Venessa Arizaga's Vibrant Works of Art

Venessa Arizaga crafts fun and creative jewelry for the spunky, outgoing, and stylish woman. Each of her pieces is a unique treasure created using semi-precious stones, crystals, ceramics and precious metals.  Comprised of mainly necklaces and bracelets, the collection is a perfect mix of eclectic and elegant.

Venessa graduated from Parsons in 2003 and began her career in fashion as a designer at Tuleh and most recently worked for Zac Posen as their design director. Her jewelry remained a side project until she left Zac Posen in 2010 and focused all her energy and creativity on her charming jewelry. At first, Venessa Arizaga found a lot of her inspiration through her travels and still does today, packing many souvenirs home in her luggage. 

All Venessa Arizaga jewelry is hand-made in her Brooklyn Studio with utmost care and can be found online in addition to many specialty boutiques world wide.

-Maya Kuehnel

http://venessaarizaga.com/index.php

http://venessaarizaga.com/blog/

The Refreshing Tommy Ton

 London

While browsing through magazines and websites I have come across the name Tommy Ton a few times now and really admire his photography and eye for innovative street style. When I took the time to do some research on him and examine some of his work and browse through his blogs I fell in love with his work even more.

Paris

He is a Canadian born fashion photographer who does work for a few different publications and websites such as GQ Magazine and Style.com. He has been in the industry from a very young age he is admired by many and has built a great reputation for himself

London

What I love most about his work is how he captures pictures of the moment and doesn't always wait for a pose. He is a globe trotter with photographs from various cities from around the world on his blogs which give fashion lovers like myself some worldly inspiration.

Tokyo

- Justine Cheema

Photos From:
http://jakandjil.com/
http://tommyton.tumblr.com/

Viva la Magazine

Magazines being half the reason I decided to go to school for fashion, I’ve been dreading the demise of print magazines. Of course you can find everything in your magazine on their website or flip through full issues on your tablet, but there’s something special to me about actually flipping through those glossy pages. I swear I’ll be a crazy old lady with a house full of magazines because I’ll never stop collecting or be able to will myself to throw them out (hoarder alert!). So I was delighted when I recently read about the worlds biggest-ever magazine!!

And what a rare topic… ‘The Illuminator’ is a German magazine which is all about LIGHT, “in nature, culture, art, architecture and design”. The magazine measures in at 27 inches tall and 19 inches wide and the first issue came out just weeks ago. It will only be printed twice a year, which makes sense at 52 euros or about 60$ American an issue! Now I can definitely say, that is one magazine I’d like to get my hands on!

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Jump The Military Bandwagon

I am totally loving the whole military craze right now. There is just something sexy about people fighting for freedom for their own country. With Remeberance Day coming up, I thought I would do a little something for our fashionistas out there.


In recent years, women have been filling the role of a soldier in pop culture such as Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin or Demi Moore in G.I. Jane. Even with the new television show, Bomb Girls, it puts a feminine twist on how women are involved with the army. However, keeping it androgynous is key with strong rectangular silhouettes, broad shoulders, and a straight leg trouser.

Vogue Spain March 2012

Yes, camouflage has definitely made its comeback, but I think over the past year the whole military influenced fashion has blossomed into a more sleek and understated version that has a little bit more finesse. The boy-ish cuts of the garments makes people wonder about what curves lie underneath them, and I think a lot to do with being sexy is having some mystery.

Max Mara FW 2012

What's really cool is the influence is not only changing clothing, but it's also inspiring different accessories as well. So if you don't feel like becoming a complete combat babe, you can opt for a more subtle way by accessorizing your "regular" style with a military trend-driven piece.

Topshop Unique FW 2012

Acne FW 2012

-Alihandra Dubien



fashioncraz.com
lyst.com
trendland.com
vogue.com
zoccao.blogspot.com

Wool and the Gang

There is just something about knitting that makes me smile. Maybe it's the relaxation it brings or perhaps it's the energy I get when I actually make that very, very, long piece of string into something more than just a bundle of yarn. 

Whether you are a seasoned knitter or have never knit a stitch in your life, you need to head over to Wool and the Gang's Website. Wool and the Gang is a Swiss based company using Peruvian yarns to create cozy knitted garments. What sets them apart is that the gang of knitters really exists. From around the world knitters create hand-crafted pieces and form a partnership that makes up the tightly bound company.

