October 2011 Memories

We will admit, we were pretty much in all directions in October and we were having a blast! Now, let's recap what we did...

In this month, our 12 Months of [Pop Up] Flavors was all about hairstyling and we were lucky to be able to interview some of the top hairstylists whom participated the Avante Garde in North America Hairstyling Awards. The hairstylists included Jake Thompson, Kris Sorbie and  Damien Carney. If you have read the entires, you should be amazed by their creativity on hair. 

There was actually a 2nd part of our 12 Months of [Pop Up] Flavors and that was the second wave of Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal. In this month, we showed our readers her journal from Day 11 to 20. Every piece was stunning and at this moment, we are hoping to see more and know more about the up coming entries! Click here to read them. 

Also, after more than a year, we finally posted the shoot we did with ADO LES SCENTS. It was a very nice experience and we would definitely love to shoot again with this brand in the future! Click here to see it. 

Of course, how can we forget about Lisa Nishimura's works. In this month, she sent us the Marc Jacobs and Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 runway illustrations. The illustrations were stunning and we can now drop you a hint, the best is yet to come... 

As for Swide, we had the honour to feature 5 talented artists. Some of the artists included portrait illustrator Anja Van Herle, photographer Kerstin zu Pan, and illustrator Berto Martinez. Since Halloween was in this month, we had done a 2 part special featuring 2 surreal illustrators: Madame Monique and Natalie Shau.

Last but not least, it was our pleasure to be part of the Global Fashion insiders for the LGFW and we wrote 2 reviews for it. The shows we reviewed were Mercedes Banz StartUp and Golnaz Ashtiani & Caitlin Power. 

Stay tuned and see what we have in store for you in November! 

Wave of Inspirology: Alexander McQueen F/W 2011 Scarves Film

Well, I know today is Halloween and I have prepared something haunting for you to see.

Babette Pauthier, a Paris-based director/photographer, has created a short film featuring some of Alexander McQueen's F/W 2011 scarves collection. I really like the haunting feeling of it and yes, that porcelain skull scarf is really what I want!

Happy Halloween!

Source: McQueenworld@youtube

Graphicology: This Joke Ain't Funny Anymore

I am recently attracted to Marianna Ignataki's works and I would like to use this post to show them with you. Use solely colour pencils to illustrate her works, she has the ability to images into emotional pieces. When I look at her "This Joke Ain't Funny Anymore" series, which she did it between 2008-2009, some of the works have given me a very intense feeling and I can say it is very hard to achieve this kind of feeling with just colour pencils. Her works have definitely mesmerized me and below are some of my favourite form this series. Please click here to see more of her works.

Art[s]ense: Natalie Shau

Today is Halloween and I have a special treat for you! Natalie Shau is the amazing artist I am featuring on Swide this week. Her works are so dark, haunting, yet at the same time, you can see the beauty in them. I have to be honest with you, when I first looked at her works, I actually shivered. Please click here to see my interview with her.

Happy Halloween!

Trendology: MYKITA & Romain Kremer Men's Gordon Sunglasses

I have seen this on some street style blogs during fashion weeks and now it is finally available to the public!

This pair of sunglasses is the collaboration work between MYKITA & Romain Kremer and I am in love with the futuristic design. There are two version of this glasses: Black with black lens and white with blue lens. I personally think the white version is more eye catchy to match the futuristic feeling. What do you think?

You can click here for more detail.

Courtesy of Oki-ni

Ray of Inspirology: Louis Vuitton

This is by far the BEST editorial about this season's Louis Vuitton!

This editorial is shot by Christian Anwander and it is featured in the latest issue of 10 Magazine. Marike Le Roux is dressed up in all Louis Vuitton pieces that are picked by Sophia Neophitou and she looks beautiful and edgy. What I like the most about this editorial is the addition of Barry Reigate's illustration. This just brings the editorial to a whole new level. It's fun, it's classy and at the same time, it is very fresh because not a lot of editorials are combining the illustration factor yet. What do you think?

P.S: Props to Ralph Sicilano for the amazing make up and Akinora Shirakawa for the hair! Nicely done!

Wave of Inspirology: XOXOXO

I love animation and I like when it is used for music video!

Black Eyed Peas has recently premiered this fun animation music video to the world and I must say, I like it a lot! I love the concept and the surreal elements in it make me feel like I am inside a fantasy land. What do you think?

