There are some pieces that you just don’t like, fashion is subjective and for every item that makes you go “oooh” there are at least two that leave you cold. A smart stylist understands this, more than that, a smart stylist will actually make you reconsider those derided items and could possibly even sway your opinions. Marie-Amelie Sauve is just that kind of stylist and her latest work for Vogue had me actively examining a few ensembles I loathed on the runway.
Simplicity, is an overlooked virtue when it comes to jewelry; too often we are tricked into thinking that more is more when it comes to baubles, but every so often something deceptively easy catches our eyes. Natalia Brilli’s eclectic jewelry designs, are uniformly ingenious but her leather covered chains and bracelets are first rate. There is something fresh about a giant matte black chain, instead of the pre-requisite silver or gold and a little leather adds just the right amount of toughness.
The Golden Globes, or drunken Oscars as they are affectionately known, are always a cheese heavy dose of lighthearted awards show fun. Perhaps it is the champagne or the unusual fun of having television and cinema stars crowded into one room but the fashion’s at the Globes tend to be more interesting and varied than what we see at the Oscars. Granted, a red carpet is still a red carpet so don’t expect anyone to break out the Margiela but there were still a few pleasant surprises to behold, my inner Joan Rivers cackles with delight…
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As visually impressive as some films can be it is often difficult to find publications that talk about movies and embrace a unique design standpoint. How many movie magazines amount to a few glamour shots of celebrities interspersed with text? Luckily for us Little White Lies offers up something truly imaginative for film buffs. With a focus on savvy coverage of the indie scene and a layout filmed impressive illustrations, there is just something wonderfully different about the whole endeavor, every single issue seems like an ingenious work of art. Read the rest of this entry »
The zig zag headband is typically considered an unfashionable mainstay, at some point in every woman’s life she has a one. Typically that point is somewhere around the age of 10 or 11 and said headband is accompanied by liberal amounts of candy scented lip balm. The shock of seeing the 99 cents a pop headbands being used at YSL ( YSL S/S 2010 Hair ) was palpable but yet again Julien d’Ys, takes our expectations and turns them on their head. Who else would have thought to layer the headbands one on top of the other to create intricate designs? The idea was one of those ingenious little “wish we thought of it” details that really stood out this season.
Chau Har Lee makes the shoes you dream about : the sky high, perilous type of heels that seem like something out of science fiction and shock you with their sheer ingenuity. Her designs are innovative and extreme : plastic, metal, wood, leather, combining to form sleek shapes and interlocking puzzle pieces that conform to the curves of the feet in the most unusual ways. ( Chau Har Lee Footwear Slideshow ) We’ve never seen anything quite like her footwear creations and that is saying something, the originality behind her designs is as impressive as the footwear itself.
The WIWP’s ‘Now Showing” project is a treat for anyone who truly loves film posters. Sift through the glut of year end lists and you will inevitably stumble upon several interesting best posters of 2009 compilations. As appealing as some of the posters are (09 standouts like Moon, Antichrist and Broken Embraces boast eye-catching lobby art) there is still something missing. Fans of classic Polish posters and the unbridled creativity that comes with stripping film images of their connection to traditional Hollywood tropes, are always on the lookout for a more abstract representations. ‘Now Showing’ gives 40 artists free reign to reinterpret cult film posters – instead of the familiar faces of actors were given sharp typography and conceptual visuals. How interesting would it be if they re-imagined some of the years big movies in this fashion? Imagine an ‘Avatar’ poster rendered in actual avatars.
The digital magazine is still a work in progress : everyone from Conde Nast to Visionaire is testing the possibilities of what can be done as magazines move past traditional print and into new realms. Of all the ongoing developments, GQ’s iPhone application manages to be one of the easiest and most appealing innovations to date.
Pre-fall pieces are typically the kind of made for your closet essentials, that mix and match without fail : no wonder it is so easy to imagine certain looks paired together. Take Rag & Bone’s ingenious schoolboy blazers for example, they’re lightweight and slate grey, perfect for adding a touch of tomboy to any ensemble. Imagine them paired with Doo.Ri’s girly yet urbane, ruffled skirts. The swirling brushstroke pattern looks good with the all black presented for the season but it could be great with that added kick of slate.
Reading through WWD’s wonderful Q&A with Philippe Apeloig, I was struck by Apeloig’s unique take on creative output, particularly his belief in filtering outside influences. The quote, “To clean your vision it is important to be able to not look at everything. There is so much pollution,” seems especially apt in this age of oversaturation. Naturally, Apeloig’s own work does not fall under the spectrum of pollution, so we can feel free to take a gander at his engaging personal website. Typeface hasn’t seemed this interesting since Helvetica.
