13.02.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
Yesterday marked the premiere of the Collabor8te competition’s winning short films.
A funding project founded by Rankin and Nokia which enables upcoming talents to have their cinematic visions produced, the event was a showcase for everything from melancholic animation stories to suspenseful thrillers, all screened at the birthplace of British cinema in Regent Street.
We’re looking forward to seeing what new cinema innovators this platform will launch next.
12.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Natasha Nunez
Emotion, observation, and handwork all describe the process of two designers that have people talking. Early in the morning, far from the hustle bustle of Manhattan, I explored two Brooklyn studio-apartments and found creations buzzing and glowing with otherworldly charm. With their name on the line, Alice Waese and David Michael are creating pieces you want to live in and there is nothing basic about them.
The Toronto native Alice Waese moved to New York after studying at the International Academy of Art and Design in Toronto and working for Jeremy Laing. In NY, she became Maria Cornejo’s right hand for several years before later settling across the pond in London. She is now back in hasty NY — a change of pace that has helped develop the collection through mere conversation, an exchange that introduced the idea of expanding her brand to include knitwear. Her work, a combination of “processes, research and intuition”, has fueled her latest endeavor which includes her sense of accessory and design. “The jewelry is more objective then ever before, while there are still organic and abstract shapes, the focus of the collection for me was more on a direct narrative — carved skulls and bodies like voodoo and worry dolls. It is a more obvious and emotional collection, more direct. The knits are a combination of hand and machine knits, a lot of color and texture.”
Tell Me More :
“I start the day off with 7 toed cat paws in my face. Strong coffee and drawing or emailing.
My wardrobe consists mostly of antique white men’s shirts collected in London, lots of Zero Maria Cornejo, white Arts & Science night gown / silk dresses, black leather Guidi boots.
Everyday jewelry includes full hands of rings, my tall bark ring cast from tree bark, multiple double rings cast from leather, stacked raw black diamonds.
Current studio playlist sounds like Chances with Wolves Radio via East Village Radio and lots of Bill Callahan, always. Austra, Will Oldham, Jennifer Castle, Jessica Pratt, Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, Yo Yo Ma, Timbre Timber, Joanna Newsome.
Home is a good place to make a mess.”
David Michael Hershberger, the intelligent, laidback designer from California launched David Michael last fall. His immaculate understanding of garment construction has also lead him to tailoring gigs with the likes of Dior, Chloe, Alexander Wang, and John Varvatos. His fresh women’s collection has a “neo-romantic” energy reminiscent of his earlier line Endovanera (co-founded in LA circa 2007). This time around the pieces are truly made to grace a female figure. “New Jack City” was this season’s inspiration, a 1991 American crime film that took place in New York City. “Everything is made in Manhattan, so I can be close to the process.”
Tell Me More :
“I start the day off with E 3 Live, playing music and the hope to get out at some point during daylight.
My wardrobe consists mostly of pleated trousers I get when I go back to LA. And trench coats so that I have the creep vibe going on.
Everyday jewelry includes my gold teeth.
Current studio playlist sounds like Frank Zappa’s Muffin Man — thanks Clay Webster for all the heavy cruisin’ jams. Jeffertities Nile, Baby Vampire Cape, Ariel Pink, Greatest Hits, Zak Mering, Raw Thrills.
Home is cruisin’. Just got a car, now I can explore the east coast.”
11.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
Nothing lightens up a gloomy Monday like a good nineties revival, and the latest collaboration between DKNY and Opening Ceremony fits the bill perfectly.
A re-issue of fifteen archive pieces from the iconic label, the range is comprised of street-ready sportswear in the form of hoodies, puffer jackets and jumpsuits.
Watch Twin contributor KT Auleta and Jay Massacret take the new collection for a spin in the video below.
