Feigned Perfection

Happy 2012 Y'all

2011-12-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

Been on a little journey recently so FP's been quiet. I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas weekend and a fantastic New Year ahead. I'll leave you with the most beautiful Mollie King singing at my good friend Gerald Decocks birthday.

Love

Brandon

Skirting the Issue - Just Breathe

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Our breath. It is an interesting thing, isn't it? We do it so naturally from birth that we barely even have to think about it. Yet our breath intrinsically links us to the fact that we are alive. When you're stressed out, worried, going through something painful or troublesome, stop for a moment to focus on your breath--realize that whatever happens, you'll breathe right through it.

[Vintage YSL crushed velvet sweater, Paul Smith shirt, Thrifted Paco Rabane pleated skirt, Haat dress, Thrifted knit skirt, Issey Miyake APOC leggings, Alexander Wang shoes, Ned Sewell Goggles]

This is a trick I've used to deal with the stares and comments I get when I walk down the street or go about my daily life. Most of the time I don't even notice, but there are times when you can become [like] breath, and rather than fight it, breathe through it till you're back in the safezone. After awhile you realize that you carry this safe-zone deep within. Our breath is the key to getting in.

Carrying on with our skirt discussion; I have realized why it's been such a long drawn out process for me to get to the damn point. I appreciate Sean's thoughts on the topic and I think Syed will have a much better series of posts then I could ever have, on the social implications of a man in a skirt. Attempting to simplify this, it's something like this whole breathing thing, it simply isn't a big deal for me. I know this seems like an easy way out, but at this point in my experience (maybe because I've been wearing skirts for a year now) the feelings are no longer raw or even there... Maybe? Yeah, why not?

There is so much out there already on the history of men in skirts why would I just repeat here. I'm sure you don't come to my blog for me to repeat a history lesson, in fact I'm not sure and shocked why anyone even reads FP but I hope that it's something to do with the fact that I try hard to project my individuality into this bog. So I think I should close this discussion. You can always feel free to email me if you ever have a question on the topic. Enjoy the appropriate video below! See ya soon!

A word from the wise, be careful of a windy day and subway grates...

Nick Cave Binge Weekend

2011-11-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

After much cajoling from the lovely Amber Doe; A few weekends ago, I went to Queens, Manhattan. The Jack Shainman and Mary Boone Art galleries have been exhibiting the phenomenal artist: Nick Cave. His choice of medium, the sound-suit, beats close to my own heart. These suits were created to remove race, gender, age, and any trace of the wearers material, individual, presence. They celebrate life as moving, sound-making (watch the videos) references to the beautiful spirits beneath. We place so much emphasis on the corporeal check-boxes of those around us. Nick Cave wants us to look past all these constructs and celebrate that we are living, we are life, we are vital.

‘Mating Season’ is an encounter of white-haired, boyish bunny figures suggesting a sublime play of fornication, placed in multiple positions.

‘Speak Louder’ comprises a group of figures that unite into one organism. Several of the figures gesture in a manner that reveals emotional references and together speaks of a multiplying figure that becomes an assemblage or a whole. The unifying surface of the piece is constructed from a surge of assorted black buttons. Each button offers the reflection of a memory, a thought, and the inheritance of personal identity. The accumulation of buttons invades a singular cloth producing a choir of voices. These tableaux will provoke new readings of Cave’s work, which in the past has been constructed around the individual figure.

Now off to the Mary Boone Gallery!

The original sound-suit made of twigs, hence the name.

[Issey Miyake APOC sweater, Acne shirt, Pleats Please trousers tied up with red shoelaces, Thrifted J. Shoes boots]

I didn't want to influence you too much, on your own opinions and ideas about art so please enjoy this interview with Mr Cave and let me know your thoughts!

New Fall Playlist

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Third Uncle - Brian Eno, Taking Tiger Mountain

I'm Waiting For The Man - The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground & Nico

Breakin the Law - The Babies , The Babies

Veronica Falls - Veronica Falls, Veronica Falls

Pulse - I Break Horses, Hearts

England - The National, High Violet

Fade into You - Mazzy Star, So Tonight That I Might See

Things From The See - Black Moth Super Rainbow. Electric Avenue: Chapter 8

Xtal - Aphex Twin, Selected Ambient Works

Solo Swim - The Notwist

Soon, My Friend - M83, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Little sister - Nico, Chelsea girl

The Golden Age - Beck Sea, Change

Another Green World - Brian Eno, Another Green World

Enjoy!

Occupy Wall St

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

There's not much I can say about this movement that others have not. I fully support each and every person trying to regain a sense of democracy and freedom of speech amidst the jarring reality of NYPD brutality and corporate greed. I've been down a few times and wanted to share the blurry photos of Zuccotti Park I took on my camera phone the first night I went down.

There is a real feeling of change and movement going on. Everyone is hopeful that we will win back a sense of common decency and right the wrongs that have happened in the past. Tiffany should have a post coming soon of her own more awe-inspring experience yesterday at Times Square where Occupiers celebrated not being evicted from the park by wearing white.

For more information on what is going on from the ground and not the corrupt media go to http://occupywallst.org/ and http://anonops.blogspot.com/ .

One final note, google took my blog down on friday. Clearly it's back up but for the last couple of days I really felt shaken that MY personal voice could be stifled and shutdown. I'm glad and grateful for my blogger friends who explained how to get it back and who to contact. Thank you Matthew!

Skirting The Issue - Opening Pandoras Box

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

As human beings, we are a naturally curious species. We want to explore the world and with each new discovery the only way to understand something is to relate it to the nearest known concept. When scientists explore the depths of our oceans, they unearth new lifeforms with each trip. With new lifeforms comes classifications, what kingdom, class, family, genus etc, the new lifeform belongs to. It's the same way that we relate to each other, we create boxes, stereotypes in order to understand the people around us. These helpful stereotypes over time become rigid, unchangeable cages. The fact is, life is constantly evolving, ideas change in mere seconds, we cannot simply define everything around us and not be open to the idea of change. The phenomenal Thandie Newton discusses the implications of defining self in a recent talk at the TED conference.

Now I'm not saying I have broken free of stereotypes, or stereotyping, but I do attempt to see through these idea-loaded material elements as utterly meaningless. A very good example is clothing and the way we present ourselves. We put far too much emphasis on the hidden psychological values of our clothing which in its essence is just a wrapper. When I get dressed, I see these elements as tools to explore various ideas. Like any tool, they can be used to explore deeper psychological elements. The difficulty of doing your own thing is that most people are afraid of change. Whilst one has to fight through many negative perceptions, one cannot put a price on freedom. A lot of people are afraid of change, but I'm frightened of the world becoming static or worse, regressing (Totally unrelated but sometimes this place really freaks me out)...

I want to open up this topic, in order to explore and firm up my views and create a new discussion. Originally I wanted to write a simple "Men in Skirts" essay, naively thinking it would be as simple as that. However this topic has become the bane of my existence. Trying to fit it into one post is near nigh impossible. So a new series is born today.

I'd like to also explain my absence from this here sounding board (bored?). I have just started a new job and frankly haven't had the time, nor sufficient mental capacity to devote to Feigned Perfection as I'd like. I've also been struggling with my own idea of self v oneness, and what it means to blog and work within the fashion industry. It's been especially tough to write knowing I have had this skirt post weighing me down since January. So hopefully now we have this introduction out of the way we can start properly exploring.

