The Summer After Parson's.....

Life After The Project

2010-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

The Fairytale Fashion Collection was presented on February 24, 2010, at Eyebeam Atelier in Chelsea. Models hit the runway while a quartet of circuit bending DJ's created music from a hacked sewing machine and conductive felt. Seated front row were celebrity scientists, designers, and school children. Diana Eng from Project Runway Season 2 showed a collection of fashion fantasy with her techno-fused ideals. Even on her season of Runway she always had a great sense of innovation and originality. Eng’s line features imaginative integrations of technology and fashion, incorporating devices ranging from inflatable dresses to accelerometer-triggered lighting.

One stand out piece was namely called the Twinkle dress with a LED embroidery, draped, and cinched with a skinny belt layed with a high collar jacket with the same LED embroidery along the shoulders. Perfection.

It's good to see designers from the reality show realize what they really want out of their careers. Check out her collection in the video below.

fairytale fashion 2010 from adafruit industries on Vimeo.

Source - PSFK Via Fashion Fairytale

24 Hour's

2010-02-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

Architect Alan Tansey of Brooklyn, NY traced his mouse movement for one day and came up with this interesting image, made with the IOGraph program. After researching his flickr A Tanz's I took notice to the very detailed aesthetic of his work, which could ultimately be turned into a few very interest prints for garments. Check him out below.

Source: PSFK Via Make Magazine

Parson's Workwear Exhibit

2010-02-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

At the closing of NYFW I was able to swing by ole Parson's to take a look at their work wear exhibit. It was launched in honor of the to design programs that have been established at the university; The MFA Fashion Studies Program and The MFA in Fashion Design and Society, both largely enthused by Donna Karen the queen of work wear.

The exhibition featured both iconic and cutting-edge work that engages the themes of “Workwear.” This includes a 1986 film installation of Donna Karan's iconic “Seven Easy Pieces,” a modern system of dressing for women where a handful of interchangeable items together create an entire wardrobe; and Boilersuit by Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons in collaboration with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller, a modern utility outfit that accumulates patches as mementos of the wearer's life.

This exhibition really touched how workwear has entrenched us in America, yet it showcases a great color story and a ideal of ease in dressing for work and in everyday life.

Check out the interview below with Donna Karen and FIT Museum curator Valerie Steele as they discuss work wear, Donna's career and the future of fashion.

De français Mode le Cinéma En Amérique - Miroir

2010-02-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Fashion shorts are all the rag in fashion now, honestly they do give a good glimpse into the soul of a collection, showing how the garments move and how the designers are envisioning their mood for the season. This time around Rachel Roy takes us on a journey around her Spring 2010 Rachel By Rachel Roy Collection for Macy's. Jennifer Venditti is the girl that the film follows as she aimlessly wonders in a cute collection of berets, fun glasses, slouchy sweatshirts, prim skirts and blouses, and a cute relaxed all in one. This one should be another money maker for the burgeoning designer.

Source - Vogue Style File

Spoke-less

2010-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Ran upon an article of a spoke-less bike, Students at Yale designed a bike for a class project that is getting them some press and will for sure set the trend for mechanical bike design for the future. Check out the pics below, and the source link to find out the makings of the bike.

Source: PSFK

Dirty Denim: It's Blue Gold

2010-02-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

I usually spend my Sunday morning scouring and searching for interesting ideas to post about, and I came across a new mini-documentarty about the cut-throat L.A. denim industry. Since this is my favorite market I teared up a little bit when I found it. On a side note Sundance Channels Full Frontal Fashion community is an amazing source for inside tips and tricks and reviews on fashion, including must see web docu's that definitely need to be checked.

So...Chip and Pepper of Chip and Pepper host this mini drama about life in the L.A denim Industry. Everything from the birth to the crash, check it out below and become engrossed in the premium denim wave.

Video's Courtesy Of Full Frontal Fashion @ Sundance

A Lee Life: 120 & Pushing

2010-02-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Photos Courtesy of WGSN

We all know the meaning of authentic, in terms of denim we think of iconic brands; Levi, Wrangler, and Rustler. This year Lee Jeans celebrates 120 years in the game. Lee came to fruition in 1889 by H.D. Lee in Salina, Kansas.

