Ingrid, Model

This is about a fashion phenomenon. A true trend. You don’t really think about it anymore, but once you realize, you’ll see it everywhere. The bun. Also known as the ‘Blogger Bun’ or the ‘Carrie Bradshaw Bun’, mainly worn by women, but also spreading into the male world.

‘It’s so easy to do’ might be a simple answer, but a ponytail would do the trick as well and to be honest – a good ‘casual bun’ is not as easyily done as one might think (check out ‘The Casual Carrie Bradshaw Bun’, and don’t miss the video), you need a certain skill to do the ‘I-don’t-really-care’-look. So how come it became so enormously popular?

It makes you look taller, that’s for sure, adds on a little ‘mini hat’. It makes your head look smaller, more elegant and can give you a touch of ballet along with the irresistable mix of pureness and discipline. I guess blogging did part of the trick as well since it was seen a lot on female bloggers (take Susie Bubble or Garance Doré), successful women, who work hard, don’t have anything to hide and want to be taken seriously. Worn on top of their heads along with stylish outfits and the right attitude it became sort of a signature look for a young, creative and relaxed woman who is not trying too hard.

“I creased the stretch denim and spray painted it by hand with acrylic paint in two different tones. This took much more time than I had expected. It works well now, though, and all pieces can be hand washed,” Cornel recalls about the development of the print that looks just like burnt cloth. We love the effect it has – you just want to touch it. It’s the hidden details that make all the difference – the sheen of the fabric, the underarm panelling, the beauty of a well-designed zip. The Fashion Fringe finalist is one we want to see more of.

Alfredo, Singer

Albe, Model & Styleclicker Author

Some weeks ago, I had the chance to follow a shooting of Oliviero Toscani in beautiful Val Gardena in South Tyrol, Italy. He was shooting the new catalog of ski gear brand Vist. The result will be presented at The ISPO in Munich from next Sunday on.

Here is what I experienced…

As I am mostly shooting in the streets outside, I had always wished to sneak in a professional studio shoot with some outstanding photographer. Just to learn. When I got the call if I wanted to join Oliviero Toscani for a shooting I first couldn’t belive it. I had just seen the Arte program Photo for Life with him teaching young photographers in sort of a masterclass. Sure I said yes!

I arrived on a beautiful sunny day, but nontheless couldn’t wait to get into the studio. The first surprise: the studio was very… let’s call it unspectacular – no real studio, just a room with a background and one flash light in the village’s community hall.

In a short break I went up to Toscani and introduced myself: “Hello, I am Gunnar, I am a blogger and I am pleased to attend your shooting for two days.” He turned away and told me that bloggers are lazy! I knew, provocation is Toscani’s life motto, so what would I have expected. He told me to take a chair and sit still and that’s what I did.

The theme of the catalog was “Maestri Di Sci” (“masters of skiing”). There were former champions, ski instructors and even South Tyrol’s society queen Renate Hirsch Giacomuzzi together with her dog acting as ‘models’ for that very special catalog project.

I was impressed how clearly Toscani knew what he wanted and at the same time worked spontaneously with what happened in the moment. And he didn’t take many photos at all. Less is more, again! Also in terms of lighting: he only used one flash with a square softbox, sometimes a self constructed styrofoam with a silver coating as additional reflector on the floor. Here comes a photo of the set:

Toscani’s equipment: 304 broncolor flash generator, one flash light with 150x150cm broncolor softbox, Canon 1D with Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2,8 L USM and Adobe Bridge.

In the end, it is the singer not the song! I am very curious to see the final catalog that will be presented at Vist’s stand at the ISPO from next Sunday on.

By the way: on the second day, Toscani took the time to give me an extensive interview which I will post soon. Stay tuned ; )

The closing show of Berlin Fashion Week was wonderfully elegant and sophisticated Noir Autumn / Winter 2012.

Noir established its style and profile with this timeless, graceful and accessible collection, inspired by the story of an old suitcase which has been used for generations and travalled the world.

“Noir originates from the elegance of a bygone era infused with modern innovation, individuality and edge. We have an ambitious desire to let the Noir brand contributes to meaningful consumption and to appeal to the conscious and quality-minded woman,” explains Sysser Philipsson, CEO.