Monthly Archives

February 2010

Raf Simons A/W2010 Menswear by Pierre Debusscere

“The idea of fragmentation was really important in this collection – psychologically for the Raf Simons man, and literally in the garments. Several garments were physically fragmented so that they can be worn as whole, traditional pieces or as individual parts of one piece. For example, the trench was divided into three parts: a bolero, a bustier and a skirt, although the skirt can only be worn as part of the trench, not on its own. We also wanted to further redefine the tradition of classic tailoring. Using Velcro and press buttons gave another dynamic to the tailoring and suiting – it gave the collection speed. Pierre Debusschere’s film about the collection plays with the twin ideas of speed and fragmentation.” – Raf Simons

Paul Smith – Stockholm Furniture Fair 2010

Paul Smith - Stockholm Furniture Fair 2010

Paul was this year’s Guest of Honour at Stockholm Furniture Fair, and was invited to give a special talk describing how he started his career, how he works and ways to find inspiration. The talk took place in the conference hall on the opening day, with every seat taken.

In addition to this, Paul designed a lounge area encompassing some of his design inspirations. The lounge is located in the main hall and split into four colourful and engaging rooms:

Flowers: A collection of Paul’s personal flower photography covers the wall. All furniture from No.9 – French and Italian 19th century

Domus: Showcasing Paul’s favourite Domus covers kindly donated by the current editor: Stefano Casciani. All furniture by Lammhults.

Shop Interiors: An area dedicated to photographs, wallpapers and furniture from shops around the world. A displayed case contains special products designed by Paul Smith Studio.

Stamped Objects: Items posted to Paul with affixed stamps hang on walls and are displayed in cases. Furniture by Lammhults, upholstered in the Paul Smith Rhythmic, Modulating and Syncopated stripe Maharam fabric.

Stockholm Furniture Fair
9th – 13th February
www.stockholmfurniturefair.com

Levi’s x Opening Ceremony, S/S2010

Levi's x Opening Ceremony, S/S2010

Opening Ceremony kicks off their Levi’s collaboration with the release of their spring 2010 campaign photographed by Ryan McGinley. Blending their personality-driven approach with Levi’s Americana heritage, the collaboration boasts a range of colorful cords that find themselves invested in everything from jackets to shorts. The range is currently available as part of Opening Ceremony’s webstore.

Levi's x Opening Ceremony, S/S2010

Giorgio Armani to Honor Martin Scorsese

Giorgio Armani to Honor Martin Scorsese

On February 16th, the night before the premiere in New York of Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island, Giorgio Armani will host a cocktail party at the Armani Ristorante.

Giorgio Armani says, “Martin and I have known each other for many years and I am a great admirer of his work. I am delighted to be able to celebrate the opening in New York of his exciting new film, Shutter Island – it really is an example of Martin at the top of his game and Leonardo’s performance is exceptional.”

Jimmy Choo Trainers

Jimmy Choo Trainers

Made by a label for women who understands women, Jimmy Choo sneakers come as a comfortable surprise for the ladies who live in gorgeous heelsand would like their day kicks to look just as sexy as their night counterparts. The London-based brand known for its killer heels and beloved for its recent collaboration with H&M will be releasing a capsule collection of sneakers (or trainers–in your favorite British slang) this coming May. The sneakers are crafted from materials that we would see on heels deemed suitable for nights out such as patent leather and suede, and lined with stars on the slim soles for that extra springy step. Aiming for high gloss and glamorous, the Jimmy Choo’s will finally let girls run free without compromising on style. via: WWD

Calvin Klein A/W2010 Streamed Live

Calvin Klein A/W2010 Streamed live

Calvin Klein announced today that both its men’s and women’s runway show will be streamed live on its official website and Facebook page.

The men’s Autumn 2010 Calvin Klein Collection runway show will be broadcast live at 2:00pm EST on Sunday, February 14th, while later in the week, the women’s Fall 2010 Calvin Klein Collection show will broadcast at 3:00pm EST on Thursday, February 18th.

Both shows will appear exclusively and simultaneously on the brands’ dedicated website at www.calvinkleincollection.com and on the company’s branded Facebook page at www.facebook.com/calvinklein

A live chat function on the brands’ Facebook page will also allow for an open discussion forum surrounding both runway shows and New York Fashion Week in general.

