LOVE-WORTHY | Men Vs. Women

On what feels like an endless contemplation of gender boundaries, Rad Hourani sounds off his moves in a series of photographic comparison in collaboration with SSENSE, a Canadian retailer.

As I have once uttered in VOCIFEROUS, about how the words "masculine" and "feminine" are used interchangeably in fashion, and henceforth also mentioned the name Rad Hourani, here the story pretty much goes on the same narration. The Canadian designer is the only one who exclusively crafts unisex couture collection, although simultaneously the likes of Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto and Ann Demeulemesteer have already proceeded with creating unisex pieces way way before Hourani. Nevertheless, it is to be underscored that he is the first designer to base his every design on unisex DNA.

But when couture seems out of reach, here Hourani presents his capsule collection in collaboration with a retailer, thus making the pieces more accessible. Better, because we can adopt his brilliant styling approach just based on these photographs. Each piece, so it seems, is coupled with other wardrobe staples. When on the left it is more "feminine," the right one resembles more of a manly style. But that distinction does not separate the two automatically. Through the comparison, Hourani captures the essence of unisex, proving that when it comes to dressing, genders are no longer in sight.

images belong to Rad Hourani and SSENSE

LOVE-WORTHY | The World is Never Flat

...even when you are wearing flats. Because you will not stumble and your feet won't sore.

Marni SS14

Spring/summer 2014, albeit the fact that it hasn't started yet, has already felt like a season a go, all thanks to the confusing nature of fashion shows. Such early presentations of what supposed to be the latest collections then give birth to, shall I say, premature trends, not excluding the trend of flats.

You might as well shout to your screen now as I say that flats are THE trend. (WHAT?!) I know. Flats have been by our side for what feels like forever, and to say that they are in vogue right now is such an understatement. Flats are the saver. Flats are what keep the women going. So why are they in trend just during this very particularly confusing season?

Givenchy SS14

I cannot say that I am against the "trend." The fact that I am a big flat fan and wish that they can come in a sexier, quirkier way than their heeled counterpart only strengthens my argument that women should spend more time in flats. Their ubiquitous appearance on the spring/summer runway only confirms so. For me, it feels like a celebration of a freedom, where walking comfortably triumphs over walking gracefully but in pain.

Rocha SS14

Thus I can't be more excited to see how flats are going to evolve, from the step sibling to the real star on the style stage. Designers are experimenting with their flats and I am sure that the high-street retailers will find their own way to trickle down the trend. In the mean time, I'll just enjoy the notion that flats are in trend because for me, they are never out of style.

images are from T Magazine blog

LOVE-WORTHY | Esteban Cortázar for Net-A-Porter

I am fully aware that I have several catching up to do, both online and in real life (well, the two have intertwined anyway, so to speak) and as the matter of fact I am opening 10+ tabs at a time whilst writing this post. The name Esteban Cortázar might sound quite unfamiliar to many--at one point he is *still* a young thing and the other is that after a dispute during his stint in Emanuel Ungaro, he is pretty much abstain from the hectic world of fashion.

The 1984-born garnered attention in the fourth quarter of 2007 when he was appointed Head Designer at Emanuel Ungaro at a ripe age of 23 and later in 2009 when he walked out of the brand after refusing to share creative chair with Lindsay Lohan. The following year Interview magazine reported that Cortázar did a collaboration with a Colombian brand, Exito.

This year, with the help of Natalie Massenet under a very successful umbrella of Net-a-Porter, Cortázar is on the move to revive his namesake label. A capsule collection is released, creating eighteen solid pieces with modernism and architecture as his main inspiration. The meeting of structure and escalated appreciation of womanly body are not to be confused with sexuality, but are rather synonymous with a clever construction of strong feminism. The designer also teamed up with Alican Icoz for the jewellery, perfecting the look with industrial-metal pieces.

LOVE-WORTHY | Melted Snow

The mighty New York Fashion Week kicks back, showing all the Fall/Winter looks that suit the city's weather perfectly. Snow, albeit deemed as one of the most romantic, playful dream for girls, especially the tropical ladies who are lucky enough to get as much sun as they want the whole year, can act bitchy. When it melts, the splash will cover your shoes in dirty mud, leave alone wearing heels in the middle of melting snow. You can be happy, girls, when your man/eligible man who is willing to carry you is around.

So just wear your Margiela boots and stomp happily to the fashion venue for snow is no reason to leave the fancy shoes at home. Valentine is just around the corner and this could proportionately be one way to win his heart. No, really? If you think I am sharing dating tips here, think again.

