Zooming in to the graphics as requested by the site, the sheer detail and fine-tuning of the graphics into such a smooth etiquette is remarkable. They truly engage my brain like ‘Relativity’ by Salvador Dali.

Deskriptiv is a duo team effort run by Dominik Piston. The pair aim to design beautiful graphic artworks as they believe beautiful design is important for people and communities of the modern world.

Image Source: Deskriptiv

First look at his paintings and I am hypnotised – The use of countless colours and intricate details that he has purposefully used give these paintings a surreal aesthetic.  Usually the use of so many colours can be unfavourable as they do not marry well but Zhou has a great eye for colour.  He has said to be inspired by his childhood.  His series titled ‘Love of Jellyfish’ is based on dreams that he had as a boy.  The artist feels that it is easier to focus on dreams than reality.

Whilst the paintings seem cheery at first glance, many of his works have a sad undertone to them.  Representations of cruelty and destruction as well as the effect of China’s societal changes both on individuals and on the society on a whole are a few of the connotations behind his colourful paintings.

Image Source: Zhou Fan

Perfect for summer their collection features cut out sections amongst their clothes, quirky tailoring and smart shirts amongst sexy evening wear – a collection which provides ideal looks for both night and day all by the same designers.

Inspired by the classic cowboy wardrobe as well as the confident air of an ‘it’ girls who is secure within her womanhood and sexuality.

Image Source: Not Just A Label

Michael Sterling Eaton has been categorised rather subjectively for this post. Not only is he a Photographer but a Musician, Film Director, Music Producer, Artist and Clothing Designer therefore you can understand the dilemma I had in titling this mutli-faceted extraordinaire.

“Every medium teaches you something about the others” – Michael Sterling Eaton

Taking the above quote into account you can see his photography has elements of creative spill from other disciplines. I like how on the top photograph his painting traits are apparent, firstly with the models faces and then the areas that frame them. Michael Sterling Eaton’s photographs seemingly portray political metaphors or frustations in-relation to his other creative mediums however, this is open for interpretation. I really like the last photograph for its ambiguity; initially I thought the person was underwater in the atmospheric visual but as I look harder the photograph becomes more and more galactic.

Image Source: Michael Sterling Eaton

Alongside the use of acrylics and ink Mutu also applies found objects and imagery sampled from contrasting sources in her artwork such as – Vogue, National Geographic, Hunting, Motorbike and porn magazines.   Her aim is to rebuke the conventions of aesthetics that underpin such publications, offering instead an existence that is riotously free of biological determinism and physiological conditioning.

Image Source: Saatchi Gallery

I’m not usually a fan of collections that lean towards a sporty silhouette but I am actually considering buying one of the dresses in this one. The Riyka clothing range is just so much more innovative than the usual sport luxe collections. The merge of unconventional materials such as denim and leather with jersey give this collection an edgy stylish aesthetic making the singles perfect to wear from day to night (with some additional accessories of course).

The one thing I would like to commend Riyka label for, is the fresh take on the use of geometric shapes – I assume this is her husband’s influence on the clothing range seen as he has a background in engineering.  It’s so refreshing to see that they haven’t taken the obvious route – most would create a collection that is full of sharp and dangerous silhouettes – Amore.

Image Source: Anya Holdstock

Illusional prints, at times iridescent gave strength to a juxtaposing aesthetic for Peter Pilotto as evening wear met casual. His puffa jackets were protective covers to the pleated figure hugging dresses below as vast collars engulfed the neckline, resting on the shoulder. Inspired by the extravagant light trucks of Japan his prints, captivating, were without a doubt instantly recognizable of the Pilotto house and not dissimilar from last season.

Mulberry was, expectantly, more refined. Defined quilting and ribbed necklines sat tightly over midi-waist belts, loosely fitting sweaters and bohemian embroidered lace skirts in fruity persimmon. Jonny Johansson used quilting to help aid Acne’s cocoon aesthetic this season. His silhouette was tight, and his puffa jackets came in the shape of pullovers, buttonless and boat necked. Ribbed cuffing and extreme, almost painful, cinched waists aided Johansson in amplifying his exploding quilting above.

