CHARLES ANASTASE

I've read a lot of blogs, comments, articles about his past few collections and I feel as though as his LFW shows as a product/reflection of his creativity don't serve the purpose of his vision. He is always a surprise and maybe that is not always a good thing. Although you cannot undermine his flair, his SS10 collection was a big of mixed balls yet photos from his AW10 transcend a strong sense of growth. Besides the obvious differences like more composed attention to production (scarily painted models to warn us of the dangers of climate change clad in heavily felted wools), the thesis of the collection; "Winter Garden" is visually prevalent and consistent through every look.


I actually like this look the most - probably because I like the soft Ice blue juxtaposed with blood red - garnished with lashings of black for an edgy and ethereal feel. Anastase is probably one of the remaining few who know how to mix hard and light with thought and focus. For me, the elongated proportion of the fitted blue dress reflects the planet in its most simple, basic, organic and purest form; oxygen and the blood-red stockings embody the legs of man and the dark stained shoes encapsulate the demise of our planet. I don't think it is hard to diffuse Anastase's message and it is comforting to know that there is a philosophy to fashion beyond naif appliques and blanketlike coats.

Adrien Sauvage

Richie Culver (Artist)
Black and White Photographs by Adrien Sauvage

Bill Nighy (Actor)
Black and White Photographs by Adrien Sauvage

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl
Black and White Photographs by Adrien Sauvage

Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) Miles Kane (Last Shadow Puppets)
Black and White Photographs by Adrien Sauvage

Coco Sumner, I Blame Coco
Black and White Photographs by Adrien Sauvage


http://www.thisisnotasuit.com/

PALLADIUM X NEIL BARRETT

With a whole host of cross collaborations engulfing feet fashion recently, It seems that many product partnerships have become a little laboured yet the Palladium Boot's minimalism and obvious functionality creates a direct and cohesive vision that reflects Neil Barrett without any confusion.

The shoe itself is simple, hardwearing and rather nifty - especially being able to tuck them down on the sides making it easy to tuck your jeans in or pull your jeans over the boot. There is no overbearing signature design - nothing that goes 'POP' which allow the details (neutral colours, tonal-embossed branding, high-quality leathers) to really stand out.

This would quickly become an ageless staple if found in my wardrobe and is a prime example of a textbook collaboration that celebrates both participants' aesthetics without losing sight of its sole purpose.

(photo by GQ - The nubuck leather shoe runs for $275, and you can find it at palladiumboots.com) Also Available at Bloomingdale's in New York, Kitson in L.A., and Browns in London

I Need Glasses

The Chung

Alexa Chung
L'Officiel August 2010

I don't think its possible for me to rationalise my fascination with Alexa Chung in any relatable form so I won't even bother. Surely everyone in the English speaking world should know who she is - She's a quirky English style icon who was famed Queen of Style by Vogue, outdressing the likes of Kate Moss & Agyness Deyn and has amassed success on both sides of the atlantic with a recent MTV chat show stateside. Although 'Its On with Alexa' fell victim to the axe, she has stayed put in Brooklyn with all the other delicious expats (Aggy D anyone?) and has revived her modelling career since moving to her hipster cesspit of Williamsburg. She was announced as the face of DKNY last year, and has since fronted a Pepe Jeans campaign and was recently announced as the figurehead of the forthcoming Lacoste fragrance. She is also screwing Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys so really she ain't doing too badly.

MAD TRUSS

Kate Moss by Mario Testino

Stuffz you should buy me

American Apparel - The Unisex Circle Scarf (NAVY)
ParisTexas - UGO CACCIATORISilver shell pendant necklaceHope - Core CardyAcne - DELHI 1 S/S 10

Acne - CLIMB VESTAmerican Apparel - Welt Pocket Pant (Blue Chambray)
All Saints - Voodoo Crisscross

All Saints - Dont Panic S/s Crew

oNONO

oNONO is not a conventional fashion brand, but a visual art project and a fashion laboratory developed by Ademar Ferrera who sought to create a workshop of creative fusion where creatives cross collaborate to creative something wonderful. Ferrera's vision has been realised in oNONO’s third collection, developed in collaboration with different Brazilian artists. It really proves that there can be a science to design - all aspects of the collections presentation is formulated, calculated and thoughtful, it features an installation designed by the Fogo Design Studio and music by experimental house band CMYK & Grayscale at Micasa.

The collection itself is an emotional outburst of colour, crisp detail and geometry. Accompanied by accessories created by designer Walério Araújo, the beastly collection itself features dresses, tops and shirts characterised by edgy, bold and dynamic prints, using a wild mix of fabrics and textures, and a touch of Brazilian fervour: one design is solely covered in logos of famous luxury brands while a dress is entirely made of plastic wristbands, a joke on getting an “access all areas” pass in the fashion industry. All the pieces were developed by Ferrera in collaboration with a creative group including artist, fashion designer and co-owner of a Brazilian contemporary art gallery Juliana Freire, artist Emma Thomas, fashion designer Gustavo Silvestre, artist and photographer Lucas Simões, Goiânia-based artist Pitágoras and Thelma Bonavita and Cristian Duarte’s contemporary dance group Desaba.

