THOUGHTS | The Internet’s Effect on Fashion

While internet offers uncountable options, fashion is experiencing a uniformity of taste.

Internet has liberated fashion in a way that fashion cannot even liberate itself. This very moment is the time when fashion bloggers are applauded for their style mastery, when #ootd (stands for outfit of the day) hashtag will guarantee more likes than book-related photos in Instagram and when fashion week has gradually lost its relevance. Take an example from how easy it is for people to tune in style.com and other websites to see the latest collection looks and even live-stream the runway shows.

If we are to list internet influences on liberating fashion, a logical path we are supposed to find is a more diverse fashion scene, where people get a platform to express their individualities and brands are able to engage the consumers personally. And at a glimpse, that is indeed what happens. Most notably marked with the birth of fashion bloggers and online shopping behavior, fashion appears to let go of its exclusivity factor and comes out as a royalty ready to mingle. (disclosure: as a matter of fact, as I’m writing this piece, I cannot keep my fingers from changing tabs to several blogs) Internet has become such a warmhearted playground for those whose wardrobe is too outrageous or those who want to channel their “creativity” outside the real life. The world wide web with its gargantuan space thus welcomes innumerable takes on fashion.

But, really, is that what happens?

Yes, bloggers get the chance to show off their individual style, but are their styles any different? Counting how many similar products the bloggers have can tell you better. Yes, we all can upload our “outfit of the day,” but are our outfits strikingly different? Your Instagram filter can perhaps illustrate better. This so-called democracy of fashion, it turns out, brings an anonymity and uniformity of taste.

What I’d like to address with "boringness" in fashion and style accounts to our unhappiness to the innumerable choices. Or at least, that is what the internet entities think we feel. Thus every day we are offered chances to “curate” what we see through who we’re following on social media channels, which websites we are subscribed to, and even we can handpick whose feeds we will be presented with upon signing in to Facebook. With these whole additional and more diverse options, people start to filter and choose who they want to be exposed with. And by the end of the day, once you read or view the same thing on a regular basis, you become that thing.

After all, maybe uniformity in fashion isn’t entirely dangerous so the designers can predict better what each customer likes. And to us? The uniformity can bring in more likes for our #ootd posts because we can easily predict what kind of photo the majority likes. Henceforth, I’d like to welcome you to the future of online fashion. The future that believes in “minimalism” and “nineties” as evident on the latest runway of a lot of major fashion houses, the future that encourages commercialism but forgets to celebrate diversity. The future that casts out your individual style statement. The future you may not belong to.

image is from tumblr

THOUGHTS | Why Fashion isn't Art

After numerous explanations and intersections of fashion and art, two designers claim that they do not think fashion is a form of art.

Flipping back several pages in the fashion-art book, we can recall a number of famous collaborations between the field of fashion and art - freshly ingrained in mind is probably what Louis Vuitton has pulled off with Yayoi Kusama, and the house's latest collaboration with Indonesian artist, Eko Nugroho. The yearly exhibition in the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York that focuses on a designer and his/her retrospective journey in fashion also confirms how closely linked the two fields are. That is without forgetting to mention numerous other fashion-related exhibitions, as well as artistic attempts called Haute Couture collections that are worked on two times every year.

However, the notion of fashion can be equal to art undeniably feels a bit far-fetched when we compare what happens on the magnificent stage of fashion in the a la mode capitals to what happens around us. Fashion is decoded in the form of clothing garbs. Fashion retailers eye for as much profit as possible instead of quality and style. People are flocking to adopt the newest trends at the lowest price - an action that for me, arguably feels right and wrong at the same time. Art itself, attempts to define the abstract ideas, which come both utterly cheap and unbelievably expensive, depends on what kind of art articles we are talking about.

So much confusion in each field - both art and fashion, because of the different aspects and qualities applied to value the creation. Rising British designer J.W. Anderson whose part of the company is now owned by LVMH sounds his opinion about whether his creation is an art. In the interview with Dazed Digital, he mentions that, "I will never see fashion as an art form. I see it as more mechanical. You cannot compare an artist to a designer; I think it’s a very different proposition. Both are commerce now, from what they used to be, but fashion is reduced, art doesn’t necessarily happen that way. It doesn’t get reduced, it exceeds in value. I wouldn’t want it be an artist, but I like the idea that there is a shelf life to it - you have to harness this moment."

