Posts Tagged ‘ Street Style ’

S.S: I’M Koo

Behind The Lens

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.

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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.

All images are taken or owned by YoungJun Koo

Check out my interview with YoungJun Koo during NYFW

STYLE DNA: Harajuku Girls

Japanese Street Style

A few posts back I was debating between New York and Tokyo street style. Both are very different, but one thing I like about Japanese street style is commitment to a look. These boys and girls don’t mess. Even Gwen Stefani dedicated an entire song to their style. Convention be gone, these street savvy stylers give character a new name. Even drag queen look-a-like, Wendy Williams, doesn’t have game on these wiggy looks.

Japan has cranked out street style before it was even cool, knocking off their favorite Anime characters to create off-the-wall looks. Today, these fashion street walkers blend high fashion with cartoonish style. A look that is being emulated by designers, performers, and stylist all over the world.

I found this great new site dedicated to their often imitated, but never duplicated Harajuku street style: Tokyo Fashion (and there is an app for that). The site is dedicated to Japanese street style and culture, that surround these eclectic looks. After Japan’s 2011 natural disaster, I am happy to see that Japan has not lost its creative edge.

Muse Profile: Y3

Yohji Yamamoto: Shoe Fetish

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

willow-smith-shoes: Y3

willow-smith-shoes-photos

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?

Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-050_runway

Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-031_runway

Y3-SPRING-2012-RTW-PODIUM-015_runway

MC.

Cover Me: FACETASM

Tokyo Fashion Week Fall 2012: FACETASM

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

I was doing some research for Tokyo Fashion Week, and I came across one of the coolest collections–FACETASM. I love when I find new things. This Spring I was obsessed with Rick Owens and Givenchy, but Facetasm seems to blend everything I love about both of those collections into one. Also, “hello,” everyone knows I love a scarf, and these are awesome!!

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

I’ve always felt that fashion today flows from Tokyo street style, into Paris Couture, and then New York mainstream. Milan is always doing its thing on the edge. When I spend time in Japan, I am always amazed that I can wear anything. New York street style is very edgy, like Tokyo, but there is something to Tokyo that is outrageous. Case and point, I am walking down the streets of Shibuya and this girl is waiting for her boyfriend to apply his make-up — flabbergasted! Anyway, I am not here debate “New York Street Style” and “Tokyo Street Style,” both are very unique and amazing to me.

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

The Facetasm collection designed by Hiromichi Ochiai, did a great job blending street style into a streamlined collection that is sophisticated and wearable. When a collection pushes the limits of style while keeping it wearable is always refreshing. Fashion produces so many collections, but for the average consumer most looks are not practical. This collection has some great fashion and style elements. Created for both men and women, this collection has wonderful points for all.  I hope you will find as much inspiration from this collection as I did.

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

Facetasm Fall 2012

MC.

Closet Confessions: Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012

Crisis Averted

I can’t say Spring/Summer is one of my favourite fashion seasons. I envy all those light airy people cycling the seawall, playing volleyball at the beach, and sauntering down sideways in light tee’s and cut off shorts–WTF. I am hot, I hate everything in my closet, and I can’t wear layers, I am in consent denial.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

In my Givenchy post, last week, I hinted that sometimes I feel lost in my clothing decisions. I felt in a bit of a crisis, as I am watching all these great colourful clothes for Spring. What the hell I am going to wear. Givenchy had some nice ideas, and I have become a great fan. However in my denial of Spring, and of course always shopping a season ahead, boots for Fall entered my mind all weekend.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Therefore, like any fashionista, I was up till 5am scouting every website to find a good pre-season deal. I didn’t find any boots, but what I did run across was some amazing stuff from Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2012. My friend in NY is always wearing his clothes, but I never felt compelled to wear Rick Owens myself. My friend is super creative and works magic with a make-up brush, so I leave creative identity to him. However, Rick has won me over.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

These gender bending creations summed a time of breakout expression. Leading my critical thought, Madonna “What it feels like for a Girl.” The concept of men in female garments, has been done to death in the nineties, but Owens has made if feel masculine and contemporary. The looks are strong and confident with no apology–I like that.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

lenny-kravitz-rick-owens-high-heels-boots-dress

lenny-kravitz-rick-owens-high-heels-boots-dress

Fashion’s new direction of deconstructing rules, has built a new construction of male identity. As to not make my post so designer driven, I am posting some street style photos to bridge fashion creativity and street reality, based on Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

rick-owens-by-hanneli-mustaparta2

rick-owens-by-hanneli-mustaparta2

Street Style: Rick Owens

Street Style: Rick Owens

Street Style: Rick Owens

Street Style: Rick Owens

Daine-Walker-Wooster-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-Street-Style-Blog2: Interview with this blogger to come...

Daine-Walker-Wooster-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-Street-Style-Blog2: Interview with this blogger to come...

