Brian Eno on producing U2’s The Joshua Tree..
“I thought uncool was a very important idea then, because people were being very, very cool. And coolness, is a certain kind of detachment from yourself, a certain defensiveness actually… not exposing something because it’s too easy to be shot down if you’re exposed.”
I recently stumbled upon (not with that websites help) Nike’s new release in their Flyknit technology range. The new line was released in New York recently in preparation for the London Olympics- it’s not just the athletes that are competing this summer. Continue reading…
You know you haven’t posted in a while when you have to request a new password to your blog! Quite frankly I’ve been busy…real busy. Since we last met, Fashion week has flown by and my time at Proenza has come to a full stop. I wanted to write a post because I know the entries for this year’s AINYFF scholarship are coming to a close. This time last year I was frantically putting together my entry. I can count the amount of people I begged to proof read my submission on two hands. The support I have received from the judges and from 2009′s winner Georgia, has been unforgettable. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Thank you.
Proenza was an amazing experience. I was so proud to be closely involved with the team and to see the development of the collection from its beginnings. If you didn’t catch the show- first of all where were you? and second of all have a squiz at these behind the scene shots on the LOVE blog. AGAIN, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Thank you.
The fast pace of New York can at times leave you feeling numb- I had to remind myself to take in my surroundings every now and then. The show was definitely one of those moments- it’s not every day Anna and Pharrell pass by you. Interning made me realise the world is a lot smaller than you think. Jack and Lazaro started from humble beginnings and built what is now an example of iconic American design. Anything is possible.
So if you’re putting together your entry, I have one piece of advice; (as with everything) give it everything you’ve got, you never know what might happen.
Image: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Catalogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, pg 30
Saturday was a very productive day, I finally made my way to the Met to see the much hyped, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition. There was at least a two hour wait when I arrived at 9.30 am. Luckily I had a member’s pass, which took me straight to the front of the line (slightly satisfying to say the least). Once inside the crowds didn’t stop and the volume of people did take away from the experience.Tip: Elbows can be a good weapon when trying to get a closer look.
I’ve always appreciated McQueen, seeing his work in the flesh was pretty amazing. Throughout the exhibition you can see first and foremost he was the eternal student. He had a thirst for knowledge like any other; each collection was a physical manifestation of his mind expanding. From his time at St. Martins, Givenchy and his collaboration’s with other creatives, McQueen, was absorbing information faster than we could appreciate.
I took a picture of a McQueen quote from the catalogue, which followed me on the subway ride home. Last year I made a motto for my final project; ‘If you don’t know the right way, you can’t do it the wrong way’. This is where my opinion slightly differs from McQueen. The freedom of not knowing how to construct garments can have the potential to create limitless possibilities. Naivety shouldn’t necessarily be considered a negative. While McQueen liked to break rules, I guess I can see the value in making them up. It’s all about perspective.
If you’re in New York definitely make it a priority, even if your next birthday comes while waiting in line!
Source: Tommy Ton for Style.com
I’ve wanted to give an update on my time at Proenza for a long time- three months to be exact. Having the privilege to intern under two of the most talented designers today, Jack McCollogh and Lazaro Hernandez, has handed me a new respect for their work. Watching the label’s progress from across the pond in Melbourne, I couldn’t count the amount of times I hit refresh on Style.com in anticipation for their latest collection.
Their story is well and truly fashion folklore and stepping into the studio on my first day I was taken back by the scale of the operation. The perennial ‘young’ designers have upped the ante each season on the runway whilst slowly building a support team that take their ambitions to new levels. Recently crowned the CDFA’s Womenswear Designer of the Year, I now know how hard Jack and Lazaro, and also Shirley Cook (CEO and partner from the start), work to maintain their position at the top.
Seeing the progression of the Pre Spring 12 and Capsule collections from sketch, to samples, to photo shoot, to market, was particularly exciting (and at times tiring!). I saw the mechanics of Proenza in full motion.
On a day-to-day basis my role changes as I assist the design team with tasks they need to move the collection forward. Seeing the archives and fabric roles made me just a little excited! You just don’t get to appreciate the vibrancy and the intricacies of the collections until they are in your hand.
As of now Spring 12 has begun and the design team is in the initial stages of creating muslins (that’s toile’s for the kids playing back home). To think three months has gone by is a little frightening. Even though the runway is in September, I know it will arrive in a flash. Instead of hitting that refresh button, the collection will be walking right by me!
