watch out!

neat-o.

April Showers.........

Despite what the title of this post might inspire you to think ( grey mornings followed by more gray afternoon, sprinkled with an intermix of showers), I am going to tell you to hold that thought and think of the other April, April O'Neil (the one who rocks yellow jump suits and rolled deep with adolescent, reconfigured, karate-wielding amphibians!). Yes, while searching for a style icon who supports this summer's trendy threads I though of none other than the reporter with a heart of gold. Besides schooling me on how to be cool when hanging out with guys and err... turtles, April also had some gnarly style.






If Ms. O'Neil were around today, searching the gritty New York streets for a lead, or a good slice she would definitely rock these duds. APC's Madras collection created a a unique tote that melds leather and canvas. Rag and Bone had a great idea and decided to add a little ocher to there spring collection. And if Ms. O'Neil was running around the defending the world from microwavable rappers ( it happened) she would need some cool shoes. Commes De Garcon for converse has just the fix, with their white high tops. KawaKubo, er Kawabunga

A freelancing agent said I had fire in my eyes, but that I needed to work on my portfolio

I want to play football for the coach

city slicking

images from collage taken from Dossier

semi-sweet dreams

I'm a dreamer.

Twenty Ten

Happy New years! Yes, I am sure by now the champagne bubbles have trickled down your throat, and that shimmery new years number has retreated back to the black hole of your closet. Whether you kissed the one you wanted to, danced into the wee hours or made a new resolution, let's celebrate the birth of 2010 in all it's majesty.

With a new year comes new opportunity, and while I have many qualms with American culture, I love our embrace of second chances. Being a constant dreamer in both night and day I welcome the idea of a clean slate, and another chance to magically conjure all I want. While I don't know what 2010 will hold I am optimistic of love life and the pursuit of all things silly.

What Time is it Mr. Wolf?

The film Once Were Warriors portrays a modern day Maori family finding themselves far from the graceful life of the once soldiers. Between the gripping and gritty scenes we come to marvel at the strength of one woman as she battles to keep her family intact. The beautiful Maori tattoos that lace the skin of the young gang members become a metaphor for the way in which life twists. Through the film we come to see these tattoos as only superficial signifies of strength, and that the the true brave warriors are those who can face the pain and still continue to love.

Three as Four, Rodarte, Vena Cava, Once Were Warriors

This season Maori inspiration seems to saturate the runway. CFDA winners Rodarte bathed their models in swirled arm tattoos reminiscent of the New Zealand tribe. The draping styles of Rodarte can only described as savage with the models looking as if the had just come form battle. Yigal Azrouel offered some unique style lines. These swirled color block of stark black against nude gave the impression of tattooed bodies.

Yigal Azrouel, Rodarte, Vena Cava, Once Were Warriors

With the help of Yoko Ono, Three as Four, created a collection with warrior strength. Over netted mesh slick spandex stuck to the body revealing the feminine form. This collection showed how great design can be understated yet powerful. For those who can not wait until spring, Vena Cava designed two Maori print dresses for Gap. These simple yet chic zipper down the front cream creations feature tribal inspired graphics. These clothes project confidence and bravery, but remember: the true heart of a warrior is on the inside.

Laser Cut and Lace: Back Stage at Jill Stuart Spring 2010

It was surprisingly bright on the morning of Monday September 14, with sun peaking through the giant beach trees that guard Byrant Park. Even in my sunny surroundings I felt the afterthought of sleep still under my eyes. It had been a long night toiling away at The Jill Stuart show room, helping with last minute alterations and changes for the spring 2010 runway show. The inspiration for the show had been developed month earlier with Jill Stuart leaning towards the style of the iconic singer, Cher.


As per usual the Jill Stuart collection featured a fair infusion of vintage, but this season Stuart's design team had worked on creating some drapey creations in metallic lame and spandex over denim. The collection hit many notes and included a wide array of materials: tweeds, studs, mesh, metal and some find laser etched leather. As an intern I became very accustom to the collections, but even with my knowledge of the pieces I had yet to see what would make the cut.



I entered the historical Bryant Park library, whose classic structure hosted the Jill Stuart collection for many year. With a flash of my full access pass, I found myself backstage amid towering marble walls. I entered the large banquet hall buzzing with make-up artist and models. Amid the click of shutter lenses, pale waif fairies narrowed their gaze and allowed the camera to capture their elken features.


Like a wall tapestry I watched the excitement as the banquet hall swelled with buyers, press, celebrities and stylist. In the midst of the mounting anticipation I decided to make my way back to the back stage area. In a tiny hallway of the library the dressing area was set up. Everyone was in place. The stylist who had help Jill curate the collection sat scrutinizing the Polaroids of the models, but there was no time to make any changes.


One by one the models appeared only to be undressed and then reemerged in a new skin. I peaked around to get a view of the clothes. I saw my favorite, a white linen and mesh cut out dress reminiscent of a storm trooper. It looked like sportswear and strayed from the frilly girl image Stuart had mastered over the years, but to me it represented a new direction with more edge.