Wong Faye: Rick Owens Shoes

Wong Faye: Rick Owens Shoes

*side note: please click LIKE on my Facebook link, if you like, and follow on twitter for updates.

Muse Closet.

Closet Confessions: “Bright Lights, Big Dreams, In The Big City”

NY: Curtain Call

Dear New York,

Once upon a time, a little boy had a dream, watching a world of glamour beyond belief. One day he dreamt he would be part of this world, but growing up in rural Alberta, Canada, he felt that was only a fantasy. Through trial and error he found his way, so he took a risk to play in a big way, and with open arms you took him–thank you New York for making me feel loved.

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

Fashion has been a part of my life from birth. Every moment in my life is defined by a look or moment in fashion. I took a brief detour to study film, and I abandoned my passion for fashion, I felt threatened to fit in, but being a misfit is what made me fit in the end. Fashion showed me how to use film to my benefit–so I did.

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

When I think of fashion’s power to transform, I realize why people are scared or worried about understanding a world riddled with mystery. Clothes may seem simple, but fashion is defining. You can create and develop yourself with fashion, to help brand your personal identity. Doesn’t matter what you look like, fashion can be used to your benefit. I think this is why street style has become such a huge force in fashion, although designers bring us all together.

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

Real Housewives of Atlanta: Cynthia Bailey

Real Housewives of Atlanta: Cynthia Bailey

Therefore, no matter what your own reviews maybe, please keep pressing forward. 2012, has proven to be a wonderful year, thus far, and my promo video of Fashion Week Fall 2012, is a testament to my own hard work. I want to say thank you to my wonderful production help and support, Nima @ Qube Film. I look forward to bringing you more footage and Muse Closet Philosophy. There will be Muse Closet exclusives with up-coming music artist, backstage celebrity and designer interviews, and yes my street style fashion picks. Stay tuned…

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

NY: Fashion Street Style

My Fashion picks today remind me that dreams do come true, as each style maven seems to channel inner beauty.

Raw Edges: Backstage

“Celebration Time”

“Well, did I call it, or did I call it? Ah… yeah I did!” Check out my Oscar prediction post: “Iron Lady

Congratulations to Meryl Streep, I can see why she won for Best Actress. Her speech was witty, emotional, and gracious. I cannot say I loved her dress, but who I am to say anything to a three-time Oscar winner. She may have had her own prediction by dressing in Oscar gold.

Meryl-Streep-In-Lanvin-2012-Oscars

Meryl-Streep-In-Lanvin-2012-Oscars

What I really liked about Streep’s win is that even after seventeen nominations, she was sincere with emotion. We all work so hard at everything we do, and in most cases our effort is overlook, so when we’re applauded for our tenacity it feels so deserving.

Meryl-Streep-84th-Annual-Academy-Awards_-Press-Room_-Los-Angeles_-America---26-Feb-2012

Meryl-Streep-84th-Annual-Academy-Awards_-Press-Room_-Los-Angeles_-America---26-Feb-2012

Here are some of my favourite “winning” looks during New York Fashion Week, Fall 2012. What I love about each of my fashion favourites is that their style is effortless. The clothing of each street-styleista is simple and achievable, but attitude and confidence is centre stage.

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

NYFW-Fall 2012

Closet Confessions: Who’s Who?

Snap Shot

Front Row: Mary K and Ashley O; Man in scarf, Waris Ahluwalia

Front Row: Mary K and Ashley O; Man in scarf, Waris Ahluwalia

With my past four years stuck in University, I have been out of the fashion loop. With months to go in my degree, I have been thinking about my future. I still love fashion, and I wanted to get back to my first love, hence my blog. This year at NYFW, I feel in love with some amazing people, and I am embarrassed to say I didn’t know whom everyone was sitting in front row, or the people rushing around Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Venue. I still took snap shots because I felt the presence of their greatness, so I wasn’t a complete moron. Research is a University student’s best friend—I do not my want parent’s money go to waste. Therefore, like any good student I hit the books—well, web.

ANTM: Eve Diva

ANTM: Eve Diva

ANTM: Eve Diva

ANTM: Eve Diva

First unknown, known, found at The Standard Hotel, a must see venue in the Meat Packing District, yes where Samantha got her groove on. I was covering an accessory presentation, but being my fifth day into fashion week, and my sixth show of the day, and two more to go, needless to say, I was exhausted. I entered the venue and I got straight to work, taking pictures and gathering material for my blog. My wonderful partner in crime, Nima, who handled all the video production, kept me in line with interviewing designers and crowd goers when I was too tired to care. Unfortunately, he was just as tired, as I was, by this point, and we didn’t want to wait in the long media line for a designer interview. We did collect some amazing shots and video of the collection, as we packed up our things, I spotted this amazing woman on my way out—I had to stop. I told Nima, “Grab the video camera we have to interview this amazing women;” I needed to know everything about her. I approached her and asked her for an interview, and in a Southern twang, she declined, claiming her mouth always gets her in trouble. I asked her for a quick snap shot, and she was more than accommodating. I took my shot, but I was not happy with my photo, and I didn’t want to bug her for another, so I didn’t use her photo in my original street fashion post—glad I didn’t. With a bit of hunting I found out that this amazing women, Kate Lanphear is the style director for Elle USA. My snapshot does not do her justice, but you can check out some of the amazing blogs dedicated to her style: http://fearlanphear.blogspot.com/

