Pretty Girl Fantasy World

That was a silly title but I think the end of the week burnout has taken its toll.

I like the Charles Anastase’s latest Autumn makes me. From what I’ve read, he studied poly-sci before embarking on an illustration path and then into fashion which may explain his collections a little better. I have a soft spot for unconventional colour schemes and theatrics in fashion and if I were wearing this particular ensemble, I’d feel like character rendered in a Marcel Dzama illustration. Collections like these particular images warm my heart and compel me to click my heels in the air.

And the winner is…

I only attended a handful of shows but I would’ve sacrificed them all to actually see Iris van Herpen‘s Autumn 10-11 collection. If you’re not familiar with the Dutch designer, take heed because she has a very inspired future ahead of her. Upon graduating from ArtEZ Art Academy, she began showing at Amsterdam Fashion Week and has worked with the likes of Alexander McQueen and Victor&Rolf. For the past two seasons, she has been showing with Blow at London Fashion Week.

The photos speak for themselves. What amazes me is in the detail and technicality of each design. Complex and involved craftsmanship, 3-d sculpting, and a myriad of textures… without any doubt, this is my favourite collection of LFW. Curse the high heavens for my pittance of a non-salary because I would be Iris’s chief benefactor if that was financial possible. 

I’d be inspired to create or sew something with similar architectural detail and form but I wouldn’t even dare think of where to start – perhaps running leather through Jon’s paper shredder and using zippers to create the paneled detailing? Hmmm….

Flight of Fancy

I have two very good reasons now to visit Australia. For one, the food. My girlfriend Lee-Ann raves about fresh seafood, extraordinary brunches (Middle Eastern crepes?!) and culinary magician Kylie Kwong (Rar, rar, Kylie!). My second is Konstantina Mittas.

I first discovered the designs through Grand Social and in my humble opinion, it’s the strongest collection in the shop at the moment. With dramatic shapes, beautiful lines and theatrics realized in futuristic fantasy, the “Breath” collection is my fave.

 

Under Wraps

Admittedly, I’m not all that familiar with Phillipe Roucou but I’m a proud new fan after seeing the polaroid scarves on Lost in E Minor. From what I gather, anonymous polaroid pictures were printed onto the limited-edition silk scarves, using lost and found art to create a sweetly ethereal and modern design.

Asger Juel Larsen

Notable menswear by emerging designer/LFC grad Asger Juel Larsen as featured at fashion156 and looking forward to the Autumn 10 preview – alongside Gemma Slack and Gabriella Marina Gonzalez, at Machine-A.

Dunhill Momentary Project

Technically not fashion related but I couldn’t resist this post. The London-based design studio Campaign collaborated with Dunhill to create this sublime temporary installation for New York Fashion Week. Within three days, a warehouse in the Meatpacking District was recreated into the Bourdon House, the Georgian home of Alfred Dunhill.

30 key looks were presented on bespoke easels but it’s the space which takes the cake.

A Vintage Affair

(I’ve been rubbish with the posts but perhaps 2010 will incite a little more activity on my part. I’ll kick it off with some general updates and key events and London Fashion Week in the days to come and DIY within the next few weeks! Brace yourselves for the onslaught of postings!)

I haven’t been to this particular vintage fair but the words “vintage” and “affordable” is practically a paradox in London so if there’s an opportunity to covet the best wears for less, I wouldn’t miss out. The Affordable Vintage Fair is serving Derby and Oxford this week but check out the site for a list of upcoming dates!

The same organizers also have a vintage kilo sale. My beloved Mintage on Cardova Street in Vancouver is no longer around but they used to sell vintage by the pound. The best bargains come from dresses – 3-4 dresses for about $20. I guffaw at those prices!

Pop Goes the World

Having Jonathan a gazillion miles away in London is painful enough; but it’s lemon to a wound when I receive these notices. First the Eley Kishimoto Pop Up store opening which was posted a couple days ago and now the Hannah Marshall vs Jean-Pierre Braganza bonanza of an extravaganza (when I resort to ridiculous rhyming schemes, you know I’m upset!).

I feel compelled to pound my fists on hardwood table and cry to the heavens.

Pop Up Shop Opening

Discovered this chuffed-I-can’t-make-it event on A Shaded View on Fashion. If you’re in London tomorrow evening, allow me to vicariously experience the moment through your attendance!

Cheap Frills

I’ve read that when shopping, women are drawn first to colour and then to style. Whilst walking along the forgettable fashion blocks of Queen Street in Toronto  (near Muchmusic), it was my good fortune to stumble across Black Market (256a Queen Street West).

Normally, I’m out of luck with these types of shops (I absolutely appreciate army fatigue, but how many cargo pants, bad polyester shirts, tiered purple ankle-length skirts does the world need? Insert microeconomic laws about supply and demand). This day was different. For as many plaid shirts, baggy 80s tees, they had a gamut of colourful dresses.  Plus everything was under a tenner so I could have passed a few hours quite easily in the shop but I had only 20 minutes before my appointment with ramen so I proudly left with a felted Russian-styled hat and this gem of frock.

She wasn’t perfection. The dress was long-sleeved, buttoned to the neck, and too long for my liking. To fix this, I unbuttoned the front buttons to the bust and left the the sleeves dangling under my arms. I pulled the sleeve from the back, over my shoulder to the front, and stitched them to the new decolletage. I then hiked up the hemline a couple inches. The new fanned out strap lends a 50s sensibility and ruffles make it toot-toot fun to wear!