Finally it was time for the show to begin. A few other interns stood with me around a pillar and watched as the models float to sweet techno beats. Later in the week this moment would be translated into fashion reviews. Some with harsh words, others mild, most with the sentiment that it was too much going on and too little covered. But to me a show is a show; you do not come to see the ordinary when it comes to fashion. You come to dream and leave expectations aside and envelope yourself in someone's artistic license. What I can say is that the models glided, that the metal chains over metallic crochet swung to just the right rhythm and that the color blocked pants looked sharp.



It was over in fifteen minutes. Stuart came out amoungst the applause and stood in the spotlight looking oddly vulnerable. She smiled to her husband and three daughters who sat within the front row and then with one more glance at the camera she left. The audience poured onto the run way, walking fast to glimpse the many socialites who had graced the library. Congratulations when on back stage to Jill and her diligent team who it seemed had succeeded in putting on a seamless show. I stuck around to see if anyone needed help, but like all of today everything was already taken care of. With nothing else to do and a creeping feeling of sleep, I made my way down the immense stair case and out to the forty second street exit. Outside greeted me with warm air and a sweep of people enjoying their lunch break. It seemed like nothing had happened and that I had only popped in the library to renew a book. Before I gave myself away to the midtown crowd I glanced back at the library. I felt a soft pang to go back in and see more of the fashion evolution, but I had already saw what I wanted. It was time to go home and digest things on my own.

All photos found on the internet

Eye Candy

This photo stream feeds your retinas with some much needed nourishment for your imagination dehydrated soul. In between paint splatters and dreamy YSL compacts lies the outline of messy boheme muses. Though one cannot miss the blatant product placement, the makeup seems like welcomed characters. Perfume bottles clatter into each other like budding sky scrapers in a ephemeral world . If only the sky leaked plum and hair tendrils were scratchy charcoal notes on a white plane. C'est la vie. Brought to you by artist Rebecca Wetzler.

attack of the pixellated spy bots

So my good ol' PC has become riddled with viruses. This happens every six months or so (silently cursing the day I bought a Dell). Will hopefully resurface with more post once this techno fiasco subsides. :)

I want my MTV!

I remember when the acronym for music television actually represented something close to music. I could flip to channel 16 an watch an array of choice music videos, No Doubt, Garbage, even some 98 degress (It was the 90's, and I had adolescent infatuations). These days bad scripted reality dialogue and a fake bake tan seem to be the only criteria for MTV shows. So where does a lover of music video go when she needs an audio video fix? If she also happens to be a bit of a fashionista, then this hand picked list fashion music vids will cure her anti-MTV blues.

Miss Dior Cherie

Who doesn't enjoy a good romp around Paris, especially when the soundtrack includes Brigitte Bardot's Moi Je Joue. With cupcakes, bicycles and balloons you'll a-dior it!

Erin Fetherston Fall 2009
watch exclusively at Shopbop

A twist on the classic pied piper tale, featuring Fetherson herself as the stylish leader. Watch as city girls everywhere swoon over Fetherson aura and find themeslves drawn to the tune of the glittery trumpet.

Alison Lewis
watch exclusively at the Lewis website

Alison Lewis, 1/2 of the glorious label Mooka Kinney, now produces her own line, Lewis. A whimsical sixties style video compliments her loose silk camisole dresses. Like a one of a kind vintage pieces this video is meant to be cherished.

Takashi Murakami

Have you ever felt bored/ alone, then your cell phone floats away and monogrammed creatures came to life? Next thing you know a giant bulbous panda materializes and swallows you into is fantastically animated stomach! No? Well then you should enjoy this magical adventure illustrated by Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton.

Cynthia Rowley Musical Chairs

Short and sweet, with choppy cuts and french accents, these musical chairs leave you with a Goddardian aftertaste. A few models fall to the tunes of a super cute, super dweeb french band. Oh la la.

French teasing from The Facehunter Show on Vimeo.

Bonus Material: The Face Hunter Show

So I happen to have a minor crush on Yvan Rodic, this crush is comprised of admiration for his globe trotting style adventures, cute accent and hensey style. Recently he has shifted from photographer to dapper style forecaster. The Facehunter showcases not only Rodic's ability to find the Cool, but to actually talk with and make witty jokes with said Cool. Exploring Mexico City, Paris, Stockholm and Moscow this stylish lad makes quiet the host. Oh, there is also music.

kKonseptual

Royal academy, fourth year inspiration

Dare to dream. While trend forecast see cloudy skys full of safe collection, a city in the north east hemisphere still churns out fantastically abstract ideas in fabric. The city of Antwerp has long since nurtured a youth Avante Garde scene. Experimentation through fabric has lead to some great contributions in fashion. Dries van Noten and Ann Demeulesmeter, two notable designers of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, found commercial success. An amazing accomplishment, considering that the core Antwerp style gets lost in translation. From first to fourth year, the Royal Academy challenges the principles of design.

