Fashion news
Fashion forerunners have recently taken the Margiela route- ditching traditional modes of showing
collections in favour of something more imaginative.
Last week in London Calvin Klein became the latest label to dip a toe outside the fashion pond. Collaborating with Turner prize-winning London artist Martin Creed, CK aired their SS08 collection in a cavernous World War 2 bunker set to a symphony orchestra playing dramatic outbursts as a serene parade of models in Calvin Klein circled the stage in time to the thunderous drumming.
Creed masterminded the entire arrangement, choreography, ‘music’ and lighting, bringing the collections to life in a stripped back and surreal spectacular.
Meanwhile at Design Art London, David Lynch and the shoe designer Christian Louboutin, both absolute masters of their medium, demonstrated an affinity for erotic fetishisation. Lynch, in his signature sinister style, photographed curvy ladies wearing only Louboutin's famed red-soled heels. Not exactly wearable, I doubt we'll see Carri Bradshaw strutting down Broadway in these any time soon.
of tee graphics. There are two mens and one ladies graphic over three different garments in CK's signature illustrative graphic style. Like the lovely Jaimee here, you too can stay "Lookin' good and feelin' good"... Bon Appetit!
France is of course well known for it’s sartorial muses. With beauty that is often preserved by a sense of mystery or cloaked in quirk, Gallic actress/models such as Anna Mouglalis and Jane Birkin continue to prove an untiring source of inspiration for designers. And now, the Parisian fashion scene has a new icon in actress Clemence Poesy. Most recognised as the snobbish Fleur Delacoure in 2005’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Poesy’s eclectic and oh-so-Parisian sense of style will now see her playing a different role; along with fellow “it” girl Chloe Sevigny and model Anja Rubik, the twenty-five year old has been chosen as the face of the new fragrance from revered fashion house Chloe.
When reporting from the catwalk sponsored by Air New Zealand held at 30,000 feet, YEN posed the question ‘what on earth will the fashion industry think of next?’ Well, today I can offer you an answer to that question. On the 19th of October, Fendi became the first luxury fashion house to present their latest collection atop the Great Wall of China. As the sun dipped below the horizon a string of models sauntered down an 85 metre catwalk at Juyongguan Pass, a stretch of the Great Wall located 50km north of Beijing. As you can see from this spring/summer collection for 2008 Fendi have created a spectacularly impressive show that surely goes down in fashion history as the hottest ticket with the most impressive backdrop. For more info on Fendi click here
Amongst- you know, fairly easy- tasks such as running an ever expanding fashion empire, contributing stories to various publications and awaiting the arrival of her first child, fashion powerhouse Karen Walker is set to open her first retail outlet in New York. Coinciding with New York Fashion Week, the store will open in February 2008 as part of The Den; an uber hip concept store that re-invents itself every two to three months an whose previous in habitants have included Cheap Monday and Rag and Bone. “We’re thrilled to be having a KAREN WALKER pop-up store in New York’ enthuses Walker, who enjoys a strong stateside following and shows annually at NY Fashion Week, “This is such an exciting way to bring the brand to another level there. “
Catwalk. Aeroplane. You wouldn’t usually find these two words in the same sentence. However, Air New Zealand
changed that with the launch of the 30,000ft Catwalk. And I was lucky
enough to be onboard!! To kick start Air New Zealand Fashion Week we
watched 8 models work the aisle-turned-catwalk sporting designs by 32
New Zealand designers. Yes, they were in high heels and yes there was
slight turbulence, however their balancing act added to the excitement
of the event. The flight was hosted by Rachel Hunter and was packed
with celebrities, models, buyers and journalists. However there was one
particular guest who stood out from the pack, ten year old Petra
Kotrotsos of Wellington. Petra, a cancer sufferer, dreams of becoming a
fashion designer. Dressed in a Trelise Cooper leopard print stole, this
brave fashion forward individual was in her element! We wish her all
the best! Looking forward to seeing what they come up with next, a
fashion show underwater?
Never ones to remain idle, Melbourne’s inimitable fashion mavens Alpha60 have just launched their brand new label The Beta State.
Based on their trademark geometrics and graphic eclecticism the bangin' threads are full of sci-fi and filmic references, kaleidoscopic psychedelics and an undercurrent of tribal nostalgia.
A small but exciting range, The Beta State certainly proves the design duo of Georgie and Alex Cleary are doing justice to the old adage “If you want something done well, ask a busy person to do it”.
If you get on down to a General Pants near you, you’ll see just what I’m talking about.
