Inbar Spector, A/W 12/13

Inbar Spector's A/W 12/13 show streamed live at 4AM my time this morning, and I missed it. Not because I wanted to, and not because the link didn't work for me, but because I had actually finally fallen into a non-hallucinatory sleep. Funny thing is, I woke up at about 4:32AM, likely just when the show had ended. Sigh. Anyway, it seems the Internets are all a-buzz over Inbar's newest collection, which isn't a surprise at all to me. I must say it seems a bit déjà-vu though, as Inbar not only presented another pastel-hued tutu-laced collection, but she did so again for Vauxhall Fashion Scout, and again in the exact same venue. Is that a glitch in the Matrix, or are we just lucky to have another Inbar Spector collection follow so quickly after the last? Anyway, I was trying to get photos all day (in between a doctor's visit for me and giving first aid advice to my man after he nearly cut his finger off making me tea) of Inbar's whole collection, as the bloggers that had attended the show seemed to focus on all the same shiny and/or floaty pieces, as well as the jeweled headpieces. So not only was I rather happy when The Fashion Scout, Vauxhall's blog, put up the entire video of Inbar's show for all to see, but I was also quite pleasantly surprised to see that there was black in this collection! And so, here are my favorite pieces of Inbar's collection. I apologize that you are seeing them presented as tiny screen shots. While the ones above definitely showcase Inbar's love of Junya Watanabe, the one below is a perfect example of Inbar's unique aesthetic. Gorgeous.

Anachronism

An anachronism — from the Greek ανά (ana: up, against, back, re-) and χρόνος (chronos: time) — (ism: act state and condition) is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement, especially a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other.*

I don't know what this mini-collection from Kristofer Kongshaug is about (found via NJAL), but it doesn't really matter, does it? And that might be the point, given their collective title. Perhaps each piece is a B-side of sorts from previous collections. Or perhaps the anachronism no longer exists because I slightly altered the order of the photos from how they're presented on NJAL. Hmm...At any rate, I really want to see the seam work for each of these pieces for some reason.

In other news, Inbar Spector's online shop is finally open! Beware, for she takes PayPal...

*Ah, good ol' Wikipedia. Scourge of professors (and/or students) everywhere.

Where are they now?

I've been sorely neglecting my duties of keeping you updated on ol' kOs favorites, so I thought I'd combine three such updates into one neat package. First up is fashion grad Stacey Grant. We last visited her over a year ago while she was studying for her MA at Kingston University. Well, Stacey graduated and has just accepted a position as a lecturer for Fashion Design at the University of Wales. Congratulations, Stacey! This is good news both for her and for future designers. Oh, how I still want this dress of Stacey's...

Second up is Becca McCharen's Chromat. It's only been a couple of months since we last saw the cagey aesthetic of this NY-based label, but the S/S 12 collection lookbook has been out for a couple of weeks already, and it's time you see it. While the A/W 11 collection was comprised primarily of accessories, S/S 12 features stand-alone pieces of clothing that you can go out to brunch with your parents in, while still getting that blatant look of disapproval from anyone over sixty (go to the Chromat Facebook to see more). What I'm loving most from the collection though is Chromat's first foray into swimwear. That is how a bikini should be done, as far as I'm concerned.

And last up is Inbar Spector. We last saw Inbar in about 1859, or thereabouts, when she graciously answered some of my questions. Well, as you may have seen posted by Queen Michelle, Inbar has finally put out another collection, which was just shown at last week's Vauxhall Fashion Scout portion of LFW. At first I thought that the collection was a huge departure from her previous work, but after seeing the entire collection on Inbar's (updated) website, I can see that she's simply added even more intricacies into her aesthetic by upping the opulent factor, and has thus even moreso honed her talent for creating couture. Make sure you double click to see the gorgeous details, and go to Inbar's site to watch the runway video. I'd definitely wear that seafoam swan-ish dress (seafoam!), and it goes without saying that I can still see Björk wearing every single piece of Inbar's. Sigh.

Ladies, I'm so proud.

Top 19 Finds of the Winter

Usually the first day of Spring would be a day of relief, as our winters are generally two months too long, and rather taxing on the human brain. This past winter, however, has been unbelievably kind to us, especially as it's already been on it's way out for a few weeks. Nonetheless, I will not complain that Spring is officially here today. And though most of you have been with me the past season, here are my Top 19ish Finds of Winter 09/10 (I had a lot of ties for most of the categories). I would recommend getting outside and watching buds appear (as I will be once I've typed this), but once you have to go back inside, you can click happily away on the links below.

