Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The 10 Best Runway Shoes of 2010?



John Paul Gaultier



Louis Vuitton



Pierre Hardy



Alexander McQueen



Barbara Bui



Prada



Nicholas Kirkwood



Proenza Schouler



Channel



Jimmy Choo

(WWD)

I concur on all selections, with the exception of the Barbara Bui Boots and the Chanel Clogs. I would replace those with something from Roger Viver, Dolce & Gabbana or Miu Miu, to name a few.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

"The Edge of Chic"



Balmain



Balmain



Camilla Skovgaard



Balmain



Camilla Skovgaard

(netaporter.com)

Modern Folk: Olga Vilshenko Designs












Originally from the Ural region of the then Communist-run Soviet Union, up-and-coming designer Olga Vilshenko has been coloured not only by the heritage of a bygone political era, but also by the isolated geographical area. Compare that to today, when Vilshenko divides her studio time between Moscow and London, and you have a brand with a unique take on beauty and design. It's the craftsmanship and sartorial details pointing back to her childhood, mixed with an eye for luxurious fabrics that has launched VILSHENKO, and will continue to keep Olga in the fashion spotlight.

Dazed Digital: Describe the brand...
Olga Vilshenko: VILSHENKO is the eponymous brand of designer Olga Vilshenko. Fusing an eastern heritage of craftsmanship and Russian folklore influences with western couture disciplines, the collection comprises finely tailored separates rendered in modern silhouettes – each finished with elegant and opulent touches.

DD: How does Russian fashion differ from European?
Olga Vilshenko: Traditional Russian design is very soft and organic with a distinctive individual look. There is a hidden provocative touch and elegance. The most distinctive character is inner charm of the clothes.

DD: What's your educational background?
Olga Vilshenko: As a child I attended art school. I took lessons in painting and drawing as well as ballet and music classes. After finishing high school, I took an accountancy course at the Ural State University and obtained a BA in Economics. Unfortunately, there was no such thing as a Fashion Design Course in Russia at the time. The opportunity to study Fashion Design at the Humanitarian Institute in Russia arose only years later. I also attended a summer course at the Instituto Marangoni in London in 2007.

I practiced during my studying taking orders from my friends and acquaintances. I learnt a lot from my mother in terms making clothes and the processes involved in creating garments. During my fashion course at the Humanitarian University in Russia I entered into a competition held in Moscow showing my 6 piece collection.

DD: When and how did you start your own brand?
Olga Vilshenko: I launched it with Spring/Summer 2011 in London. I have a small studio in Moscow, where I design and work with my pattern cutters. I work with the stylist, photographer and PR in London and produce garments in Italy.

DD: What inspired the SS11 collection?
Olga Vilshenko: VILSHENKO’s debut collection for Spring/Summer 2011 nods to late ’60s silhouettes and a structured ’90s masculinity, combining the two with signature details and resulting in a fresh, uncomplicated and utterly modern look.

My country is a key influence in my work. Embroidery techniques, old jewellery and accessories influenced from Russian heritage all inspired the collection. My aesthetic is the idea of Russian culture inspired by art and literature as well as ancient embroidery techniques and sculptures of Soviet architecture. The collection results in traditional Russian influences mixed with contemporary and modern shapes.

DD: What's next for you?
Olga Vilshenko: My aim is to master such an extraordinary level of quality and sophistication, which well-established fashion houses manage to achieve. In the near future I am planning to establish a line of accessories and a perfume as

(dazeddigital.com)

Albion Trinketry









Pete Doherty and Rose Forde join Hannah Martin in designing a jewellery collection inspired by aspects of history and the future.

Working in collaboration with British jeweller Hannah Martin, Peter Doherty and Rose Forde form Albion Trinketry - a new jewellery label borne from a longing to re-introduce the days when every man had a piece of jewellery to wear with his Sunday best. Inspired by Doherty's obsession with antiques and trinkets, and Martin’s bespoke approach to design has ensured a collection that is both original and timeless. Each piece has a sense of regency and history with a modern take, reflecting the past whilst also giving a nod to the future.

The aim during the design process was to create collectables that will last the test of time and be handed down through the generations. This 15-piece collection, consisting of cufflinks, rings, pins and chains for the neck and watch, are adaptable and interlinked. A carved medal inspired by the British Raj features throughout the range, which is produced with oxidized sterling silver, 18 carat rose gold, mammoth tusk and black diamonds. All production takes place in the UK, using skilled craftsman from the Midlands and Hatton Garden, places both famed for authentic British expertise in making jewellery. Each piece is finished by hand, using lengthy and traditional techniques that make each piece a true modern luxury.

(dazeddigital.com)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

That Touch of Glamour



Maison Martin Margiela



Oscar de la Renta



Valentino



Ippolita



Juith Leiber



Oliver Peoples



Miu Miu



Miu Miu



Burberry Prorsum

(netaporter.com)

Jewelry: The World of Tasha Smith



Tasha Smith



XXL Copper Wing Shield



Raven Simone wearing Tasha Smith earrings



Eryka Badu



Miss Pac (Wo)man



Ribbon In The Sky



Stars & Moon Brass



Beauty of love, life, and freedom, is how FIT graduate Tasha West Describes the inspiration for her slick metallic designs.


Using gold, copper, metal, and bronze, West fashions eye-catching cuffs, earrings, and necklaces for members of the soulful set. Erykah Badu is a devoted fan, and has worn West's winged pieces and gilded bracelets for various on stage performances for the past two years. Using gold, copper, metal, and bronze, West fashions eye-catching cuffs, earrings, and necklaces for members of the soulful September Erykah Badu is a devoted fan, and has worn West's winged pieces and gilded bracelets for Various on stage performances for the past two years.


West's solid, hammered creations take cues from astrological signs , mythical beings, and cartoon characters (one of her most recent pieces is called Pac(Wo)man ). West's solid, hammered creations take cues from astrological signs, Mythical Beings, and cartoon characters (one of her pieces is Called Most recent Pac (Wo) man).


Tongue-in-cheek yet strong and sensual - West's jewelry treads the line between body adornment, conversation starter, and work of art.

(Vogue Italia)

Winter FASHION DON'TS FROM Project Runway's Jonathan Joseph Peters



As a native New Englander, designer Jonathan Joseph Peters understands it can be difficult to dress for the harsh weather. As a season seven Project Runway contestant, he also knows when you are in and when you have been left out in the dark.

1. Dirty, wet, sloppy Uggs: The only thing worse than Ugg boots is wearing them out in the winter weather, so they become dirty, wet, and even uglier than before.

2. Ill-fitting layers: Nothing is worse than a jacket stuffed with a chunky sweater. Let’s not add any more holiday weight than necessary.

3. Ugly scarves: With the abundance of scarves available today, there is no reason to have anything but a lovely fashion-savvy scarf.

4. Skating in stilettos: The fastest way to ruin your look is to be slipping and sliding all over creation because you are wearing too cute but inappropriate footwear. Get cute boots and a bigger purse to carry the heels.

5. Novelty hats: Does anyone else want to slap those court jester hats off people’s heads?

(bostoncommon-magazine.com)

Jonathan has my vote on this one!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Lovin the Look



Rachel Roy is the epitome of chic as she heads in to watch a game between the Knicks & the Nets at Madison Square Garden. The coat and shoes are simple perfection....they pull it all together.

(Photo: essence.com)