Black Eyed Peas XOXOXO Music Video (Huan Nghiem @ Vimeo)

Trendology: Carven Fur Sleeve Jacket

There is something special about this jacket...

This item is from the latest collection of Carven. It is a double breasted jacket with fur sleeves. What I like the most about this jacket is the cropped cut and also the shoulder pads design. Whoever is going to wear this piece will for sure look bold, edgy and pretty at the same time. What's your take?

Click here for more information on the piece.

Courtesy of Ssense 

Ray of Inspirology: The Most Important Thing About Dreams Is Having One

Abbey Lee, you are an adorable doll!

This editorial is shot by Richard Bush and it is feature din the Fall issue of i-D. The looks in this editorial are all inspired by Twiggy and I have to say, Abbey Lee has totally nailed the expression department. Sarah Richardson has done an amazing job picking the clothes for this shoot and I cannot forget to give props to both Ashley Javier and Francelle Daly for the amazing hair and makeup on Abbey Lee.

What do you think?

Ray of Inspirology: My Precious

It's no doubt I am a big fan of the photgraphy duo AORTA (I even talk about them on Swide) and recently they have published this amazing editorial on Behance and I love it a lot! The mood is very dark but the images are very bold and futuristic! Below are some of my favourite images from this editorial.

Please click here to see the complete editorial!

Trendology: Mugler Men's Puffer Jacket

Well, I am still not a big fan of the Mugler menswear F/W runway show but I must admit this is a rather interesting puffer jacket.

This puffer jacket is made up of 3 segments: the upper part is the puffer (with duck down(, the middle part is made of wool blend and the lower part is made of  figure-hugging neoprene. I really like the colour of it and also the fit looks great in the images. If you are still looking for a winter jacket this season, this might work for you. Click here for more information.

Courtesy of Oki-ni

[On]Air: Burberry Body Celebration in Beverly Hills

Yeah, I am a bit jealous here but I will still hope Mr. Bailey will come to Toronto to host an event at the flagship store.

On Wednesday, Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey and British actress/model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley hosted a cocktail party to celebrate the release of Burberry Body in LA. There were over 400 guests attended the event and Kate Bosworth, Sir Patrick Stewart, Serena Williams, Luke Evans, and Cat Deeley were some of the celebrities whom were there that night. Judging from the photos, the event was very successful and the guests were having so much fun in the store (and I am sure Solange Knowles did an amazing job as a DJ).

Now, I am hoping I will get a chance to meet Mr. Bailey one day...

Graphicology: Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal Day 20

Today is the last day of the 2nd half of Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal. I really enjoy seeing this new 10 pieces as I think her fashion illustration has started to evolved and become more unique. I am really looking forward to see the rest of this project as soon as possible and I will keep you posted when I have more news! Thanks for reading these illustration posts about Wendy Ding's project in the last 10 days. Now, please enjoy the last piece...

When you were illustration this outfit, which fashion house were you thinking at that moment?
Yves Saint Laurent

Which celebrity do you think will fit well in this outfit?
Lykke Li, Natalie Portman, Selma Blair

Tidbit: I realize I have a very colourful wardrobe and style choices but also wanted to cover all grounds with an all-black ensemble. Lace is absolutely one of my favourite textures and I also wanted to do my own take on the timeless LBD.

Click here for more information about this illustration. You can also buy the print here.

 Courtesy of Wendy Ding

Fashionist [On The Go]: The Chocolate Affair

Well there were a few interesting stories on the Fashionist this week but somehow, I found this one particularly interesting.

Yep, I know, chocolate is for people to eat right? Well, last week Paris held its 17th annual Salon du Chocolat (Chocolate Fair) and models were wearing chocolate clothing pieces on the runway show. One of the pieces fell apart and... just read it. [Read Here]

Yikes, but she was very brave! (source: The Fashionist)

See you next week!

Trendology: Junya Watanabe Plaid Jacket

I have been looking for a plaid jacket for this season and I think I have finally found one.

This plaid jacket is from Junya Watanabe F/W 2011 collection. I really like the big plaid pattern and the yellow and red combination works very well. The fitting is slightly boxy but as a winter jacket, I think it should work well.

Click here for more information.

Courtesy of Ssense

Evolution: Ado Les Scents X Shane Coleman

Back in April 2010, we were lucky to meet a very talented designer named Hyun Yeu, the master mind behind the brand ADO LES SCENTS. On the last day of FAT 2010, we were asked to do a production shoot with him featuring model Shane Coleman. Today, it is our pleasure to show you some of the photos from this shoot. We hope you will enjoy them!

