Claudia Ligari Autumn/Winter 2012
Posted: April 30, 2012 Filed under: Autumn/Winter 2012, Women | Tags: 2012, autumn, claudia ligari, jonathon griggs, winter Leave a comment »
When I first discovered Italian designer Claudia Ligari, I was not just excited, but ecstatic. Her incredibly innovative and urban approach to design intrigued me, and continues to do so. Claudia graduated from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy in 2004 and, not long after, moved to London, United Kingdom and began an internship at Alexander McQueen. After soaking up bundles of knowledge whilst interning for an array of additional designers, Claudia went on to launch a brand in her own name and her first collection in time for Spring/Summer 2011, which proved to be a huge success.
Claudia states that the inspiration for her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is a combination of sportswear and streetwear with an elegant twist. She has an evident passion for structure, and this comes through throughout this collection. Claudia’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection does not only combine simple shapes and textures, but also experiments with exciting materials, including rubber, and unpredictable silhouettes. Claudia’s use of leather is an aspect that really intrigued me, alongside the dramatic contrast of male and female silhouettes, with a particular focus on baseball and rugby attire. The versatility about this collection is bewildering and, in an odd way, practical.
You can view the full Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, among others, on the Claudia Ligari website, and purchase an array of items via Claudia’s e-shop.
Photography by Jonathon Griggs
Images courtesy of Claudia Ligari
This is not a drive by
Posted: April 29, 2012 Filed under: Music | Tags: drive by, music, train Leave a comment »Currently playing: Train – Drive By
This is so far from the style of music I usually take an interest in and listen to, but because it’s incredibly catchy and by Train, I can’t not listen to it!
I hate to say it, but this track makes me want to get up and dance!
Digitaria Spring/Summer 2012
Posted: April 27, 2012 Filed under: Men, Spring/Summer 2012, Women | Tags: 2012, digitaria, eleftheria arapoglou, spring, summer, yiorgos mavropoulos Leave a comment »
With a write-up from the likes of Susanna Lau (Susie Bubble) of Style Bubble under its belt, Digitaria has had more than its fair share of coverage. So that I don’t bore you with a tediously long post, I will simply outline the basic foundations of the brand and their Spring/Summer 2012 collection.
Digitaria is an innovative Athens, Greece-based brand that offers bespoke tailoring and strong silhouettes that appeal to both men and women. The brand was founded by designer Eleftheria Arapoglou, who has adopted a unique and artsy approach to design. Not only does Eleftheria focus on the visual appeal of each garment, but also the structure. Each item is tailored to perfection, and this is presumably what gives the brand its unique edge.
The Spring/Summer 2012 collection from Digitaria follows suit in terms of the brands signature, which I have identified as an evident devotion to pristine, tailored design. Eleftheria has combined admirable shades of black, off-white and grey in order to create a versatile ensemble of visually appealing attire and, as expected, she has done so flawlessly.
When it comes to the men’s collection, I’d happily wear every single garment, right down to a pair of high-waisted, pleated trousers. Whether or not I’d pull the collection off or not is a different matter entirely!
You can view the full Spring/Summer 2012 collection on the Digitaria website, where you can also keep updated with new collections, events and press.
Photography by Yiorgos Mavropoulos
Images courtesy of Digitaria
Kormákur & Skjöldur Autumn/Winter 2012
Posted: April 24, 2012 Filed under: Autumn/Winter 2012, Men | Tags: 2012, autumn, guðmundur jörundsson, kormákur & skjöldur, kormákur geirharðsson, skjöldur sigurjónsson, winter Leave a comment »
I’ve recently been taking an inordinate amount of interest in men’s tailoring and how to look, what most would describe as, snappy or sharp. Kormákur & Skjöldur is an Icelandic menswear brand that was established in the autumn of 2010 by Kormákur Geirharðsson, Skjöldur Sigurjónsson and fashion designer Guðmundur Jörundsson.
The brand was established around Kormákur and Skjöldur’s menswear store Herrafataverzlun Kormáks & Skjaldar (est. 1996), to introduce what the pair describe as “their own modern take on classic menswear.”
Even though the models that have been photographed in the Kormákur & Skjöldur lookbook these past two seasons are considerably older than me, I feel that if styled properly, the numerous sophisticated garments that this brand has to offer could be transformed into something quirky and youthful, with a nostalgic twist of course.
Kormákur & Skjöldur’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection presents us with an evident mix of the old and new. It is this signature that has pushed me to grow fond of the brand. The thought that I could throw on a flawlessly made blazer or waistcoat and look, well… handsome, snappy or sharp is overwhelming. It seems that this is yet another “I want it all” situation I’m afraid!
You can view the full Autumn/Winter 2012 collection on the Kormákur & Skjöldur website, where you can also view all news and press.
