The photographer is no longer a disheveled figure behind the lens. Today, he is a stylish nomad crisscrossing globes, and capturing style fantasy. For 2013, I’ve picked one fashion photographer to watch: I’M Koo.
Based in New York, YoungJun Koo is a Korean fashion photographer. I first spotted him when I was interviewing street style candidates during New York Fashion Week. Koo captured my attention with his flare for fashion, and signature blonde hair. However, beyond his personal style, is an eye for stylish people.
His fashion blog, I’M Koo, captures some of the most intriguing fashionistas; street style and industry insiders; i.e. Ms. Wintour. Koo’s personal risk with fashion seem to enhance his work as an artist. Koo doesn’t seem to mind being on the other side of the lens either, which is why I think he is able to capture each street snap’s inner beauty. He seems to connect the camera to an energy that is fueled by his subjet’s love for fashion.
I like to discover new brands, and I love reinvention. I was watching a video about the new MacBook Pro, from Apple, and a designer in the video had the most amazing line: “To create something new, you have to forget what you did in the past.”Developing a fashion house can be a daunting task, but what is more difficult is rejuvenating a legacy brand. The turning tide of fashion brands go in and out like the trends they create. Keeping current can be difficult in a constantly changing market place. Sex And The City made brands more than clothing, but household names. A designer use to have to pander to jaded fashion watchers and celebrities, whose critical eye could send brands walking with one bad collection. Now the microscope is magnified with everyone watching for popularity, not substance. Style has become secondary to theatrics and connections. One label that has not dismissed its past, but forgotten about what has been, while creating a new future is Burberry.
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry has stood the test of time, while trends come and go, and nah-sayers passed them by, Burberry soldiered forward. The signature Burberry trench, that has anchored them for over a century, is no longer drowning their look while protecting them from the rain. Designer, Christopher Bailey has thrown off the trench to showcase Burberry fashion!!
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Christopher Bailey has helped men and women all over the world shed their trench and clamour for Burberry’s clothing, accessories, and shoes. Burberry Spring/Summer 2012, Prorsum created fashion havoc, and Fall 2012′s collection does not disappoint.
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
Burberry Fall/Winter 2012
With the sun out, it’s hard to imagine what you will want to be wear during the fall. For Fall 2012, Burberry makes you want to feel a chill in the air. Here are some hot looks that will make the sun feel cold. It’s not just about trench coats anymore.
It’s a lot of fun checking out stylish cities of the world, and attending famous fashion week schedules, but I live in Vancouver. In my own little city, known for many amazing things, fashion is not always one of them. However, we have been blessed with a handful of stylish designers that have earned a place in our city and internationally. Jacqueline Conoir’s designer, Rozemerie Cuevas, is one Vancouver designer on top. Established in 1985, Rozemerie Cuevas has taken her collection, named after her grandmother to extraordinary heights.
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
Jacqueline Conoir: Spring/Summer 2012
This Spring Rozemerie created a new exciting younger collection named, JAC, which is edgy and fresh. Both collections, Jacqueline Conoir and JAC, service modern women fashion needs, but each reflect individual flare. JAC is full of fun and interesting fabrications, while Jacqueline Conoir, still fun, is upscale sophistication.
JAC Collection: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC Collection: Spring/Summer 2012
JAC collection
I have used both collections for styling jobs, and it’s always a home run when I hit the studio to pull. From print ads to red carpets, Rozemerie has proven that she is a stylist dream, while dressing the everyday women. Her new 8000sf boutique studio services clients and wardrobe needs with personal stylist that are always on hand to guide you through your shopping experience.
MUSE CLOSET STYLING: Jacquline Conoir Design
MUSE CLOSET STYLING: Jacquline Conoir Design
Jacquline Conoir Staff Stylist; model in middle styled by staff
Here are some looks from her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and a Muse Closet exclusive video from her Fall/Winter 2012 runway collections.
After years of trying to write you a letter, I thought I would put one on my blog. After watching you on the Colbert Report (Wednesday, May 9, 2012), I love you. Not only did you match wits with Stephen, you slammed his style, while supporting gay marriage. A proven professional, you never miss a beat.
