Rotating Kitchen

For the opening of the exhibition: Eating the Universe, in Germany. An installation work, named 'The Rotating Kitchen' by Zeger Reyers was put into motion. It will be rotating continuously will February 28th 2010.

Marge + Margiela

Been working hard matching deadlines for the past week, therefore meaning a lack of posts. However, managed to pick up a few items along the way. A present from Italy, my good friend Penny brought me a back a copy of Playboy with Marge Simpson as the cover girl. I can't believe my first ever Playboy mag would have a cartoon character on the front?! Anyway moving towards the sales period, I've managed to pick up a martin margiela flight jacket for a good price. A very thick garment, perfect for the winter ahead.

Twin Set: Viktor & Rolf by Blommers & Schumm

Having seen previously the unveiling of Viktor & Rolf’s ‘Monsieur’ collection for Spring/Summer 2010. The design duo styled themselves with the photography team Blommers and Schumm in the Fall/Winter issue of GQ Style Italy. The shoot sees the designers picking up key items from the collection and mixing them with pieces by other designers. This is an interesting way to see the designers’ vision and their playful character. More can be seen here.

Dieter Rams “Less and More” Exhibition

Opening today is the Dieter Rams 'Less And More' exhibition at the Design Museum in London. Dieter Rams was the director at the German electronics manufacturer Braun for over 30 years and is known globally for his simple and elegant aesthetics. He has created a blueprint for the designs of today and even heavily influenced an upcoming UNDERCOVER S/S Mens collection, where Jun Takahashi followed the tones and details of Dieter Rams' work and placed them in the context of fashion. The exhibition is a retrospective of Dieter Rams' career and showcasing his ground breaking designs for both Braun and Vitsoe. The event runs from today to March 7th 2010.

Jimmy Choo x H&M Release

The new Jimmy Choo x H&M collection released today, with lines of fashionistas/resellers waited for hours outside major stores. Have to say with the explosion of 'double names' in Harajuku in the mid 1990s, this trend has affected the fashion significantly.

In menswear point of view, this has to be one of the dullest collection out of past 'high-street' collaborations. In terms of the women's collection, items just isn't up to standard, it's only the average H&M quality. This was a stark contrast to the recent Jil Sander x Uniqlo collection, where it was simple, but yet sophisticated and was a higher standard. Overall, very disappointing. 

Do you want a box with that sir?

This is a great example of viral advertising/promotion. These letters soon got passed on through the internet, which made the agency a big hit. Please take time and read them on here.

Fred Perry 09-10 Winter Collection

Many brands have adopted the 'Gentlemen' look recently, and its seen as a growing trend. However its been Fred Perry's aesthetic from day one. This new 09-10 winter collection shows another strong collection with a heavy use of different versions of checks, while mixing it with down jackets and coats. Check more of this collection here.

Lady GaGa - Bad Romance

Lady GaGa's newest offering: Bad Romance. The covers shot and music video is directed by Hedi Slimane himself and styling was done by Nicola Formichetti. A very heavy line up indeed.

Art of the Trench

Having been branded a 'chav brand' few years ago, Burberry has been reinventing itself with more toned down collections recently and slowly reducing the use of its house pattern.

This new interactive site shows the history of the iconic Burberry trench coat and allows users to submit their own style/twist to it. More can be view on here.

Topman Party/Fashion Revolution

Was invited to the Topman Party last Wednesday night, have to say it was much better than the launch party a month or two ago. This time round, they had more variety of drinks (not just beer!) and a very nice goody-bag. If you guys still haven't been, the Topman section in the flagship store is extended to two floors, with a barber shop and a branch of EAT on the top floor.

Also visited the Fashion Revolution Exhibition the next day in Somerset House. Don't expect it to be a full blown exhibition, but it definitely has a few highlights e.g. the live photo-shoot done by Nick Knight. Sure is something to catch if you're in London.

More info here.

Maurizio Anzeri

One of my favourite techniques in art and design is Photomontage, and here's a stunning set by Maurizio Anzeri. Would love to see more, but the site is under-construction.

