FSHNvanguard

Trend: Acne Resort 2012

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

Acne's Resort 2012 collection is all about comfort, the subtlest of pastels and soft sheer fabrics. What's especially striking is the layering of oversized pieces over petite mini's without losing the 'fitted' style, which is basically Acne's raison d'être.

Here's my favorite pieces of the collection, including the oversized Rhonda biker jacket, the amazing Alice silk platforms, and shredded Pop Trash trousers.

The collection's available now online at shop.acnestudios.com

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Updated! John Galliano for Zara

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:24:00 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, it was nothing but a stupid prank!!! Zara confirmed they do not intend on any such collaboration, since they have their "own designers". Although a collab with Galliano would've been interesting, to say the least, I love this proud answer from Zara, implying their in-house designers are good already and they don't need a pair of extra hands (or ego's). Guess we all got pranked!

For a while now people have been speculating about a collaboration between John Galliano and retail chain Zara on a Spring/Summer 2012 collection which, allegedly, hits the stores this summer.

Several Spanish and Italian bloggers have spread the rumor that the former creative brain of the house of Dior has teamed-up with Zara for two low-cost collections. The collaboration would be a one-off thing, but surely the mark of many collaborations to come, as for the retail chain.

It's already taken too long before Zara followed the lead of H&M, Topshop, or GAP with such low-cost label wear. And although a retail chain shouldn't forget where it came from and what defined it's success in the first place, treating it's true followers to some juicy designer labels every once and a while doesn't hurt.

To date, neither Galliano nor Zara have confirmed the rumors, but for sure you already believe in them? I know I do!

You haven't heard the last of this...

Love
FSHNvanguard

ABC.es
ilovefashionnews
Mr Lulu
International Business Times
Fashionsolution
thedollsfactory

The wonderful 'Kech'!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:09:00 +0000

Last week was all about souks, spices, and bustle in the great city of Marrakech. Here's a little report of the highlights. Enjoy!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Surprise birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:37:00 +0000

After a rather long silence, or what I like to call 'bloggers depression' I thought I'd give you all a sign of life from this end, especially as I feel the need to share this with you guys. Although I was expecting last weekend to be a big party since I was throwing a late birthday/ later graduation bash, I didn't see this coming. Boy, did they fool me!

Surprise!!!

So, as I'm not much of a planner when it comes to these kinds of occasions, I just invited over a bunch of close friends and family for drinks and bites at this fancy shmancy club/bar called Eve. However, nothing went as planned when my dear friend Mahreen lured me to another uptown sushi joint with, when I think of it now, a ridiculous excuse. Anyway, we were supposed to leave for Eve right away after running a quick errant. Guess what? We never made it to Eve that night, 'cause everyone I invited was already inside for the SURPRISE moment. I should've seen my face on the moment suprème because emotions were running from scare at the sudden exclamation and curiosity to know whose birthday these loud people were celebrating, to a state of amazement that they were people I know, completed by feelings of betrayal when I spotted those who had actually claimed they wouldn't make it!

I was always wondering how I would react to surprise parties, but this experience has taught me that I actually love these kinds of unannounced things. Thank you Aiesha and Nawal for all the hard work, and my dear friends (you know who you are!) for spending with me an amazing and crazy evening! I love you!!!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Dw by Kanye West: beginners bad luck?

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:35:00 +0000

Finally, yesterday was the big day some of us have all been waiting for: Kanye's first move ever into the fashion industry (apart from his frequent frontrow occupancy). While I like to cut the man some slack, at least for his courage to give it a shot in fashion after such great achievements in the music industry, I find it hard to speak words of appreciation for the overall collection.

The name of the collection, Dw, stands for Donda West, Kanye's mother who tragically passed away a few years ago. This is already evidence of real passionate motivation for this curious move of the rapper. While the fashion-savvy Kanye West has become something of a frontrow fixture, he's been equally busy backstage, building relationships and connections leading to the collaboration for his first fashion collection. For months Kanye has worked alongside British designer Louise Goldin and Givenchy's Roberto Tisci, among others (the shoes for Dw were designed by Giuseppe Zanotti, in case you were wondering).

