It seems Spring has (finally!) reached British shores once more, and with a little sun comes a desire to shed those dreary winter shades and embrace those Spring brights. So, on an unusually sunny afternoon, what better to have stumbled upon than a plethora of eye-poppingly scintillating scarves?
Created by designer Jas Sandhu and business partner Rukmani Singh, the label, aptly named Mitandio which literally translates as 'scarves' in Swahili focuses on the scarf as a "simple accessory that has the sublime ability of beautifying the simplest of looks" - a theory I whole heartedly support as a, perhaps overly avid scarf wearer. With their collection of unique prints in a spectrum of kaleidoscopic colours, this is one label that's definitely nailed their target.
Having studied at Delhi's prestigious National Institute of Fashion and Technology (NIFT). and worked as a Stylist for ELLE Decor, it comes as no surprise that Jas's eye for design has lead to a line of sell-out styles. I, for one, am obsessing over their contemporary injection of ethnic inspiration; a style which comes as a result of Jas's unconventional upbringing spent shuffling between Punjab and the Tanzanian Serengeti. Fusing their love of travel and of the endless idiosyncrasies of varying cultures, Jas and Rukmani endeavour to inject each design with "its own story and history, springing from mythology to political issues to human values to nature, serving as an inspiration to different spans of life." Now that's an accessory to boast about.
All images: style.com It probably won't come as much of a surprise that I'm a little overly obsessed with Mara Hoffman, after all she embodies pretty much every aspect of design I love - ethnic inspirations, eye-popping colour, youthful shapes and easy wearing fabrics. Each season I wait with little bubbles of excitement brewing in anticipation of the next collection - which culture will the inspiration come from, how will she interpret the use of pattern and design? I may sound like a cross between an obsessive stalker and a ethnic design geek but, come on, when you find a designer, artist or general creative that embodies everything you like about design, you can't help but get a little obsessed. Right...? Mara Hoffman's Spring/Summer 13 collection, which has just hit stores worldwide, is inspired by the sunny styles of the Polynesians. Complete with signature bold, tribalesque prints in a medley of both soft pastels and bold brights set against dark backdrops of black or navy, the collection sees the usual maxi print dresses, cute cut-out mini's, billowing chiffon gowns and of course those best-selling bralet and high waist pant combo bikinis. And in true Mara tradition, back at the NY runway show in September, she kept the tribal theme going strong by sending her models down the runway donning palm headpieces and leaf-like wrist cuffs (which I have yet to figure out how to get hold of). Equally as obsessed? Here's a few pieces you can shop online....right now!
Hugely popular this season, the tapestry aesthetic has graced runways and high streets alike, and when I stumbled across this richly ornate and luxuriantly feminine shoot by Photographer Richard Burbridge and StylistTony Irvine for Harper's USA my fingers began twitching, and alas to Wandering Threads it came. One of this seasons best use of the trend (and one of my lifelong designer lustings) is Dolce & Gabbana, whose AW12 collection was positively bursting with baroque decadence. Synonymous with luxe fabrics and exquisite detailing, unsurprisingly the label is leading the trend with its rose motif body-con dresses and embroidered tapestry effect peplum corset tops, while others such as Balmaintake brocade embellishment to a baroque extreme with gold threaded embroidery edged with thousands of light-catching pearls and crystals. Of all the seasons to stop travelling and dedicate those extra funds to sprucing up a long-forlorn winter wardrobe, I couldn't have picked a time more apt!
I'm in love with all things tapestry. Perhaps it's that vintage (and at times rather kitsch) appeal) that sends my mind tumbling into visions of 17th century court ladies surrounded by Caravaggio paintings, just delicately stitching away...Whatever century it sends your mind to, the true beginnings of needlepoint tapestry (or tapestry embroidery as it's more accurately referred) actually stem back to Hellenistic times. However, we associate them (rightly so) with the baroque period due to it's rising popularity as a domestic craft during the 16th & 17th centuries. Apparently some rather famous figures were keen hobbyists, with Mary Queen of Scots (she had a lot of time on her hands...), Marie Antoinette and Queen Elizabeth I all being listed. As always, a little history lesson for thread fans. So, be it fashion, art or craft, for me tapestry will always signify a heritage fabric that exudes that wonderful sense of nostalgic craftsmanship, of cherished artistry and of time-honoured tradition.
The weather may be cooling over here, but across the pond in New York it seems the fashion pack are still very much in summer mode. That, and the fact this past week the city has been host to the SS'13 runway shows. Once again, superstar street style hound Tommy Ton has captured the style crowd at their best, snapping models, editors and bloggers in all their printastic, texture-loving summer outfit glory as they cavorted around the innumerable fashion week venues, during one half of New York's most exciting events of the year. Want to see more of Tommy Ton? See his SS'12 NYFW shots here, or visit his super duper blog at jackandjll.com All photos: style.com