10.02.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: Sarah Barlow
In the spring of last year, Lakisha Kimberly “Kish” Robinson a.k.a Kilo Kish surfaced onto the New York music scene, bringing along with her a poetic and slow-tempo take on hip hop through her debut self-released EP, Homeschool. For 2013, the 22-year-old female rapper and vocalist is back with some new material and an additional musical project entitled k+, a collaborative mixtape featuring a long list of creative contributors, producers (and friends) including SBTRKT, Earl Sweatshirt, A$AP Ferg, CRONOS, Childish Gambino and The Internet.
Kilo Kish will be playing several UK shows next month.
08.02.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: Natasha Nunez
Cold New Yorkers keep warm with the tropical sounds of Jubilee. The Miami native moved to New York ten years ago and once worked as a make-up artist, keeping ladies like Lauryn Hill and the Penthouse Pets looking immaculately fierce. Present-day DJ/producer, Jubilee now pursues music full-time and can make the stiffest of bodies turn out a little sweat and bounce.
I first met the cool Brooklyn resident on a wintry Tuesday in January while sitting in East Village Radio’s very small, mirrored studio. Jess played an exclusive set for Chillin’ Island and I tried to be discreet about my dance as I slowly sipped on an apple cider from Juicy Lucy. Her music is hot.
She is also co-hosting Radio Lily’s new Mixpak show with Dubbel Dutch and Dre Skull every Tuesday and if you know Miss Lily’s —the notorious dance-while-you-dine restaurant located in downtown NY — expect to receive one big party via their internet broadcast.
In the meantime, Jubilee will keep you going with her New York Fashion Week Playlist and top tips for the city that never sleeps. Your sultry, mini getaway awaits.
“I kept this one pretty girly and sexy. It”s a list of things I would play to dance to, want to hear right now on the runway and listen to while getting ready to go out. Also includes some great talent from New York.”
1/ Cassie All Gold Everything Remix f Trina and Lola Monroe
2/ Salva x Brenmar- Let me Bang
3/ Brooke Candy – Everybody Does
4/ Boody & Le1f- Soda
5/ Ciara -Goodies (Kingdom Remix)
6/ Pearson Sound vs. Rod Lee- Working With Refix
7/ Tifa-Champion Bubbler
8/ Theophilus London Ft Rihanna – Jump (Club Cheval Remix)
9/ Jubilee-Overtown
10/ Dubbel Dutch – Self Help Riddim
11/ GIRL UNIT- Ensemble
12/ Wavy Spice- Bitch I”m Posh
13/ Gita- Let That
Listen to Jubilee”s playlist .
IRL — A list of Jubilee’s top 5 people, places, and things
www.theresadapra.com
Designer of all things, unbelievable, and the most fun and good-looking girl I know.
radiolily.com
Obsessed with Miss Lily”s restaurant as well as their radio station. I just started hosting a show on there every Tuesday with Mixpak Records.
naomiyasudanyc.com
I swear by Naomi. My nails are always on point thanks to her.
yelp.com/biz/bozu-brooklyn
I have been going to this place since I moved to Brooklyn. Definitely a favorite. Great drinks and weird tapas twist on Japanese food.
yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-car-service-brooklyn
You might need to learn Spanish to use this car service but it is totally worth it.
07.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
What do you get when you combine one of the most influential designers from the East with one of the most prestigious luxury brands of the West? A limited edition line of silk scarves entitled Comme des Carrés to be exact.
Fusing together Rei Kawakubo’s eye for the all things off-kilter with Hermès’ reputation for craftsmanship and quality, the capsule collection is comprised of five Black and White styles in everyone’s favourite non-colours, plus six Colour scarves printed with geometric patterns such as gingham and stripes. The former will be exclusive to Comme des Garçons stores in Paris, New-York and Aoyama-Tokyo, whilst the latter will be launched at the Dover Street Market retail venues in London and Tokyo.
“In our project together, rather than wanting to wear the scarves, I was looking forward to the change that would happen when I added something to the beautiful ‘paintings’ of Hermès scarf designs. I think through the addition of abstract images, we have transformed the scarf and created something new,” explains Kawakubo.
Mission most definitely accomplished.
