% of her stake in the company to the investor. This venture is a preview of what’s to come from the designer, who plans to open pop-up shops in others cities following New York. The designer will also be on hand at the shop she tells WWD
“What’s special about the pop-up store is that, due to the short-lived nature, I am able to fully devote myself and interact with my customers on a daily basis,” she said. “I grew up working in retail, so it’s rewarding for me to now have my own space, personally fit the customers and be able to hear their feedback directly.”
The opening night is to be a grand event including a collaboration with graffiti artist George “SEN One” Morillo, who will be also creating customs pieces for customers to buy. The night will also provide entertainment from singer Estelle, an avid Roy supporter. Also a graffiti printed ice cream truck will be on hand out side passing out ice cream to passerby's. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the New Yorkers for Children foundation.
The Rachel Rachel Roy apparel collection, which retails for between $59 and $299, includes an array of sportswear options such as stonewashed denim skirts; fake leather jackets and fake fur vests; long, chunky cardigans; Modal jersey dresses, jumpsuits and tops; crystal-embellished cotton jersey T-shirts; brushstroke-printed jackets and coats, and bright pink leopard-printed skinny jeans. In addition to apparel, there is a large selection of accessories, including footwear, handbags and jewelry, all retailing for less than $250.
September 10th is to be a magical day in fashion land mark your Calenders....111 Spring Street is the address see you there.
Christopher Kane is known to always be ahead of the fashion industry with his thought provoking collection inspiration and wearability. Over the past months though the designer seems to be obsessed with The Planet of the Apes. His resort collection spoke to the after effects of a nuclear war bomb imagery. The prints of his amazing sheaths and cut out dresses showed atomic clouds, explosions, volcanos erupting, The leather notch waist and biker jackets are beautifully crafted in turning up cool factor and edge of his aesthetic. Their were dresses that resemble the crackling earth after an atomic explosion, as well as cropped jeans that with of the moment rips. Who could forget the unisex tees with the primate print thats been showing up on the chest of the fashion crowd. Maybe this is a foresight into his 2010 spring summer collection in a couple months, could we see remakes of Nova or Mira even Dr. Zaius on the runway. I look forward to see what ups his sleeve.
The zeitgeist is what is now even in the current economic situation, but the youth don’t look at the economy as a forbearance. When we see something we like we either buy or emulate it in some way. The new is so appealing to Generation X, Y, and Z that we often come up with new and exciting ways to represent ourselves in the way we shop, while subconsciously critiquing each by coming up counter-ideas that often push the next level of many different concepts. Often we try new things to find out that it’s not what we expected or it’s not what fits in at the moment. The social networking and blogging arena has taken finding new talent and expressionistic view points to another level. With sites like; Flickr, Lookbook.nu, The Fashion Spot, and Stylecaster and the documentation of our daily lives posted virtually everywhere from the internet to reality TV, making it that much easier to follow the zeitgeist. We also know the influence of people across the Atlantic and Pacific that can change the mode of fashion with one inspiring image. The youth have now made themselves very independent and vocal about how we look at society and the political ambition of our government as well. Now in a time where creativity is thriving and becoming more important in the retail environment, the youth now hold the keys to the future. To experience something thats different and that makes a personal statement is what we thrive for. Making a connection is crucial in having connection with the youth, while transparency, relevancy and being prepared is the way to stay linked in these current times. Who wants to be irrelevant anyway?
WGSN recently announced that it will be joining forces with European Fashion Summit in conjunction with one of U.K. major fashion books Drapers to be taking place November 17th - 18th of this year. The two together has hopes on expanding the summit to be more of a force in the industry by involving more interactive concepts and debates with the people who influence the fashion world.
Together they have secured fashion leaders Alexandra Shuman, Editor of British Vogue, Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, Mary Homer, Managing Director of Topshop, and Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director of the Daily Telegraph as members of the advisory board. WGSN’s Content Director Juliet Warkentin is also a key member of the board.
Having some of the biggest names in fashion is crucial with holding a event of this nature which is why over 40 speakers are already confimed for the summit including; renowned designer and CFDA president Diane Von Furstenburg, and Barbara Hulanicki the founder of the 60’s and 70’s iconic retailer Biba.
The summit is to focus on issues most crucial to retailers, brands, and designers including the latest news and trends of the impact of online sales, buying and merchandising, and consumer insights. The format of the program will include workshops, panels, clinics and presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, keynote interviews, and catwalk trends. Making this one of the biggest trend forecasting workshops to date.
