The print mashup was sliced from Coromandel screens and the Qing Long Dynasty floral motif. Fused together digitally, they are now printed on fabrics not quite as luscious as in her ready to wear collection, but look just as vibrant. The price ranges from $80 – $700 (she’s still designer, after all), and they’re yours for the taking in one week!

From: Benjamin Kanarek Blog

With a touch of a ’60s feel in her Vidal Sassoon and Peggy Moffitt haircut, Amber Anderson Model and Actress is posing for Benjamin Kanarek in Harper’s BAZAAR en Español, May 2011 presenting the major Ready-to-Wear Fashion Trends of the Spring-Summer 2011 Collections. (You can also read more about Amber Anderson: here).

Sensational Graphic Prints of Stripes and Waves from Diane Von Furstenberg, Azzedine Alaïa, Moschino, Playful Polka Dots from Moschino and Marni Scuba and Cycling look, Titillating Tribal Prints from Etro to Cacharel that makes you want to dance all night long, Savory Solid and Block Colors from Jill Sander long tube line dress and Louis Vuitton jumpsuit, as well as an Abstract Illusion leather vacuum-packed dress from Maison Martin Margiela.

Take bold and brash risks this season in Mixing and Matching. “Melange” is the key in coming up with your own delightfully invigorating new look. Don’t be Afraid and Mix It Up!

Hipnosis Optica

The unique furniture pieces from Designers and Fine Artists featured at La Galerie Italienne in Paris, immerse us in a graphic, vitaminized color, contemporary shaped universe which defines the fashion ambiance of the Season.

The Behind the Scenes Video

Hipnosis Optica with Amber Anderson by Benjamin Kanarek in Harper’s BAZAAR en Español –  May 2011 issue

Watch the Behind the Scene’s Video

The Team

Photography and Co-Creative Direction by Benjamin Kanarek
Co-Creative Direction & Video Direction by Frédérique Renaut
Model: Amber Anderson @ Oui Management
Fashion Editor: Alexandra Elbim
Make Up by Angelik Iffennecker @ Marie-France Thavonekham
Hair by Sébastien le Corroller @ Airport
Manicure by Kamel @ B Agency
Digital Retouching by Freddy Baby, Paris

Assitants
Benjamin Kanarek’s Assistant: Timothée d’Arco
Alexandra Elbim’s Assistants: Marie Dehé
Angelik Iffennecker’s Assistant: Véronique Reina

Special Thanks to Thierry Bys for his help & support

Special Thanks to La Galerie Italienne

Soundtrack Credits

Stereophonics, Pedalpusher
N*E*R*D, Baby Doll
The Kills, I Call It Love

Source Benjamin Kanarek Blog

Haider Ackermann for W Magazine © Inez van Lamsveerde & Vinoodh Matadin

I have been observing the evolution of Haider Ackermann for several seasons, as he is one of my favorite new designers when it comes to womens’ clothing. In my humble opinion, his last two seasons in Paris outclassed all of the other Designers’ Women Collections by a long shot.

Haider Ackermann’s Amazons

Haider Ackermann reveals a contrasted silhouette, nomadic, romantic and yet is strong and assertive. His fashion does not scream out loud, it is strong and confident enough to drive all of the attention by it’s solemn and majestic design in to the new Amazon. He is a master of cut and volume. This is apparent when it comes to emphasizing long silhouettes and hemlines which gives an impression of an endless line with deconstructed layers as well as strong Japanese and Yves Saint Laurent influences. His U-Slit line for skirts and dresses has become one of his trademarks as well as his recurrent usage of silk and leather.

Haider Ackermann, Franco-Colombian, is a world citizen with a unique mix. Born in Sante Fe de Bogotta, Colombia, were he was adopted by French Parents (his father works for Amnesty International), he grew up living in various countries throughout Europe and Africa (Tchad, Ethiopia, Algeria, The Netherlands, Belgium where he studied at The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and won the Swiss Textile Award in 2005). His background transpires in his fashion full of contrast. “I’m looking for a luxury that’s a bit négligé, that can be rich but doesn’t look rich” (From W Magazine’s Interview W Magazine).

He started working for different designers the likes of Bernhard Willhelm, Patrick Van Ommeslaeghe and in March 2001, he started to show his collections in Paris for the Autumn-Winter 2001-2002 season. In 2002, the Italian Luxury Leather House, Ruffo asked him to collaborate on the Ruffo Research Collection and in 2005, he signed with the Belgian Groupe 32 and moved to Paris.

Haider Ackermann’s ascension to… Christian Dior?