[Old Rochas shirt from my schooldays, Thrifted Rag & Bone Vest, Thrifted Laura Ashley skirt, Old Chucks]

If there is one thing I want to sign off with, it's that I will probably never be a three post a week kinda blogger (on this platform anyway). Thank you for keeping me in your feeds and subscribing. I do not want to post just to keep up some kind of frequency, I only want to write from the heart, what's going on in my head. So please bear with me, keep me in your feeds (if you like what I write) and there's always twitter to see that I haven't completely fallen off the face of the earth...

As if you didn't already know...

2011-08-12T13:45:00.000-04:00

Next week is the holy grail of sample sales. Not only IF but also Issey. I'm not allowing myself to go to either! If you have been clever and saving your penny's, now is the time to use 'em!

What: ISSEY MIYAKE SAMPLE SALE!!!

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Ave.), 4th Floor.

When: Tuesday, August 16th. 9am~4pm

A Cause Worth Promoting!

2011-08-03T11:00:00.002-04:00

GUILDED from GUILDED on Vimeo.

My beautiful friends over at Guilded, are raising funds to start a school for sustainable design within fashion. Without a doubt, sustainability is THE most important change that has to happen within the fashion industry. Both lovely lasses have proved to be highly adapt at working within a zero-waste and eco-conscious ethic. Whats more they are super talented designers, Tara's line Study NY winning an Ecco Domani award this year! Not only can you help fund their school for sustainable design but you also get great little incentives along the way! So you have no excuses, go fund 'em!

Té de Chinoise

2011-07-25T10:30:00.035-04:00

[Vintage YSL Velvet Shirt (I like to think it looks like wood hence the link to the Rodarte show), Liberty London Shirt, Ivan Grundhal Tulle Cardigan, Thrifted Seersucker Trousers, MM6 Sneaker Sandals, Haat Crochet Necklace, Spitfire Sunglasses]

Apologies in advance for a rather dumb post. I have much more interesting ones planned but this heatwave, oy! I can barely make toast, let alone dissect men in skirts (The ever-expanding post I've promised for far too long), illustrate Japanese conceptual ideas linked to the future beauty exhibit, etc. So this really is just a chance for me to play around on Photoshop (maybe a bit toooo much......), share one of the many shows I've been watching on repeat and post an outfit (bleugh).

Rodarte Spring/Summer 2011 Womenswear
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Just felt the need to post a video of a perfectly done show. Clothes, Hair, Makeup, Styling, Shoes, Casting, Set, Music, Location: everything is perfect! Makes me want to move West, paint my lips gold and listen to my new Summer Mix experiment (Go download it!).

August Mix by feigned Perfection

This isn't the BBC so I don't need to explain what is going on in the news almost everyday. I just really felt blocked and challenged by it. So this weirdo post is the result of me trying to unblock. Think of it as very public psychotherapy... Will be back to regular posting when I come up with something less lackluster!

Vive La France!

2011-07-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

So today is Bastille day! Everyone go celebrate the French, it's fun and it's delicious to do so! Here in New York we celebrated it last weekend on a couple of blocks in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. So aside from the food, the art and romance, personally I'm very happy that Paris Fashion week is still considered the centre of the fashion world. It very much is a place that can showcase worldwide talent. Yes London really is a phenomenal petri-dish for incredibly creative designers, yet Paris still retains it's place as the centre of it all. It may not be the most open to new ideas, but because everyone goes there you're bound to find someone who is! If you can get them to see your wares...

Thanks to the war raged by Kawakubo and Yamamoto in the 1980s, this city acts like a speakerphone to the world. So, if you're out to "Destroy" our pre-conceptions of what clothing can be, thus moving us forward, Paris is the place to do it.

Last weekend for Bastille day I went French by way of Japan and was utterly shocked by the lack of Breton shirts! This is Brooklyn! Everyone wears them everywhere! This one I got last year from Uniqlo that I don't wear much precisely due to that point, but felt I needed to add a little more french to the otherwise obvious Japanese overtones.

Now about this stunning addition to my heaving bedroom/closet. Somehow I own one of the showpiece deconstructed jackets from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection. When I was in London for the Future Beauty exhibit, a dress from the collection was the poster-girl for the show:

Standing at the beginning of the exhibit, the dress felt like a standard bearer for all the Japanese designers, hell any designer that ever thought outside the box of what was possible. Clearly I'm deeply in love with Japan and her visions and yes I'm going to treat a day to celebrate the french to celebrate the Japanese and to finally (six months later...) start dissecting the many new concepts I learned from that exhibit and through reading the truly fantastic exhibit catalog, interspersing these esoteric concepts I'll try to illustrate them as best as possible with my own way of dressing.

What is more wabi-sabi then a pair of delicate, off-white, calfskin shoes with a white leather welt (?)?

Now about the jacket. Aside from it's obvious perfection for summer and all the humidity that can be thrown at me, it has pockets that are perfect for a metro-card and a phone. It floats when one wears it, as if one is shrouded in the deconstructed, highly charged ideas of Japan. I think everything I could say doesn't even surpass what the graphics designer Kenya Hara writes in the following excerpt from his book White (which is currently on my book wishlist). I HIGHLY recommend you read the essay below. I remember standing in front of the white mannequin at the Barbican awe-struck and to get some essence of why, read it.

[Click to see larger version]

So if you can't tell I am tickled pink to be able to wear something that quite literally can bring hope and peace to me when I wear it, whilst affecting other people in such a myriad of different ways. This red circle is a metaphor for the way I personally view clothing; loaded with psychological meanings, but in the end, meaningless.

[Comme des Garcons Tulle Underjacket with flocked red circle (and useable pockets!), Uniqlo Bretton shirt, Club Monaco altered shorts, Yohji Yamamoto Off-White calfskin brogues, Ned Sewell Goggles (heat + humidity = summer necklace for now), Crazy hair: All mine and this seasons doing] Thankfully I just laundered that Breton shirt....

"The wearer can feel it, If the clothes are free-spirited." — REI KAWAKUBO

Attrition

2011-07-11T12:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Readers,

You may have noticed that I have come to a full stop posting my own designs. You probably are thinking I've stopped creating and have become a full on blogging nerd. Vain enough to post pictures of my ever "whacky" outfits, whilst posing on my mess of a fire escape on a semi-irregular basis. Goodbye Brandon Acton-Bond the designer, hello Brandon Acton-Bond the poseur!

Regretfully, I am still creating. Even more regretfully, I can't post about anything that I've done! Can't, or won't? I am well aware that their are actual departments, with a sole purpose to troll the internet searching out ideas to copy. I am no Rei, Hussein, Issey or Lee, but I am me. I don't have the financial or legal capabilities to own my ideas once I post them on the internet (please get in touch if you know how I'd be able to defend myself on these things though!). I'd dearly love to get feedback on my designs, be it footwear, bag, textile you name it. Simply put I'm afraid. I have friends who are incredible innovators and artists within their fields, who can't even wear their creations out of the door. In NY you have these people who like to take your photo if you're different. I'm not talking street style photographers, I'm talking trend forecasters. or as I like to call them: thieves. These people make a living by co-opting individuals notions of how to dress and selling them to the highest bidder. Once you release something out into the world, it's out there, you don't own it anymore. Sure better known people have fought for their intellectual rites but in terms of fashion, you change a few things and it's a different product. YES we can innovate our way through this but with limited budgets how can small fry compete with the LVMH's of this world?

[Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals I.E. The sandals that are making summer enjoyable]

So in the end it comes to a policy of learning to let go. I could keep my ideas boxed up, never letting them see the light of day, or lose ownership. I guess part of being a designer is about nurturing an idea into fruition and then letting it walk out into the world on its own. That's the thing about designs. They are ideas, and an idea is capable of being grasped by anyone.

