Monday, October 07, 2013

SAFED RANG Part 2 - Paromita Banerjee


Spring / Summer 2014

I always had a thing for Whites; pristine white with not a speck, was what our school uniforms were meant to be and so were your ‘P.T’ canvas shoes  ; if your answer sheet was white with not a speck of red marking meant you topped your class ! As I grew older, I was introduced to various connotations. White meant purity, serenity, unity etc. In Safed Rang, Part 2, Safed means the coming of age, the celebration of all things simple told in colour and techni-colour.

 SAFED RANG, Part 2 is a collection reminiscing our second fashion week collection ever; way back in the Summer of 2010. Itching to start from where we had left off , Safed Zari starts our first story in layers of Kora coming together with weaves of gold in Mangalgiri cotton checks, presenting the right amount of opacity and transparency such that the colours below it becomes muted and subdued. The silhouettes are contemporary versions of old classics. The classic white shirt undergoes a face-lift, silhouettes like the angarakha wrap becomes the short smart cape to be teamed with pants. Playing with the transparency and opacity of white, this story is about smart separates in classics. Gold striped pants in kora become the trendier version of the quintessential pajama silhouette of Indian Men, the world over.

The second story, Kala Safed adds black to the Safed- Zari in silhouettes like the ghera jama of Mughal times and kallidars of yesteryears. Accents of colour come in bursts just like the speck of sun on a monsoon day. Handwoven checks from Mangalgiri and Khadi from West Bengal comes in the form of black-white classic checks.

Rang – Birang is the story told in colour. Malkha khadi is introduced along with bright handwoven checks to tell the tale of colours gone wild. The brightest we have ever gone and what fun it was! Kallidar and shift kurtas in bright checks come in shades of nimboo-green / royal purple / rani / ferozi blue and mustard-turmeric along with rust, browns and onion pinks. Don’t miss our Rose-block in the form of placement hand-block printing in classic kurta shapes.

The collection is all about presenting a rooted India to the audience. An India where the finest of fabrics are cottons and Khadi, handwoven on looms; and they can be shaped into any silhouette of choice. We have chosen the ethno-contemporary path: where the fabrics and textiles remind you of India but in a very global context. You could be anywhere in the world and in a frame-of-mind where you are taking in all that you see around you, coming together in a burst of colour, context and culture.

Watch Out
for Handmade Crochet Footwear with Chindi Tie-Ups!

Sunday, October 06, 2013

STARLITE' - NALANDDA BHANDARI




Starllite Collection SS20147



The collection is very young and preppy and extremely fashionable,for the confident girl who wants to look gorgeous amazing and business like when the occasion demands it.

She is in tune with her femininity and knows how to dress the right way for the right occasion.

She looks great and knows it!

 

Kitty Joseph - Absolut





Absolut collaborates with Kitty Joseph to celebrate cutting edge design
Following its long-standing tradition of cutting edge partnerships, Absolut is proud to present a collaboration with emerging fashion designer Kitty Joseph who has created an original, three piece capsule collection and accessories inspired by the new limited edition bottle, Absolut Originality. 
The limited edition features four million individually designed bottles, each made into a one-of-a-kind work of art with a drop of cobalt blue infused into the molten glass during production. Inspired by the design cues of Absolut Originality, Kitty's collection features diffusions of the signature Absolut cobalt blue created through a unique process which involves hand painting dyes onto wet paper and then printing directly onto fabrics. The three looks tell the Absolut Originality story, following the liquid as it drops, flows and settles in the bottle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwuLBpc3_is
Absolut has a long history of collaborating with artists and fashion designers including Tom Ford, Versace, Stella McCartney, Gaultier and Gareth Pugh. Since graduating from the RCA in 2011, Kitty Joseph has collaborated with long-time friend and mentor Zandra Rhodes, milliner Piers Atkinson and stylist Kim Howells and been commissioned by the likes of Lady Gaga and Carine Roitfeld. Her Absolut Originality collection is showcased in a short film directed by Rohan Wadham, starring New York based musician and dancer Njena Reddd Foxxx. Njena made her debut featuring on last year's runaway hit 'Ima Read' with Zebra Katz. In the film, Njena twists, turns and bends to a clip of her solo track 'Water Colours'.
The collection also features bespoke accessories including rings, earrings, bangles and glasses which feature infusions of cobalt blue. 

