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CHRISTINE PHUNG : SHOP THE RUNWAY
Watch the Christine Phung Fall - Winter 15/16 fashion show and shop the looks you fancy right here on LaBoutik !
In seven collections Christine Phung created a wardrobe between strict elegance and luxury sportswear. Her designs are architectural, fluid and colorful at the same time. Pieces compile both flexibility and style, dressing an “over-active” woman : one that is in constant motion; serious but free. A contemporary woman that wears colors with grace and explores digital aesthetics. For Christine Phung’s collections are graphic compositions : in the fabric designs themselves (structured pleats, cubist patchworks, geometrical embroideries, tweeds like metal) ; in the trimmed cuts and shaped fits drawing triangles and diamond shapes; and finally in the prints. Prints renewed for every collection : geometrical stains, digital dots or savages patterns, all directly inspired from the digital arts.
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FOCUS : THIS IS EARLY
Early is a leather goods designer that pays attention to the simple details that make life wonderful. It is the result of a collective of friends led by Frankfurt-based Valerie Sietzy who set out to develop beautifully designed and handcrafted leather accessories that embrace ecological and ethical awareness.
Early fuses crisp design with vintage chic and a modern demand for high quality manufacturing and celebrates the beauty of the natural material. The brand exclusively uses vintage stock or vegetable-tanned, chrome free and organically coloured leather which is sourced and treated locally.
Their “Eco-Edition” offers classic accessories made of leather, which is organic, vegetable tanned and handled with care. The eco-seals represent certain guidelines of sustainability. The leather is completely free from other toxic substances and considers an animal-friendly attitude. This “Eco-Edition” features a gentleness towards nature, sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.
A “Vintage Edition” also features unique pieces made from stock which dates back to the 70s and 80s. Check out Early’s 15/16 lookbook below, featuring items that will be available on LaBoutik soon !
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FASHION WEEK : KOMAKINO AW 15
Komakino started as an independent mens fashion label by designers Federico Capalbo and Young-Jin Kim who launched their first collection in September 2007. Since then, the label has presented 5 collections all highly praised by key influencers of the Fashion World. Always modern, current and eager to develop and change, Komakino has evolved from street wear to contemporary tailored garments.
Komakino AW15 collection refers to the affirmation of individuality as a reference to the transition to adulthood. It takes its inspiration from 50s yearbooks, its scratched pictures and peers comments - the teenagers brooding nature is communicated through their clothing.
The core of the collection are the tailored pieces. Oversized blazers and pants with boxy silk shirts provide long and lean silhouettes while baggy pleated pants combined with cropped jackets balance it out.
Scratched yearbook pictures, crossed-over embroideries and the word DUNCE (graphics made in collaboration with Nicolas Santos) run throughout the collection as a reminder of the rebellious youthful energy by Komakino. The label opens up to more refined codes and grows in maturity through this AW 15 collection.
Take a closer look at their latest collection, coming soon on LaBoutik.co.uk
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FOCUS : CHRISTIAN DADA
With a strong fanbase in both Europe and Japan with their extravagant, yet exceptionally complex designs, Christian Dada is a name to remember these days.
Japanese high-fashion is a fascinating marketplace full of brands, designers and names which still remain unknown to most European shoppers. As such, it’s usually not until designers venture beyond the boundaries of their insular, domestic bubble that Western audiences begin to sit up and take notice. Christian Dada was put in front of the spotlight back in 2012 as the author of Lady Gaga’s shocking pink “Crane Dress,” Masanori Morikawa – creative director of fashion house Christian Dada – began showcasing at Paris Fashion Week just two seasons ago, to great acclaim.
Take a closer look at their latest collection, coming soon on LaBoutik.co.uk
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FEATURED : Y/PROJECT AW15
SINCE 2010, Y/PROJECT has been proposing menswear that bridges a technical know-how and emotional atmospheres into a straightforward look.
Belgian designer Glenn Martens, an Antwerp graduate who acquired his experience with Bruno Pieters and assisted Yohan Serfaty at the launch of his label among others, has been carrying on in the spirit of Y/PROJECT since September 2013.
For the Autumn Winter 2015 show, Martens sent out a collection full of expertly tailored coats, a great use of leather separates and tons of hardware finishes. Velvet pieces, baggy trousers, and intricate chokers help to create an interesting juxtaposition against these classic pieces. While silhouettes may feel rooted in the past, designs feel especially futuristic, considering Y/Project’s skilled use of eye-catching patterns and edgy details. The underrated sex appeal of the collection is showcased through a dark color palette and a laid back confidence, an “hommage” to creative design with a twist from the future.
