There are few people who can pull off an outfit like Tilda Swinton.  She rarely does any wrong in my book (though she gets a lot of flack from the Fug girls).  She has such an unearthly beauty that even creations like this seem perfectly suited to her.  I’ve featured the sculptural knits of Sandra Backlund before, and on Tilda they seem even more fantastical and beautiful than ever before.

(from the beautiful photos of Craig McDean in the most recent issue of Another Magazine)

So of course today I’m much more optimistic about the collections for fall.  That was after seeing Doo.ri (kind of loving the sequined lace tights), Proenza Schouler, the textures at Vivienne Tam, 3.1 Philip Lim, and a few others.  I’m including Juan Carlos Obando in my pick of looks because the man is just so sweet.  When I worked in buying, JC used to call personally to try to schedule appointments and was so nice and charming.  I wish him all the success in the world.  Same for Jeff Halmos of Shipley and Halmos (formerly of Trovata) for the same reasons… total sweetie.

1. & 2. Doo.ri  3. J. Mendel  4. Juan Carlos Obando  5. Proenza Schouler 6. Vivienne Tam  7. & 8. 3.1 Philip Lim

Maybe I say this every time, but so far I haven’t been wowed by any one collection in its entirety.  I feel like I’m seeing a lot of super sleek and/or shiny designs that still manage to be boring or just unwearable (ie: Acne leggings that appear to be made of transparent raincoat plastic), and I’m seeing way too much fur.  Some collections like Marc by Marc, and Sophie Theallet were great if it weren’t for the terrible choice of footwear.  Ladies in lovely dresses with feet clad in mukluks or hiking boots?  No thanks.  Here are some looks that I’ve liked (including some Marc by Marc looks where the models are wearing less offensive footwear).  I will continue to follow the shows and post more as it comes along.

1. & 2.  Marc by Marc Jacobs 3.  Trovata 4. & 5.  United Bamboo

So I’m sure you’re familiar with the revolving Go International collections at Target (most recenly Thakoon, and coming up, McQ) which up to this point have all been for women.  Now they are FINALLY considering expanding to menswear collections as well; a wise move as men seem to be more interested in fashion than ever before.  In fact, I have this conversation frequently with my husband and other fashion-savvy male friends.  The boring “Converse for Target” collections just don’t cut it.  Anyway, according to NY Magazine Richard Chai is already on board.  Sweet.  If this happens, guess what blogger’s gonna be checking out Target’s menswear section more often?

Looks from Fall 2009 Richard Chai.

And my new favourite model for 2009 is… Rose Cordero, hailing from the Dominican Republic.  Gorgeous.  Sorry Daria.

Yes, I decided to do a Valentine’s post.  Maybe you’ll thank me later?

1. Blanca Shahane 2. & 3. Kate Szabone 3. & 4. Michelle Chang 5. Liam Design  6. & 7. The Beside 8. Colleen Baran

My husband took this photo of Sarah Rara when he crashed a drawing collaboration with the Sumi Ink Club (aka Glaciers of Nice, or The Lucky Dragons).  Seth contributed a few doodles and jots of his own to this fabric which was used to make tunics for some clothing line (don’t remember which one).  I will take photos of the resulting zine that they were kind enough to send at the end of the project, which explores close-ups of the pattern.

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Wow.  I would say that Karl has outdone himself, but I feel that hairstylist Katsuya Kamo deserves the glory here.  According to Women’s Wear Daily, he and his assistants used only two packets of 11 x 17 paper to create the beautiful headpieces worn in the Spring couture show.  They are amazing, as is the collection itself.  The paper headpieces lent themselves perfectly to this black and white show, reflecting “the new modesty” that Chanel is adopting… for now anyway.

These are from Target… isn’t that kind of crazy?  I found them yesterday while shopping around for other stuff and really like them even though they’re obviously not for everyday.  They’re vegan too!  I also liked these, and if you’re looking for some cheap vegan gladiator sandals, they have a ton.