Westwood Madness

I haven't posted for a few days due to workload and birthday weekend, energy level is completely drained out, nonetheless heres one of the major event this week, the Vivienne Westwood sample sale. Me and a few friends went for the so call 'preview' night where only 'friends and families' were invited, but it seems anyone is invited. When we arrived on the night, there were about 150 people queuing already, so we gave up and planned for the next morning. 

Morning came, we arrived early but still there were a lot of people there. To add to this people went a bit mad, started to jump queue and began to push. I've never seen such chaos in any sales events. The overall sale was ok, with 98% of stock are womens, but managed to pick up a few accessories.

To sum it up, the new space is more spacious than the old address which was across the road. But there wasn't any staff or security outside to control the crowd, which went pretty mental...

Good Old Days by Carl Bengtsson

A very beautiful set by Carl Bengtsson, shot for the fall issue of DV Man. This brings me back a set I did a few months ago, which have the same nostalgic feeling. More of this shoot can be seen here.

Wonderwall

I'm sure most of you have been to at least one of many stores designed by Wonderwall, and amazed by the space, design and thoughts that went into them. Now Masamichi Katayama has updated the site with an amazing interface. Check it out here.

Fabio Viale

Wood? rubber? polystyrene? No, Fabio Viale's work is all done by marble, yes indeed, 100% marble. Check out more of his magical work on his site.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

The much talked about collection of Jimmy Choo for H&M will be in store very soon. I'm sure there will be a line full of girls in the morning of the launch. For those who are interested, you can now check the whole collection and its price list here.

Soundtrack of the week - Kings of Convenience

Recently think-silly published a feature on the music duo, Kings of Convenience. If soft, acoustic music is what you're into, then I highly recommend them. If not, search them on Youtube and you won't regret it. The three studio albums have been repeating at home this week.

Jo Ratcliffe

Picked up this months issue of Dazed & Confused yesterday and found the front cover very beautiful illustrated. After reading into it, the work is by Jo Ratcliffe, who is also known as JOCANDRAW. Check out more of her work on her website.

UNDERCOVER menswear SS10 backstage

Although the beautifully presented SS10 show of Undercover is old news, but this footage provides a great look into the hardworking team backstage. TheCorner also conducted an interview with Jun Takahashi, which can be seen here.

STIHL Advert

Another clever execution of imagery, simple yet to the point. However, this campaign have 5 versions based on the same idea. Sometimes, volume can hugely affect how well it is perceived.

'Your equipment stays as good as new.'

S/S 10 Press Day

I spent the whole day traveling around London previewing S/S 10 collections. First arriving at maharishi, where Chris gave me a very detailed talk on the collections. It is a welcoming news that maharishi is back and again delivering very strong pieces with turning its attention to details.

Then went over to 'a number of names' and looked at a few brands that they manage in Europe including BBC/Ice Cream and Bathing Ape. From the sample products that I've seen I can say that the essence of these brands have become more sophisticated and toned down, this is a definite good direction the brands are taking.

Upon visiting the showroom, I came across a store call 'Present'. It carries a wide range of products, from medicom toy to Raf Simons. It's kinda a version of the french boutique, Colette, but in Shoreditch, London. Do check out the store which has a great vibe and amazing coffee.

To sum the day up, I can see that all the brands have indeed toned down and more sleek in terms of patterns and shapes. This is a welcoming trend, which I much prefer then to the loud graphics and colours last couple of seasons.

Volkswagen Used Cars Advert

I believe Advertising doesn't need too much glitter and huge budget to be successful. Something simple and to the point is crucial. Here is a great example by Volkswagen.

'Time never passes for a Volkswagen.'

Maison Martin Margiela Book

I'm finding it fitting as my first blog entry is about a book on one of my favorite designers, Martin Margiela. His genius way of deconstructing and reconstructing have captured the fashion world ever since his first creation. While the recent news of Martin Margiela confirmed he's not involved with his brand anymore. The newly released Maison Martin Margiela Book captures the extensive history and work which made him the 'designer's designer'. The book consists of never before seen contents behind the mysterious world of the Maison, and selected images and essays from its archive.

This book is truly a good read and a certain collector's piece.

START

A Blog of my daily findings.

Fashion.

Advertising.

Design.

Culture.

And my life.