Joan Fàbregas

Spanish designer Joan Fàbregas' S/S 10 'Lost Control' collection is, sadly, for men. Still, there are a few pieces/outfits that I could see myself wearing, although I highly doubt I'd look as graceful wearing them as the model above (click on photos for a better look). Joan's previous collection, however, is meant for people of the female persuasion, and I think I'd look more comfortable in those clothes, perhaps in part because the clothes just look downright comfy. This week has been positively spring-like, so the pieces from his S/S 09 'Textile Surgery' collection (below) would be just the thing I need to spruce up my wintry lounging wardrobe.

One dress, two creatures

I apologize for my lack of posting yesterday. The truth is, I was quite distressed by an encounter I had yesterday afternoon with a very distraught puppy who looked like my favorite dog ever. Then, after I was able to think a bit more clearly without feeling the need to cry, I was occupied with discovering the past life of one of my favorite designers. And when I realized it was time to go to work, I planned on typing out a post on my break, but, alas, the Internet was down all day due to a cut line. So it goes.

I still can't stop thinking about that puppy though. And the aforementioned designer's past life. And somehow, this amazing dress by ledthread is relevant for both creatures. For the puppy, I might have felt like I could have done something to fix those sad eyes if I had been wearing it, as the gold chiffon peaking through makes me think I could suddenly reveal my superwoman alter ego when it's needed for such a situation. And for the designer, I think it perfectly symbolizes her move from a career where she always had to look fabulous and put together (dress done up, as on left), to a career where she feels free and much much happier, but is still pretty darn fabulous (dress worn loose and untied, as on right).

Crepes...and Katharina Hermes

If you know me personally and/or have ever been to my house, you would know that I do not cook. I can cook, I just don't do it (with the exception of amazing sandwiches and french toast, of course). However, since my first visit to Montreal, I instantly salivate at the mention of crepes, apples, or maple syrup, and even more so at any combination thereof. And so, for about the last year or so, I've had this recipe file sitting on my desktop to try whenever I got enough motivation to gather a few ingredients and get out a couple of pans and measuring utensils. Today was the day, and the result was absolutely glorious. Let's just say, it tasted like this:

mixed with this:

I'm curious to see what I could make that would taste like this:

Oh, if you're wondering what the recipe was, just do the following:

- Make 8 crepes and put aside (I used some crepe mix that I just had to add water and eggs to).

- Lock your door because the smell that will soon be coming from your kitchen will likely attract any and all passersby.

- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter on medium high heat.

- Stir in 4-6 peeled, cored, and sliced apples (I used Golden Delicious apples). Cook for about 5-7 minutes.

- Pour in 1/2 cup of maple syrup and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat a bit, and cook for another 5ish minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized.

- Divide this mixture up between the crepes, and put a couple of thin slices of brie on top of the apple mixture before you roll up each crepe.

- Then put the rolled up crepes on a baking sheet or in a glass cake pan, and warm them up at 350 degrees for about 5ish minutes, or to melt the brie. Eat and take all the credit for such a delicious creation.

Me and my man ate this for supper and could only eat three crepes each. I'm sure it's supposed to be dessert anyway, but two crepes per person would be the perfect snack/dessert. Yum.

(Photos from Katharina Hermes' breathtaking 'Body Architecture' collection.)

Lina Westin

I must say, becoming a blogger has definitely developed my Googling skills. Sometimes I find an interesting designer on NJAL that I'd like to feature, but he/she has gone and picked something totally random as a username, AND hasn't provided any information below their photos regarding their name/label/website/anything of use. And so I have to throw myself at the mercy of Google if I am intent on posting anything of value that day. Thank goodness for Facebook and, yes, MySpace, as the majority of designers tend to use social networking sites to promote their work if they haven't yet graduated and/or set up a website.

Anywho, the designer of interest tonight is Lina Westin, a 26-year old Swedish beauty who is also a musician. According to her resume as posted on her MySpace, she has quite the fashion design educational background, as well as design experience, including working for Acne and Proenza Schouler. So, after reading that, I'm not as surprised that her S/S 10 collection (above and below) seems so fresh and unique - this girl knows what she's doing, and isn't afraid to do it.

Granted, I/you might not like the colours and juxtaposition of sporty mesh with tweed (tweed!), but Lina has thought of that. Just read her description of the collection:

Make sketches that are awful, use materials that you hate and put it all together into something you somehow love. The SS10 collection is on the edge to anything. Almost sophisticated, almost techno tacky. A little sporty and a little arty. Very Millenium, but also medieval. Plain, yet extreme cuts in the finest wool tweed, mixed with polyester mesh and organza. Crazy garments to use on the tennis court, at the gallery opening or at the rave party. Whatever.