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“Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations” Costume Institute Gala
What I love about Ms. Wintour is that her style is always consistent. Her signature bob haircut has become timeless, while her mid-calf length skirts, dresses, and… I don’t think I’ve seen her in pants? Her style has become synonymous with elegance, I confess: calf-length is my favourite skirt length.
Anna Wintour and Sarah Mower
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Anna is one of the few magazine editors that has become, not only famous for her style and attitude, but like Simon Cowell, she has made mean cool–well, only when you know what you’re talking about. You have to love a women who knows how to state her opinion looking fabulous!
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To be on top for over 20 years, takes not only guts, or a lust for power, but true love and passion. Anna has taken the fashion world and combined it with American spending power, which has turned American Vogue into the Bible of style. Not always the most ground breaking in editorial photography, Vogue is relatable to everyone. For me, a magazine can only dominate when it is based on replication, therefore a look can be achieved by the viewer. A great example is what I call mall pop-stars. Any major artist who breaks into the pop scene must have a look that can be bought at any local mall–Britney and Madonna’s debut albums. This is what creates relatable fashion and followers.
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Vogue may give the most high-end look, but it is one that is achieved on many levels, from major fashion designers to Zara, looks can be repeated by way of emulation. This accessibility, I believe, is what has kept Wintour on top. You may not like her method or attitude, but you have to respect her dedication to fashion.
The shoe seen round the world, Willow Smith sporting the Y3 high heel shoe, which was captured by every photographer for Spring 2012. I love the shoe!! Most talk shows and “news” shows kept talking about the price. Who cares, real fashion lovers don’t care about price, only style!!! Fuck the price, credit cards take care of that problem.
willow-smith-shoes: Y3
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Y3 Shoe
What Willow Smith’s fantastic shoe choice made me think about was Yohji Yamamoto. Before Rick Owens ruled street style, Yohji Yamamoto was giving us exaggerated shapes, while blending 80′s Punk into high fashion. Today, he uses Hip-Hop’s shapes, layered with 80′s Punk, and Hipper chic, if we can blend all those together. Well he did.
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-003_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-026_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-023_runway
Yohji Yamamoto’s Y3 collection, is a connection to street style. Willow Smith is a great example of how we can take apart what is on the runway and make it our own. Labels have become a thing of the past, as every Tom, Dick, and Sally sporting an LV logo bag. Today, real fashionistas still like designer fashion, but look, shape, and context mean so much more.
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-010_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-054_runway
Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-021_runway
Y3 takes all of Yohjo Yamamoto’s main ideas and makes them practical. Made in part with Adidas, Y3 can not be looked at as the little brother to Yohji, but a full on individual brand. Not made for everyone, Y3 take guts and confidence to wear. Goal for Spring, something Y3 to ignite my Spring wardrobe. What about you?
One question I get asked most “Is how do I become a fashion designer?” My answer is always “Don’t!” Few people really know what it takes to become a fashion designer. Real designers don’t ask, they do, it’s in their blood from birth. Why else would you put yourself through years of torture and ridicule, just to see your garment showcased on a body. Fashion is a high turnover consumer product, which is back dropped with trends, taste makers, and celebrity–I guess that is what makes fashion so fabulous and exciting. With Muse Closet, I want to pull that curtain back a little.
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After my design school debacle, I headed to Japan and licked my wounds for a few months, then I came back and headed to film school. Completely frustrated with my film, a classmate asked if I could use my fashion skill to report Vancouver Fashion Week. I accepted begrudgingly, as I was up to my neck in production work, and not looking to do anything with fashion. I had one condition: I didn’t want to be on camera. I was going to research the designers, and write questions for the hosts, and maybe some styling. Well, nope on all three. I did format the questions and research, but I ended up doing most of the on camera hosting duties, because their male host didn’t work out. What a stroke of luck. I found my place in fashion, and I realized why I didn’t go all the way with my fashion degree.