For more information about the European Fashion Summit visit the home page here.
We all know the power of a comfortable pair of lived in, haven’t washed in 6 months, ripped bottom jeans, but over the past few seasons denim has once been taken to new boundaries. Denim has become the fabric of choice for ripping, painting, manipulating, and reviving. Recently, the Denim by Premiere Vision trade-show took place in Paris where over 60 exhibitors came together to show new techniques in weaving, laundering, and manufacturing of denim for the Fall/Winter 2011 season. The prevalence of super-tight jeans or denim leggings called Power Stretch will still be taking the pants off women of all ages. Ageless and vintage denim is still at the forefront as well as a strong focus on texture and construction. With that, we also have what has been going on in the high street. Designers and brands are using denim to bring in some bottom-line profits by giving it unique treatments, reviving passé styles, and promoting DIY sense of attitude.
One high street brand that has made one of the smartest moves of the year so far is the Stockholm based Cheap Monday. Creative Director Örjan Andersson has appointed long-time friend and one of my favorite designers Ann Sofie Back to work on building the image of the brand into something thats desirable to all the cool kids that love to look like they have been thrown into a giant fan. Back’s namesake and Cheap Monday share common ground with a no bullshit approach to fashion. The Spring/Summer 2010 Collection is a culmination of exactly that, but also a direct reverence to what was shown at the Paris trade-show in a Cheap Monday sprit of course. Here are few looks from their Spring/Summer 2010 Look Book & Runway Show
It’s definitely the premium denim brands that are creating new and innovative ways to styling denim. The Stolen Girlfriends Club is one to watch also. Their take on using denim as a thigh-high is a great way to make yourself stand out in a crowd, and also a nod to all of the thigh-high boots and hosiery we saw at the Fall/Winter RTW 2009 shows.
CHEAP MONDAY SPRING/SUMMER 2010 LOOKBOOK & RUNWAY
STOLEN GIRLFRIEND CLUB FALL/WINTER 2009
The luxury market also is pushing the limit of destroyed denim with designers like Christopher Decarnin vision of Balmain and it’s bleached and ripped looks from the Spring/Summer 2009 runway, Alexander McQueen, and even Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2010 menswear collection. Painted, tailor, laundered, shrunken, ripped, and layered effects on denim that makes a statement and gives an artistic yet poetic and moving point of view for denim.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SPRING/SUMMER 2010 MENSWEAR
DOLCE & GABANNA SPRING/WUMMER 2010 MENSWEAR
Let’s also not forget the array of stars that have adopted the new wavish look of destroyed and treated denim from Kristen Stewert to Rihanna to Pete Wenz. Celebrities are wearing the look down to the ground. With denim at the peak of it’s deconstructed, over-washed, stoned to death image of the moment, what can we foresee for the collections of the Spring/Summer 2011? A return to dark, raw, indigo dyed denim but with a twist perhaps, hopefully. Everything always evolves from it’s tormented past. With all the innovative denim around now, it’s only a matter a time before raw denim is at the top again especially with Jil Sander at the helm of Uniqlo.....
I’m completely obsessed with the Golden Girls. So fearless in their own personal style, wit, along with womanly allure shined through; complimenting their individual personality's. Though It wasn’t until the late 80’s and early 90’s where the girls started to get a little more fashion forward in there choices. Rose always had a sense of classicism, a 40’s Dior new look that she owned. Always wearing matching peplum jacket suit sets, silk belted collared dresses, and the most simple gold chains and drop stone earrings that complemented her naive yet womanly demeanor. Blanche, the sex kitten, took sex appeal to another level. Always taking risk in her fashion choices, not always pulling them off...nonetheless, Blanche always got her man in sequin dresses, over the top body con dresses, or more simply, tunics with leggings or stir-ups. Sophia was all about old world charm. A look that consisted of sweaters buttoned at the neck and plaid house dusters that had the most beautiful color combination's. Finally there’s Dorothy, the intelligent and sophisticated matron. You would think of her as the feminist, with such a masculine meets feminine sense of fashion. Her broad shoulders complete with extra padding, cowl neck jackets, sweaters, and slouchy tops as well as peg leg pants sets that were all in Vogue, and frankly and still are. Seeing Dorothy in a pair of gold drop Chanel logo earrings made me adopted her as my favorite Golden Girl. This show was what I believe a definite gateway of fashion at the time. Ladies, thank you for being a friend.