Leather and suede, zippers galore, streetwear inspirations, beading and crystals, and the amount of fur that would shake the foundations of PETA. This mix of methods, materials, and styles, together with a variety of perspectives (through collaborations and consultatations with industry pro's) explains the incoherence in the overall collection.

Still, it's kind of endearing to see someone as successful as Kanye West try so hard. Therefore, let's just give him the benefit of the doubt as a beginner and see what he has in store for us.

Any comments or thoughts on Kanye's fashion career? Feel free to share.

Thank you guys for reading! If you like FSHNvanguard on Blogger, 'Like' it on Facebook as well. Thanx!

Love

All photo's courtesy of Gianni Pucci/GoRunway.com

'Be a realist, remain a dreamer'

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:19:00 +0000

One of the things I absolutely love to do on a useless day is strolling around the city, discovering new and interesting stuff. I had one of these days last week, and it was fun!

I met up with my girls for an evening around town and while chatting and sharing with each other our old and new, we ended up walking along the Amsterdam canals, where we stumbled upon this amazing store/studio/gallerie spiritually named 'Buddista', at Prinsengracht 688, if you happen to be in the neighbourhood.

Our curiosity piqued, we walked into this messy hallway, greeted by a full-scale Lagerfeld poster. Beside this almost humbling entrance rested an installation of old suitcases positioned on top of eachother, illustrating both the concept of leaving as well as coming home, as explained by the artist, suitably dubbed Buddista.

While leisurely holding a beer in one hand, he invited us to have a look into his workshop: it's what you would expect of a disorganized, buddhist artist's studio.

One of my favorites was an unfinished painting of a woman with butterfly wings, staring into 'nothingness', as if preparing to fly away into it. Being a dreamer at heart I can relate to this image. Same goes for this one:

One of the reasons I love citylife, is because every day can bring surprises, and there is always something new to discover, especially culture-wise. Untill another urban expedition!

Love

Crete, I love you

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:01:00 +0000

After having spent eight amazing days of sunsets, nightswimming, and beachfun, I'm back in Amsterdam, where autumn has already (way too soon if you ask me!) given us a heads-up of what to expect these coming months. But, let's not get caught up in bitching about the weather, as this post is all about the reminiscence of those lost summerdays. Here's a little photo report for y'all, hope you like it!

We were on the island of Crete, which is the largest and most populous of the Greek isles. Taking into consideration the crazy almost vulgar popularity of touristy places such as Chersonissos and Malia, we went for a somewhat quieter and authentic village called Analipsi, a perfect place to indulge in the picturesque Greek landscape and to spot cute litte chapels, like this one.

My friend and I both have Moroccan roots, so naturally we feel at ease with the Mediterranean culture and cuisine, which consists of lots of fish and other seafood, olive oil, and colorful ingredients. We cooked this meal on our second day: grilled sardines with a fresh tomato salsa, and tomato and Greek feta salade, yummy!

Although I love the relaxation that comes with the slow village life, this born city girl can't survive without the impetus and rush of urbania. Naturally we paid several visits to Heraklion, which is the capital of Crete. Here's a sticker I came across while strolling through the streets. Somehow streetart makes me feel at home.

I'm the typical tourist, wherever I go my camera goes. Seriously, I think I shot around 800 pics, so don't be confused if, every now and then, an exotic picture pops up on the blog:) It'll just be me reviving and sharing with you great memories.

Feel free to leave a comment. Ow, and if you like what you see on FSHNvanguard, show your support by liking the Facebook page here. Thanx a million!

Love

Artsy Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:01:00 +0000

Although I'm not really one to incessantly whine about the weather, these past few weeks (or should I say months) have not been your typical hot summer days. Being a Dutchie at heart I know not to expect anymore sizzling days at least until May next year. As I have my eight days of sun covered (someone is leaving for Crete tomorrow!) I can't wait for fall to bless us with some richly coloured foliage, coziness, and a new wardrobe. Let's take some time to marvel at this season's hot trends and styles!

Albeit not uncommon, the season's catwalk-styles rocked fine arts- inspired ensembles, flaunting contructivist colour grids, geometric lines, and opaque gouaches.

