Chic looks

Last Summer for two Lovers

2010-10-06T17:58:00.000+01:00

Samantha Pleet collections are often accompanied with a short film, her S/S 2010 collection is also accompanied with an enchanting, enigmatic short film starring Victoria Legrand from Beach House.

Watch it...

Samantha Pleet S/S 2011, Starring Victoria Legrand from Samantha Pleet on Vimeo.

Thank God I'm Natural

2010-10-06T17:35:00.001+01:00

About a year ago I mentioned getting my hair loced, well its been over a year now and i'm pretty pleased with the way my hair is looking, i'll post pictures when I get a descent camera that doesn't scream 'battery low" every time I turn it on even when I've just charged it (I needed to rant about that).

A book that has really helped me is titled 'Thank God I'm Natural' written by Harvard graduate Chris Tia Donaldson, the book is packed with lots of fantastic product and routine advice and gorgeous pictures with a variety of natural hairstyles.

Its just nice to finally have a book on natural hair that doesn't patronise you or contradicts itself when it comes to dishing out advise. If you are considering going natural or already wearing your hair in its natural state then you might want a copy of this book, it also comes in handy on one those days where you wake up looking a wee bit like Chewbacca and you don't have a clue what to do with your hair. The book is available in Waterstones.

At the moment my current hair crush is Valerie June, I guess Miss June has always been my hair crush, I went on a bit about her in that previous post, she's the singer-song writer, banjo picker from Tennessee, whose name I google over 50 times a day or something like that, I promise, i'm not stalking her, I just have a bit of a crush on her hair and her general attitude to life and her amazing music.

At the moment Valerie is trying to capture her songs on a 12 song album,
Valerie says "I never had the funds to be able to work in a studio with a capable producer who could help me capture the magic my music gives when I perform live."
Miss June has just 60 days to raise some funds for this album, this is where she needs our help... go here to find out more

Have a look at this amazing video and hopefully you'll have a better understanding of this amazing and under rated Independent artist.

Hello

2010-10-06T15:21:00.000+01:00

Its been a while, i've been busy with reality and this blog has had to take a back seat. However I'm hoping to continue where I stopped.

Firstly, I'd like to thank Laura and Stephanie from We love Colors, for sending me this lovely, super stretchy purple tights, We love Colors have a wide range of leg wear in any colour or design you can possibly imagine, they go pretty well with me Hush Puppies shoes.

Fringe Headbands

2010-10-03T00:11:00.000+01:00

Michelle Hartney says "All of the jewelry I make is hand sewn and/or hand beaded. Most of the items are made from old rings, and I recycle walnut shells to make my walnut necklaces."

This collection of fringe headbands are some of my favourites from Michelle's wide collection of handmade pieces including bags, belts, jewellery, charms etc.

These are just a couple of the fringe handmades, they are playful and unique.

Find more here

Chau Har Lee Shoegasm

2009-09-17T11:22:00.003+01:00

I havent posted any shoe finds in ages, while searching for some shoe designs I came across this amazing ones by designer Char Har Lee, Char is a London Based shoe designer, her designs are absolutely genius so I was quick to ask her whether she'll be willing to take part in an interview so we can all get to know more about her and her designs.

Here it goes...

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Chau, I’m a footwear designer and have been working in footwear and accessories for about 8 years now. I recently finished a Masters at the Royal College of Art in Footwear Design and now about to launch my own footwear label.

When and how did you realise you wanted to become a shoe designer.

I have always enjoyed making things. My mother always encouraged me to pursue my creative side. I studied an Art Foundation course at Camberwell College and met shoe designer Olivia Morris, she set us a shoe project and I found it was the perfect mix of my favourite subjects- textiles and sculpture. So I went to the open day at Cordwainers College in Mare Street, London and applied for the BA course in Footwear, which I completed in 2002. Since then I have always been involved in working in shoes, accessories and leather goods.

In one of your profiles, you mentioned Luigi Colani and Pierre Cardin as your main inspirations, why this two?

I always look to other disciplines to be inspired and through my research for this collection, these are two of designers who struck me as visionary.

Your shoe collection have a futuristic and architectural look to them, but wearable at the same time, how did you manage to achieve this?

This collection was a chance for me to experiment with materials and processes and push the boundaries of conventional shoemaking.

It was a massive learning curve as I used materials and techniques which were completely new to me. For example, in order to achieve the look and the correct fit, I learnt to use a 3D computer program and had a shoe engineered out of one piece of resin. I had pieces laser cut and used techniques from across disciplines. I drew on my experience from traditional shoemaking to ensure the shoes fit.

What materials did you use to create such innovative shoes.

I used materials such as stainless steel, walnut wood, acrylic and leather to make these shoes.

As a shoe designer, I assume you obviously love shoes, so how many pair of shoes do you own?

I am extremely fussy about buying shoes- I don’t think I have that many….maybe about 30 pairs- and that includes sneakers and flats.

Who are your favourite designers / shoe designers?

My favorite designers are Margiela, Dries van Noten and Balenciaga.

Describe your own personal style

I think I’m quite laid back and no-fuss. I know what I like and what I don’t, but open-minded at the same time.

Name an item from your wardrobe you cant be without

I’m not so precious about my own wardrobe- more so about my mothers- I borrow a lot of clothes and jewellery from her.

What are your plans for the future?

I am in the process of moving into a studio in East London where I can work on my next collection, which I will be showing in 2010.

I also will be continuing to teach shoe design and making courses in London.

Are your shoes available to buy, if so where and when?

They are currently being developed and will be available to buy in the not too distant future, either through my website or available to order at my studio in East London.

Alice's adventures in Wonderland

2009-09-04T17:07:00.004+01:00

It seems like such a coincidence, I came across the trailer for the new Alice in Wonderland movie which I cant wait to see, I love Tim Burton's work,

I came across the trailer and a few hours later I saw these collection of jewelries by Copenhagen based designer Alidra Alic.

Her Fairy tale, dreamy collection is titled "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", the collection is inspired by floral motifs from the romantic era in the 1800s.
Alidra used mostly resin and plastic to create these pieces, other materials like freshwater pearls was also used for the"Drink Me" ring, as well as gold and silver.
My favourites are the Orchid ones.

Queen's Wardrobe

2009-08-26T20:47:00.008+01:00

I've got another online shop to add to my long list of favourite places to shop, earlier today I got a lovely email from Nikio introducing me to her fantastic Online shop Queen's Wardrobe .

Having had a look, I think its safe to say that I'm in awe with Nikio's shop, there are so many unique and stunning pieces. Here are just a few of my favourites.

Let yourself feel

2009-08-26T18:23:00.003+01:00

Esteban Diácono is an Argentinian motion graphics designer and I absolutely love his recent his recent animation project.

The project is inspired by the music of Olafur Arnalds, an amazing musician from Iceland who I love love love, this animated video is titled Let yourself feel, it features a colourful animated smoke which changes shape and colour through the film, the smoke is accompanied with a variety of quotes from artists such as Brian Eno, Albert Einstein and many more.

I personally think this video is beautiful and very creative, you can view more of Esteban's work here

let yourself feel. from Esteban Diácono on Vimeo.

Helpless Romantic Headwear

2009-08-26T14:13:00.001+01:00

Helpless Romantic is by London designer Milo Li-ren Mckeand, she creates a whole lot of pretty and playful custom jewelries and accessories.

This two lovely headwear are one of my favourites pieces from her shop, the blue one is modelled by the very lovely Miss Lou Lou.

Bright, lovely Nabila

2009-08-18T14:41:00.001+01:00

This is Nabila, she added me on flickr a little while back and I absoloutely love her style,

She has a whole lot of lovely, bright vintage pieces, her photography is playful, unique and colourful, she also likes to play dress up...

Here are a few facts about Nabila

She's allergic to hot weather, oily food and sweat
She doesn't wear make-up
She started to practise karate when she was 15 years old
She used to collect stamps when she was a kid and
Her first obsession are bags

Have a look at her Photostream for more of Nabila's gorgeous and quirky outfits, also have a look at her 22 things about me project to view the pictures that go along with some facts about Nabila.

Neurotica + Topshop Collaboration

2009-08-17T14:30:00.002+01:00

Some of you will know that I've been following the work of london based label Neurotica by designer Victoria for a while now and I was ever so delighted to see this video previewing some of the pieces from her collaboration with Topshop for the AW 09 collection.

The collection features Victoria's design trademark of playful geometric prints and hand drawn illustrations.

A for afro

2009-08-16T02:11:00.003+01:00

London based photographer Errol recently started a project titled 'Do you have an Afro', the project involves Errol taking portrait pictures of people with Afro's. Having put out an advert inviting anyone with an afro to model for his project, a number of people have already replied to the advert.

I think this project is absolutely fantastic, so if you have an afro and would like to take part in this project, you can email Errol himself here or in the mean time you can see some more of the project here.

Here are some of the results so far.

Also there's this A for Afro Illustration by illustrator and graphic designer DP Sullivan, this is part of his alphabet illustrations which features each letter of the alphabet, sadly they seem to have sold out from his Etsy shop, however I'm hoping he'll make more of them because I think they are absolutely clever.

Noir et Blanc SS10 Collection

2009-08-16T00:02:00.001+01:00

Noir et Blanc, is a Swedish brand by designer Petra Thoms and Linnea Carlgren, and like the name of the brand suggests, the designers often make use of the colours black and white to create striking prints for their pieces.

Their most recent collection has a strong yet feminine silhouette with geometrical shapes.

De Nada Knit pieces

2009-08-16T00:01:00.001+01:00

I got a lovely Email from designer Virginia Arrisueno introducing me to her label De Nada, I liked what I saw so I thought I should share them with you all.

Washington DC based designer Virginia creates handmade knit accessories using a variety of methods like knitting, braiding and crotcheting. She gets a number of inspirations from her Peruvian heritage and her most recent autumn and winter 09 collection includes charming pieces with a variety of textures, I personally think these pieces would be perfect for layering come autumn.