A more thought-provoking statement came from Japanese "artistic" designer Yohji Yamamoto in his interview with Sleek, saying that he hates the word fashion. "I hate fashion. Or the word fashion, which sounds colourful, extravagant, expensive and gorgeous." In the interview Yamamoto also considered that what he is making is not art, although people often believe so. For him, fashion is about the business of craftsmanship, a side of which is going to disappear soon.

Witnessing how fast trend comes and go, how ephemeral a creation in fashion industry is, maybe it is simply logical to say that fashion is not art. Still, a part of it can very much be appreciated like art - something that moves and influences us in a meaningful way. I personally enjoy how the interchange between the two worlds take place in an intersection that is busy with both the brilliant minds and hype seekers.

image is from vogue.com

THOUGHTS | Fa-Fa-Fashion

Over-pouring assertions and opinions and blahs of how fashion editorial should be, how a girl ought to carry herself, how nights and days are filled with youthful dream, not to mention the persistence of procrastination, given that I am not in my celebratory mood, this post will be a small ode to moodboards. Fashion drives us further than we should be, doesn't it? Fashion week is a fiesta, fashion magazine preys commercial and advertorials. Who am I to judge? So just indulge the moment in pretty things. No thinking required, really.

Just when I think I cannot love Proenza Schouler more (liar), my pupils went from tiny to large, in excitement. For the brand I long to have works in their motion, giving luxurious industry looking clothes I did not expect before. Mentioning it again here will not be a crime, I dare say, that the collection is formed as if Jack and Lazarro are given canvases to draw on, but instead of drawing, they restructure the canvas. Little paint here and there is a proof that this is both playful and extra serious job. Bipolar is in, don't you think?

Love, or whatever you refer it to, shows clearly even when you try to conceal it. I have witnessed a small fraction of fashion editorial world in my daily job, and overseen too many people trying to do the same thing. Maybe, just maybe, if someone is willing to step up and produce whatever they want, similar like what I witness in this Maison Kitsune photo, with the slightly blurry, undertone, and vintage-y looking photos, I will feel good. Again.

Come on. There are shows and there are shows. Yes, I firmly believe that without the colour-vaganza and intricate prints, in one way another great clothes will always find their way to the right hands. Just like a great magazine will sneak into the mind of their audience, or a small blog finds a way in their reader's heart. Right? RIGHT? J.W. Anderson has just won an award in the prestigious British Fashion Awards, now his autumnal turn seems to prove that he earns it. I have so much respects for the guy, shying away from the Balenciaga-ish cutting and silhouette, and injecting tons of his. The freshest of the season is emphasized on plain looking clothes with excellent fitting and quirky styling. That orange patch, red slit, and semi-cape top simplify our understanding of fashion.

Something to close the day, would be: You cannot buy great style. You cannot buy great mind. You cannot take both away from anyone.

THOUGHTS | Revisiting Prada

On to the good ones, it was last Saturday that I plausibly switched my TV to a style network. Then it showed Prada over the years. There were shots after shots of boring and plain collection, with what seemed like never ending conversation about Miuccia's take on simplicity. But then the year turned 2002/2003 and everything was boom. Finally, the colours, proportion, and twists closely associated with the brand appear. With the fall collection that I like the most. It was a good year.

Prada Spring 2003

Prada Fall 2002 

I am therefore thankful for style.com archives back to the year 2000 (a.k.a 12 years ago), perhaps when fashion was not as rigorously commercialized and digitalized as it is now. Nevertheless, the sex, the excitement, the beautiful clothes persist. From a slight observation at Prada's archives I admire the consistency of the brand over decade, not to mention the very similar prints that was on the 2002 collection with the very recent Fall 2012.

Prada Fall 2012

Prada Spring 2002

Do you smell fifties? The odour then blends with Miuccia's authenticity on the house that bears her family name. So in a decade time we can expect another geometric swirl on the runway.

all images are from style.com

STORY | I'm Still Alive

After a rough month that circled around starting a time-and-mind consuming job (yes, in a fashion magazine it is), sudden change of someone's heart I thought will never change, consistent daydreaming and not-yet-realized hopes with abundant ideas I cannot wait to spill out, May is...well, May. I have this sudden urge to drop by and tell you all, readers who come accidentally to my blog that I'm alive. And in whatever state I am in, I am aware that blissful adventure is persistently waiting for me as I am in the right path--the right time on the right place.