New Balance Opens Shanghai’s First Experience Store

New Balance Opens Shanghai’s First Experience Store

New Balance, one of the world’s leading running brands, announces the opening of its first Experience Store on Shanghai’s Huai Hai Road. It is New Balance’s second Experience Store in China, following the opening of its first on Beijing’s Qianmen Avenue last year. Senior executives from the company, including Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Darren Tucker, and China Managing Director, Michael Wellman, attended the grand opening to witness this exciting event. “Our goal is to produce the best quality and most comfortable running shoes for our consumers,” explains Darren Tucker, Regional General Manager, and Asia Pacific. Proudly expressing the business philosophy of New Balance, the century-old American sporting brand, he continued, “New Balance sets a new standard of retail excellence within the global marketplace to celebrate our innovation and pay tribute to our heritage. We hope that consumers will engage with our rich brand story that is 104 years in the making.”

Experience the Rich Heritage
Occupying more than 200 square meters, the New Balance Experience Store is located on the first floor of the Novel Building, Shanghai. With its charming brick walls, wooden display windows, nostalgic old telephones and iron chandeliers, the interior décor creates a sense of subtlety, which captures the legacy and essence of New Balance. The store feels both classic and modern, perfectly encapsulating the brand’s heritage and innovation. The Experience Store is designed such that a panoramic view of the ceiling unfurls the brand’s past, present and future, telling Shanghai the magnificent story of New Balance’s one hundred and four year history in making shoes.

Rooted in China, Promoting a Running Culture
In addition to this new store in Shanghai, New Balance will soon open ten more experience stores in major cities across China. China Managing Director Michael Wellman explains that New Balance thinks very highly of the Chinese market, “New Balance has been working to provide the highest quality running shoes to Chinese consumers since we entered the Chinese market in 2003. These new Experience Stores offer a completely original shopping experience to our customers. Meanwhile, we hope that we can bring the idea of a running culture, which is so popular elsewhere, to China. This year, we will hold our New Balance “6km Run” in six of China’s major cities. We will also be organizing a variety of activities for runners of all levels. Let’s get running!”

Bringing Together Performance and Lifestyle
The new Experience Store on Huai Hai Road, Shanghai displays New Balance’s entire product line: sports footwear, apparel and a variety of sports accessories, available for all seasons and for men, women and kids, bringing the complete New Balance experience to consumers. Prime position is given to New Balance’s series of high performance running shoes. New Balance has always been at the forefront of technology and innovation in performance footwear. As a complement, the lifestyle series caters to customers looking for fashionable colors and elegant designs. These two series perfectly integrate high technology with fashionable design, exhibiting New Balance’s traditional craftsmanship and its modern spirit.

For over one hundred and four years, New Balance has passionately and diligently held fast to the aim of producing the best quality and most comfortable products.

New Balance Store

Bid on Boxfresh Trainers & Help Haiti

Bid on Boxfresh Trainers & Help Haiti

Bid on Boxfresh Trainers & Help Haiti!!!

You can now bid on these exclusive customised trainers in aid of Haiti via the Ctrl.Alt.Shift auction page. Illustrations hand drawn by Owen P, an esteemed illustrator and graffiti artist who has worked with the likes of D*face, Mysterious Al and All City.

BID HERE

Alexander McQueen – Passing of a fashion legend

Alexander McQueen - Passing of a fashion legend

Passing of a fashion legend.

Alexander McQueen, has taken his life. Reports say that he was found in his flat in London’s Green Park, where he died by hanging himself.

Top fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London, England, home Thursday, a spokesman for his company said.

London’s Metropolitan Police said a 40-year-old man was found dead at an address in Green Street, central London.

A statement on behalf of his family said: “Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family.”

Hermes Menswear

Hermes Menswear
While other stores are closing, Hermès will open its first store entirely dedicated to men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and art of living on Wednesday. Located at 690 Madison Avenue in New York, “Hermès Man on Madison” will stand directly across the street from the U.S. flagship store.

The 2,450 square foot store is the first Hermès boutique in the world that is dedicated to men only. Housed in a classic brownstone, the store’s ground floor will offer a comprehensive collection of shirts, ties, perfumes, small leather accessories and watches, while the mezzanine will feature knitwear, sportswear, belts, hats and luggage. Men’s suits, shoes and briefcases will be featured on the third floor with the fourth floor devoted to made-to-measure, including bespoke suits and knitwear as well as special order items.

Vivienne Westwood x Pamela Anderson

Vivienne Westwood x Pamela Anderson

Taking a leaf out of Maclaren’s old book of the contrived “rough and ready”, Select’s Tati joins Vivienne Westwood, her husband Andreas Kronthaler and Pamela Anderson for a graffiti adorned spring 2010 campaign image photographed by Juergen Teller.

Marc Jacobs sues Christian Audigier

Marc Jacobs sues Christian Audigier

Marc Jacobs is the quintessential no-nonsense fashion designers and this is further substantiated by his decision to wrap Christian Audigier in a legal guillotine choke. Audigier’s Nervous Tattoo, Inc is being sued by Marc Jacob’s for trademark infringement over a purse design. You just have to admire Marc’s balls! So the big question is, who will Christian piss off next?

Maison Martin Margiela A/W 2010

Maison Martin Margiela A/W 2010

Maison Martin Margiela A/W 2010

Inspired by the abstraction of a black and white photograph, maison martin margiela’s fall 2010 collection is based on a new silhouette where round shoulders contrast with an elongated look due to jackets worn tucked into trousers with natural waist lines, the presence of haramaki tube belts and the use of vertical stripes.

Maison Martin Margiela A/W 2010

Maison Martin Margiela Clothing

New Balance Mardi Gras Trainers

New Balance Mardi Gras Trainers

Just in time for Mardi Gras and to celebrate the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl win, New Balance introduces the Mardi Gras collection which features the 525 for men and 460 for women. Remaining true to the comfort and light-weight design specific to New Balance, the 525 and 460 silhouettes offer detailed design and accents especially for Mardi Gras. With a fleur de lis symbol on the tongue label and heel tab and a festive gender-specific mask image on the shoe insert, the sneakers radiate the excitement of Mardi Gras.

Both silhouettes celebrate the party in the theme colors of green, purple and gold on a black or white sneaker. Each pair showcases three beads on the shoelaces to represent the tradition of Mardi Gras throws.

Burberry London Fashion Week Streamed

Burberry London Fashion Week Streamed

BURBERRY TO STREAM LONDON FASHION WEEK SHOW LIVE IN 3D TO SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS GLOBALLY

London, 8 February 2010

“We are very excited to announce that we are hosting the first ever truly global fashion show. We will be simultaneously live streaming our show using 3D technology directly to New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and LA. This unprecedented event will enable people to experience the energy and atmosphere of this show from around the world. 3D technology will bring our global audience into the London show space allowing them to see the colours and fabrics, to hear the music and to be a part of that moment when it all finally comes together.”

Christopher Bailey, Chief Creative Officer

Acne Clothes – Behind the scenes at the AW/10 Presentation

AW/10 Acne Denim Film by Andreas Larsson

AW/10 Denim Film by Andreas Larsson from Acne Studios on Vimeo.

Behind the scenes at the AW/10 Presentation

Behind the scenes at the AW/10 Presentation from Acne Studios on Vimeo.

Acne Jeans unites innovative jeans styles with a versatile wardrobe for men and women, ranging from basic cotton T-shirts, to tailored jackets to luxurious accessories and shoes. While every collection forms a concept, each piece can be worn separately and effortlessly be mixed with other brands. By designing simple, functional clothes Acne Jeans aims to create a modern framework for individuality.

Love Moschino S/S 2010 Campaign

Love Moschino S/S 2010

Photographed by Giampaolo Sgura, Reid Prebenda lands a campaign this season playing Moschino’s lone cowboy. Joined by Patrycia Gardygajlo and styled by Anna Dello Russo, Reid is in full force as the campaign takes a campy turn.

Moschino Clothing

Lacoste Red! S/S10 Campaign x Lasse Pedersen

Lacoste Red! S/S10 Campaign x Lasse Pedersen

Continuing his work with Lacoste, Lasse Pedersen appears in the spring 2010 campaign for their Red label. Embracing pop art for a lively spirited campaign, Lacoste affords Lasse the opportunity to deliver a highly animated performance.