Kate Lanphear

Kate Lanphear

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tumblr_lzlychEpbe1qga1o2o1_r1_500

My next unknown, known, was found lounging at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week venue. Resting with her friend, this tulle drenched style maven, commented that she loved sitting around, as passerby’s complimented her all day, I could see why, her style is flawless. This fashionista, Lynn Yeager, is contributing fashion editor at Vogue and The New York Times.

Lynn Yeager

Lynn Yeager

My last unknown, known, flabbergasted me. Normally I am not shy to ask for photos, but he was one of the most amazing men I had seen in a long time. I had one of those moments where you know you’ve seen someone before, but you’re not sure where. This striking man, who is a model, was on almost every street style blog I looked at, Shaun Ross is amazing. His sweetheart personality made him even more beautiful in person. Even with my bad photography skills his angelic personality shines. He has done a video with Katy Perry and modeled for every “it” designer.

Shaun Ross

Shaun Ross

Next season I will be up-to-speed about who’s who. I hope I was able to introduce you to some amazing people who I found during my fashion journey. Here are some more shots of cool fashion goers I found. Please stay turned for some great street style interviews coming soon.

Tim Blanks: Style.com editor & me

Tim Blanks: Style.com editor & me

fw-blog-shorine-241

fw-blog-shorine-241: Video Interview with her to come soon

Wall Street 2 Main Street

Closet Profile: lalli loves it!

lilli loves it!

lalli loves it!

What do you do when your tired of running with the bulls and too young to retire?

lilli loves it!

lalli loves it!

You open the chicest little shop in Horseshoe Bay. Lalli loves it!  is a vintage and antique shop run by Laura Blodgett–the sweetest woman you’ll every meet. This former Wall Street player is knowledgeable about antiques and takes her costumer service from a retro manual–delightful and inviting. Laura always goes above and beyond to help find something special on your wish list.

lilli loves it!

lalli loves it!

lilli loves it!

lalli loves it!

This store is rich with vintage clothing, collectables, and darling antiques. Lalli loves it! is tucked away in Horseshoe Bay, but open the doors to be swept into a world of goodies that Laura loves to share!

lilli loves it!

lalli loves it!

lalli loves it!

6605 Royal Avenue

in Horseshoe Bay

West Vancouver, B.C.

604.912.0150

Muse Closet Profile: Jen V.

Jen V: A Very Stylish Girl

A Very Stylish Girl

Muse Closet: Profile

Voted 3rd worst dressed city by GQ and MSN Travel, Vancouver needs to salvage its image. Magazines such as Vancouver View have been doing their best to revoke this vote by capturing stylish images from social events. One Vancouverite shattering our unstylish image is blog favourite Jen V. Her image has been used in fashion blogs all over North America because of her unique personality and individual style. Street fashion is all about attitude because as fashion becomes more commercial and mass-produced, deciphering your own style becomes difficult without access or skills in sewing. The seamstress, tailor, and atelier development custom-made items for individuals. However, not everyone has access or deep pockets to indulge personalized luxury. Therefore, street style has become fashion’s new frontier in style independence.

A Very Stylish Girl

Muse Closet Profile: Jen V.

Jen has crafted her look from a lifetime of pieces discovered throughout her personal development; vintage, discount, and high-end clothes are included in her repeater of style. Jen is very thoughtful about each outfit she creates, thereby telling a story with every item she chooses. Her artistic background builds simple basics into statements. With a creative eye for embellishment, Jen utilizes accessories like battle armor, while on the side knitting beautiful handmade scarves to create a signature look. Jen describes her style philosophy as, “not necessarily being about expensive designer items or what’s trendy; it’s about self-expression through whatever means you have. This could mean pairing that old sweater you forgot about with that thrift store find to make a new outfit! Like any other form of art, fashion is a medium in which we can communicate who we are as individuals, and how we feel and absorb the world around us. Every day is a chance to express oneself in a different way.”

A Very Stylish Girl

Muse Closet Profile

Style enthusiast can to take note from Jen’s philosophy because clothes are an extension of what you represent to the world. Income level does not hinder your experimentation with fashion; take two items you’ve never worn together and make them into something new; pair an evening piece with something extremely casual. These small steps create confidence and personal growth. I can see why bloggers capture her image for others to imitate.

A Very Stylish Girl

Muse Closet Profile

Jen V.

Muse Closet Profile

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