Adriano Meneghetti Accessories- Made in Italy

Adriano Meneghetti.  I have blogged about this fabulous new designer before.  And I am going to blog about him again as his new website is fully up and running. 

The homepage greets you with a stunning visual and quote:

Going back
to a simplier life
is not a step
backward.

The SS12 collection section on the website, which comprises of two separate group collections named "Rugged" and "Trotter," allows you to easily scroll through the excellent image quality and beautiful design.  The full image collections are available to see, with descriptions of each items.  Excellent.

 

"Rugged" Collection - Elegance and Tradition

The RUGGED collection is a mix of elegance and tradition. Washed, aged and twisted leather and brass and silver buckles create belts intended to last and improve with time.

I have included some of my favourite items below.  The mix between classic designs, with quirky detailing has been perfectly balanced, with kooky design details such as embossed numbers, perforated geometric shapes and grooved vertical lines.

 

"Trotter" Collection - Equestrian Inspiration

The TROTTER collection draws its inspiration from horsemanship: a technical article typical of the riding world is cut and matched with the leather, re-echoing the atmospheres of the Ivy League.
The lightness and the resistance of the nylon plait, together with the drummed leather, create very light and at the same time very resistant belts, which are embellished by the bright hand painted rib. These belts are intended to last and improve with time

A section that I really enjoyed was the "Handmade in Italy."  Here is where another burst of passion comes through from Meneghetti- he is truly passionate about creating classic designs, taking advantage of the excellent handcraft skills available in his italian homeland.  High resolution images can be seen of the processes that make up Meneghetti's stunning creations.

Go check out this great designer at http://www.adrianomeneghetti.com/ NOW!

(All images are taken from http://www.adrianomeneghetti.com/)

Adriano Meneghetti- Accessories- HOT!!

Super talented friend has finally unleashed his creative potential by launching a stunning collection of accessories (belts).  After working for various italian labels for 3 years as a fashion designer and Creative Director, he decided to follow his dream and establish his own brand in July 2011.

Here are a few words from Adriano Meneghetti, outlining his vision and brand core values:

“I’m a sentimental person. From the time when I was a child, I always attached myself to the things I had. It’s very hard for me to throw away something that lived important moments together with me. Each object surrounding me is the ambassador and the guardian of the memories and experiences that contributed to shape the person I am today.  I have always been very fascinated by the past, I’m interested in ...knowing it and I believe it represents the first element to start from when writing the future.  It’s on this basis that I decided to undertake this adventure starting from the realisation of articles that will last forever, without ageing precociously. Handcrafted items conceived and realised with love and feeling, handmade in Italy thanks to the best craftsmen and raw materials".

The first collection for SS12 is called the "TROTTER" collection (images to the left).  It draws its inspiration from horsemanship: it reflects the technical article typical of the riding world. It is cut and matched with the leather, re-echoing the atmospheres of the Ivy League.  The lightness and the resistance of the nylon plait, together with the drummed leather, to create both very light and very resistant belts, which are embellished by the bright hand painted rib. These belts are intended to last and improve with time.

More classic pieces can be found within the RUGGED collection (images to the right).  They are a mix of elegance and tradition. Washed, aged and twisted leather and brass and silver buckles create belts intended to last and improve with time.

My favourite pieces are the "burnt" leather and plaited blue belt from the "Trotter" Collection and the Belt: 40001C | Color: 413, from the "Rugged" Collection, which features embossed numbers along the main face of the belt.  Brilliant!!


The website http://www.adrianomeneghetti.com/ is due to launch on the 11.11.11, so watch this space!


Click on this link for further information in the meantime...

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.adrianomeneghetti.com%2F&h=xAQGjPZJO

Mulberry SS12

I follow Mulberry every season, I love the brand as it portrays itself as classic, yet with a modern quirky twist. My dream is to own a Mulberry bag one day.  But until then...

I really enjoyed the collection that creative director Emma Hill presented for this SS12.  The models had the hair done by Mark Hill, and were presented with streaks of candy floss hair colours.  Yum.

The collection was inspired by neon lights of Blackpool, and by images of her childhood spent on the beach with a cagoule on.  It featured a delightful colour palette of canary yellow, mint and pink, mixed with darker richer hues such as khaki and black. 

The styling of the clothes were loose and oversized, really easy to wear but equally as chic.  I loved the use of lace, which featured on bomber jackets, tops and maxi skirts.  We ain't talking about polyester lace, but beautiful cotton off white lace, which literally would make you feel as pretty as a doll.