Splashes of colour and pattern, geometrics, and turtlenecks at Jil Sander, Yves Saint Laurent, and Céline

Cubism-inspired bright coloured planes at Chloé and Prada

Clean-cut silhouettes and wavy autumn colours at Céline and Jil Sander

A striking resemblance with Matisse's gouaches at Chloé

It doesn't really matter whether you choose geometrics, bold colour grids, or sharp silhouettes, as long as it's colourful and perky. This won't be an issue for me, as I am a true fan of colour: you will rarely find me sporting an all-black outfit. Yay, can't wait to do some serious shopping! Of course I'll keep you posted on my interesting finds.

As my flight leaves in a little more than 3 hours, I guess I'll be checking out for now. Catch you in a few days with holiday pictures!

Love

[STATUS UPDATE]: PURE FREEDOM

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:13:00 +0000

Wow, feels like forever since my last encounter with Blogger. This radio silence has not been in vain, as I went through blood-sweat-and-tears moments working on my final graduation project. But boy o boy, is this fresh graduate eager to take on new adventures and build new (and accomplish existing) dreams as a 'grown-up'.

Although we always nag about early classes, team projects, and meeting deadlines, being a student is actually not that bad. So, goodbye study grant powered by uncle government, bye bye student discounts at River Island, farewell lazy afternoon shopping while skipping class, adieu free country-wide public transport, so long charitative family dinners. You have made my life as a student heaven on earth, hence your support will not be forgotten.

Moving on to the here, now, and tomorrow, let's not neglect the opportunities at hand, things I can do, places I can go, dreams I can accomplish. First of all, I would like to take this blog to a whole 'nother level, both quality- and quantity-wise. Expect reports on great finds from the art and fashion world with greater frequency! Second, now is the time to work on my dream of becoming a fashion professional, preferably on an international scale. Acne Studios, hire me! Third, let's make that dream journey through Latin America (with a stopover in India) come true. Brazil, keep my surfboard waxed!

Checking out with some wisdom from a very happy friend: "Always put in your best effort so good things can come to you".

Love

Paris, je t'aime...

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:22:00 +0000

La vie est belle! I just woke up from my well-deserved recovery sleep from my little trip to Paris, and already I miss the strolls through the little streets of le Marais district, vintage shopping, and the Colette boutique in Rue Saint-Honoré. Here are just some random pics from my trip.

Dutch couture in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:19:00 +0000

Couture Fashionweek (more like 'days') is almost running to it's final day for this season, but I didn't want to miss this opportunity to share with you how proud I am to be from little Holland this edition with not one, but two designers from the Netherlands showing their couture collection.
Recently, Iris van Herpen was invited by the Chambre Syndicale de La Couture to blow a fresh breeze through the couture shows as a guestdesigner. Good thing is we can enjoy Van Herpen's magnificent creations for at least five more times to come, after which she will be granted the title of accredited couturier. What I love so much about Van Herpen's designs is that they are such conceptual figments, but I still get where they come from: she does a great job translating everyday experiences, like a splash of water or spikey glass shards, into fashion-worthy creations. Who cares if the dresses are extremely UNwearable?! After all, fashion is not necessarily about wearability as it exceeds our beliefs about apparel, fit, and functionality.

Here's what I mean...

Although Van Herpen was one of the youngest designers during Couture Fashionweek, her technique and eye for detail are those of an old master, since she fuses old crafts with new technologies and methods of work. Watch the video below for some insight on her view on fashion.

Jan Taminiau participated off-schedule, presenting his 'Nature Extends' couture collection, the Taminiau view on the flow and 'oneness' of nature, using an usual mix of cork, gold sequins and draping chiffon.

Look out for Amsterdam International Fashionweek starting soon!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Kick-Off SALON/2

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Yesterday was the official opening of SALON / 2, an initiative to create discussion and dialogue between fashion, art, and design, held twice a year (winter/summer). As you would expect lots of creatives from Amsterdam and beyond were present at Magazijn, which was transformed into a pop-up store for the occasion, featuring skirts, shirts and more, all designed by Dutchies.

Unfortunately, we had to leave our glasses half full at Magazijn, cause at 3pm I found myself rushing to concept store DROOG, where Antoine Peters’ Spring Summer 2012 collection was setup, tellingly named ‘Get Dizzy’.

