OUTRAGE | Cultural Offence on The Catwalk

Trelise Cooper has been the subject of unwanted negative attention when she released models on the catwalk wearing Native American Head Dresses at her New Zealand Fashion Week show. Her intention was to reflect the beauty of the headwear, but ignorantly missed the fact that debasing deeply spiritual and sacred items for the sake of fashion goes over the line of risqué.

An overwhelming backlash against the designer's poor choice was seen throughout various social media networks. Most were an attack on how she labelled the look as "'70s bohemian vibes" on Instagram, satirising her blindness to the racist overtones, despite her later apology upon realising the offence she has caused

But, as someone who produces and distributes products that are supposed to be a reflection of society and culture, she has not done such a thing. As avant-garde and daring as some designers are, you still have a responsibility of being aware of the good and bad implications of your work, and hopefully Dame Trelise will completely avoid Racist Road again.

Images: Buzzfeed, Steph Adams and TVNZ

Shoes For A Better Future

A relatively young shoe label is fast becoming a sought after essential for fashion enthusiasts, and not in a place you'd necessarily think fashion is one. Aurora James, the Creative Director of Brother Vellies, is on a mission to preserve the ancient methods of shoemaking in Africa, and also bringing the African population to appreciate what has been lost in the ages and nurture their sense of style.

Inspired by her vacations in Africa and conversations about fashion with locals she met along the way, Aurora set out on a mission to fuse the old and new for African locals who wanted fashionable footwear. Producing shoes that skew the functionality and look of the modern day and trendy Desert Boot and Sandal, the materials used to create the shoe are a stand out compared to other fashion labels. Patent cork, recycled tyres, denim off-cuts and holographic leather are what comprise the set of unique footwear. 

Dedicated to providing functional yet individually stylish footwear and job opportunities for local populations, Aurora regularly flies between the workshops set up in Kenya, Namibia and South Africa, working with the artisans themselves. Her work has not gone unnoticed, with a previous collaboration with New York designer William Okpo, selling in Moda Operandi and an upcoming pop-up at Nordstrom.

In a multitude of ways, Aurora has silently blown many fashion labels out of the water, and I hope her work will be known and supported by the population at large. I mean, how can you not when her shoes are giving the locals more so than she intended to give? 

To check out and support the charitable label, head to www.brothervellies.com

Images: Opening Ceremony, Brother Vellies, Large Up, MoCADA and Revolusoul

Elderly Woman Makes Dresses for Children in Poverty

Lilian Weber, an elderly woman from Iowa, USA, spends her days in retirement tirelessly creating dresses for the charity, Little Dresses for Africa. Working much like an atelier, she personalises each and every dress, to make sure each girl feels uniquely beautiful when worn - a luxury less experienced by young girls living in Africa.

At an age where most in the same time of their life would plug off from the stresses of their work lives, this woman's desire to continue doing so for a humanitarian cause is admirable. To date, she has produced 840 dresses, and all by hand, and aims to keep going until she reaches 1000. 

It's wonderful when the discovery of rarely publicised Good Samaritans have their moment of fame, and hopefully her dresses will continue to clothe and bring happiness to the needy.

Images: Huffington Post

Source: Huffington Post

Karl Lagerfeld shoots Conchita Wurst for CR Fashion Book

In an elegantly sultry editorial for the latest edition of CR Fashion Book, legendary fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld photographed the current European pop darling, Conchita Wurst. Accompanied by the mother-to-be model, Ashleigh Good, the pair stylishly challenge the unbreakable standards of beauty and intolerance of the LGBTIQ community.

Dressed in clothing reflective of the distinguishable allure of Golden Hollywood starlets, the two supersede the stereotypical image of a successful and beautiful woman. Karl is no stranger to colliding with conformity, and this shoot grants him yet another gold star on his body of work within fashion and beauty.

Images: Fashion Gone Rogue

Source: Huffington Post

Haircuts for the Homeless

A Filipino-American hair stylist, based in New York City, has been giving homeless people throughout the metropolis a touch of style, and all pro bono. The Grooming Good Samaritan, Mark Bustos, makes time every Sunday approaching the homeless with a simple yet powerful phrase - "I want to do something nice for you today". By giving these people a haircut in open spaces, he continuously spreads the message of giving to any passersby. 

His humanitarian venture dates back to his days cutting the hair of the unfortunate since visiting his home country in May 2012, which fuelled his desire to bring his mission to The Big Apple. We all want to look and feel good about ourselves, and when one is dire straits, a simple haircut or mini-makeover maybe all we need to conjure the courage to live on.

Follow Mark Bustos on Instagram (@markbustos) for updates on his charitable work.

Images: Instagram

Source: Huffington Post

OUTRAGE | North West Debut Modelling Controversy

Everyone's up in arms over the debut model shot of North West wearing Chanel in the latest issue of CR Fashion Book, and once again, the heated debates over whether children should be modelling or not have erupted. The shot of the baby girl only says one thing to me - style does not choose age. You may or may not be fans of Kanye West or Kim Kardashian's work, but their fashion forwardness is obvious, and their keen eye for style is undoubtedly going to transfer to their offspring. What is fuelling the debate as to whether the shot is appropriate is the fact that the shot endorses mature style on young children, even though at first it may seem as an innocent photograph of a baby playing with her mother's bag. I have no problem with the editorial, as this is more a subtle approach to marketing the product, and embodies Karl Lagerfeld, the famous Creative Director of the label, philosophy of "It's Never Too Early to Care About Fashion". 