Lee engineered denim like no other; being the first to originate the bib overall including the denim mechanics overall, jeans with zip fly and the slim fitting jean. Lee also introduced the Rider Jacket, a tailored version of it’s wide predecessor with room giving armholes, and a great layering piece under outerwear.

Celebrity icons have embraced the worldliness that is Lee denim as well. Stars like Marilynn Monroe, James Dean, Bruce Springsteen, and Daryl Hannah all wore the brand on and off screen and the stage.

The collection of images below are from the commemorative collection, remakes of the original fits that made the brand what it is today. As a huge denim enthusiast I must say that Lee denim fits like no other. Each iconic denim brand has it’s pro’s but Lee fits the ass like no other.

Photos Courtesy of WGSN

I'm Here: A Robot Love Story

2010-01-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Sundance film festival brings out interesting and exciting new collaborations and techniques in the film industry. The Spike Jonze and Absolute Vodka collaboration is a great way to showcase what I mean. Check out the Video below.

More Info
Source - Trendland Online Magazine Via Fast Company

Calling All Saint of Spitalfields....

2010-01-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite denim innovators All Saint is opening a shop down in Soho this Spring, and without delay will be as big as Topshop, but extremely cooler.

The British retailer is going to be popping up with stores all over the US, but will open it's 13,600 sq. ft. store with a strong expansion effort in taking over the US market. With already having stores in L.A., Miami, and a concession in Bloomingdales here in Manhattan. It has proved it needs more presence in the States, and will be setting up shop in San Francisco and Chicago soon as well, exciting no!

The visual merchandising of the store will feature it's signature design aesthetic incorporating singer sewing machines, the ram skull logo, looms, and printing presses. The product offered in the store will be a full range of accessories and apparel collection for men, women, and kids that will accompany it's recently launched e-commerce site.

Come spring you better check it out, it's sure to be a hotspot for the cool and unkept.

Opening in April - 512 Broadway Between Broome and Spring St. respectively.

Source - WGSN (Worth Global Style Network)

Experimenting is Fun!

2010-01-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Didn't turn out quite like I expected, I'm going to prefect this... is all about experimentation.

Swoon.....

2010-01-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'm truly inspired by this video, which let's you into the lab's at Maison Martin Margiela Atelier, where the team that have taken over the design since the designer exit this past year.

Maison Martin Margiela : Atelier Artisanal from Materialiste Paris on Vimeo.

BookBook

2010-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

I want this so bad!!! I had to rant about it just a little bit. Twelvesouth, a company that specifically designs carrying options for Apple products have developed a hardback case for 13 & 15 In. MacBooks and MacBook Pro. It's clever design is something to apsire to.

Check it out.

Source - Trendland Online Magazine

What I'm Looking For - Menswear Autumn/Winter 2010/2011

2010-01-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

The men's shows in Milan and Paris spoke to me, they said you need a long wool or neoprene coat, lots of thermal underwear, and a couple skits. I don't know about the skirts, but I love the idea of an elongated silhouette, and comfy warm underwear. Their was a lot of blood shed on the runways as well, men's fashion is going into fits of rage in homage to violent sports. From boxing at Gauliter to Hockey at Dsquared, beaten and battered is the new look.

Below are some picks from my favorite men's wear collection (Note the similarities in each collection of edits)
Click on picture for larger view.

Givenchy
* Very sexy black and white contrast are always inportant
* The tighter the dress pant the sexier? Possibly.
* Layered shorts over Neoprene tights, all over it.

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Juun J
* The ever prevalent tailored straight leg pant and knit thermal pant is here, and for me.
* Wool, nylon, and leather combinations are the fabrications to stock up on, they are timeless.
* Elongated tailored hood options, very nice indeed

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Jean Paul Gaultier
* Thermal underwear worked in new ways, like for evening? Interesting.
* Olive Green Leather and Wool Hulk jacket is a killer.
* Accessorize with your favorite sporting brands, Knee braces from Nike, All about that.

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Dsquared
* Sexy denim is key
* Layering shorts over tailored pants is going to transcend the masses.
* The knee length coat is very important.

