à la mode [adj: fusion of effects]

Ray of Inspirology: Vessel by Natalie Kucken

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:29:00 PDT

Breeyn McCarney showed her Vessel collection, a collaboration with artist Irena Komadinic, last Tuesday and it was a breathtaking runway show. Roughly two weeks before it, I was invited to see her editorial shoot and that was also the first time I met Natalie Kucken, a very talented young photographer.

Below are some of the images from this series and they are very dreamy and romantic. The best part is how Natalie can blend her style, the clothing and the setting nicely to create this urban vs dreamy atmosphere.

If you want to see the complete set, you can visit our Facebook Fanpage. Seriously, this is a photographer you should keep in mind from now on, as I see potential in her!

Courtesy of Natalie Kucken/ Breeyn McCarney

Trendology: Burberry Prorsum Pre Spring 2013 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:18:00 PDT

Burberry Prorsum Pre-spring 2013 is more like a continuation of the F/W 2012 collection. For the menswear, there are a lot of well fitted suits to make a man stay neat and classy. There are also a few amazing bomber jackets which have captured my heart. Also, expect the scarf will be a bit accessory hit this coming season.

As for the womenswear, once again the trench coats are breathtaking. Pants and skirts with the gathered waist design have been seen throughout this look book. Also, how can you not like those gowns? They simply look elegant and classy!

Based on this pre-spring collection, I have a good feeling Spring/Summer 2013 collection will be very classy and well tailored.

Please click here to see the complete collection.

"We wanted the pre collection to have an elegant and tailored feel to it - we played with textures and prints and wove trench references, sartorial detailing and these little hints of corsetry throughout the evening dresses, suiting and our iconic outerwear. This collection has this real heritage spirit to it - an element which is, as ever, at the heart of everything we do" - Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer

Courtesy of Burberry

Wave of Inspirology: Burberry F/W 2012 Video Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:15:01 PDT

Last week I have shown you the new Burberry campaign and I am sure you are in love with it. This week, I have a cool set campaign videos to show you from Burberry. Once again, these video feature Roo Panes and Gabriella Wilde and they are shot by Mario Testino. I really like the vibe of them and also the song fits the scenes perfectly. If you are a fan of Roo Panes, you should know Indigo Home, the song of this campaign, is sung by him.

What do you think?

Courtesy of Burberry

Ray Of Inspirology: Frida

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 18:15:00 PDT

This look book images created by Atelier Olschinsky has really captured my heart. The collection name is called Frida and it is designed by Susanne Bisovsky. I have the clothes look beautiful and the background helps to crete a classic and elegant vibe for the images. Please click here to see more images from this collection.

Courtesy of Atelier Olschinsky (source: Behance)

Trendology: Hush Puppies x Anna Sui Oxford

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 12:35:00 PDT

I would have never thought of this combination if I didn't see this collection with my own eyes last week...

This season, Hush Puppies and Anna Sui have teamed up to create a capsule collection. Sui injects the fun and fresh vibe to the shoe brand and the result is pretty amazing. Out of all the designs, this oxford wedge is the one that has caught my eyes. I like the texture of it and the black and white design has made the shoe fun to wear. If you are a Anna Sui fan, you must get a pair for this season.

Courtesy of Hush Puppies

Trendology: Alexander McQueen Feather Engraved Chelsea Shoe

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 18:22:00 PDT

I know, most of us are probably still waiting for the summer sale but Alexander McQueen has decided to drop some F/W items to the online store right now.

My eyes are fixed on this pair of black dress shoes. Yes, it might look normal to you but look at the feather engraved toe area, it's just amazing! Last year I owned a pair of metal cap McQueen boots and this year, this pair will be on my wish list (if the LV shoes are all sold out). Please click here for more information.

Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

Trendology: Suzy O'Rourke Gilt Couture Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:04:00 PDT

If I could see this collection in real life, this would be amazing.

Suzy O’Rourke is a Sydney based miliner and for her latest couture collection, it is all about gold and glamour. Lace, luxurious velour felts, dramatic twisted ivy branches and hand tooled silk petals are the "ingredients" for this collection and each piece is handcrafted and part of it is pleated in 24 carat gold. Seriously, if you want to go all out at an event, you should consider to purchase one of these pieces. What do you think?

Please click here to see more from this collection.

Photography: Michele Aboud @ 2c Management
Make Up Artist: Rae Morris
Hair Stylist: Michele McQuillan
Model: Krystal @ The Agency Models

Courtesy of Suzy O'Rourke

Trendology: Alexander McQueen x Puma Exclusive Red Bleeding Stripe Deck

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:03:00 PDT

If I were in the States, I would have purchased it right the way...

This pair Alexander McQueen x Puma sneakers is exclusively to the flagship and online stores. I really like the red digital print ikat bleeding stripe as it looks like flesh to me. However, if you are not a fan of red stripes, there is also a blue version for you, which I think it is as amazing as this one.