Upon entering DROOG you could already hear the loud music provided by Krause & Jeroen Joosten just for this collection. The collection by Antione Peters was setup in a special exhibition room, featuring dummies on spinning platforms dressed in Peters’ colourful creations. The collection was inspired on today’s fast-moving digitized society, creating confusion (especially among computer illiterates if you ask me) and opening windows to new opportunities at the same time.

The SALON/ pop-up store at Magazijn sells some Antoine Peters scarfs. For the full collection you have to hold it in a few more months though.

You can checkout this season’s SALON at a variety of locations around the city up until the 17^th of July. Visit the website for more information.

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Menswear is hottt!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:50:00 +0000

These past few days have been all about L'Uomo in Milan, showcasing Spring / Summer 2012 Menswear collections. Next on the road is Paris. It's remarkable how the fashion industry is particularly dominated by womenswear leaving menswear highly underestimated. Which is a pity, since I've always had a fondness for menswear's nonchalance, simplicity and effortless style it usually exudes. Wanted to grab this opportunity to share with you some of the looks that made my heart flutter.

Giorgio Armani

Love this camo raincoat from Dsquared2

It's all about bright colors and accessories at Versace

English rock on the runway at Alexander McQueen. I would take it straight out of the runway - menswear or not...

D&G relives the classic foulard print, making it street-proof with a hint of denim

Vivienne Westwood's vision on the World Wide Man

Louis Vuitton backstage at the Paris fashionshow

Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris

Greek gods, sculpted by Nicola Formichetti at Mugler, Paris

Isn't it super duper fly that menswear is becoming hot and sexy?! Exuberant prints, bright colors and accessories to match feels like a fresh wind of comic creativity and innovation. And I'm so excited that some of these items would totally go on my wishlist!

Love,
FSHNvanguard

Backstage images: Courtesy of Sonny Vandevelde
Fashion show photo's: Courtesy of Style.com

Donatella said yes!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:44:00 +0000

"For me this is an opportunity to show to the very very big audience, the fans of H&M, what Versace has been and what Versace is now. I want to use iconic Versace pieces of iconic Versace moments, which are not exaclty always the past, but also the present" - Donatella Versace

Finally, H&M is collaborating with Versace on a diffusion line for the Swedish chain, expected to hit stores worldwide on the 17th of November. The collection consists of 40 women's and 20 men's items, including accessories, all featuring a healthy dose of Versace Glamboyance.

Unlike previous times, Versace and H&M have lifted a corner of the proverbial veil so we can have a peak at what to expect in a few months. The tone had already been set when Donatella appeared in a sexy black leather, gold studded Versace for H&M dress yesterday at the end of the Versace men's Spring/Summer 2012 show in Milan. Here's a little sneak peek of what to expect this november (photos: Courtesy of Elle)

The collection is a hand-picked compilation of iconic Versace pieces, from the past as well as the present, portraying the glamorous, colorful character of Versace, ideal for the winter holiday season. In addition to a winter collection, Versace will collaborate with H&M on a pre-spring mini-collection expected to hit stores the 19th of January 2012, and some items for H&M's interior line.

Check out this video announcement featuring both Margareta van den Bosch of H&M and Donatella Versace about the upcoming collab. Oh and... pay special attention to the dress Donatella is wearing somewhere near the end of the video!

What really got me wondering is how H&M managed to conquer Donatella's heart. H&M has attempted numerous times to persuade Donatella to do a diffusion line for H&M, but the former repeatedly denied, arguing that putting a Versace label next to an H&M one would confuse the brand. All we know for now is that H&M has won this game of pursuit. And boy are we happy about it!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Video: VERSACE for H&M: Announcement EPK by Stateofstylechannel on Youtube

Renaissance fashion

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 21:28:00 +0000

This week was the 8th edition of Pitti W, part of Pitti Immagine, the international fashion and lifestyle fair held twice a year in Florence. Pitti W is dedicated to special innovative projects in women's fashion, and this season's special guest was Rodarte. The Mulleavy sisters were invited to create an exclusive site-specific installation, showcasing their fascination for Florence, the Renaissance, and Fra Angelico's frescoes.

The collection consists of ten gowns, each with a long skirt falling to the ground, a silhouette familiar from the classical arts. Matter of factly, the sisters' dresses were inspired by their study of art history, and religious art in specific.