With all that being said, I will share my ideas, my designs, my children. Once I'm ready to let them go. In the meantime, I'm just a ship floating around in your mindverse. Now here are some more photographs of me being vain on my fire escape! How fun! How innovative! How exotic! .... Yeah that is a tricorne hat, and yes I did make it. It falls apart a lot :/

[DIY tricorne hat, Vintage pocket shirt (closeup of the lovely print at the top of post), Thrifted soft jacket, Thrifted silk shirt dress, Random tank top, Traditional Mexican scarf, Orange Pleats Please trousers, Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals]

Yeah I'm late

2011-07-05T18:51:00.001-04:00

I spent my 4th of July cleaning the apartment and making my self dizzy staring at Photoshop. Today I'm retaking this country one room at a time. Pillow is courtesy of the gorgeous Jessie Tu (available at BoConcept Soho and Michael Hennessy Home), reminding me that I am a proud grey Brit. Read: British when I want to be (American holidays) and un-British when I don't (General Elections, Burberry). Hope you American followers or at least people living on this land mass celebrated a little more wildly!

While I wasn't looking, this happened...

2011-06-30T08:30:00.011-04:00

I decided to casually take a look at my statcounter yesterday and noticed a giant spike of visitors since about Wednesday evening... Looking more into detail I noticed that a whole lot of you internet explorers (NOTE the lack of capitalization, let's retake that expression from Microsoft!) were googling my blogs name.

Back in early May the lovely Sophie Karlberg from one of my fave magazines Bon Magazine got in touch about featuring my humble internet abode in a tough blogger (yep the word tough is there, in describing me and my aesthetic?...) feature... At some point in the last couple of days it was posted causing said spike. So thank you Sophie, H&M and all my new European visitors for coming. Tea and crumpets for everyone! Now I'm going back inside to hibernate, see you next Autumn!

Don't worry, my capsule collection doesn't come out till Spring/Summer 20-and-never. I don't think it's quite in to sell nothing but kitchen sinks...

Handmade Anomaly - The Experience

2011-06-27T09:30:00.002-04:00

You know the feeling when you order something online and it arrives: Christmas! Well that's neither here nor there. The point of this post: is to report to you people out there, on what it is like to put on a pair of these gorgeous handmade goggles and walk out the door. By this, I mean, wear them like I would any other pair of sunglasses in my everyday life. Since they arrived I have worn them maybe seven days out of the ten they've been in my possession.

Let's get the habitual part out of the way shall we? The leather is suppppppper soft deer skin, completely the opposite of what I thought they'd feel like. And yes, it's hot and humid in NYC around about this time of year, and yes, there were times when the whole "leather on face" deal was uncomfortable. However those grommets aren't for decoration! not only do they provide some ventilation; they also have a magical effect when walking through direct sunlight. Little tiny white sunspots dance around inside, adding to the somewhat surreal experience of donning a pair. I certainly envision a LOT of use in the winter months, when icy blizzard conditions really request something along these lines.

Now all that is well and good, but the really interesting part is the effect one has on other people and the consequent effect it has on oneself. The lenses of my pair make the wearers eyes completely invisible to the viewer. In effect it's as if one is able to sit in a bird watching hut, that's also really obvious yet not... Ummm ok, these goggles act like the great silencer of New York, without a doubt! If you've ever been down my neck of the woods, you'd understand that silencing NYC, is nigh impossible. Obviously it's still noisy as hell, but from my point of view where I do get comments a lot from what I wear, putting these on: all I get are stares from 95% of passersby. Now I'd like to point out that I bought these because I respect them and their aesthetic, not to get stared at! Yet because I can kind of hide behind them, they feel like armour. They are empowering! It's amazing!

Yes a little superheroesque one cannot deny. And what's wrong with that?

Wearing something that is so far away from what the industry is putting out and what people are wearing on the streets and what many people would consider wrong: felt so right! Walking around Union Square with its clusters of fast fascism shops, with something so handcrafted, and out of the fashion loop made feel like I was retaking back my individuality. The power to shock people into speechlessness, not just any people but New Yorkers is rare and much needed. In a town where the mediocre are considered visionaries, people need to realize that a step into strange territory, is necessary to keep culture from cannibalizing itself. I'm going to keep wearing this bold eyeware because I love it, it's empowering and I haven't felt more challenged since getting used to wearing drop crotch trousers and skirts. Ultimately getting used to wearing these various items takes out the psychological sting that they can carry. On my behalf initially, and eventually on humanities to point where we can all accept whatever we choose to wear as individual. And what's wrong with an idea like that?

[Sewell Goggles, Issey Miyake Silk Bug Jacket, Ivan Grundhal Linen Layer Sleeve jacket, Uniqlo +J L/S T-shirt, Haat Ikat Print Drop Crotch Trousers, Paul Smith Suede Espadrille Boots]

Samurai Yogi

2011-06-23T08:30:00.001-04:00

My good friend Wax, of Pop, Bop and Snap decided to capture my yoga look for the day. I thought it would be a good segway to talk about how much I've recently gotten into the ever popular yoga. Now, don't worry, I'm not about to start expelling facts and figures telling you all about the ohms and chanting business. All I will share is that I've found it to be an incredible stress reliever. I've been practicing pretty regularly for the past 9 months. Not only have a lot of back issues, aches and pains subsided; but I've learned counteractive micro-movements that help neutralize the little discomforts I frequently experience carrying my junk all over town. My posture has improved and I've grown maybe an inch because of this! One of the more surprising aspects has been a developing awareness of my body and my breathing. It's difficult to explain but I feel like I have access to a whole part of myself I had no idea about. To reference my Iyengar teacher, you develop synapses in your brain that allow you to begin to understand how to move your body through the various Asanas, or poses.

Now I'll be the first to say how much I dislike sports and physical activity and if you've ever known me, you'd understand how miraculous me doing yoga is. I simply don't do this kind of stuff. I've run in the past and swam a bit but I now go to maybe 4/5 classes a week and often do mini-practices at home. Honestly the best part is that after my very first class (and almost every single subsequent class) I felt great at the end. Unlike say running where you have to build up a practice before you stop feeling like death and start feeling kind of awesome, Yoga almost always feels great. I highly recommend you give it a go.

There is a downside. What the hell to wear?! I'm not talking about in class, but for a busy person like myself I find I'm having to dress part yogi when I want to go to a class, Thus avoiding having to carry too much around. So that I don't look like a total slob, I inevitably layer it just enough to slightly disguise the yogi aspect. I kind of feel like a samurai in these photos, with a top knot (yes I'm growing my hair out, thoughts?), Japanese jacket and a yoga mat sword... Often I have multiple appointments during the day and/or school and work which all take place in air-conditioned rooms with varying dress codes (at least in my head). This look was really trying to find a way to regain a sense of self through layering and accessories whilst still being wholly practical for yoga, school and whatever else throws itself at me that day.

Must admit this is kind of one of my lighter, boring posts, more a nice excuse to showcase the lovely snaps Wax took. More on that Comme des Garcons jacket later... If you did want to start yoga there are multiple free classes around the city to try but often they vary in quality. I highly recommend taking a week trial at a place like Yogaworks (Where I'm a member) and then figuring it out from there. The Times also just posted a cool article about outdoor yoga which I am jonesing (yes I just used that term...) to give a go. My friend Rebecca also teaches an amazing free class ever Sunday night at 6 at The Movement Salon which really is the best free class I've ever taken (Hell it's one of my favourite classes I take on a semi-regular basis)!

