Archive for February, 2009

Designers Vivienne Westwood, Jade Jagger, Paul Smith, Alice Temperley and Martin Margiela have launched an ethical fashion project which encourages the consumer to make their own clothing and accessories. British newspaper The Observer has published the Women’s Designer DIY series which demonstrates how to craft a homemade version of contemporary runway fashion using charity shop finds and bits of old newspaper.

A fashion shoot featuring each of the designer’s bespoke creations is featured alongside instructions on how to recreate it. Westwood provides a DIY dress, Jagger a safety pin inspired bracelet, Paul Smith a make-your-own shirt and Margiela a waistcoat made from newspaper, amongst others.

It’s about time the consumer became central to the design process. High end fashion can become accessible to the masses through the mediums of inspiration and instruction. Boring be gone, and welcome to individual, creative and unique style.

Source: The Observer Weekend

Image source: The Observer Weekend

In the midst of an economic crisis, Mpdclick notes a resurgence in the uptake of traditional and sometimes unconventional pursuits. Noting a recent enamor for all things circus based, both on and off the catwalk, circus skills have fast become the pastime du jour. Offering a form of escapism from the stresses of modern life, as well as a new and fun form of exercise that doesn’t involve pounding on a treadmill, it’s not surprising that we are seeing a 21st century circus revival.  

With celebrities such as Pink and Amy Winehouse featuring in magazines for their new found interest in trapeze skills, circus training schools are appearing like wild fire. Popular for all ages, circus skills take exercise to a new level, incorporating physical challenges, artistic creativity and confidence building skills. From the young child to the working professional, there is something for everyone; with circus training centers such as Circus Space (based in a Victorian power station in the heart of the East End), offering everything from simple juggling and Diablo skills to the more daring flying trapeze to tightrope.

Get yourself down to your nearest circus training school for a little enchantment and spectacle, and discover skills you thought you never had!

As the global recession takes its grip on the fashion industry, many consumers are looking back to classic times of austerity such as the 1940’s, embracing the mentality that epitomized the era; ‘make do and mend’. Retailers are cleverly adhering to consumer demand with U.K fashion retailer Topshop hosting a range of in-store events during London’s Fashion Week. Events include “Sew Much Fun” classes, run by the owner of London’s Primrose Hill haberdashery of the same name, giving savvy consumers the tools and expert sewing guidance to make their own accessories. A series of denim workshops will also be held in store to celebrate the launch of their premium denim range with Radcliffe denim offering on-the-spot alterations and personal jean fit sessions. See Topshop.com for more information.

John Lewis are also rumoured to hold their own denim workshops within their extensive haberdashery department, offering hints and tips on re-working worn out denim items, from replacing buttons, adding zips and even on-trend distressing techniques.

French fashion brand A.P.C have introduced a ‘Butler Worn Out Series’ within their denim line which allows the brand’s loyal customers to trade in their old A.P.C denim to buy a re-worked pair for half the price. The new recovered pair are engraved with the previous owners initials, giving the new owner a sense of authentic heritage. See a.p.c.fr for more information.

Source: Topshop.com, Nylon Magazine.

Mpdclick’s recent trip to Munich Fabric Start in Germany happily provided us with our second ‘look of the week’, from up and coming fashion designer Patrick Mohr, who we spotted at the international fabric fair perusing the mass of exciting offerings for the s/s 10 season.

Patrick’s look provides a charming caricature of the quintessential German/alpine chic look with an enviable contemporary slant.

Worn blue jeans are held up with traditional decorative brocade braces and are turned up to reveal socks and sensible shoes. A blue and green lumberjack check shirt is worn nonchalantly over layered t-shirts in harmonious shades of diluted violet and peach. Draped and knotted jersey scarves  from Patrick Mohr’s  own fledgling label, a soft cloth cap and super round frame spectacles finish off the eclectic look.

Take inspiration from the clever use of layering and follow this German innovators example, offering new ways to style this season’s ultra popular checked shirt.

The fashion pack combined with A-list movie stars last night as Hollywood’s finest, fresh from the Bafta’s, descended on Big Sky Studios in London for the Elle Style Awards. In attendance was Bafta winner Mickey Rourke, Thandie Newton, Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto , Sienna Miller, and designers Gareth Pugh and Matthew Williamson.

Winners on the night included Freida (pictured), who scooped Actress of the Year, and Rourke who took away Actor of the Year. The current face of Burberry, Rosie Huntington-Whitley received Model of the Year, while Sienna Miller was awarded the ELLE Style Icon award by her good friend Matthew Williamson.

Little (and long) black dresses were the costume du jour at the show, with  Woman of the Year Courtney Love in Givenchy, awards presenter Alexa Chung and Freida Pinto in Chanel and Anna Friel in Viktor and Rolf. Other notable ensembles included Thandie Newton’s multicoloured chiffon Jonathan Saunders number, and a glowing Leah Wood in a floor length, long sleeved coral dress.

Designers were giving little away, with the ready to wear month only days away. Sienna Miller was heard to comment on her excitement of label Twenty8Twelve debuting at London Fashion Week, while others commented that collections ‘would be a surprise’.

For more photos from the Elle Style Awards visit Trends – Trend Intelligence – Fashion, Lifestyle & Consumer.

