Chanel resort collection held at the Chateau de Versailles – Louis XIV’s gardens in Paris. Images via GoRunway

Rather than your conventional shop-the-look imagery, with generic layouts of models, pretending to look like your everyday casual guy or gal, Scotch-Sodas has created a really fun and exciting angle on “Shopping the Style.” “A City Full of Color,” an interview project, features a host of Amsterdam locals from storeowners, to purveyors of all things awesome. The interviews dive in to each person’s profession, favorite music, as well as motto’s they abide by. This project provides style interest for the Scotch-Soda lovers and the brand. This is a great way to gain crucial insight without being overbearing and asking, “Do you have a second to save the Earth?” or “Do you want to help sponsor a child.” Not to say children or the Earth are not reason enough to devote one’s time or money, but people like to feel you care so they can care as well. Reciprocated interest without the presence of dollar signs flaring feels a bit better. Those who are passionate about their work always prevail. The way the brand handles their new spring/summer product really shows care, not only for the Scotch-Soda, but also for those who wear the clothes.

image via Scotch-Sodas

1 Fleabag  – Ballet Tote Chesapeake
2 Jeffrey Campbell – Homg Sneakers
3 Stussy – Hiroshi Tanabe Capsule Collection – Sunglass Ballet Tee
4 The Row – Oversized Round Sunglasses
5 Golden Ink – Fluro Coral Ring W/ Drawing
6 Levi’s – Pleated High-waist Shorts
7 Ship & Shape – Peyote Stitch Necklace
8 La Mer – Carpe Diem Clear Watch
9 Marc Jacobs – Werdie Continental Wallet
10 Models Own – Lemon Meringue

Canadian fashion designer and Central Saint Martins alumni, Mikhael Kale’s new FW2012 RTW collection is wonderful. Each ensemble tells a new story through whimsical styling and playful proportion. The many different fabrications, prints and silhouettes in this collection allow for a range of uniquely style outfits. This along with an excuse to purchase the entire collection is a strong seller. I’m particularly drawn to Kale’s unconventional ruffling and tucking at the empire waist. Styling this detail along with a shortened jacket, which allows the fabric to flare out at the waist, is just a great update to the cropped jacket.

Images via Mikhael Kale

Southern California based brand NSF has release a very fresh and clean collection for spring/summer. They have a sensible selection of loose fitting bottoms, button down blouses, and knit t-shirts with traditional stripes. The color palette is very wearable. The slightly washed out blues, creamy whites, bold bursts of red, royal blue and summery peach put you in a dine al fresco, fourth of July mood.

I particularly like the assortment of sleeves. From three quarter sleeves, to half sleeves, to small sleeve caps, to sleeveless, the brand provides an extensive selection for spring/summer months. NSF continues to create casual worker denim, comfortable washed denim with a exceptional relaxed fit, for you leisure. This SS12 NSF line features a cute pair of stripe, seersucker-esc, and denim overalls. There is definitely a feeling of work-wear but in a gold rush-meets southern-bell kind of way. Overall NSF has a very cohesive collection. Really strong supporting photography and comfy, casual styling.

Image via NSF

Osei-Duro is a one-time experiment of design and production in a completely unknown place: Ghana, West Africa. Osei-Duro was started by Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh as a way to create partnerships and encourages international and intercultural cooperation.

The brand is currently working with the Dzidefo Women’s Cooperative, which is sewing cooperative for women. Through the production of textiles, accessories, and children clothing Dzidefo Women’s Cooperative generates fair trade income as well as much needed daily essentials like food, medication and educational fees for families. Ten female members from Dzidefo work out of the Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage, in Kpando, Ghana.

The project has evolved into textile, based collections by taking traditional production techniques and bringing them into new shapes and form. Osei-Duro’s new spring summer collection features crochet, hand dyeing, batik and hand woven fabrics. The collection is lightweight, comfy, and perfect for outdoor-summer festivities. Online store.

Image via Osei-Duro

Becca McCharen and Emily Kappes, creators and designers of Chromat garments, are a one of kind duo. Their new collection investigates the exaggerated femininity of female superheroes and villains. You can see the fun and love Becca and Emily put into the garments. The construction and pop culture influence mixed with a bit of Minnie Mouse-like polka dot prints evoke a bit of nostalgia. This season, Chromat has expanded their horizons a bit; attempting to step outside of their signature fitted knit skirts and dresses. The collection, which dabbles in lingerie, costume, swim, and even slight couture detailing, is quite a ways from their previous seasons. It’s exciting to see the evolution.

After learning that the Centre Pompidou in Paris was the premise and foundation for Chromat, I gained a totally new understanding for the label. Becca’s investigation of structural and fundamental exposure within fashion is intriguing. It is something that many Fashion Designers fail to investigate. Placement and structural significance is either strictly omitted or standardized. Becca’s description of the Centre Pompidou and its transferable elements to her design thinking is really inspiring and helps one gain an overall understanding of Chromat’s garments.

Check out the new collection from Amsterdam-based brand, Scotch & Soda. Their women’s line, “Maison Scotch,” might be one of the most unique, cohesive lifestyle collections I’ve seen in awhile. By fusing New York’s street style, Japan’s innovative design, and the Parisiennes’ je ne sais quoi, Maison Scotch has created a strong spring/summer collection. The brand has pollinated the collection with medium to high-end price points that are affordable for a wider range of Maison’s lovers. Using subtle yet signature details, Maison Scotch has built a nice sun-faded color palette, which uses hints of vibrant color through graphic printing. The color palette is easy, summery, and easily pair with other brands/items in ones existing wardrobe.

I love Scotch & Soda’s stitching details and thoughtful color stories. The amount of interest on each accessory makes for a rich and special purchase. Detailing can be over-complicated and too busy, but when the right proportions are used, incredible product is created. The delicately washed silks, French lace, cotton mesh, washed twills and natural linens give the collection a global appeal. The lookbook shows stylish tailored items inspired by young Parisians, paired with causal, loose-fitting leisure wear. The images are beautifully styled and show how compatible Maison Scotch’s pieces are. The collection goes from sandy workwear, to Euro-missy, to spunky California girl.

Images via Scotch & Soda

So I’m a huge fan of French jewelry designer Aoi Kotsuhiroi. Following a viewing of Kotsuhiroi’s “Nowhere” collection a year or so ago, I kept Aoi on my radar, waiting for her new work. Her most recent creations titled, “Exotic Regrets,” are even more enthralling than her previous work. Kotsuhiroi’s expansive detailing and super-conceptual jewelry really challenge traditional ornamentation. Small metals, hair, bones, leather, and wood to name a few, are Kotsuhiroi’s mediums. Her abstruse work carries obscure artistic emotion, leaving first-timers slightly perplexed. Much of Kotsuhiroi’s work carries a narrative, which the she pairs alongside images of her jewelry, clothing and footwear. The brief stories and lyrical wording by Kotsuhiroi help you to understand the thought process behind her work. Every season, it is as though we gain partial understanding, until Kotsuhiroi makes more.

Images via Aoi Kotsuhiroi