Visionary Glasses from Junkprints

2009-08-15T00:45:00.001+01:00

The way trends come and go can be ever so strange when you think about it, when I was younger I used to have a not so amazing geeky glasses and I can remember they weren't the greatest thing to wear if you wanted to be on the "cool list", but now everywhere I go there seems to be someone wearing a geeky glasses and still managing to look "cool".

I absolutely love the geeky look, however my favourite take on this geeky glasses trend are these ones by Junk Prints. Junk Prints is by artist Chanel Kennebrew, she's a graphic designer, illustrator and designer and I think these glasses are humourous, playful and a fresh take on the oh so "cool" trend.

Denise Reytan eco jewelry

2009-08-15T00:23:00.001+01:00

Berlin based Jewelry designer Denise Reytan creates eco-friendly pieces using unusual materials including silicone and rubber, recycled objects as well as other day to day bits and pieces.

Denise arranges all of this together to create colourful necklaces like these

She also likes to make Collages

Butterfly Accessories

2009-08-13T16:59:00.002+01:00

Ever since I came across the illustration Lina Klingels did of Alexandra Mcqueens butterfly headdress for Preen Magazine over a year ago which I also featured in a previous post I have been insearch for any head wear with a whole lot of butterflies.

I think the closest I've come are these handmade ones by Which Goose.

Which Goose designs natural hair crowns and accessories made from dried natural vines which the designer collects from favorite walking paths. Other materials she uses are mostly artificial flowers made from plastic and silk fabric.

When the dried natural vines are picked, they are woven and protected with a clear sealant. According to Which Goose, she tries hard to be "ecologically responsible" with all her supplies.

Which Goose has a whole lot of lovely and whimscal pieces at her Etsy shop, you her find more here

and another by Doloris Petunia

Doloris designs custom made necklaces from old and broken jewelry as well as one of a kind handmade accesories which I think are absolutely stunning, you can have a look at her Etsy shop for more of her work.

Fleur Goenendorp - Paper Accesories

2009-08-11T14:29:00.001+01:00

Fleur Goenendorp uses everyday materials like paper to design unique and stunning head pieces such as neck ruffless and many other accessories and decorations.

Fleur basically slices Paper and plaits them to to create this amazing pieces, the pink shoulder pieces is my favourite, its made made from red and white kitchen string all tied together. It all sounds so easy but i bet it isn't, i personally think the use of day to day materials to create this amazing pieces is just so so clever.

Babbu by Cristina Onofri

2009-08-11T13:14:00.004+01:00

Babbu is an Italian Label by designer Cristina Onofri, her recent autumn/winter collection is ever so adorable, it includes lovely shapes with very soft and feminine details with vibrant colours.

The first white dress with the quirky clown collar is my favourite.

Anna Wegelin Forbidden Colours and drawings

2009-08-05T12:49:00.013+01:00

If I could have my way, I'll own every one of Anna Wegelins designs, not only is Anna a Fashion Designer, she is also an Illustrator.

Anna was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan and is currently studying Fashion and Design in Hamburg, her recently collection titled Forbiden colours include tie dye pieces with a whole lot of stunning bright colours.

Her illustrations are also very eye catching with a unique technique.

Fringe necklaces

2009-08-05T10:42:00.009+01:00

I've been coming across a number of fringe necklaces via Etsy (i'm super addicted, just cant help myself) and I have to say that my favourite so far are this Dip Dyed necklaces by Three Horses.

They are all hand dyed and I absolutely love the colours.

Moving to the Loced side

2009-07-31T19:38:00.006+01:00

EDIT: I think I posted this earlier, but my crappy laptop charger went off, oh well here it goes again, moving on...

Just late last year I decided to stop straightening my hair and I recently did the Big Chop, however I've been in a bit of a dilema, for a few weeks now, I've been wearing my hair all braided and I absolutely love that I dont have to detangle my hair.

Detangling my hair is not a hassel, its just that i'm a wee bit lazy and just cant be bothered, which is when the "Maybe I should loc my hair" idea poped into my head.

Then I start to think what if I get bored and want my afro back, decisions, decisions decisions....
Coming across sites like Le Coil, I love my Locs, Natural beautiful hair and of course Flickr has definitely convinced me to sway towards the loced side.

I guess only time will tell, however as soon as all the information i need and find out where I can find a good Loctician somewhere in London or Bristol (any suggestions...) then I'm pretty sure I'll be getting my hair loced, i'm quite excited.

In the mean time I cant help but stare in admiration at these amazing, lovely and stunning locs.

The painted series

2009-07-23T11:58:00.002+01:00

The Painted Series is a project by designer Saskia van Drimmelen, Saskia along side a team of both Dutch and Bulgarian designers and artists create 'a series of garments in progress' all inspired by antique Bulgarian fashion pieces.

All the pieces in this collection are handmade, they include layered and sheer pieces, I like the delicate, feminine and subtle look of this collection.

In September Saskia and her team will be collaborating with Pascale Gatzen's students who study fashion design at the Parsons School of Design, there's more about this on their blog.

Gabriel and Schwan

2009-07-14T10:52:00.003+01:00

Gabriel & Schwan is a German accessories label by designers Fenke Schwanand and Alex Gabriel. They have used a variety of different fabrics, materials and a whole lot of bright colours for their SS09 collection.

The collection includes purses/clutch bags with fringes and chain straps, roomy shoulder bags which I think can be used as a knap sack and then my favourite, the knotted necklaces which come in a variety of gorgeous colours which I think are now available online.

Anima Blossom art

2009-07-09T10:35:00.008+01:00

I don't own many slogan Tshirts, Ive just never been keen on them which is a bit of a shame as I've recently been coming across a few that I think are just exquisite.

My favourite so far is a collection of T shirts by Kim Won-man, also known as Anima, he is an Illustrator and Graphic designer. He's most recent creations include a collection of Tshirts featuring with illustrated images some of which are inspired by smoke blossom art.

Here are a few of my favourites

Have a look at more of anima's work on his blog

Julia and Ben Leggings

2009-07-06T14:02:00.011+01:00

I think you might all agree that one of the best ways to relieve a bad, rainy,

moody day is getting something great through the post.

I just recieverd this Tie Dye Leggings from lovely Julia from Julia and Ben and I'm ever so excited.

Funny face by Laura Liberte

2009-07-02T12:12:00.004+01:00

I love masks, I'm not exactly sure why, but I have a bad habit of walking into a fancy dress shop and coming out with a fancy mask with lots of beads and feathers I'll probably never use.

And just when I have decided to come to a conclusion to stop buying masks just because I like the look of them, I came across this decorative masks on Etsy by London based Latvian artist Laura Liberte.

These masks are handmade and painted by Laura.

Fashion Videos - Samantha Pleet show

2009-06-30T13:07:00.007+01:00

Fashion Video lookbooks have been on a rise for a number of years now, from designers like David David , Emma Cook and so many other established designers have presented their collections using this medium and I have to say I absolutely love them.

You can probably tell from the previous fashion videos I went on about a wee while back, like the video for Nakkna, dream in paper video featuring Paloma faith by Petra Storrs and YSL Men's collection.

Presenting a collection via video just seems a lot more creative to me than the traditional catwalk, there are no restrictions, just have a quick look at some videos by Ellen von Unwerth, like Erin Fetherston Dollhouse for target video, dreamy wander and also Wendy Bird featuring Kirsten Dunst.

Another designer who seems to be very fund of fashion video lookbooks is New York designer, Samatha Pleet, she has presented a number of her collections via video, however my favourite was her Spring 2009 collection video.

More recently Samantha has just completed her new video lookbook for the Holiday Collection which is presented a little bit like a TV show, but more fun, playful and quirky, with lots of champagne and tap dancing. Au Revoir Simone also makes an appearance.

I think this video is a very creative and unique take on presenting a collection, definitely joins my long list of favourite fashion video's.

Pleet TV from WMIG on Vimeo.

Q&A with Ceren from Keyman Design

2009-06-26T14:12:00.002+01:00

A little while back I came across some jewelry pieces by turkish designer Ceren, for her label Keyman Design, she designs a collection filled with very adorable and playful jewelry. So I thought a Q&A setion would be a great way for us to all get to know her and her designs better.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I graduated from Bilkent University department of music - violin in 2003, and apart from being a musician I also design jewellery, clothes and furniture. I show up my first jewellery collection under the name of my label "Keyman Design".

Desribe your recent designs

I'm always interested in circular shapes, but nowadays my attention is interpreting the classical details of any object, this could be a part of a musical instrument or a jacket collar. I concentrate on significant details and transform them with different materials.

What are your main influences, inspirations and why?

Material is always the first inspriation considerable point, but the player of that material is more important. Myself, what I like, what I think, what I hear, it can be anything. I almost forgot bugs, bugs are important too.

What are the best and worst things about being a jewelry designer?

I think jewelleries are the wearable pieces of sculptures, you can see your design on anybody, you know clothes can be hidden under so many accessories, but when they use jewellery they like to show them up. But I like the way people interpret the cloth in their way so I try to use this advantage in my jewellery designs too.

Which designers would you most like to work with and why?

ThreeASFOUR, Martine Sitbon... there are many that I really want to make some pieces; hats for Yohji Yamamato, or necklaces for Antonio Marras, shoes for Gareth Pugh, stage for Alexander Mcqueen... there are so many things I want to do...

What are you currently working on

Nowadays, I'm on vacation, so I just prefer to collect the ideas or inspirations. I just did a video, a photoshoot and prepared the winter collection. I need new things.

What do you do when your're not designing or working

It is strange that I still can't see designing as work, I think my work is being a musician.

When and where are your designs available to buy or view?

You can view them on my web site http://www.keymandesign.com/ or on http://www.istanbulmodern.org/ or on http://www.notjustalabel.com/ or on http://www.keyonstyledust.blogspot.com/ .

They may buy them on notjustalabel, you may know they are launching their new online store "The SHOP" later on, we hope. Until now we take orders by email.

What are your plans or hopes for the future

As my designs become well-known, I have to find new places to reach people. It is my plan to find new places. My hope is to expand my abilities of anything. I just want to realize my performance.

