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Natalie Rae Autumn/Winter 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:32:54 +0100

(Image credit: Natalie Rae Autumn/Winter 2012.)

There are numerous designers I have heaps of admiration for, and then there are designers I simply adore. Natalie Rae; an ethical womenswear designer from San Diego, California who is currently living and working in London, United Kingdom, would have to be one of them designers I adore. Even though Natalie has released just 3 collections to date, including her Graduate collection, her design technique and overall finish is absolutely superb. Natalie feels that her designs are “quite American”, and all of her collections are ethical from start to finish. She uses organic fabrics only, including wool, silk and hemp.

Natalie’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection was heavily inspired by her mother and her mother’s San Diego, California home. She describes her mother as “a lover of French prints and tapestry, velvety textures, antiques and romantic paintings”, and this seems to come through very well throughout. Embroidered fabrics are a signature of sorts for Natalie, and this collection is teeming with them. The core palette for the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is burgundy, brown and sage, which is incredibly fitting to the season.

You can view the full collection on the Natalie Rae website, and will be able to purchase the collection momentarily via SilkFred.

Photography by Hanna Kristina

'Dark Night, Crescent Moon'

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:11:14 +0100

(Image credit: 'Dark Night, Crescent Moon' by Dreams of Norway.)

'Dark Night, Crescent Moon' is the name of a limited edition collection by Norwegian jewellery designer duo Nina Einarsen and Iselin Strømsvåg, and their brand Dreams of Norway. I will be the first to admit that I have paid very little attention to Nina and Iselin, despite knowing about their lovely brand, and I can assure you that I'm now regretting not posting about the duo sooner.

'Dark Night, Crescent Moon' is "inspired by a summer night in the Norwegian woods" and features an array of different minerals. The collection is a fitting mix of both the masculine and feminine, and the natural inspiration is evident throughout. The aspect I admire most about this delightful collection is the contrast of the rough and fine and, after looking through some of the duos previous work, it seems that this is an aspect both Nina and Iselin have a prominent focus on in each and every one of their collections. 'Dark Night, Crescent Moon' also features black feathers, which once again relates back to the natural inspiration behind the collection. The majority of the designs feature roughly shaped, oxidised silver mounts, including crescent moons and arrow heads, which crystals or feathers are then attached to.

If you're one for modern, unique bohemian inspired design, then Dreams of Norway could be just what you're after!

You can purchase 'Dark Night, Crescent Moon', alongside an array of additional designs, via the Dreams of Norway e-shop.

Anne Sofie Madsen Spring/Summer 2012

Sun, 13 May 2012 13:06:41 +0100

(Image credit: Anne Sofie Madsen Spring/Summer 2012.)

When it comes to designers with breath taking resumes, I think that Danish womenswear designer Anne Sofie Madsen is up there with some of the best. Anne studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Design and began her career in the fashion industry as she trained under John Galliano for Dior in Paris. Anne then moved to London, United Kingdom where she worked for Alexander McQueen as a Junior Designer. It seems that two of the most prestigious designers in the industry managed to mould Anne into something incredibly special, with incredibly special being a minor understatement. Anne debuted with her couture-inspired collection at London Fashion Week in 2010, and was announced by Vauxhall Fashion Scout as a new rising talent.

Anne's Spring/Summer 2012 collection includes a wide array of different fabrics that many would never dream of throwing together including leather, wool, chiffon and silk. Anne has mixed relatively complicated, structured garments with an assortment of incredibly simple shapes. She has also incorporated a handful of her very own intricate illustrations and prints into the collection that are, in one word, phenomenal. The main inspiration for the collection comes from Japanese Hayao Miyazaki animation film, Princess Mononoke.

You can view the full collection on the Anne Sofie Madson website, and purchase a handful of the garments from Anne's current collection via her e-shop.

Give me a minute while I fix my tie

Sat, 12 May 2012 23:23:48 +0100

Currently playing: Spector - Chevy Thunder

This is another fantastic track that my brother introduced me to a day or two ago and, as always, I can't stop listening to it. If you're looking for a catchy, "feel good" track, then I'd highly recommend giving this a listen!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO CHEVY THUNDER BY SPECTOR!

'Modrun' by Jayne Pierson

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:16:34 +0100

(Image credit: 'Modrun' by Jayne Pierson.)

As the weather here in the United Kingdom continues to disappoint, I'm spending more and more time indoors. My days seem to consist of college, work and listening to Marina and the Diamonds at full volume. Some may say it's boring, but to me, it's better that way. The great outdoors seems to continuously promise nothing but a sharp, cold wind and rain. It is with this that I've been sifting through the internet an inordinate amount and, I've discovered some intriguing, innovative designers, brands and collections whilst doing so. I’ve also taken the time to revisit a handful of designers and brands that I hadn’t checked on in a while, and some of their new work proved to be incredibly refreshing. I love following the development of new designers and brands and, when you see that they are growing as both a designer and individual, it’s simply delightful.

