~burn bright~
Jess
Just wanted to share these gorgeous and sexy heels by Brian Atwood ;) These are the "Yana" pumps from the Spring 2013 collection. They're made of Stingray-effect leather and are trimmed in gold chain. I'd feel like such a rockstar in these!
~burn bright~ Jess
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Ivy Kirzhner is a Filipino-American shoe designer. I love seeing a successful Asian female in the design industry! She was born in the Phillipines but was raised in New York, majoring in accessories (shoes/handbags) design and graduating summa cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her father was an architect and an engineer, which influenced her direction in life. She ended up combining her interests of architecture, engineering, and fashion to become a shoe designer. She describes shoe design as involving “aspects of industrial design and engineering that make[s] the entire process multi-dimensional, challenging, and fascinating” and notes that “sensitivity to footwear ergonomics and proper fit is extremely essential”. Her debut collection consisted of “luxuriously designed shoes with 18-carat-gold detailing, cloissone, Egyptian-inspired embellishments, and fine Austrian crystals” that first caught my attention a couple of years ago. These Tutankhamun Braided Ornament Slide Sandals in the cognac/orange color were so vibrant and really spoke to me- and they’re just as arresting in person! I snapped them up and am beyond happy with them. She’s had a few collections since then, all of which have “deco-enameled hardware embellishment, luxurious exotics, laser-engineered textural print effects, and bejeweled beadwork” which give “a new twist to rock-and-roll glam to reflect Kirzhner’s global influences”. (I just love that sentence; it perfectly sums up her personality!) Her shoes range from badass rocker boots to decadent sandals and heels. They’re really eye-catching and fun. Take a look at her website and her instagram to find out more about Ivy! Image Credit Blogger Victoria Herrera interviewed Kirzhner- read it here. Top 3 rules for style: 1) There are no rules. 2) If there are rules, learn to break them so you can… (jump to #3) 3) Be original in expressing yourself. The Spring Summer 2016 Collection is now out- theme is Aqua Botanica. Check out the gorgeous campaign photography! Again, Ivy Kirzhner's website is http://ivykirzhner.com/ ~burn bright~
Jess As promised, a post that is not about technology and fashion! I did a little shopping the other weekend. Most of my shopping is done online, and I'm constantly looking for new websites with cool brands that really speak to me. I now know when an item is worth it and I have become much more adept at buying items I instantly fall in love with. It's harder than it sounds because of the seemingly infinite amount of clothing/accessories/shoes that are available on the web. A click here leads to a click there; there are so many temptations outside of those chosen few that say Jess, you know you want me...you'd wear me at least once! When online shopping, one must have very strict rules or questions to ask yourself in the decision-making process. Some of mine are:
5. Is this an impulse buy? One action I find extremely helpful in guiding online purchases is to never buy right away. Bookmark the item, and come back to it the next day. If you're dreaming about it, constantly thinking about it, and can't keep it out of your head, then that is a sign that piece of clothing or jewelry or that pair of shoes is really IT for you. If you've completely forgotten about it, or know that you can live without it, then let it go. Spend your money on something that is really worth it. It's pretty much common sense, I know. But this step is really important! It will help prevent impulse purchases, which is a source of many unwanted purchases for online shoppers. (Of course, if you are on a limited time frame- sale that ends soon, coupon that expires soon, etc.- then you can shorten the waiting time frame. But always try to take a step back and leave your computer screen for a while. It will clear your mind.) Anyway, back to the point of this post. Last weekend I went digging through The RealReal, a luxury consignment website that resells lightly used designer brands, just for fun. I don't buy for brands usually, I buy based on the style. Still, I enjoyed clicking through the site. I ended up buying two items that fell into the category of love-at-first-sight. LULU FROST CRYSTAL AND RESIN COLLAR NECKLACE PROENZA SCHOULER EMBROIDERED SKIRT Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge color fanatic. I'm obsessed with colors- bright ones make me happy. The Lulu Frost necklace was the perfect fit for me. It's colorful, playful, and fun- plus, I love statement necklaces! I am also a big fan of ocean themes and rich water/earth tones. I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was younger (and work on ships like Jacques Costeau) and am currently an avid recreational scuba diver. The Proenza Schouler skirt spoke to that part of my personality. The blues, greens, and whites are calming and remind me of the sea, yet the slight shimmer in the fabric make it fun rather than staid. To finish, I'd like to give an example of the thought process behind a piece of clothing that I really liked but have decided not to pursue for a multitude of reasons: RODARTE JACKET Pros: (1) Rodarte is one of my favorite designers (2) I love the 3 colors together- that shade of blue is close to teal, which is one of my favorite colors (3) I think the different textures are very interesting and it's definitely a standout piece (white fur on the shoulders, felt-like lapels, glitter body) (4) It's super fun and quirky and fits my personality
