WAYWT? Sidney Lo captures his daily outfits for one whole year. You try.
WEST VERSUS THE REST
The idea of western fashion verse non western fashion was brought to my attention recently in a women’s studies course. We discussed the historical records of only western dress and it made me wonder is non-European clothing considered fashion? It made me aware that fashion is mainly recorded and measured in western cultures and many major powerful designers are trained and located in western countries. In my opinion, fashion can be defined, as an individual’s personal styling of clothing, accessories, and beauty products. So that then means that fashion is visible anywhere people are wearing clothes. I then think it is important to recognize that there are other fashion movements around the world. The lack of Asian, African, and South American clothing in mainstream fashion, may be because we live in a western culture, but I believe their styles can be just as influential and chic as western styles. In the below pictures I hope to show that fashion is and was present in other cultures.
Qianlong-Emperor at 85 wearing ceremonial robes
image source: The Epoch Times
Bantu Chief in Cape Province, South Africa (1878)
A Zulu woman wearing traditional headdress and beads
Variety of Kanga, Kitenge clothes worn in Eastern Africa
Traditional Japanese Kimono
image source: images.china.cn/images1/200704/389662.jpg
Urban Algerian Man wearing a woolen cloak (burnous)
Dries Van Noten Fall 2010
image source: Elle.com
Givenchy, Spring 2010
image source: Elle.com
Modern Sari Design
THE NEW MCQUEEN
No, unfortunately Alexander McQueen is not back from the dead.
But his name and gorgeously crafted designs continue to be shared with the world through the influence of Sara Burton, the new creative director for the brand. Burton has some incredibly large shoes to fill, but she seems to be doing an amazing job so far. Even though Burton has worked for McQueen for over 15 years, it is an immense responsibility to carry on his legacy. Not only has she stayed true to his overall design aesthetic, she pays homage to him in almost every design, without leaving her voice unheard. That is the mark of a true great designer. Here is a little sneak preview of some looks from the Spring 2011 collection, get ready to be inspired.
image source: style.com
DESIGNER Q&A: ADAPT AND AVA DOMINA
We can't stress enough how important an internship is, it's one of the most valuable experiences you can gain and it can help you tremendously on your path to obtain your dream career. You've got to work your way up! This past summer I simultaneously interned for two Bay Area streetwear brands, Adapt and Ava Domina. Get to know the man behind the brands and UC Davis alumnus, Evan Lessler, in this little Q&A session:
Evan's Favorite Design from the F/W 10 collection, The Dot MatrixWhat prompted you to create Adapt and Ava Domina? And how did they start?
I've wanted to start a clothing company since high school, and that is how I set my course for the future. The name Adapt and the original logo were actually done in Physics class senior year of High School. Ava was made as a response to feeling like there was space in the women's streetwear market for something new.
Describe your creative process in 3 words.
Concept, Design, Aesthetic
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I'm inspired by a lot of different things, but some of the primary ones would be design culture in general, music (hip hop in particular), and the bay area.
Which design is your all time favorite?
I think the design I'm most proud of right now is probably the Dot Matrix tee from Fall/Winter 2010, or one called McLegends that actually never saw the light of day.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
There are a few brands and individuals I'd love to collaborate with, but I don't want to jinx anything so they will remain unnamed. =)
What part of owning your own business is the most challenging? How do you deal with it?
The most challenging aspects are probably just managing the day-to-day operations. Originally I went into it with the idea that design will always be at the fore but that can sometimes be the last thing I think about at the end of a day.
If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
I'm torn between invisibility (hours of entertainment) or telepathy (I'd really like to know what certain people are thinking).
What are some of your ambitions for the brands?
I just want to see them grow and to continually put out quality product. The day I don't feel like I am making something I am proud of should be the day I stop doing the brands, or move on to new ventures.
What’s the secret ingredient to a brand’s success?
In my opinion, it's just having product that offers something special. Brands that fail are often times not putting out a quality product, or it's not unique enough to stand on it's own. I think customers also appreciate when brands stick to their core values and don't stray from why they began in the first place. Many of my favorite brands growing up eventually fell behind because they grew so large that nobody was really paying attention to the product and why they became popular in the first place, or they just didn't care at that point.