I was firsted introduced to this collection a couple years back when I was surfing the web. Of course she is alumni of Central Saint Martin via MA program 1998. Her style is exactly what fashion is about, using medocrity as a influence to innovate and achieve new style and design. The newly appoint head designer to Cheap Monday uses perfect beauty as a starting point only to manipulate it into something from another world. Her rise to fame in the industry is impressive with styling Purple and Self Service magazine to styling the SS 2001 campaign for Miu Miu. The designer has also showed in Paris for 4 seasons, to only retreat back to her homestead to show at London Fashion Week. Her Fall 09 collection is a journey into something of an homage to US horror films like Carrie, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween and Michael Jackson's Thiller. Dresses adorned with dreamcatchers, slashed and distress denim make the collection a standout.... edgy, innovative, and subversive....Anna Sofie Back
One thing I learned at Parson's... you must play around with the fabric you have. This s a great way to achieve something you never knew was possible in creating a garment or look. I think playing with the fabric will give you a great sense of what the material can bring to the table as far as innovation and separating yourself from what another person would probably do with the same fabric. I found some great images of exactly what I'm talking about. Something I'm working with personally is burning synthetic materials to give it this kind of scorched look. I think that it's a great way to put a edge on a rather boring piece of material.
I think hats are like the topping to any outfit, so It's only right that I blog a milliner that knows what the power of a hat can do. Based in London, Justin Smith and his brand J Smith Esquire takes the luxury of hats to another level with his fantastical taste. His career started as a hair dresser, he was the creative director at Toni & Guy in London specializing in avant garde hair shows before he decided to take a course in millinery. Justin only uses natural fabrics like leather, cotton, and feathers. His design philosophy is rather organic. He let’s his fabrication work for him, he doesn’t force materials into positions that don’t naturally work for that specific piece. An organic process is letting it do it’s thing. He uses his English heritage and love for antique furniture to inspire him. All of his hats have couture trimming in which can not be replicated. He believes having a good sense of quality it something that never ages. Tap the title for his home page.
Recently I ran upon some art work that I thought was insanely perverse and yet shocking bright. It was art work by New York based designer Ryan Schneider. His work is based on the everyday yet he portrays smoking. drinking, showering, and just hanging out. The perspective of his work is a view into his alternate reality that is influenced by the likes of Diane Arbus to Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Matisse. Ryan worked has been featured all over the place including Anthem Magazine and also at the Chelsea Galleries. Tap the title and find out more about his work, down below is a few examples of his Ideal world.
Normally I wouldn't post any thing from my internships site on this blog but I seen this and almost shit my pants hahah. On my third day at WGSN one of my bosses that were their Villi (Who has an amazing style sense) loved a couple pieces of my favorite accessories. One being a chain I made from a bicycle chain bracelet I got from Hot Topic, links, and rings I have collected over the years from my mom and other random places. She also got my favorite most comfortable boots ever, from Steve Madden. It was a bit of a shock to see my pictures in one of their street style reports. I had to blog it though hahaha. Thank Villi!!!!
As of Wednesday May 27th @ 11:41 P.M. I have decided I going to apply to Central Saint Martins to major in the Fashion History and Theory major that they offer. Since I'm not at all interested in learning design and I will have had all the marketing I can take, I think this will be the best for me. I've always loved the history of fashion, but this particular program drives into much more. Fashion History and Theory is a pathway of BA Fashion at central saint Martins that considers fashion as an academic subject of scrutiny, as much about writing and representation as it is about making. From renaissance dress to contemporary fashion forecasting, the course covers a broad trajectory and is often found in the many London museums and exhibition spaces that address the concerns of the course. It intends to create a new breed of fashion thinkers. To me it's ideal, I believe myself to be apart of the new breed of fashion thinkers. To attend Central Saint Martins would be such a amazing opportunity, I think its the way to go!!!
One great, I think, is an amazing fashion connoisseur is Alexander Fury. He graduated from Central Saint Martin in the Fashion History and Theory course and is now the fashion director of show studio. He speaks with such skill and articulation and knowledge about fashion on a level I want to speak on as well. I first blogged his worked earlier in the week dicussing Mario Schwab, below is more of his commentary He is my new found source of inspiration when it comes to my career. Take a listen to what he has to say about different pieces from various collections
If you don't know about show studio your way behind...In depth profiles of designers, fashion shoots with models, political outlooks, and intense commentary on contemporary fashion this will inspire you to become the next Giles Deacon. I love this website because it brings fashion from a intelligent point of view rather than just talking about shapes and styles. Show-Studio goes deep an relates fashion to what is going on around us. Knowing fashion from a different point of view other than the normal is crucial in becoming a leading designer with a prominent stance in a industry knockoffs are rapid. Take a look down below are some snippets of what the site has to offer.
