GIVENCHY SPRING SUMMER 2013
Spring 2013 saw Tisci lay off what has become so iconic of Givenchy for the past year and a half- the surreal motifs and organic textures…and instead went back to circa 2007. This collection, like many previous to the print lead collections focused very much on a woman that holds an elegance and class, someone who is in control. The colour palette was extremely pure, duck egg blue, taupe, black and white were the only shades to be seen, a modernist. There was still the austerity of traditional Givenchy tailoring, however soft colours, sheer fabrics, translucent layering and gentle movement took the severe edge off the hard tailoring with the softer lines. The power frills seemed like a modern take on the Pre-Raphaelites, there was a sense of serenity and peace created by the delicacy, as well as still having a subtle gothic thread running throughout. It felt like Tisci began to touch on minimalism also, with the silhouettes and fabrics not being overly complex and much more refined. The collection had a fresh vibe that we havent seen at Givenchy for a long time, this battle of good and bad, where the woman who wears the clothes exudes confidence in a non arrogant way. Very new, but still VERY Givenchy.
Photos taken from Style.com
Photos edited and text written by Azzastumbldrambles
Helmut Lang Fall 2012
Helmut Lang is one of the designers which i eagerly await every season at NYFW. Every season i look forwards to their new take on traditional sportswear components. This season however, that sportswear edge which we previously have seen for so many seasons was hung back into the closet, and a new take on the brand was shown. A more nomadic, organic view was introduced. The colours remained very earthy like usual, and the prints were also sublime (very mysterious). My favourite element of this collection had to be the mix of textures; leather and wools were combined, adding to the earthy, natural qualities we are used to seeing at Helmut Lang. Drapes were paired against structured jackets, creating a softer side. The tailoring was also beautiful!….the leather jackets were some of the best i have ever seen and what i would do to have one of those hanging in my wardrobe! Helmut Lang always manage to incorporate prints into their collections to such a high standard. This season, they reminded me of volcanoes and lava vigorously flowing down. The vibrant red against the stark black was such an original combo, yet so simple. I am a huge fan of nomadic fashion, it creates a sense of freedom, and this collection certainly pulled out all of the stops when it came to being easy.
Images taken from HERE
Images edited & text written by azzastumbldrambles
Michael Angel Fall 2012
Being the true textile lover that i am, as soon as i saw this collection my heart literally jumped out (ok not literally). I am in utter love with the sophisticated and controlled way in which colour has been incorporated into the designs. The exotic tropic prints have been created digitally with symmetry and the colours used are vibrants but also have restriction too them. They have been edited in a way that creates a high contrast and the highlight is very strong. The prints create a sense of paradise yet still give off a sense of eeriness. Another element of the collection which i am loving is the billowing proportions of the knitwear and outerwear. It creates warmth when paired against the boldness of the prints.In terms of length, the garments are very modest and extremely modern with sharp cuts and volume being present. I am in total love with this collection and its when i see prints like these that i know WHY i want to be a designer.
Images taken from HERE
Images edited & text written by azzastumbldrambles
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2012
Tisci explores a darker side of couture this season for Givenchy. Recently, he has be using lots of ethereal and pure white tones for Couture, however this season saw him go down a gothic pathway. With mucky browns and blacks being present, as well as the whites. This collection is a lot more looser and undone that his previous couture collections, which have been much more hard.This collection is such a fantastic adaptation of his SS12 collection which featured the slung down waist held by the chain, and the arched bridge cut away. Tisci creates svelte silhouettes like no one else. As well as this incredible ability, he is able to combine this with new, cutting shapes and the most dramatic lengths. He is a true artist.
Written by Azzastumbldrambles
Image taken from Here
Erdem Spring 2012. When it comes to british designers, Erdem is one which i love. It gives me a break from the more edgy, cutting designers which i am so fond of and allows me to be transported to another galaxy, full of femininity and where women are women. For Spring 2012, Moralioglu stepped back from the eeriness and gothic palette which made up Fall 2011, and gave a nod the 40’s silhouettes, lace, feminine pleats and delicate pastel florals. The woman of this collection was prim a proper, demure and sophisticated. Contrasting that, there was elements which suggested a more seductive woman, sheer full length gowns and high waisted shorts. I could definitely sense a 1940’s housewife.
Image taken from Vogue
INTERVIEW WITH FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER - DAMON BAKER
I first stumbled upon Damon Baker a couple of years ago on Lookbook.Nu, and ever since then i have been obsessed with his work! There is something very different about the shots he takes, he definately has his own unique genre which is very gothic and dark, and i think this is something very new that is not currently around in the fashion Photography world. Baker has shot some of the worlds most hyped names, including Andrej Pejic and Agyness Deyn.
Q - How did you get into photography and at what age were you?
A - It wasn’t something I fell into, it’s always been a part of me, there just comes a point in your life when you realise what you’re born to do. Mine was two years ago.
Q - What inspires your work?
A - My mind. Not even I can control it.
Q- You recently signed to the Jed Root company (which is a huge step for any photographer), how has this changed your life as a photographer?
A- News travels fast! I’ve just signed, I’m excited for the next step.. Living with high expectations will only dissapoint, work hard and your time will come.
Q- What is your personal style and does it influence your work?
A- I’d say my personal style and my works have a huge connection, I see myself as one, a creature, one whom walks in head to toe black and fierce shoes.
