Glowing Doll

An Interview with Designer Ole Yde

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:46:00 +0000

Portrait of Ole Yde by Rosen Munthe

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Denmark's top designer of luxury prêt-à-porter the charismatic and talented, Ole Yde:

1. What was the turning point for you when you realized that you wanted to become a designer? Where you fascinated by fashion and design in general as a child?
My fascination by design has been with me as far back as I can remember. There was never a doubt that I would go on to do something creative. It was not just fashion, but also architecture, jewelry, furniture and many other artistic outlets.
2.   Who are some of your personal style icons?
Marie Antoinette and the decadent world of that era have been a huge inspiration. Audrey Hepburn remains an eternal muse for me. But there are many others, Grace Kelly, Jacqueline de Ribes, Nan Kempner, Yves Saint Laurent to name a few.
3.   What would you say that Danish designers bring to the world stage that sets them apart?
What we do is not what typical Danish design brands are known for, which is functional fashion. YDE is the only real luxury ready to wear collection originated in Denmark. YDE is known for its original and delicate mix of modern Nordic design and opulent materials.
4.  Tell me a bit about the inspiration behind your current collection.
This collection is very much inspired by the art colony in Skagen in the late 19^thcentury. It was a special moment in Danish art history where many artists gathered at the northernmost tip of Denmark called Skagen, which was well known for its beautiful light and clear colors.
5.   I’m sure you’re very busy with your line but when you have a spare moment are there any fashion publications (print and online) that you enjoy reading?
Not particularly, I do follow style.com on occasions, but I do read a lot about high-end jewelry which is also a big passion of mine.

YDE AW13

VIELMA: It's a Nice Day for a Goth Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:12:00 +0000

VIELMA is a newish fashion house based in Waterloo, London and started by designer Gabriel Vielma. I was really impressed by the S/S collection. There is lots of all black or all white which I like since S/S seems to always be saturated in either pastels or neons. I love colour but I also like neutrals as much as the next person. I've selected some of my favourite looks from the S/S 13 collection as well as some awesome photos of 81 year old model, Jenni Rhodes modelling Vielma:

I was surprised to find that black lace is oddly appealing on a male. Not something I ever pictured in my head to be honest but I really like this look.

Model Jenni Rhodes in VIELMA. Jenni is 81 and currently rocking the modeling world. I think she was a great choice as she really seems to embody the elegance of this collection.

Besides the minimalist palette I really like this collection because personally If I owned any of these pieces I could see myself wearing them all year long. They have a timeless quality to them and I should imagine that they would be perfect for layering.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu: Extreme Kawaii

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:00:00 +0000

While I am not enamoured of her singing or dancing skills (cavity inducing to say the least) I am envious of her Shark fascinator, bat hair and freaky lipstick effects:

ASOS Marketplace: Upcycled Fashion Line for Leading Cancer Charity.

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:00:00 +0000

CLIC Sargent is a UK based cancer charity for teens and young people. In addition to selling their up-cycled fashion line on ebay they have also opened a boutique in the ASOS Marketplace. All proceeds benefit CLIC Sargent

Outfit Inspiration July 30th

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Top Joe Fresh, bag Mr.Pen, bracelets Mr.Pen and vintage, skirt vintage, scarf vintage, headphones O'Neil x Phillips.

The Design Museum Offer at Glimpse at the Future of Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:23:00 +0000

One thing that really devastated me about moving back to Canada was that literally one month after I did, my inbox was flooded with invites to press days, fashion shows and exhibition launches at some of my favourite museums including The Design Museum.

If missing the Paul Smith exhibition wasn't bad enough now I'm missing the 3D fashions of Catherine Wales and you know how psyched I am about 3D printing. Catherine used 3D Printed white nylon and was inspired by the structure of human chromosomes to create these pieces for her "Project DNA" collection:

The Future is Here: A New Industrial Revolution. The exhibition runs from the 24th of July – 29 October 2013.