Favorite memory of Davis?
Hard to pick a favorite. I loved going to Fuji's on the weekends, despite the line. One day freshman year it snowed and we had a nice lil snowball fight and snowman building session. I used to DJ at KDVS as well and would be down there at 2 or 3 in the morning, just absorbing all this stuff I had never heard before. It was like Napster but you had the visual element of seeing everything on the racks, it definitely was an important step in my musical education.
Favorite toy as a child? Favorite toy now?
Then: Micro Machines and Ninja Turtles. Now: iPhone.
Which staple piece in your wardrobe do you always reach for when getting dressed?
Nixon Player watch. Picked that up in High School and been rocking it ever since. It was also run over by a car (mine) and only got a little scratched on the band.
Do you have a favorite quote or a saying that you live by?
What the lion cannot manage to do, the fox can.
Lastly, do you have any advice for those who want to start their own business?
It is a lot of work. Much more work than many people are ready for, which is why I think a lot of brands start up with fanfare and then are gone by the end of the year. So I would say be prepared to devote the time and energy, and in turn you will hopefully reap the benefits. If you try and fail, at least no one can tell you that you didn't put in the effort.
FASHION FOR TODDLERS!
Zara Fall New looks for 2010 is so cute. It's amazing how fashion has even reached small toddlers! I wish I was a kid again just to wear these outfits! Here are a few of my favorite looks:
all image sources from: www.zara.com
RUNAWAY
I’ve been bumping Kanye’s newest album ever since the downloads came out and I absolutely couldn’t wait to watch his new short film Runaway. Oh goodness, he definitely delivered! So brilliantly envisioned and innovative, mmm things like these get my creative juices exploding all over the place. He perfectly combines music, fashion, film, and dance to create this wonderful work of art.
Get inspired:
Get inspired:
And what kind of TXC blogger would I be without stills of the film’s incredible fashion inspiration?
THE 70'S ARE BACK
I know the spring runway shows have just passed, but I thought I would mention a trend I love this fall. The 70's are back and I am loving it! I am excited to see trousers in neutral colors that are a throw back to the 70's era hitting around the true waist. Blouses and skirts flow around the body and provide a flattering silhouette. A silk blouse paired with a soft sweater and wide legged trousers is brought together great with a skinny belt at the waist. Chloe, Salvatore Ferragamo and Ralph Lauren all showcased modern spins on traditional 70's styles on their Fall 2010 runways. Affordable styles can also be found at retailers, such as, the Gap.
Ruffle Lip printed top Courtesy of Gap.com
Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2010 RTW
Courtesy of Elle.com
Ralph Lauren Fall 2010 RTW
Courtesy of Elle.com
Chloe Fall 2010 RTW
Courtesy Elle.com
Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2010 RTWCourtesy of Elle.com
Ralph Lauren Fall 2010 RTWCourtesy of Elle.com
Chloe Fall 2010 RTWCourtesy Elle.com
DESIGN AS A CONVERSATION
Design is not only aesthetically pleasing but intellectually so, creating artistic outlets for those individuals who want to explore the possibilities of what design means to them. The statement “design is a conversation” sheds light on to the never ending influence design has on the way we view things in our lives and how they ultimately affect the things we do and say. Design is meant to cause inquiry and discussion; to bring people together who might otherwise have nothing in common. Not only can people relate to each other through design but they can create conversation, a discourse of human reaction to pieces of design.
One example of design as a conversation might be the idea behind “The Sketchbook Project,” a concert-like tour of everyday artists from across the world submitting their sketchbooks to be viewed by the public in different cities. The Art House is the co-operative organization behind the sketchbook project, with the idea that art should be a communal experience, something that people can create and appreciate together; a conversation. Anyone from any place can buy a sketchbook and turn it in to be toured and appreciated by the people who go to see them.