Courtesy of Alexander McQueen

Trendology: LGR x Okini Maputo Sunglasses

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:14:00 PDT

I like to see limited edition products and for this season Oki-ni has decided to team up with LGR to create this exclusive Maputo sunglasses.

I really like the 2 tone design of the frame and if you need to know, the frame is handmade in Italy. Nevertheless, the case is pretty awesome too if you are a fan of both LGR and Oki-ni. You can now purchase it here.

Courtesy of Oki-ni

Fashionist[On The Go]: The end of the Elsa - Tiffany era...

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:00:03 PDT

Here are some news that worth reading this week!

Are you a Tiffany & Co fan? What about the Elsa Peretti collection? If you answer yes to both questions, then you better have a tissue in hand right now. Elsa Peretti is planning to retire and she has filed paperwork to end the licensing agreement with Tiffany & Co. Apparently, there is some legal issue going on but expect the line will be done in the next 2 years. [Read Here]

If you have at least a piece of Elsa's collection, I suggest you to keep it/them! (source: the Fashionist)

Of course, David Beckham is one of the most iconic athletes in the UK right now so Elle UK has decided to use him as the cover face for the June issue (as you know, Olympic is almost here and it will be healed in London). Beckham becomes the first male celebrity to appear on the cover of Elle UK magazine. [Read Here]

I think this is a brilliant move for Elle UK! (source: the Fashionist)

Game[On]: The Search For Canada's Sharpest Man

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:00:09 PDT

If I had $5000 I could spend on next season's clothing right now, I would be in heaven. Well maybe I should consider to enter this contest...

Sharp Magazine and Hudson's Bay are now giving you a chance to win a $5000 shopping spree and all you have to do is this: visit one of the photo kiosks at The Hudson's Bay Company's menswear department between today and June 10th and take a photo of yourself in the most stylist outfit. Then, record a video of why you think you are the sharpest man in Canada. Yep, it's just that easy and if you win, you will have a photoshoot that will appear on the Sharp's September Style issue too!

So, what are you waiting for?

Please click here for more information.

May 2012 Memories

noreply@blogger.com (à la mode) — Thu, 31 May 2012 19:30:01 PDT

This month, we have 3 amazing original features and we would like to share them with you once again.

For our [Un]Discovers column, we have the opportunity to feature one of the new emerging designers Natalia Grzybowski. She is currently interning at Calvin Klein and at this moment, her graduate collection still mesmerizes our minds.

Then we have Alex Mathers, a very talented illustrator based in Japan. We really like his illustration style and his works always give joy to us. We are so looking forward to seeing more amazing works from him in the future.

As for Swide, this month we have Ruben Ireland, a very talented illustrator whom we have our eyes on for some time. We like his style as his works are always so mysterious, dark and beautiful. This is definitely a must read entry as he will let you understand his world more.

Trendology: Y-3 “Faster, Higher, Stronger” Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:13:00 PDT

Olympic is coming and there is no surprise Y-3 decides to release a capsule collection to celebrate this event. This “Faster, Higher, Stronger” collection consists of 7 products and the colour palette is leaning towards the military colour scheme. I really like the tote bags as the bee and the frog images really catch my attention.

These products are not selling on the Y-3 online website.

Courtesy of Y-3

Ray of Inspirology: Still Life by Kevin Best

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:14:00 PDT

My heart skips a beat when I look at the following images, they are too beautiful!

These photos are all taken by Kevin Best. If you are associating his works to the Dutch Golden Age, then you are on the right track. These images take fews to months to shoot as some of the props are handcrafted by the photographer. I cannot say how beautiful these photos are and I am hoping to see more from Kevin in the future! Bravo works!

Courtesy of Kevin Best (source: Behance)

Trendology: Sacai Women's Embroidery Anglai Floral Biker Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:23:00 PDT

Japanese brand always likes to push the envelop and this jacket is a fine example.

This biker jacket is from the latest collection of Sacai and I am in love with it. First of all, is rare to see biker jacket has floral print, which gives a soft touch to the design. Then I am fascinated by the back design of it as it is heavily pleated. If you are looking for a unique biker jacket, look no further, this is the one.

Courtesy of LN-CC

Trendology: Antiatoms "Paper Containers"

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:04:00 PDT

First I saw a leather lunch bag in the Jil Sander show and now, Antiatoms has created a collection based on paper containers.

This collection has 4 designs: lunch bag, envelops and tote bag. Instead of using paper, the brand has transformed these designs into luxurious items by using tan leather. These products are now available at Present.

Courtesy of Present

Time[less]: Rado R-One

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Wed, 30 May 2012 11:00:02 PDT

I am a big fan of watch and also a big fan of sci-fi movies. If you can put these 2 things together, you can assume I will be in love with it.

Rado is producing this limited edition watch called the R-One. Even though Tron is not mentioned in this project, people who love that movie should see there is an indirect relation with this watch. I really like the curved rectangular case, which makes the watch very masculine. The blue piping on the piece is stunning and this particular element adds a futuristic touch to the watch. Did I mention the piping, the
hour and minute hand will glow in the dark too?

