We Are Islanders: Tidal Collection 2013

As you all probably know by now, I love almost all things black and white. A couple months ago I received a pressbook and lookbook from We Are Islanders and was blow away not just by the amazing textures at play in the collection, but the time, history, and pure artistic love put into the Tidal collection. In addition the three that make up this design collaboration are focused on making the industry better (hey, sustainability and working conditions in the fashion industry was a huge topic in 2013).

From salmon leather to tide dyed fabric off the Dublin coast, I fell in love with this collection. Check out the images below and read the interview I was lucky enough to get. If you're in Europe, you might be able to find some of these pieces in person but I'll have to wait until We Are Islanders crosses the pond...

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INTERVIEW WITH WE ARE ISLANDERS

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When I think of the stereotypical American view of Ireland I think of cable knit sweaters, wellies, and lots of green rolling hills... but your collection has a totally different feel. It seems much more modern and stark. How did the collective decide on this aesthetic? I love it!
Thanks Christina! The aesthetic has been a long time coming and is a combination of a re-dress's research into unique Irish and other sustainable materials and a keenness to reinvent that idea of a contemporary Irish label. It's hugely inspired by the sea (as you'll have guessed by the name!) and the maritime history of Ireland which is overlooked sometimes. There is huge cultural diversity in the country and as Islanders we've been fortunate to welcome pretty much every cultural influence to our shores. This influence of different cultures has been a massive part of revisiting what it means to be Irish and an Islander.


Wow, there is so much behind your inspiration... We Are Islanders is a collective. How did the three of you come to meet? What is the design process you go through? Was there a certain thought process or mood during the design stage?
We are all committed to making the industry better and met through running events to promote that ethos in Ireland. The design process is always start with materials, then shape and cut. The mood stems mainly from installations or visual art project I'm working on as you can see with the Tidal collection.


You dyed a piece using the high tide of the Dublin Coast Line... Are the rest of your pieces made in Ireland too? (Check out the video here).
Yep!




Having designed and sewn a few things, I always feel an emotional connection to a certain piece. Do each of you have a favorite or story about a certain piece? 
I think for all us the Tide dyed pieces are the most emotive. We spent hours digging holes and constructing chambers on the Dublin coastline. The work was hard and all done by hand... you don't get much closer than that.


Haha, of course not. The film of the process was completely inspirational. The Tidal collection brings a contemporary twist to Irish fabrics. Can you describe some of these materials for those that are not familiar? 
The Irish fabric are wool and linen both historic Irish fabrics. The linen is finished using a beating process which gives us that amazing finish.


I love linen. It can be so simple and luxurious. There is a lot of black in this collection... I wish I could feel some of the pieces! For example, what does salmon leather skin feel like and how did you stumble across that type of material?
Textural contrast has been a huge part of this collection so combing salmon leather and linen and wool was an exciting process. The salmon leather feels softer than leather and has more stretch.







I am absolutely obsessed with the Tweed Wool Throw Coat. It looks like a piece that I could effortlessly wear again and again. Do you have any plans of stocking in retail stores in the US? I'd really like to give the piece a whirl. :)
In January we'll be trading in Paris so we hope to see some American buyers there!


I hope to see pieces in the US as soon as possible. I need to know what salmon leather feels like. What's next for the collective? Any exciting things we should know about for S/S 2014?
For spring summer we'll be dying using other tides and working with new Irish producers to push the concept of an Irish fashion brand further.


Other tides... I can't wait to see what's next!

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Couture FW 2013: Maison Martin Margiela

If a thrift store adventure could turn into a couture worthy show, Masion Martin Margiela was spot on the concept. Silk flowers, volumes of layered, reconstructed prom gowns, embroidery, and an updated take on oxblood (we'll call it merlot) are just a few details to be found in this collection.

At first look, the show almost looks like the viewer was dropped onto the streets of Tokyo... or maybe just into a Japanese anime from the 80s. Akira anyone? The collection seems to almost literally bloom with detail and sophistication. There were a few dresses that seemed red carpet ready and of course masks that stretch the limits of function and become pieces of art. Oh, and the collection would not be complete without some kind of popular 90s inspiration. In this case, platform boots in a shocking chestnut.