Shine Shine On

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 21:36:00 +0000

Traditional Batik fabric design meets African pop culture. Shine Shine started off supplying their unique fabric but now are also offering a wide range of accessories and house hold items with their unique prints. The witty and eye-catching prints are all by Heidi Chisholm.

A dress made using Shine Shine's Jackie So print. Dress by Autumn Adeigbo.

A chair upholstered with Shine Shine's Julie Juu print.

Statement Jewellery That Goes POW!

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:34:00 +0000

Another fabulous Etsy find. boo+boo caught my eye because their pieces really stand out from the literally millions of listing now on Etsy. I like that their jewellery is unconventional and that they have attracted a following. As someone who used to make jewellery of a similar style but with far less success I really admire their ability to thrive on Etsy. I also love the colours they use, it reminds me very much of Lisa Frank. It's like someone distilled all the colour out of of Lisa Frank but filtered out the creepy rainbow penguins and golden labs.

Visit boo+boo for these featured pieces and many more.

Vintage Pop-Up Sale Saturday June 29th

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 17:08:00 +0000

This Saturday I am selling my treasures from my teen years.Clothes,hats,cameras,records,jewellery,furniture, knick-knacks:

Poster artwork by Sooyeong Lee who will also be hosting the sale!

Boho Chic Decorating Ideas for This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Tue, 28 May 2013 19:57:00 +0000

From time to time I like to redo my room or home office. I’m the kind of person that gets awfully attached to one particular look but I also find that a change can be refreshing. I have quite eclectic tastes but one thing is for certain I like lots of natural light, colourful objects and lots of comfy places to sit or lounge. I like to have large throw cushions on the floor or a bean bag chair or two. This makes a great informal corner for reading or just hanging out with my cat. I am also partial to a shisha session now and again (Peach or Rose if you’re asking and ALWAYS tobacco free) so having comfortable spots to lounge on the floor can come in handy.

Even if you are not into shisha smoking the pipes themselves are often works of art and can add an interesting touch to your bookshelf or coffee table:

In keeping with the laid-back vibe created by the floor cushions and bean bag chairs, I also like to cross boundaries when it comes to patio furniture. Your guests will never guess that these designer pieces don’t technically belong in your living room, bedroom or office. An additional perk is that these will all be extremely easy to clean:

photo credits: Etsy, Arabian Nights, Living Design Home, Etsy.com, Wanelo.com, BeanBagBoss.com

Deco Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:43:00 +0000

Everyone is going gaga lately over art deco inspired everything thanks to Baz Luhrmanns, The Great Gatsby. Art deco,however, is not a passing fad. It has never gone out of style and simply never will. it is the epitome of modernity paired with elegance. Here are some of my top art deco inspired fashion items all available to purchase online:

Louna Sandles by Surface to Air

Art Deco laptop 15' laptop case from Topshop

Art Deco statement bib necklace by FabParlour

Also If you love art deco decor and architecture as much as I do you then you might enjoy my reviews of The Thompson Diner and Peter Pan Bistro.

Ellie Mae Jewellery at RIANT Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Last night I attended a media and VIP shopping event at RIANT Boutique on Bathurst. It is right next to the very swish Thompson Hotel. It may seem small from the outside but it is actually surprisingly large and there is a great selection of clothes, shoes, jewellery and accessories on offer. The staff are extremely warm and welcoming. I especially liked the little touches like the glass jars at the cash desk filled with retro sweets.

This was my first time at RIANT Boutique so I took a bunch of photos to show you some of their great Spring/Summer selection. There were lots of acid brights and fun prints. Labels stocked include, Wild Fox, Sam Edelman, Heartloom,Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Sundry, Parker, Mink Pink, Amanda Uprichard, Rebecca Minkoff to name a few. The star of the evening was, however, the new Spring/Summer collection from Ellie Mae Jewellery. Their bracelets are designed to wear in stacks and feature beautiful semi-precious stone, diamante, wood and charm beads. They are great to dress up or dress down and have that understated boho/beach chic vibe. I was lucky enough to take home my very own bracelet which you will see in the photos below:

Ellie Mae Waters and Business partner Chanel Bayram

As you can see the bracelets looked good reversed too and a can also be paired with bracelets of varying styles.

