Neon Glow

A hot neon glow is currently radiating from the colour spectrum of Australian fashion this season, and if there’s one thing this culture can handle it’s the hot, hot heat. This kaleidoscopic playfulness of colour partied into the small hours of the morn through out the 1980s, in the form of transferable multi-tonal pieces such as wetsuits for the beach and bodycons in the clubs. Far from letting the flame die out for this incandescent trend Australian Designer Alexandra Blak has revived the use of neon with an invigorating shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. Statement sculptured pieces epitomizes the essence of hedonistic pleasures without tipping into a frenzy of glow stick overload. Hand carved Lucite; give a sophisticated edge, with a bold oasis of opulent semi-transparent colour. Wrist cuffs are embellished with futuristic spectrums of florescent pink, electric tangerine and zingy lime that glows with an unmistakable luminosity, while the use of a sci-fi influence lends itself to Blak’s bold chokers and bib collars for a modern sun warrior aesthetic. Hand-knotted rope was used to contrast with black Lucite in necklaces, whilst super-sized looped earrings are reminiscent of a hyper-saturated, day-glow Barbie. No matter how it is used there is no denying the intriguing twist on colour and form, that some how, inexplicably forges a lust for all that allows for an adventure into the neon vortex of fashion. Image from: http://www.alexandrablak.com.au/

Q&A With PROSE

Graduating in 2007 from the University of Design, Pforzheim Miriam was selected for the impressive Master Course at Central Saint Martins in London. But Miriam had other ideas, deciding to launch her own label ‘Prose’. Since then the label has gone from strength to strength, with the collection showcasing at London Fashion Week in 2008.

I wanted to discover a bit more about one of the most exciting and up and coming designers of this generation, and who better to ask than Miriam herself. As to her beginnings, the future and which musician is a must know, now.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a designer and if not then what? A: No, it was about creative expression...creating something I could have imagined becoming a singer as well...

Q: What defines your collections style? A: PROSE´s vision of womenswear is a pure aesthetic language not bound to trends but timeless. Innovative, experimental surfaces, artistic prints with soft sculptural draping to form the handwriting of the label.

Q: If you could only pick one piece from your collection as your favorite what would it be & why? A: probably the skeleton leather dress for my personal use and my wardrobe.

Q: What inspires or influences the collections and how do you keep this look fresh each season? A: I get inspired from nature, I love to experiment with materials and surfaces and so far it seems I’m not getting tired of that.

Q: Where did the name Prose originate? A: Prose is a literary genre. Novels are prose, as are novellas, letters and even newspaper articles. I have named my label Prose, my aim being to express diversity and openness in the fashion statement I make.

Q: You showcased at London Fashion Week in September. Where do you next hope to be showcasing your collections? A: I’m planning to show constantly at LFW. Nowhere else is given so much support to young designers.

Q: What is your preferred music to listen to when you are working and have you discovered any new musicians or bands recently that we should know about? A: I’m totally in love with Lana del Rey!

Q: What kind of creative direction do you want to take your next collection in and why? A: At the very beginning of a collection I never know where the journey will take me too. There are so many different ideas and at the end some will compliment another and others will not make it to the final.

Q: In the next five years where would you like to be? A: Watching my label steadily and healthily grow!

Images from: http://www.prose-studio.com/

More Is The New Less

This SS12 is proving that modesty really is the best policy. Seen across the womenswear spectrum, creating an air of intrigue, with buttoned up blouses and knee or floor skimming dresses and skirts showing that less is more in the case of this seasons fashion. Designers such as Erdem, Margaret Howell and Comme Des Garçon were among those who opted for this more covered up trend. withclinical white shirts recreated with soft patterns and demure florals for a sophisticated, vintage feel. Sleeves are worn long and tapered, buttoned up at the cuffs capturing the essence of the workwear aesthetic. Seen most prominently in the deliciously streamlined collection of Jil Sander, that saw Raf Simmons take the collection in a new puritan inspired direction exuding simple reserve Deriving from the notion of femininity, the umbrella silhouette has made more than it’s fair share of appearances this season. With a-line cuts, pleats and soft, flowing fabrics, that are cinched-in at the waist, that come in a palette of muted tones of pastel pinks and moss greens, creating a youthful edge for this very reserved trend. Menswear has also been included in this season’s penchant for more coverage, with designer such as Dior Homme, Alexander Mcqueen and Balenciaga advocating elegant, to the neck shirts and masculine cuts that are the epitome of classic British reserve. Images from: style.com

Bebaroque

Fashion-forward Bebaroque gives a newly refined focus to the hosiery market. Founded in July 2007 by Mhairi McNicol and Chloe Patience, who both completed their BA in Textiles at the Glasgow School of Art in 2005, the pair have gone on to create one of the most acclaimed hosiery companies to date, ensuring that tights won’t be androgynous again. Bebaroque tights have become a striking accessory to accompany a minimalistic outfit and will ensure you are the envy of all who pass you. The designers behind the Bebaroque label have now added an additional string to their hosiery-bow through the incorporation of a new line of body wear. Bebaroque have been on the cutting edge of modern hosiery designs, so it seems a natural progression to branch out to the concept of body wear, such as tight mesh or body garments. To gain inspiration for their body collection, the creative duo headed to Russia. This tied in with the use of the familiar Bebaroque paisley patterns, which have even tempted those who love to layer up to instead go it alone with just the body, opaque tights, an up do and super high ankle boots. The beautifully embellished tights are hand-made and decorated, with prints inspired by the designers’ homeland of Scotland and their love for all things burlesque. This is easy to see from their designs, such as their magenta tights with simplistic blackfringing down the back, allowing you a subtle touch of sensuality that is feminine, fun and won’t leave you feeling like a plain Jane but more of a fashionable feline. - Laura Matellis http://www.pushitmagazine.com/news/bebaroque-spring-summer-2011/ *Older work of mine but work none the less

