Wednesday 30 September 2009

Digital Rainbow

Christopher Raeburn is a young British fashion designer who focuses on ‘functional beauty in the 21st century cityscape.’ As a brand he launched in 2008, and since then has elevated his concepts from strength to strength. Collaboration with Tom Soar at Paris Fashion Week AW09 allowed him the artistic autonomy to offer an ethnical couture edge to the modern industry. He then went on to showcase an independent AW09 womenswear collection at London Fashion Week.

Raeburn’s new collection is a Digital Rainbow delight. Negotiating ‘a new path across the rainbow spectrum, it results in a modern and optimistic range that playfully experiments with light and silhouettes.’ Constructing high end street wear from re-appropriated military fabrics, an ethical and intelligent light is cast upon the newly styled contemporary city dweller. The burnt honey and amber colours almost evaporate to the edges, making the Macs look like the contours of the body, as opposed to a piece of clothing on its own. Parachute fabrics exude a subtle couture shape, with layering that mists into one another, elevating the airy sense of the dresses. Utilising laser cutting techniques for the first time, Raeburn’s conceptual designs are stencilled into even more defined heights. Concentric circle cut outs feature across the lapels and necklines, showing true innovation at its most innocent. The honeycomb shapes are delicately sprinkled over the white Mac, offering an artistic patchwork to the strong black lines that stem down.




Tuesday 29 September 2009

Sunday 27 September 2009

Apocalyptic

Beekay was another designer that caught my eye in the On/Off building at The Strand. His first collection is an ambitious industrial concept, fusing easten and western culture and reinventing archetypal New Age characters that visually foretell a post-apocalyptic way of life. Relentlessly experimenting with cut and textures, Beekay’s clothes creates a dark, intense and atmospheric effect. Leather is used indulgently, providing a tough canvas on which lighter fabrics such as cotton are given platform for life and movement. The juxtaposition of industrial themes with flowing and accesible materials makes for a beautiful androgynous dysfunction. Pushing the boundaries and kneedling a political stitch into the clothes, Beekay is an innovative and conceptual designer of the highest degree.

www.beekaystudio.com info@beekaystudio.com +44-7920100823











Friday 25 September 2009

Tuesday Night Brand Practice

At The Strand I met Dylan, the sales man the man behind a brand I’ve become quite attached to already. Comprising of Robin Graves’ graphics, Mark Murder’s designs, Ben Bones way with denim, and Dan Dangerousness’s production, Tuesday Night Band Practice ‘did things in reverse’, establishing stores around the world before introducing themselves three years later to the fashion week industry. Routed in underground bands, the punk grunge acoustics translate into the chords of the clothes. Logos are etched unconventionally across vests, with marble like tea stains creating edgy tie dye effects. The blazers look like gothic surgeon outfits suited for the runway or stage, with acid wash jeans that are so on trend. Hoodies drape effortlessly like atmospheric phantoms. And the boots are a highlight in my eyes, with rich leather and thick buckles that have an industrial persona and heel to them. To find out more about the upcoming brand, swerve a click to the website in mention. http://www.tuesdaynightbandpractice.co.uk/
















Thursday 24 September 2009

Falguni & Shane Peacock S/S 2010

Falguni and Shane Peacock’s collection was a highlight delight for me and Connie on Sunday. With the likes of Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child nearby, the show attracted a glistening array of stars and industry types. As the lights dimmed, kaleidoscope designs sparked the runway, with rich embellishments and an innovative blend of fabrics that looked to evolve and spirally unwind as the garments flowed. Shoulder blade jackets were thick and electric with feathers, perfect for folk lore landscapes. This vamped up the eastern inspiration into something fitting for the eclectic dance floor. The elegance remained on show though, with long draping dresses that had an aquatic freshness to them; a mist like quality that exuded a sense of innocence. What marked this collection was the accessibility to women from different runways of life. Fitting for the glamorous and established, and likewise for the young and ambitious starlet looking for something electric and adventurous in colour, Falguni and Shane Peacock are sure to make a print in the UK from here onwards.