06.02.2013 | Art , Blog | BY: admin
Tonight, the ICA is hosting a panel discussion on the one and only Guy Bourdin. With his hyper real use of colour and surrealist techniques, the French photographer’s work for the likes of French Vogue and Charles Jourdan managed to strike the delicate balance between provocative, trailblazing and timeless.
Guy Bourdin: A Legacy will not only delve into his long-lasting influence on fashion imagery, but also show rare footage of Bourdin’s cine films. Leading the discussion will be curator and lecturer Judith Clark, Christie’s Director Philippe Garner and Samuel Bourdin, the artist’s only son and Exhibit A: Guy Bourdin co-author. Expect an insightful and interesting look at one of the 20th century’s most prolific image makers.
MAC Cosmetics is chiming in 2013 – known in the Chinese New Year as year of the snake – with an intriguing new make up collection.
Not only are the swirly scales of the animal embossed into every lipstick, eye shadow and powder, but thanks to a shimmering colour palette of rich golds, plums and reds, each product creates a lushly dramatic effect.
Whether it’s a simple swipe of pearl blush to brighten up your complexion or a full-on crimson lip, consider yourself cosmetically prepared for the new year.
04.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Sarah Barlow
They say that behind every great man there’s a great woman… and behind every great man’s great wardrobe is an even greater woman. Especially if his clothes rail is crammed to the sides with 1205 – the unisex fashion label set up by the tailor–turned–fashion designer, Paula Gerbase. “I had been on Savile Row for five years and felt it was time to move on to new challenges,” Paula told Twin. “I wanted to explore the possibility of taking the knowledge I had acquired on Savile Row further – that is when I launched 1205.” With previous experiences under her belt that nestle within both the womenswear and menswear market, Gerbase set out to create 1205 as a brand accessible for both men and women, but with a sartorial aesthetic which is consistent between both lines, focusing on the intriguing balance between femininity and masculinity.
Following a successful presentation of the latest menswear collection during London Collections: Men earlier this year, 1205 will also be debuting their Autumn/ Winter 2013 womenswear offering through the renowned NEWGEN initiative at London Fashion Week this month. Whether it’s due to excitement or curiosity (or perhaps just downright impatience) we decided that we couldn’t wait much longer so we asked Paula to give us more of an insight into 1205 plus an exclusive cheeky sneak peek of what fabrics, textures and colours feature in the new womenswear collection…
Firstly, what’s behind the name 1205?
1205 is simply the day I was born. To me it signifies the beginning – a fresh start. I had no interest in having my name on a label, I really just wanted to make clothing, and the graphic anonymity of 4 numbers felt right.
Although tailoring is very much a significant and fundamental feature to 1205, did you find the transition from designing for a traditional tailoring atelier to creating a contemporary fashion label challenging?
The most challenging part of 1205 has been to find manufacturers who are willing to find the balance between tradition and modernity, working with unusual fabrics, lighter constructions but still retaining a defined silhouette. My experience on Savile Row was with a tailor who was forward thinking and so the transition between Savile Row and 1205 was a natural progression.
Harvey Nichols hosted your latest menswear presentation during London Collections: Men earlier this month – how did that go?
Harvey Nichols hosted a preview of the collection, but in a way it was more of an introduction to the 1205 aesthetic, through Kindness’s performance wearing bespoke 1205. The idea was to collaborate with other creatives to showcase the wearability and versatility of the collection, as well as to show tailoring in movement, removing it from its usual rigid representation.
Does your personal style reflect similarities to the androgynous/ masculine aesthetic of your own womenswear designs?
It was never intentional, but my personal aesthetic probably does reflect in the collection. I have always loved men’s clothing for its attention to detail, focus on fabric and cut and its considered construction – I have worn men’s pieces for as long as I can remember. The subtle thought process and continuity of a man’s wardrobe was always interesting to me; they are values 1205 encompasses also.
You will be showcasing your Autumn/Winter ’13 womenswear collection next month as part of the NEWGEN exhibitions at London Fashion Week – any hints as to what we can expect? What was the inspiration?
The Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection is based on a few ‘Recits de Voyage’ I found by a Swiss writer and photographer who was most prolific between 1934 and 1942. They inspired a collection about travel, which translated into a redefining of the new 1205 uniform playing with contrasts of formal/casual fabrics and shapes, as well as introducing new fabrics such as waterproof flannel and knitwear. As ever, the focus of the 1205 collection is on subtle details and texture contrasts.
Who is your all time style hero?
Anyone with a strong sense of self, someone original!
04.02.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: Maresa Harvey
Thanks to inventor Thomas Edison’s development of the light bulb over 130 years ago, most of us routinely switch on the lights when the dark draws in without a second thought, allowing us to work and play well into the ‘after hours.’ However thankfully, some artists have a different way of seeing the world around us, and it is within the Hayward Gallery’s exciting new exhibition that this insight is given recognition to.
The Light Show – simple and precise in its summary as a title – is extremely apt in its description. Artificial light in almost every perceivable imagination and more have been adopted by artists around the world to create aesthetically spell-binding works that will have its viewer transfixed.
From Carlos Cruz-Diez and his work Chromosaturation, a tantalising room of changing colours that includes the viewer within its spectrum, to Olafur Eliassons’ Model for a Timeless Garden, a dramatic strobe light water fountain that produces an ever-changing landscape frozen in a succession of unique moments, light sources have been bent counter to their traditional conventions, creating mesmerising works that go beyond acknowledging the simple beauty of illumination.
With artists work such as Anthony McCalls’ You and I, Horizontal (2005) a white beam of light is emitted from a video projector in a pitch black room from the centre of one wall across to the other; we see solid light stripped back, and appreciated for the fascinating thing that it is. Its ability to be present and yet not there at all, seen and seemingly movable yet completely untouchable, is an alluring realisation which is completely awe-inspiring.
Other pieces such as Doug Wheelers’ Untitled (1969) provides a more surreal encounter with light. A large rounded edge square bulb fixed on top of a centimeter thick yellow acrylic square is an otherworldly embodiment of it, emitting a strangely seductive hue of neon yellow/purple light. Centred within a completely white space floor to ceiling, visitors are asked to wear protective shoe wear in order to not mark the artwork and its surroundings. It’s a strange experience, that whilst initially beautiful and seemingly peaceful, holds a certain clinical atmosphere that becomes strangely unsettling.
An extensive reconsideration of our relationship to our surroundings, this exhibition will have you thinking twice the next time you switch on a light bulb.
Light Show exhibits at Hayward Gallery until April 28.
03.02.2013 | Blog , Music | BY: Sarah Barlow
We’ve fallen a little bit in love with the Parisian artist Melody Prochet, a.k.a Melody’s Echo Chamber. Her debut self-titled album is bursting with mesmerising vocals that overlay lo-fi psych-rock sounds, perfectly coinciding with the fact that it was produced by Kevin Parker, the Tame Impala frontman and current King-of-psychedlia.
Melody commences a tour of Europe later this month.
01.02.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Mariella Agapiou
Sport lux is going to be one of the big themes this spring, although filtering through in seasons past it’s been building to a crescendo of sorts. But be warned, with this trend it’s easy to get sloppy, and it can cause many a wardrobe malfunction. Opt to wear your high tops with regular staples, those go-to pieces we all love such as leather trousers and over-sized blazers, and keeping to muted colours allows you to be a little more playful with the rest of your outfit. Here are Twin’s favourite trainers to run around and play in.
Saint Laurent Malibu high top china blue trainers, £320, Cricket-fashion.com
Marc By Marc Jacobs 70mm Cut Out Calfskin High Top Sneakers, £330, Luisaviaroma.com
Maison Martin Margiela High Top Trainer, £401.21, Farfetch.com
Nike Dunk Sky High Olive Wedge Trainers, £85, Asos.com
31.01.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
Aside from the horribly misogynistic term ‘tramp stamp’, little has been said about the relationship between women and tattoos.
