Regaardez: Rodarte Knits

Last night while shopping online at Opening Ceremony I found something really awesome. Do you remember Rodarte's Spring 2007 Collection, well that was the first collection where they showed sweaters that looked as if they were knit by spiders. The cobwebby knits came in cardigans and long tunic dresses.

The following season Fall 2008 The duo showed the same kints but this time that were in the form of leggings. When I first saw these years ago I simply fell in love with them. Rodarte was once one of those brands that was literally impossible to get your hands on. After there wildly successful pop up shop at Colette in Paris ,Opening Ceremony now carries Rodarte as well as some the exclusive pieces that debuted in the Paris shop. This is the premier collection for men each of the knits are handmade and presents one of a kind qualities. Its almost like if Bill Cosby was buried in one of his famous sweaters then dug up decades later this is what the sweater would look like.

 

And here is a clip of Andrew from Bravo's Kell on Earth showing a bit of what is  in his closet.

Check out the collection for yourself!!

Opening Ceremony

Regardez: Erykah Badu "Honey" and New Amerykah Part Two

Ok so in Febuary of 2008 Erykah Badu gave us her politically charged New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). The sequal album was slated to come out in August after Part one. Badu recently gave birth to her third child and with that she is finally ready the give us this long awaited album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). Badu said this about the new album:

I called it 'Part II: The Return of the Ankh' because this album is the sister of the left side of my brain -- it is the right side.'Part I was the left side of my thoughts -- it was more socially political and my thought process was more analytical. This time there wasn't anything to be concerned with -- the album is more emotional and flowy and talks about feelings. It reminds of the days of 'Baduizm' -- this is just about beats and rhymes in a cipher.

—Erykah Badu

So with that said I will be first in line at the record store come Tuesday when this jewel is dropped.

Regardez: Mychael Knight Hiver 2010/Interview

In Season Three of Bravo’s hit reality television competition Project Runway the world met Mychael Knight. Where he won three design challenges and was referred to as the fan favorite by more than 10 million viewers. Lover of beauty, Mychael Knight showed his first full collection since his Debut at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week. Being that Charleston Fashion Week is quickly becoming the premiere fashion event in the southeast it only made since that he shows here. On Wednesday evening monsieur Knight did just that, he showed up and showed out. As the lights fade in from black the DJ dropped the freshest beat then flipped it as model Katie Kern, a true force of nature, strutted down the catwalk to the tune of Rihanna’s “Hard”. I was on a fashion high sitting in the front row, mere inches away from this army of black and white clad women.  Rihanna proclaimed “They can say whatever, I’ma do whatever” and this was the idea behind collection titled Carte Blanche. I spoke with Mychael who explained, "Carte Blanche was about me doing me. I had no concerns with trends, fads, or anything else. I wanted to "visual" vocalize the new aesthetic of the Mychael Knight brand.” I can tell you right now that he DELIVERED this. The monochromatic looks made you really study the texture, construction and silhouette of the clothes. Knight took the Balmain shoulder (the exaggerated shoulder) to new heights with the third exit and from that point showed five other shapes. Ribbons of black duchess satin was used to create sculptural bands that swirled around the hips of one model and the torso of another to the leave the viewer spellbound. I was so in awe of the fit of a few of the looks. Opaque leggings and bodysuits with sheer stripes up the sides. If Amber Rose went on an intergalactic holiday these are the clothes she would wear. These clothes were hard, soft, minimal, opulent, shiny, matte, masculine, feminine, long, short, tight, loose, sheer, opaque, and black and white.
Now as far as fresh techniques, fabric studs stole the show. I have seen studs but never made of fabric not to mention white croc. I wonder if Mychael has any plans to do a men’s wear line, I think Amber would get lonely being the only well dress one on her journey in deep space.

This collection also makes me think of the MAD MAX movies especially the one with Tina Turner. And  the David Lynch sci-fi film Dune with Sting. 80's sci-fi films had the greatest costumes they literally took you to another world.


Ohhhhh and lets not forget Tupac in the video for California Love.

Mychael Knight Interview

tfn: What do you see as being the future of fashion with Couture Houses closing and other labels growing more popular each season what are your thoughts?

Knight: I think couture house will return to their roots & listen to their core clients/customers.


tfn: If you could assume role as creative director at any Luxury Brand, which would that, be and why?

Knight: Claude Montana. It was ALWAYS about a woman's body & how SHE wears the clothes, not how the clothes wear her.

tfn: How do you feel about Blogs and Bloggers? Any favorites?

Knight: I like bloggers who are positive & informative. I hate the ones who aren't. Fashion bloggers are usually the best. Blogging about fashion is about truth.... either you have style or you don't.


tfn: Given the popularity of technology and the importance of Blogs (in my opinion), do you believe that Fashion Week should become more public for those interested in attending or stay a industry only event?

Knight: It should be about fashion. Whoever has the passion to partake should do so.


tfn: I am curious was the black on black houndstooth was this the screen-printed fabric that you happened upon in that random fabric store in Georgia?

Knight: The fabric is wool, not screen-printed. It was given to me. I thought it was beautiful, so I created beauty.


tfn: I found the looks in your fall collection to be quite gestural and with the collection titled Carte Blanche was this answer to the question about return to glamour? In Paris this Fall season we heard lots of talk about the new "Power Dressing" I love how Dries Van Noten sent girls out in evening gowns and sweatshirts, you did power dressing in a more overtly sexy way. ???

