I’ve seen this Gulf oil spill-inspired spread from a recent issue of Vogue Italia around on various sites and I know it has drawn a lot of criticism. I personally think the photos are haunting and beautiful, but yet still evoke the same sense of sadness that those previously published in various media publications. Since the spill has been an ongoing topic in the media, it was only a matter of time before other media outlets (ie: fashion magazines) dealt with it.
Of course everyone is entitiled to their opinion, and I think some may argue that this spread exploits the spill and the sadness that surrounds it, but I think that Vogue rather smartly used this spread to make a statement and bring more awareness to all of those effected by it.
I have been using this WWII era, British Army surplus packs for years. These things are pretty much bulletproof; made of khaki canvas that is measured in lbs per yard, not ounces. I’ve had two of these backpacks in the last 12 years or so, and have used it as a carry on, my main luggage while hitchhiking, and have had it on my back to and from work every day. You could load bricks or gold bullion in it and not have to worry about the canvas or stitching. Over time the straps have worn away but never the pack itself.
What is funny about these packs is that they are a massive pain to use… the straps are too thin and they cut into your shoulders. The buckles to close the pack are tedious and difficult. I use them and wonder… why? I’ve finally realized that it is simply just the canvas! You can’t find canvas like this anymore. So, somebody, get a mill to make this stuff again (if they still grow this kind of super-cotton) and update these packs. Here is what would make it better: wider straps and metal quick connect closure. The brass buckles are beautiful but just too difficult.
In the meantime, I recommend you hunt down the last of these packs, at 60 years old they are getting harder and harder to find. One place I have seen them is Belmont Army Surplus in Chicago.
If Rosemary Woodhouse only dressed in black and blue, I’d imagine it would look a little something like these pieces by Orla Kiely. If it’s good enough for the devil, it’s good enough for me. Perfection!
Ok, now I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel that is summer, with little bits of Fall fashion popping up in stores and football season right around the corner. I’m also looking forward to doing lots of traveling for 3 weddings, 2 holidays, and one mini getaway of our own!
Which means I’m on the lookout for a good ol’ travel bag that can actually fit into an overhead bin, now that no one seems to want to check in their bags. These bags by Gräf & Lantz seem like the perfect unisex bag, made of 100% merino wool and hand turned leather.
I would most definitely buy this cat-shaped lipstick by Paul & Joe and never use it because it’s too cute. So, I probably won’t buy it.
Band of Outsiders Fall 2010 lookbook was done using only Polaroids. And the brainwashed consumer in me buys it.. I’m in love! I want, I want!
I want to die, die, dye my hair black. Or so the saying went when I was in high school. It looks like everyone took note with Alexander Wang’s Fall 2010 goth-inspired collection!
I have to say, when I looked through Topshop’s Fall 2010 ‘Dark Nouveau’ Lookbook, I yawned a bit at the ripped sweaters, fishnets, and studded, well, everything. What I did love were the embroidered mesh tops and this lacey, floral head piece-hat thing. Click for larger image.
I’ve really been enjoying the couture collections this season.. well, as much as one can sitting behind a computer looking at photos. Although I really loved most of the pieces at Jean Paul Gaultier’s show, all I could think about was how the head pieces looked like the Wiseman’s smart-ass bird hat from Labyrinth.
When I first moved to NY (almost a decade ago, yikes!), I remember everyone telling me how great summer in the city was. And to this day, I still don’t get it. It’s hot, humid, and there’s this dirty grime that seems to hang in the air. Anyway, it’s been over 100° for days now and I am left literally counting the days until Fall.
I recently ran by the J Crew Lookbook for Fall 2010, and got so excited in anticipation, I saved every image. It’s like a girl who’s away at summer camp just rolled around in her suitcase and decided to keep every piece of clothing and every accessory on. I’m in loooooooove.
P.S. Anyone wanna teach me how to do a fishtail braid?
As soon as I saw Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 couture collection, I thought of the sassy talking flower’s from the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland.
Possible source of inspiration?
images via style
I have to say, I’m not typically a huge fan of Art Deco style in general. But sometimes when it’s used as inspiration and new elements are thrown into the mix, you can just forget that I ever made that previous statement. There’s something about these metal and leather pieces by Vice & Vanity that I just love.. especially since they can be worn in more than one way!
Wonder Woman, you had a lot of things going for you.. But all of a sudden I feel as though you have let yourself go. Why do you now look like some emo kid’s skinny goth girlfriend? And why did you trade in the bloomers for yoga pants? I feel as though this new look may complicate your crime fighting..
Here’s my advice: ditch the blow-out, eat a hamburger, and take those pants OFF!
NO.
YES!
remember when you were hot?
you at your best
I was a little skeptical when I heard that Sarah Burton was taking over as creative director over at Alexander McQueen, but I have to say, these first few pieces look really promising! Inspired by Hans Bellmer’s dolls and samurai warriors, Burton states that it’s about a, “juxtapose the pale and the delicate with the bold and armorial. It’s about a highly structured torso that gives way to a more fluid silhouette or drop waists that lead to a finned trouser or skirt.” Can’t wait to see more!
Handmade plastic and metal rings by Haoshi Design Studio. Love!
Of the two bags below, which would you rather buy? I personally gravitate towards the one on the right. But would I pay $100 more for it?
Well I sure hope not, because they’re actually THE SAME BAG. The only difference is that Frost River (the brand) sells the bag for one price and then Blackbird sells the same bag for $100 more! I guess hiring a photographer is more expensive than hiring an illustrator??