The above song keeps my night restless (and I can't believe how I weakly used thesaurus to find synonym of alive DUH) and my day soothing. Anyway I have a little surprise I am currently preparing for VOCIFEROUS, so please please please stick around by the end of this bloody yet quirky month, May.

On a fashion-related note, it is somehow refreshing to let myself go to explore my own taste after work, since my energy is somehow absorbed by the "real" world of fashion that is not as nice and tasteful and inspiring as it is portrayed. I have been contemplating how to wear my ripped jeans to work for the past hours so I sneaked into my old Polyvore account and came up with these mixes. Yes yes yes?

THOUGHTS | Accidentally Similar

Printed background, check. Minimal silhouette, check. I believe there is no such thing as 100% original anymore, given that we are living in information era where every past influence can be adopted to the modern innovation. Same thing also applies in fashion. These similarities between Acne, Jil Sander, and Nikicio (an Indonesian brand) for instance. I will simply say that these are accidentally similar and leave the room for you to critically judge. Note that the Acne collection came last while Jil Sander has displayed its collection during the fall fashion week and Nikicio followed after.

Acne Capsule Collection SS 2012

Nikicio Femme 2012

Jil Sander AW 2012 flower arrangement

*this is the only scheduled post I managed to sneak in. still in China.

PRE-FALL MASHUP: Something Straightforward

So some designers have released their small collections to have customers wanting more clothes even before the sun in summer sets. They name it pre-fall, but, hey, we all always love something new right? At some point, I wonder how they cope with all the hectic design and production schedule, while somehow balancing the creative and commercial creation. I have previously reviewed some brands whose pre-fall collections are absolutely wearable yet stark in either details, cutting, or silhouette. This time, the second batch offers us something equally straightforwardly lovable.

Phillip Lim brings out superheroes, in literal manifestation, within the collection. I would have never thought that such prints--that usually appear in kids' school supplies and play-date shirts, can make it to the runway. The leather skirt and blazer are a win (beside that playful clutch, you know how much I love clutch :p)

Alexander Wang, as lately, has been into sporty look--especially the jackets and anoraks, therefore I am quite surprised that within that awkward silhouette, which I am not really into, I found sheer-embroidered pieces and a body-hugging dress. The dress drapery has been going on my mind lately, so this is my ultimate favourite of the whole collections :) That embroidered fabric is a total eye candy and spice the whole rather boring collection perfectly.

Band of Outsiders, the newcomer, on the other hand, pretty much translates 1979 Manhattan into the brand overall laid back chic aura. Talking about 70s, it will definitely involve some velvet going on, which is for me, interesting to see, but unflattering to wear. However, the cutting is impeccable, the minimalism with a twist is my absolute style and this brand so far has excelled in bringing simple pieces alive.

images are from vogue.com

P.S. That BOY shirt (or boys?) look so vintage-fun! Want want want (consumerism alert).

Saturday Remix: bold bold bold

Quick Saturday remix (I am actually thinking of making this as permanent feature :p) I compile is the style of two quirky bloggers who are among the "pioneers" of fashion blogs--one comes from Indonesia, and the other one is from UK. Both Diana Rikasari and Susie Bubble dare to wear mixes of colours, prints, textures, and even shapes without forgetting the balance of the whole outfits. Such consistency of style inspires me, leads me to grab myself more patterned clothes and colourful shoes. I really wonder though, if they ever collaborate together then the collection will surely be whimsical and totally unexpected.

pictures courtesy of Diana Rikasari and Susie Bubble


Have a nice weekend!

Wardrobe Inspiration: Kahlo

Stumbled upon the sleek collection of Kahlo, an Australian based label, in Harper and Harley's post. The clothes really describe my current coveted style, something simple but with a twist, elegant yet laid back. The loose shirts and button-up shirts are staple pieces everyone must have in their wardrobe, while the leather skirts and shorts can toughen up a look in an instant. Their clothes will surely be pictured nicely in my head when I go shopping later on :)

Kahlo via Harper and Harley

I browsed into their website and got more loveable looks..

Love-Worthy: Repelled

A quick post, I want to share you the Bluefly Closet Confessions series of my favourite blogger-slash-trend maker-slash repeller, Leandra Medine. I love her for being so different in dressing, daring to wear the pieces of clothing men hate or alter some pieces they love to a quirky mix and match. She has a really nice place and those designer stuffs she owns are drool worthy. Go check out her blog if you haven't. Thumbs up Miss Medine!