Baiba Ripa SS09

2009-06-25T12:03:00.003+01:00

Latvian designer Baiba Ripa designs garments with the most beautiful unique embellishments.

Ripa's Spring 09 collection includes a collection of sheer dresses with clean cut tailoring and beautiful simple embroided details. The lookbook for her more recent Autumn/Winter collection is available on her site , however I think this ss09 collection is still my favourite of her collections so far. I cant get over how beautiful the gold dress is, epecially the paper like ruffle detail on it .

Shape shifters

2009-06-24T13:20:00.001+01:00

I went on about London based Label White Trumpet a wee while back and I was delighted to have come across the new AW 09/10 collection.

Designer Reno Inchenko is known for manipulating geometric shapes and also seems to have an obsession with triangles, just have a look at the previous Autumn-Winter 08 collection.

This recent AW09 collection has a futuristic feel to it, with a lot of cut out circles and triangles that form see through details which I reckon would be perfect for lots of layering and experimenting.

The circly cut out dresses and tshirts are my favourites.

Yokoo Spectacles

2009-06-22T15:09:00.004+01:00

YOKOO!!!

we all love her and I can never get enough of her creations,

Here is another of my favourite from her new creations,

Informal Spectacles

Formal Spectacles

Hilary Laing Crayon Scribbly SS09 Collection

2009-06-18T10:51:00.005+01:00

Glasgow based designer Hilary Laing is known for her colourful scribbly crayon prints which just make me happy, her recent collection is even more cheerfull, exciting and fun.

Filled with her trademark scribbly crayon prints, this whole collection is just so vibrant, its such a unique and clever take on prints. Before I came across this pieces I considered crayon scribbles as children making a mess but I guess I couldn't be more wrong.

Julia and Ben

2009-06-16T13:14:00.002+01:00

A wee while back I came across Berlin based label Julian and Ben via the super amazing Not Just a Label, Julia and Ben often design contemporary wearable pieces but with a twist, I think this recent collection is their best yet.

The collection is titled "AN ANSWER BECOMES SLOW AND I AM SAD" and My favourite thing about this whole collection is the contrating color palette, also the collection seems like an androgynous one which I quite like.

Also I love the vibrant legwear in this collection, one of their tye dye legwear was featured in the June issue for Vogue UK which you can get by mailing the designers here.

While trying to find out more about the Label the lovely Julia was kind enough to send me a copy of an interview they did a little while back for the June issue of Vogue UK, I think the interview is a fantastic read so I thought I share it with you all.

Tell us about you. How did this label start?

It all started after Ben and I graduated from ESMOD Fashion School Berlin, we met and after a very short time it was clear that we want to do something together, we were able to use the backrooms of an art gallery in Berlin Mitte as our Studio for almost no rent so we started to make a collection. In the beginning it was all more fun and chaos but since 3 seasons we make real collections and show in Paris.

Many young designers often say that they are trying to create something new. Did you have a particular agenda or concept that you were trying to express?

No, we really just wanted to make our own fashion, if we are not designing or sewing or pattern making for more than a week we both feel like something is missing , it just happens very naturally. By expressing ourselves we create clothes.

Although your work seem very polished and well presented, it’s hard to say that they are a "mainstream collections". In fact some of the looks are quite radical. How have you manage to be innovative and non conformist, whilst maintaining such a well organized concept of fashion?

Wow, the question itself is already quite a compliment. We usually take our instincts and feelings and blow them up. And then it’s all about not loosing balance between art and practical design.

Would you like to appeal to a wider audience? Will we see you in the future designing under a big fashion house?

Never say never, if you know anybody interested feel free to forward us the offers ha ha …and of course we want to grow, at this point there are still so many things we want to do , create, use , try…. But that are much easier to fulfill with a bigger company in the background.

It looks like your male and female muses are continually borrowing each other clothe. In other words, the women’s contains some more mescaline pieces and vice versa.

Androgynous pieces are definitely a theme in our collections , and even though the items might be androgyny the person wearing it is giving it the gender , we don’t want men and woman to look the same, but they can profit from each other, Also we sometimes borrow clothes from each other , jackets hoodies or draped loose fit items really depend a lot on HOW you wear them how you combine them , who is wearing them etc We think many people already have these rules and borders in their heads when they enter a shop and for this reason maybe miss their perfect fitting Coat cause they don’t even try it on, Fashion is also a lot about try and error and seeing what works for you no matter what gender you have.

What labels are you in to? Have they necessarily influenced you?

We really like Rick Owens, Chronicles of never, Balenciaga, Horace, Haider Ackermann to mention a few bigger well known names - there are always moments of inspiration but we try to translate it in our own visual language.

Each one of your collections has a poetic title. What does a line like "an answer becomes slow and I'm sad" refer to your fashion?

Our titles are more like an emotion that carries the collection, we are usually not directly inspired by an artist, a movie or a colour; it is more like we see ourselves as storytellers and our titles appear within the process, they describe the special story or feelings we want to express while creating the collection. We don’t consciously put our collections in any cultural context, giving it a name that refers to our emotions connected to the pieces we create, we build a bridge to the world around us.

Would it be correct to say that you subscribe to the deconstructive school? What are all those drapes and original lines trying to represent?

I wouldn’t totally refer to us as deconstructive, it’s more a purisms that might appear deconstructive in the end, our lines always try to either reveal or hide the lines of the body. It’s a lot about mixing tight fits with loose draped fits what makes it attractive for us.

Looking at fashion today, as young and maybe post modern designers, do you think that it all going to a better place or exactly the opposite?

We definitely think it’s going to be better, we are optimistic on the future especially now that designers starting to become big that try something new, instead of the 100th 80`s and 70`revival, also we personally feel that there was a time when we didn’t’t know what we want to wear there were times when we were looking through editorials and fashion blogs and didn’t’t see anything that we wanted to have but right now there are plenty of new shining desires out there… So yes the future will be bright we hope.

Feather Earrings - Haji Couture

2009-06-08T14:36:00.002+01:00

Gorgeous feathers everywhere...thats what I thought when I came across Haji Couture pieces.

Chicago based designer Aya-Nikole Cook designs one of a kind accessories, with inspirations from tribal pasts, using stunning looking feathers in a variety of colours and shapes.These pieces are handmade by Aya by layering, trimming and weaving each feather, she also makes use of organic and natural materials such as sea leather, wood, stones and many more.

I reckon her pieces are absolutely stunning, they are available in Haji Couture Etsy shop and here are a few of my favourites.

Decorate my head

2009-06-02T04:10:00.002+01:00

I feel like decorating my head, I personally blame this sudden urge on the recent lovely warm weather.

While looking for some inspiration I decided to go back to one of my favourite designer for headwear Jeffrey Portman, I came across his work sometime back now, I think it was in a previous issue of Fashion156, the hats and headpieces issue it was. That was also when I noticed that I know his designs but at the same time I dont, if that makes sense... maybe not.

What I mean is, most of Jeffrey's pieces are often featured in so many editiorials for fashion Magazines, so to some extent most of you are very likely to recognise his pieces.

Jeffrey who graduated from Kensington and Chelsea College London, has worked with a whole lot of designers and photographers including some of my favourites from Duro Olowu, Tim Walker, Hannah Marshall and many others.

His Spring Summer 09 collection is just perfection, the colours, the strucutures and playfullness are all so lovely, the whole collection also has that soft and delicate feel which I like very much, here are my favourites from the collection.

Q&A Setion with Rosetung

2009-06-02T03:36:00.002+01:00

I still cant get enough of anything knitted and Crochet pieces, the difference between the two still confuses me, however a little while ago I came across some of Rosetung's pieces and ever since her Etsy shop has become one of my Favourite, therefore I thought a Q&A setion with her would just be perfect...

How did you become interested in knitting?

A few years ago, I wound up at a new starting point in my life- fresh out of a relationship, relocated, job-hunting. I was in the mood to learn a new creative skill in my free time. I chose crochet. (I would like to re-learn knitting, but haven't made time to tackle that yet.) I am drawn to textiles and fashion, so, I guess that explains the appeal of this particular craft.

Describe your designs and Style

I'd like my work to speak for itself, but I feel I'm really still so new to my craft. I think my personal style is starting to come across in my newest designs though. Generally speaking, I like odd beauty, I like sex appeal, I like simplicity, practicality, versatility, nothing too girly, dainty, or cute... Texture is important to me. I avoid synthetic materials. I'm attracted to the softest wools, the silkiest yarns, paper-like ribbon, crinkly thread-like fibers, oddities like that, things that will excite the skin. I like materials that appeal to our sense of hearing too, but, of course, turning on the senses of sight and touch are most important.I tend to work intuitively, so, a lot of my pieces are one-offs. I'm getting more disciplined though about taking notes, so I can repeat patterns. I sketch ideas, but a lot of times, the ideas morph while I'm working on them.

Who or what are your biggest inspirations and influences?

It's hard to say. I wish I had more time to study the fashion world. I do find inspiration in all manner of sources though- friends / family, art, random looks I stumble across, Sandra Backlund of course, intangible ideas, endless things. I imagine there are countless things influencing me that I don't even notice.

Over the last year or so, knitted and Crochet pieces have become somewhat trendy, designers like Sandra Backlund have been on the forefront of this, Topshop's collaboration with Saint Martins knitting graduate Simone Shailes is also evidence of this, why do you think knitted pieces have become so trendy?

Well, like I said, I don't make much time to study fashion, so, any guess I make is not much of an educated one. I think crafts like knitting and crochet have their own funny stigmas associated with them, so, to break from these associations is a unique challenge for designers who do this type of work. To see people like Backlund using this method of construction so artfully, with such innovation, is truly stunning. It's changing people's perspectives, in a good way, on these types of crafts. It's particularly impressive, too, when you recognize that this work is created by hand, with the simplest tools. That, I would think, inspires a unique love and appreciation for the product. Personally, I also appreciate artists and designers doing something to keep these old, dying arts alive.

What are you future hopes for both yourself and your designs.

