Design/ Highlights from Milan part 2

From top to bottom: Royal School of Arts, The Hague (KABK); KABK; Dutch Invertuals; Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht (HKU); 010-020; De Invasie; COS pop-up store; Street Art

While I love scouting for Dutch talents during fairs, graduate shows and exhibitions, sometimes it can be nice to take a little break and just wander around the city. Here are a few photos of my favourite shows in Milan.

Once again the COS pop-up store was so super minimalist, pure perfection! Some of my favourite items were seen at 010-020 – a collective from Rotterdam and Amsterdam – creating the most vibrant fabrics (Mae Engelgeer) and simplistic racks to hang them from (Jeroen van Leur).

On Order/ My first Wang's

Above: Resort 2013 lookbook Below: The Jill

He's labelled the new King of cool, every self-respecting blogger owns at least one piece from his (affordable) line and he seems to epitomize street style. I'm talking of course about Alexander Wang, New York's finest dare I say 'American sportswear' designer.

I have always wanted to own a simple white T by the man himself but found inflated import prices so ludicrous I just never bothered. Last year though I bought a pair of tweed joggers, completely outside my comfort zone (consisting mainly of skinny jeans) and have found myself wearing them inside and out on a weekly basis.

After coveting many a pair of Wang boots I have finally decided to take the plunge and order a pair, before they sell out worldwide. These leather and white rubber cut-out boots are so clean and kooky, they should take me from winter to summer and back again and by the looks of it will suit trousers short and long. I am no longer defending myself. Jill, you are my latest quest, I shall see you on my feet next week!

Flat: by Borre

At the opening of their gallery exhibition in Amsterdam, I spoke with Borre Akkersdijk and Daan Spangenberg of by Borre about ideas, materials and hopes for the future.

Fashion, textiles and techniques take pride of place at Gallery 33 courtesy of by Borre for an entire month.

Suspended from the ceiling, pressed between sheets of  glass or hanging 15 metres high, there is no ‘normal’ way of showing the designs made by by Borre. Both Design Academy Eindhoven graduates, Borre Akkersdijk and Daan Spangenberg set up the brand a number of years ago and have quickly made a name for themselves in the Paris fashion scene. Creating innovative knits, thick textiles and heavy, almost sculptured jackets, the duo’s style is recognizable and very ‘now’.

Read the full article via this link

Personal note: I was invited to the newly opened Gallery 33 by a friend and was pleasantly surprised. Situated at the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam, admittedly an instant adder of city cool, the gallery itself is a great mix of disused factory and sleek contemporary styling with high ceilings and a mezzanine level. Borre and Daan seemed really enthusiastic about the expo and what was on show really impressed me, the thickness of material alone is something you just won't see on the high street or even high-end shops, it's really unique. I would definitely recommend you stop by the gallery if you're in Amsterdam and go take a look yourself. Almost all the products on show are for sale, but beware, because of the special techniques and materials, you will need a trust fund to buy anything that's not a scarf!

All images by Cassandra Pizzey @ Gallery 33

Dutch Nominee H&M Design Award 2013

Article featured on Design.nl

For the second year the H&M Award seeks a new talent from all over Europe. From ArtEZ graduate Thom Barends was chosen as one of eight finalists.  

In a collection that has deeper social meaning, fashion designer Thom Barends shows us his version of fashion forward.

Inspired by a newspaper article that stated ‘our’ generation is not guaranteed the financial securities our parents enjoyed, Barends started playing with the idea of a girl who is forced to live on the street, recycling her mother’s clothes.

For the H&M Design Award Barends showed a capsule collection featuring 1980s-inspired jackets, assymetrical skirts and grungy pailettes. Some pieces were reminiscent of Maison Martin Margiela classics such as a large blanket duffle coat and dress seemingly made from two different garments. Nonetheless, Barends somewhat dark take on future fashion pleased the jury headed by H&M’s Head of Design Ann-Sofie Johansson.