[Comme des Garcons deconstructed tuxedo jacket with tulle underlay, Thrifted sheer sweatshirt, Uniqlo tank top, Osklen eco-wool shorts, Ralph Lauren neckerchief, Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals]

PS: I got my very own pair of Sewell Goggles last week and have been wearing them almost all week (humidity allowing). I have quite the post lined up on the experience of wearing something so far away from the so called "norm". I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Handmade Anomaly - Ned Sewell

2011-06-13T08:30:00.004-04:00

Living in New York, one is confronted on a daily basis by mass produced crap. Following on from my last series on consumption, I turned to the Google of handmade and vintage items: Etsy. Due to lack of funds and more importantly lack of closet space, I've limited my exposure of physical thrifting. Naturally the urge to treasure hunt has sent me onto the interwebs and more often then I care to admit, I find myself falling down an Etsy hole and in about the space of a month I've managed to favorite about 30ish stores. So without further ado I wanted to share my finds and hopefully make this a regular feature.

___________________________________________________________________________

I stumbled across Sewellns, after almost breaking my 3rd (possibly 4th) pair of Spitfire goggle aviators. The Spitfires were fine, but I realized after 3 years of wearing the same sunglasses maybe it was time to see what else was out there. Right now everyone and their mother wants circular frames and I don't. Sunglasses to me are there to protect your eyes from obviously the sun, but also all that dust that flies around the city and into our squishy, soft retinas. Hence my penchant for all things that look like they could come out of a bio-lab. As you all know, I also have a thing for things that look futuristic, the Spitfires that I still wear on a daily basis have been great: goggley, futuristic whilst being dorky enough to not look like I'm an asshole (or so I hope) and cheap enough to not end up on Kanye Wests face.

Whilst most of the sunglasses I was able to find on Etsy looked a little too predictable (and a little too she who shall not be named), Ned Sewell's handcrafted leather goggles came through my screen like a breath of fresh air. The obvious handmade aesthetic and hard-wearing designs really feels relevant to me right now. When everything is mass-produced and glossy, Ned's "heirlooms" act as an abrupt palette cleanser. Yes they are somewhat scary perhaps, but as Daphne Guinness suggests "We need armour" and I would add substance. I realized I needed to find more. So I got in touch and asked a few questions:

Feigned Perfection: Firstly, I noticed in your profile that you initially started making goggles for a friend in need off to the legendary Burning Man festival. I love how vernacular they are too Burning Man especially considering how practical they are for the dust storms. Your goggles have a very particular look. Can you describe the design process and length of time it takes to go from an initial idea to a finished pair?

Ned Sewell: The process of making goggles is, well, my trade secret. I can tell you that it takes several days to complete a set, my designs vary greatly, and I keep stumbling upon more. As for the "particular look" it is usually the lenses I use to make them, in other words, different lenses different look. I do tend to use a certain design of lenses to make my goggles more solid and practical.

FP: Your designs have such an interesting futuristic vibe. In terms of aesthetics, what has inspired you in the past? What excites you right now? And what would you envision for your future?

NS: Inspiration from the goggles came quickly. I new what the goggles were for, I visualized their construction and I just sat down and made them. I'm excited to know how many people dig them and how versatile they can be. People should be careful with their money in today's market, and I'm honored that people save up and invest in my work. I've sold to Burners, Snowboarders, Skiers, Contractors, Motorcyclists. I in vision to see my solid product with a thick stream of clientele for years to come. Now that's exciting.

FP: Having been working with leather for a year now, I know it can be a tricky unforgiving material to use. What started you on the leather path and how did you learn your craft?

NS: I've worked with leather my whole life, but only started making it my profession for a year. My mother, Netti Sewell, owns a boutique with only her designs and supported a family of 5 for 40 years! My whole family knows how to sew, work leather, and build a business. I'm the only one of her kin working in her designer shadow, though.

FP: What about this material do you find most enjoyable?

NS: The style and versatility combining with the strength and long life of the material is what I love about leather, It's not just a product but an heirloom.

FP: When you see people wearing your designs, how do you react?

NS: When i find people sporting my gear, I instantly react with excited questions. How do they feel? What do you use them for? Then I take a close look at them to see how they are holding up. So far, so good.

FP: As a selling platform what are your favourite features of Etsy? What features do you think it lacks?

NS: Etsy is amazing! one deal out of many could have went better, but what's done is done. Etsy made it possible for me to craft all winter and make it my job. I'm looking forward to traveling the world, making my goggles, and keeping an income through Etsy.

FP: How do you feel when you are creating?

NS: When I'm creating, I feel great satisfaction that this is my trade. I'm my own boss, and it must be in my blood to be as such. That keeps me inspired, and keeps me working.

FP: Lastly, what is in the future for you?

NS: I see a good solid future in my business and am sticking with it. I've had many businesses in the past and this one is a keeper. I tell people to look forward to my designs evolving and specializing in fields, like Burningman.

Personally the best thing about a site like Etsy is that one bypasses all the leaching middlemen and goes straight from designer to customer. You get a real sense of human interaction because you know exactly where your money goes and directly can support someone who's ideas are worth supporting.

As for me, I'm still struggling with which pair I'd like most... See you on the Playa!

Why we buy, today - Excused?

2011-05-02T08:30:00.002-04:00

Hey Internet!

An explanation is in order for my severe lack of posting. After the devastating triple whami earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster (which is still is going on, so if you haven't please give to the Red Cross) hit my beloved Japan; I have struggled to understand what an earth I am doing on this planet. With unrest in the Middle East and North Africa as well, fashion has seemed even more ridiculous and facetious then usual. So with all of this, I decided that I need to be in a place where I can really be challenged in a thoughtful way. I believe that design should be a contemplative response to the outside world and right now I just want to curl up in a ball. But with trying to catch up with the work I missed during those dark weeks where I couldn't deal with FIT and trying to figure out my next educational move, my blog has been really neglected. Ironically the thing I have most wanted to do was write, as it always has helped centering me in the past. Paradoxically, writing only makes me feel more stressed and guilty for spending time on this very personal project. Just as I found myself writing the first part of this series, I am on a train again. This time to visit my beloved Autumn and fellow Issey-freak who now lives in upstate New York. So with that (now long explanation) out of the way, let us continue the discussion.

Firstly let me express my gratitude that my first post had such a good response especially to Joy who wrote a lovely post on her blog (which you should all check out here). Although I must say some of the comments should be posts unto themselves (ahem Raj :) ). It's really wonderful what blogging can be and how it can bring about discussion and creative thinking.

Today I wanted to talk about why I continue to buy, how I do it and my buying philosophy. If I had a vice, fashion would it be, no scratch that reading blogs would be it... When I first started earning my own money I bought plenty of unnecessary clothing that I have since donated or given to Beacons. It was also a growth period for me as to how I wanted to present myself. I have since (I believe) grown up and learned . Is it even possible to buy without ever making mistakes? I don't think so, but it is possible to train oneself to be a better buyer. Yes we all get sick of hearing and reading magazines/blog telling us to all buy less but better (whilst hammering products down our throats!). It is a philosophy, however, that I agree with. This year in particular I have really slowed down on my buying. I find myself constantly withholding my urge to buy (and it is an urge isn't it?) and instead: waiting out until I hear a certain sale is happening and that is when I put the money I've saved by not spending frivolously and lay down some coin. I am not really in a money bracket that can afford to pay retail prices, and I thank my lucky stars every time I have access to a sample sale or one of my favourite thrift/vintage stores.