Bodies of Subversion studies the involvement of women in the ink industry from the nineteenth century until today, not only as customers but also as artists, such as the legendary Maud Wagner or Kat Von D. Covering topics including body art as custom couture in Victorian society, author Margot Mifflin delves into tattoos not only for decoration purposes but also as a helpful healing process for breast cancer or domestic abuse survivors.
Extensive as it is visual, Bodies of Subversion is an insightful look at what happens when the body becomes a canvas.
Images from Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo by Margot Mifflin, published by powerHouse Books, available to purchase here.
30.01.2013 | Blog , Culture | BY: admin
Opening today, the Design Museum’s Extraordinary Stories About Ordinary Things is a love letter to the often overlooked design details of everyday life.
Thanks to its exploration of contemporary design and architecture, the exhibition not only examines furniture objects, but also fashion designs from the 1970s to the 1990s — in specific the Issey Miyake 132 5. collection, constructed out of a single piece of recycled plastic, which acts as both a folded two-dimensional object and a three-dimensional garment.
“Issey Miyake’s work tries to find a balance between the practical and the beautiful, a concept that is as relevant today as it was when he started the fashion house. His constant experimentation with both forms and also production has kept him at the peak of international fashion and design,” comments the presentation’s curator Gemma Curtain.
Getting a new perspective on the seemingly ordinary is always a visual delight, and this exhibition does its task more than justice.
Extraordinary Stories About Ordinary Things is on display at the Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YD.
29.01.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: admin
The home of the cool kids, BLK DNM is best known for its coveted leather and denim wear, mixing that easy downtown New York vibe with chic Swedish minimalism.
Leather is a special thing, and Johan Lindeberg knows all about it, having launched his limited edition collection of women’s leather jackets in eight enticing styles.
The project, BLK DNM Leather Jacket 8, has seen the reworking and redesigning of his signature jacket in textured luxury Italian leather and fur combos, all handmade in NYC.
Speaking about the capsule collection, Lindeberg says: “I’ve built BLK DNM as a creative project, rather than just another fashion brand, to explore initiatives like this one. I like that we can take one of our core products, the leather jacket, and create an exclusive edition for a high-end capsule collection that still fits with the brand identity. I’m always inspired by independent, intelligent women with strong self identities, and wanted to reflect those different personalities with this project. Each leather jacket combines a unique pairing of leather textures and colors, as well as shearling fur variations, to present a strong character, each to speak to a different woman.”
Johan channels this ultra sexy independent biker chick (think a leather clad contemporary Suzi Quatro/Joan Jett type) through the collection’s campaign featuring Dorothea Barth Jorgensen, photographed by the designer himself.
The BLK DNM leather jacket 8 leather capsule collection is available exclusively at the BLK DNM stores in New York, on Lafayette Street and Stockholm, as well as Colette, Paris.
29.01.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Sarah Barlow
January is beginning to look a bit more cheery here at Twin HQ; the gradual arrival of the new season fashion campaigns that have been creeping their way into our inboxes certainly are keeping us in high hopes for the new year with a subtle reminder that spring is soon approaching.
The latest advertising imagery from Theysken’s Theory is one that has stood out amongst the pack, with a unique composition that merges stylised shots of Wylie Hays with landscapes of the seashore in Knokke Le Zoutte, Belgium captured by himself. Plus, not every campaign can boast that its final polished look is the result of combining the creative minds belonging to three of the world’s most influential Belgian artists: designer Olivier Theyskens, photographer Willy Vanderperre and stylist Olivier Rizzo.
28.01.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Sarah Barlow
Some say creativity and ambition is a genetic trait – something powerfully instinctive that lies deep within the veins. This perhaps could be the reason why three sisters from Sweden decided to combine their talents, experience and specialties to create their own sibling success story. Sofia Wallenstam, Kristina Tjäder and Karin Söderlind launched their fashion label, Dagmar, back in 2005 after developing three very impressive careers of their own within three very separate areas of the fashion industry: design, retail and PR.
