Campus Style: Studs, denim and florals

Student Name: Bailea Rutherford

Program: Fashion Arts

Expected Graduation Date: April 2015

Career Goal for The Future: Visual Merchandiser

Where The Clothes Are From:

Vest: DIY denim vest with studs and patches.

Lace Bandeau: Forever 21

Floral Maxi Skirt: West 49

Inspiration: When I asked if anything had inspired this outfit, she said that there wasn’t really anything specific. She just loves this vest and wants to build as many looks around it as possible.

By: Stephanie Blinn 

Winter Holiday Countdown: R is for Rei Kawakubo's Dover Street Market New York

By: Tamara Arnew 

DOVER STREET MARKET NEW YORK DOORS
PHOTO CREDIT: DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

While much of the past year in business in the industry has been about contention for the Asia markets and appeal to the accession of street fashion, Rei Kawakubo (founder and head of Comme des Garçons) has again, been walking a different catwalk altogether. The brand has come to be known for it's originative perspective on design, longevity in causative collaborations and their part and parcel market-style retail concepts. With the opening of the Dover Street Market's New York City location, this month, it's evident that her approach has become increasingly relevant in the context of, of the moment Western aesthetic and shopping attitudes. 

"WE MAKE NOISE NOT CLOTHES" MERCHANDISING DSMNY
PHOTO CREDIT: DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

Rei Kawakubo, however, is quick to diminish the thinking that this is a well-designed way of being out front. In her Q&A with Women's Wear Daily she suggests that Comme des Garçons doesn't "plan anything" and that the space for the Dover Street Market location in NYC was "found by accident," — which, of course only furthers our fondness for the label.  The most forward of fashion has a funny means of always finding us too, in serendipitous ways. 

SUPREME MERCHANDISING AT DSMNY
PHOTO CREDIT: DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

SUPREME FOR DOVER STREET MARKET NYC
PHOTO CREDIT: HYPE BEAST

The Dover Street Market space is a seven story destination for "creative chaos", as Matthew Schneier writes in his article on the Style.Com Style File blog, and concurring street style influences. The curated structure of the "market" is reliant on the occurrence of a catalogue of brands ranging from Supreme to Prada and the multiple lines under Comme des Garçons. These brands interact in their layout in a way that reflects the mixing of high and street fashion and the organic thought behind what Comme des Garçons and Rei Kawakubo's business sense embodies. Pieces designed specifically for the space include those involving the Dover Street Market logo, DSMNY X Nike Air Python Lux wear, an exclusive collection from Prada and Simone Rocha, Mastermind X Black Comme des Garçons X DSMNY, Lou Dalton limited edition t-shirts, and a Common Projects X DSMNY shoe. 

MASTERMIND X CDG X DSMNY
PHOTO CREDIT: DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

MERCHANDISING STRUCTURAL INTERIORS AT DSMNY
PHOTO CREDIT: DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

Through Dover Street Market online a full floor plan and layout can be viewed alongside an e-commerce platform option and articles focal to what's new in the space — which, as of right now, is everything and anything. Rei Kawakubo's concept direction is self-described as "wanting to create a kind of market where various creators from various fields gather together and encounter each other in an ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos; the mixing up an coming together of different kindred souls who all share a strong personal vision." With the opportunity for ever evolutionary revolution within the space, we can't wait for the uncommon sort of way in which she will continue to "make fashion become fascinating." (Kawakubo, DSM.com)

MOSCOT MERCHANDISING AT DSMNY
PHOTO CREDIT: DOVERSTREETMARKET.COM

Sources: WWD The Insiders, Doverstreetmarket.com, NYRacked.com, Style.com, HypeBeast

Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion Week: Q&A With Humber Students Bonice Large and Petar Petko

By: Tamara Arnew

Last week, from October 21-26, World MasterCard Fashion Week took over Toronto's David Pecaut Square in a flurry of white tents, Fall street style, and Spring/Summer 2014 Collections from Canadian designers. Bonice Large and Petar Petko were among the Humber Fashion Arts Program students who were invited to attend shows over the course of the week. They shared their experiences and insights into WMCFW through personal social media channels, as well as with the Humber Fashion Arts Student Blog.