For the men Christopher Bailey produced something sartorial, naturally for the house. Lacquered fabrics formed cropped puffas over single and double-breasted suits. Sitting against flannel caps in loud turquoise there was a touch of continent to the collection. The emerging of the season delivered Astrid Anderson in shocking pinks. His interpretation was more aggressive, the antithesis of Bailey’s man. Two-toned jackets were heavy and trimmed with fur. Adventurous in print, rock formations were apparent. Paired with mesh and his very own branded sports bottoms. This puffa tapped into original connotations of the garment. It was for warmth above anything else.

The effect is a mutation of the human figure, a marrying of the familiar and the bestial with admiringly simple execution. Perhaps stemming from her architectural experience, Rajcevic’s designs are structural statements, taking the role of accessories from simple adornment, to a stylized metamorphosis of the human figure. The futuristic aesthetic of her clinical imagery creates an interesting contrast to the somewhat prehistoric elements of the skeletal ‘artifacts’. Visually striking, this collection is the epitome of the multiplicity of artistic expression.

Image Source: Ana Rajcevic

I really enjoy seeing the different approaches people take in representing the human/nature relationship. Some show human as a threat to nature and vice versa whilst others project seamless oneness between the two a great example for this type of representation is Gonzalo Benard who I featured previously.

However, Florian has managed to show a harmony between the two through the use of double exposure making neither nature nor the human depicted as the one with the upper hand. I’m not sure whether Florian knows this or not but his work is phenomenal – I’m still getting into terms with the fact that he hasn’t been behind the lens of a SLR camera or in the dark room for a very long time – I look forward to seeing more of his work.

Image source: FlorianImgrund

The prints are created by layering intricate patterns in the traditional RGB colour settings, that being red, green and blue: other colours are created by the overlapping of patterns and imagery. Psychedelic in effect, kaleidoscopic by nature these printed scarves are a statement piece in size and pattern.

Carnovsky are formed of an artist and designer duo named Francesco Rugi and Silvia Quintanilla based in Milan.

Image source: Carnovsky Yatzer

Save for her political illustrations, her characters don’t take themselves too seriously and are therefore very relaxing to look at. And then there’s the animal kingdom and natural elements that are equally childlike, cheeky and soothing. Not that her symbolism is naive or shallow – quite to the contrary. But it all appears so effortless and cool, pure eye-candy in its own right.

One of my absolute favourites is the grumpy granny with the fat blue cat – it’s my latest desktop wallpaper.

Image source: RebeccaHendin

Pipilotti Rist, real first name Charlotte is a video installation artist known for her provocative, often humorous but stylish work.

Pipolitti work is not only beautiful but thought provoking as well.  She immerses us into her imaginary worlds through the transformation of bodies and landscapes merged with captivating dream-like journeys of fragmented movement and sound.  The power of saturated colour and psychedelic patterns invite us with refreshing dominance of honesty – It is due to this unusual quality of her works that many find it hard to appreciate and relate to the chosen topic or depicted subject.

Image Source: Hauser&Wirth

This creates a 3-dimensional painting transforming the installation into a 2-dimensional image with a striking effect on the viewer. She presents her performances of painting as live and interactive installations before creating a photographic documentary of the installation.

I really am amazed at the process and think that in a world full of painters that this is really a unique idea and methodology of practising art. From a PR and political background having worked on the Obama campaign, she is fascinated by the concept of repackaging sources, modifying how they appear and how different audience members will perceive the content and work, just as I did initially when I first saw one of her images.

Image Source: AlexaMeade TheCulturist

Naomi initially became immersed in photography at a young age, snapping her first shots to photographic fame at the age of 10 for Black Pride. Born to parents who are also both artists and photographers, she flourished whilst being surrounded by visual stimulation. Naomi, who also shoots portraiture and landscapes from all over the globe specialises in fashion photography using natural light and has collaborated with many artists, fashion bloggers and designers.

I really love how Naomi embraces print, colour and headscarves with such bravery. Her can-do attitude of emblazoning youth is really captivated by her style.

ImageSource: ShowStudio Mr.Mac SketchbookBlog MySpace SeamlessFashion 

I’mTheOnlyOneOnMyStreet

He graduated from Parsons New School for Design in 2000 and has built a portfolio of striking and beautiful photographic work. I have spent a good stretch of time just looking through his photographs being amazed.

The current exhibition is his collaborative work with models and animals and they have an amusing quality to them but the images that stand out for me are the ones of bodies silhouetted against striking colour backgrounds. The bodies seem to be floating through the air. I suggest you have a look at the rest of his work, it is all so stunning.