Lasse Pedersen

Kellan Lutz for Calvin Klein X underwear line

Kellan Lutz for Calvin Klein X underwear line. The campaign and the Calvin Klein X underwear line are launching simultaneously this February featuring an impactful and complementary mix of print, outdoor, and digital media around the world beginning next month, including a fully dedicated microsite that will debut February 15, 2010.

S/S 2010 Roberto Cavalli Class

S/S 2010 Roberto Cavalli Class
Egle Tvirbutaite and Patrick Kafka are the faces of the S/S 2010 Roberto Cavalli Class’ campaign. Styled by Marie Amelie Sauve and photographed by Giampaolo Sgura.

Since its first show in 1970 at the Salon for Prêt-à-Porter in Paris, Florence-born Roberto Cavalli has been synonymous with glam, rock, and animal prints. His flamboyant Italian style caught on quickly, and by 1972 he opened his first boutique in Saint-Tropez, a perfect French Riviera resort location to sell his signature patchworks of different materials (a printing-on-leather procedure he patented in the early seventies). The decadent life of the designer—summers on yachts, gold on everything—translates into the label, which people go to for a taste of the over-the-top Italian lifestyle. So look to Cavalli for color, and lots of it. A genius when it comes to leather, his designs are wild, sexy, erotic, and fluid. To date, Cavalli has done it all—from menswear, to womenswear, to children’s clothing, to a secondary line named Just Cavalli, to designs for the home. Though he was looking for buyers of the business in 2008, no one ever took on the Cavalli kingdom, so he kept at himself—and in December he launched a nightclub, a fitting business venture for the man who designs clothes club girls love to wear.

Stussy Deluxe x Dr. Martens – Hambleton Shoes

Stussy Deluxe x Dr. Martens - Hambleton Shoes

A follow up to the hugely popular special edition Chukka boots, footwear maker Dr. Martens and urban fashion label Stussy Deluxe will issue a new collaborative model this Spring – The Hambleton. Taken design cues from the California casual styles and an European summer staple, the 2-eyelet moccasin style footwear called the espadrille, the Stussy Deluxe x Dr. Martens Hambleton Shoes feature an all canvas upper in 3 colors: Navy, Black, and Ecru. A Stussy Deluxe logo is embroidered on the tongue and a Stussy “SS” emblem is embossed near the heel counter. The familiar Dr. Martens’ cloth loop in matching color was added to each edition’s heel tab. Aside from the new design, a new EVA outsole was created, with Stussy’s signature purple stripe applied along the sidewall.

The Stussy Deluxe x Dr. Martens Hambleton Shoes will be available at select Dr. Martens retailers and Stussy chapter stores worldwide starting next month, March 2010. via: Freshness Mag

Moncler x COMME des GARÇONS – Moncler 365

Moncler x COMME des GARÇONS - Moncler 365

Heritage Italian down company Moncler has reinvented itself in the recent seasons with a series of high profile collaborations, especially taking a daring plunge into the contemporary scene with some of the most influential and progressive designers from all over the world. First, the label enlisted the help of renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber to go wild with its advertising campaign (what can be crazier than a legion of Golden Retrievers spotting Moncler puffy jackets?); then, the label created new collaborative lines, Moncler V (for men) with Hiroki Nakamura of visvim, and recently with Pharrell Williams, and Moncler S (for women) with Sacai’s designer, Chitose Abe.

This time around, the collaboration extends beyond new products, and into a retail concept as Moncler teams up with the quintessential champion of progressive fashion, Comme des Garçons. The collaborative project, named Moncler 365, will open on March 25 and stay house to an exclusive line of co-branded pieces which will not only include puffers, but also regular apparel and accessories. The color palette of course, stays simple and true to Comme des Garçons’ love for minimalism in earth tones and black.

The collaborative boutique stays on the same spot which housed Comme des Garçons’ temporary venture with Louis Vuitton and Japanese Vogue. Check out the covered storefront of Moncler 365 and a little preview of what to expect from the store in Spring. via: WWD

Seven For All Mankind looks East

Seven For All Mankind looks East

7FAM will open four new stores in China in 2010: in Beijing, Shanghai and two other as yet undetermined cities. Denim is big business in China, and appears to be the answer to the American economic woes. In 2007, American premium denim maker 7 For All Mankind entered the mainland market, and since then has established locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Dalian, Hangzhou and Chengdu. This week, in an interview with China Daily, Vice President of VF Asia (the Asian office of American apparel monolith VF Corp, which owns 7 For All Mankind) Raffaele Germano said the company plans to open four new retail locations in China over the course of 2010, with one store each slated for Beijing and Shanghai, with the other two locations to be determined.

