Because having fringe on a dress isn’t exciting enough, when you add structure to the mix as in this case, things start to get very interesting. This ‘Fringed Dress’ by Domanoff, is part of a collection inspired by love as an action, with the main symbols of a Scandinavian city, deep river, duality of image + hidden emotions everpresent in its structured silhouette yet softened by its subtle movement when worn by the wearer.
As a short exaggerated fringed dress with a belt + high collar, you could easily take this dress from the office to a night out with a simple change of shoes + accessories. I would even wear this as a cocktail number as you’ll be guaranteed to be the only one wearing such a unique piece like this.
To purchase your very own ‘Fringed Dress’ by Domanoff, simply go to NOT JUST A LABEL.
As a whole, MM6 Maison Margiela’s Resort 2017 collection, addressed duality in a couple of unique ways. Th design collective at MM6 Maison Margiela informed WWD how they thought about a couple intertwined + tangled. This was most evident in the idea of having a sewn on tank top over a shirt, thus creating the look of several torsos. Whereas, creative tailoring made the concept of duality even more effective + more of a statement as WWD wrote how a series of looks were created that could be transformed into different silhouettes: a pale blue pleated chiffon skirt with hidden side zippers doubles as an off-the-shoulder top, + another a long knit lurex dress can morph, again via zippers, into a track suit.
Another aspect of the collection was the western motif attached to several looks, including short cowboy boots + a leather jacket with metallic leather accents, similar to that of a cowboy shirt. Yet, as with everything MM6 Maison Margiela, its all in the details, wouldn’t you say? Super functional details, like D-rings, jutted out of both sides of legs + arms of a utility jumpsuit. There were plenty of raw edges playing with silhouettes, while bright orange-red net pants unexpectedly peeked out from beneath a grey leather shift. Of course, the white + black opera length gloves really tightened some of the looks here, giving your arm a lot of shine + mystery.
Be it cold or warm outside, I’m always a fan of knits + M. Patmos’ Resort collection is full of many favorites. However, the problem that most knitwear faces, especially in a color palette as basic as creams, blacks + a dash of metallics, is looking too crafty as if grandma took to the loom at a hummingbird’s pace. As Marcia Patmos told WWD, she centered her resort collection around the idea of a “modern-day heirloom” — those quirky vintage items you might find in your grandmother’s closet, which you like “but wish fit better or were more modern,” she said.
And as you look through the different pieces here, you can see Comme des Garçons influences in a sweater made up of many ribbons, tied together to create a thick piece of black moss (below), then paired with cropped black wide trousers.
At times, the ribbon motif takes on a braided one in a contrasting color, creating a DIY cabled effect on the sweater below.
Pants are always kept wide but usually kept long, with the exception of a cropped pair here + there. But this pant shape is best suited for perfectly complimenting boxy or trapeze-shaped tops (below), like the white top with pleated bottom, creating a silhouette of carefree elegance + ease. But skirts were either pencil knit, if not, a black circle shape with a sheer top layer, embellished with frayed black + white yarn knots (below), also seen on a cream sleeveless top.
The ribbon motif also made its way down to slide sandals + a big knit tote (above).
Overall, this collection has enough separates to elevate anything they’re paired with, no matter how low-end.
Of having Malkovich participate in such a project, Sandro said, “For him, this is an opportunity to experiment, to create new personas, to explore, and I’m just there to capture the metamorphoses,’ + within these pages, the end result is just awe inspiring. I gagged with the turn of every page. Besides the beautiful halftone black on gold strategically cropped images, indenting one section from the next, the pictures behold the John Malkovich we’ve all marveled at in films including ‘Being John Malkovich’, just for a second. Then, as his eyes control your stare, he quickly transforms into these larger than life characters many photography aficionados have grown to love + worship, including Steve Kline’s ‘Smoke’ (above) + Stern’s ‘Monroe Roses’ (below).
‘Portraits’, the first section of the book includes John in an array of costumes + characters; ‘Homage’, the second section is devoted to the recreation of some of photographic history’s most iconic portraits including Annie Leibowitz’s image of Yoko Ono + John Lennon. Just to write that in a sentence sounds absurd in + of itself, however, even if the John in the picture is not Lennon but Malkovich, he still manages to pull it off. The third section contains images of experimental films both Miller + Malkovich worked on together.
But there’s no denying that such synergy could not have evolved overnight, rather it was a seventeen-year collaboration, with more than a hundred portraits to show for it. Sandro alludes to thinking how no one else could have been up for this challenge, as “John’s face whispered secrets to the camera – he held nothing back,” he said. Anything Sandro wanted of John, he would easily oblige + instantly morph right before his eyes, as he understood the camera – light, mood + the importance of sharing an intimate moment with the lens. Sandro said, “He hid nothing from me, allowing the lines on his face to read like a biography,” + it’s because of these lines, gaze + posturing that allows you to fully digest John as the new character before you.
Most of the famous portraits seen throughout the book were considered very meaningful to Sandro, but not for Malkovich. When asked if he felt the same connection to these images, by veteran filmmaker John Siskel, Malkovich replied, “Probably not that much: maybe to some extent, but I think ironically, I probably always had a healthy mistrust of photography + images + what they’re meant to convey, + who takes them, + why.” Luckily, Sandro had amazing people on his team to get the hair, makeup, costumes + set close to perfection, as if they were present when they took the original shot. Such a feat can be seen in Dorothea Lange’s ‘Migrant Mother’ (above), where the piece of wood that’s seen in the original, is at the forefront, as well as the tent + children in the background.