Image Source: Ryan McGinley, TeamGallery

What are you offering (personally) at the RCA MA course that makes it so desirable?
The RCA Fashion programme offers students the opportunity to be individual, confident, experimental and to challenge and believe in themselves as designers.

How has your own experience of designing and starting up a label impacted on the teaching methods you now utilise?
I had my own business for 16 years which gave me numerous design skills and a broad knowledge of the industry that I try to pass on to the students.

What is the driving force/goal amongst you and your colleagues?
Teaching is a really rewarding experience and we learn as much from the students as they do from us! It’s exciting to see students develop their ideas and progress as designers whilst they’re at the College. When we see them go on to have successful careers it makes it all worthwhile.

What attributes do you look for when narrowing down your selection of students for the course?
Personal research, original inspiration and individuality. Also an ability to develop work that translates into innovative end results.

You have mentioned in previous interviews, that you sometimes take a ‘risk’ selecting students. What is it about their work that ultimately convinces you?
I like to see students who aren’t afraid of taking risks or experimentation in their work. But they should also have a passion for design and a drive to succeed. Sometimes it might be a spark in their personality that sets them apart.

With graduate unemployment at a high, how is RCA assuring that their MA students are best prepared to enter the industry or start up on their own?
The department has excellent links with the fashion industry and as part of the curriculum the students do several collaborations with top companies or organisations. For example, the first year students do a tailoring project with Italian label Brioni; we launched a sustainable clothing range with Esprit last year and some of our students were selected to design uniforms for the London 2012 Olympics. All of this experience prepares the students for employment. The College also has professional development training which provides students with business, PR and marketing skills.

Internships are now offered widely across the industry, how important are they or is education still the best way to get into the fashion industry?
Internships are really important as part of a good educational training. I would advise anyone interested in a fashion career to do an undergraduate degree and take on internships with companies that will give them good industry experience. The RCA is a postgraduate university – most of our students have completed a BA and then either work in industry for a couple of years before coming here or they come straight from university. A fashion degree helps students develop their research and gives a solid understanding of design – practically and aesthetically. It allows them to create their own ideas and see them through to fruition.

How do you go about advising students wanting to start their own label?
Building a successful label takes time and money so think about it very carefully and don’t jump into it as soon as you graduate. Gradually build up a client base first and if you can find a partner to help with the business side of things this will allow you to concentrate on designing.

With such economic uncertainty what are the greatest challenges fashion students are facing today?
I think it’s a tough time for any industry at the moment and there are more graduates applying for fewer jobs. It can also be difficult for young designers to find investors who will help them set up in business. I think uncertain economic times also make people more resourceful and graduates will often pool resources or set up their own studios to help each other out.

Since the very first beginnings of London Fashion Week – when you were involved as one of the founders – London has been seen as an innovator. What can be done to ensure more of our designers continue on this path, but also build successful businesses?
London is a fantastic city for creativity and new opportunities so stay here if you can. Take advantage of applying for grants or competitions from organisations like the British Fashion Council or Fashion Fringe. From an educational perspective, fashion colleges should continue to encourage experimentation amongst their students, so London is still seen as an innovator, not a follower.

Barer’s photographs consist almost exclusively of the edges of books. Pages crinkle, curl and twirl, spines do backbends, the pages of two different volumes touch like delicate branches reaching out in a mating dance. In each work, it is the flexibility of paper itself, stiff, soft, and strong, that create the visual image.

Image Source: CaraBarer

In my favourite selection of photos he takes vintage, black and white photographs of dancers to which he then sews coloured thread into the image. What’s most stunning about his work is the geometrical illusions the line causes across the photo. The colour of the thread he uses and the placement adds an extra effect to the picture.

The rest of his photographic work continues to use multi-media collages and embroidery to create textured artwork. The results are beautiful and quirky but often have an eerie quality to them.

Image Sources: JoseRomussi    CargoCollective

Each of her photographs is of a different country and culture and has a specific scene typical of the country captured. At first glance you can just about make out that they are people but as you look closer you can see intimate details of these people’s lives. In the photograph of the bull running at Pamplona you can see a man lying beneath a stampeding bull. Katrin’s images speak volumes about perspective – whether it’s camera trickery or the strange interactions that occur between human beings.

Image source: KatrinKorfmann

I admire the ethereal effect of her work, which gives each series of portraits a hauntingly beautiful theme. Her images contain a ghost-like quality that draws in viewers to look deeper at the hidden meanings behind her work. There is an exceptional sense of sadness and tragedy that arises from the subjects that could stir up compelling emotions within anyone.

