FASHION BY THE RULES – Into Leather?

Anyone who reads my weekly postings will know that I consider fashion to be a form of art and not just a means of commerce. Whether it is the haute couture of Christian Dior or the collections of Hussein Chalayan, there are art worthy moments to be found in the work of so many designers.

Such is the case with a new designer, Stephanie MacDonald Walker (http://www.smwalker.co.uk/), who has turned her attention to the fashion and art of leather. She is already a member of the Society of Craftsmen and has already exhibited her works in several galleries in and around London. One cannot ignore the beauty, the design, the artistry of these pieces. She works in the manner of the great “leather craftsmen” of fashion, Mario Valentino and Bottega Veneta but still retains some of the fire of Alexander McQueen and Gareth Pugh. The path is clear; she will have a long and distinguished career in the fashion business, provided she gets the proper financing and guidance. This particular instance would be almost the same as receiving the patronage from some royal that so many renaissance artists received during that time and prospered with their help.
Please have a look at here website and let me know what you think, as always, I can be found at www.examiner.com, http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/, or on Facebook.

FASHION BY THE RULES – Bagged

The retail landscape is such that it is filled to capacity with a sameness of product. No matter what the item or its price, there is some watered down version to appeal to almost any customer. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the handbag category, whether it is diluting the latest Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, or Valentino “it” bag, one can find some version somewhere and at a price that you can afford and still get the look that you want. Today is about two resources who are not about being “me too’s,” they stand on their own knowing that they produce a magnificent handmade items, made of the finest materials that only a few can afford.

Steven Harkin (www.stevenharkinhandbags.co.uk) is first up with a stunning collection of handbags and accessories for both men and women. Mr. Harkin presents a more structured product that comes in varying degrees of appeal for those interested in either utility or cutting edge design. The bags take shape from backpacks to shoulder bags to belts to clutches all made in Italian cowhide to your specifications. This to me is the epitome of fashion, when one can own a handbag that does not look every other handbag you see on the street. This is a collection for the discerning and well educated fashion client.

Fossati (www.fossatius.com) is similar in its methodology of doing business except here there is a deliberate intention of offering only luxury exotic skins in limited numbers and in limited styles. From “ring lizard” to karung, to painted python, you will find exquisite “jewels” which will last a life time because of their classic styling and their “uber” hand craftsmanship. There is an extra added aspect of these “gems” as they are produced in the USA but in an artisan “old world” atelier rather than some sterile mass producing factory. Each piece is numbered and includes the “edition.”

Call it art, call it jewelry, call it bespoke, but never mistake either one of these designers for mass produced leather goods.

Don’t forget to find me on Facebook or http://www.examiner.com/aging-style-in-new-york/jeffrey-felner or http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/.

STEVEN HARKIN

STEVEN HARKIN

STEVEN HARKIN

FOSSATI

FOSSATI

FOSSATI

FASHION BY THE RULES: Tee Time

Well it is going to be Tee time before we know it, at least once all this winter weather disappears. The one good thing is that it is always Tee time almost everywhere. The tee shirt has become an all year item whether it is layered or worn on its own. This week is about two companies which offer tees and some complimentary items which might be of interest.

Rizumu ( www.rizumuplanet.com ) is the brain child of a former movie marketing executive who started this lifestyle brand of tees and accessories after being drawn back to his first love, fashion. The company focuses on the DJ culture with special attention paid to comic book art complete with featured graphic artists. There are even pieces of jewelry which are included and now Pauly D from The Jersey Shore (MTV) has been caught wearing it. It’s a must have for yourself or the totally connected music lover in your life. My favorite piece is the multi zip sweat jacket, and the best part is that it is totally unisex so everyone can have it.

Manaomakani ( www.manaomakani.com ) is the brainchild of an industry veteran who has spent his life creating clothes for the Gap, Express, and Esprit to name a few. Now he wants to give back to the environment and has created this collection of TOTALLY ecologically and environmentally friendly tees and hoodies. It is amazing that the entire manufacture is “green” as well as all the part and materials, which is really rare as most companies boast eco-friendly materials and then are made in the hell hole factories of China, but these products are 100% green and made in San Francisco. The company even gives back financially after each purchase. The bottom line is, you get to do your part for the environment as well as own a truly spiritual article of clothing. Read the history on their site and be motivated to help beautify the world in the literal and figurative sense. ALOHA for this week.

Don’t forget to look for me on Facebook, www.examiner.com/ ,or http://datingsymbol.com/category/beauty-and-fashion/.

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