Gareth Pugh

Gareth Pugh's latest is absolutely my favorite presentation. His foray into fashion film is stunning. To watch his inspirations grow and transform on screen is mesmerizing. His earthy inspiration comes together in what style.com is calling a 'mines-of-Mordor mood.' The darkness of it all is engulfing. The chain wristlets of the oxidized silver jacket is such a wonderfully malevolent twist on all the fringing we have been seeing; it's the ultimate rock and roll answer to the hippy suedes. The fine spikes that cover the garments like a lethal fur are simply arresting.
For all the rigidity that is often associated with mines and precious metals, this collection is surprisingly fluid. What makes this collection stand a head above the rest is that it cannot be neatly categorized. The vibe here is not a simple moniker as often follows in the wake of such dark collections. What I see here is such a sophisticated and unbridled confidence that it is almost easy to miss. The presence of this woman does not come from feature exaggeration, such as the elaborate shoulders we have seen at many other shows, but from the natural lines that create a wide base and tailor upwards. The silhouette creates a visual reminder that this person is at the top of her life, on top of her composite elements that secure her as who she is.

source: style.com

MMM

Martin Margiela's 20th anniversary collection was an immense success, with his elaborate shoulders for slim fit blazers popping up on everyone's blogs as a favorite piece from the spring summer 2009 collections. This collection was a way for the designer to reference past collections and spice them up, a trend that is hitting home with many other designers as they recreate past moments of glory. The materials of this show are just so off the wall that the wigs are as surprising as the pieces themselves! This was just such a fun show to watch - you never knew what would come out next (giant cake, anyone?).

source: style.com

It has been quite the nerdy day for me as I prep for my upcoming trip to Frankfurt and London for a couple of trade shows. I return February 7 and promise you some thoughts on the Paris shows. I only wish I could hop over the Channel to see some for myself!

source: http://www.dripbook.com/jenmyles/book/polaroid-dairies/

National Geographic B-3 Flight Jacket
James Perse Vintage Fit Tee
Prps Dart Skinnies
Tom Ford Hawkings Aviators
Miu Miu Moto Boots
PS1 Bag

A comfy monday outfit to do anything in except go to the ball. Soft jersey cottons, worn jeans, and fuzzy fuzzy shearling.

Oh delicious Sundays, how I love you.

source: www.dripbook.com/Juliebrookewilliams/

MAJE

Maje is a Parisian line that I am totally in love with. With an inspiration book that draws on rocker glam and folk sources, the result is a perfectly comfortable line. Although predictable - leather leggings, a biker jacket, fringe, and the fur vests - the line is not obnoxious or overdone. It's trendy, no doubt, but not cookie cutter. The simplicity of the pieces allow the wearer a freedom of expression, an ability to make the pieces their own rather than looking like a display mannequin. I love the clean and simple pallet that emphasizes texture before colour, and the relaxed tailoring. I can't wait to see what they come up with in the coming Fashion Fury month of February!

But before then, on January 15 to be precise, French DJ duo Cécile Togni and Tania Bruna-Rosso of Les Putafranges will release their collaboration with Maje. The only tailoring done here is at the waist, with a simple bow or bandline to do the trick. The boyfriend blazer and little tux shorts are a great transition into summer, and the simple bags will carry the necissary and then some for the comming slew of fashion interns. A great line for the bothersome days that are neither winter nor spring that can be easy incorperated with the rest of Maje's creations.





source: www.maje-paris.fr

The Stephen Sprouse Book is slated to hit shelves on January 13. With a muse like Debbie Harry, there was no going back and no blending in. And who better to be the muse of such a punk-rock, day-glo, and graffiti pieces? Even the more whimsical of his creations is as provoking and unforgettable as his more outrageous. For me, Debbie Harris and Stephen Sprouse tangle together in a furious knot of eyeliner, brights, and that unforgettable asymetrical one-strap dress from "Heart of Glass."

source: style.com, amazon.com

Giles & Brother

Lately I have been spending more and more time seeking out new accessories that speak more to a lifestyle than to just style. One of the companies I have come across is Giles & Brother. A sister brother duo, originally from Florida and now headquartered in NYC, they create quite remarkable pieces. They mix in an old world charm that is so refreshing in today's more glitzy approach to jewelery. This duo take more commonplace elements, such as nuts and bolts, hooves, railroad spikes, muskets, antlers, and fishing hooks, and pairs them with supple leather - a combination that just enchants me. The rugged, used, pre-loved, and tested construction evoke a traveled and seasoned feel to them. It's a type of equestrian look that is starting to evolve where logos are absent in all but the most discrete of details. Leather goods have always spoken to a certain level of luxury, but being embossed, inlayed, printed, and embroidered - not to mention accented with oversize hardware - was never really my thing. I am delighted, and relieved, to see the shift from attention grabbing, logo splattered, glamazon attitude to a more subtle - but no less luxurious - approach to style, and Giles & Brother fit the bill.


source: gilesandbrother.com

Just another lazy Sunday - but Cate Blanchett does it best. Couture Sunday à la Greek Goddess, anyone?

Source: Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair February 2009

Happy New Years! I hope your night was a sparkly crazy dance insanity.