DAVID DIXON SHOW AT WORLD MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK
PHOTO CREDIT: BONICE LARGE 

DAVID DIXON SHOW AT WORLD MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK
PHOTO CREDIT: BONICE LARGE 

Bonice Large
Which shows did you attend?
"David Dixon, Soïa & Kyo, Caitlin Power, Rudsak, Stephan Caras, Bustle and Mikael D."

Describe one of the shows you attended and things you observed.
"The visual presentation the played at the beginning of the Mikael D show was a highlight for me. The projection of geometric, edgy, kaleidoscope-esque shapes playing in the smoked filled room was a powerful way to set the mood for the show. 

I also enjoyed the way David Dixon wove aspects of the children's book his collection was inspired by, into his show. Before the show began quote's from the book played across the star speckled screen. I noticed in many of the shows the designers working with the concepts of leather, sheer, cut outs, and metallic gold in their designs."

HUMBER FASHION ARTS STUDENT BONICE LARGE
PHOTO CREDIT: TORONTO LIFE 

BONICE LARGE IN STREET STYLE TREND REPORT
PHOTO CREDIT: TORONTO LIFE

What did you take away from attending the shows as a student?
"When attending David Dixon's show, I was photographed by Toronto Life and the photo of me was featured in a Trend Report Article —I was honoured to be featured and it was a great way to start off Fashion Week. 

As a student attending Fashion Week it was a great experience to see such large scale productions featuring innovative fashion, executed with a level of excellence. I loved seeing how all the attendee's dressed to express themselves of to the rest of the industry. I had the opportunity to go back stage after many of the shows, exposing myself to yet another aspect/side of Fashion Week and the creative industry."

What are your observations on the fashion industry in Canada (and especially in Toronto) from attending WMCFW? Has attending the shows influenced your perspective?
"It was interesting to attending the fashion shows and seeing more or less the same group of people attend all the various shows. Having so many important and creative people in the industry gathered together, in one space, viewing the collections, gave the air an almost electric energy. For me, WMCFW was as much enlightening to see the designers concepts, as it was inspiring to feel a taste of the magic of creating."

BACKSTAGE AT THE CAITLIN POWER SHOW, WMCFW
PHOTO CREDIT: BONICE LARGE  

MIKAEL D SHOW AT WORLD MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK PHOTO CREDIT: BONICE LARGE

MIKAEL D SHOW AT WORLD MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK
PHOTO CREDIT: BONICE LARGE 

Petar Petko

Which shows did you attend?
"I was fortunate enough to attend a few shows like: Beaufille, Laura Siegel, Travis Taddeo, JNBY, Mélissa Nepton, Sid Neigum, NARCES, Stephan Caras, Bustle and Mikael D."

Describe one of the shows you attended and things you observed.
"One of the shows I attended was a studio show of Laura Siegel. I observed a lot of pattern cutting and mixing of similar colour pallets. Light fabric accentuated by showing of a lot of skin by either, shortness of the pieces, or aesthetic style of the textile. I also noticed the use of scarves to emphasize the colour palettes that matched."

What did you take away from attending the shows as a student?
"Well as a student, I was able to experience what my career world will look like two times per year. I learned the importance of being friendly because you will never know who your boss might be. But the most important piece of information I learned is that it is alright to talk to strangers while waiting in line—because of that I met a girl who has 2 million followers on Pinterest."

What are your observations on the fashion industry in Canada (and especially in Toronto) from attending WMCFW? Has attending the shows influenced your perspective?
"My observation on the fashion industry in Canada is that it seems no one wants to lead and everyone wants to follow. There was a lot of fur outfits worn by attendees and it saddens me to think these people don’t think about these poor animals and the conditions they go through in order for someone to look good. I won a Kenneth Cole leather biker jacket and seeing all that fur worn has made me think of giving up the jacket.

I definitely think more students should attend shows just to experience what Fashion Week is all about and to experience being surrounded by real fashion industry people."

You can see the Laura Siegel Studio Show (with Petar sitting front row!), and other shows from Toronto's World MasterCard Fashion Week here, on WMC Fashion Week's YouTube Channel.

Thank you to both Bonice and Petar for their contribution to the Humber Fashion Arts Student Blog. For more photos, you can find Bonice Large on Instagram @bolarge.

