Mara Hoffman : Resort swim campaign 2012
photographed by the awesome Olivia Malone
hair and headdresses by my beloved Martin Christopher Harper
make up by Kristi Matamoros
Jewelry by All For The Mountain
Set design by Andrea Huelse
Mother of Pearl : Numbers and Standards
After a very successful autumn/winter season, and collaborative pairing between Mother of Pearl and artist Keith Tyson, Mother of Pearl has created yet another exciting and just as fascinating collaboration with artist Fiona Banner. The line is intuitive and utilizes printed work by Banner, which is really the basis for the collection. Fiona Banner, whose work is about communication, literature, and typographic iconography, has created very interesting prints/graphics for MOP’s spring/summer 2012 collection.
While modern day readers are getting most of their content via web, the app store, networks, or other means, Banner sheds light on more traditional methods of getting information: ISBNs (International Book Standard Numbers).
As a means of documenting and labeling each item in MOP’s line, Banner has adorned each piece in the collection with an ISBN code and these digits help to uphold the brand’s feeling of exclusivity. The placements of the ISBN are treated almost like fun quirky graphics, which evoke a kind of retro feeling as well.
There is a lot of truth to the statement, “Fashion comes full circle.” When looking at the MOP logo/motif that is featured as a hem, cuff, or stripe element on many items in the collection, I instantaneously think of Versace. Versace’s Greek medusa motifs from his earlier works can easily be linked to a specific moment in fashion. Though these details are often regarded as gaudy, Versace’s recent collaboration with Hennes and Mauritz (H&M), and his resurgence with main stream youth/street culture, will certainly help to bring relevance to these details.
Along with new collaborations, Mother of Pearl seems to be expanding their product offering. The collection’s range not only covers spring/summer essentials like dresses, skirts, pants, tops and jumpers, but the collection features some really exquisite accessories, footwear, and everyday tops. Norman does a great job of bridging the gap between high-end attire to main street sports product for the masses.
This season, Maia Norman also showcases an assortment of swimwear. Norman’s self-proclaimed love for swimming and surfing is really apparent in what she offers through her overall executions. Norman’s attention to detail and richness of colors throughout the lookbook is great. Each look is edgy and perfect for the spring/summer. A lot like fashion label Celine, Mother of Pearl is certainly building a cult following, keeping their range of distribution limited to under fifteen stores worldwide. Mother of Pearl’s products are bold, colorful, and unapologetic. Norman is bringing something distinctive and progressive to the market without losing the brand’s devotees; all the while attracting newcomers. This spring/summer line is abstract and risky; but the overarching concept, as well as Banner’s contributions to the brand’s appeal, is fairly genius.
Edward Steichen : Go For Me
Have you ever wanted to go to an art show or exhibit so bad that you urged everyone person you know to go for you? Well this is my current position. Since I am currently operating in Boston, Massachusetts, for a while, any chances of me seeing the exhibit of painter and photographer, Edward Steichen, are slim to none. His work is currently on exhibit in Milano, Italy at the Galleria Carla Sozzani. Steichen’s work will be on display until (February 12th), so if you are oh so fortunate and in passing, it will be well worth it to stop at Carla Sozzani Galleria. I’ve been a big fan of his work for about five years. After stumbling upon Steichen work in my History of Film and Fashion course, I made a conscious effort to add him to my repertoire of fashion photographers and painters. Many people associate Edwards as being one of the earliest modern photographers. Steichen’s exceptional composition and exploration of unconventional lighting and scenery paved the way for today’s top fashion photographers like, Bruce Weber, David LaChapelle, Patrick Demarchelier, and the late great Herb Ritts.
Sasha Helim : Infashuated Interview
With a handful of experience, a blog full of illustrations, and countless photographic inspiration, British designer and third-year fashion illustration student, Sasha Helim, is gaining momentum that will motivate her career for years to come.
Sasha doesn’t live the life of an average student. If she’s not tied up with London College of Fashion, she is immersed in her own list of projects : from travel, London Fashion Week, illustration and design, styling for the English National Ballet, to working with The British design council and top fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Sasha is a well of inspiration and works enthusiastically to keep Infashuated. Sasha Helim : Infashuated Interview ↓
• Full Name:
Sasha Helim
• Educational background:
After completing school where I studied subjects including art and textiles, I headed straight to college and then went on to study Foundation Art & Design at London College of Fashion where I developed my portfolio to progress onto studying a degree in Fashion Illustration at the same institution. I am currently in my third year and due to graduate in June.