There are only 300 units in the world and the price tag is $15,000. Well, I would definitely want to have it in my watch collection.

Courtesy of Rado (source: Wristfashion)

Ray of Inspirology: Siren

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:39:00 PDT

Let's put it this way, Natasha Poly can never do wrong in an editorial.

Featured in the latest issue of Antidote Magazine, Miss Poly is photographed by Jan Welters in this amazing spread. It looks like colour gel has once again become a big trend for fashion photography as I have seen a few editorials using this technique in the past month. Poly is looking very glamourous here and Yann Weber definitely deserves recognition for picking some amazing pieces for the model to wear. Below are some of my favourite images from this spread and you can see more here.

Courtesy of Antidote (source: designscene)

Trendology: Balenciaga Men's Contrast Colour Varsity Jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:12:00 PDT

If you have been shopping with me lately, you probably know that I am in the mad mode looking for a nice varsity jacket. Well this one is pretty nice, if only the price point can be a little bit lower...

This 2 panels varsity jacket is from the S/S collection of Balenciaga. I really like the sleeves design as it has an all over diamond laser cut print. The colour combination is pretty unusual but it suits my taste. For more information, you can click here.

Courtesy of LN-CC

Ray of Inspirology: Burberry Autumn Winter 2012 Ad Campaign - Wave 1

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:00:03 PDT

My heart has basically skipped a beat when I first looked at this new F/W campaign from Burberry. It's so BEAUTIFUL and CLASSIC!

Mario Testino continues to be the photographer for this campaign and this one is very theatrical. Roo Panes and Gabriella Wilde become the faces and I think they both fit the brand's image very well. For your information, the location of this shoot is the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, which is the same location where the new Les Miserables is filming right now. This set of black and white photos really suits my taste and I am excited to see more from this series in the next few months.

You will see some behind the scene photos and a quote from Christopher Bailey after the jump...

Behind the Scene:

"We wanted to play with everything that’s at the heart of the Burberry world – celebrating our brand and London through imagery, film, music, weather and our iconic outerwear, all in a very poetic and British way.

Using London as the backdrop, we shot the series of cinematic, emotive black and white images and short films with the incredibly talented Gabriella Wilde and Roo Panes, who effortlessly bring the campaign and our collections to life across all of our platforms.” - Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer

Courtesy of Burberry/ Mario Testino

Wave of Inspirology: Stare Into The Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:30:00 PDT

This song has become my new addiction and I just have to share it with you.

Stare Into The Sun is the latest single from indie pop duo Graffiti6. This video is directed by Jimi Crayon and I am in love with graffiti in the video. From vocal to the imagery, everything is just perfect.

Give yourself 3 minutes to enjoy this song.

Ray of Inspirology: Baldovino Barani for Madame Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:19:00 PDT

This, is interesting.

In the June issue of Madame Germany, Yulia Lobova is shot by by photographer Baldovino Barani in this amazing editorial. The use of color gels in this shoot has really made the series to be very interesting. Of course, I am also in love with the location as well. I wonder if there is a location like this in Toronto...

What do you think?

Courtesy of Madame Germany (source: designscene)

Trendology: Alexander McQueen Black Knee High Wedges

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:14:00 PDT

This has to be the IT wedges of this season!

From the latest collection of Alexander McQueen, this pair of wedges has been one of the main pieces for this season. The wedges is heelless and it has a very strong S&M vibe. The price tag is $7225 but if you are looking for the craziest wedges, you for sure will want to purchase them.

Courtesy of Ssense

Ray of Inspirology: Antidote the Icons Issue Covers

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 18:18:00 PDT

What a show down!

For the latest issue of Antidote Magazine, Jan Welters has the chance to shoot 8 amazing super models and they are Bianca Balti, Naomi Campbell, Malgosia Bela, Eva Herzigova, Lindsey Wixson, Aymeline Valade, Natasha Poly and my favourite model Saskia de Brauw. All the models are styled by Yann Weber and let me tell you , I am in love with all the white pieces. I really like the black and white contrast, which at this moment, I still cannot take my eyes off this amazing series.

Saskia de Brauw (Louis Vuitton)

Lindsey Wixson (Givenchy)

Eva Herzigova (Stephane Rolland)

Bianca Balti (Chanel)

Malgosia Bela (Hervé Leger)

Naomi Campbell (Versace)

Aymeline Valade (Lanvin)

Natasha Poly (Christian Dior)

Courtesy of Antidote Magazine

Ray of Inspirology: Illumination

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Kan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:19:00 PDT

Interesting concept and I actually think it works!

This series is shot by Joanna Kustra and she has put a spin on normal portrait shots. Here, she has incorporated different types of lights to the already beautiful images. The result is simply stunning, modern and refreshing. What do you think?

Courtesy of Joanna Kustra (source: Behance)