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I explain the latter because, while doing those interviews, during Vancouver Fashion Week, I meet one of the most intriguing designers, Arthur Lee. When I started the Muse Closet, five months ago, I chased Arthur for an interview from the start. It’s always hard to pin down a designer whose between Hong Kong and Vancouver. By chance, who was on my flight to New York Fashion Week this year? Arthur–interview booked. We finally sat down a few weeks ago, so he could tell me about his designs, philosophy, and artistic journey. This baritone speaking man captivated me with his voice, designs, and story.
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A full circle moment, as we started to speak. That Vancouver Fashion Week was both Arthur, and my destiny calling. He started his design business that year to prove to his family that he was serious, and I started my fashion commentary career.
I 5, New Mexico, right turn, “HOPE.” These are the words that brought Arthur full circle in his life. After years of turbulence to find his creative outlet, Arthur saw this sign of hope while driving through the New Mexico desert. At a cross-road in life, one must listen to find their passion, and thus he did. Arthur’s journey is being documented in a up-coming documentary about his life and company creation. I felt privileged to walk into his world.
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It all begins with a simple idea. Arthur has taken his graphic T-shirt line and turned it into a cult classic for Asian Bear culture, while captivating mainstream audiences. The former baker has created a recipe for success. Establishing his line, Ursus, in 2008, Arthur has not stopped creating. He partnered with charitable organization, Red Cross, after the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami. The original T-shirts sold out. Next up, a younger, colourful, and cartoonish line named Beavy. Arthur believes that there is always “Light just ahead.” His giving nature is what makes his line interesting and creative.
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The concept to his business is KIS: “Keep it simple.” The clothes are not cumbersome, and comfy to wear. Therefore, business is something to grow with time, energy, and passion. These two concepts of travel and simplicity is what keeps Arthur moving. While creating the line he felt like a bear, always moving and traveling. Fashion to him is like this bear, never staying in one place, one mood, one style. I guess that is why it took me so long to track down this jet-setting designer. No wonder I found him at the airport.
What makes Arthur so interesting, to me, is his background into the world of design. I’ve always felt that real fashion designers jump out of the womb, as some do, but I realize that some take the long way. The long way is not always a bad thing. After suffering through a dot-com bust, an apocalyptic 9/11, and a manufacturing swindle– Arthur persevered. With his fashion roots in New York, Arthur moved back to Hong Kong to manufacture his line. He may have been born in Hong Kong, but Vancouver represents a part of his soul; Hong Kong’s fast pace lifestyle was a little much for this boomerang resident, but with time, his former city and friends have enveloped him.
Interview: Arthur and I
What I took away from my interview with Arthur was that “Without the past, you can not be what you are today.” Becoming a fashion designer takes guts, as it is one of the hardest and most competitive businesses. To find a mode of expression that encompasses our passion is not easy, therefore to discover yourself first is key. What I love about fashion is that it is always moving, developing, and changing. All while building on the past. When I was much younger I was told by a model scout that I needed to live more, after taking to Arthur I understand that statement to be true. What made Arthur’s line so memorable to me during Vancouver Fashion Week was the story. I still remember his words, “I want to express myself.” This is what clothes help us all do everyday, so take some time to discover yourself.
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I added this clip because, I think this is what you need to say when passion comes knocking at your door!
When I first conceptualized Muse Closet, I wanted to showcase individuals who optimized personal style. Personal style, to me, is achieved when you know who you are, and utilize fashion to express yourself. One of those people, who I believe, has great personal style is Daniel Maynard. I first meet Daniel a couple of years back when I was wandering the streets of Gastown in Vancouver. I walked into his studio, Young & Affluent, and found an instant connection with him. I use to be a buyer, and I love connecting with people in the fashion business. Daniel was genuine, funny, and smart. Therefore when I started Muse Closet, I really wanted to interview him about his style.
Daniel: Denim vest (hand done himself) and Plaid shirt with khaki pants
Daniel: Vest Details
Daniel: Accessories
Daniel: Boots
With school aways in my backdrop, I forgot about my interview list when I first created my blog, then at lunch with a friend from school, I spotted the coolest dressed guy across the street, it was Daniel! His look reminded me about why I wanted to discover people whose style worked seamlessly with their personality.