Cons: (1) Way too expensive (2) Don't really have anything I would wear this with, or wear this to (3) The glittery body is actually a bit much for me, I wish it was that color but not shimmery...or perhaps even a deeper blue would be nice? (4) Not easy to match (5) Not too sure about sizing/fit, and measurements look too big for me The cons outweighed the pros, and this jacket did not become a new addition to my closet. Hope you all enjoyed that peek into my shopping thought process! Let me know if you have any questions or want to talk about anything. ~burn bright~ Jess My last few posts have mostly been about the future of fashion, specifically highlighting the incorporation of technology into both the fashion industry and the creative processes in fashion design. I promise I'll diversify in the future! It's just a topic that I find extremely interesting. Intel recently rolled out an "Experience Amazing" campaign that hopes to emphasize how its technologies power and enhance the worlds of art, design, gaming, music, space exploration, and more. For fashion, the campaign featured Turkish designers Ezra and Tuba Cetin. They used Intel's Edison module to create an evening dress with blue butterflies pinned to the shoulders. The butterflies are actually electronic devices that are activated by proximity and respond to touch, body heat, and movement. They fly off the dress and flutter around the model whenever anyone gets too close. The Cetins named their design the "intelligent butterfly dress" and are excited to work with Intel to promote the changing future of fashion. This design is another step forward for technological fashion! Iris van Herpen is the queen of 3-D printed designs, which is a monumental feat in itself; but clothing that interacts with its environment by physically reacting is something very unique. I wonder what the impacts would be on social interactions...perhaps you could have an intelligent shirt that senses distress or anger of others and thus responds in a way to defend the wearer. There are so many concepts that could arise from this technology! ~burn bright~ Jess A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece about technology and fashion and highlighted an upcoming exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I just wanted to make you all aware that the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, recently opened an exhibition about the same topic! It's called #techstyle and is on view from March 6, 2016-July 10, 2016. Designed by Iris van Herpen and Neri Oxman, printed by Stratasys, Anthozoa Cape and Skirt, Voltage Haute Couture Collection, 2013 Here is the accompanying description of the exhibition: Clothes that respond to the environment, are ingeniously constructed from recycled materials, and garments that come off a 3-D printer ready to wear—all of these innovations are poised to have a profound impact on the future of the fashion industry. Designers have embraced these innovations and “#techstyle” explores how the synergy between fashion and technology is not only changing the way designers design, but also the way people interact with their clothing. The exhibition draws on the MFA’s collection of contemporary fashion and accessories, and features key pieces from innovators in the field including a digitally-printed dress from Alexander McQueen’s Plato’s Atlantis collection (Spring/Summer 2010/2011) and Iris van Herpen’s 3-D printed dress (2013) produced in collaboration with MIT designer and assistant professor Neri Oxman. Visitors experience the cutting edge of hi-tech fashion with special commissions created by CuteCircuit, Hussein Chalayan, Kate Goldsworthy, and Somerville-based Nervous System. If you have the time, please watch this video from the curators. It's has some really cool information. Some of the clothing in the exhibit will react to your voice! And here is a preview of some items in the exhibition. The Unseen/Lauren Bowker, AIR Collection - The Bird, 2014. Leather with environment responsive die. Courtesy of The Unseen. © The Unseen 2015 AIR Collection. Noa Raviv, Bodysuit from Hard Copy Collection, 2014. Silk, polyester, tulle, cotton, and beads with laser cut appliqué . Photo © Ron Kedmi. Finally, there is a gallery talk on this exhibition taking place March 31 from 1:00-2:00 pm. Join Chair and Logie Curator of Textile and Fashion Arts Pamela Parmal for a closer look at the special exhibition “#techstyle.” Let me know if you get a chance to see this exhibition! I would love to hear any thoughts.