• Where are you from?
Wapping, London
• Favorite place to shop?
Topshop
• Two words to describe your personality.
Girly/ honest
• What are you Infashuated about? Any sources of inspiration? (i.e. magazines, artist, exhibitions, exciting restaurants, etc.)
My favourite magazines are British Vogue and bi-annual Lula Magazine, the dreamy, feminine aesthetic theme of that particular publication (and even the paper it is printed on) makes it a beautiful read. I’ve been collecting them over the years. My favourite websites include thecoveteur and style where I love looking at the backstage fashion show photos. I find photographer Tim Walker completely amazing, his style is so fun and fantastically themed; his photo-shoots are complete with amazing set designs, never disappoints, and will forever inspire me. My current infashuation? Feather embellishment!
• What is your favorite medium of choice when creating illustrations? I notice much of you work contains collage. What made you gravitate toward this format and style of working?
My medium of choice is usually ink and pencil, however I enjoy creating collages along with these disciplines, as it enables me to combine my favourite techniques, creating an interesting visual. I also like the way in which collage enables you to manipulate scale and layer photos and illustration together to produce an abstract and unique image, I sometimes use sewing, too, to add texture over the illustration.
• Do you gravitate towards a particular style, time period, or design aesthetic perhaps?
I love clothing complete with embellishment; my favourite designer is Ricardo Tisci at Givenchy for this reason. I find this design aesthetic to be inspiring as the craftsmanship of the intricate details are amazing. My particular style of illustration is feminine, dreamy and sometimes abstract, I feel this comes from a reflection of my personality and inspiration.
• Tell us about past projects, affiliations, etc.
My illustration degree got off to a great start when my fashion illustration was chosen as the 2010 design for charity Jeans for Genes annual fashion t-shirt which was a fantastic experience as a first year degree student; my t-shirt was modelled and advertised by model Amber Le Bon and featured in publications including British Vogue, Glamour magazine and Vogue.com to name a few.
I have since done styling with the English National Ballet, worked with the British Fashion Council and in the Vivienne Westwood studios which was amazing. I had the opportunity of working backstage at the London Fashion Week show as well as travelling to Paris with the team to work on the Paris Fashion Week Gold Label show. My latest experience was working with Fiona Leahy creative events, which consisted of creating props and producing creative ideas for events for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Vogue’s Fashion Night Out.
• With all the amazing photographs of your travels, parties, fashion shows, and designing, how has this helped to provide vision and inspiration for your work?
In all of my fashion related travel, my trip to Paris was particularly inspiring as seeing the fantastic street style surrounding the shows as well as the photos of the atmosphere backstage I captured is something that has stayed with me for a while and even prompted me to base my final year illustration project on just that. During the upcoming London and Paris Fashion Weeks I intend to go there and do some street style photography of my own as well as work backstage on some shows, working the images into a collection of illustrations and collages.
• How do you prep for projects; what is ideal in regards to your preliminary stages?
In order to prep for a project I tend to source inspiration from my favourite blogs, websites, magazines and visit my university library for books on the subject. I even visit places such as Bond Street to view shop windows as the creative way, in which they present products can help visualise an illustration concept. Art galleries and museums such as the V&A and Tate Modern are also great sources of research depending on the subject matter.
• Being that you’re a knowledgeable fashion illustrator and you have a level of significance to your work, what are your feelings on the saturation of online blogs and fashion websites?
Online fashion blogs can be great sources of fashion images and be hugely inspiring, I also think they give creative people a portal to present their work, much like myself and can fulfill the function of collating all your creative work, experiences and inspiration into a story. I welcome the development of fashion blogs and websites as you can never be too inspired and are great for seeing fellow up and coming creative people in the industry and projects they are working on.
• When did you first know that you wanted to become a fashion illustrator?
I was determined to work within the fashion industry from a very young age, I always knew I would study at the London College of Fashion and realised drawing would be the medium through which I would do so when I was around 15 years old. When I was little, I loved to draw then, too; I constantly entered drawing competitions and at one point had my whole bedroom wall covered in drawings! In this respect, it has always been quite obvious that I would come to be a fashion illustrator.