Showroom Gear
Personality Ride
I contacted him, and he was more than happy to let me follow him around for a week and document his style for you all. Daniel is a fashion distributor and clothing representative. He tells us a little about how his company, Noble Gentlemen Trading and Young & Affluent showroom, which also showcase his style talent. The looks that are showcased in this post, I like because, he shows us how to punch casual into fashion stardom, his eclectic style is street fashion at its best.
Daniel: Dapper!! (Man bag is a must!)
Daniel: Details
Daniel: Dapper!! (Man bag is a must!)
Daniel: Details
One of the amazing things about Daniel is that he works side-by-side with his bother, Liam, who was more than happy to give me some dirt on Daniel. What I enjoyed most about talking to Daniel was his high energy and laid-back style. Most guys never want to push the envelope with their style, but I think Daniel does this with confidence, masculinity, and flare.
Daniel: Street meets Neat ("That old school way")
Daniel: Street meets Neat ("That old school way")
Daniel: Details
What we learn from Daniel is how to take your inspirations and turn them into great style, and even a career. His “Street meets neat,” philosophy is a wonderful concept to think about when defining your own style. I recommend everyone give themselves a tagline. I am wonder what Daniel thinks about in the morning when he gets dressed, “Should I be street or neat?” Well he does give me the answer to these questions. Check out my video interview with Daniel.
Daniel: Hard at Work
Daniel: Details
Daniel: Denim on Denim (don't be afraid, it rocks!)
Daniel: Denim on Denim (don't be afraid, it rocks!)
Daniel: Denim on Denim (don't be afraid, it rocks!)
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more updates about style mavens and personal shout outs.
If you told me I would be talking to Fashion Television Host Jeanne Beker one day, I would say your smoking crack. Well light up the pipe because, I am in a haze. Recently during NYFW Fall 2012, Reem Acra show, I had a moment to chat with Fashion Television host, Jeanne Beker, about her career and fashion insight.
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Let’s start with the show, Reem Acra, Fall 2012. say what?!! Yes, not many of us our familiar with this designer. Well let me tell you who does know Reem Acra: Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez. Madonna wore Reem Acra to this year’s Golden Globe Awards, and won, well best dressed for me, and Jennifer Lopez has also been seen in a Reem Acra creations. The collection was sexual, sensual, and fun; the models were confident walking down the runway. Also, Reem Acra has an amazing Bridal collection that is on par with Vera Wang. Here are some looks from NYFW Fall 2012.
69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals: Madonna Reem Acra
2012 Univision Winter TCA Breakfast: Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra
Back to Ms. Beker. What do you say when your faced with a women you’ve grown up with your entire life. Living in rural Alberta, she was my only connection to the fashion world. Over 25 years in the business, and still going strong. Hence, you will see how nervous I was speaking to Fashion Television’s talk Queen.
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012
First, I must say she was delightful. To be honest I’ve had my eye on her job forever, plotting my move to conquer, however after meeting and chatting with her I concede. I will be more than happy to find my own way, as Jeanne is the master of her craft. Growing up, my battle was between Tim Blanks and Jeanne Beker, both Canadian, and both covering fashion. Tim always seemed to be on point about his assessment of each collection: smart, insightful, and exact. Meanwhile, Jeanne felt more free and unrehearsed. I met both during NYFW Fall 2012, and I respect them both as trail blazers for Canadian fashion coverage. Both put Canada on the map, as champions for fashion. We may not have pockets as deep as Americas, but damn it, we’ll help you sell shit and expose you to the world. “Well done!”
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection
I must have done something right in my life, at some point, because as I think back and wonder how, not only do I get to share space with Jeanne Beker, but she is standing in front of me talking. I hope you enjoy my backstage interview with Jeanne at Reem Acra. I skipped interviewing the designer, to wait and speak with Jeanne, it was a toss-up, but I am glad I did.