Asgar Juel Larson

A former student from London College of Fashion, Asger Juel Larsen graduated with a BA in menswear and has quickly identified himself as one of the most fashion-forward designers of the times, with his unique take on a medieval-meets-grunge, chain-mail style that has become iconic to his label. Asger has taken a new approach to combining the new with the old, culminating in a collection that is not only futuristic but also innovative too. Asger’s designs are made for men who want to be at the cutting edge of alternative fashion, and this is mirrored in his use of materials to create some of his one of a kind pieces such as leather, PVC and rubber cords. Since Asger’s first collection at London Fashion Week in 2009, his collection has grown stronger aesthetically and his Spring/Summer 2011 is widely regarded to be his strongest to date. In what has been dubbed his ‘Welding Man’ collection, Larsen explores the possibilities of creating a collection of welded garments. There is a unique combination of elements, predominantly industrialization from the 1930s-era, set within a contemporary context of wearable designs that are the personification of the iron man. There is however a careful balance between the intensity that he is trying to convey with his collection and the primitive influences on his craftsmanship. The collection is also rich with texture and features an assortment of burned wool, nappa leather, raw cut silk, mesh, quilted PVC and his now-trademark use of rubber throughout. There is little doubt that Larsen is making a real impact on often-overlooked men’s fashion. - Laura Matellishttp://www.pushitmagazine.com/news/asger-juel-larson-spring-summer-2011/ *Older work of mine but work none the less

Gala Curios

GALA Curios is a jewellery and accessories label by Sydney-based designer, Jasmine O’Loughlin-Glover. The S/S 11 collection ‘Ancient Future’ consists of beautifully whimsical pieces of jewellery featuring bows, laces, pearls and ribbons on necklaces and rings, created using a special technique of coating textiles in enamels and metals. O’Loughlin-Glover has sought her inspiration for her collections from her humble beginnings as a jewellery and textile design student to the ideologies of post modernism. The label is a multifaceted one which thrives on creating delicate jewellery that juxtaposes its sourced materials with the forms in which they eventually take, whilst still remaining wearable and visually pleasing, proving that pushing boundaries really does create the well deserved recognition which makes GALA Curios stand out in the ever-growing jewellery market. O’Loughlin-Glover has not only worked alone in creating her collections but has also collaborated with other well known Australian fashion designers such as Marnie Skillings for her ‘Jasmine Noir for Marnie Skillings’ collection, which allowed Jasmine to experiment with lace and leather acrylic materials in the 35 piece collection. GALA Curios started as a highly anticipated solo label that has now turned into a renowned name within the fashion industry. O’Loughlin-Glover has managed to create her own path and has defined GALA Curios as not only high end jewellery line, but also as an accessible accessories line for all women that want a classic yet desirable piece that will withstand the disposable trends of today. - Laura Matellis http://www.pushitmagazine.com/news/gala-curios-spring-summer-2011/ *Older work of mine but work none the less

Derek Lawlor

Since graduating from Central St Martins, Derek Lawlor’s collections have sparked constant intrigue from the fashion press. What makes Lawlor so unique is his totally unique methods of producing edgy and innovative knitwear. London may never be short of fresh talent but it would be a crime to think of Derek Lawlor as getting lost in burgeoning flurry of new designers. Lawlor has his own signature technique of corduroying. Drawing inspiration from Japanese body armour, Lawlor has a distinctive way of using wax cord, layered with mohair and moleskin to create soft feminine shapes, silhouettes and loops on beautifully sculpted cashmere dresses. His designs are a palette of moody blues and grays that are combined with bold splashes of electric coloring, showing his versatile and originality as a designer, with key pieces that offer a new take on bespoke knitwear for the modern woman. Derek Lawlor’s latest collections stimulus was art deco architecture. Preferring to this time focus on varying patterns and geometric shapes that knitwear can create, over time Derek has transformed his cording technique to that of a much more refined and matured designer, whose pieces have evolved aesthetically to the epitome of sophistication. - Laura Matellis http://www.pushitmagazine.com/news/derek-lawlor/ *Older work of mine but work none the less

Craig Lawrence

Ipswich-born Craig Lawrence is a new and fresh talent to emerge onto the fashion scene but far from his shy, unassuming appearance, Lawrence has sent mumurs of excitement throughout the industry. With achievements such as dressing Tilda Swinton and clothing not only musical but fashion icons such as Björk (who wore a catsuit from his Central Saint Martins graduate collection to the Prize Polar Ceremony) and more recently, Lady Gaga, who sent the press into a frenzy when she wore one of his long, liquid gold body-cons, Lawrence is definitely a force to be reckoned with. For his S/S 2011 collection Lawrence has used delicate shades of aqua, mint green and silver to create a romanticised image of a whimsical mermaid or a haunting siren’s song, with glistening floor-sweeping gowns, low backs and hems trickling over the floor in rivulets, forming a rippling water motion all of their own. However Lawrence has not strayed too far from his signature design roots of voluptuously extravagant fringed maxi dresses, crafted from what has been compared to fashionably-adequate white plastic bags. There is a balance between an abundance of cascading strands and delicately woven knits that created waiflike yet striking images. Tendrils of yarn featured heavily, tying in with the capsule collection’s prominent themes of seduction and deception, which Lawrence is known and loved for. - Laura Matellis http://www.pushitmagazine.com/news/craig-lawrence-spring-summer-2011/*Older work of mine but work none the less.