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Dries Van Noten
* Not a big fan of double breasted coats or jackets, but the Heathered Camel DB coat is cut so well.
* Love the slouchy thermal look.
* The striped Royal and Navy Stripe DB Jacket W/ Fringe Scarf look is very Balenciaga Circa Fall 2007 right?

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Burberry Prorsum
* Tailoring is amazingly sexy.
* Denim is what I feel most comfortable in.
* I'm all over the Two front pocket sage green knee length coat.

Photo Credits - GQ.com & WGSN

Fluid, Fragile, Ephemeral

2010-01-06T22:34:00.000-08:00

We all know Raf Simmons is the grand master of all men's fashion intellectual and thought provoking, but his former apprentice Damir Doma is taking ole Paris by storm with his neo contemporary take on menswear. He is certainly on the rise to bringing masculinity to a new level. As we know menswear is no easy fete, Damir, with ease, shows us how he thinks men should dress. Fluidity and slight structure is the center of his Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Keeping the palette quite light and pure with neutrals ranging from cream, taupe, light gray, and gravel, but also making a valiant statement admixing blood red and textured black makes his collection standout. Obviously not afraid to roll up his sleeves, he shows us that extended sleeve length is the key proportion to his minimal look of outerwear. The texture of the garments are an impressive match to the laxness, incorporating some fraying and light bondage like straps that followed the models down the runway, adding in a standout print that looks of a new version of digital plaid. Surely he is one to watch this upcoming fashion season, in which he will be presenting his first foray in womenswear with great splendor I'm sure.

Check out his web space Damir Doma

4 Can Play That Game

2010-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

One of my favorites actresses, Christina Ricci stars in Donna Karens new short film entitled Four Play. The piece is centered around the four different personality's that can pull off the houses Eldridge bag. Christina represents A woman in four parts; The Dreamer, The Expressionist, The Paramour, and The Voyeur. The film is directed by Jake Sumner; the son of Sting. The actress really shines in this short film.

Auto Fashion...

2010-01-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Mercedes stays true to it's involvement in the fashion industry, commissioning Nick Knight to photograph the camphaign for the new Mercedes-Benz SLA AMG. The innovative design of the car only be-suits the model, Julia Stegner to wear customized Gareth Pugh for the shoot. Truly fashion is a genre that can penetrate all fields of design, technology, and innovation this campaign proves it.

Texturized...

2010-01-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

I have a very intense love for anything that has a textured look or feel about it. Before I decided to attend Parson's I was going to enroll at FIT majoring in the fabric styling program, but Parson's responded to my application first. I've alway wanted to get involved with less so the design aspect and more so the innovation of fabrics and materials.

Trend-Land online magazine is a great source for inspiration for any designer or artist, check out the site. Darting around their site with my mouth dropped in wondering why I've never been to the site before, I ran upon the works of Japanese artist and master weaver Machiko Agano. Trained as a textile weaver, took her education and now uses it to create large scale installations incorporating a range of materials using basic weaving techniques. With a love for natural materials and neutral colors, she allows the surrounding of the installation speak through the material.

Getting My Foot In

2010-01-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Two months ago I started assisting a couple of highly reputable stylist, working with them have taught me a lot about being very meticulous and understanding how important communication and a consistent work ethic is needed when you going into styling. It's definitely been a whirlwind though, from meeting Joan Jett, to picking up looks for Ashton and Demi and Justin Timberlake, and prepping for Saks Men's Spring Catalog. I'm excited to see what the New Year and especially fashion week will bring.

Michael Nash is the lead stylist with a great history in the industry. He was the former fashion director of Vibe magazine before it's untimely fold, but now he contributes with GQ, Vanity Fair, styles Justin Timberlake, Ashton Kutcher, and Joan Jett, consults with D&G, Saks, Macy’s, and countless other brands, celebs, and magazines. Joseph Turla is his right hand man, making sure that everything runs smoothly. His portfolio is strong as well. After a few years working with Michael he has established himself as a go to stylist for many editorial test, works consistently with People Magazine and working on all the big buck projects with Michael. Check out out blog, Style Me

Here is a spot on Tee shirts, with Michael talking about the classicism of the tee, and it also features one of my favorite editor and stylist Elle Style Director Kate Lanphear.

