Design Inspo: Helmut Lang

Helmut Lang is an Austrian artist who lives and works in New York and on Long Island. Here are some of his ideas which caught my imagination:



^ MIXED TEXTURES



^ CRISP



^ ASH AND SOOT (MONOCHROME PAINTERLY PRINT)



^ CUT-OUTS



^ MINIMALISM



^ TRANSPARENCY

What are your favourite design ideas from Helmut Lang?



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February Textures '15

I adore browsing through various textile textures so thought I would share a collage of ones which I personally feel should symbolise the fashion mood for this February.

I hope you find this inspirational, I particularly like the use of rough edges, peeled surfaces and embroidery but at the same time love more of the softer colours.

You can discover more textures like these for yourself by searching on Pinterest.


Happy February!

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Lust List: Decorative Denim

Denim can be decorated with gems, ruffles and raw edges to produce amazing effects.



This stylish example from Spring 2015, Dolce and Gabbana proves embellished denim can appear effortless. The combination with a laced item is always a good idea too and gives a true 'Renaissance' feel.



Or how about something a bit more rough and ready? This gorgeous DIY from Balmain is more than enough inspiration to try out a Punk look, which would probably go great with all those tartan pieces you've purchased for A/W right?



This cheeky number was spotted at Milan Fashion Week '14 which uses culture clash as a design basis - who doesn't love Minnie Mouse.

You can get more inspiration from this week's Sunday Times 'Style' magazine using page 7 'I Want to be Adorned' and I found this cute DIY so none of us have any excuses to not try out decorative denim - bang trendy.

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#NAILHACK: Get nailed and shimmer ~*(like a mermaid)*~

Here is an alternative method to achieving shiny/sparkly nails without glitter nail polish. I am afraid that I had to keep my nails short for this as I am a showjumper and ride horses on a daily basis - so it is unlikely that you find me with long nails! Still, the method works a treat and is great if you are short on time. For the example below, I used shimmer powder. This is how I was able to create such a unique look, if you would like to do your nails with normal glitter I recommend buying the nail polish (duh), otherwise stick with me...

1.

You will need - Glitter/Shimmer Powder, Coloured Nail Polish, Clear Nail Polish and a brush (eyeshadow brushes work well).

2.

Apply the nail polish in the colour of your choice.

3.

Whilst wet fill your brush with powder and lightly dab onto the nail.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all nails, wait until dry and cover with clear nail polish.

4.

VOILA! Super sparkly nails, far more shiny than most nail polishes!

Do you fancy trying this nail hack?

Inspired by Rodarte Spring 2015

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Paddington Bear Film Fashion via VOGUE by Laura Weir

"The launch of Paddington the film next week is set to send the nation into a warm and fuzzy spin, as we wrap-up warm and head to the flicks to be reminded of everything we cherish about our favourite marmalade-loving mammal.

Now, while we're not for a moment suggesting that you want to ape the dress sense of Paddington Bear (his wardrobe is rather limited, after all), we are anticipating that his moment on the big screen will trigger treasured memories of your most adventurous wellies or your cosiest duffle coats.

The duffle (named after a town in Belgium rather than anywhere in Peru) has been a Paddington signature since BBC cameraman Michael Bond created the character in 1956. In turn, the navy, toggled-up coat is now a favourite of British heritage brands like Burberry and Barbour, as well as a star buy in the autumn collection from outdoorsy label Hunter.

Perhaps you're more of a trench-coat girl than a duffle-wearer, and in that case is it Paddington's bag that will inspire you? Remember your first school satchel - have you found a bag since that was so practical and stylish? 

Has there ever been a woman (or bear) with such sophisticated choice in luggage, or even a character with such chic taste in hats? We think not, so here's an edit of pieces that, if you're lucky, might attract a few friendly Paddington stares."