The bracelets come packed in these adorable tins which are very handy for storing them.

The Office of Angela Scott SS2013

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:14:00 +0000

I really love the little details in this collection. Like who would think to put brass studs on the edge of a sole? Angela Scott's shoes are all handmade in her studio of the finest Italian leather. You may be wondering why you should invest in a pair of these brogues when a quick Google search will pull up hundreds of brogues priced at $30 or less. Well there is something to be said about having beautifully constructed shoes made of real leather. They put a bounce in your step. And such shoes (when taken care of) can last a lifetime.

The Most Elegant 3D Printed Jewellery Ever?

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:50:00 +0000

Otherworldly and yet timeless. unlike most of the other 3D printed offerings out there now these pieces by Theresa Burger are elegant and they look like quality pieces too. I love the concept of 3D printing but a lot of what's out there right now just looks cheap to me. However, 3D printing in general is currently blowing my mind. I guess it fulfils some of my childhood Star Trek: The Next Generation fantasies. While I love the fashion applications for 3D printing I am even more excited about the fact that a kidney was printed (yes a god damned human kidney!) and that food is also being printed. It kind of scares and excites me in equal measures. Back to fashion though, have you heard of Joshua Harris' 3D clothes printer? He predicts that by 2050 people ill be printing their own clothes at home. The concept is reality simple, you feed your old clothes into the machine and the machine produces new clothes.

So for now you can invest in the future by buying what will undoubtedly become collectors pieces. I can just imagine fifty years from now an exhibition on 3D printing at The Smithsonian with Theresa Burgers pieces amongst other 3D printed marvels.

*Click anywhere to see more photos

Laser Baroque

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:56:00 +0000

These lovely and seemingly delicate lace inspired pieces are by Collected Edition. In addition to the usual laser-cut persex there are also pieces made from laser-cut wood veneer. I especially like the cuffs. I also love the vermeeresque portraits she created to display her pieces:

May Queen

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:31:00 +0000

I really love the flower hair bands and crowns made by fellow blogger and Etsy shop owner Michaela Scalisi. she has a really unique personal syle which she captures in dreamy, sun soaked photos. If the thought of wearing flowers on your head really turns you off have a look at the various ways Michaela has styled her pieces. They are surprisingly versatile and can be worked into almost any outfit:

You can find these pieces on Michaela's Etsy shop Micha.

Eley Kishimoto For Clarks

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:38:00 +0000

Just yesterday I was recalling with fondness their collection for Eastpak a few years ago. Then today I finally started ploughing through my inbox (one of several) and I discovered these beauties:

Just one more little thing that makes me miss London so bad. The thing with Clarks is that over here in Canada they are rather expensive or at least they were when I was a kid and they only seemed to be available at speciality shops. So, you can imagine my surprise when I moved to London and saw Clarks stores everywhere. Each time I inquired about where to find half-sizes in my new home people would always say, "Clarks". Anytime I needed shoes to go with some disgusting polyester uniform I was being forced to wear my supervisor would always advise that I go to Clarks for appropriate shoes. Then around 2005 they started to actually make shoes that I considered to be cute. So my relationship with the shop changed; I no longer went there purely out of necessity. I would often buy multiple pairs at a time because I knew I was buying something that actually fit (the nightmare of being a half-size!) and could walk in for hours and was fashionable. Eley Kishimoto are one of my favourite design duos and definitely my favourite English design duo. so for me this collaboration is a match made in heaven. I will get my hands on these one way or another.

These are available to purchase online here.

Do You Heart T.O?

