GARBAGE DRESS: March 2011

3/30/11

DAILY FARE

More often then not, you will find me in a variation of this ensemble. And I probably will be wearing these leather shorts until it becomes winter again. Who knew that leather shorts would turn out to be such a necessity for my daily well being?

Leather jacket - Rick Owens / T-shirt - Printed by Michael Magnan for GAG! / Knit shirt - Stephan Schneider / Leather shorts - Sparkle & Fade / Shoes - Minimarket

3/29/11

MY FRIENDS IN THE STUDIO

3/27/11

GO BIG OR GO HOME

The most recent Haider Ackermann show left me with an insatiable desire for a wide belt. Then I remembered that I live in a leather studio, so I made one. I love how something small (like a belt) can instantly transform an entire wardrobe's silhouette and feeling - I like to keep that mentality when designing accessories as well. You don't necessarily have to buy an entire new wardrobe, when you can simply accentuate what you already have by adding a defining strap...or ten. In the photos, I am wearing what I like to call my "lunch bag" Marni dress which I bought myself as a birthday present when I turned 19 - its something that I have been able to continuously transform, and doubt I will ever grow tired of.

I like how the edge of the Rick Owens jacket curves around to frame the dress...

3/26/11

BLACK & WHITE & LEATHER ALL OVER

STYLECASTER: White Pentagram Harness worn by Crystal Renn / Stylist: James Worthington DeMolet / Photo: Cameron Krone

One thing that I had never realized when beginning my work as a designer, was the anticipation, excitement, and normal rejection that comes from editorials! First of all, there is almost no instant gratification. A photoshoot might take place 4 months before it is actually published, and just because someone pulls my pieces does not mean that they will end up being used! I have such a close relationship to my work that it is hard not to take it personally sometimes, but luckily I've worked on the other side of the picture (as photographer & stylist) and know the massive amounts of clothing & accessories that never make it to the final print.

& just as I've experienced weeks when it seems like every stylist has a shoot to pull harnesses for, this week some of the photographic work from months past has finally emerged! A feeling beyond elation.

PONYSTEP MAGAZINE: Pentagram Harness worn by Melodie Monroe / Stylist: Simon Robins / Photo: Terry Tsiolis

GQ STYLE MAGAZINE: Orion Harness worn by Eliza Cummings / Stylist: Francesca Burns / Photo: Angelo Pennetta

FOR REGULAR LEATHER UPDATES, PLEASE SEE MY FACEBOOK PAGE

3/23/11

i-D MAG FEAT ZANA BAYNE LEATHER HARNESSES / JOSH OLINS & ALASTAIR MCKIMM / ALLA KOSTROMICHOVA & AYMELINE VALADE

As a huge fan of Alastair McKimm's styling work, this comes as a complete honor.

"Flaunt It"
Models: Alla Kostromichova, Aymeline Valade
Ph: Josh Olins
Styling: Alastair McKimm

(The rest of the editorial can be viewed HERE)

VERLAINE FW2011

Ever so rarely I am introduced to a collection that seems to speak directly to my soul, an instant chemistry of necessity. After viewing their FW11 collection yesterday, I can happily add Verlaine to that list. The New York based label has done just about everything right in my book for a fall wardrobe - slightly oversized menswear inspired coats, cocoon shapes cinched at the waist with a burst of red (hand dyed), twisted asymmetrical black dresses, sculptural knits, and sharply tailored vests and jackets. I appreciate that the pieces are forward thinking without being situated in the future - neither are they following any trend to overkill. Its clothing I'd be happy to wear tomorrow, and for the next 10 years to come.

To find out more, visit http://www.verlaine.us

I don't know how they did it, but the designers somehow read my mind and crafted my dream dress; the perfect subtly severe neckline, knotted body, slim sleeves...

3/21/11

THE NORMAL

Leather Jacket - Helmut Lang / Dress - Hussein Chalayan / Shoes - Minimarket / Bag - My own

These days, after working non stop in my studio, dressing up for mundane errands (groceries, post office, coffee) can be the sartorial highlight of my day.

3/20/11

FATE & PASSION

I am not a superstitious person, but I do believe in serendipity. Right place plus right time can certainly amount to a seemingly orchestrated moment, such as what happened to me when I casually mentioned to Malin Landaeus (owner of her namesake vintage store in Williamsburg) that although I mostly wear black, I love red. Seconds later, she procured an article of clothing that could not have been more perfect for me: a semi-sheer glowing red oversized shirtdress with 4 movement-inspiring slits. Love.

3/19/11

NORISOL FERRARI LOOKBOOK OUTTAKES

(Acne Sweater, DRKSHDW shirt, Bottega Veneta patent oxfords - long days require flats)

One of the major reasons why I sucked at blogging last week was because my mind and energy was spent on the set of Norisol Ferrari's lookbook photoshoot, which I helped style for 2 days. I was so wrapped up in matching up garments, that I almost forgot to document the day - with the exception of these two looks:

You could say that leather was what brought Norisol and I together, more specifically the pentagram harness which I made for her with brass hardwear (seen above).

One of the harnesses that I made for her collection, the natural solution to close a fur coat - no?

BROOKLYN SPRING

After all these years, I still can not resist a transparent blouse (found with sleeves cut off & unraveled at Beacon's Closet).

3/18/11

24/7 LEATHER

As far as seasons are concerned, I naturally associate more with Fall/Winter (although right now springtime in New York is DIVINE). Boots, layers, heavy textures, and of course - more leather. But I'm not talking about a leather collar, or trim, or jacket...I mean serious, head to toe looks. The more that I work with leather, the more I feel a sort of honorable obligation to incorporate the material into my daily dressing. Its beginning to be accidental - halfway to the grocery store, I realize that I'm wearing my Rick leather jacket, my new leather shorts (how did I ever live without them?), Natalia Brilli leather watch, leather ankle boots, and of course - a leather bag. There's a stigma against wearing that much leather, that it automatically places one in the category of S&M. But the way I wear it, I like to believe that its rather casual.

Enough about me, back to fashion. During my hours of showspotting on style.com, I found several leather looks that made me smile! Some are effortless, others extreme - whatever. I probably won't be able to wear this much leather for 8 or so months, so for right now it is still just fantasy.