Balenciaga Fall 2010

Pioneering us forward with every season: Balenciaga. Look where Nicolas Ghesquiere is taking footwear! They're slightly reminiscent of his"Lego heels" from Fall 2007, but this time, Ghesquiere has manipulated a form so commonly accepted and quotidian (the oxford) into something novel and futuristic. I think the key with Balenciaga is that Ghesquiere creates designs that cater to women who are fascinated by the notion of the avant garde, but who also desire clothing that is wearable. Especially with today's economy, people who are capable and willing to spend money (especially on luxury goods), want to invest in pieces that are either A. classic/timeless or B. innovative/daring. Somehow, Ghesquiere captures both extremes in most of his collections. Take the first image- classic white shirt+grey sweater+mini skirt+"quilting." Can we get more classic than this? Yet at the same time, it is immediately apparent that Ghesquiere has updated a quintessential Grandmotherly pastime with his futuristic aesthetic.

Bravo Ghesquiere!

Friday's the big day, everyone! Hopefully things will go smoothly and we'll be able to launch the greatly anticipated store!

Early Morning Sun Rays

About to head off to work. The store opens friday/Washed Out plays the Hi-tone on Sunday.

Washed Out Goodluck

Store Launching Friday 3/12/10

The online store will finally launch Friday March 12,2010. We will be busy all week updating the blog daily with previews of what is to be carried in the store. I am also engrossed in another project for the customers that I cannot disclose just yet but once it is finished everyone will be informed. Pass on the word but in the meantime, here is a quick peak of what is to come.















Photos taken by Christopher Wong/Ziggy Tucker/Ziggy Tucker.

What's In Store...

Clogs for Spring?

Chanel Spring 2010, Images taken from Style.com

How about when united with Sherpa for fall- what do you get...? Miu Miu circa 1996- a perfect blend of the past and the present. It's crazy how designers really enjoy not only reverting to past trends, but also in order to move ahead, they rebel against the "norm." Right now, the norm has been sky-high, dominatrix style heels. Most are overdone with straps, studs, or buckles. Karl Lagerfeld has undermined what we now perceive as standard "wow" shoes and has ironically created a shoe so contrary to our expectations. Of course, Jeffrey Campbell, has already decided to capitalize on the clog frenzy, as incited by Alexa Chung, with the production of their version: the "Charli- C" clog, as found on Nordstrom.com. If direct appropriation isn't really your preference, check back at our store when we launch for Miu Miu's version of the clog, complete with platform and sherpa from almost 15 years ago!

Jeffrey Campbell "Charli-C" Clog

Miu Miu Platform Sherpa-lined Clogs, Sz 37.5 circa 1996

Photo taken by Christopher Wong.

EDIT***

A clog-wearing streetstyle picture I found on Mr. Newton's blog:

Sherpa for Next Fall?

As some of you may have seen, one pervasive trend spanning from London to Paris seems to be sherpa-lined, cropped aviator jackets. They provide a wonderful contrast in texture and is practical in that it guarantees warmth. I love how Christopher Bailey and Giles Deacon have both updated not only the silhouette but also the history of the fabric.

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 (Style.com)

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 (Style.com)

Giles Fall 2010 (Style.com)

Sherpa-lined boots for Fall:

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 (Style.com)

If you look closely, you can even see evidence of a tromp l'oeil shadow of a wingtip. They seem so utilitarian and desctructive, yet maintaining a sense of elegance with the thinness of the heel. What I really like about this boot is that Bailey acknowledges the multi-strap shoe trend, but remains true to his aesthetic and doesn't cross into the territory of over-done or tacky as with Louboutin's Nitoinimoi shoe as pictured below.

These are horrible!

On another note, these Dries Van Noten moccasin/oxford hybrid are beautiful in their androgyny and masculinity. Way to go Dries!

Dries Van Noten Fall 2010 (Style.com)

Blessa

This guy has pretty much taken over my ipod. The ghostly sounds of his recent release "Causers Of This" is more than just something to write home about. Its easily one the best aural experiences i've had in a while. Here is the video of his track titled "Blessa".

Constantly At Work

We have been extremely busy at work on the store. Hundreds of miles and many sleepless nights have been devoted to this project including a few Craigslist encounters. I'm very eager for the store to be up and running because waiting is the worst, but all in all its for the best so we can tweak everything. Keep up with us on here for more updates.