The Top Three Style Inspiring Collections From New York Fashion Week

By: Tamara Arnew

"One's life and passion may be elsewhere, but New York is where you prove if what you think in theory makes sense in life."  Miuccia Prada

STEVEN ALAN SS14 LOOK 6
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

STEVEN ALAN SS14 LOOK 1
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

STEVEN ALAN SS14 LOOK 19
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

With a tousled airy-ness that moved beyond the effortlessness of "just rolled out of bed"and towards the daydream of fashion that is both lackadaisy and with cool, uncommonly classic indifference, the Steven Alan Spring/Summer '14 collection was inseparably styled. Taking away from the overwhelming athletic wear feel of the collections of New York Fashion Week with Japanese-Argentinian cultural influence, the clothes were without a definite city derivative aesthetic. Minimalist, slightly disheveled seersucker, featherlike but voluminous linen layers, lengthy silk and dresses over pants, out of the ordinary sprightly floral print — all the whilst keeping in mind the easy sportiness of it all without so much of a fuss. This is the post-grunge trend look we'll weather the winter for. 

BAND OF OUTSIDERS SS14 LOOK 9
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

BAND OF OUTSIDERS SS14 LOOK 11
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

BAND OF OUTSIDERS SS14 LOOK 13
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

Band of Outsiders' collections never fail to lend irony to the design houses' name, and their show at NYFW was done with a smirk. The Outsiders are street style insiders through and through. Variations on running shorts with boxy tees and under mesh, wildflower trenches, socks and sandals paired with all of the looks and Baja wear white that gave the west coast vibe a sneaker stark contrast. The pieces shown were separates that will become the mainspring of the season's nineties inspired garb for The Locals. 

OPENING CEREMONY SS14 LOOK 21
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

OPENING CEREMONY SS14 LOOK 7
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

OPENING CEREMONY SS14 LOOK 1
PHOTO CREDIT: STYLE.COM

Opening Ceremony's first NYFW show was met with the kind of anticipation, attendance and execution that designers Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have been revving to go fast and furiously after for a while. The collection was shown as a part of the brand's BTW (by the water) pop-up market held at Pier 57 for the duration of Fashion Week and the drag race feel, driven by the underground location.  With Vice commentary, bold Korean inspired prints and coupe silhouettes that are reminiscent of everything we loved about Gwen Stefani's No Doubt style, OC are leaders of the pack in reviving the decade lost to our youth. 

Sources: LA Times, Style.com, Vice Magazine

American Apparel Buys NYC Retailer Oak

By: Tamara Arnew

PHOTO CREDIT: OAK NYC

American Apparel is out to prove that they are more than just the Helvetica, high socks, human rights and hype advertising that we have given them credit for. The company purchased cult fashion retailer Oak as a division of the brand, with two stores located in NoHo and Brooklyn as well as a wholesale and e-commerce oriented platform. Oak has operated as an independent specialty retailer founded by Louis Terline and Jeff Madalena, with a defiantly and influentially hip perspective.  

OAK STOREFRONT IN NOHO, NEW YORK CITY
PHOTO CREDIT: PULP MAGAZINE

The clothes have all of the traits of the American Apparel men's and women's lifestyle, while allowing for a more apparent forward thinking perspective and definition of each to their own edge.  They’re all for black being forever cool and the twist in ease that we associate with New York’s style.  

OAK COLLECTION FALL/WINTER '13
PHOTO CREDIT: OAK NYC

OAK COLLECTION FALL/WINTER '13
PHOTO CREDIT: OAK NYC

With two minimalist and recognizable influences the American Apparel brand will continue to develop as a crucial closet filler and keep us anticipating the next wave of owning our own daring with basic-but not basic pieces. Plans for expansion of the Oak division and new store openings have not yet been released, however the Fall/Winter 13 collection is available for pre-order through the online store. 

PHOTO CREDIT: OAK NYC

Sources: WWD, WhoWhatWear, Oaknyc.com 

Surf and Skate Street Style: Agenda Trade Show Long Beach SS14

By: Tamara Arnew

AGENDA TRADE SHOW LONG BEACH JULY 2013
PHOTO CREDIT: FRESHNESS MAG.COM

The Agenda Trade Show overtook Long Beach, California through July 26 and 27 following a kickoff in New York for the show’s tenth anniversary and moving to Vegas for August 19 and 20. The show focuses on surf and skate apparel line’s inspiration through the independent curation of street style movements rising from music, art and way of life.    