~burn bright~ Jess Meagan Morrison is an NYC-based fashion illustrator who travels and creates art depicting her journeys through a fashion lens. Her blog, Travel Write Draw, is where she keeps a running journal of what she's been up to, and it is so fun to read! Her Press section is the clearest place to see many of her fashion illustrations at once; I identify with the color, the whimsy, and the stylish fashion that she illustrates. One of my favorite series by Morrison is her illustrations of her first ever African safari. She created outfits and drew scenery from her trip sponsored (I believe) by Conde Nast Traveler and Intrepid Travel. You can find more in-depth descriptions on each of these illustrations here: @TravelWriteDraw's Illustrations Will Have You Booking a Ticket In Morrison's About Me section of her blog, she writes a truly inspirational paragraph: I'm a firm believer that we manifest our own destinies. We have the power to live the lives we've always dreamed of. We put our intentions out into the universe by what we say, do, how we act, who we surround ourselves with, and through the law of attraction, we bring it back to us tenfold. Everything I share on this blog is truly from the heart - my voice, my passions, my most authentic self. I hope that you will find here inspiration, education, and the courage to live the life you've always imagined for yourself too. She started this blog back in September 2010, and now has a list of amazing clients ranging from designers to travel and fashion magazines and more. What an incredible journey! Below are some more snaps from her @travelwritedraw instagram page: Her website with her Portfolio and Contact info is: http://www.meaganmorrison.com/
~burn bright~ Jess In direct contrast to my previous post on fairy-tale fashion, where theorists posited that designers were creating "fantastical and escapist clothing in an attempt to counteract an increasing emphasis on technology, functionalism, and globalization," I would like to write about technology and fashion. There seems to be a sense that technological fashion cannot be fantastical or escapist. I understand the two stereotypical sides of the spectrum- fantasy is about whimsical, over-the-top excesses while technology prefers to whittle clothing into sharp, simple, and clean lines. While I love and appreciate the old glamour and magic of the fantasy side of the spectrum, I believe that technological fashion is escapist in a different sense. Clothing used to have to be hand-made, tailored to a specific body type using materials that the wearer had chosen herself. People had more control over the creation of their clothing and could incorporate the details and designs they desired. Over time, with the advent of machines, factories could churn out one-size-fits-all type clothing in terms of Small, Medium, and Large. Instead of having control over clothing, one was instead force-fed a multitude of fast options to choose from. Now, 3-D printing is set to transform fashion. Within the limits of the technology, a person can again design a piece of clothing to his/her imagination, and it could potentially be even more fantastical than before as laser-cutting can be more precise and can work with more interesting materials than human hands can. I was first introduced to 3-D fashion during my Spring 2013 semester of college. Wellesley students have the opportunity to work with MIT researchers through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). I was lucky to meet a graduate student who was had an interest in fashion and was able to work with her on two projects. The first focused on 3-D Printed Wearables ("protective and flexible artifacts that can include fashion, sport, armor, and space applications") and was based in the Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering. We researched biomimetics- the study of the structures and elements in nature that can help solve human problems. In particular, we looked at fish and the unique way their scales connect and protect while still maintaining flexibility. In parallel, I was helping the graduate student with her personal fashion project on how clothing can be used as a universal translator. These two projects had me immersed in a lot of research; during my readings, I came across the intersection of 3-D printing and fashion: Iris van Herpen. Iris van Herpen is really the first designer to create large scale 3-D printed designs and put on fashion shows. Her work is called "futuristic", "edgy", and "innovative". According to her website, she "creates a modern view on Haute Couture that combines fine handwork techniques with digital technology. Van Herpen forces fashion to the extreme contradiction between beauty and regeneration. It is her unique way to reevaluate reality and so to express and underline individuality." http://www.irisvanherpen.com/about Her pieces do have a quality to them that hint at fantasy and escapism. When I study Van Herpen's "sculptural" clothing and compare them to fairy-tale clothing such as those from Dolce and Gabbana, Marchesa, Rodarte, and so on, I see fantasy and escapism in both, but represented in different ways. I don't think that we have lost that aspect in fashion, but instead have built upon the hand-made, tailored couture clothes of the past to a sharp and skeletal technological future.
