à la mode [adj: fusion of effects]

Ray of Inspirology: Brighter Days

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:49:33 PDT

As a fan of Mike Lewis, I am so exciting to show you this new editorial!

This series is featured in Modo Magazine and it is mostly in monotone. As always, I love the compositions of these images and the slightly dark and bold vibe makes the entire series to be more interesting. My favourite image is the portrait shot as the hat casts a very interesting shadow on the model's face.

What do you think?

Photographer: Mike Lewis
Hair & Makeup: Gelareh Kamazani
Wardrobe Stylist: Skye Kelton (Plutino Group)
Photography Assistant: Jose Montemayor
Styling Assistant: Tara Wilkins (Plutino Group)
Model: Lexi Wood (Fayme Models)

Courtesy of Mike Lewis (source: Modo Magazine)

Trendology: Christian Dior Resort 2014 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:48:16 PDT

Few days ago, Dior showed the Resort 2014 collection in Monte Carlo and it was yet another pleasant surprise.

To me, this was a juxtaposed Resort collection. For the first time in history, Raf actually used lace on many of pieces and blended this element with other fabrics. This element added a feminine vibe to some of the looks and I found that to be very refreshing. To make some of the pieces to look more sporty, zippers were used and the collection instantly became very modern.

Aside from these refreshing elements, Raf also continued to explore the asymmetry cutting and those gowns were absolutely beautiful!

Now I can't wait to see what Raf has in store for us in September! What do you think?

Courtesy of Style.com

Art[s]ense: Leeay Aikawa

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:22:52 PDT

Leeay Aikawa is a little bit different than other illustrators I have featured in this site. Her specialty is on cut & paste collage works and the fashion pieces are very beautiful and refreshing. This week on Swide, I have the opportunity to talk to her and know more about her as an artist. Please head to Draw A Dot. and read my personal remarks on her.

StyleNotes[Cheat Sheet]: She is back!

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:05:26 PDT

Here is a little roundup of this week's stories on StyleNotes!

The legendary Calvin Klein supermodel Christy Turlington is back in action! She will be the new face of the F/W 2013 Calvin Klein underwear and this campaign is shot by Mario Sorrenti on location in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Now there is something we are looking forward to see in this coming season. [Read Here]

After so many years, she still looks so beautiful! (source: StyleNotes)

Valentino surprised us this week with the latest accessories campaign. These 2 images are shot by Terry Richardson and you can see his tattooed forearm clearly. From romantic campaign to this kind of simplicity images, I think Valentino is moving to a new direction. [Read Here]

This ad campaign should be able to attract a young crowd. (source: StyleNotes)

Dots[Connection]: Musicians

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:45:04 PDT

It's your Draw A Dot.'s weekly roundup and this week's topic is all about musicians!

Since the release of Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience, Gerardo and I have been working on a mini series based on the album's songs. This week we have released the 3rd piece and it is based on the song Spaceship Coupe. [Read Here]

Courtesy of Gerardo Larrea

I have recently come across this portrait series by Roger Ramírez and they are very interesting. He has turned some of the famous celebrities into cute cartoon form and Lana Del Rey is one of them. [Read Here]

Courtesy of Roger Ramírez

Don't miss out my collaboration with Hello Claire on the site as this week concludes the series!

Trendology: VAWK for eBay Capsule Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:23:34 PDT

If you are a fan of VAWK, you are going to love this post!

Zebra-spiral Print Silk-blend Scarf $99

Sunny Fong from VAWK has partnered up with eBay Canada to product a capsule collection in this coming F/W season. There will be 7 limited edition items such as scarf, dress, cuff and tie. All items will be under $120 and they will be on sale from August 12 - September 15. I personally am in love with the skinny tie so I will probably buy it right on the first day.

Now take a look at these images and see which one you want to buy on August 12.

Duo Leather Skinny Tie $69

Lizard Embossed Collar with Fox Fur $79

Lizard Embossed Cuff with Fox Fur

Lizard-twig Print Silk-blend Scarf $79

Manta Caplet $69

Manta Shift Dress $119

Courtesy of eBay Canada

Trendology: Kenzo Black Patent Leather Messenger Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:51:23 PDT

Kenzo has been on radar recently because of the funky designs. While browsing through Ssense today, I found this cool messenger bag.

