2009-07-26 ~ Trend de la Creme - Trends in fashion, style, beauty, design, and popular culture.

My New Favorite Mantra

If you're not familiar with Theme Fragrance line, I suggest you get to know it pronto. For $10, these roll on fragrances pack a punch (my favorite scent being 'Mantra' -- a musk with spring florals, resins and honey.) But if musky isn't your thing, they have plenty of other scents to get your olfactory system all worked up. (They also have these delicious spray-on versions for those of you who don't like to rock the roll-on.) Well, what are you waiting for?

Nice Catch

Where would we be without jewel-encrusted fish?

Jewel-eyed Fish Ring by Ugo Cacciatori ~ Multi-Gemstone Fish Ring
Blue Diamond & Canary Yellow Diamond Fish Ring
Gold Diamond Scale Fish Ring ~ Vintage-Style Ruby Eye Fish Ring

Cat with Fishbowl Ring

"Amentha" Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels ~ Gemstone Reef Fish Ring
Diamond Tiger Fish and Tuna Brooches by A La Vielle Russie
Pave Blue Fish Ring by Noir ~ Koi Fish Cocktail Ring by Emitations

18K Gold Mother-of-Pearl, Sapphire & Garnet Fish Ring

When Fashion Goes Under the Microscope

Harmony Lam, 2009

I love when science influences fashion, and microscopic amoebas are no exception. Part cell, part living creature, these ectoplasmic belly-crawlers were once referred to as the "Proteus Animalcule" (after the Greek god Proteus who could change his shape). Totally on trend when you consider the recent resurgence of shapeless, body engulfing tunics and harem pants (which are about as shape-shifting as it gets!) So, the question is, will we be seeing you wearing one anytime soon?

Camilo Alvarez, A/W 2009/10

Amoeba Collection by Tirana Jewelry

Sachio Kawasaki,Central Saint Martins, A/W 2008/09

Amoeba Brooches by Seapod

Chairman Meow

A communist gray kitty with a pancake on his head? It doesn't get any trendier than that.

Painting by Dan Lacey, 'The Painter of Pancakes'

Faces In Strage Places

At first glance, it would appear that the model wearing this new creation from Brazilian swimwear label Poko Pano is in dire need of a bikini wax. Although, upon "fur"ther investigation, it is actually a Japanese manga cartoon. Doh!

Shark Attttttaaaaaaackkkkkkkkkk!

Drew Barrymore, June 2009

Cue the ominous tuba music from JAWS [dun-duh, dun-duh, dun-duh]. Today kicks off the beginning of Discovery channel's much anticipated [by 12 year old boys] 'Shark Week!' Not that fashion-loving, trend-following, pop-culturists should care, but just humor me for a second. You see, I have a tiny confession to make. I am secretly obsessed with shark skin. (No, not for wearing or eating, but for aesthetic reasons.)

The tiny teeth or "dermal denticles" that make up shark skin

In addition to being very thick -- as much as four inches in some species -- shark skin is made up of tiny rectangular scales topped with even smaller spines or bristles, making the skin rough to the touch. They essentially have a built-in suit of chain mail armor that doesn't make them too stiff to move. The scales move and flex as the shark swims [pretty cool, eh?] This thick, durable skin also makes them perfect for something else: fine leather goods, like handbags, wallets, and shoes.

Shark Bean Bag Chair

But, as sinister as sharks may be (and as amazing as their skin looks and feels) I don't advocate pulling these crazed beasts from the ocean just to have a piece to call my own. Instead, I recommend that you opt for one of these shark-inspired creations that will surely make you the topic of conversation for the day. (Shit, if it's good enough for Drew Barrymore, I say run with it!) Just don't say I didn't warn you ;)