Collaborations, more education, constant evolution, and more time and assistance, to help me bring to life as many of my ideas as possible.

Where can we buy your designs?

My online shop http://www.rosetung.etsy.com/ or this one http://www.makoollovesyou.com/ or just email me at wheresrosie@gmail.com.

For more on Rosetung work have a look at her blog

Tatoo tights

2009-05-20T14:03:00.003+01:00

I just realised I dont own a pair of opaque white tights... bad times, I know I have the floral and the lace ones from Topshop, but that doesn't count. However while browsing dearest Etsy, I came across Tattoo Tights.

Tattoo tights designers are Gabby and Tal from Tel Aviv, Gabby is a designer and illustrator, on the other hand, Tal is a jewelery designer.

The opaque tights come in a variety of paterns and colours, I reckon they're super lovely.

More on José Duran

2009-05-14T00:33:00.008+01:00

In a previous post I featured Jose Duran's Spring Summer 09 collection and ever since I have been keeping an eye on his work. I personally think Jose designs are absolutely stunning, the way he plays with fabrics to create "wearable art" is perfection.

Jose's recent collection is just as impressive and eye catching, seen as we all know very little about him, I thought a short Q&A setion with Jose about himself and his designs would just be ideal.

So, here it goes...

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Jose duran, I'm from the dominican republic.

After spending 3 years in college studying international relation I decided to change to Fashion design and Merchandise, after I finished school, I went into the world of fashion in the New York city and worked with b-michael, DVF, Nathen Jenden and a couple of other companies.

After a couple of years of working with others I decided to go on my own. I knew it was going to be hard, little by little it payed off.

Desribe your recent AW 09/10 Collection

My latest collection was inspired by Romans and the freedom ladies used to have during carnabal and it was also inspired by paganism.

What are your main influences, inspirations and why?

I get inspired by happiness and sufferings of women, I like to go back in history or research our society for problems that women have, I think I have a voice in our society and I think I can make a change on the way people think.

What are the best and worst things about beign a designer?

The best thing about been a designer is that we are able to make beautiful clothes and make people happy, its lots of work but it feels great to see your clothes on a celebrity or in a publication.

Which designers would you most like to work with and why?

I would Love to work with Alexander mcqueen because he has taken fashion to the next level, he makes beautiful clothes and his shows are like watching a play.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I am in paris working on my first men's collection it will be shown here at the end of June.

What do you do when your're not designing or working?

When I'm not working i like to spend time with my family, i love to think. i am not much into movies, books or music. I love to think and to watch people. I think that's how I get all my influences for my job.

When and where are your designs available to buy or view?

At the moment you can buy my clothes at Midnuit here in Paris and you can see them on my website www.joseduran.net

What are your plans or hopes for the future?

For the future I hope to get an investor and take my creations to a mass market.

Eyewear by MERCURA

2009-05-12T13:00:00.002+01:00

Whether you like your eye wear as extravagant and fun like maybe Calvin Harris, Kanye or even the Gaga then I think Mercura NYC eye wear might just tickle your fancy.

The designers behind these playful eye art are sisters Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen and Rachel Cohen-Lunning. Mercura has been around since the mid 70's and has managed to continue designing their ever so consistent creative designs. Sunglasses by Mercura were worn on the Barbie Turns 50 New York Fashion Show to celebrate Barbie's 50th anniversary.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from their collection

Pictures by Eric Martin.

Illustrated models wear Feurstein hats

2009-05-06T11:30:00.005+01:00

Hats and accessories designer Rike Feurstein studied millinery in New York and London, soon after she opened her studio in Berlin. Rike's designs hats, scarfs and other accessories for both men and women all of which are also handmade in Berlin.

Rike's designs are often sculptural with very dinstinctive shapes and eye catching colours which I'm very fond of, the pieces from her AW 09/10 were featured in collaboration with C.Neeon's recent collection.

However the main reason I adore Rike's recent pieces other than their beauty, are the posters for the campaign. To present her AW 09/10 collection, illustrated full face shots have been used, all modelling pieces from the collection.

In my opinion, these illustrations are all absolutely outstanding.

Rose Scarves

2009-05-05T21:11:00.001+01:00

I know very little about Felting, which is why I decided to do some nosing about on Felting. While nosing about, I came across some felting pieces by Jenne Giles, the designer behind Harlequin Felt Works.

Jenne is a San Francisco based artist, her designs are a combination of wearable, colourful, art and craft pieces using the felting process. The felting process involves using hot soapy water to join wool fibers together, when dried the wool becomes tough, durable material or fabric which is known as Felting, get it?!!! If not just wait till you see the final results.

Each pieces of felt material is then hand rolled, scrubbed and cut to create these stunning sculptural rose scarves.

Jenne's rose felted scarves come in a variety of colours and are available in her etsy shop.

Crumpled Paper Story

2009-05-05T12:56:00.001+01:00

German born designers Miriam Lehle and Sabine Egler often experiment with a variety of textiles and materials using new methods to create stunning and avant garde designs.

Miriam graduated as a fashion designer from the University of Design, Pforzheim, while Sabine graduated with a degree in Textile Design at the Academy of Art and Design in Stuttgart after which their label Prose Studio was born.

Miriam's collection, Golden decay was one of the finalist at the International de mode d'Hyères festival in 2008.

Pieces from the fairy like collection were all handmade, each piece of fabric was melted which resulted in the creation of unique pieces like these, a mixture of beauty and disaster.

Their more recent AW 09/10 collection is titled 'Crumpled Paper Story', which is one of the ten finalsts at this years Mango fashion award along side the likes of London's Sinha Stanic. The winner, Jin Youn Lee was announced earlier this month, more on him later...

The collection Crumpled Paper story is absolutely unique and gorgeous, with pieces which include the combination of wrinkles, prints, creases and knits which are manipulated to create these designs.

Glorious beautiful Mime Vintage

2009-04-01T01:56:00.001+01:00

I stalk a number of vintage shops on Ebay and the most recent I have come across is Mime Vintage. Mime Vintage is by two friends, a Stylist, Juju and a Photographer, Qiqi.

The two friends collect vintage pieces from a variety of places, havent seen some of the pieces in their shop, I think Mime Vintage is certainly one to watch. Some of the pieces thay have collected include many gorgeous print dresses, bright colours and of course the gorgeous pictures.

Off to the circus

2009-03-31T20:37:00.001+01:00

I've previously posted about previous collections by pepper and pistol and I have to say this label is fast becoming one of many favourite labels.

Their recent AW09 collection is inspired by clowns and the circus. The collection includes some of the label's staple signature such as sequines, polka dot prints, bright colours and pinstripe. The collection has an overall playful feel to it as most of their previous collections.

Lots of details includes ruffles, circles and bows. It all looks like lots of fun fun fun!!!

Converse 1HUND(RED) Project

2009-03-31T19:02:00.000+01:00

I think most people have at least a pair of Converse sneakers, they're just everyone's favourite I guess. Converse has launched Spring 2009 collection for the final batch of 1HUND(RED).

As part of the Converse 1HUND(RED) project, Converse has collaraborated with hundred's of graffiti artists, fashion designers, musicians and graphic designers from various parts of the world to each design a unique pair of converse sneakers, all to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

I personally think this is a great way of raising awareness, and I reckon we should all support the Converse 1HUND(RED) project, its all for a good cause and 10% of the price from each of the sneakers goes to the charity.

Here are some of my favourite from the Spring 2009 collection

Basso and Brooke (superb London Fashion designer)

Amy Ruppel (she likes to draw and paint)

Jeff Hamada (he is Booooooooooom)

The Edge (U2 guitarist)

Lula's Perfect mess

2009-03-31T18:36:00.001+01:00

I've been feeling poorly for a little while hence the lack of post, I'm feeling much better now and just started doing a lot of catching up, while looking through the new issue of the mighty Lula Magazine, I was ever so delighted to see some Illustrations by Jonas Löfgren.

Jonas's work has been featured in previous issues of Lula which is how I became aware of his work.

Jonas's recent illustrations for Lula is tittled "Perfect Mess", it is playful and "Bonkers", they portray the likes of Mary-Kate to Chloë Sevigny wearing some pieces from designers including Lanvin to Chanel and many more. My favourite is that of Mary-Kate.

Fresh Nakkna collection

2009-03-11T03:02:00.007Z

Ever since I came across the video showcasing the SS09 collection 'In the Flesh' by Stockholm based label Nakkna, I have become a bit of a fan. The video sheds a new light on the SS09 collection, using slow motion techniques to showcase all the details on the clothes, the shapes and structure, the colours, and the overall collection in a beautifull and creative manner.

Behind Nakkna are Beckman's graduates Ella Scoccorsi, Camilla Sundin and Claes Berkes.

Nakkna is know for their signature geometric constructions and creative draping details, these are all evident in their more recent AW09/10 collection which I think is pretty impressive. The manipulation of the shapes and drapings in these pieces are my favourite.

Fanja's Doll

2009-03-09T14:25:00.014Z

When I was younger, I never had dolls like Barbie or Bratz and all the others, in fact I did not like them very much. However I did like the handmade softies, the stuffed ones, hence why I got all excited when I came across Le train fantôme amazing creations, I know I'm all grown up now and I probably shouldn't be getting all excited about dolls, but this dolls are an exception, so its perfectly fine and not too weird, right...

Le train fantôme's creations are designed and handcrafted by Fanja Ralison, her creations are one of a kind designs.

Fanja's dolls arent just adorable, they are also very 'fashion savy' from vintage inspired looks to preppy outfits. Franja's creations also slightly remind me of Viktor and Rolf dolls, especially the attention to the details on the outfit worn by the dolls.

Fanja's characters include Lumi, Lewis and Babette.

Fanja's recent collaboration with photographer and stylist Elizabeth Dunker are my favourite, they are for Lumi and Lewis.

I'm thinking these bunnies would be just perfect for easter time along side some chocolate eggs.