Chosen from 19 design schools divided over 8 countries now Barends represents the Netherlands in the competition to become the H&M Design Award-winner 2013. The winner of the H&M Design Award 2013 will be announced January 29, 11:00 a.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stockholm Fashion Week as they host their own catwalk show. He or she will also receive a €50,000 cash prize and develop pieces from their collection to be sold at select H&M stores during autumn 2013.

Watch the videos to get an idea of Barends collection and ideas.

The other finalists are Alba Prat (UDK, Germany), Maia Bergman (Saint Martins, UK), Erik Litzén (Beckmans, Sweden), Eleonora Bruno (Polimoda, Italy), Mark Tan (Designskolen Kolding, Denmark), Daniela Salazar (Ecole Couture Parisienne, France) and Minju Kim (Artesis, Belgium).


Personal note:

From a commercial point of view I would love to see Alba Prat or Maia Bergman’s collection hanging in my local H&M! How beautiful are Bergman’s materials and I am in love with the sheer panels. Prat has great use of pattern and I think her collection is very wearable. Daniela Salazar’s collection is impeccable but to be honest I could only see that looking good on a 6ft model! Minju Kim’s collection on the other hand just screams fuuuuuuuun, but maybe not realistic for the highstreet. Well who knows?

The beanie comeback

Now I'm never one to judge the stylings on yesteryear but I have a slight problem with beanies right about now, especially the 1990s type which are not worn to keep those ears warm but strangely positioned on the head as a style statement. I'm not sure when or where this trend started (although Jill Sander S/S 2012 is probably to blame) but it seems to be 'a thing' to sport beanies of this kind again. Not that they have ever been out of style as sportswear; I just didn't think I'd be seeing Italian editors or fashionable bloggers walking around with their hats perched on their noggins.

Jill Sander S/S 2012

As with most fashion trends though, the more I see these beanies, the more I crave one; especially those of the veiled disposition. How are they ever practical for summer? Who cares about practicality when it comes to fashion? Alas, I digress.

While watching one of Garance Doré's loverly videos for Net-a-Porter just now, I found myself once again intrigued by a beanie. This version seemed almost DIY embellished with many shiny stones, and as I am to embellishments what moths are to flames, I find myself drawing up my next DIY project.

And see here, stylist Elisa Nalin sporting the aforementioned beanie

Seeing as beanies do offer the practical service of keeping head and ears warm (if correctly pulled down) I figure this trend can legitimately picked up in the name of cold weather. Did I mention I also bought a baseball cap, an excuse to keep rain from my eyes and hair (yet flattening said hair when removed).

Drawn to the beanie

Now I'm off to town to see what beanie offerings there are and how I could possibly make this trend work for me. Yes, I already have one but it doesn't match my hair in the same way this one ultimately will! 

New in: transparency

A package had been waiting for me for over a week now and this is what was inside! I got these sandals in the sale for around €7 and aren't they great? I love the caramel leather and transparent strap which from a distance makes it look like your not wearing shoes at all. Now it's up to the weather to let me wear them out!

New in: ankle cuffs

During my weekly H&M browse today (some do groceries, I do H&M rounds) I came across these amazing gold ankle cuffs. Wasn't quite sure how they worked at first but after trying them on at home I'm glad I took them with me! The Kalvertoren store has undergone a complete make-over recently (must have been living under a stone) and now has a huuuuge Trend collection in addition to the regular and Divided lines. I also scored a pair of black joggers with leather detailing which I'd been looking for for ages (excuse grammar).

Sale wishes

I had a right old grumble this week when I saw Net-a-Porter had started their sale (early I might add) but this month really doesn't allow any designer buys. Anyway, a girl can dream so here are my picks from the sale.