• What’s next for Sasha Helim? Collaborations future endeavours, design prospects?
This year is rather exciting as I graduate from my fashion illustration degree and will be exhibiting my final university fashion illustration project in June. I have another charity t-shirt out this year in April too, which will be sold in a major British department store and bring about some great press for my work. Prior to this I have my work due to feature in various publications and look forward to working on some more London Fashion Week shows.
* Special thanks to Sasha Helim ( Check out her blog ).Writen/Interview by James Buford, and edited by Alicia Fairclough for INFASHUATED © 2011. No part of this content or information included therein may be reproduced, republished or redistributed without the prior consent of Infashuated.com (contact us). Please view the rest of Sasha Helim’s work via her blog.
Stine Riis : Hennes and Mauritz Design Awards
Stine Riis is not just colorful, energetic, and great spirited, she’s also an extremely talented 28-year-old designer who recently completed her degree at London College of Fashion. Stine’s work has not slowed up one bit since she completed her degree. Stine is now spreading her unique eye for hue, detail, and construction to a global audience. I am not only excited for her but also honored to have Interviewed Stine about a year back. It was not too long ago I was viewing her student work on London College of Fashion’s website. At first glimpse I was so intrigued with her work that I had to contact Riis for an interview with Infashuated. After much back and forth we completed a very in depth interview which to date has been one of my favorite write-ups. As more people are introduced to her thoughtful and cutting edge work, the designer continues to gain much industry acclaim.
More recently Stine Riis has become a finalist in a pretty important competition formed by major Fashion brand “hennes and mauritz” also known as H&M. Stine’s recent graduate collection, “decadence & Decay” has not only wowed the jury for the H&M Awards but has gain her much approval amongst fashion designers, bloggers, fashionistas , and fashion style& trend sites.
This February will mark H&M’s 1st International design Award. In an effort to support new design students after their graduation, fashion brand H&M has created their own fashion awards. H&M’s Design Awards will provide exposure and opportunity for many contestants. Fourteen of the most prestigious design schools in Sweden, UK, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Denmark are participating. The H&M design awards will help inspire new cutting edge design as well as give young, eager & talented designers like Stine Riis or Isabelle Lundh who is a finalist along side Riis an opportunity to flourish.
The winner will be announced on February 1st 2012, during Stockholm Fashion Week, followed by a fashion show with the winner’s graduate collection. The event will be live streamed on the H&M award site. Sometimes all designers, artists, intellectuals, scientists, etc. need support and funding from the industry. It feels true when genuine people are given an opportunity, especially when you know their goals and work are exceptional.
Video and Images via H&M / Stine Riis
Levi’s Vintage Clothing : Reference & Lookbook
New Future Graphic, a design/graphic-focused agency based out of the United Kingdom, recently teamed up with one of the biggest and leading brands in the denim industry, Levi’s, to create a really great book. The two brands have worked through Levi‘s archives and their current collections to create a limited lookbook for Levi’s lovers and denim connoisseurs. The book will be sought after as a rare denim reference for denim experts.
The book gives insight to the brands past and their strong course for their future. In an effort to reposition and strengthen the brand, they are going back to their roots. Levi’s is going back to the core of what the denim industry has wandered away from. Much of the new product is about the wearers’ experiences, no bells and whistles, d just the pure essential details that make up a great pair of jeans. The book is comprised of archived images from Levi’s past, much of which is buried in the industrial mill of American history. The book also combines images of their up-and-coming collections, ‘White Oak” and ‘The Pack.”
What most intrigues me about the book is that it gives insight into Levi’s small offering for women. The brand is not only concerned with their heritage men’s denim, but also the growth opportunities in women’s denim as well. The book is available at select Levi’s stores as well as Unionmade for customers in the U.S. and End Clothing for U.K. shoppers.
Images via New Future Graphic & Levi‘s
Omer Asim : Modern-Day Geometry
Intuitively, I knew that Omer Asim was someone to keep on my radar after seeing his 2010 Autumn Winter collection titled, The Vulture and The Baby, (which was also inspired by award-winning photographer by Kevin Carter). Asim’s different direction in regards to his educational accomplishments has catapulted his career as well as exposed his work to an elite audience. Seasonally, Asim has continued to impress and provide exceptional work. Moreover, his work never lacks integrity, thoughtfulness, and care. It’s very easy to see that he is passionate about his work.