The brand, famously dubbed “Sevens” by fashion editors and stylists, grew to fame in no small part because it became an instant favorite among Hollywood’s elite. 7 For All Mankind jeans continue to rank as a preferred jean among Hollywood’s leading ladies such as Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner and Liv Tyler. Male celebrities such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Reynolds became fans of the brand shortly after the launch of the 7 For All Mankind’s men’s collection in 2002.

The company continues to grow and evolve as a true denim lifestyle brand, expanding its product line to include women’s, men’s, kids, sportswear, handbag and footwear collections. The brand’s offerings also continue to expand through innovative collaborations with highly regarded designers such as The Great China Wall, Zac Posen, Azzedine Alaia, Evan Yurman and Pucci.

Polo Ralph Lauren Olympic 2010 Uniforms

Polo Ralph Lauren Olympic Uniforms
Polo Ralph Lauren Unveils The Official Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform For The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Polo Ralph Lauren celebrates the commencement of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver with an unveiling of the official U.S. Opening Ceremony Parade Uniforms to be worn on February 12, 2010. As the proud outfitter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the Company has designed the Official Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony Parade Uniforms as well as a unique collection of village wear apparel and accessories.

“It is a proud moment for us to watch these esteemed athletes as they walk out onto a global stage representing America in front of billions of people worldwide,” said David Lauren, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications.

The Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform for both men and women are vintage-inspired and modern in design with a functional cotton fleece pant, a navy and red down jacket, a classic cable turtleneck, and a traditional wool hat adorned with American flag adding a distinct feel of patriotic spirit.

“Polo Ralph Lauren has outfitted the team with a timeless look – one that fellow Americans will be proud to wear,” said Lisa Baird, USOC Chief Marketing Officer. “They truly understand the honor bestowed upon Team USA athletes who will represent our nation at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

The 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Collection consists of authentic sporting apparel which embodies the spirit of American athleticism and sportsmanship. Celebrating the rich history of the Olympic Winter Games with a nod to the Lake Placid Games of 1932, the clothing will showcase a classic Americana and patriotic palette of red, white and blue.

The U.S. Olympic Collection for men, women and children will be available for sale in Polo Ralph Lauren retail stores, Ralphlauren.com, and exclusively at select department stores in the U.S. and Canada.

This announcement reinforces Polo Ralph Lauren’s leadership in major sporting initiatives. In addition to the Company’s involvement with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the company serves as the Official Apparel Sponsor for both Wimbledon and the U.S. Tennis Open. Polo Ralph Lauren currently also sponsors an elite roster of professional golfers, as well as the Blackwatch Polo Team.

Launch of Calvin Klein X underwear line

For the first time ever, four men will be the face of Calvin Klein Underwear. Actors Kellan Lutz, Mehcad Brooks and Athletes Fernando Verdasco and Hidetoshi Nakata are headlining the upcoming “Mark Your Spot” global advertising campaign for the launch of Calvin Klein X underwear line.

The campaign and the Calvin Klein X underwear line are launching simultaneously this February featuring an impactful and complementary mix of print, outdoor, and digital media around the world beginning next month, including a fully dedicated microsite that will debut February 15, 2010.

Created and directed by Trey Laird of Laird & Partners, the imagery for all campaigns include still photography by Mikael Jansson and digital films produced by Darius Khondji, both of which were shot in New York City.

“The launch of Calvin Klein X underwear is a truly global initiative, so we believe it is imperative to feature talent from our most important regions – Asia, Europe, and the USA in the launch advertising, said Tom Murry, President & CEO, Calvin Klein, Inc. “The creative is in the spirit and tradition of the most innovative of Calvin Klein underwear campaigns.”

The four men featured in the Spring 2010 Calvin Klein X underwear campaign, include:

launch of Calvin Klein X underwear line

Former model and actor Kellan Lutz, 24, is best known for playing the vampire ‘Emmett Cullen’ in the popular Twilight films, and will be featured in the latest release in the series, Eclipse, which will be in theaters beginning June 30th.