Royal Academy, first year

Royal Academy first year

The Fashion Academy Ghent keeps with the tradition of conseptual, allowing it's student body to explore costume and experimental materials. Antwerp's couture fantasy style makes it more ground breaking, but not necessarily ready for ready to wear. The re appropriation of basic pleats and drapes gives inspiration to those in the mass market. In a world where creativity gets pushed aside for profit, it is refreshing to see fashion that know no boundaries.

Ghent, first year

Ghent first year

Sehr Schon

I got the chance to chat with international designer Silke Delber. This womenswear and accessories designer creates intricate nature inspired pieces. Silke's attention to detail illustrates fantastic adventure though suede and lace.

SE: You grew up in Germany, went to school in London and now design in
America. How did the different fashion cultures affect
your design identity? Which country do you think has the best style?

SD: Growing up in the German countryside was not very fashion conscious. Inspiration came from antiques and flea markets. But, I am glad that I grew up in this society where fashion is still considerate secondary to life matters, which puts the whole fashion game in perspective to me.

London was definitely an eye opener in the sense of creativity and a push to be crazy and different. To study and exchange with so many different people from all over the world and working for some very special and unique designers helped me to explore my own taste. On the other hand, fashion in London was sometimes not very realistic in a business sense. This is where the experience of being in New York plays in. The American fashion industry plays it very safe and keeps the business aspect in the foreground. I am very happy to have experienced both these approaches. I think they both are equally important. I feel challenged to create something unique ,classic and sellable at the same time.


SE: How would you best describe your design aesthetic/ what are your
influences?

SD: I am a perfectionist in the sense that every little detail has to be thought through and coincide with my inspiration. I love exploring and challenging different techniques and research to make it my own. I am drawn to the love and craftsmanship which you can see in beautiful ethnic or antique pieces. I also like to refresh my "fashionable overloaded mind" with inspiration coming from art, nature and life.


SE: You have worked with some pretty big industry names; Vivienne
Westwood, Luella Bartley, and Jill Stuart, who was your favorite to
work with? Any crazy stories?

SD: No doubt it was at Vivienne Westwood! I would worked there for free-every night and came home with an amazment for what I had seen and learned. Careful with your cookies-Vivienne would eat them all...


SE: What do you in the future for Silke Debler designs?
SD: I want to concentrate and explore my brand-travel, work and support local crafts people. I want to use their knowledge and techniques and work together on new exciting designs. I am definitely not in the search for fashion fame.

SE: Any advise for young designers trying to break into the industry?
SD: I would definitely advise to get some work experience first.There is so much to learn and so many mistakes to be made. The urge to create your own will grow and you will feel once you are ready. But observe and learn whilst being an employee, you will be wise once it comes to your own business. Never give up-if this is what you really want, you can do it!



SE: So inspirational! Currently what is your favorite trend/ What are you into right now
fashion wise?
SD: I have difficulties to point my thoughts to one single thing, but I think it's definitely think its important to keep societies mood and economic situation in mind. Rediscover the simple and pretty things.


SE: So who is the next big fashion thing?
I am really not that fashion up-to-date,but I am hoping Silke Debler!

SE: Good answer! What is your favorite German food?
SD: I miss the bakeries-good bread and cakes!

SE: mmmmhhhhh....

The World is A Vampire

It took New York's AM magazine to have an entire vampire culture section (hilarious!) for me to fully understand just how deep this vamp trend is. Of course every tween girl has gone twinkly eyed for Robert Pattison and the True Blood-y Mary stains the lips of all hip kids this side of Bedford. But while my tone might sound glib I am all for vampomania. I grew up in an era of Buffy the Vampire slayer and had quite a few Anne Rice novels on my reading list. For me, vampire fascination represents classic romanticism with a touch of terror, just to keep things exciting. While the trend sprinkles popular media it also affects the fashion forecast. designers Cynthia Steffe and Daryl K feature night creature collections with just the right mix of edge and class. Alexander Wang seemed to be inspired by Blade, because his Frankie Creeper Hitops get you ready for some nocturnal stompin'. The genious designers behind OAK created a killer fall collection. The simple design of the black layer square over coat makes a stunning silhouette. This wool jacket completes a wardrobe of both the living and the undead.

See you at the New Moon premiere! :)

Alexandra Cassaniti

Alexandra Cassaniti is a California-based clothing and accessories designer who can do no wrong in my eyes. Cassaniti's arsenal includes rad pencil cases, backpacks, and bike bags [! see above] among loads of other things, all featuring one of her cool patterns [think messy hand-done stripes, yesterday's newspaper headlines, and rainbow paint splatters]. Cassaniti's items are often convertible [backpack] or extremely practical [sup, bike bag] but still contain her signature laid-back, cool style. Cassaniti also has a line of [surprisingly affordable!] sunglasses--pastel frames plus lenses with designs like triangles and X's. The line also features plenty of appropriate gear for the surfing folk, like a neoprene beret and surfboard covers. Check out all her goods here.

Halloweak

Jamie Lee Curtis, looking frigheningly fabulous

Is any one else slighlty put off by the number of Halloween remakes and sequals there are? I love a good horror classic, but really how long can the Micheal Myers legacy live on for?