Image Source: HesterDekker

Her pictures go way beyond the ordinary realms of fashion photography and slip into unknown, magical fantasies. The dark depths of her subjects open up a world of raw emotions: lust, beauty, fear, love all encompass the visually mesmerising series of photographs. The stunning gothic magnificence of the models look like the creations from a mystical storybook.

If you want imagery that can send shivers down your spine, then Elizaveta’s work ticks all the right boxes. I’ll let her photographs continue the talking.

Image Source: ElizavetaPorodina

I think her application of digitally manipulated pencil artwork really enriches her appeal; sometimes featuring delicate penciled lines nestling softly between swathes of digital enhancement.

Her ‘Kanyon’ ‘K’ image designed for a project titled ‘Letters From The Desert’ reminds me of Banksy’s ‘Paradise Wall’ exposing a paradise land beyond.

Her chaotic display of mish mash imagery somehow manages to work and makes me want to play around and experiment digitally myself. -There is no greater compliment than inspiring others to create.

Image Source: EleanooraElizabeth

What I liked the most about Tropiano’s AW12 collection are the soft, luxurious materials he used, like wool, leather and silk, that compliment the tailored pieces and the draped trousers. Other details that I like were the leather seen on the fitted cocktail dresses as well as the black fringes on the crisp white shirt.

Image Source: FrankTropiano

Continuing our ‘What’s Emerging’ series, we look at Casual Suits. Take two – a top and a bottom – but instead of thinking of a classic Savile Row suit make a new suit, a casual one out of the two separate elements by cutting them in the same cloth. There is little of the traditional two-piece suit’s conformist spirit about F/W 2012-13′s rebelliously re-drawn tailoring.

Harness your inner Trekkie and take inspiration from the original 1960s science fiction franchise Star Trek for this remake. Belted tunic suits at Miu Miu in aquatic blue and hooded cocoon coat varieties at Chalayan channel this longer line and palette while a brick print breaks up a woven T-suit at Giambattista Valli. For many of us post-recession low-consumers, staying in is the new going out, and so an Eat Sleep TV aesthetic prevails as slackers rejoice: kick back clothes finally get cool with some neat improvements upon the template. A scarlet sweatsuit with a boat neck and satin patches in the crook of the elbow keep things modern, while an acid green version features a cosy chic blanket skirt.

Oversize grey marl sweats trail the ground and come styled with cold weather accoutrements of a colour blocked cape and cable beanie. Exploring the wealth of classic American sportswear brings us to the baseball suit, its uniform-like casualness offsetting the soft tailoring of feminine fabrics and prints. Skirt and jog pant varieties co-exist while touches of black ribbing for necklines and cuffs ties everything together. This look works equally for men, and comes with a formal PJ slant with brushed plaid shirting re-imagined as two piece tailoring. A long sleeve T suit is styled with a coordinating cap-scarf twinset at Qasimi and a blue brushstroke check at Bottega Veneta is street smart with a blouson silhouette. A black neoprene look fabrication adds a stealth spin to a Tee-short suit at Yves Saint Laurent, transforming the shirt suit to a more minimal top and bottom suit.

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Looking at the pieces, there is little surprise in the fact that Emma looks to black and white photographs from the Vorticist movement and chaos theory for inspiration.

The detailed displays of imagery entice me to look further, and examine each pencil stroke as it melts into the next. With a view of providing wearable works of art, I think Shipley’s silk designs would look equally captivating housed around a sartorial neckline or lining the walls of a contemporary gallery space.

With a graduate collection bought by Browns, and commissions from Nicholas Kirkwood and Umbro, Emma Shipley is most certainly on the top of my ones to watch list.

Image source: EmmaShipley

As the artist, Aw Zinkie, says, “things we throw away tell much about who we are” and the foreign packaging, interiors, style and personality of each portrait allows you to weave a complex account of each portrait. On the website you can zoom into each picture to see what’s on the bookshelf, personal photographs, background characters. It’s a smorgasboard of entertainment.

Of course the photos are not just aesthetically lovely, pieced together, this body of work anchors to issues of waste management in Singapore.  It raises the point that what we as individuals discard, will collectively contribute to Singapore’s only landfill on the offshore island of Pulau Semakau.

