Givenchy: Neon Camo Overload

Riccardo Tisci's injection of undeniably rebellious designs have turned Givenchy on its head, and his talent and skill is commendable, but this collection particularly is a hit and miss. The Pre-Spring/Summer collection for 2014 encompasses an abundance of neon camouflage, gender-illuding florals and symbolic fire prints, which overpower the wonderful tailoring of the collection and the fact that this is the first Pre-season Givenchy menswear collection that features the man-bag.

To the Tisci loyalist, this collection is a wonderment, albeit this is more extreme than previous collections, but to people who are new to his eccentricity may be intimidated by this collection. Riccardo usually sets trends, but with this collection, it seems he has been reactive, twisting the much seen trends of camouflage and floral prints for men by using much vibrant colours and applying it to the slim-line yet sometimes obscure silhouette he is known for. There is much more to this designer, and many know it, we'll just have to see what's next for Mr. Tisci.

Images courtesy of Trendland

Central St. Martin's New Project

You're not the first to be confused by this magazine cover, but this magazine is actually the new project from the intimidating and world-renowned Central St Martins College of Arts & Design. If you don't know of Central St. Martins, the college has given birth to the highly successful fashion design careers of the late Alexander McQueen, controversial John Galliano, Céline's Phoebe Philo, and my personal favourites, British designer Christopher Kane and the rebellious Givenchy Creative Director, Riccardo Tisci.

From 1 Granary editorial, "All. White. Everything", December 2012

It was only a matter of time before the highly skilled and talented students of the prestigious college would start a publication, especially with the expansion of journalism into the digital world, as most things have, and the opening of rival college, The Condé Nast College. The magazine, called "1 Granary", will be covering fashion, art & design, and is yet to be released. But, the blog has already been established, offering us jealous types to peer into the college and the students' collective interests.

For more information on the college and the courses they offer, head to www.csm.arts.ac.uk

For a preview of the magazine, head to www.1granary.com

Images courtesy of 1 Granary

Louis Vuitton: The Art of Travel

Louis Vuitton has developed over many years into the optimal luxury brand when it comes to travelling fashionably, with their high-quality leather luggage frequently being marketed as the best for crossing continents. Staying true to their reputation, the label has now released a series of travel books, all glorifying the beauty and diversity of the many worlds within our world.

Central Park by Jean-Phillipe Delhomme, New York

The 4 artists, all from different parts of the world, aimed to show both their skill and the perception of a traveller within a new city - French fashion artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme painted New York, Congo artist Chéri Samba for the fashion capital of Paris, Japanese graphic illustrator Natsko Seki presents to us her view of London and proud American Daniel Arsham gives us a look into the mysterious Easter Island in Chile. The books aren't your typical travel guide, so don't sacrifice that much-needed Google Maps app for these, but rather keep them as a reminder of the wonderful multicultural world we live in , a testament to these artists' talents, and simply to flick through for inspiration to travel to these iconic cities and landmarks.

The busy city of London by Natsko Seki

The elusive Easter Island by Daniel Arsham

To view and shop the series and find out more about the artists, CLICK HERE
To watch the campaign films, CLICK HERE
Images courtesy of Wallpaper

Dior's Frontier Cruise Collection

Monaco paved way for the historically modern Dior to unleash their Resort/Pre-Spring/Summer 2013/14 collection in a Bauhaus-inspired setting to wide critical acclaim, yet keeping the event relatively low-key. The dreariness of the Monaco weather surprisingly highlighted the bright modernity of the collection, and making Raf's first use of lace within a Dior collection much more apparent. 

Classic Dior combinations of bright with neutral was a given, but the appearance of gradient neon accessories was a sign of Raf Simons' influence. A hybrid of the "New Look" skirt and structured pants would've no doubt caught the attention of many who attended, followed by the collared crop tops, which will surely be trickled down to youth fashion.

Metallics, sheer and of course, lace, appeared throughout the collection, and in clashes. Clashing lace with shapely panels of a multitude of colours in simplistic dresses once again presented Raf's ability to make simple garments much more dynamic. Bent heels on scarpins, luscious silk ensembles and masculine sunglasses created more depth in what would be a potential brush-off collection. Overall, Raf showed an exploration of the possibilities of bringing a more non-prejudice approach to fashion, which is completely relevant to the modern society's ethos.

To view the complete collection, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of ModelsJam and Purple Magazine

The Dior Man

The Dior man is quintessentially an embodiment of the Dior woman - modern, sleek, and contemporary, with a shadowy rebelliousness both seen and unseen. Dior Homme's latest fashion film brings us an intense insight into the style, personality and world of this man.

Kris Van Assche has conveyed his message of what a Dior man truly is - casual and cool. Of course, "cool" changes according to context, but how can impeccably tailored and structural style not make one so? The Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2013/14 collection brings this man's style into your wardrobe, allowing to channel your alternatively cool side simply through well-made clothing. Don't hesitate, walk into the world of the Dior man...

To view the Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2013 fashion film, head to the official Dior Youtube channel HERE

Images courtesy of Esquire, GQ, Fandiz and Metatube

Punk: Chaos to Couture

Brush aside all the celebrities who attended the Met Ball, and you'll see what this year's occasion was fundamentally celebrating - Punks. The Punk movement had an undeniable affect on everything - politics, culture, visual arts, music, graphic design and of course, fashion. The ripped jeans, nickel chains, out of context tartan, tshirts sporting unruly comments against society and the emergence of Fashion's Mother of Punk, Vivienne Westwood, and rising popularity of the musical anti-hero, Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols.