These days, with adidas Originals Stan Smith kicks in high demand, how could anyone resist ‘Mardou´s Clueo Sneaker Grey’ by Mardou&Dean, especially with that unique ankle strap detail? Made of grey leather, a head-turner by itself, these kicks in a silhouette most covet, with minimal detail, could easily be paired with either skirts, pants or shorts.
With lighter grey rubber soles, darker grey laces, only two grommet holes on top + a tan interior, makes these sneakers a must have, for anyone who loves grey. Of course, they’re also the perfect starter pair for your new sneaker collection if not, an addition to your expanding one.
Head over to Tictail for your very own ‘Mardou´s Clueo Sneaker Grey’ by Mardou&Dean.
As I write this, I still can’t believe a genius such as David Bowie is gone, but he must have known the end was near as his actions + art seemed perfectly masterminded including the ‘Lazarus’ track, from ‘Blackstar’, his last released album. In fact, the lyrics to ‘Lazarus’ start:
‘Look up here, I’m in Heaven!
I’ve got scars that can’t be seen, I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen
everybody knows me now…’
Eerily forecasting his death, it is these kinds of details that make ‘BOWIE, Photographs by Steve Shapiro published by Powerhouse Books, a powerful + important character study of such an iconic + legendary musician.
Leafing through the book, while looking at the variety of amazing Bowie photos shot by Schapiro, my mind could not help but become riddled with so many questions. Page after page, I was introduced to various personas David Bowie was famous for giving life to throughout his daily life with the same aplomb as he did on stage. But to really know how such beautiful tokens of memory were captured on film, I needed to speak with Schapiro, the man behind the lens.
Through our phone interview, I first needed to know what Schapiro’s creative process was when shooting celebrities, especially Bowie. Famous for also capturing movie stills, most importantly ‘The Godfather’ + ‘Taxi Driver’, shooting people has always been an interesting favorite, as the photographer is able to capture his or her subject’s personality with a lot more control + autonomy. Always seeing himself as a ‘fly on the wall’, Schapiro was more than willing to photograph David Bowie, when his manager contacted him. Schapiro had Bowie high on his list as someone he wanted to work with + as luck would have it, he got his wish. Now one would think working with such a genius would be a difficult task at best, but they got along famously, especially when Bowie found out Steve had shot Buster Keaton, one of his heroes. There’s even a shot of Bowie recreating the same look as that of Keaton on the book cover of a book he is seen holding in the photo.
Although working with Bowie was a collaborative effort, Schapiro emphasized how the ideas were all David’s + his task was simply to illustrate + bring them forward, which he successfully accomplished. David’s charisma was enormous, yet his unique sense of growth + point of view was very direct, similar to Schapiro’s style of photography. Of the shots featured inside, there’s an unshakeable focus to Schapiro’s approach in capturing this icon’s humility, mystery + poetic beauty. According to Steve, unlike the Rolling Stones or The Beatles, whose characters always remained the same, regardless of their masterful music, Bowie’s cumulative process was a call for creating a different character thus resulting in self-propelled music. ‘These different characters, added dimensions to his repertoire,’ said Schapiro. The way Steve described it, Bowie was constantly evolving, which is not an easy task while still maintaining his strong appeal with fans. Even David Bowie’s version of a biker (below) was very unique, with his flaming red hair + the most amazing pair of sunglasses.
Schapiro said, ‘It seemed with each new change of clothes a new character appeard, each with its own story.’ In 1967, when they finally started working together in the studio, David asked Schapiro’s assistant for their shirt + a few minutes later, he came out of the dressing room with the top cropped + pants cuffed high, which he painted with diagonal white stripes, down to his feet. This famous look (below + cover) was used in shots for Bowie’s ‘Station To Station’ album + later revisited for the ‘Lazarus’ video a second time, humbly considered a huge form of flattery for Schapiro.
Considered to be more of a personal Bowie project by Schapiro’s accounts, this book contains many photos sure to entertain + awe, for all fans Bowie + any fan of true authenticity, which is short demand these days. ‘Working with genius is exhilarating,’ said Schapiro, adding, ‘Working with Bowie was unforgettable.’
‘BOWIE, Photographs by Steve Shapiro published by Powerhouse Books, demonstrates is available for purchase at powerhousebooks.com.
The Queen, Norma Kamali, is at it again, with yet another 24 hour Pop-Up Sale for May. Starting today at Noon + ending tomorrow at Noon, you’re bound to buy it all.
If you want hot fashions for Summer including dresses or jumpsuits that hug you in all the right places or swimwear that will turn you into a pin-up goddess, then head over to Norma Kamali + score big!
To call Julian Zigerli one of my favorite menswear designers is an understatement. Not only do I live for his patterns + silhouettes, I love the fun he has with his designs. Take this amazing ‘Shadow Blazer’ + ‘Shadow Pants’ as a for instance.
The ‘Shadow Blazer’, made of 100% cotton, has a strategically placed all-around print, giving it that trompe l’oeil effect, which never gets old.
Single breasted with a hidden button closure + sleeves with vent details, it also features piped pockets to hips. Compliments are definitely guaranteed when wearing this jacket. But other than just print placement making this jacket special, it’s the overall look of it that really caught my eye. I just adore how the edges of these lines look like someone painted them on a wet jacket, giving it that bleeding or spreading effect.
The ‘Shadow Pants’ really pop with this print. Also made of 100% cotton, these pants have a straight fit, complete with five pockets + a waistband with belt loops.
The stitched heart on back pocket, is a sweet touch, don’t you think? But the best part of these separates is how great they look together or on their own to add that extra punch to any ensemble. Overall, both pieces look like a living breathing 2D sketch, brought to life by pairing them with cool footwear + tops.
For your very own Julian Zigerli ‘Shadow Blazer’, ‘Shadow Pants’ or both, head over to ELKEL.