My first big shoot was for People Mag with Joseph helping style for The Sexiest Man Alive Issue, where we put together Matthew Bomer, a new face that got his big break in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and is now staring on the USA show White Collar. We took to a very discreet location in Cold Spring, NY (Upstate) on a cool farm with some interesting, adorable animals.

Now that I'm seeing the cover and our tear together, I see they liked the way we kept Matthew's look sexy, and understated in a Tim Hamilton Chambray button down. They styled Johnny Depp in what seems to me like replica of the image chosen for Matthew. Nonetheless, the experience was amazing.

Her are a few shots from the location...we had such a great time on a successful shoot.

I love this shot of the lake. The texture is amazing

Built Neoprene Tough

2009-10-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Gucci

Prada

Train Wreck

2009-09-03T15:22:00.001-07:00

Me and my good friend (and boss) Nicole are starting to catch a photography/styling flu. With her new cannon camera and my love for dressing women in my own clothes, we have seemed to sparked something really natural and cool. Nicole’s perfectionistic attitude and love for the capturing a really personal image meshes with my individualist aesthetic. The model for this story is (Sara Paulsen)) a friend of Nicole’s who just finished a internship for BCBG Max Azria PR in L.A. She has intentions on moving to New York City soon to peruse styling and assisting. The line of connection’s being made are becoming wide and endless.

With this story I wanted to shoot at a railroad crossing. The scenery around the RR crossing is amazing, all the debris and industrial rubble was a great milieu for my idea of an adventurous curious girl, passing time, waiting on the train. She wait’s so that she can scream at the top of her lungs to let go of the day’s stress. She screams, laughs, ponders, and dreams. All while looking pretty damn cool. Click on the images for a bigger shot.

Stylist - Jamar Graham
Photographer - Nicole Hinde
Model - Sara Paulsen

*Customized Distressed Gap Denim Shirt (Worn as Shirt/Skirt
*Customized Distressed R&S Bleached and Painted Arizona Jeans
*Vintage New York Couture Dress (Cut into Bolero)
*Vintage Leather Rage Bomber
*Authentic Digital Graphic Army Jacket ( Worn as Jacket & Skirt)
*Customized Distressed Gap Boot Cut Jeans (Worn as Shorts)
* S/S 2009 Max Azria Collection Gun Metal Open toed Platform Heels
*Alice & Oliva for Payless Strappy Black Ankle booties

Style Menagerie

2009-08-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Grave Yard Romp

2009-08-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

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

A Very Sociable New Home

2009-07-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

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

Popping Up In A Big Way

2009-07-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

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.

The Return of The Planet Of The Apes

2009-07-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Pictures From Jak & Jil & Style.com

Here & Now

2009-07-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

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?

European Fashion Summit

2009-07-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Coming Times: Serge De Nimes

2009-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

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.....

Thank You For Being My Friend's...

2009-07-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Designer Profile: Ann Sofie Back AW 09

2009-05-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

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

Manipulating Fashion

2009-05-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

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.

“Hat’s R Him”

2009-05-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Normality @ It’s Best

2009-05-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Steam Punk Styling - WGSN Street Style - Featuring Me!!!

2009-05-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

Central Saint Martins - Fall 2010

2009-05-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

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

OMG - Get Into SHOWstudio

2009-05-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Designer Profile: Evan Biddell

2009-05-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

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

The Great Michelle Obama

2009-05-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

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.

New York Aesthetic Flaw: Mario Schwab @ Halston

2009-05-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Rachel Roy - Pre Fall 2009

2009-05-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

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.

My First Art Piece

2009-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Sebastian's Voodo

2009-05-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Deformity As Identity

2009-05-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sometime this Spring I went to a exhibit in Brooklyn featuring deformity...I know I'm a lil weird sometimes ha ha. It was an event thrown by Every-Nothing.com. This video was on the website, it is truly something to see. This very normal frenchman changes by the second, it's like something out of the SAW movie I believe. Nonetheless, a very weird but innovative way to change an image in a matter of seconds. BRACE YOURSELF It can get a little weird.