Collection available soon on www.laboutik.co.uk
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FOCUS : CHRISTINE PHUNG
CHRISTINE PHUNG is an award winning french fashion designer.
After studying at the Duperré school and the French Fashion Institute, she worked for 10 years for companies including See By Chloé, Baby Dior, Vanessa Bruno, Christophe Lemaire, Lacoste, Veja…
In 2008 she exhibited her designs at the Museum of Modern Art in Liège for the Biennale of Design show. In 2011 she won the Grand Prix of fashion design of the City of Paris and was a Mango Fashion Awards finalist in 2012. In 2013 she won the prestigious ANDAM price in the "First Collections" category.
In seven collections Christine Phung created a wardrobe between strict elegance and luxury sportswear. Her designs are architectural, fluid and colorful at the same time. Pieces compile both flexibility and style, dressing an “over-active” woman : one that is in constant motion; serious but free. A contemporary woman that wears colors with grace and explores digital aesthetics. For Christine Phung’s collections are graphic compositions : in the fabric designs themselves (structured pleats, cubist patchworks, geometrical embroideries, tweeds like metal) ; in the trimmed cuts and shaped fits drawing triangles and diamond shapes; and finally in the prints. Prints renewed for every collection : geometrical stains, digital dots or savages patterns, all directly inspired from the digital arts.
« The woman I dress is an explorer. She constantly wanders in new places and new spaces; among which is the digital space which does not scare her, for she leaves between digital and reality. Therefore what she wants is a wearable but creative outfit that plays with futuristic codes, assertively but with no excess. »
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SPRING FOOTWEAR : GET YOUR SUMMER STYLE
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ETUDES STUDIO WITH FIDO DIDO : SS15 CAPSULE COLLECTION
On the occasion of Fido Dido’s 30th anniversary, Etudes Studio is proud to announce the release of its Fido Dido Capsule Collection.
Fido Dido’s easygoing attitude is a touchstone for this collection composed of casual fabrics and carefree pieces, launching today on LaBoutik.
Watch the video below and shop the collection here.
You grew up In New York, can you explain what it was like to be a teenager there?
I was born in NYC but my family soon moved to Long Island, a much quieter place; dirt roads, woods, a little beach. At age four I could wander off by myself and walk several miles away from home; such an innocent time back then. Anyway, I harkened back to the big city as soon as I was of age and spent most of my adult life enjoying the vicissitudes of pavement.
Can you tell us about your background and what you and Sue were doing before creating Fido Dido?
I aspired to be a writer but graduated from college at a time when women applying for jobs in publishing were given typing tests. Being a lousy typist, I needed to taper my aspirations; got into the stock photo business by a fluke; got out on Fido’s coattails. Sue went to school for art, was and still is an amazing illustrator. We met when we were in our twenties. She art directed at large ad firms in the city. I loved her style; kind of urban cowgirl meets Yohji and Rei.
You might have told the story thousand of times, but can you tell us how Fido was born and where it comes from?
Manhattan may still be “the place to be” but in the 80’s, wow, it was going off. Keith Haring was Jonesying up the subway stations, Basquiat, Warhol, House of Fields, Club Area, Paradise Garage, the Mud Club; talk about cool. Sue and I shared a philosophy and an aesthetic and I was intensely compelled to get “it” out there. Admittedly, Sue thought this (I) was kind of crazy; nonetheless about a year into my browbeating she doodled a caricature on a bevnap of a friend who worked at a bar we were having drinks at after work. I snatched it up and within 24 hours named it Fido.
What was explicitly special about that period, and how did it feel to be a part of it?
There was yet to be AIDS. Trannies, artists, lesbians, club kids, hipsters not only owned the night, they shared it. You wanted to talk to a friend, you needed a quarter or a landline and a voice...or you went out; at night, of course.
I am curious to know more about your work collaboration with Sue, what were both of your specific roles in the creation and development of Fido?
Hmmm, Sue’s creative talents are pretty much limitless and I am blessed with knowing how to escape the proverbial box and do some of my best thinking outside of it. So Sue drawing, clever mots and design; me character personification, the name, the Credo, marketing, business (cause no one else could or would do it) and also design.
You told us how you (slyly) introduced the character to the costume designer Pat Field. What was the reaction and feedback you had after that?
