The Timeless Silhouette

I have this image in my blog folder for quite sometime. The classic Roland Mouret dress from Fall 2005, has a very 1950s European style to it. It is such surgically body enhancing piece that really sculpt your body the right way. Looking at the voluminous blouses and dresses and all these emperor waisted style that are all concealing the curviness of the body figure, I find myself always going back to the body enhancing pieces, maybe adding the edgier, funkier element with a pair of unique heels, bold accessories, and captivating makeup.

Festival International de Mode et de Photographie in Hyères

The International competition for the new fashion and photography talents is happening in the South of France! From the look of a few shots on Diane's blog I see some really exciting new designs that is absolutely innovative and refreshing - so far I am liking Peter Bertsch "Bionic" collection from Belgium (first 2 images on the bottom) and of course that "McQueen of kitwear" Sandra Backlund "Ink Blot Test" Sweden (last 3 images on the bottom - I have already blogged her twice, Knit gone wild and When art is fashion).

I am looking forward to see more new shots, and if I can find my way to a good source for the event I will definitely post it here!

Innovative Pattern Cutting - Romina Karamanea

Showcasing beautiful designs by London fashion designer Romina Karamanea (originates in Athens). She did Fashion Design and Product Development at Nottingham Trent University, then she went to Central Saint Martin for Innovative Pattern Cutting.

I can clearly see the Innovative Pattern Cutting directly applied in her recent collection (which is my favorite by far). And I have to say first thing that captured my eyes is really the stunning Fashion Photography! The blood red jewel toned satin cut in an architectural shapes, with just the right amount of stiffness which complements with the fluidity and luster of the fabric, on the skin that seem like an immortal (or corpse like). I could really stare at this photo forever...and the longer I stare the image reminds me of the movie "sin city". There is definitely a common feel to the color and mood manipulation between the two.

Pattern in Fashion

My recent inspiration has been patterns. Dresses with patterns immediately attract my eyes - as well as money in my wallet...The two big purchases were both silk dress with beautiful graphic patterns on it (one is from Anna Sui which is a skirt version of the picture shown below, and one is the blue dress from Plenty by Tracy Reese)

I think that besides fabric and cutting of the garment, pattern is one thing that can really make the garment and its wearer shine. I absolutely admire interior designer Tricia Guild (owner of Designer Guild London), who uses the combination of colors and patterns extensively to create a modern living environment. Her new book is definitely very inspiring for designer of any type.

There are a few more designer which have created beautiful garments with the use of patterns.
(first two are Anna Sui and Plenty, then: Mara Hoffman, Temperley London, Tibi, Tibi)