Other detailing that I noticed was the use of dyed to match drawstring fastenings, which featured quite high on the waist.  I thought it was beautifully executed, and added a touch of sophitication without going too sporty.

Really makes me feel like I should be eating ice cream...gelato anyone??

Davidelfín SS12- Colour Block Bonanza

 

The Davidelfín brand was created by Bimba Bosé, Deborah Postigo, Gorka Postigo, Diego Postigo and Davidelfín in 2001.  The brand has been showing since Sepetember 2002 at Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week and more recently, (from 2009) at New York Fashion Week.

I really love the playfulness of this collection.  As colour blocking is and will continue to be a big trend through to SS12, I feel Davidelfin has portrayed a new, fresh spin on it.  The freshness is brought into the collection with the use of crisp white backgrounds, which combines with the pastel/stronger hues to create a playful and colourful approach.  Another key element that was introduced was irregular styling and colour blocking.  This collection featured trousers that on one side were long, and the other short, which ok, are not commercial but the idea is there!  A more commercial approach was the use of irregular colour blocking.  This was seen particularly on tops, where flared shell top sleeves featured different colours on each sleeve pattern.  I really enjoyed what I call the "rainbow" colour blocking that featured on hems and as peplum detail on tops.  A wonderful array of strong bright hues rectangular shapes printed together to create a strip of broken up colour blocks. 

Enough to make a rainy day seem that much brighter!

Check out more from this designer at the following address- http://www.davidelfin.com/

All images are taken from http://www.davidelfin.com/

Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Alexander McQueen SS12

LOUIS VUITTON

 A really wonderful collection from Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton! A striking fashion pastel fairytale, that despite all the sweet and pastel colours used throughout the collection avoided being too girly and twee.

Jacobs described this collection as "My biggest set, I could have never done this anywhere else.Very magical, it's like a magic box: very Paris," (http://www.vogue.com/)

The whole collection had an ethereal feel to it, which was portrayed by the wonderful couture detailing he had intricately introduced in the pieces (especially on collars, cuffs and overall application of elaborate appliqué and laser cut techniques)

The silhouettes were kept clean and modern, but with the use of special fabrics portrayed a romantic look and feel.  Dresses (one to note which will be a big trend for SS12, is the LWD) had puffed up hems and high waisted seams (another key trend to note)

Collars on blouses featured special detailing such as doily laces and contrast fabric piping inserts, which made them look expensive and utterly desirable.  I love the coral lace shirt with contrast white buttons, I think it is the perfect spring blouse!

Another key detail that I loved about this collection was the lace, and the overlaying of sheer fabrics over this.  Although seen before, Jacobs gave it a fresh spin by introducing pleating on the sheer, giving the multi layered clothes depth.

NICE!

VALENTINO

When I grow up I want to dress in Valentino....

Wow.  What a collection from Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's Valentino.  Stunning use of fabric and colour combinations.

This collection features a lot of stunning macramé laced dresses (going to be big news for SS12!), both short and maxi.  Sleeves on these are kept clean and modern by the insertion of simple short capped sleeves.

The colection then moves onto printed pretty dresses, ranging from nude/white colorations to a darker colour palette of black.  The feel of these printed clothes is romantic, and have a slight edwardian take on collars and sleeves-  these are inset sleeves with puffball detail, or with inserted pleating. The collars are either high with ruching or high round necklines. Another key sleeve detail is puffball at sleeve hem.  All dresses feature in light, flowing materials, giving it a perfectly girly and vintage feel, especially on the floral printed ones.

I absolutely loved the use of laser cut leather which featured in this collection.  The leather appears to be as light as a normal woven fabric, which shows off this houses' craftmanship perfectly, whilst also introducing an element of couture detailing.

The colour palette is kept simple, a lot of nude, black and white.  As my old university tutor would say

" you dont have to put everything but the kitchen sink to make it work," and this is exactly true.  Stunning colection and I really do want it ALL! 

ALEXANDER McQUEEN

 What a year this has been for Sarah Burton! She just keeps getting better and better (even though she was excellent even from the beginning)

The show began with crisp white pieces which had metallic gold fringing and intricately embellished shoulders and multiple peplums.

The use of silhouette throughout the collection was fitted, but did not feel like the models were constrained. Burton introduced a sense of lightness and stunning prettyness, I suspect with the introduction of couture like petal clusters and macramé lace fabric. I really loved the romantic feel that the distressed petal dresses brought to the collection, and those colours! my oh my, nude/lavender/mink/coral worked perfectly to create an explosion of floral fierceness (!!)