Image source: AwZinkie

However, most recently they have spread across the globe since their start up in 2007 installing a feature at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Austria earlier this year. Each installation is interactive with their audience in an entirely engaging format, encouraging consumers of the creative technology pieces to interact personally by throwing balls at a screen to produce the effect of heat dispersing to expose enlarged imagery of the ball-throwing audience.

Pink Cloud featured an installation where a canvas is positioned above the audience, and they are invited to touch the screen to move clouds, interspersing them in colour in a dream like state. Childhood dreams of touching the sky and shapes billowing above gazing eyes on a spring day were accomplished by the installation.

Most recently a similar effect in the installation, ‘Soak, Dye in Light’ ,which used computerised dye on a table, which spread again at the touch of a hand. ‘Soak, Dye in Light’ was recently featured at the Japan Media Arts festival where the computing duo won a Jury Selection award, 2012.

Image source: Everyware DesignYouTrust Flickr

Her illustrations ooze with a subtle sensuality, yet they still contain pureness and sensitivity within the heart of the images. The contrast in her work is varied and ripe with imaginative artistry: ranging from exquisite soft focus on her subjects and muted use of colours to bright, kaleidoscopic colours swirling around her drawings.  I love her attention to every minute detail in her subjects face: the bright, unadulterated glimmer in her illustrations of eyes, the fine cascade of tumbling hair and the allure of poised, perfect lips are just some of the features that I find fascinating.

Look out for more of her future work, which promises to be just as entrancing…

Image Source: KellyThompson

London College of Fashion student, Limin (Sophie) Han has toyed with treating fabrics in a way that best represents the human skin. Entitled ‘The Power of Fats’ Limin was inspired by the exhibition ‘Postmodernism’ shown at the V&A. Stumbling across the quote “Why can we not be ourselves like yesterday?” Hue delved into the ideals of female narcissism; exploring the work of feminist artist Jenney Saville and her abash paintings of the female body.

“I not only got inspired by Jenny’s work, but also fully inspired by the way I understand her philosophy, inner identity outweighs the socialized ideal of outer beauty” she told me.

Limin’s work uses PVC, laminated fabrics and neoprene to translate the idea of human skin. Whilst digital prints and dylon painting are experimental, these processes are then laminated onto fabrics. Additionally, all the colours Limin has chosen to use are taken from Jenney Saville’s oil painting ‘Pause’ translating the roots of her inspiration well.

Boat necklines are contrasted against heavily padded shoulders, adding to the idea of ‘carrying’ excessive weight, whilst outerwear plays on proportions through the use of bell sleeves, gathered fabrics and nude hues. Limin’s work certainly demonstrates a conceptual aspect; understandable considering her time spent interning with Gareth Pugh.

Accessories play a key role in exploring Limin’s ideas. Clutches are entirely transparent plastic featuring knitwear inserts. “The main idea was that body fats be preserved under the skin with care,” she tells me. Her idea, currently relevant more than ever, succeeds in transforming the unattractive into the beautiful.

Image Source: LiminSophieHan 

Photographer: RebeccaLitchfield Make-Up: JayPinxieTurnbull OliviaSedley

Our Fashion Hero of the week this week is pop noire French duo John and Jehn. They are otherwise known as Camille Berthomier and Nicolas Congé. The duo who are also a couple come together as one, and their style along with their music is heavily interpersonally entwined with their identities. Grungy on the edges but retro at first sight, the pair emit a shabby cool ethereal essence of pop-rock only found in the underground.

Since moving to London in 2006 the pair have played many gigs, concerts and underground music festivals on the cusp of new talent such as Offset festival, The Lexington and The Old Blue: all based within London, their new home town. Inspired by iconic bands such as The Velvet Underground, Johny Cash and Joy Division their influences echo in beauty through their array of instrumental expertise exhibited on stage.

I love Jehn, Camille Berthomier’s bowl cut bob, and think this is the perfect finish to a retro look worthy of art scene credentials. They’re vintage without being too grandma-chic, and roughed up without being too Courtney Love, finding the balance harmoniously between the two. Often doused in black or with a cigarette to hand, their music scene appearance compliments their unusual pop-noire sound.

Image sources: MySpace Discordance OffSetFestival MakeYourMumProud ClashMusic

Peter’s work is created by allowing pulp to dry and shrink in unison whilst attached to bamboo framework. He says that the tension between the two materials transforms itself into a form reminiscent of a slowly curling autumn leaf. I’d love to see them incorporated into a light show.