But why do I specifically, buy? Maybe it's the collector inside of me and maybe I sound like an idiot, but I really do believe that items of clothing are like paintbrushes, each new piece providing me with a new tool to express myself. Expressing what exactly? I don't know... Freedom perhaps? But if it takes a material item for me to express a thought, maybe there is something inherently wrong with that... When I think about it I find good design doesn't just cheer me up when I'm down, it entertains me and lifts my spirits. I don't find joy in the act of buying but there is in wearing. Retail therapy is a load of marketing bullshit. The act of buying should be good. BUT that is nothing more then a memory and the item you buy, should be lasting. I don't dress for anyone but myself. The things I wear, I wear because they remind me that someone is sitting somewhere designing/making things with terrific ideas and when I feel trapped my clothing can free me and take me away. In this respect, buying less but better, means you will have a closet full of substance rather then piles of "cute" jeans. As I said in the previous article, we ARE responsible for the world we live in and we need to grow the fuck up, see through all this glossy marketing and realize our quality of life doesn't depend on quick spending. I am not saying we all should stop buying, but we do need to start practicing a form of conscious consumerism. This is just as much for the consumer as the producer who ends up with huge amounts of merchandise being unsold and ending up in the bone-yards of Gilt, Century 21 etc... This in turn devalues both the product and the brand. At this point, the average consumer can't be blamed for thinking that buying a brand new shirt for $20 at H&M is ethical.

I like the idea that Steve has highlighted in his series of collections posts. It highlights people who really think how an item is going to sit, within their respective closets. Steve's collection of shoes and how he decided to "refine, edit, purchase and lay the foundations of a shoe collection fit for my tastes of today, and hopefully tomorrow" is incredibly admirable. I type this and look around at the literal piles of footwear I have accumulated over the years (shoedrobe clean out day is scheduled). Whilst I have continually edited my closet, the shoes have never been subjected to this. The dud shoes almost entirely purchased without much thought while the shoes I rely on were never purchased on a whim. Says something doesn't it?

A quick last note. We as consumers are a powerful bunch and we need to vote with our dollars. Support the companies and individuals that you connect with aesthetically and politically. I don't consider it more work to do this; Rather, by putting more effort into buying better, you end up with a more rewarding product and a happier wardrobe. Check out Raj's post on the IOU project and watch the video below to get an idea about it. Looking forward to seeing more from this initiative...

Excuse me while I get off my high, high horse, it's a long way down...

thoughts?

The Thrill of the Hunt

2011-04-05T08:00:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post I meant to do awhile back. In the midst of NYFW hell I accompanied Izzy on a wacky adventure to Beacons Closet, Williamsburg. I've posted about this wondercave of amazing finds before (as in a quick mention in the outfit deets section). Most people I think are afraid of this place: a giant warehouse full of potential goodness. I really have never walked out of it without a new cheap thrill, some are fast burning and others are pretty fantastic big ass candles that will go for a long time. Case in point: the Marc Jacobs circa early 1990s sweater that Tavi would probably kill me for. It's so 90's grunge, Willow from Buffy. Now the key to really getting good stuff at Beacons is to quickly go through every single rack and just grab/put back, grab/pile onto arm, until you can no longer carry anything and/or you've gone through the whole place. When I'm looking I always go by three very basic instincts in this order:

Touch: At some point in ones life you begin to develop a keen sense of what certain materials feel like, or you just like anything that is soft.
Colour: It's much easier to tell what is going to be interesting by the colour or print on the garment (a reason I rarely leave with black clothing).
Label: If the piece falls under either of the first two senses take a look at the label and see whether you got it right. I actually really like to get basics at Beacons too, like GAP/J.Crew/Uniqlo and flannels (seriously good flannelage to be had and always for cheaps (well NYC cheap...).
You can also look for interesting shapes but generally that is pretty tough in the packed racks at Beacons or other thrift stores so stick to the first two senses.

When it came to this sweater, clearly a piece of fashion history given the vintage label (seriously would like to know what years MJ was using this label as this may be from one of his original grunge collections (sick street cred to own a sweater from the guy that practically invented grunge on the high end level)), I was actually drawn more to the way the sleeves had been knit, you probably can't tell in the pictures but it has three different knits in the sleeves, making them fit in a very different way to your usual sweater. In fact the whole jumper (which as Preetma also found out with her Rochas sweater) fits in a very interesting way, which of course I enjoy thoroughly but of course is impossible to photograph :(.

Oh hey Marc! How old are you?

[Vintage Marc Jacobs jumper, Banana Republic shirt, thrifted Gunnit knit skirt (ok so it's G-Unit but I only realized it once I had paid for it so I'm sticking with Gunnit), Lanvin pants, Dr Martens fleece boots]

On another note, I'd like to apologize for my lack of posts over the last month. Going through a lot of changes right now with school and life and really am still sorting stuff out, hence this rather weak post.

Jonny Got The Ball

2011-03-09T08:30:00.028-05:00

I promised myself I would not write anymore of those silly runway reviews when I came back to the blogging fold last October. No more style.com image-laden posts with long spiels about what makes a collection so great anymore. Yet I find my hands tied this season, thanks to that plucky Irish chap Jonathan Anderson. No I do not have any original content (which is the key to being a good blogger nowadays) aside from my own thoughts, but I simply had to big this guy up.

Watch the whole thing through and take that credit card out in anticipation.

A few years ago on Susie's behest I visited for the first time Bang Bang in London where I came across a pair of very long wool gloves that went up to my shoulder. Unfortunately me being the stick figured weirdo I am they didn't really stay up my arm and sort of kept falling down. Since leaving them at Bang Bang, every single winter I keep thinking of those gloves, because lets face it, who isn't on a perfect glove hunt and these beauts would have been my pride and joy. They also happened to be from J. W. Anderson, a label I had only a hint of knowledge about...

Anywho, I've been watching his collections grow for a few seasons on this side of the Atlantic thanks to Susie and Steve who have always had a good eye on him closer to home. His most recent mens collection has helped bring me out of the fashion depression that NYFW can give people (too many people who don't deserve attention getting it and those that do are sidelined). I'm going to do my best not to write a gusher post but it'll be tricky.

I mean, come on!

I think I'll start off by stealing a quote from Mr Andersons London Fashion Week page that I think really help to understand with the aeasthetic we're dealing with:

[What are your ]Design signatures? “Things that can be borrowed from a man to a woman and from a woman to a man.”

And there we have it! Whilst someone like Rad Hourani focuses on an egalitarian unisex present, Jonathan focuses more on a bi-way communication between mens and womenswear. Personally speaking this is somewhat the way I dress already. I've gotten to a point when I buy clothes and get dressed, that I barely even notice an items supposed gender. And after all, what makes a souped up textile stitched together: for man or woman? I have plenty of both and yet I have never caught any of my clothing mating with each other, because it doesn't have a gender!? Obviously I admire Rad's work a huge deal, yet I believe JWs aesthetic is much more of an idealized present (as opposed to the romanticized futurism of Rad). One of my favourite things about what Jonathan designs, is the apparent ease by which they can integrate into any level of wardrobe. You can be a freak like me, a "Sartorialist-hunting prepster", or a sad goth but you can find something to not only clothe yourself, but bring your wardrobe forward.

Clearly a stand out item were the lengthened navy kilts. I don't know the material they're made of but it appears to be Jonathans take on all those tacky trendy Italian slim suits in some kind of strange hi-gloss crepe wool (?). I'd like to draw your attention to the subtler too tight fuzzy sweater too. It's clearly very feminine, yet here it seems completely natural and actually fairly masculine in this setting. The thing that strikes me most about the aesthetic is how it focuses on the wearer so much. It doesn't overwhelm a person despite it's clear push in that direction. I still doubt that my Dad would be too happy if I wore this skirt, but I'm sure it would appear a little more understandable for him than my usual awkward dichotomy of floral skirts and Doc's.