Fashion Scene-Versace x H&M : how bold will you go

One of the highly anticipated collection of Fall 2011, the collaboration between Versace and H&M is now out! H&M really has a good marketing strategy, I have to say, by collaborating with high-end designers to create more affordable clothing, from Sonia Rykiel to Lanvin, and now Versace (omigosh). I have to say, it’s between love, like, and not entirely sure.. Not because the clothes aren’t great, but between the pops of colour, prints, and studs, I would rather one piece to stand out and let others being simplistic. But Versace proves it differently..

These two are from the campaign by Mert and Marcus, check out the complete campaign pictures here. Both are my absolute favourite of the whole campaign, I mean, just check out how fabulous the print is! The colours are just right, each piece really stands out and complements each other, and both ladies really wear the clothes, not vice versa. Superb!

Here is some photos from the collection, photographed by Kacper Kasprzyk. I'm really into the prints--the scarf, the tube top, the legging although I find it a little bit "weather inappropriate" because usually fall is all about dark and pale colours. The black studded dresses (esp the leather one) are rather costume-y and not really wearable except I am a regular performer or something (sorry). The black cut-out dress is my other favourite and since yellow is the new black, I will support this studded one (heheheh). The accessories are very versace-y (excuse me for using such adjective) albeit that little black pouch comes rather unpractical.

And apparently they have the collection for man too (I really have just known it >.<) but then again, I am not sure how those men will react to this. The leather jacket with Versace's logo all over it looks just fine but the zebra suit? The pink suit? And prints on the jacket's sleeves? What I know is my man will not wear them. Period. The clothes are crafted well but implicitly show some old, vintage, flamboyant style which isn't men's universal language. What do you think?


Images courtesy of H&M

Something Rad: now vs then

There is something mysterious and secrecy about black and white photos, it feels like there is a story and for some photos, they leave just enough room of imagination of what really happened during the shoot. Now can you differentiate which photo(s) are taken these times and which are taken way back then? :p

Images are from tumblr and fashion gone rogue

I Wore: get your white on

Without further blabbering, here is what I wore last Saturday. This blazer is my favourite, I have worn it wayyy back then in my first outfit post :p

Officially in to white on white looks, and here is after I attended Nikicio SS2012 Fashion Show in the Goods Dept. Later in the afternoon I switched my shoes (the heels hurt -.-") and took off my blazer for a more relaxed look. I am really into this white-denim pair since they are totally versatile, can be dressed up or down.

Another idea popped on my mind and I started using Polyvore to create another wardrobe mix of white and denim. I guess I would play a lot with Polyvore after this :p

polyvore

Fashion Scene: niki-skater-chic-o

I know, I know some of you might hate the title but aren't I a good word-builder? :p I was lucky enough to be one of Twitter winners who were able to watch Nikicio Spring/Summer 2012 collection and it was rad! The moment the clothes fall out the door (not literally! :p) there was this chic-vibe thing going on, which seems like those black-though-personality is refreshed by the summer sunshine (too poetic, I know). One thing that really caught me in the first place is of course, THE SKATEBOARD(S). I mean, HOW IN THE WORLD NINA could you manage to get yourself acrylic, transparent skateboard? Love love love. And I tried to take gazillion picts of the runway with no hope, so I hope some lousy photos of mine and pictures from the lookbook can do this collection justice.

So the story is this skater girl with the movement, culture, vibe who is a nomad and light traveller, then again Nina Nikicio the designer, is "heavily inspired by trompe l'oile," kindly go here for further explanation, where she creates her own Norwegian knit, scanned it, and digital printed it on silk (refer: picts above). I must say, brilliant, and I was honestly speechless. With those pants, slit skirt, and blazers, what more to ask?

Head-to-toe white and black, combination of neon and grey (warning: pantless trend is going on), and of course the sheerness from tops to bottoms make my heart skip a beat. Coveted. *updated: My FAVE is this beaded tops, with those unfinished lining and ceramic details, loooove. 

And here are some lousy picts, as promised, from my camera with some hopeless editing (clue: for more runway picts, this website provides you better views :p).

yeah, I'm capturing the audience *grin.

and a sneak peek of tomorrow's today's outfit post (get it? :p)

Have a nice weekend everybody! :)