Little Ozzie and bow tie

You can view and purchase these amazing creations here

Snap it up

2009-03-06T14:04:00.007Z

Some of you might be aware of the EDIT project in Topshop's Oxford Circus, the EDIT project which is like a a pop-up store is presently showcasing the work of emerging talented designers, one of the labels taking part in this project include Elton and Jacobsen.

The Norwegian label was created by sisters Solveig and Åshild Elton Jacobsen, their clothes are very playful and slightly futuristic, the SS09 collection has a dash of inky colours which I like very much.

The EDIT project collections are available for just 8 weeks, they launch in two different phases, four weeks for each phase. Elton and Jacobsen's SS09 is part of the 1st phase which means the collection will be available at Topshop's oxford circus until the 15th of March, so if this collection knocks your socks off, then you should perhaps get yourself to Topshop at oxford circus and snap it up, its just nine days to go.

Plastic on my neck

2009-03-04T14:21:00.011Z

I adore unusual accessories that are made from unique materials, and I'm always so delighted when I come across them, some previous unusual accessories I posted a little while back include designs by Min Ji Cho whose accessories are made from rubber gloves and Hannah Edman's copper jewelries.

This time around its all about PET plastic bottles, Gülnur özdağlar pieces are all made from PET plastic bottles, Gülnur designs bowls, buttons, lamps as well as Jeweleries.

The Jewelry designs are so colourful and just stunning, its hard to believe they are made from plastic bottles.

To view some more designs by Gülnur, go to the etsy shop.

Can never have enough shoes

2009-03-04T12:13:00.008Z

I love these trainers with thick heels by Italian footwear brand Ash, a number of them are available in both Office and Urban Outfitters.

These are from the debut winter 2009 collection by New Zealand's accessory designer Sara Smeath's for her label Lost Not Lonely, prior to starting her own label, Sara worked with Karen Walker as well as Shakuhachi. The debut collection titled 'Lower valley locals' includes both shoes and bag designs which you can view here.

And Finally Japanese label B by Aperire creates structural, playful and colourful shoes, I cant stop scrolling through their online shop

Nomia is pretty

2009-02-26T11:09:00.002Z

Nomia is a New York based clothing, the name comes from Greek mythology. The designer behind this clothing line is Yara Flinn, who has a background in sculptural and video art, prior to starting her label she worked at United Bamboo and other influential fashion houses.

The SS09 collection is very subtle, flirty and with a fine, sleek look to it which I really like. Yara designs often look very basic at first look but once you take a closer look, the lovely little details are revealed, this makes these pieces even more attractive I think.

Craving Light denim

2009-02-25T18:30:00.009Z

I dont often go for light/blue denim pieces, the only light/blue denim I own are a pair of highwaist shorts rom ASOS. However, of recent, I have become more and more drawn to light denim pieces, I personally blame the recent stunning Topshop SS09 campaign for this sudden conversion.

I personally cant stop craving these particular pieces shown below.

(From Left to right: Miss Selfridges, Topshop, Opening Ceremony and Orphan age jogpurs via Pixie Market)

For now I'm going to have to make do with this purple denim jacket from Miss Sixty

as well as this denim jacket from Topshop.

ruffle ruffle handbags

2009-02-24T04:03:00.002Z

If you sometimes drop by, you'll have possibly notice that I always hype over anything with many ruffles, I just cant help it. A designer that seems to enjoy playing around with ruffles is Hrafnhildur Guðrúnardóttir, She graduated from the Iceland Academy of the Arts where she studied fashion design, her Label, Hidden Goods was launched last year.

From her previous work, it seems Hrafnhildur enjoys incorporating ruffle details into her designs.

For this AW 08/09 handbag collection, Hrafnhildur got inspiration from a variety of things, particularly the circus life of the nineteenth century, the vibrant inky colours of these bags are just stunning.

PS: Happy Pancake day for yesterday, I made banana pancakes which ended up looking like an Ameba, however it tasted fantastic.

Brass Label Belly Baring

2009-02-17T04:14:00.005Z

The belly baring trend has been lurking around for a while now, it looks great on so many just not on me, however the label Brass has a number of belly Baring pieces in its SS09 collection which has shed a completely new light on my view on the belly baring look.

The pieces look a little like a small cape and I have to say, I like them very much.

Behind the label Brass is London based Scottish designer Zoe Watt, she will be presenting the Aw 09 collection of the label at Rendez -Vous Femme some time between 6-9 March 2009 in Paris.
Having worked for the likes of Peter Jensen, I think her future designs would most likely be very interesting and one to look forward to.

Spread Keiko's hearts

2009-02-14T15:15:00.008Z

I'm hoping you've all had a fantastic Valentines Day, if you'd still like to spread some love then I think I've found the most fun thing we can all get involved in, I came across the Love Project some weeks back while I was flicking through flickr.

The LOVE project is a very inspiring art Project by Keiko Toyoshima and the aim of the project is to spread love round the world.

Basically the lovely Keiko sends you the hearts, then you'd take a picture with Keiko's hearts and post the picture onto the LOVE project pool on Flickr, easy peezy. I personally love the concept behing this project.

If you'd like to get involve just email Keiko or send her a flickr mail. I reckon we should all join in and help spread Keiko's heart round the world.

I'm hoping to get some hearts soon, when they arrive and i'm done with them, I'd be glad to pass it on to anyone who might like to participate.

Here are some of the pictures from the LOVE project pool.

Nature and City Girl

2009-02-12T07:50:00.003Z

Rose la Biche is a label that focuses on experimenting with the combination of nature and urban designs.

The designer behind this label is Lucy, she produces handcrafted basic pieces like shirts and hoodies but with an edge and elegance to them, each of these basic garments have nature inspired designs, like floral shaped ruffles, frills, drapings and many more.

Her designs are been sold in her Etsy shop, where there is also an interview about the designer Lucy and how she started her label here.

Learn to swim

2009-02-11T14:42:00.003Z

I cannot swim, I've tried a number of times and I always end up sinking and thinking I'm going to drown, I'm not sure why, maybe I'm made of stone. Either way I love swim suits, I love collecting vintage swimsuits but I never get to wear them, besides swimming is not an option now, seeing as its still so cold, not even in an heated swimming pool.

However I've really been thinking about giving swimming another chance, hence the sudden swimsuits obsession.

Some of my favourites which I recently came across include Denise Marchebout and of course Lenny Leleu.

Lenny is a Belgian designer who studied and graduated from Antwerp Royal Academy of Art in 2007, she assisted Jeremy Scott all through last year in LA. The structure and attention to detail in her swimsuit designs are very eye catching, innovative and it is also very wearable. Its amazing that there can be so much creativity and elegance in such a small piece as swimsuits.

Denise on the other hand is a Mexican designer, her swimsuit designs are very playful, for her previous collection, she designed knitted one piece swimsuits, her recent SS09 collection includes bright pieces with frill details.

These two sets are my favourites, especially the blue jacket below...

There are also other designs in the collection, I think the sheer knee highs with the blue ruffle details are pretty creative, this collection seems to me like one of those that with every look you'll most likely find something new and interesting.

Q&A Setion with Achilles Ion Gabriel

2009-02-10T17:31:00.006Z

Some of you might know Achilles Ion Gabriel, as he shares his fantastic style on Lookbook Nu , Achilles has now recently launched his couture Menswear label as well as his first men's fall collection which includes some tye dye and tailored pieces. Achilles was kind enough to take part in a short Q/A setion.

Why did you start your label?

I’ve had a relationship with fashion for years. For me fashion is the way to be who you really are and what you wear tells the story of your life (or at least the story of your day).

Describe your recent collection and what it’s about.

My recent collection is my first ready-to-wear collection. And it is all about finding some harmony meanwhile trying not to bore one to tears.

Who and What are your greatest inspirations

I respect a lot the old fashion houses like Balenciaga and Lanvin. But they are not my inspiration, I get inspired by my own life, like It says at my home page, I take inspiration for example from my memory loss. For every collection I take a look at life from different point of view

You often share your personal style on Lookbook Nu, describe your personal style in one word.

Conflicting but traditional

Best and worst thing about designing couture menswear

Best thing is that you can really break some limits. One of my coats has already been blamed to be a tutu for men. Actually I like to provoke people but not as much as wonderful Westwood. Worst thing is that some of the pieces can be quite expensive, and I am not into business, I just want to see a little smile caused by my label.

What is next for your label?

Little bit more masculine

Where can we buy or view your designs?

At the moment we are discussing with some high-end retailers at Paris and London, and I might be interested to have something available at Helsinki, too. And you can always contact to our sales (sales@achilles.fi) to purchase our garments.

Obus SS09 - Frills Galour

2009-02-08T12:42:00.002Z

Just like I can not say no to anythiny shiny, glittery, red, ruffles, and bright colours, well thats exactly how I cant say no to anything with lots of frills, its a great curse, which is probably why I love this collection by Obus.

Obus is a Melbourne based label by designer and former former graphic designer Kylie Zerbst, this label has been running for over 8 years now, the recent Spring/Summer 09 collection includes very vibrant bold colours and feminine floaty frill details and playful structures.

The colourful shoes are one of my favourite piece in this collection.

Keeping Warm

2009-02-06T15:13:00.002Z

Mesh, Colourful and fun

2009-02-05T10:14:00.009Z

Marvin and Quetzal are the desingers behind Marvin y Quetzal, a Mexican label which I've been meaning to write about for a little while now. Marvin studied design in Venezuela while Quetzal studied fashion design at LaSalle College in Montreal and at the Maison de France in Mexico.

Their signature style seems to be very colourful, playful, eccentric designs for women and a few pieces for men, ever since I came across some of the pieces from their previous collections, I was pretty excited to see what they had come up with for their SS09 collection. Sadly according to their Myspace page, late last year, Quetzal, one half of the designer duo passed away in an accident, this SS09 collection which was shown at the Mexican Fashion week was his last design contribution to the label, I'm not sure whether the label will continue, either way, I think their designs are fantastic.

I personally love the playfullnes of this collection, especially the 'peek a boo' see through details on the dresses and of course the men's fringing jumpsuit, which I have come to a conclusion that it is for both men and women possibly because I want to wear one of them while jumping around listening to Yelle or something, just so I can get the fringing movement effect.