Q- When styling the ideal client, who would it be ,what would you dress them in and what would the shoot be like?
A- There are so many interesting people, throw anybody my way, I like a challenge.
Q- Where has been the best location you have shot at?
A- I love sets. My best friend Luke Abby is a set designer, a very talented one, we always create our own location/world. (He’s also signed to Jed Root!)
Q- What’s your ‘camera of the moment’?
A- The Canon 5d MK II is great!
Q- How long can a shoot usually last until?
A- Until you get the shot. It’s always nice photographing and being creative with very beautiful people, have fun with it.
Q- What designers creations have you been able to use in your work?
A- Too many too mention. I have the best teams around me always pulling some fantastic pieces from very talented designers
Q- There is a lot of young, creative people out there who would love to be doing what you are doing, what advice would you give to the young Damon Baker’s in the making?
A- Stop over-thinking, get up and do it. Have no barriers, you live one life, live it exactly how you vision it. You’re talented, I believe you can do it.
Q- What photographers would you really love the chance to work with?
A- One whom’s crazier than I.
Q- What can we expect to see from you in 2011?
A- INTENSITY! Beware.
It was SUCH a pleasure to Interview such a talented mind, i find his work extremely inspiring.
Check out Damons Work HERE
Interview By Azzastumbldrambles
Designer Dupe: ACNE
Whenever ACNE bring out new shoes, avid fashion lovers adore and dream of wearing them, and season after season, ACNE’s footwear is always a sell out. Take these Pistol boots. Comfort, practical and super edgy, all tied together with a hint of masculinity. These are sold out everywhere at the moment. Topshop being Topshop jumps onto the bandwaggon to create a similar inspired pair: The Ambush boot.
Extremely similar in form and style, these boots are a great dupe for the £350 ACNE ones if your pennies don’t stretch that far, as these beauties come in for 75 english quid. I remember when i first saw these in Topshop, sirens started going in my head saying ’ ACNE ALERT ACNE ALERT’. I have seen the Ambush boots go for nearly double the price on sites such as eBay, so if you see a pair…i suggest grab them by the chunky heel and get them!
Click here to purchase
Designer Dupe: Burberry Prorsum
Although one of my things on my ‘before i die list’ is to own a piece of Burberry Shearling, current funds and being broke does not allow me to have one. However, i picked up this aviator from Zara today in a tan suede effect, fully lined with a sheepskin style material (i know…i am making this product sound unbelievably cheap and synthetic…but sorry haha). And after seeing the Burberry piece on MrPorter for £2995, i thought the Zara one was a great double and a the price was a great justification. OOoooh…also…ITS SUPER WARM. I got it in a big size so i can wear it oversized and be extra cozy. It looks much better in person also
Photos taken from Zara.Com & Mrporter.Com
Azzastumbldrambles Top 6 Fall Picks: Zara Edition
- Snakeskin Print Blouse: You all know how much of an impact snakeskin has had for the fall. Forget tacky 80’s, and say hello to a more subtle and re-invented print. It’s so eye-eyecatching, and whether in the form of a dress or a simple bag, its definitely going to make a statement.
- Electric Blue Sequinned skirt: As soon as i saw this, i instantly thought back to Prada FW11, with the mermaid style scales. The way that the sequins have been applied look like ripples of water and creates a sense of movement. Not to mention the beautiful colour! In my opinion, Zara always use this shade of blue season after season and is a great seller.
- Coat with Contrast Leather Sleeves: Even though I’m a male…im seriously thinking of buying this coat. The streamline silhouette and sharp tailoring of the piece is what attracts me too it…and of-course the versatility.
- Maxi Skirt with Side Split: Long proportions have been huge for the last couple of seasons, and i don’t see it stopping for fall. This piece is different, with the side split and ashy colouring, a great piece for layering and when in the mood for a bit of juxtaposition of hard and soft.
- Oversized Mohair Poncho: Colour. Texture. Shape. Thats all
- Contrast Ankle Platform: Uber modern and edgy. These will look great with the side split maxi and a oversized chunky turtleneck.
Photos taken from Zara.com
Alexander McQueen Spring Summer 2012
Easily, this collection by far has to be Burtons strongest collection for Alexander McQueen. A lot of people are easy to criticise Burton for reasons such as ‘she’s not creating collections which fit what McQueen was about’ etc, but you have to remember the huge weight on her shoulders and how hard it must be to try and squeeze yourself into someones shoes who was so influential and a genius of the fashion world. I personally think that she is doing an incredible job and i can’t begin to understand the pressure she must be constantly under.
The Spring 2012 collection was one which oozed femininity. With delicate appliqués to heavy embroideries. You can’t call what have been created ‘garments’ because it does not do justice to what they actually are…pieces of art. The femininity was very extreme and expressive, with floral headpieces acting like mask, and harsh layers of leather crafted on top of delicate chiffon. There was a huge sense of drama which Burton managed to translate very well from previous McQueen collections. Also, there was reference to archive/past collections in the SS12 show, with signature Alexander McQueen shoulders being visible on some of the jackets. Something else which i felt was quite a strong element, was the reference of gladiatrix, once again, showing the strong, ferocious nature of the woman.
This collection has to be Burtons most successful and Alexander McQueen is always one of my most anticipated shows every season. I take my hat off to her.
Photos taken from Style.com