Have you learned today's dressing in snow lesson, girls?

images are from the ever committed Tommy Ton at style.com

LOVE-WORTHY | Raw Edge

It is time to skip all the blunt opening talks and jump straight to the highlight of the day. I was reading Business of Fashion's article when I stumbled upon Yang Li, a Beijing born-Perth raised young designer. It was not really love at first sight though, but his Spring/Summer 2013 lookbook is definitely a head turner.

Away from the glossy, extra retouched, super polished lookbook that is usually presented by the major brands, Yang Li takes rawness further to present something real. Snapshots of models across the street, not to mention the simplicity, edgy, with a bit exaggerated shapes somehow feel fresh. I guess this is how the new designer generation should be, that we can, by the end of the day, forget Celine, forget Proenza, forget Wang and just enjoy the good feeling of fashion.

LOVE-WORTHY | On Bended Nail

I am thankful. The excitement and heart-rush within me whenever I discover something utterly interesting are what I am thankful for. It has been an inexplicable habit that my heart beats faster when the object of desire appears to view, that "it" moment when I know I have to own it. Not necessarily at that precise moment, but the flame of owning (okay, I probably exaggerate a bit) is still alive, even some time after. This time, the rush of blood to the head (and heart) happens when I see this beautiful bracelet. Juste un Clou, or "Nail Bracelet" is the one designed back then in the 1970s by Aldo Cipullo under the grand name of Cartier, which again comes making a solid re-appearance this very year.

   

“It’s a reflection of life. We are surrounded everywhere by things that are bolted down or nailed, and I don’t think anything will ever replace that fact in life.” The genius simplicity thrills me, these edgy bracelets have indeed made me rethink my style and tickled my creative side. Simple things can undoubtedly produce something remarkable. I mean, nails? 

Definitely need to own them. Soon. Not to mention that it is unisex, so the design is absolutely versatile. Love love love, want. I kinda need to stop here and work my ass to have some cash. 

image sources: Hypebeast, AsianGo

LOVE-WORTHY | Miyake's Prism Illusion

Bag that serves not only as a fashion statement, but also rich in aesthetic design--if I may say, is the nonchalant charm that Issey Miyake's Bao Bao line carries within its personality. I stumbled upon these distinguished arm candies after their many appearances in street style photographs, hanging effortlessly cool yet intriguing. The Japanese designer, Issey Miyake, with his brilliance in combining fashion with design technology has successfully translated what 21st century coolest kids need in these babies, I have to admit.

Though the construction of the bag is fairly simple, the concept is actually to provide busy modern lifestyle with new dramatic shapes. It is fold-able and to my observation, it looks like a beautiful giant prism. I am guessing it is also waterproof due to the shiny exterior. Furthermore, these prismatic bags come in various colours and shapes--even they have a rucksack version! So I need to add this in my future purchase list while crossing my fingers they are still in the market by the time my finance status is superior.

Head over to Japan to see this dreamy racks (and grab one! and deliver one to me! :p)

images source: www.isseymiyake.com

LOVE-WORTHY | Graphictionary

Nothing excites me more than finding gems among the crowded traffic of fashion, especially when the specific subject holds certain unique taste and infatuated skills combined with simple, understated touch. When I come across LILEAUXASHBY lookbook titled "Cosmopolitan Beau," my heart pumped. The little voice inside my head yelled "Finally!" after seeing some emerging brands lost within the sea of mainstreamed clothing that is created to satisfy the market. I am thrilled to find a brand that shines in its own way, with its own state-of-the-art pieces, but still able to capture what the thirsty fashion society wants.

The art deco ambience with sort of psychedelic colours really brings the collection to life. It is destined for women who stand out, edgy, and artsy, with the appreciation to architectural patterns. The clutches are the highlights of the collection, I guess, with the right size and unending colour variation, complemented with acrylic accessories and patterned scarfs. The playful yet eccentric vibe of it, if I may borrow, returns my faith to fashion. Someone so young, so talented can breed a striking collection without really goes with the "stream" i.e minimalism and such.

images are courtesy of LILEAUXASHBY

P.S: Head over here to see my slightly unconventional take on fashion :)

LOVE-WORTHY | Flowery Russian

It has been awhile since I saw this stunning editorial at Tales of Endearment, the one I am totally head over heels for. Bambi is one of my favourite models, since she does stand out differently from other similar Caucasian pals (who can miss those striking eyebrows anyway?). The clothes and styling are immaculately beautiful. Flowers flowers flowers!

So I have just remembered that I have a couple of flowery items in my wardrobe, guess that I will try to mix them up later :) Head over here to see the rest of this Harper's Bazaar Rusia editorial, shot by Natalie Joos and styled by Natasha Alaverdian.