The installation was setup in a seemingly deteriorated and abandoned storefront in Florence, containing a series of chambers where the gowns are displayed with neon constellations. Illustrating the almost religious experience of the collection, four gowns were equipped with gold metal belts and golden sunburst crowns, inspired by Bernini's Ecstacy of St. Teresa.

What a shame that the dresses won't adorn the body of a breathing woman, but instead are all destined for the LA County Museum of Art's permanent collection. Then again, maybe in a few centuries, people will be standing in front of Rodarte's gowns in a similar state of awe as they do in front of Florence's Renaissance masterpieces.

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Photos: Autumn de Wilde/ Courstesy of Rodarte

Keith Haring is hot!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:28:00 +0000

Don't you just love when at the most unexpected moments and places you spot a remarkable work of art. This happened to me a few months ago when I was in the wonderful Seoul, South Korea. Strolling down the little alleys in the bustling Hongdae, all of a sudden a Keith Haring interpretation caught my eye. Just made me realise how much of a connecting force art can be! Haring's art has exceeded his initial intention of creating art that is truly public, and has become a fusion of art and livestyle. And guess what? Fashion loves Keith Haring!

Nicholas Kirkwood x Keith Haring Capsule Collection

Find these at the brand new Nicholas Kirkwood boutique in the London Mount Street. Ow, and prices start at 300 pounds...just sayin'.

House of Field's look on Keith Haring

Jeremy Scott for Adidas x Keith Haring

And don't forget to complete your outfit with these Keith Haring WAH Nails

Love,

FSHNvanguard

P.s.: Notice the blog's new look;)

'I'm Basically a Cyborg'

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sat, 28 May 2011 22:59:00 +0000

So yesterday was the highly anticipated (by moi!) interview with Carri Munden of Cassette Playa at NAiM / Bureau Europa in Maastricht. The interview was part of the exhibition Out of Fashion, talking about the interplay between fashion and film. For those of you who know Cassette Playa a tiny bit, you probably know she is a master when it comes to the use of virtual reality, graphics and digital technology in her work. She actually describes herself as a cyborg, being online and connected 24/7!

Cassette Playa on The Creators Project

Carri admits she never really liked fashion, but what attracted her to this industry is personal style. I like that, because I feel the same way. Fashion is so fast-paced that sometimes it feels pointless and sad to discard of the styles you feel connected to and that define you, just because they happen to be passé. I for one don't really let fashion trends rule over my style, it's always a hodgepodge of the favorite items I've almost worn out, styled depending on the mood I have that day.

Me in my favorite Sixties meets Street style

Cassette Playa's designs always revolve around a theme, a narrative, including characters and all. It's not unusual to find different gangs taking it up against each other in her design collections. Carri clarifies that in her work she is inspired by elements beyond fashion, and that in her designs there's a strong tendency towards film, art and music. She describes her work as Future Primitism, which is the embrace of technology without losing sight of ancient science. It actually makes sense then that her top-3 fav movies are Star Wars, The Warriors, and Susperia. She explains that her motivation is to make the real world more virtual, more funny. Well, you have my blessing for that!

Cassette Playa Installation for Nike Sportswear London in Selfridge's, 2008

Carri's passion for animation, film, and narratives in her designs stems from the lack of proper funds at the kick-off of her carreer. If you can't afford making professional films, you do it yourself! Cassette Playa was actually the first to make use of augmented reality during one of her shows in 2010 (see video). What initially looks like a regular runway show, is actually a virtual reality performance in real-time, where models are zoomed-in or projected (don't know what the right tech-word is for this) into a virtual reality, adding different layers to the clothing, creating a reality beyond what is actually real. Check out the video for the real experience!

Cassette Playa AW1011 - Augmenten Reality (courtesy to Amazing Grace on Vimeo)

Often being labeled Prophet of Futurism Carri has a few words to say about the developments in the fashion industry, one of them being that fashion shows will become irrelevant in the (near) future. Due to the internet fashion has become more and more within reach of us mortals, and we yearn for a real-time fashion experience! Fashion film will be a means to reach the greater public and interactivity is the result. You can already see the balance of power moving from fashion brands towards fashion practitioners - big shot fashion labels are working alongside bloggers and street photographers, both as inspiration as well as to create word of mouth.

