>> These are the words that come to mind when describing Jeremy Laing Fall 2012: boxy, clean, and monochromatic. While there were plenty of super-slim silhouettes to be found, the designer also injected a bit of controlled volume in to the mix. Long hemlines dominated the runway, as did looks that were done in a palete of either all-black or all-white. It all made for a slightly off-kilter, edgy vibe.
>> After a trip to Joshua Tree in California planted the idea of erosion and decay in his head, Jeremy Laing sought out mud-dyed silk and fabrics given the appearance of being aged by the sun for Spring 2012. Earth tones pervaded throughout, as did slouchy overalls and apron dresses.
>> In recent years, Hakaan, Giles Deacon, and Gareth Pugh have all been awarded the ANDAM Prize — the largest international fashion prize of its kind — and as a result moved their fashion shows to Paris. Who will be next? The 2011 nominees have just been announced, and include Adam Kimmel, Anthony Vaccarello, Commuun, Jeremy Laing, Matthew Harding, and Yiqing Yin. The 22 jury members — which this year include Pierre Berge, Delfine Arnault, Emmanuelle Alt, Humberto Leon, Sarah Lerfel, and Hilary Alexander, will meet on June 28 to select the 2011 prize winner, who will receive 200,000 euros (approx. $282,000); a donation of 10,000 euros ($14,100) worth of Swarovski crystals for their Spring 2012 collection; and mentorship by former Chloe CEO Ralph Toledano for two seasons on creative and commercial development. [Filep Motwary]
Meeting your beau's parents can be a trepidatious time, so why not at least look the part of the stunning and smart girlfriend while you secretly tremble in your stilettos? We suggest you wow them in this Jeremy Laing graphic print tunic dress and sweet silk pumps by Jerome C. Rousseau. A diminutive leather watch, standout necklace, and fun ring bring the festive with a twist look together.
Left to right: Jeremy Laing Printed Silk Column Tunic ($395), Timex Leather Watch ($30), Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Hammered Drops Necklace ($195), Kate Spade Pop Rocks Ring ($95), Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Velvet Blazer ($79), Jerome C. Rousseau Silk Pumps ($495)
The hair was kinda sketchy at Jeremy Laing — no, really. Marco Santini of ION Studio created a look based on a sketch of a fairy. The artwork has no hard lines, and the hairstyle followed suit. And wait until you see what kind of tool was used to create it.
Santini began by spraying hair with Davines DEDE conditioner, then blow-drying hair and separating it into two sections. Next, he backcombed hair by the nape of the neck. Here's where it gets unusual: using an old-fashioned sewing needle and elastic string, he "wove" the hair together into a ponytail. He finished the look with Davines For Wizards No. 4 Glossy Modeling Putty. The end result: each model's hair was slightly different, just like a unique sketch.
>> Jason Wu, Daisy Lowe Collaborate on Jewelry with Swarovski —Every season, Swarovski sponsors a handful of shows, and they're currently exhibiting some of the crystal-encrusted designs by Rodarte, Jason Wu, Julian Louie, threeASFOUR, Jeremy Laing, and Costello Tagliapietra at the New York store on 499 Broadway. This season, Wu is unveiling his jewelry for Atelier Swarovski (peek at left), based on the "concept of sculpting with everyday objects, so I'm using fabric and crystals and making sculptures in that spirit." And Daisy Lowe is also working on a 4-piece line (a necklace, bracelet, ring, and a set of earrings), which comes out in January: "They're kind of magical in a dark romantic way. I've incorporated black and white, star and moon crystals and multiple strands of chains." [Style.com, W Editor's Blog]
>> Jeremy Laing continues to be a well-kept secret, but every season he makes a pilgrimage from his base in Toronto, the cult following increases, judging by all the people packed into the small, naturally-lit space — all the body heat made for quite the warm experience. But maybe warm was appropriate, since his Fall 2009 collection, in addition to his usual thick wool geometric pieces, featured fiery prints inspired by a trip to a welding shop — dresses came with names like "anvil," prints "pyro," and gray colors dubbed "steel." Fascinated by the welding uniforms and safety apparel, Laing siphoned the utilitarian appeal into exposed zips and bulging leather gloves, and tempered the edge with feminine pieces like seamed bunchy two-tone tights, flowy silk hems, and laser-cut net tunics.
*image: source
>> It's out: This is the secret project Alexander Wang hinted at — but it's something much bigger than just a collaboration between Wang and Kate Moss. W magazine's July 2008 issue is devoted to fashion, and I mean that in the best possible way.
A Bruce Weber-lensed photo places Daria Werbowy, Kate Moss, and Lara Stone on the cover, and that mean troika is joined by Sasha Pivovarova and a whole cabal of up-and-coming designers — think Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Gareth Pugh, Danielle Scutt, Christophe Decarnin of Balmain, plus more — to cavort around for 36-page editorial shot in Miami.
Bruce Weber was the perfect choice to capture the high summer heat in action — favorite images include a portrait of Kate Moss with her father and sister (below), glasses-wearing Jeremy Laing being playfully bullied by a bevy of much tanner, much beefier male models, and Laura and Kate Mulleavy trying on vintage couture hats.
According to Danielle Scutt, she, Louise Goldin, Gareth Pugh, and Georgina Chapman got together during the shoot for a performance of George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90”:
Gareth was playing the washboard, Georgina had maracas, and me and Louise had tambourines. Some of us then went back to the hotel and jumped in the pool. When I woke up the next morning, I couldn’t find my trainers or jeans.
Another fun fact: Jason Wu, besides designing his eponymous line, is the creative director and partner of a $5 million company, Integrity Toys Inc., for whom he develops dolls.
Anyway, back to the good stuff — full editorial here (NSFW).