Arlenis Sosa - One Of My New Favorite

2009-05-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

One of My favorite new faces - Arlenis Sosa. Amazing smile, walk, attitude, and gesturism. What a model is all about.

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2009 Presentation

2009-05-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Why wasn't this video a big deal!!!!! Shalom Harlow did an absolutely amazing job modeling Viktor & Rolf's entire Spring 2009 collection thanks to some simple yet creative video editing of course. This is a groundbreaking way to present a collection, most designers are coming up with innovative ideas towards presenting video collections like YSL's menswear presentation and Gareth Pugh's Fall 2009 very creative presentation or even Halston's Fall 2009 New York style rendition. For me V&R takes the cake.. not to say the others aren't great in their own way but, a simple runway, one model, and a great choice of music CHEERS Viktor and Rolf!!!

Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2009

Halston Fall/Winter 2009

Gareth Pugh Fall/Winter 2009

Yves Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2009

Street Style - Lower East Side

2009-05-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Again, while in the heat....I spotted this young woman and had to get a shot of her. I love the way she took her sexy horizontal pleated mini dress and toned it down with a floral jacket with ruffle, but kept it fun and comfortable with her beautiful chandelier earrings and woven sandals. Fashion Yes or No?...again I say yes but I don't think I would post a no anyway hahaha...

New Modernism

2009-05-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Theirs this amazing artist/former graffiti artist that is doing some amazing things out of L.A. He is fusing his experience in graffiti work with more modern ways of developing modern art. In the video below his states his loves for estate sales and issues with thrifting as well as the way he comes up with the idea he puts in his sketchbook. Closer to the end of the video his gives us a glance at his sketchbook. His work truly speaks to what art is about now, the shape, collage work and even the medium used. Although he is relatively unknown now, I can see his work being revisited for years to come. He has truly inspired me to start creating on a more artistic level.

Some of his work

Parson BFA Fine Arts Thesis Exhibit

2009-05-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's only natural to post my schools most invigorating, innovating, and interesting work. As I was returning my last library book of the year, in the lobby of the 2 W. 13th Building I noticed that there has been a lot going on. Eureka!!! Inspiration, the BFA fine arts department is showing in the lobby which I thought is an amazing idea. Here are a few images from the exhibit....If your ever around the area stop by and check it out.

Shelia Johnson Build @ 2. W 13th and 5th Ave

Street Style Soho

2009-05-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Man...so I was all out in the heat. I found a few amazing dressed/styled individuals. This guy wowed the hell out of me...If only I could pull something off like that. The seersucker harem pants for one are amazing I love the detail and the shape. The corsage not so much my style but it works for him as for the sandals. The YSL tee gives it a high fashion edge, with such a out there look its definitely brings the outfit together I think. I would rock chambray jean button down, the rolled sleeve gives it a effortless feel but I also love the ruggedness of it. What do you think? Fashion Yes or No? I Say Yes!

Day 1 & 2 - The Introduction

2009-05-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

So....during this week I established myself as a trendsetter...I got my own desk, a free WGSN full membership, company email and a edge on any and everything in fashion via our London home base (My Dream City). During the first day I did alot of research on new trend worthy graphic designers and artists. I found two I will tell about later. Day 2 was my first day on the streets of NY with WGSN business cards in my pocket. Me and my super Ann walked the streets and visited a pop up shop via Billy Reid in Soho which might I say is amazing take a look below.

NYC: Billy Reid One Trip Pass Pop-up Shop. through Sunday, May 24 54 Bond Street, (between Bowery and Lafayette Street)

The WGSN Internship

2009-05-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this week I started the most coveted internships in the history of internships (In My Eyes) @ the trend forecasting company WGSN (Worth Global Style Network) The basis of the internship is research for trends for over 36,000 retailers, fashion houses, and other fashion and design related companies. I'm said to be going to concerts, art exhibits, press reviews, fashion shows, vintage archive shops, and many other events throughout New York. So with that being said I want to base this blog on the internship and any other content I believe would be worth writing about....who knew I would venture into journalism...atleast I'm keeping myself busy while not in school. Get ready for very INSPIRING summer...thanks to me!!!