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

WISHLIST | Haydenshapes x Alexander Wang

 One of the kings of cool within the fashion industry - Alexander Wang, has teamed up with Haydenshapes, for a painfully unattainable series of surfboards. The "Cage" within the store are the home for the five award-winning Haydenshapes Hypto Crypto models, and are exclusively for this installation. But despite the many Wang loyalists begging for these to be available for purchase, at least the designer's obsession with marble can encourage a shared appreciation for the ancient and earthen.

As simple as they may look, the production of the boards consisted of digitally creating the patterns by taking photographs of differing marble slabs and printing them onto silk, then onto the boards. The finished products are an embodiment of the uniqueness of earthly patterns, the beach lifestyle and the pure thrill of riding the waves of God's tranquilliser. 

For a closer look at the collaboration, head to www.alexanderwang.com

Images: Trendland and Highsnobiety

Source: Haydenshapes

Wishlist | 'Everlarsen' track shorts

There are always those fashion pieces you come by down the street or online that create for you an air of nostalgia that is both satisfying and regretful. These 'Everlarsen' track shorts by A.J.L. Madhouse by Asger Juel Larsen brings me exactly that feeling. Long story short, they are very reminiscent of the "mosh shorts" I saw frequently throughout my days finding every opportunity to show up at metal and hardcore gigs. Ah, good times, good times.

Shop more A.J.L. Madhouse by Asger Juel Larsen at www.asgerjuellarsen.com

Image courtesy of Farfetch