However, the idea of men wearing a fringing jumpsuit was something that took me a while to get my head around, but then again, if a man can make sequin trousers look so effortless and amazing as demostrated perfectly on here, then surely these fringing jumpsuit will be easy pezzy.

Draping and Shiny

2009-02-04T13:26:00.002Z

I like pieces with drapings and even more when they have structures that can be deconstucted and allow you to play around, hence giving you the freedom to create different looks with the same outfit and getting more wear out of them, which is probably why I was drawn to these dresses by Tim Van Steenbergen, an Antwerp Royal Academy graduate.

Tim Van who is also a costume designer for theatre and opera productions as well as for movies, he has taken classes learning the skills of couture and drapery techniques which is very evidence in his work and even more in his latest SS09 collection.

The thing I find about some pieces with elements of drapings and pieces that can be deconstructed by the individual wearer to their own personal taste is that it sometimes looks a little messy, however thats not the case for these dresses, Tim Van has managed to make them look very elegant and wearable. The metalic shiny fabric and inky colours of these dresses are also quite stunning.

Olivia Rubin's prints

2009-02-02T00:14:00.002Z

London Fashion week is not quite here but it will soon be kicking off, so in the run up to LFW I thought I'd share with you some of the designers I've got high hopes for this season.

One of them include Olivia Rubin, a Saint Martins graduate who debuted at London Fashion week last year, I'm quite sure a number of you are aware of her designs as some of them have been featured in Vogue as well as my weekly guilty pleasure Grazia Magazine. She's due to show her new collection at London Fashion Week on the 23rd of February, Olivia is also working towards releasing a capsule collection for ASOS which will be launched in March this year.

Her SS09 collection has a 60's feel to it, the style and cut of the shark swing coat is evidence of that, the vibrant prints which seem to be her signature style and the colours in this collection are just ideal for spring/summer season. The peach frill coat is my favourite in this collection, I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with for her new collection come London Fashion Week.

Seth Pratt - Tie Dye and Peace boots

2009-01-28T20:43:00.002Z

Bright colours makes me happy and so do bright tie dye pieces which occur in LA based designer Seth Pratt's collection.

He plays with primary colours in this eccentric collection and the tie dye is by hand, the shoes in this collection are also fantastic, especially the cut out thigh high boots. Some pieces in this collection are also unisex, the colourful finging details in are very striking and emphasises the playfulness in this collection.

Phenomenon colourful men

2009-01-28T06:12:00.003Z

Seeing this fantastic picture last night led to a sudden urge to find some very fun and bright menswear fashion, this week of Menswear fall 2009 has also contributed to this, my favourite so far has been Jean Paul Gautiers AW 09 showing some afro hair love (woohoo!!!), Gareth Pugh's first menswear collection, Jil Sander, Raf Simons and Lanvin.

A label that doesn't seem to shy away from vibrant colours for Menswear is Tokyo's Phenomenon. The SS09 collection is so playful, I personally love the lego colour necklace made out of whistles. At first look you might question if this collection is wearable and possibly say its too bright, however, I think individually most of the pieces in this collection are wearable, I can imagine a bit of playing around with them can lead to creating a number of different looks.

Weekend Shenanigans - Famous faces Masks

2009-01-25T04:01:00.003Z

I love fun party masks, always great fun for dressing up but not clown masks, they make me feel nervous. Moving on, I came across these fun masks of famous faces on Cox and Cox, the faces include David Bowie, Dame Edna, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and many others, I reckon they should make one of Mr. T, these masks would have been perfect for New Years eve, oh well I guess there's always other up coming excuses to dress up and wear masks.

The Victorian Character version of these party masks are also available, they are just as fun, however I think my favourite are the famous faces masks especially that of Audrey Hepburn and Dame Edna.

Dandi's costumes by Of Cabbages and Kings

2009-01-23T03:54:00.001Z

Music influencing fashion and fashion influencing music is something we are all aware of, over the past years there's been a number of female artists who arent afraid to express their love for vibrant and fun fashion, a few that have been mentioned on this blog include the likes of Ebony Bones, Roisin Murphy, Bishi, Love fox from CSS, Paloma Faith, Shingai Shoniwa, The broken hearts, Karen O fron The Yeah yeah yeahs and Dandilion from Dandi Wind.

Dandi's vibrant outfits never seizes to amaze me which is why I had to do a wee bit of research about who could possibly behind some of these stage costumes and outfits.

Some of Dandi's costumes are from Australian label Of cabbages and Kings, the label is run by designer duo Tane Andrews and Kira Goodey.

They first started out with jewelry design then made a shift to clothes designing, their AW08 collection titled All the queens of men was their first clothes collection, it was inspired by romantic paintings and Pre-Raphaelite images.

For their more recent spring collection titled Under Ice, they got inspiration from the ocean, my favourite piece from the collection is this garment with knotted fabrics and ruffles.

Mariëlle van de Ven - AW 08

2009-01-21T05:30:00.001Z

There's been a whole lot of designers making use of wool and producing knitted pieces over the last year and another designer who I think has some excellent pieces is dutch designer Mariëlle van de Ven, she graduated at the School of Visual Arts Fashion department, in Arnhem and is presently studying MA fashion design at the Royal College of Art in London.

For her collection she made use of a very striking colour palette especially the red dress, and the photography for her lookbook is quite something too.

Zips and more structure

2009-01-20T10:52:00.007Z

Its so refreshing to be viewing all the SS09 collections and campaigns that's been popping up at the moment, one of the many SS09 collection that's completely stood out for me is that of Elsien Gringhuis who has recently graduated from Artez Academy of Visual Arts in Arnhem.

She made use of natural and organic fabrics, fair trade silk as well as paper for this collection.

According to Elsien, her approach to design is "quite architectural" which is very evident in this collection, particularly the orange lacquer coat which she won the HEMA sustainable design competition for. In my view, I'll describe this collection as very futuristic and elegant collection, its strong, tailored and wearable.

Liza Rietz Structure design

2009-01-19T06:21:00.000Z

Clothes with fantastic structure makes my eyes pop, but in a really good way (if there is a good way for eye popping). Some pieces I have been meaning to write about for a little while now are designed by Liza Rietz, the Oregon based designer creates one of a kind designs with very flirty details and structured designs with feminine silhouettes. Liza's designs are not season driven, rather her clothes her designed to be worn at any time of any season.

Liza's designs are available in her etsy shop where they can be ordered, you can also find this stunning kimono style jacket as well as many of her other designs on there.

A Belated Birthday

2009-01-18T05:23:00.002Z

Last week Saturday it was myself and my blogs birthday, I turned twenty, starting this blog on my birthday was intentional, that way I wouldn't forget. This blog has been running for just over two years now, so I'd just like to a HUGE thank you all the readers, other amazing bloggers who often drop by, the lovely comments and all the encouragements.

I hope to continue sharing more finds with you all. So to celebrate, here are some of my favourite my random finds of the moment.

I love biscuits, they are way better than chocolates which is why I was ever so delighted when I came across these tiny ceramic biscuit boxes by Robert Archard, they include Short cake biscuits, Pink Wafers, Bourbons and Custard Creams.

As well as my favourite biscuits, Jammy Dodgers. These boxes are the actual sizes of the normal biscuits therefore they are mainly for keepsake, however I reckon they can be used as a jewelry box or something to keep little bits and pieces in, I've got my eyes on Jammy dodgers box.

Also, I cant seem to get over these stunning beauty images titled "rare Breeds" by photographer Per Zennstrom, who collaborated with illustrator and Set Designer Liselotte Watkins to create these images, some of you might be aware of Liselotte's work through the illustrations done for H&M's Marimekko collaboration, the H&M Cavalli collection and of course the Illustrations on the Spring 08 Miu Miu dresses.

Raven Hangers

2009-01-09T05:56:00.002Z

While searching for "fun, lovely hangers" as I have recently come to the conclusion that I want really pretty floral / fun hangers for my clothes, I came across these raven hangers and accessories hangers which were created by Icelandic designer Ingibjörg Hanna, the coat hangers are hung from the ceiling with the steel wire on the hanger, I really like the idea of having clothes dangling freely from the ceilling.

White trumpet created String Theory

2009-01-08T05:52:00.001Z

There is no doubt that a combination of details such as fringes, manipulated geometrics and multicolours in a collection is bound to be exciting, which is exactly how I'll describe the White Trumpet's SS09 collection, at every look a different detail is unveiled.

I was first drawn to this label when I came across the Autumn 08/09 collection which had complex and folded triangular details running through the whole collection.

White Trumpet is by two designers, Julie Rouzioux and Reno Inchenko, geometric shapes, folded details and structural pieces are often featured in their designs. Compared to their previous collections, String Theory seems a lot more colourful and playful which makes the structural and folding details even more obvious and attractive in my view.

The pictures presenting the looks also emphasise the sense of playfullness in this collection, the blurry, soft look reminds me of Wendy Bevan's recent editoral Flying Circus for Muse Magazine.

A new dawn

2009-01-07T20:20:00.014Z

Keren Taggar

Firstly I'd like to wish each and everyone a very Happy New Year, I'm still a little bit confused as to when to stop wishing everyone a Happy New Year as well as when its the right time to put down all the Christmas decorations, maybe anytime after my birthday this Saturday will do.

There has been a whole lot of sales out and about, however I haven't really been, I'm saving up to get some 'from me to me' birthday present and then I'll browse all the sales. Having said that though, I did pop into Topshop today for a few minutes I picked up these short, the obsession with polka dots meant I couldn't resist and price didn't hurt either.

I also picked up these pink Jazz shoes which I'm considering getting in black and white stripes as well

Posting would be back to normal from now, I'm hoping to post more often this year and I also hope this year would turn out to be a much happier and better year for us all.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-25T14:53:00.003Z

Red Cap Cards

Just before I begin to stuff my face with turkey, thanking God for Super cool Baby Jesus, eating as much chocolate cake as I possibly can and probably growing sausage fingers like Shrek due to over eating, I'd like to wish you all a fantastic and Happy Christmas, I hope you all get whatever you wish for.