Jayne Pierson is a London-based womenswear designer that I have come across before, yet her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, 'Modrun', managed to intrigue me more than her previous work. It's the perfect mix of classic, British luxury and unique design, with all garments being made in the United Kingdom.

'Modrun' is said to be inspired by "organic shapes created with perfect symmetry and balance" and, I think that this aspect alongside Jayne's impeccable approach to clean-cut, structured design is evident throughout not just 'Modrun', but all of Jayne's work. Each and every garment is tailored to perfection to ensure that the most admirable aspects of the female form are being emphasised and, from what I've seen, 'Modrun' tends to focus on the legs and waistline predominately. I think it's safe to say that this could in fact be my favourite collection of Jayne's yet, and I'm already looking forward to next season!

You can view the full collection on the Jayne Pierson website, and purchase selected items via Jayne's e-shop.

Photography by Kahla Delahay

'The Sinister Crawl' by K.Brat

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:55:16 +0100

(Image credit: 'The Sinister Crawl' by K.Brat.)

I have the wonderful team over at Bloody Gray to thank for my recent discovery of London-based womenswear designer Keren Brat and her ethical label K.Brat, alongside the K.Brat Autumn/Winter 2012 collection - entitled 'The Sinister Crawl' - that was inspired by Entomology, the study of insects. All of Keren's designs are relatively structured and the reference to insects is somewhat apparent throughout. I can't help but admire the wonderful custom-made prints on silk fabric, featuring an array of detailed drawings of different insects.

Another respectable aspect of K.Brat is that Keren sources the majority of her materials in the United Kingdom, and all garments are produced by local artisans in accordance with the values and ethical responsibility of the label. It's really refreshing to find a brand that is contemporary, innovative and ethical!

You can view the full Autumn/Winter 2012 collection on the K.Brat website, where you can also find out more about Keren's background.

Photography by Eva K. Salvi

Faith21

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:41:33 +0100

(Image credit: Faith21 and the Twenty One Concept Store.)

Despite being youthful myself, when it comes to designers and brands, it's not very often that I opt for the youthful, but instead the sensible, artsy or outright bizarre. I used to be extremely interested in urban brands, but for some reason, I left that behind. It is with this that I'm delighted to introduce you to Faith21; a unisex brand based in Bali, Indonesia, that's inspired predominately by surfing, skating, street art and travelling. Every now and then I like change, and Faith21 could be exactly what I need during the summer months.

Rik and Kim, the duo behind the brand, are travelling enthusiasts and do whatever they can, whenever they can to ensure that their minds are constantly being saturated by an array of subcultures and destinations. Despite being fans of what they describe as 'big city life', rice fields and nature also make them happy. Faith21 is incredibly print heavy, with an evident appreciation for photography and illustration, which are two art forms I personally admire.

Rik and Kim describe Faith21 as "an international collective of surfers and designers from somewhere between Germany, Cape Town and Bali that produce edgy street fashion for the modern nomad."

In terms of potential, I think that Faith21 has bundles of it. I'll be the first to admit that not every single item of clothing is my cup of tea, but as both a concept and brand, I think that Rik and Kim are doing a fantastic job!

You can purchase Faith21 alongside 21dgrs, Rik and Kim's womenswear brand, via the Twenty One Concept Store online boutique. Faith21 is also available in a handful of fashion-forward stores in Germany, Australia and Bali, Indonesia.

Perfect heart, she's flawless

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:04:53 +0100

Currently playing: Paloma Faith - Picking Up The Pieces

Paloma Faith is another favourite of mine when it comes to talented female vocalists, alongside the likes of Marina Diamandis, Florence Welch and Kate Nash, and her new track "Picking Up The Pieces" is superb!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO PICKING UP THE PIECES BY PALOMA FAITH!

"Archeology" by Charlotte Martyr

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:53:02 +0100

(Image credit: "Archeology" by Charlotte Martyr.)

Charlotte Martyr is a French designer who hand carves all of her models herself in her workshop near Lyon, France. She established her jewellery brand in 2009, and has seen nothing but success since. Charlotte uses silver and gold predominately throughout the majority of her collections, and has an interest in the past that dominates a large percentage her recent work.

"Archeology" is the name of Charlotte's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, and was born out of Charlotte's interest in archeology and the past. The collection takes inspiration from an array of artefacts and the Roman period in particular. The collection has been saturated with skull rings in stoneware, Cro-Magnon and Australopithecus skulls. "Archeology" is incredibly unique and unlike anything I've seen before. It really is a visual delight!

You can view the full Autumn/Winter 2012 collection on Charlotte's website, and purchase the collection via Charlotte's e-store.

Claudia Ligari Autumn/Winter 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:17:07 +0100

(Image credit: Claudia Ligari Autumn/Winter 2012.)

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