Environmental Facts About the Fashion Industry

Environmental facts about the fashion industry from carina st. on Vimeo.

Hermes Just Wants to Have Fun

jaimemoncarre.com

Hermès is doing its best to destroy any notions that it might be an old stodgy luxury house.  Its on-going campaign know as "J'aime Mon Carré," Hermès has taken it to the streets, showing how cool "it" girls from major cities like London, Paris and Tokyo wear iconic Hermès scarves. Last month, Hermès also launched a pop-up store in London's hip Shoreditch neighborhood to further solidify its newfound coolness. It would be easy for "J'aime Mon Carré" to fade into the background as an "Art of the Trench" knock-off, but Hermès has done a good job of infusing a fresh modern take on their brand, plus a bit of whimsy into both their pop-up shop and micro-site.

Hermes pop-up store  photo: Grazia Live

This video which brillliantly combines fingers, skateboarding and Hermes products, is just further evidence that this hip young Hermes is here to stay.

Nikki Farquharson

Nikki Farquharson is a talented graphic designer based in London. Her series "Mixed Media Girls," takes women from the pages of fashion magazines and into a world of bold bright patterns that blur the line between photography and illustration.  For more information, check out her website, nikkifarquharson.com.

All artwork: Nikki Farquharson

How Trends Become Contagious

INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.

Karl Lagerfeld in His Own Words

Fashion Photography by Guy Bourdin

Cougar Boots

Cougar Tibet boots

As part of the Matchstick Influencer program, I tried out some Cougar boots and I have to say that from the moment I opened the box, I was both impressed and delighted. I was intrigued to see how these cool "outdoorsy" shoes would work for a city girl like me. 

In addition to being cute, the Tibet boots were dry as I ran through a downpour, stopping to jump in a puddle or two. I also love it's "faux sock" which is not just a cute detail, but actually kept the wind out and the warmth in. Next I tried the Ringo Star boots. Just like the Tibet boots, the Ringo Star boots are also incredibly comfortable and have a plush fleece lining with a soft fur trim. I'm already looking forward to stomping around in them when it snows, without worrying about soggy socks or frozen toes.

Winters in New York City can be brutal, so stylish boots that keep your feet dry and warm come rain, sleet or snow, are a must. Although my "great outdoors" is more about dodging taxicabs, than hiking mountains,  I've definitely found the perfect footwear to wear in my urban wilderness.

For more, check out cougarboots.com 

Cougar Ringo Star boots

Smarteez

Photo: Chris Saunders

It was a few months ago that I became really interested in the youth culture of South Africa, which resulted in my post on street fashion in Johannesburg . My curiosity lead me to a group of renegade South African fashionistos known as the Smarteez (pictured above and below). The four DIY fashion designers, Kepi, Sibu, Floyd and Thabo, pride themselves on having no restraints, which means that in addition to experimenting with colors and prints, they also use unexpected materials, such as curtains and tablecloths.  

Another thing interesting about the Smarteez, they refer to themselves as a design collective; and their focus is on group collaboration, rather than working independently. The Smarteez, aptly named as their unapologetically exuberant style has made them international indie fashion darlings, and will hopefully foster a sustained interest in up-and-coming African fashion labels.

Photo:  Nontsikelelo Veleko

Photo: Chris Saunders

Photo: Chris Saunders

Photo: Jonty van Zeller

Photo: Jonty van Zeller

Photo: Jonty van Zeller

Photo: Jonty van Zeller

Photo: Jonty van Zeller

What's Next in Fashion

New from Anaikka

It was almost a year ago that the accessories and clothing brand Anaikka launched with their fantastic jewelry pieces. Now, in addition to lust-worthy items, like an intricately-decorated gold shoulder harness (scroll down), the clothing is a beautiful reflection of the same craftsmanship with which the jewelry is made. The sculptural shapes of the designs, balanced with an unexpected edginess found in the pieces' details, like armor-type metal embellishments, make Anaikka a brand ideal for any woman looking for the next great under-the-radar clothing line.

For more info: anaikka.com

Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2011

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2011

Gareth Pugh Spring/ Summer 2011

Prada Spring/Summer 2011

New Form Perspective

For knitwear designer Gail Travis the ability of the wearer to shape their own garment is key. Her line of unique pieces, inspired by sculpture and designed to be worn in multiple ways, is called New Form Perspective or N:F:P, because of the focus on form. I was amazed that with a few snaps and folds, a knit shrug from the collection becomes a dress, and then can change again into pants. Best of all, everything in the collection transforms easily into new silhouettes without unsightly seams.
  I met Gail Travis when she had her last pop-up store in New York, and was instantly taken with how beautifully crafted and carefully designed each one of her knit pieces are. Even though Travis is not a sustainable designer, the versatility of her clothing speaks to one of sustainability's core concepts, doing more with less. This innovative approach to fashion design paired with the quality of her knits, makes her garments not only worthy of purchase, but worthy of keeping for years and years.

Meet Gail Travis and see the latest N:F:P collection at the pop-up shop located at the Roger Smith Hotel on Lexington Avenue (between 47 & 48th streets) September 20th -October 10th, 2010, 9 AM-8PM; nfpstudio.com for more information.

All images courtesy of Gail Travis

House of Holland Spring/Summer 2011

seventies-inspired floral prints with 
metallic touches

Acne Spring/Summer 2011- London Fashion Week

Rodarte Spring 2011

Bill Cunningham Working Hard During NYFW

Despite the explosion of street style bloggers over the past few years, it's nice to know that the original master, Bill Cunningham, is still capturing the best-dressed at Lincoln Center during New York Fashion Week.

                               Image: Style Gourmand

Catherine Malandrino Spring 2011

With the reflecting pool outside Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center as a backdrop, Malandrino’s Spring 2011 collection took us on a trip far away from the overcast skies of New York City to the South of France. Malandrino’s inspiration for the collection came from the artists’ village, Vallauris, in the South of France, and more specifically, ceramist Roger Capron. This spirit of artistry and craftsmanship could be seen in the intricate details of the clothing like a floor-length macramé dress, chunky beaded jewelry, woven leather vests and intricately-designed studded jackets. Despite the emphasis on details, some things were still classic Malandrino: the models’ slightly tousled chignons, as well as pieces like wide-leg linen pants, drop crotch capris and bright dresses, are the kind of effortless chic that we’ve come to expect from Malandrino.

All images: Style Gourmand