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:36:00 +0000

Do you open your back door to be greeted by fresh raccoon feces on your freshly scrubbed deck? Do you support the Toronto Maple Leafs despite the fact that they never win and you don't even like hockey? Do you consider a doughnut to be an acceptable breakfast food item? Do you have a love/hate relationship with Honest Ed's? Were you heartbroken when the Drake Hotel switched their photo booth camera to a digital one? If so then you were probably born in Toronto and/or are proud to make it your current home. If you want a cute and stylish way to express that love there are some great handmade souvenirs from Toronto Etsy sellers:

Neighborwoodmaps

CollegeCreature

doubletaker

DOINITWELL

KeepsakeToronto

LAJONESJewelleryDesign

Le Chat Mysterieux

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:23:00 +0000

Sometimes buying and reselling vintage clothes is better than eating a whole tub of Ben & Jerry's. I finally admitted this to myself after a ten year love affair with second hand shops and markets. As I got older I became more pragmatic, whereas I used to buy things for their collectable value I started to buy things that actually fit me and more importantly stuff that I was actually going to wear. But things kept catching my eye and I'd always think, oh if only I could find the right person for that or for that. So here we have it my little Etsy shop, Le Chat Mysterieux. Blog readers just say you came via Glowing Doll and I will take 20% off of your order.

A Hairy Situation

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:30:00 +0000

People that know me also know that I have very long hair. In addition to it's length I have never dyed my hair and with the exception of a few times in my childhood it does not get heat styled either. Any time I find myself in a new environment, whether it is a work, school or social setting people feel the need to comment on my hair. Usually they begin by stating the obvious "Boy your hair sure is long", to which I usually smile and nod (this is prevent myself from making a snippy comment in return). Then after someone has gotten to know me after a few months they will inevitably have, the "Hair Talk" with me. The "Hair Talk" is a kind of intervention if you will. They begin unsuspectingly, we may be talking about something totally unrelated like the nail polish I'm wearing or $20 jeans at the Gap outlet. Then in a concerned tone they ask if I wouldn't be happier if I did something with my hair. They rattle off numerous suggestions (all seemingly random). I politely say no I'm happy with it as it is. Then again in that concerned tone say something like "But it must be a lot of work huh?" I usually say no it's not at all. Not having a salon style means virtually no maintenance. I wash my hair, I condition it, I put a leave-in conditioner in and then I let it air-dry. Then they will usually try the health angle and tell me that my hair will be so much healthier if I chop it into a bob. For the final time I tell them that I am quite happy with it as is. They usually end the ~~interrogation~~ intervention by trying to make me feel as though I am in denial about my deep unhappiness concerning my hair.

So with the above in mind I am now going to tell you that almost two weeks ago I gave myself bangs. My tools were blunt craft scissors. I didn't even have a comb. This is going to sound even crazier when I tell you that at the age of 11 after years of awkwardly trying to grow-out my childhood bangs to the same crazy length as the rest of my hair I proudly went to my Mom's hair dresser and uttered the words "Cut it all the same length". And when I left I had what I considered to be "Real" hair the kind of hair that grown-up women had. That was nearly 18 years ago.

My DIY bangs were not as spontaneous as they seem. I had been pondering the idea of bangs for a few weeks prior. I had forgotten though just how wavy and thick my hair is. My bangs as a result are rather retro looking. They look as though I sleep with curlers in them but my hair just naturally curls under. I also may have gone a bit too far back so now owing to the thickness and waviness of my hair it does appear sometimes as though I have half of a mushroom cut. I am learning to use headbands and hair clips to try and minimise this.

The reason I did this is going to sound silly. I've been through a lot in the last 6 years. At the moment things are not great. I decided that the only way to overcome these negative events in my life was to embrace change. I wanted to look in the mirror and see a different version of myself and hair was the easiest way to achieve this. As I held my sectioned off hair in my left hand and my blunt craft scissors in the other there was a brief moment where I though "Oh god this is really,really stupid" But then I said to myself out loud "No it's just hair" and I cut it. The relief was instantaneous. The person I saw in the mirror seemed more me than I've ever been.

