Friday, 5 August 2011
I Miss Fashion Week
Finally, the time came when I had to upload my pictures from Paris, even if it took me all night (and it did), unless I wanted to save them for a rainy day for a cheeky reminder nearer to the next season. But I decided that since it's been so long since I've been on holiday, or done anything Fashion related, I would use a few photos in a blog post to remind myself and let everyone else know what I enjoyed most about Mens Fashion Week. We've all seen the shows and reviews (remember that excellent article in the latest issue of Slave Magazine?)so this is merely just a wee trip down a smooth and uncobbled memory lane for all the less than comfortable shoes worn by all the women - the true victims of fashion...
As it's August, I'm already looking forward and ready to request invitations for London Fashion Week in September, and clinging onto the memories of the last one will no doubt make me more eager for the next..
Also, it's always nice to remind ourselves of what sunny weather is like - I'm starting to forget already...
The crowds:
What I like about Mens Week (while others will disagree) is the notably calmer atmosphere. While the carnage and feather-ruffling of Womens Week is entertaining, it is also irritating in equal measures. While you'd like to commend their effort, the words "try" and "hard" inevitably come together for some. You know something is wrong when photobloggers outnumber buyers in their thousands... I like the abundance of black at Mens Week - it's rarely boring when most of those wearing them are effortlessly cool and often mature attendees.
As it's August, I'm already looking forward and ready to request invitations for London Fashion Week in September, and clinging onto the memories of the last one will no doubt make me more eager for the next..
Also, it's always nice to remind ourselves of what sunny weather is like - I'm starting to forget already...
The crowds:
What I like about Mens Week (while others will disagree) is the notably calmer atmosphere. While the carnage and feather-ruffling of Womens Week is entertaining, it is also irritating in equal measures. While you'd like to commend their effort, the words "try" and "hard" inevitably come together for some. You know something is wrong when photobloggers outnumber buyers in their thousands... I like the abundance of black at Mens Week - it's rarely boring when most of those wearing them are effortlessly cool and often mature attendees. Mr Spock at Juun J:
Wait, did I not already talk about this jacket when JP Braganza designed it for his AW 11 collection...?
Wait, did I not already talk about this jacket when JP Braganza designed it for his AW 11 collection...?The well-used venue of the Maison des Métallos, a really interesting building, except when it's boiling hot and it feels like it was the designer's intention to cook his guests alive. Then I'm not that keen on it.
Friends at Julius:
While the show was so-so (what can we expect, though, if the clothes are only "secondary" in the multidirectional art...thing that is Julius?), it is always pleasant to see friends abroad, as Jonathan rightly said, and due to their front row status, Garçon Jon and Michael appeared in many of my pics. It was very inconsiderate of them, really.
While the show was so-so (what can we expect, though, if the clothes are only "secondary" in the multidirectional art...thing that is Julius?), it is always pleasant to see friends abroad, as Jonathan rightly said, and due to their front row status, Garçon Jon and Michael appeared in many of my pics. It was very inconsiderate of them, really.If I could get my hair to look like this, I would. With Autumn coming up, I could just stand outside in the wind and rain for a few hours. And then just lightly spritz with hairspray to hold. That should do it.
A dark and somewhat disappointing Boris Bidjan Saberi, but highlights included sitting next to mysterious and old cowboy man, allowed into every show, while the reason always eluded me and the names of designers always eluded him. Who is he? Sadly, no photo due to impossibility of taking a photo of someone squeezed in next to you in a dark room without being really obvious with the blinding flash of light as you take a photo of part of his face.
Was happy to see the odd splash of colour here and there, there is a lot of waiting around (everyone's obsessed with being fashionably late) so I spend a lot of time playing with my zoom lens and still not being able to focus when I get into a show.
This guy always had a Hawaiian shirt on. A different one every day. The boif said it was like a big "screw you" to all the solemn fashion folk in their serious blacks. I think it's because they flatter his figure so fabulously. Also would like to know who he is.
This guy always had a Hawaiian shirt on. A different one every day. The boif said it was like a big "screw you" to all the solemn fashion folk in their serious blacks. I think it's because they flatter his figure so fabulously. Also would like to know who he is.The beautiful boys of Demeulemeester. Favourite venue. Favourite show. Will definitely gush more about her in later posts..
