KTZ Spring/Summer 2014

I believe it is simply something about the climate of the world today—the way everything seems to be going to great EXTREMES—for which I enjoy this collection by KTZ for the Spring/Summer 2014. Perhaps by extreme I mean a feeling of culture-clash. With everything happening in the Middle East, and now spreading to Brazil—this unrest of the suppressed—the West is gaining greater access to streams of rebellion, a rebellion that seems almost non-existent in our own culture; hence, the usurping of Middle Eastern and other worldly motifs in our fashion. It’s such a clash of cultures that I find fascinating about this KTZ collection: there are the currents of Middle Eastern garb traditions with the flowing layers and covering of the eyes/face, but there is also a vibe of youth, energy, violence, war (check out the map prints that have a military camo feel), aggression, and mystery—aspects of the collection that aren’t necessarily independent of the next, nor representative of one place or culture. Instead, the KTZ collection interests me, and gets my attention, due to the way the inspiration meets the inspired and the consumer. The wearer gets access to a controlled mode of rebellion, mystery, eccentricity and otherness. And yet, the world is still changing all the same; no matter how comfortable the West gets in the clothes of cultures in turmoil and transformation, the real rebellion will belong—at least for now—to the cultures and societies from which we find inspiration. But at least we are sharing cross-culturally. See more of the KTZ collection HERE and see what you think. 

Agi & Sam Spring/Summer 2014

Inspiration is all around us, even when traveling on a bus. Case in point: Agi and Sam Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Agi and Sam look toward (or should I say underneath their bums) the seemingly tacky--and oftentimes bizarre--prints one finds on the seats of buses. You know, those gas guzzling vehicles full of tourists and teens on fieldtrips. But the team take something overlooked and mundane, and turn it into very interesting, fashion forward pieces. Agi and Sam are also turning the bus-inspired prints into accessories. See more of the collection HERE on Fashionisto and some of the accessories HERE on Selectism.

Zana Bayne in VAGA Magazine: Collection VI

The work of Zana Bayne, simply put, is sexy. I enjoy her pieces, and have posted on her in the past. The looks below feature pieces from across the designer's handmade collections, including the most recent Collection VI. The first two shots come from VAGA Magazine out of NYC, captured by Nicolas Wagner. You can see more of that shoot HERE from Fashionisto. 
Be sure to check out the film by Char Alfonzo. 

"The Great Pretender" on Fashionisto

So, the Michael Kors leather jacket is cool, but, for me, it's all about the face mask. I want to wear mine to the office tomorrow--why not? See more of this shoot by Laura Marie Cieplik for Fashionisto story "The Great Pretender" HERE

Roberto Cavalli Boots

What's not to love about these boots by Roberto Cavalli? Captured for Fashionisto by Franck Glenisson: these boots shine with a metallic glimmer, and a florescent turquoise color. I enjoy the zipper, the heel that, while black, seems to pop against the metallic shine, and the split upper body of the boot helps give them a bit more dimension--although the color and finish already give them a other-dimensional flavor. See more of the shoot HERE.

Allan Vos 2013

This, to me, reads historical futurism. I'm enjoying these pieces by Allan Vos for his latest collection: just recently seen at Amsterdam Fashion Week. The collection works nicely in the outdoors setting--estate vibe. And I enjoy the cut and asymmetrical fold seen in both the short and long jackets. Styled by Juan Velazquez Caceres and photographed by Martijn Senders. See more HERE on Fashionisto.

Dior Homme Fall/Winter 2013

Slick. Future. Dior Homme F/W 2013 keeps it simple and slightly militaristic with creative director Kris Van Assche. I enjoy the use of the belt to accentuate the waist; and of course I like the metallic glimmer. Very interesting graphics, too, on several of the pieces. See more HERE on Fashionisto.

Belstaff Fall/Winter 2013

I've never thought of race car drivers as particularly glamorous, but that's what Belstaff had in mind for their Fall/Winter 2013 collection. I'm convinced. I get the cool factor being a racer can give a guy (or gal for that matter); Yet Belstaff has added more value to iconic racer imagery. Sheik racers: sexy, macho, and well-put-together. The collection features so much in the way of brilliant outerwear that I can't begin to post all the pieces I enjoy, but here are some of the looks and items I'm very happy to see. (There's even a jumpsuit!) Check out all of the collection from Milan, HERE on Fashionisto.

Jimmy Choo Men's F/W 2013

Jimmy Choo turns to Punk, to Glam, and to Pop and Street art for the F/W 2013 Men's collection. These shoes get my attention right way. I want to see them worn and styled. But more importantly, I want to go down to my local thrift to purchase an old pair of loafers, and then have a spray paint workshop. I can't look at these shoes and NOT get the DIY bug. See more of the Jimmy Choo F/W 2013 Men's collection HERE on Fashionising and  HERE on Fashionisto

Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2013

It's really hard to beat a Burberry coat, particularly the trench. I'm always drawn toward a military form, but I also enjoy the contrast that is made between the classic hues and the animal prints seen on the shoes. I also like the more greatly exaggerated waist on several of the coats Check out more of the Burberry Prorsum F/W 2013 collection from Milan  HERE on Fashionisto.

"Ceremony" styled by Sebastian Machado

Too cool! Can't help but enjoy the Postpunk/NewWave Militant vibe in this spread entitled "Ceremony," styled for Cover Man by Sebastian Machado. 
Photos by Hasse Nielsen
Source: Fashionisto HERE

Txema Yeste shoots Tony Ward for Antidote magazine

Oh, the bondage! This is almost exactly what I had in mind to wear during my next show. I was thinking a chain, crossed on chest, with flowers through the links: hard meets soft. What a great shot by Txema Yeste for Antidote magazine. The second, Tony Ward lounging. See more of the shoot HERE on Fashionisto

Christopher Kane in Wonderland Magazine

What I enjoyed the most about Christopher Kane's S/S 2013 collection was the really cool graphic used throughout. You can really get a sense for how vivid and engaging the print is with this shot by Jeff Hahn for Wonderland Magazine featuring a top and underwear by Kane. See the rest of the shoot HERE on Fashionisto.

Sean O'Pry by Michael Schwartz for Black--New Zealand

I enjoy these looks for their urban cowboy, street smart vibe. The first look is all about the accessories: hat, boots, and jewelry. In fact, with exception of the boots, all the accessories are by Patricias: the hat, by Patricia Underwood; jewelry, by Patricia Von Musulin. The shoot was done by Michael Schwartz, capturing Sean O'Pry for New Zealand's Black Magazine. See the rest HERE on Fashionisto

"Chic Creep" on Fashionisto

Shot and groomed by Manu and Pascal, this shoot for Fashionisto, "Chic Creep," features one of the best haircuts/styles I've seen in some time. I enjoy the winged effect from the side the most. See more of the shoot, including a couple more hair styling choices HERE on Fashionisto.