The recent rumors about him going to Christian Dior to replace John Galliano are persistent and I have noticed quite a few interesting signals over the last 6 months. Implying that Galliano’s departure was known within some circles for quite a while, I would rather not speculate.

Mr. Ackermann’s style would be a good fit for Christian Dior, injecting a romantic and flamboyant style for the assertive Dior woman. The Artistic Direction would change from that of the Galliano era, but perhaps the brand was in need of a more tempered and chic approach. For ten years, Galliano had a profound conspicuous effect on the brand. The younger generation may not remember that he was preceded by GianFranco Ferré, Marc Bohan (for almost 30 years) as well as Yves Saint Laurent prior to him creating his own brand, after Christian Dior passed away. Haider Ackermann has all of the creative assets to express himself in both areas i.e. Couture the “Tailleur ” (tailoring) and “Flou” (gowns) and Ready-To-Wear.

Troubling synchronicity

The recent endorsement by Anna Wintour in American VOGUE’s March issue featuring Haider Ackermann’s fashion worn by Lady Gaga on the cover as well as the editorial within, is a rather troubling synchronicity.

His recent refusal to Martin Margiela to replace him as the head of Maison Martin Margiela and  Karl Lagerfeld’s declaration in Numero, November 2010  “I have a contract for life so it all depends who I would like to hand it to. At the moment I’d say Haider Ackermann”. Lagerfeld had invited Ackermann to attend the last Chanel show and Ackermann responded, by stating, “What can one possibly say to such a phrase?! Such a compliment! How honored I feel, how can one not be?! In all honesty, tremendously, immensely touched especially coming from Monsieur Lagerfeld”. Then again, two days ago, he declared in L’Express Style : “I would not mind confronting myself to codes from another Fashion House”.

Some recent celebrity endorsement’s from Actress and fashion muse Tilda Swinton on the red carpet of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and Janet Jackson attending his October 2010 show in Paris are just a small sample of some of the artists excited by his work.

One of the observations I have made is that his internet presence via advertising banners by one of his distributors has been very heavy since the beginning of 2011. These ad banners are being shown with a frequency that generally only occurs as a build up to a huge product launch.

Very troubling facts or positive synchronicity?

Will Haider Ackermann’s ascension lead him to… Christian Dior? Is that a guess? No, I would rather call it wishful thinking. I would not like to see Riccardo Tisci move from Givenchy where he does great work. It would become systematic that all of the designers going to Givenchy would end up at Christian Dior. Galliano, McQueen who left for PPR group and not for Dior and then Tisci? Givenchy is not a footstep for Dior, it is a brand with a great legacy that deserves more consideration.

By Frédérique Renaut and to Watch Video’s

“Fashion Is 1% Glamour and 99% hard work.”- Prabal Gurung.

As a strong believe in your work standing for itself, he’s the best at this! Thoughts on this collection Indies?

Might look a bit Zorro slash horse jokey gal, but hey it could work with a few perks here and there.

(photos: vogue)

There is the socks+sandals combination which most people still have issues with, but I have more issues with this model’s eyebrows not matching her hair colour. :/

I really love the pleated waistline of these pants although the length doesn’t appeal much to me.

I like the whole relaxed feel that the collection is giving. On their own,they’re definitely pieces one can picture themselves wearing.

Overall, not very exciting. Let’s hope the new Spring/Summer 2011 collection won’t disappoint.

Bookmark to:

LINK LOVE:Runway Review: Alexander Wang Resort 2011

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Etam Spring Campaign 2010.  Natalia models the French brands lingerie, ready to wear and daywear collections.

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1) Alexandre Herchcovitch

2) Anna Sui

3) Charles Anastase

4) Danielle Scutt

5) Kinder Aqqugini

6) Marc Jacobs

7) Rodarte

8) Vivienne Westwood Red Label

9) Mary Katrantzou

10) Louise Goldin

All images via Style.

The Undercover show, according to Style, took place on a Mylar blanket runway in a forest in a Japan. There were just two models and supposedly it was cold as all get out, done to highlight the high-tech nature of Jun Takahashi’s fabric choices. According to the article:

“Takahashi hybridizes biker jackets, puffers, parkas, regular tailoring, and knits to produce lightweight jackets and coats, which are lined with membranes and microcapsules developed for NASA. Some of them absorb body heat indoors and then release it when the wearer steps out into colder conditions. Others will block biting windchill, even though they’re ostensibly as flimsy as blazers.”

Read the rest of Undercover Autumn 2009: the Slickness!, HERE