Pattern, shape, and colour still dominate the runway for Spring/Summer 2013. Thom Browne has taken these trends and remixed them into a tapestry of eccentric style. Yet, breakdown each outfit is wearable perfection.
Thom Browne S/S 2013
Thom Browne S/S 2013
Thom Browne S/S 2013
The Women’s side of this Mad Hatter Collection is framed on men’s tailoring, which gives it a modern feeling. The muted colour in some of his women’s pieces help you to concentrate on the shape, while the colourful pieces give pop to otherwise boring reconditioned men’s wear.
Thom Browne S/S 2013
Thom Browne S/S 2013
Thom Browne S/S 2013
The Men’s side of his collection is blasted with colour and pattern. Browne is not afraid to have his men speak loud. Always a man of shape, Browne’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection is all about layers. He has also taken 1960′s Mod, and made it sheer madness with silver painted skin. The combination has created a perfect storm of fashion whimsy.
Summer is about lying on the beach and relaxing pool side. None of which come naturally to me. I do love the heat of the sun, but I love my clothes more. I like to get dressed in the morning, and I enjoy putting together an outfit. Having to be half-naked and stuck on a beach has never really appealed to me.
Prada 2012
Prada 2012
Prada 2012
Yet, I know I can not hide from the blazing sun. For men, summer is not always exciting. Swim trunks and washboard abs is pretty much all you need. For women, a skimpy bikini seems to fit the summer bill. Well, I thought I would do some research about what can be fashionable at the beach, so maybe a Hawaii vacation could be in my summer frontier.
Hermes Spring/Summer 2012
Hermes Spring/Summer 2012
Hermes Spring/Summer 2012
What I did find was an amazing collection of knock out swimsuits for women. Of course, fashionistas already know, and have seen this amazing collection months ago, but for us mere mortals, I thought a refresher was in order. Prada created one of the most exciting swim collections I’ve seen in, well in my forever! This retro inspired 50′s muscle car collection was a knock out. Fashion has hit the beach!
Prada 2012
Prada 2012
Prada 2012
For men, it was a little harder to find something as stellar as Prada, but I found a few items that I think will keep you cool and fashionable at the beach. Hope you like these Hermes and DSquared 2 looks as much as I do.
DSquared2 Summer 2012
DSquared2 Summer 2012
DSquared2 Summer 2012
Happy 4th of July!!! Let these explosive looks light your fireworks a blaze!! Just don’t get wet, these clothes are expensive!!
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.
One wish I have, is that I could be one of those fabulous people with a weekend country home. My romantic idea has come from watching Sex And The City all weekend, with Charlotte kissing the gardener–yummy!!! Alas I don’t, I am a full-time city boy. However, who says you can’t live the good life through clothes. You can wear riding boots around the city and never have been on a horse, so why not show-off your weekend roots with some Hampton’s gear.
Jai Li: Spring/Summer 2012
Jai Li: Spring/Summer 2012
I may not go away for the weekend, but I thought I would help find something for those of you who do. What I did find was a new collection that would be great for all those summer weekends away. Designer Jia Li has created a versatile and entirely REVERSIBLE and TRANSFORMABLE line of classic silhouettes. These clothes may not scream beach, as much as rich lady country club, but fashion is always personification.
Jai Li: Spring/Summer 2012
Jai Li: Spring/Summer 2012
The great thing about going away for the weekend is that you get to leave all your city problems behind, maybe I am too busy being stuck in mine to getaway. For those of you who do, please have a bottle of wine for me while relaxing at Cod, I hope to get there one day.
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
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?
Fashion is all about discovering new talent, people, and style. NYFW is the best place and time to meet everyone. Between all the wonderful shows, I always like meeting new people, therefore understanding fashion and style a little further.
I first meet street style photographers, Wataru Shimosato and Young Jun Koo, whose style attracted my attention. The two photographers were shy to speak, but check out their blogs (I’M Koo and An Unknown Quantity) to see what wonderful people they snap around New York, even designers and the Queen of Mean, Anna Wintour, whom I love, line up to be immortalized by the photog friends.
Next up was a very well dressed woman, whose name I didn’t get, I think I was too in love with her cashmere coat to ask. This emerging fashion talent told me a little about her line and described her elegant style, of course all made by her, except, her fur collar, which was handed down by her grandma. Incorporating family history, and sentimental pieces is a great way to give your look originality and style (sorry, no photo, check out video).
Well, here she is as promised, Faustina Rose, a blog favourite. I meet this Lady Gaga look-a-like, although complete original herself (I am sure she is sick of the comparison). I wrote about her gob-smacking style a few posts back, but it took me a moment to discovery I was not speaking with a mere mortal, just check out her website. If you enjoy her style, she reveals some of her beauty secrets in our video. Ms. Rose has also been captured by our photographer friends.
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6_2
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6_3
After all my fashionistas, I bumped into some musical artist, Lily Halpern, whose rumoured to be dating, Harry Styles, from One Direction, England’s break-out boy band. This songstress seemed very busy during fashion week. I was a little shocked when I spotted her on E! News.
The last part of my video came with a blanket of mystery, no names, just info. I meet an RCA executive, whose wife designs hang bags, while interviewing her, she let it slip that her husband had signed a new artist. When I spoke with the mystery executive, he said I was getting a big scoop. I spoke with the new artist about her style and fashion week connection (check out video for her name).
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
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
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.
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!