"Working with Absolut on this project was a delight and an honour. The purity and colour of the bottle and the process developed to create each unique cobalt blue mark really struck a chord with me and it was so exciting for me to extend this idea into print on a human scale." Kitty Joseph.
"Absolut has a long history of celebrating original thinking and the creativity and quality behind Kitty Joseph's work was the perfect fit to bring Absolut Originality life. Absolut has always experimented with new techniques and gone off the beaten track to develop innovative and artistic products and Kitty's collection encapsulates this". Adam Boita, Marketing Controller, Pernod Ricard UK.
Consumers will be able to add their own drop of Originality through a new website addyourdrop.com
ABSOLUT originality goes on sale nationwide from 1st October 2013 (RRP £19.35)

SS 14 THE SATURATE by Mrinalini Gupta




An eponymous label, MRINALINI was launched in 2008. Following a linear momentum , MRINALINI aims to filter fashion down to design , distill tradition and counter influences to create a line for people who dont like lines.

SS 14 THE SATURATE- SS-14 a play on "Desaturate", THE SATURATE aims to peel of layers of artificial varnish to reveal the natural tones underneath. Lounge dresses, wedge hemlines, wood block jackets, and window pane shirts in a palette of Wood, white sand ,tan , stone and gravel , Spring Summer 14 is an escape line.

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Discovering Rococo - Journey Tropical by Rajdeep Ranawat/SS'14




Discover a tropical elegance laced with elements of the playful Rococo Era preceded by luxury. Creating an unusual cocktail, the Spring Summer 2014 Collection by Rajdeep Ranawat blow’s you away on a journey to a sultry grove, rich with bamboo thickets, juicy fruits, vivid flowers and exotic birds; intercepted with the lighthearted themes and intricate designs of Rococo.

Taking two distinctly different themes designer creates a collection that has a more jocular, florid and graceful approach. With ornate and strong usage of creamy, pastel-like colors, asymmetrical designs, curves and gold, interlaced with tropical elements the collection has a fresh and unique feel ideal for the spring summer of 2014.

The essence of "Rococo goes Tropical" can be seen through the playfully designed prints and embroideries, which are total works of art.


The elements of both are used in such a way as to create a teasing dialogue full of elusive and camouflaging language & gestures; & are further enhanced with flowing yet feminine garment silhouettes. Highlights of Swarovski elements acts as accents through out the collection and hints of intricate  sheathing seen through out the collection in motifs of nature add to an element of rococo.


The delightful range of Accessories by Geetanjali Ranawat is a feast to the eyes. With intricately sequined tropical bird inspired clutches, lace and print with leather accent totes further encrusted with dimensional orchids, geometric beaded clutches along with digital print and Swarovski embellished wrist bands. The Bird and orchid headbands too are a treat to be a trend for the upcoming summer of 2014.


The latest photo campaign was painstakingly shot at the stunning locations of Nubra Valley in Leh-Ladakh. The designer and his team travelled all the way to the interiors of the untouched valley to enhance the collection with its breathtaking backdrop of multi faceted terrain, mountain ranges, canyons, sand dunes and rivers with fresh hues to make anyone dream of the perfect summer, that only complimented the colors and motifs of the collection itself.

A note from the Shoe Sponsors: METRO Shoes:- Metro Shoes is the largest fashion
footwear retailer in India, with a countrywide network across 175 prime locations, offering a mix of Indian and international designs. Metro shoes has been a pioneer in the Indian Fashion Footwear Industry, and has always placed tremendous importance on remaining au courant, thus choosing to partner with the incredible Rajdeep Ranawat  whose design prowess is a force to reckon with. 

For Rajdeep Ranawat's collection Rococo goes Tropical Metro Shoes has designed knee length gladiators.



"We are here once again ready with our latest SS14 Collection with even a sexier Campaign shoot - I am sure it is one of it’s kind & no one in this Fashion Industry would have taken the pains to go this far to do it. It’s something really close to my heart and sensibilities" - RR


From Left to right : - Geetanjali Ranawat : for being a fantastic wife, a great support and designing the most juicy accessories ever! , Rajdeep Ranawat(Myself), Ashish Chawla : For being a super creative professional in the world of Photography and always making my dreams into reality, Kristina : For giving me that much desired Oomph that I always crave from a model in such a difficult terrain like Nubra Valley! Kaajee : for being the most entertaining and loveable makeup artist who always understands the clients brief so well and transforms every one his brush touches.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Get Raw - DENIM RE-VISITED by Niket & Jainee - Spring Summer'2014 #WLIFW



The poised and neoteric collection , stocked with clothes for tender and zealous
men and women, like unripe edged denim cords, tropic pants, fine blouses paired
with delicate saree and slim midi skirt giving it a polished appearance.