Yellow hair at Songzio. A very accomplished collection with beautifully cut jackets. Shame the heat made it difficult to be in an appreciative mood.
Lovely patterned suits at Qasimi. Rest of the collection was a bit too literal at times but these were definitely my favourite. Also the genius notion of having the show in an airy and open pavilion made me even more susceptible to his offerings. Will I get the boif into one? I hear giving up black is hard...
And so we've reached the end of my highlights so far. Did and saw so many other fun things but this was only meant to be a quick tour of my Mens Week experience. Maybe one day I will learn not to wait until I have 600 photos and no free time to get around to processing them all.
As punishment, I have included the most embarrassing portrayal possible and summary of my time in Paris. The sun was shining, the city was romantic, I was on my way to a show and most importantly, I was stuffing my face as usual. Until next time...
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Note to Self - Blog is Back On!
Sooo I would not blame anyone for thinking that this blog more or less (more) defunct now but then I surprise you with another post about how I plan to turn things around very soon. And I am telling you now that I do indeed plan to turn things round with this blog, with new and fresh ideas that I will try my utmost to realise - if I don't, please restrict yourself to one hate mail per reader.
My only poor and feeble excuse about my now well-extended sabbatical is the interference of other aspects of my life - namely graduating and the almost never-ending search for a career job (for now). With that all out of the way, I can finally put myself back in the blog game without feeling like I should be looking for a means to my next meal...
So why have I decided to continue boring the internet fashion community by maintaining my blog? Mainly because it's fun for me (it's all about me me me) but also I have had positive feedback so why the hell not. I have come to realise that a lot of my favourite blogs are more personal, rather than just a review show, so maybe I shall aim to achieve this and show you exciting things from my life, if and when they pop up..
Right, grovelling apology over, what can you expect when you stumble across this sacred URL?
- I intend to add actual pages to this blog and have my portfolio on here too. Model Mayhem was great but not too professional as the only source to my port..
- I WILL start invading other people's wardrobes again and bringing the photographic evidence to you - definitely more to be explored there.
- More personal stuff and maybe even delving beyond the realms of fashion. Then you can decide that actually, I'm not that interesting and a little bit irritating.
- At least one post every week. I'm going to regret adding this to the official list of commitments. I could easily re-edit this post and remove it. A list of three looks better anyway...
All of the above is basically a wordy 'note to self' about how I want this blog to be, but in writing and published so it makes me feel even more guilty about not fulfilling it.
I'm not even going to say something generic like I usually do like "watch this space" because I feel like I need to do a real post imminently or people will never bother with this again, after having read this without some kind of reward at the end...
Monday, 21 February 2011
Behind the scenes at LFW
This was the first day I spent a good few hours at Somerset House soaking in the general atmosphere (rather than just walking around London and shopping..).
The designers exhibition rooms allowed for a close up view of some sample pieces from their collections straight off the catwalk for press and buyers to gawp at.
Here are some of my favourites..
Beautiful tweed coats at Jean-Pierre Braganza, the draping sits just right.
A Friend by the AF Vandevorst duo, reasonably priced but still retaining that Vandevorst aesthetic and merging of luxe fabrics..
"Hot new label" Insideout with a full monochromatic collection on display. Their SS 11 collection selling out from Selfridges and Colette apparently. I love anything black and white with every shade in between. Warning: will take a few good Googles to get decent brand info!
Some amazing costume jewellery from Mawi, with generous usage of rose gold, a very opulent collection indeed! Was admiring the ruby red and emerald green jewel encrusted pieces.
Found this adorable Jackie JS Lee back pack (never made it to the presentation, oops!). Some lovely camel highlights and I will be looking out for that bag.
Was really excited to see the Holly Fulton pieces up close - I thought this was a strong collection, another masterful use of geometric shapes, multiple materials and eye-catching embellishments. Yum.
Front...
...And back!
A collection which really came to life up close was David Koma. The fabrics just felt so damn good!
Stunning dresses all the way up the wall.. Looks like watercolour on paper. So delicate.
Felder Felder collection was punky and rock 'n' roll with a glamorous, high fashion edge. Beautiful hand-dyed leather pieces on show..
