TABLE DRESSING

This article really caught my eye while I was flicking through Wallpaper in search of inspiration for a university project. Wallpaper isn't a publication which I often consider when thinking about influential fashion driven articles but it's certainly a magazine I will be picking up more frequently now. This article, photographed by Marton Perlaki, features garments from luxury brands such as Prada, Hermes and Celine. The multi functional, and abstact way in which the clothes have been presented really relates to post-modernity within fashion, a theme which has been prevalent in my lectures over the past week.

Post modern meaning within the shoot comes from the subversion of conventional roles, viewing a £9k Hermes coat as a duvet undermines the heritage of the brand and the convention of a jacket. A very clever twist which produces a undeniably striking fashion narrative.

I urge you to look further at the work of photographer Marton Perlaki (you can see his website 'ERE), he's an example of a great post modern visionary working to make others view fashion as an art form and integral element of culture.

MEL OTTENBERG

Mel Ottenberg is the man behind Rhianna's latest styling success! Cherry, my fellow new recruit to the Rhianna fan club, discovered Mel's identity on Opening Ceremony's blog (check out the post 'ERE), turns out he works pretty closely with the brand and styled a previous lookbook as well as the campaign for OC's collaboration with Levi's.

As well as this Ottenberg has worked with Purple magazine, Proenza Schouler, Dazed and Confused and 10 Men, frequently working alongside Terry Richardson. The two creatives both convey a sense of nonchalance and jilted ideals which produces great outcomes.

Turns out that the latest edition to my ever growing list of influencers also styled my favourite cover from i-D's Pre Fall edition featuring Miss Lindsay Wixson. I love the sense of childishness in contrast to the grown up tailoring and seduction of the garments.

JOY

Feeling this Joy Orbison cover so much more than the original track.

Getting majorly excited for Dollop tomorrow night at Stealth too, such a sweet line up and loveeeee Battle For Middle You, reminds me of summer festivals and dancing in the mud.

LILAC LIPS

Hat - Vintage

Blouse - Primark

Skirt - River Island

Creepers - Underground

Lips - Stargazer

HOPELESS PLACE

Now before I start this post I want to make one thing very clear, I cannot stand Rhianna. But suddenly her stylist has come over all Corinne Day and made what may just be one of my favourite music videos in terms of styling. From the Pretty Woman suspender crop tops, to the double stacked creepers and American flag print denim, metal collar tips and acid bleached denim, the look is pure grubby London girl cool and wouldn't be out of place in an I-D magazine shoot. I also love the cinematography of the video in terms of the compositions of the shots as well as the flower projections and the contrast they creative against the urban setting. I would love to know who was involved in making the production but have had no luck looking online, so drop me a comment if you have any ideas. On top of it all, Rhianna's co-star is delicious and she pukes ribbons, some girls just have it all eh.

I dedicate this post to two of my best friends Eve and Cherry because secretly I think we all want to be Rhianna in this video.

PARIS FASHION WEEK

I can only apologise for the lateness of this post, I have to say that although mostly beautiful, the Paris shows didn't inspire me as much as those in London, New York and Italy. Playing host to some of the most established names in the fashion industry including Chanel, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton of course the shows are still worth note so here are a few snippets of the shows which stood out to me.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga always seems to strike up a strikingly beautiful collaboration of futurism alongside luxury elegance, and for me that is what makes their collections so appealing, and also intriguing. Although obscure in shape, each item seams balanced in it's ensemble, the same can be said of the use of multiple fabrics. This collection is extremely polished eccentricity, and again nods to both art and painterly prints as well as sports inspiration.

 Balmain
Although sometimes slated, Balmain is a fashion house who's collections I am always keen to check out. This offering is unmistakably characteristic of the brand with it's studded details, low slung bottoms and crafted shoulders but I adore the softness which the 1990's style faded denim brings to the collection.

 Hermes
Reminiscent of Jil Sander's show, Hermes began with a virginal parade of the cleanest white before an Arabian theme was intensified through deep henna and cobolt blue shades. I  feel a sense of freespirited travel through the collection, the Hermes girl of both A/W2011 and S/S2012 looks as through she should be exploring in the most luxurious way.

Louis Vuitton
And finally to Louis Vuitton, featuring a second catwalk appearance from Kate Moss, although this time the leather clad dominatrix theme was totally inverted to a pearly fairytale. And here the parallels begin, more sugary pastel shades and similarly to Marc Jacob's own show all of the models appeared together riding a dream like carousel, I can't help but allude to Chanel when looking at the collection, particularly when it comes to the short and elegant jackets. Jacob's still managed to add a certain edginess to what Alexandra Shulman described as a 'fashion wedding cake' but all in all I found the affair rather sickly.






So that concludes Spring Summer 2012's shows, admittedly I perhaps should have concluded them a little sooner. A flick through Drapers earlier revealed a few of the prominent trends we may see translate to the streets for next year, but personally i'm already living in fear of a pastel takeover.

SELF SERVICE #35

YAYYY, new Self Service, my absolute favourite publication. It feels so indulgent and sleek, with beautiful cropping of images and styling by one of my icons, Venetia Scott. If anybody spies this stocked in Nottingham please let me know, and I urge you to buy a copy.