Image source: PeterGentenaar

His poster work exemplifies his conceptual attitude through the modern integration of geometrical patterns and human subjects, while his photography illustrates sensitivity with a stylized execution. Images such as ‘Lovers Secretly’ are seemingly simple in their subject, but Fitzhue’s choice of lighting, composition and angle leave me thirsty to uncover more about the mysterious couple. It is this tantalising quality, the manner in which his work asks the viewer to ask more, which leads me to believe that Fitzhue is among that fortunate class of creatives who are blessed with natural finesse.

Currently working on a series of fashion related typographic posters, thankfully there is plenty more talent to come.

Image source: CasperFitzhue

British artist Paul Insect is most famous for his 2007 solo show Bullion exhibition at London.  He has also worked alongside Banksy at the Cans Festival, Santas Ghetto, and on the separation in Palestine.

It is evident from reviewing his works that sex, death and pop are his core topics. I am addicted to the bold colours and unorthodox aesthetics that are conveyed through the graphic depictions he has conjured from medical books. The puzzle like images created by numerous layers of medium urges the viewer to connect with the artwork in order to understand the intention behind the creation of the artwork.

I have noticed in a lot of his new work there is a constant use of eyes.  In the film featured above you can see how the eyes are following the people that are passing – the first thing that came to my mind whilst watching the video was CCTV/Big Brother < The thought of always being watched is what I take from this.

All his works seem to be more than it appears.  I will definitely be spending more time to observe and connect to the works – in my opinion that is the best way to appreciate artwork.

Image source: PaulInsect

In order for Robert to execute his ideas on nature his process needed to be as natural as possible. “To achieve this particular idea I had to use techniques whereby you can not control the outcome, like burning and melting.

Throughout the collection burnt wadding was used as a major key material, all those flares and ruffles are wadding with burnt gradient patterns,” he tells me.

Wun’s work, perhaps a consequence of the burning, evokes a sense of loss within me. Be this through the absence of colour or the unidentifiable way in which the collection has been shot, Robert’s collection is visually haunting.

Fabrics are artificial as neoprene; lycra, foam and burnt waddings juxtapose Wun’s ‘natural’ inspiration. Ombre effect peplums, ruched and gathered dresses alongside cut out boxy jackets form the basics of Wun’s collection. Detail development looked towards the structure of insects under a microscope, examining the scales and limbs intricately and transporting these visuals into platform heels with a horned toe.

So who is Robert Wun’s ideal girl? “I envisioned my muses in my dreams when I am designing,” he says. “They must be striking, independent and bizarre in a sophisticated, yet appealing way.”

Image source: Showtime by photographer louis Lander Deacon

Dark navy and black grounds showcase a rainbow effect of gemstones; emerald, ruby and sapphire jewels are panel placed on the hem and cuffs of a tux at Galliano or amethyst gems trim the yoke style lines of a boxy cotton jacket at Prada. For the ultimate in bling, gold studding on black has glamourous evening appeal. Rhinestones are applied around the hip of black tailored trousers at Rynshu or badges and pins form a luxury punk-esque cross on a sweater at Christian Lacroix. A palette of red and black offers a rebellious air for this trimming trend, recalling a modern matador with black star gems on a red jacket at Givenchy (complete with nose rings) as well as tonal red on red studs on a brogue hi top. Prada’s golf bag introduces a high fashion sports statement. Alternatively, go cream or neutral for a sartorial chic take on classic rock ‘n’ roll studding, as applied all-over on clutch bags at Prada and Versace, and on tailoring with gems placed over check patterns at Thom Browne.

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Image source: FeliciaSimion

I really love the dream like state that Silver Swans new EP Secrets induces. Their vocals and relaxed soundtrack are perfection for relaxation whisking me away from reality to a calmed alter consciousness of beauty.Monika, Fashion Writer.

 Above are some of the pieces you should expect to see at the Royal College of Art London MA fashion show that will take place on Wednesday the 30^th May. Expect to be astounded by a show full of innovative ideas and pieces crafted with precision and care.

I think my favourite images are the animal hybrids. Her seamless amassing of animal and human body parts lends an illusory quality to the collection. You can almost imagine that these are the fossil remains from a Greek mythology.

Image source: BenedettaBonichi

Yes she is overexposed on every street blog, but got to love someone who says: “I am more fashion victim, than fashon icon.” Actually looking forward to this collaboration more than most of the high street hook ups.