The smartest thing I've done this year so far is to forget my camera.. hence the 'meh' photos and lack of close ups. Also meant there are no pics from any shows because the camera I have just wasn't up to it...
Oh well, these are the ones I'm not too embarrassed to show and hope you guys get a glimpse of the loveliness of the garments up close (ish). Click on the photos for a meagre enlargement!
Catwalk photos courtesty of Style.com
The designers exhibition rooms allowed for a close up view of some sample pieces from their collections straight off the catwalk for press and buyers to gawp at.
Here are some of my favourites..
Beautiful tweed coats at Jean-Pierre Braganza, the draping sits just right.
A Friend by the AF Vandevorst duo, reasonably priced but still retaining that Vandevorst aesthetic and merging of luxe fabrics..
"Hot new label" Insideout with a full monochromatic collection on display. Their SS 11 collection selling out from Selfridges and Colette apparently. I love anything black and white with every shade in between. Warning: will take a few good Googles to get decent brand info!
Some amazing costume jewellery from Mawi, with generous usage of rose gold, a very opulent collection indeed! Was admiring the ruby red and emerald green jewel encrusted pieces.
Found this adorable Jackie JS Lee back pack (never made it to the presentation, oops!). Some lovely camel highlights and I will be looking out for that bag.
Was really excited to see the Holly Fulton pieces up close - I thought this was a strong collection, another masterful use of geometric shapes, multiple materials and eye-catching embellishments. Yum.
Front...
...And back!
A collection which really came to life up close was David Koma. The fabrics just felt so damn good!
Stunning dresses all the way up the wall.. Looks like watercolour on paper. So delicate.
Felder Felder collection was punky and rock 'n' roll with a glamorous, high fashion edge. Beautiful hand-dyed leather pieces on show..
The smartest thing I've done this year so far is to forget my camera.. hence the 'meh' photos and lack of close ups. Also meant there are no pics from any shows because the camera I have just wasn't up to it...Oh well, these are the ones I'm not too embarrassed to show and hope you guys get a glimpse of the loveliness of the garments up close (ish). Click on the photos for a meagre enlargement!
Catwalk photos courtesty of Style.com
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Autumn/Winter- We Meet Again
So I have never really focused on menswear but all is about to change (pause while the blogosphere readjusts). Once again, it's a whistlestop tour of Paris Fashion Week (it's the best and most important on my calendar, k? It's my blog and I shall neglect whichever week(s) I want!).
I am absolutely distraught that I couldn't be there, but I need to put the tears aside and get on with the job.
Part of the beauty of Paris Fashion Weeks is the setting - each one grander than the last - with the aim of invoking the desired atmosphere before the show even begins. Place des Vosgues, Salon des Miroirs, Galerie de Minéralogie... you get the idea, they are usuall pretty epic.
So such an epic week deserves an epic post. The epicness is delivered in the form of one long post because let's face it, we are all too busy getting on with our immensely full lives - bagel in mouth and keys in hand sort of way - to sit through a detailed blog post on Menswear. You want it now, I get it!
Excuse me as I wipe the week old drool from my keyboard as we move to cover Ann Demeulemeester (at Couvent des Cordeliers). She serves as a constant favourite, and this season did not disappoint:
The colour palette, the styling (notice the horsehair woven into the models' hair), and the beautiful cuts of the garments make for an all-round poetic show-stopper. I admit I would wear every single piece myself, if she did skinny girl sizes.
Sadly we must trot along...
To Lanvin:
I think it is safe to say that Lucas Ossendrijver has succeeded in bringing elegance to the youth and the amalgamation of old school suave with a modern twist gives this collection a good balance without feeling disjointed. And who can ignore the always dreamy flow of the fabrics? Impressive..
On to another direction now for Alexis Mabille (at Salon des miroirs):
No brownie points for guessing where the theme of this collection came from. This is a departure for me from the usual mens fashion I gravitate towards and is also a departure for Mabille (no bows!) with an ever so slightly more masculine thread throughout. The strong cut and material of the coats help to toughen up the collection but the styling of the above ensemble is whimsical but surprisingly cool.
As always, Prorsum (from MILAN I know but it's a constant feature here..) delivers some killer coats for AW, which should be strong pieces in any self respecting winter collection but the colours and some of the cuts just don't do it for me.. I'm not a big believer in wearing different coats for every possible weather combination and this is obviously where this collection jars with me. You decide:
(Had to showcase the panelling..) And if you haven't seen it already, find the rather wet Prorsum finale here.