This bag is from the S/S 2013 collection and the outer shell is made of patent leather. I quite like the cut out handle design on one side as it adds a cool and practical feature to the bag. If I have $1000 spare change, this might be on my must have list.

You can now purchase this bag at Ssense.

Courtesy of Ssense

Ray of Inspirology: A Tiger Never Loses Sleep Over the Opinion of Sheep

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:56:12 PDT

Even though Stella Tennant is in her 40s, her modelling career is still going so strong. Recently, she has teamed up with Josh Olins to shoot his editorial.

These images are featured in the latest issue of i-D and Stella is the kung fu master here. I like the styling in this editorial as each piece reflects the sporty side of the model. I am also pleasantly surprised by how this pair of Celine sandals works so well with all the outfits!

Courtesy of i-D Magazine

Trendology: Gareth Pugh Black Suede and Leather Accent Heel Boots

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 12 May 2013 12:24:17 PDT

I am always a fan of Gareth Pugh and recently I just came across this pair of awesome heels for the ladies.

This pair of heel boots are from the S/S 2013 collection. The metallic 5" heel is probably the biggest selling point of this product. I also like the leather panel at the vamp as it adds an edge to the design. This product is now available at Ssense so you better get one before it is sold out!

Courtesy of Ssense

StyleNotes[Cheat Sheet]: Fragrance War

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:59:39 PDT

Other than the MET Gala, fragrance news was probably one of the biggest fashion topics this week!

Katy Perry has debuted her 3rd fragrance and it is called Killer Queen. She took over a year to work on this product and the bottle looks very royal. Will this scene be as sweet as her previous one? Let me know when you get a chance to smell it. [Read Here]

I like the bottle and now I want to know how it smells like... (source: StyleNotes)

Amanda Seyfried has been wearing a lot of Givenchy lately to different events so I was not surprised when the brand announced her as the new spokesperson for Very Irrésistible. The commercial has just been released and the actress looks flawless in it. [Read Here]

I enjoyed watching this ad, it was pretty dramatic. (source: StyleNotes)

In case you have not been flooded by the MET Gala red carpet news yet, you can click here to see some of the looks. Madonna definitely took the trophy home foe being the best dressed punk!

Dots[Connection]: The Queens

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:52:47 PDT

Here is another recap of Draw A Dot.!

I have been a fan of Hello Claire for awhile now and recently I have the honor to work on an original series with her. It's all about S/S 2013 collections and dance, and here is one of the pieces. What a wonderful Alexander McQueen illustration! [Read Here]

Courtesy of Hello Claire

MET Gala was on Monday and on that night, I posted a message asking illustrators to send in their MET Gala illustrations. One of my favourite illustrators, Jennifer Lilya, has illustrated this amazing Madonna in Givenchy piece and I am still loving it! [Read Here]

Courtesy of Jennifer Lilya

Trendology: hard graft Limited Edition Ocean Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:14:39 PDT

hard graft has just released a limited bags collection and I am loving all 3 designs.

Square1 Holdall

This collection is called Ocean because of the blue leather color. I personally am in love with the Square1 Holdall as it is the perfect weekend bag I need for a short trip. Of course, the Gym Bag and Dopp Kit are also great and I am sure these items will be sold out very soon. Please head over to hard graft and know more about these bags.

Dopp Kit

Gym Bag
Courtesy of hard graft

Trendology: kielo; F/W 2013 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:41:10 PDT

kielo; has just released the images for the F/W 2013 collection and this time, I think the designs become more mature and wearable.

The title of this collection is called Portraits of Devestil and once again, it consists of menswear and womenswear. Erika Mizuno and Yuta Yajima take inspirations from bourgeoisies and Czech arts in the 1920's, and these 2 elements combine together to create a collection "portraying a bourgeois who openly expresses his or her hidden desires through the garment he/she wears".