Image source: Rex Features

Denim is going back to the days of deconstruction. Twenty years on from the days of the pop idols Bros and their love of the 501, a host of designers including House of Holland and Balmain have re-introduced the slashed jean to the runway. Swedish brand Acne have launched their ‘slash’ for £170, while Diesel are retailing ‘black gold’ for £200. On the high street, Topshop have introduced the concept at a more realistic £40. However, with a bit of imagination and creativity this is a look the consumer could make for themselves. How long before we see customization kits sold alongside accessories as additionals inside popular retail stores?

Source: Observer Weekend

Image: Balmain spring/summer ‘09

The annual Grammy and British Academy Award ceremonies occurred yesterday on either side of the pond. The music industry’s elite descended on L.A., while the movie world’s A-list braved the cold weather in London.

The Grammy’s saw the Brits dominate on the night, with Robert Plant, Coldplay, Adele, Duffy and Estelle all scooping prizes. Performances on the night saw Chris Martin duet with hip-hop star Jay-Z and U2 perform their new single.

The style stakes were high, with red carpet looks ranging from black tie and evening gowns, to the more unconventional. Chic 1940’s and 50’s styles were popular, with Katy Perry, actress and singer Zooey Deschanel and Adele opting for authentic looks. Sri Lankan singer M.I.A. provided a little eccentricity, appearing in a host of vivid outfits, all worn with hi-top sneakers, despite being nine months pregnant.

Over in London, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was the big winner of the night, taking home Best Film and Best Director for Danny Boyle. Kate Winslet and Mickey Rourke scooped the Best Actor prizes, with Penelope Cruz and the late Heath Ledger winning awards for supporting roles.

Sophisticated black tie was a must on the Bafta’s red carpet, with Angelina Jolie widely regarded as the best dressed, in a calf-length black and neon yellow Armani Privé gown, with appealing fold detail. Gowns came in all shapes and sizes, with fishtail skirts particularly evident, seen on Kate Winslet, and Slumdog star Freida Pinto. Also popular was the use of glacier grey, seen on supermodel Laura Bailey and ‘The Wrestler’ star Marisa Tomei.

For more on the 2009 Grammy & Bafta Awards visit Trends – Trend Intelligence – Fashion, Lifestyle & Consumer.

Image source: Rex Features

Mpdclick’s first ‘look of the week’ comes from the city streets of Milan. Davide Agnetti gets winter Milanese style down to a T, with his indie rock look crossed with sophisticated city chic.

Skinny denims, worn leather boots and his casually worn beanie hat juxtapose his graphic tee with a hint of neon and dapper pea coat.

The cold European winter months typically means wrapping up comes before style, but as Davide perfectly demonstrates, style can equal warmth! Take inspiration from his subtle mix up of looks.

Don’t miss the full Milan street style report, coming soon to Trends-Street-Fashion.

Welcome to Mpdclick’s latest addition, the TREND JOURNAL. Mpdclick’s fashion and lifestyle blog provides daily entries that monitor trends as they emerge and will form the basis of our seasonal trend research. JOURNAL entries cover the economic situation, consumer attitudes, lifestyle products, youth culture, design news and the hottest emerging looks, providing intelligent analysis and thorough commentary.

Check back daily for the latest industry insight, and light-hearted fashion thoughts.

The Manly Markets are held every Saturday and Sunday on the Manly Corso, the hub of all activity in the beachside town just outside of Sydney city. The market focuses on Australian made unique merchandise and arts and craft products. The products available are as diverse as the people who make them, often reflecting the Australian landscape and way of life.

Both tourists and locals alike wander through the market on the weekend looking for a bargain before stopping and enjoying a coffee at one of the beachfront cafes.

Unique handmade arts and crafts are a highlight with many works inspired by the local landscape, culture and lifestyle. Clothing, footwear, jewellery, paintings, photography, sculptures, homemade body care products and souvenirs can all be found here. Fashion designers offer vibrant silk kaftans, embroidered beach dresses and silver jewellery studded with coral and turquoise stones. For the ethical consumer natural lotions and potions derived from native Australian plants and herbs are on offer, along with organic cotton baby wear and aromatherapy oils and soaps. Beautiful photography and paintings depicting Australian scenes prove popular with tourists- a picture of Manly’s white sands and turquoise water a lovely reminder of a great holiday. Sheepskin Ugg boots, handmade suede fringed bags and beaded jewellery make great gifts also. From the unusual to the unique, an impressive showcase of local handmade Australian arts and craft are on display with plenty to appeal to both locals and visitors.

The stalls differ from week to week, as in addition to regular local artists, many interstate and regional artists passing through will set up their stall for a one off. The only condition is that all artists must manufacture their products within Australia. Many Australian’s prefer to buy ‘Australian designed and made’ and this mantra is often depicted on a kangaroo shaped tag and attached to products.

Children’s wear designer Emma Chapel has a stall here most weeks, offering her beautifully appliquéd cotton baby wear range ‘Urchin’. (see pics of Urchin stall)

Sydney based designer Erin-Louise sells an Aussie favourite with a twist- she jazzes up the ever popular Bonds singlet with her own embroidery, lace and crochet work. (see pics of crochet/ lace singlets)

The Manly markets are a must do if you are in Sydney and looking for something a little bit unique!

(Source Manly Market/ http://www.blueskymarkets.com.au/macm.html)