Images courtesy of Kormákur & Skjöldur
So let’s set the world on fire
Posted: April 22, 2012 Filed under: Music | Tags: fun, janelle monáe, music, we are young Leave a comment »Currently playing: Fun – We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe
My brother always did have a good taste in music, and this wonderful track by Fun ft. Janelle Monáe that he introduced me to a week or two ago really hit the spot. Before you give it a listen, please keep in mind that this track is incredibly catchy and potentially addictive. One, innocent listen simply isn’t enough!
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO WE ARE YOUNG BY FUN FT. JANELLE MONÁE!
Hampus Berggren
Posted: April 21, 2012 Filed under: Men | Tags: hampus berggren, kim jakobsen to, louise wilson Leave a comment »
Hampus Berggren is a Swedish, London-based menswear designer who graduated from BA Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins in 2011. He has managed to really grab my attention with his incredibly elegant approach to design. Hampus’ BA collection was inspired by a trip to Iceland, mixed with an interest in Nordic mythology. Both subjects are extremely apparent throughout the collection, and when it comes to pristine men’s tailoring, I think that Hampus is right up there. If I could purchase every single piece in his BA collection and wear them for days on end, there’s no denying that I most definitely would!
You can view Hampus’ full BA collection on his website, where you can also learn a little more about him and his background.
Please note that Hampus is currently studying MA Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins under the eye of Professor Louise Wilson.
Photography by Kim Jakobsen To
Images courtesy of Hampus Berggren
“Into The Woods” by Kelly Love
Posted: April 20, 2012 Filed under: Autumn/Winter 2012, Women | Tags: 2012, autumn, claire pepper, into the woods, kelly love, winter Leave a comment »
I’ve been following the work of Australian, London-based designer Kelly Love for a while now, and she’s never failed to impress me with her impeccable, feminine approach to design. Kelly has an extremely strong work ethic, and from what I’ve seen, it seems that as soon as she finishes one collection, she begins work on another. For example, Kelly has only just released her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, and she’s already working on her Spring/Summer 2013 collection. If that isn’t commitment, I don’t know what is.
“Into The Woods” is the name of Kelly’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, which was inspired by the rich, earthy colours, enticing textures and folk tales of the Russian woods. The collection features an array of exotic wildflower prints and boucle wools adorned with corded lace, alongside the signature sandwashed silk which gives the collection a sumptuous feel. Relating back to Kelly’s admiration for femininity, the collection features an assortment of midi dresses, high waisted cigarette pants, classic blouses and Kelly’s iconic jumpsuits that have been constructed from a palette of blood red, nude, French navy and dusty blue.
“Into The Woods” is incredibly nostalgic, and with me being a fan of Russian influences, I’m absolutely thrilled that Kelly hit the nail right on the head with this picturesque ensemble of flirtatious garments.
You can view the full Autumn/Winter 2012 collection on the Kelly Love website, and will be able to purchase the collection via Kelly’s online-store and a number of Kelly Love stockists later this year.
Click HERE to view the full list of Kelly Love stockists.
Photography by Claire Pepper
Images courtesy of Kelly Love
Duly Equipped Autumn/Winter 2012
Posted: April 17, 2012 Filed under: Autumn/Winter 2012, Men | Tags: 2012, autumn, duly equipped, erin seaman, winter, yenting chen Leave a comment »
With exams on the horizon, I’m struggling to find the time to do anything aside from eating, sleeping and breathing. Yesterday evening, when I finally caught a break, I remembered receiving an email from Yenting Chen, the Taiwanese designer behind newly established Toronto-based menswear brand Duly Equipped, a month or two ago. Yen introduced me to his wonderful new brand and an array of designs fit for what he described as “the rebellious gentleman”. Despite noting the name of the brand down on a piece of paper, I’ve waited until now to introduce you all to the delight that is Duly Equipped.
The Duly Equipped Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is Yen’s debut, and each delicate garment has been hand-tailored by Yen, with fabrics sourced locally in Toronto and from the United Kingdom. Despite drawing inspiration from numerous aspects of contemporary design, Yen favours the impeccable tailoring that can be seen in London’s Savile Row. Whilst the Duly Equipped Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is elegant, it also provides an evident, unique twist on an otherwise ordinary approach to men’s tailoring.
Yen’s use of contrast is what initially lead me to admire his work and is still the one aspect I’m most fixated on. The use of contrasting colours is incredibly evident, and ranges from the use of camel coloured trimming to deep blue lining and orange, suede elbow patches. Yen has used the finest cotton and wool to create a desirable accumulation of elegant shirts, trousers, blazers and coats, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
If your initial opinion of Yen’s work is a positive one, I highly recommend that you head on over to the Duly Equipped website, where you can view and download the full Autumn/Winter 2012 lookbook.
Photography by Erin Seaman
Images courtesy of Duly Equipped