Colours moved on to be more dramatic, with the introduction of poppy red and severe black.  Never the less, they did not take away the romantic feel to it, rather, they added drama and a slight darker edge.

I am certainly not the first one to wish what I am about to say, but I really wish that I would have seen this show-  Can you just imagine those stunning creations passing you by?  It is a beautifully excuted collection, filled with drama and fantasy...surely what fashion is all about!  one day hey...

Hermes, Lanvin and Stella SS12 PARIS

HERMES

I really liked this collection from fashion house Hermes. 

The silhouette used throughout the collection was loose and drapey, even on the more structured pieces they tended to not cling to the body but fall away from it (Trapeze style)

The colours white (crisp white was a colour that most designers showed this spring/summer) featured on cotton, loose fitting shapes, most notably on shirts and dresses.  Delicate detailing was added giving the garments some depth such as the use of ladder trim inserts at sleeves and hems.  Lovely.

The colour tan, pumpkin and orange were tonally paired together, bringing a fresh, sophisticated edge to the separate pieces.  My favourite items from this collection were the printed art deco/tribal inspired printed pieces.  Look at that colour combination! coI loved the strak contrast with the warm tones used with cool tones (grey) and black.  The prints were kept simple and adopted a colour block approach, but yet remained very eye catching.

The silhouettes presented were as prevously mentioned, loose.  Familiar detailing such as extended shoulder patterns and flared sleeves (although perhaps a little shorter than seen on aw11-12) were used.  Key collar detailing were crew necks and high risin mandarin collars, which also featured front slit openings.  Demure but not too much. Nicely done.

LANVIN

Ok, next up is LANVIN.  And boy did I love this! I think you will be able to tell by the sheer volume of images I have included from this collection, I just couldn't narrow it down!!! so where to start?

I loved the introduction of high contrast colour blocked separates.  I loved the white blazer with contrast outer collar, this adds a touch of sophistication as I do think a full white blazer just looks nasty!

Trousers and bottom separates such as pencil skirts were introduced in slightly shiny fabrics with a tight fitting silhouette, these were cleverly paired with loose fitting items in order to balance out the overall look. 

One particular detail that I absolutely loved and made me think (how did they do that!!??) was the introduction of vertical slits on key shapes such as tops and dresses.  I mean, wow! how nice is that! Hide and reveal at its best. 

Next came a nude and dusty pastels array of garments, which I thought was quite refreshing. These were either paired tonally or with high contrast pieces.  I loved the idea of the layered high contrast slitted nude dress (this would be second row, look 3) wowzer.

STELLA McCARTNEY

Stunning Stella collection! I loved nearly every single piece! I am a fan anyways...but still. wow!

This collection seemed to combine new, old, quirky, and classic, in the most refreshing way.

First came the classic white pieces (again!!) Although these appeared fresh by being made in silks and sheer fabrics.  The shapes used as well were very clean and modern, with a sporty feel to them.  Shorts were short and dresses featured a very cut in high shoulder/sleeve pattern (scuba inspired). McCartney introduced lovely lace detail thoughout the collection too.  I loved the white inserted lace cutwork on simple white silk vests.

Next came the printed pieces which I think are going to be a very big trend for SS12...these would be the silky pijama pants/pieces.  A lovely use of colour was introduced in the print, such as off white, burgundy and dusty rasberry. yummy!

My favourite pieces from theis collection were the very clean, scuba inspired colour blocked separates.  I loved the juxtaposition of print, high energy colours such as that cobalt blue/white combo and lace trims.  It felt fresh, completely utterly wearable and desirable. WANT!

Haunting, Creepy AND on a Post-it Note

Ever since coming across John Kenn Mortensen's post it art whilst reading the Metro paper on the tube on my way to work circa one year ago, I have been captivated by this wonderfully creepy and haunting little nuggets of scary images.   They really do scary me a little bit, but in a good way!

Mortensen is a Danish professional character animator by trade.  He has turned an everyday post-it note that is usually put to use as a painful "to-do" work reminder into his canvas, which makes his artwork all the more charming (and I must add, more digestible...imagine seeing his monsters on a larger scale- I think I would pass out!!)  

I have included my favourite images below. 

You can also find more of this artist's work on the following link (his personal blog)

http://johnkenn.blogspot.com/

It's putting me right in the mood for Halloween!

Let's mix it up....Quirky Human/animal Hybrids...