On another note- the title of this post is the name of the new Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art opening on May 5th. This Racked article explains the theme as "exploring the blurring lines between man- and machine-made fashion". The exhibit "will contrast handmade techniques, like embroidery, pleating, and lacework, with those done by a machine, like laser-cutting, thermo-shaping, which involves heating up plastic in order to manipulate its shape; and circular knitting." I am really excited to see this exhibition in the spring. Here's to fashion of the future! And I'm glad that there is still that element of wonderment and fantasy that I adore in fashion. ~burn bright~ Jess This weekend, I was able to visit the Fairy Tale Fashion special exhibition at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). It will run through April 16, 2016, and I highly recommend it if you love fairy tales! It is a small area with cohesive fashion sections relating to famous stories by the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Andersen, and more. http://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/fairy-tale-fashion.php The curator, Colleen Hill, wrote the perfect introduction to the exhibit. I'll type it up here because I think it captures the essence of the link between fairy tales and fashion. She begins with a quote from the major fashion magazine, Vogue. "The Paris openings have really opened something. They have opened a desire in the feminine heart for more beauty, more elegance, and more luxury. They have suddenly awakened the Sleeping Beauty slumbering in all of us, turning every woman into a fairy-tale princess. It is so easy to imagine what such a princess would do!" -Vogue, October 1, 1933 The term "fairy tale" is often used to describe clothing that is especially lavish, beautiful, and seemingly unattainable. Yet in spite of its ubiquity within the fashion lexicon, connections are rarely made between our perception of a "fairy tale" gown in fashion editorials or on the runways, and the texts of classic fairy tales. The significance of Cinderella's glass slippers is widely known, but they represent only a fraction of the references to clothing in these stories. Each of the 15 tales included in Fairy Tale Fashion- based on the work of prominent writers such as Charles Perrault, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and Lewis Carroll- was selected for its direct references to clothing or its mention of important recurring motifs, such as blond hair or red roses. Since fairy tales are rarely set in a specific time period or place, the stories in the exhibition are illustrated using garments and accessories that date from the 18th century to the present- with particular emphasis on extraordinary 21st-century fashions by designers from around the world. While fairy tales have a long history within fashion, the arts, and popular culture, they have proven in recent years to be more pervasive than ever. In her 2014 publication Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale, the mythographer Marina Warner wrote that people of various professions, including couturiers, performance artists, photographers, and even therapists "are losing themselves in the forest of fairy tale in order to come back with baskets of strawberries picked in the snow," But why is this? And why have fairy tales been so important to fashion in particular? Some theorists believe that designers are creating fantastical and escapist clothing in an attempt to counteract an increasing emphasis on technology, functionalism, and globalization. Not all the imaginative designs in Fairy Tale Fashion were inspired directly by the tales they represent, but they can be easily linked to the stories' texts. A pristine, white fur cape by J. Mendel is used to fashion "The Snow Queen," Dolce and Gabbana's lavish ball gown with hand-painted roses illustrates "Snow White and Rose Red," and a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos, crafted in the shape of a bear's paw, signifies "Beauty and the Beast." This is an imaginative and subjective approach to organizing an exhibition, but it mirrors our experience of fairy tales. Beyond its basic written description, the appearance of clothing in fairy tales is entirely up to our imaginations. Perrault's Cinderella wears a gold and silver dress, dotted with jewels, but we will all envision this dress differently. Even Little Red Riding Hood's cloak- seemingly the most straightforward of all fairy tale fashions- has been subjected to countless variations. Observing the myriad ways in which illustrators have drawn fairy tales over the centuries underscores that fairy tale characters, and the clothes they wear, need not be defined by a single image. Depictions of sartorial splendor serve to enhance the sense of wonder and fantasy that is integral to the fairy tale genre, but fashion within these tales often holds a deeper meaning. It can be symbolic of a character's vanity, power, privilege, or transformation. In real life, we are frequently encouraged to believe that with the acquisition of the right wardrobe, we will lead better lives- a "fairy tale"-like existence. We hope that a change in the way we dress can act as a means to reinvent and reimagine ourselves, as it works in fairy tales. Perhaps we can truly fashion our happily ever after. Fashion, particularly fairy-tale inspired attire, is pure escapism for me. To use imagination and create a whole new world is something that speaks deeply to me and allows me to wander freely in the realms of fantasy. A little more on the exhibit itself- haunting music plays throughout, setting the tone and mood. Give yourself more than an hour to fully appreciate everything. The placards are tiny and sometimes hard to read, and there are some short videos to watch. One of my favorite sections was for "The Little Mermaid". I'm a little biased, since Rodarte is one of my favorite designers, but I just love their sea-inspired collection. Let me know if you get a chance to see this exhibition, and what your thoughts are!