And here are my personal favourites from the article:

^ Mulberry 'Alexa' Satchel

^ Marc Jacobs duffle coat

^ Eugenia Kim mini Pom pom wool beanie

^ Hunter red wellington boots

^ Louis Vuitton Orange Vuittonite Cabin Trunk

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TARTAN TREND

It's big, not new, well-stitched and goes well with Shortbread ... Tartan!

Last year, I couldn't believe my eyes when tartan started to become a trend for A/W, 'YES' I selflessly screamed in my head as I thought of my chosen Art & Design topic - Subculture: Punk - in my head. I decided to keep that theme running for this year and apparently so have a lot of designers.

Vivienne Westwood, who practically invented Punk, has dared to show a bit of Tartan this season in her collection:


1. Faded Tartan Whisper Jacket - Anglomania A/W 2014 (viviennewestwood.com)

"Vivienne Westwood’s Faded Tartan Whisper Jacket adorns a contemporary shape this Autumn/Winter 2014-15 and reflects the impacts of global warming. This wool-woven jackets subtle peplum cut creates a feminine silhouette which is enhanced by draping lapels and a single button fastening at the waist, while the asymmetric high collar provides a sophisticated finish."



2. A/W 2014 Red Label (style.com)



3. Gold Label A/W 2014 (viviennewestwood.com)


4. Tartan Colbalt Blue Satchel (forzieri.com)

"Winter Tartan Cobalt Blue Satchel is stunningly crafted in blue winter tartan and eco leather details in a folded design which conceals an outer pocket with golden orb detail to finish off the iconic look. Featuring double rolled handles, top zip closure, internal zip pocket and gold tone signature detail. Please note that due to the cut of the fabric the tartan design will vary from bag to bag. Signature dust bag included. Made in Italy."


I hope this has inspired you to buy some tartan this year, even if it's just a statement accessory.

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Oh, You Pretty Things

METALLICS

Here in Britain, we're soon to find out the results of the Scottish Referendum and whether we'll be together still (fingers crossed hey?) but, before we do I wanted to post about something I'm currently 'mad on' i.e. metallics!

I'm going to start with is this lovely piece from Meadham Kirchoff's AW14 collection. The striking snakeskin appearance and the use of extraordinary embellishments, such as the large buttons here, are features that appeal to me. But what truly stands out is the shiny metal coating which looks as if it's just screaming 'no. I will not conform to the norm' and that's what I appreciate most of all. Perhaps what has made this so effective is the use of a fairly plain, child-like model who makes this rebellious design increasingly so.

This design by Gareth Pugh has an entirely different concept towards the use of metallics. This design looks more at how metal is used practically and perhaps it's relevance to the industrial revolution. The piece is entitled 'mirrored conceptual surfaces' suggesting this is more an exploration of mirrors and potentially body image, which have led to the final design. Either way, I find it fascinating and beautiful within its own right.

This design uses asymmetric shapes and 3D details in addition to mirror metallic leather, which for a design concept such as this, is a great material to work with.

Coloured metallics are also intriguing. Above is one of my favourites from Balmain Fall 2013. I love how the top section of this garment appears very much like body armour of some kind and the gem embellishments really set off the look. The Gold Waistband makes a strong divide between the top and bottom sections and a statement through contrasting.

Here are some more coloured metallics outside of the typical Gold and Silver palette:

Rebecca Taylor, Fall 2014

Slick Knit Jumper by The Ragged Priest

Two-Tone Topshop Leather Clutch

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Snapshot Lookbook: Too Torn to Reveal

Dress - Izabel

Necklace - Topshop

Folded Make-Up Bag - Vintage/Thrifted

Gold Bag - Vintage/Thrifted

Blue Shawl - Vintage/Thrifted

Ring - Next

Flying Horse Earrings - Republic

Trainers - Reebok Classic

Nail Polish - Essie

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Ark Clothing: *Wishlist*

ARK is said to have been 'born out of three clubbers love of music and fashion in the 90's rave scene' and is one of the leading retailers in the UK of branded fashion. Labels they stock include Fred Perry, Religion Clothing, Hearts & Bows, Cloak & Dagger, Carhartt, Humor, Glamorous and, my personal favourites, Superdry and Motel Clothing.