This S/S 2010 collection was backed by Fu-sion 360, a creative management company working with Indian designers.














A Blast Of Something New

BBC blast made an impression on the runway, fusing inspiration from high fashion designers with youthful and accessible street style. Comprising of young budding designers, a mix of looks came together that could have clashed, but instead displayed an enriched and cohesive feel. Drop crotched Vivienne Westwood inspired trousers slouched in a funky effortless manner for the guys, while Grecian drapes rippled like a silken sea in the girls’ skirts. An aquatic marble print stained the tight fitting dresses, reminiscent of the punk grunge revival that on trend brands such as All Saints and Zara love to play with. The young designers also offered unique ideas of their own, with denim misting into thick cream fabrics. And an air of androgyny marked the walk of the guys, with cropped vests and funnel neck tops mimicking the sport chic style of aqua couture. Giving the collection purpose along with a powerful pose, the t shirt illustrations on show are now on sale through the BBC website, with profits going to Children In Need. So support the cause, whilst aiding your wardrobe with a blast of funky fashion from these talented names to be.

http://www.1woman.co.uk/

http://fashionistadujour.typepad.com/fashionista_du_jour/




Wednesday 23 September 2009

A Midsummer Nights Dream

So I've just got back from London Fashion Week, and was introduced to a fabulous array of designers from different runways of life. More generalised photos and thoughts will filter through over the next few days, but to kick start proceedings, here is my review from Orschel-Read's show.


Tales from Shakespeare leapt from the page to print for Orschel-Read’s S/S 2010 collection in London on Sunday. Trench coats, lounge suits and leather collegiate jackets made empowered statements, keeping in line with classic tailoring while introducing a subtle couture angle. The green jacket looks like plates of armour, dislocating out in an unconventional manner. And a V neck cuts down into an otherwise sophisticated dusty cream blazer to adapt to the youthful couture collective of Shoreditch. The use of leather is an indulgent delight to the eye, creating crinkles of light and reflection as the models walk past. What marks Orschel’s concept is the beautiful juxtaposition of this romanticised Shakespearean idea with more modern elements. Military boots footprint the couture revolution for the modern man about London, with materials such as moray silk, chiffon, and even human hair laced into the clothes. And an eclectic conflict marks this runway bravery, with dropped crotch trousers clashing against the Emperor like jackets; very much reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood’s approach. With an androgynous feel that fuses masculine strength and feminine beauty, Orschel-Read’s vision is sure to attract those looking for something thought provoking and quirky in their wardrobe.

Orschel-Read, The Old Glass Factory, 15 Hoe Street, London E17 4SD, http://www.orschel-read.com/




Friday 18 September 2009

Michael Kors Strikes A Chord

While Michael Kors Spring 2010 collection might not be groundbreaking or necessarily innovative, the classic approach strikes a chord with my fashion delight. The pastel blues and ice whites look fresh to the eye, as if the tops would melt to the touch. The blazers are tailored and sophisticated, but retain a modern edge with scrunched sleeves. And the parachute trousers are crinkled with life and a sense of movement. The black jacket is a highlight of the collection, with an empowered titan feel. Let me know what you all think as well. On that note, I’m heading to the pavement runway of London next week for Fashion Week, and along with Connie we’ll be bringing you our reviews from the likes of Orschel-Read. There might just be some street style thrown in to boot!







Wednesday 16 September 2009

A Dream Of A Dress

To put it simply, here's a beautiful and equally haunting editorial in September's Italian Vogue by Paolo Roversi. Ghost like dresses and expressions mist the screen, with a depressed yet empowered feeling from the models' strong and angular armed poses.








Threads Of Time

This extraordinary, magical novel is the story of Clare and Henry who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-two and Henry thirty. Sounds confusing, as if time has been lost in translation, but by keeping faith with 'The Time Travellers Wife', and turning the pages in a chronological manner (unlike Henry), the pieces of clockwork are so much easier to put together. When this happened I was presented with such a beautiful and charming tale; something that made me question the human condition and even the way I act. If I could find out when myself or my loved ones die, would I? And if I knew, would I be able to re-stitch the threads of time and change the inevitability of the future that hasn’t yet been set in stone? Or are we all living by means of fate? A lot of question marks fill this segment I know, but I hope this leaves an impression on how thought provoking and enriched the romanticised darkness of the novel is.

