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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