The pieces have multi panels and each layer is made of luxurious material such as fur, wool, leather or interesting prints. There might be a hint of dreamy vibe in this collection, but unlike the previous ones, the fashion pieces here are more wearable here. Personally, I really enjoy the menswear and would hope one day I can actually try out a few pieces.

Can't wait to see what the duo has in store for us next season!

Menswear:

Womenswear

Courtesy of kielo;

Wave of Inspirology: The Art of Packing 2 by Louis Vuitton

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:00:15 PDT

Last year, Louis Vuitton made a short animation about the Art of Packing and it was probably one of the best short videos I have seen last year. Recently, the brand has decided to make a part 2 of this series and after watching it, I feel like I need a Louis Vuitton suitcase and use it to travel around the world.

I wonder if there will be a part 3 of this.

Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Trendology: Givenchy Black and Transparent Albertina Podium Heels

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 06 May 2013 07:13:34 PDT

One of the most iconic heels in this season has finally arrived at Ssense and if you have $3110 to spare, I recommend you to get it right now.

This pair of heels is from the Givenchy S/S 2013 collection. The design is very futuristic, especially the heel part (silver- and gold-tone metal, woodgrain, and clear plastic). I have seen a lot of editorials featuring this pair of footwear and let me tell you, they look so good on the feet!

Courtesy of Ssense

StyleNotes[Cheat Sheet]: Sarah Stevenson

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:05:43 PDT

Here is one story that got me excited in the past week on StyleNotes!

I have always been a fan of Sarah Stevenson's collections and I am so happy to know she won the TFI New Labels Fashion Design competition on Tuesday. Just like her previous collections, she created her own digital prints and her laser cut pieces were outstanding! Congratulations! [Read Here]

Congrats to Sarah Stevenson! Well deserved! (source: StyleNotes)

Dots[Connection]: Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:38 PDT

Here is your weekly recap on Draw A Dot. and these 2 stories have been gaining a lot of buzz.

Here is the 3rd piece of the Couture Melodies series I work with Desiree Harig and John Anthony. The subject this time is Lykke Li (in Stephane Rolland S/S 2013 Haute Couture) and John has paired this illustration with the video "Sadness is a Blessing". [Read Here]

Courtesy of Desiree A.J.H. Harig

For people who love shoes, this illustration is going to make your jaw drop to the floor. Elza Akhmetova has illustrated this pair of Fendi S/S 2013 block heels, one of the pretty heels in this season, and they look very realistic and cool. I also like the abstract composition of this piece. [Read Here]

Courtesy of Elza Akhmetova

Trendology: Burberry MET Exhibition Punk: Chaos to Couture Capsule Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:20:31 PDT

Question: If you had a chance to travel back to the Spring/Summer 2011 season, would you want to own a piece of the Burberry Prorsum collection? If your answer is yes, then you are in luck, because the brand has decided to fulfill your wish one more time.

Men's studded leather jacket

To celebrate the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Exhibition, Punk: Chaos to Couture, Burberry has released a capsule collection that is exclusively sold at Burberry Soho and East 57th Street stores in New York. The pieces are inspired by the Burberry Prorsum S/S 2011 season so you will get to see the studded leather jackest for both men and women once again. Other items include white t-shirt and jeans for men, and limited edition spiked heels and leather jacket for women.

I definitely would love to travel to New York and get a piece from this capsule collection right now and relive the Spring/Summer 2011 memories.

Men's classic t-shirt

Men's denim

Women's studded leather jacket

Women's studded shoes

Women's leather jacket

Courtesy of Burberry

Trendology: Burberry Spark

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:44:21 PDT

Spring is finally here, and because we are going to be a lot of outdoor activities, a pair of awesome sunglasses will be needed for this sunny season. Today, Burberry announces the latest member to its Burberry eyewear family - Burberry Spark!

These Burberry Spark sunglasses are inspired by the S/S 2013 collection so that's why they are in metallic colour palette. This collection consists of two-tone sunglasses and foldable aviator sunglasses. I personally am in love with the two-tone series because I love squared frames. The metallic coloured temples add a nice touch to the design.

The rounded cat-eye shapes with the metallic temples will make the women look classy and modern. The Aviator is also a good one too because it is foldable and the entire frame is in metallic colour.