Is it just me or does it almost feel like Betsy Johnson, Heatherette, and Alexander McQueen had a very mature child?
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West 14th: FW 2013 Collection

I am obviously obsessed with basics. Luxury basics are even better. Clean cut leather, black, white... it really couldn't get better. That's why I'm kind of obsessed with West 14th's Fall 2013 collection. Besides the obvious chic exterior, each piece is guaranteed to get great mileage and stretch your wardrobe. Perfection! Here's a little about the brand...

For West 14th founder Violeta Tentomas, those stories have taken her from New York’s vibrant meatpacking district to the sun-kissed glamour of Bondi Beach. And now, you can create your own stories in her ultra-luxe, super-supple leather collection, which is inspired by her globe-trotting journey and fashion pedigree.

Leather combines urban attitude with head-turning elegance to become an essential part of your life. It may be the biker jacket that takes you from the subway to the airport, the skinny pants that make a social statement in that Tokyo nightclub or Paris restaurant, or the blazer that’s your secret to career success – from boardroom meetings to red carpet events. West 14th makes soft second skin leathers with quality craftsmanship deliciously obtainable. With clean lines and high-impact details, these fashion-forward pieces add some gritty glamour to your wardrobe.









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Fausto Puglisi: SS 2013 Collection

While I of course remember somewhat painfully watching Madonna's 2012 super bowl halftime performance, I really remember her amazing gladiator-esque outfit and headdress. I never really thought of who designed the outfit and passed it off as the work of a costume designer. I recently stumbled across the work of Fausto Puglisi and was shocked to find that he was not only the designer behind Madonna's memorable getup, but has also dressed the likes of Nicki Minaj, Coco Rocha, Miley Cyrus, Fergie... oh the list goes on. Shame on me!! Anyway, here is a little bit more about the designer...

Fausto Puglisi loves visual culture. He is inspired by the mix between the high culture and popular elements and the result is a really complex brand identity: heroic Sicily, Italian neo-realism movies, American star system, Roman gladiators, modern architecture and the richness of the Mediterranean Baroque. His geometric creations express a rich and defined style, focusing on color contrasts and embroideries research. His clothes embody an ideal of beauty based on strength, to design a contemporary glamour.

Very seductive inspiration.









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Roped In

Somehow, no matter how hard I try, I always seem to default to a basic tee and jeans. Last Friday I really tried... I got all dressed, stepped outside to 50 degree weather and ran back inside to swap out my dress for my go to tee. Seriously, ever since I swapped my pantsuit required job for my current one, I've totally swung in the opposite direction when it comes to dressing.

Long story short, I've been bad. My one saving grace are these super versatile statement necklaces. The idea was born out of the want for a piece that would go with a basic tee or black maxi and really just work with about anything. After that came my favorite theme: juxtaposition. In this case it was the hard nature of army rope in contrast to feminine rhinestones. The whole look is somewhat tribal with a modern flair.

I'm personally in love with these pieces and get major use out of the solitaire design which I recently wore to a party and could not stop getting compliments on!

Get these goodies here or in my shop in the top banner!

Shop the Look (1) Solitaire Rhinestone Statement Necklace (2) Rhinestone Rope Tribal Necklace (3) Copper Banded Rope Necklace
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Marks & Spencer: Fall 2013

Anyone that has crossed the pond to England (the Atlantic one, not my new pond the Pacific... actually that's probably more of a lake) has probably ventured by if not into a Marks & Spencer. Known for their clothing and luxury food products, it's hard to resist browsing if you happen upon one. Good 'ol M&S is shaking things up this fall with a whole new look thanks to freshly appointed style director Blinda Earl.

While freak-outs are definitely in my forte (usually accompanied with an unjust amount of arm flailing), I'm going to sit this one cool and finally attempt to be proper for once.





I'm loving the plaid, and moody warm colors: pink, red, almost eggplant. I think I see where my fall wardrobe will be heading. What do you guys think of this collection? Don't forget that you can SHOP QUEEN OF MAYHEM on Etsy. :)

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