The Costume Institute's exhibition, Punk: Chaos to Couture, is aimed at showing us all how rebellious we can be, simply through the way we band together and change culture through our collective resentment of the system. The exhibition will be at the Met in New York City will be open from May 9 - August 14 this year, so if you're heading to The Big Apple or are already a local, make sure you channel your inner rebel and bathe in the Punk atmosphere at the exhibition.

For more information on the Punk: Chaos to Couture, head to the Met Museum website

Images courtesy of Met Museum and Suzanne DeChillo from The New York Times

John Varvatos has gone Platinum

The Greek-American designer label, John Varvatos, has released a limited edition fragrance that reflects the modernity and casual cool of the contemporary man, which is no doubt a rarity. The label, famous for their minimal rock 'n' roll aesthetic, with an emphasis on the elemental, is bound to be a hit amongst men worldwide. Platinum is a mix of invigorating spices, herbs and citrus, whilst being engulfed in earthy woods, leather and amber. Probably the most striking feature of the fragrance is the bottle - a sleek, sterling silver design which complements the clean-cut image of fashion-conscious men.

Be on the look out for when the fragrance hits stores locally, or you can head to www.johnvarvatos.com to purchase now

Images courtesy of John Varvatos and A Beauty Feature

Alan Taylor's Cubist Tailoring

There's a satisfying air of refreshment when you discover someone who you know is set to become a powerful force within the fashion industry. This Irish designer, Alan Taylor, carries a spark that will hopefully propel menswear into a new direction. Having worked with high profile designers such as Simone Rocha and Alexander McQueen, this modest man has appeared out of the blue with might, showing us a heavily Cubist inspired collection. His collection encompasses juxtaposing tailored elements that are out of proportion and soft sheers and heavy kilts, no doubt an expression of his heritage. Overall, his designs are meant to give men an interesting silhouette, something which has been much associated with womenswear.

To learn more about Alan Taylor, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Not Just A Label

Gucci Artisan Vol. 2

Last year, Gucci opened up The Artisan Corner in 3 stores in Australia, giving the opportunity for customers to see the skill and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of one of the label's famed handbags - The Bamboo Bag. This year, in celebration of 60th Anniversary of the label's Horsebit loafers, the Italian artisans return straight from Florence to show you the technicalities behind these men's footwear essentials. 

The artisans will be at Gucci stores in Sydney and Melbourne from the 21st - 30th of May. For more details on which stores and times the craftspeople will be showcasing their skill, CLICK HERE. Photographs of the craftsmen and loafers will be up next week, stay tuned!

Images courtesy of Gucci

A Look Into Raf's Archive

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2005 Double-Breasted Coat 

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2006 Perforated Hoodie

Raf Simons is a diamond in the rough, being trained in industrial design rather than fashion, but that had no impact on his rise to the top of the fashion world. Once being the Creative Director for the minimal queens label, Jil Sander, and now directing Christian Dior's Haute Couture and Ready to Wear, and of course his own label, his ability to warp the silhouette of both men and women is unsurpassed. A look into what he has designed in the past and its relevance today is fascinating - the skinny trouser, double breasted coat and androgynous pieces a prevalent trend amongst the fashion conscious today. His influence on fashion often goes unnoticed, but it is clear to see the trickling down of his panelled shirting, sports luxe pieces, and crisp leather sneakers throughout the crowds. His return to the luxury fashion retailer, LN-CC, is now being celebrated with an insight into the archives of his bewildering designs.

Raf Simons Autumn/Winter 2004 Short Sleeve Crew, Spring/Summer 2005 Raised Seam Pants

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2002 High Collar Jacket, Autumn/Winter 2005 Relaxed Sweat Shorts

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2003 Extended Hood

For the complete archival editorial, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of Manuscript and LN-CC

The Power Dressers of Fashion

In lead up to the opening of the famed fashion exhibition, In Fine Style: The Art of Tudors & Stuarts at the Buckingham Palace, a campaign featuring High Fashion Goth designer, Gareth Pugh was released. The campaign is a brief look into the history of fashion's evolution from a luxury to a necessity, how dressing for a political purpose was upheld in the nobility and how that idea still exists in the dark designs of Gareth Pugh and its relation to the designs of Tudors & Stuarts.

Gareth Pugh Autumn/Winter 2013

Gareth Pugh Autumn/Winter 2013

Tudors & Stuarts were a medieval dynasty that included King Henry VIII, and were known to start the "trickle-down" effect in fashion, where the style of the higher and noble classes are mimicked by those of the middle and poorer classes. Gareth Pugh, and even Alexander McQueen in respect, were/are influenced by this period, hence their outrageous yet regal designs. Gareth Pugh is much darker in his aesthetic, and his influence is seen everywhere - the trend of monochromatic leathers, powerful and structured jackets and skin tight leather pants as every day wear an example of this, being donned by fashionistas all over the world. For a closer look at his designs and what influences the designer, watch the video below:





In Fine Style: The Art of Tudors & Stuarts is now on in the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London, England. The exhibition closes on 06.10.13.
For more information, head to the Royal Collection website

Images and video courtesy of Dazed Digital