So, what's next? Perhaps a virtual fashion show in real-time, where an online connection is your frontrow ticket, with the possibiliy to place your orders right away!!! Aaah, can't wait...

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Favela Painting in Amsterdam

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:13:00 +0000

Boy With Kite, 2007 (courtesy to Favela Painting)

Imagine a world where slums and ghetto's are places of joy and fun, bright colors glistering in the sunlight. Inhabitants would be living in a piece of art instead of a piece of shhhhh. In 2006, the Dutch artist duo Haas&Hahn (Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn) developed the initiative to, together with local communities, create artistic interventions in Brazil.

Courtesy to Favela Painting

The first marks of Favela Painting in Brazil are two murals in Vila Cruzeiro, one of Rio's most infamous slums. The murals were realized in collaboration with local youths, offering them an alternative for a live of crime as members of a drug gang.

The artists' ultimate dream has always been to color an entire hillside favela, for the whole community to enjoy be part of This weekend twenty Dutch artists and designers picked up their brushes and markers to artistically 'lay' some picnic tables. The picnic tables will be auctioned at Christie's this fall, and needless to say the proceeds will go to making the new grand project possible! Here are some shots I took of the creative vibes this Saturday.

The boys of VAgE gASTEN, initiators of this great day, doing their thing

Picture: Henzel & Disco Nova

Actress Hanna Verboom working her table

Picture: Henzel & Disco Nova

Fashion designer Bas Kosters next to his happy and somewhat goofy creation

I know we can't change the world drastically, but at least we can help make it a beautiful place to live in! Support Favela Painting here. Help is much appreciated (and tax-deductable!).

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Save these dates!!!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:27:00 +0000

What are yóu doing the next couple of weeks? I know what'll keep me busy! Celebrating the start of a new fashion season – with fashion week in July as the cherry on the cake – these events are just that fashion fix I needed to get in shape for summer!

Out of Fashion: Maastricht Edition
May 14^th – June 26^th

NAiM/Bureau Europa is presenting Out of Fashion: Maastricht Edition, a sequel to Out of Fashion (compiled for the 40^th edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam). Out of Fashion: Maastricht Edition is a project showcasing the interaction between fashion and film. Through exhibitions, film, and a series of events we get a glimpse of the utilization of film, video, and online media by fashion houses, avant-garde designers, and upcoming fashion designers. I’m especially thrilled to see the films and installations presented by none other than agnès b. and Maison Martin Margiela!

Check THIS out for an elaborate program overview, with workshops, films screenings, and more!

Cassette Playa at The Perfect Cut

May 27^th (20:00-21:00)

In collaboration with NAiM / Bureau Europa Premsela, the Dutch Platform for Design and Fashion, will host another dialogue about the role of film in fashion. Dutch photographer Ari Versluis (Exactitudes) will interview Carrie Munden a.k.a. Cassette Playa about her work as an artist and designer. Being a Cassette Playa enthusiast since like...forever, I’m so excited about the interview and hearing Cassette Playa talk about her work. To give you a little impression, here’s what I’m so fired up about...

Love the extravagant, streetstyle inspired, action figure world Cassette Playa represents! Too bad the collection usually doesn't carry much women's pieces. Perhaps I should address this serious issue to Cassette Playa herself on the 27th...

Go HERE for more information on this program.

HTNK One Day Shop
May 28^th (15:00-21:00)

Due to great popularity, HTNK, the renowned fashion recruitment and consultancy agency, is throwing yet another of those fine Dutch designer shops. For the occasion ClubTrouw in Amsterdam is transformed into a shop for a day (the name basically covers it all!!) filled with Dutch designer labels, fashion, illustrations, photography, art and more more more!!! Ow, and uuh...minor detail: CASH ONLY. Featuring Bas Kosters, SPR Specials, Mada van Gaans, And Beyond, and many others, the 28^th promises to be a tragic day, for my bank account that is. But, should you feel guilty after spending your entire savings on even more dresses, skirts, shoes and accessories than your wardrobe can handle (which I for one find very unlikely), then there's always drinks and sounds that'll make you (temporarily ofcourse!) forget about paying back those debts. Hey, at least you'll look stunning working the new attire on live's runway!