Wool and the Gang farm out their projects to women in Peru. They form a bond and partnership by giving work to these women so they are able to stay at home and care for their families whilst still earning much needed income. You can either buy a one of a kind garment or buy a ready-to-knit kit and do the creating yourself. 

-Maya Kuehnel



Visit Wool and the Gang at: http://www.woolandthegang.com/en/home/index
Pictures from Wool and the Gang's Tumblr: http://woolandthegang.tumblr.com/

Michael Inspired Millinery

Philip Treacy is a famous milliner from Ireland. He is well known for his abstract designs and famous collaborations with various designers such as Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Donna Karan and many more. His work is very abstract which is why I was super excited to see what he had come up with for his Spring/Summer 2013 collection dedicated to the king of pop, Michael Jackson.

The line was debuted at London Fashion Week 20120. The clip above gives us a little taste of the show.  I love how Treacy's designs are clearly Michael inspired while staying true to his creativity and design. I think the song choice was perfect and my favorite design is the white bedazzled glove hat. 

Philip Treacy has designed many hats for Lady Gaga and she has a huge love for Michael Jackson as well, so it was very suitable that she introduced the show. Treacy and Gaga have collaborated on some of the designs and become good friends. Lady Gaga's hats are not my favorite but they are true to Treacy's creativity and Lady Gaga's style. 

-Justine Cheema

Photos: 

http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/

Exquisite Craft

I’m loving that this blog is opening my eyes to fashion from all over the world. Of course we hear and read constantly about London, Paris and New York, but it’s amazing to find inspiring fashion and talent in unexpected places. As I was browsing through African fashion blogs I came across one called “The Expressionist”. It’s a blog by Anthony Bila, a South African who loves photography and features mostly street style posts. But what caught my eye was a lookbook he photographed for a menswear line called Skorzch.



The Creative Director is a man named Zanozuko Sithetho, or easier said ‘Zano’. Every piece is not just custom tailored but custom-made for each individual client, right down to the pattern. He refuses to use anything but quality fabrics and has ridiculously high standards which can be attested to by every piece he creates. The amount of time this man puts into each garment is phenomenal.

 

 

A construction worker before venturing into fashion, it’s interesting how meticulous he is in the construction of each garment. The lookbook shot by Anthony Bila is for Spring/Summer 2013. I love the quirky, vintage aesthetic that's represented by the highly saturated colours, bowties and the somehow awkwardly perfect cropped pants. It's matched by the modernity of the slim-fit and skinny neckties. Kudos to Anthony Bila for an eye-grabbing shoot and I hope that recognition grows for the standout designs created by Zano Sithetho.

 

 

 

Pictures courtesy of The Expressionist: http://anthonybila.tumblr.com

 

 

CL Kicks Up The K-Pop Fever

So I'm sure we have all heard of the Gangnam Style craze, right?

Climbing up the fame ladder right behind the charismatic Psy is lead singer Lee Chae Rin of 2ne1. But it isn't her outrageous dance moves that are causing up a stir. Reigning from South Korea, CL (her stage name) takes a step up to the fashionista plate as a possible threat to Lady Gaga's eccentric style.

She can often been seen sporting head-to-toe Jeremy Scott outfits, amongst many other bright eye-grabbing fashions; think Adidas Original Novelty French-Fry Print Leotard or ASOS Barbie Motif Tracksuit. Her outfits scream attitude and confidence, and she's got all that and more. To balance the boy silhouettes that she usually wears, CL opts for sexy and edgy cropped moto jackets, midriff exposing tops, and fitted dresses to bring out her inner feline. As for accessories, she brings fantasy into reality, but keeps it playful. In a photo below you can see her cartoon eye ring by Ambush Ancestor and a similar watch like her animal-graph digital watch by River Island.

I love how she can still be herself and not be afraid to wear what she wants to, and people now love her for it! She's got an irresistible smile and a spunky personality plus she mixes high fashion with sportswear, and it works. CL definitely has everything going for her, so as for Lady Gaga, I don't know if her odd beauty will hold up on its own. Watch out westerners, CL is about to rock our fashion industry.