Another old time favourite is Rick Owens (at POPB, salle Marcel Cerdan):
The myriad of influences in this latest outing can porbably be guessed just by careful observation and there is real skill in the way that Rick has managed to combine them all into a cohesive, incredibly cut collection. Men in skirts have never looked so cool since the Scots. Also note his signature awesome boots..
Lastly, on to the rather interesting collection that Margiela (at Passage du Désir, BETC) presented to his audience with a backstage view where they could dissect the pieces one by one:
The choice of models in this show was probably the direct opposite of those by Yamamoto - older and exceedingly handsome, which presents a perfectly inoffensive but strong setting for garments they carry. Some have commented that this is a more wearable collection from the fashion house but we shall see whether this is a trend..
Postscript: I had wanted to feature an amazing designer who goes by the name of In Aisce but until I can find public pictures of his latest collection, I shall refrain. If you are on Style Zeitgeist, you can view the collection here
Couture Week post coming soon..
Until then! Bisous
All photos courtesty of Style.com
I am absolutely distraught that I couldn't be there, but I need to put the tears aside and get on with the job.
Part of the beauty of Paris Fashion Weeks is the setting - each one grander than the last - with the aim of invoking the desired atmosphere before the show even begins. Place des Vosgues, Salon des Miroirs, Galerie de Minéralogie... you get the idea, they are usuall pretty epic.
So such an epic week deserves an epic post. The epicness is delivered in the form of one long post because let's face it, we are all too busy getting on with our immensely full lives - bagel in mouth and keys in hand sort of way - to sit through a detailed blog post on Menswear. You want it now, I get it!
Excuse me as I wipe the week old drool from my keyboard as we move to cover Ann Demeulemeester (at Couvent des Cordeliers). She serves as a constant favourite, and this season did not disappoint:
The colour palette, the styling (notice the horsehair woven into the models' hair), and the beautiful cuts of the garments make for an all-round poetic show-stopper. I admit I would wear every single piece myself, if she did skinny girl sizes.Sadly we must trot along...
To Lanvin:
I think it is safe to say that Lucas Ossendrijver has succeeded in bringing elegance to the youth and the amalgamation of old school suave with a modern twist gives this collection a good balance without feeling disjointed. And who can ignore the always dreamy flow of the fabrics? Impressive..On to another direction now for Alexis Mabille (at Salon des miroirs):
No brownie points for guessing where the theme of this collection came from. This is a departure for me from the usual mens fashion I gravitate towards and is also a departure for Mabille (no bows!) with an ever so slightly more masculine thread throughout. The strong cut and material of the coats help to toughen up the collection but the styling of the above ensemble is whimsical but surprisingly cool.As always, Prorsum (from MILAN I know but it's a constant feature here..) delivers some killer coats for AW, which should be strong pieces in any self respecting winter collection but the colours and some of the cuts just don't do it for me.. I'm not a big believer in wearing different coats for every possible weather combination and this is obviously where this collection jars with me. You decide:
(Had to showcase the panelling..) And if you haven't seen it already, find the rather wet Prorsum finale here.Another old time favourite is Rick Owens (at POPB, salle Marcel Cerdan):
The myriad of influences in this latest outing can porbably be guessed just by careful observation and there is real skill in the way that Rick has managed to combine them all into a cohesive, incredibly cut collection. Men in skirts have never looked so cool since the Scots. Also note his signature awesome boots..Lastly, on to the rather interesting collection that Margiela (at Passage du Désir, BETC) presented to his audience with a backstage view where they could dissect the pieces one by one:
The choice of models in this show was probably the direct opposite of those by Yamamoto - older and exceedingly handsome, which presents a perfectly inoffensive but strong setting for garments they carry. Some have commented that this is a more wearable collection from the fashion house but we shall see whether this is a trend..Postscript: I had wanted to feature an amazing designer who goes by the name of In Aisce but until I can find public pictures of his latest collection, I shall refrain. If you are on Style Zeitgeist, you can view the collection here
Couture Week post coming soon..
Until then! Bisous
All photos courtesty of Style.com
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