Mehcad Brooks

Mehcad Brooks, 29, is a native Texan, who first worked as a model before transitioning to acting.

For the last two seasons Brooks has starred in the HBO hit vampire series, True Blood, and will next be seen in a new ABC television drama, The Deep End.

Hidetoshi Nakata

Hidetoshi Nakata, 32, is a former Japanese National footballer who has played most of his career in Europe. Nakata has played for Japan in two Olympic Games (1996, 2000) and three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006).

He was one of the first Japanese players to play outside of Japan, in Italy and the UK. During his career in Italy he has won the Italian Championships and Italian Cup.

He has received Asia Player of the Year twice. In 2006, after a strong performance in the World Cup Germany, Nakata announced his retirement from professional football.

Nakata is known in Asia as a social entrepreneur and fashion icon, regularly attending runway shows and sporting designer fashions.

Fernando Verdasco - Calvin Klein X underwear line

Madrid native Fernando Verdasco, 26, is a top ten ranked professional tennis player in the world and second in his home country of Spain.

This year marked his best performance to date, climbing to number seven in the ATP world rankings and capturing his third ATP world tour title in New Haven.

The campaign will debut Calvin Klein underwear’s new Calvin Klein X line, which comes in two modern fabrications for ultimate comfort and fit: cotton modal and microfiber.

Modal provides softness and luster whilst the cotton allows for comfort and breathability; the microfiber is an ultra-luxe premium fabrication.

Both have stretch for ease of movement, and styles are distinguished with colored, microfiber logo waistbands – cotton features a blue logo, microfiber in red.

Each is overlaid with a distinctive center front gray patch with an embossed “X” over the signature Calvin Klein logo in bold proportions for maximum impact.

G-Star Raw A/W 2010 at NY Fashion Week

G-Star Raw Fall/Winter 2010 collection at NY Fashion Week

A favorite pair of jeans to many, G-Star Raw approaches cult status among its many fans.

Futuristic and cautious, far-reaching and experimental, alternative and traditional, G-Star Raw pushes the envelope as it continues experimentation and product development. Known for its innovative and cutting edge style, the luxury denim brand’s rough, rudimentary and raw characteristic allow G-Star to maintain its distinct and unorthodox styles.

On Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at the Hammerstein Ballroom G-Star Raw will present the men’s and women’s NY Raw Fall/Winter 2010 collection during New York Fashion Week.

This season G-Star will show its signature denim craftsmanship coupled with elegant tailored pieces in vibrant colors to create a collection that exudes ‘Raw’ Luxury.

G-STAR RAW
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
7:00 pm
Hammerstein Ballroom
311 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

BY INVITATION ONLY

AIFW 2010 – Amsterdam International Fashion Week Recap

AIFW 2010 - Amsterdam International Fashion Week

Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) recap. The week started in style with the opening hosted by Fortis Bank featuring two catwalk shows of budding designers Jan Taminau and Mattijs. Taminiau opened Dutch Fashion Week with a collection he showed in Paris a few days before, which was picked up on by Italian Vogue. Later that evening, Central Saint Martin’s graduate Mattijs presented his 5th RTW collection ‘Phoenix’ translating 40s couture to modern day life. Stocked previously at Browns Focus, Deidre Cullen of Harvey Nichols’ especially flew in to view Mattijs’ new collection.

Several new names had the chance to show their collections for the very first time during AIFW including Elsien Gringhuis, Linda Valkeman, design duo Sanne Karssenberg and Cleo Greidanus, and Quoc Thang. In the evening the runway was reserved for more established names to present their new creations for SS10. Mada van Gaans, known for her feminine and elegant signature style, took her inspiration from the ancient world and showed a sophisticated but yet powerful collection.

Despite Claes Iversen’s archive literally went up in smoke in November 2009, the designer made quite an impact on the who’s who of the Dutch fashion scene. The media, models and famous faces applauded him for his talent and optimistic determination. It-girl label SuperTrash was so popular several front row invitees were slightly upset their seats were taken, to say the least. The label debuted in LA, and recently signed singer Pixie Lott to do their exclusive campaign.