Pat Field’s boutique on 8th st. off of Fifth avenue was where fashion people sent their spies to find out what the following years trends were going to look like. Pat personified the 80’s renaissance I referred to earlier; total blend of art, fashion and culture. She was and is the Gertrude Stein of our times.
Fido is turning 30 years old this year, how do you feel about that?
Well it kind of dates me and Sue, but we are pragmatists; no sense fighting the inevitable. It is really nice to look at Fido today and note that he hasn’t changed a bit. He still looks visually fresh to me, people young and old seem yet to respond in a positive way and Fido gives positive back. I’m proud of him.
People pronounce Fido Dido in many different ways. Is there one correct pronunciation, or do you enjoy the different variations?
It would be so not like Fido to correct anyone’s pronunciation of his name. The variations are dynamic; love them.
You mentioned the importance of the Fido credo: Fido is for Fido. Fido is against no one. Fido is youth. Fido has no age. Fido sees everything. Fido is innocent. Fido judges nothing. Fido is powerful. Fido comes from the past. Fido is the future. If you could add something new to the Fido credo today, what would it be?
You know the truth is, I wouldn’t mess with it. I realize it’s simplistic but I think that’s why it works. In the context of current times it sure would be nice to have a world in which more people were ‘against no one’. I say, ‘down with againstness’ but I think that’s already in there.
You travelled the world because of Fido - it seems that Japan was a big influence for you. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience over there?
Japanese fashion design has always made me drool. So much of what I see today, Rei Kawakubo was doing several decades ago. She elevated fashion to an art, she is the first one in my experience to construct architectural clothing. I would think her approach was influenced by her culture, large, homogeneous population, cohabiting on a teensy little island, of necessity deferring to one another, behaving with a collective sensibility. Even Sushi is neat and arranged symmetrically, with beautifully expressive angles and contour and color. The homeless people on their perfectly rectangular cardboard mats in the vast underground pedestrian walkways in Shinjuku were as neatly arrayed as the tract houses in Levitown. Their belongings were all neatly folded, they knelt and prayed, they brushed their teeth. They were so dignified; It was so moving. I could go on and on, the crazy kids in Harajuku with their Hello Kitty handbags and chartreuse hai; the X intersection in Shibuya where twelve abreast and twenty deep streams of Japanese humans crisscrossed seamlessly when the light turned green (and only when it turned green!). I love Tokyo, I love the Japanese and I have forgotten what the question was.
Could you elaborate on Fido’s relationship to fashion?
As to Fido, fashion has always been part of the story. Afterall, his first appearance in life was on Tee shirts; that said the more interesting fashion to which Sue and I have aspired for the past thirty years has eluded us until today. We have had glimpses of it but really have had to compromise in deference to more traditional licensing opportunities and the need to pay the rent. So we are extremely grateful that you guys came along; you have no idea what a gift you’ve given us; you are our Black + White Knights.
It seems that the idea behind Fido is that the character is open to endless possibilities. Is there something you would still like to develop with Fido?
Yes, we have a concept for a really nice TV series; would love to do a feature film. I’ve written some stories it would be fun to see in print. And, without question, we would love to see our collaboration open up opportunities for future iterations of Fido Fashion.
You mentioned your interest in poetry. What is it that drove you to write?
This is the toughest question you’ve asked. There’s stuff inside of you and it needs to get out. My stuff tends to end up in words on paper; always has. Plus my Third grade teacher told me I had a talent and I chose to take that bit of affirmation and run with it.
You now live in Miami, can you tell us about your favorite things about the city?
The dolphins, both the ones that frolic in the waters of my backyard and the one’s that never make it to the NFL playoffs. It’s warm here; I don’t have to carry a thirty five pound dog through snow covered city streets strewn with rock salt that burns her paws. I can kayak in January and ride my bike to the movies or dinner or an outdoor concert at The New World Symphony. I love the energy, the entrepreneurial spirit, the room to grow.
What do you think about the new development with the Art scene in Miami?
Umm, the art scene is fledgling to put it kindly. Architecture great; Perez Museum gorgeous; Perez Museum collection, meh. I think it all has quite a ways to go. Wynwood is a great place to start but even so it is nothing compared with the early Soho scene. I do believe it will get there; I really do.
Anything to add?
Just that Sue and I appreciate the opportunity you guys have availed us. You remind me of us when we were starting out; and that is, I know, a very self serving compliment.
