Fashion: Graphic Spottings

Rather than eat Thanksgiving leftovers or reminisce at high school reunions, we plowed through Paris this past week, documenting everything from street fashion to high-end homegoods. One reoccurring theme we found throughout every neighborhood was graphic-heavy tights. Regardless of age, district or outfit, women were sporting asymmetrical looks, transforming their legs into fierce accessories.

Applying this textured technique to Susan Woo’s Spring 2010 catalog, Geordie Wood‘s hand painted photos reveals the perfect balance between mixed media and fashion photography. Proving equally playful, these leopard print leggings for kids remind us why even the youngest Parisians are so chic. In predictably beautiful fashion, Garance Dore’s portrait of Tennessee Thomas, the drummer and vocalist for The Like, is sporting a gorgeous pair of Emilio Cavallini stockings. It wont be long before these bedecked leggings cross the Atlantic.

December 3, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: White Collectives

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Most fashion aficionados and style connoisseurs will agree that white is a signifying color of summer- one that should be neatly tucked away after Labor Day. Interestingly, we’ve been noticing blatant references that defy this social rule in everything from music and beauty to fashion and (most obviously) home design this Fall season. Be it a jumble of sound equipment for Jay-Z’s newest album, Blueprint 3, this decorative West Village door, Jessica Simpson’s latest fragrance, Fancy Love, or Bergdorf Goodman‘s recent retail display, fanciful elements ranging from classic to contemporary can truly pop with a wash of white.

September 30, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color: Black and Blue Basecamp

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Growing up, the words “black and blue” generally applied to the bumps and bruises earned on the playground. This fall though, the phrase seems to transcend both aural and visual projects. From the title of the new Alice In Chains album, to a track title on Miike Snow’s critically acclaimed album, it’s obvious to see how fashion, film and digital influences are continuing to make their cultural mark.

September 24, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Music: Bambi's Sartorial Sister

Bambi, beautiful women and blood have become synonymous over the past few years. From Giles Deacon’s Spring ’08 punk fetish collection to Stella McCartney’s Fall ’09 disney-inspired photoshoot to musical acts such as the Bambi Killers and Terry Poison, we wonder if we have The Sex Pistols to thank for this snowballing global fascination with femininity and a loss of innocence.

Meet the Bambi Killers, a creative troupe based in Manhattan and a true breath of fresh air to the downtown creative scene. Melding performance art, role play, costume design, audio soundscape and circus freakery, this trio explores topics such as government brainwashing, conspiracy theories and brut sexuality every time they go on stage. “Initially we were inspired by the loss of innocence, but our shows have evolved into a creative reaction on how pop culture objectifies women,” says Dawn Dunning, the group’s cofounder and fashion designer.

Tapping similar styling techniques and fierce attitudes, the Tel Aviv based girl band, Terry Poison is just as eye-catching. Petite Meller, Louise Kahn, Gili Saar, Bruno Grife, Anna Landsman are all members of this electro-clash band that merges “American sleaze with European finesse” and has been performing the underground scene since early 2004. Terry Poison will be making their first US debut during CMJ– check them out if you’re in New York in late October.

September 16, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Checks and Balances

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What’s a designer to do when told to pair down and get back to basics? Do precisely that and wow their customers with innovative new staples. One route that appears to be gaining traction this upcoming season mimics the designs of the illusionary master, M.C Escher. This month’s cover of SOMA showcases a black and white checker print organza blouse by Alexander McQueen. This sophisticated style transitions sharp geometrics into softer organic shapes. We wonder if Ms. Winehouse has had an influence on this trend, as she’s sported this punk tank top for some time now. Be it bird silhouettes or leopard print, we love it when math merges with nature for tactile wear.

August 24, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Shake Your Money Maker

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Santigold is one of our favorite pattern and pop culture mavens. Not only did she inspire our first post, we’re always amazed at the concoctions she throws together when going on stage, both lyrically and visually. It just so happens that Santi is the newest member of Nixon’s Women’s Program, a marketing initiative that fuses fashion, culture and music. Interestingly, Santi’s signature pose is cloaked in an 80’s style jumper that’s covered with money. We have to believe there’s a satirical element to this layout, similar to Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s one dollar bill dress. With the economy on the tip of everyone’s tongue, creative reactions to our collective dependence on wealth are only a natural occurrence.

August 12, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik