Friday 30 March 2012

The Animal Inside


Minimal Animal is definitely a brand that 'does what it says on the tin'. Although I'd be a little more than hesitant to don something quite so revealing on the beach myself this summer, the L.A based brand has got something unique going on. As well as statement piece swimwear, the brand also appear to have got it completely spot on in their most recent campaign. The images have a slightly grainy texture which adds a bit of grit - something a little different from the super-glossy swimwear ads that saturate most fashion magazines. The quality of the photos has a certain 'holiday snaps' feel about it, and is really effective in creating an intimate atmosphere with images that very cleverly tell you what their product, and brand, is all about. They are cheeky as well as sexy and I am completely in love with how Henrick Purienne has told the viewer a story.
Getting me in the mood for summer still!








Simone Rocha FW12



I know I'm a little late on posting about the Fashion Week hype this season as numerous University projects and some netball commitments have been occupying every waking hour I have had up until this week. So here I thought I would finally share with you one of my favourite new designers on the London fashion scene.
I first heard about Simone Rocha last year, a young London designer pioneered by the BFC and of course, Topshop. A few items on the Topshop website immediately caught my eye and in researching her a little more it was soon apparent that she is the daughter of LFW regular John Rocha - no guessing where her talent came from.

Nonetheless she is a designer in her own right, and definitely one to watch for the next couple of seasons. Her F/W collection incorporated a collation of different textures ranging from underlays and overlays of chiffon, transparent PVC, knits and mohair (and we're just getting started). The contrast of such beautiful materials and feminine look of the garments combined with tailoured shapes and a near enough monochrome palette makes for a collection that is to die for and I will definitely be taking inspiration from this for my Autumn wardrobe, the only trouble is I want it all now.





Source: Trendland

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Ellery







The Ellery F/W 12 lookbook is full of beautifully constructed shapes, a diverse range of hemlines and elongated slits. Overall the collection is utterly beautiful but is enhanced by the great quality of photography and contrast in the lighting across the monochrome desert scene background. The colour palette is a combination of coffee coloured taupes, black and grey with a pop of electric aqua and shimmering gold. Pretty much, I want it all and the lookbook definitely showcases it in its best light.

Monday 26 March 2012

Don't play with your food

That's what mummy always told you right?
But look how pretty it can be when you do!




Source: Trendland
Artist: Emilie Guelpa for Fricote magazine

An Intervention

Source: Trendland
Artist: Aurelian Junner

Whilst browsing through Trendland earlier on today, I came across artist Aurelian Junner. French born and Barcelona based, Junner works on the covers of iconic fashion magazines to create a rebellion against the function of the publications as a catalyst for mass culture and people's relation to reality. He calls this method 'juxtaposition intervention'; a questioning of magazine intentions and the hyperreality of such institutions. Nevertheless, the work is fascinating, so simple yet effective and definitely something anyone can try at home. I think that the real impact of his work comes from how selectively the images have been chosen and manipulated. 
Here are some of my favourties. 





Sunday 25 March 2012

Paris in Spring







Photographer: Lachlan Bailey for Vogue Paris
Model: Magdalena Frackowiak
Stylist: Geraldine Saglio

This shoot for the April issue of Vogue Paris immediately caught my eye whilst I was flicking through some images on Fashion Gone Rogue. The divine weather that we've been having here in the South has been such a breath of fresh air and is completely getting me in the mood for summer, and these shots by Lachlan Bailey are just getting me more and more excited for the next few months! The shoot encapsulates bold colour with pastel undertones and the colour palette is a contrary mix of whites, blues, reds and some bits in between. The beautiful scenery obviously helps to allow the images to pop and the vibrant lighting adds to this so effectively. I love the pin-up vibe that the styling and Magdalena's voluminous hair and curves create. A true beauty in a beautiful setting. 
Get me to the beach.

Kloss Lovin'

Source: Allure via Fashion Gone Rogue
Photographer: Mario Testino
Everything about this is amazing.

Saturday 17 March 2012

I lost my faith in the summertime...






Source: Urban Outfitters

I couldn't even tell you that these are some of my favourite images from the Urban Outfitters Spring Twenty Twelve Lookbook because truth be told I love every shot. The styling is brilliantly positioned between 90s sports luxe and bohemian, hippy patterns. Set in a dusty valley in what appears to be the early, hazy days of summer, the fluidity between the images is completely appropriate for the mood that the photographer is trying to create. The whole combination screams at me to prepare for summer, if only the English weather (and my student loan) would allow me to.

The P Word



    


Prada. We all know of the brand Prada, and more than likely know of the mastermind behind the global design powerhouse: Miuccia Prada. But what does this word, act as a symbol for? To me Prada is a brand of high intensity, influenced by years of design culture and informed by everything that surrounds us from retro art prints, to fruit, to Hot Wheels. But almost more importantly than that, it is a brand that likes to have fun. Those who are familiar with the brands RTW accessories such as the prestigious Prada luxe tote bags, may perceive the brand to be more serious than that, but let me show you a thing or two.
Prada's biannual Fantasy Lookbook for SS12 takes a playful view on high-end design by incorporating her models into nostalgic and crafty scenes to depict her Spring/Summer collection. I have to confess, my appreciation for Prada is usually just that: appreciation, as her eclectic taste is not often one that I would wear myself. However, her SS collection is completely on point and full of shapes that any woman can wear (the pastel palette is to die for). This season's lookbook makes the brand entirely accessible, at least in the way that any woman with any price range can find herself flicking through and falling in love with styles that she will no doubt be able to find near-enough copies of on the established British high street. Enjoy.