LOVE-WORTHY: Proenza Schouler

I cannot begin enough with how excited I was when I perused all the pictures from Proenza Schouler's magnetic fall collection. McCollough and Hernandez have clearly set the bar high, attempting to create a new level of silhouette. Although boxy shirts and jackets have been all around the stage these days, where Proenza Schouler put their labels on are hardly ignored. I imagine some kinda of quirky, powerful, and sometimes laid back woman installs her closet with plenty of these.

The white pieces clearly opened the show immaculately, with straightforward jackets, shirts, and leather here and there, forming solid background for the rest of them. I do fancy the white shirt assemble, as the model too has shoulder-length bob and clutches massive tote. Absolute love.

What I think wows the audience the most is this mini skirt in somewhat intricate origami way, being worn that low that makes your upper body appears longer without losing the beautiful legs from the view. It is definitely hard to grasp, I suppose. Later on when I browse more closely, I realize that the skirt is THAT mini, you gotta wear it that way (if you manage to secure one) otherwise it is an exhibition going on (if you know what I mean :p). Nevertheless, the designer duo celebrates the micro mini in a whole different way and you just have to salute them for that. No kidding.

Moving on to the part where I admire the most, and want the most. The quilted jacket with textured leather. Of course. Talking aside from fashion thingy, I'd like to see it more from marketing perspectives. Those guys at Proenza clearly know how to make a girl/woman/lady covets something they have never known that it exists. So I am falling into the tricks and here they are, boxy quilted jacket that at some second I thought belongs to Chanel, will make its way to Fall 2012 must-have list. And the skirt? Yes, I need the red one for my pretentious war with life wanting something I can't have, yet.

Lastly, when they say "Asian" I cannot really comprehend. But these prints explain it all. I can totally portray mighty Mulan going to fight with these beautifully crafted collection. That embellished skirt, for instance, is not something entirely new, but it gives me sense of belonging. And the Asian infused prints cannot just be underestimated. In one elegant-dress-demanded condition, sometimes prints are just what you want to own.

images are from style.com

LOVE-WORTHY: An Ode to Winehouse

With deep vocal, clever lyrics, and jazzy blues melody, Amy Winehouse is one of my all time favourites who sadly, left too soon. Her song has accompanied me through the hardships of life and her powerful message behind her songs has brought me calm soul. When the extraordinnaire, Jean Paul Gaultier decided to base his entire 2012 couture collection on Winehouse's take on fashion, I couldn't help but wonder. How would he interpret the sassy, sometimes wacky style of the jazz singer into something authentic and detailed like haute couture?

It was nevertheless far from disappointing. I admire how Gaultier manifests the beehives, tiny waist, and rebellious avant garde style of Amy to something peculiarly beautiful. The tuxedo combined with sequined corset and those white polo dress pay a respectful tribute to the singer, and to fashion.

"There was also a dishabille edge, with necklines draping asymmetrically, jacket slipping off shoulders, and bosom bursting ripely forth," Tim Blanks described. I am kinda excited to see a lot of black on the runway, especially when it is treated this way. Intriguingly perfect.

images are from style.com

Went all crazy about little details, can't really imagine how Amy would wear these. She will rock it all for sure!

Crisp Uniform : Reed Krakoff Pre-Fall 2012

I first stumbled upon the brand Reed Krakoff around three years ago, when someone in a blog that I read daily mentioned about a boxer bag. As the image wasn't so clear, I rushed to google it and enjoyed the stiff, sharp, intricate structure of the notable boxer bag from my room. From that moment, I am so determined that one day I will grab myself this edgy baby. Well, it was another story then until I read that Jane Aldrige, the eclectic blogger-turn-taste maker is December guest editor in Krakoff's website.It was a hype for me, imagining how she can pull off the tough Krakoff looks, yet the end result is simple yet immaculate.

Later when I was browsing through Reed Krakoff's Pre Fall 2012, I got excited I didn't precisely know why. How he put together such elegant, minimal pieces is something pretty much expected as his signature--however, the luxury yet effortless air in each piece remarks his advancement in being a ready-to-wear designer. 

The "cameo pink, vibrant green, and cordovan brown," the colour terms I borrow from style.com blend together in loose blouses, pants, structured blazers, and coats with neutral palette. Additionally, the uniform concept is well defined throughout the entire collection, as this is exactly how women should look during fall. With some leather accents, and right amount of sheerness, the collection does not offer an entirely new concept--but by strengthening the signature, the brand continues to set different bar for itself.

images are from style.com