Asim originally studied Architecture at The Bartlett followed by a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. After being inspired by his research for a PhD topic sourrounding Anthropology, Asim became infashuated by the feminine psyche. He wanted to understand why women in repressed cultures were able to find autonomy through dance and costume. And it was in this moment that Asim made a major transition into what we see today.
In his most recent spring\summer 2012 collection, Asim explores post-modern, clean, and interesting pattern development with a smidge of color. At first glance, Asim’s odd color palette choices would certainly be perfect for summer, but would not typically speak volumes. He also plays with textures, utilizing lightweight sheer materials, leathers, and even crepe-like textured fabrics. When pairing minty pastels with crisp whites, it’s not unexpected that pieces could be likened to hospital attire.
To halt any presumption leading to clinical uniforms, Asim brilliantly infuses details from many different wardrobes and cultures. Asim plays around with modified mandarin collars, fabric mixing, leather paneling and a few really interesting multi-colored pixel prints. Some of his pixel prints take the form of long, unfinished maxi skirts or bias-cut draped dresses reminiscent of Greek garbs. To aid in this plethora of visual goodness, Asim has continued this season by collaborating with jewelry designer, Maya Antoun. The duo has created ethnic Sudanese inspired jewelry, which utilizes traditional, labor intensive and complicated techniques of filigree. Antoun and Asim are also working with artisans and craftsmen from Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo to design traditional filigree jewelry, which is a dying trade. The goal of this collaboration is to also develop a fair-trade partnership within this region of Africa. Fashion critics and everyday people globally desire delightful clothing, but acquired goods from artisans and craftsmen take priority when social responsibility is considered.
Images via Omer Asim Lookbook SS12
Nineteen Ninety-Five : Tom Nijuis
Designer, Tom Nijhuis, recently release images from his stylistic portrayal of Gabber. This hardcore, dance-inspired collection about growing up with Gabber music has a distinctive and fresh look, unlike what is in the fashion market now. At first glimpse, it would seem that Nijhuis has created a sports collection with high-fashion flare and Gabber appeal (and he has), but Nijhuis has captured so much more.
The collection is inspired by the early- and mid- 90s “gabber” dance scene that was popular in Holland during the late- 80s and mid- 90s, which is now having a resurgence. Gabber is popular in many countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Gabber music, which is very energetic and bass-heavy, filled with high BPMs and blaring music samples, thus receiving many negative and positive responses by the masses. Typical gabber crows tend to wear leather garments, suspenders, jean jackets, Dockers, athletic clothing, Nike BWs, and shave their heads. They are often mistaken for fascists, neo-Nazis, emos, skinheads, or even punk enthusiast who live life with no parameters.
Whatever the case, good or bad, Nijhuis has created some really progressive work that speaks to something many can relate too. To be honest, after doing some research and reading Tom’s interview featured in DIS Magazine, I found more info about Gabber than I actually anticipated. In this interview, Nijuis talks about his childhood in the Netherlands, his obsession with the Gabber look, and what inspired him to create this collection. He also talks about his schooling at The Art Academy, internships with Thom Brown, and opportunities to work with Nike EMEA.
Images via Tom Nijhuis (Interview reference DIS Magazine)
Nanna van Blaaderen : Knit Inspiration
So today, I was reading up on some artists from Berlin’s Annual International Design Festival and I discovered some really amazing designers. One designer that I really gravitated towards was fashion/knit designer, Nanna van Blaaderen. After watching Nanna’s DesignGuide interview about the making of her “Species Knitted Collection,” I knew I had to dive deeper into her work. In this video, Nanna talks about how her spawned fascination with animals started at a very young age, and grew to be a great source for her amazing work today.
Taking most of her inspiration from different animal skins and coats, Nanna explorers many techniques yet to be explored in knitwear. Most of Nanna’s research and development is 90 percent experimental and heuristic. She pushes knit manipulation and contemporary bio mimicry to the limit. Unlike your everyday fashion/knit designers Nanna van Blaaderen’s work possesses a certain thoughtfulness & sophistication that elevates her work to a different plateau. When viewing Nanna’s work, the instantaneous knit designer and etsy guru, Yokoo comes to mind. With the submergence of online DIY craft stores like, Etsy, Paperstitch, and BigCartel, that utilize PayPal, people have taken craftiness to a new level. It’s hard to figure out what is unique, crafty, or just plain chic. Though both are great designers, Yokoo has started to capitalize off a budding market for crafty acquired goods, while Nanna continues to push the envelope in design.