What are your thoughts? Is this shot deceivingly inappropriate, or is it a tribute to the continuity of the West family's fashion sense?

Image: Stylelist

Source: The Daily Beast

WISHLIST | Freedom shirt by Moschino

Freedom. A word that sparks a myriad of emotions that sway from anger to frustration to bliss. And now it's slapped on repeatedly throughout a shirt that can sometimes be perceived as a symbol of restriction and corporate control. Seeing this during my boredom induced dose of online shopping reminded me how I have a knack for skewed pieces of design. Subverting the meanings of design pieces which they are usually associated with is a tough gig, so I applaud Jeremy Scott from Moschino for producing a garment that is tacky, yet undeniably inspiring.

Images: Matchesfashion

The Model Rejected Because of Who She Is

Shocking isn't it? This beautiful model and blogger, Nikia Phoenix, is being dropped from shows purely because of her race and unbelievably, the freckles on her face. Under the external glamorous image many people see, the fashion industry is unforgiving, but being racist is a completely different issue. 

As stated in the incredibly successful Beyond Blue campaign shown throughout Australian screens, "Nobody should be made to feel bad just for being who they are", and this woman isn't letting the remarks and rejections she often faces demotivate from achieving her best in the cruel fashion industry. Her positive attitude despite all the prejudice has made her much more beautiful than she already is, with Phoenix once saying "I know I'm not perfect. I have these spots all over my face... but I'm glad I stand out... I've learned to love what makes me me."

We should all take note of Nikia's inspiring self-accepting attitude and apply it to ourselves. Look in the mirror and smile, be yourself and love yourself!

Check out Nikia's blog at www.modelliberation.com

Images: Huffington Post and Model Liberation

Source: Huffington Post

Embracing the #Fatkini

Accepting one's body, no matter what shape or size, is not easy for some of us. But now, there is a border-crossing social media movement of body confident women the world over who are showing off their voluptuous figures to make this possible for "plus-size" women. The hashtag that is accompanying these pictures, #Fatkini, and is a taunt at the aspiration of many women to acquire the "bikini bod" we are exposed to on a regular basis. 

 Gabi Fresh (left), an advocate for fashionable women blessed with curves

As per usual, public debate has revealed what people think of this body-loving protest. Some say it's an ode to a time when a woman's curves were glorified, others say it's just subverting the problem of obesity into non-existence. All in all, it's obvious these women do not care what we think and are purely doing this to inspire other women not to hide and show off their body. All the power to them! Be body confident everyone!

Image: Gabi Fresh and Sydney Morning Herald

Source: Oyster

The New Renewable Energy Source is Us

Imagine being able to harness your bodily energy to power electronics? Well, Naomi Kizhner has now made that possible. These pieces from the "Energy Addicts" collection of the designer are capable of converting body movements, including blinking, into an electrical current. 

As creepily beautiful as they are, the catch is that these devices are invasive, and have to be inserted into the skin to conduct electricity from the wearer. Nonetheless, this designer has ensured herself as a lead into the future of fashion, technology and environmentalism. As time goes by, the technology she has integrated into these pieces may spread throughout many other designers' collections, so that fashion enthusiasts the world over can contribute to the resolution of the energy crisis.

Images: Ecouterre

Source: Ecouterre

OUTRAGE | Stereotypes Must Be Broken

Most of the people I know have encountered some degree of bigotry based on a stereotype surrounding their race, gender, whatever. It's unavoidable. But, of all things, an online matchmaking network is now campaigning against the stereotypes we unknowingly hold within our psyche. The Indian website, Truly Madly's campaign sees a variety people of different walks of life to break the bias with a simple statement that contradicts the stereotype that surrounds their behaviour, personality, beliefs, work, passions and style.

As you can already see, a common misconception that is addressed in the campaign is the conflict (or balance) of work and the person's true calling and passion. In a time when entrepreneurial pursuits and a flourish of the creative industries, there are as many people catching the dream and questioning their own and other people's choice in working within art, music, fashion, architecture and the like. As I myself am working within what some people deem a fickle industry, the breaking of these stereotypes surrounding my passion is important to bring clarity as to what I do for a living. 

These aren't the only issues addressed, as the campaign targets language barriers, socioeconomic status, materialism, vegetarianism/veganism, homophobia and gender roles. Obviously, the goal of the campaign is to bring down any barriers that stop two people making a connection on the website, but it's unquestionable that it also serves as a deterrent of narrow-mindedness - something that we all have to some degree.

Or Dostoyevsky!

To check out the rest of the gallery, CLICK HERE

Source: Truly Madly

OUTRAGE | Stop The Beauty Madness

There is no question, challenging beauty standards has been around for a while, but there is promise in the determination of people who are standing up for body confidence. The latest campaign to glorify our natural beauty, called "Stop The Beauty Madness", has been created by Robin Rice from Be Who You Are. This series of 25 advertisements clarifies to viewers what many women, and men, face when deemed imperfect in terms of looks. 