With embellishments. 3-D adornment, including a silk, denim strips scattered all
over the  blouses in an abstract form - here comes in a handy spring summer  -
ready to wear ‘delicious combination’. A construction that comprises of a major
role being played by Raw Denim in the process of translating ideas into actual
garment.  On the other hand Silk and chanderi like material is also used for the
construction.

“The wildness has come-out from the royal and neutral hued dresses with a sense
of anonymity, helped in moulding the ideas. Quite distinct collection of equal
richness and complexity. Colour, styling, details and fabrication has helped in
translating the concept of collection to each item. The three dimensional
structure created defines creativity and one’s own path” say’ Designer’s Niket &
Jainee.

So’ Go On - Unleash your wildness!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

"Control Bear STORE TOKYO">Nagatake Uehara







Control Bear STORE TOKYO" With its Grand Opening on September 7th 2013 (Sat) at Laforet Harajuku B1F Press Preview & Reception September 6 th.

Spiral Cute Inc. (headquartered in Tokyo; CEO: Youichi Kawakami), which holds the master license to “Control Bear ”,will open the first concept store of its kind in Japan called "Control Bear STORE TOKYO" on September 7th, 2013 (Sat) at Laforet Harajuku.

The concept store will offer unique merchandise to match the seasons, collaborations with artists active both in Japan and overseas, and more. Control Bear has gained many fans for the black humor shown through its image of a pure and sweet bear holding its own head.

Merchandise available at opening includes: 20 colors of plush toys, tshirts, tote bags, iPhone cases and special collaboration tshirts with fashion brand, NOZOMI ISHIGURO.

Also,the pilot edition of the first video project for “Control Bear ” will be premiered in the shop. This exciting project goes beyond the general notion of a character being just a toy, into a new style of art piece. It is being promoted not only in Japan, but also overseas.

A sneak preview and reception for the press will be held the day before it opens on Friday September 6th.


For further information please contact PR2 Etsuko Meaux
TEL: 03-3460-1775 e-mail: info@presspr2.jp


CONTROL BEAR
Designer: Nagatake Uehara
Born in 1982 on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa
Prefecture. He started his enterprise in 2007 with
the theme "stronger, sweeter, and more beautiful".
He exhibited in 2008 at the Emerging Directors
Art Fair "ULTRA001", in 2009 at the Emerging
Directors Art Fair "ULTRA002", in 2010 at the
Nagatake Uehara Exhibition "CONTROL", in
2011 at Art Fair Kyoto, in 2011 at Hotel Monterey
Kyoto, in 2011 at ART TAIPEI 2011, in 2012 at the
Control Bear Installation Exhibition "BALLOON",
and at the Daikanyama Art Street event.

Friday, August 23, 2013

KRUHUN by Shantanu Goenka





KRUHUN meaning black in Kashmiri casts an enchanting spell on the collection
Dipped in gold and black every ensemble is a story on its own with a unique individuality and personality

The collection brings out the best from my embroidery archives . Impeccable sequinned sheeting ,age old extremely fine and delicate zardozi and eye twitching kashmiri tilli holds the collection together.

Apart from these ,laser cut appliqué ,textured brocades ,velvets and sequinned cut work gives a  different dimension to the collection.

An eclectic mix of men's and women's wear the collection draws inspiration from old india, Persia and middle eastern influences.

Flowy anarkalis , asymmetrical jackets , Farshi pyjamas  and beautifully embroidered sarees dominate the women's wear silhouettes whereas the menswear mainly consist of transparent chogas worn over fluid pyjamas, jodhpuris, waistcoats etc. interesting printed swimwear worn under embroidered transparent folwy kaftans adds the diva essence to the look.

Animal skin and lotuses are combined together in prints whereas falcons ,parrots and peacocks motifs gives an interesting character to the embroideries.

Heena bodysuits underlayered with every ensemble is the perfect accent bringing out the strong Indian and middle eastern culture. Edgy hair accessories like flying parrots , udan khatola hair pins and celestial bun studs adds another story .....