Anna Dello Russo will be designing a range of jewellery, accessories, shoes, bags and sunglasses. Hitting H&M stores in early October. Can picture the range now….actually need my sunglasses, before I start to visualise that.

Ronen’s basis for the project is to reconstruct dreams he’s had during the last 5 years into visual creations. The resulting images convey happiness, sadness, exhilaration or sheer paranoia- as dreams often do. All the photos for one piece of work are created at one location and in one session to ensure all the lighting to be believable and realistic even when the situation is not. 

Image source: RonenGoldman 

Jen Stark uses paper and her patience of a saint as her primary mediums. Her captivating paper sculptures are inspired by wormholes, microscopic patterns and sliced anatomy (her sisters a doctor who would bring home anatomical science books). Through the use of simple paper cutting techniques she creates complex, intricate sculptures. The ideas are based on replication and infinity, replicating intelligent design and. Her drawings and paintings are equally as intricate and spellbeinding but display a less restrained hand.

Image source: HiddenPeople and JenStark

That is indeed true, and a design degree, a move to the capital and a lot of assisting later, Charlie May has launched a self-titled womenswear label and held presentations coinciding with London Fashion Week for two seasons running. Both the brand and the lady herself also have an ever-increasing online following thanks to style blog ‘Girl A La Mode’, which began in 2008.

Inspired by seascapes and intrepid water worlds, the garments are sleek and interesting. Simple silhouettes which aim to subtly suggest a drowning sensation are (slightly strangely, perhaps) very wearable. You’ll recognise the white leather jacket from our recent Love List – and there are plenty of other ‘wear-to-death’ staples to be admired.

Image source: Charlie May

The above showcase are mainly from her series ‘you are not alone, unique or dying’. I’m so glad I stumbled upon her work as it’s breathtakingly fascinating – It’s just too good not to share.

I have always had a soft spot for analogue photography – I just love the affects you can create by different timings and techniques of exposure.  What caught my attention the most was her style and narratives within each photograph – each one is so different from the other, it just makes you want to see more and more.

After much observation I found that her photography leans towards the dark side and not everything is what it seems.  I think the main reason for this edge in her photography is due to her twin sister Amber, who is the subject in most of the images.  Working with your own always gives you the freedom to express and experiment.

Image Source: AshlieChavez

Each piece captures joy and happiness through the experimentation of shape, asymmetry and bold prints.The colour palette of maroon, burgundy, lavender purple, yellow and green are suitably more muted for Autumn/Winter 12 compared to her previous collection – yet the fun, playful context of her clothing remains evident within her designs.

The non-tailored, loosely draped nature of clothing gives way to Eastern influences with the cut and lengths of the garments reminding me of Japanese kimonos. The amalgamation of quilting, floral and sharp graphic lines wouldn’t necessarily work in theory but Bullock manages to create fluidity in her designs that make each outfit a piece of walking artistry.

Image Source: HelenBullock

At the core of a fashion editorial is the need to present clothing exhibited in a captivating format. While there is room for artistic expression outside of a model’s attire, there has been a recent increase in fashion editorials which seem to have placed fashion firmly on the back seat – if at all. Is nudity necessary to convey an artistic message in the fashion industry?

You will never see naked girls in Fashion156′s editorials, and our editor Guy Hipwell explains why: “We work with lots of very young, new faces – just starting out with their modelling careers. I just feel it is slightly exploitative to ask a young girl to take her top off, and can imagine it could feel quite intimidating. I have heard from girls who agreed to this kind of thing – but later had massive regrets. To me fashion imagery should be more about clothing.”

So if nudity in editorials may be occurring at the model’s expense, why does it continue to crop up? Some photographers may suggest that a nude model can express a degree of vulnerability which is subsequently lost through the restraints of clothing – but surely such images might be more suitably classed as artistic photography, as opposed to fashion photography? Nevertheless, as the naked body continues to be looked at as an artistic expression, emerging models may feel obliged to engage in such shoots in the hope of securing their places in the fashion industry. Undoubtedly fashion editorials are a deeply creative medium of artistic expression, but are we perhaps forgetting their intentions? Have  some editorial shoots become more about the artistry and the model than the clothing?

Join the conversation: tweet us @fashion156 using the hashtag #IsNudityNecessary

Image Source:  ABM