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Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Gregor Gaida


It's been some time since I've browsed the wonders of design site Yatzer, but within 30 seconds of scrolling this evening I have become mesmerised by the work of Polish artist Gregor Gaida. The most surprising thing about his work is that most of these almost photographic sculptures are carved from wood (and then combined with aluminium, polyester and acrylic resin)!

I can't even begin to imagine the effect these uncompromising, life-sized sculptures would have on me if I were to see them close-up, as even on screen they are breathtaking. There is a sense of familiarity with these figures, and although the viewer is drawn to striking poses there is a very dark element to them...which I find even more intriguing. Yatzer says it better than I can:

'Many of Gaida�s works combine positively charged components which in their sum and constellation, however, have a negative impact. The often aestheticised shape and the object-like character of his works in inconsistent with a narrative, waving between attraction and repulsion. Gaida has a special way to tell stories without spelling them out since merely the possibility of a story is suggested. And although he points out that the relationship he has with his own creations always remains a secret for the greater audience, he reveals that his inspiration often comes from every day, hard working people.'

These do not really relate to fashion, but the only way I can think of translating the feeling of these pieces into wearable garments is the poses which they hold - amazing for a photoshoot and the colouration of their skin which would look beautiful if worked into fabrics and 'looks'. I also love the textures. Even though the skin is smooth, the edges of the poly resin and the carved wood could be really interesting if worked into fabrics. Note to self - play with fabric manipulation!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Aqua by Aqua


The most amazing shop has just opened in Fouberts Place, just off Carnaby Street in London. If you're from the North of England you may well have heard of this store before, as they began life in Leeds five years ago, and have even recently been selling on asos. Aqua is the most interesting and forward thinking independent store on the high street at the moment. It opened here in the capital only two weeks ago, so take a visit soon before everyone else catches on!

Two of my favourite pieces are these oversized tops. Most garments in the collection are body-con, but these diaphanous tunics are a fresh, wearable way to do the lingerie trend which has been all over the high-street for some time. If like me, you don't like to wear your pants over your trousers like superman, I suggest these options!

I visited Aqua with a friend yesterday, and she bought a few hard-edged statement dresses. They may not be to all tastes, but you cannot deny their unique and utterly flattering design. We scoured the regular shops around Oxford Street and Carnaby Street, but nothing compared to the party dresses in this new store.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

FACEHUNTER: the book

I know, I know, another book - my addiction is getting out of control - I may need to seek professional help soon! Usually I go for large, coffee table tomes but the latest addition to me ever-growing fashion library is a perfectly man-bag sized gem from blogging royalty - Face Hunter. The Sartorialist had a book, and now does the Face Hunter...but if I had only enough space for one on my bowing bookcase, I'd have to opt for Yvan Rodic's sharp observations of innovative personal style;

'Face Hunter travels the globe in search of the most inventive, colourful, freaky, imaginative, gifted, graceful, exquisite, fascinating, unpredictable, gorgeous, refined, delicate, divine, facehuntable, fantabulous, bewitching, edgy, ravishing, chic, winning, alluring, wild, glamorous, voluptuous, radiant and classy.'

'I'm not a social scientist or a journalist...My pictures are not meant to document reality; they are meant to tell you short stories.' FaceHunter


I didn't even realise this image was from Face Hunter until I saw it in the book - one of my favourite images of both Roisin Murphy and this iconic Pugh dress (certainly looks better than when Beyonce tried to Pull-off-a-Pugh!).



Sonny Groo looking fierce as usual, contrasting against this luxurious tangerine drapery illustrate both extremes of my taste radar. Simply delicious.





This is my favourite shot. Or is it my favourite outfit? Or is the boy just cute? Who knows, but I love that freekin' jacket!

To launch his book Yvan Rodic (aka FaceHunter) is holding a book signing at Foyles, Charing Cross Road on 12th March, at 5pm. BE THERE.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

James Dawe


These are truly inspirational illustrations and collages from artist James Dawe. Beautiful imagery created solely by cutting and pasting other images... the placement and proportion is simply genius.


Monday, March 1, 2010

Nicomede Talavera AW2010

I am slightly obsessed with these images of Nicomede Talavera's new collection - I want every single piece - the hair fringed t-shirt, the amazing fabric combinations, the necklaces made of bones, the conceptual yet wearable shirts, the trousers with a zipper at the back...Nicomede if you're listening, you know where to find me...



Images via Coute Que Coute.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out

I think we are all very aware now of my troubling addiction to books. I cannot let a fortnight pass without purchasing another fashion/inspirational tome! Soon I will have my very own reference library - feel free to browse at your leisure!

My latest addition to this ever-growing collection is a wonderful book about the under-exposed designer, Isabel Toldeo. If I'm to be completely honest, I had not even heard of her until a few months ago when I stumbled across these images on the TwistedLamb blog (which, by the way, is pure freekin' genius).



Toledo's work is amazing, and spans many different 'genres' of fashion design - from origami, geometric, fluid drapery, architectural structure, opulence and minimalism...but above all, extremely clever cutting. Valerie Steel states in this book that unfortunately, like many designers Toledo has not had the financial backing to expand from her niche market. Widely recognised by fashion insiders, Isabel Toldeo has been running her own label for over 20 years, however it is only now that she is starting to get fully recognised and stocked across the world.



'Displaying garments Toledo has created since her first show in 1985, this book is a revelatory exploration of a fashion innovator in a mass-market industry.'


Words cannot describe the tragic loss that the fashion industy experienced yesterday, with the sudden death of a (my) hero - Lee Alexander McQueen.

Long live McQueen!

1969 - 2010

May you rest in peace.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Staring Girl

I am loving this shoot from the latest issue of 10 magazine. The hobo styling is so perfect, it's untrue...the 'I've raided Mum and Dad's wardrobe' look works in ways that it really shouldn't. The exposed lingerie, the straps, buckles, buttons and fastenings, the hunched poses - I AM IN LOVE (buy the damn magazine - it's always been one of my favourites, and it's pure genius)!