Burkhardt/Möllmann

While I can't say that the overall aesthetic of Berlin-based label Burkhardt/Möllmann (found via Arcademi) makes me feel the need to add a piece to my wardrobe, there's something about these pieces that I quite like. Or maybe I do like the overall aesthetic, and not the 'something'. Hmm. For example, I can't pick out a specific piece from the S/S 12 collection (above) that I'd like to wear, but I appreciate the Life Aquatic meets Top Gun feel. 

And for the A/W 11/12 collection (above), I like the architectural element provided by the use of that stiff and plushy car upholstery-type fabric (eg. skirt on left). I'm also a fan for some reason of that added layer of hanging things, which seems like a salute to a Roman centurion's cinculum militaire but with less leather, more length, and more of a WWII setting. B/M actually had that hanging detail in the two collections previous to A/W 11/12, but it is best realized here. 

My favorite piece, I'd have to say, comes from my least favorite collection, the mostly-white S/S 09. I can't keep a white shirt white for longer than five minutes, but the pretty gathering detail in these harem/drop-crotch pants/shorts would draw all the attention away from any conspicuous stains on my shirt down to my knees. And yes, I do think that generally this shape of pant has gotten quite old and overdone, methinks, but simply adding a speck of imagination makes them seem rather 'fresh', as they say.

Oh, is it lunch yet?!! I just finished my breakfast, but I can't wait to have leftovers from last night's dinner. I made raw tacos (though I made it non-vegan with real sour cream, applewood smoked cheddar slices, and honey in the fresh salsa) and this wonderfully light (and nearly vegan) macaroni salad, but had a house full of hungry people and no time to take pictures. Both things are absolutely perfect for a hot summer day when you don't want to cook (though I recommend having an extra knife and cutting board to recruit some help if you make both things together, as there's a lot of chopping required.) Next up I'll be looking to make something with the paneer I finally found, possibly these pea puffs. Yum.

The Life Aquatic with Heal

Well, I spose I shouldn't complain too much as I just had the most sleep out of any night this week. Still, I'm not all that impressed that I woke up to a coughing fit at 6 am on one of the last days of my holidays. Sigh. How fitting though that I have been reacquainted this morning with French label Heal, thanks to Susie Bubble. Apparently they had some financing issues for their S/S 10 collection, meaning that the pieces aren't quite as intricate as those immensely detailed A/W 09 pieces (which are still available in their online shop). Nonetheless, this collection may work out better for myself in the end for two reasons: 1) I can't afford their gorgeous A/W 09 Brain Jacket with a price tag of € 1780.00, but I'm thinking this collection may be a bit more affordable. And, 2) I absolutely love The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou theme. I'm assuming that the Heal designer pair had this movie in mind, anyway, with the exact colour palette of the movie, the predominant red touque in the majority of the photos, and the Jacques-Yves Cousteau quote on their website (and the fact that their Facebook lists them as a fan of both Wes Anderson and Bill Murray). The outfit above, for one, is more than reminiscent of the uniform of the Belafonte crew (although this top involves a lot more hook-and-eyes!).

And, continuing with the aquatic theme, these two pieces are quite ingeniously modeled after none other than the beautiful manta ray.

And this dress! Absolutely gorgeous. My mother did tell me when I was younger that I couldn't pull off orange, but I'd break my life-time avoidance of the colour for this silk dress, featuring shell/scale shapes in the bodice. Sigh.

Well, I do feel a little better now.