~burn bright~ Jess One of my favorite shoe brands is the London-based brand, Miista. As of now, I currently own 8 pairs of Miista shoes (the most of any one brand in my shoe collection!). I remember when I first discovered their website a few years ago- I felt immediately connected to their ethos and their inspiration, and knew that I would continue following the Miista journey. They have launched a new website since then, so unfortunately I do not have the original inspirational text that first drew me to the brand. However, their current 'About Me' still captures the wacky and fun spirit of the brand! MEASURED MADNESS Miista is a fashion forward footwear brand based in Hackney, London. As a curator of styles, Miista brings together seemingly opposites. Miista deliberately juxtaposes elements that would be at war without creative expertise. Miista is always searching for an elegant balance in the unusual. MIISTA IS: Independent – against uniformity and imitation Irreverent – breaking the rules without causing a riot Curious – always looking… THE MIISTA STYLE In a world that has become cluttered with similarities, carbon copies and conventional styles, Miista brings an uncommon beauty to the street. Full-bodied – robust and bold features Crafted – thoughtful and with unexpected details Elegance – for headstrong women http://miista.com/ I bought my first pair in 2013: the Siri Agate Satin Heel in ROSE. The heels remind me of an intergalactic universe, a pink and magical world of stars and mysticism out in space. The heels are incredible pieces of art- clear angled lucite blocks with slices of color in them. My second pair of Miistas are the 2014 Angela Panther Combat Boot. They are bad-ass, lace-up leather boots with a golden panther clasp adorning the back. I really started collecting Miista shoes in 2015-2016. While these are the ones I have managed to get my hands on, there are many more Miista shoes out there that I would looooove to have as part of my collection! EEight Nelly Ankle Boots: the stars really got me here. Embracing the space theme! Miista Ryan Leather Boots in both Black and Red: the embossing on the leather and the unique carvings on the heels are incredible. The Fiona in Pink and Teal. I'll soon have my hands on the Blue as well! These oxfords are stunning flats that capture light in different settings. Bright light really brings out a deep, rich, and eye-catching flavor. Normal lighting allows the shoes to take on a more muted tone. I love the variability of these flats! The Zoe Mermaid, a glittering pair of eye-catching sequined oxfords inspired by the curiously fleeting creatures that may live beneath the ocean. The Miista SS16 Collection is currently out. From their blog: "Entitled, 'AZUL,' meaning 'The Colour Blue' in Spanish, the collection is a combination of electric nights out and faded sunrises. The theme of the collection takes inspiration from summer nights and gathering memories with friends. Using complimentary colours and accents in sky-like hues, the collection emulates Miista's winning characteristic of combining two opposite elements. The materials feature reflective prints and soft, yet strong leathers. Miista's most experimental collection to date, it's true measured madness. " It is the meaning behind Miista's collections that make me fall in love with their shoes. The above description is absolutely amazing and makes me reminisce over travel in Spanish-speaking countries, with their love for color, and the beautiful sunsets and wonderful friends I have made throughout my journeys. Two pairs in this new collection that I am eyeing are the Vivienne heels in Navy Orange White, and the Botega Blue Reflective sandals. Check out the Miista collections if you have the time!
~burn bright~ Jess The first post here in the fashion page will most definitely be about SHOES! And why not start off with these whimsical, fantastical pair of "glass" slippers from Dolce & Gabbana's Spring '15 collection? Upon seeing these, I was immediately transported into an alternative universe featuring the adventures of Disney Princess Jessica. Please excuse me while I go practice my waltz for the upcoming Valentine's Day Ball... These beauties are currently completely sold out, so even if you were willing to drop +$1,500 on them, you're out of luck. But a girl can dream!
One of my favorite aspects of fashion is how certain pieces of clothing, jewelry, and (pairs of) shoes can make someone feel completely different. This transformative aspect contributes to why fashion and style can be so fun. How would you wear these? ~burn bright~ Jess |
About
Fashion is all about fun! I love that it is an external expression of my personality. I've been mixing and matching shoes, clothes, and accessories since I was a little girl, and I think it is a great way to be creative every day. My style has evolved over time, but one thing will always be true: unique, quirky pieces will always have a place in my closet. [As well as shoes, shoes, and more shoes...I love them!]. This page will cover all aspects of fashion, from cool designers to magazine pieces and more. Archives
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