I beg you to watch the runway video because the picture above does not do this coat justice. It is (as you can barely see) fully skirted in the back (if that makes sense...) and another great example of feminine/masculine. However instead of individually masculine/feminine pieces this coat deconstructs the idea of a communication between pieces and reconstructs it into one lovely idea of a coat:

Feminine fluffy fur hood
Masculine check with feminine quilted white sleeves
Masculine traditional shape, subverted by a very feminine skirted back
Just darn clever!

How would you describe your ideal client? “Free."

Whilst it would appear that I'd be most drawn to the whole skirt look it's actually the coed sweaters with their strange mixed media combinations (looks like sequins, elastic, cashmere/mohair/wool?) and lovely colour combinations: that I thought were the best examples of the borrowed from the girls aesthetic Jonathan's championing. I loved the apparent bolero-esqueness they have, the neutral colours and anything-but-neutral sequins and bright form-fitting elastics that give a male an almost-waist. I also enjoyed the subtle soft-bondage quality of the sweaters tied around the waists (like I used to do back in my school days).

Awkwardness! I love it! Between the alarming clunkster/viking boots (so going to need to DIY these at some point) and the slightly flaired, cropped trousers: An angry young man is trapped within these clothes and he's bursting out of the seams. I like the fact that the proportions were off and not perfect, after all perfection is so overrated... (shoot me for that last one). In fact the whole show was full of a certain youthful angst, down to the collections name The Fear of Naturalism and its score from Grauzone (from the Neue Deutsche Welle underground music movement which is linked to British Punk and New Wave):

All photos from Vogue.co.uk

Uptown Armour, Downtown Heart - New York Fashion Week Outfit Deets [filler]

2011-02-25T09:30:00.130-05:00

Tuesday - Trying so hard to be so Rad

If I am inspired by a designers aesthetics or am wearing their creations I see it more as a collaboration between what the designer was trying to do and my response. It's a little like a conversation. That Tuesday I had only a couple of shows to go to: Rad by Rad Hourani in the morning, and Frank Tell in the evening. I won't be talking about the shows themselves in this post, but I did want to mention my how Rad has inspired me and how it came out in this outfit. If you know Mr Hourani's clothing, you know he rarely strays from blacks, whites and greys (I believe he has experimented in bright red and blue but couldn't find the photos online), so you may be questioning how my multi-coloured, multi-print ensemble has anything to do with the man. Well I was very close to doing an all-black deal but than realized it wouldn't have anything of me in it. So I started with a base of Radesque clothing: Black well-fitting shorts, leggings and a black square cardigan (crazy Uniqlo find?) and combined it with layers that are a little more colourful and printful. Somehow I dunno, it worked? It lost a huge amount of Rad's clean geometric lines though but one day I'll own one of his lovely jackets that can be worn in 50 different ways and I'll be cleaned up a lot... Until that day, I'll be my usual colourful messy self thank you.

Details of the Paul Smith digitally printed shirt

Izzy makes my uber-comfy Docs look sooo good!

At the SLU office in-between shows [Uniqlo square sweater jacket, Vintage poncho coat, Vintage Mao jacket, Paul Smith floral shirt, Vintage flower pin, Leggings from Hong Kong, Fleece Dr Martens] All photos are by Izzy of The Dandy Project

Before braving Lincoln Centre uptown Izzy and I had lunch at Curly's on The Frogges recommendation. Super yummy, well priced vegetarian and vegan fare. Yum!

Delightful cow salt'n'peppa shakers with my Spitfire sunglasses.

Oh Hey Stock-photographer me!

Best thing about the place are the crayons and blank placemats. If you're really lucky maybe your picture will end up on the Curly's wall of fame!

My Cubana Nueva The menu description needs to be included, these vegeterians are so fun: Cubano Nuevo roast loin of soy, virginia baked sham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed in a wheat hero.

Izzy's burger and buffalo fries mmmmm

With a good meal in me and my downtown armour I was ready to face Lincoln Centre and its pompous officials. At the very least Franks show was well worth the trip, more on that in another post.

OMG WTF I'm In My Pajamas - New York Fashion Week Outfit Deets [Filler]

2011-02-23T08:30:00.082-05:00

I got to wear PJ's to NYFW... Of course I'm smiling about it!

Friday - AKA the day I wore Pajamas to five shows because my head hurt so much (and nobody was the wiser!)

Now I have to say I'm quite a big fan of what Susie of Style Bubble calls Dress Pajamas I. E. Pajamas you wear outside on evening occasions (not just evening occasions in bed). Now before I go forward, I do not unfortunately possess any form of dress pajamas. I do however own some very comfy clothes that more times then not I end up passing out asleep in or lounging around my apartment, gradually congealing into some odd mix of Strawberry (The British) and Blueberry (The American) jam. When I woke up on Saturday morning (very proud it was before noon!) I felt like I had a hangover (which is virtually impossible due to my lack of drinking) after spending the previous evening getting very messy in a skirt at The Tribeca Grand. Yet I could not afford to stay in bed! No! I had shows to go to. In fact this was probably my fullest day.

On the cards today:

PetrouMan
Azzoulo
Suno/Pamela Love/Erin Fetherston (?)

So in the spirit of being comfy and taking my home (aka warm cozy bed) with me on my FW11 adventures, I knew the drill. Lanvin pajama pants. Yes there is such a thing, and yes I do somehow own a pair. No they are not dress pajamas they are literally very soft dusty purple trousers with a ribbon detailing in front and alas due to the fact they are women's can only be worn with either a very long shirt/sweater or under a skirt. Now when it comes to occasions where I have to feel good about what I'm wearing, no matter how secretly comfortable they are, I look to one of my idols: Rei Kawakubo. I don't really think of specific pieces of her collections at Comme des Garcons more or less it is the feeling that the line provokes that inspires the way I dress. The details that make this look particularly Comme:

Collar tucked in on one side to create an illusion that I only have half a collar
Cardigan with a pin that goes through all the button holes and attached to a asymetrical sweater underneath
The double layered skirt that looks like one skirt that's been mashed together
On top of this strange masshup is a very classic, well fitting vintage Pea-coat creating a weird juxtaposition.

Sure I may not be wearing any Comme in this outfit but at least I feel I was influenced by some of Rei's thought processes.

[Final Home Hood, Vintage Pea-coat]

[Club Monaco cardie with swapped out velvet buttons and pinned (off the shoulder) to, a Haat asymmetrical sweater, COS zip front sweater dress worn as a cardigan, Banana Republic plaid shirt, Random Vintage skirt tucked into, a vintage Laura Ashley skirt, Lanvin pajama bottoms, Grey suede fleece Dr Martens (very rare and verrrry comfy)

So there we go! Another outfit post I have somehow yet again semi-intellectualized. Don't worry there's only one more left before I can go back and start posting non-narcissistic things. I've almost finished digesting some of the exhibits I saw in London so they'll be up hopefully after these, but hey I'm my own boss and I'll post when I feel I'm good and ready to.