The final day of AIFW showcased a mish mash of various fashion labels. Korean designer Hyun Yeu presented his menswear collection Rain, highstreet retailer Claudia Sträter showed its new collection in the afternoon followed by denim label Replay. Last but not least Bibi van der Velde concluded AIFW and took all fashion connoisseurs by storm with her spectacular show. Blue laser light created a futuristic tunnel as backdrop for the models wearing massive bronze sculptures. It proved to be an unexpected ending of AIFW embodying everything but a tunnel vision of Dutch fashion design.

Griffin Spring/Summer 10 collection

Griffin Spring/Summer 10 collection

Griffin Spring/Summer 10 collection

Inspiration & Colour range

The Griffin mix becomes ever more imminent in the spring/summer 10 collection, 19 years ago we began mixing fashion and sportswear for a new consumer, the street connoisseur. Today this is still at the core of our philosophy using this mix, we merge it with influences from our travels and lifestyle to inspire the collection. Griffin’s core style is the mix, from mountain climbing with Berghaus, to traditional rainwear with Mackintosh, from the street to Parkour to the Country and the mountain biking festival where riders became the season’s models. In the time of a recession we looked at the positives, opting for a summer of many local holidays including the summer Solstice at Stonehenge where 30,000 people gathered at the stones, then there was Glastonbury festival, followed by a trip to channel 4 eco guru Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage, along with a course on how to keep rare breeds and a giant three week camping holiday along the Jurassic and North Devon coasts of England. With work taking the team to Shanghai, Japan, NYC and Portland we took the opportunity to enjoy what we had locally and create an Eco retreat.

The collection results in an interesting mix of military and sportswear from our annual visit to the war and peace exhibition to an athletic summer of cycling and camping. We create a collection to suit this dynamic lifestyle opting for natural traditional fibres, Dry Wax Canvas Cottons, summer lightweight corduroys, to classic Italian camouflage linens. We have selected core iconic Griffin styles from past collections, including Bladecut garments, USMC pants and reversible jackets. Still holding tight to the Griffin mix of tradition vs. technology, function vs. fashion, high tech nylons are printed in complex camouflages accentuated with fluorescent orange trims. The result is the ultimate Griffin urban vs. country mix.

Griffin Trousers and Clothing

Feiyue SS10 – Frederique Daubal

Feiyue SS10 - Frederique Daubal

Feiyue SS10 – New artists join the Feiyue roster

SS10 sees the launch of new limited edition Feiyue collaborations. Complete artistic freedom was given to two creative talents, from the world of graphic design and conceptual fashion. Both designers were encouraged to use any material or colour of their choice in order to bring their interpretation of the Feiyue Lo to life.

Collaborations part 1: FEIYUE X DAUBAL, experimental graphic designer meets heritage sneaker brand.

Multi-tasking French graphic designer Frederique Daubal injects a new, mature dimension into the Feiyue line. Coming from a graphic design background, Frederique also experiments with textile as a three dimensional medium and creates clothes under her name, which incorporate second hand pieces. She has collaborated with numerous brands, including Paul Smith, Nokia and Colette to name a few.

Frederique Daubal

About Feiyue

Originating in Shanghai, the Feiyue sneaker first appeared in the 1920s. This small shoe made of light material that has guided the paths of all social classes in China, has crossed continents, arriving in Europe in 2006, where it was picked up by a team of French enthusiasts, fascinated by sneakers and urban culture.

Losing nothing of its vintage and authentic charm, Feiyue has undergone a series of transformations. With gradual evolution of practices, blending in French and international influences, the brand is now set to conquer the walkways of Western cities.

Considerable work has been conducted on improving quality standards: with a complete revision of the original form and more carefully selected materials, the resulting shoe combines aesthetics with durability. With these modifications complete, the very first collection was launched in France in February 2006. Since then, Feiyue has seen many different varieties and is constantly changing – its name in Chinese pronounced “Fei-ue”, means “Flying Forward”…Innovative models are this constantly appearing sporting new colours and new materials.

Fascinated by urban art, music and travel, the team intuitively follows its day-to-day fancies to enhance the Feiyue range, following no specifications on trends or other preliminary studies. Memories, images, impressions and moods, picked up along their travels, permanently mesh and enhance the brand’s identity. This philosophy of opening up the mind to the world at large and researching new models is a source of inspiration for all the diverse, eclectic creations, of both the shoes themselves and their visual enhancement.