Here are a few of my favourite things to feed your eyes.

Nicoletta Ceccoli

Free Encouragement Project

Tights - Free People, Love Colour Tights, Sox Populi

Camera's - Nikon D60 , "Jack” Limited Edition Holga Camera

Learn to knit

2008-12-25T02:52:00.002Z

I've had it, all the gorgeous knitted pieces I've come across this year has made me think about how much I need to learn to knit properly, not my frankly pretty crap knitted purse which I can not even fit a penny into with it falling off nor the shapeless over coloured scarfs I have knitted in the past, I mean proper knitting.

While on the train yesterday, I became even more determined as a saw a lady knitting what looks like a purple scarf with so much clever details, which sort of reminded me of pieces from one of my favourite labels, Everlasting Sprouts.

Twin is a label I became quite interested in when I came across this stunning dresses from their previous collection titled Twin Fairies, the label often make use of knits.

The label's designers Noriko Seki and Keiichi Muramatsu have also created some colourful knitted pieces for their SS09 collection, you can view the rest of the collection here.

I intend of following some YouTube tutorial very strictly, I feel this might be a new years resolution, one I intend on keeping.

MikioSakabe takes on the future

2008-12-23T06:45:00.004Z

When I looked through MikioSakabe's recent collection, I was delighted which was why I checked pretty much everyday to see whether the lookbook was available on his site, as I often prefer the collection pictures from the lookbook more than the catwalk pictures.

Mikio Sakabe graduated from the Fashion Department of Hogeschool Antwerpen in 2006 and later started his women’s collection in 2007 along side his partner Shueh Jen-Fang, they both met at La Cambre art school in Brussels.

The great thing about this collection is the way they've managed to combine a feminine silhouettes with a sort of Sci-fi element together. The colours are very subtle, however the details are very creative with the stripped silver leggings, the stunning sequins/beads on the skirts and shirt collar which emphasises the Sci-fi theme running through this collection.

Géraldine combines pictures with Illustrations

2008-12-22T15:45:00.001Z

While clearing up my pictures folder, I came across a number of images I have been meaning to share however I had completely forgotten about them until now, some of them include the work of artist Géraldine Georges .

The Belgian Illustrator has a very unique technique of combining her illustrations with pictures, some of Géraldine's designs are available to buy at Click for Art. Her work has been featured in the likes of Numero magazine, NY Times and many others. The way she presents are designs are so creative and unusual, she's certainly one of my favourite artists.

Why so bright

2008-12-22T03:43:00.007Z

Of recent, there seems to be a few similar questions arising about my choice of bright coloured clothing and pieces that I often wear, questions like "you like a lot of bright colours, don't you" and "why do you like so many bright colours."

The answer is I really don't know why I'm often attracted to things with bright colours and prints, I guess it is just a subconscious thing. I often wear bright colours probably because I adore vibrant things, I also wear darker coloured things but often combine them with another item that is possibly brighter so I guess it's not always all bright.

Some bright pieces I have been meaning to share for a little while now are these knotted headscarves from Danielle Scutt's SS09 collection which happens to be one of my favourite SS09 season collection, I was first drawn to these mainly because of the colours and the prints which is probably not too much of a surprise now.

Min-ji Cho uses Rubber Cloves

2008-12-21T04:17:00.004Z

It never ceases to amaze me the sort of unusual things a number designers get inspiration from and make use of to create some wonderful designs. For example Rubber Cloves, to many of us rubber cloves are just, well, rubber cloves, isn't it...

It is probably the least material I'd expect a designer can make use of, well not in Min-Ji Cho's case.

Min-Ji Cho who graduated from the Royal College of Art London, creates his jewellery designs by making use of rubber gloves, Min-Ji Cho's designs are available in a variety of colours . Min-Ji explores the combination of precious and not so precious materials hence the use of both pearls and rubber cloves in these pieces.

Tata Christine loves to knit

2008-12-19T12:02:00.005Z

Another knitting rave is Tata Chrisine, a Berlin and Paris based label whose pieces are aimed at anyone or gender (anything goes) who likes to wear unique clothes.

The knitwear from their 2008 Unique pieces collection are my favourite.

Tata Christine couture recycles old, vintage and secondhand clothes to create their pieces. According to Tata Christine, their pieces plays with the borders of elegance and bad taste to create their pieces, in my view, if this is bad taste then I like bad taste, the play with so called bad taste has certainly created some wonderful pieces filled with some ruffles and great colour combinations.

UPDATE: Apparently, these pieces are crocheted, I often get a little confused about the differences with knitting but there you go.

Annelie Carlström for Fashion Tale Mag

2008-12-18T04:02:00.003Z

Fashion Tale magazine is a Swedish picture based magazine I recently came across, the Winter or December 08 issue features only fashion illustrations by a number of different illustrators, all with very different styles and techniques.

However a couple that really stood out for me were by Annelie Carlström, Annelie is an illustrator who graduated from Beckmans School of design in Stockholm. Annelie has done a number of illustrations for the likes of H&M divided, Minimarket, Bon Magazine and many others, therefore you might be aware of some of her previous work, if not have a look here.

One thing that I found to be really puzzling about this particular illustrations was the model, I couldn't help but feel that I have seen that face before, after some hours of pondering and trying to remember, I finally came to the conclusion that it is probably the stunning Lara Stone.

You can have a look at the list of the other contributing illustrators on the magazines blog here and view the illustrations.

Joan Knits Jewelry

2008-12-15T00:01:00.001Z

The Knitting or Crocheting theme continues, but this time around its Knitted Jewelry which I find quite fascinating.

These recent finds are by Central Saint Martins graduate Joanne Haywood, Joanne is a jewelry designer who also happens to be an Art and Design lecturer, her jewelry designs are a combination of crocheted / knitted cotton with wire compositions. I particularly like the unusual combination of materials in Joan's work as well as her chosen colour pallet, she often designs pieces with opposing ideas, for example the colourless materials mixed with colourful ones, voluminous materials with scanty ones, these theme is very evident in her work as seen below.

Michaela Buerger coloured knitwear

2008-12-10T03:17:00.004Z

Knitwear is literally everywhere and I guess we just cant seem to get enough of it. Knitwear is obviously not just for the cold weather as a number of Spring/ Summer '09 collections have been showing some gorgeous Knit pieces and one of my favourite is by Michaela Buerger.

Michaela Buerger often designs subtle, artful and elegant knitwear as seen in her Autumn/ Winter '08 collection, she decided studied Fashion Design at the University of Fine Arts Vienna and having assisted the likes of Véronique Leroy , Micahela has also worked on a number of theatre projects.

For her Spring/Summer '09 collection, Michaela has designed what looks like a very laid back but skillfull and crafty collection, her choice of colour for these knitwear pieces are beautiful, it certainly contributes to striking see through lace patterns of the loosely knitted or Crochet pieces.

Bow ties for All of our lives

2008-12-09T02:47:00.007Z

This post is dedicated to all bow lovers out there, I know that sounds like a really bad DJ doesn't it?, moving on... bows bows bows.

I know a number of people who love bows and seeing these pieces by All of our lives would possibly seem like bow tie heaven, the label is by Australian designer Mitch Wright, these are bow ties with a twist as they include details from like fringe's, the colours and use of fabrics are also very playfull, they include tartan and check bows as well as gold and silver shiny bows. The shiny silver bow with the black fringing is my personal favourite.

Peek a boo...I see you

2008-12-04T10:02:00.004Z

The idea of inner wear worn on the outside is something I quite like, it is often very fascinating to see how different people make it work for their own personal look, just have a peep at how Miss Woo made it look all so simple and lovely, also sheer pieces can do no wrong in my view which is possibly why I'm drawn to Anna Aichinger's SS09 Lookbook.

Anna studied fashion design under the likes of avant-garde designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Viktor & Rolf and many others at the University of Applied art in Vienna. The Vienna-born designer's recent collection includes are reccuring colour palettes of nude colours, mixed with black and white.

This collection makes use of sheer pieces in a very subtle and creative manner some you probably wouldn't even notice at first look.

Prints on my feet

2008-12-03T10:50:00.008Z

I was first drawn to Ndeur shoes a while back while flipping through some Art and Design Magazine, the man behind Ndeur is Parisian painter, graphic designer and an all round artist Matthieu Missiaen, he often works on vintage shoes and paints a variety of unique designs and prints on them.

It all started when he moved to Toronto, he was hired to paint the store of an independent fashion boutique owned by Sarah TKTK, having seen the results and his portfolio, she suggested he painted some vintage shoes she had, these attracted a whole lot of interest and customers, then it all developed from there. Seen as there is always a yes tick in my brain for everything that is bright and beautiful, it is no surprise that I will be obsessing over these shoes for months to come.

Missiaen not only designs customize women's shoes, he also customizes men's shoes and works on other projects, his clients include the likes of Microsoft Zune.

These shoes are available to buy at his etsy shop, where there is also the option of ordering another customized one with whatever design or print you might like on them.

Another shoe collection which recently blew me away is by a Royal college of Art Graduate Nina Hjorth, her designs are playful and extremely creative.

Clowns at the mini market

2008-11-27T10:12:00.002Z

Basic tailored pieces like shirts, blouses, skirts with a lot of details are pieces I'm often very partial towards, I just cant help myself which is probably why I was drawn to Stockholm based label Minimarket a while back. Having won the the best new designer label in 2006 from Swedish Elle, Minimarket continues to create pieces that are very eye catching, creative and wearable.

Their Spring/Summer '09 collection includes a whole lot of colour, which is obviously very appropriate for Spring, with a mix of quirky details. This collection is so playful so much so I cant help but feel it has various references to clowns for example the models make up, the huge polka dots on the jumper and so many others.

After the Topshop Unique collection (especially the pink playsuit), this looks like another collection I'm going to have to save up for seen as I cant get over the image of wearing the huge polka dot jumper / dress and the pink ruffle skirt.