Velvet footwear for both men and women again in black and gold encrusted with fine gold zardozi complements the look and the elephant heels takes the footwear to the next level. Jingling anklets , jewellery straps, buckles, broaches and armband attachments provide the perfect accessorization to the ensembles .
 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Fashion meets Music - Aarti Vijay Gupta




Presenting an inseparable amalgamation of Music and Fashion – ‘I love music’. Aarti’s collection has been inspired by the four families of symphony orchestra: String , Woodwind, Brass & Percussion. 

Revealing her keen sense of innovation fused with her contemporary expression which sets her apart. Her design philosophy is simple, interweaved with artistic strokes on a structured canvas. 

Talking about her collection, Designer says, “I take inspiration from the things around me that I love. I am passionate about both music and fashion. It was a natural progression of the combining power of the two to create something very unique and extraordinary.”

Fashion and music have always intermingled to create history & played their part in giving birth to iconic styles. Fashion has always followed music and music has always followed fashion. With her latest collection, Aarti presents a tribute to music with the élan of fashion. Taking inspiration from music & the symphony orchestra, Aarti has experiments with musical notes and instruments like trumpets, saxophones, violin, bass drum in form of prints on structured silhouettes. Set in printed overlap jumpsuits, bolero jackets, trench coats, short sheath dresses, she has highlighted the association of music on a style blueprint. 

mapxencaRS-WinterFestive





The Collection has been inspired by architectural works of world renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Her buildings are distinctively futuristic, characterized by the powerful, curving forms of her elongated structures with multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry to evoke the chaos of modern life. The textures in garment represent the same. Works of Zaha Hadid also inspires the colors in garment.

mapxencaRS is a high end designer brand that makes custom made women and menswear. The style of brand is western which aims at making structured & conceptualized garments with touch of futuristic elements in it.



...

Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid
, ( زها حديدZahā Ḥadīd; born 31 October 1950) is an Iraqi-British Architect. She received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004—the first woman to do so—and the Stirling Prize in 2010 and 2011. Her buildings are distinctively futuristic, characterized by the "powerful, curving forms of her elongated structures" with "multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry to evoke the chaos of modern life".

AFTERMATH by Sidharta Aryan






“Borne out of love lost lament and candid fear for the uncertain AFTERMATH W/F 2013 is a collection that resonates life and the patterns of a jaded mind. Torn apart between conventions and following one’s dreams, the collection is inspired by this duality. It seeks imagery from Geode inspired elemental – Geometry.”

The dichotomy of cultures that is now the truth of our urban existence controls the outcome of this collection paving the way for a sport-deluxe line that can effortlessly make the transition from work wear to evening wear form 'The Look'.

Taking hints from science and technology, the digital print captures order and symmetry coexisting with chaos and fear. Sci-fi geometric stone-embellishments and faux leather quilting, way-ward hemlines, cut-out necklines, sheer body blocking, trompe l’oeil effects, and other such details make up for this sports-lux collection - all put together as the Key Detailings.

Sports mesh, Luxury nylon jersey all trickling down from street sport style are used as bases for digital printing. With emphasis on luxury and comfort I have continued to use silks, velvets, satins, georgette, and chiffon etc. “A jaded heart in an urban jungle” describes the colour palette for the season with shades of grey, black & white and accents of neon green.


‘Sidharta Aryan’ the label was launched at LFW ‘Gen Next’ - Winter/Festive 2010.
Through his work, Designer strives to break the conformist ways in which the Indian woman is globally perceived today. Woman who is fearless and definitely a Fashion Leader. Creating clothes that are objects of art, and hope that they find a home where they will be treated like they would be in a museum.

Label is at a threshold of carving a niche for itself in the industry, which is slowly but surely opening up to embracing creative and out-of-the box design. With a visionary approach I take inspiration from the stalwarts of the design community who continue to inspire me daily to create a timeless collection! - Nurturing me to reach my goals and dreams.



Let's DRESS UP' by Troy Costa




LONDON EYE


TROY COSTA, revives the Charm of the 1930’s through a collection that’s luxurious, elevating the casual with expert tailoring in iconic British influenced fabrics.

Inspiration for one half of the collection stems from a Mark Gertler painting titled the ‘Merry Go Round ‘, which refer to the colors in contemporary menswear fashion.

The collection is beyond classification and acquires personality & character thanks to the marriage of tailored shaping & discreetly using technology to inject modern verve through special ideas such as waterproof thread, alternation & color intarsia.

The overall silhouette is relaxed and boasts of tailored separates, perfect for the modern mans wardrobe .