Graphicology: Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal Day 19

Today is the second last day of the second wave of Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal and I hope you have enjoyed the illustrations so far. The following illustration actually reminds me of Sia. What do you think?

When you were illustration this outfit, which fashion house were you thinking at that moment?
Free People, American Apparel

Which celebrity do you think will fit well in this outfit?
Steven Tyler, Justin Hawkins, Lenny Kravitz

Tidbit: My pose is inspired by a desert fashion photo from the 60's though I can't remember the model or photographer. It's still in my scrapbook from high school. The revamp is inspired by MGMT's Andrew Vanwyngarden because oh boy...no one else has pulled off so many outlandishly hip looks as he has, right down to the face paint. It also contains a wondrous, childlike sensibility a la Where the Wild Things are.

Click here for more information about this illustration. You can also buy the print here.

 Courtesy of Wendy Ding

Wave of Inspirology: Arcade Couture: Mise en Dior

Christian Dior and animation, this combination is just so good!

This video is created by Patrizio Miceli and it turns the process of making the Mise en Dior necklace into a pinball machine game. I cannot get enough of the video because it is full of energy and the concept is very refreshing. I recommend you to put down everything you are doing right now and take a minute to check this animation out.

Arcade Couture: Mise en Dior (Source: Nowness.com)

Trendology: Stone Island Ice Jacket

Want fashion? Want technology? Want style? Well, if you say yes to all the three questions, then Stone Island is the brand you should be familiar for this season.

If you remember Hotwheels cars, you should remember there used to have a collection (maybe they still have) which the cars will change colour when they are splashed with water. Well, this Ice jacket is similar to the toy but instead of water, it will change colour when the temperature drops (from yellow to blue). I actually have had the chance to try this jacket out and all I have to say is, this is such a cool jacket. You need to watch the video below to see how this jacket works.

Click here if you want to purchase it.

VIDEO: 5515 STONE ISLAND ICE JACKET AW’011’012  (source: Stone Island @Vimeo)

Graphicology: Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal Day 18

Wendy Ding continues to surprise me with her Fashion Journal and this gown she illustrated can really work well for Christmas parties. I think someone need to work on this piece.

When you were illustration this outfit, which fashion house were you thinking at that moment?
Anthropologie, Zara

Which celebrity do you think will fit well in this outfit?
Olivia Wilde, Michelle Williams (actress), Salma Hayek

Tidbit:  I originally intended Shalom Harlow to be the model but as the dress became more finished, it beckoned for an ingenue type. Perhaps it was the bright magenta colour which had a more youthful angle so Natalia Vodianova stepped in instead. On another note, hand muffs are one of the most luxurious items around. it's a shame we don't see them much nowadays.

Click here for more information about this illustration. You can also buy the print here.

 Courtesy of Wendy Ding

Ray of Inspirology: Home Chic

It's a very cool to see how the brother sister duo works together in this editorial.

This series is shot by Miles Aldridge and it is featured in the October issue of Vogue Italia. Miles has transformed his sister Ruby Aldridge into a housewife with vibrant colour outfits. The whole editorial is very fun to look at because of the pop art feeling. What do you think?

Walk the Walk: LGFW Reviews on Global Fashion

This season, instead of writing review here, I was lucky to have a chance to write for Global News for the LGFW. Even though I wrote only 2 shows, but because each show had its subsets, in the end, there were actually 7 reviews in total. The shows were Mercedes Benz StartUp and Golnaz Ashtiani & Caitlin Power S/S 2012 collection.

Courtesy of Chris Young, the Canadian Press

Aside from the above 2 shows, I also enjoyed the following shows: Denis Gagnon, LOVAS, Sarah Stevenson and Adrian Wu. You can ask me in person to give you a more in depth review.

Thank you so much go Global News for this opportunity and LG Fashion Week, I will see you again next season!

Graphicology: Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal Day 17

Day 17 has one of my favourite pieces from this second wave and if this jacket is going to be made in physical item, I may consider to buy it!

When you were illustration this outfit, which fashion house were you thinking at that moment?
Diesel, Urban Outfitters

Which celebrity do you think will fit well in this outfit?
David Arquette, a western James Dean

Tidbit: I quite like the notion of androgyny and this outfit is pretty much unisex for me at this point. I wanted the pose to be tough but feminine and model Omahyra Mota was perfect for embodying the essence here.