What I like about ARK at the moment though is their co-ords trend:

(ARK's full collection of co-ords can be found here)

Co-ords make a great easy outfit for the Spring/Summer and ARK have such a good variety. Their collection includes Floral, Gingham and Neon, to name just a few, all of which would look gorgeous with a pair of shades and some jellies. My favourite out of the three featured above is the HEARTS AND BOWS Mint Green Grid Set (middle) as it seems to shout 'Summer Cool' however the VOGUELAND Ark Cream Carla Set afterwards would make the most stylish combination. Of course, there's always the option of alternating different co-ords you buy, which is especially useful for events such as music festivals. Co-ords are predicted to be a big trend this Summer, so be sure to check out ARK's collection for yourself, you might just like it..

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Eyewear Efficiency: What's DG, D&G and Dolce & Gabbana?

Let's clear the air.

It's often the case with designer items that other brands exist that appear to 'rip them off'. This can be confusing because people can sometimes buy items which are not designer without realising. I considered this recently when I chose to buy some sunglasses from DG Eyewear. Basically I love how the sunglasses look and they had the UV 400 protection I required for travelling (which is why they were purchased). However I did think what if somebody mistakened these for Dolce & Gabbana, unknowingly buying sunglasses which are actually from another company?

DG Eyewear are not a Dolce & Gabbana rip-off they are simply a copyrighted, independent brand in their own right. Manufactured in China, they offer a range of styles and colours. DG Eyewear are not advertised as part of Dolce and Gabbanna so shouldn't be treated as if they are.

Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses are always made in Italy, Dolce & Gabbana has a cheaper line called D&G, where a few are made in Italy, but the majority is made in China for ease of cost. To notice whether sunglasses are part of the usual Dolce and Gabbana, or their cheaper range, look at the model number. Dolce & Gabbana's number includes DG and D&G's use DD.

At the very bottom of the DG Eyewear site is a disclaimer "DG Eyewear ®, Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses ® and D&G Sunglasses ® are separate trademarked brands. We only sell DG Eyewear® branded sunglasses. If you are looking for Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses ® or D&G Sunglasses ®, please visit an authorized dealer."

In my opinion, you shouldn't be frightened of buying a brand if it is legitimately independent. I really like the sunglasses I chose as they suit the function I required them for (and if I break them I won't feel as guilty). Just make sure you do your research first!

DG Eyewear

D&G

Dolce & Gabbana

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Graduate Fashion Week (George)

According to the Telegraph GFW is 'the place to discover the future of fashion'. This year, the event ran from the 31st May to the 3rd of June, showcasing the work of over 1,000 graduates from the most influential and inspiring UK and international universities.

This years fashion week came to my attention when I noticed the hashtag #GFW on Twitter. The event attracts over 20,000 guests each June, and features 22 catwalk shows, exhibitions from over 40 universities and an acclaimed Gala Award Show.

One of the most noticeable features about this year's GFW was the 3D Scanner presented on the opening day. This device can scan the human body 0.1mm at a time. The inventors of the 3D Scanner come from an engineering background and contacted George to pitch “a whole new way of buying clothes”. 3D Scanners allow the body to be scanned and for you to see how individual garments will look without having to try them on, ultimately revolutionising the shopping experience. 3D Scanners are currently working on this concept with shoe design.






Here are some more images from across GFW, found from various sources:




^ Grace Weller, winner of the #GFW2014 George Gold Award




(Below) Aimee Dunn @officialgfw #gfw2014  NTU WINNER Best Menswear Award

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Weekly Inspiration

All via tumblr, come and visit me @ http://3cho-cult.tumblr.com/

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