On the other end of the spectrum, drawing influences from the league of Gentlemen of the 30’s & 40’s; Beautifully constructed suits are presented, they are figure enhancing & very sensual , thus  respectfully offering  a return to the reinvention of classic menswear & the lifestyle which accompanies it .

A sartorial elegance is interpreted in the single and double breasted slim fit  jackets  and classy retro suits .

It appears as though heritage has been picked up and dusted, refined & brought up to date.

There is a definite element of GATSBY- ESQUE tailoring combined with skinny Trousers & Ties to turn heads & melt hearts

 Accessories pay homage to urban functionality; city or utility bags ,folders , ultra light clutches ,multi-use scarves ,  document holders in glossy hues , Brogues , spectators, tuxedo slippers , tasseled , toggled moccasins & brogue'd wedges complete the collection that is staked on comfort without abandoning the dictates of elegance …Focus is on the SAUNTER which involves dressing in your finest clothes & indulging in extended relaxed walks.

Bohemian? hippy? sartorial?dandy ? regardless of what you wish to call a man who wears bold, flower prints for Spring Summer 2014 , there’s is only one way to call him… ‘FASHIONABLE ‘.

 The TROY COSTA man is one who likes to behave with good manners & dress well , strong yet sensitive , classic but not too formal , he’s a man who wishes to be classless & stylish but with substance .



After all ,

 "WHY DRESS DOWN , WHEN YOU CAN DRESS UP !



SPECTRUM
The Menswear colors for spring emphasize the need for balance with soothing neutrals , accented by an array of energizing lights.

MONACO BLUE naturally lends an air of masculinity, providing stability and depth, LINEN with its off white complexion is a flattering hue & pairs well with other many colors .Dynamic & exciting POPPY RED plays a vital role in men’s fashion trends for Spring Summer.Vibrant ORANGE , an animated striking hue provides vigor & enthusiasm .YELLOW offers an earthy Dijon like flavor that ,when combined with Monaco blue credits a sophisticated update to a familiar combination .


More Info*

Mark Gertler, Merry-go-round (1916)
Considered by many art critics as the most important British painting of the war, Merry-Go-round, shows a group of military and civilian figures caught on the vicious circle of the roundabout.
What do you normally think of when you think about going to a fair or carnival? Fun? Excitement? Fear, maybe? Gertler imagined this carousel as a scary place to be. The people look very stiff, they might be screaming and there doesn’t look like a way to get off the ride. They might be stuck on there. Forever.

Gertler painted this picture during the First World War and may have been influenced by a fair for injured soliders that took place in large park near his home in London.

Are there any rides you are scared of at the fair? What is your favourite ride? If you could create a scary ride, what would be on it, and what would happen if someone rode it?




Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Meadham Kirchhoff Spring 2014 Men's

Video Fix:


Ready for some intense social commentary with your fashion films? Look no further than Meadham Kirchhoff's new video, showcasing the colorful clogs, latex raincoats, and florals and ginghams of the London duo's spring 2014 men's collections, "I Do Nothing," mixed with scenes of war, destruction, and torch-wielding mobs. Directed by Sharna Osborne and shown prior to the runway show in June, the film shows bits of footage from various conflict zones in Europe, intended to convey the eternal struggle between individuality and conformity, David and Goliath, small clothing label and big fashion machine...


Artist Martín Gutierrez on "Sex Dolls, YSL, and Celebrity Crushes"!






Meet Martín, new androgyne on the scene. Martín (pronounced Marteen) is spicing things up at Ryan Lee gallery with a series of portraits of the artist — whose full name, Martín Gutierrez, implies another layer of social commentary — as blow-up sex dolls. The show is both creepy and sublime, partly because it's hard to believe that these veristic, voyeuristic dolls are not plastic, but Martín in the flesh, whose poses in lush architectural settings are both suggestive and mundane. It's as if the dolls had just been used and discarded, either left on the bed, slumped in a chair, or hastily stuffed back into a cellophane bag.
Martín also makes music, hauntingly beautiful songs that call to mind Amy Winehouse's throaty voice crossed with the lyrical gravitas of Antony Hegarty. The videos for these songs — in fact all of Martín's work — are created entirely by the artist, not just the writing, but also the directing, producing, styling, and shooting. And then there are the collaborations with fashion houses, like YSL, who chose Martín's first unreleased single, Hands Up, for their cruise 2012 video editorial, followed by Dior and Acne. Martín’s first EP is set to be released later this year. 