Click here for more information about this illustration. You can also buy the print here.

 Courtesy of Wend Ding

Art[s]ense: Madame Monique

Halloween is coming soon and for this week and next week, I have a special treat for the Swide readers. I have recently discovered 2 very talented illustrators whom have created some very cool surreal artworks. Madame Monique is the first artist I want to introduce to the readers and you can click here to read more about her and her works.

Ray of Inspirology: Alexander McQueen Eyewear Promotion Campaign

Sometime ago, I have shown you the Alexander McQueen F/W 2011 promotion campaign and now it is time to show you the eyewear campaign.

This campaign is once again shot by David Sims and the model is Raquel Zimmermann. Even though it is only a head shot, because of the ray of lights, somehow this ad becomes very futuristic. What do you think?

Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

Graphicology: Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal Day 16

Last week I have shown you 5 new illustrations from Wendy Ding's Fashion Journal and this week, I will continue to show you the remaining 5 pieces from her second wave collection.

When you were illustration this outfit, which fashion house were you thinking at that moment?
Versace, Prada

Which celebrity do you think will fit well in this outfit?
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Milla Jovovich

Tidbit: The revamp has a sci-fi feel to it, no? Maybe it's just me. I would love to see a Hollywood starlet wear this on the red carpet as it's rather unconventional. It may even end up on the worst dressed list! But any press is good press, right?

Click here for more information about this illustration. You can also buy the print here.

Courtesy of Wendy Ding

Walk the Walk: KEITA MARUYAMA TOKYO PARIS S/S 2012 Collection

Keita Maruyama presented quite an amazing show during the Japan Fashion Week. The collection consisted of womenswear and menswear. The main element of this collection was the various kinds of patterns. In general, the pieces for the womenswear were very chic and airy while the men's pieces were more structured. What do you think?

Pros:
- There are lots of amazing prints in this season, with lots of styles (imagine you are in a carnival).
- I really like the men's blazers, they look very well fitted.
- The creme series is actually the series I enjoy the most in this collection. Very chic and wearable.

Cons:
- Not a big fan of the men's shorts.

Eye Candies: 
- Patterned Chinese style dress
- White blazer for men
- Tropical print skirt

Please click here for the complete collection.

Trendology: Tricker’s for Norse Projects Fall/Winter 2011 Collection

For this F/W season, Tricker's is collaborating with Norse Projects to create a capsule collection. It consists of 6 different models including  2 brogues, 2 two-toned boots, 1 Zug shoe and 1 aptly named 1001 Super Boot. My eyes are on the cream/brown boots and the 1001 Super Boot since I like to wear boots in the winter. If this collection would come to Toronto, I think I would line up for it...

Click here for more information.

Courtesy of Tricker's (source: Highsnobiety)

Walk the Walk: PHENOMENON S/S 2012 Collection

PHENOMENON is always the brand I am looking forward to see when it comes to Japan Fashion Week and this season Takeshi Osumi has once again created an amazing collection. There are many elements in this collection such as stripes, big pockets and denim but many of them are well constructed and easy to wear. Out of all the pieces, the navy blazer with the blue/white sleeves is probably my top favourite.

Pros:
- A colourful collection with lots of different styles and every man should be able to pick at least 1 piece from it as his favourite.
- There are some great denim pieces.
- Some of the blazers are very well constructed.
- I like to see how Takeshi Osumi uses different fabrics to construct some of the pieces.

Cons:
- The collection is not very cohesive as you can hardly find a connection to link everything together.

Eye Candies:
- Yellow big white pocket jacket
- Navy blue blazer with blue/white sleeves
- Blue/white stripes pants

Please click here to see the complete collection.

Walk the Walk: SOMARTA S/S 2012 Collection

SOMARTA had a very strong S/S 2012 collection and it had everything you needed to make yourself glam and chic.

Tamae Hirokawa sent out the models to the runway with great print and well cut pieces. The red colour had injected a burst of energy to the entire collection and it excited my eyes. From well fitted pieces to airy frocks, this collection had covered everything for your S/S wardrobe! Bravo!

Pros:
- I like the variety of this collection. There are well fitted pieces, and there are airy pieces.
- The collection itself is very cohesive.
- The print in this collection is very pretty.
- The styling is perfect here!

Cons:
- Nothing I can think of at the moment.

Eye Candies:
- Black and white one piece dress
- Brown ruffle skirt
- Red pattern dress

Please click here to see the complete collection.