Fashion is non-committal. Trends expire quicker than leftover milk and no sooner than the catwalk lights are dimmed the colours of the "new" must haves are already a little faded. Getting emotionally attached to one garment is a definite no no, unless of course it is one of those coveted "basics" or a "staple" piece as some call it.
Tattoos, on the other hand, are not for the indecisive nor for the faint hearted. Referred to as body art by some,while for others they are the stain of a carefree youth, either way the tattoo is forever.
Well not really forever, since of course there are many procedures to remove the tattoo, but lets be honest, you don't go and get a tattoo on the principle that you can get it removed, like that of marriage, I don't suppose you get married with the idea "hey if this doesn't work out, there is always divorce!"
Therefore the idea of the tattoo is intriguing to the fashion world, inspirational even! Fashion editorial shoots use the tattoo as a symbol of strength and edginess, with models emulating rock chicks and biker babes. Rarely is the the tattoo perceived as delicate or feminine.
Maison Martin Margiela recently crafted a cut out tattoo top for their Spring 2014 couture show. Couture normally conjures up the idea of elegance and all that is refined, so it is interesting that he went for tattoos, which are normally associated with the stereotypes of rock bands and Hell's Angels.
However to me this top was a piece of wearable art, taking me back to the idea of the tattoo being an art form. I don't have any tattoos and although I find other people's interesting to look at and I am always curious to ask the motive behind them, I haven't found the right tat to commit to and I am not sure if I will be ever inspired enough to commit to forever. However I would commit to this Margiela top, but not with the intention of having a pretend tattoo, but because it is a beautiful art piece. To me, it seems the designers at Margiela, were not inspired by the tattoo and it's stereotypes, but by the perception of tattooing as a fine art which corresponds with the fine art of couture making. It is refreshing to see this ancient practise in a new light, instead of the commonplace misconceptions of it been taboo or even trashy.
What are your thoughts on the tattoo?
The Classic Boyfriend shirt, that is if your were dating spongebob square pants !
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2011
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2009
Jacket made out of hair masks
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2009
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2009
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2011
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2011 Couture
Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2011
Maison Martin Margiela for Sonia Rykiel 40th anniversary
Another season, another collaboration for Swedish powerhouse H&M.You would think by now we would be over the hysteria of another designer and high street name coming together to offer us, little people, a glimpse into how the other half live and well,dress. However word on the street is H&M have veered away from their usual big name obvious choice of designer and are teaming up with Maison Martin Margiela.
If you are not familiar with the house let me get you up to speed on what we can expect from such a meeting of minds.
Maison Martin Margiela is the brainchild of a Belgian designer, Martin Margiela. Googling him is useless as there is little or no information about the man. He doesn't exist, or at least doesn't want to be found. You see this Belgian designer never had his photograph taken as he didn't want his identity to be revealed.
Despite the mysterious air, he did in fact do a stint at Jean Paul Gaultier and was creative director of Hermes from 1997-2003.
He launched his own label in 1989 and along with the Antwerp Six, he carried on the revolt started by Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garcons) and other Japanese avantgardists, against the glamour and excess of the 1980s. This essentially became the principals of his label. His designs were contemporary, conceptual and he made a mark as a true master of design.
Over sized proportions and lining and seams on the outside of garments offered a fresh perspective on the sequins and poofy dresses of the 1980s. His idea of deconstruction was not unlike that of Rei Kawakubo and he redesigned by hand, objects such as wigs, canvases and silk scarves into couture garments.
He reportedly retired in 2008 and the house is now run by a team of creatives, with no head designer.
His shows and advertising campaigns usually block out the faces of the models embracing this continuing thread of the "incognito."
What can we expect from the collaboration with H&M ? I am expecting the weird and the wonderful! Anything less will be disappointing. I think there is a danger that they will try and tone down the aesthetic for a consumer friendly product. However I think this would be a mistake and not a proper homage to a master of design. H&M should embrace the label's "outside the box" vibe and create something truly jaw dropping.
Collection is set to launch November 15th 2012. Until then check out this video released by H&M. It seems to be a basic sweater dress....or is it???
That's all for now,
Tell me what you think,
Love Dani xx
L-R Diane von Furstenberg Dress, Dolce and Gabbana Halter Dress, Asos Flower
A seventies disco queen, a leader of female sexual liberation and a style icon, Donna Summer was a 1970's singing sensation who wowed the world with her sultry voice and eccentric style. Pay tribute to an Icon this weekend by adding a little animal print, sequins or flowers to your outfit !