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ELLEN CONDE : SAVAGE BEAUTY
A visual manifesto of confidence, Ellen Conde speaks the aesthetic language of prêt-à-porter and design. Dreaming up iconic statements to accompany the modern lifestyle of strong, feminine souls, the brand lives punctuated by sophisticated, contradictory accents.
With bold inventiveness fueling the essence of every piece, Ellen Conde jewelry embodies a natural style and an emotional experience powerful enough to bring out the woman's natural fighter instincts, stripping away all the artificial in order to reveal their original wildness : Savage Beauty
Shop Ellen Conde on LaBoutik
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TOKYO FASHION WEEK : TENBO EMBRACES DISABLED ON RUNWAY
Models in wheelchairs, a blind woman and female amputees took to the catwalk at Tokyo fashion week as the Japanese capital became the latest to embrace diversity on the runway.
The models were wearing designs for Takafumi Tsuruta's label Tenbo during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo, which ran from March 16th - 21st.
The designer strives to create clothes with disabled people in mind and called upon Paralympic gold medal swimmer, Rina Akiyamaand, as well as ladies with prosthetic limbs to showcase his designs.
Tsuruta commented she designed the line of outfits for all people, including those with disabilities, using items such as magnetic buttons for users to put and take off clothes with more ease.
Many of the models also wore yellow wigs, extravagant accessories and one lady's oversized furry wig was filled with toy sheep.
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LABOUTIK MEETS ELLEN CONDE : EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Elena Nastechena was born 28 years ago in Ukhta, Siberia, an industrial city of the Komi Republic of Russia. Having lived most of her youth in Moscow, she moved to Milan after University for a second degree and Master for Jewellery Design. A few years later, Elena met her husband and gave birth to the wonder of her life and first breath of Ellen Conde, Eva.
LaBoutik : Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Elle Conde : When I was pregnant, I started to discover the romantic side of the woman I was becoming. I put my skills and life experiences together with memoires of my homeland, Russia. There came the first pieces of Ellen Conde with orthodox and Russian royalty inspiration.
LaBoutik : How long ago did you start working on this project?
Ellen Conde : I started the project during my pregnancy and started creating a year after.
LaBoutik : What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Ellen Conde : Definitely finding the best manufacturers to suit my concept of “perfect jewellery”.
LaBoutik : Which type of women you want to reach?
Ellen Conde : Every woman wants to be a great mother and successful in her career. Through this collection, I want to offer perfecty balanced jewellery for every kind of woman.
LaBoutik : Which materials do you use in your creations?
Ellen Conde : We use industrial chains and settings that we combine with Swarowski crystals and pearls.
LaBoutik : Describe me in 3 words your collection?
Ellen Conde : Powder, Glossy and Lavish
LaBoutik : Who are the three people you admire the most?
Ellen Conde : Unfortunately they're more than 3 - all the members of my family and friends !
LaBoutik : What do you love about Milan?
Ellen Conde : Living in the heart of a major Fashion Hub and benefiting from the “dolce vita” italian lifestyle.
LaBoutik : How do you see the fashion in 10 years and your self in fashion?
Ellen Conde : Hopefully, 10 years down the line fashion will be more focused on quality than trend. New techniques will be discovered, local factories will be totally recovered and last but not the least, young talents will have achieved big experiences and gathered strength from this difficult market and economic recession.
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ARROGANT ARTISTS : SS15 COLLECTION
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NEW ARRIVALS : Y-PROJECT
With a smart use of fabric and shades, Glenn Martens of French label Y-Project is moving away from classic menswear to move towards something more exciting.
For the Autumn Winter 2015 collection, Martens revealed a collection full of beautifully tailored coats, with heaps of leather separates and unconventional finishes. Leather jumpsuits, baggy trousers, and intricate chokers help to create an interesting way of revisiting these classic pieces.
Y-Project’s mix of silhouettes from the past combined with futuristic details and fabrics definitely positions the brand on the edge of modernity.
Check out our new arrivals for Y-Project on LaBoutik !
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SPRING ESSENTIALS : ARROGANT ARTISTS
Arrogant Artists is a Danish menswear brand born in Copenhagen that creates good old streetwear items with innovative twists that differentiates it from other brands. Arrogant Artists uses high quality fabrics and trimmings in all their designs to ensure ultimate comfort and robustness.
The brand’s mission is to be able to look stylish and be comfortable at the same time : we call this 'advanced street wear'.
From its basic t-shirts and hoodies to patterned tracksuits and sweaters, Arrogant Artists has definitely established itself as the fashion industry’s (as seen at Paris Fashion Week) favourite comfort clothing at affordable prices.