I have recently noticed quite a lot of artists/photographers/creatives creating hybrids of human and animals to convey unusual and captivating images.  I must say I am liking the concept as the whole, and I am finding to be really inspired by this! Here are some of my favourite artists I encountered during my researching...

Mari Lowery

Mari Lowery is a New York-based artist and photographer. Since 2007 she has been experimenting with altering vintage portraits with animal features, which come together beautifully and presenting a creepy yet captivating outcomes.

Also, Lowery has named each of her characters and adorned them with a personality, which is a really cute idea! Here are some of my favourite images of hers...

Another photographer I liked images of was Robert Moses Joyce

His photography is a "peculiar treat," quoted by TrendHunter journalist.

His signature would be combining different unusual objects that you wouldn't necessarily pair together.  I personally love the image with the butterfly covering the woman's eyes and the cigarette hanging out of her mouth.  I mean, talk about unusual right? The juxtaposition of the unusual objects make a great alternative to predictable combinations. Quirky at its best!

One of my favourite artists that I discovered at Brick Lane's Sunday Up Market is Dan Hillier.  My favourite works of his are when he combines human and animal characteristics together to create wonderfully quirky, unusual and utterly desirable prints/products! I have inserted some images below....Loving the t-shirts! 

I also recently became an Dan Hillier oyster card holder owner...check it out :)

Please visit his website for more of his works!

http://www.danhillier.com/ 

Curious Girl Illustration

I did another illustration based on a photo that was taken of me.  I used fineliner, felt tip, ProMarker pens and metallic Bronze Ink...the result is seen below :)

Love eyes Illustration

I was inspired by Pan's Labyrinth's Monster for this illustration, just gave it a cute/modern twist.  I used fineliners, ProMarker pens, highlighter and finished it with computerised Text.

Today's Inspiration...Lana Del Rey

I am updating my portofolio today....but got distracted and did an illustration of my current inspiration/muse/obsession...the wonderful Lana Del Rey!

Balenciaga, Balmain and Nina Ricci SS12

BALENCIAGA SS12

Nicholas Ghesquiere, what a lovely collection you presented!

(sometime I do admit that the Balenciaga girl is a bit tooooo modern and structured for my liking, but this had a much softer appeal, so therefore I am a fan)

The look for the Balenciaga girl was boxy, semi structured and patched up.  Ghesquiere used tonal and contrast colour blocking, on tops, which were teamed with short shorts, skirts and metallic fringed midis (wwwooooowwww!!)

I particularly liked the way he introduced and combined different fabrics together...I loved the inverted pleat mini skirt which combined x 4 different fabrics in both plain and printed! (close up pic number 3 below on top)  I'm not a general skirt separate fan, but THIS IS A SKIRT!

I also liked the use of pockets being inserted on tops (which have been commercially really successful for the past season on the high street- so good to see them again as I love them!)

It is often difficult to describe Balenciaga clothes out loud and in writing, but somehow, when you view them in pictures, they make perfect sense!

BALMAIN SS12

The Balmain Girl!! Cool and what seems very rich this season!!!

I really liked this Balmain collections for a number of reasons....

The silhouettes used throughout the collection were not new or avant garde...what made this collection exciting for me is the way that Olivier Rousteing combined different fabrics into separates, to create  wearable outfits!!

I loved the cotton collar long sleeve shirts adorned with both gold embellishment (mainly at collar and down centre front plackets) and the studding (inserted at fron pocket flaps) Studding on the high street was seen introduced on shirts, and I think this would be a great way to move them on!  I am personally in love with the leather shirt (look 3 below) I mean woah! This is a definite must have! Look at it!

I really liked the introduction of denim, in particular in the long lenght skirt, teamed with casual mid lenght sleeve top.  I am a fan of maxi skirts, and love the idea of srolling out on a spring day wearing this with just some white pumps!

NINA RICCI SS12

Nina Ricci, one of the most romantic designers out there!

A collection ranging from the crispest white shade to midnight blue/black was presented for SS12.  One of the key features tops wise was the bra top.  (this was also a strong item which has been appearing on all SS12  catwalks, particularly in Milan)

I really liked some of the details that Ricci has incorporated in this collection. 

The lace panelling on the white flared shift dress is to die for, get me to a wedding quick! (as a guest...NOT AS A BRIDE) I really love the simplicity of this gown, as the lace inserts provide a tasteful recognition of the body's contours.

I loved the proportions that Ricci played with.  She used a lot of contrast, as in if she had a fitted top part of a dress, she would have it flaring out in a gorgeous white silk fabric at the hem.  If she has a bra top, she would team it with a flared, high waisted 50's volumous skirt and so on.  You get me?