ED TEMPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO CREDIT: TACKYWORLD.COM

Founder of Agenda, Aaron Levant, reported in an interview with Complex Magazine that he is “not quite sure where the trends are headed, but feels there will be an almost "worlds colliding" assimilation where street wear and high-end menswear create a global fashion synergy.” (Harris, Complex Style) With longstanding brands in the industry sector collaborating, a spirit and connectivity conveyed through displays of art by the likes of Ed Templeton and Girl (amongst others) and the re-establishment of Agenda’s concept towards providing a trade show space for the future of emerging companies – he’s not far off from his predicted agenda. 

 BROTHER SEWING MACHINE AT THE MATIX BOOTH
PHOTO CREDIT: TACKYWORLD.COM

Trends oncoming from the Long Beach trade show include California ripped and over-dyed denim, seasoned vintage aesthetic from all eras sixties forward with a classic surf/skate look and pieces that unify mens' and womens' wear with the idea that the clothes can be participative in the culture, worn to sentiment and have a high level of fashionability. Tech fabrics that change and blur the boundaries between sport, street and the provocative nature continue to be grass roots innovative. Those to watch include Shown to Scale, The Ampal Creative, FTC, Zanerobe, Dimepiece, Matix, Montreal brand Uranium and Surf Pendleton. Further brands involved in the show can be found on the pages of http://agendashow.com. 

AGENDA TRADE SHOW LONG BEACH JULY 2013
PHOTO CREDIT: FRESHNESS MAG.COM

Sources: ComplexMag.com, FreshnessMag.com, WWD, Tackyworld.com, Locale Magazine, AgendaShow.com

Street Style: What Ali Wore

By: Kyla Nobrega

PHOTO CREDIT: ZOE SPAWTON

Zoe Spawton, a photographer located in Berlin, noticed an 83-year-old gentleman named Ali who continued to catch her eye every morning while she was working. His outfits were consistently bold, and as Zoe got to know Ali better, this trendy father of 18 children (!) allowed her to take daily photos of his impeccable outfits.

What Ali Wore showcases Ali’s outfits and offers tidbits of information on Ali’s life. Ali is a retired doctor and is now a tailor; he travels to Turkey often, and Zoe documents their building friendship photograph by photograph.

Zoe’s blog Ali Outfit is irresistible from beginning to end—not only are Ali’s outfits fascinating and fierce, his confidence in his personal style is inspiring. Be sure to check out this trendy tailor.

PHOTO CREDIT: ZOE SPAWTON

PHOTO CREDIT: ZOE SPAWTON

PHOTO CREDIT: ZOE SPAWTON

Sources: Ali Outfit

Street Style: Festival Fashion From Coachella

By: Tamara Arnew

PHOTO CREDIT: CRAIG AREND

Channel your inner-Woodstock bohemian impulses towards floral headbands and ersatz native headdresses. Coachella may have been last month but it has us feeling like far out street style statements have yet to be left in the desert. From Bonnaroo and North by Northeast all the way to Osheaga in August, festival fashion is on summertime's trendboard. 

PHOTO CREDIT: VOGUE

PHOTO CREDIT: GLAMOUR MAGAZINE

Mod and mandala mysticism prints take from a Beatle's Girl inspiration making for a very mini skirted wave of Pattie Boyd looks.

PHOTO CREDIT: DANA RICHARDSON BLEWETT

PHOTO CREDIT: CHI DIEM CHAU

Vintage rock n’ rolla tees, faded out denim, utilitarian buckle ankle boots and long, long locks are the easy styled variations of sunshine punk. 

PHOTO CREDIT: CHI DIEM CHAU

PHOTO CREDIT: CHI DIEM CHAU

Soft grunge sea foam green tones down on the teals from last summer’s coral combination fixation. Sheer chiffon high-low dresses are solid coloured (electric mandarin red is ready-to-rave about) and self-belted or unstructured, hitting high above the knee in front and at an ankle length low. 

PHOTO CREDIT: PALEY FAIRMAN

PHOTO CREDIT: STYLESNOOPERDAN

For as many minis as there were in Coachella Valley, there were crop tops maintaining their free love bares all proportions and paired with lightweight, heel-catching maxi skirts. A pair of oversized teashade sunglasses (preferably with lots of lens embellishment), some well picked 90’s vintage throwbacks and a flowers in your hair mentality will keep us chasing this look in the dog days between the weekends of indie music that accompany it.

Sources: Fashion Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, POPSUGAR Fashion, Style Snooper Dan, Glamour Magazine, Vogue Blog