These sunglasses are now available at Burberry stores and Burberry online.

Men:

Women:

Aviator

Courtesy of Burberry

Trendology: Kenzo Yellow Basket Weave Double-Brimmed Cap

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:39:30 PDT

For people who like caps, you might want to have this for your collection.

This product is from Kenzo S/S 2013 collection and I really like the double-brimmed design. The basket weave print adds a cool urban touch to the cap and the zipper pockets on both sides just make the product more functional.

This product is now available at Ssense.

Courtesy of Ssense

Trendology: INNA F/W 2013 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:06:32 PDT

2 years ago, I had the pleasure to meet Inna, the designer behind INNA, and was immediately attracted by her designs. I still remember I said this brand has the aesthetic of a high fashion brand because of the great cuttings and the use of materials. On Friday, the brand showcased the latest collection and it was fantastic!

The entire collection was in black which helped us to focus on the materials and silhouettes. The lace in this collection was memorable because of the "plant" pattern. I personally was impressed by many of the pieces because they brought out the elegant and edgy side of the ladies. Two of my favourites pieces in this collection were the sheer lace dress and the lace dress with leather sleeves. Also, the gold accessories added a nice touch to the runway looks.

It's amazing to see how this brand has evolved over the past 2 years and this collection is the strongest one to date. I cannot wait to see what the next season will look like!

Courtesy of CanadaWears

Trendology: Starkers Corsetry by Dianna DiNoble 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:16:17 PDT

One of the major highlights of this year's FAT would have to be Starkers Corsetry runway show because Dianna DiNoble put 2 unusual elements together to create an interesting collection.

I would have never thought about the association between ballerina and biker until I saw this wonderful collection. Dianna added these 2 elements into her corset designs and instantly, these pieces became very modern and fashion forward. Out of all the pieces, my favourite one was the corset gown which somehow reminded me of Audrey Hepburn. If Audrey were still alive and into corsets, I have a good feeling she would rock this elegant piece.

This collection also marked the 20th anniversary of the brand and at this moment, I just cannot wait to see what she will be creating next. I am sure the next collection will continue to blow my mind. Congratulations!

Courtesy of CanadaWears

Trendology: Belinda Visag F/W 2013 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:07:15 PDT

Yesterday was the 4th time I saw Belinda Visag runway show at FAT and once again, her latest collection was on my top 5 of this season.

The title of this collection was called Cat Scratch Fever and once again, all of Belinda's clothing pieces were very whimsical and wearable. The details were amazing and each piece helped to bring out the feminine side of a Belinda Visag's girl. Also, the clown make up and the cat ears added an extra touch to this runway show (this helped to remind us this collection was inspired by cat).

I am looking forward to see Belinda's next show at FAT next year!

Courtesy of Michael Ho

Art[s]ense: Alice Le

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:37:23 PDT

It's a known fact that I am a huge fan of Alice Le's fashion illustration works because of the fairytale twist. This week, I finally have the chance to feature her on Swide and I am very impressed by her S/S 2013 Dolce & Gabbana illustration. It's refreshing!

Please visit Swide to read the article and Draw A Dot. for my personal remarks on this talented artist!

Trendology: I.M.Sexton F/W 2013 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:08:32 PDT

Myles Sexton is one of the major members in the FAT community and yesterday night, aside from being an amazing model, he finally presented his first ever I.M.Sexton runway show.

For this runway show, Myles introduced the crystal series (rings earrings) and the triangular necklaces to match the icy cool theme. Aside from that, guests also got a chance to see some of his signature accessories such as the spike eye patches and chains necklaces. Everything in this show would instantly remind you of the designer and his aesthetic. My personal favourites were the rings (both spikes and crystals) and the necklaces.

From a fashion outlaw to now a leading member in the FAT family, Myles has definitely grown a lot and I personally really admire his courage to continue pushing the fashion envelope here. His successful show was only a tip of the iceberg, what really touched me was the time when everyone in the room was cheering for him (Evan Biddell gave him a standing ovation, that really meant something). Myles, you deserve every praise in the room and please continue to inspire everyone of us.

Courtesy of Michael Ho