Whatever indeed. I don't know about you, but now I'm kind of digging both the mesh + tweed combo AND the colours. Hmm. Anyway, I do definitely love Lina's S/S 08 collection (below), which centers around the basic rectangle. Gorgeous.

Thank you Google!

Stuck on you

Yes, I know that everyone is probably long done with this collection, but I can't seem to get away from those perfect Comme des Garçons' Fall 2009 pieces. The fact that Rei Kawakubo is simply a genius, paired with my new favorite wardrobe staple (my ArtLab coat) AND my reacquaintance with Kat Stratford, has resulted in my obsession with all things military inspired. So much so that I'm thinking of taking my lab coat home one day to sew on military buttons. Now, while I've gotten over my original CdG envy, I would gladly welcome these two coats into the fold. I even like the trompe l'oeil detailing of the first coat, which surprises me a little. I don't think I'll ever get away from my love of asymmetrical details, layers, and voluminous shapes. And the iconic twisted coat detailing is just too darling. No matter who I see wearing them.

Oh, and this is what I'd like to be wearing today. Nothing makes army pretty like a layer of tulle. I could conquer the world in this outfit.

(Photos via Style.com)

Kat Stratford

When I first saw 10 Things I Hate About You in the theatre, I had found a friend in Kat Stratford, Julia Stiles' character. We were similar in so many ways; wherever we differed, I wanted to be just like Kat. I was finally comfortable with the fact that I was (then) flat-chested, just like her. I was proud that I was smart and an individual, unwilling to compromise myself in order to fit into any group at my high school. I felt no need for a boyfriend or a prom date, and thus felt both protective of and alienated from my sister because of this. And, there was one particular mysterious 'bad boy' that I was not afraid of, unlike most girls (and boys) were. And now, with 10 Things being re-released as a 10th anniversary edition, all these memories are delightfully flooding back, although I spose they weren't too far away, with my semi-regular viewing of my VHS copy. It may also be an odd coincidence in the timing of the movie's DVD re-release and the demise of a certain much-worn pair of pants. For since that first monumental viewing of 10 Things, I have made sure I had a pair of wide leg army green pants in my wardrobe, just like the ones Kat wore. My first pair were flat front chinos by Calvin Klein with a two inch hem and side slit pockets. When I outgrew those in 2002, I gifted them to my dear dear friend, who truly was the embodiment of Kat Stratford until she found her own Patrick Verona (a.k.a. Heath Ledger). Since then, I couldn't really fill the void, although a pair of American Eagle pants, of all things, did the trick in a pinch. Those, however, have recently succumbed to an unfortunate laundering accident (i.e. I should not operate a dryer when I have the flu). Now I am in the market to replace what has been a staple in my style for the last 10 years, and I must admit that I don't have much hope in succeeding. Sigh. At least I know that my new copy of 10 Things will fit me for 10 more years...

Emily Ryan, Winter 2010

Okay, okay, too much white, you say? Well, Emily Ryan brings it once again, restoring this blog to its monochrome roots. Well, with a teensy tinge of colour (i.e. the spectacular Light Screens dress, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's stained glass pieces). These are part of Emily's 2010 Winter Solstice collection, and I think this collection is my favorite yet. Particularly the one-off Cobra dress (bottom right). And I just love the set used for the photo shoot. Reminds me of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus...

I'm thinking of booking one of my vacation weeks to a Fashion Week somewhere. Right now, I'm leaning towards Portland...

seelenkleid

This, my friends, is what may very well be called a historic post for this blog. For the pieces you shall see contained within this post have not even the tiniest hint of black. Sure, I've posted some colourful pieces and whatnot in the past. But never has such a gathering of white - yes, white - appeared at this little corner of the Internet. And yet, I don't believe I need to explain myself or make excuses for those of you that are on the noir side of fashion. Just look at these pieces, and you'll understand.

These are from the S/S 10 collection of German Ella Haberlach's label, seelenkleid. The concept behind this collection, entitled 'blue code', is the following:

Masculine and feminine counterparts intertwine to form an

unspoken dialogue.

Shades of porcelain reflect the lovers merged existence, their shards,

indicative of the fragility of togetherness.

Now, if that wasn't a case for white to appear with a vengeance on this blog, I'm not sure what is.

Thanks to Fashion156 for introducing me to this wondrous label (again, for the second time, as Jennine of The Coveted posted about this collection and interviewed Ella back in July)! I indeed could see myself wearing a great number of these pieces, especially those delicate leggings, open-sided top, and the front cape piece. Sigh.

P.S. If you must see some black, check out Ella's earlier collections here. And, you can buy yourself a black or white seelenkleid piece from NJAL's The Shop.