Prada Architects T Shirts

So If I do decide to pursue architecture, I'd at least hope that in around 15-20 years time when I've built some repute as a professional that my wardrobe would include Prada's collection of souvenir t-shirts with the floor plans and frontages of their flagship stores printed on them. The Jersey White Prada Classic t-shirts (understandably abbreviated to JWP for the project) come in different ‘Prada’ shades for the different stores: white for Tokyo, LA and Montenapoleone Donna; red for NYC; sky blue for Montenapoleone Uomo; light green for London and black or white for Galleria. T-shirt pictured above- Aoyama, Tokyo.

Old Bond St, London

SoHo, New York

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Montenapoleone Donna, Milan

Montenapoleone Uomo, Milan

Trancer Dancer

French Vogue - September Issue 2007

WEEKDAY + A NON SMOKING GENERATION

I'm really really enthused by this development. Perhaps my favourite retailer on the surface of the earth; 'WEEKDAY' have announced an exciting new collection that celebrates the non-smoking youth culture. Personally, I'm quite happy as I don't smoke... I constantly feel the pressure to basically be a sheep and subscribe to the bland cultural norm expectation of lighting a cigarette simply to look the part. My WEEKDAY fetish has reached a new level of inappropriate.


Here's the caption from WEEKDAY...

WEEKDAY + A NON SMOKING GENERATION: Everyone knows it is dangerous and stupid and it’s a long time since tobacco was even remotely cool. Despite this fact people still become addicted to tobacco. This is why Weekday, in collaboration with A Non Smoking Generation, designed a couple of nice t-shirts and tank tops. On the front of all garments is a print of the classic A Non Smoking Generation logo. One print is made using the puff-print technique of the 80’s with the logo in pastel colours, another print use a laser technique that burns the logo into the garment. Together we created two tank tops and two t-shirts for women and two tank tops and two t-shirts for men.

During the last 30 years A Non Smoking Generation has worked very hard to encourage young people to skip tobacco. This collection manifests Weekday’s view on cigarettes and tobacco in general. So, if you agree with Weekday, show it! The garments will be in all Swedish Weekday stores on June 28th.

A Non Smoking Generation: The main focus for the organisation’s activities is to encourage kids and teenagers never to start using tobacco. The major part of their work is carried out in classrooms where visiting young inspiring ambassadors discuss tobacco with the students. Since the beginning in 1979 these ambassadors have met more than 1,5 million students in schools all over Sweden. A Non Smoking Generation also educates teachers and parents and the organisation had an active role in the creation the law that in 2005 banned smoking in restaurants and bars in Sweden.

Reed + Rader Editorial

source: http://www.todayandtomorrow.net/2010/05/25/reed-rader-editorial/

Piers Atkinson

A leading light in British fashion, Piers Atkinson has already cemented his status as an inventor. His designs are eccentric and playful with a high-art edge, thought provoking and needles to say, visually stunning. Atkinson finds his inspiration from the history of fashion as well Jean Paul Goude’s photos of Grace Jones and the work of the jeweler, Elsa Schiaparelli – to name but a few.

I really think millinery design is severely overlooked in the industry and it is invigorating to see a young British milliner putting himself out there and receiving some well deserved attention.

Kate Moss/V Magazine #61

Moss is Boss

Forever Inspired

Acne Paper No2

Ella Haberlach

Ella Haberlach's Seelenkleid is an ethereal line of conceptual clothing that falls somewhere between fashion and art.

Miu Miu S/S10

Miu Miu S/S 2010 exceeded every expectation. I can't hide my excitement when I spot pieces from it show up in the new issues of every great magazine, no matter if it'san ad or editorial. Inspiring.

Built to Wear

Designer: Ball-Nogues Studio
Location: Shenzhen, China

A collaboration between Ball-Nogues and American Apparel. The installation includes 10,000 AA t-shirts.

→ www.ball-nogues.com

What to do with 24000 leds...

Cute Circuit created the Galaxy Dress, made of silk and 24,000 LEDs embroidered onto its surface, measuring just 2 by 2-millimetres each. To make the dress lighter and more flexible than your average light-enhanced couture, the designers used layers of organza crinoline and silk chiffon, and they power the dress with many small iPod batteries that are light and easily hidden. The Galaxy Dress is currently on exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

+J by Jil Sander for Uniqlo

We've all been waiting a long time for UNIQLO to announce another killer collab and finally, our cravings have been satisfied. I've been a fan of the Japaneese fast fashion retailer for a while, and its no surprise why; Uniqlo is stylish and affordable. The +J collection is sure to prove popular with its classic cuts and effortless sillhouettes, Jill Sander is right on trend.

Featuring a collection of men’s and women’s outerwear, tailoring, denim, knitwear, slim-fitting shirts, jerseys, sweats and accessories - the range is set to cover every one of Sanders’s refined style bases yet simultaneously maintaining Uniqlo's "uber-noughties" edge.

It was announced earlier this year that Sander will be filling a consulting role at Uniqlo, bringing her own expert perspective to Uniqlo’s distinct aesthetic which will prove vital to revive Uniqlo's dominance on the international high street.

The collection will be available at London's flagship Oxford St store, and i'm heading there now.