1) Designer: Inbar Spector, Jessica Darwin
2) Fashion grad student: Bartosz Suligowski
3) Label: Txell Miras, Hexa by Kuho
4) New collection: Mandula, 2010
5) Basic piece: mydearthing Carly Dress, ArtLab Artisanal Wool Coat No. 1, CareWear knit goods
6) Future purchase: Alexandra Groover A/W 10 dress
7) Custom made piece: Maria Severyna black silk wrap, ArtLab black Star Trek Princess dress
8) Package in the mail: Mandula shorts, Jessica Darwin neck corset and drip tank
9) Want: Ravishing Mad jeans, Kat Stratford pants
10) New Album: Eluveitie's "Everything Remains As It Never Was"
11) Website: DesignerDreamCloset.com (more on this later!)
12) Furniture: Skin & Bone woven pieces from Ditte Lerche and associates
13) Magazine: POP
14) Post: Interview with Bonzie
15) Most Tasteful Post: "Crepes...and Katharina Hermes"
16) Future project: Alexander McQueen kimono-inspired jacket
17) Most worn pieces: ArtLab Oversized Revolutionary jacket, Maria Severyna grey wrap, Attila Design Sybil dress, mydearthing Fingerful Warmers
18) Most beautiful dress ever: Attila Design Poem dress
19) Most heartbreaking collection(s): Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 10, A/W 10/11

Links à la Mode, The Heavyweights

My interview with Inbar Spector is featured this week in IFB's Top 20 posts from its members' blogs. So perhaps you should read it if you haven't yet, and then check out the other lovely links below!

The Heavyweights

Edited by Dramatis Personae

Fashion’s getting heavier– and I’m not just talking about the rise of supermodels like Crystal Renn. This week we’ve got meaty posts covering ethical topics like the sustainability of bamboo at Awakened Aesthetic whileBonne-Vie covers the the implications of buying items made in China. We’ve got not 1–not 2, but 3 AMAZING Interviews this week at Alice in Stilettos, kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS, and White Rabbit. Even Gala Darling’s post on her 2010 Style Direction could serve as a paperweight, it’s so chock full of inspiring images, details, and notations.

As usual, there’s a fabulous collection of links in the forums for your continued reading pleasure!

Links à la Mode: January 21st

• Alice in Stilettos: – Interviewed brilliant 18 year old designer, Nathan Gerard!
• Awakened Aesthetic: – How Green is Your Bamboo?
• Bonne Vie: – At Bonne Vie, we talked about the impact of conscious spending on your wardrobe (and one girl’s journey to not buy “Made In China”).
• Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Stormy Sophistication. A comprehensive guide for the girl who wants to remain fashionable even in the midst of a monsoon!
• DailyDivaDish: – Vintage Broaches: 8 Unique ways to wear these treasures & more — includes many pics of different broaches & a DIY idea for reusing those with broken clasps.
• dramatis personae: – Following Your Instincts…When Meeting New People, When Shopping, When at Work, and When in Love
• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Ponders the significance of the C. Finley Wallpapered Dumpster Project.
• For Those About to Shop: – International runway sensation Stacey McKenzie inspires aspiring models to be themselves.
• Gala Darling: – 2010 Style Direction: Psychadelic Ladies Who Lunch
• girl friday : – DIY Ribbon Necklace & Bracelet. tutoirial on how to make your own ribbon necklace.
• hello beauty! – In my post on Hello Beauty, I wrote about the new Bobbi Brown campaign. She’s using friends – not models.
• Idee Fixe: – Fashion and the arts charities supporting Haitian Relief on Idee Fixe.
• In Life & In Fashion: – Make a “Most Coveted List” to avoid silly impulse spending! Includes tip on how to create your own list and what is currently on mine!
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: – How to Create Your Media Kit
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My exclusive interview with Inbar Spector, an Israeli London-based designer whose renowned avant garde Bjork-inspired designs have been worn by celebrities such as Rihanna.
• Model Max: – A special report on the history of male modeling – from the 1980s to the present time, with short profiles of selected male models who remain successful even after modeling.
• Oranges and Apples: – Top tips for organising your wardrobe.
• Retro Chick – The 4 things I’ve always wanted but never owned.
• THE COVETED – Marion Cotillard and Franz Ferdinand team up for Dior.
• the fashionate traveller: – the rock/burlesque/voodoo vibe that is alternative Sydney label Baroque & Roll.
• White Rabbit: – Introducing Sorcha Gillet, the Irish born textile designer and blogger.

Interview with Inbar Spector

As you can see on the right, my dream job would be to design clothing for Björk. I've been a major fan of the Icelandic songstress for about 6 years, and count seeing her in concert as one of the greatest experiences of my life. Medúlla was the first new Björk album to come out after I had realized how awesome she was, and it's been my favorite album of hers ever since. The concept behind the album as well as the overall look of the Medúlla photos are just perfect. So, as soon as I saw Inbar Spector's work, I fell in love. The runway photos from her latest collection channel that Medúlla look so gorgeously. And yet I feel that these looks could be worn off of the runway, even by non-Icelandic songstresses like myself. I was amazed to find out that Inbar is far younger than her talent and renown would hint towards. And so, I was simply compelled to find out more about this spectacular London-based designer. I'm quite glad I did.

***

What is the very first piece you remember designing?

I remember that design was my big escape from boring lessons at school, so in the last pages of my notebooks you can find some designs. I think my parents saved one or two notebooks from my fifth grade with a few designs. When I was a kid, I used to design mainly exotic princess dresses, like something Cleopatra would wear.