Knight: "Carte Blanche" was about me doing me. I had no concerns with trends, fads, or anything else. I wanted to "visual" vocalize the new aesthetic of the Mychael Knight brand.

I know your wondering where my front row photos are but check this out I shot the entire show with my Lomography fisheye camera so when I get those developed I will post them!!!

View Rihanna "Hard" Music Video on my tumblr site.

Ciao!

Regardez: On King Street...Gentleman of Leisure

Walking near King Street I happened upon this young fellow. At a glance from 30ft away he seemed to be wearing the uniform of any gentleman of leisure, crisp white oxford shirt, straight legged jeans and a bow tie.On closer inspection I found that his oxford, was a pale camel seersucker and that bow tie, was printed with a delicate filigreed floral. This mixture of traditionally masculine and feminine elements instantly give a modern feel to a look that otherwise  could be quite boring. My current obcession is Clarks Desert Boots in every variation, I love the ease that they instantly bring to any look. I remember back when I was in high school if you got a fresh pair of Jordans it was imperative not to take the tags off. So if you take a look you will notice that on his left boot the tag has not been removed. Its a very small gesture but he is subtly letting us know that these are super fresh,like straight out of the box and on my feet fresh. I really enjoy seeing a slightly hip hop or shall I say relaxed take on traditional southern dress.

Oh and speaking of oxford shirts, I cant wait to see what the CFW Emerging Designer Finalist have come up with for the Finale.This challenge is an homage to the late Alexander Mcqueen. The finalist are Barbara Beach, Larika Page, and Jamie Lin Snider. Goodluck ladies and I will see you on the runway.

Regardez: CFW Emerging Designer Competition

Tuesday night was the first night of Charleston Fashion Week 2010 and I was churning with excitement. As I sat in my reserved second row seat directly behind the editor of Charleston Scene, I read the notes on the emerging designers that would be showing their collections. Earlier that day I was chatting with one of my friends and we were talking about "What is fashion in Charleston". He had mentioned that it seems as if for some "Fashion is ripped jean, paired with weird high- top sneakers."  This was still a pungent thought that lingered in my mind as I watched the mob of seat-less attendees vying for a glimpse of the show that was already in progress. I definitely underestimated the talent of some of the emerging designers. I was not wowed by any one collection as a whole but perhaps by the ideas and techniques that were presented. I love the use of materials in Julia Faye Davidson’s collection. Davidson executed linen trench coats with leather details that seemed to capture the Native American spirit. This was an interesting paradox; it took all of my energy not to rip the jacket off the model as he made his exit. Linen is on of those materials that feel so comfortable against bare skin especially during the Summer.

One of the stand out collections was Larika Page. I really enjoyed her take on 1950’s glamour. It was different from the serious clothes that we saw at Vuitton, but they certainly were just as well constructed. She understands how to make women exclaim with desire as I could overhear several women from the row behind me whisper “Oh yeah, I would totally were that!!” I got a chance to speak with Larika on Wednesday in between shows. I asked her about the future of fashion and how she is preparing for it? She quickly replied with “Up!, Fashion must go up!” and then she explained that “ in times like these we have  to take what we already have and mix it so it becomes new.” which most  people would agree with. Page who likes to mix high and low in her own wardrobe, delivered a collection that was chock full of separates. The Page collection was like a Technicolor dream, electric- blues, punchy pinks, topped off with frothy layers of pink tulle.  I am sure that come Saturday Page will be the last one standing, although the Barbara Beach children’s line was adorable.

Regardez: Comment on Sartorialist

Earlier today I checked Scott's blog and he posed a question about a possible contest. I immediatley noticed it on Dashboard and posted a comment/question, four minutes later he relpied!!!! I really did forget that he does do his own blogging. Scott I hope that you will follow me and visit tres frais often.
Also while waiting to interview Mychael Knight from Project Runway in the Charleston Fashion Week press lounge I met Ed Kavishe, a photographer for Fashion Wire Press. He shared his thoughts on blogs,bloggers and,his favorite shows of the past season.He said, "That collection looked like fall in L.A" in referance to the Stella McCartney collection. He also said, "The space almost overshadowed the clothes" high baroque plus strict minimalism equals juxtaposition. We continued to gush about our favorite collections, presentations and designers. Viktor&Rolf and Chanel dominated the conversation by the end of our chat his intern whos laptop he commandeered was converted into a fashion lover.

Charleston Fashion Week is about to begin!!!!

Regardez: Louis Vuitton Hiver 2010

Last seasons 16 year old Vuitton girl turned 36 over the course of mere months. Marc Jacobs offered the definitive word on the last day of Paris Fashion week. To the tune of 1950’s cinematic music Marc returned to realism back the bosom and hips. The presentation was an exuberant celebration of woman. A few, shall I say familiar faces slinked around the jardin fountain, in the seasons square-toed, block-heeled pumps trimmed with flat bows. Luxury was found in the details, the shoes, the bags, the gloves and the coats, Oh the coats took me to a realm inhabited by Bridget Bardot and Hitchcock sirens. Trimmings exemplified the Vuitton knack for classy detail, as in fur buttons and collars and glittery heels. This Louis Vuitton show provided a charming backdrop to display the bags. The Speedy designed in the 1930’s was reinterpreted in fox and in something that resembled those lace embroidered bags form the Spring 2007 Collection. Between me and you I would marry this Vuitton woman, sorry Balmain girl.