Arsenic and Old Lace
Locher's Paris may be best known for their feminine frocks with saucy hidden messages (like the words "You Suck" embroidered on the elbows of a ruched sweetheart top). But their accessories pack an equally large punch -- a seemingly impossible feat given their small size. And, while I've rid myself of most of my vices (at least the ones that will land me in an early grave) I'm secretly drawn to the idea of sporting a tiny pack of Marlboro cigarettes wrapped in a pink bow around my neck. (Because, if you can't look death in the face, the least you could do is laugh behind it's back from time to time.)
Osteoporosis Is the New Black
Mary Kate Olsen, Mischa Barton, Agnes Deyne, and Keira KnightleyMost of you are probably familiar with the signature 'couture pose' -- hands on hips, elbows bent, neck and shoulders forward, with back ever-so-slightly arched -- a pose that has been around for decades thanks to one Ms. Dorian Elizabeth Leigh Parker. (It elongates the neck and torso while simultaneously making jiggly upper arms disappear. Gotta love that!) This 'hunch' pose (for lack of a better term) later became synonymous with the model Twiggy in the 1960's, then Kate Moss in the 1990's. And long after the demise of the supermodel and the rise of the uber-thin, oddish-looking model in it's place, the 'hunch' has gone from subtle to scary, making osteoporosis look like something fashionistas should aspire to. (Would that make her a contortionista?)
How such an exaggeration of the pose came about is anybody's guess. (A hungry model unable to stand up straight, perhaps? Or maybe an overly-ambitious photographer trying to outdo him/herself.) Unfortunately, this puts a kink in my theory that only three things stand in the 'ultra-exaggerated hunch' position naturally: elderly women, starving people, and penguins. (Although one might argue that the models and Hollywood starlets attempting to pull this pose off skipped breakfast to fit into their designer frocks.) Am I alone on this one?
Photo by Sara Lanzi, 2008
Juicy Couture ad, 2008
Bruna Tenorio editorial, 2008The Physicality of Sound
Sound (a compression waveform created by the vibration of an object) is commonly associated with air, but can also travel through materials -- including fabric -- when properly harnessed. In 2007, students at Cornell University were asked to "sew" body bags into couture garments using sound waves in process called ultrasonic bonding (which requires no stitching, thread, or glue).
"In the process [of ultrasonic bonding], high-frequency sound waves are converted into mechanical vibrations that are channeled through a component called a "horn," creating a rapid buildup of heat. Fabrics used must be at least 60 percent synthetic so seams can be fused together." - Science Daily
The results were so impressive that several of the student creations were chosen for the runway at the annual International Textile and Apparel Association meeting in Los Angeles. (A huge thumbs up in terms of reducing waste, but a huge thumbs down considering that fabric must be at least 60% synthetic for this process to work. *sigh*) Fast forward to the present, and sound waves are once again making their presence known. But instead of remaining an invisible force behind the scenes, actual sound wave patterns appear to be the inspiration for many designers. And I have to admit, I'm kind of digging it.
Jonathan Saunders, Spring 2009
Angel Sanchez, Spring 2009
Reyes, Spring 2009
James Coviello, Spring 2009
Trend de la Crème Weekend Reads
- Imelda puts Rick James to shame during his three day New Year's bender
- Kingdom of Style presents wearable sound waves by Japanese artist Sakurako Shimizu
- Style Discovery reminds us that Hollywood starlets actually had class at one time
- The Coveted proves that yellow gold can tastefully step beyond the New Jersey border
- Mahalo Fashion gives reason #1654 why we shouldn't trust magazines
- Chasing Anna Wintour offers up 10 suggestions to combat those post-holiday blues
- She Breathes falls head-over-wallet for dreamy jewelry by Kimberly McDonald
- Stockin Girl gives a 'lingerie lesson' on holding up your stockings
- Rock.The.Trend goes au natural with flower children by Sanchez & Mongiello
- My Fashion Life sees 80's-style sequined jumpers creeping back into our closets
- And finally, Neu Black has the making of 'The Seed' by Johnny Kelly, an animated journey through the life of an apple seed. (I promise it's far more interesting than it sounds!)
Currently Obsessed With: Toolbelts
Photo by Jacques D.Okay, so maybe these aren't technically toolbelts (at least not in the traditional sense). But these magnificent tool-inspired belts by independent eco-label Susie Maroon definitely say something about the woman wearing them. (I was thinking something along the lines of, "I can fix a sink in a pair of stilettos faster than you can say boo," or "If you think I'm fierce in a pair of 3" heels, you should see me work a 3/4" Ryobi power drill.")
For the Love of Tiny Robots
Robo Kitty Pendant by Jewels VineIf you're even the slightest bit drawn to tiny objects, you'd be hard pressed to pass up on these one-of-a-kind creations by New Zealand jewelry designer, Jewels Vine. Each intricately-detailed futuristic piece is made by hand, and possesses a personality ten times it's size. Her inspiration? A love of tiny objects, self-taught wax carving methods, and a huge imagination. And with most of these handmade pieces priced under $100, her work is truly a labor of love. (I'm holding out for a version of the robotic bear "Teddy" from the move AI, although I've definitely got my eye on Robo Kitty and Thing Bot!)
Robot Pendant
Bubble Vision
Cyclops
Thing Bot
Teeny Telly
Robo Kiwi
MegabotGet Your Grope On?
You may have missed the fringe-covered groping hands on Ashish's Spring 2009 runway. (Don't feel bad -- most people did.) But such acts of fashionable 'frotteurism' are gaining momentum as measures to protect against groping (e.g. female-only trains in Japan) are becoming more prevalent. In fact, Chikan (the Japanese word for men who commit acts of non-consensual touching) are such a problem that huge anti-frotteurism signs are posted throughout train stations to stave off would-be gropers. And, while I'm not about to tell people how they should dress, you might as well write "grab here" with a Sharpie across your ass and chest if you decide to wear one of these hands-on designs.
Ashish, Spring 2009Some famous gropers you may (or may not) remember:
* Prince Harry, photographed cavorting with a blond television presenter. (Pictures of his brother, Prince William, groping a woman also popped up soon thereafter.)
* Don Vito (of MTV's "Viva La Bam" fame) arrested at the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, Colorado after groping three underage girls (two 12 and one 14 year old) during an autograph signing.
* Actor/Comedian Andy Dick, arrested for groping a 17-year-old girl’s breasts and pulling her top down after urinating in a Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot.
* Clay Aiken, photographed groping women in a desperate attempt to prove himself to the world. (God, I'm so glad he finally came out. Nobody should have to pretend to be something they're not!)
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