Layer Cake - New York Fashion Week Outfit Deets : Day 1 [Filler Post]

2011-02-21T16:08:00.001-05:00

Been a little quiet on the Eastern Coast lately (on my end anyway). Even if you have been living under a rock, you would know that New York Fashion Week ended last week (Hurray!). I've been digesting what I saw and don't feel it's appropriate yet for me to get in on the fray of writers who are sharing their opinions on the collections (very similar to the whole "love" scenario I talked about a few posts ago). Encouraged by the lovely Izzy of The Dandy Project I spent my sunday trying to take those annoying self-timed photos of my outfits because I am just THAT into myself. I only really have 3 days worth of ensembles to show and tell because, well I have school and a job. And 3 days is plenty for someone in my position... Anywho onward to day 1: If you haven't noticed by now, I am somewhat of a schizo when it comes to getting dressed. Hence the name of the post, "My name is Brandon, and I'm a layeraholic" - your queue to say "Hi Brandon!"

Friday - Seven Layers and Counting

Had a very interesting day in which I needed to go to a Photoshop class in the morning, work (and our presentation) in the afternoon through evening, concluding with a crazy party at The Tribeca Grand Hotel till 4 am... Now, I am one of those people who carries way more than is necessary, and it spills over into the way I dress too (so it's no wonder I love the Winter so much...). In this case, I thought it would be a good idea to deconstruct all the layers instead of just posting one shot as each layer seems to get more and more interesting... For your viewing pleasure I've included pretty much the only song I remember dancing particularly crazily too:

Home (RAC Mix) - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Feeling toasty yet? [Final Home Hood, Issey Miyake Cloaklet, Zara Scarf]

Inside clothes [Kansai Yamamoto Jacket]

With a portal in the back! (My header for this post is a closer look at said door) There will be a more in depth look at this wondrous Ebay find in another post. For now feel free to admire its lovely construction in the back and sleeves. Yumm!

Party Time! Got worried someone would steal my soul door (that's what I'm calling it and I won't hear a word of how weird that is!) [Ivan Grundhal green jacket]

Still too many layers (I don't drink and everyone thought I was off my rocker, still haven't figured out what happened that night...) [Y-3 Long sheer black cardigan, Ivan Grundhal tulle cardigan, Topman long black henley]

The day after... Headache and pain all over. Somehow I ended up down to this layers going mad crazy that night... Someone tell me what happened again? [Uniqlo flannel shirt, Ivan Grundhal skirt, Mesh leggings bought in Hong Kong, over Miami wallpaper print leggings from Beacons Closet and finally my trusty Alejandro Ingelmo sneakers]

La Ville des Lumières - Partie Deux

2011-02-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

A quick aside before going into this post. Two random points. Firstly writing this blog has helped resuscitate a lethargic mind. Being able to post about a trip I did a few weeks ago helps solidify my memory of the events. I guess that's sort of the point of these blog things, to be a sort of online diary; whether or not you set out to make it that. Secondly I am deeply touched with the responses I have received on my Why We Buy Today post. Especially from my friend Joy who wrote a whole post as a response :). I'm currently in the process of expanding upon my first thought, I don't want to burden myself with the idea of a deadline as I want it to be just as thoughtful as the first post, but I am looking forward to more of your thoughts.

Anywho back to my whirlwind Parisian adventure... The second and final day started out with a trip with Fatima to the secret L'Eclaireur which has no window or exterior semblance to your traditional boutique. You go to a nameless apartment building and ring a doorbell and I guess if they like you they'll let you in (I kind of love this). Upon entering the places rigid, unasuming exterior melts into a warm inviting interior with some of the loveliest sales associates I've come across. Coffee? Tea? Champagne? Chocolates? It all came out as the charming Natalie greeted us. The level of service at the store is the equivalent to a fine hotel with a huge dash of personality. I won't go into too much more about the store but they do carry some very rare and difficult to find designers in a space that very much focuses on the livability of some pretty extreme designs. When someone is spending a fair amount of money on interesting and thoughtful clothing the store shouldn't have an attitude and instead focus on loving the products and the people that appreciate them, L'Eclaireur does this to a T. Both Fatima and myself had a really terrific time. I think one of the things I came away with most was how if you are a colourful person that never goes away. It was a sort of faux-tug of war between Natalie and myself: Me finding anything that wasn't black and Natalie handing Fatima anything that was. As we were leaving Fatima very kindly gave me a beautifully packaged Pierre-Louis-Mascia Scarf which Natalie had draped over me during our fashion frenzy.

I'm sure you would agree, the packaging is lovely. The ribbon seems to be a kind of coated cotton which almost looks like leather. Veryyyyy nice.

I'm not an expert on prints and textile (yet!) but this is one pretty landscape. I can't even imagine how long it must have taken to develop something like this. Dreamy..... Note how puffy it is, thanks to the modal lining (which also makes it soft and squishy :) ).

Closeup of my favourite part of the scarf.

We actually ended up going to the other L'Eclaireur as I had spotted a Peter Pilotto dress that I knew would look so special on Fatima, and it did...

The gorgeous Fatima in a Peter Pilotto digital print draped dress and an Undercover leather lined parka all from our earlier expeditions to L'Eclaireur before eating lunch at Hotel Costes which is basically the only place where lounge music doesn't feel totally cheesy. Chic as hell!

Fatimas Prawns

My Longostino on a bed of Couscous that literally melts on your tongue.

I didn't want to take many photos within the hotel as the atmosphere was so good. It's funny I have a feeling that Parisians feel that this place along with some of the other places that I thought were so cool were super cheesy to them, whilst many of the places here in NY that a lot of Europeans think is so amazing and we think they're a cornfest. Another part of being human, the thrill of the exotic...

We spent the rest of the day stuck in cabs thanks to the demonstrations about Tunisia and before I knew it we were having a farewell snack at the historied Cafe Flore With Fatimas friend Anna who I met when I first met Fatima at the Soho Grand. Thank god she had been there otherwise I'd have missed my train!

Yummy Spanish ham :P eaten in about 5 minutes before a mad dash across the Seine to the hotel and then Gare du Norde almost losing my passport! Before I knew it I was back in London at St Pancras. What a whirlwind trip!

Love the renovated St Pancras

My steed

is longggggg

Nobody here for me :(

Look at those beams!

Purdy lights

A la outfit shot by none other then Steven Meisel... [Thrifted Mao jacket, Pierre Louis-Mascia scarf, Marios Schwab cropped shearling vest, Uniqlo wool trousers, Yohji Docs]

La Ville des Lumières - Partie Un

2011-02-03T08:30:00.003-05:00

After last weeks interesting twist of blogmanship it's back to regular viewing readers. It's fair time that I share with you the unbelievable time I had in Paris (Yes I am tooting that horn so loud, you probably should step back a little, this will be one of those love love love posts... What can I say? Paris was pretty awesome).

My bestie Tiffany of Six Six Sick told me she would we be in Paris for a few days coinciding with my trip to London (she, being the amazing bloggette she is, has already written a post about her time there). Somehow in her madcap way she convinced me to go and buy a Eurostar ticket for a quick visit (oh who am I kidding me I wanted to go anyway). So a few Fridays ago I woke up suuuper early to take the Underground to St Pancras and my first ride on the Eurostar.

I must say I really enjoy the interior architecture of the Eurostar, especially these light-fixtures in the dining car.

Once I arrived in Paris I wormed my way through the bowels of the city (i.e. The Paris Metro) to a stop known as George V. My lovely friend Fatima (whom I'd met whilst working at the Soho Grand last year) had come to my rescue, after my www.airbnb.com booking had gone kaput. by helping me find new residence at the beautiful and soon to be renovated Prince de Galles hotel. Now, I'd been to Paris before, but only for 6 days: so my neighbourhood geography wasn't terrific. I didn't quite understand what a hotel on Avenue George V meant. Until I got out at that metro station and was confronted by an enormous Louis Vuitton complete with Zebras in LV harnesses. If you aren't catching my drift, it's basically a cross between Madison Ave and 5th Ave...