Fashionclash 2011
June 10^th-12^th

Started in 2007, FASHIONCLASH provides a stage for young and talented fashion designers to present their work to a diverse international audience. Although fashion is often associated with the apparel industry, FASHIONCLASH shows fashion in its broadest sense, offering disciplines part of the fashion industry, like photography, illustration, fine arts, and film, to participate as well, thus creating a 'clash' between fashion, culture, and discipline.

The 3rd edition of FASHIONCLASH will be held from June the 10^th until the 12^th in Maastricht. For this edition more than a 100 participants will be showcasing their work. Besides the shows, there are some interesting workshops planned, as well as exhibitions and the ABKM (Akademie voor Beeldende Kunst Maastricht - Academy for Visual Arts Maastricht) graduate show.

For an impression of last year's FASHIONCLASH check out this embedded video (courtesy to Daniel van Hauten on Vimeo) or go to the FASHIONCLASH site.

Enough said, now it's time to experience! Maybe I'll see you on one (or more) of these events. But if you can't make it, just check in here for some coverage by yours truly!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

A-town is Art town

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:46:00 +0000

This week was the kick-off of the 27th edition of Art Amsterdam, transforming 'A-town' into Art town for the occasion.

Hundreds of both Dutch and international galleries, museums, artist collectives, art fairs and events got together celebrating contemporary art in the city. I was privileged to attent one of those great initiatives: Young & Collecting! A program designed for young, aspiring, collectors, with an artistic mindset: needless to say, I felt immediately challenged to participate, especially after hearing we would get an opportunity to nominate an art piece for an actual corporate art collection (the corporation shall remain nameless)!

Although my team and I knew what to look for, we showed some guts and took a risk by nominating a sculpture by artist duo CAVINATO/TREVISI, called Teatrino Tunnel (2010)

At first sight it resembles a white painted shoebox with carved square holes. Upon closer inspection however, you detect the complex interior and a different space to be discovered, both imaginary and fantastic. Playing with spaciousness and light, in combination with architectural and geometric features, the artists create the simple image of a composed space. However, the interior is a distorted and ambiguous labyrinth which contains the essence of multiplicity. Too bad it was too complex for the judges to be included in the collection...

Being such a good sport, I overcame the defeat of our team in no time, and decided to look around at the art fair some more. Strolling around at the huge fair ground can be a little overwhelming, especially if you're ambitious to see it all! So, covering the entire offer here would require a little too much of your (and my) time. However, there are always those works of art that grasp your attention. For me, it's the in your face, pop art inspired, absurdly comical works of art, often with a message.

GREAT LI(F)E or WASTE OF TIME? displays our society's misplaced priorities of consumerism, power, money, education, television and relgion, instead of creativity, our soul, love and pleasure, the latter being regarded by the artist BIRGIT VERWER as more important than the former. At one end of the installation you find a fox selling tickets for GREAT LI(F)E - notice the ambiguous use of words!

At the other end of the exhibition a crow is selling tickets for WASTE OF TIME

Once you enter the 'show' an angel with dollar-billed wings is waiting to shoot anyone who approaches.

Kinda makes you think whether the efforts we put into our daily pursuits - which educational path to tread on, wearing that blue skirt or a pair of jeans, or if we'll ever bump into Mister Right - will one day have bullets flying along our ears. Now go on and let that marinate for a while!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Spread the word, there's a new kid in town!!!

noreply@blogger.com (FSHNvanguard) — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:32:00 +0000

Reporting to you from Amsterdam, here's another blog-noob! Words that define me? Dreamer, fashion fanatic, social junkie, collector, free spirit, street art enthusiast. Through FSHNvanguard I want to share my love for contemporary design, future fashion, underground arts and crafts and Dutch fashion.

Although a country smaller than my shopping budget, there's more to the Netherlands than meets the eye, especially fashion-wise. Think Victor&Rolf, Iris van Herpen, Jan Taminau, and top it off with some Ilja Visser, Alexander van Slobbe and Spijkers & Spijkers, and you have yourself a fashion playground where the kids play with more than just sand. FSHNvanguard gives you a peek into this playground and the contemporary fashion world around it.

Feel free to check in for some fashion hodgepodge curated by yours truly.

Love,

Maryam, a.k.a. FSHNvanguard