Images via Nanna van Blaaderen Photography by Pablo Delfos
Sunghee Bang : Tangle Accessories Spring RTW 2012
Accompanying the spring/summer RTW Tangle Collection, Sunghee Bang is also introducing a line of accessories. Much of Bang’s Knits and accessories are crafted by hand. I picked a few key pieces that I found the following particularly interesting: Top Down | Atlantic Endless scarf, Willoughby tub scarf, and the Nassau Striped hat. These items felt very textural and natural to me. Much like Comme Des Garçon and Yohji Yamamoto, each accessory has minute chaos and a somewhat twisted disorder. When worn, each accessory transforms into a unique, strategic structure. Seeming as though they must be understood through adornment, Bang creates an illusive and slight contradictory product.
Images via Sunghee Bang
IN: The Coffee Shop
Photography By James Buford The Coffee Shop (9 Union Sq. West, New York, NY 10003 at 16th St )
Sunghee Bang : Tangle Spring RTW 2012
After seeing a few seasons of Sunghee Bang‘s work, her style has certainly become much more distinctive and apparent to me. It’s evident that she has her own point of view as well as something unique to offer in fashion. This season, Bang touches on a topic that many people are aware of, even from a global perspective: tangled chaos. Chaotic everyday living is somewhat the story of everyone’s life. Everyone’s life has a direct or indirect correlation to the global economic stability. Older and younger people are constantly bombarded with the troubles of the world from advertisement, to product consumption, to monetary value. The feeling of being tangled up is something we all have felt from time to time. Everyday we work hard trying to unravel ourselves and find a piece of mind. Bang explores these feelings in her latest Spring ready-to-wear collection. Much like her fall palette, Bang continues to work with a dark color palette, even into the spring season. This can be very risky, but it can also act as a distinguishing feature of the Sunghee Bang brand. Designers like, Philip Lim, Rick Owen and Valentino have gain much acclaim through great design and the utilization of a distinctive color palette.
Images via Sunghee Bang
Tomaas : Plastic Fantastic
I was recently introduced to the photography of Hamburg, German native, Tomaas. Tomaas is now living and working in New York City where he works with top modeling agencies, photographing editorial and commercial work. Tomaas is represented by Robert Bacall Representatives, which represents a bunch of amazing photographers. Visually, Tomaas’ work is really simple and thoughtful, but how Tomaas arrives at such amazing detailing and imagery can be quite convoluted. However, there seems to be a very thought-out method to his work.
Tomaas recently created a photo series revolving around disposable plastic items. Utilizing disposable items as a means of creating clothing, accessories, and style that are not unfamiliar to the fashion world. Most intriguing is how Tomaas photographs the props so elegantly. Who knew that plastic could be so exciting? Non-textiles tend to excite because they force you to generate amazing things by becoming a visionary. It can be invigorating to craft something without the restrictions of pattern making and couture techniques. This is how one-off progressive designs happen.
Image via Tomaas
IN : The Last of the Summer
Photography by James Buford
Christine Alcalay : Fearless Goddess of love
Christine Alcalay, Parsons alum, owner of Brooklyn multi-brand boutique Kiwi, and designer of many things has released images of her spring/summer 2012 collection. She debuted her ready-to-wear collection a few weeks ago at the Soho House in New York City. The collection is filled with print-mixing that evokes a 60s zeitgeist, and maxi skirts, rompers, and other silhouettes that push you into the 70s. I wouldn’t call it a “mod podge” of things, but certainly an eclectic mixture.
While being influenced by Egyptian, Greek, Irish, Samarian, and Chinese culture, Alcalay held no boundaries on what her collection could evolve into. Here, unexpected asymmetry and print-pairing layered with very rich and vibrant solids is a unique point-of-view for this spring. Clothing should evoke a fearless attitude and confidence for the wearer and Alcalay is creating confident, clean, and sophisticated look for women.
Images and clothing provided by Christine Alcalay
Hair Styling by Jawhara Blackmond
Makeup Art by William Miranda
Photography by Nando Esparza