What is your most treasured piece of clothing?

My wedding gown. I've designed a 19th-century inspired dress which was a bit twisted and torn as if it has been worn out and then was sewn again, but not in the right way. It got sewn with "mistakes" and holes. It's special because of its meaning. I have many pieces which I wear that are very precious to me, but the wedding dress has more to it then just a garment.

Do you wear your own designs?

Yes. I've always been very tiny with a non-conventional taste, so it forced me to create my own clothes. When I was in school I used to skip school and go shopping. Usually I'd come back empty handed because I didn't find anything that I liked in my size. All I found were juvenile clothes with cartoon images and stuff like that...

Your designs have already brought you a lot of international acclaim, including awards, many press features, and being picked by stars such as Rihanna. Are you surprised at the response to your work?

I’m surprised by the exposure I got in the UK. I came from a small country and things like dressing celebrities almost never happens there. I'm so grateful that people in the UK accepted me and like my work. I would never imagine that famous people from USA would wear my designs so soon. It’s very flattering.

Does being from Israel affect your designs at all?

I think that the immigration itself affected my work. My debut collection was all about my immigration. The backpack, which was the main motive, reflected how my bag became my home and my second skin, always on my body.

In terms of style, in Israel the weather is very hot, so most of the time you want to drop layers instead of wearing more like here, so I find working on summer collection more easy.

I also think that the connection to the army influenced me, as the army service in Israel is compulsory. I served two years in the army, but the impact of the army stays with the Israeli public all their lives because of the security situation.

What prompted you to move to London, and do you plan on remaining there?

I've always had the same style, which I think is very much inspired by the British history and also British decadence. It was one of the main reasons for me to come to the London and try to reach the British public.

The British public is very open minded to avant garde and very welcoming for young fashion designers, so I thought it would be the best place for me - and I was right. I could never ask for a better welcome. I'm grateful for the acceptance and for the opportunities that the UK has opened for me. I would love to stay in London not only because of the opportunity, I just love the people here!

What are your main sources of inspiration for creating new pieces?

My main source of inspiration is fashion. My point of view on the history of fashion from the very early days of fashion till fashion today and my interpretation of it. I create fashion that talks about fashion. Throughout the design process, I always think what would I like to wear and what’s cool for the next season and stick to my instincts.

Do you listen to music while you work, and what is your favorite?

I usually don’t listen to music when I design because it influences my work. Music is very dominant and changes your mood, and I don’t want it to distract me from my ideas. I can listen to music whenever I don’t do design work and I tend to listen to whatever people listen in the studio. They usually pick the music. When I’m at home I listen to many types of music. I love Bjork, I like early techno like new wave from the 80’s, and I like to listen to new bands like Kings of Leon and Snow Patrol and many more. Whenever I miss home, I listen to Israeli music too.

If you were not a designer, what do you see yourself doing for a career?

If I wasn’t a designer I would have liked to be a surgeon doctor or a psychiatrist, but I think the work I would enjoy the most and would love to do is working with animals.

Who would you most like to see wearing one of your designs?

Bjork! I love her and her music. She is always so inspiring and I would love to give her something back.

What is a typical outfit for you?

A typical outfit for me would be something that attracts your eyes because it looks a bit odd and quirky, but in a good way that transforms the weird into sexy. That’s how I see good avant garde.

When will your online store be open?

My online shop will hopefully open in March 2010 if everything goes according to the plan (it usually doesn’t J). The best way to know is to visit the online shop during March. People can leave their details now at my website, and they will be notified on when the shop is up and running in advance.

And lastly, what is your most favorite piece from your newest collection?

I change my favorite piece quite often according to my moods or the occasion. Sometimes I like the sophisticated look, and sometimes the avant garde look. Sometimes I like the flamboyant, and sometimes the delicate and romantic.

***

Sigh. Visit Inbar's website here to view some more gorgeous photos, see all the press Inbar has been featured in, and to sign up for info on the online shop. And I'll be sure to keep you all posted on anything new from this lovely lady!

Inbar Spector

As Inbar Spector is a favorite designer of Queen Michelle, I've likely seen something of this young London-based designer before. However, it was not until today that I did some extra clicking, and thus it is not until now that I have also fallen in love with Inbar's gorgeous creations. I simply have a soft spot in my heart for anything that channels Björk (especially the first dress at the top centre) and, of course, for anything that I could see myself easily wearing any day.

The last collection posted on her website is the S/S 09 collection (above), which "is a technical tour de force, combining exquisite detailing with a ready to wear aesthetic that’s now Spector’s trademark style. Twisting and rouching feature heavily in her light and organic collection. Large swathes of fabric are used skilfully to create volumous, elegant, neo-classical structures, playing with Inbar’s typically feminine yet practical silhouette."

Here are also some pieces from her A/W 08 debut catwalk collection (above), and her graduate collection (below). Aren't they all absolutely breathtaking? Sigh.

According to Inbar's new blog, she is working on a new collection. I simply cannot wait to see what new beautiful pieces of wearable art she creates.