Here, the artist sheds light, and shading, on the many faces of Martín...

You work in a wide range of media, from photography and video to music and performance. In an industry that craves categorization, how do you fit in? Or is that the point — you don't?

I would call myself a performance-based artist. I think the title lends me the most freedom to cross between mediums. We don’t have much choice in how we are perceived by others. Perception is a powerful dynamic I have learned to bend in my work, through personal trials and conflicts throughout my life. The freedom of individuality that the art community celebrates is my reasoning for gravitating towards it. 


Your video series — Martin(e) 1, 2 and 3 — are very focused on interior spaces and architecture. How intentional is this?


It is difficult for me not to respond to architectural space. I have always been attracted to buildings that hold iconic history, especially classical architecture, but perhaps this has something to do with the fact that both my parents practice architecture and I grew up keenly aware of the built environment.


There is a solitary, self-reflective vibe in the videos, recalling Tilda Swinton in I Am Love or even Cindy Sherman's self-portraits. Are those accurate comparisons?


It is a privilege to be compared to such established artists. Both Swinton and Sherman share my investment in exploring personal transformation. More importantly, Tilda Swinton is also on my celebrity crush list.


There is a repeated refrain in the video series: "It was almost impossible to think of anything else." What is the significance?

The phrase has multiple meanings for me, both positive and negative. For example, finding the dichotomy of meticulous details around you both exhausting and inspiring. 


Are the pencil mustache and the inclusion of "(e)" at the end of Martin(e) comments on gender roles and heteronormativity?

It is perhaps a more convoluted story. There is undoubtedly a cosmetic identity applied to the character of Martin(e), but the videos are also an idealized way of projecting myself. Because my name is Spanish, written with an accent over the "i," it is pronounced Mar-TEEN, even though it looks like Martin. Another common mistake is when I say Mar-TEEN, people often write it as "Martine." I honestly couldn't care less how people spell my name as long as they pronounce it correctly, but it is always confusing when someone thinks I am a French girl and finds a Spanish boy.


Tell us about your work in fashion. How did you end up providing music for brands
such as YSL, Dior and ACNE?


My liaisons with the fashion houses all started with YSL. After casually sharing an unreleased song with a few friends, the music made its way to France and was part of the playlist during the filming of the 2012 YSL Cruise Collection. A few days later, I received a call from Paris asking to collaborate. The others followed.


How has your work with these brands shaped your music?


If anything, it has shown me that there is something in my music that resonates in fashion. For sure, luxury is now a part of my vocabulary in the making of music.


What's your take on the recent phenomenon of androgynous or transsexual models?


A sister to the arts, the fashion world is always looking to push the limits. I think it is brilliant that beauties like Andrej Pejic and Lea T. are idolized and acknowledged globally. I look forward to the day when the transsexual community is seen as normative by the masses.


You're releasing an EP later this year. What can we expect?


It’s a very dark and romantic collection of songs.  My time in Central America and on the beach by my father’s property in Guatemala inspires the tempo of the EP.  If you can imagine heartbreak in a bottle floating through the Caribbean Sea, it sounds like that.


How did you come up with the concept of posing as sex dolls in your ‘Real Dolls’ photo series?


Since childhood I have been intrigued with dolls. After learning about the Real Doll phenomenon, life-size fetish sex dolls, I continued to research them. It was a spontaneous decision to make work about them, one I never thought I would show publicly.


I'm glad you did. Who's your favorite character: Luxx, Mimi, Ebony, or Raquel? Do you relate to them on a personal level?


It is dangerous to pick a favorite. I relate to the Dolls just as much as I relate to the fictionalized men I imagine to have bought, dressed, and cared for each of them. The process proved to be uncomfortable in every meaning of the word.


The series is impeccably styled. What influence has fashion and magazines had on your work?


Haute couture in my mother’s Vogue was my first interaction with fine art. My early knowledge of art being ancient artifacts made fashion so much more exciting. Call it drag or dress up, the play of costume is empowering and will always influence my art-making. 


What's the most luxurious piece of clothing in your closet?


It's a toss up, but I have a long rabbit fur dress dyed to look like tiger that is quite a showstopper. I came across it in a thrift store in San Francisco and didn't even know it was real fur because it was such a bargain.


Caught My Eye, exclusively for Hint


We're thrilled you've created an exclusive video for Hint, Caught My Eye. It's a very voyeuristic and seductive piece. Can you clue us into your inspiration?