The use of embellishment on some of the tops was also stunning, as they provided texture and a hint of colour without overkill.  I really liked the circular beading disks used to recreate 3-D flowers along the neckline and shoulders.  Gorgeous!

Feeling shy

This morning I picked up a pen and this is the outcome :)

Chloe, Celine and Cacharel SS12!

CHLOE SS12

What a beautiful debut collection  Clare Waight Keller brought to the fashion house of Chloe!

I loved how Keller combined the solid colours together of tan, burgundy, burnt orange, peach, all featuring on either matt or sheer fabrics. 

The shapes were flowy and easy to wear, the key to their success was the attention and insertion of interesting detail.  The designer introduced pleating (both knife and pintuck) in tonal colours, and tonal mesh fabric inserts, giving the whole collection a modern yet sophisticated edge that appeals to the current market. 

The tops in this collection particularly inspired me, as I think they were executed beautifully- beautiful colours, great details and unexpected design twists.  My favourites would be the pleated tonal striped shell top, with an inserted loose panel resembling half a cowl neck, the broderie anglaise shirt in puritan styling, and the tan mesh insert front button sleeveless top..if i was going to ever wear mesh, this is the way I would do itttt!! oh, there is also the tonal striped balloon sleeve top and the pleated shorts (all can be seen below) i mean, I really must begin to save up!

 CELINE

aaaah celine....you get me every single time! EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I am a fan of Phoebe Philo as a designer, as she has such a clear design aesthethic that is difficult not to completely fall in love with her collections.  For SS12, Philo presented her usual, clean, modern lines throughout, but managed to move these simple clothes on by the introduction of minor silhouette proportion changes-  here I am talking about the higher waist lines (inspired by the 50's couture trend) ans wider legged trousers (that have been so popular on the high street) There was of course, the brilliant introduction of summer leather.  All of these stunning designs appeared in blocked hues of red, plum, brown and green that contrasted brilliantly with the clear crisp white tone.  what a way to show those whites off! The pleating used throughout the collection also allowed for interesting texture to come forward on some of the clothes, adding depth to the collection.

When talking about Silhouette, I don't think there was the introduction of new shapes, as rounded neckline shell tops often accompanied midi lenght pleated skirts.  The collection was given a modern spin on it with the use of fabrics.  Here I am talking about silk crepe, silk chiffon (which looked stunnng on pleated skirts) metallic fluid fabric and what looks like butter soft leather. 

I loved the high contrast colour blocking introduced (red/white) on tops, as this gave the sporty feel without it feeling too sporty.  I loved the high waisted  peplum detailing introduced on colour blocked sleeveless tank top and colour blocked leather.  One last detail to note, the pocket shapes that Philo used throughout the collection (on coats, tops and dresses) is interesting and shows a bit of character, as it is showing new shaping to be taking place.  Brava!

CACHAREL SS12

I can be a fan of Cacharel's pretty prints and easy shaping, especially when talking about summer.  This SS12 season marked the debut designing collection from due Ling Liu and Dawei Sun. 

This collection did not receive great reviews, as it was mentioned that it didn't feel that directional and that it lacked a certain spark.  Although I agree, I did love several key styling/details that featured in this collection!!!

The white shorts seen on the first look below appear to be normal white shorts that have nothing to say for themselves.  However, look closer-  they reveal that they are interesting after all! the construction of them is high waisted, with half of the pattern where you would usually close to insert the zip being exposed and being made to flop over.  I love it! it shows simplicity and modernism in an effortless way.  You could just pair these with a simple white tee and make them do the talking.  Another pair of shorts that I was taken by, were the lined blue chiffon shorts (seen below) how lovely! I liked them as I have not really seen anything like that in shorts in the last few seasons, and I think it is rather clever to allow the sheer chiffon to reveal the contrast colour-SATIN lining.  again, this could be just the statement piece of your outfit!

When looking at the tops designed in this collection, I am rather in love with the white, high waisted double hemmed top, with inserted mesh at fron panels.  woah!  I also like the way they have played around with sheer and shiny fabrics and inserted strips of ribbon/satin on clear chiffon flowy top.  La-vely!

The print seen below I liked very much too, those pretty pastels combined with canary yellow, blue and orange really set the spring/summer mood, and love the watercolour effect they have been given.

ILLUSTRATION WORK

I drew some more today :) here are the latest illustrations that I did...