‘Kiss me’, Clare says, and I turn to her, white face and dark lips floating in the dark, and I submerge, I fly, I am released: being wells up in my heart.’

Sunday 13 September 2009

These Boots Were Made For Strutting

London Fashion week looms, and with 3 shows booked, all with different dress codes, my wardrobe has become a bomb site as I shred tops for a D.I.Y effect, and seperate the statements from the standard. Thankfully the car boot sale me and Connie religiously attend on a Sunday didn't dissapoint. I picked up some chunky cowboy boots for £3, along with an All Saints inspired top that I'm told comes from Venice. Likewise, this item took just two pound coins out of my man purse. With a substantial Uni debt, and my inability to save money without retail temptations, I like to think me and Connie are promoting the art of unique styling on a serious budget! On the note of my prima donna, be sure to check out her blog if you haven't already. http://www.constance-victoria.blogspot.com/


Thursday 10 September 2009

The Sartorialist

Following on from my outfit post, I've fallen in love with The Sartorialist's glossy new book on street style. I love the appreciation of looks from all sides of life. Supermodels are featured, strutting out of catwalk shows with sheer intensity. Industry types are standing with purpose outside, tailored or so chic they look pristine. But there's also candids of 'the ordinary', where unique and captivating beauty is captured in equal merit to the model types. Whether it's the innocent expressions or the shy posture, I love seeing style being a part of all walks of life. For me, fashion colours the world, or the shell of it at least, and I like to use it as a form of expression when words can't come to mind. As a result this book is very inspiring, and I insist you all put it on your christmas list.


Mesh My Heart And Call It Yours

Car boot sales have been a treasure chest of gems recently for me. Every Sunday I've found tattered tops and vests that simply need a little love and styling to transform them from 99p castaways into a grunge All Saints feel. Take this mesh cardigan below. I love the heavy feel to it, much like a piece of armor, and it's been fun to experiment with different colours underneath it. There's an androgynous style to it, which is something I've taken a taste to of late.


Monday 7 September 2009

The Art Of Androgyny

Orschel Read presents a twisted concept, with clothes that stencil out like sinister insects. Black jackets spark out needles like a darkened bird of prey, locking with magnetic hair that resembles a kaleidoscope design. The staple jacket warps out at the back to create a hunchback effect, but still manages to corset in and look very wearable. Androgyny comes with this corset approach, making the outfits even more elusive and intriguing. Orschel doesn’t shy away from colour though, with the injection of lavender into one of his looks. The jacket blossoms out from the middle button like a flower in a Tim Burton fantasy garden. I like to think of his concepts as the ‘brother of Bjork’, with gothic fragility played around with. Orschel will be presenting his new collection at London Fashion Week on 20th September. I’m very much looking forward to it.







Sunday 6 September 2009

Makeup Junkie

Karl is a fashion web friend of mine, who's threads on lookbook.nu inspire me without fail. I admire the brave female elements to his style, from Balmain shoulderpads to distressed All Saints cardigans. What marks Karl above the rest however is his revamping ability to tie knots and pin simple tops into something more eclectic and high fashion. So be sure to click your way to his site and see what all the hypes about. http://lookbook.nu/user/19654-Karl-philip-L

Wednesday 2 September 2009

Big Time Sensuality

This is one of the most daring and sensational editorials I’ve seen in a while. The red hat mists like a blood soaked cobweb, clashing with the model’s jet black hair that sparks out of it. The makeup bruises the porcelain skin, and the heavy jewellery brings about a depressed pose. But there’s something beautiful about this tragic expression; like fragile dolls that are desperate to come to life. It’s like the material and boots are growing around the models, breathing a darkened life into them. The editorial silently screams out Bjork to me, where the wonderfully gothic is mixed with beautiful and delicate undertones.