Since then, Dagmar and its three founders have continued to find success both in Sweden and overseas, picking up numerous awards and achievements along the way.
Tomorrow the ladies will be showcasing their latest collection at Mercedes-Benz Stockholm Fashion Week. Twin spoke to Karin, the label’s Head of Marketing and PR, ahead of the show…
You launched Dagmar over 7 years ago – how have things developed since then? What have been the highlights throughout this time?
There have been so many highlights! Every year has been overwhelming, however some of our awards have been the biggest highlights to date; we were awarded with the NewGen Fresh Faces New York in 2007, New designer of the Year by Swedish Elle magazine in 2006 and won Guldknappen in 2011 – Scandinavia’s most prestigious design award. But just to be able to grow and hire people has been a milestone for us. It’s always a great moment when more people join the team every year.
Does working as a family business make it easier or harder? Obviously you all have each other for support but are there times when sisterly squabbling gets in the way?
Honestly there are some times when it does get a bit like ‘this is something that I would never say to any other employee’, but we try hard to work things out when it gets in our way.
Do you all have your own individual roles within the business?
Yes, from the start we split the responsibility between us. Sofia Wallenstam is Head of Sales, Kristina Tjäder is Head of Design and I, Karin Söderlind, am Head of Marketing & Pr.
Describe your signature aesthetic in just 3 words.
Unconventional & sophisticated (even better, I could do it in only two!).
Opening today is Mercedes-Benz Stockholm Fashion Week, where you will be showcasing your AW’13 collection. What’s the inspiration/ concept behind it?
There was a huge Renaissance influence taking over us and so you can detect some of that within the collection. We put a lot of focus on jackets and coats this time with knitted furs, strict wool capes and coats with interesting cuts.
Dagmar is named after your late Grandmother who you’ve stated as being your muse at the beginning. Are there any other inspirational women who influence your work?
We are always inspired by strong women for our collections but not any particular one this season… well maybe Mona Lisa!
Any big plans lined up for 2013?
A lot of things always seem to happen, planned or not! We have huge plans, but more for the long run than specifically for 2013. Short term we are opening a big shop within NK in Stockholm this February, plus we’d like to have more of a presence in London this year… let’s see how…
Dagmar Spring/Summer 2013
25.01.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Mariella Agapiou
The weather may be freezing, literally, but we’re already dreaming of spring, which makes it difficult to pick your outfit du jour. One piece that works well for trans-seasonal dressing : the bomber. Picking the right one makes all the difference to your street-style cred, so here are Twin“s four carefully chosen jackets that will keep you warm now and all the way through to summer.
24.01.2013 | Blog , Fashion | BY: Mariella Agapiou
This month marks the release of PATTERN, Phaidon’s latest feat into the world of fashion. This ‘catwalk show in a book’ is curated by 10 of the most influential names in fashion today and is set to be on every stylish coffee table come spring.
Not only does this new hardback focus on the more established fashion capitals such as London, Paris, Milan and New York, but it also highlights emerging ones such as Shanghai, Amsterdam and Sydney, featuring 100 of the most exciting designers working today. The 10 individuals prized with choosing said designers are Tavi Gevinson (Style Rookie), SHOWStudio, Imran Amed (Business of Fashion) and Yasmin Sewell (Chief Creative Consultant for Liberty of London) to name a few.
Featuring over 1,000 colour illustrations, never-seen-before photographs, sketches, drawings and computer renderings, it gives us a deeper look into the careers of the selected designers. Established figures like Christopher Kane, Alexander Wang and Louise Gray; emerging names like Phoebe English and Thomas Tait, as well as contemporary print pioneers Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto and Holly Fulton. PATTERN highlights the dominance of British fashion education, due to the fact that a quarter of the designers cited trained at St Martin’s or at the Royal College of Art. But at the same time, it also celebrates designers such as Max Osterweis of Suno and Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders, who never had any formal training.
PATTERN is available on the Phaidon website and at selected book stores. The book is sold with its own accompanying tote bag.
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