Thursday 28 March 2013

Texture...Touch it!

Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, we all know the senses but do we practice all five of them regularly? Um no, we forgot one, touch, touch! My good people touch and feel are becoming huge trends in the clothes we wear. There is no stinginess when it comes to textures this season for fabric, feathers furs and leather have become a part of embroidery in the same way as paste and sequins. (Textile Report. 2013 pg. 4) Also, more and more designers are employing a diversity of texture into their garments and there is talk that virtual touch may soon become apart technology. Alexander McQueen’s latest show employed a diversity of surfaces including pleats, drapery, layers, cut circles, ribbed dresses, ruffles, lace, gloss and applique all in the one collection, texture is all over everything. (Tim Blanks. 2012) Everything including this lady pictured in a small store in Elizabeth Arcade, Queen Street who was coated head to toe in various textures. From the speckle-nit Cardigan with chain detail to the sequin ridden top to the lace applique shorts. Combining multiple textures to make one piece is a hot look for 2013. (Brandi Bregman.2013) The reason behind this eruption of texture is it has become a rebellion against the flat, sharp surfaces of everything we use today. Technology and the boom of online shopping have caused us to stop using our ability to touch and feel. However this may change “Consumers are now learning to understand and relate to new forms of physical contact and we see this in turn opening up many possibilities for future product. In the next five years, industries such as retail will be transformed by the ability to ‘touch’ a product through your mobile device.” (IBM. www.kurzweilai.net. 2012) We could feel the texture on our garments and in the technology we use, how cool would that be? The future is here, I can almost touch it.

90s graphic prints


“In west Philadelphia born and raised on the playground is were I spent most my days,” us 90s kids can probably all recite the first few lines of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song. A: because it’s almost our official anthem and B: because we like to hold on to the nostalgia of the past. Luckily the 90s are back, with the new trend of graphic prints and constant pop culture references shooting into our wardrobes. The 90s is still the overarching influence for youth street style. Kids continue to play pick and mix with the decade incorporating elements of early grunge and hip-hop. (Sarah Owen & Susie Draffan, WGSN, 22 March 2013) With the birth of Tumblr and the rebirth of comic books through the blockbusters of 2012 like “The Avengers” and “The Amazing Spiderman” we continue to grasp to our childhoods and incorporate them in our outfits.  We are already seeing the impact of the pop-art movement in fashion for 2013, with graphics…Comic strip-style Typography is having the biggest influence, not only in street style but also on the catwalk. It’s definitely one to watch for 2013”stated Chris Coleman, Head of Print and Graphics, WGSN (2013) I encountered this man grabbing a bite on the way to a comic convention (too perfect) as he proudly displayed his classic printed 90s-space invaders t-shirt, comical sunglasses and cat ears because are you ever too old to dress up? Also Coleman’s correct these ideals are not just found on the street, Jeffery Scott’s latest range showcased further comic designs and was described as an “infectious graphic punch” by Matthew Schneier
(2013. Style.com) Furthermore, Romance was Born 2012/2013 collection took every comic book lover’s breath away as they scored an exclusive sponsorship deal with Marvel comics, the friendship between superhero’s and fashion became a powerful one. (Shitika Anand 2013, Fashioninsing.com) These cultural references for new fashion are mixed with TV series movies and games, either in a bright childlike manner or 1990s retro flavor. (Viewpoint 2013 page172-173) So lets all go home, chuck on a video, read our fav comic, or just start scrolling tumblr, well at least that’s what I’m going to do, smell you later!


Modern Gypsy Traveller




If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow where would it be? Dude chill, its just a question.
Instead of over thinking it, we need to peace out and start packing our backpacks because the world traveller trend is jetting off around the globe. Inspired by Global culture references and South African textiles with boho-hippie-gypsy styling happening now. (Sarah Owen & Susie Draffan, WGSN, 22 March 2013) With the rebirth of festivals, gap years and the youth of today having the luxury to travel, so many people are donning the relaxed layers and fluid silhouettes of this nomadic trend. (Viewpoint magazine 2014, pg. 168-169). Like this man pictured at the Kelvin grove bus stop sporting his backpack, DIY dreadlocks and spontaneous attitude he embodies all quality’s of the modern gypsy. View2 mag (2013 pg. 55) details that a soft colour palette of spiced hues and warm neutrals lends itself perfectly to this tale of a traveller looking for enlightenment. Think scooped necklines, lightweight fabrics and airy fits! Well then, this hippie in his soft brown trousers, heavy hiking boots, loose fitting crew neck t-shirt has got the look and furthermore is ready to jet. Showcased on the street as well as in variety of shows on the 2013 runway from Versace to Rachel Zoe to Saint Laurent the designers exhibited “ modern take on the bohemian flow 60s and 70s reshaping it for spring 2013. Subtly infusing garments with a hippie spirit, it's an evolution we can all embrace.”( Parascan. N. 2013 Fashionising.com)
So exploit this “of the moment” attitude, buy a backpack and Peace out.