-Alihandra Dubien

http://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/22367/i-love-you-i-hate-you-2ne1-bigbang-chaerin-jiyong-skydragon

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/lee-chaerin?before=1340393214

http://hyunshin.blogspot.ca/2011/10/stage-name-cl-real-name-lee-chae-rin.html

http://lurvarv2ne1.blogspot.ca/2012/01/lee-chae-rin.html

http://ohmyteenage.blogspot.ca/2012/01/my-kpop-bias-they-inspired-me-lot.html

Trendy Lenses

At Diane Von Furstenburg

Crazy, extravagant, quirky sunglasses were seen both off and on the runways during the lineup of Fashion Weeks. They could be spotted at the fun and relaxed London Fashion Week and carried through to the glitzy atmosphere of Milan Fashion Week. Celebrities, models and bloggers were all donning the sunny accessory. Many designers were incorporating the trend as well, mixing them with their already brightly designed collections. Kelly Osbourne wore possibly the craziest pair: black, geometric, hard lined rims with antennae like eyebrows attached. They weren't the only pair she was spotted in, but a variety of other cooky pairs.

Kelly Osbourne at Henry Holland’s Show 

At Anna Sui

Chiara Ferragni at Milan Fashion Week

Jameela Jamil at London Fashion Week

Will you be sporting this trend next spring when the sun reappears? Whether it is an eccentric pair similar to the one’s shown above or a more muted and versatile pair I would sure like to see these wearable pieces of art taking over the streets.

-Maya Kuehnel

The Revival of Surily Goel

While taking a look at the newest designs in India I found myself drooling over a collection by a designer I had never heard of; Miss Surily Goel. Surily Goel is making a comeback to the fashion design scene in India. After she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, Surily started her own clothing line in 2003 and broke out into the Bollywood scene in 2005. Bollywood brought on other opportunities and Surily found herself as a stylist for Bollywood film stars. 

After being out of the design field for a couple of years she has debuted her new fall 2012 collection, ‘Revival.’  With a mixture of stimulating colours, prints, wooden beading, cut outs shapes and fringed details Revival is something that couldn’t be missed on the runways of Lakme Fashion week 2012, and something I could not get out of my head. There was a lot of anticipation in India for Suirly’s comeback and I understand why. The garments are relaxed and romantic, while still maintaining an edgy, fashion forward look. India was eager to see what Surily was going to bring this fall and she definitely delivered!

- Justine Cheema

Photos from: http://www.missmalini.com

Model: Lisa Haydon

The Fabulous Chen Man

Self portrait for American Vogue (Feb 2012)

 I first fell in love with Chen Man’s work when I read an article about her in one of my issues of Vogue. She was born in Beijing, China, and at the age of 32 is an internationally renowned fashion photographer and a regular contributor to Chinese Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan.... the list goes on. I just can’t get enough of her photos!

Her style is unreal, from the vibrant hues of color to the luminescent glow of her subjects; she definitely knows what she’s doing! Her photographs are so dynamic, somehow striking a perfect balance between contemporary culture and fashion and her appreciation for Chinese heritage. It makes for unique eye-catching photos, not to mention the added element that is her skills in post-photo processing. The light she brings to faces exposes beautiful angles and bone structure and somehow every single image she produces just has that POP. I am always excited to hear what she’s up to or find new work by Chen Man.

Victoria Beckham for Harper's Bazaar China (May 2012)

-Jo Williams 

Let's Throw a Ball For British Gowns

So what modern day princess wouldn't love this exhibition?

Started May 19th this year, London opened up a stunning exhibition named Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950. Every girly girl always dreams of being dressed up in lavish ballgowns, so this would definitely be heaven.


"Eveningwear from the V&A’s vast collection, by designers including Victor Stiebel, Zandra Rhodes, Jonathan Saunders and Hussein Chalayan, will be on show alongside dresses fresh from the catwalk shows of Alexander McQueen, Giles Deacon, Erdem and Jenny Packham."
-http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/ballgowns/ballgowns-british-glamour-since-1950/


The gorgeous dresses are displayed over two floors and range from different British designers mixed the old with the new. There are ballgowns that have come straight off the runway, and then there are ballgowns that have been worn by some of the most prestigious women in the world, including royalty and celebrities.

Created for the exhibition; metallic leather dress; Gareth Pugh

Elizabeth Emanuel 1999

Mary Katrantzou 2011

Victor Stiebel

-Alihandra Dubien


For more info, visit these sites:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/ballgowns/ballgowns-british-glamour-since-1950/
www.jennafifi.com
www.guestofaguest.com
www.guardian.co.uk
www.fashionistabarbieuk.com
www.epochtimes.ru
shipshapeandbristolfashion.wordpress.com
http://somehow-someday.blogspot.com