Beauty issues that are addressed within the campaign include the prejudicial claim that all thin women are anorexic, the nature of beauty within different subcultures, and a fighting statement against the finding of the optimal anti-ageing solution. Another beauty issue being addressed, which has come to fruition as of late, is "Colourism" - the intra-racial preference for paler skin, and the damaging lengths some men and women go to to achieve porcelain skin, a trend very popular in Asian populations. This does not exclude the chase for the perfect golden bronze tinge many women, and men, want within the Western World.

The myriad of identity issues that correlate with beauty standards are broken down in full force within the campaign. The main message that comes through is that whatever age, gender, lifestyle, body type and ethnicity you are, we have to accept ourselves for who we are, and be proud of it!

For a look at the complete campaign, head to www.stopthebeautymadness.com

Images courtesy of Refinery29

Source: Refinery29

Conchita Wurst models for Jean Paul Gaultier

Today marked the modelling debut for transgender pop star, Conchita Wurst, and with none other than the eclectic fashion legend, Jean Paul Gaultier. Smack bang in the middle of Autumn/Winter 2014 Haute Couture week in Paris, the two made a stand against LGBTI prejudice. Conchita's debut is one step towards trans acceptance within society, and also towards diversity within the modelling industry. Jean Paul Gaultier is no stranger to showing his admiration for the bold and daring figures of the times - with the body confident Beth Ditto and out-of-this-era sex bomb, Dita Von Teese, in shows past. As Gaultier says, "Beauty is difference" - a value we must all possess, and one in which he regularly conveys throughout his collections and campaigns.

Image courtesy of New Now Next

Source: The Independent

Let's Watch | Mother Marina for Adidas

The Mother of Performance Art's collaborative campaign with Adidas for the 2014 FIFA World Cup is well and truly a reflection of the hypocritical nature of the promises we give to ourselves and the isolation we seek from others in this technologically driven world. There is a paradox within the majority of the population nowadays - most of us want to be closer to more people, to be more communal, but our actions do not reflect that - this simple social experiment aims to address this.

 The campaign, named Work Relation, shows 3 different social groups performing the same task. Two individuals, two couples, and a chain of people, carrying stones from one end of the room to the other. Mundane and easy it may sound, but as the performance goes on, it turns out us as individuals or couples give up sooner than as a group. Bang.

The subtlety of Adidas' product placement is overshadowed by the raw relevance of what is being conveyed - we have to come back to a time when connections are made not through technology, not through the Internet, but through face to face interaction, whether it be for work or for leisure. I myself am a hypocrite for having to say this to you, but it may be the only way to inspire change nowadays.

ALL IN OR NOTHING.

Watch the performance at www.showstudio.com

Images courtesy of Youtube

OUTRAGE | Louis Vuitton's Racist Runt

The London Louis Vuitton boutique where racism regularly took place

"BLACK PEOPLE ARE SLAVES WHO EAT DIRT OFF THE FLOOR"

This is just an example of the remarks a former employee of the Parisian fashion house, Louis Vuitton, has been subject to by their former manager, The Mirror reports. Obviously the thoughts of an prejudicial individual, there are further reports of the former manager stating that "[Louis Vuitton] products are shit because they are made in China", and his consistent snide comments about Asians.

"Stop Racism" - Walter van Beirendonck sends out a message to the fashion industry

The issue of racism is not new within the fashion industry, but to be reminded of its presence is unsettling. This may all too much remind many fashion followers of Tommy Hilfiger's downfall, John Galliano's anti-semitic remarks and that unspeakable incident in Alexander McQueen's New York Meatpacking district boutique, just to name a few. One thing is common amongst these incidents, and that is that they led to the detriment of the respective fashion house in one way or another, and Louis Vuitton being subject to this curse may mean the same.

With injustice comes justice, and the former employee who was subject to this verbal treatment has sued the fashion house, despite a spokesperson claiming the label has a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of harassment. Luckily, the racist individual in question has left the company. 

Image courtesy of E + M Tecnica and Complex

Source: Fashionista and The Mirror

Sustainable Style

I've recently just finished reading Shaping Sustainable Fashion by Alison Gwilt and Timo Rissanen, and is a read I'd definitely recommend to anyone in the fashion industry. The book is separated into chapters which explain how sustianable and eco-friendly practices can be incorporated into the fashion design process, and has profiles on many sustainable and eco-friendly fashion labels, including the one and only Maison Martin Margiela! From reading this I have learned how to be more sustainable on my part as a fashion consumer, with the wonderful ideas and real life stories of people in the fashion industry slowing down fashion, refashioning garments, and even "upcycling" garments they had no use for anymore. Since I am also studying Sustainable Design this term, this book has helped me, and the combination of what I learn in class and what I have learnt from this book, I will definitely be more aware of what my actions can impact on the environment and society as a whole. Oh and don't mind the Jean Paul Gaultier "Le Male" card, it's just a bookmark!