The reactions have been pretty negative on the whole. I've had the same hair nearly my whole life and it's a shock for people to see me like this. They are also shocked that I would cut it myself having no experience whatsoever. My Mom reassured me that a beautiful woman is beautiful no matter what her hair looks like (not that I consider myself to be beautiful but thanks Mom!). I also messaged my best friend and asked her advice, this is what she responded with:

"..tones of people didn't like my Bettie Page hair, several different bobs/short cuts that I've had in the past and anything even remotely edgy. I find that people get used to seeing you a certain way and the second you do anything that is different they get upset and feel the need to vocalize this. To be honest I think its none of their effin' business what you do with your hair so just do what makes you happy"

*Illustrations above by D.E La Valle.

Smell My Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Yes it's an innocent frame purse that smells of Custard Cream biscuits. What the hell were you thinking of? If they can make me a tea scented scarf and some Victoria Sponge scented shoes to go with this that would be awesome.

Available at Helen Rochfort.

My Message is 'Plane' to See

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 18:01:00 +0000

If you are like me, a bit shy, a bit awkward but love to give cards and other paper gifts maybe these paper planes by Archie Grand will help you be more spontaneous with your flirting. They are perfect for flinging at that cute nerdy boy in the art gallery or maybe someone you know who can't take a hint unless it's aimed at their head. Also they would make a great alternative to the traditional Valentine:

Magic Pony

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Magic Pony as you may or may not know is a studio/boutique/art gallery specialising in designer vinyl toys and limited edition prints. They also have an excellent selection of jewellery including pieces by Julie Moon and Species by the Thousands. I was also delighted to find backpacks and cards from Lazy Oaf as I used to frequent their Carnaby store back in my London days. Magic Pony is a great place to take friends but also serves as a nice little pick-me-up if you are out on your own - especially if the weather is like today's and you are feeling a bit down:

Yes, those are benches are by Friends With You. I know! Ahhhhhhhh!

Astrea necklace by Species by the Thousands.

Wand Necklace by Species by the Thousands.

Geometric necklaces by Julie Moon

Necklace by We Kill You.

Pete Fowler installation. If you're a fan of Monsterism Island you would be as excited as I was to spot this.

The washroom has been papered in scarps of old prints. Very cool looking.

Some awesome trading cards by the cash desk. Reminiscent of Garbage Pail Kids. Not sure if they come with rock hard bubble gum or not (damn that stuff was the best even if it did cut your gums).

*All photos by D.E La Valle if you want to repost them please provide credit and a link back to this blog. Thank you.

jacflash Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 18:08:00 +0000

I love these windows at jacflash they're very Warholesque. Also the clothes on sale are pretty awesome too:

Celebrity Photographer Thinks Guns Are Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Glowing Doll) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:31:00 +0000

I received this image as part of a press release for Machine Guns Vegas. Not sure why I was contacted. I felt the need, however, to express my feelings here in regards to the corresponding Press release photo. It was so horrific that I tho

ught surely this is some piece of art and in some ironic way is condemning gun culture. However, according to photographer Marc de Groot, “Automatic weapons have a place in the safe confines of gun ranges,” according to de Groot. Machine Guns Vegas have a ‘Kids Club’. “The image is to promote how, if it’s safe, you can have fun with guns”. The kids package at Machine Guns Vegas gives children 40 rounds of a .22 inch rifle and .22 Pistol. The Managing Partner Genghis Cohen states, “As long as you can hold it you can shoot it." This is totally legit by the way and not some sort of prank that I was sent. You can check out their 'Kids Page'.

More questions to ask yourself, Why is this little girl wearing pancake make up and why is she in a blood red room? The image is obviously meant to be shocking. Would a parent see this and honestly sign their kid up for a day at Machine Guns Vegas? It's unfathomable why any parent would but especially after seeing this image who is buying this package?

Really America? Really?

If like me you are disgusted by this please, please voice your thoughts below. Thank you, Danielle.