Sorronda's dramatic Accessories

2008-11-25T02:37:00.002Z

Gail Sorronda is fast becoming a very familiar label which was created by Australian designer Gail Reid. I'm sure a number of you are familiar with some of her work especially the label's Spring 08/09 collection titled 'Seventeen crushes crushed into one.'

I have just recently realised that she also designs an accessory line for her label, I previously assumed the accessories featured on the models for the labels clothing campaign were just props or possibly the stylists own as it often seems to be in a whole lot of campaigns.
Having looked through some of the jewelries on her Myspace page, I had to do a little bit of more research.

Sorronda's Jewelry line was launched in 2007 and titled 'Visual Slur'.

The line is very dramatic, it features her recurring trademark colour palette of black and white both in the designs as well as the pictures for the accessory line. The accessories includes a number of Avant garde designs with very distinct shapes and structures which Sorronda is certainly not new to, the accessories also include a variety of playful pieces with a bold sense of fun.

Cubic Leather Dress

2008-11-24T02:39:00.004Z

Talking means trouble is a label I have just recently become aware of, the Berlin based label is owned by two sisters, pieces that are often produced tend to have a lot of great details, a mixture of strong and soft, beautiful, creative and wearable looks.

Having looked through their Autumn Winter '08 collection titled 'Polaris' there seems to be a whole range of looks from floaty dresses, print and plain tailored shirts and lovely trousers (have a look at the sky blue trousers). However, a piece that completely stood out and caught my attention is this stunning and astonishing leather dress.

According to Talking means trouble, what is unique about their label is being able to "develop tough but elegant shapes out of high quality materials and still remaining very wearable." The leather dress certainly demonstrates this.

PS: I'd just like to say a huge THANK YOU! to Suzanne and Rich of Weardrobe for featuring my closet as Weardrobe closet of week, you can view the mini interview on The fashion spot here.

Kniting Mania

2008-11-20T10:11:00.002Z

It is official, Fashion has gone bonkers for knitwear, its everywear especially from the magazines I have been picking up. Long gone are the days of thinking knitting are for grannys (the shreddies advert comes to mind here).

My knitting skills go no further than long, oversized messy multicoloured or plain scarfs, therefore seeing knitwear designers come up with such beautiful, creative and structured pieces is some kind of an amazement and fascination for me, just have a look at Mark Fast's work, Barbara I Gongini, Clare Tough , Craig Lawrence, Annalisa Dunn and Dorothee Hagemann of Cooperative design, Sandra Buckland and the list goes on...

A few up and coming designers I recently came across are Hanaki Narahira and Julia Knüpfer , they both have different techniques but both design Knitwear pieces.

German designer Julia Knüpfer recently graduated from ESMOD a fashion design school in Berlin. Her graduate collection was tittled Living Room, the aim was to create new silhouettes with inspirations from animal habitats like caves, nests, combs and nets, snail-shells. This collection is an ecological one, with chosen fabrics including wool from biologically controlled husbandry, ecologically grown bamboo and organic cotton. The wool were hand-dyed and the buttons were made of wood.

The first outfit with the cave shaped knitted shoulders, the woven nest like blue jumper and so many other pieces in this collection are evident of Julie's animal habitat inspiration, this is certainly an unusual and possibly one of the unlikeliest source of inspiration, however she has managed to transform this inspiration into very beautifully and well constructed designs that are not only eyecatching but also wearble.

On the otherhand is Hanako Narahira who attended Central Saint Martins, the collection is inspired by graffiti on the Berlin wall. Above all Hanako's work is inspired by Knitwear "it is the one design medium where I feel I can express myself the most".

Her collection is very playful and the colour pallete inlcudes bright colours, Hanako is currently working on a new collection which will be unveiled very soon.

The outfit I wore when he left me

2008-11-15T21:53:00.007Z

The way most designers presents their collection is very important, through both advertising campaigns and look books, one or two looks at it and you can somehow come to the conclusion as to whether or not you are going to like the collection.

I personally love looking through advertising campaigns and look books, the glossy looks and great photography are often very enticing. However something I enjoy seeing the most in looks books and would love to see more of is some playfulness and possibly some sort of a story.

A designer that has mixed all these elements together to present his collection in his look book is Tom Scott, most of you are probably familiar with the New York based designer's work, if not, I'll just go over a little about him.

Tom's grandmother was a lace maker while his father was a carpet weaver, having previously worked as the accessories designer for Ralph Lauren, Tom later launched his women's knit accessories and clothing line.

Tom manipulates wool fabrics to create subtle experimental and playful pieces which is apparent in his Spring /Summer 09 collection. The look book for this collection tells a story through outfits from the collection, each outfit recollects a time in life of the character wearing the pieces.

'this is the outfit i wore when he smiled at me at the mall'

'this is the outfit i wore on my trip to tokyo'

'this is the outfit I wore to the Patti Smith Concert'

'this is outfit I wore when he tried to makeup'

'this is the outfit I wore when we had tea at the Carlyle'

'this is the outfit I wore when I met his parents'

'this is the outfit i wore when i made the teams'

'this is the outfit i wore my first time to south street'

'this is the outfit i wore when i went through my grandma's closet'

'this is the outfit i wore when i taught myself how to swim'

Pretty Head

2008-11-11T10:46:00.003Z

I have been dipping in and out of Gossip girl, in fact I am very behind and still haven't seen most of the episodes, dont gasp, wait till I tell you I have only seen an episode of Sex and the City and all I know about the show are the dresses I see Carrie wearing on some blogs and magazines.

However, out of a few episodes I have watched of Gossip girl, I came across this head gears which one of the characters were wearing then I thought I had to investigate and voilà...

They are from a label called I love Factory , by designers designers Laurel and Chris, Laurel who studied fashion design and business was an intern for designer Betsy Jackson, she now works with Kid robot where she's in charge of lauching the children's collection. Chris on the other hand is a Wardrobe stylist.

These headgears are handsewn, the Winter collection is very classy and with a modern look to it, the attention to detail in these pieces are impeccable.

Plaid Craze

2008-11-10T18:50:00.003Z

The last few days has pretty much been a Plaid craze in terms of what I have been wearing, it has been very unintentional which makes me think maybe I just subconsciously like plaid pieces.

Looking at my wardrobe there seems to be quite a few of them, all I need to become officially Plaid obsessed is just a yellow and black plaid dress, a blue and black plaid jacket, then I might consider having to stop getting anything with plaid prints for a little while.

Dear Catastrophe Waitress

2008-11-10T10:59:00.007Z

It never ceases to amaze me how designers often get inspiration from the most unusual places. For Winter 09 collection, Ulrika Sandström got her inspiration from waitresses and household staff uniforms. The collection titled Dear Catastrophe includes some very beautiful and huge ruffle details, you might notice that I am a huge fan of ruffle details on this blog already.

The red and white check print, the apron details on the black velvet coat and the bow pieces emphasises details often associated with Waitstaff. This collection has a mix of very feminine and playful pieces with the use of heart shape prints, slim lines to create a figure hugging silhouette's like the high waist skirts.

This mix of feminine and playful theme often recur in Ulrika Sandström work as seen in most o her previous collections.

Her upcoming Spring Summer 09 which I have seen just a snippet of also includes this theme along with some gorgeous colour palettes especially the blue Jumpsuit.

Hannah Edman thinks enough tears to cry

2008-11-05T11:20:00.002Z

Jewelries in general are just one of those accessories than can transform a very simple and basic outfit to something very attractive and even flawless.

A jewelry designer whose work I have no doubt can create this sort of transformation is Swedish designer Hannah Edman.
Hannah studied at Ädellab which the Department of Metal Design at Konstfack, a University of Art Crafts and Design in Sweden.

This collection is called 'Enough tears to cry' the concept and inspiration behind this collection according to Hannah is her interest in contrasting beauty with the unpleasant, "I use beauty to get the viewers attention, but there is so much more that I would like to convey other than beauty".

I feel the envelop design necklace is absolutely gorgeous, having said that, I do question the weight of these designs as it looks like it might be a little heavy, however seen as materials such as Copper, Paint and Silver were used to make the necklaces, then maybe it wouldn't be as heavy as it looks. You can view some more of her work here.

Scissors slasher pleat perfection

2008-11-04T02:58:00.001Z

I have been messing about with the scissors a lot lately, possibly in the hope of creating some super slasher amazing pleats, however I have given up on the idea and left it to an expert label like Hartmann Nordenholz.

Pleats and cut out slash designs run through most of Nordenholz work ,with a combination of a bright coulour palettes which ticks a huge yes box in my brain.

Hartmann Nordenholz is by two very talented designers Filip Fiska and Agnes Schorer. These two designers are also associated with some very established and creative designers in the sense that Filip studied with the likes of Viktor&Rolf and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, you might think thats amazing right... well, Agnes also studied fashion design in Master Class of Marc Bohan and Helmut Lang.

The combination of these two designers were obviously deemed to create beautiful and creative pieces right from the beginning.

What is so striking about their Autumn Winter collection and through most of their work is the way their use of pleats and cut out designs are so experimental but comes across in a very subtle and wearable way.

I particularly think the bright blue dress with the nicely crafted details on the shoulder is absolutely beautiful.

Gracias a todos

2008-11-04T02:09:00.007Z

I have been putting this off for a while now, so I guess it's high time, I say 3 huge THANK YOU's!!!!!! to the very amazing Brooke from The Fashion Void that is DC (I want all her clothes especially her recent lace DIY tights) for tagging me the brilliant weblog badge some time back now, also the very lovely Soir de fete (She takes and shares the most beautiful polaroid pictures) who awarded me with the I love your blog badge and finally The seeker from Searching the inner me who awarded me with the premio dardos badge.

I'll also like to say that I really appreciate it, it is very kind of you lovelies.

I know I'm supposed to pass this on but I tend to always be late when it comes to the tagging process and it now seems like most people have already been tagged/ awarded so I guess I'll try and get back to tagging and awarding once I have had a good look through all the blogs I often read and possibly pass this on to those that havent been tagged or awarded yet.