The hotel is pure french glamour and set in an old palace. Marvelous! Everyone who worked there was lovely. The front desk agent couldn't have been more helpful (down to her infinite patience with my inability to understand using my room phone to call Tiffany and meet up (Yes I had to get someone to dial for me, at the front desk don't worry I didn't call room service haha)).

The charming mini-elevators/faux-libraries.

The room was MASSIVE. Almost the size of my apartment in New York haha. I wish I had taken a photo as soon as I arrived but by the time I got around to it I had defiled my lovely room with my stuff. But, you know me, I'm all about the details anyway...

I was most excited about the wallpaper (Yes wallpaper can excite me...). Growing up I've always had willow pattern blue and white china and loved dutch delftware. So you can imagine how much I enjoyed it in my room. Hell I even bought a lovely Liberty print shirt with a similar pattern, which I broke in for the occasion.

[Vintage poncho jacket I got at one of my favourite London vintage stores, Liberty London dual-delft shirt (the front has a herringbone print and the back a more traditional floral) (I picked it up on sale for £25), Issey Miyake organza bow tie, Paul Smith x Lola raffia brooch, Flea Market seahorse necklace (I got on my last trip to Paris), Uniqlo wool herringbone pants and Yohji Docs] (apologies for the blurry photo)

Closeup of the slim collared shirt

Classic Liberty florals

As you can see I matched perfectly with my room :)

Once I had dropped off my stuff I was back on the move again to meet Tiffany at the tried and tested Les Philosophes in Le Marais. I had a date with THE perfect Sandwich Mixte. I could have easily ordered some delicious main course, but you know what I miss most about Europe? The bread, the cheese the dairy and the meats. In it's most basic form the sandwich is quint-Essential. Of course everyone else knows this restaurant. Or at least they do now... one side we had Kiwis and the other Canadians and our waiter was of course: Irish...

Seriously having trouble not eating my screen on this one.

Tiff had a French Onion Soup that would have been charming. If: it were a person (yeah food's driving me nuts)

Afterwards we walked around everyone's favourite Parisian nabe: Le Marais

This photo is sort of funny. I was actually trying to take a photo of the doorway and this lady opened it at just the right moment for me to capture her. Liitttttle creepy too.

If you've never been to Merci, imagine the au courant Brooklyn aesthetic in a french mini-department store.

Yes filament bulbs are huge over here too. I've always admired them but does nobody realize how terrible they are for the environment?

I wanted to include this photo because to me it looks like a very strange optical illusion with the giant chandelier right in the faces of these fashionable french ladies...

Tiffany playing around in the gift wrapping section

Oh hello Margiela!

Wabi Sabi goodness above, and below...

IDeal bedding (Hector take note!)

They even had a charming cafe/library combo (Is everything cool in France also a library?)

We also checked out the cutting edge Le Claireur (no photos allowed, ever. Understandably so!) mens and womens stores. The Womens store has video monitors all over the place, a table which reads whatever product you put on it and explains that product no matter how avant-garde or crazy.

Had to go visit Damir Doma too where the man of the hour came to let us in!

Tiffany looking smart at a fancy French dessert place that has slipped my mind (maybe because by this point I was exhausted having been up since 5am...).

Fatima and I had arranged to meet for dinner with a couple of her wonderful friends in St Germain at Le Comptoir. A restaurant where everyone knows Fatima's name (actually to be honest I think my friend may be the unofficial queen of Paris. There wasn't a store or restaurant where the staff didn't know her) and it takes months to get a reservation. Literally people would book a reservation and go to the restaurant straight from Charles de Gaulle! Quite rightly so! The food we experienced was beyond anything I have ever tasted before. This was the real deal French food. Unfortunately I didn't bring my DSLR but I had my cameraphone so I can still look back and salivate.

Le Menu (Yes that is a five course meal, I don't think I've had so many courses in my life!)

Naturally the bread was perfection, but unlike my lunch, this was full on decadence.

The first course was a difficult to photograph and easy to eat Lobster Ravioli

Next up was the best clams I have ever eaten (in fact the first clams I had eaten)

Fatima had the lobster course

Main was a delectable lamb cutlet. Lamb, as you probably know, is a tricky one. Easy to do wrong. This was done better than right, with just a smear of mashed potato, shitake mushroom, balsamic soaked onion. Every bite was heaven.

Now you may be able to understand the small courses (this is aimed at my American readers). The Amazonion cheese platter with some of the best cheese in Paris (god I was in heaven). The trick was to eat it with jam and honey. DE-VINE!

Last but not least was the sculpted (elliptically scooped!) fresh that day vanilla ice cream with praline cream-puffs...

and poured molten chocolate!

It was so lovely to see Fatima again after maybe 6 months? and meet and make new friends. Stay tuned for my next Paris Post! I'm off to make mac and cheese. Of course I'm hungry...

Who Hates The Winter?

2011-01-28T08:30:00.072-05:00

Not me! I've been on a bit of a skirt binge as of late and today decided I needed to break that habit and go for the tried and tested shorts'n'tights combo, giving me mucho freedom of movement in this snowpocalypse. It's been a pretty serious week for me and to break up my last post and all my Europe posts (Don't worry they are on their way, just had to show you people how amazing the snow is!), and in order for me to go to the local Social Security Offices in Brooklyn Heights (Best time to go is in foul weather (No lines! Shhh)): I needed a walk, a break from the laptop, apartment and skirts. So, like intrepid explorers, my roommate and Supermachine Impresario: Ben Fama, and myself, trekked down Myrtle Ave all the way to Montague St and Brooklyn Heights. Just wanted to share with you how blooming lovely the weather (It helped it was just above freezing too...), Brooklyn Heights and snow covered metallic Docs are. If there was a soundtrack for the day it would have to be Sufjan Stevens - The BQE which I've included a track if you'd like to listen to:

In regards to the photography I stupidly forgot to change the damn ISO settings sooo the photos are not as vivid and crisp as they should be but I think the lovely snow comes through regardless...

Before you judge I was having fun trying to emulate a certain Who You Finna Try Lady and enjoying it a little tooooo much...

[Pierre-Louis Mascia Scarf (Gift from my close friend Fatima from Paris (more on the scarf later and Paris)), Thrifted Pendleton Lobo Coat, Jil Sander metalic belt, Osklen silk shirt (There were many more layers under the coat but I wasn't going to open it up with the winds on the Heights Promenade), Peruvian bag (Gift from my sister during her travels through South America), Osklen wool shorts, Random tights, Uniqlo Orange socks, Metallic Dr Martens]

Permanent snowboots for ever! Makes life so much more fun when your jumping into piles of slush in metalic boots no?

Wabi Sabi house on the Promenade

The best balcony in New York

Benny Boy's excited because of the snow

Is this really New York?

Possibly THE best thing about Brooklyn Heights are the street names which include Pineapple (show here), Willow, Vine, Poplar, Cranberry and Orange Streets and the tiny Love Lane.

This right here. This is why every Brooklyner wants a brownstone...

Just love the AC units with snowy hats :P

Beautiful old clapboard house with a very garden covered in icing.

As you walk down Orange St you come face to face with this lovely old sign and some rather brutal apartments. Thought the juxtaposition was nice. Also figured out my ISO was at 800 and that all my previous photos weren't going to turn out so good but what the hell.

We ended up at Siggys.

Where I got to try their Salmon Burger and partake in much needed warm beverages.

Next post I hope you'll join me back in Europe on the train to Paris!