While fashion and science don’t exactly strike us as similar topics, designers’ eternal quest for innovation—be it in fabric, silhouette, or colour combinations—seems quite the Einsteinian pursuit (okay, maybe that’s a stretch).
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Archive for Adam Gill
Ones to watch: Brooke Roberts takes “fashion geek” to the next level
They said/We said: Leigh Lezark is the next H&M collaborator, or should we say curator
Photography by Nick Harvey/WireImage
H&M has announced it will join forces with downtown mistress Leigh Lezark for the launch of an upcoming shop-in-shop inside London department store Selfridges. Instead of commissioning the Misshapes DJ/model to design a collection, though, the Swedish retailer has asked her to curate the collections inside their new location. If you’re wondering what exactly “curating” entails in this case, don’t feel lonely, because so are we. From what we can gather, Lezark will be selecting some of her favourite pieces from the collection as well as of course making a personal appearance when the shop opens its doors next Thursday.
The concept behind the shop-in-shop is to offer customers exclusive and limited-edition items with noteworthy curators stopping by regularly. It seems a little bit out of character for H&M, a company usually committed to bringing affordable goods to the masses on a global scale, to rent out space in a high-end department store and stock it with pieces of limited availability.
Still, the opening comes at a significant moment in British fashion. It seems that everyone’s eyes have been on London this year because of style icons such as the two Kates (Moss and Middleton) and Alexander McQueen. An American analytics group has just named the city this year’s number-one fashion capital based on web activity. If you also take into account the increasing number of promising young designers that it keeps on turning out, it’s easy to see why H&M would choose London as the setting for a more exclusive project.
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Ones to watch: Venessa Arizaga’s woven charm
Just like we used to obsess over trading and braiding colourful strings, nowadays we’re pretty obsessed with Venessa Arizaga’s woven line of jewelry. Channelling the schoolyard whimsy of friendship bracelets but updating them for grownups, Arizaga makes colourful pieces that are blasts from the past that manage to look wholly modern.
Working with Tuleh and Zac Posen after graduating Parsons The New School for Design in 2003, Arizaga was inspired to handcraft colourful pieces following a trip to Puerto Rico. For fall, Arizaga’s collection nods to the late ’60s and early ’70s, offering a range of crocheted materials in contrasting colours that make up the bulk of the pieces. Browns blend with pinks, oranges, and yellows to form items with intense hippy appeal. Not to head too far back in time, bracelets and necklaces are kept current with strange charms (including Russian dolls and skulls) as well as timeless pearls. The look is fun, a bit cheeky, and made for a confident wearer.
Fans can purchase items at venessaarizaga.com. Gift-givers beware, though: unlike old-school friendship bracelets, these are pieces you won’t want to give away once you’ve tried them on.
They said/We said: Could Marc Jacobs really be the new guy at Dior?
Photography by Peter Stigter
Rumours surrounding who would take charge at Dior began almost immediately following John Galliano’s dismissal back in February. While former Galliano aid Bill Gaytten had stepped into the role of creative director during Paris Couture Week back in April, we’d assume a megawatter is what LVMH is seeking for the permanent position (especially after Gaytten’s poorly received collection). To date, Ricardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz, and Haider Ackermann have been named as a few of the possible contenders, and now the latest rumours circulating are that LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault wants Marc Jacobs for the job.
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They said/We said: Christian Louboutin is seeing red after court allows YSL to use his signature soles
Photography by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Thought your red soles were the last thing that set your Loubs apart from the rest? Well, think again. Yesterday, Judge Victor Marrero denied shoe-design demigod Christian Louboutin from holding the claim on the shade from Yves Saint Laurent, who had manufactured similarly soled models. The brand battle started up earlier this year when Louboutin filed a lawsuit against YSL for producing the heels, which it felt infringed on an established signature.
Although Louboutin won a trademark in order to protect its precious red soles back in 2008, it wasn’t enough to anchor a victory this time around. Other companies, such as Tiffany & Co., do hold rights to colour; however, the context is a bit different. Tiffany’s signature blue box is limited to packaging and doesn’t affect the creative input or design of actual products. The judge’s decision is really only the beginning, as he ordered the parties to return to court next week. It seems that he would like to reconsider the issuing of Louboutin’s trademark altogether and possibly have it revoked.
What could this cancellation mean in the grand scheme of things? We can only imagine the flood of high-street knockoffs that would follow suit. Louboutins have become instantly recognizable and immensely popular among the masses—frequently photographed on celebs and featured in shows like Sex and the City. That being said, one brand having a monopoly over a colour just isn’t fair to the creative aspirations of other designers. The court even compared the case to an imaginary suit between Monet and Picasso. One artist claiming rights over the colour blue, despite distinct artistic visions, just seems a bit absurd.
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Is Yorkdale like the Octomom for shopping? 7 For All Mankind is the latest to move in
It’s been a seriously good year for Yorkdale shoppers. First Topshop at the Bay, then the Holt Renfrew expansion, then J.Crew, and now this: 7 For All Mankind has chosen the mall to house their first Toronto location. Can we get a heck, yes?
In addition to what we’re sure will be an impressive selection of denim, the outpost will feature the L.A.-based brand’s sportswear, accessories, and new children’s collections. To celebrate the opening, 7 will be getting arty by inviting seven Canadian artists to create a unique piece out of denim. The artworks will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to charity. Fans can get their hands on their favourite items following the event, which takes place August 31.
The company is seeking to expand into further west in Canada with a shop already set up in Calgary and another on the way in Edmonton.
The show goes on: Fred Perry proceeds with Amy Winehouse-designed collection
Photography by Fionn Kidney/Flickr
Among the many questions raised after Amy Winehouse’s tragic passing last month was if her collections for Fred Perry would still be released. The label had commissioned the singer back in 2010 to complete four collections channeling her personal style and Winehouse had maintained a relationship with the label ever since. After weeks of speculation, it has now been confirmed that the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 collections (which had been completed prior to Winehouse’s death) will be released after Fred Perry obtained her parents’ blessings.
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They said/We said: We take bets on what Michael Kors impending nuptials might look like
Photography by Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Congratulations to Michael Kors and Lance LePere. The American sportswear designer announced that he and his longtime beau will be getting married after the two were seen picking up a marriage license in New York on Wednesday, a little more than a month after the state legalized same-sex marriage. The couple met back in 1990, when LePere began interning for Kors.
What to expect of the nuptials? Well, if you’re hoping for a media-centered public production, keep on wishing. Kors and LePere are known to keep mum about their personal life, and that’s not about to change for their big day. In fact, the only details disclosed by the designer indicate that it’ll be private.
Even though you may not get an inside look at the event, we’re betting it’ll be a classy affair. Kors is known for his understated, refined taste, and we’d expect no less of his wedding ceremony. All speculation aside, though, we wish the couple happiness and all the best on their wedding day and in the future.
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