Clockwise from left: Maison Martin Margiela vest, Acne leather biker jacket, Jimmy Choo booties, Belle Sigerson Morrison sandals, Isabel Marant tunic, Proenza Schouler bag

I am of the opinion that sale time is the best time to buy investment pieces, focussing on basic items which will last (and a sneaky splurge item such as this Proenza Schouler bag which you will love for its uniqueness). How I never met this Margiela vest before is beyond me, but now I am in love. The Acne and Isabel have been long-term crushes along with the Choos. I need Choos in my life. I also need a new place to live so maybe stay away from anything to do with Choos, or shoes for that matter.

serien°umerica

I came across the brand serien°umerica while browsing my inbox this week and fell in love with their simple, clean aesthetic and beautiful use of leather. The bags can be worn in various ways and the leather gilets are adaptable and even fold into bags thanks to the placement of ingenious hooks (3.1 Philip Lim anyone?). The two designers behind the Italian brand are Maria De Ambrogio and Stella Tosco who worked closely with various artisans to create this accessory collection. Also check out the different-sized shoppers which incorporate aluminium in the leather to give it that wrinkled effect.

DIY preview: studded jeans

Just a quick preview of how my DIY studded jeans will turn out once I've actually stuck on the studs! And yes, I used a ruler.

New In: H&M WaterAid

I stumbled upon yet another awesome H&M charity collection the other day while browsing my inbox. WaterAid enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and improves hygiene, always a good thing if you ask me.
As I'm not into giving to charity the traditional way – being harassed in front of the super market by collectors that is – I'm happy to pay a little more for clothes if 25% of the profit goes to charity. Here here are my WaterAid picks:

All images WaterAid via H&M.com

The Hawaii prints and nod to the 1950s through high-waisted shorts and bralets are completely on trend and remind me of Stella McCartney meets D&G meets your local vintage boutique. I also ordered the bikini and swimsuit but the sizing was all wrong for me. Incidentally I didn't think the dress would suit me that well but turned out to be my favourite – and most flattering – piece.

What do you think of charity collections? Are you on board with the guilt-free shopping trend?

New Look for summer

I am a sucker for a great British brand and often find myself perusing the online racks of Topshop, River Island and, of course New Look. When asked to participate in a competition to choose you favourite look for summer, who was I to say no? I have always been a great fan of the brand's shoe lounge and for this great competition have chosen some of my favourite items to brighten up a summer's day.

Clockwise from left: Denim gilet, lace dress, studded bag, woven sandals, studded boots, fringe bag, heart-shaped sunnies

For me, this summer is all about cute white lace dresses, grunged up a little with cool accessories such as fringe, denim, studs and leather. For a day out in the park I would grab the fringed bag and woven sandals (comfy!), or opt for the gilet, studded boots and bag and heart-shaped sunnies for an on-trend festival look. I am head-over-heels with this fringe bag and if I win, it will definitely be the first thing in my shopping basket, fingers crossed!

Orange fever

Those who know me will know that Euro and World Cup times can be pretty tough for me. Not being Dutch (well almost) means I don't get those butterflies when Holland scores. Giving up football season however would mean giving up my social life and so by week three I am cheering and booing along like a native.
Those who know me will also know I am a sucker for a marketing stunt which is why I just purchased this Supertrash for Albert Heijn (supermarket chain) dress that can be worn 6 different ways. At just €9,99 a complete steal and it means I can at least be fashionable in orange while supporting the Dutch team!

Bring on the sun

Yesterday was the launch of the Fashion Against Aids collection at H&M, full of Aztec prints and party-proof outfits. I scored a pair of denim cut-offs and a reversible bomber which I intend to rock at some summer festivals. Also my latest Isabel Marant installment in the form of these sandals/booties. Sooties? Bandals?

Salt Season

After the fashion show last week at Jazz Club Bird, D. and I decided to hang around and peruse the shops which are part of Mini Mall. The former Hofplein train station has undergone a renovation and since 2011 houses a number of great boutiques and cafes. My favourite was Salt Season where you'll find a mix of Scandinavian brands, beautiful leather bags, funny accessories and a hair dresser's! I especially liked the interior of the shop – housed in the characteristic arches – with products presented on oak-wood tables, hanging from the walls and in beatiful cabinets.