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: Lina Osterman

She may not be a household name but you better get to know her. By her 30th birthday Lina Osterman has had one successful line that was sold to Topshop, completed her studies at Central St. Martins, and now has an eponymous collection for those who might take a liking to a somewhat softer Rick Owens and recall the start of Gareth Pugh.

Ms. Osterman is Swedish born but remains in London to work on this fabulous collection. As she will tell you, she tends not to design for a specific gender and so the appeal is for whoever might take a fancy to it. The viewpoint is decidedly young, decidedly hip, and decidedly “uber trendy.” Much of it is usually black and somewhat easy to wear, given a few exceptions. She exhibits great sartorial skills as well as dressmaking talents that define her customer physique as well as taste level. I am a great lover of fringe and studs and she has most certainly made great use of them as embellishments of her simple refined shapes.

As is always the case for a company such as this, it is always discovered first by the stylists and that means that the retailers cannot be far behind. My suggestion is to keep your eyes open for her and her talents as you will be seeing much more of her in the near future.

Many thanks to MAO public relations for bringing her to my attention and as always, keep up with me at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook See you next week.

FASHION BY THE RULES: Ara Jo

Huh? Is that a new restaurant or the latest shop to carry the latest fashions? Well if you guess the latter, you would be close, but as they say, close but no cigar. Ara Jo just might be the next “it” girl of fashion.

Ms. Jo is a recent graduate of Central Saint Martins in London and remains in the city where truly new talent thrives. She joins her fellow alumnae, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, Sophia Kokosalaki and the late Alexander McQueen who preceded her at the renowned design institution. I would have to say that a designer can’t ask for better mentors especially in the world of fashion.

Ms. Jo (that’s her on the B/W photo) credits her inspirations with the mysterious creatures from childhood fairy tales or possibly from the creatures beneath the sea, like mermaids and coral. What she has done is translate her visions to the art of fashion and while accomplishing this, she has rendered 2 beautiful small collections. She retains her feminine touch and seductive quality with all while also displaying her playful mysterious sides as well.

Under her own label, Ara Jo, she continue to gain recognition via her online sales and is hoping for the “Big Break.” This is a constantly changing business that judges you very frequently each year and each collection is expected to dazzle. Ms Jo has dazzled one client who she hopes will keep coming back for more. Lady Gaga who would certainly be one of the biggest stars in this decade. Now we need to keep our eyes on , what we hope will be, the next darling of the fashion world.

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