I'm obessed with Canadian designers right about now point. I think they have an amazing point of veiw for fashion and I can't believe they don't get as much press as they should. I was looking through the Toronto Fashion Week website and came upon designer Evan Biddell, an 24 yr old talent with a hype edge. He is a bit LA Fashion week, but nonetheless he has a great style that is rock, punk and urban cool. His swimsuits are amazing with the cut out detailing and platinum hardware. He had a stint on Project Runway Canada and is now trying to break free from the reality image. He may not be pushing fashion forward but his designs are cool and of the moment. check out his Spring 2009 Collection below
Michelle Obama has made great strides in her style...at first she was very inconsistent with the way she dressed. Now it seems like she hits the nail on the head every time. NYMAG reported that her press people got a Martin Margelia Tux recently..were still waiting on that picture, but I'm sure she will look amazing in it or maybe not haha...ahh the beauty of fashion. I'm glad she takes risk rather than wearing the same shapes and styles over and over. Every time she comes out,its a different look and that's how a First Lady should dress in my opinion.
In London designer are normally very conceptual and always outside the box, which gets them all the top jobs in Milan & Paris. In New York You basically have your line and that's it, your not being scouted out for other labels, or you creating lines for the masses. The recent Installment of Mario Schwab at Halston is a key indication that conceptual design is the key to getting buzz and getting jobs overseas and beyond. Taking inspiration and really honing in on it to create something new and innovative is what is needed in New York. Although I was only in the AAS program at Parson's, I can tell that conceptual design isn't really pushed as much as it is for someone who attends Central Saint Martins, or The Royal Academy of London. It really should have been a New York designer taking over at Halston, I'm not sure if anyone was interested in doing so, but it seem like Narsico Rodriguez would have been an excellent choice for the Halston name. Nonetheless, Mario Schwab is an excellent designer and an amazing artist. It will be interesting to see his take on Halston because he normally designs from a structural point of view and Halston aesthetic is really free flowing and easy. Down below is Alexander Fury talking about Mario's Fall 2009 jeweled dressed...Might I say he is an amazing voice for the future of fashion. He is very articulate and always on point with his analysis. Take a look.
I know the Fall 09 shows have already happened and pre-fall is like aleady out of fashion but designer Rachel Roy did an outstanding job putting together her pre-fall 2009 collection. The color, texture, shape, and mood is so what the summer coming to a end should be about. I love the asymmetrical stripes seam dress as well as the Lauren Hutton style suit that looks appropriate for now. The collection looks uber-comfortable and can be justaposed bewtween days, nights, work, and where ever else that you may want to wear these amazing pieces. I'm sure they probaly cost a pretty pennie but, even taking the idea she has set forward and incoporating it into your look is a good way to evoke the mood. Even more important is that she used an Asian model to bring her collection to life, In which she does an amazing job she looks like she really loved modeling the collection and probaly got half of it in her closet now.
This year I had to take a color theory class which covered the basics of color and a lot of art history. It was pretty boring at first but I guess along the way i started to pick up inspiration from other classmates and the projects we had to complete. The picture below is my final for the class. We had to create some sort of project that fully executed the objectives of the class. So i want to create a piece of art work that was organic as far as the way it was created, but I also wanted to show that I'm very inspired by things that are abnormal and take a little more thought when looked at. This project consisted of me melting candle wax but also mixing it with the pigment paints we were required to buh, holding the board I used at different angles to create this sort of natural running effect. After I finished with the overall look, I went over the painting with a grill lighter, at this point the paint and the wax is running all together and sizzling. This gave it a more authentic look. At first my professor didn't know about how the project would turn out..He ended up loving it and I got a A- in the class as a overall grade. I love the colors and the composition of how the wax creates this gloomy effect that speaks to this modern goth style I'm into. Click on it to get a closer look.
This morning I was following some of the video's from the Cannes's film festival and ran upon this Canadian film short called Sebastian's Voodo by Paraguayan animator Joaquín Baldwin. It's a very good edit about sacrifice and trailblazing for what you feel is necessary for the better of the people around you. More importantly it's about having heart. I also thought the dramatization of the dolls make were very similar to Viktor and Rolf's Fall 2008 Make-up & staple detail direction & their Fall 2009 make-up detailing. This just shows how relatable fashion is to the many genres of media around today. This video is a great find and I hope to see more of his work in the future.