Drawn to distortion and ambiguity, I made Caught My Eye to exist as a backdrop for the music featured in the piece, with both its characters and their relationship open to interpretation.


Has anyone told you that you sound like Amy Winehouse?


I shy away from comparisons, but I am hands-down a fan. I started listening to her when I heard Mark Ronson was producing Back to Black. Love him.


What's next for you?


I am in the midst of beginning a new artistic endeavor, but hesitant to say any more. All I can say at this point is, I am looking for some new wigs.


Monday, July 08, 2013

Bread & Butter/Summer - 02-04.07.2013


















BREAD & BUTTER HAS MADE
 

RIGHT DECISIONS

On Thursday evening, 4th July 2013, the 29th BREAD & BUTTER event ended with an internal Closing Party in Sunset Park on the grounds of the former airport Berlin-Tempelhof – the mood was great!


NEW VISITOR REGULATIONS

Due to the new visitor regulations, the event just concluded was of course not the strongest in terms of visitor numbers, but a very successful  tradeshow for many exhibitors. The quality of the international trade visitors was outstanding.

Karl-Heinz Müller: "Our decision to apply a stronger filter with the new visitor regulations proved to be right. Of course there were unpleasant scenes in the forefront and at the counters."

"BREAD & BUTTER CONNECT was a professional and focused event. The 630 exhibitors appreciated our reform throughout, and were grateful for the high-quality trade visitors. We will continue to work in this sense."


>> watch this movie 


BESTSELLER GROUP

The inclusion of the Bestseller Group, widely discussed in the forefront, also proved to be right; the overlap with the usual BREAD & BUTTER visitors was very high, just as expected. The Bestseller presentation was to the point: the set up in Hangar 1 was outstanding, the trade visitors were thrilled and the competitors impressed. No one can deny Bestseller their market relevance.




DENIM CONNECTION

Right now, the dominant fashion theme is denim. Denim is back.

BREAD & BUTTER is denim!

Dozens of denim brands provided numerous outfits for the DENIM CONNECTION. BREAD & BUTTER staged them creatively with street models and lifestyle shoots.

Karl-Heinz Müller: "My more than thirty years of experience have shown: always when denim was strong, business was good. For jeans, the brand is more important than for any other piece of clothing; no vertical company can offer this. Wearing a certain denim brand is a clear statement. Therefore, I am convinced that the retail will become stronger again."

>> watch movie DENIM CONNECTION


DENIM CONNECTION Models  >> watch movie



TRENDS

Next summer's further, striking fashion theme is "Surf & Beach". Sneakers will have a strong revival. Apart from that, a strong 90's nostalgia is ever present – the longing for that decade is very much apparent in Womenswear, with crop tops, flatforms and the like – there are many themes that will spur the retail.

 



BREAD & BUTTER ONLINE SELECTION

The brand new BREAD & BUTTER ONLINE SELECTION format was much noticed!

E-commerce and online business have become an important part of all market players. With the BREAD & BUTTER ONLINE SELECTION, a platform was created that connects the trade visitor with the newest, industry relevant developments. Altogether, specialists from seven selected e-commerce service providers held talks during the three days of the tradeshow.

Fares Gabriel Had, initiator and curator of the BREAD & BUTTER ONLINE SELECTION: "It is our task to be pioneers in this field as well. We have created this information platform to also inspire the retailer and to encourage him to open up to the possibilities of e-commerce. I am glad that our initiative has attracted such wide interest from trade visitors and exhibitors. This shows us that we are moving in keeping with the times and that this concept is expandable in the future."


See some BBB TRENDFORUM  Movies:
BBB ONLINE SELECTION | BBB X Trendmoves | BBB x Amazine | BBB x NuOrder 




CONCLUSION

BREAD & BUTTER has reached its targets for this season.

Karl-Heinz Müller: "All in all, the 29th edition of BREAD & BUTTER was a very good event, despite the generally tense economic situation in the markets. Unfortunately, we are still missing many of our friends from Southern Europe. BREAD & BUTTER CONNECT was a solid, highly professional and focused event. We should be very content. However…

After the game is before the game, Sepp Herberger once said. I would like to add at this point: the one who is in possession of the ball is the one who gets attacked.

Together with the creativity of our key labels and the power of our major brands, we will determine the new direction in the Street & Urbanwear segment. Fashion always means movement; establishment is the enemy of fashion and newness. We want Rock 'n' Roll."