These sketchbooks created by people just like you are the beginnings of an artistic conversation, a creation of a series of sketches to invoke some sort of meaning to the viewer who in turn translates it into a version of the same image in their own minds. The artist is revealing their inner thoughts and ideas to the viewer and exposing a side of themselves to complete strangers. The vulnerability these artists are letting themselves experience leaves the openness for conversation incredibly wide. These touring sketchbooks are the ultimate design conversation.
“What do you think of what I have to say?”
“Why are you here looking at some random person’s drawings if the world does not recognize them as an artist?”
“Why do you care?”
“Do you want to make your own sketchbook?”
FRENCH VOGUE'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
French Vogue celebrated 90 years of influencing fashion and beauty on October 1 by throwing a masquerade themed ball at the Hotel Pozzo di Borgo in Paris. Creative director of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld, hosted the event and guests like Kate Moss, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lara Stone, Alessandra Ambrosio, Diane Von Furtstenberg, Tyra Banks, Gisele Bundchen and Christian Louboutin attended.
Guests came out and wore extravagant masks and gowns to celebrate the magazine's success. Lace, black, and sheer dresses were a major theme of the night.
Here are a few of my favorite looks:
Isabeli Fontana
Zac Posen
Host Carine Roitfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier
Gisele Bundchen
Elena Perminova and Natalia Vodianova
Sasha Pivovarova and Maryna Linchuk
Freja Beha Erichsen and Karmen Paderu
Diana Von Furtsenbergimage source: style.com
DREAMING OF...REST AND RELAXTION
Lately I have been feeling like I have NO time to just sit, relax and have a quiet moment to myself. I think this is why I have been drooling over items that contain elements of spirituality, calmness, and natural beauty that just, relax you when they are in your presence. Some items that are currently at the top of my wish list are...
salt lamp. healthy glow, healthy side effects.
Buddha lamp. add some enlightenment to your life.
Hand of Fatima Bracelet. spirituality.
Anthropologie Bedding. luxury.
Anthropologie Candle. the perfect scent.
image sources:www.naturalsaltcrystallamps.com,www.etsy.com, www.anthropologie.com
salt lamp. healthy glow, healthy side effects.
Buddha lamp. add some enlightenment to your life.
Hand of Fatima Bracelet. spirituality.
Anthropologie Bedding. luxury.
Anthropologie Candle. the perfect scent.image sources:www.naturalsaltcrystallamps.com,www.etsy.com, www.anthropologie.com
IT'S BACK! THE RISE OF THE JEAN JACKET.
I thought denim jackets would never come back. But since fashion/style always recycles itself, I am not surprised jean jackets are entering the world again. I used to cringe when my father wore his jean jacket out in public. But I must admit, it was pretty fly (only for a hot second though). And only a select few can pull it off.
The heavy material and denim style has risen from the grave and has made a return. Yes, it's durable and thick, but what happens when it rains or water gets on it? Answer: it gets heavier. It will slow you down when you're late and running to class. Think about it, do you like it when your jeans are wet? Didn't think so.
I'll give it about two seasons. Not everyone is going to catch on this time (I hope). But if you are one for the jean jacket, GQ has some tips.
Don't let the jean jacket take over the outfit. Make sure you have a competing piece to accentuate the outfit. Keep it subtle.
image source: stockholm - streetsyle
BLACKBERRY BEAUTY
After months of carrying around a broken BlackBerry Bold, I finally found the urge to purchase a newer and sleeker BlackBerry Bold 9700. This was an upgrade to a smaller, pocket-sized, and practical device; not to mention the leather backing.
To sound materialistic, BlackBerry phones are prettier than your iPhones or Androids. I may be biased because I've had BlackBerries in the past. The pro about the BlackBerry is that it easily adapts to everyone’s outfit. I'll admit, I don’t put my phone in my pocket because I want people to know it’s a part of the outfit. It’s professional, playful, and perfect for someone to look business-like. Not to mention, it has the same functions.
The BlackBerry is an everyday phone; bring it to work, school, or to go shopping. Utilize your BBM and surf the web with 3G. But lastly, use it as an accessory. It will make or break your outfit.
image source: celebrityblackberrysightings.com, turbo.inquisitr.com