Get your Arrogant Artists ‘Spring Essentials’ now on LaBoutik !
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MENS COLLECTION : DAMIR DOMA AW15
Understated, minimalistic and more avant-garde than ever before, the new Damir Doma AW15 collection is defined by simple cuts and premium fabrication, it offers a high-end take on streetwear staples including hooded sweatshirts, bomber jackets and sweatpants.
In a strategy to stay competitive, Damir Doma has decided to merge his pre-fall and runway collections, LaBoutik has been told. Influenced by independent designers’ success and processes that are not adapted to boutique studios, Doma said he will from now on present only one big collection a season, in order to simplify production and make timing more relevant.
“We are not Louis Vuitton, we cannot design a line within a month. We need to find our own way and say we are not playing this game any longer. For the past two seasons, our pre-fall collection has already been bigger than our main line. This is a good way for us to deliver the collection sooner and focus entirely on the creative part,” explained Doma to WWD, who is scheduled to reshow his pre-fall offering on the runway this Wednesday in Paris.
A handful of media representatives have already had a sneak peak at the collection in January during men’s fashion week. The aim of this operation was to give the opportunity to all fashion editors and stylists to experience it up close. Buyers also placed their orders in January. Consequently, there will be no more showroom, either.
“This is a transitional season. In the future, we will create capsule collections in collaboration with artists or architects and show them during women’s fashion week,” he said.
The next women’s lineup is planned for June, when it will be shown next to the brand’s new men’s offering.
Damir Doma is a fashion designer and creative director of the Parisian brand named after him. Born in Virovitica, Croatia he was raised in Traunstein, the Bavarian part of Germany where his mother has a clothing store. Doma studied fashion in Munich and Berlin, graduated from l'Ecole Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode before moving to Belgian Fashion Capital Antwerp where he gained experience working for Raf Simons.
Discover the Damir Doma collection on LaBoutik : click here.
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LABOUTIK MEETS MAHARISHI : EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
LaBoutik : What is your source of inspiration ?
Maharishi : For this collection, I gathered my inspiration from the latest movies, film cameras, government apparel, military details and camouflage.
LaBoutik : Why do you choose to include military designs to you creations ?
Maharishi : Colours are natural to the winter season, with black and dark green inside and out. I believe it makes the show feel more authentic and brings to life the uniform and ninja combat suits influence I am showcasing with this collection.
LaBoutik : Tell us more about your recent collaboration with Adidas.
Maharishi : Working with the striped sportswear brand has been a real pleasure. Even though I was skeptical at first, I discovered a brand filled with soul and driven by passion not profit. It was definitely an enriching experience.
LaBoutik : What are your thoughts on the current fashion landscape in London ?
Maharishi : I find the fashion community has much evolved over time. A new generation has taken over, influenced by what we pioneered 20 years ago. I remember when Y-3 first started associating high-fashion with sportswear, it wasn’t that long ago. Today, the fashion industry in London is more theatrical and dramatic than before – people are less concerned about functionality and practicality. I definitely like the direction things have evolved in.
Discover the Maharishi collection on LaBoutik : click here.
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LCM AW15 : EDMUND OOI X LABOUTIK
For the AW15 collection, menswear designer Edmund OOI initially centered their research on digitalizing historical costume elements from the late 18th and 19th century, which led him to his instinctive love for geometrical cuts and extremely controlled tailoring.
Eventually, chaos turned into meticulous structure again bu also led to an evolution of the brand’s aesthetic, giving the collection a rugged edge.
Geometrical cuts and well-thought out patterns in combination with experimental yet high quality materials is a leitmotiv which makes the brand stand out.
This season features pinstriped motives – made out of shredded fabric edges, which are patched on the garment – and mixed-media suits containing triacetate, wool and moulded rubber.
The collection’s highlights include a wool coat that was hand-shredded seam by seam, high-end jacquard knits, eye catching pieces decorated with rubber sequins, as well as knitted collar scarves.
With the current collection, he wanted to break the classic menswear silhouette by adding dresses and pairing them with materials such as faux fur, techno-silk, cashmere, faux leather and sequins heat-bonded on neoprene.
Discover the Edmund OOI collection on LaBoutik : click here.
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AW15 MEN X LABOUTIK
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THE CHAV CHIC X LABOUTIK
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HENRIK VIBSKOV X LABOUTIK
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FOCUS
EDMUND OOI X LABOUTIK
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LA BOUTIK IS NOW OPEN
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